State Of The Twins: Reacting Too Quickly (Stream of Consciousness)

When Twins fans thought that the team was on the cusp of acquiring lefty Jaime Garcia from Atlanta last Thursday, it signaled that the front office believed in the team enough to Buy. When the deal was actually consummated on Monday, it was again encouraging. The front office went out and made a move to make the 2017 team better. It verified that the front office believed that the team was worthy of investment and giving it an opportunity to reach a playoff spot this year. Maybe it even meant that more moves were on the way.

Is it strange that three days later, the tone has completely changed? Instead of thinking Buy, Buy, Buy, the thoughts of Sell, Sell, Sell enter into the mind's of Twins fans.

But is that the right decision? Is that fair to the 2017 Twins roster? Is that fair to the fans? Most important, is that fair to the big picture, longer term plans of the front office that have preached that they want a long-term, sustainable, championship caliber organization?

It's easy to jump into sell mode. But at the same time, we knew coming out of the All-Star break that series with the Astros, Yankees and Dodgers would likely tell us a lot about this team. The Twins split six games with the Astros and Yankees (1-2 vs HOU, 2-1 vs NYY), but losing two out of three to the Tigers at Target Field hurt. And, as much as getting swept in Los Angeles is frustrating, it's important to acknowledge that they are clearly the best team in baseball. And the truth is that the Twins had a chance to win two of the three games played. And that's without Byron Buxton, and Miguel Sano was unable to start the final two games.

That tells me that this team is not far off. They are not in the same position they were in during this offseason, coming off of a 103-loss season. No longer does it appear that the winning would start in "a few years." That timeline has been pushed forward because of the work and dedication of this year's team.

It is OK for Twins fans to think they can compete for a division title in 2017. It is also OK to acknowledge that looking at the 2017 pitching staff (both starters and bullpen) and say that big improvements are needed.

It's OK to acknowledge that several of the key members of the offense are young and have improved. It's important to know that some of them will continue to improve going forward. It's also OK to acknowledge that Jorge Polanco has taken a huge step backwards in his development the last two months, going through the hated sophomore slump. The league has caught up to him, and it is now time for the still-just-24-year-old to adjust back to the league. I believe he can and he will. At the same time, as the offense hasn't been the big problem for the team, it's OK to acknowledge that the team ranks 20th in MLB in batting average and 19th in MLB in OPS. In other words, it can still get better.

For right now, I think that the Twins need to take a step back so as not to rush to judgment. A day off on Thursday may be exact what they need. A trip to Oakland to take on the A's (who are 44-57) may also be good. A few more data points for the front office to take into account before Monday's trade deadline. Data points taken against a team that isn't potentially record-setting great.

For right now, I think that Derek Falvey and Thad Levine need to stand pat and see what happens the next three games. If they're able to make up a couple of games, cautiously buy a mid-tier reliever or two, but don't give up the farm. If they continue to fall in the standings, the level of Sell can certainly be adjusted.

For me, I don't see this team as needing to do a major sell. In other words, I would not trade Ervin Santana or Brian Dozier (with the oft-used caveat of "unless completely overwhelmed"). Dozier is under contract for 2018. Santana is under contract for 2018 with an option for 2019. They can be part of the continued winning.

I wouldn't be afraid to take and make calls on impending free agents. That includes the likes of Brandon Kintzler, who could be a sell high candidate. It also includes Matt Belisle, who probably has minimal value, but has pitched pretty well of late.

Hopefully Jaime Garcia will have a strong start on Friday so that if the Twins decide to deal, he could bring back a high-ceiling prospect to replace Huascar Ynoa in the system. The Twins dealt Ynoa and took on most of Garcia's remaining salary. Maybe the Twins consider eating more of Garcia's salary in return for a higher-level prospect. They could come out ahead in that deal.

Consider internally which arbitration-eligible players will be brought back an in future plans. See what you can get for them. This includes Kyle Gibson, Ehire Adrianza and Eduardo Escobar, among others.

But again, do not trade talent just to trade it. There should be a market for Ervin Santana. There could be a huge market for Taylor Rogers, if the Twins were to make him available. The Mariners gave up four minor leaguers for David Phelps. The Rockies gave up three minor leaguers for Pat Neshek, who is a free agent at the end of the season. Rogers has 4+ years of controllable time. The Twins could ask for the world for him, but they should only deal him if they get it. Listen on everyone, but be wise.

The final thought I have is that the team should mostly stand pat at this point. After the deadline passes, I think they can make improvements to the team by trusting their minor leagues. The bullpen has struggled, but Trevor Hildenberger and Alan Busenitz have looked pretty solid in their opportunities. Next up, let's try out guys like Jake Reed and John Curtiss, two hard-throwing relievers who need to be added to the 40-man roster anyway this November. They both have the type of stuff that could help the Twins in 2017. By bringing them up, you're not saying that you're throwing in the towel. In my opinion, it's just the opposite. They're gaining MLB experience and hopefully getting over MLB nerves while also attempting to help you win ball games.

Need a starter after Bartolo Colon is let go, see what Aaron Slegers can do. He's been terrific this season, and especially his last seven starts for the Red Wings, give him a shot. Felix Jorge has struggled in his return to Chattanooga after a couple of Twins starts, but Fernando Romero is on the 40-man roster and he's been dominant in AA. He could give the Twins a spark as a starter, or since he's already being limited to five innings per start, he could move to the bullpen later in the season to develop and control his innings. Stephen Gonsalves, like Slegers, isn't on the 40-man roster, so you'd hate to lose an option if you don't have to, but he might be the most ready to contribute to the Twins right now. Calling up those three isn't about throwing in the towel. It's about giving guys opportunities. Guys who, unlike Chris Heston and Adam Wilk, will be part of the future along with hopefully giving the Twins an opportunity to win. Couple these youngsters with Santana, Berrios and Mejia and look at what could be as early as 2018.

And, at this point, it's inexplicable to me that Mitch Garver is not in the big leagues. I get that Jason Castro is signed long-term. I understand the value that Chris Gimenez brings to a ball club. But Garver is probably better than either one of them overall as a catcher. He also can back up Joe Mauer at first base. He's played a little left field and while no one think he's going to be probably even average defensively in the outfield, his right-handed bat could platoon with someone. He also can DH against lefties and be a bat off the bench. He's shown power and plate discipline this year in AAA. It's just time. Dealing Chris Gimenez (who also is a free agent at season's end) and going with Garver isn't about throwing in the towel. It's about making the team better... now, and going forward.

So this long-winded meandering may move in several directions. To try to summarize my thoughts a little, check the following:

1.) The Twins are not completely out of it and playing Oakland before the trade deadline maybe helps. The toughest part of their schedule is complete.

2.) This team should NOT be buyers right now, unless the move is such a steal that it's a no-brainer, and ideally the player can be around beyond 2017.

3.) Even if they get to the point of Selling, don't Sell just to Sell. Remember that guys like Ervin Santana and Brian Dozier can be part of the answer on the field, not just in trades.

4.) Gauge the market for your impending free agents (Kintzler, Garcia, Gimenez, Belisle, etc.)

5.) Even if they do "Sell" on a couple of players, they should not consider that throwing in the towel. There should be enough pride with both the veterans and those young players trying to make their mark in the game to keep pushing and trying to win every game.

6.) Trust your system. Instead of going to aged wonders and hoping, call up some top talents and hope. Realize that hope also includes MLB development for young players who you likely will be relying on starting in 2018. This includes Aaron Slegers, Stephen Gonsalves, Fernando Romero, Jake Reed, John Curtiss and Mitch Garver.

So, again, these opinions are all solely mine. I don't claim or pretend they are perfect. They are typed out without making notes, after a third tough, very late-night loss to the Dodgers. I apologize for spelling and grammar. I do not apology for the passion I have for the Minnesota Twins, and the hope that they are on the right path toward that sustainable success that we'd all like to see.