shs_59

As many of you know, 2014 Will be an add on type of year or build on year off of the success the Twins have had from 2011-2013.... But almost certainly the Twins will again NOT compete in 2014. The same could be said for 2015 as well, however i think that is the year, while in transition, the Twins can breakout and build a playoff team and atmosphere. Bring back the winning way again in the Twin Cities. This assuming Gardy is at the helm and the chemistry is very good in the clubhouse. Many may think 2016 or 2017 may be the next most likihood scenerio in which the Twins respectively compete for division crowns again. And while that may be true and very exciting, and hopefully not any later than those yrs. I see the Twins actually competing in 2015, particulary the second half. #1 Brandon Morrow #2 Kyle Gibson #3 *Alex Meyer #4 Scott Diamond/ Samuel Deduno #5 Trevor May (may be in and out from bullpen to rotation) CL Glen Perkins RP Casey Fien RP Jared Burton RP Caleb Theilbar MR Ryan Pressly MR *Matt Hauser / Michael Tonkin LR Andrew Albers C - Chris Herrmann, Josmil Pinto 1B - Joe Mauer , Chris Collabello 2B - Eddie Rosario SS - Brian Dozier , Daniel Santana, Eduardo Escobar 3B- *Miguel Sano CF - Aaron Hicks OF - Oswaldo Arcia OF - Trevor Plouffe (hoping for a bit of alex gordon magic with the move) 4th OF - Chris Parmelee (i think he'll have hit his way on to the team by now) lineup .... and semi reasonable outcome 2015 line: 1. S , Aaron Hicks (.255 / 340 / 775) 2. L , Eddie Rosario (. 275/ 330 / 780) 3. L , Joe Mauer (.330 / 390 / 840) 4. R, *Miguel Sano (.245 / 320 / 860) 5. L, Oswaldo Arcia (.285 / 345 / 810) 6. R, Trevor Plouffe (.265 / 335/ 800) 7. R, Josmil Pinto (.275 / 340/ 795) 8. L , Chris Parmelee (DH) / Collabelo 9. R , Dozier / Santana --- 10th man --- Chris Herrmann AAA Rochester Red Wings may hold: OFer's Byron Buxton, Danny Ortiz, and Evan Bigley InFer's James Beresford, Nate Hanson, Deibinson Romero, Travis Harrison levi michael? Catcher Kyle Knudson pitchers: Liam Hendriks, Logan Darnell, Alex Wimmers, DJ Baxendale, BJ Hermsen Zach Jones, Edgar Ibarra, Dakota Watts, A.J. Achter, Jose Gonzalez, Ricky Bowen AA New Britian Rock Cats may hold: Ofer's A.B. Walker, Max Kepler, Nathan Roberts / Lance Ray InFer's Jorge Polanco, Kennys Vargas, Aderlin Mejia, Adam Bryant. Cathcer Matt Koch , Bo Atolbeli ptichers: Jose Berrios, Jason Wheeler, Tyler Duffy, Tyler Jones, Mason Melotakis Corey Williams, Madison Boer, Hudson Boyd, Luke Bard, Sam Gilbert, Miguel Munoz, Manuel Solimon, Ryan Eades.? Kohl Stewart i think will be with the Miracle Behind my thinking, My rationale is that... I think while this team is young, I think they could be in position to make a trade or 2 and a nice pickup at the trade deadline in the middle of the summer , and THEN could be in position to challenge the Royals, or Tigers or maybe Indians down the stretch and challenge for the playoff spot. Now with that said, hopefully only 2 of those 3 clubs are in contention and not all 3. With guys like Zach Jones and Byron Buxton being hopeful September Call-ups (or sooner!) to Give the young team a little added spark. Question i have is this too optimistic ? Or is this feasable and very passable? I think Brandon Morrow would be a nice 2014-2015 FA addition, with Josh Johnson (twin cities native) another opiton potentially. Maybe via trade

As many of you know, 2014 Will be an add on type of year or build on year off of the success the Twins have had from 2011-2013.... But almost certainly the Twins will again NOT compete in 2014. The same could be said for 2015 as well, however i think that is the year, while in transition, the Twins can breakout and build a playoff team and atmosphere. Bring back the winning way again in the Twin Cities. This assuming Gardy is at the helm and the chemistry is very good in the clubhouse. Many may think 2016 or 2017 may be the next most likihood scenerio in which the Twins respectively compete for division crowns again. And while that may be true and very exciting, and hopefully not any later than those yrs. I see the Twins actually competing in 2015, particulary the second half. #1 Brandon Morrow #2 Kyle Gibson #3 *Alex Meyer #4 Scott Diamond/ Samuel Deduno #5 Trevor May (may be in and out from bullpen to rotation) CL Glen Perkins RP Casey Fien RP Jared Burton RP Caleb Theilbar MR Ryan Pressly MR *Matt Hauser / Michael Tonkin LR Andrew Albers C - Chris Herrmann, Josmil Pinto 1B - Joe Mauer , Chris Collabello 2B - Eddie Rosario SS - Brian Dozier , Daniel Santana, Eduardo Escobar 3B- *Miguel Sano CF - Aaron Hicks OF - Oswaldo Arcia OF - Trevor Plouffe (hoping for a bit of alex gordon magic with the move) 4th OF - Chris Parmelee (i think he'll have hit his way on to the team by now) lineup .... and semi reasonable outcome 2015 line: 1. S , Aaron Hicks (.255 / 340 / 775) 2. L , Eddie Rosario (. 275/ 330 / 780) 3. L , Joe Mauer (.330 / 390 / 840) 4. R, *Miguel Sano (.245 / 320 / 860) 5. L, Oswaldo Arcia (.285 / 345 / 810) 6. R, Trevor Plouffe (.265 / 335/ 800) 7. R, Josmil Pinto (.275 / 340/ 795) 8. L , Chris Parmelee (DH) / Collabelo 9. R , Dozier / Santana --- 10th man --- Chris Herrmann AAA Rochester Red Wings may hold: OFer's Byron Buxton, Danny Ortiz, and Evan Bigley InFer's James Beresford, Nate Hanson, Deibinson Romero, Travis Harrison levi michael? Catcher Kyle Knudson pitchers: Liam Hendriks, Logan Darnell, Alex Wimmers, DJ Baxendale, BJ Hermsen Zach Jones, Edgar Ibarra, Dakota Watts, A.J. Achter, Jose Gonzalez, Ricky Bowen AA New Britian Rock Cats may hold: Ofer's A.B. Walker, Max Kepler, Nathan Roberts / Lance Ray InFer's Jorge Polanco, Kennys Vargas, Aderlin Mejia, Adam Bryant. Cathcer Matt Koch , Bo Atolbeli ptichers: Jose Berrios, Jason Wheeler, Tyler Duffy, Tyler Jones, Mason Melotakis Corey Williams, Madison Boer, Hudson Boyd, Luke Bard, Sam Gilbert, Miguel Munoz, Manuel Solimon, Ryan Eades.? Kohl Stewart i think will be with the Miracle Behind my thinking, My rationale is that... I think while this team is young, I think they could be in position to make a trade or 2 and a nice pickup at the trade deadline in the middle of the summer , and THEN could be in position to challenge the Royals, or Tigers or maybe Indians down the stretch and challenge for the playoff spot. Now with that said, hopefully only 2 of those 3 clubs are in contention and not all 3. With guys like Zach Jones and Byron Buxton being hopeful September Call-ups (or sooner!) to Give the young team a little added spark. Question i have is this too optimistic ? Or is this feasable and very passable? I think Brandon Morrow would be a nice 2014-2015 FA addition, with Josh Johnson (twin cities native) another opiton potentially. Maybe via trade

Morneau and Duensing to Yankeees For Michael Pineda and Rafael De Paula (or is it Jorgel de paula?) option #2 Justin Morneau and Jared Burton to Pirates for Allen Hanson or even Better Dillson Herrera and Nick Kingham

With the bullpen being such a big strenght for us this year. The roation actually holding its own lately, when very little was excpected out of them (cough Diamond) But the Offense the Major downer debbie downer, defense above average. I think the Twins SHOULD and will trade 1 or 2 of Burton, Fein, Perkins (*tough one) and Roenicke. The twins need to get there hands on as many B- / B type prospects as they can right now. Perkins will probably stay, but i think Burton and Fein should be moved. Pelfrey probably too, and if not him Deduno

When you can pencil in Correa as you're #2 starter, Diamond as you're #3, The Big Pelf #4 and Denundo/ Walters as you're #5. thats a solid back end of you're staff. Just need that "ace" or top of the rotation anchor. Can Kyle Gibson be the answer? It isn't Hendriks this yr, nor Worley or Meyer, May.

Arcia Pelfrey and even Eddie Rosario would not land you Kershaw.... Though I think Buxton and Sano is tooooo MUCH to pay for him obviously. Can we even afford Kershaw? (his contract) I highly doubt

It'd be so nice to get Ryan Boldt the Minnesota High school bat @ 78 in rd. 3 AND THEN SIGN HIM. W/ Stewart aboard we might be money tight to be able to do that, but i'd gamble and try it anyways.

I like the pick.....some say Teddy Stankaweizc the pitcher who went a couple picks after Eades, has more upside -red sox got him. But i like Ryan Eades..... He has a real shot to be our next Joe Mays/ Kyle Lohse/ Hendriks type of prospect arm.

If either one of Minny lefty Tom Windle (SP) or Minny H.S. 'er Ryan Boldt (OF) are there (not sure they will be) thats likely who i'm grabbing. Dylan Covey, Zach Eades the pitcher (first name escapes me) are some other decent names.

thanks Seth, yeah i appreciate it ....definately another name to follow. I don't know if any Twins scouts are on to him or even like him,,,, but I'll definately be interested to see where he goes. (and when)

Who is this guy? http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQuU48NhOxPgfak-wQoPb1UU57-JfCiVCPclYfE2vG4HBQ9rvfFsycSOQ He is a senior at SDSU , and the ace of the jackrabbits pitching staff, as you may have heard South Dakota State went real deep in the collegiate season this summer. (still on-going) Winning the Summit Lg Division I title in the regular season; The Right hander Somsen was named the Summit League pitcher of the year. He has a Plus curveball, a low 90's fastball , and a slider..... he Just developed his senior season. He has an average to below average change. Recorded something like 77 K's in 75 1/3 innings pitched. He is from Yankton, SD my hometown, and I grew up with Layne in my neighborhood and we're both Twins fans. I remember playing catch with him and seeing Him pound fastballs to his dad in their back yard. His dad was a brave man to stand in their about 50+ feet away, this when Layne was a middle schooler. (or even 5th grader) I've seen him pitch he really has his head turn in a downward or side tilting motion kind of like Scott Diamond, but He reminds me VERY much of Tim Lincecum in the way that he pitches, similar stride. Or of an early day Tim Hudson a little bit. And in a way similar stuff. Somsen topps out at about 91 to 93 MPH but Lincecum at the same age, was only 1 or 2 MPH ahead of that. I REALLY hope the Twins sign and Draft Somsen well ahead of the 20th round. Especially given the success of Caleb Thielbar. I would guess Somsen will be looked at hard by the Athletics, Indians and I've heard from his father the Mariners, Angels and Cardinals have had some contact. I wouldn't be surpised if he is taken in the 10th to 15th rounds....So if the Twins like what they see.... They better make sure they go ahead and grab him. He has had some past injury troubles and I think is a 23 year old senior....But he could be a rapid riser in the system. I'd be really suprised if he went undrafted all-together, but i suppose its possible due to missing most of his sophmore year and I believe some of his Junior Year due to injuries.

Who is this guy? http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQuU48NhOxPgfak-wQoPb1UU57-JfCiVCPclYfE2vG4HBQ9rvfFsycSOQ He is a senior at SDSU , and the ace of the jackrabbits pitching staff, as you may have heard South Dakota State went real deep in the collegiate season this summer. (still on-going) Winning the Summit Lg Division I title in the regular season; The Right hander Somsen was named the Summit League pitcher of the year. He has a Plus curveball, a low 90's fastball , and a slider..... he Just developed his senior season. He has an average to below average change. Recorded something like 77 K's in 75 1/3 innings pitched. He is from Yankton, SD my hometown, and I grew up with Layne in my neighborhood and we're both Twins fans. I remember playing catch with him and seeing Him pound fastballs to his dad in their back yard. His dad was a brave man to stand in their about 50+ feet away, this when Layne was a middle schooler. (or even 5th grader) I've seen him pitch he really has his head turn in a downward or side tilting motion kind of like Scott Diamond, but He reminds me VERY much of Tim Lincecum in the way that he pitches, similar stride. Or of an early day Tim Hudson a little bit. And in a way similar stuff. Somsen topps out at about 91 to 93 MPH but Lincecum at the same age, was only 1 or 2 MPH ahead of that. I REALLY hope the Twins sign and Draft Somsen well ahead of the 20th round. Especially given the success of Caleb Thielbar. I would guess Somsen will be looked at hard by the Athletics, Indians and I've heard from his father the Mariners, Angels and Cardinals have had some contact. I wouldn't be surpised if he is taken in the 10th to 15th rounds....So if the Twins like what they see.... They better make sure they go ahead and grab him. He has had some past injury troubles and I think is a 23 year old senior....But he could be a rapid riser in the system. I'd be really suprised if he went undrafted all-together, but i suppose its possible due to missing most of his sophmore year and I believe some of his Junior Year due to injuries.

Wow I mean sure i saw Bensons role to 4th of'er or quad "A" guy coming after the 2011 season..... But To remove HIM from the 40 man roster seems odd..... Makes you think there is an underlining issue associated with Benson and a coach, the Twins, FO or something.... Becuase that was Really ODD! to see Benson be the guy the Twins gave up on so fast.

Question is though, (if this continues) do you send HIcks down to AAA or AA ? to re-boot Nick? Hate to say i told you so, but i told you so few weeks back. He was not ready. Me saying he'd hit .230 -.240 something in MLB in April/ May/ June was Generous. I look at every box score of every game For Twins minor Leaguers. the past 2 years.... and despite only seeing Hicks play a handfull of times..... i KNEW that spring was a mirrage.... Those Hr's were so fake also.

1-22, with 2 BB's and a gazillion K's what would Mastro be ? 4,5 or 6 for 22 with a BB or 3? would we be 3-2 or 4-1 instead of 2-3? I'm close to certain we would.

STUPID STUPID STUPID. I was pissed when hicks made the opening day roster......WHY THE FOCK wreck is confidence and now (at best) take the Dexter Fowler path (if we're lucky) IT still makes ZERO FOCKING sense to not just let him start at AAA Rochester wait untill May or June or even July untill he's tearing it up there and call him up and let him rape. Now we've wrecked his confidence lost a yr. of service time and wil have to send him down to Roc. Eventually here soon. Also would we be 4-1 or undefeated if Darin Mastroianni was the starting CF'er? MY god. I said he was not ready and KNEW it. STUPID FOCKING SPRING FOCKING TRAINING it means 99% NOTHING!!

I honestly believe he'll START the year at AA New Britian. With Arcia already in AAA. Why not? really nothing to lose.... Theres nothing worth challenging him with at A+ Ft. Myers. IMHO

Wait a minute??!!? Zach Jones isn't a top 8 Relief Prospect? or DJ Baxendale for that mattter? really? Tyler Jones is ? , what am i missing (thanks)

ME ? 1. Detroit 91-71 2. Kansas City 84-78 3. Cle. Indians 79-83 4. Twins 71-91 5. White Sox 69-93

One thing for sure though, if Gibson is 3/4 Ths as good as Kris Medlen we will make the playoffs in 2014. Seriously dude is Maddox 2.0. Nearly unhittable.

Diamond and Harden not getting a spot is only way Cole gets one.

replacement level flash in the pan. (no gold, silver, or bronze)

and Bonnes, you have to figure Rosario is in the top 125, definately 150. Along with May and Berrios probably in the top 150/175 as well. Max Kepler is definately a top 200 guy i'd wager gleeman's house. I think they got the names right but Gibson should be closer to Arcia's placement and Arcia closer to Gibson's placement. I think its right Rosario missed, but hopefully he was at least strongly considered.

I should say i expect Willingham to regress from 2012. possibly Doumit and Maestro also. Mauer and Morny are kind of wild-cards but hopefully Plouffe, Dozier, and maybe Parmelee all contribute a little more consistently in 2013. for pitching we should all pray to our lord and savior neither Diamond, Burton or Perkins regresses.

Well going off strictly fangraphs from 2012 / (2011) for Pelfrey, Harden. They think Diamond is a #2 starter, Joe Saunders (if we sign him) a #3 starter and Worley and Correa #4 types. Worley could be a #3. Plug in Pelfrey/ Gibson/ Harden / Hendriks into the 5th spot. and suddenly The Twins could approach winning 70-75 games, maybe ehh. ? Problem is to get to .500 or better you need an ace (J. Shields, healthy S. Baker, A. Sanchez, 2008 Liriano, R. Dempster, R.A. Dickey) things the Twins simply just do not have. (Gibby, Meyer, May, Berrios? maybe one day) plus i don't trust our entire middle of the field CF, SS, 2B enough to be too excited for 2013, come 2014 and certainly 2015 i'll be much more enthusiastic. Mastro in CF with Boggs as 4th OF'er, Escobar/ Florimon at SS and Carroll at 2b. (to start with in April) I think AAA should look something like this come April: OF : Joe Benson, Aaron Hicks, and Evan Bigley INF : Diebinson Romero, Brian Dozier, Dinkelman/ Beresford , Collabello C : Lehhman or Herrmann. or whoever really. SP: Hendriks, Harden, Hermsen, Deduno, DeVries. with Arcia, May and Meyer in AA. Assuming Arcia jumping to AAA sometime in May or June. & Hopefully I pray every night long and hard Hicks doesn't get called to majors untill late July/ August/ September.