shs_59

2012 - July Trade Deadline Moves #1 - Josh Willingham, Francisco Liriano, Alexi Casilla to Pittsburgh Pirates for AAA OF - Robbie Grossman (b- grade), A+ SP - Jameson Taillon (a- grade), A SS - Alen Hanson (b/b+ grade), AAA SP - Kyle McPherson (c+ grade), & AAA/MLB RP - Evan Meek. * if they're unwilling to part with Taillon , get A Ball pitcher Luis Heredia instead....a rich man's version of Adrian Salcedo with strikeout potential. #2 - Matt Capps to Any contending team with a need of a closer. (ideas are any team from L.A. and the N.Y. Mets) Angels Infield prospect Kaleb Cowart OR Taylor Lindsey would be a good target , maybe too rich..... also Dodgers Pitching prospect Allen Webster or even Garritt Gould....and Mets SP prospect Juerys Familia or Jennry Mejia. #3 - Denard Span (either now or off-season) to Washington Nationals for MLB 2B- Steven Lombardozzi (c+ type of grade) , & AA SP Danny Rosenbaum (b-/b grade) *southpaw. TOTAL savings apprx. 20-21 Million from willingham, span, liriano, capps. 2012 Off-season -Let Carl Pavano walk - TOTAL savings $8 Million -Re-Sign Scott Baker after declining option TOTAL savings $2 Million -Sign FA OF Torii Hunter to 2 yr. 12 Million dollar deal with a 5.5 Million dollar option for 2015...make it incentive laden early on if a must. -DFA Nick Blackburn TOTAL savings NA Sign 1 Top of the Rotation SP = ***Cole Hamels at 4 yrs $78 Million. apprx. $ 19.5 a year with incentives that can make the deal 85/86 Million with a 21 Million dollar option for 2017. *** (probably un-realistic) ** Eric Bedard at 2 yrs $11 Million. apprx 5.5 per. * Shawn Marcum at 2 yrs $13 Milliion. apprx 6.5 per. with option for 2015. ONLY ONE SP alloted for. *2013 Opening Day Roster, theoretical* 1. CF - Ben Revere 2. 2B - Steven Lombardozzi 3. C -- Joe Mauer 4. RF - Torii Hunter 5. 1B - Justin Morneau 6. 3B - Trevor Plouffe 7. DH - Ryan Doumit 8. OF - Robbie Grossman 9. SS - Brian Dozier --------- bench: INF - Jamey Carroll OF - Joe Benson C -- Drew Butera DH - Chris Parmelee SP1 Hamels/ Marcum/ Bedard/ other , SP2 Scott Baker, SP3 Kyle McPherson, SP4 Scott Diamond, SP5 Kyle Gibson Relief corps ::: - Jared Burton, Glen Perkins, Alex Burnett, Brian Duensing, Evan Meek, Anthony Swarzak, LR Cole DeVries AAA top players : Liam Hendriks, Danny Rosenbaum, B.J. Hermsen, David Bromberg, Deolis Guerra, Lester Oliveros, Carlos Gutierrez, Caleb Theilbar, Anthony Slama? . Aaron Hicks, Rene Tosoni, Evan Bigley, James Beresford, Chris Herrmann, Pedro Florimon? . (15) AA top players : *Jameson Taillon, Alex Wimmers, Logan Darnell, Pat Dean, Madison Boer, Luke Bard. Oswaldo Arcia, Daniel Santana, prospect from Capps. (9) A+ / A top players: Hudson Boyd, J.O. Berrios, Adrian Salcedo, Matt Summers, Matt Hauser, Manuel Solimon, J.T. Chargois, Mason Melotakis, Matt Tomshaw. Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton, Travis Harrison, Max Kepler, Rhory Rhodes, Niko Goodrum, Danny Ortiz, Jorge Fernandez, Jorge Palonco, Nathan Roberts., ALLEN HANSON (21) Maybe not a .500 Team or ball-club , but a competitive team none the less in a weak AL Central. Keeping an eye on an edge for the future as well.

2012 - July Trade Deadline Moves #1 - Josh Willingham, Francisco Liriano, Alexi Casilla to Pittsburgh Pirates for AAA OF - Robbie Grossman (b- grade), A+ SP - Jameson Taillon (a- grade), A SS - Alen Hanson (b/b+ grade), AAA SP - Kyle McPherson (c+ grade), & AAA/MLB RP - Evan Meek. * if they're unwilling to part with Taillon , get A Ball pitcher Luis Heredia instead....a rich man's version of Adrian Salcedo with strikeout potential. #2 - Matt Capps to Any contending team with a need of a closer. (ideas are any team from L.A. and the N.Y. Mets) Angels Infield prospect Kaleb Cowart OR Taylor Lindsey would be a good target , maybe too rich..... also Dodgers Pitching prospect Allen Webster or even Garritt Gould....and Mets SP prospect Juerys Familia or Jennry Mejia. #3 - Denard Span (either now or off-season) to Washington Nationals for MLB 2B- Steven Lombardozzi (c+ type of grade) , & AA SP Danny Rosenbaum (b-/b grade) *southpaw. TOTAL savings apprx. 20-21 Million from willingham, span, liriano, capps. 2012 Off-season -Let Carl Pavano walk - TOTAL savings $8 Million -Re-Sign Scott Baker after declining option TOTAL savings $2 Million -Sign FA OF Torii Hunter to 2 yr. 12 Million dollar deal with a 5.5 Million dollar option for 2015...make it incentive laden early on if a must. -DFA Nick Blackburn TOTAL savings NA Sign 1 Top of the Rotation SP = ***Cole Hamels at 4 yrs $78 Million. apprx. $ 19.5 a year with incentives that can make the deal 85/86 Million with a 21 Million dollar option for 2017. *** (probably un-realistic) ** Eric Bedard at 2 yrs $11 Million. apprx 5.5 per. * Shawn Marcum at 2 yrs $13 Milliion. apprx 6.5 per. with option for 2015. ONLY ONE SP alloted for. *2013 Opening Day Roster, theoretical* 1. CF - Ben Revere 2. 2B - Steven Lombardozzi 3. C -- Joe Mauer 4. RF - Torii Hunter 5. 1B - Justin Morneau 6. 3B - Trevor Plouffe 7. DH - Ryan Doumit 8. OF - Robbie Grossman 9. SS - Brian Dozier --------- bench: INF - Jamey Carroll OF - Joe Benson C -- Drew Butera DH - Chris Parmelee SP1 Hamels/ Marcum/ Bedard/ other , SP2 Scott Baker, SP3 Kyle McPherson, SP4 Scott Diamond, SP5 Kyle Gibson Relief corps ::: - Jared Burton, Glen Perkins, Alex Burnett, Brian Duensing, Evan Meek, Anthony Swarzak, LR Cole DeVries AAA top players : Liam Hendriks, Danny Rosenbaum, B.J. Hermsen, David Bromberg, Deolis Guerra, Lester Oliveros, Carlos Gutierrez, Caleb Theilbar, Anthony Slama? . Aaron Hicks, Rene Tosoni, Evan Bigley, James Beresford, Chris Herrmann, Pedro Florimon? . (15) AA top players : *Jameson Taillon, Alex Wimmers, Logan Darnell, Pat Dean, Madison Boer, Luke Bard. Oswaldo Arcia, Daniel Santana, prospect from Capps. (9) A+ / A top players: Hudson Boyd, J.O. Berrios, Adrian Salcedo, Matt Summers, Matt Hauser, Manuel Solimon, J.T. Chargois, Mason Melotakis, Matt Tomshaw. Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton, Travis Harrison, Max Kepler, Rhory Rhodes, Niko Goodrum, Danny Ortiz, Jorge Fernandez, Jorge Palonco, Nathan Roberts., ALLEN HANSON (21) Maybe not a .500 Team or ball-club , but a competitive team none the less in a weak AL Central. Keeping an eye on an edge for the future as well.

Not the Worst farm system actually rated in the top 20 overall.... of the 30 teams without question to me, but, its definately outside the top 10. Evan Bigley OF - New Britian would be in my top 50. Caleb Theilbar RP - might be right at #50. Angel Morales OF - would be no higher than 35. There are a few others.... but for the most part good list YOur House MY House.

OMG.....awesome shots.....man, maybe single A next year or sometime within a few years will be in the Dakotas? instead of Wisconisin? I'd love to go to many many of these games if they were on the other side of Minny, problem is although not a terrible drive, i just don't have a lot of time to get to wisc. to see them play. I've only been to 1 snappers game ever, and it was when they were on the road. Great pictures though, man Awesome job.!!! go again before too long!

since 2007 I've been off the Plouffe band wagon and have NEVER not even for a second hopped back on it. He is what he is.... He's no good.... the fact he's in the Majors is a bit of a suprise to me. Sure teams like the Twins, Mariners, Padres, and maybe Cubs (the bottom tier offenses) I guess i could see giving him a shot, but within 3 years he'll be playing in Japan or retired. Look guys, (tiber Twins, ashbury John) he isn't any good, he's never really been any good at any point.... (other than 1 month at triple A) and the fact remains i've seen NOTHING NOTHING to make me think he'll ever be any good. Good ridance Plouffe. Nobody in the Majors will get to know you.

Thank you. I agree they are all very intriguing possibilities. Its time the Twins do something to provide a spark.... so far essentially Cletus Thomas for Luke Hughes..... That isn't going to cutt it. Neil Ramirez would be our 2nd or 3rd best pitcher tomorrow. There is little doubt in my mind about that. A big Ranger fan i follow told me Joe Benson straight up would be about right in his mind. It could take another player. But Just thinking about Texas' situation they may jump all over the chance to cash in their chip (Ramirez) for whatever they can get since he really doesn't have a future with that team IMO.

First things first, I want to say that I firmly believe these players, while mostly currently in the Minor Lgs. are A) Big League Ready and More than likely available for Trade within their respective organizations. & C) Should fit well within the Twins budget as many of these players have no to little Service Time. & D) Are young/ Prospects, green or raw because that Clearly is the best way to invest you're time energy and Money and NOT Free Agency as proven time and time again also should be the Twins primary focus at this point. Also I believe in these players as breakout regulars or even stars, and are undervalued a bit presently. I've seen a few of them play live before. And I am as close to 100% positive as I can be that they would make the Twins better TODAY. #1 SP RHP Neil Ramirez AAA Texas Rangers. Turns 23 in 1 Month. http://projectprospect.com/files/Neil-Ramirez300x450%20(Mitchell).jpg?1304477395 The Rangers are sooo loaded with both Pitching and Offense both at the Major Lg. Level and the Minor Lg. Level that they may not be open to making deals with any team unless injuries occur. Well, even with that said, I think Ramirez is more than expandable. He is a FB pitcher who the Rangers NEVER like in the ballpark in Arglinton, see: Wieland, Joe and Erlin, Robbie from a year ago. *Also Even If Ramirez continues to impress and pitches even more dominant He'll likely not even be called up as a SP if he stays a Ranger: Feliz, Darvish, Lewis, Harrison, Holland, Feldman, Martin Perez. I don't really see room there... :-) ! Ramirez's tendencies are getting fly balls, striking people out, and not walking anyone. His K's per 9 are about well 9!! While a late bloomer really breaking out not untill last year in the minors, even today he's seen as more of a mid-rotation starter (upside) and the Rangers may even view him as more of a #4. But for the Twins he'd have #2 Upside or potential , with our staff/ strategies, tendencies, ballpark and situation. WHAT would it take to ACQUIRE him? Anyone not named Sano, Hicks or Rosario. How about Oswaldo Arcia and Tyler Robertson straight up. Has to sound Great for both teams as Texas will possilby need LH reliever help this season. You know somthing else... come this July Francisco Liriano may be the perfect Left-handed Reliever for the Rangers out of the bullpen setting- up Ogando, Adams and Nathan ..before Uehara, Feldman, Scheppers and Kirkman. Liriano for Ramirez might be very appealing to them in a few months. AND if I was the Twins i woudln't even so much as HESITATE to pull the trigger. #2 SP LHP Erik Surkamp AAA San Francisco Giants Turns 25 in 3 months. http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4652412195113987&id=ddaa24617dcbe56b4fdca75a0e6c1282&url=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F0%2F0f%2FEric_Surkamp_on_September_6%252C_2011.jpg%2F300px-Eric_Surkamp_on_September_6%252C_2011.jpg While he may be seen as the eventuall replacement to LHP Barry Zito in the Starting Rotation (thats why the Twins better Hurry HERE while he's struggling a bit in AAA) , Surkkkamp as I like to call him doesn't exactly fit the Giants persona as a power pitching, deep into ball games, lots of innings pitched guy. Surkamp is a southpaw throws high 80's, doesn't K a lot of guys but more than he's given credit for. And Doesn't walk many. Would be the Perfect Fit for Twins style of pitching and Rick Anderson would love Him! To give you some idea, 2 years ago in the mid level minors he struck out 108 batters in 101 Innings pitched. Last year he stuck out 170 batters in 148 IP at AA. Was a Cup of coffee call-up for the Giants last September. He basically is Scott Diamond with potential and upside! He can strike guys out at much better rates gets swings and misses with less than 90-91 MPH stuff. And would fitt perfectly as a #3 or #4 starter in both the short and long term. *The Giants have Cain, Bumgarner, Lincecum, Vogelsong, and Zito in their rotation right now. Cain and Bumgarner just inked LONG-Term deals. WHAT Would it take to ACQUIRE him? Any half-way decent bat. Luke Hughes? Joking. Ryan Doumit. I'd throw Alexi Casilla and Carlos Gutierrez at them if their middle infield woes continue... And Casilla gets hott. or Maybe Brian Dozier? I woudlnt' be in favor of the ladder but they'd strongly be behind that I'd like to think. Gutierrez, Doumit and Casilla this trade deadline might suffice. #3 SS Adieny Hechavarria AAA Toronto Blue Jays. Turned 23 last week. http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4831185909777873&id=47ee682e63f170e2a5808e7ed3340b1a&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.bleacherreport.net%2Fimages_root%2Fslides%2Fphotos%2F000%2F257%2F365%2FADEYNISHECHEVARRIA_display_image.jpg%3F1276460714 Bats R, Throws R. There is no doubt, the Blue Jays are one of the up and coming teams, possibly ranking in as the BEST farm system in all of baseball this year and LOADS of young pitching talent in the minors. But When it comes to many of their position players they are pretty well set at the AAA/ Major Lg. Level. Yunel Escobar is their everyday SS, and Hechavarria could be on the trading block for them. Often compared to the Royals' Alcides Escobar, Hech can pick it with the best of them, he plays an above average defense something certainly good in the Twins clubhouse. Also similarly to the Royals' Escobar -Hechavarria's offensive game has many similarties, (which may lead to his downfall.) Although, Hechavarria for about the past year now, SEEMINGLY after all the prospect gurus in the Industry... Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus and even John Sickles have GIVEN up on him. Has BeeN Tearing The COVER off the baseball over almost the last year dating back towards the end of the 2011 Minor Lg. Season. Remember When Trevor Plouffe got soooo many of us excited based on what he did in 2 months in AAA last year? Thats nothing compared to this guy! - AND He's a REAL SS. Idealy he'd probably bat 8th or 9th right away but could become or mold into a decent #2 type hitter, or 7 hole guy even. This would allow us to Move J. Carroll over to 2nd base and DFA or Demote Alexi Casilla or keep his much appreciated versitlity as the 5th infielder. His Strikeouts this year in the PCL are a little worriesome right now he's at 16 K's to only 4 BB's but based on what he's done for years before that i'm not too worried about it. He should be a high 270's-280's hitter or better in him prime with marginal power and some stolen bases mixed in. WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO AQCUIRE HIM? Not much, in my honest opinion, unless the Jays really don't see Yunel Escobar as part of their 2013 roster in which case most of this is just jibberish at that point. I think he could be had for a few marginal players or a solid pitcher. Maybe Carl Pavano or Matt Capps at the trade deadline if we're faar out of the race. Would be MORE than enough to net him. #4 SS Didi Gregorius AA Reds Turned 22 Two Months ago FromAmsterdam, Netherlands http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/591/104/140081468_crop_650x440.jpg?1330501695 Bats L, Throws R. Now listen here folks, Out of all of these players this one is Easy as Pie to make a Twin. No? I'm scoffing, you heard me (*or Yourself cough) *cough again* Or go, "yeah right i'm on something".... ? Well think again. The Cincinnati Reds....Ahhh Yes those Wayne Krivisky lovin waiver claimin pitchin Cinncinatti Reds. Please Let me do a little informing very quickly. They have this Kid named Zack Cozart (National League rookie of the Yr. in 2012 Candidate) as their brand spanken new Starting SS. And he can play he can hitt, he is the complete package, however he may not stick as SS because of his size. Therefore the Reds surely wouldn't want to give up Gregorious right? WEll GUESS AGAIN! There is a little someone in AA as well named Billy Hamilton, yeah you now the guy who stole 100 Bases last year in High A. That Billy Hamitlon who happens to play SS. SO even if Cozart fails, faulters, gets moved to different postion they have their sights Squarely on Hamilton as their SS of the future. Because Hamilton is soooo fast he Makes Carlos Gomez look like Delmon Young and Hamilton apparently can hitt. and Hitt with Ben Revere like quality, at least. Okay, maybe Gregorius isn't exactly Major League Ready as I'm typing this, but he will be IMO by Mid-season surely by the end of 2012. Gregorious is similar to Hech in that he'll only have marginal power, but decent to slighlty above average speed, maybe Alexi Casilla like base stealing abilites. But I like him because unlike Casilla he should be able to Hitt VERY WELL in the not so distant future, probably even better than Hechavarria. The Reds subconciously may very likely vastly underrate Didi, just do to the simple fact their blinded by the fascinating and over achieving young offensive outburts within their own system. Guys like Hamilton, Cozart, Todd Frazier Chris Heisey and Devin Mesoraco. No The Twins wouldnt' be able to steal him, but if they like a pitcher in our org, thats a match i'd strongly consider if I was the Twins and Krivisky. Unfortunately for the Twins, Baseball America's Jim Callis recently stated in a Public Chat that Gregorius, " May be the best unherladed SS in all of the Minors." Or Best SS currently on nobody's radar. But now may be on everbody's map. WHAT Would it Take to ACQUIRE him? Pitching most likely. Maybe Scott Diamond. Or David Bromberg + Gutierrez if David bounces back strong? How about Anthony Swarzak? I don't want to speculate too much here, but i'm sure theres a great match somewhere for Krivisk'ys EX club- and Gregorious is DUTCH how could he not want to be a Twin? #5. Come May they'll be a new set of four i'll post. As you know, following the minor leagues, AND Major League fringe guys as closely as i do, a lot can change with each passing month. May and June (especially around draft time) This list could change completely Ramirez may already be gone, he may get hurt, he May be in Texas thriving, we just don't know.

First things first, I want to say that I firmly believe these players, while mostly currently in the Minor Lgs. are A) Big League Ready and More than likely available for Trade within their respective organizations. & C) Should fit well within the Twins budget as many of these players have no to little Service Time. & D) Are young/ Prospects, green or raw because that Clearly is the best way to invest you're time energy and Money and NOT Free Agency as proven time and time again also should be the Twins primary focus at this point. Also I believe in these players as breakout regulars or even stars, and are undervalued a bit presently. I've seen a few of them play live before. And I am as close to 100% positive as I can be that they would make the Twins better TODAY. #1 SP RHP Neil Ramirez AAA Texas Rangers. Turns 23 in 1 Month. http://projectprospect.com/files/Neil-Ramirez300x450%20(Mitchell).jpg?1304477395 The Rangers are sooo loaded with both Pitching and Offense both at the Major Lg. Level and the Minor Lg. Level that they may not be open to making deals with any team unless injuries occur. Well, even with that said, I think Ramirez is more than expandable. He is a FB pitcher who the Rangers NEVER like in the ballpark in Arglinton, see: Wieland, Joe and Erlin, Robbie from a year ago. *Also Even If Ramirez continues to impress and pitches even more dominant He'll likely not even be called up as a SP if he stays a Ranger: Feliz, Darvish, Lewis, Harrison, Holland, Feldman, Martin Perez. I don't really see room there... :-) ! Ramirez's tendencies are getting fly balls, striking people out, and not walking anyone. His K's per 9 are about well 9!! While a late bloomer really breaking out not untill last year in the minors, even today he's seen as more of a mid-rotation starter (upside) and the Rangers may even view him as more of a #4. But for the Twins he'd have #2 Upside or potential , with our staff/ strategies, tendencies, ballpark and situation. WHAT would it take to ACQUIRE him? Anyone not named Sano, Hicks or Rosario. How about Oswaldo Arcia and Tyler Robertson straight up. Has to sound Great for both teams as Texas will possilby need LH reliever help this season. You know somthing else... come this July Francisco Liriano may be the perfect Left-handed Reliever for the Rangers out of the bullpen setting- up Ogando, Adams and Nathan ..before Uehara, Feldman, Scheppers and Kirkman. Liriano for Ramirez might be very appealing to them in a few months. AND if I was the Twins i woudln't even so much as HESITATE to pull the trigger. #2 SP LHP Erik Surkamp AAA San Francisco Giants Turns 25 in 3 months. http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4652412195113987&id=ddaa24617dcbe56b4fdca75a0e6c1282&url=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F0%2F0f%2FEric_Surkamp_on_September_6%252C_2011.jpg%2F300px-Eric_Surkamp_on_September_6%252C_2011.jpg While he may be seen as the eventuall replacement to LHP Barry Zito in the Starting Rotation (thats why the Twins better Hurry HERE while he's struggling a bit in AAA) , Surkkkamp as I like to call him doesn't exactly fit the Giants persona as a power pitching, deep into ball games, lots of innings pitched guy. Surkamp is a southpaw throws high 80's, doesn't K a lot of guys but more than he's given credit for. And Doesn't walk many. Would be the Perfect Fit for Twins style of pitching and Rick Anderson would love Him! To give you some idea, 2 years ago in the mid level minors he struck out 108 batters in 101 Innings pitched. Last year he stuck out 170 batters in 148 IP at AA. Was a Cup of coffee call-up for the Giants last September. He basically is Scott Diamond with potential and upside! He can strike guys out at much better rates gets swings and misses with less than 90-91 MPH stuff. And would fitt perfectly as a #3 or #4 starter in both the short and long term. *The Giants have Cain, Bumgarner, Lincecum, Vogelsong, and Zito in their rotation right now. Cain and Bumgarner just inked LONG-Term deals. WHAT Would it take to ACQUIRE him? Any half-way decent bat. Luke Hughes? Joking. Ryan Doumit. I'd throw Alexi Casilla and Carlos Gutierrez at them if their middle infield woes continue... And Casilla gets hott. or Maybe Brian Dozier? I woudlnt' be in favor of the ladder but they'd strongly be behind that I'd like to think. Gutierrez, Doumit and Casilla this trade deadline might suffice. #3 SS Adieny Hechavarria AAA Toronto Blue Jays. Turned 23 last week. http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4831185909777873&id=47ee682e63f170e2a5808e7ed3340b1a&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.bleacherreport.net%2Fimages_root%2Fslides%2Fphotos%2F000%2F257%2F365%2FADEYNISHECHEVARRIA_display_image.jpg%3F1276460714 Bats R, Throws R. There is no doubt, the Blue Jays are one of the up and coming teams, possibly ranking in as the BEST farm system in all of baseball this year and LOADS of young pitching talent in the minors. But When it comes to many of their position players they are pretty well set at the AAA/ Major Lg. Level. Yunel Escobar is their everyday SS, and Hechavarria could be on the trading block for them. Often compared to the Royals' Alcides Escobar, Hech can pick it with the best of them, he plays an above average defense something certainly good in the Twins clubhouse. Also similarly to the Royals' Escobar -Hechavarria's offensive game has many similarties, (which may lead to his downfall.) Although, Hechavarria for about the past year now, SEEMINGLY after all the prospect gurus in the Industry... Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus and even John Sickles have GIVEN up on him. Has BeeN Tearing The COVER off the baseball over almost the last year dating back towards the end of the 2011 Minor Lg. Season. Remember When Trevor Plouffe got soooo many of us excited based on what he did in 2 months in AAA last year? Thats nothing compared to this guy! - AND He's a REAL SS. Idealy he'd probably bat 8th or 9th right away but could become or mold into a decent #2 type hitter, or 7 hole guy even. This would allow us to Move J. Carroll over to 2nd base and DFA or Demote Alexi Casilla or keep his much appreciated versitlity as the 5th infielder. His Strikeouts this year in the PCL are a little worriesome right now he's at 16 K's to only 4 BB's but based on what he's done for years before that i'm not too worried about it. He should be a high 270's-280's hitter or better in him prime with marginal power and some stolen bases mixed in. WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO AQCUIRE HIM? Not much, in my honest opinion, unless the Jays really don't see Yunel Escobar as part of their 2013 roster in which case most of this is just jibberish at that point. I think he could be had for a few marginal players or a solid pitcher. Maybe Carl Pavano or Matt Capps at the trade deadline if we're faar out of the race. Would be MORE than enough to net him. #4 SS Didi Gregorius AA Reds Turned 22 Two Months ago FromAmsterdam, Netherlands http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/591/104/140081468_crop_650x440.jpg?1330501695 Bats L, Throws R. Now listen here folks, Out of all of these players this one is Easy as Pie to make a Twin. No? I'm scoffing, you heard me (*or Yourself cough) *cough again* Or go, "yeah right i'm on something".... ? Well think again. The Cincinnati Reds....Ahhh Yes those Wayne Krivisky lovin waiver claimin pitchin Cinncinatti Reds. Please Let me do a little informing very quickly. They have this Kid named Zack Cozart (National League rookie of the Yr. in 2012 Candidate) as their brand spanken new Starting SS. And he can play he can hitt, he is the complete package, however he may not stick as SS because of his size. Therefore the Reds surely wouldn't want to give up Gregorious right? WEll GUESS AGAIN! There is a little someone in AA as well named Billy Hamilton, yeah you now the guy who stole 100 Bases last year in High A. That Billy Hamitlon who happens to play SS. SO even if Cozart fails, faulters, gets moved to different postion they have their sights Squarely on Hamilton as their SS of the future. Because Hamilton is soooo fast he Makes Carlos Gomez look like Delmon Young and Hamilton apparently can hitt. and Hitt with Ben Revere like quality, at least. Okay, maybe Gregorius isn't exactly Major League Ready as I'm typing this, but he will be IMO by Mid-season surely by the end of 2012. Gregorious is similar to Hech in that he'll only have marginal power, but decent to slighlty above average speed, maybe Alexi Casilla like base stealing abilites. But I like him because unlike Casilla he should be able to Hitt VERY WELL in the not so distant future, probably even better than Hechavarria. The Reds subconciously may very likely vastly underrate Didi, just do to the simple fact their blinded by the fascinating and over achieving young offensive outburts within their own system. Guys like Hamilton, Cozart, Todd Frazier Chris Heisey and Devin Mesoraco. No The Twins wouldnt' be able to steal him, but if they like a pitcher in our org, thats a match i'd strongly consider if I was the Twins and Krivisky. Unfortunately for the Twins, Baseball America's Jim Callis recently stated in a Public Chat that Gregorius, " May be the best unherladed SS in all of the Minors." Or Best SS currently on nobody's radar. But now may be on everbody's map. WHAT Would it Take to ACQUIRE him? Pitching most likely. Maybe Scott Diamond. Or David Bromberg + Gutierrez if David bounces back strong? How about Anthony Swarzak? I don't want to speculate too much here, but i'm sure theres a great match somewhere for Krivisk'ys EX club- and Gregorious is DUTCH how could he not want to be a Twin? #5. Come May they'll be a new set of four i'll post. As you know, following the minor leagues, AND Major League fringe guys as closely as i do, a lot can change with each passing month. May and June (especially around draft time) This list could change completely Ramirez may already be gone, he may get hurt, he May be in Texas thriving, we just don't know.

yep exactly, theres no way Benson is ready now, neither if Parmelee for that matter....you need guys like Thomas to be that platoon starter, 4th OF...type untill at least well, about mid-season. Then hopefully one of Revere or Benson EARNS their way back up with Minny.

LOL @ Teflon, not sure i get the joke? Its between Rene Rivera and J.R. Towles for catcher #4 with Chris Herrmann and Danny Lehmann not to far behind. If it was me, and we needed "another guy" later in the year i'd give Towles a shot and see what he may or may not do. Rather than watch Rene Rivera again, after we've seen More than our fair share of him last year. The fans here in Minny HATE Butera in the way they wanted Punto, and Rivas out of town. (if not more so) But to me, I think it shoud be Rene Rivera that should be LOoooong gone, and have an eerily strange feeling already that the organizaton even brought him back to be in Rochester for 2012. Thats the move that baffles me. NOT Butera seeing big lg. time in 2012. Something we ALL should have expected.

Its a shame that there isn't a single catcher here..... Josmil Pinto maybe? I think Chris Herrmann will get here in edition #2. How about Sodak St. 's Caleb Theilbar? yeahhhhhhhh. Soon time to go to AA and The Eastern Lg. to really see what he's got.

I'd rank our relief prospects as follows: however i get the feeling like Casey Fein (AAA) will get the first chance at a promotion if Maloney or Gray gets released/ demoted. 1. Deolis Guerra 2. Carlos Gutierrez (struggling) 3. Matt Hauser 4. A.J. Achter 5. Anthony Slama (still think he'll get 1 more shot) 6. Steve Hirshfeld/ Cole DeVries - both start and relieve 7. Edgar Ibbarra 8. Tyler Robertson 9. Corey Williams -not sure he could be starter 10. Dakota Watts, Bruce Pugh

I was wondering the same thing>? IT was Wimmers turn last night, he did not pitch, nor is he scheduled tonight.... could we have another aOhh ohh on our hands? Please be 100% Healthy Alex!

hey guys, also tonight 3B Miguel Sano of the Midwest LG (Beloit) went 0-1, with 3 Walks, YES 3 BB's and not one of them was intentional walk. GOOD for Sano. That is a great sign there, he actually has the same amount of walks as K's so far in this early season. Sano did have 1 Error while playing 3rd base however. GO Hicks GO GO Sano GO GO Rosario GO

(4) Four games in, and not the start we all envisioned to be sure. (5) Five letters for us all to consider R-E-L-A-X I just hope the Twins, particularly the coaches and the players can just take a deeeeep breath relax, stay calm, not panick and just play baseball. Getting 1 out of these next 2 against the Angels would be a great start and if they just play ball they can do that. Next is the Texas Rangers, after stud southpaw Matt Harrison in game 1, Neftali Feliz and Yu Darvish go in the next 2 games, if you ask me thats a winnable series right there, especially at Home in Target Field. The Hapless Helpless Mariners offense just about Imploded Darvish the other day in his big lg. debut, of course Ichiro had something to do with that. I think many of us Twins fans, myself included just need to remember its a loooong season and in this rutt to start the year we're far far from the butt of jokes this early. Breathe. Exhale. And repeat. Thank you all.

(4) Four games in, and not the start we all envisioned to be sure. (5) Five letters for us all to consider R-E-L-A-X I just hope the Twins, particularly the coaches and the players can just take a deeeeep breath relax, stay calm, not panick and just play baseball. Getting 1 out of these next 2 against the Angels would be a great start and if they just play ball they can do that. Next is the Texas Rangers, after stud southpaw Matt Harrison in game 1, Neftali Feliz and Yu Darvish go in the next 2 games, if you ask me thats a winnable series right there, especially at Home in Target Field. The Hapless Helpless Mariners offense just about Imploded Darvish the other day in his big lg. debut, of course Ichiro had something to do with that. I think many of us Twins fans, myself included just need to remember its a loooong season and in this rutt to start the year we're far far from the butt of jokes this early. Breathe. Exhale. And repeat. Thank you all.

Great to see Adrian Salcedo, Alex Wimmers, and Jason Wheeler all get out there and toss some solid outings. I was a little worried there for a bit with Wimmers in the contol department, ended up with 3 BB's and 4 K's ? so theres room for improvement but he did a solid job for first EVER Eastern League start. Lots of hitters crushed the ball on Monday, including Brian Dozier, Miguel Sano, Levi Michael, Daniel Santana, Eddie Rosario to name just a few.

I don't think Yangarvis Solarte (tex) , or Dan Osterbrock and a few others are in the organizatoin anymore. mine: C- Chris Herrmann 1B- Matt Rizzioti (AA from Phills last year) 2B- Levi Michael 3B- Deibinson Romero SS- Brian Dozier OF- Aaron Hicks OF- Oswaldo Arcia OF- Nathan Roberts RHP - Adrian Salcedo RHP - Bobby Lanigan RHP - David Bromberg LHP - Tyler Robertson LHP - Corey Williams LHP - Pat Dean *almost went with Eddie Rosario at 2B or OF, and Niko Goodum if 4 years was an option.