stringer bell

Where to start the young prospects? Rosario at AAA if he doesn't end up starting with the Twins, Sano and Polanco at Chatanooga with Sano there only a month or so.

Robinson is fine as the fourth outfielder and platoon option. He's been a plus defender and has good speed. My blueprint is for the consistency to come from the corners, but transition in center. Start the season with Schafer platooning with Robinson in center. If the solid performance by Schafer last year was a mirage, we should know by April/May. If Schafer/Robinson is inadequate, then whoever is performing best between Rosario, Hicks and maybe Buxton should get the recall. Also, if Santana doesn't prove out to be a good enough defender at short, he could move back to center.

I don't think it is a coincidence that Nuñez was listed as an outfielder on the Twins' roster. He is my pick to get a lot of starts against left handers in place of Arcia (not a platoon, but "rest" days).

I agree with the "don't platoon Hicks" argument. I consider him a prospect, but he needs to go to the minors to develop his hit tool. I think a month to six weeks of solid performance at Rochester would be sufficient, if he is the best option to take over center field. My projection has been for Schafer and Robinson to share center for the early days until one of the prospects (Hicks, Rosario, or the very unlikely scenario of Buxton) show they are ready by dominating in AAA or AA. Sure, there is a chance that the Twins make a deal or two before spring training is over. They have excess starters, an extra infielder and a chasm in center field. I have been beating the drum for the Twins to obtain Peter Bourjos from the Cards all winter. Earlier comments about bringing Polanco north, maybe Buxton etc. just don't serve to develop the players. I believe that Buxton and Sano are destined to be All-Stars, but they aren't ready. They (and Polanco) need lots of playing time at the right level. Right now that is AA.

I agree that if someone wants a guy to get 'em over or get 'em in, Mauer is not ideal. He, however, is a career .320 hitter with a better than .400 OBP. I would like to see him drive the ball more and if he does, he should hit third.

Not all stolen bases are equal, for sure. Also, it is vital that the success percentage be above 70%. I think it is tough to quantify the value of putting pressure on the opponent. I believe that the running game should be utilized more by the bottom of the order, where scoring without the stolen base is more of a long shot.

I'll dispute both Santana (great OBP) and Mauer (hits behind runners). Santana had a high batting average, but his OBP was barely better than Dozier's, who hit 77 points lower in batting average. A big reason I don't want to see Mauer hit second is that he almost never hits the ball to the right side of the diamond, advancing a runner with an out. Also, so many of his singles are to left, which often don't score runners from second, unless there are two out. First inning scenarios for Mauer not advancing runners when making an out and not scoring runners in scoring position with a hit do not fit.

Because he won't make the team (and shouldn't).

Love the article. I would dispute the title, however. The Twins were among the better teams in the AL from '62-'70, with the outliers being '64 and '68.

I believe I went to another game during that series. My wife was pregnant with our first child and it was really warm. I recall the Twins winning the game and Carew making a fantastic play on a slow roller to first. Yes, I thought the Twins were on their way that summer. Carew was having a season for the ages, several guys were going very well including Bostock and Hisle, and Mauch was managing his his talent admirably.

OK, what is the proper "in shape" weight for Vargas? I would guess he could carry at least 260 pounds, if not more, on that huge frame.

I dislike the notion of Chris Herrmann making the major league roster, but I do think that getting Santana time in a position other than center and shortstop is a fine idea, especially since since Escobar played so well at short last year. Of course, putting Santana in the outfield makes Nunez the only infield reserve. Interesting fact, Nunez is listed as an outfielder on the Twins roster (quasi-platoon w/ Arcia?). The back of the rotation and the front of the bullpen are big issues to me, as well as the starter in center field.

I have followed the Twins since they moved to Minnesota from Washington. In the early days, the Twins excelled in hitting home runs. They had plenty of power at many positions, led by perennial home run king Harmon Killebrew, who led the league in homers six times. However, since Mr. Nixon said "I am not a crook", and Harmon got old, the Twins have had a severe power shortage.In the forty-plus years since 1973, the Twins have out-homered their opponents in only three seasons and those by narrow margins. The 2014 Twins scored a lot of runs, but would have been an elite offensive club had they hit more long balls. What is exciting is the promise that in the future they will have the players to turn games around with one swing. Oswaldo Arcia hit 20 homers in just 400 plate appearances last season. If his homer rate stays unchanged, he would hit 30 in a full season with 600+ PAs. Kennys Vargas hit nine homers in an extended trial late in the season. Again, with full-time plate appearances, that total should be in the mid-twenties for a full season. Add top prospect Miguel Sano, who homered 35 times in fewer than 500 PAs in his last minor league season (in pitcher-friendly and homer-averse leagues), and the Twins have a prospective middle of the order cluster that could easily hit 90 or more homers. Sano, Arcia and Vargas are all young and figure to increase their power numbers. I haven't mentioned yet the Twins leader in home runs the last two years--Brian Dozier. He brings significantly above average power to a position that the Twins traditionally have filled with slap hitters. His last two seasons both set records for home runs by a Twins second baseman. Beyond that, current Twins backup catcher Josmil Pinto would also profile to hit a lot of homers with full-time plate appearances. When Sano arrives, the Twins figure to have above-average home run production. I expect that the Twins will close the gap in long balls next year and perhaps out-homer their opponents for the first time in more than a decade. An increase in power might cover regression in other areas. Click here to view the article

I will be at spring training for the fourth straight year. I have watched three straight non-contending teams gear up for a disappointing regular season. I have seen impressive individual performances that didn't stand up to regular season pressures. I have seen guys showing obvious potential take a step from prospect to established player and others not be able to establish themselves. I have seen comments that seem to espouse an open competition for almost every spot on the roster and also have seen arguments that spring training means either very little or nothing at all. I think spring training means different things to different players. Established players are there to get in shape for the grind of a 162 game season and perhaps work on a new skill or weakness. Some guys are just trying to make a good impression, so that if a vacancy occurs or there is a chance for a role player with a specific skill, they have the confidence of the field staff. Finally, some are competing for roster spots or places in the rotation. Here's my take on each member of the 40-man roster: Established veterans: All of these guys have a place guaranteed on the Opening Day roster and are all but certain in their role going into the season. Spring Training is a time for them to get ready for the season ahead, with no stress about making the club or getting opportunities to contribute. Phil Hughes, Ricky Nolasco, Ervin Santana, Glen Perkins, Brian Duensing, Casey Fien, Kurt Suzuki, Joe Mauer, Brian Dozier, Trevor Plouffe, Oswaldo Arcia, and Torii Hunter. That is almost half of the spots on the Opening Day Roster. Young players looking to establish themselves: Players that may have been with the team for most of 2014, but haven't performed well enough long enough to be sure things. Caleb Thielbar, Kyle Gibson, Kennys Vargas, Danny Santana. Players looking to expand or enlarge their role: Guys penciled in for utility roles or perhaps a pitcher looking for a bigger role in games. Eduardo Escobar, Eduardo Nuñez, Jordan Schafer, Tim Stauffer and perhaps Josmil Pinto. Role players making a case: LOOGy and 3rd catchers hoping that their particular skill will get them a recall at some point. Aaron Thompson, Logan Darnell, and Chris Herrmann. Competitors for bullpen, rotation and center field: These guys could win a spot on the team going north or be sent out to the minors. It largely depends on how they, and the guys they are competing with, perform during spring training. JR Graham, Trevor May, Alex Meyer, Mike Pelfrey, Tommy Milone, Lester Oliveros, Michael Tonkin, Aaron Hicks, and perhaps Eddie Rosario. No chance to make the roster, plenty of chance to impress: AJ Achter, Stephen Pryor, Jason Wheeler, Jorge Polanco, Miguel Sano, and perhaps Eddie Rosario.

The current Twins Forum is filled with prognostication and speculation. There really isn't much else to talk about until the team starts Spring Training. Many comments have been written in reference to disturbing predictions from outside of Twins Territory: Being picked in the bottom five by an ESPN writer and being given an over/under of 68.5 in Las Vegas. The realists have joined the negatives in predicting a long, losing season. There is certainly a realistic basis for such predictions/projections. Several players could regress after having big season last year, as well as almost all of the incumbents in the bullpen. The Twins still have defense and range issues in the outfield. Some have pointed out that the club closed it's run deficit dramatically last year, added a 111 OPS+ outfielder, who would have been in the top three of the Twins triple crown offensive categories, and added a solid pitcher to the starting rotation to bolster their biggest weakness last year. That combined with the coming of age of top prospects and improvement by veterans who are under 30 or who had seasons far worse than their track records would mean a successful season and a chance to contend. If I have to choose one camp from the two schools of thought that I have mentioned, I would choose the optimistic view of the Twins' chances. A return to career norms for the likes of Mauer and Nolasco can and should make up for regression from surprises and "breakouts" last year. If position players, starters or relievers don't cut it, there are higher-upside prospects ready or close to ready to take their place. I don't expect the squad that breaks camp to play the Tigers on Opening Day to be good enough to contend, but I do think that the roster and the players on it will evolve to be much improved from their performances in the last four years. I don't think the Twins will win the division or claim a wild card, there are too many question marks that have to turn out well for the team, but I think that it could happen and that the team has to start the season with the expectation that they will contend. I do expect improvement and the blueprint for a perennial contender coming out of the 2015 season.

Today, I would put Milone in front of the pack for the fifth starter position. Prior to coming to Minnesota, Milone's track record was very good, better in most respects than Nolasco or Hughes, although he didn't have as long a tenure as either of those two guys. Because Milone is a lefty and was arb eligible (making more the $2M) he has advantages over other candidates. That is reality. While I am not opposed to Milone making the club out of spring training, I don't think he should ever be in the bullpen. I profile him as a starter only, meaning that he makes the rotation or he is optioned to Rochester.

I know this blog is about Walker, but depending on Rosario, ABW should start in AA. I peg Rosario for AAA if he has a good spring, because he would be a backup plan to the starting center fielder or center field tandem. I like what Walker offers and want to see how he handles the higher levels of the minors. If he continues to supply power, speed and defense, I think he might have a major league future.

I have followed the Twins since they moved to Minnesota from DC. In the early days, the Twins excelled in hitting home runs. They had plenty of power at many positions led by perennial home run king Harmon Killebrew, who led the league in homers six times. However, since Mr. Nixon said "I am not a crook" (and Harmon declined), the Twins have had a severe power shortage. In the forty-plus years since 1973, the Twins have outhomered their opponents in only three seasons and by narrow margins. The 2014 Twins scored a lot of runs, but would have been an elite offensive club if they had hit more long balls. What is exciting is the promise that in the future they will have the players to turn around games with one swing. Oswaldo Arcia hit 20 homers in just 400 plate appearances last season. If his homer rate stays unchanged, he would hit 30 in a full season with 600+ PAs. Kennys Vargas hit nine homers in an extended trial late in the season. Again, with full-time plate appearances, that total should be in the mid-twenties for a full season. Add top prospect Miguel Sano, who homered 35 times in less than 500 PAs in his last minor league season (in pitcher-friendly and homer-averse leagues), and the Twins have a prospective middle of the order cluster that could easily hit 90 or more homers. Sano, Arcia and Vargas are all young and would figure to increase their power numbers. I haven't mentioned yet the Twins leader in home runs the last two years--Brian Dozier. He brings significantly above average power to a position that the Twins traditionally have filled with slap hitters (his last two seasons both set records for home runs by a Twins second baseman). Beyond that, current Twins backup catcher Josmil Pinto would also profile to hit a lot of homers with full-time plate appearances. Whenever Sano arrives, the Twins would figure to have above-average home run production. I expect that the Twins will close the gap in long balls next year and perhaps out-homer their oppontents for the first time in more than a decade. An increase in power might cover regression in other areas.

I'll repeat what I wrote on the original blog: Sympathies to you and yours. Thanks for sharing your story. It brought a smile to my face and lump to my throat.

Sympathies to you and yours. Thanks for sharing your story. It brought a smile to my face and lump to my throat.

Joe Mauer didn't hit at a Hall of Fame level last year, as a matter of fact, he didn't hit at an All-Star level in 2014. Why? We've seen four or five theories in this thread and they all might have at least some validity. We've also seen about as many prospective solutions. Again, there is probably a grain of truth in the "fixes" offered by Twins Daily commenters. I'll add my 2 cents worth and maybe offer a free bit of advice. Mauer wasn't fully healthy for the first half of the season, he also is over 30 and perhaps aged rapidly due to the beating that catchers absorb. Mauer carries expectations of being more--his size suggests slugger, his demeanor and upbringing suggest hero, and his resumé indicates he has always found a way to be successful. He seemed to press and get out of his comfort zone, which set off the vicious cycle of pressing, failing and pressing more, which he really hasn't experienced since coming to the big leagues. Mauer is more than a year and a half removed from the concussion, he has a full year as a first baseman and has had time to adjust to the additions to his family. I think that Mauer has to make some adjustments to again be a top hitter. 1) Don't be predictable on that first pitch. Once in awhile be prepared to rip at the first pitch he sees. 2) Build strength. Mauer seemed to hit a lot of balls 350 to 380 in the gaps when he needed to hit the ball 15-20 feet further. His workout program has stressed flexibility over strength, but maybe he needs to modify the plan a bit so that some of those long drives make it over the wall. 3) Be the man. Instead of being content to take a walk or ping a single to left, sometimes the best hitter on the team has to try to drive the ball. In some cases, I think Mauer should get more aggressive and try to drive the ball. 4) Use the entire field more. It has pained me to see how far outfields shift for Mauer. If he could get a few balls in the right center gap or down the line, it might result in more hitters' counts and more hits (and extra-base hits) for the three-time batting champion.

I think Shane Robinson has a decent shot at starting the season with the Twins. He has over three years of big league time with the Cardinals, is a solid three-position outfielder, with decent wheels. Should the Twins decide to send Hicks out for his final option (I hope they do!), then Robinson makes sense to start the season until Hicks, Rosario or Buxton show they are ready and claim center field. Also, if things break right, Stuart Turner might get a shot behind the plate.

The Millers played one year at least at Metropolitan Stadium IIRC. The Met was built to be expanded to a major league park if the area got a franchise. Not sure about Midway. I would presume it was the successor to Lexington. Calvin did his best to involve both twin cities, naming the club "Minnesota Twins", but big brother Minneapolis remained big brother.

What was impressive about Hicks' second half? He handled AA, was about average (maybe a little better) in AAA in a SSS and then walked his way to a .657 OPS in September with the Twins. I watched enough of Hicks in September to ask, over and over, "when is he going to hit the ball hard?".