AlwaysinModeration

Great thought piece. Let's start by ruling out Mauer. He's an up-the-middle guy, but his catching days are dwindling and he'll be 30 in a few weeks. While I expect several more MVP-level years, he isn't going to be here long enough to build a franchise around. Next, let's rule out Berrios, Gibson, and Meyer. Berrios looks like a great young man, potential ace and face of the franchise. But he's 18, and a pitcher--too much risk. Similarly, Gibsonmay be very good, but he has yet to even pitch at the majors, or fully prove he is back from TJ. Meyer looks the part of an ace, and I am eager to see his progress, but as a pitcher who hasn't pitched above AA, I can't roll the dice there. Arcia is next out. Bat looks great, and he continues to surprise at each higher level. But as a corner OF, I can't count on him to build my franchise around, however high my hopes are for him. That leaves me with Hicks, Rosario, Buxton, and Sano. I like Rosario, and I love the move to an up-the-middle position. I would have liked to see his season last year without the broken face mixed in. This year will be huge for the guy who out-homered Sano two years ago. But he's not my guy. Between the last three, I hate to do it, but I have to rule out Buxton. He's just too far away, despot having all the tools and an up-the-middle profile. Mauer was the #2 guy the Twins drafted #1 (Prior), while Buxton is the #1 guy the Twins drafted #2 (Correa). I like that His future is bright, but I want more certainty--and immediacy for my franchise. So, Hicks or Sano? Both low-average, good on-base guys. One with premiere power, and one with premiere speed and defense. Both have flaws...Hicks struggles against lefties and doesn't hit for high average or huge power. Sano also hits for lower average, and struggles defensively. I love the Miggy Cabrera comps, but Sano is never going to win a batting crown. In the end, I think I am going with the guy who plays an up-the-middle position with exceptional defense, who is on the cusp of winning the starting CF job after skipping AA for the first time since Joe Mauer, with the on-base chops to lead off for the team for the next decade, and the potential for developing power. Aaron Hicks.

When you get to Morneau, I'd focus on Texas, which has three good SSs aged 25 or under.

Carlos Rodon. That's a pro for trading Willingham you are missing. The sooner the Twins trade Willingham, the better they position themselves for the top pick in 2014.

Benson, Colabello, and Slama would get my votes.

OMW--the Hall already has cheaters in it, and we don't really know who the cheaters are. I agree with JimCrikket. If you don't want a Hall of Fame with Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens in it, why bother having a hall of fame?