Uncle Jesse's Mullet

It's already the most frustrating team we've seen in the last four years, IMO, with guys like Suzuki, Willingham, Kubel, Diamond, Corriea, and Deduno being seriously considered for playing time ahead of Pinto, Parmelee, Arcia, Gibson, Tonkin, etc. None of the vets give a crap about their performance, at least in part because they know they don't have to. They're here on guaranteed contracts, and management is either too soft or too inept to make them earn their money. As far as "bottoming out" goes, I'm not sure there's a bottom limit to this team so long as the usual suspects are in charge and accountability is only given lip-service. If there are no signs of respectable baseball at Target Field by June 1, I think a complete clean-out from the front-office down to field staff and large swaths of the roster will have to be in order.

The third catcher debate reminds me of the old Sean Connery Celebrity Jeopardy sketches on Saturday Night Live. We're talking about a catcher here, not a longshoreman or a firefighter. The catcher's job is essentially to sit behind the plate and play catch. If it gets to be where the first choice catcher and his deputy are for whatever reason not able to play, then Gardenhire should literally be able to pick anyone on the roster to play the position for a couple of hours. Since most backup catchers hit like pitchers anyway, Gardenhire doesn't even have to limit his search to position players. He should literally be able to pencil ANY player's name in for a few innings. Hell, he should be able to pick from any of the thousands of fans at the stadium, for all the ability the backup catcher position requires. Seriously, the "who is going to be the 3rd catcher" thing needs to stop right now. Two, Pinto and Suzuki, should be all we ever need. Ever. If something catastrophic happens, then call up someone from AAA. But, for the love of god, don't hamstring the roster all year long because your manager is as creative as a turnip.

I would be very happy if we got Kolek. Nobody can have too much pitching, but given the state of the Twins big league rotation these last few years (and, more than likely, for the next two-ish years to come) I literally do not think it's possible for the Twins to acquire too many arms.

Yes, it is absolutely sacrilege to mention Mauer in the same breath as Kirby. In terms of sheer talent, yes Mauer is in the conversation (although Kirby is still significantly better) but in terms of players I would pay money to go see? No. Mauer isn't in the top 500 if I'm paying money to go see them. Great stats but my god, he is to hitters what Mike Pelfrey is to pitchers or Bea Arthur is to slapstick comedians.

Well, since Burl Ives and Sheriff Andy are still in charge, here's my guess: SP Corriea CF Pressly 2B Dozier 1B Mauer LF Willingham DH Suzuki 3B Plouffe RF Arcia C Fryer SS Florimon UTIL Beredsford 1B/DH Collabello RF/DH Parmelee OF Hicks

Franklin might be a good get for us, but I'd rather see them pursue Chris Taylor.

I'll take a shot at this: - BJ Hermsen - Eduardo Escobar - Duke Welker - Eric Fryer - Liam Hendriks Additionally, the following players might be tradeable for players that wouldn't need to be immediately added to the 40 man: - Glenn Perkins - Trevor Plouffe - Anthony Swarzak - Oswaldo Arcia

I love the movement on his fastball, and that he wasn't just sitting middle away all the time just like every other pitcher the Twins have used over the last 5 years. Between Meyer, Stewart, and Thorpe I am am really excited about the future of the rotation.

If he, or Rick Anderson for that matter, are still here next year, I think the better question is: What are the odds anyone besides the players' mothers will notice when opening day rolls around next spring? The status quo is unwatchable at this point.

Clearly the correct answer is Butch Huskey...

I'm sure Manager of the Millenium Burl Ives didn't damage him at all. He'll be fine. "'I can’t handle that. I haven’t talked to him about it, because I always have to calm down before I talk to people,' Gardenhire said after Kansas City finished off its first sweep of the Twins since April 2011." Twins sputter, Gardenhire irked at Hicks' effort | Star Tribune

How long is Willingham out? Could we flip Plouffe, Perkins, and Willingham (as a PTBNL) for Stephenson and Guillon?

Anyone know when/where we might see our first round pick make his debut?

I finally decided to stop being an anonymous coward a few weeks ago. Been a long time lurker on both here and BYTO, though.