DocBauer

Nice to know we can disagree...but not by much. (Including Ash in this as well). Especially with the pending 26 man roster, I can see room for a Cruz or similar bat to be just that, a bat. No arguement there. And I think we can all agree that a Grossman as our DH is just an immediate stopping point! Lol (No insult meant to Robbie). The sticking point to our two opinions is; "most players don't have max tools across the board". Agree with you 100%! My contention is simply that over the next couple of seasons, with what is on hand, and what is coming up, some of them very quickly, the depth at OF/1B/3B could be such that instead of having a "bat only" DH, you could be rotating Sano, Khirilloff, Rooker and others between the field and DH. Simply means your roster is deep enough and talented enough that you wouldn't have to carry a bat only player because your roster was deep enough and talented enough you spread around the playing time. Is that a pipedream? Meh...maybe. But the potential is there, IMO, to have this "problem" of too many good bats on hand. A fun debate! Let's hope I'm right and the Twins have too many guys to work in to the lineup!

Just a few points/thoughts to throw back at you: 1] While Garver has things to work on, he showed real improvement as 2018 went on and continues to work hard. His bat plays! I think he sticks, though I see your point. I remain convinced the starting job will be his at some point. 2] I could see Cave going down, not because the Twins don't like him, but they may want to use his option for a longer look at someone else. Possibly Reed, as you have him on the team. My best guess? Cave makes it and they hope Reed slips through waivers and goes to Rochester. 3] What do you think about Astudillo starting at 3B with Sano out and letting Gonzalez do what he was brought in to do, which is "super sub" all over the place?

What I saw of Astudillo last season, and the clip you presented, I just don't understand anyone questioning his ability behind the plate. It's just feels like his versatility, and not "slotting" in to a certain category of hitter or potential Gold Glover has allowed him to slip through the cracks and not be appreciated. I feel the Twins have corrected that mistake and understand his fit and potential. I love his versatility. I'd be happy with him as my catcher, at least as a backup, if not a starter. (Unless there is some game calling issue I'm not aware of). I think the bat is for real. Honesty, I'm not sure i wouldn't start him at 3B and keep Gonzalez in the role he was brought in for. As to Harper...yeah...that curveball is magic! He's not in the handbook. I'd really like to know more about his other stuff, because he looks like a real surprise who is going to be a contributor at some point.

I really appreciated the article and effort it took. What it comes down to, in a nutshell, is how do you build a bullpen? If there was an easy answer, then teams like the Tigers, a few years ago, would have taken their lineup and amazing starting staff and won at least one WS. For all the gruff Ryan has endured, one thing he was good at, being a scout at heart, is he found ways to build a pen. Guys like Guardado, Trombley, Nathan, Guerrier, and so many others weren't FA RP that signed up. They were trades, fliers, failed or average starters. Again, were it easy, everyone would do it. Going back even further how many quality RP did McPhail find? Considering the volatility of the position, I can forgive the FO, a bit, for not making at least a solitary move other than bringing Parker in. To help stabilize things, there wasn't ONE GUY you felt good enough to take on board? That bothers me. Even with Reed looking like toast and needing IR, at least, I see the potential here. But even with a smart FO who has brought in a couple interesting fliers who have performed well and could surprise at some point, is there somebody here who we can really count on? Romero and Mejia could both be in the rotation still at some point, 2019 or 2020. But they also have the stuff to be excellent relievers. May is a potential stud. Parker is nice. Which version of Hildenberger do we get? Rogers is very good! Can Johnson get Magill to take his heat and slider/slurve to a more consistent level? I am very hopeful when I look at what is on hand, and the backup options awaiting, potentially, at Rochester. But right now, I am feeling concerned we don't have that #1 guy we can count on and turn to and lead our bullpen.

This will sound like another advertisement for my love and belief in Astudillo...which I admittedly have, lol...but I remember late last season when he was behind the plate...and I forget who was doing color...but they commented how he seemed "quiet" behind the plate. That spoke volumes to me. As Castro said, it's more about just making sure a strike is called as such. Yes, there will always be some "allowance"from an umpire. While we all like perfection from an umpire, there has always been some leeway for a pitcher who consistently paints the edges. My understanding of this technique is to give umpires the best view to call a strike correctly. This goes back to being "quiet" behind the plate. No umpire worth his salt should ever call a 6" glove jerk a strike. But if the catcher can be "quiet" and offer a good view for the umpire, and just receive the ball effortlessly, possibly with a subtle flick of the wrist, suddenly a strike, or borderline strike, gets called as such.

I respect your comment, but we are going to have to agree to disagree to some extent. To re-iterate, I like the Cruz signing a TON. My preference was Brantley or McCutchen because they are good, dangerous, productive hitters who can actually play a position, thus increasing roster depth and flexibility. In said scenario, you roll different guys in to the DH slot for half days off. There is nothing wrong with having a difference making hitter like Cruz, or an Ortiz, on your team, filling their role. And it's OK if you disagree with me, but let me better explain myself. And considering the recent rule changes that begin in 2020, we will use the upcoming 26 man roster. Regardless of who, we will go with a 13 man pitching staff. That leaves 13 position players. We will also say there is a given 8 man "starting" lineup. Next, we will add a backup catcher, a traditional utility player, and a 4th outfielder. We are now at 11 position players and 2 spots left. Could that be a special bat who can realistically only DH? Yes, of course. But let us consider a very easy to predict roster "crunch" over the next season or so at OF and 1B with Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave, Wade, Kiriloff and Rooker. (Note, I'm not including the real possibility of Larnach fast tracking, or anyone else taking a step forward). A nice problem to have, yes? Now, let's plug Lewis in at SS and move Polanco to 2B. As talented as Javier is, as highly regarded a talent as he is, he could be knocking at the door as early as 2021. (A small stretch, I grant you). For purpose of discussion, the newly dedicated and fit Sano is your 3B, who can also play 1B. (Just like the OF/1B situation, I am not including Miranda, Arraez or any other surprise or fast riser). I would rather have this kind of positional player logjam and roll different guys, who are legitimate players in the field, in to the DH spot rather than reserve a spot for a DH only bat. I create competition, matchup situations and depth for guys hurt or struggling. Even with the possibilities of trades, 1 or 2 guys not reaching their potential, there is still a fascinating and tantalizing depth "problem" here that is good to have. And even then, there are guys not even taken in to "consideration" as I've broken down the options listed here. Again, just my opinion on how I'd like to address the roster construction and DH spot.

Very sad Garver couldn't have spoken to Swanson last season. That's just wrong! Something my father and I were talking about when he came back from his ST visit last week and various comments we both read here at TD and other places. The pace of practice has picked up with nobody standing around. Duh? Isn't that the way things are supposed to work? I read how practices at the ML camo have improved, including little thjngs like the catchers getting batting practice early, before they get tired. The milb staff decided this, and other changes, we're a good idea. Holy hell! MLB or milb, isn't this still the same organization? Shouldn't things be done the same way from the top on down? And I have recently read various comments how coaches and advisors from the ML camp have been spending more time on the milb side. This wasn't done before? All of this is dis-heartening to hear initially. And then you stop and reflect how much change that Rocco and the FO are making and it lifts your spirits. This organization is finally getting on the same page. As to the catchers themselves, I get the low strike and clear umpire view. I'm just glad to read they are not ignoring the high strike as the way the game is evolving, with power/launch angles/mad SO totals, the high strike can be a weapon.

I will admit Cruz wasn't my ideal signing. I have always believed you put together the best player roster you can for production, depth and versatility. TK was pretty successful largely, not having a fixture at DH. In today's game, with expanded pitching staffs, it becomes even harder to carry a "bat" no matter how productive. But I love Cruz on board for his bat as well as his professional influence on the lineup and the young players on hand. (Something Falvey spoke of weeks before he was signed). I have always been a proponent for the DH, as well as a lover of the NL game. And that is not a dicotemy. Never been a fan of asking pitchers to hit. It's like asking a kicker or QB to block and tackle. I never thought the NL game was interesting via strategy of PH. You're down and the pitcher is up? Oh my, what do I do? No. It was about the concepts of hit and run and speed, especially considering that, for a time at least, it seemed the AL parks and NL parks were not only different sized, but there were turf vs grass issues. Sometimes what was old suddenly becomes new again. What's wrong with a roster where you can play to power...the IN thing...but also "surprise" the opposition with speed and some situational ball? I think Cruz will pay big dividends the next year or two. But your best roster/lineup is 12/13 guys who can play and hit and you roll through the DH spot for days and half days off. I like Cruz and think we will benefit. But I think we are on the precipice of not needing a "designated bat" on the roster.

Larnach, probably, based on age and talent, will be rather fast-tracked. Kirilloff is one of the top prospects in all of baseball and could be ready in 2020. (I always hesitate to play the "this season" game). I think Wade has a chance to be a really nice player, though I still feel he's more of a complimentary 4th OF type. Rooker has real potential, and seems to know how to adapt, though there are a few holes in his game to be answered yet. Let us assume for a moment Kepler continues to improve and a healthy Buxton begins to at least scratch at his ceiling. Those two and Rosario make up an OF that could very easily be amongst the best in all of baseball. Oh, and Cave had an awfully nice rookie season. (I snicker when people talk about regression for Cave. Couldn't he also learn and improve?) Not even counting so many talented young OF in the lower levels, the Twins could easily have a logjam of riches for the OF/1B/DH as early as 2020/2021. A nice problem to have! It's also part of the reason I've never bought in to Lewis...who I really believe will stick at SS...moving to CF. Let's just say Buxton never figures it out. Sucks...but OK. With all the options present and coming up, does that make sense? The future is hard to predict, of course, but it sure seems there are a TON of OF options that Lewis could/should just stay in the infield regardless. Lewis would appear to be on a fast-track as well. Javier, and Miranda, would appear to be a good year behind. But if Javier is fully healthy and ready to go, he could be a potential top 100 prospect this time next season. That's not my opinion, but the opinion of many others. What if he just turns out to better at SS than Lewis? Do you put Lewis in the OF just because when you have so much talent there, and so many options? Or do you make a left side of your infield a mix of Lewis and Javier? (Possibly moving the talented Miranda out of the picture). Some have said that would be a waste of Lewis's talent and potential. I ask why? That's like saying a talent like A-Rod or Machado should move to the OF because they could. Really? If the OF talent, and potential, is for real, how would moving Lewis to 3B...IF Javier proves to be the better option...be a detriment to his talents? And you know what, it could work in reverse with Javier taking over 3B. Who ever decided you couldn't have stud athletes playing the left side of your infield? Things are in motion. We won't be there tomorrow. We're a season or two away from these questions being answered. But there is so much talent, so much potential, so many options even if a couple guys DON'T turn out, that the player situation is going to be very, very interesting over the next couple of seasons.

I still want a pitch clock/better clock, however you want to look at it. I'm OK with a hard trade deadline, but I would have gone with a compromise of 1st or 2nd week in August to give more time for all teams involved. But roster depth, 40 man roster and AAA are there for a reason. Still, I could see another week or two. I LOVE the 26 man roster. It's about time! NOT in favor of the 28 man September roster. I understand keeping competitive balance during the stretch. But the expanded roster is not just about rewarding players. It's about an audition for young players for the next season. Cap it at 30 if you need to, but I don't like 28. Initially, I balked at the 3 batter minimum. But I like the substitute pitcher for a PH. It just makes sense. But it's the "end of an inning" caveat that I like. It seems to me that often a RP is brought in for an inning at a time. If he's brought in for more than that, he can be replaced at any time after 3 batters. And THAT RP could be in for as little as 1 batter. In regard to a SP, it's really the same. Many times a SP may be removed after an out or two. In this scenario, again, he only has to finish the inning. I think it's an interesting move that adds to the strategy.

Very neat Seth! Thanks! Love the personal side of the players. I'm still trying to figure out Harper because he looks really good and I just can't believe he's still floating around as milb FA. Morin, I do confess, I either forgot about or didn't know much about. Guilmet is a complete stranger to me. These perspectives and personal sketches are very cool!

Not surprised by Duda surging. He's had a solid career and some good seasons. I can see a place for him, out of the gate, as a partner with Cron, and most past season's I'd see his chances as being better than now. The reason being Austin. I don't think the Twins want to double up on RH hitting 1B, but if they were going to keep someone for an extended look, I think it would be Austin. Were a trade to happen, I could see Duda making the club over someone with an option. Rosales has done all he can do. And he offers versatility. But there's also a reason he's here on a milb deal. I can't see anyone knocking down any doors for him. His best bet, IMO, is to go to Rochester and see what happens. It's the bullpen options I find Interesting! I am still trying to wrap my head around Harper. His milb numbers are beyond good. His breaking stuff looks outstanding. Is that all he has? Are his milb numbers a result of a good breaking ball and nothing else but smoke and mirrors? Or is he one of those guys who somehow slip through the cracks? In the past, the Twins often came up with guys like this. Guerrier comes to mind. Is Harper another Magill but better? I thought Eades was a bust before settling in to a pen role. Now I think we may see him at some point in 2019.

My only comment is I'm a fan and believer in Kepler. Always have been, though I was disappointed he didn't have his breakthrough in 2018...which I thought he might. Weird splits, ups and downs and lack of consistency aside, I see a tremendous athlete with power/power potential, a good eye, and a smooth and quick stroke that still tells me it's going to "click" for him. Very interesting he commented recently that perhaps he was being too patient waiting for a pitch, then not seeing another one he liked, and being more focused on just being aggressive this spring. I still believe everything is there to hit at least .270 and higher, while still making contact and having a quality OB with 20+HR power. Is 2019 his year? I sure hope so.

Seth, it's on ST for everyone! You'll catch the next one. But laptop and beer should be preserved at all costs! Lol No hyperbole, the picture of Audra is amazing! (And not just because it's her). That should be framed, printed, sold, auctioned, etc! ST or not, the hidden ball trick just shouldn't happen. Shame on Adrianza! (But it was "smirk" worthy). ST or not, Gibson knuckled down! It's part of the new mental perspective he developed in 2017. There is no SSS as to the new and improved Gibson. He is a legit #3 who throws like a #2 some days. He needs to be extended. Then we need one more guy to add to he and Berrios. Just wish we had that guy now.

A few thoughts, rather than a bunch of quoting: 1] Agree with Thrylos in regard to Badoo and Keirsey. Not sure about Kerrigan. 2] Really thought/hoped/predicted English was going to surpass Granite last season. Then they both had bad years. I think English still has potential, but he needs a healthy and productive 2019 or he will not only be passed, but probably gone. 3] While a bit of a question mark, especially after battling injuries in 2018, I wouldn't fall asleep on Aaron Whitefield. If we are talking talent and potential, this kid has to be included. 4] I don't buy Lewis in CF, though I'm sure he could do very well there. I just don't see why he can't stick at SS with time and ironing out a few things. Further, even if the very talented Javier were to be the better option, Lewis could potentially move to 3B rather than the OF, (as could Javier potentially in a reverse scenario). Potentially, either of them could make for an outstanding overall 3B with defense and offense rather than a move to the OF where it seems the Twins have a lot of nice options. Lastly, Buxton himself. Despite potential, will he ever achieve the potential he has, and others have speculated he has? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe his close to 2017 was merely an illusion. But please don't let "potential" and a horrible and cluster-filled 2018 season cloud real possibility. Hunter wasn't Hunter for a couple of seasons. Painful reminder or not, examine Aaron Hicks, as was brought up, and what he has done, or Gomez, also rushed, and then moved on before a series of some nice seasons elsewhere. Muscled up now or not, Buxton had pretty good power beforehand. He has game changing speed and defense. Touched on, but i will expand, if he only hits .250-.260 and isn't a SO windmill, be can be an All Star and game changer. Hitting .270-.280 he can be elite. I think his anger and disappointment has transformed to determination. Knock on wood for good luck/karma that weird and nagging injuries are mostly behind him, I think he's poised for a very nice season...even if his touching his ceiling is still a year or two away.

I confess, I don't recall ever hearing about Rosario previously. But taking any sort of flier on a former top prospect who maybe needed to mature, adapt, grow and learn or just have a change of scenery is very smart. So far, Perez, for example, is looking a heck of a lot smarter signing than I ever believed he might be. These kind of signings don't always work, as we well know. Motter, for example, last season, was one of these. To a degree, Cave, Austin and Austudillo or similar. NOT a clue if Rosario will pay off or not, but I'd rather have him as a potential #4 catcher at this point than others who have cycled through Rochester.

Interesting about Michael Davis, who may have been a bit of a steal. Forward thinking says the Twins are looking at athletic players who may be able to adapt to various positions. Guys who may not have the perfect skill set or potential to necessarily be a full time ML starter at a set position, but can hit and play various positions. I think Brian summed it up when he referenced creating your own "Marwin Gonzalez" types. I like the idea very much.

Mild surprise on Vasquez, but the numbers are what they are, and his AAA time is small. Wouldn't be surprised if he's a factor before the year is done.

I dont recall seeing that. But I would be interested! I wouldn't mind either one of them, but I just have a weird feeling about Keuchel that he is due for regression. And call me crazy, but I kinda like our rotation, though I remain skeptical in regard to Perez. Maybe I'm too much of an optimist, but I like the potential of the pen with a return to form by Reed. However, he has not looked good thus far. Kimbrel, 90% of his usual self, really moves the needle for me.

Great post! I would disagree with Pineda not being considered part of the future when the future of 2020 is so fluid. Fluid will also describe the Twins pitching in 2019, IMO. Romero and Mejia are young, live but unpolished arms. They are amongst the best 12 arms available and they will use them, take advantage of them, but not pigeonhole them as RP only. That just may be their role for now. Everything from ability, previous results, limited potential (call it better consistency), need and financials tells me 2 of Gibson, Odorizzi and Pineda will be brought back for 2020. I leave Perez out because to me he is still a long shot flier that I just cant buy in to. Baldelli comes from a forward thinking organization and the FO comprises a pair of forward thinking execs. Johnson seems to be a forward thinking coach. "Out-getters" is outstanding! However you build and use your staff, is a collection of arms getting outs what you are really looking for? How many teams have we seen with great starting staffs but a lousy pen who couldn't get it done? (Think Detroit several years and the Twins to a lesser degree last year). Or the Royals who made back to back WS appearances with a solid rotation and great pen. Barring more consistency from Magill, a return from Reed, and a surprise...Perez???...I still feel the staff is at LEAST 1 arm short. But if Johnson really is as innovative as he appears. If Johnson and Baldelli are really progressive in putting together the best 12 "out-getters" they can, I actually feel rather optimistic about the staff. There are question marks to be sure. But there are some really nice arms, overall, to like in the building of a staff. Forget defined roles. Just 1-12...nothing perfect, no embarrassment of ritches...but there are a lot of arms to actually like here.

I'd be fine on the 1yr. I'd be OK with the 2yr. I'd be OK with 2yrs and a team option 3rd yr with a couple $M buyout. I'm always OK with improving the talent on the team, though I dislike losing the draft choice. He is no #1 but he's solid and mostly dependable. More than likely shores up the pen some as well. So why not signed yet by anyone, much less the Twins? Assuming he's healthy, most teams just have to be wondering about/expecting a tick or two drop in velocity the next year or two and he's done. Is that fair?

I've been a follower, fan and believer in Polanco for some time now. He's been handled very oddly going back to the previous administration. Not sure how much blame Molitor gets for that. He burned options while barely playing, then was placed as the starting SS despite being moved off the position a good 50%+ off the spot. But between his uneven 2017...no need to cover the death of his grandfather again...and his suspension to open 2018, we've seen the potential of the bat. For haters of his defense, we've also seen solid play. Young, talented, athletic, couldn't he prove in 2019, a full season, that he's at least average at the spot? I agree he's the best option to bat lead off, though I actually like him more in the 2 and 3 holes where Molitor usually had him. I find it interesting that Rocco has been putting Adrianza and Kepler in the #1 spot most games thus far. Do I have to extol the virtues and values of Lewis here? I think not. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Javier does a "Kirilloff" and vault to the top off of various prospect lists this season. This is a very nice problem to have! Such a good problem, that even if Gordon adds a few pounds for thunder and endurance, the former top prospect could end up as trade potential or a very nice utility player.

A few comments: 1] I get the disappointment and frustration. But some seem to feel there is a conspiracy going on. Sano, by all reports, worked very hard this offseason to get ready. None of these reports speak of malpractice or malfeasance in any way. Our TD medical expert/poster has even spoken about the situation. Bad luck, bad news, but let it go and hope for the best. 2] This makes Marwin's signing all that much better and important. But were it me, I would not pencil him in at 3B. I'd keep him in the role he was brought in for and be thinking about Astudillo as the primary 3B for now. SSS or not, I liked what I saw from him last season. I like and believe in his consistent milb career and this past winter as well. Just how good he could be we dont know. But I'd be thinking about him as the primary 3B with Gonzalez and Adrianza playing their roles. 3] I dont understand the hate for Rod Stewart. LOL Love the guy and think he's a deserved legend!

MLB, and milb as a partner in this, should be included in any future equation. The problem is, the MLB union has little to no interest in helping the milb players since...well, simply...they aren't MLB players yet. They have a "you aren't here yet so who cares" attitude. MLB owners, including the Twins, spend millions of dollars on milb salaries, agreements, academies, infrastructure, etc. Strictly from a bonus signing platform and salary, etc, if they were just being businessmen, would you want to spend more than you have to? Now, were I a MLB owner, not only would I be investing all I can in scouting and facilities, but I'd be willing to spend more on salaries, a mere pittance in the scheme of things, to bring the best available talent to my milb clubs...which I would also love to own or have controlling interest in if I didn't own them outright. I have thought about MLB following a model close to the NFL to achieve greater stability. But is it practical? I don't know. The NFL'S minor system is college and the draft, for the most part. Very different from MLB. Can a luxury tax and minimum payroll work in the current structure?

Liked your post and sort of agree with you. I think Gibson will be back barring something unusual. That makes two. Between Thorpe, Romero and Gonsalves, (and re-discovering his velocity), I think we could have three. But unless Graterol flies up the ladder, I'm stopping there. Romero could, possibly, stay in the pen. Mejia wasn't drafted by the Twins, though he is being developed by the Twins, same with Littell. Jury is still way out on Stewart, IMO. I am betting on Pineda or Odorizzi being retained and someone not yet with us, be it a trade or FA signing.