DocBauer

Is this a big, sexy move? Nope. But I really like it. 1] The cost is cheap with no longer term commitment and no prospects involved. 2] The move does little to nothing to constrict payroll for any other additions. 3] Baldelli is familiar with him. 4] Only 28 and coming off his best season. Coincidentally, his first season with more than 409AB. 5] We have just, cheaply, added depth and competition to the 1B/DH situation. Smart move. [And I agree at working Austin in the OF come ST]

I fear for the worst...elbow or just a dead arm....and hope for the best. Let's say I am in the "hopeful" camp that relative youth and a restful season, combined with new coaches maybe spotting something, along with his previous success, (even the first couple of months last year), will have him rebound.

He fits need and opportunity on many levels. But once again, he's a 1 year rental at this point. There is a really nice nucleus in place here, but we also need health, a bit better luck than 2018, and for this nucleus to take the next step. With those things, and a couple smart moves, the 2019 Twins could surpass the 2017 Twins and actually contend for the Central, a playoff spot, and who knows. The FO seems to finally be free to have the manager they want, coaches they want, and the direction going forward they want, from the top on down. There IS talent and opportunity to work with and develop. And for Rocco and his staff, along with moves we haven't seen yet, the talent made available, and what's coming up, should not be discounted. But with that being said, he is a 1yr bandaid to provide excitement if an extension isn't worked in to the trade.

While a great changeup can be outstanding in it's effectiveness, it's probably less important for a RP working only an inning, maybe two. I'm curious about his turn to a slider. I honestly can't recall if he had one before and just dusted it off, or did he really learn the pitch?

I got it! Not gonna lie, took me about a minute and a half to two minutes, but I got it!

Mike, I absolutely will not disagree with you, or argue the numbers. Nor will I argue the run of bad years and 90 loss season's. Also, I have no crystal ball to predict how 2019 will unfold, or who will perform to what levels. And while I am not making any excuses for anyone, I'd like to offer up a glass is half full counter, if I may. 1] I understand the frustration and disappointment in regard to both Buxton and Sano. I feel it as well. But the truth is, both ARE super talented, and have flashed, especially Sano. "Doc" is my nickname, and I have no medical training, though I do have some knowledge and consider myself fairly intelligent, lol. But the surgery for Sano absolutely bad to curtail his preparation for 2018. (Not to mention his off the field distraction). From migraines to a freak foot injury to his wrist, Buxton's season was a medical disaster, (possibly exasperated by poor medical decisions). There is a really good chance that better health/luck in 2019 will have both of these guys tapping in to their potential. 2] I like Garver a lot. I saw real improvement as the season went along, and I really like the bat. Castro is nothing special, but he's a nice quality, veteran backstop. Having him back helps in various ways, even as the back-up, which is where I see him. Do I have to say again how much I like Astudillo as a bat and nice role player who looked solid behind the plate to me? 3] Lineup and position-wise, in addition to those mentioned above, I liked what Cave brought. Just a little more growth and discipline in his second year, he's a nice player. The same could be said for Austin. Not saying he will be special, but the power is legit, as well as his milb numbers. I don't penalize him for not cracking the Yankees on a consistent basis. Opportunity and timing is a very real thing. He could be a dangerous lower order hitter. Many of us can/have/will debate Polanco as a SS for now or the future. But he has flashed an awful lot of potential offensively for a middle infielder and should only get better. And we should have him for a on entire season in 2019! Does Kepler need to average out weird splits and find a way to take all that potential, and good eye, and become a more consistent threat? Absolutely. But I've seen enough to feel good he may just be about ready to break through. Are there a couple holes? Absolutely! Could we use more depth and roster/lineup flexibility? Again, Absolutely! But I feel, position player wise, there is a little more here than you state. 3] Rotation-wise, surprisingly, I feel pretty good. Not "giddy", as there is room for improvement and no sure fire "top of the rotation guy who can beat your top of the rotation guy" on hand. At least not yet. And I would be ecstatic if the Twins pulled off a bold move there! It seems Berrios has been around forever, but that's not the case. He's only 25 and coming off only his second full season. There is so much promise there! Romero, a couple months older, missed a lot of milb time due to injury but has shown wicked stuff and potential. With experience and coaching, he could be better than Berrios, potentially by the end of 2019. Gibson has proved himself by his early work and his maturity over the last season and a half. Odorizzi is nothing special, but solid. In fact, when the season was done and someone posted his final numbers and where he was ranked in the league, I was pleasantly surprised. Pineda is not special, at least he hasn't been to this point, but his career numbers are solid. His arm is healthy, and he looked sound in his rehab during 2018. There is also some depth/competition available and a few arms we could see climbing the ladder next season. Notably Thorpe and possibly Graterol. (The designated starter idea could ease some of these arms along). 4] The bullpen needs help! Especially the way the game has been transforming, and lack of a true #1 SP at this time. But only one good RP? I have to argue that point. Relievers lead a volitle ML life, we all know this. Only the very, very best have year after year of outstanding numbers with little to no hiccups. (Nathan, for example). But I feel Rogers is legit. I really like what I saw in May on his FIRST YEAR BACK. Consistency? Reed has been that for his entire career, and looked to be that same guy early in 2018. Did Molitor wear him out? After multiple years of such consistency and IP, was it just his year to have "tweaks" and have a poor season? We don't know. And that stinks. But history would seem to indicate and still relatively young, that he will bounce back in 2019. Hildy? Again, like Reed, we aren't sure at the moment. But his milb history, his performance in 2017, and good-decent first 2-3 months of 2018 tell me the "sophomore" is inclined to bounce back as well. Just like when he was added initially, I'm still not sure who Magill is! He had some BAD appearances, as RP are wont to do at times. But there were several times I watched him and saw a mid 90's heater and biting slider and wondered what he could do with just a little more consistency. Could the new staff help make that happen? If so, he could be a really nice 7th arm in the pen. (I DESPISE an 8 man pen and hope we don't have to have one next season). No doubt help is needed here! And there ARE questions. But I don't agree with just one good RP. Overly optimistic? Hyperbole and spin? Perhaps. There is roster need, to be sure and questions to be answered. And we could argue how full the glass really is. But I'm just trying to offer a different viewpoint on the situation.

Happy to get Goldschmidt. Very happy! The caveat being AZ reportedly wants to shed salary and Goldschmidt is signed for only 1 more year. That doesn't scream high return to the Diamondbacks. And that's the way it should be. Now, we're the Twins able to agree to an extension before the deal is finalized, that changes things. Santana, despite being a step down is a very good option and one that maybe makes more sense. Philly also wants to shed payroll, seems to really want to move him to make better roster sense, and he's very familiar with the AL. He also has longer team control. Agree on the RP recap. There is need and opportunity. How big do they go? With Moya, Vasquez and Mejia all available as interesting LH options, My guess would lead me to a pair of RH. What do I think they will do? One of the bigger names on a 2-3yr deal worth $9-11M (Familia maybe?) and a 1yr or 1 and 1yr signing for a bounce back option. A name to watch could be Herrera. I've seen him listed as a possible 3yr signing, but most things I've read say a 1 yr to prove he's healthy and ready to go again.

As good as he is, only if there is an extension in place, and doesn't cost us Lewis or Khiriloff. With an extension in place, I would consider 1 of the 2. Reports seem to indicate Arizona may be looking to shed payroll and re-build. This could bode well. Assuming, for a moment, the talent in place, proves itself, does this improve the Twins enough? I'm still thinking where there is smoke there must be fire. I like a small trade to the desperate Phillies for Santana with multiple options to back up 1B/DH/OF and keep my top talent for promotion and maybe a mid season acquisition.

I'm glad Arraez was protected. I get he's probably ONLY a 2B. And I know Polanco will probably slide to 2B this next season or in the next couple. And I also get it may have been bard for someone to stash Arraez. But even if the Twins sign a quality infielder, which they HAVE TO DO, you need depth. This kid has an undeniable hit tool. We are hurting for depth at the upper levels. I think this was smart.

Thank you. Thought my crazy memory had gotten even crazier. Lol

Just a few comments to toss out: 1] "Building" IS different than "re-building". And this differential is not just semantics. It's what the new FO talked about from the day they were hired. Yes, maybe they were handcuffed initially by keeping Molitor. But they have not only made changes in FO and milb personnel, but they have also replaced Molitor and most of the previous on the field staff. They have had a couple of good to excellent drafts, and have played with finances to obtain players, have eaten portions of contracts, made smart FA signings that didn't work out the way anyone wanted, and then spun those players to acquire additional prospects/players, (though I'm still upset about Escobar and Pressly). They HAVE been aggressive in many areas, and thus far, continue to be so. While we may not like every move made, they are not laid back in comfy seats. So I feel "building" is pretty darn accurate. 2] Pohlad may be very, very intelligent. But he is also a very, very poor public speaker. At least off the cuff. The Twins FO didn't sign FA to have a record payroll in 2018 without approval from ownership. But if you have something to say in regard to Mauer's contract being off tbe books...along with others...that you don't feel the $25M is just there to spend because you are looking at extensions, future contracts, the RIGHT FA, a possible BIG mid season trade, etc, then just say so! If you truly believe in the players on hand, the players coming up, and the intelligence in your FO to build the team, then say so! If you can't do that, then get someone to write your material or stay away from public settings. 3] Baldelli is going to meet with Buxton. Tremendous! He should! Where is special consultant Hunter in this. He has nothing to offer?

Agreed this could go up in flames. In most everything in life, experience does matter. Professional baseball, or any sport, is no exception. I think it also begs the question, what does "experience" mean? Baldelli has never managed. And that bothers me. There is a lot of subtlety involved, from the clubhouse to the lineup, to in game management. Not only should Shelton help with that, and be and Rocco have a history together, but Baldelli himself has played the game and filled in different roles since his playing does. So if we question his "experience" factor, I guess we also have also ask ourselves in what areas, and how much those areas matter in regard to playing and post-playing. Maybe I'm just the eternal optimist, but the more I reflect and examine the coaching staff, the more I see diversity. Diversity in MLB experience, coaching experience, ethnic diversity, progressive thinking, and what appears to be great communication skills.

First....GREAT POST!! Second...in regard to Suzuki...and something I've mentioned previously, including when he was a Twin...the catching position in unique. It's not just defense vs offense, or hoping for the best of both worlds. Sometimes it just comes down to leadeeship and game calling. Making your pitchers feel comfortable. I still feel that's why Castro was brought on board. One thing I will Molitor credit for...even though I think he used too padded kids gloves than he should have...he tried to break Garver in slowly with his use/over use of Wilson. I feel Garver really improved defensively as the season wore on, and the bat really came around, but I felt his game calling was pretty solid. Even in the early portion of the season...and I posted a piece on this...he lead the team in games where the team allowed 0-2 runs scored. Lastly...the game has absolutely seen nuanced changes. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. But when I read so much about power, launch angles, high SO total being acceptable, I wonder sometimes about fads and new age approaches. And don't get me wrong, if the best way for the Twins to win is build a strong pen, and "break in" a rookie pitcher or two with a designated starter, I'm OK with a new approach. And I am NOT advocating some old thinking, Molitor bunting way too often idea, BUT, wouldn't it be wild to think your new and young FO and new and young manager and staff could incorporate some "old" ideas in to new thinking? In this age of overshift and HR and high SO numbers, how about a few bunts to an empty side of the infield? How about contact, OB guys mixed through your lineup to play some hit and run, especially with a shift on? How about taking your best athletes...and the Twins have some...and refining their base running to steal some bases? Is that old school ball? You bet it is. But when everyone goes so far one direction, one thing you can do is counter that with a different approach. Forward thinking can also mean reverse reflection. Even in the pass happy, no contact NFL, the old fashioned ground game and good defense still equates to wins. As much as Odorizzi frustrated me at times...and I was surprised to see how well he ranked in so many categories when the season was done...what often surprised me was his SO numbers. Time and again I saw swinging strikes, and SO, simply because he threw high pitches. If the batter is looking for low stuff to drive for launch angle, then tease him with high stuff. (Another reason where I still think he's be an outstanding set up man or closer). I'm am just really hoping the FO and field staff will build a versatile team, use all the analytics they can, but not be afraid to play baseball the way it was meant to be played. Like Trout said, scoring more runs means you win, right?

Absolutely agree 100%! Eventually, Polanco probably moves to 2B. (Not guaranteeing it as he has improved and will continue to improve, IMHO). Gordon should debut in 2019. Lewis and Javier are at least a year or two away, along with other talented players brought on board the last couple of years. Even if he is only a 2B with average speed, his hit tool is tremendous. He seems to be building at least a little more pop/power. Even if he's average defensively, you can't ignore the bat. And let's not forget he missed almost an entire season due to injury and came back very strong. Glad to see Wade there, but I agree he was a given. He hits both LH and RH pitching, gets OB, is developing a little more power, and can play quality defense in both corner spots and doesn't embarrass himself in CF. Just a no-brainer there. While I like Granite and think he has a future, after a lost season in 2018, I think Wade has moved ahead of him and expect him to be removed from the 40 man. (Or did I miss it and he already was?) I admit to being a little confused about the Michael Reed signing. Wasn't he added to the 40 man once claimed? I want to say he was. The pitchers? Other than Reed, who I'm still confounded about in regard to the FO, lack of a call up, etc, I just don't know. There's a couple guys I'd like to hold on to there, but what are the odds they would be selected rule 5 and actually stick anyway? I don't want to lose Weil or Davis either. I feel both have the potential to be solid players who could yet move their game to the next level. But again, what are the odds of being selected and sticking? I think Gordon and Wade are correct. I'd absolutely keep Arreaz! I think I'd keep Reed as well. Otherwise, FA, trades, kids coming up, I think I'd keep the other spots open.

Just not excited about any of the SP options listed here.i would either spend the money elsewhere, or add to it payroll wise on a trade. The pen options are more interesting. I have seen Herrera anywhere from a 3 year at $24M to a 1 year at $8M. Comjng off injury could he be even cheaper on a 1 year deal with an option? His career suggests he could be a steal. Absolutely interested in Greg Holland as an addition based on his history, like Herrera, as long as they were a second signing.

Oh Carole, don't stop there! They could be the next Williams sisters along with a stud FB/BB brother! But just considering sports in the Midwest, how about a pair of "twin" sisters who excel at basketball or volleyball and become All Americans at UNL...sorry for my bias...while their younger brother decides to play for the Twins as a top draft choice or lead the Huskers to a national championship? Sorry...lost in a daydream. Lol

If someone could convince me that Donaldson has discovered yoga or Pilates to get himself over the injury hump I'd be all in! Cruz is going to flatline, but it could still be a couple years coming. He still brings value, absolutely. I doubt he falls off the cliff in 2019. I'm just not sure he fits. Of all options, I like Santana the most. He's still powerful and productive. He can play an OK 1B, catch or make an appearance at 3B in a pinch. But I would pass on all of these for McCutchen or Brantley. What's wrong with a "too crowded" OF scenario if everything works out? Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave and McCutchen/Brantley play OF/DH with Kepler at 1B along with Austin, Garver, Sano, possibly Astudillo? Too much depth? Let Rocco figure it out.

First and foremost, I would wish all the happiness and health and good luck to Joe and his family for their bouncing baby boy addition to their family! They will never read this, of course, but the sincere blessing is sen regardless. Second, I can't help myself, my father and I joked a few weeks ago his next child had to be a boy to carry on the family's athletic contribution. Lol Let's hope 18 years from now he's a chip off the old block and somehow ends up with the Twins. Congrats Joe! God Bless and thank you for being you and all the memories you gave us.

Reading this and reflecting I'm feeling better and better about this staff. I know the FO is obviously having some say here, but I'm getting the feeling they are simpotico with Rocco in building the new staff. Baldelli talked about a diverse staff, and it seems he has it. It's all gut reaction, of course. I like having Shelton back on board, especially since be and Rocco have a connection. In 2017 Rowson was the belle of the ball and a fresh voice. 2018 was a cluster of crap in so many ways, and no way to fault him. I'm fine with him back again. I know nothing about Diaz, but 20 years experience and his writing shows me a guy who "gets" bridging the communication necessary for success for Latin players. I think, like a lot of us, that Watkins may be a rising star. I just felt for certain the Twins would keep him in the minors for another year to learn and "train". I am very happy for his inclusion. He's a good baseball guy, a great communicator by all reports, knows the guys on the roster, and a majority of the guys coming up. In retrospect, I'm seeing a rookie manager, some rookie coaches, and a couple guys with experience. And really, it's not a very old staff with Hernandez and Shelton 50yo-. A little confused with Her her as "assistant" pitching coach. Is he the pen coach? If not, then does that spot have to be named yet? Or is that really his spot and a catching, defensive specialist, special advisor coach need to be named yet?

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people ask what the definition of "insanity" is to make a point. And, of course, public vonacular is "repeating the same action hoping for a different result." Now, believe it or not, I'm a pretty smart individual. I have studied English and journalism, worked with both, and am a bit of a writer, both fiction and poetry. And maybe I've just never looked in enough dictionaries in my day, but I've never seen that definition listed under insanity anywhere I've looked. That being said, I certainly don't think anything the Twins have previously done in regards to development or coaching has been "insane", but there have been various disappointments with development. There have also been successes, and we too often overlook them due to the frustration of the past several years. Like it or not, the game of baseball is changing in many facets. Small ball, stolen bases, 35 starts and 200 UP by a starter are being replaced by launch angle, defensive shifts, emphasis on bullpens and now, designated starters. And there are reasons for this, though we don't have to get in to it here at this time. All sports have changed over time. The football and basketball I watch now is not what I watched in the 70's, 80's and even early 90's. Not bad, just different. Like it or not, this FO is forward thinking. Out of the box thinking. The game is still, largely, played the same. But the nuances are changing. These coaching hires have the chance to "blow up" in either direction. The hires are not "non-baseball" guys, but rather, baseball guys from a different angle. As I posted in another thread, the Arkansas baseball coach, Dave VanHorn, is well respected and has had a great career at both Nebraska and now at his almamatter Arkansas. And be has had some great pitching coaches, and seen several pitchers drafted. I don't know, or remember, much about Hefner. But like Rocco, he has MLB service time to help relate to the ballplayers under his watch. I haven't read about Diaz yet. I'm pleased and surprised about Watkins though. I am pleased as he knows a lot of the pkayers first hand, and those coming up. He brings a sense of continuity. He seems to be a real "baseball guy" and a great communicator from everything I have ever heard or read. I'm surprised because I felt he would be kept in the system to be "groomed" more as a manager before seeing a ML promotion. Like all of us, I will reserve judgement until I see how 2019 unfolds. Roster construction and development of the talent on hand is still paramount. But in regard to the on-field staff, the onus still falls on Rocco. Does he have a feel for his staff? How does he build a lineup and use his available talent? I am NOT advocating a return to Monitor's penchant for hunting and playing "old school" too much. But one thing I'm hoping he will embrace, in a league obsessed with the HR ball, seemingly acceptable with high SO numbers, is that he will stress defense and fundamentals, and embrace a "new way" of thinking by being old school enough to utilize the athletes he has available for stolen bases, (looking at you in particular Buxton), and hit and run and other situations to put pressure on the other team.

Analytics, a fresh approach, not being bogged down by years doing things a certain way can pay off big and provide a new direction. Communication skills are important regardless if age. Like everyone else, we can only wait and see how this approach works. I do like the out of box thinking. But there absolutely is a place for experience and veteran leadership and previous knowledge. I agree with Thrylos that the to be named 1B and 3B coaches could be interesting. I do hope there is a little bit if experience there as Shelton shouldn't be the only veteran guy on staff, IMO.

This comes completely out of left field! It could be a HUGE reach, or a new-age brilliant move. I will tell you that Arkansas head coach Dave VanHorn is outstanding and well respected. He re-built the Husker Basball team here in Nebraska to a nationally ranked program and his then pitching coach RB Childress, (I believe he's at Texas A&M now but can't recall clearly), built quality staffs and had several guys drafted. Since moving back to his almamatter at Arkansasm that program has been excellent and IIRC, has sent more than a couple guys to the draft. I have a lot of respect for Dave VanHorn, so I'm going to be looking at Johnson as a good hire.

Agree 100% on the infield. No matter how much I like and believe in Polanco as a hitter, and an OK SS, his ultimate position is probably 2B. But in the short term, I feel he could play adequately at SS. The market is rich with infield options available on a 2-3 year deal. It's up to the FO to make the right choice. I hear your arguments for a LH 1B, but just can't quite motivate myself to completely buy-in. Can we afford a bench spot for a 1B/PH only player? With Austin at 1B, and other options available, I think I'd still look at the best and most dangerous bat I could find, probably an OF, and fit Kepler with a 1B mit against really tough RHP. There are enough options to fill out the middle infield with budget quality I wouldn't necessarily look at 1B/BAT as the place I would "budget".

This makes a ton of sense to me. 1] The new FO has shown a willingness to take on payroll to make a move. And this is for only 2 more years. 2] This move gives the team a power bat, a good OB guy, a veteran presence, depth and an alternative to Austin...though I believe Austin is and should be part of the plan...and someone who could, maybe, be a fill-in at 3B and catcher in a pinch. I am still more interested in McCutchen and Brantley to fill a "big bat" acquisition as they provide even more roster flexibility. But I am not at all opposed to this option. It makes a lot of sense.

Love the love, and the write-up. Not ready to declare him the next Harper at this point, mostly because I have a lot of faith in Garver. Astudillo's biggest problem is he doesn't "fit" what teams expect or are looking for. And I say this with respect and love for the guy. He's not seen as a defensive whiz. He's not a power hitter, Though he flashed more power in 2018 than before at 26yo, nor is he an OB machine. I think the Twins got lucky because they found a nice "ballplayer" who other teams let go because they just didn't know what they had. While his SSS with the Twins is unsustainable, the guy flat out makes contact and hits. I don't care who you are, you don't hit .300+ your entire milb career if you can't plain old hit. And it appears there is now some budding power as well. I watched him in several games and he was solid and quiet behind the plate. I watched him play a solid 3B as well. I never got to see him at 1B/2B/OF but supposedly he's at least acceptable there. The ONLY reason this guy isn't on the roster for 2019 is Castro has made a full recovery and is ready to partner with Garver AND the Twins have made enough of a roster-wide depth upgrade where he is squeezed to Rochester to begin the season.