DocBauer

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.

Hate to say this, but for the second straight year, rather disappointed in the kids we sent to the ALF. Now, I get you don't send AAA guys, or a bunch of A guys. In fact, isn't there some restriction on the amount of A level guys you can send? Very glad to see Jax there. He needs the work and the opportunity. I just have this hunch he will have a very good 2019 and rise on prospect lists. His development, for obvious reasons, has been cheated a bit to this point. I find myself tantalized and frustrated by Blenkenhorn, and fellow draftee Cabbage, who is not in the AFL. Seemed both were nice picks. A pair of all around athletes with a nice skill mix who could turn out. Still waiting for either, or both, to show consistency and have a breakout. Stinks Rooker couldn't make it and Raley got hurt. I really was hoping those 2 could use this experience to springboard their 2019 seasons. I know results in a short term league like this doesn't always matter. After all, who knows what they are working on, or how the experience may benefit them come next season. I just feel a bit underwhelmed. (Though I appreciate the updates!) Still don't know how the FO values the ALF at this point. Maybe we just haven't had the right guys to send these past 2 years. But when I look at the kids who should be in A+ and AA next year, I'm kinda juiced about Lewis, Khiriloff, Graterol, Larnach, Duran, Baddoo, Miranda, Rortvedt, etc, it could be mkre about who we don't send, and why, vs who we do.

A couple thoughts on the Falvine report: 1] No intelligent, decent GM of any franchise lays his cards on the table and just states something like: "we have holes to fill in the pen, infield, probably add a good bad, and will look at the rotation if the right opportunity comes along. We have money to spend and a deep system to trade from, so we're going to be very aggressive. In fact, I have a couple agents on hold so I have to go now." [snicker] 2] Is it also possible that his comments about moving aggressively forward aren't so much about the team build for 2019, but about a BIG FA signing or the potential BIG trade of top prospects to put the team over the top. Just throwing it out there.

Absolutely guessing at this point and will admit it. Even respected media and "experts" will admit they don't see all prospects, and rely on various reports and second hand information to build their prospect lists/rankings. So while we see a lot of parallels, they should always be taken with a grain of salt. (After all, really, how could they ever see everyone, everywhere, and more than once anyway?) As to my opinion/guess, I read what I can, from where I can, and look at results to this point. You mention Duran evolving in to a "pitcher" rather than just a "thrower" this year. Where does your opinion/information come from? Were you lucky enough to watch him this season? Asking honestly because I'd love to know. What I see is very average numbers until he joined Cedar Rapids. The numbers there sure seem like a big improvement. I sure hope he's another Graterol in potential and blows people away next year! But for me, even though I get the "ceiling" about talented young guys, I'd just like to see a little more track record before I'd rank them that high. Love to hear your feedback on him.

Regarding Duran, what do I know? Tall and high heat, is he the guy who pitched so well for Cedar Rapids? Or the guy who put up pretty average numbers before coming Over? I know its all about predictability, but top 10 just seems high to me until we see how he does in 2019. Does his secondary stuff show that much potential?

Tom, I'm right on board with you regarding Thorpe! To show early promise, then be de-railed for 2 full seasons before making a nice comeback in 2017 was encouraging. But his 2018 was downright outstanding, especially when it was, really, his first full season back. ERA and WHIP both quality. He averaged more than a K per IP and had a 4-1 SO/BB ratio! He also got a 4 game, successful, cup of coffee at Rochester and won't turn 23 until November 23. If he was on a "normal" developmental angle, reaching AAA at 22yo and projected to begin next season there as a 23yo would be considered, again, "normal". Not a fast-riser, but solid development. I can only assume lower rankings are due to either A] lack of history via time missed, or, B] because he's not 6' 3" plus and throws 95mph consistently. Santana: I could be interested, if the price is right. I don't like his career BA, but AVG isn't everything. His OB and OPS are quite good and he's a real threat. He could also backup 1B. I'm still on the McCutchen or Brantley wagon though.

I am not going to lie. I've shed a lot of tears in my lifetime. I'm sure i will shed more. But when it comes to sports, I have cried 3 times. The first was when the Twins won the WS in 1987. The second was when my Cornhuskers and Tom Osborne won the national championship in 1994. The third time was the entirety of Mauer's last game and all the hilights I had to watch a second time. His daughters on the field was beyond touching. The visiting team refusing to take position for a moment was classy and poignant. But when he came out in catching gear I bawled like a baby. (Controlled myself in front of my daughter in the replay because I still had to be dad). The only Jersey I have ever owned is a Mauer Jersey my now, unfortunately, Ex-wife bought me. I have only worn it a couple of times. Partially because I have this amazing habit of spilling food on myself when I wear white, lol! But I am honestly thinking of framing it and placing it on a wall in my version of the proverbial man Cave in my basement. Somehow, it just doesn't feel right to wear it again.

Side note, I so badly want to inject Morneau in to this list. Alas...concussions and what might have been. Over and beyond what the Twins themselves may have done, you have to wonder about the careers of the M&M boys and how their careers were tied together. In the sports world, we have seen amazing advancements in training, therapy, surgery and recovery. In baseball, as well as football and other sports, can you imagine how many careers would have lead to incredible achievement had the techniques of today been available then? But there is no technology available today to overcome the cruelty of brain injury. And baseball is largely a no contact sport! For what he did over 9 seasons as a catcher, really, unparalleled when you look at batting titles, MVP, silver slugger, all star games, etc, Mauer should end up in the HOF. While he wasn't the same player, and his production at the position isn't consistent with most expectations, the mere fact that he was still productive as a 1B and a defensive stalwart after transitioning to a new position only adds to his resume. IMHO. But for a moment, a downer of a moment, for both of the M&M boys, I have to reflect and wonder what might have been.

Agreed! A move like that only makes sense if you have doubts about Castro's health. Even then, I think I prefer Astudillo. I like what we have and the best 4th catcher AAAA type we can get on a milb deal. Every other effort needs to be pitching, 2B/SS, and at least 1 really nice bat who can play a position.

Classy right to the end. But would we expect anything else from him?

I have mixed emotions. I am sad he will no longer be playing and contributing to my/our favorite team. Going to feel very strange not having out there. But I'm also happy because...its just time. And he goes out still able to play and contribute, not being "forced" to retire because his body and game just don't cut it any longer. What's the old line about leaving them wanting more? Very best of luck Joe. You will be missed. Thanks for the memories.

OW!! That was the salt being rubbed again in the wound that was giving up on Hicks too soon. Big believer in Buxton and believe we will see a different player this season. Couldn't possibly repeat the same injury history could he? Now, whether he breaks out to star status in 2019 I cant say. But enough contact to just hit .250, and not create air conditioning with his bat, with his speed and natural strength makes him very dangerous. I understand the idea of an extension. Just not sure I can pull the trigger on the idea until I see something in 2019.

Did I miss something, or is Lowrie no longer available? I love defense and believe in it, despite the current state of high HR, high SO, launch angle approach of MLB. I am also a big believer in Polanco with the bat, and a semi reverent believer in a decent glove at SS until Lewis arrives. The options at 2B to improve the club, overall, are more inclined at 2B. That being said, I'd have no problem with Iglesius at SS with Polanco moving to 2B now. Escobar re-signing kind of blew up my 2019 hopes. At this point, I still have to look at the best roster for 2019 and 2020 and beyond. Whether it be one of many 2B available, or Iglesius, we need the right choice. Full time or super-utility, I'm still on board with bringing in Gonzalez from Houston. He's right at the top of my "to do" list.

Agree with Vanimal and Ash in regard to being a very effective tool for young/rookie pitchers in particular. Especially after watching its use with Stewart and Gonsalves this year. However, not being stubborn, but I'm still not sure I entirely see the full benefit. I'd a good one arm is used in the first, it certainly doesn't guarantee success as that pen arm is still, theoretically, seeing the best 3-4 hitters the opponent has. And if said reliever came in to the game in the 6th inning, for instance, he could also face those same hitters, and still for his first time. Maybe I just cant totally wrap my head around the concept yet.

Dont disagree with your arguement at all. Personally, I'd rather keep all 3 OF, plus Cave, and add McCuthen to DH, play the corners, and allow Kepler time at 1B to give Austin breaks against touch RH pitching. I think there's room for all 5 of these guys for 2018 and beyond, and future trades. Especially when Khirilloff arrives.

I just read recently where Roco was looking to add a Latin influence to his staff and felt it was important to do so. Latin doesn't matter unless he is also a good coach and communicator. But I'm really glad Roco understands this need. I honestly don't know enough about Shelton to know if he's the right choice as bench coach or not. But with at least some experience as a manager, a relationship with Baldelli already, it could be a fit. If not, I keep trying to think of a Gardenhire-type. A guy who has been there, done that, and can offer experience. I know next to nothing about Hernandez. But I have been impressed with Rowson. The Twins offense in 2017 was credited a lot to him. And I was really impressed when he spoke about individual teaching and approach with individual players. Through the cluster-muck that was injury and general weird stuff of 2018, I never felt he was responsible for a decline, after the aforementioned incline, of offensive production in 2017. Totally on mark with Willis or Nagy as pitching coach options. Both have impressive ML and coaching resumes. Both guys knew, or learned, how to "pitch" in their careers. Honestly, I'd be happy with Both! One as pitching coach, one as BP coach, working together. *Side note: What are Nathan and Aguillera doing these days? I have no idea. Are they even in the game? Considering their career success, and how they achieved it, Twins legacy or not, couldnt either of them be a quality darkhorse BP coach candidate? I think Watkins has a real future with the organization. But like a prospect climbing the ladder, is it his time now? Gut reaction...no...not yet. Give him a little more time yet to coach and manage. The one thing...OK, there was more than one thing...that bothered me about Molitor was how he was so successful in his career doing the little things that didn't always translate to his team. Before 2018 began, someone, somewhere, forget which "expert" site spoke about the Twins having one of the fastest teams in the league. Even without Buxton, shouldn't there have been more SB? Shouldn't have just general base running been better? I'm really hoping Roco's choices for 1B and 3B coaches simply work with the talent on hand to make smarter choices, but also do a better job of instructing base running and base stealing. Want an advantage over everyone else? Run the bases and steal bases mkre efficiently when the long ball isn't in play. I also hope one of the hires is a catching coach. Whether he is also a coach on the field or not doesn't matter. And this is where I begin to wonder if Giminez, as mentioned in the post, might have been brought back. A transitional acquire by the FO to move him to coaching, post career. Should he cut his teeth in the minors as a coach or instructor I don't know. But I think jts an interesting discussion. Garver, and Astudillo, could continue to learn a lot from a healthy Castro. But he is still a player, not a coach. And this is a very important position to fill, IMO, not just for the position itself defensively, but because this spot also can/Should work so closely with the pitching staff as well.

My $.02 plus. I think we can all agree on 3 points: 1] Whether you state/claim/believe the rebuild has begun or not, there is a lot of young talent/potential on the roster, even though we may have not seen the results we'd like to. 2] There remain holes and opportunity on the roster, especially 2B and the bullpen. 3] There is indeed a "second wave" of prospects set to arrive in 2019 and 2020 which include, but is not limited to, Gonsalves, Thorpe, Graterol, Rooker, Khirilloff and Lewis. Where the differences reside...if I may...resides in the viewpoints of these 3 points. 1] We haven't seen the results wanted and anticipated from the first wave of the rebuild candidates, therefore they should be moved, replaced, traded if possible, etc. 2] Said holes of opportunity on the roster should be filled by a "blow up" of the roster, moving on from the players mention in point 1, via trades and major FA signings. 3] The next wave coming will be better and bring new hope along with point 2 being implemented. I believe the truth rests somewhere between all of this. To paraphrase the old adage, "there is point A on the left, point B on the right, and the truth is somewhere in the middle." Affixing blame to the young players not yet achieving fully anticipated expectations is fruitless! For the most part, they have played under one manager, but two different FO. Bemoaning "the system" they were developed under is a moot point as they have reached the ML level now. What IS important, is what happens now? Especially with a new manager and at least partially new staff to be in place. Tom Kelly famously stated a player really needs 1,500 to 2,000 AB to really figure things out, and for you to figure out what you have in that player. As someone mentioned in another post with me, that doesn't mean EVERY prospect gets or deserves said number of bats! Some guys deserve it and get it, and some you obviously know quickly they don't/won't. In regard to point #1, and the first wave; believe in them or not, Rosario is the old man of the group at 27. And after a lot of debate he simply wouldn't get it, or do it, he did and has. (Though injury robbed him the second half of 2018). But these guys were highly regarded and top prospects within the Twins system. A couple of them ranked amongst the best prospects in all of baseball. And despite frustration and disappointment, ALL of them have shown flashes of what they can do at the ML level. Sano an All Star in 2017, Buxton earning a handful of MVP votes for his second half in 2017, Polanco performing so well the second half of 2017 and putting up good numbers his half season of 2018, flashes and hit streaks by Kepler, etc, etc. To deny that is short sighted and stubbornness. (Again, not saying expectations have been met as of yet!) NOW, consider talent, potential, rankings, flashes shown, and consider TK's opinion. ML AB's Sano: 1406 Buxton: 979 Rosario: 1889 Kepler: 1446 Polanco: 1051 Garver: 348 Austin: 367 *NOTE: I include Garver because he's smack dab in the middle of the first and second wave, and Austin for what should be obvious reasons. What stands out to me is Rosario, the oldest of the "first wave, is the most complete and productive player of the bunch with the most Ad's and has been either the most healthy, or hasn't had a suspension, or missed any appreciable time. (Until his injury in the ,last half of 2018). Kepler could be what he is, a nice piece. Sano and Buxton could each wash out, or one of them make it maybe. But isn't it also just as likely that BOTH of them, especially with a new staff, a new season, and better health begin to tap their potential in 2018? Point #2 isn't even valid, IMO. There is arguement/debate over the history of the FO dumpster diving and signing mediocre FA to simply achieve some competitive status quo. But the current FO has literally been on the job for almost exactly 2 years! Other than changing managers, declining a couple of options and signing a single OF flier, the 2019 off season hasn't even begun yet! What they did last off season, rather obviously IMO, was make some smart, short-term moves to augment a surprising 2017 run without giving up prospects, or handcuffing themselves financially in any way. Yes, injuries happen to all teams. Sometimes they overcome, sometimes their seasons are disrailed, in any sport. But how much better is the rotation with Berrios, Gibson, Odorizzi and a healthy Santana? How much better is the lineup with the "normal" Sano we have seen, a healthy Buxton having any kind of season, a healthy Dozier, (who finally admitted to playing hurt), and Morrison just hitting to his career norms? If the Twins do nothing more than just split their absurd 1 run loss record they have a winning record. When things went south, they did what they should have done, which was make moves to add even mkre talent to the system. Though even as I type this, I still feel they made a huge mistake in regard to Pressly! Point #3 IS important! The Twins legitimately, yet again, have a very deep system with a "second wave" of talented players getting oh so very close. And it may be as highly regarded as the players in the "first wave". But NOBODY builds a complete team with a "single wave" of talented prospects. And not every good/top prospect turns out. We all know this. Which is why it takes a couple "waves" of prospects, trades, and smart signings to build a complete roster/team. The talent on hand, still young and inexperienced no matter what, needs to be healthy, coached and developed. That's why we have a new manager and a re-vamped coaching staff still to be named. There is available money to be spend this off season to add a couple 2-4 really nice pieces to build the roster, as is, awaiting the arrival of the "next wave", for 2019, 2020, and beyond. Even the teams with the most "complete" teams you can think of make trades and signings...sometimes short term...to fill holes. It is WAY TOO EARLY to give up on a collection of 27yo and younger players and blow the whole roster up in some sort of re-build when, honestly, the re-build is taking place, and has been taking place the last couple of seasons. There is nothing inherently wrong with the FO taking some fliers on guys. Sometimes they pay off. And I have never believed that just splurging in FA will "buy" a team. There is so much more involved. And yes, sometimes you just get burned on a guy. But the Twins, and the FO, are in an enviable position right now. They have a collection of young talent at the ML level just waiting to be healthy, motivated, and coached to unlock their potential. (Reflect on the young Berrios and all the position pkayers already discussed and their ML time, flashes and AB). They have a very talented second wave of prospects to arrive over the next two seasons. And they have the finances and flexibility to go out right now and make a couple moves for 2-3 year deals...unlike the calculated 1 year deals last year...to augment the roster. Where they are also fortunate, what they need most is a bat, (preferably one who can also play in the field), a 2B, and bullpen help. And with a deep FA field overall, and with depth at all 3 spots available...and I still believe an adjusted/financially restricted market...opportunity awaits. The key is the smart and right guys to sign! And that's where the FO earns their money and reputation this year. Sign McCutchen, or Brantley, and deepen your lineup and OF. Pick the best 2 RP you believe in. Examine the best 2B options available for the next 2 years. No blow up needed right now. Just be smart and aggressive without being stupid. Do your damndest to work with what you have on hand. Make 2019 the best you can, and keep working forward.

Absolutely agree, which is why he's at the top of my wish list Enough hitting, OB and power to make a difference at the top of the order, or, somewhere in the middle. I just think he's a perfect fit. He can also play defense, is young enough to warrant 2-3 years, and provides even more roster depth and flexibility. (Kepler seeing time at 1B, for example).

Tom, an intelligent and well thought out and argued plan. But I am going to disagree with you none-the-less. I DO believe the rebuild has begun, which is in the form of Sano, Buxton,Kepler, Polanco, Berrios, Garver, etc. Now, we haven't seen the desired results or consistent performances as of yet. Is that the players, the coaching, injuries, or system development, or dumb luck it's taking longer to hone their skills? That's the tricky part! And I dont have an honest answer. I would add 2 quality bullpen arms. I would roll with Moya, Vasquez or Mejia as a 2nd LH arm with Roger's. Combined with May, hopefully a rebounding Hildenbeger creates a much better pen with auditions for the end spot(s). I sign McCutchen to play OF and DH. He's productive, has a couple good years in him, and the lineup and roster become deeper and more flexible. I'm OK with Lowry as a stopgap at 2B. But I'd prefer a trade for someone like Starlin Castro. He's got offense, is much younger, and could have value as a starter even after Lewis arrives. We have 3 SP who could be gone after this year. But I'd re-sign Gibson. Odorizzi and Pineda could be kept, moved to the pen, or offered up in trade during 2019 if/when Romero, Gonsalves, Thorpe begin to step forward. This is not a series of 1 year deals. Its 2-3 year deals to augment the current roster, a wait the second wave of prospects, and still have trade flexibility for the next couple of seasons. Much depends still on continual development for Sano, Buxton and Kepler. (Along with some better health). But I see moves like this adding to the roster, not just fill ins.

I hear you Winston! And previously, I have been all about Iglasious as our SS, even though I'm a fan and believer in Polanco as a player. But having read various information as to his defensive play and rankings the last half of 2017...no I don't have a link...and realizing how missing the first half of 2018 had to have an affect, in addition to some of the posts I have read here on TD regarding launch angles and OF put outs...despite being a lover and believer in good defense...I'm leaning more and more to a quality 2B the next year or two and trusting in Polanco's ability and development until Lewis arrives.

Tom, loved your ideas once again. But just want to toss a couple ideas out to you after some reflecting. I'm a Garver fan and non Castro hater. What about McCutchen instead to shore up the OF/DH spot more in place of Grandall? Doesn't lead to a Gray deal, but we have depth, and could look for another 5th SP elsewhere or trade a couple prospects for Gray. Also, what about a deal for Sterlin Castro at 2B in place of Lowrie? He's younger, and coukd have value even a couple years from niw when Gordon and Lewis arrive. Curious as to your thoughts.

I'd like to find something here to disagree with but I simply can't. If I were to try and nit-pick, I'd really like to see Romero in the rotation and get an extended look. Someone hurt performing poorly, or sliding to the pen affords his opportunity. The rotation depth at Rochester is nice, and for the future, we need Romero and someone else to seize a spot. As you point out, there could, potentially, be as many as 3 openings come 2020. I thought Mejia was out of options. Am I incorrect? I could see him in the pen for a second LH. I like the depth and versatility offered here. Still comes down to the youngsters being healthy and taking the next step. Well done!

While you just know guys will get banged up and miss time here and there, and you should always try to have depth and roster flexibility, ( not to mention AAA depth), the roster is constructed with the idea of health in mind. And, of course, production that is less predictable. Rosters simply aren't large enough to have a back up/platoon player at each and every spot. I have no problem with a Cruz signing, and would welcome him with open arms even with some age regression. My preference is McCutchen for his bat and ability to play the OF. I also have no problem with signing someone like Lowrie for 2B, but really like the idea of previously mentioned trades for Starlin Castro. Assuming you have 13 position players: OF: Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave and McCutchen. INF: Sano, Polanco, Castro, Austin, Adrianza and X. C: Garver and Castro 13th: Astudillo? Your OF has great position flexibility and allows Kepler to be part of the 1B equation. In addition to Max and Austin, you also have Sano, Garver, and even Astudillo to play some 1B.

I have this habit of repeating myself at times, but will do so again here. Buxton might have just had some bad injury luck in 2018, with the toe, etc. And I hope that's what it was. I mean, he wasn't injured running in to a wall, Right? But I remember Robert Smith, the great Viking RB, who was also "injury prone" his first couple of years. HOF RB Tony Dorsett once had a conversation with Smith concerning protecting his body. Basically, he told him about laying down or going out of bounds once in a while to protect himself, because an extra yard or two here and there simply wasn't as important as being available to play and contribute weekly to his team. Now, maybe Smith learned something from that. Maybe he built his body up. Maybe he was just unlucky his fist couple of seasons. But he took off after those first couple of seasons. Migraines are tough to deal with, I've suffered in the past from them. But answers can be found. Weird broken toes and wrist injuries happen. Sucks when they do, especially after you had the best stretch of your young career! What I know and think I know: 1] From Span-Hunter-Puckett on down, I don't know in 45+ years I have ever seen a more talented or exciting player than Buxton. Whether it's just waiting for good karma to offset weird injuries in 2018, Baldelli being able to identify and connect with him, or Hunter spending time mentoring him,(which I have advocated repeatedly), but I would do everything I could to work with him. He doesn't have to be "babysat", but being "nurtured " by the organization is not a bad thing. 2] For whatever reason, blame who you will, the Twins have been blessed and cursed for some time now with talented CF who have been rushed through the system, and needed time to figure it all out. Sometimes they did with us, sometimes they did elsewhere. I would absolutely run with a healthy Buxton in 2019 as far as i could in 2019 for his development and potential. Aptitude, talent and coaching are all important. And he needs to step forward, learn and grow. But there remains so much here to wait for and watch.