DocBauer

TO THE POINT: What do I want now? Obviously, Falvey, Levine and Baldelli are seeing eye to eye with some sort of vision, or this hire wouldn't have been made. The hot stove hasn't even been stoked yet, though assuredly someone is preparing the coals behind the scenes. But before that stove starts to really burn, here is what I want to see happen NOW: 1] Thoroughly examine the entire coaching staff. Some of these guys were brought in by Falvey and Levine, and from outside the organization. Does Baldelli concur on their choices? EXAMPLE: Rowson drew accolades for his job in 2017, and was often chastised in 2018 for a failed offense. How much of that was injury and various X factors or on him? 2] When reviewing the 2019 staff, find at least one good Latin coach to add to your staff. I stress again, "good coach"! Not just because he is Hispanic, but because he can fill a positive role as a coach, as well as being a communicator with all the Latin talent currently on the roster, and those young prospects on their way up. This is such an obvious need that it shouldn't even have to be debated. 3] Find and decide on a bench coach that has experience managing a team. No matter how intelligent or say Baldelli may be, be needs a sounding board beside him he can trust. I am not naming names, the potential list could be longer than my arm, potentially. But let's just say there was a "Gardenhire-type" out there who had actual milb and MLB experience running a team. Wouldn't a guy like that be a great resource of experience for a new, young manager? 4] Have "special assistant" Hunter meeting with, and working with Buxton this off season. And I've mentioned this previously a few times. Nick wrote an interesting piece about how Baldelli could potentially relate to Buxton. And that's great. But wouldn't Hunter, who went through a lot of what Byron has seen early in his career, be a great ambassador to bridge any gaps in the organization and him, if they exist, and provide perspective on everything from success and failure and approach be a great resource? 5] Have someone Sano trusts work with him and monitor him. He put in the work after his demotion/re-set, despite poor results. But results don't always happen overnight. Sano has said all the right things since his demotion and the end of the season. What's wrong with having a positive voice in his ear/head this off season to erase 2018 and prepare for 2019 and beyond? Those are things the Twins can actually control NOW. The rest is roster construction, via 40 man, as well as FA and trades. And that's going to be very interesting.

I liked this post because I agree with you in theory. But I also have to disagree somewhat. Not because I think you are wrong, but because I think it's just so damn complicated. You simply can't protect everyone. For various reasons...guys you have to protect, guys who still show real potential and aren't past the age of "prospect" status, guys who showed you something last year, guys who missed time early in their careers due to injury but who's clock has been ticking, etc, etc...there is going to be a 40 man crunch this off season. And I can guarantee you there will be a guy or two not protected that will go somewhere else and do well. I mean, just look at some of the names you listed. If push comes to shove, I'd have to leave off Magill, Drake and Busenitz. But Magill filled his role well in 2018, flashed a plus FB and slider. With just a little more consistency, he could be a very fine long/middle man. Just as an example. But could Slegers, or someone else, fill that role, potentially, just as well? I just hope they make the right choices. And please, unless there is a REAL STEAL that falls in your lap, just don't waste another 40 man spot on a rule 5 guy!

The game is played on the field, of course. But on paper, which is what I believe was being stated, Molitor did, indeed, have a better roster/team in 2018. No question injuries and poor performance shredded that paper to shreds. 2018 is done, gone, and lost in the annuals of time, but damn, I would have loved to seen a healthy Castro, Morisson, Reed, Buxton, etc, etc, to see. I guess the good that can come out of it all is the playing time to guys like Garver, Cave, etc. But on paper, yeah, it should have been a better team.

I hope it's a good hire, like all of us. I like the various roles he has held in his post player career. I like he comes from a team that has been embracing change and analytics. I like he has "player credibility". I like he is young enough to embrace new thinking and identify with today's players. I'll even state I like and appreciate the comments made by the always classy Plouffe. I don't like zero manager experience. The next move, IMO, is a bench coach to work beside him who does have manager experience.

And an excellent question! Ted, once again, you post an intelligent article. And your references to Mauer and his signing/contract as well as the Darvish attempt have merit. And there is no doubt the Twins could afford Machado. But I have to reflect on two primary points, based on your post, and Corey's question. 1] I am a mid-western man, born and raised. Like Joe Mauer. Doesn't matter, like Joe, that I grew up a Twins fan. Pretty sure Machado didn't. Despite a down and disappointing 2018 season, I can see a top farm system, tons of talent and potential in that system, and guys like Berrios, Gibson, Sano, Rosario, Buxton, etc, just waiting to break through and reach their potential. I can play half my games in one of the top ballparks in all of MLB, and be a STAR in a city that doesn't overwhelm compared to others, and make the same $30M per season I could anywhere else. That is all a wonderful positive! Especially if Machado was thinking about his personal life, family, atmosphere, etc. 2] Machado is from Miami, not the mid-west. East-coast busy/crazy and now the same in LA may simply be more who and what he is and is used to. Endorsement deals to add even more to his coffers could be an enticement. Despite down years in Baltimore, maybe more because of those years, he could see the finances of a big market like LA, N.Y., Boston filling in a competitive team around him yearly. I have absolutely no idea who Machado is, or how he ticks, but money being even, I just don't see him here.

I like this post a lot LA. You and I disagree some on Kepler, and that's OK. You are more in the "prove it" category and I'm more in the "I think he will soon" column. And we both like Cave. I chuckle sometimes when I look at someone like Cave, seemingly a bit of a late bloomer at only 25, and wonder what ever happened to the belief in rookies actually learning and growing and improving their next season? I make no excuses for Buxton. And his injuries flat out stink! But in all my history of watching and following the Twins, the one position where I have seen more mistakes made, and mkre guys rushed, more guys sent back to the minors, or given up on too early, CF takes the cake! From Eisenreichm (some medical issues also there),to Hunter to Gomez and Hicks to now Buxton, there has been a comedy of errors made. Do the Twins currently have an amazing OF? Absolutely not. Are there questions? 100%! Are we all frustrated? Also 100%! But is there real talent and potential here? You better believe it! Tom Kelly is highly respected and revered. Deservedly so. He once stated, famously, that it takes 1,500 to 2,000 AB for a hitter to figure things out and to know what you have. (Obviously different, pro and con, for some players). Max has, I believe, about 1,600 ML AB after almost skipping AAA. We have seen glimpses of what he can do, despite weird splits and slumps and hot streaks. Personally, I think he is "oh so close" to putting it together. And I'm giving him 2019 to do so. If he gives way to Khiriloff and becomes a 4th OF/1B I will be disappointed, but will find real value in that. (I still hope for and expect more). Buxton is not the point of this thread, but bas been brought up. He will begin 2019 virtually ancient at 25yo. If he can just remain healthy, and the new manager, and whoever the hitting coach turns out to be, can just work with him enough to even hit .250, without massive SO totals, his defense, speed, and natural power could make him a difference maker.

Going to preface this by saying I only play at being a GM, like most of us and don't pretend to have all the answers, I know the KIND of bat I want to add, however. I want a veteran, experienced, "professional" hitter who can be dangerous, and hopefully, not only make an impact on the line-up, but provide some leadership as well. I want someone who can be dangerous at the top of the order...meaning he can hit and get OB and provide power...OR, I want a guy who can do that somewhere in the heart of the order. Why such a seemingly strange diconomy between the two spots? Let's face facts: the Twins can't and won't simply blow up the entire roster and remake the team in one off season. Nor should they. That's ridiculous. We still need, to various degrees, Sano, Buxton and Kepler to take the next step forward. To a lesser extent, same for Rosario, Polanco, Garver and even Cave and Austin. Polanco and Kepler could each prove to be productive table setting options from the 1 hole, but each could prove to even mkre valuable lower in the order. And your "#1" hitter is only guaranteed to hit lead off once a game. I'm not just rambling. My point is lineup balance and production. No matter your thoughts on Dozier...not a classic leadoff hitter...he was highly productive in his role. (Despite his streaky nature). A healthy Mauer was moved to the top of the order too late, but provided value there as well. Rooker could be up sometime in 2019. I feel he's going to be good. Maybe not great, but pretty darn good. Both Khiriloff and Lewis deserve their recent rankings and could make an appearance in 2019, but for various reasons, 2020 seems for likely. I'm looking for a 1, 1+ or 2 year, 2year + deal. Cruz is very interesting. And he's coming off a nice 2018. But at 38, how much does he have in the tank? My ideal would be McCutchen, if the Yankees don't re-sign him. He can still play OF. He could be dangerous leading off, flipping the lineup, hitting ahead of or behind a healthy Sano, etc. A couple of other guys I like are Carlos Gonzalez, Nick Markakis and Michael Brantley. I want versatility. I want the new manager...and his staff...to have lineup versatility and have this new "professional bat" to go along with Polanco, Rosario and Sano to construct a dangerous top of the order with Garver, Austin, Kepler, etc to balance out the rest.

Agree 100% on adding a bat, not sure if I care if said player can take a turn at 1B or the OF here and there, but an occasional OF appearance seems like a more likely scenario based on the FA market, barring a trade. I am torn whether this bat should hit in the heart of the lineup...assuming for a moment we get back the old Sano...or be a dangerous bat at the top of the lineup so Polanco can continue to flourish in the 2-3 spot. Were I in charge of things, I would find that ideal FA/trade bat and sign Escobar both. With Rosario, Polanco, and some hope for Sano and Kepler, I'd feel pretty good about the top of my order. Feeling some good hope for Garver and Austin to help fill out the balance of the lineup. (Do I even have to mention hope for Buxton to just hit .250 somewhere in the bottom half)?

I remember watching the Cave and Austin home runs in particular. While HR totals were obviously down this year, I find the average distance measurements to be very interesting. Would tell me Cave's and Garver's power shouldn't be denied, speaks to potential for 2019. Man I miss Escobar and want him back! Can we just fast forward through the holidays, the hot stove league, and just get to February again?

I'll admit to being a fan of Kepler, and an optimistic one at that. I don't pretend to know the ,even if play he faced while in Germany, or the quality of his coaches. I have been one of those who have stated he came over "behind" due to an "expected" lower level of competition in my mind. Am I wrong? Perhaps I am. But I think about HS teams, legion ball, camps, etc, and always felt he was probably at a bit of an initial disadvantage. He also was prompted with only a short stay in AAA after his breakout AA season. Perhaps he needed a little more time to hone his game? I simply can't explain his BABIP. What I see is a good eye, no appreciable SO numbers, decent contact, and a ball that jumps off his bat when decently squared up. I've also seen a lot of hard hit line drives that are caught. Perception? Luck? Again, I don't have the answer. I also can't explain his weird splits after 3 seasons. Maybe I'm just an optimist, but I keep seeing a guy who is still figuring it all out at the ML level, has budding power and is a fine athlete. I just find myself believing 2019 is the year the splits balance out, and we begin to see that 25HR power with .270 AVG+. Sure hope I'm right!

Let us not forget that before Mientkiewicz there was Hrbek. The Twins have a very long history of quality, defensive 1B. I absolutely do not want to dismiss the value of a quality glove at 1B! But you are correct that it is not the defensive value position of other spots on the field. Absolutely, I want the best defense on the field I can achieve. And a quality 1B, whether it be a hard stretch play or a foul pop up, can get extra outs. But really, 90% of the time, you need/want a guy who can simply receive the throw, not be caught out of position, and can properly handle the bouncer coming in from across the diamond. Two things you brought up really exasperate me; why, late in a losing season wasn't Austin used some in the OF to see how he could fit there in 2019 for lineup flexibility, (something I strongly believe in), and why in he'll was Grossman never worked at 1B? I'm not saying the Twins can't do better than Grossman, and I began a thread about this a couple weeks ago, but his best attributes as a hitter are working the count and getting OB. So when Mauer was out, wouldn't he have been a prime candidate to assume Mauer's role, both offensively and defensively? Or maybe they already looked at it during infield practice and just shook their heads and said no. For goodness sake, Denny Hocking played some 1B back in the day, and the Twins even played Adrianza some there. How could Molitor be forward thinking enough to put Adrianza at 1B but not try other positionally flexible ideas? (Sorry, rewind, and continue with future tense). I saw nothing from Austin to indicate he can't be a decent 1B. How well he hits, overall, will determine his spot in the lineup. His milb numbers, limited ML time, and brief tenure with the Twins shows, legitimate power. Even with slight improvement with the bat, he could be valuable and dangerous as a 5-7 spot hitter. Assuming for a moment we can take the whole of Sano, his ability, past production, etc, and assume for a moment he will continue his new dedication, I really like him at 3B. But he can also switch over to 1B once in a while, as be bas done before. As much as I like Kepler in the OF, there is also no reason be can't take his athletic ability to play 1B as well, though he would not be my first, much less 2nd choice. But I believe be could handle the spot, and I believe roster flexibility is important. We talk about Astudillo as a 3rd catcher. And I guess he is. But is that really what he is? He seems to be at least a decent backup catcher option. But he also appears to be servicable as a backup 3B/1B/corner OF option who may even be able to spot 2B. If Astudillo were to make the roster, Garver could fill in at 1B as well. We need to address the pen big time. We also need to address the infield with at least one major improvement, and at least another solid option. But I hope we can bring in a veteran bat. Hopefully one who can play occasionally in the field. Doesn't have to be a 1B. But someone who can allow Polanco to bat leadoff, or allow Polanco to continue hit in the 3 hole, ideally, between Rosario and Sano, and provide a dangerous presence in the leadoff spot.

Also, really sorry to see Rooker missing time here. Especially considering he finished 2018 in a slump. But he showed last season he could make adjustments after his slow start. I have to believe it was just the grind of the end of a long and first full season of pro ball. A year ago, he was playing a college schedule and coming off just a half season of pro ball. We often talk about potential and deserved promotions, but even for young men in their late teens and early 20's, in prime physical shape, there is more to learn and adjust to than just the game. There is also the physical and mental grind to a full season. Let's hope his ankle responds quickly and he gets at least a little AFL time to build towards next season.

Sure hope his future OB success isn't tied to getting plunked! Seems to be a good athlete, and appears his power is just developing. I guess I'd like someone to explain why he's seen as a good leadoff candidate. Does he show good contact and a good eye? (Numbers so far are OK). A guy with speed is nice to have up top, but it isn't necessary. The greatest leadoff hitters I've even R seen were guys like Henderson and Raines who had it all. But those guys just don't grow on trees. Despite his "streakiness" the only problem with Dozier batting #1 was his power was needed lower in the lineup. Still a shame Mauer wasn't hitting #1 sooner with Dozier in more of an RBI spot. But in retrospect, you can't argue with the production he achieved from his spot in the order. Also why I'm in favor of the Twins adding a nice, productive, veteran bat on a 1-2 year deal. Ideally, said player could be in the field a day or two here and there without embarrassing himself. Right now, Polanco is the best choice to bat #1 in 2019. But he's also shown to be a great fit in the 2-3 spots. Said veteran bat could allow him to move to leadoff, OR, be a dangerous bat in the top spot and keep Polanco where he's been doing so well. If Raley's power is for real, and his eye and OB ability are real, (again, love to hear a more detailed observation), there js absolutely room for him!

I agree with the general sentiment that these guys are the core. And I would also include Garver in the group now. These are the guys we need to show up and play to their capabilities. We've seen it. Now show it more consistently. (Though Rosario has). Of course, there's another potential "core" group arriving in a season or two to add to this group we should all be pretty excited about. I'm a little touchy on Mejia even though I like him. Touchy only because he was slowed the first half, took a while to get going, and has had issues with pitch counts. So while I like his potential still as a SP, I just have this feeling he may be destined for the bullpen. Teaming hum with Rogers wouldn't be a bad thing though.

Puckett turned out to be a special player. A HOF player. Hrbek, and I'll include Gaetti here as well, turned out to be outstanding players. Launder was good, but not great. Same with Engle and Bush. Viola, who you also previously mentioned, stunk initially before turning out to be outstanding. There was also mention of Faedo. I'd even throw in Reed, and I believe there was a catcher by name of Baker, if I can trust my memory. Regardless, some top players were promoted aggressively. Agreed. Some turned out. Some didn't. And they took 5 years to achieve a winning record, with trades and signings to do so. And the second WS team was built on some of these players, plus Knoblauch and other outside additions. Knoblauch was moved aggressively, no doubt. But help me here, I'm really trying to understand your point. Sano, Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Polanco and Berrios were promoted pretty aggressively throughout the system. Despite some time in AAA, most notably Berrios, most jumped almost completely from AA. Most recently, Rooker spent his first professional season at AA and is ticketed for the AFL when healthy. Lewis and Khiriloff spent half their first full pro season's at high A ball. I guess I'm just trying to understand your point. Are the Twins still not being aggressive enough with these prospects?

Not sure i understand the mending fences with Escobar. Yes, I've heard reports he wasn't initially happy with the trade. But be was well respected and loved here, enjoyed his time here, had success here, and was even offered an initial extension, if I remember correctly. He seems a solution that is too perfect for all parties involved. Needs to be done! Then, bring in another solid flier to work with Adrianza or better. We need depth here. $10M per season for 2 quality, productive pen arms? It's money the team has, can afford, and needs to Do! Period! As to the rotation, I have no problem adding someone at the right time and place. I am NOT convinced there will be a market shift thjs off season in the opposite direction from last year. There could be a bargain to be had, but I'd concentrate on 2 big pen arms, a big infield addition with a smaller one, and leave the rotation alone. POTENTIALLY, Gibson, Odorizzi and Pineda are gone after 2019. But again, that's "potentially". Odds are at least 1 If not 2, are back in 2020. But Romero is right on the cusp! I have him penciled in for 2019. I am NOT a betting man, but I'd be willing to bet some real money Thorpe is up in 2019 and getting ready to be part of the future. I still think a fully healthy Mejia has a real shot, but would love to see him working out of the pen with Rogers from the port side. I know a lot of people are down on Gonsalves right now, and I understand why. But I predicted he would scuffle initially. He simply doesn't have a single pitch that dominates. But he is a pitcher, not a thrower. He has been a top rated prospect because he is a LH, hits low 90 consistently with a quality change, has a couple decent breaking balls, and adapts at every level be has been at. He's a work in progress. Still not sure what to make of Stewart, Littell and others. By this same time next year we could easily be talking about Graterol the same way we talk about Romero. Right now, I'd focus on the infield and bullpen. And let's be honest, as you alluded to, a healthy Sano is a HUGE KEY, as well as Buxton. Sano is a fine 3B if healthy and in shape. He can also play a decent 1B on some days to relieve Austin. Even with Joe gone, I'm less worried about 1B defensively than adding a bat to the lineup. Austin may never hit the way we'd like, but there is some real potential there. (And guys we all know coming up soon). As much as I like Kepler to really figure it all out next season, and love him in the OF, I'd still play him some at 1B. But we need a veteran guy on a 1-2 year deal to DH, hopefully field a spot a day or two without embarrassing himself defensively, and either provide a dangerous presence at the top of the order, or allow Polanco to move up to that spot.

I'm embarrassed to say it, but I didn't realize he was from Lincoln, just 45 miles down the road from Omaha. Boy did the Huskers, and a lot of teams, really miss out on this kid. I was really glad he signed but was initially worried he might be a tough sign at the 11 spot, coming off a strong season. What is interesting to me, aluminum bat notwithstanding, is it seems there is some power potential based on his judo numbers. While returning to school for his senior season could have hurt his draft leverage, I have to wonder if he might have put up an even bigger senior season number wise. We might have gotten him at just the right time. Seth, if you get this, in your opinion, did we really get a couple of steals with Helman and Davis? It sure appears we did. Or is this a case where Davis is a SS for now, but will end up moving to 2B to compete with Helman?

Sorry, but I have to step up on my soapbox for this one. This is a perception, IMO, that lingers back over 30 years ago to the Griffith days. And rightfully so. As well as the Metrodome days when thjngs were still tight. At one point, back in the day, Kirby Puckett was signed to the richest contract in MLB history by the Pohlad's. I believe it was for something like $2M per before being eclipsed a short time later, I want to say by Ricky Henderson. In either 2010 or 2011, I believe, ownership stepped up for a then team record payroll to make a push because they believed they bad a real chance. (Do we need to bring up the Mauer signing again?). Believing in the strong finish of 2017, management again set a record payroll to augment the 2018 roster in hopes of a push. Depressed market or not, they also made a big push for Darvish before the Cubs upped the ante. Have there been some moves they didn't make that frustrated me over the years? Absolutely! Hunter and Santana come to mind. Though, to be both accurate and fair, those were before Target Field. Ownership has built a sparkling complex in Ft Myers, invested in foreign academies, set a payroll record in 2018, have taken on and eaten portions kf contracts recently to make trade moves, have just committed a nice chunk of change for the Elizabethton upgrades, and are eating the last 2 years of Monitor's contract so the new FO can go a different direction. Are they spending money hand over fist to jump all in the FA market and just buy the top talent available? Well...we don't know yet, but I doubt it. But to just blanket state that they are cheap seems pretty inaccurate to me.

Not speaking to any individual or post, but just an overview what's been stated and discussed here regarding the re-build, early promotions, going for the rebuild hard, etc. I don't think it's entirely fair, or accurate, to compare the re-build that lead to the '87 WS team, (which took 4-5 years to accomplish BTW). It was 30 years ago and ,was to a ton of losses and bad baseball early on. And most of those players jumped from AA ball, not A ball, and some at least sniffed AAA. There are similarities with the build of the '91 WS team, but the point doesn't have to belabored. The current re-build is actually stretching over 2 different FO, which complicates the process somewhat. But that being said, the Twins HAVE been quite aggressive with promotions. Just taking a few minutes to check current ages, MLB service time, milb service time, and especially AAA service time shows that Sano, Rosario, Kepler, Buxton, Polanco and Berrios spent 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 years in the minors. All have between 2 1/2 to 4 years of actual MLB service time. All are between 24 and 27yo. Berrios, combined over a couple season's, and the youngest of the group, has 1 1/2 season's of AAA ball under his belt. INCLUDING his 2018 time there, Buxton has a little over half a season of AAA time. Rosario has about 1/2 a season there split over 2 years. Polanco also has about 1/2 season, total, split over different years. Kepler has a grand total of 30 games played at the AAA level. And Sano has a TOTAL of 17 games at the AAA level, including 9 games in 2018. To say the Twins haven't been aggressive is just not accurate. There have been demotion and rehab time. But these guys all pretty much skipped AAA and were at least auditioned at the ML level from AA. Romero is 23. But he also missed parts of 2 full seasons, like Thorpe and Graterol behind him. And he only had what, 2 or 3 starts at Rochester before they brought him up? (Yes, one could make the argument that he should have stuck longer or been brought up again). On the milb side of things, ready or not, Gordon got half a season at Rochester. Thorpe finished there. Vasquez reached the majors from A ball. Moya' s first jump was from AA. Rooker spent his first full pro season at AA. Khiriloff and Lewis each got a half season of high A in their first full pro seasons. There is nothing passive taking place here, just not the results...yet...that we all want. But even in the previously mentioned re-build years, there was much struggle before achievement.

Great question. To be clear, I used a 1 year deal as an option, not a problem with a 2 year. The reason for a short term deal for a hitter is we lose Mauer as a good OB lead off. We dont know if any infielder brought in could replace Escobar's production, or a previously healthy Dozier. With Rooker, Khiriloff and Lewis all 3 possibly ready by the end of 2019 or early 2020, I'm looking for a veteran hitter to be productive at the top of the order, or allow Polanco to move there. As to the rotation, I believe Gibson will be extended. I believe that at least one of Romero, Thorpe, etc, will establish themselves in 2019. As to whether Pineda and Odorizzi are BOTH gone for 2020 isn't my concern NOW. I have options to make a trade in 2019 to acquire an arm, or move pieces like Odorizzi or Pineda, as well as the next off season to make a major move. Am I opposed to the idea of the Twins acquiring a big arm now? Absolutely not. But today, reflecting on 2018 and looking forward, the pen, at least one quality infielder, and maximizing the talent on hand are my biggest priorities. I kinda like the 4 starters penciled in and seeing what the first half brings us in regard to the young arms on hand.

I absolutely love Rosario, and will positively live with a few gaffes once in a while for all he does and all of his production. Despite an occasional bad play in the OF...remember be was playing on a bad wing in 2017 as well...he is a fine OF. I am NOT tooting my own horn, but I remember a couple years ago when some were talking about Rosario as a bust who should be moved, or how he was no better than a nice 4th OF. I cautioned patience, and stated that if I were another team looking to make a trade with the Twins, Rosario would be at the top of my demands. And look now what he has become, and is still developing in to. Just a shame he didn't get to finish out the season. Off target slightly, but I feel exactly the same about Kepler. This young man was behind other kids his age when signed. He practically skipped AAA ball. He has a good eye, makes good contact, oozes athletic ability, and hits laserbeams off his bat with solid contact. If he balances his weird splits from years 1-2 and year 3, he could be poised for a real breakout in 2019. Astudillo, as I've said before, is not just a great story, though he certainly is. There is just no way to know who and what he is, or could be. But isn't that really the story of his career thus far? Primarily a catcher with some decent positional flexibility, he was known as the super high contact don't SO but don't BB high average hitter who had some memorable no look pick off throws to 1B. Even the Twins, like his previous employers, didn't know what they had. How can a short, squatty receiver with positional flexibility and no true offensive profile they are used to measuring be a real prospect? They used him at catcher, then moved him off the dish to audition someone else after the Castro injury and Wilson promotion. When they brought him up, it was for his flexibility and a contact bat off the bench. FINALLY, they put him behind the plate again and gave him a chance. And what did they find? SSS I grant. But they actually found a guy, with budding power at age 26, who could actually make contact and hit at the ML level just like he has done his entire milb career. He could also actually catch, and fill in here and there at other positions solidly. Sometimes, a player just doesn't fit an arcitype a team wants or expects. And then that player gets an opportunity to show what they really can do. I have no illusions Astudillo will suddenly earn a starting job behind the plate, or elsewhere, and emerge as a batting leader or All Star candidate. But the Twins may have stumbled on a very good role player who can bring a lot of value. To not protect him, to not take him seriously at this point, would be a big mistake.

Go ahead and blast me, or rake me over the proverbial hot coals, but I find it somewhat numerous when we talk about "rebuilding" the Twins. This is already taking place. The FO is still new, arguably entering their 2nd "FULL" off season as they weren't put in place until November of 2017. They were saddled with an incumbent manager they bad to keep, initially, but are now replacing. They have brought in various different scouts, analytic personnel, and coaches. Over the last season or so, they have also been revamping milb managers/coaches and instructional personal. Sano, Polanco, Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Berrios and others have all of 3 to 3 1/2 years of MLB experience. And there have been 2 quality drafts, from all early indications, plus a series of other moves to add to the milb talent/depth. Some of them rather creative, in fact. Just because the FO...and the "uber cheap owners"...went out and made significant signings for a record payroll in 2018 to take a shot after a solid 2017 season doesn't mean the rebuild isn't still in place. Yes, there a host of questions still in place. When and will Buxton and Sano start to get it together? Just how good could Kepler be if he just evens out his splits? Etc, etc. There is a TON of talent and potential to make up the core of this team. And there are more than Lewis and Khiriloff getting oh so tantalizing close! Those 2 guys, and guys like Rooker, Graterol, Thorpe and a few others could/should be up in 2019/2020. Rebuilds take a few seasons. The question remains, what do you do NOW? Unless you really believe you have a bunch of super talented athletes who are just lost or head cases who will never turn out...which I doubt...then you work a game plan to unlock all that potential and augment that roster. 1] Just because you got burned on the Reed signing, which looked great at the time, doesn't mean you shouldn't use FA to bring in a couple of top flight pen arms. You have the payroll to do so, and you keep your talented milb organization in place for promotion and future trades. 2] SS or 2B, sign or trade for someone to bring in to pair with Polanco. I'd bring in 2. Escobar and Iglesius, or Escobar and Castro, or someone similar. Please, no Forsythe or similar, unless He's just a bench piece. Financially and prospect-wise, you can also afford to do this without breaking the bank or mortgaging the future. 3] Bring in 1 good bat. And this is where I really see the value in a decent 1 or 2 year deal. Could be a FA or a salary dump deal for a rebuilding team. Again, you can afford it financially or prospect-wise. Someone who can allow you to put Polanco in the lead off spot, or a dangerous bat to hit there and keep Polanco in the 2-3 hole where he's looked so promising. 4] And I can't believe I'm saying this, but keep the status quo in your rotation unless there is an opportunity you just can't pass up. How can I say this? Berrios hasn't even reached his potential yet. Gibson is a legitimate #3 who pitches like a #2 at times. Odorizzi isn't special, but he's a solid #4 And an even better #5. Top young SP is a valuable commodity, and the Twins have some. Romero has a chance to be very good. We've already seen flashes. Graterol is younger, with even better stuff, but like Romero, has had to overcome some early injury issues and could be on a similar trajectory. Thorpe has also had the same early career issues, but is sound again and could/should see his debut in 2019. Like or don't like Gonsalves and his debut...I predicted he'd struggle at first...but you aren't a top prospect year after year and show the ability and adjust at each level for no reason. Just how good could Wells be, and how far away is he? The jury is absolutely still out and both Stewart and Littell. But there is something there to at least consider there, yes? And I haven't even mentioned Mejia! Build up the infield. Build the bullpen around with what you have, and some other arms that Could still come through; Mejia, Moya, Vasquez, (Smeltzer?), Reed, Curtiss, De Jong and other starters who could convert. Might even find Magill wasn't all smoke and mirrors if he could harness his FB and slider on just a bit more consistent basis, or a guy like Drake might actually have found a repeatable delivery. (Both worthy of an invite, though not sure about a 40 man spot). This is all very do-able while doing nothing to blow up the roster, trade away our very best prospects, or handcuff us in to an overwhelming payroll.

Please tell me NO to DeRosa and Ross. I still believe in things like oh I don't know, actual experience managing a team a roster. Palomar and Espada both intrigue me, and not simply because they bring a Latin influence, which I have argued for some time has been missing in the dugout. Espada is currently working for one of the best teams in baseball, and I'm assuming he was there for the turnaround. (Not sure how long he's actually been with Houston at the moment). I like that he worked with Cashman and the Yankees and has worked in the WBC and has management experience in the winter leagues. Alomar has some pretty solid credentials as well, was a tremendous ML player, and come on, there is something about quality catchers turning in to good coaches and managers. They see the game in a manner different than others from behind the dish. They understand handling pitchers, see the defense and how it works, and watch the entire flow of a game from a different perspective. My only problem with him is an odd one; so many truly great pkayers don't always make the best managers/coaches because the game was so natural for them they just seem to expect everyone else to see and know what they do. Can he truly teach and identify? Slightly off target, I have a hunch that Watkins, an internal candidate, has a bright future. I just don't believe his time is now. I have to ask you all, if Jake Mauer hadn't decided to walk away and had continued his success and general ascent in the system last year, would he be a top candidate right now?

Absolutely love and agree with the OP. Also have to add: 7) Rogers really emerging was outstanding and helps bring real hope to the bullpen. 8) Astudillo! And not just because he's a good and fun story. Absolutely there are questions about sustained offensive viability. But he's only 26, not ancient for a catcher finally getting his shot. (Younger than Garver, I believe). He's been a career .300 hitter in his milb career, and the same contact, no BB no SO hitter for his career. He also doesn't fit any traditional category. By that I mean, not the bug target behind the plate with ML quality defense that plays NOW in his early 20's. And his power didn't start to come in to play until this season. Despite positional flexibility/ability, he also isn't an ever day player at another position. What he is, is a nice guy who can do a lot of things for you. 9) This is a somewhat grudging nod to Austin. No insult intended. I just don't know what we have here yet. But I thought he looked solid at 1B and his power is legit. If he can just produce a fraction more contact, I could easily live with a mediocre BA and some SO hitting 5th-7th with some big power.

I liked this post and your points. But I like it somewhat grudgingly. As just stated in my previous post, I am torn on the Iglesius vs Castro move. Benefits both ways. Where I have to disagree somewhat is in regard to the OF. Yes, Buxton is the mystery man, as well as a key to 2019 and beyond. And I like Cave, think he's a keeper who will only get better. But you and I seem to disagree on Kepler. Maybe I'm just an optimist, but I really like what I see in him and I really think he's about to figure it out. The talent and potential are undeniable. His weird splits from his first 2 years to last year are hard to comprehend. (Young, rushed, trying too hard to compensate???) But I just have this feeling he's going to level his splits out in 2019. As much as I like Cave, I think he's going to be a very valuable 4th OF who plays a ton.