DocBauer

My head is turning round and round with this topic! Between a post I made about a week ago, Nicks here, and all the various comments and suggestions...i still don't know that I have the answers. But I think we all realize how important the bullpen is, always, and even more in today's game. I still believe in strong SP, and I think history proves that to be true. But there are different ways to build a strong pitching staff, top to bottom, and even more recent history has shown this as well. Not that building a top bullpen is secondary, but I'm just not sure it's so easy to factor out a bullpen when there are still rotation questions. Presumably, we have 4 SP in place: All Star and STILL improving Berrios, the very solid Gibson, a very nice piece if healthy in Pineda, and the solid Odorizzi, who is still best as the #5 SP due to pitches thrown and IP. My goodness, how much better is the rotation, and staff as a whole, if Romero keeps developing and building on his last two seasons? That's not even considering a major trade or FA signing. To be honest, I'm just not seeing that. (Though I would love it!) I'm seeing Romero, Mejia, and others auditioning for a SP slot, with the idea of an "opener" still a possibility. And who is to say Romero, Mejiam or someone else doesn't earn a spot and run with it? Or a couple months in, someone like Thorpe doesn't just grab the job? My hope is, concentrating on the pen all by itself, is we can get by with a 7 man group. Damnit, but a 13 man staff just limits your roster so much! We can complain all we want to about Molitor, his use of the pen, and the disappointment of the 2018 season and moves made that didn't pan out. But at the end of the day, Rodney wasn't really a bad sign. Neither was Duke. And Reed was our best signing, but as luck would have it, for whatever reason, also the most disappointing. I am going to assume Reed, supposedly structurally sound, simply was bound to have a bad season with previous workload and over use by Molitor. I am also going to assume that what Hildenberger showed in his milb career, and his first 1 1/2 ML career is indicative of his true potential. This allows me to further assume that ONE of them will rebound in 2019. Just throwing money to sign a player has proven no guarantees. But it sure doesn't always hurt either. And I truly believe there has been a shift in terms of FA dollars and years involved. (There will always be exceptions, and we will see a few thjs season for certain). And while I don't disagree with trades of quality prospects, I disdain trades of high ranked prospects for RP. (Really, really dislike the Pressly trade and hope they made the right move in the long term). But the more I think things, I'm seeing one major signing. They just have to! But they need a second arm. Is that a trade for someone maybe about to break out? Or is it a second FA, like Reed last season, in the $7-9M range? (Full confession, I'm hoping for FA because they can afford it, and because I think we may have enough milb depth to make a major trade in the next 1/2 or so to make a deal). I am very content to enter 2019 with (in no particular order): FA FA May Rogers Reed/Hildenberger rebound That's 5 of 7 spots. We need another LH, I'm presuming, and one additional arm, possibly a long or middle guy. I say again, Mejia deserves a chance at the rotation, and will get a shot. He's in the pen, if not the rotation. Problem is, Moya and Vasquez are behind him. Both show promise, but Mejia just appears to have better stuff. (Is the rotation strong enough to let him relieve)? The long/middle/mop-up guy never gets enough credit. They can actually be valuable, though you always hope they are better than just fodder. Magill has the FB and slider to excell at that spot if he can lower his BB and HR. Ditto for flier Drake. Still discouraged the team didn't take harder, or any, looks at Curtiss, Reed, and maybe Anderson for the close of the season. But if you could tell me one of Hildenberger or Reed would rebound in 2019, and they would make a big and quality FA signing, and our biggest concern would be the 7th RP, I'd have to pinch myself.

Note: In regard to Anderson and Reed, I think it was Seth, who made a comment he felt they weren't brought up as it may have already been decided they would be protected and weren't brought up due to numbers. Anybody buy that?

I would like to see them be a bit creative as well. I cant recall his first name off the top of my head, but I recall how successful they were several years ago when they signed the LH Martinez, a former SP, who was looking for new life. He converted to the one very well, and I want to say even had a couple good years after he left us. Absolutely nothing wrong with an older pitcher, or a younger one who hasn't lived up to his billing, being brought in for a conversion. But please, not Romero. Even if moves are made and they decide he is best served opening at Rochester, dont convert him.

Bad news about Hildenberger and Reed? Bad seasons! The good news? Supposedly nothing physically wrong with either and we've seen what each is clearly capable of previously. At least one bouncing back is huge. Part of the problem is not knowing how the rotation shakes out yet. For example, will they bring someone else on board, or does someone like Mejia get the opportunity and take the 5th spot? Clearly upgrades are needed. But I doubt you will see the farm traded for a couple of RP, nor 2 big contracts, especially with Reed on the books. One big move I'm sure. Then a smaller 1 or 2 for bounce back seasons and the such, but better arms than Drake or Magill to be sure. I'm hoping to go to ST with 4 guys we really feel good about, a couple guys who could be good with a bounce back, and then sort through the rest to find the best 1 or 2 guys for the job. Is it a guaranteed method for success? No, but its practical, doesn't break any financial or prospect bank, allows for opportunity, and could turn out to be very solid.

I guess I feel the job of a manager, and his coaches, is tough to quantify. I think they and their staff CAN help influence/teach a young player. I think they CAN create a lineup that works well together and balanced out. I think they CAN stress fundamentals and make sure the team plays better and doesn't beat themselves. And I think they CAN have a feel on the use and pulling of pitchers. How much of an influence is what's so hard to measure. I actually think they have a stronger influence over LOSING games rather than winning them...if that makes sense.

Despite the frustrating and disappointing 2018 season, I am actually optimistic about 2019. And in a big way! And no, I'm not wearing rise colored glasses! There were just SO MANY things that didn't work in 2018, despite some good efforts to augment the roster, that some level of normality should set in. A healthy Buxton, hopefully a bit frustrated and pissed off, will work well with his new manager and hitting coach to just accept an even keeled approach at the plate and just work on contact and let his talent take over. A seemingly dedicated Sano will continue to get in better shape and return to his former offensive self, but avoid nagging injuries that keep him out of the lineup and allow him to be the ever day solid/good defensive 3B he can be. Kepler will balance his splits and let his over all ability to shine. Polanco will play a full season, which ever position, and continue to show his bat. Garver will continue to develop, while working with Castro, and emerge as the primary catcher. Berrios and Gibson will continue. Berrios getting even better, and Gibson continuing to be solid. Romero is a potential stud. I expect Pineda and Odorizzi to be solid. There is some young depth as well. Don't let a few rough introduction appearances to cloud potential! The FO made the moves they did last season, a bunch if 1 year deals, for a reason. They were hoping for the best by building on the surprising 2017 season, without handcuffing themselves. Deals this season, at least any major moves, will be for 2-3 year offers. The exception could be a veteran bat to bridge before a couple prospects arrive.

First off, just to get it out of the way...and NOBODY wants to hear this I know, but we are still talking about talent and potential with some of these guys that is pretty outstanding. Buxton is 24. A he'll of a lot of talented prospects are just hitting MLB at 23-24. Sano is only 25 and has already been to an All Star game and has put up some great numbers, despite some games mjssed due to injury, whether they be a fluke or conditioning related, and Kepler is also only 25, who suddenly reversed his splits in year 3. I am NOT saying Buxton is another Hunter, Gomez or Hicks. But those are 3 CF with great athletic ability who were rushed to ML ball, saw additional milb time, and developed. One became an All time Twins great. The other two found their success after leaving the Twins. But Buxton, rushed as well, is already a complete bust? Please! Can we just allow a new season, a new manager, and maybe a new hitting coach to just work with him and see if he can hit .250? Even doing that, his defense and natural ability should begin to take over. Sano's season was equally disappointing and confounding. Considering what he has done previously, it may be the most disappointing season in a year of disappointment. And yet, we have seen before what he can do. Blast him defensively if you must but he has good hands, charges the ball well, and has one of the best arms I have ever seen from a 3B. The guy can play! All reports indicate, despite a continued poor second half, they he took his demotion and re-set to heart with a new attitude. He has spoken publicly about continuing this new step in the off season. Lol service? We'll see. And I'd have someone working out with both he and Buxton during the off season. Don't we have special assistants for a reason???? Man, I'm tired of saying this, but have to yet again. Kepler is a stud athlete who shows everything from a good bat, to plate disciple and contact, to decent speed, to power and quality defense. He also started behind other kids his age when signed, and practically skipped AAA to the ML after his breakout AA season. Sound familiar? It should. His first 2 seasons he suddenly couldn't hit LH pitching, which he did in his big AA season. Thjs year, he suddenly reversed his splits. He evens out his splits in 2019, with all his talent and potential and what do you have? Two years ago, there was a lot of angst about Rosario and his potential. And I made the comment that were I another team looking to make a trade with the Twins, the guy I would be looking at was Rosario. Glad we kept him now? I'm not saying Buxton, Sano and Kepler will all hit their ceilings. Maybe all 3 will be anywhere from bust to solid. And j get frustration to win and see all of them turn out. But to not give them 2019 to see what can be accomplished, and to give up on them this soon is ridiculous! Blame the milb system, blame the ML manager and his coaches, blame a bad and unlucky season. But don't give up on guys this damned talented and full of potential at this point.

Reading all the comments, and numbers, I really think it's a push. And that's a positive, not a negative. Even those two guys are 6 years apart, they are a quality to duo to build a rotation around. We have yet to see the best of Berrios. And Gibson a great frame, a re-build arm, (Don't dismiss that considering the careers and arm health of many other TJ "survivors"), along with a better mental approach. Personally, I think Gibson has another really good 2-3 years ahead of him. Hopefully with the Twins. What surprises me, when I read some of the numbers and rankings, is how solid Odorizzi was. At times I really liked what I saw, and at times I was disappointed. I still like him best as a 4 or 5 SP. Hopefully, that is what he will be with Romero and Pineda around next season. (NOT dismissing Mejia or Thorpe at some point). Mejia's wrist and Pineda's knee were tbe 2 biggest bummers for me to close the season. Mejia has some good stuff and potential and seemed like he was primed for a late run to establish himself for a 2019 run. Pineda's rehab was looking good. He needed to pitch, and it just sucks he didn't get any ML time in. His 4.05 career isn't great, but it's solid. His HR numbers are nothing to brag about. But his WHIP and SO/BB numbers are very good. If he's sound, I like him as part of 2019. I'm actually really optimistic for the 2019 rotation even without bringing someone in. (Though I wouldn't object in the slightest to a BIG MOVE). Berrios will keep getting better and better. Gibson is a legitimate #3, IMO, who pitches like a #2 at times. Romero has the stuff to legitimately push Berrios for the top spot, as early as sometime in 2019. I honestly don't care which of Berrios or Gibson won thjs award. Both are deserving. How long has it been since we has two guys at the top of our rotation we could feel this good about and debate which one had the better year?

Love reading these articles! Creates a different kind of bond with the players involved vs just a box score. Enjoyed reading about his approach at the plate. Sounds like he has a great plan and is not a free swinger just looking to do damage.

Unfortunately, Tom is right that a lot hinges on these two young men. But, fortunately, there remains tremendous upside for both of them. I've also argued, as have many, as to why Escobar is such a perfect target for this team to bring back. He could start multiple areas, and take over at 3B again if necessary. (I've also recommended another decent utility type in case Adrianza ends up having to play more often). I hope the new manager, and his staff, are good communicators as well as good baseball guys. Buxton and Sano, in particular, just need to be healthy and have a half way decent approach at the plate. Any reasonable contact from either of them, with their natural talent, makes them a good player.

100%! You can blame the development, or lack thereof, of some of the young players or the milb coaches. But the fact remains this team is young and getting younger. The core and majority of this team is 26yo and younger. And there is a lack of fundamentals. I'm not saying this was a contending team, but if we could have somehow been even in all those 1 run games, this team finishes above. 500. Now, I don't know how many of those 1 run losses were "given away", but I think I make my point. Whoever comes in doesn't have to be a taciturn leader. But he needs to stress fundamentals. And he and his staff also need to be able to communicate, and be able to instruct. There is no plug and play for any team, much less one with so much untapped potential in their young players.

The FO obviously didn't like something about Dougie Baseball. Jake seemed to retire on his own terms, which is sad because I thought he had promotional material stamped across his resume. There really is no internal candidate for the job, unless you include a recent hire. I don't have a list of candidates right now. But I can tell you what I want. And I'm not talking about the analytics side of things at the moment. 1] No age discrimination, but I want someone who can relate to younger players. 2] A manager who gets and understands the basic fundamentals of ball and will drill that. 3] A manager who knows how to handle and balance his staff and know that once in a while you are simply, probably, going to lose a game and don't burn out your relief Corp in the hopes of an improbable comeback. 4] I don't care if he's Latin or even speaks Spanish, but by goodness he will have a legitimate Latin/Spanish influence on his staff. 5] He doesn't have to be heavy handed. Hell, I'd love it if he danced in the clubhouse after a big win. But he would also hold guys to task, even over the course of a long season, and not be afraid to toss bats in to the shower once in a while.

I'm going to disagree with the choice for one reason: opportunity. And that's not Garver's fault. As much as we want to blast Molitor and his use of Wilson over Garver, in the long run, it may have been best for his development. Even being a believer in Garver, and supporter of him over the year, I still have to give my rookie vote to Cave. Did he have a few bad plays in the OF? Yes. But those are correctable with time and coaching. He made mkre great plays than bad ones. He provided hitting, power, hustle, and a genuine love for his opportunity and playing the game. He also showed degrees of improvement at the plate as the season wore on. Make no mistake though, I think Garver is a keeper. I don't care he wasn't top HS draft choice who skyrocketed to MLB. He's a catcher...there is a lot to learn...and he's not old. His game calling is solid. His defense has seen real improvement. His bat plays. The article speaks about his bat, and he passes the eye test for me. Castro can be a very nice veteran compliment, decent LH bat with power, quality defense, and mentor. Garver should emerge as our primary catcher for the next few season's, at least, with solid hitting and OB numbers with above average power production for the position. Romero is right at #3, not because of ability, potential, or what he may be as early as 2019, but just because of experience and 2018. We've read who he is and can be. We've seen flashes of what he is and can be. No matter how good Berrios is, and can himself still be, it's very possible Romero could be the Twins best starter by 2020, if not the second half of 2019. And I know the votes only go 3 spots, and with good reason, but I'm going to offer up some love for Astudillo. And not just because he's fun and a feel good story. Honestly, should we be that surprised at what he's done this year, SSS or not? They guy is a CATCHER who can be OK at other positions but is a career .300 hitter in milb. At 26yo, we are not talking an aged journeyman. Since...FINALLY...being given a REAL opportunity and look-see he has built on his reputation and developing power to do nothing but play hard, play well, and hit the damn ball all over the place.

Linus, agreed another, better arm or two would help. It always does/would. Agreed. But what really frustrated me was games where we were behind 4 runs and he'd still ride his best arms in the hope of a comeback instead of trying someone else and holding back on over use of his most trusted arms.

His contract never bothered me. The economics of baseball, clearly re-affirmed here, are what they are. His lack of RBI was frustrating when you look at his batting numbers and RISP AVG. But the past few years, he hasn't always had a lot of guys OB in front of him. There have also been quite a few years where there was a questionable bat behind him. (Post Morneau for example). Not every good/great hitter/player is a HR hitter. Gwynn and Boggs weren't power hitters by nature. When they tried to be, their other numbers suffered. Why does Mauer need defending? He doesn't and I think he'd say the same thing. But sometimes, some feel a lack of a certain "something" downgrades the overall ability and effectiveness of a player and his career. I still believe he is a HOF for his first 9 years. Unprecedented numbers and accomplishments for his position.

Spot on. Never understood when Mauer was out, and Grossman was in the lineup daily, why wasn't his best skill, is OB%, used in the lead off spot? But at the end of the season, when injuries took out so many bats, he suddenly decided riding Grossman's hot bat in the 4 hole. Just maddeningly inconsistent.

Can't and won't argue. Great choice! This is the Gibson we thought we were getting after '14 & '15. Glad he finally arrived! Could make a very strong arguement for Roger's and have no complaint from me. I'd say Gibson wins because he is a SP and sank pretty low in '16 and the start of '17. My only qualm with Garver on the list is being a rookie, kind of defeats the "improved" part of the equation, IMO. Still, I'm a believer and really felt his defense improved as the year went on. The bat looks pretty legitimate to me. I think he's the primary catcher when 2019 is said and done.

Shocked? No. Surprised? Yes. All the more so as it was quickly done. I wasn't sure he'd be back, but with all the injuries, and I think some genuine growth and improvement in his style, I thought he might get another year. Injuries or not, there was questionable usage of the pen and frustrating lineup choices at times. Which confounded me as at times he was actually innovative. (Ex: Polanco succeeding so well as the #3 hitter). I don't believe injuries or bad performances sealed Molitor's fate. It was the pen usage, odd lineups, playing certain veterans too much, and poor overall team fundamentals at times. People talk about the "Twins Way" as if it was a bad thing. But one thing you didn't see from TK lead teams, and most of Gardy's, was a team that just beat themselves so much. I really believe they will be going out of the organization for the next manager. I'm hoping for a little younger, and hoping for a stronger Latin influence on the staff.

Mejia will be pitching somewhere for us. And he will definitely get a rotation shot. With a little good luck, he and Romero will BOTH be in the rotation with Pineda or Odorizzi moving to the pen. I tend to believe the FO will take a small step back and persue a more minimalist approach, as stated. I also believe they will make the one "major" pen move and then 1 or 2 minimal signings are sort through the depth they have. And while there are some unproven guys there, there is still depth to roll through. FA, May, Rogers, and a rebound by Hildenberger and/or Reed, (hopefully both), is not too bad of a beginning. I also think there will be at least one quality infielder signed. Our depth, except for Gordon potentially, is all too low in the system. They will add one good piece there, and then look for another Adrianza type. I'm having a hard time seeing a major move in the rotation. I wouldn't be opposed to it! But...especially if you consider the new "opener" strategy as an option...you have Berrios, Gibson, Romero, Mejia, Pineda and Odorizzi with Stewart, Gonsalves, Littell, maybe Slegers, and both Thorpe and Wells at some point for depth. I'm speculating work on the pen and infield and pretty much status quo on the rotation at this point. *Side note: All 3 of Gibson, Pineda and Odorizzi could potentially be gone after 2019. Not say any or all 3 will, but jt coukd happen for various reasons. This could change the dynamics of the FO thinking.

Pearce is a guy I'd be interested on a 1 year deal as a nice role player. He could even play a game or two here and there in the OF I'd expect. I just wish he were LH to better compliment Austin as Sano, Garver and even Astudillo can help at 1B. You and I have always been believers in Sano at 3B. And I think we both agree that if he continues down his new condition path it will only make him more effective defensively. He's already surprising quick and agile for his size, charges the ball well and has than amazing cannon for an arm. Now, of course, he still needs to find some semblance of his previous hitting ability. Where I disagree is when you state we don't need infield help. Or are you referencing just the corners in this case? If you are, then I still like a better back up 3B than Adrianza, though Astudillo is definitely a possibility there. But the middle infield definitely needs an addition.

Great point Vanimal. I should expound on my commentary. He would clearly be paid as a starting caliber infielder. Now, how much is still up for debate. Regardless, he has the ability to compete and start at 2B, SS (with Polanco moving to 2B), or 3B if Sano is injured, moves to 1B/DH etc. I don't feel he would have to be signed with a single position in mind. Only, that he will be paid like a starter, be given the opportunity to start at 3 different locations, and at worst, he could/would play daily SOMEWHERE if the chips fell just right. Say an Iglesius fell in to our laps. As Brian pointed out above, part of his appeal IS his versatility. So I don't think any specific position has to be declared.

I am a huge fan and believer in Escobar and I just dont see $45M for 3 years. IMO, that would be a total turn around from the depressed market we saw last season. But to me, he makes the most sense. He is an super utility guy to play daily and yet can also thrive very well starting at a single position. Healthy, playing any where close to his previous self, Sano is the primary 3B. Especially if he continues on his current diet and exercise program. He can also fill in at 1B and DH. I am leaning toward a 2nd 1B/DH type, with Mauer retired, who can bring a decent LH bat. But then I look at Astudillo and others and start to talk myself out of it.

The whole game, and so many moments, made it a special and moving day. And not just for Joe and his family, but for all of us. Personally, I was greatly moved when he came out in catching gear and had to fight my own tears. It was fitting! As was his hustle double to OF. He was an amazing catcher, one of the best I ever saw, and probably the best hitting catcher we've ever seen. And he was always a class act in everything he did, on and off the field. Going to miss him, if this indeed is it. It's going to very strange not seeing #7 on the team, or in the lineup, if he decides it's time. I wish him the very best!

I absolutely don't understand why the Twins insist on marching Astudillo out to play daily. I mean, all this guy does is play decent defense and hit the ball and hustle while playing with exuberance. Those kinds of guys are a dime a dozen! #Astudillorocks

Is it just me, but with his physique and blonde highlights, I keep seeing "Sano Jr" when I look at Willans. Let's face it, his "shape" is round, and he's not exactly speedy. But he runs better than you would expect, and I agree there appears to be some quickness to him. Hey, athletes come in different shapes and sizes. I know his shape, but don't know his conditioning. I know your post was tongue-in-cheek, but considering the opportunity that may be in front of him, you do have to wonder a bit about him shedding a few pounds to get ready for 2019.