DocBauer

I know I'm in the minority, but day in and day out, I think Polanco is a pretty decent SS who makes the plays, sometimes some very good ones. And I think the ability is there to improve. That being said, Lewis should move him to 2B eventually, and I do believe it's his best spot. I endorse finding a good, every day defensive SS and make the move now. I would also do my damndest to bring back Escobar. I would pay him as a starter...$8-9M per?...knowing he will play daily somewhere. If not as a starter, the 3 positions and even DH. Agree also on Buxton every day with Cave as a really nice 4th OF. Buxton hitting even .250 with natural strength and speed is a dangerous player. The injuries to Mejia and Pineda are unfortunate as September could have been very useful for both. Mejia makes the club regardless as he's out of options I believe. He and Rogers could make a dynamite pair of LH out of the pen. A healthy Pineda joining Berrios, Gibson and Romero is the start of a really nice rotation, IMO. What about Odorizzi? Well, you could do a he'll of a lot worse than having him as your #5 SP. I'd really like one major move here, trade or FA, and convince Odorizzi just how well his stuff could play up as a setup man and potential closer. In no exact order, picture this idea: 2019 ROTATION: Berrios Gibson FA/TRADE Pineda Romero 2019 PEN: Odorizzi May Hildenberger Reed (healthy and back to normal) FA Rogers Mejia

I am putting Pineda in the rotation with a healthy arm, looking solid in his milb rehab appearances, and assuming the early reports that his knee injury is, indeed, minor. He could also find himself in the BP, at least to begin the season. Again, I'm putting him in the rotation. Mejia will get every chance to start, and he should. But I believe he's out of options so he makes the club in at least some capacity. Really, really a shame he and Pineda couldn't finish out the season in Minnesota. Would definitely make me feel better getting ready for 2019. I admit I forgot about Stewart. I think the FO sees something in him and believe he will be protected. Put him at Rochester to begin the season along with the other names listed, (I still think Slegers has the ability to be a consistent, decent #5 SP or solid middle/long/swing man if given an extended opportunity. Not sure if that's going to happen with the Twins) I wouldn't be too quick to give up on Gonsalves. He's tall and long with a decent FB and reportedly excellent change. His breaking balls need refinement, and I have no answer as to why his control has come and gone so much this season. But he's usually struggled somewhat with each promotion, then made adjustments and excelled. But I think Thorpe has better pure stuff and could surpass him soon in 2019. I find Wells very interesting. At the risk of repeating myself, trade or FA, I would love to see one more really nice rotation arm added. And the continued development of Romero is KEY. Really wish depth would allow us to convince Odorizzi to try to become the next Smoktz, Aguillera, etc, as a top SET-UP man and potential closer.

2019: Berrios Gibson Romero Pineda Odorizzi Mejia (also strong BP candidate) AAA Gonsalves Thorpe Wells Littell ???? (Slegers-Dejong) Wouldn't shock me a bit for a quality FA or trade acquisition, though I'm not going to spit ball names at this point. Odorizzi is Ok as a 5th SP. As long as that is where he remains. Boy would I love to see he and Mejia both in the pen with Rogers, May, Hildenberger and a healthy-normal Reed plus 1 quality addition.

Thanks Tom! Much appreciated! Must be hard in the doldrums of September to post re-cap, but they are still so much appreciated! Hope Austin, his back especially, is OK. I've seen a few not-so-great plays from Austin. And I've seen some poor performances at the plate. But I have also seen enough from him on the good side of everything that I sooo much want to look forward to his 2019 season. 26yo and clearly has some talent and ability. Just because he didn't fit in with N.Y. doesn't mean he doesn't have potential. NOT the best day for Gibson. Hey, it happens. Makes up just a little bit for all the great games he pitched and took a loss or ND.

While reading initially j was perturbed at Thorpe at Thorpe in the #4 spot. Really? Than j had to remember just how good Gonsalves was this season...again. Yes, he had a couple clunkers and his BB was unusually high. But he was, formthem most part, dominate once yet again. We can't let a few poor September starts ruin our opinion of him. It's a long season, it's his debut, his track record has always been to struggle a bit promotion and then make adjustments. Makes me feel good to realize Wells could pitch as well, or better, next season and slide down multiple spots with Thorpe and Graterol jot on his heels. Very good chance we see both Wells and Thorpe next year, with Graterol hopefully getting at least a half season at Chattanooga.

I'm not convinced Grossman is back, or makes the club. But you need depth and options so he's probably back. Everyone healthy and performing at least at an acceptable level, I'd say he's the 5th OF and a bat off the bench. That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. 2019 OF IMO: LF: Rosario CF: Buxton RF: Kepler 4th: Cave Rosario is a given and not much more needs to be said. Buxton is the answer in CF, no doubt. Yes, a horrible and lost season. But he's still uber talented and will only be 25. Even if he can hit .250 with any reasonable contact, he has the natural speed and power to push for 60 XB and steal 20-30 bases. His potential, of course, is for better than that. But any kind of decent approach and just making reasonable contact, these numbers are more than obtainable. Kepler is excellent defensively, still young, and not done developing. His first 2 seasons he hit RHP well but couldn't hit LHP well at all. He completely reversed that this year. I have confidence he will level out in 2019 and have his best season to date. Cave is the 4th OF and one would expect him to show at least some growth and improvement in his second season. I notice you didn't mention Rooker in your list. I'm assuming it was simply an oversight. Barring trades, I expect my OF to remain intact for the next 2-3 years at least. (Wade could challenge Cave for 4th OF duties in the near future. Where a shuffle may take place is adding Rooker and Khirilloff...both by 2020 at the latest...with a combination of those 2 and Kepler manning RF/1B/DH in some arrangement.

First of all, thanks Ted for a wonderful and insightful interview. I think it offers an interesting perspective to the current team, the FO, the foundation of a team, etc. Personally, I absolutely believe leadership is a real thing. And it can come in many forms. Reading the interview, I couldn't help but think about Hunter and what he may have brought to the team a couple years ago. And I don't think a "presence" should just be ignored. I'm even reminded of years ago and the affect Redmond had on the team as a decent but not great player who worked hard, contributed, and did his naked locker room walk through when he felt the team needed it. Laughable? Of course! So is the Hunter dancing! Or Colon last season and his jovial personality and mediocre-quality performances. On a team, or in a work force, to suggest leadership and personality is unimportant is ludicrous. Now, Giminez has no future with the Twins, and I think we all know that. Same with Wilson, traded for Giminez. (Still not sure i can wrap my head around the deal). Personally, considering both were signed on milb deals to begin with, not sure why Wilson was brought in vs just keeping Giminez. My personal opinion for the trade? Wilson taught Garver and showed him some things. The FO brought back Giminez for a second lesson. I believe in leadership, as well as leadership by example. I also believe Belisle is hanging around for the same reason. I get it! But at some point, you still have to look at the 40 man roster, and September promotions, and have to make some smart and hard decisions towards next season. I think there have been a couple bad mistakes in this area. I would really like to see Giminez as a coach in the system next season.

I would argue with one of the initial comments in this thread about defense first, pitch to contact and strike throwing agendas being wrong, or outdated in some way. There is nothing wrong with quality defense, or throwing strikes. Nor is there anything inherently wrong with "pitch to contact". This phrase has been over used and distorted. Nobody ever stated hitters should make GOOD contact. It was a phrase tossed out about POOR contact...in other words, throwing strikes, but not meatballs...and letting your defense work for you. Otherwise, love your perspective. Through the draft and trades, this FO has done a tremendous job of acquiring milb talent and depth. They've even acquired a couple guys here and there that some scratched their heads over. Think Cave, for instance. Where they have "blown it", IMHO, is this September. You really think Romero is done for 2018? OK. Glad to see some younger guys get their shot to get their feet wet. Kuddos! But Belisle vs Reed and Anderson? What? Why not audition them for the future, vs an aged RP who wont be back next season. You have to add Gordon, so why not get a taste of the ML and prepare him even more for next season? I like most of what they have done. But I am frustrated about a lot of their September approach to next season.

Just to echo the obvious, he's done all of this not only at 20yo, but coming off a missed season! I am NOT recommending playing it slow with him, and I think he legitimately could be ready to begin 2019 at AA, but there is so much mkre that goes in to those decisions, everything from approach at the plate, BB/SO numbers to defensive play being honed. I would not be disappointed or upset if he and Rooker both start next season where they finished, and then move up a month or so after the season began just to get their legs under them and get off to a good start. The same could be said for Lewis, but even younger, I'd bet more on a mid season promotion to AA. Absolutely agree with MIKE on angst over Kepler. The guys is still young, started behind the 8 ball a bit when compared to other HS age kids when signed, and practically skipped AAA. His first 2 seasons it was "if only he could improve his hitting against LHP like he showed in his breakout AA season". He did that this season, but somehow slipped against RHP. He combines his first 3 season's, LOOK OUT. At some point in 2019, 2020 for sure, Kirilloff, Rooker and Kepler can make a formidable trio to man 1B/RF/DH. By all accounts I've read, Rooker is a good athlete, not a slugging statue, and can be a solid OF. Ditto for Kirilloff. We already know how good Kepler is defensively, even as a solid CF. None of them bas to be pigeon holed in to only 1 spot. But I wonder what the best combination of the three would entail?

Very happy, and a bit surprised, to see Vasquez being promoted so rapidly and getting his September shot. Despite his milb numbers and great slider, I have to wonder if he's more of a great LOOGY rather than a set-up guy. Haven't given up on Moya yet. Still have a feeling Mejia will be in the 2019 pen with Rogers from the port side. And that could be a devastating 1-2 punch, potentially. I don't care if the FO likes Reed and has already decided to add him to the 40 man. If you're going to add him, then just add him now and let him gain some experience! We are doing what with Belisle? Auditioning him?

I'm not convinced he wants to come back. Age, previous injuries, nother injury this season, another baby on the way, his brother choosing to walk away from the grind, financially set, I think there is a real chance he decides it's time. Further, and this is not to bash him as I think he still offers value, what other team is a legitimate fit for him? Mauer's 2017 slash line: .276/ .347/ .374/ .721 Mauer's last 30 days: .271/ .312/ .390/ .702 I don't have the numbers available, but I'm pretty darn sure his numbers thjs season were much better prior to his "concussion like" injury. If there was someway to predict we'd see the 2017 Mauer or pre-injury Mauer of 2018, he has real value for his defense, AVG, and OB. NOT saying he will or won't play, or should or shouldn't be signed. And the team could absolutely afford a 1 year deal with zero financial risk. And anywhere close to his 2017 and early 2018 numbers he'd be a FINE stop-gap for 2019. But I'm really starting to believe it's time to look at other options.

I feel this post has to be addressed. As an athlete, as a potential offensive player, I am a huge proponent for Polanco. I am being honest and outgoing by stating this, even showing a certain degree of optimism and prejudice. Except for a few guys...and I have spent the time to look up the numbers...most high quality, All Star, Gold Glove winners even, (Though I know there are debates about those awards), many ML SS experienced rather high error totals in their milb career. (Same for many 2B and 3B, FWIW). Most grew in to the job. I hate to re-hash the past, but Polanco was signed as a glove first SS who you hoped would hit. Well, he learned to hit, and I don't believe we've seen his potential yet. He was bounced up and down in his service time early on with limited appearances at the ML, taken off AS for whatever reason(s) and then placed as the ever day SS. 176 games is only a bit over a full season at SS in the ML as a full time player. (After being practically pulled off the position in milb). I've absolutely seen him botch some plays. I've also seen range and ability that show me he can absolutely play the position with more time and experience. Long term, I believe that the even more talented and athletic Lewis will push Polanco to 2B...eventually. Barring a trade or FA signing, IMO, Polanco is a solid SS with the potential to be pretty good with a little more time and experience. I am so frustrated that our collection of 24-26yo players like Polanco, Sano, Buxton and Kepler aren't already ML studs and All Stars and budding All Stars. And then I review their potential, and the flashes they have shown, and I get frustrated that we are frustrated that that they aren't what we want them to be YET.

Actually, I really wish this post was on the main page as I think it begs serious discussion and debate. I have both pro and con feelings about the Buxton situation. But this post is not concerning him directly. I have pro FO over and over again for much of what they have done, despite a poor handling/building of Rochester this season, and some questionable to very questionable ML moves this season, especially in the second half, and bordering on incredulous for September. I can get Field and Petit. Field is young enough for a flier and an invite next year as a AAA player, especially if Granite can't bounce back. (Remember him?) Petit is a roster filler to finish out the year. (And all things considered, probably should have been up instead of Motter anyway). But please, please don't try to convince me that nice guy and good locker room presence Belisle offers anything more important than someone like Reed actually getting an opportunity! Belisle was surprisingly good in 2017. He was also let go for a reason. Hey, the Twins took a shot to see if he could help and rebound to what he was/did last season. A debatable move, but not without some merit. But now? Absolutely no excuse for him taking a roster spot from a talented young arm who could actually have an impact next year in someone like Reed. Just...inexcusable! There was a time when teams would bring up prospects for September just to get a taste of the ML to help expose and prepare them for the next level. Gordon has to be protected on the 40 man this off season. Disappointing second half of not, there is no room to just come up, sit on the bench, gain exposure, get in a few games, and maybe learn a few things. Lastly, this whole experimental RP starting games is a joke! Just because Tampa has somehow found success with it is laughable to me. RP, no matter how good they are, are RP for a reason. They lack a 3rd pitch, a change, the ability to pitch multiple innings, etc, whatever. So you start a RP for an inning or two before bringing in your SP to go throw the lineup twice and hopefully three times? As opposed to what? Your SP actually starting and going through the lineup two and hopefully three times before bringing in the RP? Someone please explain to me some merit to this scenario because I absolutely don't see it! The Twins should be doing what Seth suggested a couple weeks ago and auditioning their young starters on a piggyback scenario. Start someone like Stewart, Gonsalves, Littell, Romero, (Though Romero appears to be done now for the year), for a planned 4/3 UP scenario. You can reverse it next time around. The "second starter" comes in for a clean start to begin their turn. If the "first starter" falters early...guess what...you bring in a RP to bridge the gap. Is this really too hard of a concept to embrace?

I don't have the most recent stretch of his AAA stats in front of me, and frankly don't feel like doing the research at the moment, b7t I recall something like only 1 or 2 BB to go along with numerous SO. Meaning that despite a few nice looking numbers since his most recent activation, doesn't appear the contact is there, which also could indicate an approach still being worked on.

Absolutely! 100%! The changes that have already taken place within the system thus far, a record payroll and aggressive nature last off season to see if we could build on 2017...this is NOT a post or thread about woulda/coulda/busted expectations...tell me the FO isn't really concerned about an extra year. I say again, what is best for Buxton is also in the best interest of the entire organization. THAT is what is paramount to all parties involved. Despite feasting on AAA pitching in SSS, has he earned additional ML time? I am absolutely NOT knocking the young man for his injuries, nor dismissing his potential. And I have NO IDEA what coaches are seeing from him at Rochester right now. But we, and he, his agent, and everybody else needs to take a step back and just figure out what is best for Byron? What does he really need? Time off and a re-set to get ready for 2019? Or September ML time to work on things? I'm glad I don't have to make the decision. S lot of guys, FO to coaches on down make a lot more money than me to figure this out. On the outside looking in? I'd say bring him up, but don't play him daily. Every other day, or 2of 3, watch video, hit off the T, work with Rowson, work on an approach where he just can identify pitches better and worry about contact and let his natural ability take control. Spend some time in the instructional league, and then get ready for 2019.

Mauer and Buxton are also tied together in a different way, an abstract way, the way Mauer and Dozier were tied together the past few years. Huh? Hear me out. There have been countless arguments as to Mauer's "worth" the past few seasons. The negative has always been lack of power and RBI production from a position known and accepted as the norm to produce power and RBI. (Though you could also make an arguement that despite Joe having a great career BA with RISP, he often hasnt had enough guys actually IN scoring position when he hit, or protection behind him). But I have always argued there are many ways to build a lineup. To be short, I've seen zero power hitters who could hit at least some, but steal tons of bases at the top of the lineup. I've seen guys who can barely run, but could hit, have high OB, provide at least decent power, and be highly successful in the same top of the order spot. Mauer is more than OK as a defensive star at 1B with his BA, contact, RISP BA, high OB and decent power, (at least the doubles variety with occasional HR pop), when power was provided at a different spot in the lineup, ala Dozier at 2B. The same holds true in regard to Buxton. Buxton's natural talent, strength and ability, IMO, would indicate that even as a "healthy" player hitting in the . 250-.260 range, could/should produce 30+ doubles, upper teens and very possible 20 HR power, not to mention multiple triples as well as his SB potential. (Yes, I know we're talking health and a miserable season, but follow me here). Combine that with Rosario and the still developing but talented Kepler, along with Sano and a full season of Polanco, etc, etc, and I hope you see my point. Mauer, at the top of the lineup, playing Gold Glove caliber defense, not only has a place, he can be productive, despite not being the classic 1B. He's been that, though Molitor was way, way too slow to swap him with Dozier. He was that in 2017 and the first half of this season. Can he be that still? That might be the real question. The second half Mauer after his latest concussion or "concussion-like" injury? He is a great defensive 1B who can still hit, get OB, take great AB, come through in the clutch at times, but is an 8 or 9 hole hitter who helps turn the lineup over. Is that good enough? Is the lineup strong enough to support that? Who else hits in the #1 spot? Polanco? Maybe. But I actually love the way Molitor has used Polanco as the 2-3 hitter late in 2017 and this season on his return. Back to the crux of the article: MAUER: All I said before but adding this: He has reached certain milestones this season. He has endured yet another injury that curtailed what seemed like a positive offensive season. (Not that he's stinking up the place at all). He watched his brother walk away from the grind, even as a manager, to spend time with family, and Joe has another baby on the way. I think he's 50/50 Even wanting to come back. I'm torn as a fan of his, and a Twins fan for what is best. He has value, though it's argumentative and debatable how much. If only we had a crystal ball! I will repeat that I hope his decision is made quickly so the Twins can plan accordingly and move forward appropriately. BUXTON: Not surprisingly, what is best for Buxton is what's best for the Twins. Can anybody really argue that? I absolutely understand the argument for another year of control. Makes sense. But is that really the conundrum at this point? Put it in a weird and abstract point. If you could show ownership and FO on down that changing cleats and bat manufacturing company or a rabbits foot in his hip pocket would allow Buxton to reach his full potential in 2019, or even 2020, that they would truly care about the extra year, would they really blink about having to play him the rest of this season to lose that extra year of control? I'm sorry, but I say no. And that is what they have to decide and then sell to Buxton and maybe his agent. (Sorry, but this is an isolated case, and not organization wide situation to sell to potential draftees and potential FA). Is he truly better served coming back up, playing every other day, or 2 of 3, working with Rowson, hitting off the T, working in practice, and just studying and playing. Or is he better off, long term, getting an extra month to get his body and mind right for 2019, still working with Rowson, hitting off the T, maybe spending some time in instructional league, and getting right for 2019? I'm glad I don't have to make the decision. If I had to? Bring him up, play him,and work with him. Regardless of which course they take, I'd have special assistant Hunter spend as much time as i could about hitting, defense, preparation, WALLS, selling out and when NOT to sell out, approach, ups and downs.

Off topic comment, but I have really, really enjoyed Thome on the broadcasts the past few days, though I haven't been able to watch a full game. Maybe I'm a homer, but I truly enjoy Gladden on the radio, forever unpolished, but that's just him and I like it. I also like Bert. Smalley may talk to much, but his knowledge is good. I like different things about Hawkins and Hunter, and enjoy listening to Jack and his candor. But TV, radio or both, I'd really like Thome to become a more regular contributor. I think he has a real future in broadcasting if he wants it.

The bullpen needs work, no doubt about it. Seems crazy to me to say this, considering our bullpen history vs rotation, but I'm more worried about the pen than the rotation for 2019. I am, however, encouraged and excited for May, Rogers and Hildenberger. I'm even more encouraged if Reed bounces back. He's a given to be back, of course. And we all know the relative volatility of the life of a reliever. A lot of innings the last couple of years, possible/probable over use from Molitor the first half this season, maybe it was just his season to be down. Let's hope so. But healthy and ready to go in 2019, we'd have a nice 4 to start with. So very disappointed that Mejia is out for the rest of this year, he was looking good. He still deserves a shot at starting next season. But he's not going anywhere in 2019 but the pen, if not the rotation. Can Moya continue to improve? What about Busentiz, Curtiss and Reed getting a real shot? If just ONE of them can do what Hildenberger has done...that is, take his opportunity and run with it...i start to feel that much better. But make no mistake, through FA and/or trade, we need to add TWO quality arms to join May, Rogers and Hildenberger. You give me that 5, hopefully a rebounded veteran Reed, I think we can find the other 2 missing pieces.

Nice game, nice win. Great HR for Astudillo! Congrats! I would never wish an injury on anyone, but with Wilson out, Astudillo is exactly the kind of player we should be looking at. He's a still young 26yo catcher with some stick potential and surprising ability to play other positions. (By all reports). Couldn't he end up being a nice 25th man maybe? Who knows what Stewart's future holds but pleased they are taking a shot with him. Same with Gonsalves, though I think his potential is very good. But isn't this the perfect time to get their feet wet and to learn and grow?

I'll echo there are a lot of great comments and points of view here even those I don't necessarily agree with. And I'm going to cop out on a final grade and just say "incomplete" but optimistic, waiting for the final pages of their thesis to be turned in. They were brought in to re-build the culture and the system. (Note: this does not have to include an over night razing of everything and everyone). If you felt a pair of off season's would accomplish their version of a re-build, re-tool or re-construction, then I would say you were at least overly optimistic, if not a bit naive. My incomplete is an overview of what I have seen so far: LIKE: They made "meh" low-key additions for 2017 like Giminez and Belisle and even Castro, instead of looking for quick fixes or a scorched earth philosophy. Those moves worked quite well. BOTH Garcia trades made sense last season, though they were made for different reasons, even so close together. Not trading Dozier initially made sense for what it appears was offered. However the players acquired at this year's trading deadline turn out, the fact that they acted definitively to increase talent and options for pending FA was decisive and much more aggressive than we have seen in a very long time. I was pleased with the FA moves, and Odorizzi trade, this past off season. Nothing long term. Nothing to block young talent. All smart moves, mostly all heralded, but simply didn't turn out. I am just not going to hold them accountable for injuries and poor showings. They took an aggressive shot! I like the way the juggled the 25 man last season and rode the Rochester shuttle to keep the team as complete and fresh as they could. I really like both of their drafts so far. I'm actually pleasantly surprised at how good the 2018 early returns look thus far. (Early I know). And I think it's a bit disingenuous to say the 2017 draft should have been good when you have the 1st pick over all. You still have to make the right choice and choices. There was no Strasburger or Harper as the clear cut, OMG, #1 choice. I like that they seem to be a bit more aggressive in milb promotions. I love they weren't conservative with Romero, and were maybe too aggressive with Littell, but weren't afraid. There are other points I like, including the move for Cave just before the season began, but this covers the majority. DISLIKE: I think the re-set of Sano was later than it should have been. In fact, I think they should have done a better job of monitoring him during the off season. I don't think they handled Buxton's toe injury well at all. For as well as they handled the 25 man last season, and the mentioned Rochester express, I don't think they have done a very good job this season. Not only have I felt some guys got yanked back down too early, at times, but I also feel they have been way too slow, especially at this point in the season, to look at Reed, Curtiss and others vs Belisle and Drake. (Note: I can ALMOST understand Drake as a "what if" flier). My next THREE points work in conjunction with this one. Each unto themselves, I can understand not protecting Bard, Chargois, Burdi and Rodriguez. There are legitimate reasons to not protect each and everyone of those guys! But ALL of them? (But too be fair, could ANYONE actually see Rodriguez having the decent/solid year he's had?) I don't like the way they've tried to "out smart" everyone else in the rule 5 each of the last two off seasons. Please stop! I very much dislike the way the built the Rochester team this year. I get you felt there were some guys, like Gordon and Wade, for example, that you wanted to take some time with. And the real depth of the system was always going to be in the lower part of the system. But with the financial flexibility granted to them...I'd say the proof in that is the FA moves made...you couldn't find a few AAAA type guys to put together a decent roster with opportunities awaiting if someone got hurt, under performed, etc? Sano was a concern of mine, and I voiced that before the season began. I lamented letting Goodrum walk, though maybe he saw greener pastures anyway. But there wasn't a Brian Buscher, SOMEWHERE to be had? Was Wilson, not being mean, truly the best and only catching option available? For all the angst written about Tyner and Florimon being given real ML time in the past, wouldn't a couple of guys like them have improved the Rochester team and provided at least competent call up options? In a nutshell, as I'm reading the thesis on "how to re-tool the Twins to a competitive and sustainable franchise" I'm mostly impressed and about ready to hand out a positive grade. But this next off season will move my grade up, or down. And to be precise, my grade won't be determined by a sudden FA flurry the likes of which we have never seen. Nor will it be a sudden trade explosion involving the ML roster and half the top 10 prospects in the system. It will involve improving what is on hand, and setting those players up for success. (The absolute most talented players on the roster will still be 26 or younger in 2019). It will include a smart FA signing or two. It will be about a smart trade, or two. My final grade doesn't involve a legitimate run at the WS next season. (Though that would be wonderful!l. It's about building on what you have, making it better, and making smart decisions to augment what you have...as well as what is coming...without a "damn the torpedoes" trap for a short term fix. In any sport, I think most can agree, year 3 is where your stamp should start showing.

Wonder, would he cost that much? Rockies players leaving their confines and the NL concern me somewhat. Don't have career splits, but this season splits are pretty dramatic. Seemsntonhave a solid bat, OB and some pop. Seems stuck on 2B the last few season's. Could be interesting but still need to see more splits other than 2018.

Thank you for the correction. For some reason, I was under the impression he was a FA or possible non tender candidate.

For multiple reasons, I believe Escobar is that guy, taking Machado completely out of the equation. And at the risk of repeating myself, the still need someone else. Until the season is done, and everything shakes out, no, I'm not certain who that guy may be. I am NOT opposed to someone over 30 on a bounce back, or even adding a quality utility guy, or someone who hasn't lived up to expectation yet. But you need someone other than the mentioned Escobar for competition and depth. We simply can't go in to 2019 with Adrianza and nobody else while waiting for Gordon. We need depth and options. If the right guy is signed and he could actually start at 2B daily, the worst case scenario is that Escobar plays daily at 3 spots and even DH's at times. NOT saying it should be Forsythe. Castro is an intriguing idea. But I wonder who else we might consider?

Sometimes the pen has a bad night. Sometimes the SP has a bad game. Sometimes the offense or defense has a bad night/game. It happens! And I wouldn't throw Drake under the bus for a bad game. Again, it happens. And maybe, maybe, the FO really thinks they stumbled on a find they can fix. (To be fair, in SSS, he's done well so far and has good SO-IP in his career). But hes bounced around to so many teams for how long now? I get it, why not look at him for now in a lost season. But, for whatever reason, Reed is toast right now. Drake is a flier at best. But the arms in Rochester are what? Inconsistent? Compared to Reed and Drake? So who might actually be young enough to work with and have potential vs someone who might be on his last chance? And who might have potential to step forward for the future if the franchise if given a chance? Hmmmm.....

As the OP suggests, Forsythe is I interesting and worth considering. Never was he mentioned as a must or probable signing. Healthy, away from LA, a new opportunity, meh, he's at least a consideration in my mind. Veteran player, good defensively, some pop, maybe a rebound player with a good year or two in the sun coming his way. Same could me said for Murphy or Lowrie, etc. Considering what he's already proven, considering he seemed to lime playing here, considering the Twins talked extension before moving him, considering versatility, considering 2B can be covered or "hidden" more than SS or 3B if you truly have questions defensively, my #1 priority is to bring back Escobar. It makes so much sense, and the stars seem too align, I give a quality 3 year deal, or 2 with an option. He will either be the starting 2B, OR, play almost every day as a super utility 2B/SS/3B/DH. Next, you have to make a decision that I'm not qualified to answer. You either need another nice utility man move, trade or FA, or you go more bold, again FA or trade, for a guy who COULD end up starting at 2B, or provide a great utility player. Now, I don't know if that is Forsythe-Lowrie-Murphy-Castro-Etc, but you need depth and competition. Gordon doesn't appear ready, and you can't just have Adrianza and nobody else. My dream? Elvis Andrus to compete and start with new opportunity, or become a very valuable utility player. (I may be wrong, but am thinking he's a FA or possible FA). Regardless, versatility and every day, we need Escobar and another solid infielder.