DocBauer

Just not interested in Lemahieu. And not just because I'd have to learn how to spell his name daily, lol. As mentioned, I don't like his splits and the market is flooded. Glad I don't have to make the final decision, but please, make the right call here. I don't care if its Lowry at 2B, (but my preferred choice), or someone else, or Iglesius and move Polanco to 2B now. Just spend the $8-10M on the right guy! I'm just not excited about Gray, though maybe he could be a steal for someone away from NY. I want to see Berrios continue to develop, lock up Gibson with something fair, see what Pineda and Odorizzi do, and roll through/audition Romero, Gonsalves, Stewart, Littell and Thorpe. It's time to see what we have here, for 2019 and beyond. I actually like a healthy Pineda. Nothing spectacular, but solid career numbers when you look at them. No to Gray. Roll with what we have. Develop what we have. Re-evaluate mid-season to see if the right opportunity is there, or hold out until next offseason.

100% this! Adding Cron does not mean you can't continue to add and improve the roster/lineup and depth/options. Is Cron a needle mover? I'd say yes, slightly at least. And every nudge forward is a good one. We still have money to spend, there are tons of options on the market, and we still have all our prospects at this time for trades. (Whether now or later).

Agreed! But there is upside and opportunity. Still depends on the rest of the moves made. At this point, of course, I'm still looking for a quality infielder and a couple top BP options. But clearly the team is looking for depth and opportunity. They are not simply handing the 1B job to Austin. And I think that's a positive. If both rake in ST, you have a nice problem to consider. This is NOT the bat I wanted or considered. It doesn't mean it's a bad move, or that we are committed to either Cron or Austin for anything. I would STILL sign McCutchen or Brantley and let Rocco sort out the team and lineup from strength.

I am also optimistic about Rooker. There is a reason the Twins drafted him twice. And the early returns have been encouraging and enticing. He's shown a really good bat with power and the ability to make adjustments. And his age doesn't really bother me because of the production be has shown and his adaptability only a season and a half in. AA pitching is way above what anyone sees in college. Especially on a daily basis. Now, if he suddenly stagnated, then I will worry. But I've always felt he was looking at a cup of coffee in 2019 with a possible breakthrough in 2020. They say the biggest adjustment is to AA ball. If that's true, even with a late season slump, he could be ready mid-season 2019. Let the staff work with him and find a place for him at that point.

Nick, to me, you sort of answer your own question whether this move is pro or cron...errr...con. They ARE different players, and should be treated as such. If Morrisson had actually been fully healthy, maybe we aren't even having this discussion right now. Even had Morrisson just performed to his career averages, he would have been useful, and maybe/probably in the incumbent 1B for 2019. Of course, that's not the way it worked out, unfortunately. And who knows, maybe Morrison will sign a small deal somewhere, be 100%, have a nice season and we'll all be lamenting woulda, coulda, shoulda. I like what I saw of Austin and am intrigued by change of scenery and opportunity. But he remains an unknown. Cron is not a big sexy acquisition to be sure. And I absolutely believe his signing came with the approval of Baldelli who has watched him. None of his previous seasons were great, though not bad either, but Rocco was there to watch him "break through" in 2019 with hjs first season with 500AB. Do we get the same guy? Who knows. Maybe the BA and OB go up but the power slides some. But even though $5M is an amount most of can't conceive of, it's small in the market of MLB. And the team is not committed to either he or Austin moving forward. For goodness sake, we are paying Hughes as much or more NOT to play. It's a smart move with no downside. Now to move to an infielder, the pen, and I'm still hoping and wondering about a BIG bat to deepen the OF and all kinds of possibilities.

Just to add, as I did a short time ago in this same thread, isn't this the perfect opportunity to add someone like McCutchen or Brantley to the mix? Add another big bat, especially with Cron being so inexpensive, and build your roster from depth and strength. Let Rocco figure out how to use "too much talent" and have the depth for trades, injuries, etc. In addition to a prime infield addition, or course. There was a whole thread recently about the Brewers adding and subtracting from their OF depth. Couldn't this be an option for the Twins at this point?

Assuming the Cron we get, and Baldelli is familiar with, is approximately the player he was last year, (age and 500AB vs previous seasons indicate he could be), he and Austin could be dangerous as 6-7 hitters, even sacrificing some contact and OB. Could be even more effective if spaced apart from one anotber.

Partially agree. ONLY talking position players now, unless they have decided they don't like Austin, (doubt that is the case), I don't want a DH. I consider 1B to be settled, with Sano, Garver and Kepler all options to fill in if and where necessary. Further, you have options at DH with Austin and Cron, as well as half days off for others. What I would like to see is a big time OF FA signing like McCutchen or Brantley. What? But we already have Rosario, Buxton, Kepler and Cave. Where is the room? 3 OF spots, 1B, DH, PH, injuries and even slumps. Assemble the most talent you can, see how things play out, and let Baldelli figure out who plays, where and when.

I absolutely appreciate the many overlooked contributions he made. And truth be told, I dont think he was always used properly. Example: he should have been in the 1 or 2 hole with Dozier or Rosario sliding down. Unless they tried and he failed, he should have been worked out at 1B just to see if he could provide more roster flexibility. Examining the 40 man and team needs, I believe it's time to part ways. But I wouldn't be upset if he was brought back cheaply for depth. ($4M is just a huge overpay). My biggest objection might be the roster spot that could be given to someone else.

And I'm not sure about Rooker's OF potential either. I read reports that say he doesn't look good, and then I read a personal account...was it BobSacramento??...that states he looks like a natural athlete. So I admit I'm confused. I guess I've always seen him as a primary DH who could also play 1B and some OF with Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave, Khirilloff being more the mainstay position players. Either way, I get potential and being drafted and signed as a college senior, but Rooker has a year and a half of professional ball. I fully expect him to do what he did last season, which is take a little time to adjust to AAA ball and then take pretty good. But I've never counted on him to begin 2019 with the Twins.

NOT going hijack the thread, just wanted to make a comment about your comment concerning Pohlad's comment. (Whew!) I actually agree with the premise of Pohlad's comment at it's core. Just because the money is there and available doesn't mean you HAVE to spend it. You can, hopefully, make some smart additions. You can make trades. You still some young guys who have to play daily, and a few more on their way...hopefully knocking on the door soon...and you have future trades, maybe even mid-season 2019, and possible extensions. We honestly don't know yet how much the payroll will be, or what moves they will make. It's just way too early. What I object to is the flippancy of his answer with zero clarification. He may be a very intelligent individual, but he makes some very strange comments at times.

My biggest problem with Molitor's usage wasn't necessarily his usage of just a couple of guys. Your point is taken, and I agree, that at times the cupboard was bare. (FWIW, I thought they did a better job of shuttling to Rochester and back in 2017). My biggest issue was being behind 3 or 4 runs and he would use his trusted relievers instead of maybe trying someone else, hope for the best, and save his most trusted arms for the next game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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