DocBauer

Absolutely agree 100%! Eventually, Polanco probably moves to 2B. (Not guaranteeing it as he has improved and will continue to improve, IMHO). Gordon should debut in 2019. Lewis and Javier are at least a year or two away, along with other talented players brought on board the last couple of years. Even if he is only a 2B with average speed, his hit tool is tremendous. He seems to be building at least a little more pop/power. Even if he's average defensively, you can't ignore the bat. And let's not forget he missed almost an entire season due to injury and came back very strong. Glad to see Wade there, but I agree he was a given. He hits both LH and RH pitching, gets OB, is developing a little more power, and can play quality defense in both corner spots and doesn't embarrass himself in CF. Just a no-brainer there. While I like Granite and think he has a future, after a lost season in 2018, I think Wade has moved ahead of him and expect him to be removed from the 40 man. (Or did I miss it and he already was?) I admit to being a little confused about the Michael Reed signing. Wasn't he added to the 40 man once claimed? I want to say he was. The pitchers? Other than Reed, who I'm still confounded about in regard to the FO, lack of a call up, etc, I just don't know. There's a couple guys I'd like to hold on to there, but what are the odds they would be selected rule 5 and actually stick anyway? I don't want to lose Weil or Davis either. I feel both have the potential to be solid players who could yet move their game to the next level. But again, what are the odds of being selected and sticking? I think Gordon and Wade are correct. I'd absolutely keep Arreaz! I think I'd keep Reed as well. Otherwise, FA, trades, kids coming up, I think I'd keep the other spots open.

Just not excited about any of the SP options listed here.i would either spend the money elsewhere, or add to it payroll wise on a trade. The pen options are more interesting. I have seen Herrera anywhere from a 3 year at $24M to a 1 year at $8M. Comjng off injury could he be even cheaper on a 1 year deal with an option? His career suggests he could be a steal. Absolutely interested in Greg Holland as an addition based on his history, like Herrera, as long as they were a second signing.

Oh Carole, don't stop there! They could be the next Williams sisters along with a stud FB/BB brother! But just considering sports in the Midwest, how about a pair of "twin" sisters who excel at basketball or volleyball and become All Americans at UNL...sorry for my bias...while their younger brother decides to play for the Twins as a top draft choice or lead the Huskers to a national championship? Sorry...lost in a daydream. Lol

If someone could convince me that Donaldson has discovered yoga or Pilates to get himself over the injury hump I'd be all in! Cruz is going to flatline, but it could still be a couple years coming. He still brings value, absolutely. I doubt he falls off the cliff in 2019. I'm just not sure he fits. Of all options, I like Santana the most. He's still powerful and productive. He can play an OK 1B, catch or make an appearance at 3B in a pinch. But I would pass on all of these for McCutchen or Brantley. What's wrong with a "too crowded" OF scenario if everything works out? Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave and McCutchen/Brantley play OF/DH with Kepler at 1B along with Austin, Garver, Sano, possibly Astudillo? Too much depth? Let Rocco figure it out.

First and foremost, I would wish all the happiness and health and good luck to Joe and his family for their bouncing baby boy addition to their family! They will never read this, of course, but the sincere blessing is sen regardless. Second, I can't help myself, my father and I joked a few weeks ago his next child had to be a boy to carry on the family's athletic contribution. Lol Let's hope 18 years from now he's a chip off the old block and somehow ends up with the Twins. Congrats Joe! God Bless and thank you for being you and all the memories you gave us.

Reading this and reflecting I'm feeling better and better about this staff. I know the FO is obviously having some say here, but I'm getting the feeling they are simpotico with Rocco in building the new staff. Baldelli talked about a diverse staff, and it seems he has it. It's all gut reaction, of course. I like having Shelton back on board, especially since be and Rocco have a connection. In 2017 Rowson was the belle of the ball and a fresh voice. 2018 was a cluster of crap in so many ways, and no way to fault him. I'm fine with him back again. I know nothing about Diaz, but 20 years experience and his writing shows me a guy who "gets" bridging the communication necessary for success for Latin players. I think, like a lot of us, that Watkins may be a rising star. I just felt for certain the Twins would keep him in the minors for another year to learn and "train". I am very happy for his inclusion. He's a good baseball guy, a great communicator by all reports, knows the guys on the roster, and a majority of the guys coming up. In retrospect, I'm seeing a rookie manager, some rookie coaches, and a couple guys with experience. And really, it's not a very old staff with Hernandez and Shelton 50yo-. A little confused with Her her as "assistant" pitching coach. Is he the pen coach? If not, then does that spot have to be named yet? Or is that really his spot and a catching, defensive specialist, special advisor coach need to be named yet?

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people ask what the definition of "insanity" is to make a point. And, of course, public vonacular is "repeating the same action hoping for a different result." Now, believe it or not, I'm a pretty smart individual. I have studied English and journalism, worked with both, and am a bit of a writer, both fiction and poetry. And maybe I've just never looked in enough dictionaries in my day, but I've never seen that definition listed under insanity anywhere I've looked. That being said, I certainly don't think anything the Twins have previously done in regards to development or coaching has been "insane", but there have been various disappointments with development. There have also been successes, and we too often overlook them due to the frustration of the past several years. Like it or not, the game of baseball is changing in many facets. Small ball, stolen bases, 35 starts and 200 UP by a starter are being replaced by launch angle, defensive shifts, emphasis on bullpens and now, designated starters. And there are reasons for this, though we don't have to get in to it here at this time. All sports have changed over time. The football and basketball I watch now is not what I watched in the 70's, 80's and even early 90's. Not bad, just different. Like it or not, this FO is forward thinking. Out of the box thinking. The game is still, largely, played the same. But the nuances are changing. These coaching hires have the chance to "blow up" in either direction. The hires are not "non-baseball" guys, but rather, baseball guys from a different angle. As I posted in another thread, the Arkansas baseball coach, Dave VanHorn, is well respected and has had a great career at both Nebraska and now at his almamatter Arkansas. And be has had some great pitching coaches, and seen several pitchers drafted. I don't know, or remember, much about Hefner. But like Rocco, he has MLB service time to help relate to the ballplayers under his watch. I haven't read about Diaz yet. I'm pleased and surprised about Watkins though. I am pleased as he knows a lot of the pkayers first hand, and those coming up. He brings a sense of continuity. He seems to be a real "baseball guy" and a great communicator from everything I have ever heard or read. I'm surprised because I felt he would be kept in the system to be "groomed" more as a manager before seeing a ML promotion. Like all of us, I will reserve judgement until I see how 2019 unfolds. Roster construction and development of the talent on hand is still paramount. But in regard to the on-field staff, the onus still falls on Rocco. Does he have a feel for his staff? How does he build a lineup and use his available talent? I am NOT advocating a return to Monitor's penchant for hunting and playing "old school" too much. But one thing I'm hoping he will embrace, in a league obsessed with the HR ball, seemingly acceptable with high SO numbers, is that he will stress defense and fundamentals, and embrace a "new way" of thinking by being old school enough to utilize the athletes he has available for stolen bases, (looking at you in particular Buxton), and hit and run and other situations to put pressure on the other team.

Analytics, a fresh approach, not being bogged down by years doing things a certain way can pay off big and provide a new direction. Communication skills are important regardless if age. Like everyone else, we can only wait and see how this approach works. I do like the out of box thinking. But there absolutely is a place for experience and veteran leadership and previous knowledge. I agree with Thrylos that the to be named 1B and 3B coaches could be interesting. I do hope there is a little bit if experience there as Shelton shouldn't be the only veteran guy on staff, IMO.

This comes completely out of left field! It could be a HUGE reach, or a new-age brilliant move. I will tell you that Arkansas head coach Dave VanHorn is outstanding and well respected. He re-built the Husker Basball team here in Nebraska to a nationally ranked program and his then pitching coach RB Childress, (I believe he's at Texas A&M now but can't recall clearly), built quality staffs and had several guys drafted. Since moving back to his almamatter at Arkansasm that program has been excellent and IIRC, has sent more than a couple guys to the draft. I have a lot of respect for Dave VanHorn, so I'm going to be looking at Johnson as a good hire.

Agree 100% on the infield. No matter how much I like and believe in Polanco as a hitter, and an OK SS, his ultimate position is probably 2B. But in the short term, I feel he could play adequately at SS. The market is rich with infield options available on a 2-3 year deal. It's up to the FO to make the right choice. I hear your arguments for a LH 1B, but just can't quite motivate myself to completely buy-in. Can we afford a bench spot for a 1B/PH only player? With Austin at 1B, and other options available, I think I'd still look at the best and most dangerous bat I could find, probably an OF, and fit Kepler with a 1B mit against really tough RHP. There are enough options to fill out the middle infield with budget quality I wouldn't necessarily look at 1B/BAT as the place I would "budget".

This makes a ton of sense to me. 1] The new FO has shown a willingness to take on payroll to make a move. And this is for only 2 more years. 2] This move gives the team a power bat, a good OB guy, a veteran presence, depth and an alternative to Austin...though I believe Austin is and should be part of the plan...and someone who could, maybe, be a fill-in at 3B and catcher in a pinch. I am still more interested in McCutchen and Brantley to fill a "big bat" acquisition as they provide even more roster flexibility. But I am not at all opposed to this option. It makes a lot of sense.

Love the love, and the write-up. Not ready to declare him the next Harper at this point, mostly because I have a lot of faith in Garver. Astudillo's biggest problem is he doesn't "fit" what teams expect or are looking for. And I say this with respect and love for the guy. He's not seen as a defensive whiz. He's not a power hitter, Though he flashed more power in 2018 than before at 26yo, nor is he an OB machine. I think the Twins got lucky because they found a nice "ballplayer" who other teams let go because they just didn't know what they had. While his SSS with the Twins is unsustainable, the guy flat out makes contact and hits. I don't care who you are, you don't hit .300+ your entire milb career if you can't plain old hit. And it appears there is now some budding power as well. I watched him in several games and he was solid and quiet behind the plate. I watched him play a solid 3B as well. I never got to see him at 1B/2B/OF but supposedly he's at least acceptable there. The ONLY reason this guy isn't on the roster for 2019 is Castro has made a full recovery and is ready to partner with Garver AND the Twins have made enough of a roster-wide depth upgrade where he is squeezed to Rochester to begin the season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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