DocBauer

Dont disagree with your arguement at all. Personally, I'd rather keep all 3 OF, plus Cave, and add McCuthen to DH, play the corners, and allow Kepler time at 1B to give Austin breaks against touch RH pitching. I think there's room for all 5 of these guys for 2018 and beyond, and future trades. Especially when Khirilloff arrives.

I just read recently where Roco was looking to add a Latin influence to his staff and felt it was important to do so. Latin doesn't matter unless he is also a good coach and communicator. But I'm really glad Roco understands this need. I honestly don't know enough about Shelton to know if he's the right choice as bench coach or not. But with at least some experience as a manager, a relationship with Baldelli already, it could be a fit. If not, I keep trying to think of a Gardenhire-type. A guy who has been there, done that, and can offer experience. I know next to nothing about Hernandez. But I have been impressed with Rowson. The Twins offense in 2017 was credited a lot to him. And I was really impressed when he spoke about individual teaching and approach with individual players. Through the cluster-muck that was injury and general weird stuff of 2018, I never felt he was responsible for a decline, after the aforementioned incline, of offensive production in 2017. Totally on mark with Willis or Nagy as pitching coach options. Both have impressive ML and coaching resumes. Both guys knew, or learned, how to "pitch" in their careers. Honestly, I'd be happy with Both! One as pitching coach, one as BP coach, working together. *Side note: What are Nathan and Aguillera doing these days? I have no idea. Are they even in the game? Considering their career success, and how they achieved it, Twins legacy or not, couldnt either of them be a quality darkhorse BP coach candidate? I think Watkins has a real future with the organization. But like a prospect climbing the ladder, is it his time now? Gut reaction...no...not yet. Give him a little more time yet to coach and manage. The one thing...OK, there was more than one thing...that bothered me about Molitor was how he was so successful in his career doing the little things that didn't always translate to his team. Before 2018 began, someone, somewhere, forget which "expert" site spoke about the Twins having one of the fastest teams in the league. Even without Buxton, shouldn't there have been more SB? Shouldn't have just general base running been better? I'm really hoping Roco's choices for 1B and 3B coaches simply work with the talent on hand to make smarter choices, but also do a better job of instructing base running and base stealing. Want an advantage over everyone else? Run the bases and steal bases mkre efficiently when the long ball isn't in play. I also hope one of the hires is a catching coach. Whether he is also a coach on the field or not doesn't matter. And this is where I begin to wonder if Giminez, as mentioned in the post, might have been brought back. A transitional acquire by the FO to move him to coaching, post career. Should he cut his teeth in the minors as a coach or instructor I don't know. But I think jts an interesting discussion. Garver, and Astudillo, could continue to learn a lot from a healthy Castro. But he is still a player, not a coach. And this is a very important position to fill, IMO, not just for the position itself defensively, but because this spot also can/Should work so closely with the pitching staff as well.

My $.02 plus. I think we can all agree on 3 points: 1] Whether you state/claim/believe the rebuild has begun or not, there is a lot of young talent/potential on the roster, even though we may have not seen the results we'd like to. 2] There remain holes and opportunity on the roster, especially 2B and the bullpen. 3] There is indeed a "second wave" of prospects set to arrive in 2019 and 2020 which include, but is not limited to, Gonsalves, Thorpe, Graterol, Rooker, Khirilloff and Lewis. Where the differences reside...if I may...resides in the viewpoints of these 3 points. 1] We haven't seen the results wanted and anticipated from the first wave of the rebuild candidates, therefore they should be moved, replaced, traded if possible, etc. 2] Said holes of opportunity on the roster should be filled by a "blow up" of the roster, moving on from the players mention in point 1, via trades and major FA signings. 3] The next wave coming will be better and bring new hope along with point 2 being implemented. I believe the truth rests somewhere between all of this. To paraphrase the old adage, "there is point A on the left, point B on the right, and the truth is somewhere in the middle." Affixing blame to the young players not yet achieving fully anticipated expectations is fruitless! For the most part, they have played under one manager, but two different FO. Bemoaning "the system" they were developed under is a moot point as they have reached the ML level now. What IS important, is what happens now? Especially with a new manager and at least partially new staff to be in place. Tom Kelly famously stated a player really needs 1,500 to 2,000 AB to really figure things out, and for you to figure out what you have in that player. As someone mentioned in another post with me, that doesn't mean EVERY prospect gets or deserves said number of bats! Some guys deserve it and get it, and some you obviously know quickly they don't/won't. In regard to point #1, and the first wave; believe in them or not, Rosario is the old man of the group at 27. And after a lot of debate he simply wouldn't get it, or do it, he did and has. (Though injury robbed him the second half of 2018). But these guys were highly regarded and top prospects within the Twins system. A couple of them ranked amongst the best prospects in all of baseball. And despite frustration and disappointment, ALL of them have shown flashes of what they can do at the ML level. Sano an All Star in 2017, Buxton earning a handful of MVP votes for his second half in 2017, Polanco performing so well the second half of 2017 and putting up good numbers his half season of 2018, flashes and hit streaks by Kepler, etc, etc. To deny that is short sighted and stubbornness. (Again, not saying expectations have been met as of yet!) NOW, consider talent, potential, rankings, flashes shown, and consider TK's opinion. ML AB's Sano: 1406 Buxton: 979 Rosario: 1889 Kepler: 1446 Polanco: 1051 Garver: 348 Austin: 367 *NOTE: I include Garver because he's smack dab in the middle of the first and second wave, and Austin for what should be obvious reasons. What stands out to me is Rosario, the oldest of the "first wave, is the most complete and productive player of the bunch with the most Ad's and has been either the most healthy, or hasn't had a suspension, or missed any appreciable time. (Until his injury in the ,last half of 2018). Kepler could be what he is, a nice piece. Sano and Buxton could each wash out, or one of them make it maybe. But isn't it also just as likely that BOTH of them, especially with a new staff, a new season, and better health begin to tap their potential in 2018? Point #2 isn't even valid, IMO. There is arguement/debate over the history of the FO dumpster diving and signing mediocre FA to simply achieve some competitive status quo. But the current FO has literally been on the job for almost exactly 2 years! Other than changing managers, declining a couple of options and signing a single OF flier, the 2019 off season hasn't even begun yet! What they did last off season, rather obviously IMO, was make some smart, short-term moves to augment a surprising 2017 run without giving up prospects, or handcuffing themselves financially in any way. Yes, injuries happen to all teams. Sometimes they overcome, sometimes their seasons are disrailed, in any sport. But how much better is the rotation with Berrios, Gibson, Odorizzi and a healthy Santana? How much better is the lineup with the "normal" Sano we have seen, a healthy Buxton having any kind of season, a healthy Dozier, (who finally admitted to playing hurt), and Morrison just hitting to his career norms? If the Twins do nothing more than just split their absurd 1 run loss record they have a winning record. When things went south, they did what they should have done, which was make moves to add even mkre talent to the system. Though even as I type this, I still feel they made a huge mistake in regard to Pressly! Point #3 IS important! The Twins legitimately, yet again, have a very deep system with a "second wave" of talented players getting oh so very close. And it may be as highly regarded as the players in the "first wave". But NOBODY builds a complete team with a "single wave" of talented prospects. And not every good/top prospect turns out. We all know this. Which is why it takes a couple "waves" of prospects, trades, and smart signings to build a complete roster/team. The talent on hand, still young and inexperienced no matter what, needs to be healthy, coached and developed. That's why we have a new manager and a re-vamped coaching staff still to be named. There is available money to be spend this off season to add a couple 2-4 really nice pieces to build the roster, as is, awaiting the arrival of the "next wave", for 2019, 2020, and beyond. Even the teams with the most "complete" teams you can think of make trades and signings...sometimes short term...to fill holes. It is WAY TOO EARLY to give up on a collection of 27yo and younger players and blow the whole roster up in some sort of re-build when, honestly, the re-build is taking place, and has been taking place the last couple of seasons. There is nothing inherently wrong with the FO taking some fliers on guys. Sometimes they pay off. And I have never believed that just splurging in FA will "buy" a team. There is so much more involved. And yes, sometimes you just get burned on a guy. But the Twins, and the FO, are in an enviable position right now. They have a collection of young talent at the ML level just waiting to be healthy, motivated, and coached to unlock their potential. (Reflect on the young Berrios and all the position pkayers already discussed and their ML time, flashes and AB). They have a very talented second wave of prospects to arrive over the next two seasons. And they have the finances and flexibility to go out right now and make a couple moves for 2-3 year deals...unlike the calculated 1 year deals last year...to augment the roster. Where they are also fortunate, what they need most is a bat, (preferably one who can also play in the field), a 2B, and bullpen help. And with a deep FA field overall, and with depth at all 3 spots available...and I still believe an adjusted/financially restricted market...opportunity awaits. The key is the smart and right guys to sign! And that's where the FO earns their money and reputation this year. Sign McCutchen, or Brantley, and deepen your lineup and OF. Pick the best 2 RP you believe in. Examine the best 2B options available for the next 2 years. No blow up needed right now. Just be smart and aggressive without being stupid. Do your damndest to work with what you have on hand. Make 2019 the best you can, and keep working forward.

Absolutely agree, which is why he's at the top of my wish list Enough hitting, OB and power to make a difference at the top of the order, or, somewhere in the middle. I just think he's a perfect fit. He can also play defense, is young enough to warrant 2-3 years, and provides even more roster depth and flexibility. (Kepler seeing time at 1B, for example).

Tom, an intelligent and well thought out and argued plan. But I am going to disagree with you none-the-less. I DO believe the rebuild has begun, which is in the form of Sano, Buxton,Kepler, Polanco, Berrios, Garver, etc. Now, we haven't seen the desired results or consistent performances as of yet. Is that the players, the coaching, injuries, or system development, or dumb luck it's taking longer to hone their skills? That's the tricky part! And I dont have an honest answer. I would add 2 quality bullpen arms. I would roll with Moya, Vasquez or Mejia as a 2nd LH arm with Roger's. Combined with May, hopefully a rebounding Hildenbeger creates a much better pen with auditions for the end spot(s). I sign McCutchen to play OF and DH. He's productive, has a couple good years in him, and the lineup and roster become deeper and more flexible. I'm OK with Lowry as a stopgap at 2B. But I'd prefer a trade for someone like Starlin Castro. He's got offense, is much younger, and could have value as a starter even after Lewis arrives. We have 3 SP who could be gone after this year. But I'd re-sign Gibson. Odorizzi and Pineda could be kept, moved to the pen, or offered up in trade during 2019 if/when Romero, Gonsalves, Thorpe begin to step forward. This is not a series of 1 year deals. Its 2-3 year deals to augment the current roster, a wait the second wave of prospects, and still have trade flexibility for the next couple of seasons. Much depends still on continual development for Sano, Buxton and Kepler. (Along with some better health). But I see moves like this adding to the roster, not just fill ins.

I hear you Winston! And previously, I have been all about Iglasious as our SS, even though I'm a fan and believer in Polanco as a player. But having read various information as to his defensive play and rankings the last half of 2017...no I don't have a link...and realizing how missing the first half of 2018 had to have an affect, in addition to some of the posts I have read here on TD regarding launch angles and OF put outs...despite being a lover and believer in good defense...I'm leaning more and more to a quality 2B the next year or two and trusting in Polanco's ability and development until Lewis arrives.

Tom, loved your ideas once again. But just want to toss a couple ideas out to you after some reflecting. I'm a Garver fan and non Castro hater. What about McCutchen instead to shore up the OF/DH spot more in place of Grandall? Doesn't lead to a Gray deal, but we have depth, and could look for another 5th SP elsewhere or trade a couple prospects for Gray. Also, what about a deal for Sterlin Castro at 2B in place of Lowrie? He's younger, and coukd have value even a couple years from niw when Gordon and Lewis arrive. Curious as to your thoughts.

I'd like to find something here to disagree with but I simply can't. If I were to try and nit-pick, I'd really like to see Romero in the rotation and get an extended look. Someone hurt performing poorly, or sliding to the pen affords his opportunity. The rotation depth at Rochester is nice, and for the future, we need Romero and someone else to seize a spot. As you point out, there could, potentially, be as many as 3 openings come 2020. I thought Mejia was out of options. Am I incorrect? I could see him in the pen for a second LH. I like the depth and versatility offered here. Still comes down to the youngsters being healthy and taking the next step. Well done!

While you just know guys will get banged up and miss time here and there, and you should always try to have depth and roster flexibility, ( not to mention AAA depth), the roster is constructed with the idea of health in mind. And, of course, production that is less predictable. Rosters simply aren't large enough to have a back up/platoon player at each and every spot. I have no problem with a Cruz signing, and would welcome him with open arms even with some age regression. My preference is McCutchen for his bat and ability to play the OF. I also have no problem with signing someone like Lowrie for 2B, but really like the idea of previously mentioned trades for Starlin Castro. Assuming you have 13 position players: OF: Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave and McCutchen. INF: Sano, Polanco, Castro, Austin, Adrianza and X. C: Garver and Castro 13th: Astudillo? Your OF has great position flexibility and allows Kepler to be part of the 1B equation. In addition to Max and Austin, you also have Sano, Garver, and even Astudillo to play some 1B.

I have this habit of repeating myself at times, but will do so again here. Buxton might have just had some bad injury luck in 2018, with the toe, etc. And I hope that's what it was. I mean, he wasn't injured running in to a wall, Right? But I remember Robert Smith, the great Viking RB, who was also "injury prone" his first couple of years. HOF RB Tony Dorsett once had a conversation with Smith concerning protecting his body. Basically, he told him about laying down or going out of bounds once in a while to protect himself, because an extra yard or two here and there simply wasn't as important as being available to play and contribute weekly to his team. Now, maybe Smith learned something from that. Maybe he built his body up. Maybe he was just unlucky his fist couple of seasons. But he took off after those first couple of seasons. Migraines are tough to deal with, I've suffered in the past from them. But answers can be found. Weird broken toes and wrist injuries happen. Sucks when they do, especially after you had the best stretch of your young career! What I know and think I know: 1] From Span-Hunter-Puckett on down, I don't know in 45+ years I have ever seen a more talented or exciting player than Buxton. Whether it's just waiting for good karma to offset weird injuries in 2018, Baldelli being able to identify and connect with him, or Hunter spending time mentoring him,(which I have advocated repeatedly), but I would do everything I could to work with him. He doesn't have to be "babysat", but being "nurtured " by the organization is not a bad thing. 2] For whatever reason, blame who you will, the Twins have been blessed and cursed for some time now with talented CF who have been rushed through the system, and needed time to figure it all out. Sometimes they did with us, sometimes they did elsewhere. I would absolutely run with a healthy Buxton in 2019 as far as i could in 2019 for his development and potential. Aptitude, talent and coaching are all important. And he needs to step forward, learn and grow. But there remains so much here to wait for and watch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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