DocBauer

Not sure i understand the mending fences with Escobar. Yes, I've heard reports he wasn't initially happy with the trade. But be was well respected and loved here, enjoyed his time here, had success here, and was even offered an initial extension, if I remember correctly. He seems a solution that is too perfect for all parties involved. Needs to be done! Then, bring in another solid flier to work with Adrianza or better. We need depth here. $10M per season for 2 quality, productive pen arms? It's money the team has, can afford, and needs to Do! Period! As to the rotation, I have no problem adding someone at the right time and place. I am NOT convinced there will be a market shift thjs off season in the opposite direction from last year. There could be a bargain to be had, but I'd concentrate on 2 big pen arms, a big infield addition with a smaller one, and leave the rotation alone. POTENTIALLY, Gibson, Odorizzi and Pineda are gone after 2019. But again, that's "potentially". Odds are at least 1 If not 2, are back in 2020. But Romero is right on the cusp! I have him penciled in for 2019. I am NOT a betting man, but I'd be willing to bet some real money Thorpe is up in 2019 and getting ready to be part of the future. I still think a fully healthy Mejia has a real shot, but would love to see him working out of the pen with Rogers from the port side. I know a lot of people are down on Gonsalves right now, and I understand why. But I predicted he would scuffle initially. He simply doesn't have a single pitch that dominates. But he is a pitcher, not a thrower. He has been a top rated prospect because he is a LH, hits low 90 consistently with a quality change, has a couple decent breaking balls, and adapts at every level be has been at. He's a work in progress. Still not sure what to make of Stewart, Littell and others. By this same time next year we could easily be talking about Graterol the same way we talk about Romero. Right now, I'd focus on the infield and bullpen. And let's be honest, as you alluded to, a healthy Sano is a HUGE KEY, as well as Buxton. Sano is a fine 3B if healthy and in shape. He can also play a decent 1B on some days to relieve Austin. Even with Joe gone, I'm less worried about 1B defensively than adding a bat to the lineup. Austin may never hit the way we'd like, but there is some real potential there. (And guys we all know coming up soon). As much as I like Kepler to really figure it all out next season, and love him in the OF, I'd still play him some at 1B. But we need a veteran guy on a 1-2 year deal to DH, hopefully field a spot a day or two without embarrassing himself defensively, and either provide a dangerous presence at the top of the order, or allow Polanco to move up to that spot.

I'm embarrassed to say it, but I didn't realize he was from Lincoln, just 45 miles down the road from Omaha. Boy did the Huskers, and a lot of teams, really miss out on this kid. I was really glad he signed but was initially worried he might be a tough sign at the 11 spot, coming off a strong season. What is interesting to me, aluminum bat notwithstanding, is it seems there is some power potential based on his judo numbers. While returning to school for his senior season could have hurt his draft leverage, I have to wonder if he might have put up an even bigger senior season number wise. We might have gotten him at just the right time. Seth, if you get this, in your opinion, did we really get a couple of steals with Helman and Davis? It sure appears we did. Or is this a case where Davis is a SS for now, but will end up moving to 2B to compete with Helman?

Sorry, but I have to step up on my soapbox for this one. This is a perception, IMO, that lingers back over 30 years ago to the Griffith days. And rightfully so. As well as the Metrodome days when thjngs were still tight. At one point, back in the day, Kirby Puckett was signed to the richest contract in MLB history by the Pohlad's. I believe it was for something like $2M per before being eclipsed a short time later, I want to say by Ricky Henderson. In either 2010 or 2011, I believe, ownership stepped up for a then team record payroll to make a push because they believed they bad a real chance. (Do we need to bring up the Mauer signing again?). Believing in the strong finish of 2017, management again set a record payroll to augment the 2018 roster in hopes of a push. Depressed market or not, they also made a big push for Darvish before the Cubs upped the ante. Have there been some moves they didn't make that frustrated me over the years? Absolutely! Hunter and Santana come to mind. Though, to be both accurate and fair, those were before Target Field. Ownership has built a sparkling complex in Ft Myers, invested in foreign academies, set a payroll record in 2018, have taken on and eaten portions kf contracts recently to make trade moves, have just committed a nice chunk of change for the Elizabethton upgrades, and are eating the last 2 years of Monitor's contract so the new FO can go a different direction. Are they spending money hand over fist to jump all in the FA market and just buy the top talent available? Well...we don't know yet, but I doubt it. But to just blanket state that they are cheap seems pretty inaccurate to me.

Not speaking to any individual or post, but just an overview what's been stated and discussed here regarding the re-build, early promotions, going for the rebuild hard, etc. I don't think it's entirely fair, or accurate, to compare the re-build that lead to the '87 WS team, (which took 4-5 years to accomplish BTW). It was 30 years ago and ,was to a ton of losses and bad baseball early on. And most of those players jumped from AA ball, not A ball, and some at least sniffed AAA. There are similarities with the build of the '91 WS team, but the point doesn't have to belabored. The current re-build is actually stretching over 2 different FO, which complicates the process somewhat. But that being said, the Twins HAVE been quite aggressive with promotions. Just taking a few minutes to check current ages, MLB service time, milb service time, and especially AAA service time shows that Sano, Rosario, Kepler, Buxton, Polanco and Berrios spent 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 years in the minors. All have between 2 1/2 to 4 years of actual MLB service time. All are between 24 and 27yo. Berrios, combined over a couple season's, and the youngest of the group, has 1 1/2 season's of AAA ball under his belt. INCLUDING his 2018 time there, Buxton has a little over half a season of AAA time. Rosario has about 1/2 a season there split over 2 years. Polanco also has about 1/2 season, total, split over different years. Kepler has a grand total of 30 games played at the AAA level. And Sano has a TOTAL of 17 games at the AAA level, including 9 games in 2018. To say the Twins haven't been aggressive is just not accurate. There have been demotion and rehab time. But these guys all pretty much skipped AAA and were at least auditioned at the ML level from AA. Romero is 23. But he also missed parts of 2 full seasons, like Thorpe and Graterol behind him. And he only had what, 2 or 3 starts at Rochester before they brought him up? (Yes, one could make the argument that he should have stuck longer or been brought up again). On the milb side of things, ready or not, Gordon got half a season at Rochester. Thorpe finished there. Vasquez reached the majors from A ball. Moya' s first jump was from AA. Rooker spent his first full pro season at AA. Khiriloff and Lewis each got a half season of high A in their first full pro seasons. There is nothing passive taking place here, just not the results...yet...that we all want. But even in the previously mentioned re-build years, there was much struggle before achievement.

Great question. To be clear, I used a 1 year deal as an option, not a problem with a 2 year. The reason for a short term deal for a hitter is we lose Mauer as a good OB lead off. We dont know if any infielder brought in could replace Escobar's production, or a previously healthy Dozier. With Rooker, Khiriloff and Lewis all 3 possibly ready by the end of 2019 or early 2020, I'm looking for a veteran hitter to be productive at the top of the order, or allow Polanco to move there. As to the rotation, I believe Gibson will be extended. I believe that at least one of Romero, Thorpe, etc, will establish themselves in 2019. As to whether Pineda and Odorizzi are BOTH gone for 2020 isn't my concern NOW. I have options to make a trade in 2019 to acquire an arm, or move pieces like Odorizzi or Pineda, as well as the next off season to make a major move. Am I opposed to the idea of the Twins acquiring a big arm now? Absolutely not. But today, reflecting on 2018 and looking forward, the pen, at least one quality infielder, and maximizing the talent on hand are my biggest priorities. I kinda like the 4 starters penciled in and seeing what the first half brings us in regard to the young arms on hand.

I absolutely love Rosario, and will positively live with a few gaffes once in a while for all he does and all of his production. Despite an occasional bad play in the OF...remember be was playing on a bad wing in 2017 as well...he is a fine OF. I am NOT tooting my own horn, but I remember a couple years ago when some were talking about Rosario as a bust who should be moved, or how he was no better than a nice 4th OF. I cautioned patience, and stated that if I were another team looking to make a trade with the Twins, Rosario would be at the top of my demands. And look now what he has become, and is still developing in to. Just a shame he didn't get to finish out the season. Off target slightly, but I feel exactly the same about Kepler. This young man was behind other kids his age when signed. He practically skipped AAA ball. He has a good eye, makes good contact, oozes athletic ability, and hits laserbeams off his bat with solid contact. If he balances his weird splits from years 1-2 and year 3, he could be poised for a real breakout in 2019. Astudillo, as I've said before, is not just a great story, though he certainly is. There is just no way to know who and what he is, or could be. But isn't that really the story of his career thus far? Primarily a catcher with some decent positional flexibility, he was known as the super high contact don't SO but don't BB high average hitter who had some memorable no look pick off throws to 1B. Even the Twins, like his previous employers, didn't know what they had. How can a short, squatty receiver with positional flexibility and no true offensive profile they are used to measuring be a real prospect? They used him at catcher, then moved him off the dish to audition someone else after the Castro injury and Wilson promotion. When they brought him up, it was for his flexibility and a contact bat off the bench. FINALLY, they put him behind the plate again and gave him a chance. And what did they find? SSS I grant. But they actually found a guy, with budding power at age 26, who could actually make contact and hit at the ML level just like he has done his entire milb career. He could also actually catch, and fill in here and there at other positions solidly. Sometimes, a player just doesn't fit an arcitype a team wants or expects. And then that player gets an opportunity to show what they really can do. I have no illusions Astudillo will suddenly earn a starting job behind the plate, or elsewhere, and emerge as a batting leader or All Star candidate. But the Twins may have stumbled on a very good role player who can bring a lot of value. To not protect him, to not take him seriously at this point, would be a big mistake.

Go ahead and blast me, or rake me over the proverbial hot coals, but I find it somewhat numerous when we talk about "rebuilding" the Twins. This is already taking place. The FO is still new, arguably entering their 2nd "FULL" off season as they weren't put in place until November of 2017. They were saddled with an incumbent manager they bad to keep, initially, but are now replacing. They have brought in various different scouts, analytic personnel, and coaches. Over the last season or so, they have also been revamping milb managers/coaches and instructional personal. Sano, Polanco, Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Berrios and others have all of 3 to 3 1/2 years of MLB experience. And there have been 2 quality drafts, from all early indications, plus a series of other moves to add to the milb talent/depth. Some of them rather creative, in fact. Just because the FO...and the "uber cheap owners"...went out and made significant signings for a record payroll in 2018 to take a shot after a solid 2017 season doesn't mean the rebuild isn't still in place. Yes, there a host of questions still in place. When and will Buxton and Sano start to get it together? Just how good could Kepler be if he just evens out his splits? Etc, etc. There is a TON of talent and potential to make up the core of this team. And there are more than Lewis and Khiriloff getting oh so tantalizing close! Those 2 guys, and guys like Rooker, Graterol, Thorpe and a few others could/should be up in 2019/2020. Rebuilds take a few seasons. The question remains, what do you do NOW? Unless you really believe you have a bunch of super talented athletes who are just lost or head cases who will never turn out...which I doubt...then you work a game plan to unlock all that potential and augment that roster. 1] Just because you got burned on the Reed signing, which looked great at the time, doesn't mean you shouldn't use FA to bring in a couple of top flight pen arms. You have the payroll to do so, and you keep your talented milb organization in place for promotion and future trades. 2] SS or 2B, sign or trade for someone to bring in to pair with Polanco. I'd bring in 2. Escobar and Iglesius, or Escobar and Castro, or someone similar. Please, no Forsythe or similar, unless He's just a bench piece. Financially and prospect-wise, you can also afford to do this without breaking the bank or mortgaging the future. 3] Bring in 1 good bat. And this is where I really see the value in a decent 1 or 2 year deal. Could be a FA or a salary dump deal for a rebuilding team. Again, you can afford it financially or prospect-wise. Someone who can allow you to put Polanco in the lead off spot, or a dangerous bat to hit there and keep Polanco in the 2-3 hole where he's looked so promising. 4] And I can't believe I'm saying this, but keep the status quo in your rotation unless there is an opportunity you just can't pass up. How can I say this? Berrios hasn't even reached his potential yet. Gibson is a legitimate #3 who pitches like a #2 at times. Odorizzi isn't special, but he's a solid #4 And an even better #5. Top young SP is a valuable commodity, and the Twins have some. Romero has a chance to be very good. We've already seen flashes. Graterol is younger, with even better stuff, but like Romero, has had to overcome some early injury issues and could be on a similar trajectory. Thorpe has also had the same early career issues, but is sound again and could/should see his debut in 2019. Like or don't like Gonsalves and his debut...I predicted he'd struggle at first...but you aren't a top prospect year after year and show the ability and adjust at each level for no reason. Just how good could Wells be, and how far away is he? The jury is absolutely still out and both Stewart and Littell. But there is something there to at least consider there, yes? And I haven't even mentioned Mejia! Build up the infield. Build the bullpen around with what you have, and some other arms that Could still come through; Mejia, Moya, Vasquez, (Smeltzer?), Reed, Curtiss, De Jong and other starters who could convert. Might even find Magill wasn't all smoke and mirrors if he could harness his FB and slider on just a bit more consistent basis, or a guy like Drake might actually have found a repeatable delivery. (Both worthy of an invite, though not sure about a 40 man spot). This is all very do-able while doing nothing to blow up the roster, trade away our very best prospects, or handcuff us in to an overwhelming payroll.

Please tell me NO to DeRosa and Ross. I still believe in things like oh I don't know, actual experience managing a team a roster. Palomar and Espada both intrigue me, and not simply because they bring a Latin influence, which I have argued for some time has been missing in the dugout. Espada is currently working for one of the best teams in baseball, and I'm assuming he was there for the turnaround. (Not sure how long he's actually been with Houston at the moment). I like that he worked with Cashman and the Yankees and has worked in the WBC and has management experience in the winter leagues. Alomar has some pretty solid credentials as well, was a tremendous ML player, and come on, there is something about quality catchers turning in to good coaches and managers. They see the game in a manner different than others from behind the dish. They understand handling pitchers, see the defense and how it works, and watch the entire flow of a game from a different perspective. My only problem with him is an odd one; so many truly great pkayers don't always make the best managers/coaches because the game was so natural for them they just seem to expect everyone else to see and know what they do. Can he truly teach and identify? Slightly off target, I have a hunch that Watkins, an internal candidate, has a bright future. I just don't believe his time is now. I have to ask you all, if Jake Mauer hadn't decided to walk away and had continued his success and general ascent in the system last year, would he be a top candidate right now?

Absolutely love and agree with the OP. Also have to add: 7) Rogers really emerging was outstanding and helps bring real hope to the bullpen. 8) Astudillo! And not just because he's a good and fun story. Absolutely there are questions about sustained offensive viability. But he's only 26, not ancient for a catcher finally getting his shot. (Younger than Garver, I believe). He's been a career .300 hitter in his milb career, and the same contact, no BB no SO hitter for his career. He also doesn't fit any traditional category. By that I mean, not the bug target behind the plate with ML quality defense that plays NOW in his early 20's. And his power didn't start to come in to play until this season. Despite positional flexibility/ability, he also isn't an ever day player at another position. What he is, is a nice guy who can do a lot of things for you. 9) This is a somewhat grudging nod to Austin. No insult intended. I just don't know what we have here yet. But I thought he looked solid at 1B and his power is legit. If he can just produce a fraction more contact, I could easily live with a mediocre BA and some SO hitting 5th-7th with some big power.

I liked this post and your points. But I like it somewhat grudgingly. As just stated in my previous post, I am torn on the Iglesius vs Castro move. Benefits both ways. Where I have to disagree somewhat is in regard to the OF. Yes, Buxton is the mystery man, as well as a key to 2019 and beyond. And I like Cave, think he's a keeper who will only get better. But you and I seem to disagree on Kepler. Maybe I'm just an optimist, but I really like what I see in him and I really think he's about to figure it out. The talent and potential are undeniable. His weird splits from his first 2 years to last year are hard to comprehend. (Young, rushed, trying too hard to compensate???) But I just have this feeling he's going to level his splits out in 2019. As much as I like Cave, I think he's going to be a very valuable 4th OF who plays a ton.

Late to this thread but have to make some comments. 1] IMO, watching Polanco at SS, I see plenty of athleticism and range. And I've seen him make some outstanding plays! I've also seen some bad throws and bobble/drop some balls he got to. I feel he made real improvement in 2017 defensively, and I also believe the 80 game layoff hurt him defensively in 2018. 2] I don't pay a great deal of attention to errors in milb for infielders, particularly for SS and 3B. Why? Fields, the 1B they may be throwing to, as well as the fact that they ARE milb ballplayers still honing their skills. I have spent time, in the past, just examing milb error numbers of a lot of great MLB SS/3B who were All Stars and who even won some Gold Gloves here and there. You would be surprised how many high error season's you'd find if you went looking. Polanco just turned 25 in July. He was a SS, also played 2B, then was a 2B primarily, and then turned back in to a full time SS at the ML level. That has to allow for some growth and adjustment time. All that being said, I don't think I'm going out on a limb when I state that Lewis will almost assuredly be the SS in the next year or two. He is ALSO still learning the position, but reports and very limited eye test show he has all the ability and potential in the world to stick there. So, sooner or later, Polanco needs to move to 2B. The question is: "Is that NOW?" I agree with many here that the object is to get the best overall player whether it be at SS OR 2B. I love the idea of a proposed trade for Starlin Castro and keep Polanco at SS. Not ideal defensively, but OK, IMO, and great offense. I'm also highly in favor of an Iglesius signing until Lewis is ready and moving Polanco to 2B now. I'm honestly not sure which move I like better. And yes, other names could be plugged in here besides those mentioned. I absolutely value quality defense even though baseball has become more HR/launch angle and SO heavy and I think defense has fallen by the wayside somewhat. But even though I value a quality 1B, from what I have seen, we could be fine with Austin, Sano, and even Kepler manning 1B. Were I in charge...still a bit uncertain as which infield spot to make a move on...I'd pay Escobar as starter and bring him back for all the potential scenarios we have already discussed. I would sign Iglesias on a 2-3 year deal, even though I may have to eat the ,last year of his deal, and move Polanco to 2B. I improve my infield defense overall, have positional flexibility at every spot, still have Adrianza as a nice utility player who performs best when playing regular but not starting, and I have, potentially, one heck of an infield.

Agreed. Absolutely. Except, Kepler, like Buxton, has been fast paced. We've seen the talent and potential. He just needs to figure out his weird splits from years 1-2 and last year. He does that...and if I were a betting man I would bet he explodes in 2019...he is the least of my worries. Can the Twins survive a bust by both Sano and Buxton? It would be hard, and suck, and delay contention, but they could. There is enough talent in the system to rise over the next couple of seasons to weather such a catastrophe. But it just shouldn't have to happen! Sano: Just grow the hell up. I am not bashing the kid, but just embrace the game, and your talent, work out, and put the work in, and you are a multi million star. Buxton: I don't know if he needs body building, yoga, Pilates, better luck, or just being smart enough to pull up once in a while. If he could even hit. 250 in 2019 while still learning the game and adapting, his defense and natural power and speed could make him a difference maker. As to the pen, well, there are different threads on this, both by myself and Nick. But make one major move! Then a smaller one but quality. Think similar to Reed last season. That gives you 4 of 7 spots. One of Hildenberger or Reed could give you one more. 40 man spot or invite, Magill, Drake, (cough), and numerous SP converts, you could find that 7th man surely. I agree it's just crazy from Burdi to Chargois to Reed and Jay and Busentiz we haven't found ONE GUY to keep and step forward! Will one of the remaining step forward in 2019? I still have this hunch Mejia will be the one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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