DocBauer

Nooooo to trading Sano or any kind of rebuild. The core is in place, position player wise, and a few pitchers have as well, with more on the way. It's time to add and augment. I get not trading prospects just now. Think mid season...barring ugly surprises...how much closer some of those guys will be to contributing or how much morw attractive they may be as trade pieces? This us the perfect time and opportunity for the Twins to afford Dervish, if possible, or "settle" for a quality step down if necessary.

Also...i see the FO really wanting to go the FA route and hold on to the farm as much as possible. For now. I feel they are hoarding with the idea of development and promotion, as well as future trades this season and next while stockpiling ammunition.

You sign Lynn or Cobb. Period! They are the same relative age, or younger. They might not be as good, but they are good. They are also less expensive and STILL move the needle for a better rotation, a better staff, and thus, a stronger team overall. This is an absolute no brainer to me. You shoot for the stars and settle for the moon if you have to. But you still got off the ground and past the atmosphere to fly higher than you have in some time.

Having posted earlier, and now having a chance to read through a few additional pages of well thought out dialogue, I have to echo and add a few thoughts. 1] I have a journalism background from many, many years ago. However, I certainly wouldn't consider myself trained as a journalist at this point. That being said, I am a "creative writer with many years of short stories, (a few lousy novels when I was young), and have spent the past couple of decades focused on poetry. I write for the sake of writing and sharing, not for monetary value. 2] That being said, as a rather frequent contributor here, I can reflect on a few points already brought up: a: It is frustrating to contribute to a FORUM or BLOG and then not see comments carried over to a main page article. b: I have felt a few times I have started a FORUM topic only to see it die quickly. Now, I have no illusions, and at times my topic simply may not have been as interesting as I initially thought, or, the timing could be bad on my part and it simply became hurried by a new topic or breaking news. C: I do think the BLOG section could be expanded so that LIKES and the such are better realized, or the entire section could be highlighted more. While I visit and read the BLOG section daily, it seems there is a prevailing feeling it's treated as a bottom of the page afterthought by some rather than standing out in content. Not sure I have any thoughts on fixes, just making a few observations.

Leadership, good clubhouse guy and 20+ HR power from the right side. But he can't hit or get OB and is very limited defensively. No. Just not a fit. A combination of Grossman and Vargas alone outperform him, not to mention others filling in at DH. Sign someone with a more consistent bat who can play the field somewhere decently or just stand pat.

On a personal level, it's been suggested to me that I begin a blog. I've thought about it, but for whatever reason, just haven't gotten around to it. Not sure how successful I'd be at it on a daily or semi daily basis, or how successful others would believe I am at it, lol, but believe I should be more strongly considering it. I also think you are being a bit too hard on yourself. The site is tremendous! But I understand wanting to make it better.

Absolutely love this post right up until the end where I disagree somewhat on the closer situation. Kintzler was a surprise at the end of 2016 and continued to be one in 2017. Belisle, more or less, stunk early. (Though proof shows a lot of his "bad" was in a few outings). But he found himself and was pretty much just as good as Kintzler once given the closer role. In fact, the bullpen...by the numbers anyway...was much better the second half of the season than the first, without Kintzler, and with the promotion and usage of a couple young guys, and Pressly pitching much better. (That is NOT a knock on Kintzler). I do not dismiss the role of the closer, though it may be changing somewhat. The modern ML bullpen construction is starting to resemble a batting order, fits, options, tendencies, usage, etc. Rodney has had spurts of Ron Davis syndrome, but come on, this guy has had a very nice career with quality numbers, multiple All Star appearances and still brings it. Because hes not 28 and signed for 5 more years at a steal of a salary he's a bum? Perspective people! But as I mentioned earlier, and Bird mentions here, there ARE horses in the barn! Especially for relievers, who often struggle as starters before finding their role in the pen, and then begin in lower leverage situations initially, there is nothing old or dismissive about Duffey, Pressly or Rogers. In fact, they were pretty good for stretches last season. What can another year and a new coach do to help? Busentiz, and especially Hildenberger got opportunity and ran with it. How much better could they be in 2018? Curtiss has mad stuff. Reed, Jay and Chargois have as much, or barely lag, and just need some better health-luck to take the next step and are oh-so-close to making a mark. You can't ignore what Moya did in the minors, showed a taste at the ML level, and there are others just behind him, RP or SP who could convert, even initially. Hell, either or both of Burdi and Bard could even be back. Regardless, I just don't feel this pen is at all "dry" of arms, talent and potential. I feel what it needs is a combination of opportunity and experience. The opportunity is there. The talent is there. The potential is there. Rodney absolutely provides production, leadership and a helpful bridge. I think one more really good arm does a lot though. And there a few guys out there to do that. And I am hoping for at least one more good signing, still looking at Watson at least, but I don't think this bullpen is that far away from being really good.

Nobody wants to keep reciting or hearing the "wait and see" mantra, but it's often the best route to take overall. There are some really good arms on the roster, and the poor/unlucky health issues has to even out at some point. We've all seen big contracts to solid/average/OK RP quickly look bad. Nothing wrong with additions and augmenting what you have. But you also have to put a little faith in what you have and allow for opportunity. We began to see the benefits of that last season. That being said, the guy is like to see added is Watson. He and Rogers would give us a really nice 1-2 punch from the port side and buy time for Moya and Jay

Very cool article Mike. Thanks for sharing with us!

Agree with everything here and be would be an exciting addition, to be sure. Obviously, is inclusion would make a trade of some sort for Vargas. The problem with this is not just the dollars involved, ie can they afford him when they still need at least one big time SP and very possibly another bullpen arm, but roster fit. Smokescreen or not the Twins have stated they don't feel the need for a full time DH in order to roll Mauer, Sano, Escobar, Vargas, Grossman and anyone from the OF and the such taking a half day off. And while no-one is saying anything negative, there has to be at least some concern regarding Sano's health. But I do like that lineup! Side note: I keep wondering where Polanco fits best in the lineup. If we see the same hitter he was the second half, does he continue to hit 3rd and bump everyone down? Does he hit in one of the first two spots with Mauer and bump Dozier down? Should he hit 9th to flip the order?

I also have been largely impressed by the new FO braintrust thus far. And it's still possible...very possible...that both Burdi and Bard will be returned to the Twins or completely wash out do to injuries and the such. I can only believe that A] history shows either Burdi and/or Bard will be returned negating their initial rule 5 picks anyway, thus negating the risk to make them available, B] their own viewpoints, and those they trust, believe Kinley is one of those guys who is ready to break out and worth the risk. Time will tell. And I hope they are a hell of a lot smarter than the rest of us! But IMHO, they have indeed outsmarted themselves on this one. They balked at 2 guys with high risk and upside for a guy they like with high risk and upside. 2 to 1 doesn't equate to me at all.

Blenkenhorn is one of my favorite prospects in the system. In fact, he and Cabbage are two of my most "intriguing" prospects in the entire system. The reason is rather simple, but with a certain complexity. They are both talented athletes who played multiple sports in school, rather than being a product of the new age "system" where you concentrate on one sport, attend every camp you can, play on every select team you can, etc, etc. Its a product, I suppose, of growing up in tne midwest, and seeing so many talented athletes from smaller towns who participate in various sports, and generally excel, but lack the polish and high "pedigree" from concentrating solely on one. But when finally given the opportunity to do so, they begin to really blossom. Coaching, time, patience and opportunity can mean so much to kids like this...Kepler is a fine example...and the rewards, in any sport, can be tremendous. My only real concern with Blenkenhorn is patience. Maybe, despite being drafted as an infielder, he is Edward Scissorhands with the glove. But how many ML infielders have we seen, including past Twins greats, that have struggled initially with defense before talent and work paid dividends? Gaetti and Koskie come to mind. Is he being moved around too much too soon before allowing him to really settle in as a possible 3B? I totally get playing multiple positions to increase versatility, but only 20yo, he could continue to play a majority of 3B, and some 2B, for the next couple of years and still be looking at the majors with a clear visage at being only 22 or 23. We're I another team looking to make a trade with the Twins, he would absolutely be in my top 10 of guys to include in a deal for a top pitcher I was looking to move in a rebuild. Hello Tampa and Pittsburgh. Not saying I don't want to keep him, but I think he is a very viable piece to a trade that some vastly overlook.

Yes please! 100% everything written. He is versatile, productive, valuable, relatively young, and may have begun hitting his prime in 2017. The guy has flat out produced when called on and given opportunity.

Financially, the Twins are in the midst of a perfect storm for Darvish. They can not only afford him, but money comes off the books each of the next two years, even if Santana was brought back for 2019, though that is by no means a given. And if Mauer and Dozier were each extended, say a 2 and 4 year deal, there would still be an overall savings there as well. The time is right for the Twins to make this bold move, without compromising the immediate future financially. And I agree the Twins have real depth and potential at the 4 and 5 spots in the rotation. My question is what to do if they don't get Darvish. No remaining target matches his stature as a #1. However, at the end of the day, isn't the goal to be the best and deepest team you can be? Isn't the goal to have a real chance to win daily? Even if the team has to "settle" for the likes of Lynn or Cobb, wouldn't they still be better and deeper in the rotation? And wouldn't that make them a better team, overall, with a better chance to win daily? I'm hoping and rooting for Darvish. But if we swing and miss, here's hoping there is still a quality addition to be made.

As Linus stated previously, Johan's best pitch was his change, and he did awfully well with that. Now, Johan threw harder than Gonsalves, but I am actually encouraged that Gonsalves's best pitch is his change as that may be the single hardest pitch to master successfully, as well as the ability to change speeds overall. It has long been said that the #1 ingredient to being a quality SP in MLB is the ability to upset a batters timing. That can be accomplished two ways: 1] by changing planes of contact (location) and 2] changing speeds. I have often compared Berrios and Gonsalves, even though they are quite different pitchers. (Not just handedness). What I have noticed...and I am by no means a scout or expert...is that they both seem to have the "it" factor when it comes to pitching. At each level they have been at, each of them has shown the ability to learn and adapt. They both seem to have the image ability to "pitch" and not just throw. Berrios does throw harder, and IMHO, has the makings of a quality #2 who may graduate to #1 status. Gonsalves, again IMHO, has the ability to be a quality #3 with the potential for a #2 starter. His being consistently in the high 80's and low 90's...ocassionally a little harder/higher...is fine with location and a high quality change. The key for both to achieve full potential is their breaking ball. There are quite a few nice arms in the Twins milb system. But the one guy I'm really loathe about trading away is Gonsalves.

There is somethibg to be said for high quality, proven, consistent relievers and large contracts. Despite the volatility of the "world of a relief pitcher", some guys are proven year in and year out. But it can be very dangerous, and we see it every year, when big contracts are handed out to RP via FA that aren't those guys. Remember a couple years ago when everyone was on board for signing Sipp? Got the last laugh on that one. And every year it seems there are a few guys that either slip through the cracks and get picked up on the cheap, or coming back from off/injured seasons and then out to be huge bargains. With Rodney on board, what we have, what's coming, what us still availbe, I'm not in serious worry mode. Though I believe it would be highly prudent to find one more good guy. There are always trade possibilities down the road if you suddenly end up with bullpen wealth.

I don't think he can, or should, discount the dollars or impact on payroll, but you also have to put it in to context, as you mentioned, with expiring payroll. My concern is 4 years from now when you will want to sign some guys, which is why extensions now, or the near future, are so important. BUT, the Twins are absolutely in the perfect place right now to make a huge signing like Darvish. The payroll is manageable, and there IS money coming off the books over the next couple of years to balance his signing AND doll out extensions. Darvish moves the needle in a big way for the next few season's. He, Berrios and Santana make a really nice potential 1-2-3 punch for next season. Santana will be gone for 2019 or 2020 and there are talented kids just about ready to contribute. The stars are perfectly aligned for the Twins to make this kind of move now without blowing up payroll for the future.

I hadn't had a chance to go look up his pre draft profile yet, so this was great to read! I feel even better now about his acquisition instead of just reading he was a 3rd round pick who struggled in his debut. Especially looking at his HS numbers and second half of his season this year. Looks like an intriguing prospect.

And a very valid point. Does this mean the end for Gibson then? Do you think he's be part of a trade package for said SP or a BP addition?

Just wondering, if we get Darvish, or one of the good option B arms, that does it, right? I know there is talk about a second signing or a trade idea, but Dervish, Santana, Berrios, Gibson and Mejia/May/everyone else has to be the way we go. Would they really.make a second signing or trade prospects for a second SP at that point? Asking in general. I think they'd stay status quo and run with what they have, keep developing the guys in AAA and AA and know they have the depth to make a move later

IMO, the Rodney signing is a step up from the Belisle signing last off season. Despite some flaws, he moves the needle a bit for me, along with continued development from the guys already on roster. A reasonable expectation, but also hard to predict. Personally, I think there will still be another solid addition, though I doubt it's Davis. Still only mid December, I'm OK with the couple moves thus far.

Sooner or later...hopefully sooner...a couple young arms have to step forward due to nothing else other than the numbers of them. I am still intrigued by both Pressly and Duffey, wondering if Duffey might be best as the long/middle man. Hildenberger and Busentiz should take a step forward. Curtiss shows some great stuff. Can Chargois just be healthy this season! Please! I am somewhat underwhelmed by Rodney, but don't consider it a bad move. He seems to channel an inner Guardado/Wild Thing Mitch Williams at times, but has real stuff most of the time, some nice peripherals, some proven success, and is an upgrade to the Belisle signing last season. Probably an upgrade to Kintzler, overall. I would still feel a lot better with another proven arm, via FA or trade, though the FA market is drying up. But there are some good arms to work with here. It's up to them to step forward, of course, and up to the staff to help them do so. I'm not totally happy with the lack of aggression regarding the pen, but I'm not despondent either.

Have to admit, I don't understand the Kinley selection rather than keeping one of our own. I know it's a flier, and he can easily be removed to make room for someone else, but it's a head scratcher to me.

This! I also would have liked to keep Burdi and hope we get him back or don't end up regretting losing him. But he has barely pitched in two seasons. Further, whatever team he ends up on has to carry him on the active roster for 90 days service time or he is returned to the Twins. Even a rebuilding team with a poor record, IMHO, would be hard pressed to keep him and stash him in the pen for that long.

Very smart move. Adds to the 2019 rotation in a potentially big way, no pun intended, lol. Cost and terms are minimal, shouldn't affect 2018 negatively on the financial front, and helps cover Gibson and Santana possibly moving on after this season.