DocBauer

I guess I'm confused a bit on Blenkenhorn. He is still pretty young, reportedly a good athlete has some power, and is already being pulled off 3B? Can he just not play the position at all? Is his arm weak? Seems to me with all the various middle infield prospects in the system, why convert a potential 3B to 2B at this time? Or is this just a case of increasing his positional flexibility going forward?

I think these numbers are interesting and shouldn't be lightly dismissed. Has he been a bit inconsistent? Yes. But virtually all players ride streaks, 3 out of 4 years with an OPS of 101+ tells me there is something there, for a relatively young player. He was a bit of a victim in 2017 due to usage by Molitor, but also because he had an option and was used as the "odd man out" for other roster shuffling. Will he blossom in 2018 with more regular playing time? Maybe he won't, but he might. Unless someone is brought on board as true improvement, I'd like to see this play out more. The key is another good to excellent SP and a couple good pen arms, along with continued development from the kids. The actual DH spot is not key to 2018, though I recognize putting the best and deepest team on the field. While I have absolutely No objection to adding a really nice bat, and while I really like Granite as a quality and useful 4th OF piece, I also have no objection to Vargas both on the club to begin 2018. Would it really be objectionable for both to play regularly for the first month or so in various roles to see how they do? Personally, I don't think Vargas is that bad at 1B. I think Grossman showed last season he really is OK in the field, and not as bad as he showed in 2016. I'd rather improve the staff overall, give these two as consistent appearances in various roles as I can, and then promote/cut/trade as need...if needed...after a month or two.

I think the award is well deserved, though I wouldnt have complained a bit if Hinch had won it. Like all awards, By Young, MAP, etc, it's based on this one season, not the year before. Was Molitor on watch for the 2016 debacle? Yes he was. But he was also the guy in charge for the 2015 season in which the team was in contention until the final week, with little to no FO support for the stretch. 2 out of 3 quality seasons for a rebuilding team tells me he's doing something right, even if I don't always agree with certain moves. Couple quick hitters: 1] The team seems to like him, like one another, and play hard. 2] The youngsters are growing and developing under his watch. You can say this circumstantial, but it's still happening. 3] He was never a manager before at ANY level. From my own observations of the team and moves made, I see him learning and growing on the job. I actually thought he was a better manager the second half of the season than the first half from handling of his staff to lineup usage. Congrats!

Its a long season and there are a lot of roster changes that take place. Right now, I'd be in favor of both he and Grossman opening with the team and let things play out for the first month or so. Granite would be sitting in AAA waiting for an injury or roster move.

I'd love Santana, and he'd be a great fit on most any team. But, assuming this team doesn't pony up via trade or FA for a true #1 SP...unlikely as there just aren't many available first of all...were talking, roughly, $11-15M for Lynn, Chatwood or Cobb. Add in a couple really nice bullpen arms at $5-7M each, and we're hitting $120M-ish. Santana puts us the $130M category. Very affordable, overall, with more money coming off the books the next couple of seasons to help pay for extensions, etc. Even with a Mauer and Dozier re-sign, we end up netting additional dollars. But to jump that far, that fast toward $130+M just seems unreasonable. And I also agree that I don't think Cleveland would let him walk anyway. Frazier? Maybe. But would he really be an upgrade over Escobar at 3B if there is a Sano playing in the field situation? I think a good, solid, useful player for less money is really warranted. Maybe Kenrick. And while it might seem overly optimistic, if Grossman could just settle in as a player between his 2016-17 years, he could be very useful at either the top or bottom of the order.

NICE!

Will he win? Hard to say. Would he deserve to win? Absolutely! Under the tutelage of he and his staff, we saw a lot of growth in the kids. We also saw a team compete, win, and make the post season almost despite their pitching at times. I didn't always like or agree with some of his lineups and moves, but I saw the wheels turning and often understood what he was doing. I also saw real growth from Paul as a manager as the year went along. And his players seem to like playing for him. As was discussed on the radio near the end of the season, Molitor has never been a manager, at any level, before becoming one at the ML level. I still think he's growing and learning.

Melky over Werth.

Love it! But Mauer was robbed! Did Dozier deserve it? I'm not certain he did. And I've seen a lot of questionable awards for GG, all star appearances, pro bowls, etc. But I truly don't understand some of the anti-Dozier sentiment I read. I've seen him make some bad and very questionable plays. I've also seen a lot of steady play and a ton of excellent plays that far outweigh the bad ones. But because he's not more flashy or more perfect he's poor or lousy? I just don't get it.

Tillman on the cheap as a flier to rebuild flier makes some sense. Ross on a milb deal with incentives definitely appeals. Otherwise, a simple PASS.

Actually like most of what you've put down here, though iffy on Bautista. I would so no to Davis, but yes to someone like Reed or Shaw. Still an upgrade, but for not the same money. And I'd see Mejia over May to begin the season. May might need time to regain his feel and that's OK. Experienced now, with solid stuff, I'd see Mejia over May. And no room for Belisle with the other signings and other arms available, and again, some financial savings.

John, I completely understand and appreciate your Dozier comments and opinions. And there is absolutely a difference between trading him and shopping him for a "look see". But at the heart of the argument, I just can't agree. And that is based, IMO, on the following points: 1) I think he's a real leader on this team and I think that's important. 2) He's really good and highly productive with no "expected" or sudden downturn. He's durable, only 30, would be difficult to replace offensively, even though the Polanco-Adrianza idea works defensively for sure. 3) Getting back a couple quality prospects that have real potential but aren't ML ready sounds like a good idea, but the Twins aren't devoid of talent and prospects, and trading such a good player for prospects on a team moving past the rebuild stage seems counter productive to me. I absolutely love being aggressive in regard to extending the young players. But I'm also of the opinion extending Dozier and Mauer makes sense. (I'm of the opinion now what we've seen from Mauer was not a fluke). The two of them will combine for something like $34-35M in 2018. Unless the numbers/demands are out of whack, Mauer gets 2 years and Dozier 4, maybe 5 or an option. Either way, Dozier gets a raise and Mauer a cut, and even in the worst case scenario I can think of, the combined totals of the two for two years should still save a couple million over 2018 totals.

These are all fine options. My target list would be Shaw and M cGee. We don't blow the lid off payroll, and we add 2 valuable, quality, experienced arms to the pen along with what we have on hand. You still have payroll to add another quality #2-3 FA arm to deepen the rotation. You might even find money for a solid bat who can play a position to augment such a good, mostly young and improving, lineup.

Truth #1 Pitching...quality pitching...remains the single biggest advantage for a team to win, win often, and legitimately contend. Truth #2 Every team wants pitching, and everyone wants an ACE to lead their club with another impact arm behind him, and then it becomes a bit more cloudy 3-5. Truth #3 A real and true ACE is hard to come by. (We've even had debates as to who and what is a true ACE). Hopefully you draft and develop one. Acquiring one via FA is very expensive, you have to at least somewhat overpay and assume risk, and they are also expensive prospect wise to acquire via trade. I don't think anyone can really disagree with those "truths". But no matter what, its still a TEAM game. An outstanding, balanced and deep staff still won't win with poor defense and lousy offense. A great offense and tight defense still won't win with a poor/lousy staff. The question becomes, how do you build the best overall TEAM to contend? Yes, I'd love the Twins to somehow acquire a real ACE, have Berrios take a step forward and Santana would be a stud #3. But is that practical? And if not, what can you do make the best roster? I'm not going to list all the names, we know them, but one more really good, really solid, quality SP deepens the rotation, allows for the upcoming kids to move up when ready, and increases your chances to contend and win, even without an ACE if the other pieces are in place and the bullpen is quality. You sign a couple quality bullpen arms like Shaw and McGee...my top 2 targets...to go along with what you have, and what's coming up, you could have a really nice pen. You add that one quality arm, and suddenly you have a potentially deep and solid rotation, overall, lead by 3 guys who could/would pitch most days like a #2, with that new pen, quality defense and hitting, and you have a deep and well balanced team. You could afford extensions, and you still have your milb system intact for depth, promotion, and a big trade if available.

Seth, absolutely love your blueprint and agree almost entirely. I am a bit leery of losing Enns after just acquiring him and could see him as a useful piece. Im torn on protecting Davis and Burdi as I just don't know if they are really at risk of being lost at this time, but would probably not risk losing Burdi. McGhee and Shaw are actually my top 2 RP targets! I'm not 100% convinced McGee would be my closer, only because recent history is showing he and Shaw, with Rogers and Hilgenberger, could make an outstanding quartet for the 7th and 8th innings with maybe a more consistent Pressly, or even Duffey, as the "start and finish the 9th" closer option. Regardless, that group of 6 with pitcher "X", has the makings of a fine pen with reserves on the way and filling up a potentially deep and impressive Rochester pen. Where I disagree is the FA SP. I think the club can easily bump up to a higher option in the $12-14M range...payroll now in the $120's...without disrupting the budget or limiting themselves down the road. You're right about Grossman and Vargas though. Do we yet have a true idea of the vision the team sees for these guys? Vargas could be useful and valuable, but how much so with consistent time? I really liked the way Molitor used Grossman the last month as the 9 hitter, but I keep wondering, no stud to be sure, but if he could be a 500 AB player who could mold 2016 and 2017 together somehow, he and Mauer could make a very interesting 1-2 OB punch at the top of the order. Somebody stoke the coals! I'm ready for the hot stove!

Outstanding! I couldn't agree more with your "mythbusting" analysis! Myth 1: I was thinking 2010 was the big payroll year, but I was probably thinking about coming off that year. Regardless, they could easily be at $120-125M and still not hit the ML mean. And again, even more payroll will be coming off soon, or adjusted downward even if Mauer and Dozier were to be re-signed as they would come in lower than their combined totals. (Hughes and Santana also come off in the next couple of seasons). However, I feel Falvey and Levine are pretty smart cookies, have a plan, and won't outsmart themselves by just handing out deals. They won't be frugal the way Ryan was, but they won't spend just to spend because they can. Myth 2: In principal, I agree with you. Despite some doomsayers here and there, there is absolutely no reason to expect Santana's arm to just fall off. Secondly, Berrios has wicked stuff, a great bulldog mentality, and will only get better. Not only did Gibson make some major changes, but his sample size is roughly half a season and not just a short stretch. Mejia's problem is not ability, just better consistency. There were several times I watched him get ahead but just couldn't finish the batter off. Where I will disagree, however, is not in regard to making the big splash, but I really think you need one more, quality, proven SP. There are injuries. Gibson could still fall apart. I actually like Slegers a little bit and love some of the other kids, but they may not be quite ready just yet. Lots of hope and belief in May, but to be real, he's still coming back from surgery. I have stated for some time I prefer a nice, solid FA addition over trade. Not only can they afford it now, and the next few years without blowing up the books, but it allows them the luxury of keeping the system intact for depth, development, and maybe that big splash during the season. I also think this applies to the pen. We have some good arms, and room for improvement. There is arm talent to work with and sort through, both here as well as close. I would love a guy like Shaw, and maybe a flier, and call it good for now.

Lynn and Chatwood, it would appear to me, offer the best combination of safety and upside these other three can't match. I also am in the camp of adding one SP, via FA or trade. With what is onboard, the probably re-sign of Gibson, and what's on the way, I'd go for the one arm and a couple RP.

Outstanding! "Win 20 in the majors and people will think you're colorful. Until then, it means you're a slob."

Holy crap! Sounds like my love life! Damn you magic 8 ball!

Love the updates and can't wait for more of what I hope is good news. Is it just me? Am I just an eternal optimist? Did someone fit me with rose tinted glasses when I wasn't looking? Or am I right think/ponder that Jay may just make a huge mark on the bullpen this season? I just have this feeling that the worm is about to turn, bad luck will start to turn from the dark side, and Jay will have a quality AFL, a quality ST, and even if he begins the season in Rochester, he will be up fairly soon and team with Rogers to form a he'll of a port side combination. Yes...it would be better if he was a quality LHSP...but at the end of the day, what concerns me is contributions, wherever they come from.

Absolutely agree with this. However, I don't think the answer would be both Lynn and Chatwood. You still have Mejia, maybe May, and other prospects getting close. You don't want that "dead weight" as you put it. But deciding on one good, solid guy to deepen the rotation is a solid move, IMO. (Assuming no ACE signing or trade). You want a reliable and reasonable chance to win every day. Improving the pen also assists with this, of course. But it still comes down to a solid SP option on the hill daily, doesn't it? I keep thinking, who is the guy out there that doesn't break the bank but can be another Santana signing? I wish I had a crystal ball to make that determination. I hope Falvey and Levine have one. Best I can offer is an old magic 8 ball that I don't trust. Lol

I didnt want to trade Dozier, but I was certainly on board for the right return. And I'm not going to blast JDL in any way, but it just felt like the Dodgers were low balling, though I have nothing to back that up. I applauded the FO for not feeling pressured to make a move. Now, we still need to add some pitching, but I feel the non trade was the wise move. In fact, I'm feeling more convinced that an extension will be in the works with Gordon, or others, included in a package.

IMO, the question is not whether the Twins could or would sign Darvish, or whether he's sign with the Twins. Would I like to see it? You bet! Should they at least pick up the phone? Absolutely! To me the question is, would Lynn, solid career and a year removed from surgery, be a "Santana" level/quality signing? If the answer is yes, or close to yes, he would be a smart move to join Santana and the still developing/improving Berrios to form a solid first 3. Gibson is 4, Mejia, May and open auditions fill the 5th spot. I think it was Brock that said something to the affect fairly recently about a strong bullpen and a deep rotation...not containing a true ACE...was a pretty good idea. I have to concur.

I think I still like Lynn better overall, though he's a couple years older and would be more expensive probably. I think he'll be just that much stronger next season, further removed from surgery. Can't say I hate the Chatwood idea though. Good velocity, relatively young, solid numbers away from Coors Field, and with a new team and pitching coach, may have more upside. Still have a soft spot for Arietta.

I could still see them adding a bat, though it's much less a priority following the signing of a couple arms. I think we're all in agreement on that. But it's also less of a priority following the development of this young roster and the overall depth and versatility of such. In other words, someone taking a half day off because there is a solid reserve to fill in for a day or two. I hate to say it, as it seems to be beating that poor dead horse carcass yet again, but do we really have a feel yet for how the FO and field staff feel about Vargas and Grossman? Is Grossman done developing? He's not anything special, but if he could "combine" his overall numbers the past 2 season's, with some pop and decent speed and his high OB%, he could be a viable, almost daily DH who can fill in the OF here and there. Do we yet know who and what Vargas truly is? Or can he at least be a decent backup 1B who can DH and provide some bench power? I'd sure like to know what the FO is thinking about these two.