DocBauer

I tend to agree here. Let's just make the bold prediction a starter is signed. The bullpen, IMO, really needs that one proven arm for talent, depth, production and leadership. Kintzler and Belisle added a lot to the club despite not being "top shelf" options. I believe some of that was a veteran stability. And I don't think it's "safe" to just look at the talented young BP arms and simply assume we'll be OK. But on the other hand, Pressly, Duffey, Rogers, Hildenberger and Busentiz all offer a starting/building point with Curtiss, Reed, Bard, Jay as some that could be close, along with a return to health, eventually, for Burdi and Chargois sometime in 2018. What about Moya, Enns and maybe Melotakis yet from the port side? I could easily see a second BP arm, but I wouldn't get carried away with years and dollars. There ARE options to build with, turn to, and on the way.

Based on the ML payroll mean, money off the books, and the reported percentages of income vs expenditure, I'd also look for something more in line with $120M. The highest payroll in Twins history, if I recall correctly, was 7 years ago in 2010 and it was around $110M for a team expected to contend. Should we expect, and wouldn't it be logical, to assume the team could afford $120M going in to 2018? We talk about payroll and FA contracts as well as signing all our young talent to extensions in the future. But don't forget, another $14M for Hughes comes off the books after 2018. And another $15M comes off after '18 or '19 depending on the final option year for Santana. That's nearly $30M additional for payroll. And let's assume, for the moment, that both Mauer and Dozier are extended. I believe they will combine for approximately $33M in 2018. An increase for BD and a lower contract for Mauer should still result in at least some additional savings there. There is absolutely money to spend on the right couple 2 or 3 FA options without mortgaging future extensions, especially considering only one of said FA signings would be long term.

32 is a better number, no question. But I wonder if expansion creates more problems than it solves. There is such a dearth of quality pitching already, and would be made that much worse with expansion. Further, the revenue imbalance persists and would, I propose, continue with 32 teams. Would any of the proposed markets prove viable long term financially through fan support and various radio and cable packages? Or would they be adding a pair of bottom market teams that perpetually struggle to compete, much like a few of the more recent NBA franchises? I know it still comes down to ownership and the running of a team properly from top to bottom, but the means to acquire players, and keep them, is still heavily weighted at the top of MLB and I don't see a solution coming any time soon. If it happens, keep both leagues, keep them as intact as possible, and have even divisions in both leagues.

Yeah....reading this article and all he accomplished...just too bad Santana stinks so bad and we held on to him huh? And I'm what's worse...his arm is due to fall off sometime early next season. Read it somewhere...just completely fall off.

THIS. Sano and Buxton are probably the first two. Followed by Rosario (who I love and will only get better but an OF is easier to replace than other spots) and Berrios, who has less service time. And then you make it a clean sweep following those guys.

Absolutely the right choice. But I have to wonder, if Mejia doesn't get injured and keeps working and progressing, does the final voting still go the same? Does Mejia win or make the final tally closer? I like both these guys and their potential a lot. Already looking for them to play even bigger roles next season. Come on 2018!

Not saying Allen shouldn't have been let go. I think there are a number of things we could point to and wonder out load as to the quality of his work. But there were success stories in his tenure with the Twins. Erv has pitched about as well as he has at any time since joining the Twins. Berrios saw big improvement in year two. Gibson really turned things around the second half of this year. Those are just a few examples. But with less than a full stable of quality arms to work with the past few years, is he really to blame for some of the pitching woes the Twins have had? And to what degree? Will the next guy really make that big of a difference? Or is it more about maturation of the guys on staff and a couple key acquisitions? Not sure I have the answer...just posing the questions.

I would have been perfectly fine if the new braintrust had just felt they needed a new direction. It would only make sense if they did. I'm very content with this decision. I know there are two sides on opposite sides of the aisle here, but I think it's the right move for various reasons. The radio staff was talking recently about managers in baseball, various moves expected to happen or already announced, etc. And they were talking about managers who had NEVER been a manager before at ANY level. Of course, they mentioned that about Molitor, and I had almost forgotten that fact regarding him. Does being a manager previously, or not, at the ML or milb level, indicate you can or can't do the job? No. But I think it is a pertinent point. In his 3 season's, Molitor has lead the Twins...not going to go in to specifics, to a disastrous season, an almost playoff team, and a playoff team. Personally, I think he's showing real growth as the head man, and would argue he made much better choices the second half of the season. A few points: 1] This team never quit, loved to play, seemed to believe in themselves. 2] We complain, at times, about the development of young players. But we saw actual improvement and development amongst the young players this season. We saw patience with guys struggling at times. And we even saw a greater reliance on some young players the second half of the season. 3] Lineup construction has been a bit of a debate. But there are lots of ways to construct a roster and how to use it. I didn't always agree with some lineups, but I usually saw method in the madness. While there is room for growth in certain areas, overall, this was a fine defensive team, a quality and highly productive offensive team with balanced production. 4] With holes in the staff, this team reached 85 wins and the post season. If you want to argue they could have won a few more with a different manager, go ahead, I will respect your opinion. But to reach 85W while still needing some upgrades doesn't speak to utilizing what you have...despite some debatable choices here and there...nothing I could say would convince anyone. Molitor still has some things to learn to be better at. I suspect he will. But another upgrade in the rotation, another quality RP or two and maybe one more solid bat could make him look a whole lot smarter as well.

Sure you want to invest in 2 SP? Wouldn't keeping Gibson be a smarter and less expensive option at this point? Assuming, of course, you buy in to his new direction.

Adding a well deserved pat on the back to help Tom out here.

Feel bad our Twins lost. Feel bad that some are having a really tough morning. This was a good and fun season and the future looks bright. I am stoked...pun intended...for the hot stove. Ryan and Smith do deserve credit. Blast them for non moves or other moves made, but give credit where and when credit is due. Also, revisionist history regarding past drafts in any sport gets old. Everyone scouts, ranks and drafts. In every sport. Some are better at it than others, no question. But a quality prospect drafted after another quality prospect does better? Come on, it happens.

Thanks Tom for everything this season! I hope to read much more from you going forward. No hate for Santana, Berrios or anyone else. If the Twins score those extra 2 runs in the first and Santana pitches even a little better and we win, is Sevarino a bum who should be raked across the coals? On thing I've found out in all of my years as a sports fan is that my favorite teams don't get to win the championship every year...or every other year.

Wade as a 4th OF and replacement for Grossman? With hitting and power everywhere, nobody says your DH has to be a slugger. A good hitter who gets OB with pop could be vital.

Tell you what, love this team, love the season, love the future. Just super happy we earned the right to play this game.

Damn wall!

Told myself I wouldn't drink tonight while sipping 3rd beer. Anyone got some glue? Lol

Calling out for a repeat of the 1st! Are you listening guys?

Great post I saw a few weeks again on Vikings website. Two comparative circles: 1] People who have nice things...and...2] Vikings fans. Lol

Only thing worse than being a Twins fan is being a Vikings fan. [sarcasm alert]

Colon...again being the optimist, might be possible against the Indians as well. I think he matches up far better against them than the Yankies

Gibson for game one?

You know...for when we win...makes first couple games against the Indians a little tougher.

Totally understand win or go home and pitching Berrios. But stinks to have to use 2 starters in this game.

Ahh crap...i jinxed him

Come on Jason...one good solid hit