DocBauer

I have always appreciated Joe and have been a fan, even though he has frustrated me at times for lack of power for such a big and athletic specimen, as well as for letting so many seemingly good first pitches pass him by. With no disrespect, I felt age and injury were simply catching up and hoped he would hang it up when his contract was up. HOWEVER, I don't think any of us saw his 2017 re-surgance coming. I honestly have a hard time believing he was simply lucky. It seems to me experience, adjustments, and more time recovered from his concussions allowed him to regain his stroke. (Morneau did similar in Colorado for a time as well). A repeat performance in 2018 should get him a 1 or 2 year deal and shouldn't scare anyone. His homework is excellent, and his contributions in the 2 hole are fine. A lineup just isn't always built with "traditional" hitters at each spot. And there is so much offense and offensive potential scattered throughout this lineup, that a lack of a true power hitting 1B is not a detriment, especially when he contributes in other ways offensively and defensively. Mauer's play in 2018 will be the biggest factor, of course. But the health of Sano, (hopeful, but what if he is forced off 3B?), any re-signing of Dozier, and maybe even a fast track for Rooker could all be factors as well. But I don't see him moving on to anywhere else.

Can't disagree a bit here, owning the caveat that no FA or trade arm are brought in long term. Nothing wrong with 6 starters due to injury replacement and the AAA shuttle at times. Might be selling Rogers a little short. At times, when not overexposed, he's looked at least decent against RH hitters. However, he could face a stiff challenge from Moya by then. Pressly could still "click" in my mind and be around. Same for Duffey, but again, I can't find fault with your choices. Stewart and Jorge are the darkhorses here aren't they? I think each may end up seeing 2018 as defining years for them. That may not be fair considering their arms and youth, and they have been successful, but it feels like each needs to take a step forward.

Just a thought, but it seems there are two elephants in the room. The first is Sano, and does he remain at 3B? For how long? If and when does he move to 1B/DH? I'm not implying he should be moved at this point, but if and when it happens, it changes the complexion of the roster and lineup. The second elephant is a possible Dozier extension. IF it happens, is at 2B? Does he move to 3B? Is this about the time he becomes more of a DH/1B/super utility guy? Cody, I know you have Dozier at 3B here, and I could see it. I've also mentioned in the past about having the athleticism, if not the preffered height, to maybe play 1B. But part of me wonders if the bulk of the infield couldn't be a combination of Lewis, Gordon, Javier and Polanco. Potentially, 3 starters and a super utility guy. (Maybe wishful thinking to keep them all). But what an athletic infield they'd make!

Have to admit you threw me a tad here with Diaz, no Kepler and Silva at catcher. I'm assuming you see Kepler moved at some point. And I'm with you at Sano at 3B until proven otherwise. But I'm a little off on Silva. I think current wisdom would be Garver and Rortvedt. Care to expand on your thoughts regarding Silva?

Nothing wrong with the predictions, they all make perfect sense. However, if still say Rosario of Khiroloff at that point, unless traded. And no love for Javier? I could easily see some combination of him, Lewis, Gordon and even Polanco with Dozier gone, or super utility type.

I don't believe Sano is going anywhere. I doubt there is a suspension, (small if there is one), due to time, no charges filed, lack of evidence. I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins mandated some sort of counseling, however. Can they do that? Considering how well the team played without him last season, with such a high ceiling OF, a quality INF with Escobar able to handle 3B OK, Gordon on the way, it might be the question, however, what could the Twins receive back for someone like Sano? Theoretically speaking.

There are honestly too many choices to list! Burn it hard pressed, my top 3 are probably: 1] Gonsalves: I think he's the real deal. Will take some lumps. 2] Thorpe: Just how good can he be fully healthy and back? 3] Rooker: His bat looks legit. How quickly can he adapt and climb? My dark horse is Stewart. Left unprotected and undrafted, still young and with a big arm, is this the year where it suddenly comes together?

Let's not forget that he not only had to initially adjust to a different level of ball when he first signed on, but that he practically skipped AAA. He oozes athletic talent, and even against LH pitching, you can see the quick hands and smooth stroke. How well he ends up hitting lefties I do not know, but I believe you will see some real improvement this season. In fact, Kepler is my pick for a breakout season in another thread.

Thank you for sharing, Tom. Well written and well thought out. No thank you for stealing an idea I was thinking of posting/blogging about this weekend, lol. One context we have to look at here is the difference between a hero and idolizing someone. I think it's an important differential. There are a plethora of people I have idolized in my life...musicians, actors, writers and athletes...and some of them have absolutely been heroes of mine, in various forms. I don't mean to sound condescending in the least, but I think some of it comes down to personal character, and even, possibly, upbrining. To me, a hero excels and even overcomes at times. An athlete, your example of a milb baseball player is not a bad example. So is the walk-on athlete at a major university or a FA NFL player. And a hero is also someone who gives of themselves to make the world a better place, even if it's just their corner of the world. And these heroes ABSOLUTELY can be famous people of note, whether a performer, artist, singer or athlete. And sometimes those we idolize or mark as heroes can absolutely be flawed. But the extent of those flaws, what they do with them, how they overcome them, and what they bring to the populace, or their quiet corner, should always be examined and considered as well. As an example, there are a few musicians that I absolutely have idolized and can even call hero, to some degree, that have made HUGE mistakes and errors in judgement in their lives. Sometimes embarrassing and very public mistakes. It didn't take away the enjoyment of their music for me, but certainly gave me pause at times to consider the person behind the music. What stuck with me, and elevated their status as people, and potentially "heroes", is how they overcame their mistakes and/or demons to move on as people, including owning up to their mistakes. Part of the problem with those in the public eye, we'll speak of athletes for the moment, is how high they themselves are elevated by us, the public at large. We're I to run in to Kent Hrbek or Joe Mauer in a public setting, I would derive great pleasure in buying Mr. Hrbek a beer or Mr. Mauer a glass of milk. (See what I did there?) Sometimes you have to wonder how those in the public eye can keep their head on straight with fandom and fan worship. As fans of anyone, who idolize or hero worship anyone, perspective must always be kept. It's one thing to appreciate someone, and another to call them a hero. This is true as individuals and as parents. It's up to each of us to know the difference. And while I am absolutely NOT speaking directly to recent Twins news, I think it's also OK to elevate our personal status of someone who has let us down, only to right themselves and make more of themselves in the future. And I will climb off my soapbox now.

Very well written! Thanks for sharing. I too hope my daughter, other's daughters and granddaughters can grow up in a future world without fear.

Think about that for a second. You rattled off 7 guys who either debuted or are very, very close to doing so. Add in Duffey getting more comfortable, Rogers and Pressly just finding a little more consistency you have the makings of a really nice pen. I know we want FA and trades to stack the pen NOW, but are we really that far away from putting together a really nice bullpen from within?

In regard to the original post theme, the Twins absolutely got value in the original deal. Dozier was good but not as good as he was yet to become. Was he underpaid? Yes. But it's not the Twins' or Dozier's "fault". Who knew he would become as good as he did at the time? If do a 4 year deal and front load the first couple if years if possible to better manage future extensions with the kids. I might include a club option/buyout 5th year. I would say an average of $12-14M should be fair to both sides. You will see some regression at some point. But you are paying for past performance, as well as the next couple of seasons when he should be able to maintain his current worth. If he slips too far defensively, he might become a nice role player who can even DH.

I am truly torn as to whether or not to say anything at all, especially having read some of the posts here, but took a deep breath and decided to comment. I choose my words very, very carefully. I love and adore women. And to be very clear, I say that with the utmost warmth and respect, and not in a casual or sexual manner. I have loved and adored women in my life. I am the father of a 27yo daughter who I cherish deeply who, fortunately, has never faced any sort of situation like this reported one. I have known women, family, friends and relationship partners, who have been assaulted and abused in their life. I find it abhorrent! I do not take these incidents, incidents to others, or reported incidents lightly! And I am speaking ONLY in the abstract on this incident as I have no first hand knowledge of the incident or the people involved. Many of the women I have known have also refused to come forward due to shame or fear. Some that have "confessed" the incident did so later or much later. To vilify someone who has encountered this, or has learned about it in confidence and not "come forward" to do or say something about it is misguided. Many times the person involved is not ready, frightened, suffering from a sense of "shame" they should not be forced to feel, or simply wants to heal and move on. Sometimes they feel there is no legal recourse available, so their "confession" is made in confidence they hope is respected. This is in general, through my own knowledge, and not a comment on this specific incident or the people involved. I want to make that clear! But as a man, a person, a father, friend and partner and as an intelligent human being who is also a sports fan and has seen these incidents present themselves in various forms, I have two comments to make. And I don't make them lightly. 1] Due process should take it's course here first and foremost. This is NOT a cop-out statement. Both in the private sector and public sector we have heard of "mild" and egregious incidents/actions that have taken place. Some were proven true. Some were proven false. Some disappeared in to the gray. We are not judge and jury, nor directly involved. We are only outsiders looking in wondering as to what happened, and what will become of it all. 2] Again, I measure my words carefully here and am NOT speaking directly to this incident or the people involved. In life, and the legal system, there are degrees of mistakes/crimes committed by people. I dare all of us at least know people, whether they be friends, family or acquaintances who have done something wrong, bad or illegal at some point in their life. The moral high ground is sometimes easy to take. But if you personally knew Mr/Ms Smith, and they shoplifted once vs robbing a home or business, how would you weigh the scales? It's a moral dilema and a slippery slope to be sure. Do we vilify the transgressed to the same degree? Probably not, but that is a personal decision to be made. Likewise, in an incident that may be proven true, or false, or one that falls in to the gray, who then do we call villain? The whole point here is that there is a lot more to contemplate, this situation or any other. I don't have the answer to this particular situation, and none of us do. I believe it will end up in the gray sector of reality, right or wrong. Lives are affected. And that's a shame. It feels as though both parties will be damaged in some way. And that may ultimately be the tragic part of this. If I had a wish, it would be everyone would "like" my post and this topic would simply end here. It's news, and Twins news, but it's really beyond this forum to debate and decide anything here, IMHO.

Mejia impressed me, most of the time, and it's just unfortunate he got hurt because I thought he would have finished strong. He seemed to get ahead of hitters but just couldn't always put them away. But go figure huh? A rookie pitcher with less than a full season of AAA feeling his way in the majors? I'm pretty high on him and have his name written in ink for the start of 2018. I'm also high on Romero despite a fade last season. Considering his relatively young age, and time missed, he has been impressive. I know we treat the word "patience" as a dirty word sometimes, but you have to have it sometimes. Let his body keep building and gain experience. No way I move an arm lime his to the pen prematurely. I have no problem with him spending most, if not all, of 2018 learning and building up his body and arm for endurance in 2018.

I was also in a "WTH" mood when Lewis was picked. Not because I didn't like him, but I was simply somewhat shocked and was really hoping for one of the college pitchers. But as the smoke cleared after the second day, and even the third, I really warmed up to this draft and found myself impressed. We all know how this shakes out, which is no definitive answer for a few years, but with such varying opinions on the potential and ceilings of the top pitchers available, I really think the Twins did the smart thing by drafting...what seems to be...the best player available in Lewis. The kid seems hard working and all class. No question he has mad tools to hone. It is so hard to take a high school infielder and just state, unequivocally, that in a few years he will be or won't be a true SS. And j find it humorous that some are already clamoring he won't be, therefore devaluing his selection. How about more time than half a season of ball and some coaching to see? His skill set would seem to suggest he could find a home and have big offensive potential at a variety of spots if SS doesn't work out. Leach is projectible, is interesting, but will take time. Enlow just screams potential stud to me. His body fills out and be finds some sort of quality off speed pitch, look out! Rooker? Find his best spot to play and work him at it, because his bat looks for real. And there are several others...already get long winded here...that look really, really interesting.

IMHO, re-signing Mauer for 2 years and Dozier for 4 is a better move, (still a combined payroll savings) and keep Escobar and probably Adrianza as well. 3B remains a potential concern, but we just don't know enough about Sam's status at this point. Just like here and now, it's pitching that is the key, and an upgrade of such. Very interesting to see you put May and Mejia in the bullpen. Not saying you are wrong to do it, just find it interesting.

Liked what I saw but felt like he started to struggle with outs and inherited runs his last couple of weeks. Of course, there is also an expected learning and adjustment curve to be expected. I think he's got a chance to be pretty good.

Nick, my only problem here...and I like the idea overall...is this a tradeable asset list or a list of importance to the Twins? (You stated "somewhat" previously in regard to tradeable asset heiarchy). As a tradeable asset, I can see Khiroloff this high. Immediate importance to the Twins, he wouldn't be in the top 20 coming off injury and rookie ball. I feel Duffey will begin to excel in 2018 being allowed to prepare entirely for a bullpen role. (Just keep the ball in the yard better!) May has been robbed of time, unfortunately. But he is a darkhorse who some forget about or don't give enough credit to. He was pitching well and improving before being moved to the pen in 2015. He was hurt a lot in 2016. He was looking primed in ST last year before blowing out his elbow. He has legitimate #3 potential if he comes back all the way.

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.