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DocBauer

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Everything posted by DocBauer

  1. DocBauer
    Absolutely! Even should the team end up missing out on either, is a signing of Cobb or a similar value in trade a step back? No. It's showing a commitment to move forward and absolutely moves the needle.
  2. DocBauer
    You know, the emergence of Buxton shows me three things: 1] How missing so much time may have messed with his initial developmental curve. Not just a comfortable stance, but his daily approach and even recognizing tough pitches. 2] Just how immensely talented this young man really is! Despite his interrupted learning/developmental curve, he just kept playing and learning and grew by leaps and bounds. Just look at the numbers he posted in the minors while still trying to figure stuff out, and then salivate how good he could be now that he is starting to. 3] Just how great an addition Rowson was to the coaching staff. And not just with the emergence of Buxton but Rosario and Polanco as well. Adrianza never hit like that before. Escobar had his best season, etc. Is it possible part of Mauer's resurgence could also be traced, at least partially, to Rowson?
  3. DocBauer
    You know, I find it kind of interesting/funny when we debate the Twins system and say it's down...just a bit at least...because it may be lacking a few "stud" prospects like Sano or Buxton and maybe Berrios. But when I look through this list, I'm almost surprised how deep the system is in quality and potential ceiling despite seemingly missing those "special" prospects. And yet, when you examine this deep list, there are some guys that just jump out at you and make you wonder if there might not be a couple of those "stud" prospects a year from now. Especially some of the lower level guys like Lewis and the kids listed here. I have to be honest, if I were a potential trade partner of the Twins, while I might have to wait longer to see them develop and arrive, as much as we talk about Romero, Gonsalves, Thorpe and Gordon, I'm not so sure I wouldn't be looking at players at the A level as the guys I'd really want back in return.
  4. DocBauer
    I'd have Kirilloff below a couple of these guys as well. Not because he's a bad prospect, far from it. And not because I doubt a position player doesn't come back from his surgery. And not because he doesn't rate as a quality hitter with power and 3 position ability. It's just, when you miss a season, you miss a season. It's a setback. I just think you end up skipping behind some if these guys, at least for now.
  5. DocBauer
    I have myself sitting in 2 different chairs as I view this possibility, as logical and dispassionate as I can attempt to be. YANKEES: Come on, me love to hate them, but it's the Yankees for goodness sake. Initial money, even future money, is NOT an issue. They can pay him only slightly more, with an even higher cost of living, as mentioned in the article. Wherever he signs, if he does well, Big money will be available from the Twins, the Yankees, or whomever. BUT, a Japanese import or not, there would simply have to be more endorsement money up front by being a Yankee, yes? They are a legitimate post season option. They have a history with Tanaka pitching there and pitching successfully. And again...ugh...they ARE the Yankees. TWINS: Money is initially the same. It would appear he's used to a smaller city environment, and while there would absolutely be press and attention, the pressure in Minnesota would be far less. With no set DH, the team is as open an opportunity as you will find to a low him the opportunity to hit on some sort of regular basis, at least initially, without compromising roster/lineup construction. The Twins are also coming off a winning year, and the post season, (brief as it may have been), play in one of the best parks in MLB, have a manger in place, also have some Japanese connections in place, and have a fine offense and defense that should only get better. The key, in my mind, is reports I have here on TD, (Can't remember now who reported it, and can't substantiate it at the moment), that he is A] Not necessarily interested in playing for a big city team, and B] Would prefer a younger team, closer to his age, and to be a part of that team's development. Now, the very fact that he has played in smaller/mid market teams in Japan, that he is young, and that he is determined to move to MLB now, rather than wait until he might make the move down the road as a higher priced international FA, (or am I missing something here in regard to changes in the rules), would seem to lend at least some credence to this report. If this rings even somewhat true, then Darvish signing on or not, the Twins should be right at the top of his list.
  6. DocBauer
    I believe there was some merit in the initial signing. It just didn't work, and this is the best outcome for all involved. He was clearly behind Vargas and Grossman to the FO, and perhaps deservedly so. And while the team could still, possibly, need another RH bat that can play a position, it's not a priority as the player portion of the roster is constructed: productive, mostly young and getting better and better. An OF or 1B off the bench with pop to possibly replace Vargas or Grossman could be a possibility and it just doesn't seem Park is/was that guy. More and more, I'm warming up to the idea of Reynolds as that guy, as Seth mentioned in his blueprint. He wouldn't cost a lot, still seems to have "it", can play a decent 1B, fill in if need be at 3B, (though I don't see said need as being anything more than emergency), and is a rather proven commodity, if not a "big get".
  7. DocBauer
    I haven't had time to read said article, but is that really accurate? I would think they would be on the hook for any money still owed for the initial rights to him, but considering there does exist some sort of agreement between the league and MLB, wouldn't they be, at most, responsible for a differential in the contract? Much like if he was released and signed with a ML team?
  8. DocBauer
    IMO, while there are certainly scenarios where it could work out just fine, I'd really like to see the team...not gut the farm...but do a legitimate, quality 4 (or 5) for 1 deal and keep the ML roster intact. I think the roster, overall, is constructed well and filled with such potential that I would hate to lose Rosario or Kepler. While I love Polanco, and believe in him, keeping Dozier and letting Adrianza play SS at least works. If not the FA route, or international route, I'd keep the roster intact and try a Gordon, Romero, Jorge and player "X" option.
  9. DocBauer
    Agree with probably keeping Santana. Only teams interested in him, due to age and not because he's not valuable, are contenders needing another starter. But that also creates another hole in the Twins rotation to be solved. Whereby, keeping him, at least for one more quality season, allows for a prospect to be more ready or experienced to step up in 2019.
  10. DocBauer
    Personally, I'd like to keep Gonsalves, Thorpe no matter what, (just the rarity of a quality LHSP prospect with real potential). Very much like to keep Rooker and Lewis. Otherwise, I'm pretty much OK on anyone else to be included in trades. Sign Dozier and losing Gordon doesn't hurt so much, and there is depth. But I have to say, as good as Gordon looks, I'm not so sure some of the younger SS prospects in the system don't look even better. If I'm the other team, I may be more intrigued by one of those guys.
  11. DocBauer
    Hey, I think the jury is still out on Wade see to be sure, but these days, isn't the AFL considered a bit of a stepping stone? And while a numbers tick-up is awesome, isnt hanging in or a small step down, competition being considered between AA and AAA, considered solid? I know it's a SSS, but it seems he held his own. Hope you are right about Littell. What's the old line now? There are lies, damn lies and statistics. But at the end of the day, doesn't Littrel just look like a solid prospect?
  12. DocBauer
    I'm going to have to disagree a bit here. There are very few catchers who can hit the way Garver does. What little I saw of him behind the plate after his call up looked fine to me. Can't recall the game, or pitcher, but in one game he looked impressive blocking the plate and handling some low throws. It still comes down to game calling and controlling the game overall, but I see a potentially solid receiver with an above average bat. Wade...simply depends on a little more pop. He can muster that, his bat could and eye could not only make him useful, but even a top of the order hitter with power at various other spots in the lineup. I agree with Diaz at the bottom of these 5 due to being in A ball, still developing his stroke, and proving he can be at least a decent defensive 1B. However, the strength seems to be there. 33 doubles and 12 HR at A ball is actually pretty decent.
  13. DocBauer
    I think Reed is selected for sure, and was slightly surprised he wasn't added. With his past injury concerns and current injury situation...despite his potential...i just don't see Burdi being selected. It just wouldn't make sense, IMO, to grab someone you have to rehab, and then almost assuredly send back anyway. I'd like to see Stewart back to see if another year and changes in team philosophy can help him make a step forward in 2018. But if you are another team...bad or rebuilding...you can see some potential there, but a mediocre and short AA season with mediocre SO numbers is someone you want to hide in the pen to maybe place at AAA in 2019? I think that's questionable but he could be selected. A team selecting Diaz from A ball to sit on the bench all season, and probably flounder, just doesn't make sense. I don't see him being selected. But we always to remember, even if selected, doesn't mean these guys would necessarily be "gone". Any or all selected could be returned.
  14. DocBauer
    He is young enough and talented enough with enough stuff I hope he sticks around. Another year, at least starting at AA, hopefully healthy, and the fundamental changes the new FO is attempting to make could offer the promise yet if unlocking his potential. That being said, were I another team, I'd have to be awfully intrigued by him to select him. Just not sure how you stash a AA pitcher coming off a mediocre season with average to poor SO numbers. You'd have to be a lretty "bad" team to feel comfortable taking a flyer on him and having him take a roster spot just so you could...more than likely...send him back to AAA in 2019. Just a bunch, but I think he is still a Twin after the draft.
  15. DocBauer
    Might sound a bit crazy, but I keep thinking about Wade as a leadoff hitter, and 4th OF, if he can get that power to blossom. A leadoff hitter doesnt have to be a SB speed demon. He needs to hit and get on base and then hopefully contribute some mix or speed, power, or both. With his hit and OB potential, power throughout the lineup, a couple other decent sticks a year or two away, I just wonder if this could end up being his role.
  16. DocBauer
    I am a little unclear on dropping players from the 40 man, post Rule 5, if the team makes a trade and needs to make room for the acquisition(s). Of course, players on the 40 man roster may be included in such a trade to automatically make room. But it seems clear to me that leaving those 4 spots open is a positive sign for moving forward with some nice and needed additions. Now...does that mean HUGE signings? That is to be seen.
  17. DocBauer
    Or the new Brian Duensing.
  18. DocBauer
    Personally, I liked most of what the new regime did last season. I ALWAYS felt their approach, initially, was one of caution on the field(s), to see what they had from the majors on down, while implementing new ideas and eventually making various changes. Again, from the top down. Now that 2017 has passed, and they have started their imprint in all facets, (though I still don't understand the Dougie Baseball termination), I'm expecting additional changes in all areas. I feel they are being pretty smart, thus far, in the 40 man. I absolutely expect a couple 2 or 3 solid moves to take place. Does this mean a sudden, radical change in operational standards that leads to major trades and FA signings the likes of which we have never seen? Doubtful. Despite our most earnest wishes, I think most of us can agree that just throwing money at a situation doesn't necessarily fix things, be it a MLB roster or anything else. But I see thjs new group as being willing to do so where and when it makes sense, maintaining a balance, looking at the big picture, etc. I'm pretty excited. And I have this hunch the moves made will make sense.
  19. 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?
  20. DocBauer
    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.
  21. DocBauer
    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!
  22. DocBauer
    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.
  23. DocBauer
    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.
  24. DocBauer
    NICE!
  25. DocBauer
    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.
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