DocBauer

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

OK...new ballgame again

<~~~~waving

If there was ever a time for Buck's second hit off the Yankees....

Oak, maybe we're not done yet!

Just got home. Sick in bed yesterday. Super excited and went a bit nuts when I saw what happened tip of the 1st! Then I started to feel a different kind if sick in the bottom of the first. [sigh] I just don't know if I can watch this game.

As an aside which is truly not part of this thread...still don't understand the dislike for Castro as our catcher or even Giminez as the backup. Since Mauer had to move, this the best duo we have had. Imperfect but solid. Throw out the baby and the bathwater because neither was clean enough? I think not.

I also have him on the roster and starting at DH. I probably bat him 5th or 6th or 7th...but I trust the talent and the one big hit potential. He's just too good not to.