DocBauer

I think it's a fair question. I believe Polanco has every bit as much talent and potential as Gordon. If not more. Perception wise, Polanco suffers from not being a top draft choice, and from some initial struggles/questions that Gordon hasn't had to necessarily deal with yet. Hes still shiny and new. Now, I don't wish struggles on either of them and hope both grow, develop and kick butt. But I believe that this is where there is a perception issue.

Polanco was actually one of my favorite prospects moving through the system. And it drove me nuts the way he was bounced up and down early in his career, at first only being brought up to sit for depth as he was on the 40 man, then practically forced off SS, (big mistake for a young player still developing), and then thrust in to the limelight as the starting SS. Maybe SS isn't his ultimate stopping point, but signed as a skinny glove first player initially with speed and athleticism, I have been impressed just far he came defensively in 2017. No telling how good he may become defensively...or not...but work and effort clearly indicate there is room to continue to improve. Amazing huh? A talented youngster gets time, coaching and opportunity and improves. Who could have seen that coming? As his bat matured in the minors, he was frequently moved from the top of the order to the 3 spot for his various teams. I believe that had to factor somewhat in Molitor's decision to use him there the last couple of months of 2017 when Sano was out. And while his success is probably unsustainable, we have clearly seen some of the offensive potential for this young man. I don't know where he ultimately fits best in the lineup, but I'm very encouraged by his 2017 and potential whichever spot he ends up in.

I think Gordon is too low at 8, but we're splitting some pretty fine hairs here debating a couple of spots on a top 10 list. There's a few guys loaded with potential that aren't even in the top 10 here. I think his poor second half downgraded him somewhat. But young, talented and improving overall, he could be right back in the top 3-5 This time next year. Defense is highly important, but error numbers, by themselves, don't trouble me. You can randomly look up error totals for a myriad of highly successful ML infielders, past and present, and you would be surprised by some of the error totals you would see while in the minors.

How good for now long might Koskie have been without his concussion issues? What a shame!

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.