DocBauer

Know it doesn't matter an ounce for performance sake...but am I the only one who loves guys like Belisle who wear their pants in traditional manner and show the hose?

LOVE Rosario's potential and instincts. If he can just reign it all in a bit.....

At Bat wasn't working earlier, and them I was on the phone for some time so I missed a ton. I come back, and the team is leading and Pressly does a great job after a BB. I hate to be accused or rose colored glasses...but...i really like this team! Even with the holes this team has, even with the poor west coast trip they had, they still aren't quitting. Unless my memory is just GONE...and it's possible...they were in most games. Despite reality staring them in the face, despite the trades that were unpopular with the team, despite holes that have to be addressed and young kids who need to keep improving, I still see a team with potential that refuses to quit. I like that. I like this team and it's potential. Now come on Belisle!

Thank goodness that we have 8 RP on staff tonight as the ML leader for complete games is on the mound for us.

I listened to the interview on Sunday and found it interesting. I especially liked the reference to measuring 4 or t times before cutting. This entire season has been about transition and evaluation, no matter how badly we wanted to get lost in the idea of a winning/contending team. The draft done, the first half of the season done, we are starting to really see the changes coming. I DO fully expect this team to spend, and possibly make a trade or two. Is Dervish out of the question? Maybe. What about an Arrietta? Maybe. Or someone similar. Of course, the BIG TRADE could also happen. But I believe there will be a SP brought in, probably a RP or two, and another bat. The rest will be FO, scout, instructor, coach and manager changes. Not necessarily earth shatering or sexy, but part of the big picture.

Very interesting post! And I wonder sometimes about Dozier's numbers in regard to RISP. Are his low numbers a result of SSS hitting leadoff with poor hitters in front of him? Or is he truly bad in this scenario? Is don't have numbers either way, but wondering.

I mentioned this in another recent thread that I started concerning infield depth and options. But fairly recently, someone posted comments from a scout/expert that Vielma reminded him of a young Vizquel. Wouldn't hit .200 initially, but had some potential down the road. And that you could consider living with his bat in the 9 spot due to his defense. At least initially. Not unlike what the Twins did with Buxton most of this season. And I have to wonder, with Buxton improving, and hoping to keep doing so and taking another step, I have to wonder if this is an option? IF Dozier were moved...and I have doubts on this...Polanco could move to 2B and Vielma could play SS while Gordon continues to develop.

IMO, Dozier will not be traded now, or the off season, and maybe not at the deadline in 2018 either. Why? He's still a good ballplayer, the market for him simply doesn't seem to equal value to the team vs trade value. Why trade him? Because Escobar is a really nice and capable player, Adrianza has been a surprise and could hold down a spot, same as Escobar, at least in tbe short term. Vielma offers potential as a defense first player at tbe bottom of the order with SOME offensive potential down the road and you roll the best player out to 2B. And Gordon, probably not ready yet, offers real potential. Dozier could bring back a couple solid prospects to be included in trades, or kept to replace other prospects moved in acquiring a top SP. Why not trade him? As already stated, he's a quality player. Vielma and Gordon may not be ready yet. Escobar and Adrianza may just be best in their current roles. He buys time for the further development of Vielma and Gordon, as well as Polanco. I think he begins 2018 as the Twins primary 2B. Where he bats depends on the rest of the roster, and perhaps a new manager as well.

The way the team is constructed currently, Dozier may just be the best leadoff hitting option. This could change with Buxton or Gordon in the next year or two, or Granite. Again, as currently constructed, Mauer or Grossman should probably hit in the 2 hole. But again, this could change in the next year or two. Perhaps Buxton, successful as a leadoff hitter in the minors, assumes the spot. Gordon is being groomed for the spot and doing pretty well there. Honestly, how about Granite seeing duty at OF, CF and even DH in the top spot? Nobody says your DH has to be a power hitter. You sign or trade for a power bat to DH and play 1B with Mauer sitting some days and Granite can even DH some days, playing at least 4 or 5 days as a regular. Just a thought. I like Dozier. I like Polanco and believe we have not seen the best of him yet, not even close, and he could emerge as a nice 2 hitter. Gordon shows real potential, whether he ultimately settles in at 2B or SS. Part of the Dozier dilema is whether he's around long term or not. Mauer should hit at the top of the lineup, or the bottom where his experience and OB, with occasional power, could help flip the lineup again. But when we discuss this particular thread, I think part of the issue is, are we discussing 2017 and 2018? Both? Or are we discussing more beyond that?

Wonder about Barnes's velocity and SO ability as he moves forward, but he is off to a really fine start to his career.

This! I know people are tired of the argument, but the truth is Kepler, Buxton, Rosario and Polanco are all very talented, still learning, still gaining experience, etc. The oldest of them is 25! Will they all hit their ceilings? That we don't know. But all of these guys posses the potential to hit, run and provide pop/power, just to carrying degrees. Can this team win with Dozier and Mauer? Absolutely. Mauer is below average offensively, but conversely, compared to what a 2B normally provides offensively, Dozier is above average. Lots of ways to construct a lineup, using what you have properly: less offense at one spot, more at another, etc. I'm not going to go on and on concerning the pitching staff. Opinions vary somewhat, but we all know the major issues there. But another quality bat to DH, play first with Mauer, etc, would go a long way to improve and deepen the lineup with Sano and the continued growth of the other young position players.

Some impressive performances to be sure. Really perplexed how some of these guys have been promoted to the next level yet, or even to the Twins in a couple of cases.

Colon is 44, not 24, doesn't light up the radar gun. But his stuff has movement, hits the spot most of the time, and he varies speed effectively. Were his last couple of performances about getting his arm up to speed? If so, shouldnt we be glad we have him, regardless of age and not being part of the long term?

Really, really nice article. But going to offer a bit of a caveat. I remember when he was first signed. The mantra then was, a glove first SS with speed and hope the bat would come around. After his first couple of seasons it did come around. And while he would begin the year as a top of the order hitter, he was slid down to the 3 hole as his team's best overall hitter. I really hate to beat a dead horse who's carcass is long dead and dried out in the plains of "somewhere", but the previous administration really blew his development. His quality and "unexpected" quality defense at SS to begin this season points to such. Molitor even talked early on about his mis-handling. He is still very young, and as pointed out, has yet to play a full season in ML time. And yet, some want to dismiss him. This is so, so misguided. Can't we allow, just a smidge, of development time, much less the recent loss of his grandfather about midseason time that may have affected him? Why does everyone think and expect every talented prospect under the age of 25 to be the next Harper or Trout or they are trash? I'm sure Polanco needs to make adjustments. I'm sure he needs AB to make such. And maybe his best spot is 2B. Time will tell. And I've seen a few plays defensively that left me wondering. But at least 2-1, I've seen good-great defensive plays. Once again, can we just stop every 25 and under prospect/player being a bust because they aren't all stars?

Absolutely! Some of Slegers numbers are pedestrian, some are solid. The run he is on the last 8 games should have people screaming for a chance...or two...or three...etc. he's still 24 for a month, in his first season of AAA ball and performing well. He is not a journeyman picked up on the waiver wire. (No offense to anyone). 12-4 at AAA with 85 SO in 118 IP. You have to take a look don't you?

After his outstanding start to the season, Santana ran in to some inconsistent performances. But over the course of most season's, most guys, even top pitchers/players, will some hiccups. Even while going through this inconsistent period, he threw a couple of gems he didn't get the win in. And now today. There is just nothing here to say he's done or that his arm is going to fall off. I sure hope there is no trade forthcoming and he's part of the rotation for 2018. He, Berrios and Mejia is a positive start. Add one more quality ML arm and you're looking at open auditions for the 5th spot. I'd be happy with that!

Via trade or FA, I'd really like to see a solid, quality 1B brought in to platoon with Mauer, DH most other days, and be the full time successor come 2019. FWIW...IMO...a 60 RBI 1B like Mauer, with gold glove defense, is fine when positioned in the lineup properly. At least, if your OF and 2B provide the power and power potential available.

Agreed. Not opposed to bringing Kintzler back in a role. I seriously doubt he gets a big money offer. If he does, bless him and move on. And I argued just recently Garcia could pitch well for 2 months, enjoy his stay here, and be offered to re-sign. And it could still happen. But the fact is, both guys were going to be FA. Murphy didn't fit in with the Twins, and things simply didn't work out for him here. Hey...it happens. Any future success he may have shouldn't indict the Twins going forward. But we moved a pair of impending FA, one a possible/probable rental player and a guy we picked up on the scrap heap for nothing, (No disrespect, just truth, I like Kintzler), and a catcher who just couldn't find it with the Twins and didn't seem to fit for: 1] A smallish LH pitcher with some nice secondary stuff dominating AA and could be an interesting bullpen piece, maybe soon. 2] A tall, strapping LHSP who is only 20 in A ball, hits low 90's, gets SO, decent control and has projectability. 3] A RHSP with a 4 pitch mix who did well in A+ ball before moving to AA where he has been even better with higher SO numbers. 4] A 26yo LHSP, who missed a season due to TJ surgery if no have my facts straight, who is performing quite well at AAA who offers, at least, depth and maybe a quality pen arm. I want to hate these moves because our surprising Twins didn't have enough pieces, or added pieces, to keep alive a wild card dream. But when I step back and look at reality, and see these moves in full context, I can't hate them, and even like them. Hopefully, Belisle and Giminez can be moved for a couple solid A prospects, one of which I hope will be a catcher.

Love this post! Am I a bit disappointed in some moves the FO didn't make before the season began? Absolutely! Did I think the Twins were really as bad as 103 losses last season? No. Did I predict a legitimate shot at .500 before the season began? Absolutely. But for a second, put yourself in the shoes of Falvey and Levine. You are put in charge of a team that DID lose 103 games the previous season, wasn't expected to contend in 2017, and you have to begin evaluations of EVERYONE and EVERYTHING on the scene and behind the scenes. And you have about 3 months to begin this process before ST begins. So 2017 looks like a real surprise! But you are STILL in this evaluation from the top down. You kick a few guys to the curb, you promote a few guys and play with the roster here and there. But do you really want to trade prospects you aren't totally familiar with to augment this team when you are still beginning your top down process? But you try a few things. The end of July comes, and while you have a fun and competitive team, there just isn't enough there to make a run. And you don't want to sell of potential assets that you are just getting to really know. So what do you do? You make moves to deepen your system and your options going forward. You have time and money to make moves in the off season, FA or trade, and have collected more milb talent for trades, or to offset prospects you include in trades. I want the Twins to win and build this organization to maintain winning in the worst way. But i just cant dislike flipping FA for some solid prospects that seem to be on the rise. And for me, whats really important, is we kept Santana to fill a SP slot for 2018. One big move, Berrios, Santana and Mejia is a solid start. Now I get the next 2 months to continue various auditions in the rotation and pen while looking at 2018. Am I 100% sold on everything done and not done since this new tandem took over? No. Am I disappointed the team has begun to fade somewhat and simply looks like it couldn't maintain contention status to some degree? Absolutely. But I see something building here. I see a method to the madness here. I can absolutely see promotions/auditions, a couple smart FA signings and/or trades making this team a contender for 2018.

At this point, I believe you will see a lot of roster shuffling and open auditions over August and September. And not just the obvious names like Garver, Granitem Hildenberger and Busentiz sticking around. You coukd see Vielma, Reed, Curtiss and others. Might even see some of the AA staff get some innings in. Turley in a RP role wouldn't shock me. Pressly in Kintzler's role, if traded, would give me palpitations but not an aneurysm. (As bad as his season has been why not use him the same way in the 9th for a game or two to see how he responds)? The whole point is, the season long trial and error and evaluation period kicks up a notch to gain ML experience, challenge and evaluate a few guys for next season 40 man spots, and so the FO can have a more perspective for off season moves.

My opinion only, I'm guessing Santana is still a Twin come next season. Despite being inconsistent since his bug start to the season, he's still been productive and has pitched some of his best games of Kate with zero support. He provides a solid, experienced arm and leadership for this team/staff as well. I firmly believe this FO to make an addition of a quality veteran starter in the off season. Will that be via FA or trade I just don't know. But if it's by trade, acquiring additional talent like these recent moves makes it more palatable to lose quality prospects as you haven't necessarily depleted your milb system. 2018 Rotation: New Guy Berrios Santana Mejia 1 of potentially, Slegers, Gonsalves, Romero, Jorge, Enns and possibly May.

Of course, I know nothing about either of these guys or their potential/ceilings or potential timetable. But in paper it seems like we just did a flip and an upgrade in a week's time. Yes? No?

Going to politely disagree, though your point is well taken. Busentiz has looked good, needs time, and could be a quality piece, perhaps. Pressly has, frankly, been pretty awful. But the arm and potential us there and we've seen results before. Hate to completely give up on him. Like to see someone better than Boshers, but, the guy keeps doing recently when called on.

In theory, Mauer is gone after 2018, Santana and Hughes are gone after 2019, though Hughes could end up retiring still and insurance would kick in to help mitigate his contract early. Santiago, Gibson and Perkins could and should all be gone after this season. (Slight chance Gibson would be retained). Guys like Giminez and Belisle don't earn a ton, but could also be gone, freeing up at least a little more payroll. My entire point being this team has, and will have soon, quite a bit of free payroll to allow them to; A] Sign at least one quality FA SP. Possibly re-sign Garcia, should he look good. And still have the funds to add a quality RP or two. B] Still have the finances to hold on to current young players as they begin to, eventually, reach the arbitration years of their careers. The team could afford to trade Dozier, player replacement wise, if there turns out to be a solid offer for him. Just really not sure what kind of offer Kintzler could bring, but I would consider trading him, but would be happy to bring him back. Keep Santana. We already need more pitching, not less, and we're not getting SP NOW for Santana. Santana regressed to a #3 In 2018? And? I'd still be more than happy with that. Bring up Garver. Keep Santana. Put out feelers for the others and see. Sign the best FA SP next off season. Maybe keep Garcia. Sign a quality RP or 2. Keep working in the young RP. Strongly consider a 1B/DH to work with Mauer and strengthen the lineup.

Absolutely! This is a tantalizing and fun new team to watch. There is so much to like here. But the rebuild is not yet complete. Did anyone truly expect a new FO to come in and suddenly turn this team in to a WS contender overnight? This season has ALWAYS been about evaluation from the top down, behind the scenes and out in front. The fact that we've contended this long, and could still I suppose, is not the point. We are talking about the future. And this season does nothing but speak about the future and what it could bring. IMHO. This team is spoo close to being really good. But despite some very hopeful FA additions in the off season, what this team really needs right now is not a buy or sell mentality, but the ejection of what doesn't fit long term, and some legitimate look sees and auditions of what they have to build for in 2018. Get the guys performing in the mound at AA up to Rochester. Rid yourself of Chaffee and build the new 40 man. Get Garver up. Look long and hard at the young BP arms. Then you will have a more clear picture for 2018.