DocBauer

I agree with so much here, both sides of the aisle even, and could post quite a few quotes. Of course, that would prove monotonous as hell. The Twins have drafted quite a few power arms the past few years. Some for the pen, some with the idea of starting before moving back to the pen. Ryan very clearly made a mistake in expecting too much too soon from these guys. The lack of major activity by the new FO this past off season was limited time and familiarity with the club, prospects, and possible expectations in what is/was an evaluation year. But even with some very disappointing injuries holding some guys back, others have stepped to the forefront: Reed, Curtiss, Busentiz, etc. Duffey shows promise; great start, slippage, and now pitching well again. Early returns on Hildenberger and Busentiz are encouraging. Pressly has shown positively before this season and has great stuff. It looks like he's been turning it around after discovery he was trying "too hard" and overthrowing. (Something I've been saying for over a month now). Relief pitchers, their stats, their season's, streaks within their season's, can often prove volatile. We know this. Still, there is NOTHING wrong with this team signing a quality, proven RP. Further, there is NOTHING wrong with signing a second, maybe even a third arm coming off injury, or a poor season bounce back, or even a failed SP that is open to converting. But you also can't ignore the arms currently on roster, and close, as well as the interns injury options that should be back at some point in 2018. In other words, do both! Sign the big arm. Take a flier or maybe two, one from the port side. But for a club over the initial rebuilding hump, DO NOT ignore what you have on hand to audition, develop and build with.

Remembering for a moment that I began the "Time to DFA Molitor" thread a few weeks ago...it was a question and not a statement...I confess to mixed feelings about Monitor's possible return. The lack of bullpen quality, and subsequent moves, or lack thereof, in 2015 would seem to fall on the previous administration. (Along with a few other things). Now, was the Pelfrey vs May decision his alone? If so, black mark against him. 2016 was a nightmare! But sandwiched between 2015 and 2017, considering holes in the team as well as the influx of new talent getting their feet wet, the whole of 2016 might be considered a horrible aberration. I don't pretend to be a knowitall by any means. But I've watched and learned a lot of baseball over my 45 years as a fan. I've seen the bunt used very effectively as a tool and as a weapon, though it's become a bit of a lost art. I can understand, at times, Molitor wanting to use it, but he uses it too much IMO, especially for a team not adept at it. I have applauded his experimentation with the lineup throughout the year, and seen method in his madness on many occasions, but also felt he got carried away at times. And yet, I think his lineup construction has made more sense the second half than it did the first. (Generally speaking). I have also been driven half crazy by some of his SP and BP usage, pulls, decisions, usage, etc. But once again, I find his decisions and usage to be better as of late. At the end of the day, I see a lot of positives with Molitor, as well as some very frustrating and confusing decisions. I've seen real growth in some of the kids, some solid handling of veterans, trusting in young RP more and more, and a pair of surprising season's. But I feel we just don't know after almost 3 season's who he truly is, as a manager, and what he's trying to do at times. Obviously, the FO is far more attuned to what is taking place daily based on conversation, observation and directives we know nothing about. I could easily see Falvey and Levine telling Molitor, "thanks for the solid job and all your contributions, you've done well, we just see a different future" and move on. But with a couple key additions, further development from the young talent on hand, a couple promotions, I could easily see Molitor back and continuing what is taking shape. Again, we just aren't privy to all the reports, changes, directives, etc. I'm thinking... and this is a stretch...60-40 he's gone because they just see someone better to embrace the development of young players.

Scrap. So busy doing chores and making supper I missed it! Lol

Really fun exercise. Can you imagine how good Buxton can still be? I honestly believe, in say 2 years time, we'll be laughing at those who called him a possible bust. And as good as Rosario has been, overall, there is STILL room for improvement. I love watching Kepler, not mentioned here of course, and everything looks so natural and easy for him at times. Wait until he figures out things more! It appears you obviously kept this as a top 10 list,otherwise Polanco and Pressly may have been on it as well. Or are their recent surges to SSS to include?

Couple quick hits: 1] Polanco should have been listed as trending hot. 2] Not concerned about Berrios in the long run due to his talent, what we have seen, and his previous ability to make adjustments. I think we are simply seeing the normal progression of a young pitcher. 3] Kepler's natural athletic ability, strength, quick hands and smooth stroke tells me he can hit LH at least to some degree, eventually. I still hesitate sitting him against such. 4] I like Grossman as a role player despite his recent slump. And I still see him as such for 2018. The problem is we need another DH/1B bat, via trade or FA. And if/when we get that, with 2 utility guys, it would leave Granite and Grossman fighting for a final spot. (Based on a normal 12 man pitching staff).

Really interested in Melville. I get that he was signed off the "scrapheap" that independent ball is sometimes seen as. But he was a top prospect with the Royals, a top 100 prospect, then had his TJ surgery and was simply never the same. Until now perhaps?

Yeah, absolutely outstanding work. And even when I watch a game, (or mist of it), the write up still gives me tidbits I missed or forgot, not to mention statistical information, bullpen usage, etc.

This is just crazy fun! And I don't mean the weekend you can barely remember or the psyco person you "dated" for three months kind of fun. I mean this is a team that won't quit, that is brimming with young talent still developing and growing and showing itself off. I honestly don't care if we win the second WC spot or finish one game out. I don't care about run differential because a few games or series lead to a negative result. I mean, really, you get the scrap kicked out of you in 3 games but win 7 more out of ten, what matters? Run differential or winning 7 out of 10? That's simplistic, I know. But there is just so much to like about this team, it's development, and what the future holds.

Enns makes sense as he's on the roster, seems solid, and is having a fine year. Vargas has been the team yo yo due to his extra option thjs season and his providing roster flexibility, at his expense. He has provided output, and held his own at 1B. But he has also failed to just grab hold of a job or provide consistency at either level. Is this what he is? I still can't help but wonder, allowed to play almost daily, through ups and downs, like most all players, would we be seeing better results were he allowed the luxury of remaining in place on the Twins roster rather than riding the shuttle?

Had to walk away after the first couple of innings for a night spent with friends. Can someone offer perspective on Enns? I see he walked in a run, but was he suddenly pitching so poorly he had to be pulled with 1 out and a lead?

Said it the other night and say it again, I just love this team. They are a, mostly, young team who is winning and playing good, competitive ball and have been in the thick of things for most of the season. What? A .500 team in the thick of things? Sounds crazy I know, but it's reality. Especially when you consider the last 6 years. There is an awful lot to like here people. Something is building, and it's only going to get better. And isn't it strange/funny, how when you give guys chances with talent how they perform? Over the past several months, even going back to last season in some cases, (Berrios), guys that should be given up on, jettisoned, etc, are showing real life. Zombie or not, at times, there have been claims Berrios was a bust. Buxton was a bust. Same with Rosario, Polanco, etc. There's still a long way to go, but if you look with an honest eye, you can see all the young talent starting to mold itself.

You bet I'm excited. And not necessarily due to the playoffs themselves. My team is playing fun, competitive ball, they've been doing so most of the year and still are in August. They are coming together as a team, learning to play and win together and the future looks bright to me. Win the WC spot or miss by a game, I'll still be happy, overall, with the journey to get there. But win or rebuild? Why not both? Keep playing the kids, get more up here in September, but try to find another useful bat. Not sure if it's Vargas, Garver or whoever, but it would help. Otherwise, is ride with what we have, make internal adjustments as necessary.

A fun game and great do win. I really enjoy watching Colon and all the fun he has out there. I've become a fan. And I'm sure Molitor really wanted to secure the win, but Belisle for the 9th with a 4 run lead and an 8 man bullpen that is rested just doesn't make sense to me.

Yeah, we need the big FA or traded for SP...but I'm starting to like Colon for the 5th spot for next year. At least while May recovers and the kids gain experience. I just love watching him pitch and the fun he has.

That was a really nice 7 innings. Great way to finish it off!

Long inning. Someone get Big Sexy a hotdog to keep his strength up.

Maybe I'm just sounding corny, but I'm becoming a fan of Colon. He really seems to have fun out there.

Dozier hot!!

Personally, especially with the throw to the 3B side, thought Polanco did a nice job. Just a great slide. (Shrug)

Great slide

Yep...timw to give up on Polanco.

Anyone else catch that graphic they showed a couple minutes ago? Twins are something like 28-18 or something against the other teams in the wild card hunt. Granted, might have played some of those teams when they weren't playing as well, but we've had our streaks also.

Nice write up and I agree you should look everywhere to see what you can find. Just like international FA, you leave no stone unturned. After Turley could have a future in the pen, but control at the ML evaded him early this year. Melville is interesting due to age and previous prospect status. If he hadn't gotten hurt, who knows what he may have become. Late bloomer? There are ML players who don't cut it, get hurt, have awful years, etc, who get a fresh/new start and turn themselves around and become solid contributors to good players. The fact that someone hit independent ball before getting another shot shouldn't be an automatic detractors. Long shot? You bet. But they shouldn't just be dismissed.

Always rooted for Tonkin but I agree I just think he's a AAA player. I still believe Vargas has the ability to be a nice ML bat and decent backup 1B. And I still don't like him being a human yo yo this season even though I understand the roster reasons why. But he hasn't done himself any favors with inconsistent production at both levels. Could Melville be a find? 27 and a former top prospect who took a couple years to find himself post surgery? It does happen. I wouldn't hang my hat on him, but he's worth a look see. I think Goodrum has a shot to contribute down the road. Remember, this is his first season at WAS. There's still to grow more as a hitter. Slegers, Reed and Curtis all deserve their shot! More than any pitchers at Rochester. Lastly...free Garver!

Not knocking Kintzler, or his contributions, but really, Gee ended up as an "acquition" to replace him.