Jump to content
Twins Daily
  • Create Account

DocBauer

Old-Timey Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    12,231

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    60

 Content Type 

Profiles

News

Minnesota Twins Videos

2026 Minnesota Twins Top Prospects Ranking

2022 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks

Minnesota Twins Free Agent & Trade Rumors, Notes, & Tidbits

Guides & Resources

2023 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks

The Minnesota Twins Players Project

2024 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks

2025 Minnesota Twins Draft Pick Tracker

2026 Minnesota Twins Draft Pick Tracker

Forums

Blogs

Events

Store

Downloads

Gallery

Everything posted by DocBauer

  1. DocBauer
    Echoing other thoughts here. Seems these were probably necessary changes. Just not sure about Allen. But I didn't expect pink slips passed all the way around right off the bat. If you're the new marshal and sheriff in town, you probably don't come in and get rid of all of the deputies in one shot.
  2. DocBauer
    Nothing against Winters, but I'm not in favor of a big contract to an aging catcher. I'm in favor of Avila as a veteran influence and part time player who swings from the left side. I'm in favor of going all in on Garver at this point. He is still relatively young and seems to have real hitting potential with decent pop and a good arm. We're young in the OF, 3B, 2B, possibly DH, with a mix of youth in the rotation and bullpen. Why not a young catcher with talent and potential and a veteran to work with him?
  3. DocBauer
    I hate to sound like a downer here, and I hope they actually do jump in to a signing or two, RP, spare OF and maybe an INF, but what these guys really need to do first, absolute priority, is to simply go over the 40 man roster, additions and subtraction. Yes, as baseball executives with other teams, they are somewhat familiar with the Twins roster, but not in an intimate way. They have to discuss their vision/platform ideas and between stats and scouts, get a better feel for who to keep and who goes. Next, they need to implement changes in the minors, their concepts for working with and building up and developing prospects. This will also include reviews of roving instructors and field staff personnel. And as was mentioned in various articles, they want/need to expand certain FO areas and create others. They have a ton of foundation work to do before jumping in to any sort of FA or trade moves. But we'll be better in the long run for it.
  4. DocBauer
    Again, nothing wrong with a full time DH, especially if it's an older player who can't get it done in the field so much any longer, but still caries a nice stick. Or a good hitter who just isn't as good defensively as the player in front of him. But I much prefer a balanced roster where I can plug in that 4th OF, quality utility infielder, or backup 1B or catcher and let the "regular" have that half day off. I agree with Thrylos in general, in regard to Sano in particular, that to pigeon hole a young player in to a DH slot is just wrong, unless he proves himself unworthy to play defense, or another player, with a good bat, is just better in the field and he's stuck behind him. For the umpteenth time, would everyone quit trying to make a DH out of Sano at this point? Perhaps he could be better conditioned and work a bit harder. Perhaps. But he's still very young and has 700 ML AB's. Again, for the umpteenth time, look at Gatti and Koski for the Twins, who took time to develop defensively. Or Boggs, Thoma, and the list goes on and on for guys with big bats who took a little time to develop defensively. Sano is a good athlete for his size. He has a big gun for an arm. He charges the ball surprisingly well. Give him some time to find himself and develop at 3B. And if he can't, I'd think he'd be a logical choice to play 1B down the road. But it is very short sighted and impatient to declare him as a DH only at this point.
  5. DocBauer
    Don't stand pat. Baseball is a tremors game that really hasn't changed that much over the years. Oh, there are tweaks in philosophy over the years, and strategy and the such sure, but the game remains the same. Unlike other sports, such as the NFL, there aren't constant rule changes that affect the game itself. It's still 3 strikes, 4 balls, 3 outs and 9 innings, (normally). There are a lot of nuances how to play the game and how to build a roster to be successful. You have a talented, young team and more talent on the way, a beautiful ballpark that is one of the best in baseball. You're not running a poor franchise, but you're not. NY, Boston, Chicago or LA either. Be smart, be aggressive at times, but don't just stand pat. Look for ways to always improve, at the ML and milb levels. Try new things. Be innovative, even if it doesn't always work. Be innovative, not passive or reactionary. Have a vision. Add when you can, flip when it seems prudent, but always keep moving forward. The Twins used to do some of these things. And then they got bogged down. You don't have to necessarily create the new equivalent of "moneyball", but even in a mid market, in the conservative Midwest, don't fall in to a complacency trap. Be innovative.
  6. DocBauer
    Oh, he crossed my mind to be sure! Wasn't sure he should be the player version of Brian Duensing. Lol
  7. DocBauer
    I have never felt a team HAD to have a full time DH to use the spot successfully. Not saying you can't plug a tremendous hitter in that spot, especially an older player who's bat is strong but who's defense has begun to wane, I've just never held the belief it was necessary if you have a talented and we'll balanced ballclub. Tom Kelly used his lineup very well, back in the day, IMO, and the chart above would seem to suggest I am right. Randy Bush, for example, was very often the Twins DH for a few years, but also played 1B and OF, but there were other quality players there that were primary starters, so it was a way to get his LH bat in the lineup and get other guys a half day of rest. This also applies somewhat to Larkin and Smaller. With the potential of the Twins current OF, I could easily see someone like Palka, in the near future, being able to play 1B and both corner OF spots but being the regular DH. Bit of a hornets nest here, but if Mauer were to retire or be injured again, a healthy Park and Vargas could potentially share 1B/DH duties daily with Sano filling in once in a while and Escobar playing 3B possibly. I think the "regular DH" discrepancy the Twins have had the past several years is more due to overall lack of talent than having that ONE GUY for the job. Willingham, for instance, could have perfect for the spot with an occassional start in the OF. But they didn't have anyone else as good or better to start in the OF at the time. I have no problem with a Thome, Winfield, Davis or Molitor slated in to the DH spot daily. But personally, I'd like to have a nice, complete and talented roster where we have an OF or 1B with a good bat who deserves to be in the lineup daily and we use him there while rolling him in to the field as well.
  8. DocBauer
    I didn't get to watch as much of the series as I would have liked, but I did try to follow it as well as I could before catching almost all of game 7. I do think there was some over management, but I think that happens a lot in the post season. I was torn as I really like both teams, and have for years. But I had to root for the loveable losers in the end, and not just for family sake, lol. I mean, come on, 108 years since the last time? You'd have to almost have a heart of stone not to be happy for the Cubs and their fans. I don't think pitching Chapman in game 6 was a mistake at all. As previously stated, there is no game 7 if you don't win game 6. But I do think it was a mistake to pitch him as long as Maddon did. And unless I'm missing something, I didn't understand not letting Lester pitch to the next batter with 2 outs and throwing well. Chapman may have still imploded and allowed that 2 run Homer, but then again, with all the work he had in game 6, maybe he has a little extra if he doesn't come in for that 3rd out an inning before. But the biggest goof of the entire series was not to have Charlie "Wild Thing" Sheen not throw out a first pitch. Would have been EPIC!
  9. DocBauer
    Beat me to it. Holland is 30, Santiago is 28. Holland does have more total wins, while Santiago has the better ERA and they have almost identical WHIPs. Santiago, of course, is cheaper and doesn't necessitate a trade. (I know some prefer advanced stats, I'm just covering the basics here). I understand the arguement for someone like Holland to help "cover" ourselves for a potential Santana trade. And I can see that point. But assuming we get a ML ready SP for Dozier, we'd also have Gibson, Santiago, May and Berrios with Wheeler a possible, Mejia and Gonsalves in the wings, Duffey still a candidate, and Hughes as a possible candidate at some point. (Though I'm not holding my breath on Hughes). I think I'd pass, even if we do move Santana. And, as I've stated previously, I'm not opposed to keeping Santana, even if it's until the deadline.
  10. DocBauer
    I have no problem moving Sano to 1B...eventually. But to echo others, you have to let him play 3B, at least for a time, to get comfortable and further develop before you will know whether he can hack the position or not, and how well. I say yet again, look back at guys like Gatti and Koski when they first came up and it took a while to develop in to the players they became. Sano doesn't have to be Gold Glove 3B, just a solid one.
  11. DocBauer
    Think there are 2 threads on this? Anyway, the AFL may be short in nature, but it sure looks like Gordon is primed for AA next season. And I'm starting to like Garver with the Twins more and more for 2017!
  12. DocBauer
    I know it's a short season, but it's supposed to be against high end competition, right? Gordon is looking like a lock for AA right now. and I'm starting to wonder more and more about Garver with the Twins next season.
  13. DocBauer
    I wonder, considering what the team needs, and Dozier being such a valuable, potentially, trade chip, would we, or should we, be upset or surprised if the new FO that will be running things decides not to trade him?
  14. DocBauer
    The biggest key to the whole puzzle is still probably Dozier. If he's still with the Twins, you have to make room for Polanco somewhere. If it's 3B, then Sano has to move to 1B/DH. Could you move Dozier to 3B or 1B? I'm not sure either would be awful. If Dozier is traded for pitching help, obviously you slot Polanco in at 2B. So BD is a huge offseason chip in the defensive lineup of the next Twins team. And unless the new FO feels Polanco deserves a chance at SS, your next call is to give Escobar the job coming off a down and injured season and find someone to be the utility guy. I like Escobar a lot, but do you and the Twins feel comfortable with this scenario? Or is it better to bring in a proven SS, even for the short term, and use Escobar as a valuable and versatile utility guy who probably plays quite a bit? I like the OF as is, with someone to be a quality 4th guy.
  15. DocBauer
    The biggest key to the whole puzzle is still probably Dozier. If he's still with the Twins, you have to make room for Polanco somewhere. If it's 3B, then Sano has to move to 1B/DH. Could you move Dozier to 3B or 1B? I'm not sure either would be awful. If Dozier is traded for pitching help, obviously you slot Polanco in at 2B. So BD is a huge offseason chip in the defensive lineup of the next Twins team. And unless the new FO feels Polanco deserves a chance at SS, your next call is to give Escobar the job coming off a down and injured season and find someone to be the utility guy. I like Escobar a lot, but do you and the Twins feel comfortable with this scenario? Or is it better to bring in a proven SS, even for the short term, and use Escobar as a valuable and versatile utility guy who probably plays quite a bit? I like the OF as is, with someone to be a quality 4th guy.
  16. DocBauer
    I don't follow hockey, sorry. And I follow the NBA somewhat casually, though I am a Lakers and Wolves fan. But the Vikings turn around I can comment on, and I have to say I'm very impressed. I think Spielman deserves an aweful lot of credit for what he's done to assemble talent. Especially since he was placed, more or less, fully in charge of his duties after having to initially defer so much. But the single biggest difference in the Vikings has been Zimmer and his coaching staff. Zimmer is proving to be an outstanding coach who has a real grasp of how to game plan, and how to reach and develop his team. Same with the coaches on his Stagg. Yes, there are problems with injuries on kffense, most notably the OL, and this one issue may preclude the Vikings from reaching their ultimate goal this season, though there is a lot of season to be played. The Twins are, I believe, finally on the right track with the rebuild of the FO and the rise of all the young talent on the roster, most of the names you mentioned above. I know we're all sick of the word "patience" due to the losing seasons and waiting for what seems like ages for all these prospects we've been reading and hearing about to arrive. But going forward, this newly assembled FO, the kids who have arrived, and others really closs, is a different team than the ones who lost 90+ games before 2015. While not 2r or under, the names Duffey, Rosario and Chargois old be added to the list of talented youngsters with a lot of baseball still ahead of them. So I hate to be patient, or ask others to be patient, but again, this is a new team and organization moving forward now. And for me, it's a lot easier watching and rooting for my team...even if not in immediate contention...making smart moves and building with prospects rather than losing or treading water with retreats, older prospects and stopgap FA signings.
  17. DocBauer
    At the end of the day, I for one don't know enough about Falvey or Levine to make an overly educated guess as to how good of hires they will ultimately turn out to be. But I have to say I am impressed by their resumes to this point, their past duties performed, the fact they are coming from teams that have been doing things right for the past few years, and the fact that each appears open-minded and young enough to remain as such. It appears to me as though the Twins FO is rather deliberately targeting youth and fresh ideas/thinkers, for which I am excited and grateful. Though I am not surprised. Based on various comments made earlier in this past season from Ryan and Pohlad, I felt a change was coming. And I felt, again from Pohlad's comments, that the team was going to think and look outside the box for alternatives. I don't expect overnight miracles, nor should anyone else, but I'm really anxious to see these two guys go to work! Though I suspect, other than a trade of Dozier, possibly Santana, and a small FA signing or two, I think their first real actions will be more behind the scenes and on the milb and scouting side of things.
  18. DocBauer
    Between Burdi, Reed, Hildenberger and Melotakis you have to feel pretty optimistic about the future of the pen, along with Chargois. Burdi has a question mark next to his name at this point due to health. But if anyone is due a little favorable luck at this point, it's surely him. Light, Baxendale and even Jones are others who could figure in. I'm still wondering about a veteran or make good comeback younger vet to help on the back end and help stabilize things initially rather than just thrusting Shaggy or someone in the closer role. I also wonder about FA or low cost trade options looking for another Abad type to rebound, or convert from troubled starter to valuable RP.
  19. DocBauer
    Part of my problem with the 40 man is I really want to keep all the prospects I can, but I also want to add a couple of guys. Again, there will probably be a trade or two that could free up an extra spot or two, Dozier being the most likely. *I'd really like to add an experienced 4th OF who hits RH, or switch hits, to fill in and provide a better bench, on a short term deal so we don't have to force feed Granite or Palka, or sit them too much, or rely on Grossman to play too often in the field. *If Dozier is indeed gone, we need someone to play SS, or challenge Escobar, or be the utility guy. *I'm still thinking of the best milb FA catcher we can find, another John Hicks type, either signed to the 40 or as an invite on a milb deal. This might determine the Centeno/Turner status. (I wouldn't protect both, and could see protecting neither potentially)
  20. DocBauer
    I had missed this somehow until today. Very happy to hear it. Always thought he might be a quality late bloomer. Personally, I think the Twins initially messed with him a bit by moving him around so much. In the long term, however, it could make him a versatile piece to the future roster.
  21. DocBauer
    Agree on Sano at 3B. I remain convinced that more time and work, possibly a little better conditioning, he can be at least solid there. His arm is excellent, and I've always been surprised how well he seems to charge the ball. The Twins did him no favors, in regard to 3B defense, in their handling of him last season. I don't know that the Twins really need a backup plan at 3B necessarily. I just think someone who COULD play a solid 3B and another position as a bench option would be nice. If Dozier is gone, you need at least one more infielder to be brought in from somewhere to compete with Escobar for the SS/utility spot. Even with 4 OF and a pair at 1B/DH, that leaves a spot open for such a player. I also like the idea of a quality AAAA level 3B, probably another infielder or two as well. Rochester looks a little light in the infield right now.
  22. DocBauer
    I generally agree with everything you say Seth. I admit to being torn on Centeno and Turner both. Not overly impressed by Centeno, but a solid LH stick as a reserve catcher is tempting. And I'm not entirely convinced Turner would be selected or kept by a selecting team at this point. Also torn on Grossman. I like him as a 5th OF/DH/PH who could play in the field occassionally. But I don't like him as the 4th OF. I'd rather see the Twins sign someone for that spot and allow Granite, Palka, Walker more time. I also agree on moving on from Plouffe, especially since I think Molitor would feel compelled to play him daily. But I think there is room on the roster for a quality bench guy, and someone mentioned Lawrie as a possibility some time ago. I could get behind a move like that. And while I do think it's time for Plouffe and the Twins to go a different direction, I wouldn't be upset by a 1 year, low cost deal coming off a poor and injury plagued season as a each bat who can play a couple spots and DH.
  23. DocBauer
    Well, naturally this whole 40 man thing is premature as there could be a trade or two to come. But simply working with what we have now.... I'd probably keep Light. I haven't seen him pitch yet, and only the Twins, at this point, really know if they have something there or not. But they thought enough of him to trade for him. I think you're forced to keep one of Boshers or O'Rourke, pending any trades or signings, but I don't think you have room for both. I'd lean toward Boshers, would really like to remove both and sign them to milb deals if I could. I wouldn't keep Thorpe. I just don't see how he's a risk to be selected and kept by someone. Still not sure Tonkin has been used correctly, and not sure if we've seen enough of Wimmers to make an accurate decision. I'm all about keeping as many talented young arms as we can, and opening roster spots for them. It's the bubble guys that make this so difficult. You need guys for 2017 who can pitch for you...not just necessarily promote a bunch of rookies...and a couple of these guys could still really help/develop. But you just can't keep them all. Somehow, the Twins have to decide which couple they still see real room for improvement, keep a couple, let go the rest and maybe sign them to deals with an invite. Just no other way to juggle/handle 40 spots and hold on to the risers.
  24. DocBauer
    Based on his defensive reputation, solid milb numbers, and his numbers in NY, I get why the Twins went after Murphy, a young catcher with upside needing an opportunity. Of all the crazy and disappointing things that happened to the Twins in this past season, I'm still not sure I don't rank him as the largest disappointment. But the whole 40 man roster debate about Garver is ridiculous. He has to be added to the 40 man this off season anyway, so there was no good reason not to make room for him for at least a taste of ML life. More and more, I keep hoping he will do a great job in the AFL and force the new Twins FO to just run with him.
  25. DocBauer
    2014 and 2015 I was impressed with Escobar. Very solid in the field and surprising at the plate. My thought/hope was he would be the same player in 2016, as long as he didn't get worn out being the everyday guy from day 1. But, we all know what happened, injuries, the emergence of Nunez, etc. I'd love to bank on him for next year. And maybe I'm not being fair to him after arguing for so long he should be the starter, but I find myself drawn to the idea of using him as a utility now and acquiring a top flight defensive veteran. But at worst, if Dozier is gone, we do need someone else brought on board for depth. What I wonder about, in regard to Gordon, is if weight not see an offensive explosion of sorts put of him this season due to maturity and leaving the FSL. Haven't we always heard it was a tough hitters league?
×
×
  • Create New...