DocBauer

Poor Thorpe. What more can this kid have happen to him. If there is such a thing as Karma, he's due nothing but health and prosperity at this point. Really looking forward to seeing him bounce back this season. Healthy, he may have reached AA this past season. Hopefully Hildenberger's injury was as mild as it sounds. Losing his last month hopefully won't set him back much.I wonder how quickly we may see him in the Twins bullpen. He is very intriguing, throws hard and from the side. A completely different look for the opposition. I probably paid more attention to English over Granite. That has certainly changed. I'm still a little concerned about pop in his bat to keep opposing pitchers and defenses honest, but he could make for an excellent 4th OF/PR. And if he keeps this up, I wonder about him pushing Rosario, who I like a lot, for the starting LF spot and hitting at the top of the order, pushing Buxton and/or Polanco down a spot in the order.

I don't care which combination works, Gordon at SS and Polanco at 2B, or Polanco at SS and Gordon at 2B. I just know I really want one of these options to work, and ASAP. This young OF, Sano, and these two guys makes for a he'll of an interesting lineup.

You're right of course, there is no guarantee Santana will have greater trade value next July. I guess my point is, while there is always some risk involved, I saw nothing from Santana this season to expect sudden regression or disappointment next year. Therefore, IMO, his trade value could/should be at a maintainable level. And his value to the Twins would be two-fold: a quality starter to help lead the rotation while others develop at Rochester, (Gonsalves and Mejia) or possibly rehab (Hughes). I liked what we saw out of May in 2015, his stuff, potential and progress. I still maintain he should have stayed in the rotation and we have,nun fortunately, lost development time with him. But I'm excited for him to be a starter again as well as still having faith in Berrios. I'm also in the pro Gibson camp and still believe he hasn't hit his ceiling yet. Can a new pitching coach get him there? Not a huge fan of Santiago, but I've come around on him and think he should be kept for now. He's LH,under 30yo, has had an OK career to this point, and has looked much better since they just left him alone instead of trying to remake him. Should the team trade for a high end SP via a Dozier trade, the squeeze could be on somewhat. But it would be a good problem to have, and the Twins could, potentially, have a mid season trade asset or two from their rotation. I know that sounds crazy to say, but it's very possible.

Interesting read, but not sure how the Cubs situation plays to the Twins status at this time. Other than maybe some NOT to do items, such as big FA contracts. At least not now. Of course there really isn't a big name SP that would help the Twins this year anyway. he really has two major things to accomplish at this time, and neither affects the on the field product directly One is to make a sound choice at GM who shares his vision, (who WILL have an affect on the on the field product), and then to do a wholesale review of the analytics, scouting and milb departments. I believe changes need to be made, and very probably additions made as well. Personally, I don't believe any portion of the Twins are being run by a collection of stooges or keystone cops, but there do appear to be disconnects here and there from scouting to preparation. Remember, the Twins minor league side of things is and has been well regarded in reference to prospects. And the Twins don't and can't tell anyone what to think or how to rank. They do that themselves. But there does seem to be a disconnect in preparation at all levels.

This portion of the list, I believe, could be accurately described as "who the heck knows, but look at the collective athleticism of these kids!" Cabbage and Vielma are the 2 that stand out to me, no disrespect to the others on the list at all. Despite a not so great year from Cabbage, all we've heard since he was drafted was great athlete, strong arm, real power potential. Especially since we're talking about 3B and not 1B or OF, that captures my attention. Vielma had a down year compared to last season no question. Im sure some of that is due to his injuries. But based on all the reports about his defense, I sure hope he can hit at the ML level, at least a bit. He doesn't need real power, just enough to be something other than punch and judy. That and decent speed could make him at least a non-liability. Boy do I wish he had been healthy all season.

Read that in another post. I could be in favor of him if the cost of a trade wasn't expensive, and if we could set ourselves up for a 2nd year or option year.

My belief, guess and opinion is Santana should be shopped...especially due to such a depressing FA market...but will have greater value come July for a contending team. Further, by July, Gonsalves, Mejia or an unexpectedly well recovered Hughes may/should be ready. The Dozier move makes sense, even though I don't want to lose him. But assuming we can find a true, high end ML SP to plug in right away, it makes sense. Polanco plays 2B. But my concern then becomes SS. I like Escobar and everything he showed us in '14 and '15, but if we're going to lose BD's offense, in an attempt to fix the pitching staff, I think Escobar should remain a quality reserve and a true, high end defensive SS should be brought on board. Problem is, I'm not sure who to target there.

Really, for most of the guys on this list the only "problem" is youth and service time. Seems like half of these guys were signed/drafted in just the past couple of seasons. But there does appear to be some real potential there. I'm kind of a sucker when it comes to LH pitching, so Melotakis and Rosario are two guys I have my eyes on. If Melotakis could pull a Chargois like season out and be with the Twins for all or some of the second half of '17 that would be awesome.

I also love these lists. Sort of a short but in depth bio of guys I've read about and seen in the milb seasonal coverage, and a precursor to the handbook as well. There's a couple guys here with obvious questions due to age, injury and the such. But there's also a couple guys here who could be top 20 in a year or so. Whitefield seems like a very interesting guy to watch.

First and foremost, he's not going to fix the Twins rotation. His GM will do most of the heavy lifting there. So the first order of business is a forward thinking GM that works well with him. Second is a hard look-see at the milb system and personnel; that includes scouts, field staff, coordinators, etc. I don't for a second think the entire organization is filled with bums at all. But there seems to be some disconnect that needs to be addressed. This might be his biggest influence on the organization.

Energy. That might be the best thing he can initially bring.

Honestly, the 100 losses doesn't mean too much to me. When you start off as poorly as the Twins did, and are eliminated after the first month (2 weeks?) the number of losses becomes a bit moot. (With the exception of earning the top pick in the next draft, etc) But I admit to being strangely excited about this season, despite all the disappointment and frustration. I believe there is real change taking place within the organization from the top down. And it was simply time for this to happen. After waiting so long to see top prospects arrive, last year and this, they have! Now, there have been mixed results to be sure, but to actually see Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Vargas, Polanco, Berrios and Chargois actually playing for the Twins instead of being on prospect and watch lists is gratifying.

Since I already stayed on topic once, I just can't help but also stray once and offer up thoughts outside of just what's available. Building a strong bullpen to help the rotation, and you know, actually win games, is a bug and important step. But also don't want to ignore the prospects and just go out and buy a veteran bullpen for our rebuilding club. But I would like to see someone signed to come in and assume the closer role. Maybe a 1 year make good/rebound, or similar. This means Kintzler is gone. I'd also take a couple flyers out for a lefty or two, preferably 30yo or less, maybe coming off injury or a down year and audition them. FA Closer Perkins=7th & 8th inning Chargois=7th & 8th inning ?/open audition=6th inning Duffey=long & middle and spot start Rogers=6th thru 8th inning as needed ?/open audition=LOOGY-middle-6th inning That's 5 spots out of 7 mostly spoken for. There are multiple RH and a few LH options for the open audition spots. There is also no pressure or rush for some guys to jump straight from AA, unless they flat out earn it. This a pen I could potentially feel pretty good about, while being loaded at Rochester for call ups.

What all of your statistics tell me is he actually pitched pretty well when allowed to pitch the way he has his entire previous career, as a 1 inning short guy. Based on his stuff, precious milb success, and the stats offered up in the article, you'd think with his first full season complete, there would be something to build on for '17 and beyond if was just used properly. That would tell me to keep him. But with so many guys to try to keep on the 40 man this year, someone closer to the situation and undoubtedly smarter than me will have to make that determination.

I'd be very happy to have McLeod come on board. But Bloom sounds very interesting to me. Not only would he be coming from a franchise that seems to have a pretty decent reputation for how it handles things, but he's already assisting the guy there in the same role as well as performing other duties. Can't say I dislike Falvey for the GM role. Still a huge promotion for him and Cleveland is doing pretty well these days.

I think the team has a chance for a much better bullpen in 2017, which goes a long way to also assisting the rotation, but there are absolutely questions. The biggest problem is still lack of experience. While there are a number of excellent looking prospects arriving or arriving soon, as you look at the names above and break them down, you actually see little to no ML experience time. But there is potential there. Even if half the guys listed never make it, there are still a number of guys to build a quality pen around. Based on what is currently available: Kintzler: In this scenario, I bring him back. He's performed well, and offers somewhat of a viable veteran presence. Can he continue, in a short period of time at least, as an OK closer while others can be auditioned and groomed to assume the closer role? Perhaps. I'd still rather sign a more proven closer for this spot and let Kintzler walk. Not because he couldn't continue to help, But assuming a signed closer would be 30-Ishmael, and I have so many young arms around, I don't think I'd keep him and said FA. But for now, he's in. Perkins: Generally, I thought he did a nice job this season. The tools seem there. I wonder if his rough spots might be due to overuse at various points. Chargois: Very talented. Despite little milb experience, he has absolutely dominated at those levels, and has looked much more comfortable at the ML level after settling in. Rogers: Really looked the part this season, and to me, didn't look lost against RH hitters. I'm not certain if he's a 6-7 inning guy or if the potential is there for LHSU in the 8th,mbut he looks like a keeper. Duffey: As I stated in the rotation post, I haven't given up on him as a starter. Indications are his problems this season were due to fastball command, not his still developing change. But he could be excellent is a middle and long man. That's 5 out of 7 spots filled, and I feel pretty good about each, their talent and potential. (Though again, I'd prefer a more proven veteran closer option over Kintzler) LHRP: The guy I think we all clearly want is Melotakis. And eventually it should be him. But even with a fine year at AA coming back, he still hasn't AAA yet, and it's probably asking too much of him to jump straight to the Twins. Boshers gets a lot of heat, but I think that's more perception than reality; he was signed on the cheap from independent ball so he can't be any good. Other than a couple of poor appearances before the DL and immediately upon his return, he pitched pretty well. O'Rourke is OK if you use him wisely. These 2 should audition, along with invites like Dwan, Wheeler, Albers, etc, to fine that 1 guy you need. (Couple other invites outside the organization would seem smart and plausible) RHRP: Pretty much audition everyone else on the list, though Tonkin probably has the initial leg up. And that's not a terrible thing. He pitched well at times this season, and may be better for his experience. I wonder if his lack of a defined role, even being used as a ling/middle man at times didn't mess with him a bit. The list of RH candidates is long, and even somewhat impressive, and should pay dividends soon. The only problem is a September cup of coffee, only AAA experience, and a few who haven't seen AAA yet. Doesn't mean at least one of them couldn't prove ready out of ST, but Tonkin is the sage bet initially. What's going to be nice is having real, viable options during the 2017 season to swap guys out due to performance or injury.

First, other than a cheap, make good 1 year deal on someone out there...Anderson has been mentioned...there is just no upgrade available in FA this year better than options already on the roster. Second, I'm ignoring the entire "trade Dozier" arguement. I do so as we don't even have a GM yet, aren't sure what the market will bear, or if said new GM will be in favor of that move. So I'm just concentrating solely on the options available. 1] Santana: absolutely nothing says washed up, he's done, count on his arm falling off early next season. 2] Gibson: I get the frustration some have with him. But this will only be his 3rd ML season. He was solid in '14 and showed flashes. He was even better in '15. A horrible year for the team, injury, and perhaps the wrong pitching coach, I just don't understand being so down on him at this point. 3] Santiago: not a big fan. But is there such a thing as a bad 1 year deal? He's LH, has experience, can get you IP, and he's shown the ability to win some games. And he's been a whole letter better lately since the staff quit messing with him. I'm torn here but I think I bring him back. 4] Berrios: He needs to be here, sink or swim, and I'm betting he doesn't sink or sucks. Again, is this partially the pitching coach with his rough start? 5] May: a question mark? Yes. All the more a shame he was removed from the rotation at all. How much better and ready would he be in 2017 if he had remained a starter? The kid has a good arm, was a top prospect, and showing signs of life before being pulled from the rotation. Having been a SP his whole career, I don't see the transition back being all that difficult. Hughes could be a factor. He could be a huge factor. But I'm not counting on him for anything at this point. Mejia and Gonsalves could be ready by mid season, which also provides some trade options. I'm not ruling Duffy out of the rotation in the future, but I'm thinking long/middle man at this point. From everything I've heard and read, his problems this year were fastball command, not his change. I'm not saying this is an outstanding rotation, but I like Berrios a ton, and I like May as well. If we get the 2015 Gibson back I'm really happy. Santiago isn't special, but compared to guys like Dean and Albers he's a huge upgrade. Three veteran guys just Pitch like you would expect..two talented youngsters who do well and improve...a couple young arms maybe ready by mid season...and no more Dean, Albers or similar, and I DO see a better rotation in 2017 despite the same names.

To address the points of the article, I offer the following thoughts IMHO: 1] Health: This is important to any team, any year, in any sport. But let's be honest and just admit the Twins got unlucky in this area the past couple of years. It sucks, but it happens. You have a true all star closer in Perkins to lead your bullpen who suddenly develops a very serious injury. Hughes's injury may have a even more dramatic affect. Forget the contract bungle because it has no bearing on actual talent, performance and reality. Hughes was long regarded as a TOP talent. Virtually untouchable in trade options with the Yankees. And he absolutely flashed his potential as both a starter and reliever with NY. His numbers indicated he was better away from NY, and he DID flash ACE-like quality and performance with his change of scenery with the Twins. We can't say for certain, but it's now really hard to not look at his so-so 2015 season and not think injury was part of the problem there. And maybe he makes a great and strong comeback. I hope like hell he does, but would not bank on it at this point. But health, like luck, is something you can't predict or bank on. 2] Lotto Ticket: How on earth do you count on or predict this any more than you can health? The answer is, you can't. Not really. BUT, you can hedge your bets if you're smart and prepared. Did the Twins predict/guess right in Santana and Liriano? Yep. Did the Cubs do the same with Arrieta? You bet. But don't tell me they KNEW they would end up with an ACE quality pitcher. A couple of years ago, as an amateur GM, I thought Kazmir was a roll of the dice that could pay off big. Turns out I was right. But did I KNOW? Not at all. Position players, starters or reserves, relief or starting pitchers, the Twins have been lucky, or smart, or we'll prepared, however you want to quantify it, in the past. Even Hughes comes to mind. But I don't think you can expect or predict success in this area. BUT, I do think you can find at least some success in this area if you are thorough and smart in your decision making. Here is hoping the next GM has the for thought to target rebound or late developing options on a yearly basis that could pay off with low risk and high potential payoff. I'd rather invest some team finances here than a guaranteed 3 year deal on a mediocre 30yo mediocre starter. 3] Control: I have ZERO problem with the Twins making a change in general philosophy from looking for and drafting/signing control pitchers. For years we've admonished the Twins for drafting and signing such players while other teams took chances on big arms. Now they are doing that and we want to bash them??? The problem is not to be too cute about it, and outsmart yourself. And some of that is scouting. Maybe less drafting and trading for a relief pitcher to convert. I don't pretend to be smart enough to be employed by any ML franchise, but maybe the big, strong, hard throwing starter who needs a 3rd pitch is better than a guy with 3 nice pitches who hasn't done it as a starter is smarter. But potential is SOOO hard to predict. I still think it comes down to scouting and development. Honestly, looking at some of the top pitching prospects currently in the Twins system, not sure I can blast them for poor decision making in this area. 4] Defense: Now this one is tough. But it's also hard to address because the Twins roster is it such a state of flux right now. An OF of Rosario, Buxton and Kepler has a chance, a good chance, to be very good. Metrics may argue somewhat, but we're also talking raw numbers in rather SSS vs talent and potential going forward. EX; Kepler loowed a little rough early before settling down. 1B is solid defensively, as is 2B. SS is a bit of a question, as is 3B. But for goodness sake, before we decide if a guy, a spot, the overall defense is OK or stinks, can we at least see guys actually play their positions and play them healthy. I love good defense. I think good defense goes a long way toward building a good team overall, and can do a lot to help a pitching staff. The problem is, the guys from the past few years that played poor defense aren't even on the teamarket any longer, for the most part. And the team, as it's constructed now, just needs a little time. Healthy, a bit slimmer, with a gun for an arm and some nice athleticism, I feel Sano will be OK at 3B. But not 100% right now, and having to spend the majority of the season in tne OF doesn't do much for ýour defense, as an example. Improving the bullpen and the defense would be a big help for the rotation, as it's constructed now, or will be a year or so from now. But 4-5 seasons of "who?" playing a spot is still different, IMO, than "OK, let's see how these kids play a year from now", healthy, in their proper spots, and with a few games under their belt? No real answers, but some thoughts.

I think this is a very valid point of discussion. I don't pretend to know the answer, but, I can offer up some points that I think/believe to be interesting. *When originally signed, Polanco as a defense first player with speed and athleticism. It was hoped his bat would eventually play, but he was a legit SS candidate. *Like a lot of infield prospects, he split time at various spots in the infield, mostly between SS and 2B. That is, until this year where the Twins decided, for whatever reason, that he should play ZERO games or innings at SS despite the fact the minors are about player development. Despite very limited playing time, when the Twins brought him up the past couple of years, when he played, he was put at SS. And now that he's up for an extended look, Molitor has put him at SS most every day, despite not playing a moment of the spot in the minors this year. *He hasn't exactly embarrassed himself at the spot despite having to almost re-acclimate himself to the position again. This in itself would indicate room to improve. Further, from all previous reports, he's a good athlete. The negatives I've heard have been footwork and less than powerful arm for the position. Footwork? I thought that things like that weren't necessarily uncommon in young players and one of the reasons you kept them at a position, so you could actually work and teach them! This could be one of the few decisions Molitor has made that I actually like. Arm strength? To a degree, it can be improved. But honestly, I'm more concerned with hands and the sheer ability to get to a ball than I am with having a cannon for an arm. Don't get me wrong, a strong armed SS who can make plays deep in the hole is valuable. But consistency is more important than the great play isn't it? *As in all sports, and all positions, to a degree, you sometimes have to weigh and debate the value of a player vs what he does best vs what he does least. In other words, an outstanding defensive SS who doesn't have much offensive value is still valuable. But a strong offensive SS who is more average defensively has a strong value as well. It's just balanced differently. *Just a bit of research will show some unexpected error totals early in their careers for a lot of "top" SS over the past 20-30 years. Why? Because they were still learning and developing. Which is all the more reason to be frustrated by the Twins decision this season to not continue Polanco's development at SS in the minors. In short..no pun intended...there is need, potential and opportunity for Polanco at SS. Unfortunately, those in charge wasted a lot of opportunity to continue Polanco's development this season.

I think there's a big difference from eyeing him as an intriguing prospect and drinking the Kool Aid on him,and I think that's where you mostly find the split on different groups opinions. I just don't see how he can cut it at the ML level SO at a 40% clip. However... and I'd like to see his breakdowns again if someone has them...I believe his contact rate improved the last couple of months didn't it? What I personally find so intriguing about Walker is his consistency at each and every level he's played at. You would think, based on his contact numbers, that sooner or later he's just flames out as he reaches a higher level of competition, better, more experienced pitchers, etc. But for the most part, at each and every level he's advanced to, he has basically been a .245-.250 hitter with an Ob% in the low .300 range with an OPS never lower than .743 and twice over .800. Except for his rookie league debut, he's never hit fewer than 25HR or had less than 94 RBI until this season with 75, which is still impressive for milb. He's also never repeated a level, nor even started a season at a previous level. Now, there is still a HUGE jump to the majors from AAA, of course. But...but...if he could actually be the same hitter at the ML level that he's been jn the minors, he could have very good value as a lower order DH/OF. Kind of a big IF I know, but it's what makes him so intriguing.

I've been as disappointed as anyone with his slow start to his ML career. But like any young prospect, it does usually take time to adjust to the level of pitching in the majors. There's a reason these guys...most of them...are pitching in the majors and not AAA. There's a reason guys like Albers can look good to very good as SP in the minors but not Pitch nearly the same at the ML level. Buxton is only 22. He has about 1 full season at the ML level. He did, unfortunately, miss some developmental time in the minors due to injury. Yes, he raked. But time missed to build confidence, to maintain an approach, etc, are all real things. Think about Hunter. Think about Gomez (though he died off rather quickly). Always thought, over time, he may develop more power and sacrifice some speed and SB success, but that's more in the future I think. I believe he'll be fine.

A fun read. And a big shout out and thank you for all the hard work put in to this list and all the milb reports and updates throughout the season from the staff! A few thoughts concerning this list: *The key for Garver is still his overall defense behind the plate. That being said, while a bit of a work in progress from hints I've read here and there, have yet to read or hear anything that says he's poor in any way behind the dish. Man can certainly throw! And through college and really, his entire milb career thus far, he's shown the ability to hit, make some contact, take some walks and can definitely drive the ball. Garver's potential...and we'll know more after the AFL probably... the OK year by Centeno, and the presumption that Murphy is better than he showed this year...based on past play, reports on defense, a stronger last month in Rochester, etc, etc...still leaves me with the thought that rather than sign a "reclamation" project in a veteran FA catcher, the Twins may be better served finding the best all around DFA, milb FA, 40 man roster squeezed catcher they can find to bring to camp for 2017 and go with what they have. *I know Gordon is young and has work ahead of him. But with his talent and athletic pedigree, I'm wondering if his ERA is a little late. Whether it's just a late season call up or not, I wouldn't be surprised to see him sometime in 2018. *I hope Granite can muscle up just a little bit more, just to be certain he won't end up only a singles hitter at the ML level. Whether as a 4th OF, or possible starting LF and leadoff hitter with Buxton sliding down, he could be fun to watch. *Not arguing the choice for 3B, but it surprised me. No White or Cabbage or Blakenhorn? Would love to know a bit more about Molina. *I'm not caught up in the ages of Palka and Walker. Even some very find players don't debut or come in to their own until mid 20's or so. Glad Walker seemed to make some improvements this year, but Palka is the guy who really interests me. Even with some SO's, he's shown he can hit decently and still take some walks. His final OB is 70 some points above his BA. *I don't want to put undue pressure on such a young kid, especially considering the time he missed due to injury, but I wonder if Romero can duplicate what Berrios and Gonsalves have each done the last couple of years; that is, storm out of the gates and dominate at two different levels. If he can, that May of 2018 looks do-able.

I see your point Seth but not sure I agree with it. Despite differing opinions on Joe, not sure I've ever read anything negative concerning Jake. Just curious, because I'm honestly impressed by both and agree I'd like to see both stick around, but if the GM, in theory now, might still be too soon in their careers, but if the new GM were to pick between Mauer and Mientkiewicz as the next Twins manager, who do see as the best candidate?

Mauer seems to be a very good manager to me. He's taken entirely different teams to the post season 4 years running and seems to always get the most out of his team's. When the new FO examines the Twins milb workings, seems to me Mauer and Doogie Baseball would be a couple keepers, and perhaps ready for a level promotion.

Short answer...no. Long answer...it helps ease the pain. And as of now, there don't seem to be any names to place at the top of the draft list. But the June draft is still a long way away. Here's hoping a catcher, 3B or SP rises to the top. (3B to hedge bets, not because I'm down on Sano) Believe it or not, despite this disappointing and awful season, there are some things that happened that make me excited. *While a past defender of TRUTH, it was time for a change. Now we get it, along with what will be a close examination of the entire Twins structure. I'm nervous, but excited and cautiously optimistic. *More and more young talent at least got their feet wet at the ML level, even if some performances were underwhelming to this point. Despite never using the "Rebuild" word, it's what's happening. *There were some very positive performances amongst some OF, and more than a few SP and RP, particularly at AA and AAA. Even a top college player for the Twins to select next June, we probably won't see any help for at least a season, possibly two. But adding said draftee to Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano and Polanco, others close like Garver, Palka, Walker and Gordon could be close. Besides Berrios...(don't lose hope)...there are 5 solid to excellent SP prospects that should at least finish next season at Rochester, if not make their ML debut. Am I straining for positives? Maybe. I prefer to think "looking" is a better word.