DocBauer

I was thinking more in the short term, year or two, with Polanco...if Dozier is moved...to help stabilize the infield, provide more depth and competition, until someone like Gordon arrives.

If Dozier is moved, Polanco to 2B is the obvious move. I think Escobar has shown enough in '14 and '15 to show what he can do offensively and defensively on an everyday basis. (Though in neither year did he start the whole season, so there could be some concern about running out of steam if someone isn't there till capably rest him once in a while) And Escobar hasn't been exactly awful this year, but hurt some, stuck behind the hot Nunez and now the Polanco audition. But no Dozier, we are short at least one viable ML infielder for the roster. Do we look for a quality utility player? Or do we look for another viable, proven ML SS? Do we consider Desmond and move him back to SS? Wondering on various thought on a veteran FA SS.

How and why do you play Polanco daily, almost exclusively at SS but not let Sano play daily at 3B to hone his skills there? It makes absolutely no sense! I don't know that anyone has soured on Escobar. I think it's more about knowing, more or less, what you have in him already. Personally, I'd have him and Polanco fight for the SS in ST, and the non-winner would be my utility infielder and probably still play a lot. But these last few weeks should be all about Murphy at catcher with some Centeno thrown in there as well, and Polanco at SS, Vargas at 1B or DH every day, but for goodness sake, unless there is some elbow concern, let Sano play 3B daily.

Why on earth you wouldn't take a high level prospect like Polanco, with his bat and potential, and NOT play him at a spot where he has played before, could still develop, and could fill a hole/need at the ML level is beyond comprehension to me. The minors are all about development! They decided he couldn't play SS? Well they sure changed their mind about that now haven't they? Maddening! Is Polanco a finished product at SS? No. But he can refine footwork and other mechanics with time. His arm can be strengthened somewhat as well. But my concern is his bat in the lineup, getting to and fielding balls. I will take that over a few deep throws from the hole he can't make. (in theory)

Ownership probably thought he was over qualified.

First...the positive.... And now to address your issues. LOL But seriously, while sooooo much of the roster shows Flux and guys still developing, the truth is, called this or not, the team really has been going through a rebuild and youth movement. This had to happen. If you discount Mauer and Dozier...possibly Plouffe if he is indeed gone...the entire starting OF, the left side of the infield, probably DH and catcher as well, will all be manned by young players in 2017. And we have absolutely seen glimpses of their potential. But on to your list. Sano: Play him and have him lose a couple of pounds. Cannon for an arm, charges balls well, and his hands seem OK. Sure he's had some bad throws, what young 3B doesn't from time to time? The biggest problem has just been some badly botched plays. But not only is he still young and developing, but the whole RF issue has to have messed with him this season. IF there is any concern over his elbow being anything other than minor, maybe bring back Plouffe on a friendly deal after his poor season. It's easy to assemble a 12 man player roster, for the most part, for next season. Who is #13? Maybe Plouffe as a 3B/1B/DH/PH who could play some spot OF. Might not be a bad idea as long as you're not committed to playing him every day. But put Sano at 3B daily and let him play and develop. And if it really doesn't work, move to 1B after Mauer. May: He could be, body willing, be an excellent bullpen piece. And maybe his injuries this year were as simple as simple as flare-ups and adjustments. But for a team in such need of SP, to insist on moving a strapping, hard throwing young SP to the bullpen is ridiculous. They may have wasted an entire season of his potential growth with this move. Put him back in the rotation! Hughes and Perkins: Expect and plan on NOTHING. Perk is probably done. Hughes has a shot, but he's a dark horse. He could rebound back in to his 2014 version, possibly reinvent himself as a strong bullpen arm, potential closer...throw harder buy shorter...or also be done. What happened to both is unfortunate. But don't plan on either one when building the next team. Jay: Agreed Jay doesn't belong on this list. You stated yourself hus rotation move would take some time. I was very encouraged by what he did at A ball. He'll begin next season in the Lookouts rotation. Let's at least wait until next year before adding him to a list like this. SS: Some bad luck here and more mismanagement by the Twins. As long as he got time off to not wear down over the course of an entire season, we've seen enough of Escobar the precious 2 seasons to feel relatively good about him...if healthy. Polanco doesn't play a single milb game at SS to make room for a journeyman? And then, once promoted, he's put back at SS! The fact that he's looked this good to this point is a testament to previous experience, talent and potential. You roll with these guys for '17. Both have talent, both are young and quite young, and you ARE in a rebuild. Catcher: You have some options to work with in Murphy, Centennial, Garver and the upcoming Turner. But it's not enough. But Suzuki is not the answer. You need one more option here. You can either identify one quality vet that you think can rebound and help lead the team for a season or two, OR, you can identify a guy via rule 5, DFA, milb FA that you think has a legitimate shot and go get him. I almost lean toward the younger FA question mark guy. Poor planning on the Twins to this point. But Murphy could rebound. I've seen some good from Centennial. I like Garver's potential a lot. If Turner's bat could come around a bit more he could be solid. But again, some poor planning. Bullpen: IMHO, it's not as bad as you make out. Roger's and Pressly have looked pretty good. So did Tonkin before being turned in to a long reliever. Add a closer as you develop one, find another decent LHRP somewhere, use Duffy as a long and middle man and spot starter, then audition for the final spot. I don't think the bullpen is that far off. And we sure have a lot of live young arms to audition in 2017. But you are absolutely correct that they waited too long to look at some of them. Rotation: We all know this is the #1 issue facing the Twins. Some talented kids aren't ready yet, and there are question marks surrounding who's available. But Santana has pitched well enough to believe he has at least one more good season left in him. We've seen Gibson do a lot better, and I'm talking just last season. Just a bad year or injuries, or do we need a different pitching coach? After that I'm just not sure. Santiago is nothing great, but his career numbers are mostly solid. A year ago, or even the years before that, we'd have been excited to have a guy like him amongst our starting 5. You have to believe Berrios will get it together. He's just too talented, been so productive in his milb career to believe otherwise. I still like May, but due to his IP this season, he may be a 5th SP only. Hopefully Mejia is very close. Gonsalves has a real chance to contribute sometime in 2017. Is any of this perfect? Absolutely not. And once again, it's easy to point fingers at player mismanagement: poor coaching, quick hooks, in the wrong spot, etc. But there is no quick FA fix. Even if you are on board with moving Dozier, you still have to find the right trade partner and players to make it happen. (you also shuffle the deck chairs somewhat as now you have to find at least one more infield option to add to the player mix) Other than better health and a dose of better luck, could the Twins have handled this situation better? Absolutely. May should have been starting at some point. Not a single game audition for Wheeler but guys like Dean got multiple shots? And do they just not "get" Berrios or what? Right now, I really feel you have to roll with all the various options you have on hand, work with them, place them in mental and physical situations to succeed, and wait for guys like Mejia and Gonsalves to contribute.

I echo the winning sentiment. Learning how to win is part of the winning process. Tip of the cap to Jake Mauer. Every year your top players leave, a few solid but not quite ready for advancement players remain, and a whole different group of players come in. And Jake has had a number of top prospects come through his locker room. But he's also had different team makeups, and this season the position players and offense were questionable. At least early in the year. But taking his team to the playoffs 4 straight years is quite the accomplishment.

A couple things: *I think he tries too hard sometimes. Your choice of the word "aggressive" to describe him is dead on. But teams also need that kind of player and personality, especially when they are as athletically gifted as Rosario. Time and experience should help Polish him though. *With his tools and potential, I wouldn't even think of making a 4th OF any time soon. If he plateaus or someone else flat out takes the job, OK. Not saying he will, but what if Granite is the real deal, plays a good LF, and provides speed and OB ahead of Buxton in the lineup, for instance? *Rosario will be sooooo much the better ballplayer if he just curbs some of that aggressiveness and quits looking like a drunk lumberjack on those pitches that are head high, in the dirt, or headed outside toward the dugout. With his natural ability, just a little more restraint will make him that much more effective and dangerous. *Looking at his milb track record, he hit and produced everywhere except first his "second" stint following his suspended first half a couple years ago. And while he has never been a BB or OB machine, I believe he never had a AVG vs OB differential that was lower than around 40-42%, meaning he wasn't immune to a walk. Again, a little more Polish and restraint, and look out. A dynamic 6-7 place hitter with quality defense.

For many reasons, I feel it's time for Plouffe to move on. But I have been a fan and supporter for some time. I think because he wasn't an all star and didn't play on winning teams, some fans are harder on him than he deserved. Nice solid player who will find a home. From a strictly selfish baseball reason, I wonder, IF the Twins decided to bring him back in 2017, would a down and injury filled season allow them to do so cheaply?

Palka's SO numbers don't concern me at this point. He's also shown the ability to hit for AVG and still take some BBC for decent OB. A dip on his promotion to AAA shouldn't be surprising. I wish I knew more about his defense, but I could see him as an OF/DH/1B candidate. I just want to see Gordon continue to develop PERIOD. But if I were to nit pick, I'd like to see the OB come up a little more. Granite intrigues me. Could he be a solid hitting, speedy 4th OF? Could he be a legitimate every day LF and leadoff hitter with Buxton hitting a spot or two lower with his power potential?

Revisionist thinking is always interesting, but I remember being down the Twins didn't grab Gonsalves in the 2nd round. Man was I happy when they later snagged him and felt they got a potentially huge steal. Despite a rough introduction to the majors, Berrios has everything needed to be successful. So does Gonsalves. Jury is still out on Stewart and Jay, but the talent is there. Jorge looks good, Romero excellent. Man, if he could follow the fast tracks of Berrios and Gonsalves next season, things start to look bright.

NOT saying don't trade Dozier if you could really add a #2 type starter, or a top, top prospect ready to burst on the scene, plus someone else to balance the trade. And maybe I'm selfish about BD or short-sighted, but as much as we need pitching, especially SP, and as much as I like Polanco as a young talent, I'm still not sure if losing Dozier's bat, and replacing him with a high end starter gets us to where we need to go. It might a lot, don't get me wrong, but whether it's our current coaching staff, bad luck, whatever, Berrios finding himself would be huge. May could really help, IMO, and Gonsalves could be ready...along with Mejia...at some point in 2017. And you can also mix in, of course, Santana and Gibson along with maybe Santiago, for now. There is a big part of me that says this is smarter in a 2017 approach. BD won't turn 30 until after the season starts. He's not old. He made some nice adjustments this season. He is cost controlled, could possibly be resigned,(just not another big long term deal please), and would probably have mid-season trade value next year.

Generally agree with everything stated. I'd like to keep Boshers around, if possible, but don't think I'd risk a 40 man spot on him. Too many guys to add this year. The one guy I'd quibble about is Centennial. The Twins need help at catcher. While Centennial is nothing special by any means, he's generally OK behind the plate, at it, and hits LHRP. I'd really like to keep him for ST 2017. But you also have to protect Murphy, Garver and Turner, so I get it. May not have room. But I still may quibble a bit on him.

Agree with most of your list. A couple changes/moves I'd like to see the GM make: *Sign another catcher. I'm looking for someone needing a chance or a change of scenery. Maybe someone available and getting squeezed out. I hate to use his name again, but a John Hicks type to battle it out with Murphy, Centennial and Garver. *I'd sign a legitimate 4th OF type. He doesn't have to be able to play CF, though it would be nice if he did. *Take a flyer on a couple LHRP options, look for another Abad surprise hopefully. *I'd think you keep Kintzler OR sign a veteran who can close initially at least. Either someone on a comeback type season, or looking for that one final season like Hawkins did a year or so ago. This allows someone, maybe Pressly, to be groomed in to a closer role. *I'd like to see the best AAAA middle infielder and 3B I can find. A couple of guys who have had a cup of coffee or two at the ML level. This helps fortify Rochester, and gives more depth if a call up is necessary without bringing up someone who would embarrass themselves. My idea lineup: Buxton Mauer Kepler Sano Dozier Vargas Rosario Catcher Polanco or Escobar Backup catcher, like the starter, is unknown right now. I've already stated signing a proven 4th OF. The Escobar/Polanco "loser" gives a quality and versatile utility guy.The final spot could belong to Plouffe. It could be a versatile utility player not on the roster right now. It could be Grossman, but I'd see him at Rochester. Park? Maybe. He, Vargas and Mauer, whoever is not in the lineup, provides a nice bat bench, but limits lineup possibilities. Rotation: Santana Gibson Berrios May Santiago or Mejia I'm torn on keeping Santiago, but it's hard not to keep a veteran LHSP and allow Mejia a little more time. Bullpen: Vet FA or Kintzler Pressly Tonkin Duffy OPEN AUDITION Roger's OPEN AUDITION There ARE a lot of bullpen arms seemingly ready or close to it at AAA and AA, plus the couple of LHRP I'd sign. Hence the OPEN AUDITION slots in the pen. How good is this team? How many games might they win? It's hard to say. But for the most part, youth is still served, and more youth will be up at some point. I like my team as listed and healthy. There's a couple guys that could be flipped at some point as well. An 80 win team? I think that's doable. Playoff contention? Maybe if the kids keep improving.

Slegers has quietly put together a pretty nice season. Despite his size, he doesn't have the power or SO ability you'd think. But he's looking like a fairly decent prospect

NICE!

Read through all the posts, and fully understand both sides of the aisle. Can't say I disagree with either side either. I'm not so much straddling the fence as trying to examine this team as well as the future. Yes this team has been disappointing, often terrible to watch... except for a 2 month stretch... and could lose 100 games. And yes, there have been some frustrating and head scratching moves. But to really examine what is best for the team moving forward, while examing this season in proper retrospect. And to do so, we have to accept two things; 1} despite our frustrations and disappointments of 5 of the past 6 years, we have to examine this season on its own merits. We have to do so as Ryan is gone, and while we don't know what front offices or sweeping changes could yet happen within the organization, things are changing. (Hopefully for the better) But also... 2} The rebuild and youth movement everyone speaks of HAS begun. Albeit, some of the young talent hasn't performed as expected or hoped, and their are questions about the field staff. But Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Polanco, Vargas, Berrios, Duffey and others have been up and given chances, and will, presumably, get more. And there have been some fine performances in AAA and AA of prospects that seem very close. Again, there are concerns about how the ML field staff and some of the milb field staffs have helped develop and prepare some of these prospects, but that is an entirely different discussion. So, changes are coming and have begun. The team has gotten much younger, will get younger still, presumably, and THIS 90+ loss team IS different than previous 90 loss teams. (Despite some of the same shortcomings) SO what is best going forward for this team? I don't have a problem shopping both Dozier and Santana to see what you can get for them. You'd be foolish not to do so! If Santana could bring back another Mejia or better, you're probably better of making said move. IF. Otherwise, you have a solid veteran ML starter on a decent contract for 2 years to solidify one rotation spot. If Dozier could bring back a legitimate #2, still fairly young and cost controlled SP, or a top, top prospect ready, you have to consider that move. But consider Dozier's power and offensive ability, (and i like the adjustments he's made this season), it's not as easy to replace him as just plugging Polanco in to 2B. Now you need another infielder to your roster for additional depth and competition. Again, I think you shop both, see what you can get, and if it makes enough sense you move either or both of them. But...and I'm not saying the Twins are suddenly an automatic playoff candidate...I believe it may be more prudent, especially if a new staff is in place, to "anchor" your rotation with Santana and a healthy Gibson, while rolling with Berrios, May, Mejia and possibly Duffey. Gonsalves looks like he might be ready at some point in 2017. Picture the lineup with Dozier, Polanco or A healthy Escobar at SS and the other a nice utility player, along with continued development from Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano and others. This is a long winded way of saying I don't have an exact answer. And like everyone else, I'm tired of losing, and tired of waiting until next year. But taking a step back and focusing on this season alone, changes ARE happening on the field and in the front office. (Again, hopefully good changes in the FO). And I guess I'm of the opinion that unless you can pick up a really, really good and immediate rotation piece, I think the Twins are better off keeping both guys, at least initially, and continuing to work with and keep introducing the young talent around them.

Mauer stoll ranks high. Sano playing 3B and only 3B will assist in his improvement. Kepler looks good in the OF to me, and it seems most of his errors came early while he was settling in. It's not the prettiest picture I've seen, but it's not quite as bad as painted, IMO.

Generally, I agree with your entire list. I'm a little unsure about Walker and Palka. Now, I like Palka quite a bit, but he's not on the 40 man yet, and has a little under half a season at AAA. Plus, if Buxton, Kepler and Rosario play almost every day, is there room for him to actually get playing time? Ditto for Walker, who has shown improvement in the second half, but might be better off ending the season on a positive note and not coming up to sit or SO in the few AB he gets. Vargas should also be up, and play every day. He never should have been sent down in the first place. I like the Beresford promotion idea. It might even keep him around another season in the organization. My feelings on Garver have changed as of late. Originally, I felt the Twins should sign a veteran catcher for a year, and/or the best "John Hicks-type" milb FA/waiver wire option to compete next season. And maybe they still should. But instead of bringing up Garver to better prepare him for Rochester to begin 2017, I'm now thinking he should be more heavily considered as a legitimate candidate for the main job in '17. His defense may still have rough edges, and I wish he caught a few more games this year, but his bat has real potential and he can throw. For a rebuilding team getting younger all the time, I'm thinking more and more of going with him and letting him polish himself on the job. Why Wheeler hasn't already been up over Albers and others is beyond me.

While the who,E Albers and Dean situation is unsettling, Wimmers coming up is a very nice story. Congratulations and all the best to the kid!

Just absolutely shaking my head at this staff. There have got to be some changes made here. There is a pattern developing that is simply not acceptable. Don't play...then play. Come up....go down. The new GM absolutely has to have the authority to make changes in the dugout as well.

Yet another example of disconnect somewhere in the organization. Polanco doesn't even play SS all season until he gets to the Twins. Garver has positive reports behind the plate, and is such a quality hitter he DH and plays 1B on off days. But for a team desperate for help behind the plate, they slow his defensive progress??? Makes no sense. Now, he does have to be added to the 40 man this year, so there should be no reason not to be up in September for a look-see. If he's not, someone's head should roll.

Obviously the Twins need pitching. And obviously the hope is the new GM will make smart decisions, whether it be via trades, FA, etc. There are some solid pieces in the pen to begin with, and enough arms on the way that if even a couple of them turn out, the bullpen could be really solid. The rotation is the biggest issue. And I don't say not to trade Dozier. Potentially, he's a valuable trade chip. And Polanco would provide a quality replacement, just as a different type of player. But if you move Dozier, you also lose his offense and create another need in the infield. Nobody wants to keep playing the waiting game. But I have to wonder if the Twins still aren't better keeping Dozier and keep working with youngsters like Berrios, May, Duffy, Mejia and eventually Gonsalves along with vets like Santana and Gibson.

I tend to agree with the sentiment of the post. I think it's a mistake to count on Hughes for anything at this point. I'm sure the Twins know more about his status, but I just can't believe at this point anyone can expect the old Hughes, or when to expect it, if at all. There is nothing of value on the FA market, IMO, unless it's a question year flyer. But Santana, Gibson and Berrios is a start. Then comes May. Duffel has shown flashes, Mejia could be a steal. Wheeler deserves a shot at some point. Gonsalves and others aren't ready...yet. But there is some real talent there. I know we get tired of words like patience, and you can't just say "wait until next year" every year. But there are some arms to work with in 2017. I understand the idea of moving Dozier for help. And you can never have enough pitching. But unless you truly can come up with a front line, top of the order pitcher in return, I still think the team is better with him, and working with the veterans and kids in '17.

I like most of your original idea but don't agree with all. Could we use and afford Ramos? Probably. But even if he would come here...doubtful...I don't like spending such big money on an almost 30yo catcher with some injury history. But we do need help at catcher. I'm inclined to sign the best veteran I can for a season, two at most. However, I'd also be very interested in the best DFA, milb FA John Hicks type I could find as another option. This guy would fight with Centeno, Murphy and Garver...who gets some September exposure...for the top two spots. This could change later in the season. Mauer is at 1B/DH with either Vargas or Park. Based on youth, potential, switch hitting, OB%, I'm hoping for Vargas. A healthy Park could surprise yet though. I get the sentiment to trading Dozier for a top SP. I'm OK with that if the right deal and right guy is there, but I have concerns. I like his bat, solid glove, and veteran experience to help lead the offense. Polanco and Escobar fight it out for SS with the "loser" being my utility player. Sano is at 3B. I'm a fan of Plouffe, but I just don't feel he should be back unless there is real concern that his recent injury is something more than minor soreness. On a side note, I'm going to sign the best AAAA middle infielder and 3B I can find for Rochester and call up depth. I see Rochester's infield looking short next season. My OF plan is Rosario, Buxton and Kepler. Grossman could figure as a 4th OF, but I'm going to sign a legitimate 4th OF type for depth, or to play LF/CF if Buxton needs more time. This could bump Grossman to 5th OF or AAA. I'm going to sign a veteran back of the bullpen arm on the rebound, or looking for one more good year. Either than, or I keep Kintzler if I believe enough in him, but not both. I've got Chargois, Tonkin and Pressly locked in, along with Rogers from the left side. I'm bringing in a couple of lefty arms in search of another Abad who will compete with O'Rourke, and possibly Boshers, Wheeler and Dean for the 2nnd lefty role. That leaves one spot open in the pen for the best man available during ST auditions. Call me a ridiculous optomist, but I don't think Santana, a healthy Gibson and a more experienced Berrios as too bad a place to begin my rotation. Great? No. But not a bad place to start. I also like May here. It's such a shame he didn't have this season to build his experience in the rotation. The last spot is between Duffey and Mejia. Despite a mixed bag of results, Duffey has shown real promise at times, and Mejia is a young lefty who throws hard and may be about ready to surge, though he has ,essential than a half season at AAA. I have a quality veteran to help lead the staff, a young veteran who I believe still hasn't shown us his best yet, and a trio of talented youngsters with more on the way. I like my mix of youth and a few key veterans. The lineup itself is a little hard to predict at this point, IMO.