DocBauer

I have a strong hunch both he and Duffey will be in the pen. Both could be swing men and starting options due to injuries, etc. I see Haley as a long and middle guy with Duffey capable of multiple roles in the pen TBD.

I know there are a lot of people down on him due to two simple facts: 1] Health didn't turn out to be the future top of the rotation starter we hoped he'd be when "stolen" with a mid 1st round pick. 2] Because he had an injury plagued and poor season for a 100+ loss team. I'm not saying for a minute he will suddenly develop in to a stud pitcher in 2017. But if I could pick one guy to surprise in the 2017 rotation it would be Gibson. Listen, coming off major surgery, he was the "Berrios" back in 2013. "Why isn't he up?" Well, he did come up, probably with a still healing and possibly tired arm. And he didn't exactly set the world on fire. But he gained experience and had a very solid "rookie" campaign in 2014. Forgetting wins and losses as a measurement, all his other numbers improved in 2015. But he has a poor 2016 along with the rest of the team in the worst season in modern franchise history and suddenly he is a bump. I am not saying he will suddenly become a stud in 2017, but, were there one guy on the team for 2017 that I could say health and a fresh new season could rise up, it would be Gibson.

Great post! I agree almost 100%. Not to split hairs, but I see 2017 as a combination of supporting the new, younger team, as well as still continuing said re-build. I say this because of a couple of the recent graduates, Berrios and Chargois come to mind, have had so little ML time at this point, and because there are a couple of RP and SP arms, and a certain intriguing catcher, that haven't arrived yet but are oh so close to diving in to the ML pool in 2017. I will disagree somewhat on the idea of still spending on some pieces for 2017. I still believe there are some solid FA players available to make the roster deeper and better without big contract numbers...that could easily be removed if need be...that make the 2017 version of the Twins more competitive with a better chance to win some games here and there. And I'm a believer in learning how to win, and winning together. And I want these kids to believe in themselves and learn to win together. Wholeheartedly agree on 2018. Perkins and Santiago themselves should give the team another $14M or so to work with after '17, and the team payroll already projects several million below last season, and even more bellow league average. And 2018 marks the last year of Mauer's contract as well as Santana. (Dozier as well, but that's sort of a different discussion all by itself). There really is no reason...barring some sudden rash of injuries or underperformance/regression...that should keep these "new" Twins from promoting additional talent and making a real financial investment or two for the 2018 team.

Boy does he seem like an intelligent young man with character and a strong work ethic. And how about him learning to speak Spanish to communicate with his teammates better? How can you not be impressed and root for this kid? Boy I hope he's the real deal and a fast riser. But with his youth, I'd still bet on him opening 2017 in Cedar Rapids rather than Ft Myers, but a fan can dream. If I recall correctly, after he was drafted, wasn't necessarily compared to Kepler? Granted he played here in America and is almost certainly a more polished player at the same age, but physical ability, build, projections, the ability to play CF but probably a corner OF eventually, etc, I was certain I had read the comparison somewhere.

I think it's a pretty safe assumption that there is nobody in the Twins organization, or fan base, including us here at TD that WANTED to trade Dozier. It was simply the prudent thing to do...if possible...for the good of rebuilding the team. We may never know what was truly offered. And only time will show how good JDL turns out to be...or not. Did I think any kind of turnaround was going to take place in one year or one potentially big trade. No. Was I still hoping the trade would happen to create an even greater talent pool along with some excitement? Yes. But I am looking at the first couple of months on the job for the new FO, and the lack of this trade actually working out, as rather predictable. And right now, I'm OK with that. We're I in their shoes, taking over the running and retooling of an entire organization, MY initial idea would be to establish an organization-wide footprint that would include everything from scouting and evaluation of talent from the ML roster on down to the DL, the coaching staffs, the scouting department, all the way down to how the teams stretch before game time. And it stinks for us fans who want to see ACTION taking place. We don't get to see the blueprint/outline they have in mind or hear what is discussed in meetings. But laying this groundwork will, unfortunately, take time and not be very entertaining. But it's where this new leadership needs to start. And it could easily take the entire 2017 season to review, reflect and implement changes across the board, and behind the scenes, all the while evaluating Molitor, his coaches, the players on the field, and the hundreds of milb players trying to work their way up. So am I disappointed as a fan that something as exciting and interesting as the Dozier trade didn't happen? Yes. But I am also not surprised or disappointed...with what little information we truly have...that this big move didn't happen at this time as we all hoped it might. Not making a move because the move simply wasn't smart or fair IS making a move, as well as a statement. Patience may stink...but there is a new sheriff in town with his new deputy. And it will, unfortunately, take time to see how they run things. Just my 2 cents.

50 Brian Dozier's, of course. The velociraptors would eventually choke on hairballs.

Drew and Jackson were both on my blueprint list for 2017. Not sure Drew really fits unless Dozier is moved somewhere, but I like Jackson as a very use able 4th OF who can play more due to injury or someone spending time in Rochester. He and a backend bullpen arm would be my top 2 targets. Drew jumps back on my list quickly if a Dozier deal still happens.

I find it interesting that Vargas has hit better from the left side in his mlb career and have heard and read that before. Encourages me to think with more opportunity his performance may even out. I like what I saw from Park defensively last season. I am not Mauer bashing, but have to wonder about him being more that bench player as you mention.

There are two very obvious platoons that should come naturally for the Twins this season, 1B and catcher. Mauer needs to rest more and pretty much sit against LHP. Enter both Park and Vargas, each of whom can see time at DH as well. Depending on final roster construction, there can be room and AB for all three. Castro has some hitting, OB and power ability against RHP. He also needs to sit from time to time to rest just by the nature of his position. It doesn't take a genius of a manager to rest Castro by playing the RH portion of the catching duo against LHP, ideally, this would be Garver. Where the Twins could also find some match up advantages is to be able to sit Rosario and/or Kepler once in a while against RHP. Now, I certainly don't want to sit or platoon these talented young guys so early in their careers, but a day or two off here and there in favor of a RH hitting OF should be just natural roster management. But is Grossman that guy? And if you bring in another OF, which I'm in favor of BTW, you either eliminate Grossman...who has value...or one of the 1B. That's the one rub, no room for a 14 man player roster.

Seems like an impressive young man with a terrific work ethic. Really seems to know what it takes to make himself a better ballplayer. And what an off season of guys to work out with! Habe to love his "Mr. Larkin" address. I'm liking him more and more as a prospect.

I'm not trying to create some BS debate, but Duffey actually throws 4 pitches, depending on how you wish to interpret and view the point. He throws a 2 seam and 4 seam fastball at slightly different speeds and action, and 2 different curveballs, also at slightly different speeds, with one more of a bender and one with more of a slider action. And by his own admission, what hurt him last season was a lack of consistent FB command. I know that is putting a pretty fine arguement out there, but I think it's worth considering and remembering. Does that mean he should be a SP and can succeed as such? I'm not saying that. But he may be a much better option than what we feel now, based on his down 2016 campaign. No question a better change, true slider, split finger or whatever, could make him a more complete pitcher. But if nothing else, I think it helps accentuate how good of a RP and possible swing man he could be. In 1-4 IP, with his "4" pitches, he could be outstanding in the pen, with a possible uptick in FB velocity...pending regaining said questionable control in '16. We're I a betting man, I would lay money that Haley and Duffey both pitch effectively from the pen this season along with Chargois and Pressly. Who fills, or should fill, the remaining 3 slots is open to debate.

Forgetting the contract situation, I often wonder about his 2014 season. Was it an outlier at this point? Yes. But what we may never know now is if it would remain so. You have to remember he was a top prospect, and despite inconsistencies, he also showed very well for the Yankees at times. He was only 27-28 when the Twins signed him. A little older and wiser and a change if scenery very well could have jump started him. Unfortunately, with the injury we may never know. I've said all along he is a dark horse and shouldn't really be counted on. But healthy and regaining velocity, man, what a boost he could be.

Great article! Thanks! Despite not being a top pick, though 11th isn't all that late considering, I've been watching English since being drafted. What impresses me is his mental approach at the plate. From reading the past couple of articles, he really seems to unerstanding and embrace his role. I think that's huge for any player. It's just too bad he had the bad ankle this season. I know we talk about Granite a lot after this past season, and I take nothing away from him, but it seems that in the long run English may end up being the better player. I wasn't as high on Gordon when the Twins drafted him initially. I had nothing against him, there was a definite need for a top SS prospect, but the grading system, IMO, didn't offer up enough high marks for a player to be selected so high. But the overall ability and potential combined with intelligence and work ethic have me impressed and excited for his future. He may never hit for a ton of power or have the speed and SB ability of his brother, or be the flashiest of players, but he seems to possess the ability to be solid in all phases of the game. I see him sticking at SS and being very solid if not very good, and a potentially good #2 hitter, or top bottom of the order hitter at worst. Really impressed with 2016 and his AFL season, especially for his age.

Excellent post! This team has the financial flexability to still make some moves, and the need to do so. I believe Falvey and Levine have, and IMO rightly so, have been focusing on Dozier first and foremost while letting the smoke clear on the FA front. A Dozier move may lead to a Santana move, and would also lead to an infield move, etc. Meanwhile, keeping Dozier changes the complexion of the infield and probably retains Santana for now. Further, with smoke clearing and dust settling, there are still remaining FA targets that could help the 2017 Twins, cheaper and shorter contracts as we get closer to ST, and possible flip candidates there as well. I truly believe these guys have some good ideas in mind and you will see a few solid/interesting moves taking place over the next couple of weeks. Questionable rotation and nothing truly worth bringing in as an obvious upgrade? Short of a potential flyer/steal, make your bullpen deeper and bettter to keep games close and hold leads and keep games close. Worried about said rotation holding runs down? In addition to said bullpen move (s), add a quality RH 4th OF to augment depth and match ups with the LH Rosario and Kepler. Not in love with Park and Vargas, (and I've previously stated I'd like to see what they can do), sign that veteran power bat to augment the depth and scoring ability of my lineup. Once again, none of these moves has to be long term, and none of them block up and coming talent, unless you talk about Park and Vargas, and could be flip candidates. There are a lot of ways to build a roster. The market didn't open up for Dozier as hoped. Fine. It is what it is. So what can you do NOW to improve the Twins for 2017 and beyond? A lot of that will still remain more behind the scenes. But there are still real options on the field that can be addressed as well.

I absolutely agree with your post. And I'm not saying the Twins should or should not go after one of the remaining bats on the market. But it is an interesting idea. It's the one area where you could make a move/change to the everyday lineup since there are still question marks surrounding Vargas and Park and each has at least 1 option remaining. Personally, I think both still have potential and wouldn't be surprised to see a healthy Park hit .250-is, as he did for a while, and crank out 24-25 HR. If Mauer gets hurt again, could see real opportunity for both in the lineup. I know it's really easy to get down on the Twins rotation options, and it remains our biggest concern, and there is a sense of disappointment with no other top young candidate coming in AT THE MOMENT, but I actually hold out some hope that I don't believe is misguided. Hughes is a huge question mark, but if he could return to his former healthy self, even a couple months after the season began, it could be a real boon. Santana is solid. Santiago is nothing special and can be frustrating, but his career numbers are solid, and he closed out last year much better for us than when he arrived. A 2013-14 version of Gibson is also solid. I'm still high on Berrios and May as well. I feel Wheeler and Haley offer better depth options than the likes of Dean and Albers, at least marginally. Mejia and Gonsalves could make appearances by the second half of the year. It's a collection of 3-5 starters who occassionally pitch like a #2. You aren't going to build a contender with this bunch barring some real surprises. But it's a group that has potential, IMO, to be at least average while the young guys, including Berrios and May, gain experience and continue to move up. There are still tradesome possible at some point, as well as a potential FA signing next off season. So I maintain if a Dozier deal doesnt happen at this point, bring in a RP to deepen and improve the pen. Find that quality 4th OF you feel can really help and play. Work in some platoons and match ups where it makes sense. Make 2017 the best it can be, make the milb and organizational upgrades where you will, keep playing the young guys on a daily basis, promote aggressively the second half of the season, hold auditions and look to future trades and signings for the 2018 rotation while building that lineup and bullpen. This was never going to be fixed in one off season with one trade anyway.

Great post from Thrylos and I commend him for the detail and hard work that went in to it! And I get and appreciate his possible projections for Mauer were he able to focus more/better on pitches in certain zones and lay off the others. But I just don't believe this is feasible. I am not bashing Mauer and completely appreciate his past greatness and what he has meant to the organization. But the simple truth is Mauer IS aging, his recognition, contact and power HAVE regressed. And there always seems to be an injury or two that slow him or keep him out for a period of time. Used appropriately as a part time player, I think a .260-ish BA and .360-.370 OB are still possible for the next two seasons. With quality defense, he is still a functional, useful player and quality PH when not starting a game. Personally, when he does start a game, I'd bat him around the 6th or 7th spot to provide some OB options ahead of Rosario and our catching platoon.

Even were Dozier traded tomorrow, to the Dodgers or anyone else, (and it could still happen), the guys brought in are/were not going to change the team'should situation overnight. Keeping BD, at least for now, still gives the team another high quality position player on the roster. This is not a bad thing. Maybe a missed opportunity to add talent in another area, but not a bad thing. To paraphrase a different article here on TD a couple weeks ago, it changes the questions on the roster and what to do, but doesn't necessarily create more questions. There are different ways to build a team and improve on weaknesses. Falvey and Levine have first hand knowledge of this from their time in their previous organizations. A Dozier trade is still a real possibility. The FA SP class next season could and should be better than this year. The Twins DO have some quality young arms here and close. Predicting true future success for most any prospect is very difficult. To just flatly believe/state that none of these guys won't turn out to be very good is short sighted. I'm not saying the Twins shouldn't look for as many good, young, upside arms as possible. But we shouldn't just dismiss what is coming up and their potential, just as JDL from the Dodgers shouldn't automatically be thought of as a future #1-2 starter. The Twins and their new FO still have an opportunity to improve the 2017 Twins without passing out huge questionable deals or blocking anyone. A quality RH 4th OF to increase roster depth and lineup flexability and a quality RP to deepen the bullpen are two obvious ways of doing so. A big bat? I'm not opposed to this idea, and the new FO has no significant investment in Park or Vargas, but giving these guys a real shot may make more sense at this point. And yet, both guys have options still.... The biggest area of concern still remains the rotation, and I won't pretend that it's not. But if you have a weak area on your team, don't you try to also overcome said weakness by improving other areas to help compensate? And this is where I'm anxious and interested to see what Falvey and Levine do for the NOW.

SS was an issue whether we traded Dozier or not. Still is. But at this point, I really think the team should stay pat and see what a healthy Escobar and young Polanco can do. Except for maybe an OF move...not sure I see a big bat signing...I think position wise they are set. I fully expect to see a RP signing shortly. Not sure I can see anything out there to sign in the way of starting Pitching unless the new FO thinks there is a flyer type worth bringing in. And I think Santana will stick around until mid-season now, with no Dozier trade. But how many times has a trade fallen through and the player in question appears to be remaining with their team only to then suddenly be traded when all the rumors died?

I believe I stated early on when the FO took charge that other than a potential Dozier deal, what would take place this year was more behind the scenes actions than on the field moves. I still believe this to be true and in action. And I'm OK with this. Despite being experienced baseball men who surely have at least some feel and knowledge of the players and personnel in the Twins system, their knowledge still came at a distance and through second hand knowledge. What they have to do, and I believe are doing even now, is exams said players and personnel from top to bottom, as well as implementing their own various tweaks, changes, and staffing upgrades and moves. Honestly, it would be pretty short sighted for them, or any new management team, to immediately come in and hand out pink slips. The entire organization has to be examined and a new structure of doing things put in place. Do I believe they have made an honest attempt to move Dozier and gain assets? Yes. It appears, for now, the return simply hasn't been there. We talk about the Twins past office never selling high on players. Just as egregious can be forcing your hand to sell low. I don't believe the book is closed on trading off Dozier now, or in the future. Nor do I believe they are done making moves to enhance the club. I would be very surprised if we don't see a few more moves or signings before ST starts. But clearly, this was the first major domino to fall...or not fall...before moving forward in whatever capacity they see fit. I will not judge them because in the first few months they began to install a culture and way of doing things and did not immediately blow up the franchise.

Garver*

If Park could hit .250 with 25 HR and 28-32 doubles it would be huge. But agree Vargas is talented enough and has shown enough he needs and deserves an extended opportunity. Is there room for both on the roster and Mauer? Yes, but it shorts the OF to just 4 guys. Man do I hope Graver gets a fair shot.

Based on potential and the overall athleticism we hear so much about, I find him to be one of the more excitjng and interesting prospects in the Twins lower levels. I know he's a few years away, but I have to wonder if he is the next in line for 3B, possibly allowing Sano to eventually move to 1B.

I think we all love playing amateur GM. I know I do! LOL The whole point of this is not what moves could the Twins make to be a contending team. That would take some serious lightening! And it's not just about working on the rebuild. It's also about this upcoming season, team needs, and what makes the Twins, overall, a better team to be more competitive and win more games. And that's not just about appeasing us fans or putting butts in the seats. It's about a rebuilding team also learning how to win. You don't want to simply sign mediocre veterans for a few games of improvement. And you don't want to just say, "this guy has talent and potential so we'll just promote him and see if he sinks or swims." There has to be a balance. Do the Twins have a legitimate need for a solid, quality 4th OF? Yes. Does signing one block Granite or Palka? No. Granite has no time above AA and Palka less than half a season. What's smarter, let them play every day for now at AAA or throw them to the ML wolves and spend most of their time on the bench? If Dozier is traded, do the Twins have a need for another solid, quality option in the infield? Yes. Is Gordon ready? No. Despite a great glove and a bit of hitting potential and speed, (remembering he did suffer through a few nagging injuries this past season), mean Vielma is ready to jump from AA? I don't see how. Does signing someone to a 1 or 2 year deal really affect Gordon's or Vielma's arrival or block them? No. Do the Twins have a closer option they can count on to deepen the bullpen and actually help close out and win games? No. Is winning games a good thing? Yes. Despite talent and real potential, are Burdi, Hildenberger, Reed and Melotakis really ready to jump from AA to the majors right now? The whole point is, simply, there are real options out there to actually fill holes, improve the team, get more wins, without really blocking anyone or getting hung up on big or long term contracts. And isn't what we all want a better, more competitive team with more wins?

Once again, I am not saying don't trade Dozier. And there is no way you can look at the Twins rotation for 2017 and not say it's got a ton of question marks involved. And in no way am I saying it will be a good rotation. But, assuming Dozier is kept as there just isn't a fair trade on the table, the rotation has one major question mark; Hughes. I'm at a loss that we haven't heard more about his offseason progress. Whether it be to open the season, or a month in, etc, a healthy Hughes shores up the potential of the unit quite a bit. Not saying he's a #1, but he often pitched like it in 2014. He was still pretty solid in 2015, though we seem to know now that some of his dip in ability may have been related to his developing injury. Hughes, Santana, an OK Santiago and a rebound by Gibson is not terrible. You still have the young May and Berrios to work with, and Mejia and Gonsalves at AAA that may be ready at some point. There are some "if's" there, to be sure, with Hughes being the biggest. Keeping or selling Dozier does nothing, unto itself, to address SS. Keeping him, however, does provide the team with a big bat and quality offense. The rotation could be addressed further down the line, mid-season via trades or call ups, etc, and next offseason. Not a perfect formula, but not sure there is such a thing as a perfect formula.

SS: This could still be solid with a healthy Escobar manning the position full time and reverting back to his 2014-15 form. There is no guarantee he will, but no reason to believe he can't or won't either. But you need SOMEONE to compete, at the very least, and fill the need for a backup position, again, at the very least. Did Drew sign with anyone yet? I confess to not paying enough attention to signings lately. He would be a perfect fit to challenge and rotate in at both 2B and SS with Escobar seeing some time at 3B as well. Akbar would also be an excellent choice. Late Inning Set Up: How about potential closer? The Storen deal almost makes me ill that it wasn't us. Feliz has been my first choice, however. And I'd gladly do a couple years for him. Once again, he could be a flip candidate, OR, still only 28 a longerror term option. Building a solid bullpen is a GOOD IDEA and helps the team actually win games and helps mitigate questions in the rotation...at least to some degree. Having someone...and there are indeed other options available still...to close games allows Chargois and Pressly to set up, at least initially. Duffey could fit a number of solid roles here if he doesn't step up as a SP option. And there are others. The entire bullpen gets deeper and stronger by bumping everyone down one notch. Left Handed Reliever: I agree this isn't a NEED spot as Rogers was solid, and should get better. Except for a couple appearances before getting hurt, Boshers was actually very effective and did a great job with SO. (I think some don't like him because of his pedigree from independent ball and the bad games, and not because of his solid results) O'Rourke has a shot if used properly. But I would still absolutely love the FO to find another Akbar, someone coming off injury, or a failed SP prospect to convert. Once again, we could be talking a flip candidate or longer term candidate depending on who and what age. Outfielder: Please! He doesn't even have to be a true CF option with Rosario able to play there. (Though it would be nice) Give me a quality RH bat to give Rosario and/or Kepler a day off against LH pitching and play solid defense. There IS a spot for Grossman here as a 5th OF who can DH PH and occassionally play the OF. Starting Pitching: Other than a move for Ross, or a cheap flyer I can't even think of right now, no more mediocre veteran signings. Assuming a Dozier deal takes place, run with what we have and see what develops. And infielder, potential closer and 4th OF. Get them now! They won't block anyone long term in any way and are a real need to help this team. And there ARE options out there. But please don't ignore the LHRP option.