DocBauer

Love to sign a veteran on a 1 year deal. (Maybe with a 2nd year option) But when I look at potential FA next year, I'm just not encouraged. If my scouts believe in even one guy, I try to get him. Otherwise, I'm looking for another Hicks out there with some ability, but available, and I roll with him, Centeno and Murphy with Garver a bit of a dark horse candidate initially, only due to his lack of AAA time. I go with those 4, 2 at the ML level and 2 in AAA and swap out as necessary. I'm not sinking a big cost in to a veteran on a rebuilding team.

Kintzler is kind of interesting to me. I've thought it might be a good idea to sign 1 veteran guy for the back end of the bullpen. Maybe someone like Hawkins was, looking for that final year before hanging it up. Said veteran wouldn't cost a lot, could be flipped at some point, and would let you ease Chargois or Pressly or someone in to a close role. But with the way he's pitched, I'm almost tempted to bring Kintzler back for another year to fill that role.

On the surface, the move for Park wasn't a bad one. On the surface. It's always good to add quality ballplayers to your roster. Better too many than too few. And really, coming in to the season, we weren't sure what Mauer would do. We weren't sure about Arcia. We weren't sure what to expect from Vargas. And if Park was hitting at least .250 with an OK OB and on pace to slug 30+ doubles and 20+ homers, we'd all be on his fan bandwagon. But all that being said, and despite applauding the Twins for thinking outside the box for once, it was a short-sighted move for a team with holes elsewhere. Vargas is young and has good power and a good eye. Even if you dismiss 2014 and 2015 as cancelling one another out, go look at his milb track record. Solid numbers, high OPS, consistent advancement. He should be applauded for the hard work he's put in at the plate and at 1B. He should not be dismissed. Frankly, I'm excited about him. With a little more time and work, and maybe losing a couple pounds, Sano has the reactions and arm to be at least decent at 3B. You can go down through the years and examine 3B after 3B and you will see struggles defensively while they settled in. (Same for SS and 2B) And let's not forget sticking him in OF, announcing he's not going to play 3B, and then putting him back there again. You MUST give him time. I've always rooted for Plouffe, and he's a solid ballplayer when healthy. The real tragedy for the Twins was him being hurt so much this season to decrease his value. Maybe, hopefully, he can still be moved via a wire trade to someone with a need. But really, he should be done after this season with the Twins. To me, the big crunch is 1B/DH. What if Park starts to get it together? Is there room for he, Mauer and Vargas in 2017? Two in the lineup most days, one on the bench in reserve. But that would force you to carry only one utility guy. Not sure I'm crazy about that.

He may indeed work on some mechanical issues while he is down. But if nothing else, just getting in a groove could also go a long way, simply to rebuild some confidence. I think there a good chance at this point that he's pressing.

While it's off the topic somewhat, I also love Polanco hitting up top and Dozier sliding down to an RBI slot. I disagree with an earlier statement, can't remember now who said it, that this next wave is not nearly the caliber or excitement of the most recent wave of prospects. It's just different. We heard so much about Buxton, Sano, Kepler and Rosario and all their potential and big numbers previously. But this next round/wave is filled with rotation and bullpen arms. I have been a Gonsalves fan since day one and he's starting to look like everything we could have hoped for. Also excited for Palka. I know he strikes out more than you'd like, but he does hit, hit for power, and he still takes a fair share of walks as well. The third guy I'm excited about is Garver. He and Turner were the top two for the Johnny Bench top college catcher award coming out of college. He guns down runners. While still maybe a work in progress, I've heard nothing but positives about his ability and work behind the plate. And he flat out looks like a better than average offensive catcher. My only concern is how much time he's had to share at catcher with Turner vs playing almost daily there.

What excites me the most is that this above .500 record, (as of now) and offensive production is that it's without Plouffe, has continued without Nunez, and I believe other than Mauer and Suzuki, everyone is 28 or younger. Kepler is a rookie. Polanco is a rookie.(SSS but he's hitting and talented and getting to play) Buxton, Rosario, Sano and Vargas are all talented, contributing, and barely past rookie status themselves. The best is yet to come for these guys! A glass is half empty fan won't like this, reflecting on an overall disappointing season, but when you look at this roster, position player wise, you can almost set next year's roster already. The OF is set, and old man Grossman, at 26, is a solid 4th OF/DH. Sano, Escobar, Dozier and Polanco in the INF with a combination of Mauer/Vargas/Park at 1Bb/DH. Perhaps room for all three. Catcher is the only real question mark. And how much better will this lineup look like with Sano and Buxton getting on track? I believe Buxton is a real key to 2017 and beyond. He is just so young, and has been pushed quicker than the Twins would have preferred, by their own admission. But even without realizing his full potential immediately, how good does the batting order stack up if he could just hit in the .270 range with an OB around .340 with power and speed at the top of the lineup? He's certainly capable of much more than that, and will probably get there. But a legitimate, decent top of the order hitter let's Dozier drop and sets up something like the following: 1} Buxton 2} Mauer-Escobar/Polanco/Grossman 3} Kepler 4} Sano 5} Dozier 6/7/sometimes 8} Vargas/Park/Rosario 8/9} Escobar/catcher

I remember reading about Gonsalves before the draft and wishing the Twins would pick him up. Stunned and happily surprised when they did so. Always thought he was a steal since the day the got him. I agree he should stick at AA for now. There's just no need to rush him at this point. He's a young and outstanding prospect. Natural progression at this point. But I think this kid is the real deal, just given a little more time and fine tuning.

I had to weigh in here. First and foremost, we can only evaluate the trade for what it is NOW, not what a healthy and more consistent Meyer could be. And really, we're talking about the players involved and what they bring to their teams. Let the money be a wash and just look at player value. Santiago may be nothing special, but he absolutely is an upgrade over Nolasco, and not just because he's Yeats younger and LH. Levi brought up some numbers a page or so ago that testifies to Santiago being a better, more productive SP the past few years. In the recent TD blog, "Hector Housing Santiago", there is further detailed information how Santiago is much better than Nolasco with runners on base, and runners in scoring position. This is absolutely a win for the Twins, and I doubt they let Santiago walk after this season unless he implodes or just doesn't fit in with the team. And while I may get hammered for this, and am not a Meyer hater in any form, I think the arguement could be made that if Meyer becomes anything but a stud SP or closer in the next season or two, anything he does could be offset by other pitchers currently in the Twins system. Again, anything other than being a stud in either role, the Twins have a plethora of strong bullpen arms arriving soon to pick and choose from. And within the next couple of seasons, guys like Jay, Gonsalves, Stewart and a couple others will be pushing hard for a rotation spot.

I've always thought he would be a legitimate 20 HR threat just based on tools, size, etc. (still believe Rosario may as well) It was really only a matter of time and continued experience and development, as it is for most young hitters. I've thought for a while now that he would be the Twins next great #3 hitter, I just didn't expect it to be this soon. But I think Molitor has him hitting where he should be going forward. Man, Kepler, Rosario and Buxton even beginning to scratch the surface of his talent, and you have a 1,3 and probably 7 hitter that are all young and dangerous.

I thought it was a huge upgrade just looking at surface stats the past few seasons, plus being younger and a lefty. But the numbers here make me feel even better about the deal. Our rotation for 2017 is nowhere near elite, but I honestly like it better than this season and see some potential there.

If I'm not mistaken, Hildenberger does not have to be added to the 40 man this offseason. That helps save a spot, temporarily at least, for another prospect to be protected. But it's kind of hard to not think he's deserving of at least a September call up. Unfortunately, there is a numbers game involved, and unless the Twins truly believe he's ready NOW, I don't think we'Lloyd see him until sometime next year in order to look at and protect others.

Indeed. I'm not saying the guy is all that, but I looked at his numbers the past 4 seasons, and other than higher BB rates than you'd like, his numbers are solid across the board. Not sure why some don't like him or think he and Nolasco are some kind of wash.

Vielma playing SS and providing some speed and a little hitting at the bottom of the order sounds good to me. (Though I think it's a little early to see him breaking camp with the 20q7 version of the Twins) But I dislike the idea of him hitting there with Buxton. If Buxton progresses enough to just begin reaching his vast potential, he provides a HUGE boost to the Twins at the top of the order.

I don't think the money part matters straight up. The money was spent either way. But they did get a LH, younger starter that is probably a better pitcher. Financially, they can choose to keep him, flip him, or not ender him to save money in the long run if they wish.

Nice article. Nice to share a little sunshine amongst so much doom and gloom of the past few months. And I dont believe the trading is done. I still feel Suzuki is needed by someone out there and he will be on the move. I'm not sure Milone survives the season as there are options the team needs to look at still. Kinzler is a question mark. I still think someone out there makes a move for him that needs bullpen help. But then again, retaining him on the cheap isn't so awful really. (Other than needing his roster space) Look, I'm not going to pretend all is coming up roses in Twinsville. But at this point, after such an interesting and fun day, I think we should take a step back and take a long hard look at some things that are/have been taking place as of late. 1} Ryan is out. It was simply time. And no matter who ends up sitting in the big chair when the dust settles, change is begining at the top. Ownership has, more or less, publicly proclaimed it wants change and is looking at the entire system and Twins structure. 2} The Twins have been performing like a fairly decent baseball team the past 30 days or so. And while there are warts, and question marks, some players to still move on from and nobody is claiming this team is ready for a playoff run, a lot of what's been helping this team along is a shift to young talent finding it's way. 3} There is even more young talent on the way. And if you remove the "Meyer question"...will he or won't he ever turn out, for someone else now...we have added better pieces than we subtracted and added to our talent pool while creating more flexibility. Look at our OF: Rosario, Buxton and Kepler with Grossman as a solid reserve. Palka and Granite could be nice pieces in the near future. I loved Kepler hitting 3rd in tonight's lineup and believe that is his future spot. Could it be now? Buxton is only scratching the surface of what he can become. Imagine next year's lineup if he scratches a little deeper and could actually hit at the top of the lineup? Infield: Sano is a stud. Yeah, yeah...a little sophomore backtracking, but it happens. It's also been a weird year for him. He's super talented and will be fine. Relax on the defensive part of his game. The talent is there. But give him some time. Polanco is very exciting as well. And he's finally up and getting a chance. Dozier is still good. Vargas looks very different, SSS for 2016 or not. Pitching: I know our best rotational talent is in AA still. But right now, we have the solid veteran Santana, a now healthy Gibson pitching well (and still young), Berrios has tons of upside and is finally here, probably for good. Santiago is, IMO, a much better and younger replacement for Nolasco. Mejia looks like a nice addition. We haven't seen Wheeler yet, though we should. May could and should get another rotational look, and Duffey shows potential in his roughly 27 ML starts, despite some inconsistencies. I'm sorry, but I like that list better than anyone named Nolasco or Milone. The bullpen has some interesting parts emerging with Rogers, Tonkin and Pressly establishing themselves. And in both AAA and double AA there are some really nice bullpen arms either knocking on the door, or threatening to kick it open. And we've just added at least one more intriguing option there. I'm actually getting excited again! Now, if we could just find someone to hold down catcher until Garver is ready......

I also have to say, I don't think the Twins are done yet. I believe Kinzler and Suzuki can and will still be dealt over the next week or so. Unsure about Milone, but it could happen. Plouffe is a different story. Hurthey so much of the season, even healthy after a rehab assignment, I'm not sure there's enough season left to show he's ready to contribute to anyone to make a trade worthwhile for anyone.

I have to confess, I don't like losing Meyer. I love his potential and believe he may yet be a late-blooming, high quality pitcher. And I will continue to root for the guy. And no, I don't always think the Twins have handled him properly. But I have to say, while encouraged by his first 3 appearances this season, and very hopeful, a bit of the shine I saw on Meyer has worn off. It's possible the way the Twins handled him earlier this year could have contributed, though I don't know we can say with any firm conclusion that was a contributing factor. It may just be his size, length and motion are simply not conducive to long term health or success. But if I'm an Angels fan, I have to be happy my team got him. But losing Nolasco, and gaining Santiago, younger and LH, was a definately a win. Just looking at that part of the equation, the Twins pulled out a win. He may be nothing special, but he's solid. He gets some SO. He's controllable for another year, and could also be another flip candidate. And, oh yeah, younger and LH! (Bears repeating). Overall, his numbers are better than Nolasco the past couple of years. Add in another strong bullpen candidate and another OK pen option, and I think the Twins did well. And as has been pointed out, these past couple of moves probably keep the Twins from overpaying for another run of the mill veteran FA SP next year. And that also is a good thing.

Berrios may or may not set the world on fire initially, but he's very talented, and is ready for prime time now. And the next two months will help him get ready for 2017. I also see Santana and Gibson as givens. And I dont think that's all that bad of a threesome to start with. No ACE, no world beaters, but a solid start. After that? May should absolutely be stretched out again. He was showing some real ability and improvement last season, and would probably be that much better already if allowed to remain a starter, something he has been his entire career previously. And he was good enough to be considered a pretty highly regarded prospects as such. I'm fairly excited about Mejia, and it looks like we may have picked up a bit of a steal there. And I've been reading about his rankings and his improvements. But I think half a season of AAA should temper expectations a bit. Still, he has a shot in '17, even if it's not out of the gate. I'd really like to see what Wheeler has going for him. If you go through his milb numbers, you will see an excellent debut in 2012 at Beloit, followed by a very solid 2014 in Ft Myers and then an even better, fast tracked 2014 split between FTM and AA before a final start in Rochester. For whatever reason, the wheels came off in 2015, but he's been borderline dominant for Rochester this season. He deserves a shot at this point. I still like Duffey. Yes he's been up and down this season, but we've seen what he is capable of, and he has all of 27 ML starts at this point. Meyer still has talent, and a shot. The 2017 rotation has a chance to be respectable, and mostly young. Though it's true our best arms are in AA right now and not yet ready. But other than a flyer on someone as a bounce-back flyer, I don't want to see the Twins invest in any more veteran FA starters.

Gonsalves at AA: 4-1 .279 ERA 38.2IP 28 hits 22BB 47SO .204BA against 1.29WHIP I hate to put the cart before the horse, but if he maintains this through August, are we talking AAA to start 2017?

Agree on Hughes. This is not some simple, minor procedure. He could be done, he could eventually come back strong as ever. But like perkins, (an even worse scenario), you simply can't and don't count on him for next season. At all. And as previously stated, he may come back in the pen to begin with. Right now, Nolasco and Milone out of the picture one way or another, you look at 2017 with Santana, Gibson and Berrios as your "givens" to build your rotation. Someone new in charge who is not short-sighted would see the value in May back in the rotation: multi-pitch mix, young, Bullish workhorse on the mound previously, milb success in that role, and with flashes and improvement in 2015 before the pen move. That leaves Duffey, Wheeler and Mejia as your remaining probables. Meyer can still be in that mix as well if he gets back on the mound in August. The new GM would probably take a low risk flyer on a FA/waiver for AAAA depth.

Not being critical at all. And you're right that anyone moving to the NL has an easier time and would see their numbers lower. Nolasco, on even a little bit, can eat some innings and help fill someone's last spot or two. I suggest the NL as being logical since the teams there are more familiar with Nolasco, and he's spent his entire career there other than the Twins. It seems a natural fit to me for someone.

I still like Rosario and his potential. But let's say we can and do move him. We can even assume, for a moment, that the Twins would even consider Mauer in the OF. That's still a short term answer. (Though I like making room for both Vargas and Park) What do you see as the long term solution? Is it the powerful Palka? Or maybe the hit/contact/speed of Granite?

I still feel there is a NL team out there that may bite on Nolasco. I disagree that Milone doesn't have at least a slight possibility of being traded, though it probably won't be until August gets here. Yes he was passed over on waivers earlier in the year, but he's pitched better since his recall, as he did last year. Thereturn would probably be very small, but he's experiencdd, left handed and breathing. He could probably help someone on the back end. Hope Abad and Kinzler both go. But I'm still in favor of keeping Santana for next season. Or at least, until the off season and our new GM takes a look at the team and market and makes a decision otherwise. (Same with Dozier)

very interesting. Like others, I like Rosario and would have a hard time moving him. Nice return, but I feel he has a bright future and I wouldn't move him until I know more about Palma and Granite. I do like Mauer in the OF, even just part time for flexibility. Might allow room for Park AND Vargas both.

going to miss Nunez. I think this is a solid return though. Possibly a steal. The more young, live arms you have, the better your chances of a couple of them really sticking. Nice move!