DocBauer

Great post! Right there with you!

Despite an apparent "glut" of quality 2B in the league right now, a high quality player is still a high quality player. And Dozier is that. Plus, even if such glut exists, that doesn't mean those players are actually available. So even if Urias is off the table, it doesn't mean you have to settle for the 3rd or 4th pitching prospect available. You turn to other offers at that point. I'm OK with Puig as a lottery ticket in the deal as a sort of "buy back" from the Dodgers to make the deal happen, if necessary. But IMO, he'd be, at best, the 3rd piece in this trade to just help the Dodgers out, and maybe entice them to sweeten the pot overall.

Personally, I have a couple thoughts on Stewart. The second..reverse order i know...is that he just may not be what we hoped and what scouts envisioned when he was drafted. Highschool pitchers are the most tantalizing prospects available, and the ones with the biggest question marks surrounding them. One is that I'm actually higher on him now than I was a year ago at this time. His work at high A last season was very encouraging, and even while his numbers at AA weren't as good, he wasn't bad, and still showed potential and "weak contact" projectability. And I believe Seth stated once he only faced one or two batters in his AA time that were actually younger than him. He hasn't astounded anyone, or put up amazing numbers, but he has shown flashes and growth. My option is he is still learning how to be a PITCHER and not a thrower. He didn't concentrate on baseball until he signed with the Twins. He's also had a few mild injuries that have slowed him a bit. I read that the velocity and the "stuff" is there, despite limited K numbers, etc. He's still quite young. And from what is whispered here and there but not really said out loud, I think there is a maturity issue with him, IMO. I am not saying not to include him in a deal, but my suspicion is that if he just grows up a little more, and can embrace learning, that he could very well be "late" bloomer who turns out to be a fine pitcher. "Late" meaning 24 or 25 when we hoped for 22-23. On a side note, I see you are also from the Big Red state and here in Omaha! Didn't catch it until today.

DodgersDodgersDodgersDogers....every single indication seems to indicate this is the best match for BOTH teams. Not saying not to play it up or look around, but this is anot almost perfect fit. BOTH teams have to give up what they don't really want to, but are better off in the end because of it. Puig is NOT a part of this package up front. He is a talented, potential lottery ticket who is a problem and headache in LA, and may be a problem here, but someone who the Twins could take back as the 3rd or 4th player in a deal, to rid LA of a problem at a reasonable salary, who could possibly find fit and freedom and fun again in Minnesota. It's an interesting idea, and I like it. But I absolutely balk if he's any sort of #2 piece in this trade situation.

Do you work for Google? LOL

Ugh! This one just killed me! On a 103 loss team you felt you had to audition an OK defensive journeyman who is a AAAA player with limited bat for what reason? So you could consider him as a viable 4th OF candidate on your young and rebuilding 2017 team? Again with a massive UGH! You didn't even have to promote anyone else, just let other guys on the roster play and see if they could show something. Sheesh! And this team could easily afford to go out and sign one of a few potential solid 4th OF types. (Doc bangs head against wall)

Personally, full seasons next year from Rosario, Buxton and Kepler have me believing our OF will be good to excellent. Now go find a quality, versatile 4th OF in the market somewhere. Mauer, Park, Vargas is fine at 1B. I have every confidence in Polanco being solid and becoming good at 2B. Sano may not be good at 3B in 2017, but he will be OK and continue to get better. Better cknditionjng, more work, and being allowed to play the spot daily and concentrate on it will all help him improve. I do question SS. I like what we saw of Escobar in 2014 and 2015 with both glove and bat. Injuries and inconsistent playing time hurt him last season. Now, IF he is THE GUY there, and it's possible he could be, can he do it over a full season? We need another solid utility guy brought on board. I'm sorry, I find Vielma exciting and interesting, and I'm even more excited about Goodrum as a really nice and versatile utility guy. But I think it's just naive to expect either to jump to the ML level and perform at this time. We either need another nice option to spell people...I mentioned Drew in my blueprint...or we need to find a real, everyday defensive SS and let Escobar be that really nice utility guy. Either way, we need another infielder, even short term, with Dozier moving on. Some combination of Castro, Murphy and Garver will give us better all around catching than we'very had in some time. Needs: quality 4th OF and another infield option.

Just off the cuff my answer would be yes. I know wins and ERA don't tell the entire story, but Santiago actually has some quality ML experience and some decent numbers, far superior to Dean or Albers. Is he a long term solution? I would say absolutely not. But we don't know about Hughes at this point. I think the world of Berrios and his potential as well as his future, but he's still young and getting his feet on the ground. I feel good about a HEALTHY May. But we don't know for sure if Santana will be kept, or traded now or during the season. Same for Dozier. Mejia isn't probably ready just yet, nor is Gonsalves. Our other prospects will be in AA and AAA to begin the season. We need starters for now, options, and during ST, or before depending in trades, or during the season someone like Santiago may be moveable.

Kintzler is the only question mark for me. I've been advocating signing one of a few bounce back potential closer options and still believe it's a good idea; shores up the pen, buys time for the prospects, helps the Twins actually win the games theyou can, may be flippable, etc. I don't think you need/keep Kintzler if this is the case. But then again, doubt this happens quickly enough. Escobar is a yes, He showed what he is/may be capable of in 2014-15 and could be a solid everyday SS for now, or a high quality utility guy. Pressly showed me enough to believe he will be solid if not overworked. Also a pair of yes's to Gibson and Santiago. Unless/until a Dozier trade we need the arms and we can afford them. Gibson's previous two seasons were solid. I know Santiago pitched lousy when he first came over, and is no savior, but his previous three seasons were solid with an all star appearance mixed in. For now, at least, we need arms. There can be trades made later if we, gulp, actually find ourselves with depth via Hughes, May, Berrios, traded for TBD, etc.

I would like more uniformity between all the umpires and their zones/calls. But I'd also like more uniformity in football regarding pass interference calls and the such. But I also don't want a computer making that kind of determination or even a guy in the booth playing big brother and overseeing every single play either. (Except as replay dictates) I still want and enjoy the human element. Sports is played by humans with rousing success and utter disappointment both. I believe humans should control the game as well. But it's also inexcusable in today's world of information sharing and technology for MLB and other sports not to review and instruct and preach as much uniformity as possible.

Great first move! I hope there is more to come. Not going to sort out the rotation this way, but a bullpen arm, a quality 4th OF and an infielder after the expected Cozier trade are on my list.

Agree with your sentiment here. But I'm going to take the opposite stance. Yes the team is rebuilding. And yes we have a number of really nice looking arms that are ready/close and need to be looked at. But I still believe the Twins can be a better, more competitive team, without necessarily blocking anyone, but upgrading where they can, including the bullpen. In my blueprint for 2017, and in other threads, I've argued for a couple bullpen arms to be brought in. And remember, typically there are 7 spots to fill here, and I'm not sure it's prudent to just open the door and have a bumrush of prospects filling out said spots. There are a couple really interesting bounce back closer options out there that could settle the back end of the bullpen, at least for a time, and could be flipped later, OR, re-signed as they are young enough to keep around. Wouldn't we all like to see the young, rebuilding Twins actually win games they are in? How about a LHRP on the rebound, or a failed SP being converted to join Rogers from the port side? Let's say you sign said closer and a lefty to team with Rogers, Chargois and Pressly. Let's put Duffey in the pen as well. That's still a young group, especially for a bullpen, IMO. You still have a last spot for the last man standing coming out of ST. Guys like Hildenberger, Jones, Burdi, Reed and Melotakis are still coming out of AA. You improve the pen, you may have a flip candidate or two, nobody has to be rushed straight from AA so they get at least some AAA exposure, and injuries and ineffectiveness always happen. I think there'should room here to make said moves without breaking the bank or holding anyone back. Sorry...got a little off topic here.

Castro as a LH hitter vs RH pitching: .247 career BA/ .328 OB%/ .424 SLG%/ .753 SLG%/ .310 BABIP I believe someone posted these earlier, but I wanted to look them up again myself and repost. I hate stating the obvious, but the majority of pitchers Castro or anyone will face are RH. I don't have a breakdown comparison vs league average...maybe someone else does or would take the time to look it up...but those are quality numbers any way you slice it for a catcher. Yes, his numbers are pretty awful against LH pitching, Butera like since he's been brought up, but not only is the catcher position still a defense first one, but his platoon partner, Murphy or Garver, each hit RH so difficiencies in this area can easily be mitigated by simply being half way intelligent with your platoon days. I am not overly informed on pitch framing, but have become more educated with the more I read, mostly right here at TD. And I dont put complete faith in today's advanced metrics because it's still a game actually played on the field, by human beings who still have to perform, and it's not a role playing game where you just roll dice and hope you hit your percentage mark. Nor do I believe for a second that stealing a couple strikes a game guarantees any sort of overwhelming game or season winning effect. But I do believe it does have an effect, especially WHEN that extra strike or two a game is called. Imagine runners in scoring position, or the bases full, and that really close pitch "stolen" leads to strike 2 or even a punch out to end an inning. What if the batter hits defensively with a 2 strike count and only hits a weak single scoring a single run instead of a double or HR? I still believe calling a good game, working well with a staff, and providing a nice, comfortable target for the pitcher is most important of all a catchers responsibilities. And I can't tell you how good Castro really is at these things at the end of the day. But surely framing pitches well, bringing experience and a new perspective to the team, the staff, and our young catchers, while still possessing a solid bat has to help a team that has really struggled the past few years. Castro is by no means a stud or savior. But he qualifies as an upgrade to me, a step in the right direction. And at worst, he provides a solid, veteran presence until someone else proves themselves worthy and ready to take over.

I swear I posted earlier but I guess it didn't take. No matter. I like this move a ton. But I admit I'm shocked. I just didn't see it happening, or so quickly, and frankly, as rumors flew, I thought it would take more than $8M per. In my blueprint, I talked about Castro. I just honestly didn't think it would happen, so I quickly moved on to other ideas/options. Look, Castro is not a savior for the team as a whole, or the pitching staff as a unit. But a catcher who can call a game, throw decently, steal some strikes, etc, is a real quality get for this team. The fact that he bats LH and does well against RH pitching is a huge bonus. A catcher can't play every day. Murphy and Garver provide an interesting back up/platoon scenario that can work really well if the manager just approaches it logically. Now, another infielder when Dozier is traded, one bullpen piece, and a competent 4th OF piece and I'm really encouraged. First step done!

Patience is important, and no two prospects develop exactly the same. Which is part of the reason I get frustrated, and almost laugh at times, when I read things about how Buxton, Berrios, etc, should be moved or given up on already. The truth is, we as fans need a different kind of patience than was required the past few 90+ loss seasons. Before, we were impatient with injuries, poor trades or not making flip trades, poor to mediocre FA choices or no FA choices, etc, while eagerly awaiting the arrival of a wave of talented prospects. NOW, we have a new FO in place and we already here about some changes and expansions they want to make. But it won't all happen overnight. Further, with young talent in place, and more coming, this different form of patience must be exercised. At least now, it feels as though there is a new and hopefully forward moving plan taking shape.

What I think we just don't know for sure is whether the back issues were directly caused by his being in the pen. He was effective there in 2015. But he was also showing signs of turning in to a solid SP that year before the bullpen move. For a team so much in need for starters, and so many interesting bullpen arms close to contributing, how can you not let May do what he has always done before and start? He was a quality SP in the minors, which us why he was acquired in the first place. His BB went down in '15 and a partial season in the rotation isn't enough to make any final judgments.

I get not protecting Turner. He still has some potential as a hitter...some power, doesn't completely stink as a hitter, makes some contact, reportedly works counts, etc...but even playing a premium position, I doubt another team drafts him or stashes him all season.

Not sure I have THE answer, but my answer would be two fold: 1* As Seth stated, you need guys on the roster you can delete via trades and FA signings, and you can't delete guys just added. 2* The Twins still need to field a competent team next season. Arguements could be made against keeping D Santana, but Boshers actually pitched pretty well when healthy, and O'Rourke has been solid when used right. Grossman has a useful bat. Of course, a month from now, this could all be a moot point anyway.

Always been a Plouffe fan and supporter. I liked him as a Twin. But for all involved it really was the right move. I wish him the very best.

I have to say, I like the Van Slyke addition in this deal. I've advocated a solid 4th OF for some time, and you're right Seth, he doesn't have to be a CF type. He needs to be someone who can hit LH pitching, and be good enough to start for stretches. I mentioned a few in my blueprint, but hadn't considered someone in a trade scenario like this. I like it. Still having a tough time on Vielma jumping straight from AA at this time.

In theory, this is all a very good idea. But IMO, I'm not sure it fits where the Twins are now as an organization. To sign an OF or SP in hopes of catching some lightening and making a flip sounds like a good idea. But you also have to play and start those players enough to build that value. Now it's impossible to predict how good some of the Twins young players will turn out to be ultimately, or even how good they will be in 2017, but do you really sit one of our talented OF or a rotation candidate like May or Berrios hoping for a successful flip candidate? Just not the direction I'd go, or think the Twins should go at this time. I'm more interested in a few solid guys to augment holes on the roster...quality 4th OF and another quality infielder with Dozier traded...who could be potentially smaller scale but solid flips. Similar to Abad this season. Where I DO like the idea is a closer, and Feliz is probably my first choice, and maybe a LHRP on the rebound, or a failed SP being converted.

A solid blueprint Seth. Not much different than mine, but with a name change or two. I'd be fine with Castro, but a 4th year would shut that idea down, IMO, and I think he'll have multiple suitors. Not sure I buy Vielma at this point. I still think a FA or smaller trade for a SS/utility guy is in order here. I'm not in a hurry to trade Santana either, and have no problem starting the season with him. I also don't think Santiago is bad at all. I think he just got off on the wrong foot (arm?) with the Twins last season. But with an arm for Dozier, if not two, and May, Berrios and Gibson, I'm not sure it's necessary or prudent to keep both Santana and Santiago. And as someone else asked, where's Duffey?

The more I see, hear and read about Garver, the more I like and believe in him. I've been saying for a while now that I'm not sure the Twins best move wouldn't be to sign the very best AAAA level catcher they could find, preferably who hits LH, maybe someone either squeezed out elsewhere or has disappointed somewhat, and just roll with what we have. I'm not saying don't sign Castro, or that I wouldn't be happy to have him, or that he couldn't help the staff as well as impart knowledge and experience to Garver/Murphy. But would the team simply be better going the direction of youth? Or maybe a 1 year deal on someone like Avila? I understand his limitations, but he could provide knowledge and experience, some contact and OB, while working with Garver and or Murphy.

I've been watching Garver since he was drafted, along with Turner, but the more I see and read, how can you not be excited by him? He may not be the next Mauer, but how few are or ever will be? We may have a legitimate, quality 2 way catcher right on the precipice of making it to The Show. And I dont want to hear he's almost 26. Catcher is a premium position which sometimes takes longer to develop. There aren't that many early 20yo's like Mauer or Rodriguez that show up. He came from the college ranks and has made steady progress.

The Twins are, in reality, a very young and rebuilding team. Young at the core, of course, with a few older veterans, a few of which may not even be on the team next season. And I am all about keeping the most young talent around we can to continue the rebuild. Some will never make it, of course, and some will be role players, but that's OK, you need those too. And some will become anything from solid starters to potential stars. But I do wonder, once in a while, if we fret too much over the 40 man and the rule 5 draft as, usually, only a couple guys are selected from any one team, and most simply aren't kept due to the 25 man roster constraints. We also don't know how much we don't know, as in, how the new regime sees these young prospects, or their intentions for 2017. They might not even fully know at this point! That being said, without getting too immediately wrapped up in how many spots are open due to those let go and the such, I do have strong feelings about a few guys. Romero, Garver, Palka, Jorge and Granite are all definite, IMO. A potential stud pitcher, a potential solid pitcher, for a pitching starved team are no Brainerd. As is a potential 2-way catcher, a LH power source who could possibly play three spots as well as DH, and a defensive OF with BA and OB skills who can run like the wind and play good defense. After those 5, it gets a little harder to figure out. I wouldn't want to lose Vielma, or Goodrum. Vielma has the great glove and speed, but was also shackled a bit this season due to injury. More or less the same with Goodrum. But are either really a risk to be drafted and kept on a roster for the entire season by someone? I'd keep Wheeler if at all possible. He may posses nothing special that is overly projectable, but he's LH, can start, fast tracked his first year or so before a bad 2015, and then pretty much kicked it at AAA last year. Do you really want to risk losing a decent arm like him? I think we can all agree he's already surpassed the likes of Dean and Albers, and I'd hate for the Twins to NOT give him a shot somewhere along the line. Baxendale is the same way. His solid work at AA as a SP wouldn't get him drafted. But to take his game to a different level in AAA as a RP? Despite other quality candidates available, I'd rather not take the risk. As previously pointed out, it's easier to hide a decent arm as the last guy in a bullpen than a position player. Turner is the guy I'm the most mixed about. From all reports, he is a fine defensive catcher. By all reports and numbers, he will work an AB and has some pop. He may yet surprise and develop a better hit tool, at least a good enough one to be a solid reserve catcher. But his bat is still lagging/lacking, and he has yet to play above AA. Even if selected, are we really in danger of losing him permanently? So I have 5 definite. 4 that I'd like to keep, especially the 2 pitchers. And 1 that I think I'm willing to risk exposing, despite catching being a premium position of general need, including by the Twins.