DocBauer

Call me an eternal optomist if you will, but I don't believe D Santana has hit his ceiling yet. I believe the youth and talent are there to be a useful bench player. Potentially. But I think with the OF we have now, he is the guy to lose vs Nunez or Escobar. I think the two vets make us a better team as SS and utility options WITH Polanco until the likes of Vielma and Gordon prove ready.

Frankly, the truth to all of this is probably somewhere in the middle. Park is adjusting to the ML level of play, and at SOME POINT has indeed probably had/has some form of injury that is hampering him. Further, not only do most athletes play through dings and dents and the such during the season, but there is always the pressure to endure, succeed and not let your team down. Not only is this true for "rookie" Park, but he's also carrying the attention of his home country focused on him. Dozier to be honest, until the recent health and promotions of Sano, Rosario and Vargas, the other options were somewhat limited. (Not getting in to the whole Arcia debate again. It happened) Right now, he just needs to get healthy and get his swing back, get in a groove, and worry about the rest of the season.

We'received all agreed, you don't trade Santana or Dozier unless the return is a good one. Maybe even unexpectedly good, the market will tell us I guess. Will the market be better now? Or the offseason after teams begin to re-examine and re-build their rosters? Or next July at the next trade deadline? I think the most important question is what's best for the Twins going forward. No doubt to continuing the rebuild and making room for the prospects. To me, this clearly means parting ways with Nolasco, Milone and Ploufe and probably Suzuki as well. I'm not so sure that should include Nunez or Abad, neither of them would be expensive to keep another year or two, and the team may be better with them than without them. And nkw, and to at least begin 2017, I'm not sure keeping g either of them actually blocks anyone at this point. But keeping them, or moving them, is an interesting debate and one where I can see both sides. But the real debate here is Santana, and now seems to include Dozier as well. And so I ask again, what's best for the Twins? Of course adding good young players to your organization is always a good thing. It's the life blood of your entire organization. Not only in terms of new, rising talent but also providing trade options. But is keeping each of them maybe better for the team for the immediate future? It's not unreasonable to see Gibson, Berrios, Duffey and May as 4 of the 5 SP options for 2017. But who fills the 5th spot? Dean appears to be a fringe player (though I like his approach) while Wheeler is a complete unknown at the moment and Meyer is a mystery (though we'd all like to see that mystery solved) Our top pitching prospects are a good season away. Keeping Santana, for now, provides a solid, useful veteran presence in the rotation. We're I a betting man, I'd wager he's got at least one more solid year left in him, and is more of a cost-controlled and known factor that what next year's crop of FA options would provide. More or less the same for Dozier, for now, until we know better what we have in Polanco. Again, not saying don't move them if the offer (s) are good ones. But in regard to 2017 and various comments about not giving up on a season that's not even here for some time yet, I ask again, what is best for the Twins? And I'm not so sure the immediate future isn't better with them than without them.

I've heard various arguements that the Twins should look for a SS in any trades. I wonder if this should be so. With Gordon a top prospect, Vielma an intriguing one and Escobar and Nunez holding down the fort for now (each with solid to better than average bats), plus maybe Polanco, I think I'd direct my attentions elsewhere. Despite Garver looking good at AA and Murphy still a possibility that shouldn't be given up on so soon, I'd probably look at catching help as my top priority. With top pitching arms at AA, at least a year away, if Santana is gone it creates a need for a ML ready or near ready arm. And I have to wonder if there is a Joe Nathan-like arm out there just waiting for an opportunity who could help solidify the bullpen? I think these are the areas I'd be looking at.

Not going to attempt to put words in Brock's mouth, but I don't believe he is actually saying the Twins will contend in 2017. I think he is simply saying not to write offor the season before it begins because things can happen. Am I correct? Loook, I'm not saying I expect the Twins to contend in 2017 either. There are just too many IF'S that have to take place. But, the team is actually playing better. And what if the young OF, and Sano keep developing and are even better next season? What if Gibson is healthy and keeps improving, same with Berrios and Duffey and hopefully May? Add someone at C, add a reliable arm to the pen, and a .500-ish finish the second half of this season could provide optomism for 2017 to be a .500 or better club. Last year, neither the Twins or Astros were supposed to compete, so things do happen. That being said, I'm not opposed to moving Santana or Dozier. And I think we universally all agree the return has to be worthwhile. Otherwise, wait until teams recalibrate their roster's in the offseason, or wait until next July. The simple question that has to be asked, IMO, is "are we better with what we can acquire? Or are we better off keeping these two guys for the time being so as to not create more immediate holes?"

Agree that he should only be traded if we get a surprisingly good return. His stuff still plays decently. His next 2 years are affordable and fair value, even if he begins to decline in the final year. It makes little sense to move him for anything other than a surprise, and then go sign another similar starter next offseason. (If there's even one as good and affordable) Dump Nolasco and Milone ASAP and bring up Berrios. Stretch out May, IMO, but also consider giving Wheeler a shot.

Well an injury would help explain the sudden drop off after he seemed to be getting in to a groove. But why oh why didn't someone think to DL him and get healed up?! Especially in a lost season, why are we playing a guy hurt who is not producing? Just dumbfounding!

At this point, as fans suffering but with rather obvious changes in the roster/lineup these days with more to invariably come, don't we have to divide the season in to entirely different halves? I mean, we're not going to erase disappointment, frustration and a generally horrible first half. But we are opening the second half of the season with an OF that includes Rosario, Buxton and Kepler with the "old man" Grossman being a solid surprise. Sano is now playing where he should. Vargas is up and getting a shot. Some guys in the bullpen are looking like keepers. In the not too distant future, as I stated earlier, Berrios, Chargois and Polanco should be up. I don't know if this new look, younger version of the Twins will play .450 ball, .500 or .550 ball. But I'm looking at the second half of the year as its own season at this point.

I pretty much agree with the original list as well. I think Garver is also a must. And I'd really like to keep Granite. He could be a solid 4th OF and potentially a starting LF and quality leadoff candidate. I just don't see Thorpe being taken based on health, recovery and limited level advancement. No to Harrison at this point. Also agree on Wimmer and Wheeler getting some time the second half to see what we have in them. Wimmer is doing surprisingly well at AAA but he doest scream draft steal at this point.

You have to believe that Chargois is going to spend the majority of the second half of the season with the Twins. Don't you then HAVE to move Hildenberger to Rochester for the second half as well?

As of today's promotion to AA, Jay has made 13 starts for FTM and 69.2 IP. I don't know what kind of IP limit the Twins want to hold him to this season, but I would suspect 110 to a max of 130. I would think he'd be in line for 4-5 GS at AA before finishing in the bullpen.

This is my feeling as well. I'm focused...even amidst a dreadful season and the entire TR will he or won't he be back...on how we play and finish the rest of the season. I'm focused on this because a} frankly, better baseball and my team playing better and winning is a good and fun thing, (duh!) the actual play of the youngsters! As bad as the season has been, there are a lot of things to pay attention to and enjoy: *Buxton is being allowed to play almost daily, and there are positive signs *Ditto with Kepler *Sano can still mash, will only get better, and is playing 3B *Rosario is talented, bashed AAA, is back up *Grossman, I think, is a nice overall player we uncovered *Gibson is rounding in to shape and pitching much better *Ditto for Duffey, who still doesn't have a full season under his belt yet *Rogers, Pressly and Tonkin are all young RP looking positive *Berrios should be up soon to finish out the season *Chargois will be up again, and probably fairly soon *I'm thrilled Vargas is up and playing and I hope he runs with the opportunity *Polanco? (Sigh) Hopefully up soon. These are all good, exciting things to watch the rest of the year from a nice collection of young players. With more to follow.

Wow! They actually did it! I'm actually in a state of mild shock. I just hope this is not the end of the moves.

I wish Hughes all the best! You never want to see someone injured and require surgery, especially if it could be career threatening. Strictly from the practical, baseball side of things, this goes to show the Twins can't go in to next season with ANY notion of Hughes being healthy, recovered and ready. (Perkins the same, for that matter) Which again scrambles the ideas for the 2017 rotation. Not to conjoin threads, but it makes it all the more imperative, in my opinion, for May to start. I still believe the Nolasco experiment should end for both parties sake. And I'm not opposed to moving Santana, if the rumors we hear about his potential trade value are accurate. Berrios, Duffey, May, Gibson and maybe Wheeler at least offer youth and potential. (It's also possible Dean and Meyer may yet be part of this equation) But if Santana is indeed moved, the Twins may still have to sigo a veteran SP...possibly on a 1 year make good deal...or trade for someone. But it is imperative they don't count on Hughes.

Just want to say I am NOT a Mauer basher and never have been. I even have a Mauer jersey, which I gave admitted to before. And this season is not over yet to be sure. Buy as I stated before the season started, if this indeed turns out to be a 3rd straight year of decline for Joe...despite his competitive nature...I really wish he would decide to be a family man and retire with some sort of by out from the Twins. At some point, simply not being able to perform has to wear on him doesn't it?

Agreed on Berios up and Shaggy after the Futures Game. But for the love of all that is holy...how can a team with such aweful starting pitching keep May in the bullpen? Stretch him out for goodness sake and roll with it and see what you have once and for all! Am I missing something here? PS: the Milb report is my favorite part as well. Really appreciate all the hard work!

All of the points in the article are spot on! I think we all can agree on that. Of course, other points I think we can all agree on is getting rid of both Nolasco, Jepsen and Plouffe...however it takes place. And Berrios and Polanco need to get up here and soon! Again, I think we all can agree on this. Once again, Dozier is an interesting topic. Whether traded now, or after the season, he could bring some actual value. I don't feel the Twins HAVE to trade him, but they should definately listen to offers. I'm now leaning to keeping him for the remainder of the season, play Polanco on a regular basis, and then decide the best course of action in the offseason. I also think you listen for E Santana and move him if a nice option comes along to do so. But I'm in no hurry to move him. At this point, Hughes is a complete unknown from stuff, to health, to role, and can't be counted on for anything at this point. He's also untradable. I think it is FAIRLY safe to pencil Duffy, Gibson and Berrios to next season'starts rotation. If Santana is gone, don't we end up needing another veteran to replace him?

Dozier, echoing most of all up us, is a tough call. No matter the fact the Twins created this problem of he and Polanco, it's still a tough call. I asked in another thread, can they co-exist on the same team? And I dont have the answer. Of course, what I mean is, if Dozier is a 2B, and Polanco is a talented young 2B, can you really keep both and use Polanco as a utility guy? If you trade Dozier, I keep Nunez. If your plan, for now at least, is to keep Dozier than I'd look at moving Nunez. Either way, Polanco is up to play and see what we have. Someone has to go. Do we keep Dozier and possibly trade him during the offseason if Polanco shows enough? Maybe THAT is the best course of action. Plouffe....don't care what we get back. Nolasco.....don't care what we get back. Suzuki....don't care what we get back. Jepsen....don't care if traded or released. Of course, when I say I don't care, what I mean is, a grade C or low B milb prospect acquired is not the point. The point is to move on, clean house, make way for the future. What I would like to maybe get back is a prospect with some ability but who hasn't found himself, who has struggled, not met expectation, could maybe use a change of scenery. That might be the best return.

I've said it before...but...here we go again. Sano's position is 3B. Coming up through the minors, it was reported he worked very hard on his fielding and took pride in his defense and improvement. The only negative reports I ever ready concerning his defense was long term, being a bigger man, that he would/might move to 1B eventually. And that's OK too. Granted, my exposure to watching Sano play 3B is a couple years of ST games, his play there last season, and his limited time there this season. Has he always been perfect? No. Has he made mistakes? Yes. But he has shown time and again he can play the position at least fairly well. And I'd expect him to get better the more he plays it. Forget other teams and other players for a moment and just focus on 2 of the best 3B the Twins ever had, Gaetti and Koski. Gaetti had hands of stone when he first came up, and Koski, himself not a small man, was considered stiff. Both worked hard and became excellent defensive 3B as well as prime offensive players. Current Twin Plouffe also was no wizard at the spot initially. Put him at 3B for his sake, the roster's sake, and the future Twins sake. It's the right move all the way around.

Agree 100%. From all I've seen and read, I think the Twins drafted some very nice players, and for once, seem to be "playing the game" that other franchises have been ahead in previously. They concentrated early on HS talent for the lower minors where there is pitching, but perhaps less hitting and positional strength. (Despite some young raw Latin players) Next, they went after some interesting and intriguing college talent, while not ignoring HS players with upside. And they are playing a smart and save financial game to save money where they can, overspend where they can to secure players drafted lower than exlected, etc. This is just NOT the same old boring and rote route employed previously. We could actually be grabbing some real steals here.

John, I have seldom, if ever, disagreed with you before, but I'm going to here. (Even though you didn't actually "disagree" with me) ☺ Being 25, in AA, and being a college drafted player...and being a catcher...doesn't speak of being old or late developing to me. The Mauer's and Rodriguez's of the world are pretty rare. I am nothing more than a rank amateur when it comes to evaluating players, but I have yet to read anything negative, only positives, as to his work behind the plate, and his throwing. Thus far, after being drafted in 2013, he has never repeated a level, nor has he even begun a season at his previous level, even for a short time, before being promoted. Positive "rookie" season stats that look good are nice, to be certain, but seldom mean a great deal, overall, in the future development of a player. But Garver's first half season of rookie ball was OK. He raked his second year in 2014. 2015 was again OK, but he started pretty slow and finished his second half much stronger. Thus far, he's enjoying a very solid AA season. While I don't have his full breakdown, from the TD reports, sure seems like he's been picking it up lately. I don't know if he's a second half promotion candidate or not...could be if he keeps things up, and would again allow for a "separation" between he and Turner...but he absolutely seems like a Rochester player in 2017. From there, anything can happen at any point.

howie, I'm not discounting a word you said. And you're right about Ryan, there is so much disappointment, frustration and general vitriol at this point that anything he does is just "wrong". And despite his poor introduction to the Twins and the fan base, Murphy has some talent and ability. He was a pretty high draft choice. He has some tools and ability, and potential, from all scouting reports. But my money is on Garver. He has glowing reports as to his work behind the plate, his throwing, and he's hit everywhere he's been thus far. Yes, he's hit average, and he's hit well. And he's had poor starts, but then always hit better as he adjusts and the season goes on. I think he's our guy.

Don't look now, and he's probably still a year away, but Garver just may be the next solid Twins starting catcher.

Crazy deal for Benninghoff! Pay him like he was healthy and a top pick as previously expected, and then undergo TJ surgery! Sooooo unlike the Twins. I love it!

Man...if only a healthy Gibson didn't suck so bad! (Sarcasm alert)