DocBauer

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.

I've been impressed with the way Dozier has adjusted and grown as a hitter this season. I understand the idea of selling high and bringing in a quality pitcher via a grade of Dozier. But I really want him on this team to provide offense and leadership. I really don't understand the argument that he'll be gone when the Twins are good again. He's still only 29, signed for 2 more years before FA, and there is always the option of re-signing him or extending him if it seems prudent. I understand the need for better pitching. But this team is also getting really young really quick. I'd like, for right now, to keep Dozier for his bat and experience and shore up the bullpen while giving Berrios, May, Mejia, Duffy and soon Gonsalves their opportunities in the rotation.

I don't always pay attention to the number of errors my milb infielders. Long bus rides, not as well groomed fields, not always as good of a supporting cast, etc. And thought I had heard he's been battling some injuries this season.

To waste Polanco's options with little to no playing time, and to refuse him playing his natural SS position at AAA this season...especially considering its unsettled at the ML level...goes beyond misguided. It's just plain stupid. We don't know yet if he can be a starting ML SS or not, or at least a decent fill in, but he's looked pretty good so far. A testament to his experience and natural ability. And all the more damping evidence to his mishandling. Here's hoping he can at least be a temp solution until someone like Gordon is ready.

I'm not willing to give up on Sano at 3B yet. Yeah, there have been some plays that make you shake your head, but he's also made some nice plays, charges the ball surprisingly well, and has a cannon for an arm. It will take time to iron out some things, but keep him there. Doesn't preclude, however, from him DH or even playing 1B also. And Plouffe can move around, as stated. It worked well the second half of last season

I've thought about this a lot lately as well. Been thinking how there is room for Mauer, Vargas and Park to all fit as 1B/DH and bench bat. It would mean 1 utility infielder and 4 total OF, which means...barring someone out with injury...either Santana or Grossman doesn't fit. Now what if we throw Plouffe in the mix? Now someone else in the 1B/DH mix has no room. I don't know for sure if that's good or bad. You shorten the flexibility of your bench, but produce a more dangerous offense potentially. I thought Ploughed was done in Minnesota. But now I'm beginning to think he may be back as insurance for Sano and his elbow. Of course, this could change if Sano proves healthy the next month and a half. But isn't it almost comical how Polanco doesn't play any SS in the minors this year at all, but now he's playing there for the Twins? And so far, not looking bad there at all.

I'm sure there are things Gonsalves has to work on that we don't necessarily know, not being able to see him daily. Slightly higher BBC totals would indicate that. But his performance this year is one of the top highlights for the entire Twins system. No way he can't be at AAA to begin next season.

I believe Santana will be back to help anchor the club with his veteran experience. I'm not convinced Santiago will be back and Hughes shouldn't be counted on for anything at this point, contract or not. Even if he comes back by ST strong, he may be a reliever initially. Santana Gibson Berrios May Duffey with the younger Mejia the primary challenger and Wheeler behind him.

In regard to Jay turning out as a relief pitcher "only", I'm not saying that will happen. He seems to have the stuff that as he builds strength and endurance, he might be a very good starter. And goodness knows the Twins need front line starters! And while I am not predicting greatness, nor defending or blasting his selection, I do defend him not being a "bust" if he only turns out to be a top reliever. Statistics and commentary I've read and heard in the past indicate that a highly successful draft usually includes 3 players actually making and contributing at the ML level. So if Jay ends up "only" a top notch reliever I will be disappointed, but will not consider him a bust.

Agreed this is the best looking group of pitching prospects. all at once, that we've seen in a very long time. And Romero could be added to the list, though he is a little further away. Also wonder. Nick, if you didn't need a caffeine intake before writing, lol.Jay pitched pretty well this year, very well at times, in his first "full" season, while making the transition to starter, and reached AAA. There are definitely questions still surrounding Stewart. But he showed real progress at Ft Myers the first half, and flashes at times in AA. And while the jury is still very much out on him, he's very young and still learning. I'm actually higher on him now than I was last year. Side note: If Jay ultimately turns out to be a top notch lefty in the pen, I still won't see him or his selection as a bust.

I confess to knowing less about Romero than the pitching prospects in AA and AAA, probably due his missed time and his lower level status. (Seems we talk a bit less about the lower level players at times) But despite coming back from virtually with full seasons away due to his injuries, his numbers split between CR and Ft Myers are pretty impressive. 7-3 in 14GS 77IP 61H 13BB 73SO .96WHIP Impressive. Here's hoping he sees AA next year.

I love his ability and he seems to play with a flair. He showed his potential in the minors with the exception of one half season. He may never have the contact and OB skills we'd all like, or have seen be better in the minors. But I believe he can and has improved. He has all the ability in the world to be an offensive weapon in the 6 or 7 spot.

correct me if I'm mistaken, but weren't Wade's last college season stats skewed from an injury?