DocBauer

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

He's very, very talented. You aren't ranked as high as he has been and perform the numbers he has in milb without it. Now, he may have to make some adjustments. But he's also quite young, missed some development time and was rushed some too. Remember how Hunter struggled at first. And while it's a sore subject, so did Gomez. Just give him some time. I still think he's going to be very good.

A couple great lists and some nice additions. I might add catcher AJ Murray to the list as well. Hasn't done as well at Ft Myers as he did for CR but I confess to knowing nothing about him before the season. And then he got off to such a nice start he earned a promotion.

Being streaky isn't necessarily a bad or unusual thing. While we would all love consistency from the players on our team, the truth is that there are peaks and valleys in most every season for all players. Usually, at least on decent teams, when one guy slumls, another player heats up. Now, I do agree with Levi though, that some of the streaks and slumps Dozier has gone through can be maddening. But still, he provides strong offensd, borderline elite when you consider his position. I've read some arguements on here including Sano even though it's a thread about Dozier. And the answer seems to be Polanco. But he also can't play with positions simultaneously. If Nick is correct that BD could in fact bring back a front of the rotation starter, at the least, and I think that plausible, you have to consider a move. But I'm still on the side of keeping him for now.

There are two points of view being discussed on here that I greatly respect and want to jump on board with, but can't bring myself to do so. The first is that the Twins have enough offense to offset Dozier's loss, and the second is that if the team can't contend the next two seasons, then Dozier is a FA in 2019 and we potentially lose him for nothing or face a big contract to keep him. Sano is already a stud and will only get better. I have tremendous faith in Kepler's ability. I like Vargas and think he could be a keeper. I still have all the faith in the world in the young Buxton, he's just not there yet. (Yes, there might be some adjustments that have to be made) I very much like Polanco, and think Rosario will continue to get better and be a very productive and dangerous player, just never make the contact or have the OB skills to move up from the 6 or 7 spot in the lineup. And there are the likes of Gordon, Garver, Palka and Granite that have a real chance to be nice to very good players. But this group is still so young. And despite some of his poor streaks, Dozier is a real producer and a veteran one at that. The Twins biggest problem is a rotation that can compete at a top level. I believe there are pieces in the bullpen to build with, other strong pieces very close, and a smart GM can augment that bullpen with a move or two without having to blow up the roster or his milb talent pool. But I'm not convinced that further growth from said youngsters, including some rotation candidates, that the Twins are already excluded from any sort of contention in 2017 or 2018, though '18 seems more likely. Berrios and Duffey are a coupleading of nice kids to work with, Berrios especially so. It's not too far fetched to think Gonsalves could be ready at some point in 2017. Just how good is Mejia? We don't know yet. A healthy Gibson pitching like he did in 2015 is solid. I'm not saying this all shakes out for contention, but it's also not impossible either. A stronger bullpen, a young lineup getting better and better, with Dozier as a part of it, could make for a nice team. And if the Twins did want to re-sign Dozier, we have some contract coming off the books over the next couple of years. Solid arguements. Just not sure I'm sold.

Great article. Probably worthy of a move to the front page. It's a great question you have asked, but the problem is, I'm just not sure we have the answer yet. Perhaps the remainder of the season will help answer. Despite various lineup/roster short falls and mismanagement in 2015, and a more veteran crew, the Twins played above themselves and had a real chance to make the playoffs with a little more help, most noticeably the bullpen. As disappointing as this year has been, it's really broken in to two different seasons. More roster shortages, poor performances and injury all lead to massive losing and poor baseball. There were numerous examples of mismanagement in regard to various young players. But the past couple of months have seen some real roster changes, an influx of young talent...playing the right positions...and much better and winning/competitive ball. Rosario has been much better since he's come back, a day or two off is not a bad thing. Sano is still a young stud. Vargas has playex, is performing, and should play more, but he's not just sitting. Kepler has come a long way. Polanco is now PLAYING. Berrios is up. Duffey has had a long leash, but has also shown promise amidst his inconsistencies. Is this due to Molitor? Was he not allowed to play the kids earlier in the year? Was this a result of Ryan giving Molitor certain directives that are no longer in place? Or did it just take time for the young players to find themselves? It just feels as though the information to make a decision is not yet complete.

You have to give up good or great talent to get good or great talent in return. And Dozier is a strength from which the Twins could trade to acquire someone and already has someone to plug in to his spot. Polanco won't ever have his power, but he does have some string in his bat and might develop more. He's also got the ability to hit, get OB, and run quite well. Defensively, the potential is very good. Dozier, or Dozier and another prospect, would seem a prime candidate to bring back a top end SP, relatively young and cost controlled for a few years, that could really stabilize the rotation. But here's the rub. He's probably one of the best at his position in baseball. He's only 29, and plays a position where good players can often maintain their skills longer than some others. He's also cost controlled for the next couple of seasons. And even then, should the Twins be inclined to keep him, they will have several contracts coming off the books, and a relatively young and inexpensive roster in place. And he is one of the team'should top power threats and offensive performers. While the team needs SP help, Berrios, Duffey and the newly acquired Mejia offer real potential, and there are a few top young arms at AA, most notably Gonsalves, that could/should be ready to contribute in a year, perhaps a bit sooner. Unless you truly believe the Twins could contend in 2017, I'm inclined to keep him for next season. At least, begin the season with him. When I look at Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Polanco and Vargas, I see a team that may not need Dozier a year from now. I'm really torn on this subjecg, but I lean towards keeping him for now as all the prospects develop over the next half to full season.

Garver could get a shot as he's the closest and fastest rising catcher on a team needing help there. And he has to be added to the 40 man anyway. I love Gonsalves and have high hopes. But half a season at AAA, even performing as he is. I don't think he's prepared yet. No room for Granite either. No AAA time, little playing time available when Buxton comes back.

Not sure I've seen enough of him defensively to know if he's poor, average or what. There is still an eye test to be considered when watching someone play defense, I MO. But he's still you, makes contact, has some power at least, takes positive AB and takes BB. That's valuable as a bench player/role player. A 4th OF doesn't have to play CF when you have other guys on the team who can do so. I'd definitely keep him as part of the immediate future. But I'd also do my best to find another Grossman out there. Someone with some ability maybe needing a fresh start. Someone who can push Grossman, and be a AAAA option for us at worst. Palka is still rather young, half a season at AAA. Walker needs work. Granite hasn't seen AAA yet. So Grossman provides real value. I'd just like to bring on board another helpful option.

I like the proposed haul and can't disagree with your assessment. And I'm a big fan of Polanco and his potential. Have been for some time. And I think the Twins have handled him poorly, at both the ML and milb levels of late, until recently. I wouldn't move Dozier until the off-season when you can have multiple trade partners. Even then, I'm torn on trading him. I like Polanco getting his chance now. I glad he's getting a shot to see what he can do at SS, a position he's played all his life until this season in the minors. I'd be very interested in having him continue to play SS, possibly challenge Escobar next season, and at worst, provide a charge off the bench as a prime utility player to begin 2017 as he hopefully eases in to a full time role.

absolutely Gonsalves to AAA to begin 2017

I believe Escobar is the better option of the two. Simply, better bat and glove. And despite his down season this year, we've seen the past two previous seasons what he may be capable of. He could very well be the starting SS in 2017. But you also have to consider Polanco in the equation as well. He's better than either Santana or Escobar. And he could start at 2B if Dozier is moved, or could once and for all begin to show that he is at least adequate at SS. He's looked good in SSS thus far with the Twins. And if he doesn't start, he figures to be a utility player initially. With a talented and flexible OF, Grossman as the probably 4th OF, I'd rather not keep Santana vs another at off the bench, possibly finding room for Mauer, Vargas and Park.

Garver and Turner both have to be added to the 40 man or risk losing them in the rule 5. Garver is a no brainer. Despite being reportedly excellent behind the plate, Turner is in AA and hasn't hit particularly well. I could see the Twins, catching starved or not, possibly risk leaving him off the roster. But I rather doubt it. That puts 4 guys on the 40 man, but you almost have to to protect your interests. And I believe they'll look long and hard for a waiver wire, milb FA type to invite to ST. They may look at an older veteran on a short term deal. If you do that, then one of the other catchers has to be removed. You just can't carry 5 of them. I'd love to see Garver come up in September, if for no other reason than the exposure. But I wish he had been brought up to Rochester a couple weeks ago. Would have made a lot more sense to me. But if they don't still move Suzuki, there's no room for Garver, Murphy and Centeno behind Zuke.

I'm a big Rosario fan. Always have been. I know his lack of walks is frustrating, and some of the wild, crazy, flailing swings at stuff completely out of the zone is doubly so. Frankly, I think he's just trying to hard for the big hit, the big play, instead of relaxing. But his contact was better in the minors. We've seen his talent on display on the minors. We saw last year what he's capable of. And since his promotion back up, we've again seen what he is capable of. If he can just relax a bit more, not try so hard all the time for the big hit, and just avoid those embarrassing swings, I can live with higher SO totals and lower BB numbers than I'd like. He's very, very dangerous as a 6/7 hitter in the lineup. And despite some bumbling at the beginning of the season, he's quality defensively as well. I'm a big fan and big believer. No way I'd be looking to part with him as some have suggested.

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.