DocBauer

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!

Seth, do you have a breakdown of Garver's past two months by any chance? This team has a big hole at catcher going forward. They have nothing at AAA to offer for reinforcement except Murphy. And considering what he's done, performance wise, before, he might still be OK despite his horrific season. Sometimes young guys flounder and then recover. But the Twins also need to find out what they have in him. He wouldn't be the first young player to struggle, injury re-hab or whatnot, then come back to the show and perform better. And while their are some young catchers in the system that offer encouragement, Garver offers the most, and is closest. I don't know if the answer is to bring him straight up or not. But the fact that he's still in AA despite impressive numbers, and a hot spell, and not already in AAA to build toward September and/or 2017 is ridiculous and a huge mistake. Granite, Melotakis and Hildenberger are the same, but I'm focusing on Garver at the moment.

Ryan missed the mark big time in various areas the past few years, which is why he is gone now. But to be fair, he has done a very nice job picking up very useful bits and pieces here and there over the years that have turned out to be real contributors. These are some fine examples. (Might have had a 6th had the kept catcher Hicks) But to be equally fair, I don't know if Ryan can be complimented entirely for these moves, and past moves. Surely various Twins scouts also had a hand in at least discovering and recommending these guys. Not that he is old, but he is old enough, and had some health issues, that I wonder if the life time baseball man will hang it up for good? If not, I could easily see another team bringing him on as a scout or advisor.

These reports are just about the hilight of my day. I keep wondering, with some of the strong hitting performances at E-Town, if a couple of these guys could see some action at Cedar Rapids before the year is done?

Nothing wrong with removing players who don't fit and/or blocking youngsters who are ready to audition. Play them and try to win. Winning helps breed winning and a winning culture. Still thinking of keeping both Santana and the younger Dozier for 2017.

Seth, there's some strong hitting performances at E-Town from a few youngsters, including Kirilloff. What are the chances a couple of these guys moving up to Cedar Rapids to close out the year?

Berrios's next start simply has to be with the Twins. A little disappointed Jay came out of the pen. I hope this doesn't mean he's done starting for the year. I understand limiting his innings, but they aren't very high at this point either. I'd think he could make a few more starts before switching to the pen for the remainder of the season.

Neither. Still debatable in my mind to keep Santana vs keeping him to help stabilize next year. (Or trade in the offseason after teams begin their re-set) Same with the younger Dozier. Nolasco, Milton, Plouffe, Suzuki and probably Kinzler and Abad should all go. Otherwise, keep doing what you are doing on the field, promote the youngsters up to take the places of those traded. Bring up more in September. We're building for 2017 now. Win or tank as the end result is not the point IMO. It's all about experience and building up the kids.

Also, I do see the Twins job as being a bit of a plumb, as long as there are no harsh restrictions involved. You wouldn't be in a high pressure media market. You have a fabulous facility here and in Ft Myers. And with the restocking of the farm system, a lot of good young talent close, and some of it already "arrived" some of the heavy lifting for the continent rebuild has been done.

I don't see any way Antony can really do anything in 2 1/2 months to impress anyone he should be the new GM. For starters, any trades made would doubtfully be splashy, and would take time before you'd even see a payoff. Further, said trades may have been well in to conversation before Ryan was removed. The fan base is frustrated, and ownership knows this. And the comments about system wide failure speak to me of an outside hire. And while Pohlad has been blasted for is "research" of examining other teams media guides at least suggests he's further considering/opening up addition spots for new personnel. I'm really kind of excited here. Though until I actually see the list of candidates and the final choice, I remain a tad leary.

First of all, I have always been a Mauer fan and supporter. And I dont care about the value of his contract. He earned his money fairly. It's not his fault his career has taken a dive due to his concussions (plus wear and tear) Get over the hate. And I've previously argued that fine defense at 1B, contact, and quality OB have a place in the lineup. There are many ways to build a roster/lineup, and not every position on every team is stocked by a player who is pigeon-holed in to a certain type. And while I wholeheartedly agree Sano IS a 3B, and is OK there, and will get better, (little weight loss would probably help), and any move to QB is probably years away, I do see a potential problem at 1B/DH. There are a lot of unknowns here to be uncovered still. But Vargas is not some fly by night washed out prospect. He's young, has some real potential, has a nice milb track history of production, showed his potential in 2014, but had a rough 2015. Park has real potential. Fully healthy, we may not be even debating his worth at this point. And he has a nice glove at 1B. Palka appears to have nice potential, and may have been a steal. Walker is an enigma, but an enigma who has produced at every level, seems to be making some adjustments, and shouldn't be counted out even if he needs more AAA time, or a full season, in 2017. Additionally, a team doesn't HAVE to have a full time DH. But if you've got real depth in the OF and 1B, you can roll everyone for half days off through the DH spot. Unfortunately, Mauer's skills as a batter have diminished greatly. I won't bag on him for his OB or good defense. Those are fine things. But are those things enough to continue taking up a roster spot these next two seasons when we may actually have good young hitters knocking on the door? I don't know if trying to move him to a team with a chance to compete for the next couple of years is the answer, (with his blessing and eating dollars of course), or attempting a buyout to move on, or suggested retirement are the answers. But I'm just not sure he fits with the future direction of this team any longer.

Honestly, with further reflection on all matters, I think what the Twins should be doing is trading/cutting the obvious and then staying pat. The obvious moves are to be rid of Nolasco, Milone, Kinzler, Ramirez, Plouffe, D Santana and Suzuki. Get what you can, probably A ball players with some potential, eat salary that is already spent anyway, and just clear space. These moves allow the team to instantly promote Berrios, Wheeler, Chargois, Wimmers (Boshers and Hildenberger are possibles), Polanco and Murphy as direct replacements. Promote as necessary to AAA, but especially include Garver, Granite and Hildenberger, plus probably Melotakis. (I've stated this before) I can see arguements for and against trading Abad vs re-signing him, but I'm on the fence there but OK either way. What I would not do, unless offered something pretty darn nice that I'd be silly to refuse, is trade E Santana, Dozier or Nunez. Why? Santana provides a solid, decent, still relatively cost controlled veteran SP for 2017 to help fill and stabilize my staff which probably includes Gibson, Duffey, Berrios and either Wheeler or May. (Meyer and Hughes on the outside looking in for now) Despite some arguements to the contrary, there is no reason to expect Santana to suddenly decline dramaticly. He may have even greater trade value this time next season with only a year and a half remaining on his deal. Further, he could still be traded during the offseason once teams begin to set their rosters. Dozier is good. Dozier is not old. We're still not 100% sure what we have in Polanco. (Twins own fault there) We are hedging our bets by keeping Dozier for now as Polanco auditions and gets experience. Perhaps he grows in to a full time slot gradually? I also feel the same about Dozier in trade value this time next year, or the offseason. And I'd keep Nunez. And not just because he's having this great season. What if Sano gets hurt? While I fully believe in Sano playing 3B, and only getting better, what if you move him suddenly to 1B/DH? What if Polanco struggles, especially if you've traded Dozier already? What's wrong with Escobar, Dozief, Nunez and Polanco all opening 2017 as your starting middle infield and utility reserves? And by not trading Santana or Dozier...at least now...you can audition Murphy, Polanco, Wheeler and a host of RP the remainder of the season, as well as how your other prospects finish AAA and AA, fairly assess their time table after a complete season and possible September audition, and then re-assess your top needs in the offseason and still look to move Santana and/or Dozier at that time.