DocBauer

A great point I have often tried to make. He lost a season due to TJ. And then, by most accounts, made a pretty quick return to the mound. The numbers say Gibson is a 4th year man, but that's really due to a technicality. When he got his first promotion with the Twins, he exceeded rookie status by, I believe, 1/3 of an inning. Except for this technicality, he would have been a rookie in 2014. For a variety of reasons, different individuals hit their stride at different ages. For some it's 24-25, and for some it's 27-28 ish. Not saying he will become the proverbial "ace" of the staff, but top starter is very possible if not already true.

Gordon is a top,prospect for a reason. In theory, he wou.d provide more speed and SB's as well as a better OB%. But until he arrives, Escobar is clearly the guy, clearly a surprise and gift from the baseball gods. I think we are beyond the SSS arguement at this point. While he has clearly surpassed his milb numbers and projectability, we always have to remember that for every top prospect that doesn't make it, there is usually someone who exceeds expectations. As to the whole "utility infielder" label, he was promoted early/young to the White Sox and sat on the bench as a utility player rather than play every day. Clearly, this is one the Twins scouts got right.

Great points on Fien. Totally agree. Now, I have stated I get the signing. He's been solid, he finished the year well, he's a solid bounce back candidate, he provides depth (at least initially), and his cost is negligable. I get it. I can't really be too upset about it. But the problem is, his $2+M could have been added to another 3-4M and picked up a higher grade arm. One that wouldn't bankrupt or handcuff the team long term but could pay huge dividends.

Is it just me, or does it seem like half this roster is on a precipice of prospect oblivion vs major step ahead? I'm not saying it's a bad roster at all. I like Vielma. I like Turner and Garver. The bullpen is absolately loaded. But fair or not, it seems like Harrison, Michael, Goodrum, Wimmer and probably a few others, have either lost some of their shine, or have age or past injury factors clouding their potential.

I think being down on Escobar is a mistake. What he has done when given a full time role the past 2 seasons is no longer SSS IMHO. I think the only risk could be being used too much and tiring. Also frustrated by the negativity regarding Rosario. Yes, he absolutely needs better contact. But his performance last season was very encouraging despite virtually skipping AAA. And for anyone who points at his poor 2014 at AA, remember, it came after missing the first 50 games, AND he hit and performed quite well at AA to close out 2013. Not to mention some impressive seasons before that as well. I say again, while he is a regression candidate, he is also a PROGRESS candidate.

Wow! There is a lot of potential with this club! Normally, I sit down every off season and project my own milb rosters. I've just been too busy as of late to do so. So seeing this roster laid out really excites me. I'm still a bit puzzled that Christensen doesn't play any middle infield considering he was a SS in college for most of his career. For versatility sake alone I'd think he'd get a look-see. Perhaps he's simply outgrown those spots? Half this team could be mid-season promotion candidates.

Call me Seth...errr...optomistic, but from everything I have heard and seen, (in very limited bits), he seems to have a nice stroke and an idea at the plate. I'm impressed and hopeful at this point. I kept expecting a .200 BA ish and real questions as to whether he should spend the early portion of the season in AAA getting acclimated. Didn't we all hear about this as a thought and possible expectation? Suddenly it looks like we may actually have a productive new power hitter for our lineup. Yes?

Eventually, yes. Whether that means this year or next is hard to say. Now, if Mauer happen so to struggle again this season, the complexion could definitely change.

I agree on Santana. He's had a really solid ST when you not only see that he's finishing it strong, but he's doing it while moving all around the field. He's just not that awful of a hitter, despite the results in '15. How good of a hitter, how high or low of an OB% is to be determined. But I have maintained he could really help the club going forward and not to dismiss him.

Not saying it will or won't, could or couldn't make a difference, but didn't I read somewhere in an interview with Park that the players in the Korean league were encouraged to swing the bat?

I like Shane's numbers. I know it's only ST and SSS and the such, but Park actually performed far better than I expected him to initially to. He has looked not only more than capable, but like he has a plan at the plate. The 1B defense also looked very nice in his SSS. Any official word on his defense at 3B? I mean, if he were needed there in a pinch.

Except for the endless debate of where he should be playing, or where he will be playing in '17 or beyond, I think you just did a "mic drop" Seth.

LOL. Of course you're right. But then again, I don't know if there is a professional team that would openly admit it. Instead, you make moves to hope to be competitive, not be embarrassed, sell the good and positive things about your team, and keep crossing your fingers. While I don't expect or rely on miracles, I still wonder how much further along the Twins might be if the fates of 2014 didnt wreck the seasons of Sano answer Buxton both.

With the exception of Duffey, and maybe a spot or two in the bullpen, this really is the roster I think most of us easily penciled in even before spring training began. That's not to say it's a poor roster, simply that we all knew it was pretty well set coming in. After competing for a playoff spot right up until the final week of the season last year...a year earlier than expected for a lot of prognosticaters...and higher, though I'd say tempered, hopes for this season, I think there are 2 very important things to remember as we begin the 2016 season. 1] There is a lot that goes in to the 25 man roster to BEGIN a season. One of those things is experience (veteran status) and contract. Another is service time, (played by everyone). A third would be actual ST results. A fourth would be such things as options, wanting to give a player that final look before you'd cut bait and move on, possibly to regret it later. We all have been around this proverbial block enough times to understand and know that the BEGINING SEASON roster is not necessarily the best one ultimately, and certainly not the one that will finish the year. Much less actual BE the roster a month or two from now. Lots of angst over Nolasco vs Duffey, and some pen spots, at least initially. And I get it. But the Twins also chose not to keep Quentin, or Kinsler and a couple of others. 2] And this is probably most important to remember, despite a solid 2015, a winning and competitive team/season, and renewed optomism for 2016, the Twins rebuild is NOT YET COMPLETE. We begin this new, and hopefully exciting season, with Sano as probably our top position player, and he has only, roughly half a season in the Bigs. Fellow uber prospect Buxton also had a near washout 2014, was rushed, but still has shown flashes, and is breaking with the club. Rosario is in his second season, but didn't begin last year with the Twins. Escobar is still relatively young, and FINALLY gets to be THE MAN at SS from day one. Arcia and Santana are rebound candidates, but still young, no gray beards when it comes to ML service time, and still very talented. Murphy is only 24 and already has decent service time. Kepler could be very close. So to could be Polanco. Gibson keeps getting better, but is only begining his third year. May, in whatever role, his second. Duffey should be back, and has roughly a third of a season under his belt. Berrios has yet to show up, but should be appearing soon. Pressly and Tonkin aren't far removed from rookie status, Pressly especially looked good until injury last year. Behind them are even better arms, potentially, in Burdi, Shaggy, Reed and a couple others. From the left side we will soon be seeing Melotakis, Rogers, perhaps Darnell, and everyone forgets about Corey Williams who missed a full season before a strong comeback at A+ and AA last year. Dare I mention our "old" rookie Park, ABW3, Vargas in the wings along with a few others? Honestly, I think the initial roster is pretty solid. But the 2016 Twins are not yet a finished product. There are going to be changes. Some of them could come sooner rather than later. My only concern would be if some of those potential changes take longer to complete than may be necessary.

I am optomistic and frustrated by the pen at this point. I still feel an off season move for a quality LHRP, possibly a RH as well, would have really solidified the pen, and provided trade options later. I also want to see Burdi and Shaggy in the pen, and think they'really close, and that we'll see them. But I'm not sure that them begining the year over Fien is prudent. I think a healthy Fien is a solid bounce back candidate, and he is a rather inexpensive cut candidate if things don't go well. The last thing I want is to see a bullpen give away games at the begining of the season. And I hope they don't. I hope Abad is at least solid, and Fien is the same. I have my doubts and my disappointments. But I am optomistic that they can hold the Fort initially until a couple of these really talented young arms get on a roll and rise up a month or two from now.

Hey tobi, not picking on you partner, but I chose your quote here as I felt it accurately reflected angst and disappointment felt by many others. I also am very disappointed in Duffey not being in the rotation. Honestlu, I thought it was a given based on what he did last year, (is 1/3 of the season SSS? I'm not so sure), and his milb track record, which was not one of a TOP prospect, but solid, and seemingly better each year. Molitor himself pretty much assured him of a spot unless something unusual happened. Well, unfortunately...it did. Yes he throws a couple different fastballs, and alternates his curveball, but slider or change or anything else, a 3rd pitch isn't bad, even if it's just a "show me" offering. Now, I wasn't in ST, and it seems to me the Twins have been rather mum on Duffey's work and performance this spring. But the fact is the results weren't very good, and Nolasco actual seems to be resembling the eternal SP they signed two years ago, and still owe money to. At this point, the season just getting ready to start, while I am very disappointed, I can see reasons for keeping Nolasco and sending Duffey down. I think the best resolution is for Nolasco to pitch well enough to be trade bait, and then promotion of Duffey or Berrios.

I totally disagree on Duffey vs Nolasco. It seemed obvious to me Molitor wanted Duffey in his rotation. He pretty much flat out stated it at the begining of ST, even offering up an escape for Duffey to have a rough patch or two with his comments regarding it taking something pretty unexpected (?) to lose his spot. Unfortunately, the unexpected happened. Too much pressure to keep his spot after his outstanding job last season? Too much time working on his changeup? I sure hope he figures it out because, while now and the future he probably ranks behind Berrios, the pitcher we saw last season was very steady, occassionally great, and made a believer out of me. Is it putting lipstick on a pig to hope and believe Nolasco's solid spring is for real, and that he will actually help our team win, and might even rebound in to actual trade value? Perhaps. But regardless of shade, that painted pig may finally be ready to dance and help us.

Well.......so much for the optimism of spring.

Duffy's performance is a huge bummer to be sure. Maybe I'm naive, but I didn't expect it. It could be quite the battle in AAA as to whether he or Berrios is promoted first. And contract or not, you're right, Nolasco has to have a short leash. The Twins would be better off tossing money at nothing than money at poor start after poor start. Never saw Tonkin making the club until his recent hot streak. I sincerely hope he keeps it going. Sure seems like Darnell or O'Rourke really deserved a spot.

Seth, I think your numbers are very close, but I would give AVG & OB a small nudge. I also feel you are being conservative on his Dbls. Natural power and speed should see him mid 20's at least shouldn't it? I agree that Buck will have 2 seasons in one. He wasn't ready when called up, and still may not be fully ready. But his last month was much better than his first go-round. Further, he has shown the reported ability to adjust and improve as the season goes along. Man...if only his 2014 hadn't been such a trainwreck. We'd probably be talking leadoff and top ROY candidate

I believe his hitting will be Mauer like, though not quite as elite, but that he will generate more power and, obviously, provide more speed. He is the Twins next #3 hitter. The question is, who moves to make room for him? Sooner or later...sooner...someone is going to have retire, be traded, released, or walk as a FA to make room in the lineup.

Seth, I think your numbers for Rosario are just about right on. Though I could argue his combination of speed and power should see an increase of doubles. 32 perhaps? Rosario is probably always going to be a bit of a free swinger, and will probably always SO more than preferred. But I find the arguement as to his regression, mmmm, short-sighted. It seems to be based on last season only, with a dose of 2014 perhaps. I posted numbers in a post a couple months ago, and frankly, don't have time or energy to go back and find them again, but, in his milb career, the SMALLEST percentage difference between his BA and OB% was something like 46 points. While never an OB machine, he could certainly hit and he certainly DID get OB. Further, when some reference his disappointing 2014 at AA, it must be remembered his entire season was thrown off by his suspension. He actually finished 2013 at AA and hit .284/ .330 in 70 games, 289 AB's. Not entirely SSS. Looking at talent, last season, and his milb career, I would think more focus should be on progress rather than regression.

Really nice to hear about Park's ability with a glove. Depth, versatility of the rostef, days off, etc, it's nice to know he is a legitimate fielder. Does anyone know anything about his 3B ability? Not necessarily as a full time option there, but could he legitimately play the hot corner in a pinch? Or are the reports of him playing some 3B previously much ado over nothing?

Am I the only one that is thinking we're going to keep a pair of lefties?

All the proper moves. It is a little bit fun to see the roster almost set, but have something to chew on for the next week: the final rotation spot and the final couple bullpen spots. They are intertwined, to be sure. And still the biggest question marks to begin the season. (Sigh)