DocBauer

This is exactly 100% correct! There is little value in the trade assets we have. With some luck, over the next 30 days, a couple of these guys will start performing better just in time for July 1st and will look a bit more attractive to teams in need. I do believe Plouffe has some value. I believe Dozier has some value. Both could have a lot more with a good June. If a contending team has an injury bug hitch at catcher, Suzuki could have some limited value. He, at least, is experienced and been known to garner respect of players, coaches, etc. This isn't even about acquiring talent, though it would be nice if you could somehow come up with just a decent piece of two. And it's not about shredding payroll, because you're probably not going to be able to, or not much. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, you're going to have to eat a big chunk of some of these deals, and probably toss in another prospect to complete them. But it's about making room on the 40. It's about making room on the 25 man for Polanco, Buxton, Kepler, Berrios, etc, etc. Trade what you can for what you can. Eat what you have to. Outright release if you have to. But it's time to be focused on putting 2016 behind us, and look to the future. And if the future doesn't start today, it damn well should start around July 1st

While no expert on the guys, and I know there are staff and posters here at TD that have actually seen them play in person who know a great deal more than I do, I've always liked both Garver and Turner. Both had quality college careers, and they finished 1-2 for the Johnny Bench award coming in to the draft. Garver has looked like the better hitter since day one, but Turner, apparently in an effort to separate the two, was advanced a level to high A that he probably shouldn't have been. Even when each of them has struggled to hit at times, they have always shown the ability to adapt and rally and have stronger second halves to their seasons. Additionally, all reports in regard to game calling, defense and throwing has been excellent for both. The fact that they are not both 22 doesn't bother me. Finding good catchers, as we all know, is not easy. And because the position is such a defense first position, finding someone who can do both with some degree of effectiveness is twice as difficult. And it's a position that generally seems to take a little longer to figure out and advance. I like both of these guys, and my hunch is still that Garver becomes the better overall player, and starter, with Turner a really nice backup who will hit a little, make some contact, take some walks, and show some pop. AJ Murray is a guy I'd like to know more about. There was a great article the other day concerning him and his college career. And it helped fill in some blanks. But considering how he is performing, I have to wonder why A} he wasn't drafted even higher, and B} despite having a top catcher in college ahead of him, why wouldn't you keep him at catcher regardless. He's a long way away from the majors, but he looks really good so far. Id love to hear more about his defensive ability. But yes, the Twins should definatly pick up a catcher early in the upcoming draft. Depth of prospects is always good, especially at key positions.

Walker will get a shot at some point, no doubt. There is something very real about his bat and potential production. Heven obviously has huge contact issues, but he has also flat out produced big power and RBI numbers at every level he's been at. I honestly don't know of any other player, past or present, that I can fairly compare him to. But I absolutely would be in no hurry for his promotional shot. If top prospects like Buxton and Kepler need AAA team, Walker flat out needs more. A September call up? Maybe. But I'd be thinking more about 2017 at some point. The lack of contact issue is concerning in the minors...despite all his production...but would be further concerning at the ML level. If Buxton and Kepler could be considered future "givens", I'm still wondering who the 3rd OF is.

I also thought Rosario would actually improve his second season. Hugely disappointed. And while he offers a ton of talent and potential still, I'm not as sold on him as a full time Twin. Buxton and Kepler are both givens, IMO. But if not Rosario for the 3rd spot, then who? Palka? Someone like Granite for even more speed and defense?

Errors for a young infielder just shouldn't be a concern really. There is a difference in making errors...learning mechanics, disciple, poorer fields, not as good of a 1B, etc...vs simply not being cut out for the position. I did some research for a post here at TD once and it was revealing just how many errors top ML SS had in the minors and/or their early ML career. Which is one of the things that has frustrated me about Polanco as a SS. I still don't think we know for sure he can't play the position daily because we never get to him him there.

Dozier would be better, and the Twins as well, if he would re-invent himself by regressing to the hitter he used to be. He needs to get back to contact, AVG, OB and gap power and speed knowing he can now make pitchers pay when they either make a mistake or challenge him. And you're right, the Twins bear a ton of responsibility in this as well. Someone needs to sit down with him and discuss reality. Other than a mistake pitch, ML pitchers are now cognizant of his pull approach.

Man do I hate being late to the part. Especially on a thread like this. Thank you Seth for posting such a wel, thought out piece. (As well as establishing the appropriate parameters) A lot of tremendous thought here, and I would expect nothing less from the TD family. A special shout out to Rosterman, Levi and Brian for some lengthy, smart and well thought out ideas. I'm sure I'll repeat a lot of ideas here, but then again, they are things I think. I have to say, ideally, it might be best to hire a president first, let him oversee the organization and then make his GM hire. But we are talking about GM here, so I will concentrate on that aspect. BACKGROUND: My choice doesn't have to have been a GM before. I honestly feel the Twins job would be a hot one. Call me crazy, and some will, but despite at least some financial restrictions that an LA, NY, Chicago, Boston, etc don't have, I've never really felt that Twins ownership didn't care. Nor have I ever felt they were as tight fisted or cheap as been alleged at times. Conservative and prudent, sometimes too much so, yes. But, IMO, when the Twins had a team that could compete, they have stepped up the payroll. While certain signings and extensions the past few years have been perhaps misguided, they did step up. A new GM will have solid ownership, if not ideal ownership. He will have one of the best facilities in all of baseball. He has a tremulous facility in Ft Myers and one of the best milb systems around. But despite my belief this is a great opportunity, I almost don't want a GM who has held the title before. Just my opinion, but I don't know if an Epstien would come here vs a top market. Also, if a former GM is available, there must be a reason. Yes? I'd prefer a younger GM open to new ideas who has been the right hand man in a quality, we'll run organization the past few years. Some mention the Cardinals, Cubs and Ray's as examples. My hope is he would have held positions with at least one additional organization to bring different ideas and perspectives with him. He doesn't have to be a traditional "scout". He just has to be well organized and a good overall baseball guy who is good and smart with people. Part of his job is to NOT be the be-all and end-all, but to surround himself with good people. ON THE FIELD: I want him to embrace the complete package. Baseball has changed over the years, especially with new stadiums and inter-league play. It used to be teams tailored their teams to their home stadium in many ways; turf vs grass, size of stadium, stadium dimensions, etc. I don't believe this is nearly as true as it used to be. Despite being very different sports on the surface, I feel there are a lot of parallels between makes a quality football team as well as a quality baseball team. Excelling in a single aspect of your game, or two, isn't enough to consistently win or be competitive for potential championships. I want a GM who believes in a balanced and deep roster. Not everyone has to be a slugger, or a Gold Glover, etc. A roster should be built with versatility, while embracing all aspects of power, hitting, defense, OB, speed, pitching, etc. In other words, not a hodge-podge of 1B and DH types and just tell your manager and coaches to figure it out. My GM also has to have a manager who communicates well, uses his entire roster, is not afraid of some of today's metrics... (though I simply don't believe metrics are tell the whole story)...and embraces such simple things as platoon/match up situations, advancing runners, guys knowing their roles, etc. Sounds strange to say, but I want a young TK as a manager. THE DRAFT AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: Like the construction of the ML team, the draft should also be handled with a sense of variety and "completeness". While each draft is different...stronger in certain aspects, stronger in HS vs college talent...the BPA is always a great approach. Especially in baseball where you already know that you have a bit of a crapshoot as to will actually "make it", and it will take years before a prospect to reach the majors. But as much as possible, try to split your draft between HS and college talent, position players and pitching. The past few years, the Twins have moved on from "solid" pitchers who had the potential to maybe move quickly, to more power arms. A late development to be sure, but a step in the right direction. Not every arm has to throw 95, but you can teach pitching, but you can't teach velocity. Every year, I think a flyer or two should be taken on an out of slot, potentially hard to sign prospect. You take a shot every year on a guy or two like this, you will get at least a couple signed. They could make a difference. My well organized GM will make sure that the guys he has running the minors, and coaching in the minors, all share similar ideas and philosophies. EVERYTHING from how my players stretch, to how they travel, to hitting and pitching approach, is the same at every level. This provides continuity and familiarity and helps not only with development, but with advancement to the next level. While every prospect is different in their development, I agree with a more aggressive promotional approach in the lower levels. Promote, develop and challenge. If promotions slow down a bit, it should be at the AA and AAA level. MEDIA AND RELATIONS: Just be transparent. Just be honest and up front about things. I don't need a spin doctor telling me good we could be, or pat yourself on the back for some milb signing. If you have a plan, an idea, a thought, just be honest and transparent. NOTE* honestly, as fans, we want to know everything we can. That doesn't mean we HAVE to know everything. Just don't BS us. FREE AGENCY: Simple, aND as already stated, go in big for the 1 or 2 guys who can actually make a difference. But enough with mediocre moves. Despite the 20/20 results, initially, taken by themselves, there was nothing wrong with the Nolasco, Hughes or Santana signings. The problem is all 3 of them. Not only could that money have been spent elsewhere now, but it's currently handcuffing efforts to move them and move forward. Keep dumpster diving. My new GM would still take flyers on guys for middle relief and bench spots. He would look for guys coming off injury, or former quality prospects who didn't cut it. These are cheap flyers, and once in a while you get lucky. You don't build a team this way, but you do find solid, helpful options here and there. THE CURRENT SITUATION: This is hugely disappointing, to say the least. I agree with the statement previously that Ryan should just own it and tell the Pohlad's as much. As much as possible, July 1st if not sooner, this should be about 2017 and beyond. If Ryan wants a legacy and feel good exit, he should do everything he can to trade, bargain, dump veteran players and contracts to clear the way for the future of the franchise, and help pave the way for a big second half influx of Twins youth. I agree that trading for even more prospects may not be the right move necesarilly. But what if it were possible to acquire a decent bullpen arm or solid catcher? That could actually help. I'm sure the Pohlads, like any sports owner, wouldn't be crazy about eating contracts. But not only is it the cost of doing business sometimes, but it changes the roster dynamic for the future with players, in most cases, earning the minimum. I admit, I'm really disappointed in Molitor. It will be up to my new GM as to who the best man is to lead my team. But Molitor, as a player, was all about hustle and execution. I'm just not seeing his intensity reflected on this squad. And considering his previous coaching stink and knowledge of so many of our prospects, I'm really frustrated and disappointed how he's handled many of them. He may not have made this mess, but I also don't think he's handled this year, or his players, in the right way.

I'm not sure I can agree with this post any more! It makes so much sense that it's simply impossible to ignore! One item though, I would think Mauer would be a better fit in RF. He does have a decent arm, and RF, at least in Target Field, has less ground to cover than left.

Despite his struggles this year, I am not down on May. I think, like a lot of guys, he's just not performing up to his potential. It's the "why" that is the question. He did really well last year when given his shot in the pen. Not every pitcher is meant to be a starter, and not every pitcher is meant to be a reliever. Some can even do both, though they are usually better at one vs the other. In either role, it is a learning and adapting process. And either role can take time to get a grip on. I think we often simply assume the pen is easier to succeed in vs starting, but your sequence is different than being a starter, if that is what you are used to. Often, you come in with runners on you didn't place there. And day to day, you don't always know if or when you will pitch. My theory? In addition to learning how to adapt to being a RP, I think May was pitching well, in a groove, and was happy to help the team. This year, I think he was disappointed, and rather mislead about his chances to earn a SP spot. Further, through failings of the current rotation or poor planning by Molitor, or both, I think his role has been undetermined and the pressure to perform has been immense. As a SP prospect, he was a big strapping kid who could make a bunch of starts and give a lot of innings. While not a probable #1...and let me state again you just can't easily say or predict who will develop in to a true #1...he had the stuff and potential to be anywhere from a quality #2, at worse, a quality #4. The biggest issue was pure, consistent control. And that is where the real "crime" and disappointment of the handling of May comes back in to play again. Dead horse abuse aside, he was pitching well in 2015 as a member of the rotation, and getting better, with much better control, when he was moved to the pen. And for a team that has struggled developing quality young SP for several years, to take one you actually have and mess with him by bouncing around, is almost unforgivable. Especially for the sake of a poor performing veteran pending FA like Pelfrey?! Send him down. Stretch him out. Get his confidence built back up, get him in a nice groove, then bring him back up.

I confess to not following all the teams and players the way I used to. I just don't have time any longer. I used to be able to recite almost any starting lineup and most rotations and a plethora of relievers that weren't closers. But alas, my knowledge of players in the league A-Z is not what it used to be. But it's still good enough that when we traded for Jepsen I had a "who?" moment. But his career seemed solid, and I thought, OK, him and another guy yet to come who is even better and we could be in business. That, and Pelfrey to the pen, and we got a shot! Of course, Ryan had other plans. Or rather...he didnt. Except, of course, to move May to the pen when he was one of our better starters, keep starting Pelfrey.....Oh forget it. Just not going down this road again. Maybe we really did just get lucky with Jepsen last year. I still think it was smart to bring him back this year, but ONE MORE TIME, along with SOMEONE ELSE. I believe Thrylos is correct, he's a solid, experienced middle guy who can pitch some setup once in a while. But full time setup and occassional closer is just not his role. What's wrong? Probably his role, for one. But I don't know, maybe losing really is a disease that you can catch. Tonkin is by no means great, but he's actually surprised me this year. Pressly has surprised in a negative fashion similar to Jepsen. At this point, what I hope for, and what I'd do, is move Hughes to the pen. I'd be promoting Chargois soon. Jepsen would be a middle man with Pressly. And I'd send May to Rochester to relax, and stretch him out. I'm not anxious to move Abad. He's pitching well, has at least some history of success, may be worth bringing back, is inexpensive, and I'm unconvinced yet, despite all this, that a return would be better than keeping him. I think Rogers has potential. Pen: Hughes, Chargois, Jepsen, Tonkin, Pressly and Tonkin. Abad and Rogers from the left side.

I wouldn't give up Murphy this soon. I'd keep Centeno for now. Why not? At this point, though I still like him and believe he will get "figured out", I'd be in favor of trading Dozier and putting Polanco at 2B. It may be his best position, and it appears the Twins just don't want him or believe in him at SS. I'd keep Escobar and Nunez both. I'd probably keep Santana as well, as a multi position reserve with speed off the bench and still possessing some upside. But I'd be giving Beresford a long look-see. Sano is at 3B. I wouldn't give up on Rosario yet. He's way too young and there is just way too much potential there. I'd probably keep both English Santana and Gibson. Nolasco would be gone. Hughes is probably untradable, at least for now. I'd really like to try him in the pen. The bullpen is a complete mess. But I'd keep Abad probably. And I'm still tempted to keep Pressly and Tonkin for now. Oddly, Tonkin was the guy I was worried about, and thought Pressly was ready. Suddenly, it's just the opposite.

It's funny how things get taken out of context. In another thread, Ryan is bashed pretty hard about his Grossman comment. But in the full context of the article, there is really nothing all that inflammatory or overly congratulatory concerning the signing. The term "panic" isn't a Ryan quote. He uses it, somewhat loosely, as a feeling for some fans, accurate or not. I actually find his comments to be some of the most open and honest comments I have ever heard from Ryan before. What really strikes me about his honesty is almost a confession that his job may actually be on the line. What also hits home is that despite many, many comments on other threads currently, and in the past...and I have commented recently how those of us away from Minnesota and the Twin Cities may not have access to opinions and information others closer do...that the Pohlad family only cares about profit just may not be accurate. Or, even if you wish to be a Pohlad defeatist still, that the product on the field DOES matter. I think this almost begs the question, what has to happen the rest of the season to NOT see a major change on top of the organization? I am beginning to think more and more that perhaps a change may indeed be coming. The one part of Hit's post I will object to is over valuing our prospects as fans. While I can see that, and agree with it in regard to fans' relative impatience for a turnaround and relevancy again, I would disagree in regard to the actual prospect rankings and potential. These prospects are not just ranked highly by us as fans, but also by scouts and various basebalL scouts and publications as top prospects.

His defense needs work and he will probably always be a DH and part time OF. He also SO way too much, and probably always will. But even with a ton of SO, if he can keep nudging his BB up, he may be a real 3 part outcome player at the ML level. And those are valuable too. Can you see him hitting in the .250 range with a .325-.330 OB, 30+ doubles and 25-30+ HR? It's still hard no to be excited about him. He's produced at every level he's ever been at.

No big surprise comment/observation here...the Twins haven't had a true leadoff hitter since Span. Haven't had much of a #3 hitter either since Mauer regressed. You can debate that a leadoff hitter is only ever guarantee to leadoff once per game, but that's a BS arguement. It's not about the 1st inning, to about setting the table for the guys behind them. Right now, as long as he's stil having a good season, I'd work Nunez in to the lineup, probably near the top. Regrettably, considering his poor May, I'd probably have Mauer there as well. Dozier has produced at the top before, but just isn't producing much at alL at the moment. Polanco. This young man, after some early struggles in his milb career, has turned out to be an exciting offensive player. He's been so good, so exciting, that after starting virtually every milb season in the 1 or 2 hole, he's been moved down the the 3 spot. (Much like Gordon in Ft Myers this year) Are there questions about his defense and ultimate, everyday position? Yes. But he is still only 22, has very littleast AAA time, much less ML time, and as I have written before, if you examine the history of many, many ML SS during their milb and early ML careers, you wil, see seasons with quite a few errors. At this point, what are the Twins playing for? We're not going to the playoffs, we're not going to finish .500, play this talented kid EVERY SINGLEVEL DAY at SS or 2B and see what he can do. It's so obvious that it's maddening!

Buxton really showing something. (And this is good news, he needs the developmental time and is taking advantage of it). Kepler really coming around. Makes me giddy for a month or so from now in the midst of such a morose season. The rotation at Ft Myers is kick ass! I'm just not worried about promotions yet. I say that because I really feel it's only a couple more starts before we see it. I know we get impatient, but really, a coupleading more starts for Gonsalves and Stewart, and they are still at AA to begin June. That's still 3 months at Chattanooga.

I agree it's a lot of money. But he's also made gobs of money to this point. From my general understanding, he's never been on to live high on the hog. I'm sure he's set for life. When I refer to health, it seems that no longer being behind the plate should help prevent additional aches and pains. But I am referring to his concussion issues. With Koski and Morneau we've seen concussions happen just from playing the game in a normal fashion. With a young family, financially set, a third year of disappointing performance, possibly regressing further...that is yet to be determined...I don't think to absurd to think he would decide to walk away. Especially if the Twins did something to offset any financial "loss" he would incure. And let's be realistic simply from a baseball sense, Mauer's value is to the Twins and the Twins alone. We're he, in theory, suddenly on the market via trade or an outright release, no longer an All Star or Gold Glove catcher, what team would be willing to pick him up as a poor hitting no power 1B?

I don't think the Twins would ever flat out cut Mauer. But I have maintained that after the past two seasons, should he perform the same this year, or further regress, he may simply decide it's time to move on with his life and his family and hopefully continued good health, (no further injuries or concussions) There is a lot of pride in a top athlete. But failure to perform as you have in the past, as you wish you still could, can wear on a player. Not all players hold on and scratch and claw until it's over. I wonder, would the Twins nudge him that direction as well? I have maintained he could be offered deffered money, or a role with the organization...say a personal services contract...that would offset any lost income from retiring. I know he's still got a couple big financial years ahead, but he's also made a bunch, is set for life, has a young family, and there is the whole pride issue of "I can't do it any more". I was hopeful he would rebound in his 3rd year post concussion. He's turned in to a solid 1B, and he's a veteran LH bat in a lineup that leans right. If he could recapture even some of his past ability, hit .280 ish with a quality OB%, doubles, a few HR and some clutch hitting. Maybe he still will. But sadly, it's just not looking that way right now.

Precisely. And lest we forget, while he has been mostly lights and dominant, he missed 2 full seasons due to injury and recovery, yes? He may be a natural, but he's also really just getting his feet wet in pro ball. Really, he's pretty much on the fast track right now. I'm not going to slam the Twins on this one.

If this continues, my gut says he may just walk away on his own. Three straight seasons where he is a shell of himself? Plus his young family and future health to consider? It also wouldn't surprise me if the Twins FO "took care" of him with some deferred money or spot with the organization in some capacity.

First...same as everyone else, why aren't the kids playing when up? What...we're going to win something??? Second, I'm still wondering why Berrios didn't just stay up for another 2 starts before Gibson comes back. (theoretically)

Another question....and yes, I'm being serious....could Vargas be a DH next year with Park as the 1B? What about Mauer you ask? After the past 2 seasons and the onset of May, that is a very, very interesting question no doubt.

LeBlanc needs to be packing for Ft Myers.

No excuse for a poor season, wild AB and missed plays in the OF or a really bad day today. But to yank him for being aggressive in this situation is ridiculous. He has excellent spa Eed and there was nobody covering 3B. What if Verlander threw the balL away? What if they changed the shift? What if Verlander got frustrated and uncorked a wild pitch? Yes, the Twins lost yet again. And one more run wou,don't have ultimately done anything for the final outcome. But who knew that at the time? It actually sounds like a smart play to me.

At this point, the Twins either have to DL him to build up his shoulder, or just accept his current limitations and move him to the pen. He has some experience and past success there. He won't have to pitch near as many innings, and as such, perhaps his velocity will uptick slightly. This could also lead to May being stretched back out for the rotation.

The extension for Hughes, IMO, wasn't/isn't really the issue. Its really more the timing of it. He has long been a highly respected talent with a lot of potential. In his days with the Yankees, he certainly had his ups and downs with consistency. When he got the Twins, it seemed as though talent and potential were coming together, and seemingly at the right age, And the way he pitched, he certainly was deserving of the new contract. The problem is the new contract was based on the one "change of scenery" year in Minnesota, and not his career. The Twins sold themselves high on Hughes.l