DocBauer

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)

I have all the confidence in the world that Buxton will be outstanding defensively and very good offensively, even if he never reaches great status. Too much raw ability, and even in milb he showed the ability to adapt and improve. Now, how quickly he starts being at least good is the question. Still so, so young and missing most of a season did him no favors. I am not saying it's a mistake to have him in the majors to begin the year. But I do think it's a mistake to feel compelled to.

Yeah, I'm on the over as well. I don't believe 2 consecutive seasons is an aberration at this point. Provided, of course, he also doesn't get run in to the ground over the course of a full season. I'm thinking about .268/ .315 with 32 dbls, couple triples, 13 HR. Call me crazy, but healthy with a few days off to stay fresh, I could see AVG and OB both bump 10 points and another 5 or 6 XB hits.

My problem with Plouffe, and keeping Plouffe around, is not Plouffe. You can nickel and dime complaints about him all you want because he isn't an All Star player. But since Koski left town, how desperate have we been for a quality fielding 3B that could hit a little and bring some power and RBI potential? But because his numbers are pretty much middle of the road to top 25% depending on the year and stat, he's not seen as special enough to embrace by some. Solid to good, but not great, I think we're pretty luck to have him. Now, that doesn't excuse the Twins from a potential roster conundrum next year, if not this one, when Kepler is ready and Sano needs to move back to 3B, 1B or DH. Plouffe is not a great hitter, but I think he's better than last season's numbers: .256/ .317/ 36Dbls/ 24HR for 2016.

After their past couple of outings, it's looking like Nolasco could be in the rotation to begin the season with Duffey in AAA. (Which brings back the whole "why is May in the bullpen" issue/debate) But we don't know what we don't know. We don't know what Molitor and his staff are thinking, nor do we know if Duffey has been under some strict pitch selection regiment at this time. But I am begining to think/believe more and more that the Twins may carry a pair of lefties out of the gate. Without looking back at every inning they appeared in and who was in the game at the time, Abad, O'Rourke and Runtzler have all shown pretty well. Darnell and Bosses have also flashed. (There is room to play with the 40 man spots)

I don't want Nolasco in the rotation. I want Duffey as he's part of the future, and I want him part of the present as well. But if he's struggling and needs some time, and Nolasco is pitching well...which he seemingly has of late...this is not necessarily a bad thing. Any player or pitcher that goes out for the Twins and performs well is a good thing. It helps them win games. And it can also make a guy like Nolasco possibly tradable for when Duffey, or Berrios, is ready to come up. No need to find the closest bridge just yet.

Pressly. He's earned it. IMO. If he doesn't get hurt last season, are we even talking about Tonkin? Been rooting for Tonkin. I think he's been yo-yo'ed way too much between Rochester and the Twins. But for the most part, the consistency hasn't been there, and isn't there this spring either.

What a difference a more productive Mauer could make, hitting 2nd or 3rd, and there are reasons for both. (Even 5th in certain scenarios makes sense-contact, OB, line drive power and RISP AVG) I think it's beyond optomistic to believe we'll ever see the Mauer of old. But what a help he brings to the lineup as a quality LHP bat who can get on base, show some pop, and just give the lineup depth and options, wherever he is placed. As I have stated before, this is a huge year for Mauer. Every player/human body functions differently. This includes dealing with, hopefully recovering from, concussions. However, I think it is reasonable to recognize/assume a 2 year pattern for recovery. If not, I think it would, unfortunately, signal that he simply never will recover anything resembling his past self. Saying that he will, based on roughly 150 games again as a 1B/DH: .288 AVG/ .368 OB%/ 35 Dbls/ 12 HR.

Santana has been largely consistent in his career, posting solid overall numbers year in and year out, with a couple very good/outstanding seasons mixed in. Hughes, on the other hand, hasn't been so consistent. But he's still under 30 and has good stuff when healthy and a very strong bounce back candidate after a down 2015. (To be fair, there were stretches where he looked like the same guy) Gibson is still getting better. I don't want to hijack this as a "May" thread, but I think it's pertinent to bring him up. I was confused, confounded and kind of ticked off when he was placed in the pen last season. I still don't want him there, even if he helps for now. I still want him back in the rotation. But...and this is a good problem to gave...there us simply no room for him right now. You've also got Duffey and Milone, who is OK underated and LH and a Molitor choice for now. And this doesn't even include Berrios. You want your best arms, hopefully with balance, filling out all 12 slots. Until or unless someone is moved, one if these arms needs to be in the pen. I mean, seriously, if you could move a guy tomorrow, wold it be Santana? Hughes? Gibson? Almost impossible choice and a nice predicament to have.

Thank you Seth for your "sacrifice" at spring training in Florida in March for the rest of us. Lol But seriously..thank you for your envious reports. I really do think the Twins Daily and Twins World in general is something pretty awesome!

Hmmmm...curios. Duffey has only gotten better and better each milb season before his outstanding third of a season in 2015. He is young, filled with potential, and I would claim has vastly out performed Nolasco thus far. We read and hear how pitchers spend much of ST working on innings, control, and other pitches. While Duffey hasn't been great this spring, he seems to have organizationall support, and there have been various reports that he has been working hard on his change up, and throwing lots of them. Nolasco has been anything short of consistent in his Twins career thus far, including this spring, while Duffey has shown great flashes of potential, as well as doing the "spring training" thing of working on another pitch. Is your opinion based solely on contract? I have argued that based on current depth, without a move of someone, either May or Duffey should be in the pen. At least for 2016. May appears to already be the guy, right or wrong. So again, curious why Duffey in the pen at this point?

I like this. But the problem is I think all 4 of these guys have the IT factor.q and ability...though I allow a season or so for everyone to mature and find their groove and their spot. So given this "problem", even though depth is great and you can play with the daily roster to fit everyone in, sooner or later the Twins are going to have to move someone to make room daily for this 4-some. IMHO, I ignore Rossrio's early propensity for swinging freely. Give him time. He reminds me a little bit of Puckett in regard to his swing. But in his milb career he has shown the natural ability to hit, including being a bit of a free swinging nature, but he has also shown the ability to get OB at at least a decent ability. Again, give him some time. In reality, he was rushed a bit. I seriously doubt Park is going to wash out or go somewhere else. This means Mauer or Plouffe is going to have to move within the next year or so. If not, Molitor is going to have to be REALLY creative with his lineups.