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DocBauer

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Everything posted by DocBauer

  1. DocBauer
    I really like this post. Now...hitting .260 with limited power and an OB of .330-.340 may not cut it either. But teams Re all constructed differently. The Twins don't have a bopper at 1B? Well, very few teMs have a 2B who hits like Dozier does. I watched Grace, Joyner and Hernandez win gold gloves, make all star games, and have long and productive careers despite being more contact, line drive hitters than boppers.
  2. DocBauer
    I hope...I hope...I hope we see a return of the old Mauer...(young Mauer? normal Mauer?). If not, the way the team seems to be constructed now, and with so many good young OF's, Mauer would be best as the veteran LH PH/DH/backup 1B. I don't know that the Twins would be bold enough to do that. Or if most anyone would, for that matter.
  3. DocBauer
    Agreed! I don't want Shields. And I think a deal for him is way too complicated to pull off anyway. But still, there were rumors last year, which is why I addressed it.
  4. DocBauer
    Hey, I think you may have something here. A win-win for both clubs. Mutual need. There is a history of moves between the two clubs, though it has been a while. And while both are in the AL, they are not in the same division.
  5. DocBauer
    I am a fan of Plouffe. Which I guess puts me in the "overvalued" camp, which I don't feel is either accurate or fair. If you like Plouffe and respect him and his contributions, I guess you overvalue him. If you feel solid fielding 3B who hit .250-ish with 30 Dbl and 20 HR power kind of grow on trees these days, then I guess you undervalue him. It's not being snarky, it's simply the reasonable split being discussed here in regard to Plouffe, his value, the number of quality 3B in the league, and teams in need. While Norris has yet to hit as he did in the minors, the potential is there. I wish he were LH, but oh well...can't have everything. I like the idea of trading with San Diego, though I could get behind a real quality RP arm or two. San Diego options include Plouffe, possibly another solid prospect, for a talented young catcher in Norris. The other option, crazy but impossible to dismiss, is a 4 or 5 for 3 with both clubs burning the midnight oil. Plouffe, Polano perhaps, Arcia maybe, Nolasco back to the NL, and a young pitcher not named Berrios. Stewart, Gonsalves or Burdi maybe? Twins get their young catcher, a top relief arm in Kimbrel, but also take on Shields. This deal doesn't really work for the Twins unless a 3rd team is involved for Shields, Santana or Hughes. (Hughes if the one I'd like to really keep) It may be too complicated...but it would be interesting.
  6. DocBauer
    While I agree with you, it's sooo hard to just say he will be that "ace" pitcher. The pressure (presumably) and expectations are such that I don't know if you can ever win that debate. (the is he or isn't he truly an "ace") What if it takes 2 years? 3? What if he he's an ace quality every other year? But yeah...I just have a really, really good feeling about Berrios, his stuff, his work ethic, and his determination and mental makeup. Interesting point, I have often compared him to Pedro Martinez, who also was not tall, though I'd speculate Berrios is bulkier. But also, Cueto, a proposed ace pitcher, while bulkier at a listed 220lbs, also stands only 5' 11". So just another couple examples of an ace pitcher not being over 6 foot.
  7. DocBauer
    I guess it depends on how old you are Loosey. LOL I would include Morris for his one year. Viola was an ace. Blyleven, even the second time around, was pretty close to being a second ace. I'd say Radke was for a year or two. (debatable I know)
  8. DocBauer
    FWIW...I have no interest in "putting the band back together." I am, however, interested in FA players that may be available to help bolster the Twins. If those players happen to be Ex-Twins, well then, that's just a happenstance. I like AJ if the right deal for a long term catcher just isn't there this off season. It improves our catching situation, (debate all you want as to how much-there are varying opinions to be sure), doesn't cost us big money or prospects, and let's us re-visit the FA and trade market next off season, as well as allowing another full season to examine prospects in our own system; i.e. Turner and Garver. Span I hadn't considered. Now I am. IF Plouffe is traded, I feel the lineup is rather unsettled. It seemed to me a signing might be more along the lines of a power hitter. (still leaning that way) But the Span idea to help stabalize the top of the lineup with Dozier maybe moving down to a larger RBI position. So I could get behind this. Again, the fact that he's an Ex-Twin doesn't matter to me. It's just...interesting.
  9. DocBauer
    OMG! I still have night sweats over that trade!
  10. DocBauer
    Question/statement...if I may. I have also tossed Stewart's name out on an occasion or two, as of late, as part of various trade bundles and options. To be perfectly honest, I'd rather trade him than Gonsalves. Perhaps I am misguided in this thought, but it is how I feel. However, pretty much every single prospect list related to the Twins has Stewart in the top 15 at worst, if not top 10. And I believe I have yet to see him listed behind Gonsalves on any list. Therefore, while we may complain and wonder on these boards about his SO's and potential, and whether or not he will ever turn a corner, just how good he can be...RIGHT NOW...everyone who ranks prospects seems to still see him as a quality prospect.
  11. DocBauer
    I may be naive or mistaken on trade ideas/value, but when trying to place myself in Milwaukee's spikes...granted without intimate knowledge of the Brewer's roster...I would think a trio of quality young prospects would be exactly what is needed to pry a player of Lucroy's ability, albeit, a bit on the outs due to injury and rebuild mode. While I love me some Trevor Plouffe, I think I might be more interested in Arcia, were I the Brewers on a rebuild. (Maybe both) I'd have to have a top pitching talent, maybe Stewart, as has been mentioned. For a third? Not sure. But no matter how much I respect Lucroy, I have a very hard time trading for a player with recent concussion issues, (especially considering the Twins history with such issues), and giving up Kepler and/or Berrios. I just think it may be asking too much. Giving up pretty much anything/anyone else for Lucroy...or anyone else who offers long term potential at the catcher spot, works for me.
  12. DocBauer
    I don't know the exact odds of a team having ANY players from ANY draft play significantly in the majors, but I know they are large. I read once upon a time where a team hopes each draft produces 1 star (type) player, 1 solid starter and 1 solid contributor/role player. I don't have a problem with losing the #17 pick in the draft, (we'll have 2 seconds this year), as there is so little cause to feel we hurt ourselves. I also have no problem paying a 30yo catcher 4 years and $15-16M per. I honestly don't expect him to regress so quickly that he is a negative, (even if value per dollar is down for year 4) I'd rather sign him, and his potential bat, than trade away a couple top players. My concern remains, what if he just can't hold up for 120 games due to his arm? Players come back all the time these days from TJ and play the field. Sano did this year. So I ask again, why did Wieters play so little behind the plate this year? Why not on consecutive days? I need to know he is 100% before I make this investment. He's just not a good enough to hitter to slide him somewhere else, like DH, and chalk it up to an "oh well." I've stated before I like AJ for one year if things don't come together. Then re-examine the FA and trade market next season, as well as our own catching prospects a season from now. But I've been thinking about another candidate; Alex Avila. Since his big 2011 season his numbers have been on a 4 year downward slide. But, his career numbers against RHP are .251/ .358/ .423/ .781. He will only be 29 in '16 I believe. His career CS% is 29%, but over 32% if the one poor season of 2013 is removed.
  13. DocBauer
    I am on the "don't sign one" bandwagon. Note, I am NOT blasting Ryan for signing Hughes, Santana or Nolasco. (Haven't we been down this path before???) But the fact is, they ARE signed. Even if we can move Nolasco for SOMETHING and only have to pay half his salary, I feel we would absolutely have to then move either Hughes or Santana to not only afford our new FA "ace" pitcher, but to make room in the rotation. Then, how much better...IP, QS, etc...would this pitcher be over the displaced Hughes or Santana? Would it really be enough to offset improvements that really need to be made at catcher and the bullpen? I love having that true #1 guy to lead your staff. But he still pitches only once every 5th day. With Hughes, Santana, Berrios, May, Duffey, Gibson and even Milone available, I feel pretty good about what the Twins can march out to the mound EVERY day. I would rather go with what we have, let the kids develop, and focus on catcher and strengthening and deepening the bullpen.
  14. DocBauer
    I expect anyone to come back from TJ surgery and perform at a normal level. Look at Sano for instance. But if Wieters arm wasn't bothering him, then why did he catch so little? Why no 2 days in a row? That just makes me really paranoid that his recovery hasn't been 100%.
  15. DocBauer
    Suzuki is only a must through 2016, so the $20M price tag for catcher would only be for a single season. For the right move, a move that really helps the club, I feel a whole lot better losing a 17th pick than a top 10. (which we can't really lose anyway) And while I hated not signing our 2nd round pick this past draft, we get a compensatory pick this year in place, so if we did lose our 1st rounder, we would have two 2nd's. So those aren't real issues for me. And despite being a catcher, there is nothing in particular to suggest Wieters will suddenly regress over the next 2 to 4 seasons to the point where he is a liability. Again, it's a defense first position, and you look for the best offense you can get. What does bother me is the arm. Did I hear correctly? Something about catching less than half his team's games the past 2 seasons and no games caught back to back last year? His agent, naturally, will spin it as precautionary, how he is now 110% and ready to roll every day with no issues. Could I get excited about this signing? Yes. But 4 years at $15-16M and reservations about his arm and longevity to stay behind the plate as a result...I just think I have to say no.
  16. DocBauer
    The Twins, and many teams, have a history of carrying 2 utility players, as opposed to just a single. Especially if one can fill in the OF or 1B, etc. There is room...and I say reason...for the Twins to keep both. Multiple roster constructions I put together sees room for both.
  17. DocBauer
    Two years with Mauer on the bench or taking a day off? Lineup construction could vary slightly, but yeah, Walker 8th due to Avg/contact issues that will persist to some degree. And an attempt to break up LH/RH through the lineup. 6-7-8 could move around.
  18. DocBauer
    Flight of fantasy? Or, impending reality? Buxton Gordon Kepler Sano Dozier Vargas Rosario Walker Garver/Turner
  19. DocBauer
    I almost started this post with a whole bunch of sarcastic, "he's an obvious bum, throw him to the wolves" horse hockey. Guess I am just in a mood. But seriously, age 22 at AA; .297/ .333/ .386/ .719 with 22Dbls/ 10 Tpls/ 2HR/ 30SB After that, he spent a whopping 27 games and 108 AB's in 2014 at AAA as a 23yo. He was placed in CF as the Twins primary option there, with occassional work at SS. In a season of extreme disappointment, he was an unexpected spark plug for the Twins. He hit and produced, kept on hitting and producing, got hurt, came back, and continued to hit and produce. I was so impressed, such a fan and believer, that I actually wasn't worried about him going in to this past season. I knew and expected some regression. But I also believed he'd improve in some areas even as he regressed in others. He had shown outstanding talent, resiliency and confidence previously. Not only should/could he build on experience, but he was going to now return to his natural position. I don't know if it was pressure to perform, pressure to do more, or what. But at the ripe old age of 24, with the talent he possesses, flashes he has already shown us, we should be EXCITED about his potential on the roster as a utility role player, tons of potential and bounce-back potential without the same pressure, instead of tearing him down as just another guy.
  20. DocBauer
    I guess I'm just going to echo a lot of the same things already said. He may not be the hitter he was in 2014, but he is also not the hitter he was in 2015. Too much talent, too much potential, too quick of hands, and a decent milb track record of hitting/offense indicates he should produce at least some. That little hitch in his swing looks just awful. Makes him look like he's swinging all arms and not using his hands at all. I've never understood the idea that a utility player has to be good field bad bat. Back in the day, Ron Washington, for example, wS an excellent utility player for the Twins. He played all across the diamond and was an OK defender with a solid bat. He "helped" the club by being able to fill in for guys or give them a day off and perform adequately with a decent bat. Santana has that ability, plus the ability to play the OF. I proposed months ago that Santana be turned in to a multi purpose utility player. And I believe that is exactly his role for NOW. With the Twins, or another club, he still has the youth and potential to settle in as a dynamic player at a couple of positions. But if he could be something close to Tony Phillips...previously mentioned...wow!
  21. DocBauer
    I know it's easy for us as fans to get wrapped up in reports, projections, rankings, hope, etc, and maybe become a little sun blind to the golden glare of prospects' various status and projectability. For those of us that have been reading various prospect lists for 10, 20, 30 years and can remember the likes of Banks, Gasser, Marte, Sontag and many others, we know how fickle a mistress fate and projectability can be. But as I look at this top 10 list, other than Stewart who I have some real questions about, the only real "flaw" or concern I have is contact from Walker. Even a little improvement, and I see he and the rest of the group as ALL making the majors and contributing, if not reaching regular/star status.
  22. DocBauer
    It seems to me the last draft was a bigger grab bag of unpredictability than normal, injuries, poor years, split opinions on potential, etc. And with the Twins not expected to be picking at the top of the draft for the near future, I argued it was the perfect year for the Twins to take a chance on the biggest upside they could find, preferably a SP since no catcher was viable. That being said...or re-stated...I really liked the Jay pick. Some would call it a safe pick, any maybe it was; proven college career, can/should be a quality reliever if starting falls through. And there is real value in that. But quality LHSP with real upside is one of the hardest things to find. Gordon has surprised me. I am no scout. I read and learn. But I just didn't see Gordon as a top 5 pick when I read scouting reports. It seemed like nobody was overly impressed with any specific skill, and his scale numbers all seemed to linger around 50, maybe one 60, and compared to other recent picks and signings, I just wasn't sure he was really a top pick/prospect. Clearly, I mis-read or the reports were just very conservative. He clearly looks like the real deal. But man...if he could add another 15lbs or so of man muscle over the next couple of years, we might actually witness the best overall SS in Twins history. Granted we're talking so back breaking limbo of a bar here, but still.....
  23. DocBauer
    Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Polanco in the last top 100? I'd think his season should warrant inclusion. What about Gonsalves? Is he just a little too young at this point to make the list? Or do you think he's got a shot?
  24. DocBauer
    I have maintained that one smart addition to the team would be a veteran LH hitter off the bench to help with PH duties who could also DH and play a spot on occasion. Unless there is sudden improvement, (hopefully), Mauer would be perfect for this role. But just not gonna happen. Morneau was mentioned as a possibility recently. He could be that player, even perhaps a full time/mostly full time DH if his head and body are OK. Would he take less and be OK with a bench/part time role at this stage? How he feels about that might be more important than how he feels.
  25. DocBauer
    I guess I'm really of the opinion of no opinion at this juncture. And I say that simply because the jury is still out on Meyer. At then end of 2014 everyone pretty much held the opinion that he was ready to come up and let loose, or that he was really close and would be up soon. I'm not going to downgrade the trade, or call the Twins losers after one poor season. Ideally, trades turn out about equal for both clubs. I understand an established player like Span, who I like a lot, for a prospect, even a top prospect, may seem a stretch at first, and initial win for Washington. But as good as Span is, Meyer as a top rotation starter...Twins win. Meyer becomes a really nice #2...Twins probably win. Now, Meyer becomes the next dominant Joe Nathan caliber closer...I don't know if I can say that's a loss. Granted to he didn't rise to original expectations, but an elite, all-star caliber closer for multiple and probably cost controlled years? Just not a loss in my mind. Sometimes, player for prospects, we just don't see the final results for a couple years. So I'm holding off judgment for now. And BTW, I think he goes back to the rotation for 2016.
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