DocBauer

Been a huge fan and believer in Berrios since day one. From the very start there's just been something tough and determined about him. My fear isn't whether or not he breaks camp with the Twins or not. No. Day one or a month in, he'll be up...he'll contribute...and he'll be important. My fear is that with what the Twins have on roster now, plus the addition of Berrios, they might be tempted to keep May in the bullpen rather than look for an addition from elsewhere. And that would be a cry in' shame. Next to Berrios...and possibly right beside him...he's arguably the team's top young SP...at least from the RH side...major or milb level.

If it weren't for Berrios, or he was already in the majors, just think how much more we'd all be chomping at the bit in regard to Gonsalves and his season. Perhaps next year?

I wonder, if this were not a brand new affiliate, would the situation be handled differently?

The picture is of Jorge yes? Did he lie about his age? He looks all of 16! Maybe I'm just getting that much older. Good on him. Great performance. Great year.

I believe Berrios is special. I'm not going to declare him an ACE or future HOFer yet, but there is something special about the young man. I felt when the Twins drafted Gonsalves they may have gotten one of the real steals in the draft that year. While it may seem strange at first to attempt to compare the two of them...RH vs LH and 6' (maybe) vs a listed 6' 5"...there are some correlations that are at least interesting to consider. Both are 21, Berrios about 6 weeks older, both are coming off big years at two different levels...though Berrios was a full step higher...but Berrios has also been in professional ball, and the Twins system, a year longer. Berrios' age 20 season, last year in '14 at A+ and AA, is probably the closest comp you could make. No matter how you slice it, Berrios has advanced further, faster, than Gonsalves. But again, there is the advantage of the extra professional season. And for whatever reason, Gonsalves was held back in 2014 in EST. but both young men have some tremendous milb numbers, both are very young, and both have at least one big year of split level results to reflect on, if not compare. The whole point being...WOW. Go back and take a look. You'll be glad you did! The one thing I'd question and be interested in knowing is whether the taller Gonsalves is really his listed weight of 190lbs. If accurate, you'd have to expect another 15-20lbs of bulk and muscle yet to come wouldn't you? That could lead to even more endurance and velocity out of Gonsalves.

Big, strapping, athletic Southern League MVP Kepler with 13 TRIPLES! Can I get a universal WOW from the crew? I don't know if this talented young man is on the opening day roster for '16 or not, but something tells me it won't be long if not.

Big, strapping, athletic Southern League MVP Kepler with 13 TRIPLES! Can I get a universal WOW from the crew? I don't know if this talented young man is on the opening day roster for '16 or not, but something tells me it won't be long if not.

While pure stuff and potential would probably have Gonsalves and a healthy and fully re-habed Thorpe as easily the top LHSP options in the organization, it does seem as though there are a number of other, decent LH options in the organization. Sure would be nice if at least one of them could make the transition to reliable LH bullpen arm.

I think you'd have to add Jones to the list, though he was already in the organization before 2014. No question Ryan was counting on at least one of these three to make a positive impact on the season. Good chance one of them does next season. But in no way, no how, should he plan on one or more of them and not make a move to bring in at least one additional re-enforcement from outside the organization.

Thank you Jeremy. Looked up Gordon's season for the first time in a while. 19 and starting SS at low A for. a winning team, hitting in the .270's with an OB in the .330's and 25 SB with 8 caught stealing. I'm starting to think this kid has a chance. Lol But seriously, a very nice season. A little more discipline and a little more muscle, without losing speed hopefully, and a potential WOW here. Always kept my eye on Danny Ortiz. He could use more discipline, but otherwise would make a nice 4th OF. But yeah, barring trade or Kepler taking over 1B, just no room on the Twins for him probably.

A switch hitter who can actually hit some...potentially...with legit XB/HR power, you bet there is room for Vargas still. I don't think the Atwins would keep him around as a glorified PH next season, but guess you never know. But if any of his new-found approach is for real and sticks, he could be a key cog in the lineup at DH and backup 1B in the near future. I also agree Santana's shot is not done yet. But at this point, not only does he have to improve his approach, but he will have to wait for a "seize the moment" opportunity because Escobar isn't going anywhere. Not after last season, this past ST, and what he's done now that he's been allowed to play consistently. I'd love to see Santana learn to play 2B. Whether for us, or someone else, I think he could have a future as a reserve INF/OF if he never lays claim to a full time SS job.

I don't think I could mount much of a disagreeing argument here, even if I wanted to. Probably the perfect 7 selections when you weigh all factors. I don't think sending both Turner and Garver to the AFL is so much about either helping the Twins in '16, but simply more about continued improvement and experience to see what we really have in each of them. Good defense, offensive potential in both. But how good do either project out? That may help determine how serious the Twins need to be in trade searches for our catcher of the future. If both show well, maybe the team feels better about short term help for 2016.

But back to Berrios specifically again, doesn't the number of short starts lately, especially in the case of Pelfrey, almost demand the Twins bring Berrios up NOW?

And I tend to agree. I still like Hughes a lot and expect a big rebound from him next season. Up until his current injury, and a start or so before that, he was pitching well...really, he just got hot and "corrected" any flaws later this year than he did last season. I don't see the Twins ridding themselves of BOTH Nolasco and Santana this offseason. There is a real chance to move one of them at least, provided they are willing to eat some salary and don't get greedy on the return. But the whole point was...unrealistic or not...you could almost pencil in FOUR young starters in the rotation...3 we drafted and 1 we acquired...from our own milb system. Wow!

Great to see Bard healthy, throwing hard, and presumably, back on his career path. Darnell may not be a top prospect, but any LH that can get outs always grabs my attention. I thought last season he was on track as a LH relief option who could get some SO's and not exclusively be a LOOGY. Needless to sY, a disappointing season for the most part. But his strong finish has me encouraged again.

Vargas could be a key component going forward. Seems we say that a lot these days with so many good young ballplayers rising up through the system, but it's true. I am on record as to not being opposed to trading Plouffe, but I'd rather keep him and his bat to play 1B/3B/DH with Sano and Mauer. However, finding a full-size DH like Vargas, changes the lineup. If,at least at first, he doesn't mash but could still hit .270-ish with a .315-.320-ish OB while cranking 30 Dbls and 25 HR-----ish, he gives the lineup a lift and makes Plouffe expendable.

No way Arcia deserves it. But I keep wondering if a little ML time to close out a bitter season could provide a sort of jump-start.

I am of the conclusion/opinion at this point of promoting him. I don't like the idea of adding him to the 40 man this soon, just so we could save another slot for someone else to be protected. But again, I have come to the decision that he should come up. However, my reasoning is different than what's being discussed on here thus far. Could he help us with our playoff push? Yes. If we watch his pitch and innings count, could he possibly help us in to October should we actually get in this thing and win something? Again, yes. But at that point, I would begin to worry about too much wear and tear on his arm. There may not be direct correlation to injury and sudden jumps is usage from one season to the next, but there is a different in 30 innings and possibly 50 or so. IMHO. The reason I'd like to see him up is to actually see and gain ML experience in preparation for 2016. Can we really doubt that he's going to be part of the rotation next season? And I'm not worried about service time. Barring injury or some such, he's going to be signed to some form of contract or extension before we'd have to worry about his FA year. (same as Buxton and Sano) I am fully aware of contractual obligations we have to SP's on the roster. And I am not slamming the Twins for signing them. But we could realistically see Gibson, May, Berrios and Duffey as part of the 2016 rotation. When is the last time you could say the Twins had four legit young arms to flesh out the rotation? I'd like to get Berrios some time this year to get him better prepared for next year.

I know this is one...albiet huge...blossoming year for Kepler. But when I read stuff like this, when I read everything he's done this year, when I read scouting reports, when I look at numbers, when I examine all-around ability-potential-athleticism, I can't help myself....I start thinking he is a #3 hitter of the future for the Twins.

I absolutely hate the idea of spending that kind of money on a middle reliever...or set up man should Nolasco find a comfortable home in the bullpen. But I think relief might be the best option for he and the Twins should he be brought back. For seeming physical limitations on his body if nothing else. I didn't hate the Nolasco signing when it was made, so I can't go back now and scream about it being a bad deal when it was solid and market value when it happened. But sometimes, bad luck or karma, things just don't work out right for a player and a team. Witness Pavano and the Yankees for a recent reference that deals with our beloved Twins. I believe the Twins should be as agressive as can be to move Nolasco this off season. Probably back to the NL where he has most of his experience. Just call it bad luck, a deal and fit that didn't work out, and everyone needs to try to walk away from it. Toss in some cash to cover the remaining 2 years, maybe a level C prospect to get a B prospect in return, and everyone gets on with life. Hugh, Santana, Gibson, May, Milone, Berrios and Duffey all strong possibilities, we just don't have room for Nolasco at this point. Now...the whole San Diego and Shields trade idea is a different animal. And not because Shield is owed more, and for a year longer, but is a better pitcher. (provided he doesn't suddenly lose it or break down) But if you make the move for Shields, you are suddenly back to too many bodies/arms again. Now what? You are, more than likely, not going to be able to move Santana as well. Would you dare trade one of the youngster? I think not. Milone? So again...in theory, if you make the Shield deal...then what?

Seth, while I enjoy everything you write, and being of a like and similar mind I agree with most of what you write, this one of my most favorite offerings you have presented. Being a "Twins-holic" for more than 40 years, it's easy to fall in to traps of disappointment. No offense to anyone here, but when you read articles/posts of shared consternation here on TD at times, it's not hard to slip in to the doldrums of disappointment at times. And while I absolutely do not wish to toot my own horn...which would be silly as I don't have the retrospect of Joshua's success much less the finish to this current season...but I have posted on several occasions as to how much fun I've been having this season as a Twins fan, minus the first 8 games, and even talked a few weeks ago in my "don't worry be happy" post about such. The Twins were, for the first 8 games of the season, just about the worst baseball team I have ever seen. Then they started to play well and win. Then they slipped. Then they got on a nice streak before the all-star game. Then, for whatever reason, they pretty much stunk again. They lost all 3 games against the evil empire in NY, but they SHOULD have two, if not all three. I know there is, in reality, not much to be said for moral victories. There is something evil and maddening in "almost" in sports. But there is also something redeeming in that "almost" that gives you belief. Our Twins may not be as good as they appear at times, but they are also not as bad as they have appeared at times. What and who are they? A rebuilding team in transition who has guts, and talent, and budding talent as well as budding possibility, who are GAMERS in the best sense of the word. How will this season end up? I don't know. But I credit Molitor and his coaching staff...pretty much all former ML players...for a team that keeps on competing and won't give up. As for me....I'm having a blast!!

Like anyone else, I want Berrios up. I want him to get a brief taste of ML life, hitters, and arenas before he gets that first real shot to STICK. And let's be honest, while the Twins have a guideline on how to handle young pitchers, and IP year to year and subsequent increase in such, there is no hard and fast rule or body of evidence that suggests a "must be" or "always" much less any list of consequence. But to be equally honest, there is no rule or proof to dictate or indicate that the Twins way, the roughly 20% rule isn't a good idea, and doesn't work. I have to confess, logic would tell me that a 21 yo kid/young man, no matter how talented, who has already conquered 2 levels this season, who is on pace for a 20% increase in workload on his arm, has probably done about as well as could be expected, and has probably climbed the mountain about as far as he can...perhaps should?...for one season. He's been fantastic and has increased our appetite for more. But is a promotion now, starting his clock, taking up a 40 man spot that could be reserved for someone else for the winter, worth the 3-4 starts he might make at the ML level this season? I would argue that for THIS season, it would make little difference. Would it make enough of a difference for next season? That's the rub!

I don't know if this helps or not. I don't know if it came too late or not. I don't dislike it. I'm just not sure at the timing. Some quick opinions/points: *This addition is not as a 4th LH. Perkins is your closer, and that's a different animal. I know it's a small point...but still. *If the conservative Ryan could learn one thing from the past couple of seasons, IMHO, it would be to NOT count on youngsters so much. WHAT??!! I am NOT talking about NOT promoting prospects and giving them ample opportunity. I'm talking about examples such as CF, and counting on Hicks and Buxton too much too soon. What happened? Hicks wasn't ready after his best season, but at AA, and Buxton got hurt. He did little to nothing for the pen this season expecting, probably, 1 or 2 Rochester RP to contribute, and 1-2 of the various top young RP arms such as James, Burdi, Jones, etc, to be ready at some point. People want to blast Ryan for not wanting to promote young players the past couple of yeRs, but I think he's almost depended on, banked on, the youngsters too much to step forward too soon, without the fallback option of veterans who could be cut or traded at a later date. *Perkins is an All Star, well paid closer. The idea of him being a high paid LH setup man is interesting, but not going to happen. Not until or unless he begins to slip in dominance. *I know this will be met with much knashing of teeth, but at this point, unless I could target someone else in FA that I really felt good about, I'd consider brining Duensing back, but only for a smaller contract, and with no promises. The past few weeks, he's been solid. Now you add Cotts. And you still have O'Rourke, Thompson, Rogers, Dean and Darnell to audition. Gods of baseball forgive you for having too much talent and you have to trade someone (or cut them) or trade them during the season for value, to make way for a more deserving youngster. *Ditto from the right side. Sign one top RHRP to work with Jepsen, keep Fien, (but in a lesser role now), and see what you find in your RH auditions. Soria was mentioned. OK...Soria, Jepsen, Fien and fill in the blank from about 6 or 7 options. Then look at those LH options...put this all together...now how do you feel about your 2016 bullpen? *All the debates the last couple of years here on TD about the past bullpens the Twins have employed, and how overrated some of them may have been...and now think how much you wish we had some of those bullpens. (And how badly Detroit wishes the past few years they had similar bullpens)

Couple things to consider about Duffy; It's 2015, he was drafted in 2012. College or not, that's a quick climb. And his climb has also been steady, never really stationed/stuck/strands anywhere for long. Just production and climb. He's still relatively new to being a SP. still learning all the prep and nuisances. And as mentioned, a better change and POOF, an even better pitcher. I was in favor of the Nolasco signing and the Santana signing. (Verdict is still very much out on Satana) I don't think injury/bad luck is a call for easy 20/20 revisionist history. But right now, I wish there was a way of unloading both without completing killing us, and run with Hughes, Gibson, May, Berrios, Milone and Duffey as out 6 running in to 2016. Could be good. Could be fun. And could definitely be something to run with for a while.

Funny you should mention that! I believe the Twins have a pitching coach now that happens to specialize the change up!