DocBauer

As I stated in the first thread, one of my all time favorite Twins. Right up there with Puckett and Hrbek. Cuddy was good. He was classy. And he always seemed to put the team above himself. While there was a but of negativity surrounding his last go round with the team, I'd have to include Kubel in that list of recently retired players that brought hope and winning back to the Twins.

alarp33, forgive me if I attempt to be brief. I posted concerning this matter a couple weeks ago in the forums section, and hit high points a couple pages ago in this thread. As of NOW, to repeat, I see a versatile and diverse role player. But the potential for more absolutely exists. Santana was never in a Twins top 10 prospect list, but he was in various top 20 lists. He was always, at worst, in the "keep an eye on" lists with reference to speed, power for his size/position, and overall athleticism. He turned 25 just a few weeks ago, was 24 during his disappointing 2015 season, and only 23 during his rather outstanding 2014 season...skipping AAA almost entirely, playing only 24 games total. He was 22 in '13 at AA, 21 at Ft Meyers and 20 at Beloit. He split 2010 between Beloit late and Elizabethton early as a 19 yo. He made his debut in the states in the GCL as an 18 yo. Look at his steady and rather aggressive progress through the system and you will see a player generally young at each and every level. Career milb AVG/OB of .276/ .319 and 6 straight seasons of double digit SB with a high of 30 in '13 at AA before making his ML debut in 2014. Milb OB 43 points above his BA. Yes, we want the OB higher, but again, consider the relative youth and potential. And when we talk potential, reflect on his 2014 rookie season at 23 yo...forget the awful and out of whack 2015 for a moment...and put it all together. At just a recently turned 25 yo, with his speed, decent pop, quick hands and some compromise between his milb numbers and his rookie campaign, I feel it's not unrealistic to think he could become an exciting and solid top of the order producer.

Well thought out. I think your numbers make sense. However, I disagree with your comments regarding greater value based on defense. If Sano actually goes to the OF and sticks, yes. But either now, or say next season after some roster shuffling, he were to play 3B, he'd be at worst even in defensive value, more than likely, or greater simply by being a 3B vs an OF. Yes?

Agreed. As of now, that is also how I see him, super utility, versatile help offensively off the bench. But if you look at his milb track record and his rookie year, and for a moment ignore his disappointing 2015, you can see the potential. He certainly wouldn't be the first guy to not be able to handle ever day duty in the infield but find himself in the OF. At that point, I could see him bloom with just a little more discipline. Based on talent, previous results, but again, ignoring '15. LOL

Absolutely. But you don't look at the construction of a roster, especially at this point, with the expectation or knowledge of when someone might be injured. So in a vacuum...opening day lets say...there is no room for everyone. Obviously there will be starts missed for some reason or another, or extra starts. But at that point, doubtful you'd pull a May out of the bullpen for that situation. More than likely, it would be your long reliever or someone from Rochester. In a dream scenario, though I intend no ill-will toward any of our players, the older Santana, (or someone) might be traded at some point to allow for all the younger arms to be in the rotation.

Further, I think we also have to keep the positions of these two players involved in their proper context. There is at least a decent chance that Hicks will hit for a higher AVG and OB than Murphy. He may have more power and more speed as well. But Murphy will be the guy behind the plate calling a game for the staff and receiving 90+ MPH fastballs and crazy breaking balls and balls in the dirt while also trying to catch base runners. All while trying to produce a league average OPS or greater. Context.

For the record, I've never been a "Plouffe must go" believer. Depth of talent is a great thing, and there is no reason you couldn't move guys in and out of spots and the lineup here and there. Also, I'm excited about Park's potential and think the move was a great one. But put these two ideas together, and there is a bit of a conundrum. I know these things often have a way of simply working themselves out, but there is a bit of an oddity to the roster right now. To be fair, there is still time to work these things out. There are still CF options out there if the Twins feel Buxton is better served spending time in Rochester. There is still time for a Plouffe move if the right offer/opportunity comes along. And there are still some solid options for a RH hitting OF to mix and match with Rosario and Arcia if Sano were to be moved back to 3B with said theoretical Plouffe move. I don't think it's time to hit the panic button on anything just yet. I'm still more concerned, at this point, with the bullpen, particularly from the left side.

Bingo! Barring injury, or an unexpected trade, I think there is a good chance May is in the bullpen for all, or most of, 2016. I don't like it, but he could be good at it, and he could shift back to the rotation in '17. The problem isn't even Milone, it's Hughes, Santana, Gibson, Duffey and Berrios. Remove Milone, promote Berrios, and you have one too many starters. So either Duffey or May works out of the pen. I just don't see Hughes or Santana (or Gibson) going anywhere at least untill next year. Even with May, or Duffey, in the bullpen, I could still see a vet RHRP on a 1 year deal to bolster things. But we don't have one guy from the left side we can really trust or bank on right now.

Pretty much this. It's only a bad trade if Murphy stinks and Hicks sets the world on fire. (Or if TR just sits on his hands from here on out) I don't really see anything wrong at this time. At the very least, I'd like to see how this plays out for a season (at least half of one) before making some determination.

When is the printed version going to be available?

Great question! Santana's quad slash as a minor leaguer stands at .276/ .319/ .399/ .717. His batting average has always been solid. And while the OB% hasn't been great, it is 43% points above his BA. That shows potential, especially considering he's never been exactly old for any level he's played at. Quite the opposite actually. The power is a little lax, but we heard about power/pop potential on the way up that might develop. And in fact, his 2014 rookie year he certainly showed some of that potential. He also hit double digits in SB for all 6 milb seasons. In his rookie 2014 season, while he did maintain an almost unsustainable BA and BBIP AVG, he held a 34 point higher OB%. 34 is, of course, less that 43, LOL. It's all fancy way of saying that despite being young, despite being a bit undisciplined, he HAS SHOWN previously in the minors, and to a lesser extent his rookie season in 2014, that he isn't just a SO machine. Looking at his athleticism, looking at numbers, looking at what he was capable in his rookie ML season, it's not hard to project some pop, see his speed, and believe he has the potential to be a decent hitter with an OK OB% and the potential for better with experience and just a little more discipline. And if he simple can't do the job daily at SS, he wouldn't be the first one to move to the OF and see his game take off. (kind of like it happened when he played mostly OF in '14)

I am often a defender of Ryan, though not afraid to call him out if I disagree with him. And he still has time, via trade or FA to make moves to help the club. And there are players available. But as of now, I am very disappointed with the lack of events this past week. While I applaud several moves TR has made the past couple of years, CF and the bullpen have had the feel of "hope and cross fingers" the kids are ready soon. Strong, LH set up men do not grow on trees. To have access to a couple on the market that wouldn't cost a fortune, that could have a huge impact on the depth and functionality of your bullpen, and to do nothing about it has me rather ticked. There are a handful of experienced RH relievers nearing the end that could possibly be had on fair 1 year deals, that along with a quality LH set up man, could mesh well with what we have on hand to build a really top end bullpen for 2016. We can't make the mistake of just waiting for help to arrive.

1* Trades are apples and oranges. I don't know that you can say with any true certainty that that is "all" the Twins would get for Plouffe. However, apples and oranges both being fruit, you can see situational parameters that bare out possible similarities. If that is the case, then a similar trade return for Plouffe would be a waste and we are better off keeping him. At least for now. (and I'm a known Plouffe fan) But I have been in favor of moving him to clear room for Sano. It looks like it's just not prudent to do so. 2* I haven't been in favor of Sano moving to the OF not because I don't think he can't do it, but how long will it take? Do we move him back to 3B in a year or two? What happens when Buxton and Kepler are both ready? Not to mention Walker? I'm not going to scream bad roster management, as rosters can become fluid for various reasons, and it's never a bad thing having "too many" good players. But there are challenges here, to be sure. 3* NOT going to get in to a Mauer debate for the up-teenth time, but, if he doesn't rebound towards the player he has been in the past, the truth is, both offensive and defensively, his presence in the everyday lineup compromises the best team that could be placed in the field/lineup. Would the Twins be bold enough to make him a part time/reserve player? 4* I still have real hope for D Santana. I think he could be a really nice role player. I think it wouldn't be out of the question he develops in to a top of the order hitter as a full time LF one day. (for the Twins or someone else) But I don't believe he is the CF to begin the 2016 season for the Twins if Buxton really and truly is headed for Rochester to begin the year. The powers that be simply can not afford to make the same mistakes they have made previously in regard to CF...sitting around waiting and hoping doesn't cut it. I don't know if Rajai Davis is the answer, or if some of the SD "trade a bad contract for another bad contract" rumors for Upton are an option. But especially with Sano in the OF and learning, we need a legit CF option.

IMPO, Sipp or Bastardo are absolute musts for this team and this bullpen. Either provides a legitimate LH set up man for the late innings. Williams and Molotakis could do that...but not yet. We have some decent options to audition for the second LH in the pen, and I think Milone could be one of those options depending on how the rotation shakes out. The team also needs another RH. With so many good, young, live arms on the way, I had my sights set on someone like the Hawk or Benoit; a hard throwing vet who could get it done for one more season. As discussed in another thread, Rodney could be that guy. Kelley would be a great second addition, and I'd be very happy to have him. And either he, or some of the young kids, could be traded in a year or so with value attached to them. But it might be simpler, cheaper, and prudent to go the 1-year veteran route.

I repeat what I said in another thread, I think Sano has "enough" speed and overall good athleticism along with a strong arm that he could probably learn to be a good OF. But how long are we talking? He's got it down by the end of the year to be at least OK? Two years? What about the state of the OF defense in the meantime? And what if Plouffe is let go two years from now when he is past team control? Who plays 3B then? I like Plouffe. I think it would be cool to see both he and Sano in the lineup together along with Park. I just don't know if it can really work properly.

Sipp at 2 for $12M I have no problem with! I would make that move all day long. If the Twins really and truly are going to keep Plouffe, I would think Rodney for 1 year at $5-6 would be very sound. No great expense for Rodney. He's only signed for 1 year. He has experience, proven production, and still has good velocity, which he seemed to show in 2014 and with the Cubs last year. And realistically, at some point in '16, possibly by mid-year, one of Burdi, Reed and others should be about ready.

You might be playing this partly tongue in cheek, but there's real value to what you said. The human mind is an interesting and complex place. Very often, regardless if you are a writer, an artists, a researcher or athlete, simply taking time to step back and remove yourself from the equation for a time brings a different freshness of thought and attitude the next time you address your profession/craft. I don't guarantee Buxton breaks with the club, or if he does that he's 75%, or 80% or 85% plus as to his ultimate potential. But I feel his work ethic, past proven abilities, and experiences of 2015 will allow him to enter ST with a new perspective to build on. And I believe there is still a very good chance to breaks with the club based on defense, potential, and initial contributions in the 9 spot, if nothing else. Of course....no backup option is a path we've been down before. And not a good one.

I still like the idea of moving Plouffe for a quality RP and probably a prospect. It provides a home for Sano that he is already familiar with and has the keys to. Secondly, I think the Twins should move to sign a quality corner OF with a live RH bat with some pop. Scanning available FA list, it seems there are a few of interest that could do the job. This allows him to platoon in and out of the lineup with Arcia and/or Rosario. (of course, Kepler is also LH) *Santana may also see time in either or both OF corners, and potentially could be a spark plug at the top or bottom of the order.

Ryan may be stating that he is not trading Plouffe, but I am betting there will be several conversations had concerning him at the meetings. Why do the Angels just seem to make so much sense to me? Whether the moves take place at the meetings, or the meetings simply provide a jumping off point and premise to negotiate from, this team needs to come up with a quality reliever from both sides of the hill. If Plouffe were to be moved, I would disagree on the type of OF needed. With Rosario, Kepler and Arcia all batting from the left side, I'd say a corner OF who hits from the right would be the better fit. Someone with at least a little bit of pop.

Solid bullpen to be sure, AS THE ROSTER SITS NOW. And I just have to believe there is going to be at least one more move coming, if not two. (boy I sure hope so) But I will have to disagree (minor disagreement) on a point or two. I believe Meyer will be, and should be, in Rochester to begin the season. I believe the Twins will look at him starting again, and they should. You don't just give up on the idea of Meyer starting after one poor year. And in his place, I lean toward Rogers. There are a couple other options such as Dean and O'Rourke possibly, but I think Rogers is the smart choice. Betting Pressly begins at Rochester to make room for Fien.

I have stated before, I really think Ryan took a more conservative approach than he should have...possibly more than he really wanted...last year in regard to the pen because he just KNEW that Tonkin and Pressly and Burdi and Reed and Jones and others were going to be ready at some point. You simply can't afford to make a mistake like that again, not with a team that actually appears to have a winners chance! Fien provides, healthy again, a solid 6th and 7th inning option behind your top 4-ish relievers. He is insurance, and a stop-gap, for when the younger kids are up and ready. It may seem like a "meh" signing, but it's a relatively inexpensive and solid option. As long as they don't stop with him,

Not too early at all, IMPO. But I would bump Dozier and his mix of OB, power and speed up to 5 or 6. Regardless of a 5-6 of Plouffe/Dozier or Dozier/Plouffe, I'd put Rosario and his mixed bag of excitement and left handed bat in the 7 hole...Escobar 8th...Zuke and the killer 9th. As stated, at least until Kepler is ready. (or Plouffe is traded-making way for Arcia?)

Not to upset with the Fien offering, even though I'm not a big fan either. As stated, to me, it's more about the roster spot than anything. The cost isn't great. Healthy again, I think he could be solid in a 6th-7th inning role. I think of him as insurance in case of injury, or just poor performance from Tonkin and/or Pressly. (not that I expect it) As long a this doesn't preclude the team from still making a signing or trade move, I'm OK with it. I am not in favor of the offer, and then standing pat simply waiting for Burdi or Reed or others to be ready. We've done too much of that the past couple of years in CF and the bullpen previously.

Tremendous write up Seth! Couldn't agree more! Not only did Park sign the deal that he and his agent worked out, but there isn't exactly a precedent set for how well Korean talent will translate to MLB. Park is what, the second guy ever? So while I am very surprised and think the Twins may have gotten a deal here, it's still a lot of money. Also, if I'm not mistaken, doesn't he have another $1M per based on 400 AB's? There is nothing wrong with keeping Plouffe at this time. I think a lot of us have said that. But the fact is, without Sano moving to the OF...or someone...there is a logjam at 1B/3B/DH unless someone is injured. My problem with moving Sano to the OF isn't that he couldn't learn to do it, maybe even learn to do it well...but...how exactly does him learning to play OF actually help the OF defensively? Further, let's say it takes a season, (at least), and probably two before he gets really comfortable and looks really good out there. Let's say he looks really, really good even. What happens in two more years when Plouffe is a FA? Does he bolt? Does he fade? Do we sign in him an extension before that? And what about Kepler and Walker, along with Buxton and Rosario? Does the OF get too crowded in a year or so? I'm not saying we have to trade Plouffe, or that we should trade him. But I am saying there may be a decent return for him, we may break up a bit of a logjam personnel wise, and we aren't putting square pegs in to round holes yet again.

There really is no good reason for Arcia not to get a shot. There is just way, way too much talent and potential in that young man to dump him or ignore him. However, I state again, with Arcia and Rosario both LH, I feel the Twins would be very smart to pick up a solid, quality RH hitting corner OF to supplement and flesh out the roster. And there are definitely some options out there. And as I stated in the blog version of this, I wouldn't have a problem with Kepler as the "4th OF" in the listed scenario, because, really, he would be more of a regular/semi-regular/platoon type and not a traditional, occasional playing 4th OF. Otherwise, he needs to play daily at Rochester.