DocBauer

Yeppers. FA RP probably a bigger crapshoot than any other position. But the Twins DO have a need. Especially, IMHO, one more big late inning arm to join Jepsen and Perkins. Trading for one is probably safe, probably more cost effective, but it will cost players. You keep players/prospects in the FA route, but you almost certainly spend more and increase your risk. The key, obviously, is being smart enough to make the right choice/investment. Sipp is a great example. I think I'd absolutely target success over time, or, that successful over time player coming off a down year, not the other way around.

Very low cost. Potentially high reward. This is the kind of signing that TR probably does as well as or better than most.

Agree on Buxton, but am unsure about Kepler. Certainly he has tons of natural ability and potential. We've known that since he was signed at...17? I forget his exact age but am thinking I am right. But the entire issue has been his lack of experience initially, not just being young like any high school kid drafted, or central american youngster, but the level of competition and coaching in Germany while growing up. So I don't know about a direct jump from AA, despite what a great year it was, and despite others who have done it. I'm still thinking he might be better served with at least a partial year at AAA just to get that more natural flow. (though I'd be tickled pink if was the opening RF day one!) As a result, It would give Arcia a little time to see if he's rebounded. But yeah...eventually...sooner rather than later hopefully...what an OF!!

Plouffe is gone, (and I'm a fan) with Sano at 3B. The Twins sign a RH hitting, solid vet OF to platoon with and late inning replace Arcia. (*no disrespect, but Robinson is a AAAA, 5th OF, fill-in) Trade or FA, we need one significant bullpen addition to team with Perkins and Jepsen. For 1 year, May or Duffey will probably be in the pen to make room for Beerios, and to help the bullpen of course. But it just doesn't make sense to place such a young and potential filled starter in the pen permanately. Injury or trade, at some point in 16 or for 17, whichever one should be back in the rotation. I have changed my opinion on Milone, and I really like the idea of him as a multi purpose swing man in the bullpen. So 1 OF and 1 quality RP and that's about it. Otherwise I think you pretty much nailed it.

An opinion and a thought: First, I believe the Twins have a great deal of faith in Turner and Garver as catchers of the future. Personally? I believe Garver will emerge as the starter and Turner an excellent backup. Second, Garver and Turner are not yet ready. Murphy is still young and has options, I believe. Suzuki needs help and is only guaranteed one more year. Fryer and Herrmann are gone. I don't believe the Twins will just toss Pinto aside. But questions remain. Are we so sure the Twins are done looking at the catcher position?

Great post. More or less what I attempted to say earlier. Neither guy is exactly proven as a finished product yet. The whole "winner-loser" thing is kind of moot at this point. And you're right, Murphy and Hicks should not have their numbers compared to one another. They are different players at very different positions. ( and with very different criteria as to what is average vs above)

Yes. Thought "one way or another" was clear, as were other points made earlier in the post. If not, then I guess I chose my words poorly.

This is not critical of any person, or any opinion. Simply a generalization that getting worked up one way or another at this point my actually be premature.

Couple thoughts: 1* Kepler could join the OF at some point, possibly as early as mid-season. Personally, I would say Kepler would be an upgrade over Hicks, overall. 2* For now, this may open up a spot for Arcia in a corner spot and his LH power bat, as long as someone is available to spell him against LH's and provide late game defensive replacement. (Robinson?) 3* As "sudden" as Ryan is acting, it sure seems like there is more yet to come. And there was definatly interest...right or wrong...in keeping Hunter. Does this now open up a spot for a FA OF? Span? Aoki? Fowler? Someone that won't break the bank but help the top of the order and provide fine defense. At least until Kepler is ready. It would provide insurance for the young Buxton, and could provide a great 1-2 punch at the top of the order. 4* I STILL don't buy Sano to the OF.

I can't read pages 3 & 4 for some reason right now, so forgive me if I miss something pertinent while posting this. I don't know enough about Murphy to really comment on him or make a final decision on the trade AT THE MOMENT. However, I think it is a bit silly and perhaps disingenuous to attempt to criticize the deal at this point. Hicks is young enough and talented enough to continue developing, and in a couple of years, we may regret giving him up. On the other hand, Murphy is even younger, a former 2nd round pick, and obviously possesses some skills/talent to work with. Neither is overly experienced, Murphy the less so. You have to look at the trade as a NOW, because that's all we can base it on, and is reality. Despite big improvements from Hicks last season, his bat and power potential remain question marks. Right NOW, he's good defensively with a little pop, good speed, and can hit lefties but not righties very well. Murphy fills a need...though he's not exactly what I was hoping or expecting. But if he is bright and good at calling games and working with pitchers, it's not inconceivable he could frame better, throw better and hit better than Suzuki right now, with room to grow. (And I say this with respect to Suzuki who is a real gamer and respected by his teammates) Have an opinion, please, but I think we have a surplus of OF overall, have a need at catcher, and this early on, it's a bit naive to attempt to grade a move like this.

Kepler and Walker would only be moved if it was a pretty major deal to improve the ball club. I think Kepler could be a key piece in the future. I don't really see him moving unless it's an absolute "have to". Mauer is NOT going to be extended. Vargas kind of depends on Mauer, and Mauer's health as well as productivity. You always need reserves and AAA fall back options as well. I have not given up on Vargas being a contributor. Perhaps even a major one.

There have been a lot of infielders, top draft choices and prospects even, that have converted to the OF and had very good careers. Danny Tartabul, Gary Sheffield and just recently Alex Gordon are just a few that come to mind. (Wasn't Albert Belle a 3B when first signed?) Even the Twins Michael Cuddyer is, of course, an example. And, of course, there are many others. Including some who moved to the OF later in their careers, such as Robin Yount, due to injuries or to help prolong careers. But most of these moves were made because there was a quality bat or potential involved, but a definite lack of everyday infield defense. There is nothing, no report from anyone, stating that Sano can't play defense, and can't improve his defense. He could, in fact, develop in to a very good OF and huge hitter. But his bat, at 3B, is like finding another Mike Schmidt...potentially. Why on earth wouldn't you want that kind of bat at 3B vs the OF?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

OMG! I still have night sweats over that trade!

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.

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.

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.

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.