DocBauer

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!

Wow! Love mornings like this, when I get to read that all top 4 affiliates won! Add Desn to the growing list of LH's to audition for the Twins bullpen next season. Just can't be any doubt about Kepler coming up in September any longer can there? Polanco as well. Love to see him come up and get more, do more, than get a sip of coffee. How about a whole thermos full?

Interesting. Not much to argue with here, IF, you base the roster entirely on staying pat, as you did here. I just don't think that will happen, and sure you don't as well. I tend to agree with your infield, provided Polanco isn't traded. Should he be included in any deal, I would see Escobar start and Nunez back on the club as a utility. I am also of the belief that Hunter will NOT be on the Twins next season. He's showing his age now, and he's being phased out. Who replaces him? Again, like Polanco, if not traded, it could be Arcia. He could be a LH DH/PH who occasionally plays a corner OF spot. And let's face it, every once in a while, even on the best and most fortunate teams, there are some injuries and games missed. HOWEVER, I could very much see Arcia gone, and a veteran LH hitting version being signed as a bench bat. I have May in the rotation with Nolasco and Milone being the arguement for final starter. To not place May back in the rotation is just..well..just stupid. (as well as short-sighted) Berrios will begin the season in the minors. The Twins will sign a veteran RHRP to address the 8th inning. There is a very good chance they will sign a LHRP or failed LH starter to assume another role. With Perkins, Fien, Jepsen and these 2 FA's, you've got open auditions for the final 2 spots, and several candidates, included Duffey, Rogers and several others. Catcher is interesting. I almost feel another veteran to team with Suzuki for another year wouldn't be out of the question. Then look at '17 for a major trade, FA signing, or possible promotion or combination of said.

Oops.

I understand milb success and numbers don't project exactly to future ML production. Nevertheless, if a player successfully transitions level by level until reaching and making the ML level successfully, he tends to be the player he has previously shown himself to be. Improvements and development can and do take place. Take Dozier as an example. His AVG dipped from what he showed previously but his power increased a great deal. Mauer is more of the status quo; high AVG and OB with gapper power and that's what he became/was. (With a little luck, he'll be something close yet again) If Walker could reach the majors and be a .240-.250 hitter with .310-.315 OB and stay a consistent 30/30-ish doubles and homers guy, he would be very valuable despite the lack of contact.

Ladies and Gentlemen...Twins fans of all ages...introducing your Twins primary starter in RF for 2016....Max Kepler!

Question on Tanner English; all reports have him excellent defensively, and it appears he can hit, make contact, and take walks. But for what appears to be a slight stature, he seems to have a little pop in his bat. 21 doubles 8 triples 5 homeruns as of my look up of him today. Is this pop sustainable? More to the point, allowing for at least a little additional physical maturity and growth, is it sustainable? Because if so, he sure seems to be a legit CF/top of the order prospect to keep an eye on.

Plouffe is a huge trade chip for us. IF we use it. He can continue to play 3B, 1B and DH and rotate with Sano and Mauer at these spots. I also hope the best for Vargas, and I have not given up on him. But he won't be up tomorrow. And I've come to believe his skipping AAA hurt him. As of now, I'd be targeting him for Rocheter to begin 2016. But no question his development as a switch hitting DH/backup 1B would be big for the lineup, and allow greater flexability to trade Plouffe. Interesting that all the top relievers we had such high hopes for this season...before imploding and getting demoted...seem to be turning their seasons around. Is this an indicator of 2016 level promotion and potential '16 ML call ups? I sure hope so as this was one of the few dim spots in an otherwise outstanding organization wide milb season to this point.,

Hate to sacrifice a 40 man spot for Berrios and bring him up in September for a casual look/single sip of coffee unless TR and the Twins in general are willing and ready to fully and legitimately consider him for a rotation spot next ST. Your primary question is an intriguing one that flips through my mind frequently. Barring a trade, which I believe is a strong possibility, (see; young ML catcher), the rotation should be Hughes, Gibson, Santana, May and Nolasco, Milone, Berrios, Duffey and Rogers. That's a lot of youth and potential mixing with a bunch of proven veteran status to work with. Berrios is the future there, even if they decide to be conservative with him. I believe Rogers for the port side and Duffey, especially with his reliever background, should also be considered bullpen candidates. Soooo much competition, depth and potential here Gang! Don't give up on Nolasco. Healthy, he really is a nice presence. Remember when we weren't even sure how to fill a 5 man rotation?

I get very excited when a rookie makes his debut, especially a SP. seems there are only two outcomes: 1) kid does great, owns the other team, who...BTW...probably has next to nothing for a scouting report...OR...2) kid is amped, tries/throws too hard and is gone in 4 or less. Guess we know what happened here. But I agree he was the logical and right choice at the time. Assuming you weren't going to do the right thing, the smart thing, and put May back in the rotation where he belongs. Not stretched out? Please. He belongs there, can be stretched out again in a couple starts, (probably) and you have an 8 MAN BULLPEN to come in when he hits his wall. Regardless, to me, the only real regret with the Duffy shot is that he isn't going to get another one right away to rebound. And that's a shame! I think he's proven he has the stuff/potential to have a future, as a quality reliever if nothing else.

I absolutely concur! While I love this team, am enjoying this season, and have absolutely NOT given up on this team or season by any means, I didn't feel it was the time to slide any major chips to the center of the table. I have said repeatedly, before the season began even, that I felt the 2015-2016 offseason would be the time to visit a move or two. By then, guys like Buxton, Sano and others would be healthy again, on their way up or arriving. Guys such as Dozier and Plouffe would have further established themselves, proven themselves, and overall, the Twins would have a more complete picture as to what they truly do and do not have in a ballclub moving forward. I think, even with the recent stuggles and a possible fade, his club has a better identity now. I think there are legitimate, full functioning and talented parts of a whole to work with. By early next season, if not the start, we very well could and should see Buxton, Kepler and Berrios all part of the equation. You find help a catcher, a quality bullpen arm or two to go along with that, and what is already there, and this could be a real, legitimate playoff team in 2016.

I also feel Plouffe could be excellent trade material, and all but a few teams are secure enough to not consider him a pretty good upgrade. But I'm not convinced he is traded, or needs to be traded. Bullpen: The Twins will make at least on major signing here. They need to. Someone with a track record, or just busting out, for $5-6M that they feel they can count on for the 8th. They have enough solid to good arms from the RH side to complete that portion of things, I think they finally move on from Duensing. They will also look for a LH reliever, though good ones are hard to find. A failed or failing LHSP for conversion perhaps? They have a successful history of doing so. Catcher: I'm not so sure Arcia and a couple prospects, possibly Polanco, don't get this accomplished. The Mets maybe who may still have a big need offensively?

Duffey="the Assassin"