DocBauer

, Because Polanco isn't ready yet, nor is the solid but less talented Beresford and the Twins didn't get anyone else. And honestly if the team's biggest concern is a backup utility infielder, things are looking way up! But seriously, the guy can hit some, has some pop, can run a little and can fill in here and there at 3 or 4 spots. His time with the Twins is probably done after this year, but in the meantime, you could do a lot, lot worse for the last bench spot. Were I Molitor, not only would my coaches and I continue to work on his defense, (he's young and talented enough to still improve), but I'd have him in every single game I could in ST all across the four infield spots, and some OF play, just to see for sure what I had available to me as role/fill-in player.

Great and fun topic! And perfect time to bring it up. 1) Catching depth: for his sake, and the Twins, it should be Pinto. If reports are to be believed, he returned at the end of last season more confident in his defense. Despite some flaws, he was never reported bad in the minors, just needing some work. I still maintain Herrmann has potential as a decent bat and decent role player. But I also maintain he's never had a full year at AAA to settle in and work on things. This could and should change by next year, possibly September with Garver and Turner on the way up. 2) 5th SP spot: May. Talented, part of the future, started to settle in after a rough ML start last season, and coming off probably his best, most improved overall milb season. 3) Bullpen: Not going to finish the way it begins. I still don't get the Stauffer signing and remain doubtful unless its just to be a long reliever. Two spots open? Oliveros steps it up. Tonkin probably as well. This changes if we drop a SP candidate in to the pen. 4)DH if not Vargas? Pinto is the easy answer, and quite possibly the right one. But could easily see it being Hunter with Santana, Rosario or someone else sliding in a starting OF spot. 5) Santana sticking at SS? Yes. But it doesn't just depend on him. It also depends on the ongoing OF situation. Regardless, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see him play some OF, letting Escobar rotate in at SS as well as being the utility infielder. 6) How rusty will Sano and Buxton be? Fairly, especially Sano. But they are WAY TOO TALENTED not to shake it off quickly. ST and then maybe a month at AA, very possible both could look like their old selves. 7) Mauer's power? Back to 40 doubles. If he does nothing but play in a healthy 150 games I could see 12 HR's. 16 isn't out of the question. 8) Molitor? A few more shuffles of the lineup depending on matchups. A return to a little more hit and run. More patience with prospects. A shout to the face is likely to also come with a pat on the butt. 9) Nolasco won't be a mess. He'll pitch like his career norms. With luck, he'll pitch well enough to be tradeable opening a spot for a May or Meyer to move in. 10) Unexpected prospect to shine? Rosario is too easy. I say Daniel Ortiz. Beresford might be ready to contribute in a utility role. Pitcher? Darnell in the bullpen. And I also like the Wheeler idea.

Berrios...if he's not the #1 prospect on your list, he probably is in your heart. I agree he probably begins the season in AA, but we should expect some sort of split season between there and Rochester. No matter how much I like this guy, I just don't see him in a Twins uniform this season, unless he would get a Sept audition. Right now we have one SP spot open and it will take an injury or trade to open another to get both May and Meyer in. I understand the preference and advantage of height. But as has been stated here and before, height isn't everything, and there have been a plethora of of good-great pitchers who were only 6'. Pedro Martinez always comes to my mind when I think about Berrios. I won't project stardom or ace-dom for the kid just yet, but, a little more work on his breaking stuff and a little more polish on that change up, and I feel he's about as close to a sure thing, can't miss as you can get. Velocity, athleticism, work ethic, attitude and determination, there's just soooo much to like here!

May was one of my top picks to click and guys to watch going in to last season. He didn't disappoint. And he is my early favorite to win the 5th SP job out of spring. Nothing against Milone, and I understand his neck issue, and I'll even disregard reports about decreasing velocity. This still a transitioning team situation, from the new manager and coaching staff, to the on the field and rising young players. May: A) younger better velocity and overall arm talent C) cheaper D) much higher ceiling E) probably a much higher floor as well F) under longer team control G) is coming off perhaps his best, most positive season yet showing growth and improvement. Milone is LH and has more ML innings. Is that a reason to commit to him over May? Not in my book.

Gibson ran hot and cold, not surprising for a rookie. But his hot was just that, and not lukewarm. As I've said before, it's easy to say someone looks good when they are "on". That's true for all of us. But there's a difference between a good performance, and showing the talent and results many times over. A little more consistency, a little more growth and development, coupled with size, youth and overall potential, it's not out of the realm of possibility that Gibson becomes our #2 SP. Possibly as early as this season.

Seen enough Banks's, Gasser's and Bumgarner's(?) over the years not to get too excited too fast. Not being pessimistic, just stating a fact. But the velocity, the solid/good secondary stuff, the control, his athleticism and build have me very intrigued. Add in his age, how he performed at the level he was at, and the quality peripherals overall, and I don't worry about the K rate at this time. Healthy, at least a slight lessening of the pitch count restrictions, more use of his slider, etc, etc, I'd expect to see at least a partial rise in K rate this season. I hope he goes to Ft Meyers and I hope he blows things up. But I wouldn't be shocked or upset if he went back to the Kernals for the first month or so, or extended ST with warmer weather, just to get off to a good start.

Entirely possible. Completely sold on Meyer, believe he needs to be at the ML level, and is ready to do so. (Barring just a bad ST) The problem is, right now, there is only ONE SPOT in the Rotation open, and May has just as much "right" to the spot, and has last season's experience to give him a leg up. So unless someone gets hurt...hope not...or someone is traded...i.e. Nolasco...there is a shortage of space. If Meyer isn't the guy immediately, I honestly struggle with whether or not he's better off pitching every 5th day at Rochester to work on those mechanics and repeat issues, OR, throwing on the side and pitching intermittently from the bullpen under the tutelage of the ML coaches.

Just out of curiosity, no disrespect or lack of excitement for Gordon and his ability and potential, but he just completed rookie ball. Meanwhile, the very talented Polanco is on pace to begin the 2015 season where he ended it, at AA. Polanco is a couple years older, 2 rungs higher on the milb ladder, and seems to possess hit, XB and RBI tools along with decent speed and possibly still budding HR power of a double digit variety. So what is it about the younger, rookie Gordon specifically that rates him higher?

I don't doubt Rosario long term. I am referring to being a CF candidate NOW. A disappointing year last season has been replaced by renewed optimism for this year based solely on his quality AFL? Really?

I have a quandary in regard to Polanco. I'm a believer. I have beenfor a while. (not like I actually KNOW anything, LOL)And I was an advocate for him playing more SS. (though I don't like the idea of Goodrum having to sacrifice for it) And I don't put a lot of faith, or lack there of, in milb error numbers for SS's or INF's in general. There are so many mitigating factors. What you're really looking for is ability, potential, and growth. And Polanco hits on all 3. But Dozier, turning 28 in May, is a bit of a late bloomer. But he's good. He's REAL good. And there's still room for improvement. He might just be the Twins positional MVP the past couple of seasons. (OK, debatable if that's saying a lot. I get it. But still...) Santana is an intriguing, young, athletic kid with potential, but has a ways to go. Suddenly he gets called up early. We all figure he'll sit on the bench for 7 days or so, then go back down. Instead, he plays some SS, but mostly CF, a position he's barely played before, and hits. And hits more. And becomes a catalyst. But, you know, he's going to get over this hot streak and come back down to earth soon. Except, he never does. And then he gets hurt, and you figure the bubble will surely burst now. Except, after a few games back getting his legs under him, he suddenly looks like the same hitting/offensive catalyst he was before. So where does Polanco fit here? Does Dozier go? Does Santana? Do one of them change positions? It's a good dilemma to have. Still though, it's a potential dilemma.

Interesting if somewhat obscure idea. kind out of left field, pun not necessarily intended. The answer is no. Not unless I can have in place at least a framework, if not an actual deal, for a re-sign. I'm not interested in high priced rental players, at this point, tht could influence the mortgage on my future plans.

Confused. I don't like pot. I don't advocate pot. But I don't hold it against those that do like it. And honestly, I don't care if Rosario tokes off the Diamond. But unless things like counting push-ups by 5's is just his sense of humor, I might just have a problem with Rosario's attitude. I am a big believer in what Rosario offers. I have been since the beginning. I hope I'm right. But I'm really confused how he can miss 50 games last season, never really seem to hit a groove when he comes back and put up mediocre numbers, and yet have TR and Molly both speak in terms of him being a viable candidate for the CF job. Is this some sort of secret motivational coach/GM speak for all the guys involved? Or do the "slow to promote" Twins actually feel Rosario is that close?

With athleticism, quick hands, nice hit tool, and the capacity to continue to grow physically, I've always seen him as a 15 HR guy once he settles in at a level and stays. I would be surprised at a 20 HR season or two at some point in his career. But 30+ plus doubles yearly plus a few triples along with 15 homers and high Avg hit tool, I am SO OK with him in a corner OF spot.

To very loosely paraphrase an old saying; "I guess heaven decided it needed a fan to keep score." Don't remember my first Twins game much either. Must gave been about 5. It was at the old Met with the little league team my father had coached in our hometown of Brookings SD. But I do remember Killebrew and Carew. One of the great things about sports is memories often have more to do with moments and emotion rather than events. Thank you for sharing. God bless and all my best.

May is my choice over Meyer, just barely, due to his ML time last season. There are a lot of guys who look good and fool people for a start or two, and then reality sets in. May did what you hope for, he settled down, learned and improved. Really, he should be that much better overall this season. A little better pitch economy, a few less walks...which is kind of the same thing to a degree...and I could see him as an IP boss and very solid #3 guy. Better than that? Hmmmm....dont know.

Burdi, Reed and Jones. May, Meyer and possibly Duffy and even Barrios all from the pitching portion of things. Rosario, Buxton, Sano and Polanco are all real candidates to make appearances. Wow!

I'm a huge optimist, but also a bit practical and reserved. But honestly, is there any real reason not to expect him at the ML level by the second half of the season?

Agreed! I remember commenting when he was first drafted that if I were the Twins I'd continue to have him work on the pitch. Even if it's an average pitch, with his great and slider, it's overall effectiveness could be excellent. Your recount of the event mentioned is tantalizing!

If I remember correctly, doesn't he have an inconsistent changeup he was working on? I know he doesn't really need it with the hard two pitch mix he possesses, but how great would it be to flash that third pitch here and there.

Jorgen, very interesting numbers you've come up with. And I really can't and won't debate the points you've made. Primarily because they have validity, and yet, they also don't as every situation is different. My point is simply that, generally speaking, all pitchers, relief or starting, even from college, require at least a couple years, on the short side, in the minors to harness ability and improve to make the SHOW. Do some, a very, very few some, do it in a year? Yes. Is that the norm? No. So in MHO, have the Twins "held back" a just turned 25yo potential stud from reaching the majors? I'd say a resounding NO. Had Meyer not encountered some, fortunately mild, shoulder issue in '13 would he have hit the majors last season? Probably. But he did, so the Twins babied him a bit to build up his arm as well as work on his 3rd pitch and overall consistency. But never forget, he was/is, right on the precipice of making the majors after his first season at AAA, and only 3rd season in the minors. As I wrote earlier in another post concerning Meyer, I think the Twins would live with a few walks considering the vast potential, the SO's, the broken bats and jam shots he would provide. It really comes down to consistency, and avoiding the high pitch counts to batter after batter. 100 pitches in 7 innings is not preferred, but acceptable. 100 pitches in 4 or 5 innings is not. And while Meyer WAS on a pitch count last season just to protect him, there were stretches where he was hitting that 80 pitch limit in only 4 innings. I think he's really, really close. And I feel the Twins sense it to, and want it to happen. All he needs is just that little more consistency. He won't be an all-star right away...who is?...but he will be ready and continue to learn on the job with just that little bit more consistency.

A little late to the party, not sure if someone has made a similar point here or not, but in the overall scheme of things, I think you could say that Thorpe and Gonsalves are as valuable or important a prospect as anyone in the system. That's a lot to throw on the shoulders of kids so young, and still low on the milb totem pole, but perhaps the hardest thing to ever find in baseball is a true, top of the rotation LHSP. And while it is admittedly early to project stardom for either of these talented kids, neither of them is a LH, soft tossing, crafty college senior picked in round 23 performing well in the rookie league.

On topic, but a little to the left, I'm less concerned at this point who is the 5th SP out of ST vs who is in the rotation for the second half of the season. No disrespect to Nolasco, who I actually like as a nice mid-rotation starter, but the best thing that could happen would be for Nolasco to pitch well enough to have real trade value around mid-season. Forget the return on such a trade, (possible any return would be tied to how much, if any, of the contact the Twins picked up), the money savings assists in future investments as well as opening a rotation spot for May or Meyer, or possibly Berrios or Duffey or Lee, etc, as the overall rebuild of the rotation/team continues.

Meyer shows outstanding overall ability, top of the rotation potential, and an improving chaneup last season, his FIRST in AAA, along with a boatload of SO's. But there are inconsistencies still, as you might expect from a young pitcher. Inconsistencies aren't just about tons of walks or getting shelled. Correcting them is also about being consistent enough to economize enough to last more than 4-5 IP per start. Meyer has THREE milb seasons. Three. And 2013 was partially interrupted. Have there been injury concerns? Yes. But unless there is something hiding, they have been nagging, not serious. And he DID show growth and development last season, despite an IP limit and a couple inconsistent stretches. I believe he's a real candidate for the #5 spot. But I also believe the also very talented May, who finished pretty strong last season, leads over Meyer right NOW. Milone is LH, has a pretty solid but somewhat short history, but is not as talented as Meyer, nor figures to be a long term fixture in the way Meyer does. So right NOW, I'm thinking Meyer and Millone are kind of 50-50 as the second place favorite. I don't buy in to Pelfrey not just due to the past, but because I don't see him as part of the future. I am torn as to Meyer, if not in the initial rotation, gaining experience on the ML level out of the pen and sliding in to a rotation spot at some point, or staying stretched out and working a consistent 5th day and consistent IP at Rochester. I can see advantages both ways.

I really don't understand the obsession over Meyer's age. He JUST turned 25, and because he wasn't throwing off a ML mound by age 19-22 he is old, he's wasted half his potential career, he's already fired too many bullets and is begging to run out of ammunition already, he only has four years before he's a soft tosser, etc, etc, etc. Yes, most hall of fame SP were up early. But you don't draft and develop hall of fame players. You draft and develop players period. Once in a while you get a special guy who is HOF caliber. There are a slew of guys who tantalize and arrive at an early age only to prove average or blow out an arm, or just lose "whatever".

While the walk rates were/are a concern, as they should be to a degree, I feel there are two reasons for Meyer's "delay" in coming up sooner. The first is that he simply has more limited IP and GS in his milb career than say May. Meyer has a TOTAL of three milb seasons thus far under his belt, and as we all know, 2013 was cut short. Simply no need to rush him. Secondly, but tied to the first point as well as the BB issue, is greater consistency. Look, pitchers are not perfect, even the best ones have ups and downs, but you are looking for consistency game to game, inning to inning and even pitch to pitch. There is a difference from missing with pitches, and missing a lot so you get shelled. And in regard to walk totals, it's not just the BB themselves, it's the lack of pitch economy, which leads to short outings. Everything can be improved upon. The Twins would live with some walks. But they want to avoid the walks AND high pitch totals to non BB batters.