DocBauer

Now, to be fair...A) a AAA club often has a couple older players to flesh out the roster, and hopefully give the parent club a little charge if someone becomes disabled, and this list looks more than a little but different had Buxton not been hurt most of the season and Rosario not gotten off to a late and disappointing start due to his suspension. You could even consider tossing Hicks in to the mix as well, had he not been rushed. 2014 might have been his rookie ML season, not a second disappointing one.

Rasmus on a 1yr, possibly 2, I'm ok with. He can run, has power and can play defense. Unless we overpay for him, even hitting lower than expected/hoped he doesn't kill and can actually contribute. But his best fit is LF. Rios is the guy I like here. He's just young enough, always been a good athlete, and has a previous history to indicate a bounce back season is possible. 1 yr at $5M-ish or a 1 yr with a possible option year filled with the traditional raises and incentives? Rios in LF should be solid to good defensively with a RF arm. 75% of his old self he'd hit .250-.260 with double digit HR and SB with high 20, low 30 doubles. All of this would far outshine anything we got from LF last year, offensively or defensively. (All due respect to Schafer's month with the Twins)

I really hope the Twins aren't missing something with Christiansen. He is a well built and talented overall athlete who was an All Big 10 SS previously. Not saying he has SS projection at this level, but I have to wonder about playing some INF in a reserve/developmental role. Particularly 3B. I keep thinking a former SS with a good arm and nice athleticism should be getting a look there. Any word Seth on him seeing time at 3B?

Hopefully earthy this season, both Zach's should be fun to watch. Did we potentially get a couple of steals in Murphy and English? I understand the whole SSS and age vs level debate, but Murphy really excelled and I believe English won a Gold Glove or two didn't he? Man, if the lightbulb could turn on to even 70 watt brightness Williams could be a nice, valuable player. If he could hit or approach full 100 watt status we could have something there. Reminds me of Angel Morales some in regards.

I think a lot of people will be eating some crow after this season in regard to Nolasco. The only thing, S I've said before, that he's guilty of is getting hurt in his first year with the Twins and then trying to play through it. If the only thing he does is just pitch to his career norms, we're talking 30+ starts and 190+ IP, a low 4 ERA and 12-14 wins. Career norms. Not only do I think anyone would take that, it's probably better than anyone on this list will do. Not that I'm not in favor of adding someone somewhere.

I don't mind the 1year idea at all. You haven't tied up big money or multiple years. That gives you flexibility to re-sign said FA for a fair extension, or trade them at the deadline if you've got a nice return and someone else ready to step in. A re-sign is simply not going to be some big $20M deal, which means you are flexible to re-sign and still look at extending Hughes. And the trade option bring back a solid player, and possibly provides a little more time for a May or Meyer if not ready or regress a little. And it allows the parent club to, oh, I don't know, actually March out a quality starter to the mound?

Masterson yes. Pretty much anyone else on the list a big no. What's with the love for Anderson? I don't get it. Unless he gets totally healthy and totally durable real quick, this is a guy who has topped 30 starts once in his career, hit 19 once, 13 once and 8 games started is the 4th best in his ML career. Billingsley may be toast, but he's a much more intriguing option. Maholm, also from the Dodgers, is also an intriguing option. But a TJ and flexor tendon problem in 2 years for Billingsley and an ACL for Maholm mean milb contracts.

Yes. True. But only to a point. People simply HAVE TO STOP with the Mauer bashing. Is he perhaps overpaid? Did he just happen to have the best year of his career in a contract year? Yes and yes. But it could be argued most top athletes are overpaid. Even in the context of multi million player contracts in baseball, in all sports, you could point to a lot of players that are "overpaid" for a variety of reasons. So Mauer may not be Johnny Bench and Babe Ruth rolled in to one. Who said he was supposed to be? He is a local kid done good. He's a quality guy with a great story. He's a multiple All Star, Gold Glove winner and Silver Slugger winner. Gleeman recently did a piece on his site where he compares Mauer and Molitor through their age 31 seasons. And guess what? In most categories, Mauer ranks ahead of his HOF manager. And before we just bury the guy and put a RIP above his name, can we give him this offseason to work his normal routine and get ready for 2015? This time last year he was still trying to recover from post concussion syndrome. Go talk to Koskie and Morneau about what they went through before you pile on Mauer.

Yes. And not just for baseball sake, but for their own. Even though the majority of Latin players tend to maintain permanent residency in their home countries, in fact, they spend over half their year in the US. Just being able to order food, shop and live daily they are better off learning English. Gladden May have learned little to no Japanese in his 1 season, but had he been there longer he undoubtedly would have learned some, even by accident.

More or less agree completely. But with a couple tweaks. I like Rasmus because he CAN play CF. But I think I'd prefer him to play LF, knowing he can help cover CF, as can Santana here and there possibly. Small trade or inexpensive FA, I'm looking for another Schafer type to bring in to compete with Schafer and Hicks for probably two jobs, primary CF and 4th OF, or a combo/platoon to share those two spots. I want defense and speed for the bottom of the order, and whatever hitting, OB and power I can get. I have a few other ideas for SP signings, but Santana is definitely one of the tops. He's talented, generally consistent, but generally not dominating. He's probably the top SP in the second group of available FA's. Despite his overall ability and numbers, he simply isn't an $18-20M per pitcher. Your $15M per is about right, give or take a little. I think one low cost Burton-like RP should be in order. Totaled up, that's somewhere in the $25M range of moves barring a big market swing either way. IF the Twins keep Duensing and Milone, that outs the Twins around $100M.

I have to agree, unfortunately. I have mentioned Hunter before as a serious consideration on a 1yr deal to infuse experience, leadership and a still capable RH bat with pop and RBI potential. (Doesn't hurt that it would just be neat) But my stance has changed due to, what appears to be, a precipitous drop in defense. Now, I'd still be on board if he could handle LF, which is where he'd project. But I'm not sure that's really an option either. Could he be a decent 4th OF, PH, part time DH? Yes. But I don't think that's what this team needs. We need a full time LF contributor. Cuddyer would make much more sense being younger than Hunter, still productive, and providing the same intangibles. But the Rockies seem determined to keep him at this point. Rios on a fair deal for 1yr, possibly with a fair option and buyout, as a bounce back candidate? Still can run a little, has a good arm, would play LF now and could potentially still provide a nice RH bat?

As a side note, how about a great story line? Local boy plays at the local university, goes on to a HOF career and even spends time at the end of his career with the local baseball team. He then has a reportedly solid career as a scout and instructor for the home town team before becoming it's manager. Hollywood rejects scripts that are this tailored and neat.

Let's just say Molitor was the odds on favorite since day one. The point is??? The Twins interviewed several candidates, and multi-interviewed some of them. This was all for public show and perception? Say what you will about the Twins way of doing things, but they've never been accused of being covert or disingenuous in how they do business. The fact that an odds on favorite ultimately won is the reason they were labeled the favorite to begin with. And let's not forget we are talking about a successful, cerebral HOF player who not only made an imprint on the club last season, but has been given glowing reports from the very minor league players we are all aching to see turn the Twins franchise around for the next era of competitiveness.

I'm just knowledgeable about coaching hires to be dangerous. But I'm probably as dangerous as a wet firecracker when it comes to who would be a good pitching coach hire. Riverbrian is right on in regard to HOF players, in any sport, often not being good coaches. They had the talent, the will, and that special something to excel. It's hard for them to settle for less than what they themselves accomplished, and don't always know how to express what they did. They just did it. That's why I'm not sure you can name a Maddux as a great idea for a pitching coach. If interested, perhaps he could be excellent. So could Glavine and Smoltz. But there has to be the want to be a coach, as well as the ability to articulate the job. But those would be some interesting ideas to be sure. I don't know Cuellar is the right guy, but I've only heard glowing reports about him in the past. And I'm greatly intrigued by Marty Mason. Firstly, he's only been with the Twins for two seasons, so he's no Twins "insider" for those who want a new voice and approach. Secondly, he has familiarity with May, Meyer and other pitching prospects. And thirdly, he actually comes primarily from the Cardinals organization, an organization often lauded here and other locations for being able to provide quality pitching.

Very optimistic on both Rosario as well as Kepler. I know it's SSS, but considering the shortened and disappointing season Rosario had, seeing him participate in a AA or AA+ environment has me encouraged he's returning to form. Everyone is talking Chattanooga to begin 2015, but I wouldn't rule out Rochester. And I've always believed, nothing but a feeling, that while no slugger, his HR power would start to come back with physical maturity, experience, and simply a chance to play at a comfortable level. He's actually been promoted pretty quickly in his career. I also have a gut feeling the light is going to come in for Kepler as well. There just seems to be so much natural talent and ability there for him to not turn a corner one of these days.

I think the makeup of the coaching staff is going to be both paramount and interesting in its makeup. Molitor had a very long and distinguished career. He's been in organized ball for about 40 year, and he's obviously played under and with a lot of quality baseball people, and had a lot of contacts both at the major league and minor league level as a player and coach/instructor. Initially, he wasn't my first choice as I found myself swept up in the idea of Dougie M to have that young manager who would be with the club for the long term and this next wave of the "new Twins" arriving. And while it's doubtful Molitor will be as long term as his predecessors, the more I thought about his qualifications, and his work with the Twins minor league players, and their glowing comments about him, I began to feel better and better about him being the choice with Doug getting additional milb time to develop himself as a manager. (Still feel he or Mauer may be the guy in a few more years). I have a hard time NOT seeing Bruno back. Likewise, I think Cuellar would be an excellent choice to return as either pitching or bullpen coach. His reputation has always been glowing, and he probably deserved a promotion to the ML club sooner than last year. I had honestly never thought of Robin Young until recently, which I mentioned elsewhere, until I heard him mentioned by a respected local journalist. I find myself intrigued by his presence. I also wonder about the possibility of Dale Sveum as bench coach. Would he leave the Royals to join Molitor as his bench coach? He might, joining a former teammate, and might enjoy the idea of being a #2 with the idea of using it as a springboard to another shot as a ML manager. I like the idea of a former ML catcher being on staff as well. I think Steinbach is certainly a possibility to be retained, assuming he doesn't move on to join LaRussa in some capacity. If not him, what about Henry Blanco? I believe he's with the Diamondbacks, but perhaps he's ready for a new challenge? Molitor has ties as a player to former Latin players such as Roberto Alomar, Tony Fernandez and Alfredo Griffin. Could any of these be coaching possibilities? The pitching coach is obviously going to be a major hire. And I confess I'm at a bit of a loss for possibilities for this spot.

I wonder, if the entire Maddon surprising out situation had never transpired, would there be so much vitriol and angst among the Molitor and Ryan haters?

I generally like this. I'm uncertain as to friction with Gardenhire, or how much truly existed. There have been some rumors over time, but I don't know that we'll ever know if it is true, or to what degree. At this point, it is water under the bridge. As to Seth's comment about Molitor being brought on last season as the eventual choice, I don't know. Perhaps. Again, we'll probably never know. But he did seem to have a positive impact on the club last year. And after the previous three seasons, I think that very well may have been the only real reason he was added. Again, at this point, water under the bridge. I disagree with Molitor being an inside hire simply because he's been employed by the Twins the past several years. I disagree because he is a knowledgeable, HOFer, respected baseball guy who was not a part of the Gardenhire team until last season. Further, his playing career was only a few years with the Twins, after time with the Jays, and most if his career with the Brewers. Has he been part of the organization? Absolutely. But I just don't see Molitor as a corporate "yes man".

On a hilarious but serious note...I enjoyed the comments about Hrbek being in the booth far more than any of us know. If he isn't too busy hunting, fishing, bowling, drinking, or working with his wonderful charity, why isn't Hrbek hired by the Twins in some capacity? Is there a better PR VP candidate? Is there a better choice to join the TV and radio booths for color commentary? He is doubtlessly full of humor, experience, perspective and stories. And while seen outwardly at times as a loveable lug, Hrbek was a highly successful pro. And he's literally a lifelong Twin.

Sorry if I am repetitive, but I have concerns about this whole issue. 1) "Sources" say this, and "sources" say that. Some of these "sources" say things that seem to contradict one another. Sorry if I'm a bit jaded or suspicious of Mr Source, but over the years I've just hear and read too much from him to get immediately worked up about what he says. 2) The Twins have a manager opening. They are the only team with said opening when Maddon becomes a FA. Maddon is a respected baseball guy with a quality track record. And yet, for some reason, Terry Ryan, a veteran and very respected baseball man in his own right completely and utterly ignores Maddon. Nothing. Nope. Nada. Even Ryan's bosses make no attempt at contact, or urge/force him to make a simple phone call. Does anyone else a flaw in basic logic here? Either there is something here we are not privy to, or Mr Source is mistaken. 3) Maddon is now a FA, and there is one team with an immediate opening. And it's reported he respects the organization, likes Target Field, and would welcome speaking with the Twins. And yet he and his team take absolutely no initiative on their own to make a simple phone call to inquire interest? Am I the only person that sees complete disconnect here?

I felt the interview was honest and about as transparent as you could expect. I appreciated comments made about stretching payroll above normal parameters when the organization felt there was a solid reason to do so. And if you look at the 2010-2012 seasons that is clearly evident. I would have liked to hear more about 2015 though, in relation to comments from Ryan in reference to "$100M should be more than enough." Target Field is one of the top ballparks in all of baseball. And the Ft Myers complex, already nice, now has to be the industry standard! But I'd like to know more about this new Dominican facility.

Cool thought. But honestly, I don't know anything about him. Do you have any information to share?

Pinto has potential still. Personally, I don't think he played all that bad the end of 2013 as the primary, unless I was missing something. Suzuki has his flaws, but he's solid behind the plate, calls a good game, seems to have the trust of the guys who throw to him, and isn't anemic with the bat. Is it possible his 2 year extension was given with Turner and Garver firmly in mind? I know it's early, but from everything we hear, it seems like the Twins really pulled a couple potential gems out of that draft.

Right there with you. Until his recent and unfortunate surgery, I had Melotakis right there too. Here's hoping his rehab is complete and quick. I had hoped and believed the Twins would spend solid money on a FA RP to setup for '15. I have since cooled my thoughts to a less expensive, Burton-esque candidate simply because of the tremendous wealth of talented relievers that could/should climb quickly. If even one of these guys makes it all the way to the show this season that is outstanding. And it could easily be more than one. Oh, but let's not forget Tonkin, Achter and Oliveros either.

Another great read! Thank you! Bummed about Rogers. His pedigree out of college looked pretty solid. His milb track record has been solid as well. I have some doubts about his ceiling. He seems to throw fairly hard, reports are pretty solid on his stuff, but there are some concerns about his SO rate. Of course, SO's are not the be all and end all of any pitcher. I know Seth holds him in pretty high regard. I don't think anyone would expect him to push for a ML job suddenly, but I was eager to see what he could do in the AFL, then use that as a springboard for next season. I really thought Kepler was ready to take that first big step last season. Disappointed he didn't, but encouraged he finished strong. His showing thus far in the AFL has me encouraged that my pick to click was just one season early. If the light is indeed coming on, and he can play at AA this season...WOW...I'm really liking our OF and depth in the next year or two.