DocBauer

Yes. But I would Jake Reed as a real possibility as well.

OK, I'll play. I actually find most of these to be sound. Yes to a FA SP, and your choice are sound, but there are a few to choose from and not sure if it will necessarily be one of those two. But why does Masterson just feel like a fit? Back to the AL, back to the Central, and he was part of the Santana rumors several years ago. No to Pinto being traded. The Twins are rebuilding, I think he's still young enough, still talented enough, still has real potential I feel the new staff will want him. Now...if someone comes calling for him as part of a deal....then maybe. I actually like the Twins to hit .500 next season. No to Mauer regressing. Just the opposite. He is not old, despite a few nagging injuries here and there, he is not breaking down. He will have this full offseason to work and prepare like normal, will get over 500 AB's and will at least resemble the Mauer of old. Kyle Gibson will not be the Twins ACE. But he will build in his experience this last season, and the "rookie" pitcher who was good to excellent in about 2/3 of his starts, (not so good to bad in the other 1/3) will be good to excellent in about 3/4 of his starts and be the Twins #2 SP. One of my own: He won't be a stud, never has been, but Nolasco will be healthy next season and force detractors to eat some crow as he will win 12-14 games and pitch at least 180 innings, and probably 190.

This is one of the more exciting positions in the Twins system, to me. For a few years it seemed the Twins only had god defense "organizational" guys. Now it appears we have some really intriguing prospects. Suzuki was a quality signing. His re-signing may have been on the high side, but the market for catchers is very shallow. Even not strong throwing, even with offensive regression, he's a solid ballplayer and quality game caller and receiver. Pinto is stuck a bit in no man's land. My hope is the new staff will continue to work with him, that his reported strong work ethic will continue, and he will get more and more opportunity to prove himself and gain opportunities. There's just too much talent and potential to give up on. I've been a big believer in Herrmann as a solid backstop and hitter who could offer bench flex ability. I still maintain his biggest issue has been being yo-yo'ed up and down the chain instead of being allowed to play and develop. If Rohfling could hit he'd already be in the majors. Koch disappointed this season, but I had hopes before last season. I figure he's got one more season to rebound. And the reason is Turner and Garver. Call me a huge optimist with these two. All kinds of offensive and defensive potential here. Navaretto and Fernandez each offer talent that the Twins can afford to take time with. I think the next couple of seasons could provide some real excitement at the catching position.

Nice. I remember when drafted he was considered an unspectacular but solid SS who should stick defensively with hit ability, some speed, and some pop. We all want and hope 1st round picks turn in to something important, if not big. But if he develops in to a nice, versatile role player, ultimately, that's not a bad thing. Every team needs those too.

Not saying the Twins are overly deep with middle infield talent, and there's some guys on this list that are very young and very much unknowns as a result, but overall, a big black hold has been closed the past few seasons to provide some quality play and options at the ML level, and some at least interesting options in the pipeline. Count me as a big Dozier fan and believer. And I believe we have yet to see the best of him. I know some point to his age and later arrival/maturity, but players at all positions mature at different rates and ages. You don't draft 15 year hall of famers. You draft good baseball prospects from HS and college, work with and develop them, sometimes move them around, and when they're ready, they're ready. It's ridiculous to state Escobar is a utility player only. He's way too young for that, and does offer a solid set of skills, and really had a very nice season once he got his chance. And if a quality utility guy is his best role, then so be it. There's nothing wrong with that. No questioning the talent and potential of Santana though. I was actually pleasantly surprised by Beresford development this season, but I'm wondering about his floor and ceiling, and if he'll ever get a real shot. The glove appears to be there. I like Nunez as a nice little hitter/utility guy off the bench. I probably like him better than most. But I think his time is limited with Polanco on the way up. Goodrum interests me as a talented and seemingly versatile player potentially, offensively and defensively. Is he another potential Santana? Did his experience at 3B last season increase his versatility or slow his development? Vielma is the guy I find fascinating. I don't know a lot about him except what I read here at TD. All accounts have him as a potentially outstanding defensive SS. I know he's young and physically needing development. But I find myself eager to know more about his potential if he hits a growth spurt or two.

I appreciate the passion. Other than Gomez, who else have the Twins acquired via trades that have gone on to success after leaving the Twins?

I'm more than fine with the solid, improved, (still improving?) Plouffe at 3B for now. Sano is the real deal, but has rust to shake off. I believe he begins the season at AA to do so. Doubtful Hanson has a ML future, but he's the kind of player you try to bring back to help fill out a roster as a solid player. Romeo's window is closing, but I'm still baffled the Twins didn't promote him this season for some kind of audition of look-see. I find Haar interesting. Long, long way to go. But is he a mid round steal option? I'm a big believer in Christiansen and feel he could be a nice multi positional role player. He is a former all Big 10 SS who also played the OF, and would seem to have the defensive ability to play multiple positions. Goodrum I don't get. He's a 2nd round pick, an exciting athlete with growth potential who has reportedly been a very solid SS with offensive potential and speed. My understanding was he moved to 3B to allow Polanco to be the primary SS. Has he already outgrown SS? Is there something lacking at SS despite earlier reports as to his potential and ability there? I'm wondering if he's been given up on too soon if the move to 3B is permanent.

Personally, in today's ever changing market place, and the Twins seemingly growing in to that world with SOME of the payrolls they've had since the move to Target Field, and the new found FA aggressiveness they began to embrace last season, I don't think Maddon would not be approached or hired due to contract. I mean, really, as someone pointed out, in a multi million business in which Pelfrey gets a $5M deal, paying a top, well respected manager something similar really shouldn't be an issue. I find the timing of Maddon's exodus interesting. Why not leave right after the season was over, if he was feeling frustrated and wanted to move on elsewhere. Was he truly not aware of his option? Did he really leave because the GM left and he felt daunted by the change? Personally, and I know I'm a devoted fan, I think we need to get over any insecurity of being a Midwest and mid-market team that nobody wants to come to. There is some real history involved with Twins baseball. And while the team may run things smart and responsible, to the point of being frugal at times, we haven't been in the Calvin G days of penny pinching for some time. Target Field is one of the best venues in all baseball. The teams spends plenty on scouting and development, works constantly to upgrade facilities, has some pieces in place, and one of the best milb systems around. We might not be where Maddon wants to be, but I wouldn't take that as a slight. This is a pretty good job to have.

Hilarious! But on a serious note, at age 60, is it possible he wants a taste of a big market that might have a bigger checkbook? I mean, the reality is that his next job just might be his last. And while not in the slightest way to demean Maddon, are the Twins better off long term with a quality candidate who is younger and would be part of the rebuild, the next phase of Twins winning, for a longer tenure? Just idle speculation.

I confess to not knowing much about Martinez, other than knowing him as a solid ballplayer, but I am confused and a bit disappointed he apparently didn't get an interview. Especially consider his experience with Maddon and the Rays. But, maybe there was no permission given. I think the search, thus far, seems to be pretty thorough. I don't believe Ryan has simply been giving lip service to a well rounded search. Lovullo's candidacy is proof of that, in my opinion. But I am confused as to continued angst to the Twins looking "internal" for their final choice. Sure Molitor has spent the past few years coaching in the Twins system, and drawing rave reviews from the very players he would be expected to manage, but he also coached for Seattle, spent the majority of his HOF career in Milwaukee, and spent three seasons with Toronto before his three seasons with the Twins. So what exactly makes him solely a Twins insider? (Even though that's not necessarily a bad thing) Dougie M was drafted and developed by the Twins, but also spent time with the Royals, Mets, Pirates, Red Sox, Dodgers and Yankees. He played 12 years, or at least parts of, 7 with the Twins. But because he started with the Twins, then was well thought of enough to come back to the organization as a milb manager, he's exclusively an "insider"? (Again, I don't know that that's necessarily a bad thing) I actually find that kind of funny and kind of insulting, both because it suggests the Twins are somehow inept on all levels, which is most definitely not the case, but also because it seems to indicate the Twins cloning a certain type of coach/manager. Let me ask you, if Molitor and/or Mientkiewicz coached last season for another organization the way Redmond and LeCroy did, would that make them a better candidate?

Please don't confuse "the Twins Way" as being some all encompassing thing based simply on the past 4 years. The "Twins Way" when employed properly, is sound all around baseball. It's a solid rotation, usually anchored by a couple studs, and a quality bullpen. It's quality defense, and a mix of aggressive hitting and base running with a blend of power, speed and hitting while also employing situational hitting. Yes, it's easy to dismiss this as "just good baseball". And that is true, but only to a certain degree. There has been conversation and debate, for instance, of the Royals way or the Orioles way of doing things lately. Historically, there has been the AL power, station to station game vs the NL speed and defense and situational way of doing things. At their best, winning seasons, the Twins have found a nice mix of all approaches. And it's usually been accomplished with smart baseball moves, relying on the milb system, using key trades and FA signings to augment the roster, and even some key waiver-wire FA acquisitions. There have been years, certainly, where the Twins just didn't have the horses to make it work. But TK won 2 World Series with it, and while Gardenhire never won one, and trails TK in overall wins, he also produced, I believe, more winning seasons and playoff appearances. Don't dismiss what the "Twins Way" really is just due to 4 disappointing seasons.

Can I offer my application as your assistant, or at least, as AN assistant? No experience playing or coaching the game. ( played football) But semi-intelligent, open-minded, and a passionate and devoted fan who was watched and listened to the Twins since I was 5, 44 years total. And I called for, dreamed and hoped for the Twins to sign Kazmir each of the last two offseasons.

FWIW, Santana also began in the bullpen. First as a rule V stash, then as a valuable arm growing in to a role. Not saying that should be Meyer's route......just saying.

I am on the side of improving and augmenting the team talent. That being said, there is a part of me that sees Meyer so close, Berrios ready by August or September, believes in Hughes, Gibson and a healthy Nolasco, likes who's I saw May finish and wonders at acquiring a FA SP. Likewise, when might Rosario be ready, and could Buxton be ready by the end of the season as well. I don't want to spend to spend, or just offer short term results that could block someone in the pipeline, only to take a step or half step back. BUT...and it's a big BUT...I don't only not to want to rush anyone, but I also believe there are holes that can be filled smartly to improve the team without necessarily blocking anyone. I don't know that you can ever have enough pitching. So the Twins take a shot on a nice, high potential FA SP. And it turns out. Someone wouldn't make a deal for our over abundance if this happens if/when Meyer proves ready? Right now, today, Buxton is a season away, slightly less hopefully. Rosario is half a season away, slightly less hopefully. Brining in at least one quality OF blocks who exactly? You spend money you can actually afford to spend on a quality FA OF, a SP FA, and maybe a small deal RP Buxton-hopeful and you try to improve the ball club. You can always trade from additional depth if it turns out right.

Seems to me the Twins haven't made any major investments in milb talent at 1B the past few seasons, with the exception of a rookie FA or two. And I get and understand that. A quality 1B, overall, is nothing to take for granted for sure. But it's also an easier position to fill with player movement than many other spots. Hicks intrigues me as he's been productive thus far, and is only 2 1/2 years in his career. I'm still waiting for Kepler to really take that big step forward. I truly thought 2014 would be that year. I'm still waiting but haven't given up hope yet. Flatly, his athleticism should still see him as an OF option, but I think depth of talent and opportunity could make him a very interesting 1B opportunity. Being a Big Red fan, I'm watching the career of Chad Christensen with great interest. An All Big 10 SS, he was moved to the OF, back to SS due to injury, and back to the OF again. As reported, he is a quality athlete who in college, and pro career thus far, has played multiple positions. He seems to have hit, defense, speed and decent XB power tools, though BIG power hasn't presented itself yet. He's such a nice athlete that I hate to pigeonhole him at 1B too early. But like Kepler, he could end up as a very intriguing player there.

Now in Target Field and increased financial resources, the Twins produced the three highest payrolls in team history in 2010, 2011 and 2012 when it was believed the Twins had quality teams with a real chance to win. Said payrolls ranked 11th, 9th and 13th in ML payroll respectively those seasons. Terry Ryan is on record as stating 2014 payroll topped $90M, and that $100M "should be more than enough" to put a competitive team on the field. And last offseason, the Twins went on an unprecedented FA spending spree, and even attempted to spend more. In past offseason's, we've heard references to the Twins not raising payroll, or not raising it much. Now we're hearing conversely different comments such as not expecting it to drop much. Simply, considering the apparent change in spending philosophy as spoken, as seen in practice during the 2014 offseason, as characterized by Terry Ryan recently, without use of a crystal ball or revealing the FO plans entirely to the world, can we actually expect the Twins to be aggressive for a second straight season to augment the payroll and the construction of the team for 2015?

Not blasting anyone...just saying...a lot of people need to get off Mauer's back/case. Despite the one big HR season, he never has been and never will be a big power hitter. And you know what? That's OK! Sure, there were a few voices that called for increased power production getting out from behind the rigors of playing catcher daily. But that's a bit naive. I for one, and others echoed my thoughts, that there might be a slight increase in power production, but it's really about just being fresher for more overall games and AB's leading to more opportunity, not a sudden surge. Less physical abuse/demand on the body should lead to more games played, which leads to more AB's, which leads to an increase in overall production based on career norms per. Mauer had a lot of things going on the past year, not the least of which was his concussion holding him back, and affecting his offseason preparation if nothing else. He is not old, he is not physically or mentally debilitated in any known way at this point. There is no reason he can't have a hard working off season and a healthy 140-150G season in 2015 at 1B with an occasional game at DH. No reason he can't return to being the .300 hitter with .380-.390-.400 OB% complete with 40 or so doubles. I dare say, healthy, at 1B, participating in said 140-150G we'd probably see 12-14 HR's just based on 500+ AB's. A 1B doesn't have to be a big slugger to be a valuable member of your lineup. No reason he can't produce the numbers I've stated and be similar to what Grace, Hernandez, Joyner and others used to mean to their teams in the past.

While there could be regression in some areas, there could be improvement in others, especially if the OF defense is shorn up. I believe Hughes, while not an ACE is a top of the rotation talent and will prove to generally be as effective next season as this one. With respect and no malicious intent, this is simply not Scott Diamond part 2.

Initially, I felt the Twins mishandled Parmelee by not just letting him play more over time in '12 and '13 to try and develop and judge him once and for all. At the end of ST last season, I think they did make the right move. To their favor, he was passed over and assigned to AAA. It might have been better for him if they had just left him there for all or most of the season. (Similar to Herrman who would have been served to spend all year at Rochester at least one of the past 2 seasons) I no longer hold out hope Parmelee is a long term reserve/piece of the Twins future. And I wouldn't devote a 40 man spot to him at this point, there's just too many young players we need to hold the rights to at this point. But unless claimed by someone else, I'd still bring him back with limited enthusiasm. In spurts at AAA and with the Twins, he's shown glimpses of turning at least a short corner and providing actual value. With Hicks...yes Hicks...Rosario, Buxton, possibly Schafer, Ortiz and Walker hopefully coming 'round the bend, Parm's options with the Twins may be coming to an end. But every year someone finds a former top prospect that either has the light come on, or just finds the right time and place, to become at least a useful piece. I'm still intrigued enough by flashes shown to want to keep him around for 2015 in some capacity.

I like this. I've never dismissed Ortiz, but it is easy to forget about him with Hicks, Buxton, Rosario and Walker conversations. Always felt Rosario had more overall upside, but thought Ortiz could be a slightly lesser overall but similar talent option who could end being an excellent 4th OF option down the road. We might see a promotion at the end of that road with a solid season at Rochester this year.

Of course it's a futile discussion at this point. But we have to have something to talk about before things actually heat up don't we? LOL

I'm still in the camp of making a couple smart moves to help the rebuild. I don't think a LF FA for 1-3 years, depending on the player and situation, necessarily blocks anyone. Same with another SP option. Guys do get hurt, and there could be trade options. But I have to say there are times when I am torn and want to go mostly status quo at this point. Meyer should be ready soon, Milone could still be an initial option, though Pelfrey may be best used in the pen. Hard throwing, less innings, he could become a factor. Also wonder if Berrios might be ready to debut come Aug or Sept. The OF could still use another option, but what if Rosario is ready at some point and Buxton by the end of the year. It's tempting. I also have a good feeling about Darnell in the pen. A younger Duensing who may throw a little harder and be a little better SO pitcher.

Parmelee has shown just enough, has improved just enough, that I'd bring him back on a milb contract of nobody claims him. He's never become, and never will become, what we hoped. But he's just young and talented enough to be a possible bench player. At worst, he's a solid AAA player to fill out the Rochester lineup. At best, the lightbulb dimmer switch turns up to be a Randy Bush-like sub role player. I kind of like Nunez. There's nothing special about him at all. But when given a shot here and there, he hasn't been bad, and has had some nice performances. With Polanco, Beresford and others in the wings, or on the rise, his time could be limited. Still, he's not bad as a utility type with a little pop and speed. Like Parmelee, unless someone claims him, I'd like him back. And I'd spend some time with him in the OF come ST, not as a daily option, but simply to increase his bench versatility. Some 1B maybe??? Schafer is maddening! Is he a former top prospect who never made it...and baseball history is overflowing with those guys...who teased once for a couple months? Or is he one of those former top prospects who gets another chance with the right team, at the right time in his maturity to become a solid player or role player? Baseball also has a long history of these types of players. I think he comes back to compete with Hicks, an inexpensive acquisition, possibly Santana and Rosario, for a shot or share of CF and a 4th OF option. Decent defense, outstanding ability and instincts on the base paths, don't you have to at least take another look at him?

Forgetting those few youngsters who flash early and establish themselves as early studs, some sustain and some flame out, it seems that most true top of the rotation SP usually hit their full stride from about ages 27-33,34,35. It's where experience and maturity really take hold. I hope we won't be proven wrong on Hughes. But I just don't see him as some flash in the pan one great year wonder. First of all, from the day drafted he was a top prospect. Even if he didn't fully fit in in NY, he showed flashes and had a few good years. When it comes to stuff, ability and potential, this is not a "Scott Diamond" flash talent. Nor is he a soft tosser, mix it up Kevin Slowey type. He's a big, strapping, good stuff, pound the zone SP. Better OF defense will help him, and the entire staff, going forward, especially with some expected regression. And by regression, I don't mean bad regression. But I doubt he's capable of setting another ML record for fewest BB allowed. It would be virtually impossible. But going forward, some tweaks to the lineup, defense and bullpen, he could easily be just as good and effective overall.

Great and fun article to read! Thanks Seth. (Very busy, sorry if someone stated this previously.) Some very interesting points SD. And I am assuming you posted them simply for perspective and conversation sake. All well and good to propose perspective and comparison for their own sake. It's interesting for sure. But TWICE the Twins went from last to first with a quality core of talent augmented by some smart moves. And since 1985, when last the Royals were in the post season, the Twins have enjoyed 13 winning seasons vs the Royals 8. The Twins have also reached the post season as many times as the Royals have enjoyed a winning season, 8. (6 by Gardy if that matters) And the Twins even managed to win TWO WS since the Royals made the playoffs last. Just saying, every team, situation and timeline are different. So before some bite fingernails past the quick, develop ulcers, pull the rest of their hair out....the comparisons between the teams is interesting...but that doesn't mean it's direct parallel.