DocBauer

Orioles declined to pick up the option on Markakis. Not a surprise since it was over $17M and all but a handful of players deserve that kind of salary. He's more star, but is a solid hitter with some decent peripherals in his career. I like Rasmus' mix of speed and power and ability to play CF even though I'd rather move him to LF on a daily basis. But Markakis could be a really nice option. There is a $2M buyout if the Orioles can't come to terms with him, so I would expect a pretty big early push on their part. Sounds like the Twins would have to make an early decision and push if interested.

Left is definitely in need of a big upgrade. And as I've stated before, it's actually the easiest position to offer sudden and significant improvement to the team. Someone who can actually hit some, be productive, and play solid defense would be a VAST upgrade to what was trolled out to LF in 2014. Other than a couple good weeks here and there, the likes of Willingham, Kubel and others provided mediocre to downright bad defense with only a smattering of offense. Really, other than Schaffer the last 30 days, there was zero stability at the position all year. But LF also offers itself as a conundrum. I've been pushing hard to bring someone in, with the options being a 3 year-ish deal for good money to one of a handful of OF candidates that could deserve it, OR, a stopgap 1 year player that still provides upgrade and possibly even a good season. But there are intriguing question marks of possibilities as well. We saw a little something in former top prospect Schafer that would seem to indicate brining him back as a CF/LF/4th OF option. Hicks is a huge question mark, but could he at least start to figure it out in '15? What if he could be part of an at least OK platoon? How long for Buxton to develop? The whole season, or is he up by July? The same could be said for Rosario. And what if, for whatever reason, Santana doesn't play or stick at SS, does he play LF? CF for part of all or one more season? I'm not saying not to make the move and improve the team. I'm just stating the OF complexion could be very different by mid season next year.

Yes he was an All American 3B for the Huskers. If memory serves, I believe he also won the collegiate Gold Glove at the position. He's turned in to a marvelous player in LF, but after watching him play 3B for years in college at a high level, and seeing how hard it is to find a 3B who can be quality in both phases of the game, I was really surprised they Royals moved him to left so quickly.

Hate to rehash old comments, but sometimes, they can have a direct, affecting correlation to new comments. Therefore....... 2010, our Twins were a top ML club, division winner and playoff participant with a 94 win team and virtually everyone back for 2011. Everyone felt the Twins were again a top team and division/playoff contender for 2011 with almost the entire team back plus or minus a few alterations. We all know what happened in 2011. Ryan's fault? Gardy's fault? FO not spending enough on payroll? No, no and no. No fault, no double talk, no cheapskates as the Twins had the highest payroll in their existence to keep the team together. 2012 is debatable. Some would say after such a horrible and snakebit and disappointing season such as 2011, the Twins should have been smart enough and long sighted enough to blow the team up then and begin over. However, the Twins perspective was to make a few moves, simply get healthy again, and keep the team at its 3rd HIGHEST PAYROLL EVER while looking for a rebound season. So when we talk about 4 consecutive losing seasons, payroll and responsibility, we need to keep perspective and not simply get lost in vitriol over consecutive disappointments. Now, if Ryan ever has been blindly naive, or disingenuous with the fanbase, it would be for 2013 and 2014. But as forthright and optimistic as Ryan has generally been, I wouldn't have expected him to just announce to everyone that the team was going to probably lose, that few if any prospects were ready yet, so just hang on. Right now, it appears the FO is talking out of both sides of their mouth, and they probably are in fact. But the season is just ended, team winter organization meetings just started, and we're a long way from actual trade and FA season. Not sure why the Twins would tip their hand to everyone out there at this point. Rightly or wrongly, I'm putting my faith in actions and not early rhetoric. The Twins made moves to add to the team, and payroll last season. They attempted additional moves that didn't end up happening that would have added more, and in some cases, substantially more. And once again, they did add more with the Morales signing. So for now at least, when I hear two different sets of numbers and perspectives coming out, this early in the game, while examining recent trends by the team, I'm going with the more expensive and optimistic comments that have been presented.

You certainly have to properly balance the 40 man roster, and sometimes, that leaves risks for the rule V draft. But there is only so much available on that 40 man roster. It always sounds like a lot, and then you start adding to it, and wishing like hell it was a 50 man roster. Some of your milb FA have been on that 40 man a time or two. That, of course, is where that number limitation and risk come in. Similarly, you only have so many open spots to fill on your milb teams, and you have to balance newcomers and up and comers along with fill in pieces, and at AAA, those fill in pieces could be at the ML level at some point. There a couple tough calls here, all being said and figured. Romero: I think he's got at least limited ML ability, can help at Rochester if Sano doesn't open there, and should have been brought up at some point last year when Plouffe was hurt...TWICE. Beresford: Despite the Twins suddenly being blessed with infielder numbers they haven't enjoyed previously, Beresford offers some real potential help, is young, and a keeper. Ortiz: also a keeper. Too young, too much overall talent and ability to still make a roster. Gonzalez and Hansen: I don't see ML futures for either. Both could be solid depth somewhere, otherwise, might be time to move on. Rodriguez: I'd probably keep him. A legit power bat For AA or AAA to help flush out the roster. Of the pitchers, honestly, I don't know that there's anyone there I'd be all that interested in having back. Hamburger and Guerra are probably just young enough, still filled with enough potential that I might keep the two of them. But the staff at Rochester should be pretty tough to crack next season. In fact, the entire roster at AA and AAA could and should be pretty tough to crack next season.

Just curious, I know the AFL is sort of a mixed bag of different prospect levels participating, but isn't it generally considered about AA or AA 1/2 in regard to competition level?

I have to be honest, I hadn't thought about Rosario in LF for 2015, at least initially. I feel he's a strong candidate for that position in the future, have been hoping for a strong AFL, but after a disappointing and short last season I felt he'd need more time. I even thought he MIGHT be a temp CF candidate for next season. Long term, I still believe in the guy's potential as a nice all around ballplayer. He's got the ability to be quality defensively. Offensively, I don't know what his true ceiling is, but I believe he will hit, have a so-so to decent OB, will probably be a consistent doubles producer with double digit HR's and SB's. There is the potential for both of those to climb. I see him as versatile "helping hand" player who could hit #2, or be very dangerous in the bottom third.

What I know. Hicks came to the Twins as a talented athlete but rough around the edges ballplayer. He's often been compared to a young Torrie Hunter. He's only a couple of seasons removed from not only being a top 100 milb prospect, but also his very best season as a pro in AA. There was a lot of hope and anticipation, but he fell flat, and was probably promoted too early. Hunter struggled at first as well, but every player is different and it's unfair to take comparisons too far. But Hunter also had Puckett to help pave the way. And Span had Hunter to help pave the way. Revere had Span to offer some initial help and advice as well. Not making excuses, just wondering if Hicks was not only promoted too soon, but wonder if lacking a mentor could have hurt him. I know he's still too young, still too filled with potential to just chuck him aside. What I don't know: Is Hicks mentally tough enough? Is he a victim of being promoted too soon? Or does he just lack the desire and ethic to make himself in to a ML ballplayer? I don't know that Schafer is the answer for 2015 in CF. I also don't know that Hicks is or isn't. But I believe the Twins need to make a move via trade or FA to bring in a 3rd possibility. From those 3, you find 2 to share the spot, or provide a starter and 4th OF spot. Regardless, it should be, at most, a 1 year stopgap until Buxton is ready. Perhaps Hicks surprises and makes a move in '15. But he also might be better served being in AAA to allow talent and production to meet up.

I just can't go with Ozzie, and it has nothing to do with my hatred for the White Sox. (Spit) LOL I just don't like the explosions and attention grabbing. I don't know about strength coach, but I've mentioned Julio Franco a few times now. The guy clearly has a great passion for the game. Not exactly a defensive whiz, he was still a long tenured ML infielder and quality hitter. I love him as an option for a coaching spot, though I wonder if he's ready to finally stop playing. Bark had mentioned the idea of Joey Cora recently, and I really like that idea as well. My gut tells me, despite Twins and Minnesota ties, Steinbach could be headed to join LaRussa. I think Glynn could be a nice bench coach option as a replacement. I really have no feel for Alomar Jr as a manager candidate, but could he be a nice coaching option? Especially to work with the catchers? Whatever happened to Pena, BTW? Not sure the Twins don't already have a quality bullpen coach in house with Cuellar, but like your thoughts here. Absolutely LOVE the idea of Morris as a pitching coach. My only concern is, with no disrespect intended, would he be too staunch with his opinions? Some guys are just such strong competitors, they don't always make the best coaches as they don't always have the patience or communication skills necessary to tutor or teach. My best guess? Molitor is named manager and Dougie M bypasses his promotion to AA for a spot on the staff. Pretty good chance Mauer jumps to FT Meyers, possibly AA. Glynn has a real shot at bench coach. We will add two quality Latin coaches, and we've come up with some good ideas thus far. Bruno is back as hitting coach.

Again, I'm mostly with you here. And I'm also on record as being a Hermann fan. I think he's solid as a C, can be moved around a bit, and has a potentially solid bat with gapper and occasional HR power. And I have maintained that Hermann's biggest problem has been getting jerked around from the minors to the majors the last couple of seasons without being allowed to just concentrate on development. I think we may end up at the point, sooner rather than later, where perhaps he's pushed aside by Turner and/or Garver. I also believe Hicks is similar to Carlos Gomez in the fact he simply came up too soon. And you have to temper expectation and ability/potential vs initial disappointment. When you have a top 100 talent, you can't allow yourself to grow too frustrated too quickly. That's how you get burned giving up on a young talent too soon simply because you wanted tomorrow to be today.

I could see some regression for Escobar for certain. On the other hand, more experience could see improvement in his splits as well. He is no power hitter, but I have been pleasantly surprised with the strength in his line drives when making decent contact. I don't think he is just a Punch and Judy hitter who got lucky. He was a huge and pleasant surprise to be sure. And if it weren't for Santana, I think we'd all revel in Escobar's season even more than we have. And he's done absolutely nothing to warrant a loss of a starting position, unless his regression was rather drastic. But Escobar does have a strike against him, and that's Santana. Santana is simply a better athlete, with even more range and dynamic ability, at least potentially. And it's the same at the plate as in the field, Santana is just more dynamic offensively as well. Ultimately, I think Escobar does become that 10th starter, and still plays a lot.

I don't disagree with the basis of this statement. But as stated, it's never wrong to add premier talent. But what if some of those tradeable pieces are premier talent, or will be in the next year or two for a rebuilding team? I don't think the argument is "don't trade for talent", but rather, time it right. One player, even an elite one, won't completely change the fortunes of a team. But wait until the roster is more set, and there are prospects knocking on the door, THEN you have the depth and timing to make that big trade to push the team over the top. As I've stated previously, barring an "unlucky" 2015 where the roster and top prospects are ravaged by injury, (somewhat similar to 2014), think how much stronger the Twins depth of talent will be at or near the ML level. At some point in 2015, or by the end of the season, players such as Sano, Buxton, Rosario, Polanco, May, Meyer and Berrios should be up or ready. And there are other solid possibles I'm not listing. And there's a real possibility of a huge influx of quality, hard throwing RP ready or near as well. I'm not saying give up on 2015. But there are finances available to improve the team. Hold on to your bargaining chips until the odds are more in your favor.

I can't disagree a lot with your roster Shane. But I would take a more conservative, and to me more logical approach, to what I would expect the "opening" roster to be. Arcia will be in RF, and a FA will be in LF. CF will be a battle between Hicks, Schafer, and an inexpensive FA or similar trade candidate. Two would make the club, one as the 4th OFer, or we could see a semi-platoon situation. (Santana could possibly see some time as a backup as well) I'm not convinced that Parmelee doesn't still have some "Randy Bush-like" value as a reserve as well. Mauer, Dozier, Santana and Plouffe is my infield. Escobar deserves to play...a lot...and will. I keep Nunez, who I think is a better overall utility/spare part and decent bat than some give him credit for. During ST, I work Escobar and Nunez pretty hard at LF and some at 1B as well. It's not because I want them to be any kind of regular there, I just want to know if I can play them there for days off or sub situations. Vargas is clearly the primary DH and backup 1B. Catcher is simple, Suzuki and Pinto. Hoping Pinto grows, gets a real chance, and becomes the primary before the season is done. I know that's 14 position players. But I'm allowing myself 1 over to allow for injury or a milb move.

My initial response is no. But I also offer a hint of "maybe" in my thoughts and opinion. I also am very eager to see both. And more than likely, like almost every young player, there will be some growing pains. For instance, despite athleticism, talent and potential, former SS Sano will probably be a downgrade defensively from Plouffe initially. But consider Gaettit, Koskie, Plouffe himself and most young 3B you've ever seen. There is almost always a learning curve to continue development. And I don't think service time is going to be an issue either. So you lose one year for both players if you promote them early. Does anyone really think super talent youngsters like these two WON'T get locked up? And I'm not going down the Hicks road either. Absolutely no insult to him as I still think he's very talented and has a lot of potential, but every ballplayer is different, and should be treated as such. And the effort, determination, attitude and somewhat proven ability to produce and adjust for both of these kids is outstanding! I think they have the "it" factor. My reservations are very simple, lost playing time. Sano pretty much dominated his half season of AA in 2013 in every way but BA. But we all know BA doesn't always tell the whole story. And when you look at Sano's numbers there, it becomes clear. But, after missing an entire season, are a couple hundred, hopefully, AB's in the winter going to be enough to develop and shake off rust to be ready opening day? (Even allowing for some rough transition moments). Same with Buxton. At least he got to play some of 2014. But will AFL AB's be enough to develop and shake off rust to be ready? I think Buxton actually has the better shot at jumping early simply because he played some this year, and defensively, it's probably easier to shake off rust and adjust for CF than 3B at any level, much less the ML level. I'm not dismissing the idea of sudden promotion, just tempering it.

Looking at a ML 3B comparison as presented on MLB.com, where they listed 22 3B for reasons I'm not completely sure of, perhaps total AB's?, I found the following information. Plouffe was first in doubles. He was 10th in HR, tied for 5th place in RBI, 17th in BA, tied for 13th in OB%, 9th in SLG, and 10th in OPS. With his vastly improved defense, that's a solid, quality 3B that a lot of teams could use. Not saying his trade value is super high, just saying that's a valuable ballplayer. You keep that kind of player until you have someone better to replace him. Could he revert? Of course he could. But considering he's really improved his game, overall, year to year for the last couple of years, he's just as likely, if not more so, to be as good or better next season. Until Sano is ready, in my mind, you keep Plouffe and be really happy you have him.

Could Russell be a strong coaching candidate? I'm thinking so. I felt, initially, perhaps unfairly, that Glynn was sort of a throw in candidate due to age, despite his outstanding job at the milb level. But the more I read about his time in the well respected Rays organization leads me to believe he is a more serious contender than I originally believed. Or at least, a more viable ML bench coach.

(Tablet screwup) Ryan is ultimately responsible for the talent presented to the manager. And yes, he bears some blame for that the last couple of seasons. But his job also covers the minors, and those responsible to draft it, manage and coach it, even if he doesn't oversee selections of picks themselves. I'm even willing to give a pass, to a degree, with his cancer scare this year, and trying to be in charge while also passing off responsibility. His track record over the years, except for his first couple of seasons, has been outstanding. I do sometimes wonder if he realizes he's no longer the GM for a Metrodome team, but that seemed to be answered last offseason with the moves he made, and attempted to make. 2015 is sort of make or break for me. I don't expect the team to win the WS this season. But if he can make the right manager hire, make a couple quality moves, call me "re-convinced" we have the right guy still in charge.

Wow! We're kind of all over the place here aren't we? I figured about time I tossed my 2cents worth in. I gotta say, I'm reading a lot of very intelligent opinions here, and I can't say I greatly disagree with anyone's opinion. All logical and well thought out. I mean...I even found myself agreeing with MIKE, and that just never happens. LOL But to specifics...I am a known Gardy supporter that felt it was time. Not because he's a bad baseball guy, or has suddenly "lost it", but because I think the Twins are entering a new era, their third era since '87, and just need a new voice to lead a new charge. And to be honest, I think there was some fault with the way Gardenhire handled the final month or so in regard to playing and experimenting with some young talent. Ryan absolutely carries weight for the past 4 seasons, and brought about some of Gardy's downfall, and yet, it's not entirely is fault, IMO. I grow tired of retrospect, but it exists regardless. 2010 was a great season for the Twins. 2011 was a disaster NOBODY saw coming. And yet, the Twins had an all time high payroll of almost $113M in place to replicate 2010 with hopes of improving and taking the next step. At the least, keeping the band together. I think it would be easy for any GM to expect some rebound the next season with injuries abated, make a couple moves, etc. You can argue and debate, yet the Twins were only one year removed from a 94 win seasons. The payroll dipped, but was still over $94M, third highest in Twins history. I still believe, though it will never be admitted, that Ryan, the FO, scouts and coaching staff alike, felt in 2012 we slipped but had a shot if a few things fell right. In 2013, I think Ryan and company didn't want to tell fans and ticket holders there was no chance. But they'd make a couple moves, sell them, and hope for the best, knowing their best option was young talent and a few more moves in 2014 to get and keep everyone excited. Of course, it didn't work out that way. Not making excuses, just painting a fair picture. I don't absolve Ryan for butchering the CF situation the past couple years, though I do applaud the May and Meyer deals as aggresive and future sighted.

Not sure how or why my first comment on this thread didn't get carried over, but regardless, I'm a fan of Plouffe. I absolutely believe Sano will take over the spot at some juncture, hopefully sooner rather than later, Plouffe has turned himself in to a quality ML 3B. I have a serious problem with the idea that some have of trading him at this point as I feel he is not only of great current value to us, but I also think the roster is too fluid to make a move at this point. He may never be a star player, but his defense has gone from concern to average, possibly above. And his overall offensive numbers, across the board, put him in the upper third in the league.

I won't condemn a player for errors made trying "too hard" to make a play. Further experience will make him even better. They dreaded "eye test" tells me he's a gold glove caliber defender, eventually at least. I attribute some second half slide in his production to being bounced around between 3 spots in the lineup, as well as perhaps needing a couple more days off here and there he didn't get, but could have between Escobar and Nunez. My future expectations would be a rise in BA but a dip in HR production. But I could live with the opposite if he keeps the OB and all the other numbers up.

By reputation, I'm an optimist. But I have to say, I'm very optimistic for Mauer in 2015. I am not going to make excuses for a poor season. But there is a distinct difference between "excuses" and "reasons" for the happenings of things. Any or all of the following items could have lead to a poor season from Joe in 2014: an interrupted offseason program to get ready while still suffering/recovering from his concussion, STILL suffering from post-concussion syndrome the first half of the season (and from what we have seen and have been learning, this can't be discounted or tossed aside), the birth of Twins and first time fatherhood, the move from his primary life-long position to another, the pressure of trying to be and do too much for the team. We may never know, but to me, I still believe it's the concussion and what it did not only to his offseason preparation, but he may have still had some lingering affects early on. Couple that with any and all of the other possibilities, I could see some added pressure involved as well. Regardless, while not the same old Joe, he did look and perform better the second half of the season. I have not read or heard of anything that should slow Mauer down this offseason to get in his work in advance for next season. Further, while years of catching have probably robbed him a bit of speed and flexibility, he still posses a great deal of overall athletic talent, is not old by any means, and has different and nagging injuries in his career, and to our knowledge, doesn't suffer from anything chronic. Even if, a big and unknown if, Mauer has indeed slowed enough to no longer be a .320-.330 hitter ever again, he can still be a valuable producer as a low .300 hitter with discipline and a high .300 OB%. I've never felt a move to 1B would suddenly turn Mauer in to a consistent power producer, despite less wear and tear on his body. To me, it's always been about just being healthy enough for 150 games and just produce at his normal per AB level. That in itself would provide quality hitting, quality OB, a lot of doubles, probably double digit HR's, and a lot of R and RBI opportunities if he had someone decent hitting in front of him. I'm expecting a nice comeback and quality season for Mauer in 2015 playing a solid 1B, and hitting third for the Twins.

One more trade option/idea. MLTrade Rumors just did a nice write-up on the Twins, tossing out different ideas, opinions, possibles and names. One idea tossed out that I find interesting is St Loius CF/OF Peter Bourjes. I confess to knowing nothing about him, but reputation appears that he is a quality defensive CF. He hits RH, appears to have a little speed and a little XB power, but no long term offensive success. He has one 500 AB season in which his numbers were solid, one addition season with decent numbers, and three low Avg seasons. With Buxton on the way, I don't see the Twins making any major move for a CF unless it were someone like Rasmus who would be temporary before sliding to LF. Even if Washington were to let Span walk, and even if he were interested in a return to the Twins, I doubt there would be a dollars and years match, again, with Buxton on the way. I think 2015 sees an upgrade for LF, with Hicks and Schafer as candidates to win the CF spot, or share it, for now. I think a 3rd option to compete with them, and also the 4th OF spot, would be prudent. I think there a couple inexpensive FA options that will be available for said competition. But an inexpensive trade option could be very welcome. Could Bourjes be that option? Does anyone have a decent report on him? Are there other options you might name?

I am also hesitant to make a big trade for an OF, even though it's an area of need. The reason simply being again, I hate to trade prospect depth too early. There are also a few options over the next season or two that could play out nicely for us. I don't know how real luck or karma truly are, but at worst, there are random factors that sometimes work for you, and sometimes work against you. On the milb side, the Twins had a lot of good happen this season. But there is no question Sano and Buxton fall in to a bad luck or unfortunate event status. I refuse to fall in to a pessimistic cycle. Buxton may take a couple years to hit full potential, a pretty obvious statement there, but should be up with the Twins for 2016, if not some time in 2015, providing excellent defense in CF, and at least some offense, if not quality offense. Combined with the still young, talented and improving but somewhat enigmatic Arcia, gives the Twins 2/3 of a starting OF. Plouffe could provide some solid trade bait within the confines of the next year or so. He could still make a move to the OF. Santana could end up in LF instead of SS depending on his defense, and the play of Escobar. Rosario has the ability to be a quality LF and ML hitter with a combination of XB power and a little speed. Walker is probably a couple years away, but shouldn't be discounted. Therefore, I'm still in favor of saving prospects, spending money that the Twins have to spend, even if they do make a significant SP signing, and go the FA route for an OF. The Twins could pop for 2 quality FA's, spending $25+M and STILL keep their 2015 payroll in the $92-95M area. They were nearly $86M in 2014 BEFORE paying for part of Morales' contract. Which means they already $90M or so '14. Now, if there was a deal for prospects, not naming names, where they could acquire a young(ish) OF that the team could plug in and control for more than a couple years, then I rethink the trade option.

I have to say, as much as I like Meyer and believe in his potential, I'm not opposed to including him in a deal for a top SP. This is provided said deal is for a true 1-2 option, or 2 with some upside still remaining and definitely under 30, preferably in the 25-28 yo range. Otherwise, you're back to an over 30 SP who could as many as 5 quality years, or as few as 3, and a larger contract. And you've traded a group of 3-4 prospects/players to get him. It assists in the short term, but again, may not be wise for a team getting younger and rebuilding. You might just be better off signing a FA and keeping the prospects for at least one more year, something I've already advocated. While there may be a few options, including a couple buy low options, it seems to me the best of all worlds might be Ervin Santana on a 3 year deal for $42-45M. Possibly with a fourth year club option with a $1-2M buyout. Why would Santana sign with the Twins? A quality pitchers' park, a solid guaranteed contract, and the choice of manager, pitching coach, and even the presence of a quality Latin coach or two, plus the influx of young Latin talent on the club could all be factors in our favor. Barring an injury or just another yo-yo season, and Santana has had a couple of those, the Twins keep their prospects but still upgrade the rotation, and as a result, the entire roster. And they do so without breaking the bank. Is Santana a #1? No. But how many #1's are really available without a major, major move or commitment? His career numbers rate him slightly better than Nolasco's, though a bit less consistent. And when on, or mostly on, he ranks very close to Hughes territory.

I believe Sano is about as close as you can get to being a sure thing. The overall talent is about as undeniable as you can get. That being said, there are a couple tempers to be considered. Defensively, Sano has shown vast improvement with his glove, footwork and positioning. He also has a rocket for an arm. Remember, he's actually a former SS. That being said, the reactions at 3B are different. He's not a pitcher, the rehab of his strong arm is very different than for a pitcher. However, 3B defense, quality ML defense takes time. Gaetti took time. Koskie took time. Plouffe has taken time. Just realize that when Sano arrives, there could be an initial dip in defensive play at the hot corner, but it shouldn't be unexpected. Plouffe has developed in to a valuable player. And he'll own 3B to begin 2015. I don't know if he will stick there, or move to the OF, become a valuable and versatile utility player, or become a quality trade option. But he's really nice to have. Glad we have him. And it's a nice problem to have!