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DocBauer

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Everything posted by DocBauer

  1. DocBauer
    That's actually a pretty solid rotation. And not just "for the Twins". Hughes, Santana, a healthy Nolasco, the talented young Gibson who I feel just may be out second best starter before this season is done, and Milone if he pitches like he did in Oakland....really not bad. Of course....May and Meyer by the second half with Milone and Nolaco traded amidst solid seasons would look even better!
  2. DocBauer
    Lousy luck for Pinto, but I get it. Injury and concussion, he just hasn't played much. Unless Herrmann really takes off, I think he'll be up before too long. Hats off to Herrmann for having a great camp and showing something, but also a tip of the cap to the Twins for not going the previously automatic route of "defense only" backup catcher by moving someone else to make room for Fryer.
  3. DocBauer
    Fan and supporter of Plouffe, but still 100% certain who he ultimately is as a ballplayer. The former top pick and top prospect has endured a lot, and put in the work and growing pains, to make himself in to a quality ML player/3B. Based on his defense as well as offense last season, top third in the league. Now improvement, or just sustainability even...that's the question. I don't doubt he can cash in doubles to crank out more homers. But what might that due to his Avg and OB? I believe he is the player he showed last season with slight improvement. And that's a good thing: .265-.272 Avg with and OB in the .330's with 32-35 doubles and 16-18 HR's. Yes, he is capable of more and I wouldn't be shocked. If the Twins won't bat Vargas in the 4 hole, would you rather see Hunter or Plouffe there?
  4. DocBauer
    Schafer is so hard to predict because he is just such an enigma. I read how he was a top prospect. Then I look at numbers and I see things that are OK but certainly not Buxton-like in any way. So, OK, MILB numbers don't always fully indicate potential. But he actually played good ball for the Twins albeit in a SSS. There are guys every year or so, that were quality or top prospects who change leagues, change teams multiple times, but hit that combination of age, maturity and coaching at the right time, and suddenly turn in to at least a solid ballplayer, if not a real good one. Could this be Schafer's turn? I love his speed and aggressiveness on the bases. Decent, quality defense, .250 Avg or higher and something other than punch and Judy, and I could be happy for at least half a season.
  5. DocBauer
    OK....we've had a few arguments as to the Twins bullpen over the past few years and their depth and effectiveness. And even after I produced various numbers to show that over multiple years we ranked no worse than middle of the pack, (and it's true that stats can be skewed) it could be argued that even in bad years the Twins produced at least an OK bullpen...especially when factoring in late season fades due to overuse. But right now...for the first time in a while, I'm crossing my fingers. Believe in Perkins and Fien. Have doubts for the first time on Duensing, but hoping old reliable returns. Actually believe that soon, if not now, Graham might be our best RHRP as of right now. So want to believe in Pelfrey, but high and straight is still high and straight no matter how hard you throw it. Right now, I believe at least 2 if not 3 relievers are gone by June 1. July 1 at absolute latest.
  6. DocBauer
    Been a fan and believer for some time. He will blow a tough play once in a while. No crime there. In fact, more time at 2B might eliminate some of those. Really, really love his defense. Passes the "eye test" for what that is worth. I still don't think we've seen the best of Dozier offensively. Power will stay...speed for another couple of seasons...and there will be another couple 20/20 seasons come. But what you will see is a raise in BA as he sees and grows. Figure .260-.270 while keeping that .350 plus OB% along with the doubles, and the consistent 20/20 potential. This guys is one of the top 2B in all of baseball folks. Enjoy him.
  7. DocBauer
    EXACTLY! The move to 1B was never about Mauer suddenly becoming a big time power hitter. It was about moving one of the best pure hitters of his generation to a position where he could be more healthy and play 150 games. Less wear and tear physically might also produce a bit more power, just based on fresher health, but really, overall, it was just about getting production over 150 games instead of 120. Despite bumps, bruises, a decade of squatting and foul ball ticks and the one plus year of concussion issue, Mauer is and always has been a very good athlete. From his own reports, he feels the best he's felt in a couple of years. Can you doubt that? He is not old. He is not washed up. He is looking very good at 1b. He is healthy again. He's working hard and making smart adjustments. And he will hit high .290's at worst, and I say .300-.310. OB will be .395-.405. He will hit 12-16 HR's which will affect his doubles....36-44. I don't know to figure the slugging % there, and I don't care. Because I think Mauer will be Mauer again...a little high here...a little lower here...and people will wonder why they doubted him.
  8. DocBauer
    I like Suzuki better than most because I put more value on just running things over more modern stats, while providing some solid offense. But any projections for Suzuki confound me. I've heard his early career offensive numbers slipped due to overuse, but his rebound last season with our Twins, at least the first half, was due to to playing every day.What? Guess? Figure last season repeated very close. Hunch? Despite the recent concussion-ish situation of Pinto....and come on! How can you hit a guy THREE TIMES IN THE HEAD IN A SINGLE AB without facing some kind of penalty? In the real world, that is assault. Think I'm kidding? Anyway, my hunch is that a healthy and non-brain damaged Pinto will not only out-hit Suzuki overall, but will really mature between last year's demotion and this year, and begin to overtake the primary catching job by the second half of the season.
  9. DocBauer
    Christiensen is also one of my favorite Twins prospects because, after all, he is a former Husker. (GBR!) But after last season in particular, I'm wondering if the Twins didn't find themselves a real steal here. I'm not projecting stardom here, but I don't think he is any sort of throw away mid round prospect either. He can hit, he's got gapper and some HR and potential HR power, as well as speed. And he has the ability to fit in at multiple positions. As stated here, he is playing all three OF spots, and played a lot of 1B last season for the Kernals. He's also seen action at 3B previously and was an All Big 10 SS while in college. Now I know to some, being all Big 10 at SS is akin to being a beauty queen for Miss Isolation Wyoming, population 865, but the point is, while a step down overall from the likes of the southern baseball hotbeds, it's nothing to sneeze at either. And it shows the overall talent level of the young man. My concern would be that the Twins would ignore his versatility and not continue to work him in the infield defensively. He could be a useful, versatile offensive player with the potential to play 5-6 positions, possibly even an emergency SS.
  10. DocBauer
    Gonsalves is one of the Twins prospects I've been following the most closely, and with the most interest, ever since he was drafted, probably as m as Sano or Buxton, or anyone else. I've always felt they got a real steal in him. And I mean a potential top of the rotation type of steal. Tall, long LH's that come out of high school throwing low 90's with a couple of solid secondary offerings just don't grow on trees. Sounds like his attitude and work ethic are very good. I hate to say it for fear of placing a curse on the kid, but he could be this year's Berrios. That is, blow away Cedar Rapid, move to high A FTM and pretty much do the same an eye to a taste of AA.
  11. DocBauer
    I am NOT OK with th CF situation in the least. But I can almost understand the end result...for now...considering the players involved; Buxton & Rosario simply not ready and Hicks doing nothing to grab the job and hopefully/probably in need of some AAA time/experience/success. I am far, far less OK with the Milone decision. I get May will flash inconsistency at times. And I get that he unfortunately missed time early on during ST. But don't argue SSS with me on May this spring. There is still time for another start for everyone before opening day, a decision didn't have to be made yet, May showed real improvement last season, and a SSS this spring might not prove May is ready, but it also shouldn't be used to prove Milone is somehow a changed man from last season either.
  12. DocBauer
    The bad: Flip flopping a bit on my earlier statement...why wouldn't you let Milone and May each start one more game before making a decision. Is someone holding a loaded pitching machine to Molitor or Ryan's head? What if Milone was "meh" and May was something close to lights out? On the surface, at first glance, I am not upset in the slightest that Hicks and Rosario are sent down. Rosario is a potential stud, but had only half of a disappointing season last year. A strong AFL and good start in ST does not necessitate a rush to a ML job that a month or two or three in the minors will probably make him better prepared for. Do we want another repeat of the Hicks situation? And speaking of Hicks, I'd say at least half the community, if not closer to 75%, have been in favor of, or not disliked, the idea of Hicks getting some AAA time to hone his game, build confidence,and get back on track before his career goes totally off rail. No, I'm not surprised, disappointed or angry about those demotions at all. BUT, I am pretty PO'ed that the final result is Schafer and...what's his name again?...oh yeah, Robinson in CF. What was Robinson for the Cardinals last season, their 5th OF? 6th? Seriously, I'm not even sure. And now he's the Twins semi-platoon CF/4th OF option. After the debacles of the past 2 off seasons/seasons this is the best we can come up with? I have hope for this team, and don't dislike most of it. But I am hoping and crossing just about anything I can that there is a very smart plan happening here where the Twins cook and percolate May, Meyer, Rosario, Buxton, Sano and others for a little while before moving Nolasco, Milone, Pelfrey and a couple others. If Robinson and a couple of these guys really are just place holders, then OK, I get it. If not.....shame on the Twins.
  13. DocBauer
    The good: Milone has some track record of success and didn't stink during ST. Now, that's not a ringing endorsement, but it is factual. Personally, I thought May was the guy to beat, but he was slowed by his early illness. It would seem there is time for everyone to get one more start in. Why make the announcement/decision now when all parties could audition that one more time? But three years ago, two year ago, possibly even last year, a guy like Milone as our 5th starter would have made us feel pretty good. And honestly, I don't feel that this is going to be anything remotely permanent. For the most part, I'm not upset about no Rosario, no Buxton, no Sano and no Polanco. Did anyone really think they were going to...more or less...bypass AA ball and jump to the Twins lineup during ST? The offense was much improved last season. There is a real possibility it could be even better this season with Dozier and Santana possibly even better, a whole season from Vargas, a return to form (or near it) from Mauer, etc. Santana is a quality pitcher. Healthy, he's 200 IP and 13-14 wins that you can almost write down in ink. His track record also shows very clearly that with a team playing solid all around baseball, he has the ability to rise and be a 15-17 game winner. He's done it before. And the kicker is, Gibson might just be the Twins second best starter when all is said and done. Don't hate Nolasco. Be happy he's back healthy and looking OK. One reason is he really is a solid career ML starter who is our #4 guy for goodness sake. We used to sign guys like him, or lesser, to lead this staff. (Correia anyone?) Secondly, the better he does, the greater value for trade bait later in the season. Be disappointed, if you will, that 6 or 7 rookies didn't make the Twins out of ST. Or realize that we just might score some runs, and have the best rotation we've had in YEARS, with a large group of talented youngsters oh so very close.
  14. DocBauer
    John...I'm no expert...but I think that might be the same finger flashed for the "throw it straight" ball.
  15. DocBauer
    Very nice John! And some beautiful photos! Heck of a camera and zoom you have there! I haven't been around enough, or seen enough, to know if this is really true or not...but...can there be a more beautiful milb ballpark than Hammond in Ft Meyers? Absolutely gorgeous! My father was there two years ago, had a blast making friends in the crowd, talking to Watkins and Kepler and others. Sitting around, having a couple beers, and telling me about his trip, he was giddy as a schoolboy. LOL This was supposed to be the year we talked about going together. Didn't work out that way, but here's hoping next year is indeed the year. Color me Target Field outfield green for all of you who have made the trek this season.
  16. DocBauer
    Two words: "Love Boat Photos" OK...I guess that's really THREE words. Despite sharing a building, despite being a similarly popular Minnesota/Minneapolis based professional sports franchise, ever notice how there was never a single report of a single Twins baseball player being involved in the sordid "love boat" scandal? Of course, it's possible NFL players refuse to hang out with ML players. And it's possible the Twins and all key front office personnel were out of town at the time....but I find those arguements to be circumstantial. Love Boat Pictures of various Twins personnel. Hey....I'm just saying.
  17. DocBauer
    Interesting breakdown! Just curious, but does the catcher give a thumbs up sign to indicate the pitch should be belt high or above? Or is that simply a given for Pelfrey? And exactly what and how many fingers are flashed by the catcher to indicate that the ball should be thrown straight?
  18. DocBauer
    Absolutely true. And I didn't mean to intimate that careers were suddenly over. I just find it frustrating that Oliveros wasn't 100%, and that some of the other kids could be inconsistent, but not necessarily bad, and a veteran would seem to have a job locked up while pitching just aweful...to this point. I guess this eternal optomist is just frustrated. But I've said for some time now that the pitching staff, starters and relievers alike, that starts the season is not necessarily the staff that ends the season. Or even is the staff in the second half of the season.
  19. DocBauer
    And right now, Boyer interests me more than Stauffer who has exactly ONE solid appearance. I hope the Stauffer signing pays off. And if it does I'll root like crazy for him. But I have to say I'm disappointed that the younger prospects have fallen by the wayside, even though they mostly outperformed him to this point.
  20. DocBauer
    A battle is exactly what we want and need isn't it? Like last season, when just about everyone figured Gibson would begin the season in Rochester, there was a battle and the right guy, the young guy, made the club. No offense to Milone or Pelfrey, but they are not a part of the future of the club. May is.
  21. DocBauer
    PS...I can understand the sentiment to move Santana back to CF. And I still believe he may see some time out there. But I have a really hard time taking a really talented SS, putting him back in to CF again, for what will still be a temporary move, and then...then do what with him a year for now? NOW try to make him your full time SS? Now put him in LF or RF where Arcia will be and probably Rosario?
  22. DocBauer
    The problem is not Escobar. The problem, and it's a good one, is Santana. I like Escobar a lot. I was part of the "Free Escobar" campaign. I still like him a lot. And if this was just about any time in the last 10 years, the Twins would...and us...would be ever so grateful for him and he'd be written in ink, carved in stone for the starting SS spot. But it's not the past, it's now. Santana has as much pop if not more. Santana has more range, a stronger arm (so it seems), and more overall athleticism. Santana has more speed. Santana appears to have as good or better bat and as good or better discipline. So, no offense to Escobar, but he should start at SS over Santana why? Again, not a knock on Escobar, just a reality on Santana.
  23. DocBauer
    No energy to continue fighting for Nunez as an ok player for the end of the bench. So while Polanco will probably make him obsolete by next season, for now, if my choice is throw Nunez to the wolves, or embrace him as a solid/decent 25th man option..."Yaa Nunez!"
  24. DocBauer
    NEVER thought Rosario was in the mix for a day one spot. And yet...I'm starting to believe he has a shot. THAT would be a huge surprise. And not an unpleasant one. Pinto is almost assuredly the backup at catcher barring just bad play, IMO. I like Herrmann, always have. Always felt there was potential there as a solid bad and OK versatile position player. It's between he and Nunez for the final spot. Nothing against Milone, but I want May or Meyer and the other to come up when Nolasco proves himself and gets traded. Right now, I think Milone is the man. I don't think Stauffer is a given at all at this point. But Graham might be. So might be Pelfrey. That could leave Tonkin or someone taking Stauffer's spot. Kind of strange to feel the roster is almost set already. Is that good or bad?
  25. DocBauer
    Back to Nunez, he and Herrmann are clearly fighting for the 25th spot on the roster. And honestly, they each potentially bring something useful to the club, and I wish there was room for both. I don't understand all the vitriol about Nunez, never haven never will, and we will just agree to disagree. Personally, if you're asking me what I want for the last player on my bench; a hot glove who can't hit a lick and has no power..OR..a so-so to OK glove at multiple positions who can hit and run some with a bit of pop, I guarantee you Im taking the flexible guy who can hit a little and help out here and there. He's not a starter. He's not even the top utility guy. He's a fill-in role player.
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