DocBauer

Stringer, you said something I've been thinking for a time now but was hesitant to actually say, the fact that Gibson might end up a top of the rotation starter, #1 or 2. I dismiss 2013 entirely. Despite calls to call him up early before he shot all his bullets....NEVER understood that analogy...I thought the Twins handled him well, following his surgery rehab, working things out, stretching out, simply building up innings and endurance. Ryan and Gardenhire would never admit it, but I thought his rather lousy 2013 with the big league club was about learning, working, and building himself up. I've listened to games and watched games when Gibson was at his best and his worst. Despite all the inconsistencies he showed this past season, his final numbers and W-L record show that he was more good than bad in his "rookie" season. And really, he was a rookie save for a couple innings pitched in '13. It would be trite to say that when Gibson was ON he looked anywhere from good to almost dominating. You could say that about almost any pitcher couldn't you? Except, when Gibson was ON, which was more often than he was "off", you could see real flashes. Flashes that passed the eye and gut test to tell you that if he could just figure out a couple things, if he could just find a little more consistency, there was something there just ready to take charge. If Gibson does what I think he will do, what I believe you also think he will do, he will plant himself just behind Hughes at some point soon as the Twins second best SP, ahead of a healthy Nolasco. Or possibly as the Twins #3 SP if there is a big trade or FA target.

An opposite viewpoint, and echoing some of Stringer's points, I've actually seen improvement from Arcia in the defensive area. Perhaps it's my imagination, but I thought his defense showed better the last month or two, which is also when he seemed to come more alive with the bat. Coincidence? Maybe. At 23, and loaded with talent and ability, I still find myself encouraged with his future. The last couple of months add to this. I really don't want to go the ethnic route, but there has always been a bit of an accepted generalization that Latino players tend to be more free swinging and less disciplined in their approach at the plate. Now, I don't know how realistic this generalization really is, but it's been out there. Whether or not it's true, or to what degree if it is, I still believe a Latin coach, or two, on the next coaching staff would do a lot to just assist in the communication of teaching for a large majority of the young players arriving in the system.

Not only a very impressive and exciting list, but there is a very, very good chance that 5 of the Twins top 10 prospects should at least spend some time with the Twins in 2015, with the possibility of any or all graduating to legitimate, full time major leaguer! May should be part of the rotation out of ST barring something unexpected. I don't know about anyone else, but I was pretty impressed after the first few starts once he settled down. When he learns a bit more consistency, and can economize his pitches a bit more, I think he has a real chance to be a quality starter. Like a lot of youngsters, he seemed to suffer from bouts of "put them away" disease at times. The cure comes with experience. If he becomes a really nice 3 that's a really good thing. But I do find to odd to pigeon hole such a young talent so early with expectations. Meyer is sooo close, and should be up at some point, if not right away. Sano and Buxton have rust to shake off, especially Sano, and it's hard to predict when either could/should be up. But their immense talent trumps all, and they should be up at some time. Burdi is fascinating. I don't agree with rushing any young player. But that being said, I really believe we could be looking at a fast riser who could be up June or July. That's 5 of 10 with real shots to make it at some point. Berrios could have a shot, and I'm a big fan and believer, but hopefully there is no reason to rush him. Duffy could have a shot at some point, but again, hopefully no reason to rush him. Polanco and Rosario shouldn't be counted out, but again... Don't fall asleep on Melotakis. I'm very anxious to see what he does in the AFL.

For what it's' worth, I'm against making any major trades this off season. I believe the Twins will be in a much stronger trade position next year after another year of prospect development, talent that arrives to push for, or actually take jobs, or getting close. I don't believe in spending merely to spend, or attempting to build a team strictly through FA. However, the Twins have money to spend. Right player, right contract, I could see a FA SP signing. Santana could be both. I think there's a major opportunity to improve the team offensively and defensively with a quality LF option, and I think there's going to be at least a few options available we could make a move on there. (And no top prospect immediately blocked either) A CF acquisition could be tough. You're not going to trade for a quality player there with Buxton on the way, and I'm not sure if Span or any other possible quality CF option will want to sign only to be bumped sometimes in the next year or so. There are a couple cheap options that might be solid options to bring in to compete with Hicks and Schafer for the spot, or a share of the spot. Losers go to AAA or 4th OF status.

Impressed with what Molitor and Bruno have brought to the team. I'd like to see them stick around regardless of who the manager might be. I'd be in favor of Cuellar as well. All stated before. I think Molitor would be a fine choice. My only reservation is the age factor. Not that he's old, but I like the idea of a younger choice who could be in it for the longer haul, similar to TK and Gardy. I don't feel the manager has to be Latin, but it wouldn't hurt. I also don't think he has to be fluent in Spanish, though it would help. I think the important thing is to have that Latin influence on the staff in at least one quality coach, if not two.

Seth, I think you've assembled a very smart and likely list that to me, offers a lot of impressive possibilities. I have absolutely no problem if the Twins stay internal. People can complain and moan all they want with reference to the "Twins Way" of doing things. But the Twins Way of playing baseball is the right way. It means defense, pitching, situational baseball, balance, playing hard, running hard to first, no big prima donnas, just doing the right things. And it meant a lot when TK managed. And it meant a lot in the Gardenhire era as well. You can argue the organization has gotten away from this valued approach, but I would argue it comes down to talent, a balanced roster, frustration, and perhaps a message and messenger that grew stale over time. From what we read and hear, it seems Mauer and Mientkiewicz are good communicators and good baseball minds who "get it". They are Twins men, but also young and aggressive and I believe they could each be quality choices, especially if there is a good veteran bench coach available for them to lean on. I worry somewhat about their lack of experience, especially at a high level. No offense to Glynn, but at this point in his life and career, is he a long term possibility? I think I could see Molitor or even Steinbach as the manager in a shorter time span with Mauer and/or Dougie M as coaches before taking over possibly. I really like that Molitor, Mauer and Mientkiewicz have first hand knowledge of the young talent arriving. Push come to shove, I guess I'd vote for Molitor as bench coach to one of the younger guys. Outside the organization, from all the good things I've read, I guess I'd vote for Dave Martinez. I love his being Maddon's bench coach, learning from one of the best.

I'm very sad. And I'm also content, happy and excited. I'm a big Gardy fan and supporter. I think he's a good guy, a good baseball man, and has done a great job for the Twins organization. I will miss him being the team leader, wish him the very best in whatever he chooses to do, and hope that if/when he is done managing he will take up a position with the organization. Personally, I think he could also could be entertaining on broadcasts as well. Forget the last 4 years, time and reflection will show it wasn't all his fault, and he did a great job in his career. I'm also excited because I think a page is being turned, and it's time to move on and forward. I didn't see the pressed, but hats off to all involved from what I have read. Sounds like more class from a classy organization. As to the coaches, my understanding is they were all on 1 year deals. So it's not so much they are fired, but are not being brought back with Gardy's dismissal. Which leaves them to be brought on board by the new skipper, seek other jobs, and possibly resigned within the organization. I bet a couple are back. I don't think staying internal is a bad thing at all! There's been much speculation as to Mauer and Mientkiewicz as possibles. Especially with a quality bench coach to offer advice, call me intrigued. They are Twins organization guys, but also young enough for different ideas and perspectives. As a bonus, both are familiar with most, if not all, the Twins young upcoming talent. I don't think that is a little thing. TK was in the same position. So was Gardenhire. I think there's something to be said for being familiar with these kids as they arrive. Outside the organization, I confess I don't know a lot about Dave Martinez other than as a solid ballplayer. But I've heard a lot of good reports in him as a coach and future manager candidate. And I have to say, I like that he's been Maddon's right hand man with the Rays.

In regard to the actual question being posed by the thread; "should the Twins emulate the Royals?" my answer is a resounding NO. Not at this time. The Royals made their moves for certain reasons, as I and everyone else have stated in opinion, but the situations between franchises are different. In my mind, were the Twins to make a big trade move such as KC did, I'd be trading for said stud pitcher that is 30 or younger, preferably younger. Someone you can trade quality value to aquire quality value that you should be able to count on for several seasons, not a couple. I know said stud, frontline SP would help the team overall. But in addition to the prospect cost paid, for a rebuilding team like the Twins to give up, and other top prospects arrived and arriving, how soon could you expect all the other pieces to be in place to supplement the entire roster enough for that 1 SP to make enough of a difference to put the team over the top? I'm fully in favor of a FA signing like E Santana this offseason on a 3 year, maybe 4 year deal. He would be a high quality addition without compromising payroll for the next few years to make other moves, or to resign Hughes. And it wouldn't cost us prospects. But if the Twins were to make a major trade move, I believe they'd be in much better position to do so a year from now. A year from now, think how much stronger the Twins dealing hand could and should be? May, Meyer, Berrios and a couple other solid arms, including some top RP prospects should either be in Minnesota, or on the cusp. Position player wise Sano, Buxton, Rosario and Polanco would be a couple kids up, or nearly ready, or getting cups of coffee at least. Then you look at other options on the current roster that may have value as well, possibly being pushed aside, and the Twins, again, are much deeper and flush with talent to make a big move. So no, don't follow the Royals. Not now. Follow the path we are now clearly on. Our 1st round pick is protected next year. Be willing to sacrifice the 2nd rounder this year for the one quality FA we need, possibly that one quality SP, and give the team, the minors and the prospects, this one more season to shine and make contributions. The entire perspective could change by that time. But we'd be in a much better strength of position at that time to move if need be.

Once again, forget your frustration with the past 4 seasons for a moment. It's been what, 29 years since the Royals reached the post season? So since the Royals, and their fans, last tasted a morsel of post season dessert, the Twins have won two World Series and have had how many division winners and wild card teams? I think each franchise is and has approached their rebuild in different ways, and with a different sense of urgency. For the Royals, and their fans, it was time to do something more drastic. And to at least some degree, it has worked. At least in the short term. Can the Twins just sit back with lethargy and simply wait for prospects to arrive? They could, but it would not only be unwise, but would seem to be opposite of the aggressive nature they've shown the last year or so with the signings of Hughes, Nolasco, even Pelfrey, Suzuki and the trial of Morales. We also took a real shot at Garza and at least a trial shot at Santana. Now, if we had done what I advised and hoped and gone hard after Kazmir, we might be in a little different situation now. (Guess my assistant GM application got lost in the mail somewhere) I think for the Royals, a "go for it now and see what happens" mode is easier to understand and say yes to.

This. We have to put frustration aside at times and take an objective look at the full context of the past 4 seasons. Not excuses for anything or anyone involved, but true context. After the success of 2010, I doubt there was anybody in the media, in baseball, or in fandom that didn't feel the Twins would rebound in 2011 for a winning season, probably playoffs. 2012 could be described as naive, I suppose. The Twins certainly made a few moves, tweaked the roster, counted on better health, and a return to better relevance. Was this denial? I think it's hard to really hard to say. If you had the core of a team coming off a just awful and unpredictable season one year removed from a 94 win season and division championship, would you be quick to dismantle and begin an immediate rebuild? Now, I think 2013 was either a heads in the sand season, or the FO simply not wanting to admit they had no quick fix answers, and few prospects ready. So they tried to patchwork and sell a second-rate season with false hope based on a ton of "what if". We did see a few kids get their first real shot over the past couple of seasons. The May and Meyer trades were probably the first salvos fired in the "rebuild mode" battle. In reality, the Twins have only been in rebuild mode for a season to season and a half, arguably two.

Can definitely agree with most of what you have listed. Nunez is kept because he's useful and Sano isn't ready. Replace Meyer in the pen with one of Tonkin, Oliveros, Pressly or Achter. I'd like to see the payroll around $100M, or a little above, to sign a quality FA if we can. Hicks, Schafer and Parmelee fight for CF/CF platoon/4th OF. I think the pen isn't necessarily in a bad situation, but is still very much a TBD situation. Pelfrey, for instance, could be released. He might also pitch long relief. Or perhaps he could suddenly find himself sharing setup duties with Fien. So he's a real wild card. (I'd still love a vet FA setup guy brought it) And with the other kids I mentioned above from the right side, Darnell could be another factor from the port side.

This is fact. Fact. It could still change, which is fine if Hughes changes his mind. How did the Twins become the bad guy in this whole deal? Hughes has barely removed the ice pack from his arm, and the Twins are nefarious thieves in the night because they did what? They plotted and planned all season long to deprive him a 1/3 IP here and there just to plan a long rain delay in Hughe's final start of the season that would deprive him of that magical 1/3 of an inning to keep him away from earning a third bonus on top of the millions of dollars the Twins have already seen fit to pay him? I had no clue the Twins had the ability to control Mother Nature. In that case, the hell with the old AC blowing in and out at various key times in the old Metrodome, we need to get Mother Nature to control the winds at TF for when the Twins alternate between batting and pitching. Seriously, what gives? He's been offered a chance to pitch, but declined. And the Twins have made no official announcement as to whether they will pay, not pay, do a donation, or anything else. If you think that little of the Twins, there are a lot of other teams who need pessimistic fans/bloggers. Was that mean?

No Lester? Is this list just for this season? Guessing it must be. In a dream world, if the Twins broke the bank and DID make that HUGE SP move, left handed, 31 next season, he'd be my first choice. Scherzer #2, (30) followed by Shields probably (33). If KC would let Shields leave, he's the biggest risk, but also probably requires the least investment. But unless the market cools down, big salary teams just saying enough already, won't Lester and Scherzer demand 6-7 years at over $20M per?

I'm with you on this. I don't have anything against Ozzie. And baseball wise, he was a quality player defensively and offensively. He's shown some nice ability as a manager, and has shown an aggressive approach. My problem is that he's a little too fiery for me. And as you said, often likes to be the story himself. I get the impression a lot of people like him simply because he has an affinity for the Twins. If the Twins do make the move at manager, I have pretty good feelings about Mauer and Dougie M both. A pair of young guys who both seem to have good baseball minds, appear to have good communication skills, will carry on the Twins Way while bringing a younger and fresher approach, and have first hand knowledge/experience with most of all the young prospects arrived or on their way. Something Kelly and Gardenhire each had with the previous "new waves" that have come and gone. I don't think that should be dismissed. But I'd like to see a veteran baseball guy to be the new manager's right hand/bench coach. Ozzie could be great for that. But has he mellowed enough now to be content in that role? If not, would Charlie Manuel be willing to come down from the Phillies FO to assume this sort of "mentoring" role? I'd keep Bruno. I'd keep Cuellar. I'd keep Molitor and Steinbach as well. While I have tremendous respect for both Vavra and Ullger, I'd find other roles in the organization for them and bring on a quality Latin coach like say...Julio Franco maybe? He had a long and successful career, played the infield, was a quality hitter, and has a tremendous passion for the game. That would leave one coaching position for, I don't know, maybe Watkins?

Some great questions. I've never been an Anderson supporter or hater, though I have been defensive of him at times. I also don't know exactly what makes a great pitching coach. I know the Twins, until recently, won a lot of games with Anderson as pitching coach. And there have been some SP staffs he had that simply shouldn't have won as many games as they did. And I don't know how much credit you want to give him or not, but historically, the Twins have done a great job of assembling bullpens. During the winning years, the Twins team ERA's have been solid, and have pretty much ranked 1st or 2nd in the league in fewest walks allowed. I struggle with comments such as many pitchers having failed with the Twins and then having success elsewhere. Who? There have been pitchers who have pitched well for the Twins and then continued to pitch well elsewhere, lost via trade or FA, but other than Lohse, who has actually, really and truly, pitched better since leaving the Twins? And Lohse? He wobbled for a couple years after leaving the Twins for a couple different clubs before seeming to find himself. I'm just saying, the vitriol towards Anderson, to me, is difficult to understand. I don't know that he's an answer, but I don't know that he's the problem either. Like Gardenhire as the man in charge, it might simply be time for another voice, a new direction as it were. I just don't know that Anderson has really been the problem.

I'm very sorry SD, but I'm afraid we think along almost the exact same lines! Lol NOT tooting my own horn, but I've been calling for a quality Latin/Latino (whichever) coach added to the staff since the last "shakeup". With the preponderance of young Latin players on the roster, rising quickly through the system, it not only makes sense, it's becoming a MUST. The Twins seem to go through great pains to assist the young prospects with Latin coaches/influence/mentors in academies and the lower minors, why not at the ML level? I am a big Gardy fan, and agree he's not the reason for 4 losing seasons. There are SO many factors. And the truth is, he could probably be kept around longer, and with proposed moves made, and more and more talented youngsters moving up, could help usher in a new Twins winning era. It's also true he could probably get hired by another team, possibly with a more veteran team, and prove to everyone he's still got what it takes to be a quality ML manager. But I think we've reached a tipping point where that new voice, that new perspective leader is needed...not as a fault against Gardy...but to build and maintain the next wave for some time. Patience is a virtue, but a hard one to maintain in this case. But it has to be maintained to some degree. I sometimes wonder if 2012 and 2013 had Ryan thinking to himself: "no matter what I do, I just can't do enough to fix this right now. Not until a couple of these kids reach or get close. For now, I'll just patchwork where I can, but I just won't publicly admit where we are." The Twins absolutely have the finances to make a couple solid to strong moves. And they have an owner willing to do so. And in regard to LF, possible RP and possible temp CF, I could see any or all happening. It's the BIG TIME SP that I am conflicted about. No question that would do the most to potentially springboard the team back to relevance. But unless can weave a solid trade who's cost is fair, but doesn't hurt, I have a hard time trading away top prospect talent for a rebuilding team. But history has also shown that the big contracts, dollars and years, to sign a top FA SP pays off in the first years but proves to be sunk cost later on. Not saying the young Twins couldn't afford to do so, but would it end up hurting efforts to re-sign Hughes, or make another move to supplement the roster two or three years from now when all the young talent is in place? A great article, and well thought out! Thank you!

My initial reaction is to just pay the bonus. After some thought, that sets a dangerous precedent. Where do you draw the line next time? I also like the idea of a charitable donation very much. My only problem with the situation is that Hughes didn't get the opportunity for that magical last out due to the rain. Maybe he gets one out, maybe he gets the complete game, maybe he gets hammered by the first two hitters and gets pulled. Even then, the opportunity would have been made available to him. I dont think it would be such a bad idea, might even shine a qualitylight on the organization, to give him one more inning, or one more batter in the final games so everyone can claim he earned it on the field.

Call me naive, hopeful or an eternal optimist. Stuff happens. I have little to zero worry about Nolasco. He absolutely will earn his place and contract. Hey...stuff happens. It just so happened his "stuff" happened in another disappointing season after signing a big contract. I have little to zero worry regarding Perkins. At this point, every report is no damage. Until or unless we hear something more, I'm not going to be a fatalist. I know nothing really about Milone. I know that prior to the Twins, he has an unspectacular but solid track record as a decent, solid ML LH starter. Until you show me a lingering injury issue, I think he's at least an intriguing back or the order/solid pen option. Pelfrey is a mystery wrapped up in an enigma and has been discussed in another thread. Honestly, he's a "who" fill in option and re-invent bullpen candidate. In other words, not probably thinking too much about.

In this post, at this time, I am not debating the values of Gardenhire as the manager next year and his merits to do so, or not to do so. But I AM frustrated than here in September, for whatever reason in a lost season, we aren't just opening the floodgates and letting EVERYONE play and participate. And that means Santana at SS, no disrespect or dismissal of Escobar, Pinto at C, Hicks in CF along with Shafer out there as well. Are we trying to see what we have for 2015 or trying to pad 2014 final numbers?

Agreed. Despite the very best efforts of Seth and others to bring us the best reporting of the Twins milb affiliates, it means a lot to have "reporters" here at TD who can offer us unique first hand perspectives. From the Twins perspective, it kind of sounds like they were either forced to look elsewhere, or simply felt they had to from an organizational point of view with a big cluster, you know what, going on. Part of me is excited from the standpoint I always thought it made sense for the majority of you'd milb clubs to be close to various other complexes, or the parent club. I've heard good things about the Chattanooga franchise before, and it might be a better fit between the Miracle and the Kernals. On a personal note, it sucks that the cap collection I've started for my father and myself now excludes our Rock Cats hats and we're an affiliate behind now.

It's a marriage of pitching and defense. And we can't lose that perspective. Throw an all-star-ish SP staff with statues in the field and I don't like my chances much. They can't strike everyone out. And no matter how well they pitch, there will still be balls out in to play. Likewise, give me an all-star-ish defensive team with a rotation of Correia's and Pelfrey's, and there is only so much they can do to back up HR's and line drive after line drive. I am so tired of the debate and slamming of the "pitch to contact" principles that the Twins have employed and frustrated fans have slammed. Everyone employs this philosophy to some degree. "Pitch to contact" means throw strikes, keep the ball around the zone and don't walk anyone. If a pitcher throws in and around the zone, pitching to contact, it means the batter can't sit there waiting for a walk or a perfect pitch for fear of called strikes. It leads to strikes, foul balls, pop ups, grounders and fly balls you can catch. Now, pitchers not only have to be around the zone, but they also can't groove pitches. Do you think the Dodgers instruct Kershaw to NOT through in and around the zone? To NOT pitch to contact? So preventing runs is a combination of a pitcher throwing to contact, and in some cases being a SO pitcher, and trusting the defense to make plays on the balls popped up and put in to play. So again, it's a combination of pitching and defense. Using rankings as well as they eye test, the Twins defense is pretty solid. Dozier makes a ton of great plays. But the only 2 years at 2B Dozier still has some room for improvement, and probably will. Escobar fits with defensive metrics, but with progress, Santana could be even better with his range, arm and better overall athleticism. Still, we shouldn't discount what Escobar has done. Clearly, the biggest issue is the OF. I don't know if Arcia will ever learn to be great defensively. Maybe. He's young enough, has a great arm, and is a pretty decent athlete. He has shown improvement, is still young, and you'd like to think he will be at least OK out there with a big arm. The problem is clearly CF and LF. And the problem is not necessarily all the Twins doing. Were he actually healthy this year, Buxton might be already penciled in to CF for 2015. But that's not reality. So for at least part of 2015, what do you do? Do you stick with Santana for the short term, further delaying a possible future at SS with the idea of a possible shift to LF at some point? Do you trust Hick and or Shafer in CF for now? Do you spend FA money on a CF who might not have a job a half or whole season from now? Tough questions. The easy one is LF where Willingham will no long be patrolling. I dare say just about everyone with any sort of vested interest has a bro-mance going on with Shafer in LF. Past performance vs SSS is condemning, and yet, look at what he's done? Oh, if only we had a crystal ball that worked! Forgoing that unrealistic option, I think one of the smartest things the Twins could do is make that big commitment to a FA LF who can play defense as well as quality OF. It may not be ideal, but a quality LF, a still improving Arcia in RF, and a CF "patchwork" with Hicks and Shafer with Santana in the wings has to be a huge improvement over Willingham, Kubel, Colabello, Parmalee, and whoever OF that we dealt with for much of this season, doesn't it?

The problem with Pelfrey is that he is such and enigma. He's never been anything close to dominant or outstanding in any way. But from 2008-2011 he enjoyed 4, overall pretty solid seasons. Now, 2 were actually winning seasons with a sub 4 ERA, and 2 not very good seasons, but in each of these years he took the ball and ate innings. And I think it's obvious this is the guy the Twins were hoping to get last season. And in truth, once get got strength and feel back, he actually pitched pretty well until late season fatigue. He was not the signing I wanted last offseason after Nolasco and Hughes. There were several options I liked better, that I thought made more sense, even if you had to toss another 2-3M in to the deal. Still, I couldn't hate the idea of a depth signing based on proposed health and fresher a arm. But two years? THAT was the mistake. Still, we have him. His contract could allow the Twins to cut bait like they did with Marquis a couple years ago. Barring a rash of injuries, or a sudden "find himself" moment, there's just no room for him in the rotation. Despite several young relief options that may be ready to audition from AAA next season, and probably an even more talented mix lower in the minors that might fit in 2015 before the season is done, I feel the Twins really need to shore the bullpen up with one high quality arm to pitch the 8th, and occasionally give Perkins the night off. Could that be Pelfrey? I think it's an intriguing idea and worth investigating. It's not like you're going to be able to trade him for anything at this point. But I'd have a hard time banking on the move. I'd still make the FA move along with the Pelfrey audition. You've got nothing to lose giving him the shot, and you might get a nice payoff out of it.

With what he showed last season, and most of this season, I still have a lot of belief and faith in Dozier. I feel he could have used a few more days off to be sure. Secondly, it can't be easy moving around the lineup from 1 to 2 to 3 at different times. Thirdly, I think he lacked a solid hitter behind him a lot this season, and believe that helped contribute to some of his streakiness as well. I think the BA will begin to climb next season, even if the HR's might regress somewhat. I don't know that he's really a 20 HR hitter. Maybe he'll surprise us. But I could see double digit HR's on a consistent basis, with more doubles and that higher BA. I have a lot of faith in Nolasco going in to next season. Has he been consistently great since his return? No. He's had a couple real stinkers. But he's also, generally, pitched solid to good and I expect a nice rebound. I think Gibson is even better and more consistent next season. Hey, he's practically a rookie and is still learning. While not there yet, I've been impressed with May's growth and think he's got a shot to be part of the rotation next season. Mauer just needs to be healthy. I think he's showing now, once again, how great a hitter he has been and can still be. Still convinced playing 1B will aid his health and overall production and believe we'll see the normal Mauer again last season. He's not done!

Second post: After last season, when it seemed there was a real possibility of a manager change for the Twins, I had very mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was and am a fan of Gardenhire as a manager and good guy, as well as his staff in general. And I didn't, and still don't, feel all the blame rests on his shoulders, or his staff. I don't think Gardy just got stupid. No matter how disappointed we all were in 2011, that season still came out of the blue. Not saying I am...but...you could offer up multiple excuses for 2012. In a different post, someone, I can't recall who, pulled out a very interesting statistic that really surprised me in regard to teams winning 90+ games, then losing 90 the next season, before strongly rebounding in season three. We could argue and debate at great length about roster construction, injuries, lack of talent, waiting for the minors to build and provide talent the past few seasons, etc. And we could probably make as many logical, well thought reasons and excuses as we could points of blame and causality for the string of bad seasons. I was 50-50 on a change last season. I felt it could be time, but felt some smart moves, health and a couple promotions could have out us back on track this season. I still refuse to "blame" Gardenhire for this season. Have I had some real issues at various times? Absolutely! NOT saying we would have been a playoff team, or just shy, if Nolasco was 100%, Buxton and Sano hadn't missed all or most of the season, if/and the team had signed just one more quality OF option. But, things might have been at least somewhat different in the W-L column, and the season might be finishing on a more positive note whereby we weren't writing articles such as this. Thoughts and perspective is all. I still believe Gardy can do a good job. But I have come to the point where I now believe change is necessary simply for the team to grow, turn the page, and begin a new chapter. I don't know if "new blood" is the answer, especially as I feel many of the best options available to the Twins for said change would have Twins ties. I think it's more about a different voice, a different approach, a different perspective. I don't know if it's going to happen. But 50-50 in opinion last offseason has now become an almost MUST to move things forward.

First post: I know, and agree, the post isn't about "failure" in regard to the Twins, the Braves, or any of a number of streaking teams. BUT, since it was broached, I feel obliged to comment just the same. I suppose, in sports in general, success vs failure depends on personal position. I have always thought the point in sports was to compete, to win, and as a result, to compete for championships. But in every single sport, there is always ONE single champion. Only ONE team who ends the season on a truly positive note. But again, in any sport, being a winning ball club with a chance, a real chance, to be in the playoffs, a chance to be in THE game(s), is what you can ask and hope for in any season. Our own Vikings had 4 high quality "championship caliber" teams in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, they never won. But does that truly diminish the outstanding accomplishments of those decade plus dominate teams? The Bills, sticking with the NFL for a moment, went to 4 straight Super Bowls without winning one. But are those teams truly "losers" because they lost? The Atlanta Braves strung together an amazing run of division winning, "championship caliber" teams but only won one. You can say disappointing, but, failure? There are a multitude of examples I could list, of course. The point being simple though; winning and having a shot to be the best is what you can ask for, hope for, build for, and play for. But each and every year, there will only be one champion crowned.