DocBauer

Baseball is still a team sport, despite 1 on 1 matchups. I don't know that anyone has ever declared Mauer the straw that stirs the Twins drink. However, he can be a hugely important cog in the lineup. And while improved power would be beneficial, he doesn't really have to do so to be effective and important. 140-150 games played at 1B and a few at DH here and there will give the plate appearances necessary to see rises in R's, RBI, as well as some rise in said power numbers simply from being in more games with more plate appearances. Mauer with a .320-ish BA and .400 OB with 40+ Dbls and, probably, low to mid teens in HR's gives the team/lineup an import piece in the 3 hole; someone who can move and knock in runners, as well as start and continue innings himself. Healthy, at 1B, only 32, he can still be that player. 2) Defensive improvement can happen simply from internal progression, (Arcia as a prime example), and by simply having a set OF instead of a bunch of patchwork options. No Willingham in LF, a quality offense/defense LF, as has been discussed multiple times already, and an experienced, natural CF to play consistently, even if he isn't gold glove, will improve continuity. (Hicks?) 3) Cal me a naive optimist if you wish, I don't think the 2015 rotation is as bad as some project. I believe Hughes is real. Gibson has stunk here and there, but also been very good, and the good has outweighed the bad. He will be better next year. When did we forget this is his first full season? Take emotional disappointment out of the equation, and there is no reason to be so down on Nolasco for 2015. No questioning the talent of May and Meyer. It's just time. May is doing what Gibson did at the end of last season, getting his feet wet. Very strong chance at least one of the youngsters opens in the rotation. Hopefully Milone rebounds to the pitcher has been until now. I guess Pelfrey might be an ok fill in if needed, but, MEH. It's one thing to say "give soandso a 22M per year deal for 6-7 years and give us an ACE", and another thing to pay that much to a pitcher in his mid to late 30's and fading, possibly quickly. 4) Better overall team, better overall record. Another RH hitter with power could definitely help, but I don't feel it's a big ballpark mystery. 5) Not joining the endless debate on manager and coaches at this point. BIG Gardy fan, think he can still do the job. I just think it's time for that different voice, that different way of doing things now. I'd like to see at least some of the coaches stay. I think we have some good ones.

If this were a prospect list, and not just a "best of 2014 milb" list, the rankings would be different. We'd have Buxton, Sano, and possibly Rosario listed. Polanco would be higher. But honestly, wouldn't Garver still be right there? He might even rank in the top 10 overall after the season he had. I still have high hopes for Turner based on his defensive reputation, and reports of power and at least decent hitting potential. But don't forget Garver had the better offensive numbers coming in to the draft, and finished second to Turner for the Johnny Bench award for collegiate defensive catcher, if memory serves. Don't be fooled by playing one level lower. As Seth pointed out, they had and wanted to play both kids daily. You can't do that if they are at the same level. I'm watching both of these kids closely in 2015. I'm still convinced the Twins have something quality to work with in Pinto if they will actually "work with him". But these two kids could be the catching future in a couple of years.

I really like this. And I really like Escobar at SS. And to beat a dead horse even further, I still like Santana at SS not only for his offense, but also for his range, arm, and overall athleticism. And I'm willing to live with a little less "perfection" defensively at the position for his range, potential and offense if he can handle the position daily. Is that a big IF? I am also very intrigued by Schafer, also maybe more than I should. I like him a lot as a possible steal 4th OF, possible CF platoon maybe, but keep waiting for Lucy to pull the ball away, or the proverbial pin popping the balloon to disappoint me. I STILL maintain a nice FA LF who can contribute offensively as well as defensively. I think it pays huge dividends both ways. Santana at SS and Hicks at CF, until Buxton arrives, is my ideal. But I am not opposed to a CF signee at all!

When we were in the Metrodome, there were debates as to which corner OF was the most important and hardest to play. RF had the Baggie, but offered shorter routes and less area to cover, while a strong arm in RF is generally coveted. But the consensus, as I remember it, was that LF, despite a reputation, generally speaking, of being a less key defensive position, had more area to cover in the dome. I know the dimensions of Target Field somewhat approximate the old dome, but it's still a different stadium, and outdoors as well. I wonder, with his strong arm but still developing skills, is it better to keep Arcia in RF or put him in LF now?

A few thoughts to contribute: I take defensive ratings with a grain of salt, and always have. The reason being, no matter what metric you use, IMHO, it can be skewed. Over the years, I've seen teams rank at or near the top of league standings in defense, but it was due to errors and fielding percentage, meaning players didn't make as many mistakes. Meanwhile, teams ranked lower "seemed" better defensively due to more athletic players with more range getting to more balls, even making more spectacular plays, but sometimes making more errors while attempting more difficult plays that others couldn't even attempt. I fell that sometimes, defense is more of an eye test, and not always measurable accurately. That being said, I think it's clear the eye test didn't favor the Twins OF this year. I think Santana has done a tremendous job considering he was an Inf tossed in to CF with very little experience. He got better, and can still get better, but long term he seems to be a true SS, or at worst, a LF candidate who can move around. He has the athletic skill set for SS, and I hope he gets the teaching and experience there to, hopefully, improve himself. Good and great ML SS don't just happen overnight. Putting a quality defensive OF in one of the corner OF spots would be huge as opposed to BOTH Willingham and Arcia out there, as we had the past couple of seasons. I don't know that signing a temp CF is the answer or not. It could definitely help! But even if Hicks smooths a couple things out, and can hit well enough to contribute, simply being a more natural and experienced CF would have to be an improvement, would it not? (At least until Buxton arrives) I think Arcia has improved his defense. I think the skills are there to get even better with time and work. I think his biggest problem, as someone pointed out, is running toward CF. I'd rather see a deeper angle used and just get in front of the ball instead of going for the big catch. Strikeouts are great! But they are not a solution. You could rank amongst lead leaders in SO's but still allow way too many hard line drives. Just better, more consistent pitching could help the OF defense as much as better pure defensive players. Three stiffs playing moderately deep could do a solid job with high, even deep, fly balls and "cans of corn" vs. rocket shots to the gaps.

As to the "Dougie Baseball" nickname, it surely comes from his successful background, as well as his reputation as a "gamer". But I also think it sticks because people just don't want to type, or have forgotten how to spell, Mientkiewicz. Lol

I think Molitor could probably be a fine manager. And I think he's proven to be a fine milb instructor and ML coach. However, while I am by no means suggesting he is "old", I think I'd prefer someone a little younger to grow with the new wave and stick with them. And I won't speak for Molitor, but I always thought I remembered him wanting to be an instructor initially and not confined to a ML traveling schedule. And now, I don't know, maybe he's just more content being a coach at this time instead of being "the man". I don't know if Mientkiewicz or Mauer is the next Twins manager, though I think both are talented potentials. And I do think guys like Watkins, and there are others, just might be really strong coaching candidates. One common theme I feel is prevalent from all accounts I come across is that I think the Twins organization has a lot of really good communicators in their system. Glynn I think would make a nice coach for the parent club. And he has done a nice job for Rochester, and has a really nice resume. Again, I wonder at his age vs a longer term solution. Is it time for a change? I admit I'm still on the fence. I can see real and honest reasons for both sides of the arguement. If the move does take place, I think we have a couple interesting and strong candidates. And I'm sure they would put their own stamp on their coaching staff. I'd like to think at least a few members of the current staff would stick around.

I really like this part of the conversation being brought up. And I don't say this because I advocate or nominate Ullger as the next manager. I like it because I do get a bit tired of sniping at the Twins coaching staff in general. The results the past, almost, 4 seasons has been terribly frustrating and disappointing. But most of the current staff lead the team to winning year after winning year and playoff appearance after playoff appearance. I am not excusing the past four years, just stating a fact that if you look at the men making up the Twins staff, they are good baseball men with quality resumes. Is it time for some more change? Yes, possibly it is time. But I feel it is a bit disingenuous to blast the Twins for staying within the system, but then praise all the possible coaching and management candidates that exist within the system.

Cool. Thanks Seth! Kind of what I thought. Was curious if the "consistency" factor might have played a part. Please, anyone and everyone, correct me if I'm wrong, but is it safe to say that Gonsalves and Thorpe, despite their youth and inexperience, are probably the highest upside LHSP's in the organization? But looking at options like Taylor Rogers, Pat Dean, Jason Wheeler, Sean Gilmartin, Matt Tomshaw and Brett Lee, who and how would you/we view them as a stand alone prospect ranking?

Love the depth of the list, and that is infinitely more impressive and important than just who had the best season. Way, way too early to even speculate if Gonsalves and Thorpe have #1 or #2 SP potential. But I am a fan of both. Despite weighing youth vs talent and early results and trying to fruitlessly project 2-4 years from now in a foggy crystal ball, I DO think these two are maybe as intriguing an option as Stewart, Berrios, and just about anyone else in the organization. Seth, just curious, Meyer, overall, had a very successful season. His ERA and Whip were better than some, not as quite as good as others on your top 6. His SO's are obviously very impressive. Understanding it's a 2014 "good season" list, and not a top prospect list, what kept him out of your top 6?

This! Almost. Every single time I try to lay out the position players for the "start" of 2015 I end up with 14 position players. At some point...July 1st?, August 1st?, September 1st?...I see Sano and Buxton making a move. I keep seeing almost everything you do, except, I still see the team signing one quality OF option to provide a quality, veteran, productive bat. That means Parmelee or the surprising Shafer is on the outs. And while I hate to say it, Parms is probably the guy on the outs. I also like Nunez as a really nice and under appreciated bench player. In regards to Pinto...the Twins have to refrain from being stupid. What? Suzuki has real value, and I was in favor of his signing. But you also can't ignore a talented young player right in front of you.

Actually, your thoughts for a 13 player position player roster is just about exactly how my mind plays it out. I keep coming up with a 14 man roster list because I keep including Parmelee in my head. I may be stubborn, or just foolish, but I just keep seeing "just enough" from him at times when he's given a shot, that I want to include him as a possible. I think people sleep in regard to Nunez. As a nice, versatile player with a solid bat and equipped with some power and position flexibility, I like him. I'd like the Twins to work him more next ST in the OF. Not as an option, but as a fill in. Escobar has done NOTHING to lose his spot as a starter, except being born with less overall talent than someone like Santana. Santana offers even more offense, and even more range and "potential" as a defensive player. And I know the "P" word can be a nasty one, and I don't want to take anything away from what Escobar has done and meant to this team...but...I think he might be better used as an almost everyday player, similar to Nunez. I have been advocating for some time for a quality FA LF, 1 year stopgap or 2-3 year player is to be debated. Not sold on Schafer yet. I want to be. I want to see if how he plays CF, though Santana could also fill in, and KNOW he won't hit long term like he has thus far with the Twins. But I am intrigued by what I see and love him on the base paths. Pinto. Suzuki. Here is where the Twins actually have to get smart. Can they do that? I'm not being snarky! But barring some unforeseen injury factor, there is not going to be a great deal of opportunity for AB's in the DH spot. I was, and am, in favor of signing Suzuki. But you would have to be misguided, stubborn, or stupid to not make room for a player with the potential of Pinto. Offense isn't everything, of course, but the kid has worked hard, and continues to work hard, to better himself, and has a strong arm. You simply can't ignore his potential for the sake of the "safe" and experienced veteran player.

Personally, I think much ado about nothing. A stupid survey prepared stupidly by someone that the Twins were stupid enough to actually pay for. Big deal. I've spent most of my life in some sort of retail or sales environment. And I've seen THOUSANDS spent on surveys that were similarly ridiculous, or to "consultants" who managed to pull the wool over managements eyes to spend money on what they had to offer. A small, stupid, silly survey that someone made a joke of. Not a big deal in the end. However, here is a really out of the box, off the wall idea. Jim Pohland seems to be firmly behind management to make some changes, and has himself made a few pointed comments at times that would seem to indicate he is not yet satisfied. Is this silly incident...perhaps...additional fuel for the fire of action? Just wondering.

OK, I know this isn't wholly accurate over time. Things change. But if, like me, and a few other "old timers" on here, LOL, ...don't hate me for saying that!...you can remember the Twins history back 10...20...even 30 years perhaps. In that time, you've seen a hell of a lot. You've seen 2 owners, multiple managers, and if we ignore Bill Smith's short tenure, only 2 GM's since 1987. Top of my head, right now, I just can't recall GM's before that. In those older days, guys like Oelkers and Viola and Anderson, amongst others, were promoted quickly. More recently were Milton, Radke, Denny Neagle, Erickson and Santana, a rule 5 pick stuck in the pen to keep him. NOT saying the Twins have been overly aggressive in promoting pitchers over the years, but these are a few examples of where it has taken place. I don't know if it's his nature or not, but I think Ryan is conservative by nature. Previously, he made some very aggressive moves with prospects as well as trades. I think when he came back, he was stuck in a cautious mode. His trades for May and Meyer, however, as well as a general philosophy draft change in to drafting power arms, seems to indicate some progression in his approach. We can argue all day long about May and Meyer, but at the end of the day, both of these kids were in their first season of AAA ball. Berrios was progressed aggressively. Despite massive talent, so were Stewart, Thorpe, Gonsalves and others. I have been a HUGE fan of Berrios since drafted, and have compared him to Pedro Martinez, though in truth he's probably thicker, more muscular, and a better overall athlete. And I've read many times, possibly fairly, where Meyer compares to Randy Johnson in size, ability and potential. I absolutely do not have all the answers, and don't pretend to. Perhaps there really are 3-4 teams out there that know something nobody else does...and knows that promoting 21 y.o.'s to the majors works. Perhaps they just got lucky drafting super high, and perhaps those pitchers will burn out. Who knows. But I also think it's kind of crazy to compare every prospect to every other prospect. I would still rank Meyer ahead of Berrios to this point, based on pure stuff and his length. But I would also put Berrios as a top 5 Twins prospect. Saying he is behind Buxton, Sano and Meyer is no small thing! His stuff, his approach and work ethic seem outstanding. And as reported, despite average height, he seems to do an outstanding job of keeping the ball low. If all of this continues, he could surpass Meyer. But for now, I'd say #2 behind Meyer in the Twins organization for pitchers.

And yet, another well thought out thread with lots of arguments and opinions that are well argued and thought out. I really enjoy both parts of the 2015 thread Nick, and wish to be yet another to compliment you on them. Sorry to inform you that the two of us seem to be of similar thought most of the time. Lol I still agree, in principle, that the roster is mostly set for 2015. Again, this does not mean there isn't room for improvement, internally in the current roster proposed, as well as top prospects in the system, a few who are approaching quickly. And it doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement externally as well. You can approach the Twins rebuild from two different perspectives. One is that they still aren't a playoff team yet, and we should sign and trade wherever we can to blow most of the roster up. Of course, there is no guarantee that approach will work. There are injuries, regression, poor fits, bad chemistry, and then you've lost prospects and committed multiple millions and lost financial flexibility. Two is that you continue to develop the young talent that has come up this season, is on it's way, and supplement. Of course, there is also no guarantee this will work either. The Twins are no longer just a cute little try hard "small market" team revenue sharing and Target Field have done a lot to change that. But the Twins are also not, nor ever will be, a NY, Boston, Chicago, LA franchise with the resources to burn cash. The Twins, and their young prospects, are not "THERE" yet, however you want to define that. But they have and are promoting and playing youngsters of varying potential: Arcia, Vargas, Santana, Dozier, Escobar, Gibson and May. You could toss Hick in there depending on perspective. They spent real money on the rotation in Hughes and Nolasco, and even tried to sign more in Garza. Other than LF, and potentially CF, where, honestly, does this team spend real money, on a decent length contract, to improve itself long term over the player currently there, or really close? CF is short term due to Buxton, but said player could slide to LF or be a really good 4th OF player. SS? So you'd spend big money or trade quality prospects for who? And over the options of Escobar, Santana and soon, possibly Polanco? We already have the most production and talent at that position in years, with the possibility of more to come. LF is really the only option to sign or trade for someone more talented than what we have in place, and without blocking a top prospect or solid player in place. Yes, I AM an optimist. Still, the Twins didn't sign Nolasco to a Twins record FA contract because he was Pelfrey or Correia. He is a big notch or two above those guys. And you have to believe a healthy Nolasco will provide a solid season next year after an unfortunate and mostly lost season this year. Odds and past production alone state this. May has kind of sucked so far. Honestly, who cares? I was hoping for a dynamite start, but it doesn't always work that way. Even when he has sucked, he's struck guys out. (Remember, we don't have anyone who can do that) He's growing, learning, eating up experience and lessons to prepare himself for 2015, much in the same way Gibson did last season. His last start didn't turn out great, but showed improvement. Tonight was clearly his best start and a real boost! Will he pull a Gibson-sized move next season? Unknown, but the parallel and the talent are there to do so. Milone has kind of sucked thus far, and been generally disappointing...BUT...his previous track record is solid. Let's give him at least a small break shall we? Meyer could be a future stud, but is still young, developing, searching for the hated C-word, consistency, but could be a big part of 2015 at some point, if not immediately. Pelfrey? I don't know. Finally healthy, pitching like he did at times with the Mets and the Twins in 2013, he could be a nice fill in, or a possible pen option. His contract is not big, and could be gone without pain. Point is, there is hope and options for 2015. The Twins actually made a concerted effort to sign Garza last season even after signing Hughes and Nolasco. That tells me they are not opposed to doing so again. Though I do think it's naive to just state; "go sign or trade for an ace pitcher". They have the money to spend, no doubt. Is it prudent to tie up big money and years in to another SP along with Nolasco, and Hughes, who you might want to sign to an extension? That's really the question I think. I simply don't buy that a high end SP wouldn't sign with the Twins after 4 losing seasons. Why? Because said pitcher is not only getting paid, but he and his agent also recognize they are deepening what could be a quality rotation, would be playing in one of the best ballparks in all of baseball, and have a talented group of youngsters around them, with more on the way. I'd love to just throw open the bullpen to massive competition with no single spot spoken for except Perkins a and probably Fien. That might be impractical, but it would be fun. If we want to build this team the right way, I'd sign a LF and keep my prospects. I'd sign one quality FA setup guy for the pen. I have to admit, I'm intrigued and excited, but wary, about that one big SP signing. The money is there. But long term, is it prudent?

Berrios goes to AA next season for many reasons. And that anything but a negative! Most kids his age are down somewhere in A or low A ball. The call up to Rochester was out of necessity with normal rotation days and May's promotion to the ML level. This incredibly talented May see the Twin Cities before next year is done.

No, the rotation is not "fine". (Bullsh*t! Hair is "fine")...brought to you by George Carlin in attempt at humor and brevity. Nobody has claimed we have an all star starting staff immediately. The question/concern is to whether in the long term, perhaps short term as well, committing a high salary 3-4 year contract is a wise and prudent move when you already have 2 solid options in place, 2-3 top prospects either ready or nearly ready sometime in 2015?

I also agree that some of the pen is back, and fairly solid with Perkins, Fien, Thielbar, and possibly Duensing. I get the feeling Darnell could be a nice LH option in the pen. There are a couple other LH options that could also compete, at least until Melotakis is ready. He could be one to pay real attention to in the AFL. I'm really torn from the RH side. I don't buy that Jones or Burdi are going to be ready any sooner than mid-season. Part of me really wants to Twins to sign a quality RH setup man to team with Fien, then throw the door open to Pressly, Tonkin, Achter, Oliveras, Swarzak, Deduno, Pino and others. Another part of me wants to not sign anyone...not sure if that's prudent or not...and throw the door open to all of them.

Good or bad, right or wrong, I'm going to beat a dead horse and repeat that someone needs to be re-assigned so that a quality Latino coach can be brought on board to help better relate to the influx of Latin players such as Arcia, Vargas, Santana, Pino and others on the way. Preferably someone who can help preach a quality approach at the plate for more overall discipline to reach potential.

As to the rotation, I maintain we have a solid threesome to build around for 2015. I'm not saying the team has an ace, but then again, aces are pretty tough to come by. We have May, Meyer, Milone and Pelfrey available to round things out. They also have a couple 6-7 SP types to fill in if necessary. Of course, Berrios may be ready at some point in 2015 as well. So is it prudent to bring in another FA signee on a guaranteed contract to leave only 1 spot for our young pitchers to fight for? I'm not saying I'm opposed to doing so, only saying for a rebuilding team with young pitching talent, is this a move that should be made? I'd be kind of surprised if we made such a move, but then again, the Twins did make a big attempt to sign Garza even after signing Hughes and Nolasco last off season.

Back to the original point of the thread...now that I'm home, off work, and can actually read and respond...I want to say that I'm in almost complete agreement with the original points of Nick's thread. Let me clarify my opinion, and I believe Nick's as well; it's NOT that the Twins are SET at all positions, but rather, simply, there is a solid player/prospect currently in place and/or available at almost all positions that making a major move to acquire a replacement, especially with some top talent on the way, simply doesn't make sense. Suzuki, Mauer, Dozier, Arcia are set. Vargas is an impressive talent with a potentially big future and looks very good so far. That's 5 spots there. And I know there is debate about Suzuki, and hope Pinto will mature in to the starting spot, and I hope it happens as well, but Suzuki is solid, signed, and it would take a major move to aquire someone "better" to replace him. Plouffe has now developed in to anywhere from solid to good to maybe better than good defensively, depending on how you feel about him. Currently, he ranks 1st amongst all 3B in doubles, 7th in RBI, and 13th in OPS. That's a solid 3B folks, any way you slice it. I'm not saying he will or will not become even better...but...he is still only 27, and has worked hard to improve himself, and HAS improved continuously. SS and CF are a bit in flux, true. But with Escobar, Santana, and possibly Hicks if his new-found milb confidence and production can carry over even somewhat. Buxton, of course, is the future at CF. Santana, Hicks and possibly Rosario could prove to be short term options until then. And I am NOT against a FA signing for a short term option there. However...there are options there for the now. Really, that leaves LF as the one spot where the team can add someone to further deepen the lineup, take some pressure off of the young Arcia and Vargas, and hopefully provide quality defense as well.

I would absolutely keep Plouffe for now. So many teams scramble constantly to find a quality defensive 3B who can actually contribute offensively. Even if Plouffe is, as expected, a stop gap, he will have actual trade value when Sano is ready. But unless someone offers a deal that is stupid to turn down, I don't think you weaken your infield and offense by trading him at this time. Now, Sano ready, and Plouffe keeps playing and hitting the way he has this season, still with improvement possibility, then we will have to consider trade options vs a quality role player, possible LF. For now, it's not worth fussing about. He's our 3B for the time being.

I don't worry about Sano playing 3B or throwing. Generally speaking, TJ surgery for a position player is just not as big a deal as for a pitcher. A pitcher has to regain speed on his fastball, but also confidence and feel for his assortment of pitches. A position player is looking to get the ball from point A to point B, not throw it by someone or put break on his throw. Further, Sano is reported to have a very strong arm, so even should it take a little while for full strength to return, he should still have more than enough to play his position. To me it's the same as it always has been, the footwork and glove to play the position. And despite some error issues, not surprising for any young left side infielder, the former SS has impressed with his work habits and his improvement. Scouts have all indicated he can play the position. The concern isn't his arm, but just shaking off the rust and getting back on track. To those who can remember, it took time for Gaetti to turn in to the outstanding defender he became, same with Koskie, and the same with most young 3B. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Sano struggle some defensively at first as well.

I think they're all pretty good choices. As long as he is physically up to it, I think Buxton is an obvious choice. What little time he got this season wasn't enough to really "develop", but probably just enough to keep the status quo and not get Rusty. He obviously needs the AB's to get ready for New Britain. Glad to see Kepler finally coming to life and getting the extra development time in the AFL. I really thought this was the year Kepler was going to make a big leap. He's obviously very raw, still young, has a lot to learn but seems to ooze athleticism and talent from all reports. Not sure what's held him back this season. But again, nice to see him on a roll and finishing the season strong. I'm still impressed with Rosario's potential. I can forgive a young man being stupid and doing what he did, pot right? But my concern is continuing infractions. Did we ever hear what he did recently to be suspended for a few games? Was it a form of cautionary moment to make sure his head stayed screwed on straight, or do we have an attitude problem to worry about? I hope it's the former as I see a quality LF who can fill in at CF, maybe 2B, and be a hit machine with a lot of doubles and consistent double digit HR power. Can he develop 20 HR power eventually? I think as he settles in and develops more physically it's possible. This should be a nice springboard for Melotakis to hit the ground running at AA to begin 2015. I'm OK with keeping Burdi out, though his innings totals are not high. But then again, he is a RP and not a SP. He would have had fall ball before college ST and a full season in college before about a half season of pro ball. A little time off might be a good thing.

Also a big fan of Plouffe. He has, in my observations, turned in to a quality defensive 3B. Overall, he has turned in to a solid ML hitter with a pretty good knack for hitting in the clutch. And while I still think there is legit 20 HR potential there, he has been a doubles machine this season. Long term, I'm still mixed. He could have real trade value when Sano eventually arrives. There are a lot of teams that could really use a quality defensive 3B who hits OK, produces a lot of doubles, and has HR power flashes. (BTW, unless his powerful arm falls off, don't worry about Sano's arm. It's about his hands and feet, and reports the past few years have him showing constant hard work and improvement) Plouffe provides a great option until Sano's arrival. Many of us have compared Plouffe to Cuddyer, or at least a poor mans version. He has the arm for the OF, and enough athleticism to at least play LF. Could he see a HR jump like Cuddy did with the move? If so, he could be a nice LF option who could also fill in at a couple other positions. I don't think Sano's arrival at 3B defines Plouffe's role. I think it's the rest of the roster. If he excels in LF, for instance, he could have the afore mentioned value. If his Twins role is utility player with big bat, I'd love to have him, but his trade value at 3B may be too great to ignore.