DocBauer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.