DocBauer

This is where I'm at too. I like a lot of what Archer brings, though I don't like his ERA the past 2 years. (Know ERA isn't everything, just like W/L). He pitches 200 innings, gets lots of SO. But he's 29. Is he ready for the next step? Could he become truly dominate the next few years? And are we ready to give up 4-5 really good prospects to get him? Darvish keeps the prospects at home for depth, competition, and the promotion the next few years. Part of the reason I think Darvish is the priority is not only talent, but keeping the system flush for the future, and future trades as well. If it's one or the other, I take Darvish. If we can get both??? OK, do it and GO FOR IT! Then move Gibson for what you can get, probably lower level guys with upside, and maybe a bullpen flip mid season for similar.

Tremendous pitcher and great Twin! Just too bad his arm fell off early. Really thought he might be on his way to a possible HOF career. One of the great losses/mismanagement situations by the Twins; losing Hunter hurt a lot, and IMHO helped lead to the trade of Santana to upgrade over all talent and find a replacement CF. I still wonder what could have been had the Twins been more pro-active and found a way to keep both what might have been,

A great list, but really, I'm not so sure Hildenberger didn't "break out" second half of last season. A full season from Buxton and Polanco would be HUGE. As well as the next step for Berrios and Kepler. I know that's cheating...but I'm sticking with 4 instead of 3. Honestly, I'm expecting bigger and better seasons from all 4 of these guys.

While I'm pretty sure he has an option remaining, Duffey seems to be the perfect choice for the long man in the pen. He has been a starter at both levels so his arm is used to the longer workload. Mays needs to keep starting, but will need a little time for control and feel, if not endurance. Pretty much the same for Hughes, if there is anything left at all. Duffey is certainly capable of being more than a long man, but he's the best choice for that role if you really think you need one. (Don't dismiss Slegers as a possibility here as well).

I hate to admit it, but I turned the channel with 25 seconds left. I just couldn't bare to watch the end. (I think I'm just too conditioned as a lifelong Viking fan to expect anything but the worst). My buddy suddenly texted me "OMFG" and "Diggs is a god" so I had to turn the channel. At least I got to see the replay. Wow! What an ending! Maybe the Vikes are beating the curse this season!

And the best part is the cupboard isn't exactly barren with talented arms ready, and nearly ready to augment, fill in and replace.

Is it just me, or does it feel like we may be the best offer and option at this point? We can even front load the contract to make it more palatable down the road. Brian, not only witty but you may actually be on to something here. Would seem the Dodgers, Yankees and Astros are out. I think you may be on to something with the Twins offer. Betting they are sitting at 5 years and around $25M per, maybe with an opt out in there as well. I think there may be a very good reason neither party has met face to face yet.

Yep. From all rumors and speculation, it sure seems the market is slow because, for the first time in a long time, teams are just being smarter about tossing out big and long term contracts. What else explains such a slow moving market for all but a few of the top FA? Hard as it is to believe, MLB teams seem to be flexing a bit of financial-mental muscle for the first time in a while. Payroll, payroll coming off the books soon, a slow market, this is the perfect time for the Twins to make a huge move. A move that will come at a cost, but a manageable cost, while still fulfilling Darvish with the security he desires. He should get 4 years, probably 5, at $24-26M per. Darvish is set for life, the Twins can afford it, and could even afford to front load the contact some to make it even more palatable down the road.

His FB seems OK, his change is excellent and he has a great sense how to pitch. Not so sure his length and change don't play up the FB a bit. His breaking pitches will determine whether he evolves in to as high as a #2 or sits as a solid 4.

100% This! No room when he was selected in the first place! And while Boshers is nothing special, and will be gone fairly soon, (barring a trade), after the next acquisition, he is at.lrast a useful player if not overexposed.

Actually saw this happening up until about a week ago. Then, just felt it was too quiet and were focusing solely on the rotation for now. Wow! Great move!

I think it's a fair question. I believe Polanco has every bit as much talent and potential as Gordon. If not more. Perception wise, Polanco suffers from not being a top draft choice, and from some initial struggles/questions that Gordon hasn't had to necessarily deal with yet. Hes still shiny and new. Now, I don't wish struggles on either of them and hope both grow, develop and kick butt. But I believe that this is where there is a perception issue.

Polanco was actually one of my favorite prospects moving through the system. And it drove me nuts the way he was bounced up and down early in his career, at first only being brought up to sit for depth as he was on the 40 man, then practically forced off SS, (big mistake for a young player still developing), and then thrust in to the limelight as the starting SS. Maybe SS isn't his ultimate stopping point, but signed as a skinny glove first player initially with speed and athleticism, I have been impressed just far he came defensively in 2017. No telling how good he may become defensively...or not...but work and effort clearly indicate there is room to continue to improve. Amazing huh? A talented youngster gets time, coaching and opportunity and improves. Who could have seen that coming? As his bat matured in the minors, he was frequently moved from the top of the order to the 3 spot for his various teams. I believe that had to factor somewhat in Molitor's decision to use him there the last couple of months of 2017 when Sano was out. And while his success is probably unsustainable, we have clearly seen some of the offensive potential for this young man. I don't know where he ultimately fits best in the lineup, but I'm very encouraged by his 2017 and potential whichever spot he ends up in.

I think Gordon is too low at 8, but we're splitting some pretty fine hairs here debating a couple of spots on a top 10 list. There's a few guys loaded with potential that aren't even in the top 10 here. I think his poor second half downgraded him somewhat. But young, talented and improving overall, he could be right back in the top 3-5 This time next year. Defense is highly important, but error numbers, by themselves, don't trouble me. You can randomly look up error totals for a myriad of highly successful ML infielders, past and present, and you would be surprised by some of the error totals you would see while in the minors.

How good for now long might Koskie have been without his concussion issues? What a shame!

I have always appreciated Joe and have been a fan, even though he has frustrated me at times for lack of power for such a big and athletic specimen, as well as for letting so many seemingly good first pitches pass him by. With no disrespect, I felt age and injury were simply catching up and hoped he would hang it up when his contract was up. HOWEVER, I don't think any of us saw his 2017 re-surgance coming. I honestly have a hard time believing he was simply lucky. It seems to me experience, adjustments, and more time recovered from his concussions allowed him to regain his stroke. (Morneau did similar in Colorado for a time as well). A repeat performance in 2018 should get him a 1 or 2 year deal and shouldn't scare anyone. His homework is excellent, and his contributions in the 2 hole are fine. A lineup just isn't always built with "traditional" hitters at each spot. And there is so much offense and offensive potential scattered throughout this lineup, that a lack of a true power hitting 1B is not a detriment, especially when he contributes in other ways offensively and defensively. Mauer's play in 2018 will be the biggest factor, of course. But the health of Sano, (hopeful, but what if he is forced off 3B?), any re-signing of Dozier, and maybe even a fast track for Rooker could all be factors as well. But I don't see him moving on to anywhere else.

Can't disagree a bit here, owning the caveat that no FA or trade arm are brought in long term. Nothing wrong with 6 starters due to injury replacement and the AAA shuttle at times. Might be selling Rogers a little short. At times, when not overexposed, he's looked at least decent against RH hitters. However, he could face a stiff challenge from Moya by then. Pressly could still "click" in my mind and be around. Same for Duffey, but again, I can't find fault with your choices. Stewart and Jorge are the darkhorses here aren't they? I think each may end up seeing 2018 as defining years for them. That may not be fair considering their arms and youth, and they have been successful, but it feels like each needs to take a step forward.

Just a thought, but it seems there are two elephants in the room. The first is Sano, and does he remain at 3B? For how long? If and when does he move to 1B/DH? I'm not implying he should be moved at this point, but if and when it happens, it changes the complexion of the roster and lineup. The second elephant is a possible Dozier extension. IF it happens, is at 2B? Does he move to 3B? Is this about the time he becomes more of a DH/1B/super utility guy? Cody, I know you have Dozier at 3B here, and I could see it. I've also mentioned in the past about having the athleticism, if not the preffered height, to maybe play 1B. But part of me wonders if the bulk of the infield couldn't be a combination of Lewis, Gordon, Javier and Polanco. Potentially, 3 starters and a super utility guy. (Maybe wishful thinking to keep them all). But what an athletic infield they'd make!

Have to admit you threw me a tad here with Diaz, no Kepler and Silva at catcher. I'm assuming you see Kepler moved at some point. And I'm with you at Sano at 3B until proven otherwise. But I'm a little off on Silva. I think current wisdom would be Garver and Rortvedt. Care to expand on your thoughts regarding Silva?

Nothing wrong with the predictions, they all make perfect sense. However, if still say Rosario of Khiroloff at that point, unless traded. And no love for Javier? I could easily see some combination of him, Lewis, Gordon and even Polanco with Dozier gone, or super utility type.

I don't believe Sano is going anywhere. I doubt there is a suspension, (small if there is one), due to time, no charges filed, lack of evidence. I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins mandated some sort of counseling, however. Can they do that? Considering how well the team played without him last season, with such a high ceiling OF, a quality INF with Escobar able to handle 3B OK, Gordon on the way, it might be the question, however, what could the Twins receive back for someone like Sano? Theoretically speaking.

There are honestly too many choices to list! Burn it hard pressed, my top 3 are probably: 1] Gonsalves: I think he's the real deal. Will take some lumps. 2] Thorpe: Just how good can he be fully healthy and back? 3] Rooker: His bat looks legit. How quickly can he adapt and climb? My dark horse is Stewart. Left unprotected and undrafted, still young and with a big arm, is this the year where it suddenly comes together?

I swear I just recently read that both sides were planning to meet now that the holidays were done but hasn't matched up dates yet. Could have sworn it was the Trib or Pioneer Press. Maybe I'm just losing my mind.

Let's not forget that he not only had to initially adjust to a different level of ball when he first signed on, but that he practically skipped AAA. He oozes athletic talent, and even against LH pitching, you can see the quick hands and smooth stroke. How well he ends up hitting lefties I do not know, but I believe you will see some real improvement this season. In fact, Kepler is my pick for a breakout season in another thread.

A few predictions of my own. The envelope please: 1] Darvis will not sign with the Twins, though he came closer than we may ever fully know. The Twins will, however, sign Lynn, Cobb or Arietta as a less expensive consolation prize and will still improve the rotation. 2] Santana will regress slightly, but only slightly. Barring injury, there is no indicator to predicate a sudden precipitous drop for next season. Berrios will improve. Mejia will become more consistent and do a better job of putting away hitters when he gets ahead. Gibson's improvement the second half last season was not all smoke and mirrors. Gonsalves will make about 6 starts, and while he won't dominate, and may have a couple rough ones, we will also see real ability and potential. May will begin the season in the minors. The velocity will be there, but he needs endurance and a feel for secondary pitches. He will make a couple pen appearances and a dozen starts sharing the role of 6th and 7th starter with Gonsalves. 3] The bullpen may not be truly dominant, but it will be solid and more consistent overall, and will definitely be better the first half this season than the first half of last season. Rodney and Dukemprovide stability and are both solid. Duke in particular will be mid swason trade bait with Rodney a possibility. Second halfmof the yeat, just like 2017, the pen will be a bit better as well as a bit younger. 4] Kepler is also my choice for the next breakout player. Too much talent to contain, and too nice a swing to not start hitting LH pitching better. (*can't pick Buxton or Polanco here anyway as strong finishes last season and tons of ink doesn't necessarily allow them to be qualified as breakthrough candidates. Besides, Buxton's real explosion will be in 2019. Better be signed to an extension by then.) 5] The team still doesn't have an ACE,but the over all depth and talent of pitching is better, the hitting and defense remain strong, and the team wins 90+. I'm going to go out on a limb and say 92 games.