DocBauer

I am a little unclear on dropping players from the 40 man, post Rule 5, if the team makes a trade and needs to make room for the acquisition(s). Of course, players on the 40 man roster may be included in such a trade to automatically make room. But it seems clear to me that leaving those 4 spots open is a positive sign for moving forward with some nice and needed additions. Now...does that mean HUGE signings? That is to be seen.

Or the new Brian Duensing.

Personally, I liked most of what the new regime did last season. I ALWAYS felt their approach, initially, was one of caution on the field(s), to see what they had from the majors on down, while implementing new ideas and eventually making various changes. Again, from the top down. Now that 2017 has passed, and they have started their imprint in all facets, (though I still don't understand the Dougie Baseball termination), I'm expecting additional changes in all areas. I feel they are being pretty smart, thus far, in the 40 man. I absolutely expect a couple 2 or 3 solid moves to take place. Does this mean a sudden, radical change in operational standards that leads to major trades and FA signings the likes of which we have never seen? Doubtful. Despite our most earnest wishes, I think most of us can agree that just throwing money at a situation doesn't necessarily fix things, be it a MLB roster or anything else. But I see thjs new group as being willing to do so where and when it makes sense, maintaining a balance, looking at the big picture, etc. I'm pretty excited. And I have this hunch the moves made will make sense.

I guess I'm confused a bit on Blenkenhorn. He is still pretty young, reportedly a good athlete has some power, and is already being pulled off 3B? Can he just not play the position at all? Is his arm weak? Seems to me with all the various middle infield prospects in the system, why convert a potential 3B to 2B at this time? Or is this just a case of increasing his positional flexibility going forward?

Let's make one seemingly safe admission; unless someone has an idea how to skirt the proposed financial parameters, as laid out, money...initially at least...is not a factor. The top 3 clubs can offer virtually the exact same dollars. It then comes down to a couple of factors: 1] Does he, and his representation, truly not care, or want, to play in one of the largest markets? Financially, were he to do so, additional income could come via promotional deals the Twins simply couldn't match. 2] Where is his best opportunity to succeed, and do what he wants, which is being a 2 way player. Awfully tough to be a 2 way player in the NL, unless he's truly good in the field somewhere. The Twins don't have a full time DH, affording him the opportunity to show he can...or cant...be a viable ML hitter. The Twins are also a viable post season team, playing in one of the best parks in the league, filled with impressive young talent pretty much his same age. Accepting the financial parameters as being equal, if point #1 is remotely accurate, I'd think the Twins would have an excellent shot at signing him.

I think these numbers are interesting and shouldn't be lightly dismissed. Has he been a bit inconsistent? Yes. But virtually all players ride streaks, 3 out of 4 years with an OPS of 101+ tells me there is something there, for a relatively young player. He was a bit of a victim in 2017 due to usage by Molitor, but also because he had an option and was used as the "odd man out" for other roster shuffling. Will he blossom in 2018 with more regular playing time? Maybe he won't, but he might. Unless someone is brought on board as true improvement, I'd like to see this play out more. The key is another good to excellent SP and a couple good pen arms, along with continued development from the kids. The actual DH spot is not key to 2018, though I recognize putting the best and deepest team on the field. While I have absolutely No objection to adding a really nice bat, and while I really like Granite as a quality and useful 4th OF piece, I also have no objection to Vargas both on the club to begin 2018. Would it really be objectionable for both to play regularly for the first month or so in various roles to see how they do? Personally, I don't think Vargas is that bad at 1B. I think Grossman showed last season he really is OK in the field, and not as bad as he showed in 2016. I'd rather improve the staff overall, give these two as consistent appearances in various roles as I can, and then promote/cut/trade as need...if needed...after a month or two.

I think the award is well deserved, though I wouldnt have complained a bit if Hinch had won it. Like all awards, By Young, MAP, etc, it's based on this one season, not the year before. Was Molitor on watch for the 2016 debacle? Yes he was. But he was also the guy in charge for the 2015 season in which the team was in contention until the final week, with little to no FO support for the stretch. 2 out of 3 quality seasons for a rebuilding team tells me he's doing something right, even if I don't always agree with certain moves. Couple quick hitters: 1] The team seems to like him, like one another, and play hard. 2] The youngsters are growing and developing under his watch. You can say this circumstantial, but it's still happening. 3] He was never a manager before at ANY level. From my own observations of the team and moves made, I see him learning and growing on the job. I actually thought he was a better manager the second half of the season than the first half from handling of his staff to lineup usage. Congrats!

Its a long season and there are a lot of roster changes that take place. Right now, I'd be in favor of both he and Grossman opening with the team and let things play out for the first month or so. Granite would be sitting in AAA waiting for an injury or roster move.

This is not an attempt at a blueprint, per say. Rather, it's more of an approach idea, and what approach you would take if you were in charge. Think of it as an overview. To state the very obvious: The Twins have a fine nucleus in place, overall. The OF of Rosario, Buxton and Kepler is good, with the potential to be outstanding. These guys are all just beginning to reach their potential. Dozier is a fine player. Mauer has seen a resurgence. Polanco has great skills and also shows real potential. Sano needs to just stay healthy, really. Castro is solid to good, depending on your perspective. And there are a couple nice role players in Escobar and Adrianza. The options on the mound are less impressive, but not without talent and hope. Santana is still quality. Berrios has flashed and has vast room. Gibson re-invented himself physically and mentally and a half season of being a very sold ML SP can't be ignored. Mejia showed some stuff and some potential. There ARE some arms in the pen, from Rogers, to Hildenberger, Busentiz, Duffey (How much better could he end up being fully adjusted to relieving again?), to Pressly's stuff if he could find more consistency. To state what is less obvious: Payroll and prospects. Based on past payroll numbers, rumors and innuendo, general inflation and the cost of doing business, it's hard to pin down expectations for payroll moving forward. Its easy for skepticism to see the Twins holding to a $110-115M budget, but not far fetched to see changes taking place, money still coming off the books in future years, and see a jump to the $120-130 range. Prospect rankings could change very quickly by mid-season 2018, but as of now, the Twins seem to lack the top 100 type prospects that teams covet and make rankings look tantalizing. But a review of depth in the system by our own Seth and rankings by neutral parties seem to indicate the Twins have a very deep system overall. To state obvious needs: Pitching. At least one top flight starter and a couple proven, quality arms. Followed by maybe a useful, quality RH bat who could actually play in the field once in a while, if not a true full time DH. The far less obvious: How do you accomplish filling these needs? It's terribly simplistic to simply say you will build the deepest and most talented and most well balanced team you can, though that is the ultimate goal, of course. But in any sport, there are various ways to build a contending team. You can become a dominant offensive or defensive team. And we've all seen examples of this in various sports. The Twins have a fine offensive and defensive team with the potential to be even better in both areas going forward, based not just in coaching and fundamentals, but pure progression of the talented young players on the roster. Pitching is still a key element, and the one area where the Twins would seem to be lacking. But aren't a lot of teams? There is only one true #1 SP on the FA market, plus one tantalizing international "FA" on the market, and everyone would like to have one of them. So what do YOU DO if you're in charge? Do you: A] Go all in with whatever dollars are needed, trying to be realistic to your budget to some degree, and still have some room to add a couple of pieces? B] Trade away pieces of your talented young roster, with a few prospects added to add a big arm? (Our current FO has done that before). And then try add a couple viable pieces. C] Try to target a really nice young arm before he bas reached his full potential and move some of the best and brightest prospects in your system? (Something our current FO has also done before). And then add a couple viable pieces. D] Keep your system intact...at least for now...and look to add a few nice pieces to deepen your roster? Say a good SP, a couple pen arms, maybe a useful bat, and rely on depth and continued development of your roster and prospects to improve, and then maybe make a big move. Being honest, I'm torn. But I tend to lean toward option "D" and keeping all my roster and best young prospects and adding a solid SP for depth, 2 good pen arms, and a useful bat and looking for development and possible trade from my deep system as the year goes on. Does it move the needle? I think enough to make the rotation better overall, deepen and strengthen the pen, and give me room for a big move later. What plan would you follow?

I'd love Santana, and he'd be a great fit on most any team. But, assuming this team doesn't pony up via trade or FA for a true #1 SP...unlikely as there just aren't many available first of all...were talking, roughly, $11-15M for Lynn, Chatwood or Cobb. Add in a couple really nice bullpen arms at $5-7M each, and we're hitting $120M-ish. Santana puts us the $130M category. Very affordable, overall, with more money coming off the books the next couple of seasons to help pay for extensions, etc. Even with a Mauer and Dozier re-sign, we end up netting additional dollars. But to jump that far, that fast toward $130+M just seems unreasonable. And I also agree that I don't think Cleveland would let him walk anyway. Frazier? Maybe. But would he really be an upgrade over Escobar at 3B if there is a Sano playing in the field situation? I think a good, solid, useful player for less money is really warranted. Maybe Kenrick. And while it might seem overly optimistic, if Grossman could just settle in as a player between his 2016-17 years, he could be very useful at either the top or bottom of the order.

So the mystery as to the complete collapse of the 2016 bas been resolved! Shame on You! LOL

NICE!

Will he win? Hard to say. Would he deserve to win? Absolutely! Under the tutelage of he and his staff, we saw a lot of growth in the kids. We also saw a team compete, win, and make the post season almost despite their pitching at times. I didn't always like or agree with some of his lineups and moves, but I saw the wheels turning and often understood what he was doing. I also saw real growth from Paul as a manager as the year went along. And his players seem to like playing for him. As was discussed on the radio near the end of the season, Molitor has never been a manager, at any level, before becoming one at the ML level. I still think he's growing and learning.

Melky over Werth.

Love it! But Mauer was robbed! Did Dozier deserve it? I'm not certain he did. And I've seen a lot of questionable awards for GG, all star appearances, pro bowls, etc. But I truly don't understand some of the anti-Dozier sentiment I read. I've seen him make some bad and very questionable plays. I've also seen a lot of steady play and a ton of excellent plays that far outweigh the bad ones. But because he's not more flashy or more perfect he's poor or lousy? I just don't get it.

I've been in on Lynn and maybe Chatwood previously. But the more I look at it and the more I read, I think Cobb has as much upside, for less, though factors as a bit more "unsure" than the other two. He just might be the smarter move and the draft pick just shouldn't be a factor at this point. I think we can all agree on that.

Tillman on the cheap as a flier to rebuild flier makes some sense. Ross on a milb deal with incentives definitely appeals. Otherwise, a simple PASS.

Actually like most of what you've put down here, though iffy on Bautista. I would so no to Davis, but yes to someone like Reed or Shaw. Still an upgrade, but for not the same money. And I'd see Mejia over May to begin the season. May might need time to regain his feel and that's OK. Experienced now, with solid stuff, I'd see Mejia over May. And no room for Belisle with the other signings and other arms available, and again, some financial savings.

John, I completely understand and appreciate your Dozier comments and opinions. And there is absolutely a difference between trading him and shopping him for a "look see". But at the heart of the argument, I just can't agree. And that is based, IMO, on the following points: 1) I think he's a real leader on this team and I think that's important. 2) He's really good and highly productive with no "expected" or sudden downturn. He's durable, only 30, would be difficult to replace offensively, even though the Polanco-Adrianza idea works defensively for sure. 3) Getting back a couple quality prospects that have real potential but aren't ML ready sounds like a good idea, but the Twins aren't devoid of talent and prospects, and trading such a good player for prospects on a team moving past the rebuild stage seems counter productive to me. I absolutely love being aggressive in regard to extending the young players. But I'm also of the opinion extending Dozier and Mauer makes sense. (I'm of the opinion now what we've seen from Mauer was not a fluke). The two of them will combine for something like $34-35M in 2018. Unless the numbers/demands are out of whack, Mauer gets 2 years and Dozier 4, maybe 5 or an option. Either way, Dozier gets a raise and Mauer a cut, and even in the worst case scenario I can think of, the combined totals of the two for two years should still save a couple million over 2018 totals.

From what I hear and read, he reminds me of Stewart to some degree. Body types and stuff may be different, but from all reports, there is enough velocity and secondary stuff to indicate, like Stewart, he should miss more bats, thus elevating his potential. He has been quite consistent in results and a steady climb through the system. Like Stewart, you just keep waiting for some breakthrough, some light to come on. Is it pitchability? Is it consistent release? Is it the offspead or that one breaking pitch you're just longing to see get more consistent? IDK what it is, but I'm still very intrigued by both and want to see both stick around. Guys bloom at different stages and ages.

I was also hoping he'd stick around on a milb deal and invite. You just don't do what he did at AAA without some kind of ability/stuff. It just didn't translate hardly at all when he got his shot. But I was hoping he might come back for a pen audition to see if he could harness something. Still, I have a strong suspicion the Twins will sign at least a decent, if not good, option for the pen from the port side. And as Thrylos pointed out, he'd probably be behind a few other good young arms anyway.

Still wondering what is going on with Melotakis and their opinion of him. He seemed to rally later in the year and got his velocity back. I'm hesitant to give up on him at this point, though I don't think he's a 40 man add either. Is he a FA at this point? I was thinking he was. And I think you could add Jay to your list of Rogers, Enns (who I definitely see as a pen option), and Moya.

These are all fine options. My target list would be Shaw and M cGee. We don't blow the lid off payroll, and we add 2 valuable, quality, experienced arms to the pen along with what we have on hand. You still have payroll to add another quality #2-3 FA arm to deepen the rotation. You might even find money for a solid bat who can play a position to augment such a good, mostly young and improving, lineup.

Truth #1 Pitching...quality pitching...remains the single biggest advantage for a team to win, win often, and legitimately contend. Truth #2 Every team wants pitching, and everyone wants an ACE to lead their club with another impact arm behind him, and then it becomes a bit more cloudy 3-5. Truth #3 A real and true ACE is hard to come by. (We've even had debates as to who and what is a true ACE). Hopefully you draft and develop one. Acquiring one via FA is very expensive, you have to at least somewhat overpay and assume risk, and they are also expensive prospect wise to acquire via trade. I don't think anyone can really disagree with those "truths". But no matter what, its still a TEAM game. An outstanding, balanced and deep staff still won't win with poor defense and lousy offense. A great offense and tight defense still won't win with a poor/lousy staff. The question becomes, how do you build the best overall TEAM to contend? Yes, I'd love the Twins to somehow acquire a real ACE, have Berrios take a step forward and Santana would be a stud #3. But is that practical? And if not, what can you do make the best roster? I'm not going to list all the names, we know them, but one more really good, really solid, quality SP deepens the rotation, allows for the upcoming kids to move up when ready, and increases your chances to contend and win, even without an ACE if the other pieces are in place and the bullpen is quality. You sign a couple quality bullpen arms like Shaw and McGee...my top 2 targets...to go along with what you have, and what's coming up, you could have a really nice pen. You add that one quality arm, and suddenly you have a potentially deep and solid rotation, overall, lead by 3 guys who could/would pitch most days like a #2, with that new pen, quality defense and hitting, and you have a deep and well balanced team. You could afford extensions, and you still have your milb system intact for depth, promotion, and a big trade if available.

Seth, absolutely love your blueprint and agree almost entirely. I am a bit leery of losing Enns after just acquiring him and could see him as a useful piece. Im torn on protecting Davis and Burdi as I just don't know if they are really at risk of being lost at this time, but would probably not risk losing Burdi. McGhee and Shaw are actually my top 2 RP targets! I'm not 100% convinced McGee would be my closer, only because recent history is showing he and Shaw, with Rogers and Hilgenberger, could make an outstanding quartet for the 7th and 8th innings with maybe a more consistent Pressly, or even Duffey, as the "start and finish the 9th" closer option. Regardless, that group of 6 with pitcher "X", has the makings of a fine pen with reserves on the way and filling up a potentially deep and impressive Rochester pen. Where I disagree is the FA SP. I think the club can easily bump up to a higher option in the $12-14M range...payroll now in the $120's...without disrupting the budget or limiting themselves down the road. You're right about Grossman and Vargas though. Do we yet have a true idea of the vision the team sees for these guys? Vargas could be useful and valuable, but how much so with consistent time? I really liked the way Molitor used Grossman the last month as the 9 hitter, but I keep wondering, no stud to be sure, but if he could be a 500 AB player who could mold 2016 and 2017 together somehow, he and Mauer could make a very interesting 1-2 OB punch at the top of the order. Somebody stoke the coals! I'm ready for the hot stove!