DocBauer

Absolutely the right choice. But I have to wonder, if Mejia doesn't get injured and keeps working and progressing, does the final voting still go the same? Does Mejia win or make the final tally closer? I like both these guys and their potential a lot. Already looking for them to play even bigger roles next season. Come on 2018!

Not saying Allen shouldn't have been let go. I think there are a number of things we could point to and wonder out load as to the quality of his work. But there were success stories in his tenure with the Twins. Erv has pitched about as well as he has at any time since joining the Twins. Berrios saw big improvement in year two. Gibson really turned things around the second half of this year. Those are just a few examples. But with less than a full stable of quality arms to work with the past few years, is he really to blame for some of the pitching woes the Twins have had? And to what degree? Will the next guy really make that big of a difference? Or is it more about maturation of the guys on staff and a couple key acquisitions? Not sure I have the answer...just posing the questions.

If I remember correctly, Jay rehashed and avoided surgery before sneaking in some A ball innings late in the year. Weren't there rumors he was going to be added to the AFL?

We will spend the next four plus months examing the roster, moves we'd like to see, moves that are actually made, etc. But I thought an early look at the 2018 payroll situation was warranted at this point. From what I can gather, the Twins opening day payroll ranked 22nd in MLB at $108+. The top payroll, opening day, belonged to the Dodgers at just over $242M. The bottom team was the Brewers at just over $63M. The Royals were dead center at 15 with just shy of $141M. Now, there really is no true mean when you have discrepancies for teams in huge market areas and 30 teams to discuss and debate. And I think we're all educated enough to understand the Twins are really not a "small" market team, via population base, but TV and radio revenue make them a mid market team. Not unlike the Royals, though we know they were rather "all in" with their payroll this season. And we know that with a mostly young team, growing and developing, the Twins won't be "all in" next season. But we also know between Mauer, Hughes and Santana, there will be additional money coming off the books after 2018, even if there are extensions or re-signings. (Mauer would be less, Dozier more, Santana a question, and Hughes gone). But let us focus on 2018 for now. (I'm uncertain if we still owe Nolasco an additional $4M for 2018 so I'm not going to deduct it for now). With Perkins riding off in to the sunset, Santiago gone, Kintzler removed, and the expected loss of Belisle and Giminez, the Twins will cut approximately $19.5M in payroll from opening day 2017. That leaves an adjusted total of approximately of just shy of $90M. Now, there will be some raises. And if I'm not mistaken, Dozier may receive a bump in his final contractual year. More than likely, Escobar and Gibson will be retained. Even still, I doubt we see a combined increase of more than $5M, and that about doubles each of their 2017 salaries. So even with bumps, we are less than $100M heading in to the off season. I really don't want this to turn in to the classic "the Pohlad's are cheap" debate. I'm trying to look at things from a realistic standpoint from need vs logical payroll expectation vs MLB average numbers. (Though additional payroll cuts in 2018 play a part). What should we realistically expect? What is a realistic payroll for 2018? What would you do with it?

I would have been perfectly fine if the new braintrust had just felt they needed a new direction. It would only make sense if they did. I'm very content with this decision. I know there are two sides on opposite sides of the aisle here, but I think it's the right move for various reasons. The radio staff was talking recently about managers in baseball, various moves expected to happen or already announced, etc. And they were talking about managers who had NEVER been a manager before at ANY level. Of course, they mentioned that about Molitor, and I had almost forgotten that fact regarding him. Does being a manager previously, or not, at the ML or milb level, indicate you can or can't do the job? No. But I think it is a pertinent point. In his 3 season's, Molitor has lead the Twins...not going to go in to specifics, to a disastrous season, an almost playoff team, and a playoff team. Personally, I think he's showing real growth as the head man, and would argue he made much better choices the second half of the season. A few points: 1] This team never quit, loved to play, seemed to believe in themselves. 2] We complain, at times, about the development of young players. But we saw actual improvement and development amongst the young players this season. We saw patience with guys struggling at times. And we even saw a greater reliance on some young players the second half of the season. 3] Lineup construction has been a bit of a debate. But there are lots of ways to construct a roster and how to use it. I didn't always agree with some lineups, but I usually saw method in the madness. While there is room for growth in certain areas, overall, this was a fine defensive team, a quality and highly productive offensive team with balanced production. 4] With holes in the staff, this team reached 85 wins and the post season. If you want to argue they could have won a few more with a different manager, go ahead, I will respect your opinion. But to reach 85W while still needing some upgrades doesn't speak to utilizing what you have...despite some debatable choices here and there...nothing I could say would convince anyone. Molitor still has some things to learn to be better at. I suspect he will. But another upgrade in the rotation, another quality RP or two and maybe one more solid bat could make him look a whole lot smarter as well.

Sure you want to invest in 2 SP? Wouldn't keeping Gibson be a smarter and less expensive option at this point? Assuming, of course, you buy in to his new direction.

Always comes down to terms doesn't it? My list of potentials would include Artists, Chatwood, Cobb, Garcia and Lynn. Arrietta was still solid, may be ready for a strong bounce back, may need a change of scenery. Chatswood was that much better away from Coors Field? Have to look closer. Would Garcia hold a grudge? If not, I'd be very interested, Why does Lynn keep popping in my head as the ideal target?

Adding a well deserved pat on the back to help Tom out here.

STAFF: Not sure about Molitor, and frankly, I'm a bit torn. But, based on 2 out of 3 seasons, showing improvement IMO, and seeing how the team seems to play for him, I think I'd keep him. Not 100% sure on some of the coaches. Really like Rowsen and Pickler though. SP: Not opposed to a trade but prefer the FA route. Quality, doesn't have to be a true ACE, keep prospects for depth, competition and future trades. Right now, I want to add but also horde. Lol BP: Really like one good quality proven arm to help lead the staff. Maybe a decent second option. I hate to sound like I'm digging for fools gold, but I don't want to over-sign here considering some of the current arms and others getting close. DH: A move here deepens the lineup. But when I look at the starting 8,adding another bat falls way behind adding to the staff.

Thanks for your work! I also think you have a reasonable starting point for tradeable assets. I'm not opposed to a trade scenario such as these. But I truly hope we can make a decent FA signing and hold on to our prospects for now. Doing so keeps depth and competition.. Santana might only be here 1 more season for instance...and keeping as much depth as possible opens up further trade possibilities down the road.

Feel bad our Twins lost. Feel bad that some are having a really tough morning. This was a good and fun season and the future looks bright. I am stoked...pun intended...for the hot stove. Ryan and Smith do deserve credit. Blast them for non moves or other moves made, but give credit where and when credit is due. Also, revisionist history regarding past drafts in any sport gets old. Everyone scouts, ranks and drafts. In every sport. Some are better at it than others, no question. But a quality prospect drafted after another quality prospect does better? Come on, it happens.

Thanks Tom for everything this season! I hope to read much more from you going forward. No hate for Santana, Berrios or anyone else. If the Twins score those extra 2 runs in the first and Santana pitches even a little better and we win, is Sevarino a bum who should be raked across the coals? On thing I've found out in all of my years as a sports fan is that my favorite teams don't get to win the championship every year...or every other year.

Wade as a 4th OF and replacement for Grossman? With hitting and power everywhere, nobody says your DH has to be a slugger. A good hitter who gets OB with pop could be vital.

Tell you what, love this team, love the season, love the future. Just super happy we earned the right to play this game.

Damn wall!

Told myself I wouldn't drink tonight while sipping 3rd beer. Anyone got some glue? Lol

Calling out for a repeat of the 1st! Are you listening guys?

Great post I saw a few weeks again on Vikings website. Two comparative circles: 1] People who have nice things...and...2] Vikings fans. Lol

Only thing worse than being a Twins fan is being a Vikings fan. [sarcasm alert]

Colon...again being the optimist, might be possible against the Indians as well. I think he matches up far better against them than the Yankies

Gibson for game one?

You know...for when we win...makes first couple games against the Indians a little tougher.

Totally understand win or go home and pitching Berrios. But stinks to have to use 2 starters in this game.

Ahh crap...i jinxed him

Come on Jason...one good solid hit