DocBauer

Jury is still out, as you state. But it looks good so far. Rather surprised Lewis was the first pick, but not shocked. Everyone wanted pitching, and immediate pitching, including me. But drafting the top HS position player in the draft with high makeup wasn't a bad choice. Thus far, he's looked outstanding. Only bad thing about your thread is the timing. Honestly Nick, I appreciate the read and your intentions with early returns and the new FO, but how much stronger and meaningful could this post be a year from now with a re-visit? For that matter, how about a re-vist/re-cap on last year's draft?

Not sure I can concur. Molitor did play with the Twins, and did serve as an instructor with the Twins, but he also played for Toronto, worked with Seattle and was a lifetime Brewer. I'm just not sure he qualifies as "old gang." I think he's a really good Basball man, and the debate is still whether he is the RIGHT MAN for the future.

Nope. Like most of what Boshers has done, really intrigued by the potential of Turley, but control still may be an issue. Was hopeful for Melotakis and Jay, but injury has slowed both. And there are some guys like Rosario and others that could come up. But right now, 2018-19, if Perkins actually shows something, I'd have to consider him on a 1 year.

There has been a great deal of debate and conversation over the past several months/year concerning Mauer, Dozier, possible trade of Dozier, DH, the future at 1B, the Twins infield depth, etc. I have stated in various threads before that I believe a real solution for Dozier, and 1B with the Twins, as well as an "assist" for DH comes down to Dozier as the Twins future 1B. I think it's a good time to really look at this possibility. Follow me here, please. Reality: 1] Mauer is an outstanding defensive 1B. Mauer is not an outstanding offensive 1B. But there are a lot of ways to build a roster...power here, power there, sometimes at or from unexpected places. It's the culmination of a roster/lineup that matters at the end of the day, and not a standard rote of position by position. (More on that later). Mauer is also, probably, gone after 2018. 2] Despite being prone to some hot and cold spells/streaks, Dozier is a quality baseball player with quality production and tangible numbers. He is also a FA after 2018 and a trade candidate. However, last of season we also saw the market for him wasn't what we hoped for or expected. I don't think it's a reach to say, despite still being a good and productive player, that his market hasn't increased. 3] The Twins have some nice infield talent and depth. Polanco and Gordon provide some really nice potential. Escobar is a really, really nice and productive utility piece. Adrianza was a really nice pick up. Vielma offers some solid ability and upside, though maybe not ready yet. Goodrum offers some nice utility ability, potentially. And there are quite a few options with high potential in the lower minors, but they are a few years away. 4] The Twins have a few future 1B candidates, but really, the best ones are, again, in the low minors and a few years away. Offensively, I will not say Dozier at 1B is the next Hrbek, or Morneau or whoever. But his past 4 season's mark him as a .250 hitter with a .330 ish OB, high .700 OPS who can be counted on for 30+ doubles and 20+ HR with speed on the basepaths. A true slugger? No. Productive and versatile? Yes. There is a conception that 1B are tall, strapping fellows with Big power. Quick research shows that to be a standard. However, brief research, reflection and perception also has to ask the question: "where else would some of these big, powerful and productive 1B play otherwise?" Seriously, how many 1B can you name that would be quality 3B, infielders or OF? So is 1B reserved for a big man, a long man, a big target out of necessity and preference? Or more so because it's the best place for them to belong? (Other than DH). Just looking at some of the best 1B in Twins history, Killebrew stood 5' 11". Mientkiewicz, a great defensive 1B, was 6'. Yes, Hrbek, Morneau and Mauer were all 6' 4" or more. I looked at a couple elite defensive 1B I grew up with in the 80's and early 90's. Keith Hernandez was 6', as was Don Mattingly. Mark Grace and Wally Joyner were a bit taller at 6' 2". Taller, but not towering, hulking specimens. I'm old enough to remember Carew playing 1B with the Angels and Pete Rose with the Phillies. A pair of Hall of Fame players! (I know, I know about Rose, but that's a debate for another day). These guys were NOT sluggers, but were quality hitters, producers and defensive 1B who transitioned to 1B after careers in the infield, and stood 6' and 5' 11" respectively. I can appreciate a large, long target at 1B. But again, how many of those big targets could play another position? And how many were/are truly good defensively? Dozier is a good athlete with good hands, a decent arm, and vast experience playing the right side of the infield. What is more important, defensively speaking, at 1B? Being a big, long target? Or having a good glove, range, and the ability to chase pop ups? I would argue Dozier could make as well of a transition to 1B as Mauer did, and his bat plays there. This allows a Polanco/Gordon keystones combo with Escobar, Adrianza, Vielma and Goodrum in reserve until others arrive. As to DH? This alignment allows you to sign/trade for/promote a bat. OR, with a talented and versatile lineup, allows you to rotate whoever you want to in that spot on a daily basis. For instance, what if what we saw from Granite, in his brief stay, was real? Couldn't you rotate him in the OF and at DH along with other players getting half days off? Overall, I would argue that Dozier's best value to the team would be as a re-sign with a transition to 1B.

I am secure enough in my manhood to say that I have a bromance with Big Sexy. What he did in the 2nd was awesome! Pay attention young Twins pitchers!

"Slim Sexy"?

Side note: Good for Perkins to work this hard in his attempt. I think he's toast. And no matter what, his option will not be picked up. But what if he actually shows a little Something? We talk about a FA or two, a flier here and there, if he actually shows something, how about a 1 year prove it deal with some incentives to see if he can team with Rogers to form an effective LH duo?

I agree with so much here, both sides of the aisle even, and could post quite a few quotes. Of course, that would prove monotonous as hell. The Twins have drafted quite a few power arms the past few years. Some for the pen, some with the idea of starting before moving back to the pen. Ryan very clearly made a mistake in expecting too much too soon from these guys. The lack of major activity by the new FO this past off season was limited time and familiarity with the club, prospects, and possible expectations in what is/was an evaluation year. But even with some very disappointing injuries holding some guys back, others have stepped to the forefront: Reed, Curtiss, Busentiz, etc. Duffey shows promise; great start, slippage, and now pitching well again. Early returns on Hildenberger and Busentiz are encouraging. Pressly has shown positively before this season and has great stuff. It looks like he's been turning it around after discovery he was trying "too hard" and overthrowing. (Something I've been saying for over a month now). Relief pitchers, their stats, their season's, streaks within their season's, can often prove volatile. We know this. Still, there is NOTHING wrong with this team signing a quality, proven RP. Further, there is NOTHING wrong with signing a second, maybe even a third arm coming off injury, or a poor season bounce back, or even a failed SP that is open to converting. But you also can't ignore the arms currently on roster, and close, as well as the interns injury options that should be back at some point in 2018. In other words, do both! Sign the big arm. Take a flier or maybe two, one from the port side. But for a club over the initial rebuilding hump, DO NOT ignore what you have on hand to audition, develop and build with.

Remembering for a moment that I began the "Time to DFA Molitor" thread a few weeks ago...it was a question and not a statement...I confess to mixed feelings about Monitor's possible return. The lack of bullpen quality, and subsequent moves, or lack thereof, in 2015 would seem to fall on the previous administration. (Along with a few other things). Now, was the Pelfrey vs May decision his alone? If so, black mark against him. 2016 was a nightmare! But sandwiched between 2015 and 2017, considering holes in the team as well as the influx of new talent getting their feet wet, the whole of 2016 might be considered a horrible aberration. I don't pretend to be a knowitall by any means. But I've watched and learned a lot of baseball over my 45 years as a fan. I've seen the bunt used very effectively as a tool and as a weapon, though it's become a bit of a lost art. I can understand, at times, Molitor wanting to use it, but he uses it too much IMO, especially for a team not adept at it. I have applauded his experimentation with the lineup throughout the year, and seen method in his madness on many occasions, but also felt he got carried away at times. And yet, I think his lineup construction has made more sense the second half than it did the first. (Generally speaking). I have also been driven half crazy by some of his SP and BP usage, pulls, decisions, usage, etc. But once again, I find his decisions and usage to be better as of late. At the end of the day, I see a lot of positives with Molitor, as well as some very frustrating and confusing decisions. I've seen real growth in some of the kids, some solid handling of veterans, trusting in young RP more and more, and a pair of surprising season's. But I feel we just don't know after almost 3 season's who he truly is, as a manager, and what he's trying to do at times. Obviously, the FO is far more attuned to what is taking place daily based on conversation, observation and directives we know nothing about. I could easily see Falvey and Levine telling Molitor, "thanks for the solid job and all your contributions, you've done well, we just see a different future" and move on. But with a couple key additions, further development from the young talent on hand, a couple promotions, I could easily see Molitor back and continuing what is taking shape. Again, we just aren't privy to all the reports, changes, directives, etc. I'm thinking... and this is a stretch...60-40 he's gone because they just see someone better to embrace the development of young players.

What it says to me is something we've been hearing for a while now, that the "star power" in the Twins mild system is lacking right now due to graduation of so many talented prospects, but that the overall depth of talent is still strong. And we always have to remember those "star" players don't always turn out, solid prospects become solid to very good ballplayers, and some turn in to stud/all star ML performers. Now, I think is somewhat fluid and arbitrary as this time next year the "star power" could easily rise in the system with Guys like Gordon, Gonsalves, Romero, Kirilloff, Lewis, Polacios, Javier and maybe Rooker all potentially top 100 prospects. Not saying all of them at once, but each with the potential. So I would say the list of potential top players and overall depth is pretty solid. Arguements can be madem and have ben made, about the age of players at certain levels, the success they have at such levels, and whether or not they can maintain such success as they climb the ladder. But we have also seen by various data that the Twins are NOT exclusive in age vs level arguments. Final analysis? If your system, overall, is winning like this, then there are enough good prospects throughout your system to warrant said winning, and offer up additional hope for the future.

Scrap. So busy doing chores and making supper I missed it! Lol

Really fun exercise. Can you imagine how good Buxton can still be? I honestly believe, in say 2 years time, we'll be laughing at those who called him a possible bust. And as good as Rosario has been, overall, there is STILL room for improvement. I love watching Kepler, not mentioned here of course, and everything looks so natural and easy for him at times. Wait until he figures out things more! It appears you obviously kept this as a top 10 list,otherwise Polanco and Pressly may have been on it as well. Or are their recent surges to SSS to include?

Couple quick hits: 1] Polanco should have been listed as trending hot. 2] Not concerned about Berrios in the long run due to his talent, what we have seen, and his previous ability to make adjustments. I think we are simply seeing the normal progression of a young pitcher. 3] Kepler's natural athletic ability, strength, quick hands and smooth stroke tells me he can hit LH at least to some degree, eventually. I still hesitate sitting him against such. 4] I like Grossman as a role player despite his recent slump. And I still see him as such for 2018. The problem is we need another DH/1B bat, via trade or FA. And if/when we get that, with 2 utility guys, it would leave Granite and Grossman fighting for a final spot. (Based on a normal 12 man pitching staff).

Really interested in Melville. I get that he was signed off the "scrapheap" that independent ball is sometimes seen as. But he was a top prospect with the Royals, a top 100 prospect, then had his TJ surgery and was simply never the same. Until now perhaps?

Yeah, absolutely outstanding work. And even when I watch a game, (or mist of it), the write up still gives me tidbits I missed or forgot, not to mention statistical information, bullpen usage, etc.

Very interesting analysis. And you're absolutely right when looking at this lineup and how much better they are going to be. Between Sano, Polanco, Rosario, Buxton and Kepler, if I'm not mistaken, the oldest of them is 25. And before the season began, Rosario and Sano...the most seasoned of the bunch...had less than 800 ML AB. Castro is not old. Dozier is not old. Only Mauer is a player that "must" be replaced in the next year or two. Guys like Escobar and Adrianza aren't exactly old in the tooth either, or Grossman for that matter. And now, or some time in 2018, we can start to figure in Granite, Garver, Gordon and perhaps Vielma and Palka. Really, really like how the position player portion of this team is built, despite probably needing a quality DH/1B from somewhere. Still comes down to pitching and we all know this. The good news there would be a fair number of young arms getting so very close, and a couple already here. Great write up!

Man...I missed it! And I was just about to joke Buxton doesn't like to play with others as he has not joined the Rosario/Kepler homer parade.

Just saw where Royce Lewis was promoted to Cedar Rapids!

So this means Kepler hits a dinger tonight, right?

How come, if something "matters" to you it's important, but "anti-matter" is a negatively charged, powerful force?

Not going to jump in to the numbers directly, but what I find interesting is that the HORRIBLE numbers/performances that Seth brought up occurred in April, May x 2, and early June. All in the first half of the season, and 3 in the first 2 months of the season.

This is just crazy fun! And I don't mean the weekend you can barely remember or the psyco person you "dated" for three months kind of fun. I mean this is a team that won't quit, that is brimming with young talent still developing and growing and showing itself off. I honestly don't care if we win the second WC spot or finish one game out. I don't care about run differential because a few games or series lead to a negative result. I mean, really, you get the scrap kicked out of you in 3 games but win 7 more out of ten, what matters? Run differential or winning 7 out of 10? That's simplistic, I know. But there is just so much to like about this team, it's development, and what the future holds.

Of course we know you are joking. But think about this for a second: The Twins need pitching. They take a flier on Colon, who has had a wonderful career, and is coming off 4 really solid season's with the Mets. However, he is having a poor season with the Braves, and at age 44, some of the jokes about him defying age and odds seem to be catching up. And there is a mixed bag of vitriol and "meh" when the Twins sign him. His first couple games he actually looks good for 4 innings or so, but then loses it. And we're all pretty much in the "meh" to WTF area. And then be pitches downright awesome the last e games, and we have a whole different interpretation of WTF. He's pitching surprisingly well. (Maybe not so surprising when you look at his career and the past 4 seasons). He's showing what "pitching" is about vs throwing, and he's having FUN while doing so. His experience, his knowledge, his FUN being out there is infectious, IMO. I know that I have been influenced as a fan. Could it be that the "meh" signing of Colon is really the "buy" transaction this team needed?

Enns makes sense as he's on the roster, seems solid, and is having a fine year. Vargas has been the team yo yo due to his extra option thjs season and his providing roster flexibility, at his expense. He has provided output, and held his own at 1B. But he has also failed to just grab hold of a job or provide consistency at either level. Is this what he is? I still can't help but wonder, allowed to play almost daily, through ups and downs, like most all players, would we be seeing better results were he allowed the luxury of remaining in place on the Twins roster rather than riding the shuttle?

Had to walk away after the first couple of innings for a night spent with friends. Can someone offer perspective on Enns? I see he walked in a run, but was he suddenly pitching so poorly he had to be pulled with 1 out and a lead?