DocBauer

I don't think there's much doubt or debate a healthy Gonsalvez would have begun the year at AAA, or would already be there. But at this point, with his stuff, his acumen, his AA experience and success last season and this season, he simply has to be moved and challenged with the opportunity soon. Dies that mean he's ready by August or September? Maybe. Maybe not. But it would make him a hell of a lot closer for 2018 than not affording him the opportunity. I have no problem with Jorge or Romero pitching the whole season at AA. Doesn't mean they have to, but they are young, still improving, and no matter how intrigued we are by Romero, he's the youngest of the bunch and missed 2 full seasons. Excitement and expectation are one thing. Prudence and patience for such a talented young arm is something different.

Appreciate the idea. It's sound. Personally, I'm not convinced Granite can't be a full time starter, AVG/OB/SB leadoff guy with good defense. He understands and embraces his role. Further, he's showing continued improvement which is always a good sign. And he probably deserves to be up. (So does Garver probably). But it's not just that simple as he then takes AB from others, or sits too much. Would Vargas really deserve to be send down again? He's been slumping a bit lately, but guys do sometimes. And then they work out of it. And if I'm not mistaken, his AVG against LHP has actually come up a bit lately. And he recently hit his first RH homerun. More opportunity as of late? Things just equalizing? Hard to say. But while a fan of Granite, I'm still not certain it's time yet.

I would stick with Santana and Berrios, in whichever order, in a traditional order. I guess I'd go Santiago 3rd, being the more experienced the LH and hoping he resorts to his "norm", followed by Gibson and Mejia. I understand the "save the pen" theory by breaking up Santana and Berrios, but I also feel those guys back to back helps give "relief" to the pen for a couple of days, helping to freshen them up for the next 3 days. And really, you can't predict mass usage those next 3 days. Someone can go right ahead and surprise a bit and give you a solid 6 IP on any given night. So as someone said, don't overthink it.

The Twins have two options to improve their rotation. And they still need to. 1] Sign a quality FA next off season to join Berrios and Santana, along with Mejia. Gonsalves, Jorge, Romero, Slegers maybe, a rehashed and recovered May maybe, a year further along Hughes maybe, and possibly Haley or Duffey, if the former is around and the latter could move due to a resurgence in the pen. Realistically, I don't see Haley or Duffey. So maybe you also take a low risk, low cost flier on someone to increase depth and depth of competition. 2] You offer up 4-5 quality prospects/players in a trade for a high quality ML arm that is available for multiple years. This would involve guys like Rosario, Polanco-Gordon-Polacios, one of Gonsalves-Romero, and at least one more quality prospect. Just to throw out some reasonable names. And Dozier could be hsed in this scenario as well, not necessarily directly, but to bring in prospects to trade in a 3 way trade, or to replace traded prospects. This works as long as yoh hold on to Gordon, at least, and possiblg him AND Polanco. And yet again, you may look at a low cost flier for competition depth. Now, I absolutely vote for option #1 AS the Twins have the financial flexibility to make it work, and you get to keep your prospects for depth, competition, and future trades. But either way, taking that flier makes sense. But im starting to wonder about that flier being filled internally by Gibson. Now he's got to show more, pound the zone and believe in himself and his defense. But he has shown some renewed ability to do that since he came back. And if Molitor and Allen will stay on his butt, maybe it's better to stick with him than look elsewhere.

Maybe it's time for this thread to die. Maybe not. But I've been reflecting again about the roster after the Cleveland series/sweep, including a game/win that had a winning lineup that felt like a getaway day with all the guys hurt or sick, recent trade conversations and a thread about Granite. Again, I apologize for all the typos and such, but I was having some connection issues. But the content and intent remains true, this 13 man roster has been largely intact and productive, both offensively and defensively, throughout the season. And the best news may be how much better the young players are going to develop. I know the ML player roster is pretty much set at 13. But there are 20 players listed for 13 spots either on the ML roster, or excelling, or at least playing well, at AAA and AA and all but 1 at AAA or deserving or a soon promotion to AAA. I find this exciting to think about. And if the Twins DO become buyers at some point this season, next off season at the latest, it would seem they have the depth to make such a move, positionally speaking at least. If Dozier were traded for a couple young players, either to be used in a trade or to bring back prospects to replace those we included in a trade, we have depth to replace him in the short term, and with Gordon and Vielma, in the long term. Same with Rosario. Now, I'm not anxious to move either guy, but I've just been reflecting the past couple of days on today and tomorrow, possible trade and depth options, and just felt mentioning it again.

Been a fan, and a hopeful one at that, for Melotakis for some time now. I clearly admit an affinity for LH pitchers, both starters and relievers. I've been disappointed and confused about this entire issue since it began. Just spot balling here...but... I have to believe the velocity drop is an issue. As is the lack of back to back appearances. But then why the promotion to AAA just before the roster move? I think it's pretty safe to say that we not only don't have all the information and may never. I think we can all agree, despite being tremendous and intelligent fans, we aren't necessary owed some length thought process description explanation by the FO with regard to any move. They have a lot more to do and worry about than appeasing fans' information appetite. But I would have to guess they didn't feel he was ready, they had to make a move, felt there were other arms that could help more immediately in some capacity, (yes, heaven help us, maybe even Turley in some capacity), and felt there was a good chance Melotakis might just slide through and stick with Rochester with the idea he could be added again to the roster down the road.

I love this team! This is a solid ballclub.

I never felt Gibson would be an ACE. Did I hope he would be? Sure! He was a top prospect at one time. After his surgery and rehab he looked really, really good. Despite his initial debut, Gibson showed quite well at times his first couple of years. Other writers and broadcasters have commented about size, downward plane, pure solid stuff, etc. Most games, most innings, I've never felt his control was poor. But when it goes bad for him, things unravel. He appears, to me, to never quite trust his stuff, his defense, or both. He just seems to nibble and get cute and try to fool everyone or hit the black. When he attacks he is a pretty solid pitcher. Witness his recent game, (Seattle?), where he stunk, Molitor visited him on the mound, and while I believe he allowed another run, he suddenly looked much different and far more aggressive.

Seriously, isn't it about time for Jorge to be up at Rochester?

Love me some good chicken. But can't we come up with a winning phrase about steak, or even burgers? I mean...just for some variety?

Seriously...this might be a missing draft or FA strategy! Name me a Smith, Jones, Johnson Twin that was great? Surely our new FO is intelligent enough and plugged in enough to create a formula that eliminates vowels to bring in players with odd names. The more consonants, the fewer vowels, the better. And if you can plug in q or z or x somewhere, you just might find a HOF player. Lol

But ever notice the best Twins players, and the best teams, had guys with odd names or names predominately obsessed with consonants?

Santiago healthy with his head screwed on straight. Please baseball gods.

Gee has the potential to surprise, at least. (Crossing fingers and toes, eyes, whatever)

Seriously, overall, despite some injuries and deficiencies, we have a good team here. Why in hell can't we play better at home?

That was fun!

Sorry..but that looked NASTY!

I love it! Go get 'em kid!

"Hello Twins fans!"

I miss Herb.

Thinking they pulled Duffey to save his arm for the next 2 games?

Think I dated her sister. She was fun until she wanted to choke me during sex one time.

Think I'd rather sign him and get him ready for the bullpen for a second half run! Lol

If she asks for a credit card number and offers to call you, just say NO!

20 pitches in 2 IP for Duffey. Do you risk a 3rd inning?