DocBauer

For those of us a bit longer in the tooth, you might recall Brian Downing batting lead for the Angels back in the 80's. He could hit, provided power, and gave the Halo's quality OB%. This would provide an arguement for Mauer to do the same for the Twins, though his obvious deterioration would limit power numbers, or so it would seem. And YES, Grossman could be a very similar option here, DH or OF here and there, when Mauer sat against LHP. It's really not a bad idea. I don't like Dozier there, though he can do it, simply because his overall ability, production and power seems to scream hitting lower to drive in and manufacture runs. I believe Buxton is the best and most dynamic choice, all things being equal. I have felt for a while now that he just might be a top of the order 1-2 hitter before sliding down to the #3 spot eventually as he aged a bit more, gained additional experience, and his power continued to develop. But I could easily him in the 9 hole to begin the season, lessen pressure, let him just play and let the game come to him more before moving up top. In an ideal situation...and it's not far fetched at all...the ideal situation would be Buxton or Polanco hitting first and the other hitting second. Which variation is better I don't know. Throughout their individual milb careers, each has been a top of the order hitter, though Polanco has invariably been dropped to the 3 hole on each of his team's the past few seasons as one of the best, most consistent and clutch hitters on his team. Either scenario offers very interesting combinations for these two. (And drops Mauer/Grossman to an OB%/hitting spot closer to the bottom third). I would continue to work Buxton at the top throughout ST. 1 or 2, he will eventually be there. But if the season started tomorrow, I'd probably bat Polanco 1.

This is incredibly bad news, not only for May of course, but for the Twins. I really hate to re-visit the past, but he lost real development time in 2015 with the inexcusable decision to move him instead of Pelfrey to the pen. One guy had 2 pitches and was struggling and would not be back with the team, and one had a better miss of pitches and upside. Huge blunder. Then May lost development time in 2016 for an even greater blunder. Now he misses all of 2017. I firmly believed two things: 1] May was going to be solid in the rotation, and get better as the season went along and he got more and more comfortable, establishing himself as a solid starter. (Though I did worry a bit about wearing down late in the season after his limited IP the past year and a half). 2] My expectations for May would make it all the much easier to move Santiago to allow for room for Berrios or Mejia at some point. What a massive, massive bummer. As to your other points, I think Santana will still be solid. (Though May's injury could halt any potential trade during the season now). I also believe Gibson will make a strong comeback. How strong, of course, is to be determined. I am also currently surprised by Hughes and fairly impressed FOR NOW by what he is doing. I honestly thought he was a dark horse before ST began and thought for sure he would begin the season in EST before a month of rehab assignments. Instead, he feels good, is throwing free and easy, working a lot on his change, and hitting low 90's. Many pitchers ramp up velocity, and IIRC, Hughes has usually been one of those guys. He's been getting ahead of hitters and throwing a good number of strikes. A few bombs or bad offering while working so hard on his change doesn't bother me FOR NOW. If there could be any sort of silver lining to the May's injury, it would be that it came early, and seems to be a "clean" injury, and could allow for a allow for a better/earlier/longer audition for young arms like Berrios or Mejia.

Seriously about Rochester? I had no idea! That's ridiculous! I mean, considering where they are located in could understand SOME Yankees merchandise available, or some sort of "knock off" that has Twins/Red Wings look to it...but is it really that bad? Agree 100% on Ft Myers. Why wouldn't you control the very city where you have your "second home"? It's a complete no Brainer to me! I haven't been to Cedar Rapids yet, but from everything I read and hear, they seem to do things right there and even embrace the team uniform look. Still, some controlling interest would be nice to keep it that way. The Twins themselves are stuck in a northern climate, and players do need to learn how to play in different temperate zones, but with all the milb city options available, I've always been in favor, in certain situations and where possible, to keep at least some of your affiliates close to "home". Always envied the Royals and Cubs having their AAA franchises so close. Once upon a time, unless I'm imagining it, didn't the Dodgers own all or most of their milb clubs and the uniforms, with different names across the front of the uniform, copy the ML club? Work your way up, I say, and get hold of Ft Myers first. CR and Chattanooga seem to be embracing their affiliation. Maybe leave them alone for the time being. But do something about Rochester.

I have never, necessarily, backed the owners of any professional franchise in to any sort of forced concession financially or "corporate blackmail" for the sake of a new stadium or upgrades of such. But at the same time, there is a real partnership, financial and otherwise, that exists between said entities. The "Minnesota" Vikings and "Minnesota" Twins are still primarily the "property" of the Twins Cities and not the state directly. And I do, and always have, understood the objections of some in regard to billionaires having someone else pay for stadiums and upgrades, etc. But the reality is these billionaires don't have a couple million just sitting in an account waiting to be spent on something. Even over and above the value of empowering a local work force to construct a stadium, or improvements, there is the longer lasting results of daily employment and tax dollars, etc. Here in Omaha, sometimes referred to as "little Indianapolis" for the amount of amateur athletic events that take place, the only lasting professional team is the AAA team for the Royals. And it has been a very long lasting partnership that has benefited both parties. The amateur side of things, including the college world series, has also given Omaha a real boost financially directly and indirectly via immediate funds as well as perception and general tourism. Now, I get Elizabethton is a smaller community. But on a smaller scale, this type of partnership must exist. I certainly don't know or understand all the financial implications, obviously, but I find it difficult to believe there isn't a real benefit to having the Twins affiliate there ll these years, and for years yet to come. As one who grieves that a multi-billion sport can't take better care financially for the players in their pipeline, I still feel there is some onus on the host cities to maintain this partnership. If the facilities are really that backward, then the Twins should absolutely consider a move elsewhere. That being said, may I also state that were I an owner of a ML franchise, my investment interest in my milb franchises would not be small or one bordering on dis-interest. (Not saying this is the case with the Twins). I would attempt to hold at least some financial control and interest in each of my affiliates beyond players and coaches. I would totally get behind the local interest and flavor of each team. While team names and subsequent uniform colors may be unique, I would embrace a look and feel in overall scheme and presentation that you KNEW who that affiliate belonged to, as a fan and a player. Maybe the answer is the Twins chipping in part of the cost. I don't know the details. Perhaps the Twins ARE involved with a portion of the finances. But it's my $.02 worth.

What I WANT...Berrios and Mejia BOTH in the rotation and doing well and building their future along with Duffy, who rebounds with better fastball control and looks like the guy we saw in 2016. Gibson rebounds in a big way, as does Hughes, and Santiago is released or traded for something and Santana is moved for something of substance. Again...what I WANT. Now...being practical...Molitor shouldn't have made such an absolute statement at this point...let's look at reality. And this DOES NOT diminish belief in any young prospect. Berrios struggled, is young, has options, and is still working out a few kinks. Mejia has looked good, has some potential, and less than a half season of AAA time. Meanwhile, a healthy Hughes and Gibson have the potential for a nice rebound. Santana is very solid. Santiago is at least OK. So I open the season with veterans, hopefully healthy and pitching well, maybe even offering some trade value, OR, I just dump and trade them all and full my rotation with prospects and hope they are close enough to to be decimated or lose confidence and just deal with losing. OR...again...work with the vets, hopefully win some games, maybe build some trade value, wait for opportunity to promote and plug in a prospect, and then go from there. There is what I WANT...and then there is PRACTICAL for the time being.

Feel awful for May. I think he was poised for a really solid year. Not be sparky, but about Berrios AND Mejia as someone else will invariably get hurt or not be ready?

For various reasons, the 3 guys in the OF every day, players actually playing the right position (Sano), the defense will be better this season despite questions about the left side of the infield. I am absolutely not sold on Kintzler as the closer and wonder how long he will keep the job, but I feel the bullpen will be much better this season, with some solid to excellent arms getting ready at Rochester. It still comes down to the starting Pitching though. I hate to use this as a source of optomism, but really, they could be bad and STILL be better than last season. IF...and it's still a mighty big IF...Hughes can regain his 92mph velocity and feel better about his change going forward, he is a huge boost. Santana is solid and sometimes excellent. Personally, I believe Gibson is going to rebound and surprise a bit. I like May and liked what I saw of him the other night. Now, if we can just get Berrios out there every 5th day.....

One thing I like about about Reiff and ReMyers both is that they are only 26-27. They are versatile and experienced but still young with multiple years ahead of them. And honestly, their best years should be ahead. These may be quick fixes in the short term, but could also prove to be long term fixes as well. As poor as Clemmings has played at times, we have to remember he came in very inexperienced and with rough edges. He was considered a talented prospect who needed some time but was thrust in to a starting role way too early. Guard or tackle, there is potential there. I also like Sirles, still only 26 I believe, as a solid and versatile backup who may yet develop. Not sure about Easton or Kerin just yet, but I've seen some good things from both of them to think each has a chance to be at least solid backup options. I thought Beavers was a solid and interest developmental player but thought we reached when we took him. The whole point being, I think the OL got better these past couple of days, and it is shaping up to a pretty young unit with upside, especially when you figure at least two more selections in the draft should join them.

Harrison is still pretty young, fairly athletic and has real power potential. Sooner or later though, he has to produce a quality season again. I believe this is his make or break season. Goodrum is a guy I feel good about. He's one of those raw but "toolsy" players the Twins have loved drafting. It's taken a while to get his bat going and he has had some injuries, but he offers pop and speed and vast positional flexibility. I believe he has a pretty good shot to be what we had hoped DanSan would become. I just don't understand the handling of Wheeler at all. He was fast-tracked initially, added to the 40 man, then was removed after a poor season. Fine. Makes sense. But he pitched well last season and even went to the all star game. He may not throw very hard, but for a 100 loss team he couldn't have been added to the roster and given a shot as a back end SP in place of Albers or Dean? He's going to be passed up pretty quickly, in fact probably already has been, but last season would have been the perfect time to audition him for a role.

I missed part of the top of the first and didn't see the 2 runs score. What I saw after that left me pretty impressed by May. His velocity and control seemed pretty sharp. Threw a couple really nice breaking balls. Thought he got jobbed on a couple nice pitches. All in all, I was pleased by what I saw.

Personally, I believe Garver ranks ahead of Murphy in just about everyone's mind, IMO. By all reports, he's quality behind the plate and is definitely quality AT the plate. But with a pitching staff filled with questions, coming off injury and poor performance, I can see the initial thought being a veteran BACKUP catcher with experience and acumen while Garver gets to play almost every day for Rochester to begin the season. I want Garver on the team and have high hopes for him...but I get it.

I see a possible career operating heavy machinery. (Hehe)

Can't believe Team USA lost their luggage! Having to play the game in their pajamas really threw their game off.

I would also like to see Gonsalves begin the year with Rochester. It would seem he's proven himself at AA and ready for the challenge of Rochester. Plus, there is a bit of a crunch, potentially, for the Chattanooga rotation. Still, these guys are all young enough that I would be OK with Gonsalves at AA and Romero or Rosario at Ft Myers for the first month to get off to good starts, pun intended, and let a few things play out at each level above before some immediate promotions. I really like Mauer being at Chattanooga this season to follow the players he was managing last season. I like the familiarity and continuity aspect.

I get your "IF" Mike. I really do. But we do have 3 of the top 34-35 picks in the upcoming draft. Romero really is an exciting talent. Jay really does have some great stuff to work with. Gonsalves doesn't "measure" the way some want him to, but he has done nothing but perform. I was really down on Stewart until I saw his improvement at times last season and realized how young he was. The list goes on. Listen, I know not everyone is going to make it. But if abundance of talent in the milb system is some sort of measurement or barometer of future success, I think we are OK. There is some real potential still working it's way up. It just happens to be both close and far away, with less in the middle. I would honestly not be surprised to see the Twins have 5-6 top 100 prospects this time next year.

I think this post is pretty damn awesome and exact! Wish I could like it more than once! Life happens. Stuff happens. Injuries happen. And people can talk about curses, bad luck, poor drafting...whatever. and I'm not going to play the "poor us" card as Twins fans, not am I going to try to blame anyone in particular for failure here and there...even though it would be easy to do so in some instances. The simple truth is, woulda, coulda, shoulda, the Twins didn't reach the top of the mountain but did have sustained competitiveness for several successful seasons. The truth is they did have some terrible, unexpected injuries to guys like Mauer and Morneau who were at the top of their game. They also lost a couple really good FA. They also made a couple of aggressive trades that didn't work out the way anyone wanted or hoped. (Truth is you win some and you lose some). Again, not pointing any blame fingers here, but all of this lead to a downturn for the entire Twins organization, including several years of selecting later in the draft due to a period of success. But another truth is that through the draft and international signings, the Twins HAVE accumulated such young talent as Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Polanco, Berrios and others. Is the jury still out? Yes. But no instant stardom for such young, talented players is not only a reason not to panic, it's pretty normal. I think we sometimes get so wrapped up in the sudden emergence of guys like Trout and Harper, for instance, that we ignore or forget the norm. We wail about a few disappointing years of futility and disappointment but forget about quality years of competitiveness that the Royals, Nationals and the Cubs, to just name a few, were probably envious of considering how many losing seasons they had before making their mark. I'm just saying, a little perspective is in order. We lose...we have a top milb system...the kids "graduate" but aren't immediate all stars...suddenly our milb system is ranked lower...and some want to throw in the towel. Patience sucks, I get it. I'm fighting patience in my own life. But just because there aren't the immediate dividends we want to see NOW aren't meeting expectation, and there isn't a second crop of similar prospects ready to deliver based on other people's rankings immediately shouldn't be so disheartening. There is an ebb and flow to this.

And it's good food for thought, as well as an interesting point. I agree, with a new regime in place, there may be other coaches and instructors Falvey and Levine are familiar with that they might feel more "comfortable" with going forward. Of course, I think it will greatly depend on the current coaches and how they embrace new formats.

Just curious, but this same time next year, after some very high draft choices in the first 34 picks, and continued showings by Gonsalves, Jay, Romero and others, and the organization is sudden ranked in the top 10, does all the angst go away?

Yes, I am an optomist and always have been. Nice write up BTW! There are ebbs and flows to any season as well as prospect rankings. They change every season as guys fail, get hurt, or graduate to the majors. Even those who rank the systems can't entirely agree on a set list. Personally, I'm very excited at Gonsalves, Mejia, Stewart, Jay, Romero, Jorge, Reed, Melotakis, Hildenberger and Burdi all at AA or above and ready to make some moves this season. If even a couple of them reach their potential it's a huge boost to the Twins. And some of those guys are still quite young or have limited time this far. Is there a bit of a gap in position players right now? Yes. But that's also due to graduation. There are still a couple interesting bats besides Gordon that could be solid players in the upper levels, and some intriguing prospects with high upside in the lower levels. Right now, the bulk of top prospects are in the way of pitchers that are getting close. And pitching is something we really need. I'm actually pretty excited to see what happens in Chattanooga and Rochester.

I have to admit, I'm almost as excited for the milb season to start as I am the Twins season. And not just because I love to follow the minors and miss the daily reports. To me, there is a different vibe in the system this season, despite the "graduation" of so many top prospects to the ML level and a "lowering" of the Twins milb rankings. The pitching starved Twins will have Gonsalves, Mejia, Jay, Stewart, Jorge and Romero all at AAA and AA. Relief wise there will be Hildenberger, Melotakis, Reed and Burdi. Any or all of these guys have the potential for really good seasons and at least a couple of them could debut this season. Could Thorpe be this season's version of Romero? Remember, he missed last season due to mono but is anot her full season removed from his surgery. Just how good could young Brusdar Grater OL be? Could he also be another Romero, but at a lower level? Granite has not looked out of place in ST. I have a good feeling about Palka overall. (Too many SO's but he has hit everywhere and is not immune to BB). I have a lot of faith in Garver. With his overall talent and ability, and such a strong AFL, could Gordon make a big leap this season? And there are guys like Blankenhorn and Cabbage in the lower levels I'm anxious to see break out. Despite the lower prospect rankings to begin the season, I still feel there is a lot to be excited about here.

Reading this and looking at last season and his start this season, has to be #1 on my board at the moment.

While last year was last year and there shouldn't be a direct carryover since every season is its own entity, the Twins weren't "supposed" to be that bad. As pointed out in a previous post, the pitching staff could be awful, (not saying they will be necessarily), and STILL show improvement based on historical lows and the team could/should still improve their record. And while I don't have the numbers in front of me, during a radio broadcast in the second half last seasin, there was an interesting Stat that the Twins had a better record against winning record teams than losing teams. There is a nice young core of young players still finding themselves and improving and growing. I see a better bullpen, slightly better overall defense, and at least some improvement to the rotation. All of this is why I pick the over, though not a betting man. Like just about every season, the team the Twins field will not be the same team that ends the season. May not even be the same team two months in to the season. I actually see the Twins with a better second half record than the first as promotions take place and the youngsters begin to round in to form.

I am very intrigued by Goodrum and his overall talent base and seeming positional flexability, especially after his production last season once healthy. Unless I'm mistaken, however, he has yet to play a single game above AA. For this reason, I just don't see him breaking camp with the Twins. Hut he is a guy I'd be watch for in the future.

Right now, today, I think I would agree with your roster. Two interesting points, however: 1] Still not entirely sold on Gimenez. I get he's an experienced vet and offers some positional flexability. The new FO is obviously familiar with him and Garver not only has options, but also limited AAA time. But I don't think he's locked in just yet. 2] Is it really possible that the disappointing DanSan could actually be turning in to the versatile and sometimes exciting bench player we all hoped he might be?

On the one hand, we caution not to get enamored with Park's production...or anyone else's...because it's so early in ST. On the other hand, despite not improved second performance, we are upset Hughes isn't throwing 92. We can't have it both ways. Many, many pitchers not only ramp up their innings during the spring, and get feel for their pitches, but vamp up their velocity. The fact that he is actually hitting 90 at this point coming off such an unknown injury repair has me far more optomistic than I was coming into ST. Now, if he's only hitting 90 in a couple of weeks I have to question rehab or a bullpen move.