DocBauer

I would say Berrios over Mejia at this point with Vogelsong and Haley as possibles. There are always injuries, trade possibilities and guys who flat out stink. (Though you always want to avoid 2 of those). The rotation that starts the season is not the rotation we'll see at the end of the year, and could be different by the break, or even a month in.

Agreed. First pitch strikes, ahead in the count, Hughes himself feeling better about his feel and control is encouraging and beyond what I have been expecting. Many pitchers ramp up their velocity throughout the spring. If I recall correctly, this has been pretty standard for Hughes himself going all the way back to 2014 even. He's honestly further along than I ever expected based on this last outing. Doesn't mean he will make it all the way back and be the same pitcher he was in 2014, but I'm surprised and encouraged at this point.

I agree on Haley and that his competition is someone like Vogelsong and not Tonkin or a similar shorter IP RP. Could he end up as a starter still? Yes, but this would be his best role for the time being, and the best fit for the team. I appreciated the comments on Berrios. I want him in the rotation and believe he will be there sooner rather than later. There are always injuries, trade possibilities, etc. He is young and still working on tweaking a few things. And sometimes, whether we like it or not, there can be a numbers crunch coming out of the gate to begin the season. "Youngest pitcher to start a game in the AL last season" speaks volumes to me.

Again, agreed. I like Buxton's power and speed ahead of solid bat control from Polanco, but also like the better power of Buxton behind Polanco. Either works and could be exciting. I still have the feeling that, eventuallyou, Kepler may turn out to be the team'should best #3 hitter, but that's asking a lot of these 3 young guys so soon. But wouldn't it be amazing to see some combination of Dozier/Sano hitting 4 and 5 with Park/Vargas in the 6 spot?

Right now, today, only a few games played, I'm not all that worried about a roster filled with a plethora of mid to late 30yo FA invites. These guys are not on the Twins 40 man, or anyone else's, for that matter, for a reason. And the TWINS are not the only team to bring in such players to camp every year, we're simply focused on the Twins. Every team brings in a bunch of guys like this for game depth in the spring, to help fill the AAA roster, and because you sometimes find a useful piece or two to be the 24th-25th man on your roster until someone better is available/ready. Despite the rebuild and general youth movement taking place, to say there aren't holes in the roster, or that every prospect on the 40 man is ready for the majors is a bit naive. Is there room borderline a Breslow until Melotakis is ready? Yes. Is there room for a 4th OF so that Granite can play everyday at Rochester for now? Again, yes. Even if a couple of guys do make the club, it doesn't mean they are permanent fixtures by any means.

I think we're in general accord on this. I really feel, ultimately, some combination of Polanco and Buxton at the top of the order makes the most sense. Is that a lot of pressure on those two young guys? Yes it is. And they both have to be comfortable and continue to learn and grow. But the overall combination of hitting/OB/speed and pop is exciting. Buxton is used to hitting leadoff in the minors, and Polanco has done a lot of it, as well as experience in the world and 3 spots. (Polanco's recent milb seasons has him hitting at one of the top 2 spots before sliding down to 3 as one of his team's best overall hitters). I'm not certain which order works best: Buxton-Polanco or Polanco-Buxton. And I think arguements can be made for each version. I can still see Mauer/Grossman begining the season in the 2 spot until things shake out. But my gut feeling is the Mauer/Grossman spot would be best in the 6 or 7 spot, providing hitting and OB with, hopefully, some doubles power at least. (At this point Grossman seems to have a substantial power advantage). They would provide contact and OB ability behind the middle of the lineup, and opportunity for the bottom of the order to have runners OB.

To me, pausing for a moment to simply state the obvious that everyone is healthy and producing at some sort of expected or anticipated level, what to do with Mauer is not about the platoon, but simply where to hit him at. Either Vargas or Park will be the other half of this scenario, and spend time in the DH spot. (Barring a surprise player joining the fold). Mauer sits against LHP with Vargas/Park playing 1B and Grossman is the RH DH that day. (*Grossman also play a little OF here and there-TBD) You can make a strong arguement for the Mauer/Grossman spot to be second in the lineup after Polanco or Buxton. It makes a ton of sense. Ideally, at some point, you'd really like to see Buxton and Polanco both at the top of the order with Mauer/Grossman further down the lineup in either the 6th or 7th hole, providing solid bats and OB behind the power hitters, and getting OB ahead of the bottom of the order.

Even though Santiago's overall numbers look better than Nolasco the past couple of seasons, the trade was done, from the Twins perspective, to unload a poor performing player that didn't fit for a younger player, with better recent performance, who could help. The Angels made the move, primarily, to see if lightening would strike, in a good way, for Meyer. A return to previous form for Nolasco wouldn't stink either. In a lot of ways, it was about change of scenery for the guys involved to see what happens. Santiago has, more or less, outperformed his peripherals. But even still, he does have a career 3.84 ERA and a 2-1 SO/BB ratio and has topped 180IP twice. He did finish last season looking much better than when he first arrived with the Twins. Frankly, while not good, he's not terrible either. All in all though, I hope his Twins tenure is short lived as it means we've found someone better to take his place. And if you had told me someone like Vogelsong...even at 40...supposedly healthy and tread on the tires despite his age...would be brought jn, I may have stayed away from Santiago. But other than Santana and Gibson, the Twins entered ST with no-one else who's name you could write in the rotation with ink. Yes, absolutely yes, I want Berrios and May in the rotation and think it's time and they deserve the opportunity and I believe in both. But there are question marks with each, at least initially. And there remains huge questions regarding Hughes coming back, and when, and to what degree. So for now, Santiago is an OK option and a necessary one. Here's hoping he performs well and has trade value at some point.

Under last season'starts payroll and we'll below the ML average payroll, and with questions surrounding the roster, I don't see a single guy here being cut or traded. Despite major concerns with the rotation, Santiago would be the most likely to go with Santana and Gibson locked in with Berrios and May hopefully ready and a few remaining options for the 5th spot. But questions remain regarding Hughes while May and Berrios are still in a bit of a "prove it" mode, though each needs and deserves the opportunity. Just don't see a single move taking place unless someone has an injury, the rest of the rotation candidates step up, and it makes sense to trade Santiago.

Ideally, in the not too distant future, some combination of Buxton and Polanco hit 1-2 with Kepler 3rd. Follow that with Sano/Dozier. In that scenario, Mauer is 6th or 7th depending on the Park/Vargas DH situation. Grossman for Mauer against lefties, Vargas/Park play 1B. Rosario bats 8th with the catcher 9th.

What troubles me is the fact that had the surgery been done sooner, for his own career sake, he might be able to play part of this season. But what I don't know is, how long should an expected treatment/rehab take place normally before a decision should be made? I totally understand choosing rehab and treatment first. And I don't know enough medically to know when the time is right to opt for surgery. But it sure does seem to take a long time before the surgery decision is made.

I would say Stubbs as the 4th OF, assuming he can find a bit of his old magic, and Adrianza would be my loop choices, along with Breslow. Stubbs used to be good defensively, could hit and run a bit and flashed some power from the RH side. He could definitely be a fit. Adrianza obviously brings the leather, and actually didn't hit badly in the minors. Defensive replacement/utility? Breslow has experience, his new arm angle and spin rate to help the pen. I find these three at least...interesting. I still have this gut feeling the Twins will be adding a cut OF late in the spring .

This would be awful if true. Then again, maybe just a setback and a slower start to his season and not really season ending? Not to sound insensitive, but on a baseball only front, does this mean 1B for 2017 to ease the strain on his arm?

I think the 75 wins is about right. I am also not a betting man, but if I were forced to, I'd take the over. (Over meaning, of course, even 76 wins). I say this based on a couple of factors: 1] As Brock reminds, the Twins "should" have been a low 70's win team last season based on projections. As also stated, just don't feel they will fail a poorly, or have as much poor luck this season. 2] The OF defense will be better this season. Catcher will be no worse, probably better. The left side of the infield defense couldn't possibly be worse, could it? So at least a slight gain defensively. 3] I am not bullish on the rotation. But really, it has nowhere to go but up. Gibson will be better. I like both May and Berrios and believe both will take steps forward this season, perhaps not all in one huge stride, but they will be OK, perhaps good, and are better options than others marched out to the hill last season. I still think Santana will be solid again this season. So yeah...forced to bet, I'd pick the over.

Someone recently mentioned Wade as resembling Lawton for his all around skill set and ability. Solid all areas. Boy do I hope that turns out to be true. He'd be a quality starter or outstanding 4th OF. Can a healthy Thorpe be this year's version of Romero? An all around catcher so close to bogs I think I'd have Garver higher too. Nice write up!

Someone recently mentioned Wade as resembling Lawton for his all around skill set and ability. Solid all areas. Boy do I hope that turns out to be true. He'd be a quality starter or outstanding 4th OF. Can a healthy Thorpe be this year's version of Romero? An all around catcher so close to bogs I think I'd have Garver higher too. Nice write up!

I'd be curious to know just how well Giminez actually plays the corner infield and outfield positions. He sure doesn't hit much, but if he was solid defensively at those 4 additional spots, it could increase his value.

Not saying he's going to be in the MVP discussion, but IF this is Park''s real potential, look how nice our lineup could be!

No question Greene I is tantalizing as a prospect, and overall ceiling he may indeed be the top player in the draft. And if you don't take him, you may live with deep regret. Right now though, I'd lean to Faedo or Wright. There is a ton of baseball to be played before the draft and the hope is, obviously, that someone truly separates from the pack. I just can't find myself feeling comfortable with a HS pitcher as the #1 overall pick. There is a reason it's never/seldom happened before, (LH yes, RH no). Injury potential and just so far from the majors makes it such a risky proposition.

The earth always seems to spin a little more true, wobble just a bit less, when baseball is being played. (*I have no actual proof of this, but my feet always seem more firmly planted on the ground). And while it will be a while yet until truly meaningful games are played, the Twins are back in action. And very soon, the minor leaguers will be reporting and preparing for their upcoming season. Thankfully, one of the best things about Twins Daily...our baseball gospel as it were...is the attention given to the Twins minor leagues. There are a ton of various top prospect lists out there, including some presented by TD posters. But in deference to the ownership collective here, I am referencing prospects outside of the collective top 20 Twins prospects. As a refresher, they are as follows: 20) Justin Haley SP/RP? 19) Ben Rortvedt C 18) Engelb Vielma SS 17) Nick Burdi RP 16) Zach Granite OF 15) LaMonte Wade OF 14) Daniel Palka OF/1B? 13) JT Chargois RP 12) Felix Jorge SP 11) Mitch Garver C 10) Lewin Diaz 1B 9) Travis Blankenhorn 2B/3B? 8) Kohl Stewart SP 7) Adalberto Mejia SP 6) Wander Javier SS 5) Tyler Jay SP 4) Nick Gordon SS 3) Alex Kirilloff 2) Stephen Gonsalves 1) Fernando Romero Over the next five months or so, we will have various commentaries and debates while following these 20 closely, and the seasons they are having, as well as various other players, probably at AAA primarily, and does so and so deserve a shot, etc. But there is a vast Twins milb system to consider, and literally hundreds of other players to watch and consider and speculate about. Other than this collection of top 20 prospects, who is it that YOU are personally following and are interested and intrigued by? Is it someone from your area? Someone you feel is overlooked? Someone you've watched play or met? Someone not getting enough credit? Perhaps someone from the DSL? (Hello Thrylos!) Perhaps someone with a human interest story or someone you think we've all forgotten about? I could offer a fairly lengthy list of my own, but there are a few guys that really peak my interest that I will begin with: Trevor Hildenberger RHRP: I don't care that he's 26 and hasn't pitched above AA yet. Relievers to me, much like catchers, aren't as defined by age as other players are. And for some reason, I'm suckered by side-armors. Guy has been flat out nasty and throws harder than most side-flingers seem to be. I'm betting on him making an appearance in 2017 and possibly sticking. Aaron Slegers RHSP: He may be 6' 10" but his no Johnson or Meyers. That can be both good and bad. You'd think someone that large would just "bring it", but we all know pitch velocity is just not always about build. Reports have him high 80's and low 90's but with a deceptive delivery, with his length, and some mechanical inconsistencies. Walk rate and WHIP pretty good. Could experience and consistency with his mechanics suddenly vault him to a higher prospect status? Lewis Thorpe LHSP: What could be right now eh? Considering the way he was tracking and what was said about him early on, healthy, could he be the Twins #1 prospect today? Thankfully, his lost 2016 was due to illness and not injury. Still, his 2015 was, and that's almost two full years lost. Kind of sounds a bit like Romero though, doesn't it? If his still youthful self hasn't been ravaged via initial injury and then sickness, I'd really like to think he will rebound similarly as Romero did and this time next year we will be talking about him as a top 10 prospect AT LEAST ready for AA ball, if not speculation as to when he is ready for AAA. Lachlan Wells LHSP: I am absolutely dumbfounded and confused by this guy! An, almost in a couple of days, 20yo LHSP who can SO a batter per IP, with a 4-1 SO/BB ratio with a 1.0 WHIP...SSS I know...is ALWAYS interesting! But who is this guy really? MILB lists him at 5' 8" and 165 lbs, and I've read where he throws in the high 80's. And I've read other reports where he's more like 6' or 6' 1" and 190+lbs and throws in the low 90's. Who he really is may intrigue more as much, or more, than what he does on the field and the "Wild Thing" glasses he sports on his Kernals photo. Position player wise.... Tanner English OF: He drew raves for his defense coming out of college, and was seen as a prototype top of the order hitter. He absolutely seems to understand his role in the lineup and takes great pride in his defense. He had a nice short season debut in '14, a very nice 2015 for Cedar Rapids before a rough, injury filled 2016. I have the feeling he's flying under the radar and could have a breakout 2017. Niko Goodrum Utility: Just ready to turn 25, it feels as though he has been in the system forever. He reminds me of the traditional "toolsy" OF's the Twins have drafted over the past few seasons. He's never fully put it together, has been bounced around some positional lyrics, and has had a couple of injuries here and there that slowed him down somewhat. He has played SS/2B/3B/LF/CF and I'm not sure about RF thus far in his milb career. His hitting has been up and down, but his OB% has almost always been 60-90 points higher than his BA. He's shown speed, a bit of pop, positional flexability, (not always a good thing), but seemed to start putting it all together at Chattanooga for a little over half a season last year. Is he about to put it all together and be the versatile and somewhat dangerous utility player we all hoped DanSan might become? These are my personal top minor leaguers I'm watching for 2017. There will invariably be others that catch my eye. But I'm wondering what other prospects, not in the top 20, YOU are intrigued by and watching this upcoming season?

Nice! Like to state he is a smooth criminal. Alas...he's been caught stealing far too often to make such a claim, however.

Nice pitch Mr. Rosario!

Can we put him back in?

I missed Duffey's half inning. How did he look?

Twins 7....other team....2. Why does this sound so strange? But I love it!