DocBauer

Personally, while still a bit disappointed yet again that a ttye 4th OF wasn't found, I feel that the new FO did pretty much what I expected and believed they should do. Or, in some casss, not do. The youngsters need to play, daily, and develop. IMO, signing a big HR hitting DH would be fun and entertaining, and could possibly something to look at next season. (Though Palka could provide a nice internal option). But with Mauer, Vargas, Park and Grossman all available for 1B/DH, once again, you need to se what you have. (Vargas and Grossman are still pretty young). Plus you have off dayseason or half days off, for others to take a turn at DH here and there. I thought one good RP, and maybe a flyer not a veteran LH arm was right for the pen. They sort of accomplished this, but I would have rather they sign a bounce back closer type. There are, potentially, some solid arms in Chargois, Pressly, Duffey and Haley in the pen, plus Rogers. And there are several interesting arms getting very close. The rotation is still a huge question mark. But I didn't want to eek it further muddled by signing older FA when Berrios and May need opportunity, there are a couple guys who could debut later in the year, Gibson has value for the Twins, or possible trade, but only if he pitches and pitches well. This doesn't even take in to account Hughes, Santana or Santiago. The team is being addressed from the inside out for 2017, players and personnel are being looked at from top to bottom, new programs are being put in place. The roster will turn over some during the season, and after the season. And not only will the FO have a better idea of who to keep, and who not to, but they will have $ to work with after this season, and even more coming off the books after 2018. I can quibble about the 4th OF and closer situation, but I see what is taking place and can't really disagree with it.

Well, I am supposedly working today, and there always has to be an exception to every rule. Let's now, how many words is that? Twenty-six!

Hmmm....not sure most of my posts are LESS than 2000 words. Lol Great to hear the backstories of our favorite site! Very sorry the Vikings sister site didn't work out. I visited it frequently.

What offers me encouragement still is his age, and the uptick in SO the first half of last season in Ft Myers. If his start at AA this season is similar, I will remain encouraged. Despite a need at the ML level for top pitching, I wonder if Stewart would be better off at AA for the entire season, or at least the majority of it.

While they are years awat, there are some young arms in the low minors that should bear watching with excitement over the next few years, and I include Thorpe on that list due to injury and illness. But I think he is clearly a guy who could be a fast riser. Obviously, Mejia at AAA and Romero at Ft Myers, for now, along with the collection at AA is where immediate attention and hope reside. We can complain all we want to that no "expert" opinion has any of these guys as a top of the rotation option, though Romero could be. But with any young pitcher with talent, it's just so hard to truly predict what they will yet become. Even on reaching the majors and throwing well, a lot of future ACE and top starters still take a year or two or more to become that guy. I have a lot of excitement to see what these guys, and Berrios, accomplish this season. Unfortunately, I also see fodder at AAA and think a few of these guys will not be in the organization for lkng. I get that you need to fill out the Rochester staff and you might get lucky with someone who gives you depth and a lift when injuries hit. But it is my sincere hope May and Berrios will be in the rotation for the majority, if not the entire, season. They need the time and development opportunity going forward.

I spent the first 10 years of my life in South Dakota, where I learned the game and became a Twins fan via my father, which I have mentioned before. I am fortunate enough that my 40+ years while living in Nebraska I can still receive most Twins games via the radio. A little over 5 years ago I discovered Sethspeaks and other websites to follow the Twins and their milb affiliates more easily than scouring over snippets in various printed materials, (though some like Baseball America and others did provide quality information). I am hopelessly addicted to my beloved Twins and this website. I visit often daily and my tablet and phone are probably weary from all the refreshing I do on daily basis, lol. THANK YOU to everyone, not just the owners, but all who share here, for a fantastic site and community!

OK gang...here we go. The world is about to become a bit brighter again. And I'm not referring to sunny days and 50 degree temperatures here in the Midwest. (Nebraska in my case). We still have half of April to go through, and all of March, which we all know to a fickle beast and weather tempest. I'm talking, of course, about baseball. Spring training is about a new season, a new hope...not just for our favorite teams to love, follow and debate...but because baseball is a direct reflection of life and the world we live in and make. New hope Springs eternal with a new season, (not talking Star Wars here, lol), but each season is filled to the brim with possibilities! The "hot stove" portion of baseball is like a hand warmer in winter vs shirt sleeves and shorts and hot summer sun while being surrounded by Green and bloom. Spring training is all about hope and possibility. And even if hopes are easily dashed when the season starts, (always...hopefully NOT), admit it...the world is a better place to live with baseball all around us. "Struck out", "home run" and the proverbial "there's always tomorrow" are not just hyperbole, they are ingrained references in our culture that are born from the world of baseball, understood and articulated even by those with no to little love or knowledge of the game itself. (I will resist temptation to discuss such matters as reaching 1B, 2B, etc, lol) Baseball is a part of life as we know it and love or endure it. Your team stinks? What about the hot rookie that offers so much promise and makes you tune in? Or the milb portion of your team that offers promise? You turn on or tune in a Twins game and they lose or get blown out...in the midst of a poor or quality season regardless..."there is always tomorrow". And that next day comes, and the Twins...in this forum, naturally, play well or dominate and win, and suddenly the sun shines a bit brighter, green and all colors are a bit more vibrant, and there is a better feeling for that day in the world. And it all starts with something as simple as "pitchers and catchers reporting". Absolutely none of us knows what the 2017 season will bring for our beloved Twins, or their milb affiliates, (or life itself, for that matter). But as fans and followers of baseball, we all understand the impact of those 4 precious words, what they mean and imply, and how they impact on us as human beings and fans. Even on a bad day, there can be sunshine, a dog, a flat beer, and hope. As a man/human being, and as a Twins fan, I will confess to you that I look forward to this new season like I have never anticipated one before. Not because I expect a worst to first scenario to repeat for a 3rd time. But simply...the world is more RIGHT with real baseball being played, and all the potential implications that come with it. If you didn't already know from reading various posts of mine over time, or words written here, at my heart, even with the drudgery of everyday life, I am an optomist at heart. (Not always a good or easy thing to be sure). And I am filled to the brim with optomism for the entire Twins organization that I love, have loved, and followed for 45+ years or so now. Not because I expect something sublime to happen...(bless you Cubs fans)...and not simply because baseball is about to be back...(again, the whole world a better place)...but because I'm actually excited for the new direction the entire Twins organization is headed. I know the new FO will not pull a rabbit out of the hat for their first presentation, but I am excited that they will lay down the hard, rubber to the road, groundwork to make changes. And patience for the past be damned, this a NEW set of patience put in place. But there is just so much to be excited for. Admittedly, with some trepidation involved. And if some of you want to be pessemists,I do get it. But really, Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Polanco, Berrios and others, including a few older players, isn't there something here to be excited for? This isn't necessarily or exclusively a positive thread, despite my exuberance for a new season. The truth is, however, that it IS a new season. The Twins don't have to be 20 some games better than last season. ALL teams, including the Cubs, begin 0-0. The Twins just have to grow and be better, from the top on down. But I ramble, as I am wont to do at times. You can be pessemist or optomist, but what are KEY predictions you have for 2017? As for me: 1} By May, if not before, Buxton will be showing enough overall potential and dynamic ability he will be the leadoff hitter. It may take a year or so for the OB% to be where we would like it, but the rest of his game will excite and demand he hit in the top spot. 2} Dozier will absolutely regress to some degree. He's not going to hit 40 bombs again. But he is a valuable and polished and smart player who made adjustments in 2016. There could be a lot of people regretting not trading for him, a lot of people demanding he be traded for value, but just as many praising his value and wondering if he should be extended. 3} Berrios is going to struggle somewhat. He might even spend some time in Rochester. But by the second half of the season he will begin to show some very strong things and start to show his real potential. 4} There will be ups and downs, but by seasons end, we will all be looking at the Twins OF with tremendous hope and excitement. 5} Despite a lot of promise shown team-wide, Molitor will be lucky to survive the full season. He's just too old school and resistant to different ways of using his roster and a change is made. 6} The AAA and AA teams will show winning seasons, but the important part is there will be a couple really good performances from some quality prospects amidst the fodder. 7} We will look at Ft Myers and bellow and sah: "wow! Look at...." Just a few thoughts. Really want to hear your predictions.

Catcher: I am absolutely excited to see what he does with the staff, but as the article alludes to, it make time to see his affect. He not only has to learn the pitchers, but they have to learn him. His experience, habit's, communicstion, game planning and management, framing, etc, could all be outstanding. But there are not necessarily stats for these areas. Really excited to see what Garver can do when he gets his shot. I really hoped it's right out of the gate, giving Castro the necessary days off, as well as platooning against LHP. If the team decides he should play daily initially at Rochester,mi won't be too upset, but I may even a bit disappointed. Rotation: There could, indeed, be a roster crunch initially, depending on Hughes, and to a lesser degree, Duffey, and even Haley. I've seen enough of Duffey to not give up on him as a SP, but he may still fit better now, as well as long term, in the pen. Haley could surprise, and I'm betting the TWINS work out something to keep him in the organization regardless. For now, I'm actually thinking he and Duffey both in the pen. Hughes is big wildcard for this team. Whether it's immediately, a month or so in to the season, or for the second half, a fully healthy Hughes even close to his 2014 self is HUGE. Could it happen? I don't know. Nobody does. He could be anything from a high quality starter, to a closer, a setup man, or nothing. My best guess is he doesn't begin the season on the active roster, taking some time to ramp up, and the rotation is Santana, Gibson, Santiago, May and Berrios. If, by some chance, Hughes IS ready from day one in the rotation, I'd sure hate to see May or Berrios lose out. Bullpen: Kintzler, Belize, Pressly, Chargois and Rogers are almost all written in pen. Very possibly Duffey and Haley as well. That leaves Bristow, Boshers and O'Rourke fighting for the second LH spot, or, room for Hughes, (doubtful) or a surprise riser. No room for Hildenberger, Reed, etc? That's OK. I'm fine with that. Rochester's bullpen should be loaded, and this roster will be in flux all season.

100% honest, I was impressed with what Walker produced, power and RBI and a sense of consistency through his 5 milb seasons. I was tantalize by what he might produce if he could continue to produce at the same level, overall, and maintain his level of production the majors. And I kept hearing his arm was good and he was a great athlete, and in time his defense would catch up and he'd be at least OK in that department. But I am kind of tired of the Walker vs Palka comparisons. I am not going to do the research for every single statistical comparison to the two. But I have looked at the most basic numbers between them. Overall, 5 milb seasons for Walker vs Palka's 4: Walker: .251BA/ .310OB/ .487SLG/ .796OPS Palka: .273BA/ .350OB/ .508SLG/ .859OPS SB and SB% almost identical, though Palka has a couple more in one less season. Not saying Palka will be good, much less great,but thus far, he ranks ahead of Walker in BA, OB%, SLG% and OPS. Same age within days of one another, one less season of time for Palka. Can we stop with the comparisons? Palka seems to clearly be a better prospect.

A few thoughts: 1] Is Wade one of those guys just so all around good that he sort of sneaks up on you as to how all around good he really is? 2] Palka hits decently, and has hit at every level, thus far, with some normal adjustment period. He will probably always SO more than you'd like, but he also takes walks. He power is definitely there. And he seems to move very well. I'm excited for him and wonder if he's not the heir for 1B while still being able to play the OF. 3] Big believer in Garver's all around ability and think he will be very solid. 4] Have we all fallen asleep on Jorge and his potential?

Not sure I understand your question Mike. I simply think it's a "meh" signing with potential. As previously stated...and many times before in other threads...I thought signing a quality 4th OF was one of the real ways you could improve the roster for 2017. Someone who could hit LH pitching and play solid defense in the corners, at least. Didn't have to play CF, but there were guys out there that could. And I still liked the idea of Grossman as the 5th OF who could play the OF here and there, but help more as a DH and PH. As stated, I get what Stubbs and other similar signings are, AAA options and a shot in the dark to see if something clicks and sticks as a helpful piece. It happens. Guy gets healthy, finds himself again at the right time and place, and you invested next to nothing either way. How would I evaluate his defense in ST compared to the last 4 years of data? By just watching him, and others brought in. You van either play and hit and contribute or not. Next move, milb camp or release. Harsh...but reality. But I still get what Falvey and Levine are doing. I just don't agree with their handling of the 4th OF spot.

I remain absolutely convinced that Sano will be at least an adequate 3B given opportunity and work. Coming up, we heard he worked hard on his defense and took pride in such. His first couple seasons, he has seen time, perhaps too much, at DH to allow Plouffe time in the infield, and, of course, the I'll planned experiment in RF last season before being moved to 3B after not being allowed to play there, per Molitor. (Or something to that affect). He's working hard this offseason, lost a bit of bulk, and probably got humbled a bit and frustrated last season. He charges the ball well. He's got a cannon. And for the umpteenth time, look no further than the Twins own past excellent 3B to see it takes a little time to settle down and learn. Mauer is quality at 1B and can still contribute offensively if used properly. SSS or not, look at the OPS Vargas put up, look at his milb track history, read about the adjustments he's made begining last season, and then tell me he doesn't deserve a real shot! I may have included Palka on this list, despite being an OF, because of the DH and 1B option. I've been thinking for a while now he could be the heir to Mauer there while still being able to play some corner OF as needed. Bit of a man crush on Goodrum. Seems he's been around forever. But he's only 24, has had a couple injury setbacks, and is a talented athlete. I am hoping his 2016 was not a mirage. If not, we could see him sooner rather than later, and he could be what we all hoped and thought DanSan might be: a guy who can play 4-6 positions adequately and provide a mixed bag of overall production. Other than Cabbage, maybe White and Molina, I find the rest to be "meh". There is some potential there, but I think 2017 is a prove it or lose it for a lot of these guys.

I am a big believer in Vargas and have championed him for some time. At various times, he has hitter better LH and RH, indicating he has the ability to perform from both sides of the plate, at least to some degree. His mild numbers indicate strong OPS and pretty consistent power numbers. He may always SO more than you'd like, but that is not uncommon for a slugger. He has also shown a willingness to work the count and take some free passes. That is NOT a bad thing. He also has put in a lot of work at 1B, his batting approach, and his ability to put more lift in to his batted balls. (The article referenced above is absolutely worth the read!) For some who might argue he's been around for some time, he didn't even turn 26 until the season was over. And his usage has been sporadic. Again, as noted above, when in a groove, or even just coming off one, he's been benched or sent out for no good reason. Everything about his milb and ML production and potential screams out to be given a fair opportunity to see what he can do over time! Just give it to him and don't bench him or send him out after a few bad games. If that philosophy were sound, half your team would be benched at different times. Early Dozier 2016 ring a bell?

For the next couple 2-3 seasons, barring a trade, somewhat surprise signing or steal somewhere, the Twins middle infield will revolve around Dozier, Polanco, Escobar, Gordon and Vielma. And I'm OK with that. Not a single player 30 yet, and Escobar is the second oldest at 27-28. It's all good. There is some real quality and "solid" play here to work with. It's OK the next group is high A and lower, for now. These things come in waves. It's much like the OF, which is even younger with Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, even Grossman, Granite and Palka. Work with the talented guys you have, make a move if you have to or it seems right, and the next wave begins 2017 at high A.

Alvarez would be the only guy I'd consider here. But my personal opinion? This is just something to tweet about. Said rumors already have the Twins moving in from Morneau. Howard is a joke, right? The Twins were supposedly interested in both Davis and Napoli and let each sign with other teams on small contracts they could have easily matched or beaten if they wanted to. The team still has Vargas, Park, Grossman, Mauer and evenot partial off days for Sano and Dozier to DH. I think this is nothing about nothing.

It is absolutely a setback, just not another injury. But you should probably expect that coming back from such a serious injury, no? I feel for the guy and would love to see him make it back, even if it's in a different role, say LH setup. I'm just not sure I see it happening or happening soon. 60 day? Maybe. But I would think it wouldn't be for another week or two...they don't even officially report for a few days...to see how he responds and what he looks like and feels like pitching before they make a determination of that size. The grievance issue is several years old now. If I recall, it may have been spurred by his agent. Regardless, he's been nothing but a "good soldier" for the organization since then. Old news that should be put to bed for good.

Let me ask this, if the young talent begins to emerge, and the bullpen is much stronger, (and it should be at least better this season), and the rotation holds together to be average and the Twins DO win 80 games and appear to be moving forward...with the money available the next few seasons...2B/1B/3B...does this make holding on to Dozier more attractive if he continues to produce at a similar level?

Other than Gordon, who I have come around on after debating his selection without any really high grade marks, I believe the organizational strength is absolutely in Ft Myers and below. And I think there is some real talent there, though not close. I find Vielma to be intriguing because of his glove and his speed. He has hit .260, .270 and .271 at his last three primary stops. His OB% those same three seasons have been .313, .321 and .345. None of those numbers is great, but they show some consistency as well as some improvement for a glove first prospect. I am not ready to anoint him anything as of yet, he remains a punch & Judy hitter at this point, but with his reputed defense and some speed, if he can keep making contact and get OB even a little bit, he could be a factor. Gordon and Goodrum are what have me excited, along with Polanco. Polanco simply may not have what it takes to be a consistent ML SS. Period. But I also don't feel he's been handled properly in the past by the Twins. He's been up and down with hardly any playing time at the ML level while burning his options, then didn't play a single inning at SS in 2016 before being asked to once he came up to the Twins. And SS was and is clearly a need for the big league club. Huge problem with this! Maybe he turns out to be only average with his defense at SS at the ML level. But with real need and his offensive potential this is how you develop him? Escobar has real potential as aneeded internal bounce back option at SS, but you absolutely have to give Polanco a real opportunity. On a rebuilding club, even if 2B is his best and ultimate position, you have to see what you have in him for 2017 at the SS spot.

Did we forget about Goodrum? I'm still very high on him as being what we all thought and hoped DanSan might become.

I am still very "meh" about this signing. I really would have gone a higher upside like Pagan, Jackson or one of a few other options. But I get what Falvey and Levine are doing here. You have a talented nucleus in place, and you bring in a few cheap options to see if something works and sticks, without compromising your roster or taking necessary AB from said young nucleus. Rochester has two nice looking OF in Granite and Palka who need to, and will, play every day, plus a new challenge and perhaps last chance for Harrison. You need more than that, and now you have a few guys to sort through to find someone to keep around. Said it before and will say it again, this first season is about establishing a new culture, a new way of approaching and doing things, as well as a complete review of behind the scenes and on the field staff and ALL the players in the system. While I would have approached the 4th OF situation differently...and wish they had...I get their approach. We're I a betting man, I would lay odds for another signing for the OF still, or a waiver claim sometime during or at the end of ST.

I like this move a lot.I was originally really hoping for something similar to a guy under 30 on a bounce back, or a failed starter agreeing to convert to the pen to "re-invent" himself as a RP. I like Rogers and think he will get better. I like what Boshers did last season...except for like 2 games when he was hurting and when he first came back...and liked his SO numbers. (I still think people are down on him because of those couple of appearances and lack of a pedigree). And I think O'Rourke can be OK if used properly. And I've been high on Melotakis for some time and think he will be very good. But there are enough questions here that adding someone to the mix was smart. This is low investment with some potential. It doesn't matter, to me, if he's at all flippable. If he pitches well, he shores up the pen while Melotakis gets ready for his debut and provides experience to some of the young guys. Good move.

A couple of points: The game is STILL played on the field. Which is more to the point of last season, where the Twins SHOULD have won 70+ games. But so many young pkayers, players playing out of position, roster mis-management and a whole slew of injuries curtailed the season before it really began. How much of some of that is on Molitor vs Ryan is something we will probably never know. This year's team is also supposed to be 70+ wins. Two entirely different seasons with expectedly similar results despite roster turnover and hopeful everyday improvement from young prospects. Hard to define isn't it? I could actually see this team very easily hitting 80 wins with health and development. I hate the 20+ win improvement as it'stands an entirely new season with a different roster and everyone starts out 0-0. Didn't I read or hear somewhere last season, that at some point at least, the Twins actually had a better record against winning teams than losing record teams? The jury, and my personal opinion, on Molitor is still out. But I love the young talent on the roster, and the promise they bring. I think this team absolutely could hit 80 wins with good health.

Yes. Someone for Rochester...with all hope Goodrum goes crazy good...for organizational depth that won't embarrass himself if brought up.

Not what I was waiting or hoping for. Showed power and speed his first few years but little to nothing in production the past couple of seasons. Still...despite a 2-1+ ratio of facing LHP vs RH, his BA, OB and SLG all show a 40-60 point up-swing against LHP for his career. He could provide an interesting bench option.

This a different Dozier topic/idea that has been on my mind a lot lately...with the impending season and all the other various BD conversation...and something that I think is different, fun, and perhaps prudent going forward. To be clear, like most of us I believe, I've never WANTED to trade Dozier, it just seemed like the most intelligent move to make in order to add to the Twins pitching arsenal. But we all know how the market turned out, and Dozier is still a part of our beloved Twins. And let's be honest, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Of course the Twins still need to upgrade their starting staff, but there are various ways to continue to do that over the next season or two. (Though a future trade of BD could still happen) ONE is to continue the development of some pretty interesting in house options. TWO is a reclamation project that the new FO uncovers. THREE is a bulk trade of various milb prospects...of which the Twins are by no means barren, and could be better and deeper as 2017 unfolds...for a young stud or proven veteran for a rebuilding club. FOUR is an all out, big time FA signing after the 2017 season, and there are potentially some very good options out there. The truth is, it will probably include a couple of the options I have listed, and Dozier himself is not a be-all and end-all option. Here's a couple of other things I know, or think I know: 1] Dozier is a very, very good ballplayer. 2] Dozier is NOT old. 3] Claims that Dozier will simply NOT in any way be part of the next winning Twins team are short-sighted due to the above listed upgrade options as well as the continued development of the young players making up the rest of the team. 4] The Twins actually have the finances over the next couple of seasons to make a difference. I believe all of the above 4 points are valued, but I'd like to concentrate on #4 initially. The Twins, as of now and last report I read, are somewhere around $7M below last seasons payroll, and about $27M below league average payroll. ($97+ compared to $125+). It's not hard to see Santiago and Perkins gone after this season, which is somewhere around $14-15M in additionall payroll cuts, not including a few raises. After 2018, Mauer and Santana gone is another $37M+ off the payroll. You can do the math. This team, young and getting younger, has the financial flexability over the next two seasons to make a splash or two in the FA market to add a key piece or two and STILL be financially responsible and flexible. This would include the possibility of re-signing the very good ML ballplayer currently on roster named Brian Dozier. Who I remind you again is NOT old. If the trade market simply doesn't unfold for him as many would like, and he keeps producing, he would only be touching 32 when the 2019 season began. Gordon should be ready for SS by then for sure. Polanco can play 2B most assuredly. Other prospects will surely rise, but what to do with Dozier if he's still producing as a barely 32yo? You could let him walk, sure. You could easily have a strong enough team position wise to do so. But couldn't you also re-sign him to play 1B? Or 3B? Now, I know being 5' 11" isn't IDEAL for a 1B, but he has the hands and right side of the infield experience to handle the position. And while I am still a big believer in Sano at 3B, how about moving the big man to the opposite side and put Dozier at the hot corner? His arm would be average, but his hands and movement should be fine there. The whole point is something fun to talk and debate about. We've argued and debated about a trade of Dozier that hasn't happened and may not happen. But again, he's a really good ballplayer. And there may be room for him indeed on the next winning Twins team. Just not as a 2B. Think I'm crazy or out of line or on to something? Tell me something! We're still a week away from position players reporting and 40+ days until games matter. Tell me what you think.