DocBauer

Crazy as it sounds, I might be OK with this. I read it on CBS Sportsline and their comment was it would almost certainly be on a milb deal. That I could make sense of. Look, I think he's done. But with questions surrounding Park and Vargas...even though they need to PLAY...they each have options, JM would be cheap and simply have an invite. Lightening could strike. I would bet against it however. But sort of a final shot and contract with his original team before riding off in to the sunset?

The way I see it as well, everyone healthy and nobody just stinking up the joint. Hughes is on the outside looking in until he can prove he is 100%, has his fastball back plus his control, endurance, etc. I just can't see him breaking with the Twins. I see extended training for him followed by milb rehab to build himself up in game situations. And then we'll see. I'm hopeful for the guy, I just think this is reality. A few positive spins on the projected rotation? 1] a pair of young arms in Berrios and May. 2] I don't care what Nolasco does going forward. He was a bad fit. I'don't rather have Santiago, and his numbers, and the way he finished his 2016. 3] I've seen the Twins put out worse rotations, lacking any growth potential, than this one.

I hate going back in time yet again, but I am still absolutely flabbergasted to this day that a struggling Pelfrey was kept in the rotation...especially considering he wasn't coming back in 2016...over a young, developing May. Maybe he still has his injuries last season, maybe not, but how much better do we feel heading in to 2017 with May as a starter if he had actually been allowed to be a starter in 2016? But he was more valuable...injured...in a relief role so Albers and Dean could start games for us? Just absolutely blows my mind.

Of course, subject to change for all the normal reasons, including the fact that a FA signing or two is still a real possibility. And I think it's still going to happen. But as of now: C: Castro 1B: Mauer 2B: Dozier SS: Polanco 3B: Sano LF: Rosario CF: Buxton RF: Kepler DH: Park Bench: Escobar, Vargas, Grossman and Garver. Other than Escobar, DH and bench are the most unsettled, IMO. From everything we have seen and read, as long as he gets decent, regular days to play, just not sure how you don't choose Garver over Murphy at catcher. With questions remaining about Park and Vargas, and each having options, I could see an arguement for a veteran bat/DH being brought in, just like I could see another OF signed to allow Grossman to DH more or not even make the team. (I think I'd prefer status quo here to really give Park and Vargas a shot, but I won't be upset) SP: Santana SP: Santiago SP: Gibson SP: Berrios SP: May I'm not including Hughes because we just don't know enough about him at this point. Will he even be full strength by opening day? Just 1st? Will he have the ability to reach previous velocity and maintain it? Is he better in the pen under the current circumstances? RP: Kintzler RP: Pressly RP: Chargois RP: Duffey RP: Haley RP: Rogers RP: Boshers The team doesn't have to keep 2 lefties, but I'may thinking they will. I think guys like Reed and Hildenberger will have a shot, but will begin the season in AAA. I get the feeling they picked up Haley for a reason and will keep him.

Great post! I agree almost 100%. Not to split hairs, but I see 2017 as a combination of supporting the new, younger team, as well as still continuing said re-build. I say this because of a couple of the recent graduates, Berrios and Chargois come to mind, have had so little ML time at this point, and because there are a couple of RP and SP arms, and a certain intriguing catcher, that haven't arrived yet but are oh so close to diving in to the ML pool in 2017. I will disagree somewhat on the idea of still spending on some pieces for 2017. I still believe there are some solid FA players available to make the roster deeper and better without big contract numbers...that could easily be removed if need be...that make the 2017 version of the Twins more competitive with a better chance to win some games here and there. And I'm a believer in learning how to win, and winning together. And I want these kids to believe in themselves and learn to win together. Wholeheartedly agree on 2018. Perkins and Santiago themselves should give the team another $14M or so to work with after '17, and the team payroll already projects several million below last season, and even more bellow league average. And 2018 marks the last year of Mauer's contract as well as Santana. (Dozier as well, but that's sort of a different discussion all by itself). There really is no reason...barring some sudden rash of injuries or underperformance/regression...that should keep these "new" Twins from promoting additional talent and making a real financial investment or two for the 2018 team.

But given his youth, as well as the positive traits he has shown...and you mentioned a possible change in organizational philosophy possibly offering hope in change as well...I don't think it's really all that far fetched to find a change in his slider, or curve, or a change to a slurve or cutter...(listen to me, I sound like I know what I'm talking about)...to go along with his FB and change to allow him to turn a corner.

Boy does he seem like an intelligent young man with character and a strong work ethic. And how about him learning to speak Spanish to communicate with his teammates better? How can you not be impressed and root for this kid? Boy I hope he's the real deal and a fast riser. But with his youth, I'd still bet on him opening 2017 in Cedar Rapids rather than Ft Myers, but a fan can dream. If I recall correctly, after he was drafted, wasn't necessarily compared to Kepler? Granted he played here in America and is almost certainly a more polished player at the same age, but physical ability, build, projections, the ability to play CF but probably a corner OF eventually, etc, I was certain I had read the comparison somewhere.

Not that unusual for a young pitcher to find a different grip on his ball, for example, to create better control or movement on a pitch. I couldn't give you an exact percentage or names at the moment...someone else probably could...but I have seen/read instances where a cutter or split finger was developed even at the ML level. If I recall correctly, didn't Joe Nathan develop his splutter after already becoming the Twins closer?

I think it's a safe bet, at the moment, to not bet on Stewart as a top end starter. And it seems to stem from his breaking ball. But prospects develop differently on different time tables...Stewart not skyrocketing to the ML as many hoped when drafted...and I'm actually higher on Stewart coming in to 2017 than I was on him going in to last season. First, he concentrated more on football, despite scouts opinions and projections for him pre-draft, until he joined the Twins. Second, there were a few minor injuries early on that slowed him a bit. Third, he's still quite young. Forgive me for not having stats in front of me, but wasn't he one of the youngest players in AA last season? Fourth, his SO numbers improved in 2017 at Ft Myers and he definately earned his promotion to AA. (As opposed to the theory the Twins are never aggressive with young pitches). Lastly, his overall numbers and weak contact for roughly half a season at AA remain encouraging to me. A good FB and change is a great place to start. From everything I've ever come across regarding him, including posts here, the question remains his breaking ball. In addition to just gaining experience and learning to pitch, it would seem he may be positioned for a real breakout one of these days with that better breaking ball. I know that sounds simplistic, and is much easier said than done, but I have this gut feeling in a year or two we are going to be nicely surprised by Stewart.

I think it's a pretty safe assumption that there is nobody in the Twins organization, or fan base, including us here at TD that WANTED to trade Dozier. It was simply the prudent thing to do...if possible...for the good of rebuilding the team. We may never know what was truly offered. And only time will show how good JDL turns out to be...or not. Did I think any kind of turnaround was going to take place in one year or one potentially big trade. No. Was I still hoping the trade would happen to create an even greater talent pool along with some excitement? Yes. But I am looking at the first couple of months on the job for the new FO, and the lack of this trade actually working out, as rather predictable. And right now, I'm OK with that. We're I in their shoes, taking over the running and retooling of an entire organization, MY initial idea would be to establish an organization-wide footprint that would include everything from scouting and evaluation of talent from the ML roster on down to the DL, the coaching staffs, the scouting department, all the way down to how the teams stretch before game time. And it stinks for us fans who want to see ACTION taking place. We don't get to see the blueprint/outline they have in mind or hear what is discussed in meetings. But laying this groundwork will, unfortunately, take time and not be very entertaining. But it's where this new leadership needs to start. And it could easily take the entire 2017 season to review, reflect and implement changes across the board, and behind the scenes, all the while evaluating Molitor, his coaches, the players on the field, and the hundreds of milb players trying to work their way up. So am I disappointed as a fan that something as exciting and interesting as the Dozier trade didn't happen? Yes. But I am also not surprised or disappointed...with what little information we truly have...that this big move didn't happen at this time as we all hoped it might. Not making a move because the move simply wasn't smart or fair IS making a move, as well as a statement. Patience may stink...but there is a new sheriff in town with his new deputy. And it will, unfortunately, take time to see how they run things. Just my 2 cents.

50 Brian Dozier's, of course. The velociraptors would eventually choke on hairballs.

Drew and Jackson were both on my blueprint list for 2017. Not sure Drew really fits unless Dozier is moved somewhere, but I like Jackson as a very use able 4th OF who can play more due to injury or someone spending time in Rochester. He and a backend bullpen arm would be my top 2 targets. Drew jumps back on my list quickly if a Dozier deal still happens.

I find it interesting that Vargas has hit better from the left side in his mlb career and have heard and read that before. Encourages me to think with more opportunity his performance may even out. I like what I saw from Park defensively last season. I am not Mauer bashing, but have to wonder about him being more that bench player as you mention.

Agree 100%! As I stated in an earlier post, depth means more opportunity for someone to step forward to be even better than previously "speculated". Take Gonsalves for example. He's still quite young, LH, seems to have a good knack for simply knowing how to pitch, and has proven himself at every level. He still needs to refine his breaking stuff more, from all reports, but has a very nice change. He's probably not done yet filling out a bit more, getting a bit stronger, and what if his FB goes up another tick or two along with a better breaking ball? There are ebbs and flows to a milb system. Top guys graduate, as they have started to do with the Twins. Your rankings will naturally slip a bit when they do, awaiting the next wave of young guys to take a step up. I feel very good about the depth in the system and this high of a ranking right now.

There are two very obvious platoons that should come naturally for the Twins this season, 1B and catcher. Mauer needs to rest more and pretty much sit against LHP. Enter both Park and Vargas, each of whom can see time at DH as well. Depending on final roster construction, there can be room and AB for all three. Castro has some hitting, OB and power ability against RHP. He also needs to sit from time to time to rest just by the nature of his position. It doesn't take a genius of a manager to rest Castro by playing the RH portion of the catching duo against LHP, ideally, this would be Garver. Where the Twins could also find some match up advantages is to be able to sit Rosario and/or Kepler once in a while against RHP. Now, I certainly don't want to sit or platoon these talented young guys so early in their careers, but a day or two off here and there in favor of a RH hitting OF should be just natural roster management. But is Grossman that guy? And if you bring in another OF, which I'm in favor of BTW, you either eliminate Grossman...who has value...or one of the 1B. That's the one rub, no room for a 14 man player roster.

Have you read the article on Gordon? I know he's a friend and teammate and not a scout or personnel director, but I found it interesting the high praise Gordon had for Felix Jorge. We talk a lot about Jay and Stewart and Romero and others, and it seems we sort of forget about or dismiss Jorge for whatever reason. But Gordon's opinion, to me, was certainly interesting.

Yeah, I'd say it's accurate and fair. I will say, in regards to SP, I've always felt having a number of the solid, mid rotation types, is not a bad thing. I've seen very few guys come up who seem to be pegged as "certain" #1 or #2 types. It seems predicting ultimate success for any young pitcher is a bit of a crap shoot. You just don't know in a couple of seasons which "mid range" starter takes another step or two forward. One thing I noticed when reading the BA top 10 list for the Twins was frequent comments about the various Twins pitchers being a bit thin and having room to physically grow for potential speed and endurance, etc. I wonder if the new FO will improve/change workout routines for milb pitchers. If you examine the majority of Twins pitching prospects, a number of them seem to be anywhere from 175-185lbs. I'm not saying they need to bulk up to be sculpted body builders, but I find myself wondering about additional weight training and what it could mean for added velocity and endurance as they progress and reach the ML level.

Not going to argue with you Levi, or debate. Your points are sound. But I am going to offer a different perspective from the outside looking in. I believe each individual season has it's own story and merit. I think each season offers legitimate information, perspective and speculation. But again, each season is unique unto it's own. If we follow some of the various statinduced speculation on the past two Twins seasons, we would say they weren't as good in 2015 as they turned out, nor as bad as they showed in 2016. They were probably somewhere in between. But again, each season should be taken wholly unto itself. The 2017 Twins could easily lose 90 games again. And yet, improvement by young players, better roster balance and management, (simply playing guys where they should be for starters), and better team health are all factors. So while we state the team needs to be 21 games better to reach a certain mark, it IS a new and different season. We DO begin 2017 with a 0-0 record, and nothing carries over from either the 2015 or 2016 season. And while the 2017 roster has carryover, it is different here and there, young players have a chance to improve, and better health is certainly a recipe for greater opportunity for success. So I'm not sure saying THIS TEAM needs to improve by 21 games is entirely accurate when it's a brand new season. But then again, I could be bored and rambling for the sake of rambling and just anxiously awaiting the begining of spring training! Lol

I see your points. But I would argue, somewhat based on recent comments made by the FO, that further additions were being held up, to some degree, until the Dozier situation was settled. His trade might have lead to Santana, possibly Santiago, being traded, etc. Also, I think this new team is being a bit prudent at the moment, not wanting to jump the gun, and recognizing that after the big signings, and a trade or no trade scenario, there would still be some value players to look at before ST begins. I believe now, barring a surprise, that both Dozier and Santana will be coming to camp, and they will now be looking at a couple of guys out there to augment the 2017 roster that will not only cost less, but could be valuable flip options if things break right.

And very good post, and I don't mean to quibble, but I'd like to address a couple items here. Grossman and Sano were absolute disasters from what I saw and listened to, though I confess to not actually watching as many games last year as I have previously. Am I being to simple and understated to simply say Grossman HAS to be better? If I recall correctly, someone had some information posted fairly recently that indicated Grossman hadn't actually performed as badly in years past. I still think/hope Grossman can play either corner OCCASSIONALLY at an OK level, but prefer another 4th OF of some sort brought in for more regular duty. Our starting 3 has a chance to be a very good OF defensively. Forgive me if I sound optomistic, but I'm not convinced Sano will be a huge downgrade at 3B. While I was a Plouffe fan and respected him a lot, what I have seen from Sano is surprising athleticism from a big man, who charges the ball well, has decent movement, and a gun for an arm. I'm not saying there won't be bad moments, but I believe he has what it takes to stick at 3B and play it solidly with work, and time, and a chance now to concentrate on his primary position. I keep reflecting on Koski when he first came up. I am more worried about SS, though I have some optomism here as well. You yourself point out Escobar was pretty solid there in '14 & '15, and I see no reason why he can't be that way again. And I think all of us have questions and concerns about Polanco there. But, he was signed and developed initially AS a SS. Despite moving around and playing other positions, mostly 2B, last year was the first year he DIDN'T play SS in the minors. And then he was brought up and basically inserted as the primary SS. That has to mess with a young rookie doesn't it? With some real ML experience under his belt now, past experience, able to concentrate at least a bit more on the position, (assuming he doesn't become the utility guy), shouldn't we expect some improvement? Not saying it's his best or permanent position, but I think we should expect at least some improvement and better consistency? Again, maybe I'm being overly optomistic. But I can't help but think players actually playing their normal positions can't help but improve the defense overall. No question the left side of the infield is the biggest worry. But Sano in a little better shape, as has been reported, and allowed to focus on 3B, a healthy Escobar, and Polanco being ALLOWED to play SS has to afford a bit of optomistic improvement does it not?

Seems like an impressive young man with a terrific work ethic. Really seems to know what it takes to make himself a better ballplayer. And what an off season of guys to work out with! Habe to love his "Mr. Larkin" address. I'm liking him more and more as a prospect.

First, a very interesting and enjoyable article. And it's also nice to see someone not seemingly automatically going the doom and gloom route. Second, I agree with Thrylos it's a little early for predictions because I think there is roster tinkering still coming. I will honestly be shocked if we don't see at least 2 additions before ST, a RP and an OF most likely. A quality bounce back candidate that could have "keeping" value as well as flip possibilities, and a quality veteran role player, if not the BIG BAT some have pleaded for. Third, I am a bit old fashioned and still believe the game...all games...are still determined by actual play and not simply statistics and metrics. But I am also intelligent enough and open mined enough to appreciate and "get" modern measurements. I know that sounds like talking out of both sides of my mouth, but I'm not. I believe the truth always lies somewhere in the middle. That being said, if you read various reference materials, the Twins were better than they should have been in 2015, and not as bad as they were in 2016. Again, the truth probably lies somewhere in between. Fourth, this game of baseball is HARD. There is a reason for development in the various milb levels before success at the ML level. Guys who skip to or almost straight to the majors are generational players. Most quality, all star, and even future hall of farmers still spend time in the minors, and even struggle at times when first reaching the show! I just have to roll my eyes at times when I read how someone is a bust because he didn't set the world on fire initially. All that being said, I will not predict the 2017 Twins being a playoff team. But I also feel there is enough here to believe 80 wins is not that far fetched. (Personally, I'm saying 70-75 with a shot at 80) There ARE holes and questions and deficiencies to be sure. But there is an interesting nucleus here to work with. Rosario, Buxton and Kepler have the talent and makings of a talented, exciting and dangerous OF than can play very good defense. They all have been top rated prospects, they all have shown real flashes, and while there is growth needed, there is real potential. I still feel a quality 4th OF would help a lot. Dozier is a really, really good ML ballplayer. Polanco has a lot of real potential, even if there is uncertainty how well he can or can't play SS on a daily basis. Escobar has shown how solid he can be, and hopefully will be again in 2017. Sano is a future stud who only has to be solid at 3B defensively, and has the talent to be so. I feel catching will be solid and improved, especially if a proper platoon is established. 1B/DH is a bit hazy, but there is at least some potential there as well. I still advocate a veteran RP signing that could pay a nice dividend, especially with young arms on the way but not there yet, and I really like Chargois, Pressly, Duffey and maybe Haley there with Rogers. Yes there is real concern about the rotation. And no, this is not a WS contending rotation by any stretch of the imagination. But we'really not talking about that for 2017. We'really talking about a rebuilding team getting better. Santana has been a quality ML SP for some time now, coming off a fine season. Why do so many predict his arm will simply fall off in '17? Santiago is nothing special, but he's actually had a solid career thus far, went to an all star game, pitched well before he joined the Twins, and closed the year strong for the Twins. But he's just lousy because he pitched poorly when he first joined our team? Gibson was solid in both 2014 and 2015 and looked to still have room for at least some improvement. But an injury filled season on a last place team means he's now a bump and can't rebound? Top prospect Berrios had a rough introduction. And? It happens. See point #4 above. May still has real potential. His only "fault" was being handled extremely poorly by management desperate for young SP arms and failing to let him potentially actually be one! Sorry I'm rambling and getting long. But this is not just a scrub team devoid of talent with nothing but scrubs manning various positions and roles. Do a few things have to fall in place for this team to win 80 games? Absolutely. But what really has to happen is for the talented younger players to take a step forward...possibly a couple solid FA additions...and a couple veterans to just perform to ability. Now, a huge run of injuries or absolute incompetence by the staff is a different story.

I'm not trying to create some BS debate, but Duffey actually throws 4 pitches, depending on how you wish to interpret and view the point. He throws a 2 seam and 4 seam fastball at slightly different speeds and action, and 2 different curveballs, also at slightly different speeds, with one more of a bender and one with more of a slider action. And by his own admission, what hurt him last season was a lack of consistent FB command. I know that is putting a pretty fine arguement out there, but I think it's worth considering and remembering. Does that mean he should be a SP and can succeed as such? I'm not saying that. But he may be a much better option than what we feel now, based on his down 2016 campaign. No question a better change, true slider, split finger or whatever, could make him a more complete pitcher. But if nothing else, I think it helps accentuate how good of a RP and possible swing man he could be. In 1-4 IP, with his "4" pitches, he could be outstanding in the pen, with a possible uptick in FB velocity...pending regaining said questionable control in '16. We're I a betting man, I would lay money that Haley and Duffey both pitch effectively from the pen this season along with Chargois and Pressly. Who fills, or should fill, the remaining 3 slots is open to debate.

Forgetting the contract situation, I often wonder about his 2014 season. Was it an outlier at this point? Yes. But what we may never know now is if it would remain so. You have to remember he was a top prospect, and despite inconsistencies, he also showed very well for the Yankees at times. He was only 27-28 when the Twins signed him. A little older and wiser and a change if scenery very well could have jump started him. Unfortunately, with the injury we may never know. I've said all along he is a dark horse and shouldn't really be counted on. But healthy and regaining velocity, man, what a boost he could be.

Great article! Thanks! Despite not being a top pick, though 11th isn't all that late considering, I've been watching English since being drafted. What impresses me is his mental approach at the plate. From reading the past couple of articles, he really seems to unerstanding and embrace his role. I think that's huge for any player. It's just too bad he had the bad ankle this season. I know we talk about Granite a lot after this past season, and I take nothing away from him, but it seems that in the long run English may end up being the better player. I wasn't as high on Gordon when the Twins drafted him initially. I had nothing against him, there was a definite need for a top SS prospect, but the grading system, IMO, didn't offer up enough high marks for a player to be selected so high. But the overall ability and potential combined with intelligence and work ethic have me impressed and excited for his future. He may never hit for a ton of power or have the speed and SB ability of his brother, or be the flashiest of players, but he seems to possess the ability to be solid in all phases of the game. I see him sticking at SS and being very solid if not very good, and a potentially good #2 hitter, or top bottom of the order hitter at worst. Really impressed with 2016 and his AFL season, especially for his age.