DocBauer

First off, I like the Castro idea quite a bit. I do think he'd help the team as a whole, pitching and defense. Overall, his bat would probably equal Suzuki. Perhaps he'd find a resurgence with the Twins? Assuming his demand and thus options wasn't overly high, and the Twins could actually sign him, my concern isn't even his age or the cost. My only real concern is Murphy rebounding and Garver getting a fair shot at some point. No question he could help the club, and his experience could be welcome, but on a team rebuilding and getting younger all the time, when do we give someone like Garver a ****?

I'm sticking with Drew because he costs money but not a prospect. Drew can work with Polanco and Escobar to make a nice keystone combo, and at least 2 of the 3 can play an OK 3B as well. But I wouldn't bash to Cozart move at all. Great defense, some offense, Escobar would be an excellent utility guy playing quite a bit, and you could always look to maybe re-sign Cozart, so I don't know that he's ONLY a 1 year player for us.

Agreed on Grossman as a fielder, overall, though I admit to not actually viewing that many games in which he started. But, of course, that is why I have him on your team as the 5th OF. He won't play the field that often...but he can. But I like him as a bench bat. If I KNEW Plouffe would be used as a role player by Molitor, I could get behind bringing him back, at least initially. But I just don't think he's a good fit at this point, or that Molitor would see him that way.

EDIT: in my original post, under catcher, I mentioned liking Garver a lot, then referenced Murphy as not being as bad as he showed last season. I omitted his name accidentally. Sorry for any confusion.

Absolutely agree on defensive SS to help Sano at 3B, the pitching staff, and overall defense. Hard to really gauge, at this time, how far away Gordon still is. And I don't want to block him, of course. But is Escobar the answer for the next year or two? Could be. But even if we or the Twins believe so, with Polanco graduating to the ML level and Dozier gone, we need depth at least. Drew wasn't my original choice, but I've really come around on him as a perfect fit. I might even consider a 2 year deal.

Echoing other thoughts here. Seems these were probably necessary changes. Just not sure about Allen. But I didn't expect pink slips passed all the way around right off the bat. If you're the new marshal and sheriff in town, you probably don't come in and get rid of all of the deputies in one shot.

Nothing against Winters, but I'm not in favor of a big contract to an aging catcher. I'm in favor of Avila as a veteran influence and part time player who swings from the left side. I'm in favor of going all in on Garver at this point. He is still relatively young and seems to have real hitting potential with decent pop and a good arm. We're young in the OF, 3B, 2B, possibly DH, with a mix of youth in the rotation and bullpen. Why not a young catcher with talent and potential and a veteran to work with him?

Right up front, let me say I'm not putting as much effort in to exact trade scenarios or dollar amounts spent for my 2017 plan. There are a few reasons why, but primarily because our new FO has been on the job for only a couple of days and there is just so much we don't know yet about their intentions for 2017, the market hasn't even started yet, (for trades or FA), and as someone stated, Leviathan I believe, there is just so much fluidity at this point to be toon exact at this time. But I think it's very possible to lay the groundwork for 2017. The Twins have money to spend to augment the team, no question. But not only is the FA class this season down, especially where the Twins need it most in the area of SP, but to be real, unless someone has guaranteed playing time, any of the top FA on the market probably aren't going to be looking to join a 103 loss, rebuilding team. What the new FO has to be looking for is solid bargains on the rebound, guys who might later be flipped, but who don't block anyone while filling a need. And guys who can play and need a job but won't be the high demand FA a contending team will be looking to add...generally. Additionally, I have a hard time seeing our brand new FO wanting to jump in to big and long term contracts while taking over a rebuilding and mostly young team without having the opportunity to really see and learn what they have. TEAM TRADES: I have no problem keeping E Santana if the market suddenly dissolves. But I believe he has real value to a team out there who is looking to contend. However, I believe his value is for a couple quality prospects, not anyone ready to open the season with the Twins. Nobody has a top young, ML ready SP that they are going to move for Santana. But a couple quality prospects isn't too much to ask or expect for a quality, veteran SP on a fair contract. Dozier moving on is a solid move, though I hate to lose him, as I'm sure the new FO would as well. But it makes too much sense to not trade him away. Initially, some of the top team targets would appear to be the Mets, Pirates and Dodgers. These three teams may actually have a need for Dozier, also cost controlled, and enough pitching depth to be able to send back the Twins way. (I could also see a decent addition on the Twins side, AA or lower pitching prospect, for a better overall return in the package) POSITIONS: Catcher: I'd love to sign Castro for catcher. My feeling is the market for him won't be cheap, and again, he may not be comfortable signing with 103 loss team. I could see signing Avila. He's experienced, bats LH, and could probably be had on a decent 1 year deal, 2 at most. I have a very good feeling about Garver overall. Based on draft position, decent milb performance and a solid job with the Yankees, I don't believe he's as bad as what he showed last season. I also don't mind Centeno back on a milb deal. Answer: Avila and Garver, unless Murphy breaks with the team to give Garver a little more AAA time. Infield: 1B: A healthy Mauer is at 1B, but can't play daily. I'm going with Vargas as a 1B/DH over Park. Vargas is young, has talent and potential, is out of options, and needs to play. Park has options and is coming off injury and disappointment. (It's also possible Park gets his chance anyway with Mauer getting injured again). 2B: Polanco SS/Utility: A healthy Escobar is in play here. But with Dozier gone, there is a hole here. I like the idea of an inexpensive Cozart trade, even for 1 year. It would buy the Twins time, provide a high quality defensive player, and could possibly be re-signed. But I'm far more in favor of signing the 33yo Drew. He can hit a little, is a solid fielder at both 3B and 2B, and he and Polanco and Escobar provide a solid 3-some for the keystone as well as back up 3B. 3B: Sano. He could stand to be in better shape, but mostly, he needs time and opportunity. He's the man at 3B. OUTFIELD: This is pretty simple, initially. Rosario is young, talented and dangerous, if undisciplined. He still has less than 800 ML AB. Let the guy play! Buxton is a defensive stud, has tremendous potential, is only scratching the surface, and may have been starting to come in to his own somewhat at the end of 2016. Again, let him play! Kepler surprised me with how quickly he came up, and how well he performed, and I'm a fan/believer. He has all the talent in the world to hit, get OB, provide power with decent speed and quality defense. But also, he needs to play. But I'm not crazy about Grossman as the 4th OF. I want some who can hit from the RH side to offset the LH bats of Rosario and Kepler, and who brings enough to the table to be solid playing for stretches if anyone is hurt, or needs any AAA time. I've heard Gomez mentioned a great deal, but I think he's not only looking for a starting position, but also a big pay day and multiple years, reportedly. He may not be a good fit. My primary target is Raja Davis. I'd look hard at Austin Jackson as perhaps a better option and fit. Someone mentioned Angel Pagan, 35yo, but solid. PITCHING: Rotation: Gibson Traded For (Dozier trade) Santiago (solid, LH, worth keeping to begin the year) Berrios (needs to pitch, is a top prospect for a reason) May (he fits better here, has ability and potential) Possibles include Hughes if and when healthy, Wheeler finally getting a shot, and Duffey. Various reports during the season had Duffey actually throwing a serviceable change, but losing fastball command. He's should still be a rotation option. Bullpen: I'm targeting Storen or Neftali Perez for a closer spot. Both are under 30, both good bounce back candidates that could be flipped, and possible re-sign candidates. I'm going with Feliz because he's a year younger than Storen and the previous Texas connection between him and our new GM. I like the idea of a veteran addition to help stabilize the bullpen while all the younger guys settle in, gain experience, and aren't necessarily pressured in to the closers role. Feliz Chargois (very possibly the closer by the second half) Pressly (he's shown me enough to like him) Duffey (still a SP candidate, but provides talent and real depth here) Audition Candidate (Baxendale, Hildenberger, Reed, Jones, etc. Tonkin?) Rogers Boshers (best option for now, until Melotakis or unless another LHFA signing) In a nutshell, I'm playing our young OF but signing an experienced 4th OF who I feel can play, and who I can count on. I've got a 4 man infield I like and can even rotate, with Mauer at 1B with Vargas backing up and playing DH,and Park on hold. Catcher is Garver and the veteran Avila with Murphy insurance if Garver isn't ready. As of right now, Grossman is my last guy on the bench. He is a 5th OF who can DH/PH. I know it's not a complete plan with all the names and numbers, but it's a workable framework that blocks nobody, provides additional developmental time for a few guys, fleshes out the roster, provides depth and even a couple flip possibilities.

I hate to sound like a downer here, and I hope they actually do jump in to a signing or two, RP, spare OF and maybe an INF, but what these guys really need to do first, absolute priority, is to simply go over the 40 man roster, additions and subtraction. Yes, as baseball executives with other teams, they are somewhat familiar with the Twins roster, but not in an intimate way. They have to discuss their vision/platform ideas and between stats and scouts, get a better feel for who to keep and who goes. Next, they need to implement changes in the minors, their concepts for working with and building up and developing prospects. This will also include reviews of roving instructors and field staff personnel. And as was mentioned in various articles, they want/need to expand certain FO areas and create others. They have a ton of foundation work to do before jumping in to any sort of FA or trade moves. But we'll be better in the long run for it.

Disagree with your final comment. I could easily see Palka as a 1B and corner OF, even as a rotational player, while becoming a fixture at DH when not in the field.

Brandon, as usual, a great piece and well thought out. Very smart and I agree with most of your assessment. I can't really argue, but still will a bit. lol Castro has been mentioned a lot here at TD. I like his signing a lot. But I'm still conflicted by adding a veteran catcher...despite recognizing the potential impact...versus looking harder at Garver, who I like a lot, and Murphy along with maybe another AAAA signing like Hicks last season. My problem is, does Castro help long term vs growing with another young catcher? I'm on board with Gomez, but I think there are other options like Davis, who I also like, that may be cheaper and more content with a possible regular playing time 4th OF role. Still young, very talented, I'm not ready to give up on Rosario as a starter after only 700+ ML AB'S. I have changed my mind on Plouffe, though I am open to other options to replace him. I now believe he would be a smart addition for 2017. He is not only a nice insurance policy for Sano, though I don't know we really need one, but a solid bounce back candidate who can play 1B and DH and be a possible fill in here and there. My problem with Plouffe is I don't think he's worth the salary reported at this point, and I worry about Molitor feeling he has to play him daily. But I like the general idea of him, or a somewhat similar sign, to deepen options and the bench. I still believe Dozier is gone for a SP. Even though I hate to lose him, I still think it's in the Twins best interest to make the move, assuming the right match is there, and move Polanco to 2B. From there, the Twins still need a solution at SS, or at least, someone to compete with Escobar. Despite a plethora of RP options to work with and audition, I still like a strong signing here, letting Kintzler go, and then rolling through and auditioning the Twins many options available to build the best bullpen they can for tomorrow. Nice post!

Again, nothing wrong with a full time DH, especially if it's an older player who can't get it done in the field so much any longer, but still caries a nice stick. Or a good hitter who just isn't as good defensively as the player in front of him. But I much prefer a balanced roster where I can plug in that 4th OF, quality utility infielder, or backup 1B or catcher and let the "regular" have that half day off. I agree with Thrylos in general, in regard to Sano in particular, that to pigeon hole a young player in to a DH slot is just wrong, unless he proves himself unworthy to play defense, or another player, with a good bat, is just better in the field and he's stuck behind him. For the umpteenth time, would everyone quit trying to make a DH out of Sano at this point? Perhaps he could be better conditioned and work a bit harder. Perhaps. But he's still very young and has 700 ML AB's. Again, for the umpteenth time, look at Gatti and Koski for the Twins, who took time to develop defensively. Or Boggs, Thoma, and the list goes on and on for guys with big bats who took a little time to develop defensively. Sano is a good athlete for his size. He has a big gun for an arm. He charges the ball surprisingly well. Give him some time to find himself and develop at 3B. And if he can't, I'd think he'd be a logical choice to play 1B down the road. But it is very short sighted and impatient to declare him as a DH only at this point.

Don't stand pat. Baseball is a tremors game that really hasn't changed that much over the years. Oh, there are tweaks in philosophy over the years, and strategy and the such sure, but the game remains the same. Unlike other sports, such as the NFL, there aren't constant rule changes that affect the game itself. It's still 3 strikes, 4 balls, 3 outs and 9 innings, (normally). There are a lot of nuances how to play the game and how to build a roster to be successful. You have a talented, young team and more talent on the way, a beautiful ballpark that is one of the best in baseball. You're not running a poor franchise, but you're not. NY, Boston, Chicago or LA either. Be smart, be aggressive at times, but don't just stand pat. Look for ways to always improve, at the ML and milb levels. Try new things. Be innovative, even if it doesn't always work. Be innovative, not passive or reactionary. Have a vision. Add when you can, flip when it seems prudent, but always keep moving forward. The Twins used to do some of these things. And then they got bogged down. You don't have to necessarily create the new equivalent of "moneyball", but even in a mid market, in the conservative Midwest, don't fall in to a complacency trap. Be innovative.

Time to roll up the sleeves and get to work boys! Not going to lie here. While I still think, initially, the biggest changes will be in the analytics, scouting and development areas, I'm very excited to see what changes are in store for our favorite team. I don't have a problem with Antony being kept around. I never have. I've always read/heard he was good with detail stuff like contracts and the such. There is a role for guys like that.

Oh, he crossed my mind to be sure! Wasn't sure he should be the player version of Brian Duensing. Lol

I say a veteran 4th OF, a back of the bullpen arm to stabilize things initially, and both could be flip candidates. I wouldn't be opposed to an under 30yo LH arm on the rebound, or converted to relief, for the bullpen. Flip or no flip. Just not sure I see anything SP wise that excites me in any way, even as a sign low possible rebound candidate.

I have never felt a team HAD to have a full time DH to use the spot successfully. Not saying you can't plug a tremendous hitter in that spot, especially an older player who's bat is strong but who's defense has begun to wane, I've just never held the belief it was necessary if you have a talented and we'll balanced ballclub. Tom Kelly used his lineup very well, back in the day, IMO, and the chart above would seem to suggest I am right. Randy Bush, for example, was very often the Twins DH for a few years, but also played 1B and OF, but there were other quality players there that were primary starters, so it was a way to get his LH bat in the lineup and get other guys a half day of rest. This also applies somewhat to Larkin and Smaller. With the potential of the Twins current OF, I could easily see someone like Palka, in the near future, being able to play 1B and both corner OF spots but being the regular DH. Bit of a hornets nest here, but if Mauer were to retire or be injured again, a healthy Park and Vargas could potentially share 1B/DH duties daily with Sano filling in once in a while and Escobar playing 3B possibly. I think the "regular DH" discrepancy the Twins have had the past several years is more due to overall lack of talent than having that ONE GUY for the job. Willingham, for instance, could have perfect for the spot with an occassional start in the OF. But they didn't have anyone else as good or better to start in the OF at the time. I have no problem with a Thome, Winfield, Davis or Molitor slated in to the DH spot daily. But personally, I'd like to have a nice, complete and talented roster where we have an OF or 1B with a good bat who deserves to be in the lineup daily and we use him there while rolling him in to the field as well.

I didn't get to watch as much of the series as I would have liked, but I did try to follow it as well as I could before catching almost all of game 7. I do think there was some over management, but I think that happens a lot in the post season. I was torn as I really like both teams, and have for years. But I had to root for the loveable losers in the end, and not just for family sake, lol. I mean, come on, 108 years since the last time? You'd have to almost have a heart of stone not to be happy for the Cubs and their fans. I don't think pitching Chapman in game 6 was a mistake at all. As previously stated, there is no game 7 if you don't win game 6. But I do think it was a mistake to pitch him as long as Maddon did. And unless I'm missing something, I didn't understand not letting Lester pitch to the next batter with 2 outs and throwing well. Chapman may have still imploded and allowed that 2 run Homer, but then again, with all the work he had in game 6, maybe he has a little extra if he doesn't come in for that 3rd out an inning before. But the biggest goof of the entire series was not to have Charlie "Wild Thing" Sheen not throw out a first pitch. Would have been EPIC!

cool. My bad

I know I'm repeating myself, yet again, but I strongly advocate the idea of a pair of FA signing for next season. Not because I am expecting the Twins to miraculously contend in 2017, but because it makes sense to just put together the most complete and competitive team you can for a chance to win, as long as you aren't slowing the rebuild, or blocking young talent that is ready. Even rebuilding, there is no reason not to try to win...and breed a winning culture and feeling as much as you can...and just be the best team you can be. (Including for us fans). 1} Sign a quality, veteran 4th OF, preferably a RH hitter, or switch hitter who is strong from the right side. This provides depth, provides insurance in case one of our young OF struggles at all, and provides better match ups since Kepler and Rosario bat from the left side. It could also provide a mid season flip candidate. Further, the reality is the Twins don't currently have a 4th OF candidate ready. Palka needs more time, as does Walker, and Granite hasn't taken a single AB above AA. Do you want one of them sitting on the bench 4 days out of 7 or playing daily for now? I'm good, and intrigued, with Grossman as a DH/PH 5th OF who doesn't have to play in the field much, but not crazy about him as my 4th OF. Though, to be sure, I'm also OK finding another versatile bench player who could supplant him with versatility in the field and a decent bat. 2} Sign a veteran back of the bullpen arm. This could be someone looking for one more season in the sun...kind of like Hawkins a couple years ago...or a bounce back candidate like Storen. Also a potential flip candidate. I get that the Twins have a number of young bullpen arms to consider for 2017, and I don't want to block them. And there are numbers and potential, to be sure. And assuming, for a moment, that no-one is lost to milb FA or rule 5 and they all come back, the list is long, at least from the right side: Chargois, Wimmers, Baxendale, Light, Jones, Burdi and Hildenberger. Chargois, I believe, is ready to roll. But the others have very little to zero ML time, and a coupleasure haven't even pitched above AA yet. Why not have an experienced arm to, potentially, initially, hold down the closer role, and let everyone else find their niche, gain experience and confidence, and roll through the list during the course of the season as need and opportunity arise? Where I am conflicted is SS. I like Escobar quite a bit. Before he got banged up last season, and Nunez became so hot at the plate, I, and I think most of us, we're more than OK with Escobar finally claiming the starting job there. My only concern was him playing too much on an everyday basis, after his fine 2014-15 play, and getting worn out if they didn't rest him from time to time for a full 162 game season. I don't believe we should be down on Escobar for what transpired in 2016. But after not being THE GUY for ALL of the '14 and '15 seasons, and what happened in '16, don't you have to at least give pause? And if Dozier is traded, and Polanco takes over 2B, where is your depth? So the Twins absolutely must do one of the following: A} Find a quality utility infielder B} The same, but with the ability/potential to challenge Escobar for the job C} Go ahead and find a high end defensive starter to outright assume the job This is where I find myself in a quandary. Gordon, and possibly Vielma, are the future here, but neither is ready. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Twins acquiring a high quality defensive, experienced ML SS to improve team defense, and help the pitching staff for a season or two. Again with putting the best overall team together you can. But perhaps Escobar can still be that guy for a season or two with the addition of a quality utility guy to fill in?

Point taken. And a valid point, to be sure. but injuries to anyone, including pitchers, can happen at any time, and you can't build a roster simply because player A could possibly become injured. While I don't WANT to trade Dozier, for a strong return and a place for Polanco, I'm OK with it. I'm also OK with keeping Santiago, as I've stated, while moving Santana. But with Gonsalves and Mejia both probably better off with some AAA time, I also don't have a problem keeping Santana. Yes, as a mentor to a degree. But also as a solid, quality starter. Just because we are in the midst of a youth movement...that also needs to take place on the mound...doesn't mean we should automatically punt on 2017 by dropping just anyone in to the rotation simply because they are younger. By all means shop Santana and trade him if the return makes real sense. Otherwise, I'm fine keeping him initially, providing a bridge until someone else is ready for their shot. But at this point, I don't trade him just because he might get hurt or suddenly lose his stuff over night.

Beat me to it. Holland is 30, Santiago is 28. Holland does have more total wins, while Santiago has the better ERA and they have almost identical WHIPs. Santiago, of course, is cheaper and doesn't necessitate a trade. (I know some prefer advanced stats, I'm just covering the basics here). I understand the arguement for someone like Holland to help "cover" ourselves for a potential Santana trade. And I can see that point. But assuming we get a ML ready SP for Dozier, we'd also have Gibson, Santiago, May and Berrios with Wheeler a possible, Mejia and Gonsalves in the wings, Duffey still a candidate, and Hughes as a possible candidate at some point. (Though I'm not holding my breath on Hughes). I think I'd pass, even if we do move Santana. And, as I've stated previously, I'm not opposed to keeping Santana, even if it's until the deadline.

I have no problem moving Sano to 1B...eventually. But to echo others, you have to let him play 3B, at least for a time, to get comfortable and further develop before you will know whether he can hack the position or not, and how well. I say yet again, look back at guys like Gatti and Koski when they first came up and it took a while to develop in to the players they became. Sano doesn't have to be Gold Glove 3B, just a solid one.

Think there are 2 threads on this? Anyway, the AFL may be short in nature, but it sure looks like Gordon is primed for AA next season. And I'm starting to like Garver with the Twins more and more for 2017!

I know it's a short season, but it's supposed to be against high end competition, right? Gordon is looking like a lock for AA right now. and I'm starting to wonder more and more about Garver with the Twins next season.