DocBauer

I don't know if Cozart is THE answer at SS or not, but I like the idea. Doesn't mean I don't like Escobar, which, in fact, I do. Cozart helps the defense and pitching, no doubt. He's a ,240-.250 hitter but has a little pop too. If the cost is right, I could see this being smart. Kind of hate trading for 1 year though.

Actually, i really like all your ideas here and think he hit right on just about across the board. One thing I really like is actually targeting names and viable options that make sense rather than some crazy idea like Santana for one of the top milb catchers in baseball, etc. Not to debate your ideas necessarily, but I have a couple thought/ideas to consider/compare. 1} I like Castro at catcher for obvious reasons; a veteran presence to lead the staff, quality defense, reasonable contact and BB skills. Not sure Houston doesnt work pretty hard to keep him though. I get a veteran catcher and won't argue the idea. But I am torn about such a move. There are to things to like about Murphy from scouting reports and his bat before this season. I also have high hopes for Garver, though I'm not sure he's ready to be the main guy to start the 2017 season. {his AFL play may help answer this to some degree}, and I like Centeno as a decent backup catcher with a solid LH bat. I keep wondering if the team might not be better off looking for the best milb FA, guy who is getting squeezed out somewhere, etc, to come in and battle with these three rather than a short term vet. 1A} Again, I like Centeno as the backup catcher. Ive never believed your backup catcher has to be a defense first/only guy. Centeno needs some work on balls in the dirt, but I liked the look of him otherwise, he can throw, he can some with pop and being LH is a nice compliment. 2} Ive maintained the bullpen is best off with a veteran to close, at least initially, in order to set up roles for the younger players, like Chargois, and slowly work on Shaggy, Pressly and others to audition for the closer role as the season moves along. Not sure who that guy is, or if its Kintzler, but I like that veteran guy to start the season. Might even be a July flip to someone. 3} Love the idea of an actual, proven ML OF to be signed to be the 4th OF! Ive been advocating that for some time now. Gives you depth and options. And Im OK with Grossman as a 5th OF/DH/PH option. But I wouldn't rule out a return of Plouffe, or the signing of someone similar in place of Grossman. Plouffe, as an idea, may come much cheaper than expected after his disappointing and injury riddled season. He could play both 3B and 1B as well as DH and PH. Now, the problem with Plouffe in particular is if your manager has some idea in his head that he has to play every day. But really, Id feel really good about entering 2017 with the roster as you've assembled it here, with maybe a small tweak or two Ive suggested it. Depth would be good, the pitching should be at least somewhat improved, the defense would be better, and the everday lineup is still mostly young players.

I want the Twins to win as much as possible come 2017. But I also dont want them to go "buy" a team in FA with the youth movement taking place. I'm still in favor of a veteran closer from somewhere, or Kintzler if you believe in him enough, but not both. I thought Pressly and Roger's acquitted themselves nicely last season, as did Chargois. Not as sure about Tonkin, but not sure he was used correctly. This should be the year where guys like Reed, Hildenberger, Jones and others finally get their foot in the doorway if opportunity, (along with others). And the great thing is, should someone get injured or need more AAA time, you're going to have another 3-4 guys just waiting to come up.

I like Garver going to the AFL to get more time and continue to grow and showcase. I still would have liked him up for September, but I also get taking a good hard look at Murphy. Problem is, they didn't look long or hard enough at Murphy in September IMO. Garver's age doesn't bother me that much. He's not exactly pushing 30, can clearly hit a bit with gapped and some HR power and has a good arm. He's also playing a position that sometimes takes a little time to learn. My question is could he really be ready to start next season. If not, I'd think Rochester to start the season rather than sit on the bench. I kind of like Centeno as the backup catcher for 2017.

Smart and accurate post. Coaches and instructors at any level, inclouding the ML level, are there to massage player egos...not in a bad way, but to calm, nurture and build up...and offer tips and suggestions, as well as reminders. Yes, sometimes they do Korea than that; they teach a new grip, or in some cases a new pitch, (splitter instead of a traditional change for instance), or help find a timing mechanism that aids recognition or power to a batter. And this is NOT the old, worn out Ortiz arguement, or reference to the So-Cal homesick Nolasco who recently enjoyed some success, but to other players currently on the Twins, but it almost feels like the coaches have been meddling too much. After a series of poor starts, the super talented Berrios was FINALLY told to relax, have fun, and just throw. Santiago is not a super control pitcher. He's not outstanding, but solid and effective. He stunk after coming over and the Twins were attempting to make him a control pitcher. It appears the coaches backed off both players and suddenly Berrios looked better and so did Santiago when just asked to throw. I don't know if this is a direct result of the Twins ML coaches or not, but since his most recent promotion, Buxton has appeared much more relaxed, and has even talked about being so, having more fun, relaxing, etc. You build a team with different players with different skill sets. To try to make somebody be something else they aren't is seldom a good idea. We all thought Buxton was supposed to be a high BA, high OB stolenough base machine with decent power who might develop more power eventually. (Not unlike a young Puckett) But what if he is truly a good AVG, decent to good OB power hitting player with speed? Doesn't mean he can't be a dangerous and effective leadoff hitter if that's where he fits best in your currently constructed lineup, but maybe he's really more of a natural #3 hitter? I'm just saying, you need to find the strength of a player and build on that instead of force feeding him to be something else. And I'm starting to believe there's been some of that going on.

Agree with everything stated already. Doubtful he really knows or has much experience with the FO staffers that are mentioned. Keeping some or all of them, adding to the core, allows for a smoother transition as well as the gathering of information. What if it's not scouting and drafting that is the problem but a series of systematic teaching principals, for example, that have held some guys from reaching their potential.

I agree on a new pitching coach with history and track record. Allen could be very good in a certain role, I just don't know what that is. But for whatever reason, things haven't clicked for him here. The Molitor topic is somewhat different, but for the sake of this post topic, yes to change. Gibson is, frankly, a much better pitcher than he showed this season. As is Duffey, who claimed his fastball command was the issue this season. That's pretty big! Messing with Santiago and the entire Berrios situation shows a lack of communication, IMO. I dismiss the Nolasco turnaround and comments.

Yeah, probably the worst ever, though debatable and not necessarily relevant. Bad is bad. Moves and lack of moves by the FO were aweful. Some of Molitor's handling of young players and lineup construction is indefensible, though I do wonder at times if FO interference and mandates had an effect there. Not to sugarcoat things, but talent wise, this is not the worst team, and IMO, this team is not as bad as it appears. Blame injuries, youth, management and coaching, or what have you, but the simple truth is there were a lot of kids playing this season and taking their lumps collectively, as is often the case with young players. Rosario and Sano are the most tenured of the prospects and each has slightly more than a year and a half service time at the ML level. I guess that's the glass is half full position here.

Poor Thorpe. What more can this kid have happen to him. If there is such a thing as Karma, he's due nothing but health and prosperity at this point. Really looking forward to seeing him bounce back this season. Healthy, he may have reached AA this past season. Hopefully Hildenberger's injury was as mild as it sounds. Losing his last month hopefully won't set him back much.I wonder how quickly we may see him in the Twins bullpen. He is very intriguing, throws hard and from the side. A completely different look for the opposition. I probably paid more attention to English over Granite. That has certainly changed. I'm still a little concerned about pop in his bat to keep opposing pitchers and defenses honest, but he could make for an excellent 4th OF/PR. And if he keeps this up, I wonder about him pushing Rosario, who I like a lot, for the starting LF spot and hitting at the top of the order, pushing Buxton and/or Polanco down a spot in the order.

If I recall correctly, I believe it was Thrylos who suggested Hughes's best roll would be that of closer. And that could be smart. On the other hand, if recovered and strong, Hughes probably does deserve the chance to start again. Further, would you want to look at Hughes as your closer for 2017, or, as I've maintained, go get one to augment the back of the pen and let guys like Chargois and maybe Pressly Pitch the 7th and 8 innings and be groomed for a closer spot?

First, let me state that I fully understand there is a good deal of speculation in regard to Hughes as it relates to his surgery and recovery. I have stated repeatedly that I would approach 2017 without planning for him in any way, shape or form. However, I have yet to hear anything that suggests his career is over in any way, and his injury/surgery would seem to be far less worrisome or invasive than Perkins's. So healthy, is Hughes ready for ST and the season? Don't know. I don't think any of us knows. Not sure anyone with the Twins knows. Were I a betting man, I'd say we're talking EST and June or July. Regardless, where does he fit. Us it even possible he could come back all the way to his 2014 self? Close? Is that even possible? Yes, but not in one year? Should he be an expensive RP who can concentrate on just an inning or two as he rehabs? Is that a better spot for him going forward or temporarily? Just wondering what you all think. A healthy Hughes, on the comeback trail, when will he be ready and where does he fit?

Unless he retires, or suddenly waives hus no trade for a chance to fill a role on a contender, (with the Twins getting little back and picking up most of the financial obligation probably) Mauer will be part of the equation. But from what we've seen this year, it's becoming more and more clear that performs best when he doesn't play daily. Vargas is young, has potential, and a very solid milb track record with constant upward movement. You HAVE to give him a shot. Not a week. Not a month. Buy a real **** to see what you have. He's OK defensively, reportedly works hard, switch hits, takes BB, and has solid to good power potential. Park is an option, of course. But after such a disappointing and injury interrupted season, I think he's on the outside initially. There are roster scenarios where I can see all 3 on the team sharing 1B/DH and the off day guy providing a bench bat. But I'd rather see Plouffe back, or someone similar, who can play more than one position. Palka in 2018? Maybe the end of 2017? Maybe. But first, see what you have in Vargas.

I don't care which combination works, Gordon at SS and Polanco at 2B, or Polanco at SS and Gordon at 2B. I just know I really want one of these options to work, and ASAP. This young OF, Sano, and these two guys makes for a he'll of an interesting lineup.

You're right of course, there is no guarantee Santana will have greater trade value next July. I guess my point is, while there is always some risk involved, I saw nothing from Santana this season to expect sudden regression or disappointment next year. Therefore, IMO, his trade value could/should be at a maintainable level. And his value to the Twins would be two-fold: a quality starter to help lead the rotation while others develop at Rochester, (Gonsalves and Mejia) or possibly rehab (Hughes). I liked what we saw out of May in 2015, his stuff, potential and progress. I still maintain he should have stayed in the rotation and we have,nun fortunately, lost development time with him. But I'm excited for him to be a starter again as well as still having faith in Berrios. I'm also in the pro Gibson camp and still believe he hasn't hit his ceiling yet. Can a new pitching coach get him there? Not a huge fan of Santiago, but I've come around on him and think he should be kept for now. He's LH,under 30yo, has had an OK career to this point, and has looked much better since they just left him alone instead of trying to remake him. Should the team trade for a high end SP via a Dozier trade, the squeeze could be on somewhat. But it would be a good problem to have, and the Twins could, potentially, have a mid season trade asset or two from their rotation. I know that sounds crazy to say, but it's very possible.

Late to the party but a nice thread and a good idea. Right before our eyes, we're seeing a top talent begin to mature and grow in to a top ML talent. There is no question all but 1 of the past 5 seasons has Ben frustrating and sometimes painful as a Twins fan. And for most of that time, we've all been very impatiently waiting for all these top prospects like Buxton, Sano, Rosario, Kepler, Berrios and others to arrive. But when they don't arrive a ML ROY and all-star candidates at 22-25yo, some get frustrated immediately and want to scream words like disappointment or bust. This is just ridiculous! These, for the most part, are top rated talents by people in "the know" who have seldom, if ever, repeated levels, have shown real ability and potential, and have all of a season to a season and a half under their belts, if that. Not only is Buxton all of 22, and a rookie, but he's advanced through the minors rather quickly despite some injuries to rob him on development time and experience. But he just oozes talent and ability. Here, later in the season, we're starting to see how finally get comfortable. A comment he recently made, on the Twins website if I'm not mistaken, had him comment that he's finally feeling relaxed and things are slowing down for him now. He, Polanco and a couple others, are the only reasons I'm feeling bad this season is dealing to a close. Buxton is going to be A-OK. And eventually, probably soon, way better than that!

Interesting read, but not sure how the Cubs situation plays to the Twins status at this time. Other than maybe some NOT to do items, such as big FA contracts. At least not now. Of course there really isn't a big name SP that would help the Twins this year anyway. he really has two major things to accomplish at this time, and neither affects the on the field product directly One is to make a sound choice at GM who shares his vision, (who WILL have an affect on the on the field product), and then to do a wholesale review of the analytics, scouting and milb departments. I believe changes need to be made, and very probably additions made as well. Personally, I don't believe any portion of the Twins are being run by a collection of stooges or keystone cops, but there do appear to be disconnects here and there from scouting to preparation. Remember, the Twins minor league side of things is and has been well regarded in reference to prospects. And the Twins don't and can't tell anyone what to think or how to rank. They do that themselves. But there does seem to be a disconnect in preparation at all levels.

This portion of the list, I believe, could be accurately described as "who the heck knows, but look at the collective athleticism of these kids!" Cabbage and Vielma are the 2 that stand out to me, no disrespect to the others on the list at all. Despite a not so great year from Cabbage, all we've heard since he was drafted was great athlete, strong arm, real power potential. Especially since we're talking about 3B and not 1B or OF, that captures my attention. Vielma had a down year compared to last season no question. Im sure some of that is due to his injuries. But based on all the reports about his defense, I sure hope he can hit at the ML level, at least a bit. He doesn't need real power, just enough to be something other than punch and judy. That and decent speed could make him at least a non-liability. Boy do I wish he had been healthy all season.

Read that in another post. I could be in favor of him if the cost of a trade wasn't expensive, and if we could set ourselves up for a 2nd year or option year.

My belief, guess and opinion is Santana should be shopped...especially due to such a depressing FA market...but will have greater value come July for a contending team. Further, by July, Gonsalves, Mejia or an unexpectedly well recovered Hughes may/should be ready. The Dozier move makes sense, even though I don't want to lose him. But assuming we can find a true, high end ML SP to plug in right away, it makes sense. Polanco plays 2B. But my concern then becomes SS. I like Escobar and everything he showed us in '14 and '15, but if we're going to lose BD's offense, in an attempt to fix the pitching staff, I think Escobar should remain a quality reserve and a true, high end defensive SS should be brought on board. Problem is, I'm not sure who to target there.

Really, for most of the guys on this list the only "problem" is youth and service time. Seems like half of these guys were signed/drafted in just the past couple of seasons. But there does appear to be some real potential there. I'm kind of a sucker when it comes to LH pitching, so Melotakis and Rosario are two guys I have my eyes on. If Melotakis could pull a Chargois like season out and be with the Twins for all or some of the second half of '17 that would be awesome.

I thought I ordered the red.

BTW, if Mauer is around I totally agree to limiting him against lefties. It also rests him for the length of the season. Does that mean Park or Plouffe becomes the 13th position player? (assuming Vargas is the primary DH) I could see an arguement for either of them, but in truth, Plouffe on the cheap side after after a poor and injury filled year does offer more flexibility.

I haven't had time to read through past couple of pages so forgive me if I'm covering something already touched on, but, I've had an idea recently that I like. Let's say Mauer did retire, was bought out to do so, etc. What about Dozier to 1B, Polanco to 2B and either a trade or FA signing for SS? Granted Dozier isn't the typical 1B in regard to target size, but he has good hands, excellent range for the position, and should be great on pop flies down the line, etc. He certainly has the bat. You now have Polanco in the lineup at a spot, supposedly/reportedly that he's better suited for, and you shore up the infield defense by acquiring said SS. Thoughts?

77 pitches??? (I should have looked closer at the box score) I don't care if it's a long season or a pitch limit or what...2 outs and 77 pitches? So what if you had him penciled in for 80? (talking theoretically here) A few more pitches for the 3rd out would be dangerous in some way? Sorry.....but shame on you Molitor.

I missed all but the latter innings so I'm just spit balling here, but was Berrios on a pitch limit maybe?