DocBauer

I also love these lists. Sort of a short but in depth bio of guys I've read about and seen in the milb seasonal coverage, and a precursor to the handbook as well. There's a couple guys here with obvious questions due to age, injury and the such. But there's also a couple guys here who could be top 20 in a year or so. Whitefield seems like a very interesting guy to watch.

First and foremost, he's not going to fix the Twins rotation. His GM will do most of the heavy lifting there. So the first order of business is a forward thinking GM that works well with him. Second is a hard look-see at the milb system and personnel; that includes scouts, field staff, coordinators, etc. I don't for a second think the entire organization is filled with bums at all. But there seems to be some disconnect that needs to be addressed. This might be his biggest influence on the organization.

Energy. That might be the best thing he can initially bring.

Honestly, the 100 losses doesn't mean too much to me. When you start off as poorly as the Twins did, and are eliminated after the first month (2 weeks?) the number of losses becomes a bit moot. (With the exception of earning the top pick in the next draft, etc) But I admit to being strangely excited about this season, despite all the disappointment and frustration. I believe there is real change taking place within the organization from the top down. And it was simply time for this to happen. After waiting so long to see top prospects arrive, last year and this, they have! Now, there have been mixed results to be sure, but to actually see Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Vargas, Polanco, Berrios and Chargois actually playing for the Twins instead of being on prospect and watch lists is gratifying.

First and foremost, I'm not a Mauer basher or hater and never have been. In fact, I've often defended him in the past. "Afford" to release him? Well, they can afford to pay him, must pay him, so yeah, I guess they could afford to release him as well. And the whole money issue is beyond beating a dead horse. That poor old horse is a bundle of bones with a stiff and worn hide somewhere out on the prairie. Money is NOT the issue. Even if he retired tomorrow, the #1 need/issue is starting pitching and there's no FA stud out there to try and sign anyway. IF his paycheck IS an issue at all going forward, his contract is off the books in 2 more seasons regardless. Which mean, in affect, IF the Twins were to actually invest in a big money FA before 2018, they'd only be carrying Mauer and said FASP together on the books for a single season, on a young, fairly low payroll team. I never expected Mauer to become a slugging 1B when he made the move. But I really thought, and hoped, we'd get a 500AB, healthier version that would resemble Mark Grace, Wally Joyner or Keith Hernandez type. (Yes, I'm dating myself somewhat there) THAT version of Mauer would still carry big value. Unfortunately, concussions, age, injury, whatever has caught up and Mauer just isn't a player of those abilities or "help" to the team. And really, except for about 3 different 2 week segments this season, he frankly hasn't been very productive. Can he still help? Yes, as part time player at 1B/DH/PH. I don't expect Joe to retire this off season. But I have to tell you that I wouldn't be surprised if he did. (Or if the Twins helped him decide with a buyout of some sort) Joe knows he's not the same player/performer he was, and by now, even he has to see he never will be again. That has to be frustrating to him. He's also endured a lot of injuries that have to frustrate him as much as they physically pain him. He's also a young man with a wife and children, coming off a horribly disappointing season for his club, and quite a few changes in the organization starting at the top, which could also end up being a reduced role for him in the future. So I could absolutely see him taking time off and reflecting and deciding it's just time to move on. Especially if a buyout was offered, and perhaps even a position somewhere with the organization.

You would think if you were Molitor, and there was any real chance that you could indeed be coming back next season, that you wouldn't worry about losing only 100 games vs maybe 102, and you'd be playing every under 30yo player that may be coming back next season. Just to better see where and how and if they might fit on your roster. DH Dozier for a day and let Beresford play in the field. Play Grossman in the OF for the off chance he could help your bench, maybe, as a 4th or 5th OF DH/PH, I get the team is down a few players due to injury right now and you have to field a complete lineup. But for goodness sake, play Murphy at catcher and DH Centeno over Suzuki. Some of these lineups just don't make a lick of sense.

I can pick only one?!

Vargas is young and talented. He put up consistent OPS numbers in the minors. He's shown flashes at the ML level previously. He's now worked hard to improve himself and HAS seemingly done so. He absolutely, positively needs to play daily until/unless he proves he can't. And I don't mean 1 bad game or 1 poor week. Everyone has those. And I agree that Park is on the outside looking in at the moment. As to the roster, you have 12 pitchers. Of your 13 position players you have Rosario, Buxton and Kepler in the OF with, hopefully, a quality FA 4th OF pickup. You have 2 catchers of course, though unknown who at the moment. Mauer and Vargas with Sano at the corners and DH, with Dozier, Escobar and Polanco finishing the infield, as the roster is constructed now. That's 12. Who is #13? I've actually been wondering if Plouffe on the cheap might be a good idea after all, provided he is NOT labeled a guaranteed starter. LOVE the Lawrie idea.

Since I already stayed on topic once, I just can't help but also stray once and offer up thoughts outside of just what's available. Building a strong bullpen to help the rotation, and you know, actually win games, is a bug and important step. But also don't want to ignore the prospects and just go out and buy a veteran bullpen for our rebuilding club. But I would like to see someone signed to come in and assume the closer role. Maybe a 1 year make good/rebound, or similar. This means Kintzler is gone. I'd also take a couple flyers out for a lefty or two, preferably 30yo or less, maybe coming off injury or a down year and audition them. FA Closer Perkins=7th & 8th inning Chargois=7th & 8th inning ?/open audition=6th inning Duffey=long & middle and spot start Rogers=6th thru 8th inning as needed ?/open audition=LOOGY-middle-6th inning That's 5 spots out of 7 mostly spoken for. There are multiple RH and a few LH options for the open audition spots. There is also no pressure or rush for some guys to jump straight from AA, unless they flat out earn it. This a pen I could potentially feel pretty good about, while being loaded at Rochester for call ups.

What all of your statistics tell me is he actually pitched pretty well when allowed to pitch the way he has his entire previous career, as a 1 inning short guy. Based on his stuff, precious milb success, and the stats offered up in the article, you'd think with his first full season complete, there would be something to build on for '17 and beyond if was just used properly. That would tell me to keep him. But with so many guys to try to keep on the 40 man this year, someone closer to the situation and undoubtedly smarter than me will have to make that determination.

I'd be very happy to have McLeod come on board. But Bloom sounds very interesting to me. Not only would he be coming from a franchise that seems to have a pretty decent reputation for how it handles things, but he's already assisting the guy there in the same role as well as performing other duties. Can't say I dislike Falvey for the GM role. Still a huge promotion for him and Cleveland is doing pretty well these days.

I think the team has a chance for a much better bullpen in 2017, which goes a long way to also assisting the rotation, but there are absolutely questions. The biggest problem is still lack of experience. While there are a number of excellent looking prospects arriving or arriving soon, as you look at the names above and break them down, you actually see little to no ML experience time. But there is potential there. Even if half the guys listed never make it, there are still a number of guys to build a quality pen around. Based on what is currently available: Kintzler: In this scenario, I bring him back. He's performed well, and offers somewhat of a viable veteran presence. Can he continue, in a short period of time at least, as an OK closer while others can be auditioned and groomed to assume the closer role? Perhaps. I'd still rather sign a more proven closer for this spot and let Kintzler walk. Not because he couldn't continue to help, But assuming a signed closer would be 30-Ishmael, and I have so many young arms around, I don't think I'd keep him and said FA. But for now, he's in. Perkins: Generally, I thought he did a nice job this season. The tools seem there. I wonder if his rough spots might be due to overuse at various points. Chargois: Very talented. Despite little milb experience, he has absolutely dominated at those levels, and has looked much more comfortable at the ML level after settling in. Rogers: Really looked the part this season, and to me, didn't look lost against RH hitters. I'm not certain if he's a 6-7 inning guy or if the potential is there for LHSU in the 8th,mbut he looks like a keeper. Duffey: As I stated in the rotation post, I haven't given up on him as a starter. Indications are his problems this season were due to fastball command, not his still developing change. But he could be excellent is a middle and long man. That's 5 out of 7 spots filled, and I feel pretty good about each, their talent and potential. (Though again, I'd prefer a more proven veteran closer option over Kintzler) LHRP: The guy I think we all clearly want is Melotakis. And eventually it should be him. But even with a fine year at AA coming back, he still hasn't AAA yet, and it's probably asking too much of him to jump straight to the Twins. Boshers gets a lot of heat, but I think that's more perception than reality; he was signed on the cheap from independent ball so he can't be any good. Other than a couple of poor appearances before the DL and immediately upon his return, he pitched pretty well. O'Rourke is OK if you use him wisely. These 2 should audition, along with invites like Dwan, Wheeler, Albers, etc, to fine that 1 guy you need. (Couple other invites outside the organization would seem smart and plausible) RHRP: Pretty much audition everyone else on the list, though Tonkin probably has the initial leg up. And that's not a terrible thing. He pitched well at times this season, and may be better for his experience. I wonder if his lack of a defined role, even being used as a ling/middle man at times didn't mess with him a bit. The list of RH candidates is long, and even somewhat impressive, and should pay dividends soon. The only problem is a September cup of coffee, only AAA experience, and a few who haven't seen AAA yet. Doesn't mean at least one of them couldn't prove ready out of ST, but Tonkin is the sage bet initially. What's going to be nice is having real, viable options during the 2017 season to swap guys out due to performance or injury.

First, other than a cheap, make good 1 year deal on someone out there...Anderson has been mentioned...there is just no upgrade available in FA this year better than options already on the roster. Second, I'm ignoring the entire "trade Dozier" arguement. I do so as we don't even have a GM yet, aren't sure what the market will bear, or if said new GM will be in favor of that move. So I'm just concentrating solely on the options available. 1] Santana: absolutely nothing says washed up, he's done, count on his arm falling off early next season. 2] Gibson: I get the frustration some have with him. But this will only be his 3rd ML season. He was solid in '14 and showed flashes. He was even better in '15. A horrible year for the team, injury, and perhaps the wrong pitching coach, I just don't understand being so down on him at this point. 3] Santiago: not a big fan. But is there such a thing as a bad 1 year deal? He's LH, has experience, can get you IP, and he's shown the ability to win some games. And he's been a whole letter better lately since the staff quit messing with him. I'm torn here but I think I bring him back. 4] Berrios: He needs to be here, sink or swim, and I'm betting he doesn't sink or sucks. Again, is this partially the pitching coach with his rough start? 5] May: a question mark? Yes. All the more a shame he was removed from the rotation at all. How much better and ready would he be in 2017 if he had remained a starter? The kid has a good arm, was a top prospect, and showing signs of life before being pulled from the rotation. Having been a SP his whole career, I don't see the transition back being all that difficult. Hughes could be a factor. He could be a huge factor. But I'm not counting on him for anything at this point. Mejia and Gonsalves could be ready by mid season, which also provides some trade options. I'm not ruling Duffy out of the rotation in the future, but I'm thinking long/middle man at this point. From everything I've heard and read, his problems this year were fastball command, not his change. I'm not saying this is an outstanding rotation, but I like Berrios a ton, and I like May as well. If we get the 2015 Gibson back I'm really happy. Santiago isn't special, but compared to guys like Dean and Albers he's a huge upgrade. Three veteran guys just Pitch like you would expect..two talented youngsters who do well and improve...a couple young arms maybe ready by mid season...and no more Dean, Albers or similar, and I DO see a better rotation in 2017 despite the same names.

I agree with the previous comment that the core of this team is pretty much here already, positional lyrics speaking. Was it diehard who said thathat? Now, there is still a lot of growth potential and maturing to take place next year and ongoing, but looking at this roster, it's not hard to see some tremendous lineup potential. (And similar to what Molitor used when the Twins were playing well in July) Considering the following: 1] Buxton/Polanco (depending a bit on who is hot and matchups) 2] Mauer (probably the best spot for him but would love Polanco here) 3] Kepler (has a legitimate chance to be the Twins best overall hitter) 4] Sano 5] Dozier (could flip flop he and Sano) 6] Vargas (power and OB behind a big 2 and further setting the table) 7] Rosario (inconsistent and a free swinger but dangerous and exciting) 8] catcher (just...the best2 guys we can find-rooting for Garver-soon) 9] Polanco/Buxton (see point #1) That looks exciting! Yes, there are a few questions defensively. But I feel very good about the OF, 1B, 2B and at least some improvement behind the plate. Polanco has ability at SS, doesn't stink, and has room to grow and improve. As does Sano. But for that offense, and the fact we are suddenly young and rebuilding, you have to live with some growing pains as well.

To me, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Berrios and Gonsalves, who's not even at AAA yet, are cornerstones. I'd probably even include Polanco on that list. I'm higher on both Rosario and Vargas than some, but really like both players a lot. And both have the potential to be quite good and productive, though they are very different players. So they are a notch below. There are a couple of guys, like Gordon for instance, who have the potential to be Cornerstone guys, but are just too far away to include them on this list. Not trying to create another Dozier debate here, but he is a Cornerstone player, IMO, for now and the immediate future. With so many young players making up the core of this team now, I still feel the Twins are probably better off keeping him, possibly/probably extending at some point, and work hard on the bullpen. I know the rotation is the biggest problem right now. I get that, but remain unconvinced removing Dozier from the team and adding a quality SP really moves the needle. Now, who and what and how to address the rotation is an entirely different matter.

To address the points of the article, I offer the following thoughts IMHO: 1] Health: This is important to any team, any year, in any sport. But let's be honest and just admit the Twins got unlucky in this area the past couple of years. It sucks, but it happens. You have a true all star closer in Perkins to lead your bullpen who suddenly develops a very serious injury. Hughes's injury may have a even more dramatic affect. Forget the contract bungle because it has no bearing on actual talent, performance and reality. Hughes was long regarded as a TOP talent. Virtually untouchable in trade options with the Yankees. And he absolutely flashed his potential as both a starter and reliever with NY. His numbers indicated he was better away from NY, and he DID flash ACE-like quality and performance with his change of scenery with the Twins. We can't say for certain, but it's now really hard to not look at his so-so 2015 season and not think injury was part of the problem there. And maybe he makes a great and strong comeback. I hope like hell he does, but would not bank on it at this point. But health, like luck, is something you can't predict or bank on. 2] Lotto Ticket: How on earth do you count on or predict this any more than you can health? The answer is, you can't. Not really. BUT, you can hedge your bets if you're smart and prepared. Did the Twins predict/guess right in Santana and Liriano? Yep. Did the Cubs do the same with Arrieta? You bet. But don't tell me they KNEW they would end up with an ACE quality pitcher. A couple of years ago, as an amateur GM, I thought Kazmir was a roll of the dice that could pay off big. Turns out I was right. But did I KNOW? Not at all. Position players, starters or reserves, relief or starting pitchers, the Twins have been lucky, or smart, or we'll prepared, however you want to quantify it, in the past. Even Hughes comes to mind. But I don't think you can expect or predict success in this area. BUT, I do think you can find at least some success in this area if you are thorough and smart in your decision making. Here is hoping the next GM has the for thought to target rebound or late developing options on a yearly basis that could pay off with low risk and high potential payoff. I'd rather invest some team finances here than a guaranteed 3 year deal on a mediocre 30yo mediocre starter. 3] Control: I have ZERO problem with the Twins making a change in general philosophy from looking for and drafting/signing control pitchers. For years we've admonished the Twins for drafting and signing such players while other teams took chances on big arms. Now they are doing that and we want to bash them??? The problem is not to be too cute about it, and outsmart yourself. And some of that is scouting. Maybe less drafting and trading for a relief pitcher to convert. I don't pretend to be smart enough to be employed by any ML franchise, but maybe the big, strong, hard throwing starter who needs a 3rd pitch is better than a guy with 3 nice pitches who hasn't done it as a starter is smarter. But potential is SOOO hard to predict. I still think it comes down to scouting and development. Honestly, looking at some of the top pitching prospects currently in the Twins system, not sure I can blast them for poor decision making in this area. 4] Defense: Now this one is tough. But it's also hard to address because the Twins roster is it such a state of flux right now. An OF of Rosario, Buxton and Kepler has a chance, a good chance, to be very good. Metrics may argue somewhat, but we're also talking raw numbers in rather SSS vs talent and potential going forward. EX; Kepler loowed a little rough early before settling down. 1B is solid defensively, as is 2B. SS is a bit of a question, as is 3B. But for goodness sake, before we decide if a guy, a spot, the overall defense is OK or stinks, can we at least see guys actually play their positions and play them healthy. I love good defense. I think good defense goes a long way toward building a good team overall, and can do a lot to help a pitching staff. The problem is, the guys from the past few years that played poor defense aren't even on the teamarket any longer, for the most part. And the team, as it's constructed now, just needs a little time. Healthy, a bit slimmer, with a gun for an arm and some nice athleticism, I feel Sano will be OK at 3B. But not 100% right now, and having to spend the majority of the season in tne OF doesn't do much for ýour defense, as an example. Improving the bullpen and the defense would be a big help for the rotation, as it's constructed now, or will be a year or so from now. But 4-5 seasons of "who?" playing a spot is still different, IMO, than "OK, let's see how these kids play a year from now", healthy, in their proper spots, and with a few games under their belt? No real answers, but some thoughts.

I think this is a very valid point of discussion. I don't pretend to know the answer, but, I can offer up some points that I think/believe to be interesting. *When originally signed, Polanco as a defense first player with speed and athleticism. It was hoped his bat would eventually play, but he was a legit SS candidate. *Like a lot of infield prospects, he split time at various spots in the infield, mostly between SS and 2B. That is, until this year where the Twins decided, for whatever reason, that he should play ZERO games or innings at SS despite the fact the minors are about player development. Despite very limited playing time, when the Twins brought him up the past couple of years, when he played, he was put at SS. And now that he's up for an extended look, Molitor has put him at SS most every day, despite not playing a moment of the spot in the minors this year. *He hasn't exactly embarrassed himself at the spot despite having to almost re-acclimate himself to the position again. This in itself would indicate room to improve. Further, from all previous reports, he's a good athlete. The negatives I've heard have been footwork and less than powerful arm for the position. Footwork? I thought that things like that weren't necessarily uncommon in young players and one of the reasons you kept them at a position, so you could actually work and teach them! This could be one of the few decisions Molitor has made that I actually like. Arm strength? To a degree, it can be improved. But honestly, I'm more concerned with hands and the sheer ability to get to a ball than I am with having a cannon for an arm. Don't get me wrong, a strong armed SS who can make plays deep in the hole is valuable. But consistency is more important than the great play isn't it? *As in all sports, and all positions, to a degree, you sometimes have to weigh and debate the value of a player vs what he does best vs what he does least. In other words, an outstanding defensive SS who doesn't have much offensive value is still valuable. But a strong offensive SS who is more average defensively has a strong value as well. It's just balanced differently. *Just a bit of research will show some unexpected error totals early in their careers for a lot of "top" SS over the past 20-30 years. Why? Because they were still learning and developing. Which is all the more reason to be frustrated by the Twins decision this season to not continue Polanco's development at SS in the minors. In short..no pun intended...there is need, potential and opportunity for Polanco at SS. Unfortunately, those in charge wasted a lot of opportunity to continue Polanco's development this season.

I think this is a very smart post. Not only because I think Levi usually has smart things to say, but because we usually agree. And I'll always think someone is smart when they mostly share my similar opinions. LOL But seriously, there are a couple of factors regarding Molitor, and his staff that confuse and frustrate me in regard to this whole keep/fire process. First, while I will forever vehemently disagree with moving May to the pen in 2015 over Pelfrey, for multiple reasons, he did help guide an over achieving team last season to a winning record. Second, an absolutely horrid start to the season by several players, and quite a few injuries over the course of the season as well, plus an influx of a LOT of young players in a losing season is hard to pin on the manager and his coaching staff. I simply can't and won't give credit for last season and then turn around and blast Molitor and his staff for this season. BUT, where I do have a problem... mention by others...is some of the decision making I've witnessed this year. There have been several instances, especially earlier in the season, when it seemed the young guys who were brought up truly were "jerked around" in regard to usage and opportunity. But honestly, I don't think any of us know for sure how much of that was Molitor, or if there was pressure and direction from Ryan and his vision. So I'm forced to give Molitor a bit of a pass in this area without knowing more of what might have been going on behind the scene. And for a while, after Ryan was dismissed, the lineup seemed more set, kids got to play consistently, and the team actually looked like a bona-fide ML team for about 2 months. Hell, he's even played Polanco almost every day, and where we all want to see him get a shot at playing, and we've been rewarded by seeing another top prospect actually look good. But where I really struggle with keeping Molitor is his decision making process the last month to month and a half. Maybe the FO and Molitor felt they were in a real roster bind...not my opinion...and had to send Vargas down. But when brought back up, he's had a hard time seeing the field. Why? Because Mauer had to be appeased over playing a prospect? Schafer comes up and he has to play so we can see what we have for next season? Huh? You need to see your potential 5th or 6th OF play vs Rosario or Kepler getting every opportunity to play, learn and grow against ML pitching, including lefties? Still starting FA to be Suzuki instead of Murphy and some of Centeno? Santiago is a solid, decent ML LHRP who walks way too many but still has some solid overall numbers, was an all star in 2015, and pitching pretty well at the time of the trade for the Angels, but was completely messed up and horrible when we tried to "tweak" him. Suddenly, he was apparently told to pitch HIS game and he's been pretty solid. Berrios, NOW, is told he's in the rotation, just relax, have fun, and pitch like you want and feel you should. Shouldn't that have been said several starts ago? Look, I'm not bashing Molitor, or his staff. And I'm not blaming them for this season. But at best, there are some questionable moves in regard to the handling of players, their roles, and lineup construction. I don't usually advocate change merely for the sake of change, but, with such an influx of young talent, more on the way, and a new FO coming in, if I HAD to make the call, I'd say make the change, move on, and keep the changes coming for the sake of a new order and new way of doing things from top to bottom.

I think there's a big difference from eyeing him as an intriguing prospect and drinking the Kool Aid on him,and I think that's where you mostly find the split on different groups opinions. I just don't see how he can cut it at the ML level SO at a 40% clip. However... and I'd like to see his breakdowns again if someone has them...I believe his contact rate improved the last couple of months didn't it? What I personally find so intriguing about Walker is his consistency at each and every level he's played at. You would think, based on his contact numbers, that sooner or later he's just flames out as he reaches a higher level of competition, better, more experienced pitchers, etc. But for the most part, at each and every level he's advanced to, he has basically been a .245-.250 hitter with an Ob% in the low .300 range with an OPS never lower than .743 and twice over .800. Except for his rookie league debut, he's never hit fewer than 25HR or had less than 94 RBI until this season with 75, which is still impressive for milb. He's also never repeated a level, nor even started a season at a previous level. Now, there is still a HUGE jump to the majors from AAA, of course. But...but...if he could actually be the same hitter at the ML level that he's been jn the minors, he could have very good value as a lower order DH/OF. Kind of a big IF I know, but it's what makes him so intriguing.

I've been as disappointed as anyone with his slow start to his ML career. But like any young prospect, it does usually take time to adjust to the level of pitching in the majors. There's a reason these guys...most of them...are pitching in the majors and not AAA. There's a reason guys like Albers can look good to very good as SP in the minors but not Pitch nearly the same at the ML level. Buxton is only 22. He has about 1 full season at the ML level. He did, unfortunately, miss some developmental time in the minors due to injury. Yes, he raked. But time missed to build confidence, to maintain an approach, etc, are all real things. Think about Hunter. Think about Gomez (though he died off rather quickly). Always thought, over time, he may develop more power and sacrifice some speed and SB success, but that's more in the future I think. I believe he'll be fine.

A fun read. And a big shout out and thank you for all the hard work put in to this list and all the milb reports and updates throughout the season from the staff! A few thoughts concerning this list: *The key for Garver is still his overall defense behind the plate. That being said, while a bit of a work in progress from hints I've read here and there, have yet to read or hear anything that says he's poor in any way behind the dish. Man can certainly throw! And through college and really, his entire milb career thus far, he's shown the ability to hit, make some contact, take some walks and can definitely drive the ball. Garver's potential...and we'll know more after the AFL probably... the OK year by Centeno, and the presumption that Murphy is better than he showed this year...based on past play, reports on defense, a stronger last month in Rochester, etc, etc...still leaves me with the thought that rather than sign a "reclamation" project in a veteran FA catcher, the Twins may be better served finding the best all around DFA, milb FA, 40 man roster squeezed catcher they can find to bring to camp for 2017 and go with what they have. *I know Gordon is young and has work ahead of him. But with his talent and athletic pedigree, I'm wondering if his ERA is a little late. Whether it's just a late season call up or not, I wouldn't be surprised to see him sometime in 2018. *I hope Granite can muscle up just a little bit more, just to be certain he won't end up only a singles hitter at the ML level. Whether as a 4th OF, or possible starting LF and leadoff hitter with Buxton sliding down, he could be fun to watch. *Not arguing the choice for 3B, but it surprised me. No White or Cabbage or Blakenhorn? Would love to know a bit more about Molina. *I'm not caught up in the ages of Palka and Walker. Even some very find players don't debut or come in to their own until mid 20's or so. Glad Walker seemed to make some improvements this year, but Palka is the guy who really interests me. Even with some SO's, he's shown he can hit decently and still take some walks. His final OB is 70 some points above his BA. *I don't want to put undue pressure on such a young kid, especially considering the time he missed due to injury, but I wonder if Romero can duplicate what Berrios and Gonsalves have each done the last couple of years; that is, storm out of the gates and dominate at two different levels. If he can, that May of 2018 looks do-able.

I see your point Seth but not sure I agree with it. Despite differing opinions on Joe, not sure I've ever read anything negative concerning Jake. Just curious, because I'm honestly impressed by both and agree I'd like to see both stick around, but if the GM, in theory now, might still be too soon in their careers, but if the new GM were to pick between Mauer and Mientkiewicz as the next Twins manager, who do see as the best candidate?

Mauer seems to be a very good manager to me. He's taken entirely different teams to the post season 4 years running and seems to always get the most out of his team's. When the new FO examines the Twins milb workings, seems to me Mauer and Doogie Baseball would be a couple keepers, and perhaps ready for a level promotion.

Interesting analogy on the steak dinners and it's making me kind of hungry, lol. But I'm going to tweak said analogy and move it along somewhat. What you were waiting 90 minutes for was not your food, but a table on a busy night for the opening of a new restaurant. That's where we are now. With a new FO coming in, hopefully some new "cooks", (manager and coaches), you now have a table, check out the new menu and place an order. You can't judge the restaurant on the waiting line. You have to judge the restaurant on the service, cook time, and the quality of a meal you haven't sampled yet. We don't know who's going to be in charge yet, or the moves and changes they will make. But there are a lot of talented young players here getting their feet wet and more to arrive soon. Remember, not a single one of these young players has more than a year and a half in the majors. Yes, we need more and better pitching. And no, I can't tell you exactly who or when or how that is going to change. But what I see on the menu now is a whole more appetizing than where I've eaten at before.

Agree 100%. I had doubts the Twins were ready to fully challenge last season as well. And I'm glad Ryan didn't move valuable pieces of the future for that one shot. But there was no excuse not to move sooner than they did. Further, personally, I thought there was room to add another RP as well. Further, to bring up and old arguement but pertinent one, the move of May to the pen vs Pelley is still a stunner. May was pitching better and had/has a future. Pelley was losing his rotation MOJO and was a better fit for the pen, short and long term, than May. The best thing that happened is what didn't happen, selling off youngsters for a questionable 1 year push.