DocBauer

Agree with most of your list. A couple changes/moves I'd like to see the GM make: *Sign another catcher. I'm looking for someone needing a chance or a change of scenery. Maybe someone available and getting squeezed out. I hate to use his name again, but a John Hicks type to battle it out with Murphy, Centennial and Garver. *I'd sign a legitimate 4th OF type. He doesn't have to be able to play CF, though it would be nice if he did. *Take a flyer on a couple LHRP options, look for another Abad surprise hopefully. *I'd think you keep Kintzler OR sign a veteran who can close initially at least. Either someone on a comeback type season, or looking for that one final season like Hawkins did a year or so ago. This allows someone, maybe Pressly, to be groomed in to a closer role. *I'd like to see the best AAAA middle infielder and 3B I can find. A couple of guys who have had a cup of coffee or two at the ML level. This helps fortify Rochester, and gives more depth if a call up is necessary without bringing up someone who would embarrass themselves. My idea lineup: Buxton Mauer Kepler Sano Dozier Vargas Rosario Catcher Polanco or Escobar Backup catcher, like the starter, is unknown right now. I've already stated signing a proven 4th OF. The Escobar/Polanco "loser" gives a quality and versatile utility guy.The final spot could belong to Plouffe. It could be a versatile utility player not on the roster right now. It could be Grossman, but I'd see him at Rochester. Park? Maybe. He, Vargas and Mauer, whoever is not in the lineup, provides a nice bat bench, but limits lineup possibilities. Rotation: Santana Gibson Berrios May Santiago or Mejia I'm torn on keeping Santiago, but it's hard not to keep a veteran LHSP and allow Mejia a little more time. Bullpen: Vet FA or Kintzler Pressly Tonkin Duffy OPEN AUDITION Roger's OPEN AUDITION There ARE a lot of bullpen arms seemingly ready or close to it at AAA and AA, plus the couple of LHRP I'd sign. Hence the OPEN AUDITION slots in the pen. How good is this team? How many games might they win? It's hard to say. But for the most part, youth is still served, and more youth will be up at some point. I like my team as listed and healthy. There's a couple guys that could be flipped at some point as well. An 80 win team? I think that's doable. Playoff contention? Maybe if the kids keep improving.

Despite being a fan and general defender of Plouffe in the past, I feel it's best to move on, especially considering the contract amount he's probably going to command. Other quick points: 1] I remain convinced, at this point, that I have seen enough from Sano to believe that healthy, and given time, he will be solid at 3B. Probably never great or very good, but solid. 2] Not playing Vargas just about every day is a huge mistake! So he cooled down some. He was still taking quality AB and getting walks and could just as easily have gotten hot again. There is usually an ebb and flow to a hitter's season. You owe it to yourself to see what you have in him. 3] As of now, my ideal player roster for 2017 includes 2 catchers TBD, Mauer, Vargas or Park, Dozier, Polanco, Escobar, Sano, Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, and a quality 4th ML OF who can step in and play if Buxton needs time. That's 12 and you need 13. Plouffe as a 3B/1B/DH and possible spare OF wouldn't be the worst idea, or insurance, if his contract was decent and your staff wasn't committed to him being a full time player. Not saying the team SHOULD keep Plouffe, but I can see merit in this scenario.

Slegers has quietly put together a pretty nice season. Despite his size, he doesn't have the power or SO ability you'd think. But he's looking like a fairly decent prospect

Just a few thoughts after reading a series of comments: 1] There IS a logjam at certain positions. But it's not caused by the "jamming" players, it's the FO and or the staff creating the logjam. They are being incompetent beavers! see what I did there?) NO WAY Vargas shouldn't be playing daily, much less being sent down at all. And I like the apology idea. 2] Unless he really is worn down, and I doubt it, and his performance wouldn't seem to indicate it, there is no reason for Garver not to be given at least a little ML time in September before heading to the AFL. He has to be added to the 40 man this year anyway. He could be a viable option behind the plate, has caught less games than he probably should have, the AFL-CIO is not a long term grind, and he still has time to rest up before ST. 3] I can get Dean or Albers earlier in the season to fill a temp role due to injury, etc. But at this point in the season, unless your over riding concern is Rochester and a potential playoff spot, NOW there is no excuse for guys like this starting. There ARE other options that could actually gain something from ML playing experience. 4] I believe Kintzler, or another veteran FA to close games next year on a last year or make good contract, is a good call for the team. With no set young closer option, you can begin to audition/prepare someone, and preserve the games that you can win. Winning helps breed winning, IMO. 5] In regard to a mention of Tonkin specifically, I think he did quite well for most of the season. But he's been entirely miscast as a long reliever. I think he's wearing down. He's a 1+ IP pitcher for a 6-8th inning role. Badly miscast as a long man.

While I agree his swoon was regrettable in many ways...and could happen again of course...I am of the opinion he has, possibly still is, matured as a hitter. He seems to have made some very real adjustments this season. While he still pulls for power, and most guys with power do pull quite a bit, he seems to have stopped looking to do so constantly, and has really adapted to going the other way when the opportunity presents itself.

I'd like to just a different idea out there, if I may. First, again, I'm not saying don't look for a deal for Dozier and see if you can find a great fit and get a bug return, i.e. a #2 SP or a top, top prospect ready to go and maybe another quality prospect as well. But I lean toward keeping him at this point: his power and overall production, though streaky at times, is awfully good. And he provides a veteran bat in an increasingly young lineup. When his current contract is up, he'll only be 32 for the 2019 season. Hardly a gray beard, and playing a position that doesn't usually see as sudden a decline as say catcher, CF or SS. Further, he could not only be resigned at some point potentially, but also possibly move to 3B (short on the arm but good athlete and less range required) or possibly 1B to replace Mauer. If the new GM decides not to keep Santiago and to not sign Plouffe, by my figuring, the Twins will cut over 36M from their payroll this season. Now, there will be raises, of course. And I believe the team should invest in a real 4th OF who can start if needed, possibly a back end RP on a 1 year deal, a couple low cost LHRP auditions, etc. But they will definitely be cutting costs. If I'm not mistaken, Perkins is off the books after next season? That's another 6M+. Santana, and Mauer if memory serves, would be signed for 2018 and then done. What if this new FO is more aggressive overall, and uses this money on a top FA SP NEXT off season when the market should be better, and we keep Dozier, and his offense, and continue to work with and move up the young rotation candidates? Thoughts?

NICE!

No question the Dozier, and Santana, topic and what to do, or not do, is the new hot topic these days. And it's a good article and it's anot interesting topic of debate. But the real key first and foremost, to state the obvious, is the change in the front office and who's going to be running the show. The new guys in charge will, hopefully, be progressive in their thinking. Despite Pohlad claiming Molitor is the manager next year, I don't believe he and his staff are truly safe. I don't believe the milb staffs are safe either. Somewhere along the line there appears to be a disconnect in the handling of prospects. Dozier COULD bring back a top of the rotation arm, or at worst, a top, top rotation prospect ready for prime time. But you also lose his offense, and then need another infield addition to replace him and create depth and competition. (And don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Polanco believer and supporter). But I have to ask, if you felt comfortable and confident that Berrios, May and Mejia would be ready to take a step forward next season and be reliable, would you still be in favor of moving Dozier? Granted, there is no way to automatically instill such confidence at this time. And moving Dozier, if you can find the right trade and trade partner, could be a savy move. But he'll only be 30 next season, could still be moved later, or signed to an extension, while Polanco and Escobar form a nice SS/utility mix/battle and you roll with Santana-Gibson-Berrios-May-Mejia with Santiago maybe here, maybe gone, and guys like Gonsalves getting close. NOT saying don't trade him if a big value is there, but I have to wonder if the smart move isn't keeping him, examine changes in the field staff and how prospects are handled, and go with the names mentioned above.

Agree almost 100% with you Shane. (I'm still addicted to TD because I'm addicted to the Twins for 45 years). Unless I'm missing something, why on earth can't Garver come up for September and play in the AFL? I disagree, however, with any idea of releasing Centeno. This team desperately needs help at catcher. Centeno needs help with balls in the dirt, but otherwise seems adequate calling a game and has a decent arm. He's also a LH bat and competent hitter. (I've never subscribed to the theory that your backup catcher has to be great defensively but not hit). Dump or sit Suzuki who is a pending FA anyway. What's he going to do playing? Help you win 1 or 2 more games this season? That accomplishes what? Agree 100% on your infield and DH thoughts. And it could and maybe should be the infield for 2017 as well. I'm not as sold on Palka and Walker coming up, unless it's just for the experience. Rosario, Buxton and Kepler need to play daily. I like Palka a lot, and still find Walker very intriguing. (If he could be the same player at the ML level he is in the minors, he's valuable). But not only do we have to play the young starting OF, but Palka has less than a season of AAA and Walker is improved but questionable ready for a look-see, and it may be better for both to just end the season strong and concentrate on 2017. I also believe in Santana, Gibson, Berrios and May in the rotation. I'm less convinced on Santiago, but to be fair, how happy would we have been to have him in past years? I'd rather see the younger, higher upside Mejia. Duffey could still be a quality SP, we've seen what he is capable of, is still young, and just barely has 1 full season worth of ML starting experience at this point. But he could also be your long man and 6th SP option. There are a few nice bullpen candidates that deserve being looked at. So look at them! IMO, to not do these things for September is borderline incompetent! Play the kids, tell them to cut loose and have fun! So what if you lose? You're already doing that. Experience and auditions for the future is what's important at this point, not a couple more wins!

Read through all the posts, and fully understand both sides of the aisle. Can't say I disagree with either side either. I'm not so much straddling the fence as trying to examine this team as well as the future. Yes this team has been disappointing, often terrible to watch... except for a 2 month stretch... and could lose 100 games. And yes, there have been some frustrating and head scratching moves. But to really examine what is best for the team moving forward, while examing this season in proper retrospect. And to do so, we have to accept two things; 1} despite our frustrations and disappointments of 5 of the past 6 years, we have to examine this season on its own merits. We have to do so as Ryan is gone, and while we don't know what front offices or sweeping changes could yet happen within the organization, things are changing. (Hopefully for the better) But also... 2} The rebuild and youth movement everyone speaks of HAS begun. Albeit, some of the young talent hasn't performed as expected or hoped, and their are questions about the field staff. But Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Polanco, Vargas, Berrios, Duffey and others have been up and given chances, and will, presumably, get more. And there have been some fine performances in AAA and AA of prospects that seem very close. Again, there are concerns about how the ML field staff and some of the milb field staffs have helped develop and prepare some of these prospects, but that is an entirely different discussion. So, changes are coming and have begun. The team has gotten much younger, will get younger still, presumably, and THIS 90+ loss team IS different than previous 90 loss teams. (Despite some of the same shortcomings) SO what is best going forward for this team? I don't have a problem shopping both Dozier and Santana to see what you can get for them. You'd be foolish not to do so! If Santana could bring back another Mejia or better, you're probably better of making said move. IF. Otherwise, you have a solid veteran ML starter on a decent contract for 2 years to solidify one rotation spot. If Dozier could bring back a legitimate #2, still fairly young and cost controlled SP, or a top, top prospect ready, you have to consider that move. But consider Dozier's power and offensive ability, (and i like the adjustments he's made this season), it's not as easy to replace him as just plugging Polanco in to 2B. Now you need another infielder to your roster for additional depth and competition. Again, I think you shop both, see what you can get, and if it makes enough sense you move either or both of them. But...and I'm not saying the Twins are suddenly an automatic playoff candidate...I believe it may be more prudent, especially if a new staff is in place, to "anchor" your rotation with Santana and a healthy Gibson, while rolling with Berrios, May, Mejia and possibly Duffey. Gonsalves looks like he might be ready at some point in 2017. Picture the lineup with Dozier, Polanco or A healthy Escobar at SS and the other a nice utility player, along with continued development from Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano and others. This is a long winded way of saying I don't have an exact answer. And like everyone else, I'm tired of losing, and tired of waiting until next year. But taking a step back and focusing on this season alone, changes ARE happening on the field and in the front office. (Again, hopefully good changes in the FO). And I guess I'm of the opinion that unless you can pick up a really, really good and immediate rotation piece, I think the Twins are better off keeping both guys, at least initially, and continuing to work with and keep introducing the young talent around them.

Mauer stoll ranks high. Sano playing 3B and only 3B will assist in his improvement. Kepler looks good in the OF to me, and it seems most of his errors came early while he was settling in. It's not the prettiest picture I've seen, but it's not quite as bad as painted, IMO.

Generally, I agree with your entire list. I'm a little unsure about Walker and Palka. Now, I like Palka quite a bit, but he's not on the 40 man yet, and has a little under half a season at AAA. Plus, if Buxton, Kepler and Rosario play almost every day, is there room for him to actually get playing time? Ditto for Walker, who has shown improvement in the second half, but might be better off ending the season on a positive note and not coming up to sit or SO in the few AB he gets. Vargas should also be up, and play every day. He never should have been sent down in the first place. I like the Beresford promotion idea. It might even keep him around another season in the organization. My feelings on Garver have changed as of late. Originally, I felt the Twins should sign a veteran catcher for a year, and/or the best "John Hicks-type" milb FA/waiver wire option to compete next season. And maybe they still should. But instead of bringing up Garver to better prepare him for Rochester to begin 2017, I'm now thinking he should be more heavily considered as a legitimate candidate for the main job in '17. His defense may still have rough edges, and I wish he caught a few more games this year, but his bat has real potential and he can throw. For a rebuilding team getting younger all the time, I'm thinking more and more of going with him and letting him polish himself on the job. Why Wheeler hasn't already been up over Albers and others is beyond me.

What I find so interesting about Walker is that despite his K's and not so great BA at every level, he's also produced and been virtually the same player at every level. I don't know that he's ready for the last step just yet, but if he could once again be that same player at the ML level, DH or OF, he would be valuable as a bottomed third power and RBI producer.

While the who,E Albers and Dean situation is unsettling, Wimmers coming up is a very nice story. Congratulations and all the best to the kid!

For goodness sake...THIS is the answer? I'm not sure if I should shrug, roll my eyes or throw up bile. Why not Wheeler? Someone who might actually deserve a look-see. How about telling Berrios to relax, have some fun, and just throw the ball? The ONLY way this makes any sense at all is if Albers is fresher than some other guys and it's only a temp move for a beat up bullpen. And even then, I'm still not sure I get it. There appears to be a complete disconnect somewhere in the handling of prospects.

Just absolutely shaking my head at this staff. There have got to be some changes made here. There is a pattern developing that is simply not acceptable. Don't play...then play. Come up....go down. The new GM absolutely has to have the authority to make changes in the dugout as well.

Yet another example of disconnect somewhere in the organization. Polanco doesn't even play SS all season until he gets to the Twins. Garver has positive reports behind the plate, and is such a quality hitter he DH and plays 1B on off days. But for a team desperate for help behind the plate, they slow his defensive progress??? Makes no sense. Now, he does have to be added to the 40 man this year, so there should be no reason not to be up in September for a look-see. If he's not, someone's head should roll.

Obviously the Twins need pitching. And obviously the hope is the new GM will make smart decisions, whether it be via trades, FA, etc. There are some solid pieces in the pen to begin with, and enough arms on the way that if even a couple of them turn out, the bullpen could be really solid. The rotation is the biggest issue. And I don't say not to trade Dozier. Potentially, he's a valuable trade chip. And Polanco would provide a quality replacement, just as a different type of player. But if you move Dozier, you also lose his offense and create another need in the infield. Nobody wants to keep playing the waiting game. But I have to wonder if the Twins still aren't better keeping Dozier and keep working with youngsters like Berrios, May, Duffy, Mejia and eventually Gonsalves along with vets like Santana and Gibson.

I tend to agree with the sentiment of the post. I think it's a mistake to count on Hughes for anything at this point. I'm sure the Twins know more about his status, but I just can't believe at this point anyone can expect the old Hughes, or when to expect it, if at all. There is nothing of value on the FA market, IMO, unless it's a question year flyer. But Santana, Gibson and Berrios is a start. Then comes May. Duffel has shown flashes, Mejia could be a steal. Wheeler deserves a shot at some point. Gonsalves and others aren't ready...yet. But there is some real talent there. I know we get tired of words like patience, and you can't just say "wait until next year" every year. But there are some arms to work with in 2017. I understand the idea of moving Dozier for help. And you can never have enough pitching. But unless you truly can come up with a front line, top of the order pitcher in return, I still think the team is better with him, and working with the veterans and kids in '17.

I like most of your original idea but don't agree with all. Could we use and afford Ramos? Probably. But even if he would come here...doubtful...I don't like spending such big money on an almost 30yo catcher with some injury history. But we do need help at catcher. I'm inclined to sign the best veteran I can for a season, two at most. However, I'd also be very interested in the best DFA, milb FA John Hicks type I could find as another option. This guy would fight with Centeno, Murphy and Garver...who gets some September exposure...for the top two spots. This could change later in the season. Mauer is at 1B/DH with either Vargas or Park. Based on youth, potential, switch hitting, OB%, I'm hoping for Vargas. A healthy Park could surprise yet though. I get the sentiment to trading Dozier for a top SP. I'm OK with that if the right deal and right guy is there, but I have concerns. I like his bat, solid glove, and veteran experience to help lead the offense. Polanco and Escobar fight it out for SS with the "loser" being my utility player. Sano is at 3B. I'm a fan of Plouffe, but I just don't feel he should be back unless there is real concern that his recent injury is something more than minor soreness. On a side note, I'm going to sign the best AAAA middle infielder and 3B I can find for Rochester and call up depth. I see Rochester's infield looking short next season. My OF plan is Rosario, Buxton and Kepler. Grossman could figure as a 4th OF, but I'm going to sign a legitimate 4th OF type for depth, or to play LF/CF if Buxton needs more time. This could bump Grossman to 5th OF or AAA. I'm going to sign a veteran back of the bullpen arm on the rebound, or looking for one more good year. Either than, or I keep Kintzler if I believe enough in him, but not both. I've got Chargois, Tonkin and Pressly locked in, along with Rogers from the left side. I'm bringing in a couple of lefty arms in search of another Abad who will compete with O'Rourke, and possibly Boshers, Wheeler and Dean for the 2nnd lefty role. That leaves one spot open in the pen for the best man available during ST auditions. Call me a ridiculous optomist, but I don't think Santana, a healthy Gibson and a more experienced Berrios as too bad a place to begin my rotation. Great? No. But not a bad place to start. I also like May here. It's such a shame he didn't have this season to build his experience in the rotation. The last spot is between Duffey and Mejia. Despite a mixed bag of results, Duffey has shown real promise at times, and Mejia is a young lefty who throws hard and may be about ready to surge, though he has ,essential than a half season at AAA. I have a quality veteran to help lead the staff, a young veteran who I believe still hasn't shown us his best yet, and a trio of talented youngsters with more on the way. I like my mix of youth and a few key veterans. The lineup itself is a little hard to predict at this point, IMO.

I've been impressed with the way Dozier has adjusted and grown as a hitter this season. I understand the idea of selling high and bringing in a quality pitcher via a grade of Dozier. But I really want him on this team to provide offense and leadership. I really don't understand the argument that he'll be gone when the Twins are good again. He's still only 29, signed for 2 more years before FA, and there is always the option of re-signing him or extending him if it seems prudent. I understand the need for better pitching. But this team is also getting really young really quick. I'd like, for right now, to keep Dozier for his bat and experience and shore up the bullpen while giving Berrios, May, Mejia, Duffy and soon Gonsalves their opportunities in the rotation.

I also tend to agree withyour final sentiment. I'm pretty conservative by nature. In sports, there are times to blow things up and make changes, but generally, I've never believed in bouncing out coaches/managers and staff after a year or two. It takes time for any kind of turnaround and to implement a system. And to be fair, I'm not sure comparing last season and not quite a full season this year accurately judges Molitor or Allen, or any of the coaches for that matter. Some of the frustrating moves we've seen could very well be the result of Terry Ryan influence. Coincidence or not, since his removal, the team has performed better, won more, and more and more prospects have been seeino regular playing time. But with the lack of proper planning the past few seasons, and a new GM coming on board, I just wonder if the entire structure of the Twins wouldn't be better off with a new manager and staff. Not because Molitor or Allen or anyone else is particularly bad...the have the players they've been dealt and the jury is probably still out...but with a fresh start at the top, maybe a fresh staff would work better.

This move just makes me ill! Nobody...nobody could be sent down but Vargas? I don't care if he's cooled a bit lately, he's still producing. And he's producing in such a way that he deserves to play. You're a young player with talent and you progress, work and develop, produce, and your reward is to be sent down? I'm po'd and ill.

NOT saying we should keep Plouffe. But hypothetically, were he retained on a fair contract for another season, he could 1B3B and DH, possibly play a little corner OF and be a decent bench bat all without having to be a full time starter. 4 OF 2 1B/DH 3 INF 1 UTILITY INF 2 C That leaves room for Plouffe as another role player/utility type. I don't know that it's ideal or even what I want...but there is some merit to the idea.

I don't always pay attention to the number of errors my milb infielders. Long bus rides, not as well groomed fields, not always as good of a supporting cast, etc. And thought I had heard he's been battling some injuries this season.