DocBauer

I want to apologize for errors in my previous post due to my new Galaxy phone and still getting used to the auto correct. My apoligies.

I'm still torn on Santiago. I need to see more to make a firm decision. As of now, he's probably gone. I'm keeping Santana and Dozier. I want a good team. I want my team to play well, compete, and hopefully win some games even as I'm in a youth movement. *I'm not spending big on a catcher. I'm signing the veteran my scouts like best to a 1 year deal, maybe with a club option. (might also look for a cheap milb invite like Hicks and Centennial last year) Murphy and Centennial fight for the backup job and Garver plays about every day at Rochester. *Sano stays at 3B. I'm giving him time. but also expect hard work and to lose a few pounds. Escobar and Polanco fight for SS, the other is a quality utility guy. Dozier at 2B. Mauer and Vargas are 1B/DH, Park in contention but maybe squeezed. (in some 23 player scenarios, there could be room for all 3) *I was going to look for another Grossman type to battle Grossman, (who I think is serviceable) I'm switching gears and looking now for a more established LF or CF for depth and competition and rolling with him, Rosario, Buxton and Kepler. Grossman can go to AAA or be a 5th OF possibly. * Really torn on Plouffe as insurance. *If I only keep 4 OF, could be room for Park or Plouffe. *My rotation includes Santana, Gibson, Berrios for sure. Probably May, who can shift back to the pen if necessary. The final spot is open to Duffy, Mejia and Wheeler. (as of now, not counting on Hughes who could be a nice surprise) *I'm looking for a couple LHRP hoping to find another Abad to go along with Roger's in the pen. Pressly, Tonkin and Chargois are also in. I'm either keeping Kintzler or a FA closer type looking for either a bounce back or one more year, but not both. The 7th spot is open to anyone, lefty or right. My team is mostly young, with a few key vets helping everything along for a year or two

To waste Polanco's options with little to no playing time, and to refuse him playing his natural SS position at AAA this season...especially considering its unsettled at the ML level...goes beyond misguided. It's just plain stupid. We don't know yet if he can be a starting ML SS or not, or at least a decent fill in, but he's looked pretty good so far. A testament to his experience and natural ability. And all the more damping evidence to his mishandling. Here's hoping he can at least be a temp solution until someone like Gordon is ready.

Good topic, but there are so many factors to consider, and you can't fix everything overnight. I just don't see how you can give up on a healthy Sano so quickly at 3B despite some errors. If you did, past Twins like Gaetti and Koskie would never have been allowed to grow in to the players they became.Yes defense is important, and we don't know yet to what level of defense Sano may rise to. Also, regardless of position, sometimes you do have to weigh offense vs defense. There is often give and take when assembling your team/lineup. I'd like to see better play at SS as well. Escobar has previously been pretty solid there, as well as providing a quality bat. After the past two seasons, is this one an aberration? Could you return to form next year? And while it's a SSS thus far, Polanco has looked pretty decent at SS. Could he be good enough to fight it out with Escobar next spring? His offense sure looks good. Or do you crowd the infield even more by signing someone else to come in for a couple of years? And are we looking to compete or continue to play and rebuild with young talent? Personally, I'm torn on the return of Plouffe as a safety valve/utility option for 2017. I can see both sides to the arguement. But right now, I think I stick with Polanco and Escobar in a battle at SS. I think you sign a veteran catcher on a 1 year deal, probably look for another "Hicks" type, and let them compete with Murphy and Centeno, (who I kind of like). No pressure on Garver. I'm afraid I just don't have an answer for the rotation. Santana, Gibson and Berrios should all be there. I just don't think you count on Hughes for anything right now, unless his rehab goes off without a hitch and he's throwing bullets. That leaves Duffey, May and Mejia as your most likely candidate for the 4 and 5 spots, though Wheeler probably deserves a shot somewhere. What I DO like is the fact that were talking about young guys getting the chance vs re-treads. And if it wasn't made clear, Dozier is still part of my initial 2017 team. I like having a veteran or two on the team. And the guy's offense is very good, and hard to replace. I've been impressed with the adjustments he's made this season as well.

I'm not willing to give up on Sano at 3B yet. Yeah, there have been some plays that make you shake your head, but he's also made some nice plays, charges the ball surprisingly well, and has a cannon for an arm. It will take time to iron out some things, but keep him there. Doesn't preclude, however, from him DH or even playing 1B also. And Plouffe can move around, as stated. It worked well the second half of last season

I've thought about this a lot lately as well. Been thinking how there is room for Mauer, Vargas and Park to all fit as 1B/DH and bench bat. It would mean 1 utility infielder and 4 total OF, which means...barring someone out with injury...either Santana or Grossman doesn't fit. Now what if we throw Plouffe in the mix? Now someone else in the 1B/DH mix has no room. I don't know for sure if that's good or bad. You shorten the flexibility of your bench, but produce a more dangerous offense potentially. I thought Ploughed was done in Minnesota. But now I'm beginning to think he may be back as insurance for Sano and his elbow. Of course, this could change if Sano proves healthy the next month and a half. But isn't it almost comical how Polanco doesn't play any SS in the minors this year at all, but now he's playing there for the Twins? And so far, not looking bad there at all.

I'm sure there are things Gonsalves has to work on that we don't necessarily know, not being able to see him daily. Slightly higher BBC totals would indicate that. But his performance this year is one of the top highlights for the entire Twins system. No way he can't be at AAA to begin next season.

I believe Santana will be back to help anchor the club with his veteran experience. I'm not convinced Santiago will be back and Hughes shouldn't be counted on for anything at this point, contract or not. Even if he comes back by ST strong, he may be a reliever initially. Santana Gibson Berrios May Duffey with the younger Mejia the primary challenger and Wheeler behind him.

In regard to Jay turning out as a relief pitcher "only", I'm not saying that will happen. He seems to have the stuff that as he builds strength and endurance, he might be a very good starter. And goodness knows the Twins need front line starters! And while I am not predicting greatness, nor defending or blasting his selection, I do defend him not being a "bust" if he only turns out to be a top reliever. Statistics and commentary I've read and heard in the past indicate that a highly successful draft usually includes 3 players actually making and contributing at the ML level. So if Jay ends up "only" a top notch reliever I will be disappointed, but will not consider him a bust.

Agreed this is the best looking group of pitching prospects. all at once, that we've seen in a very long time. And Romero could be added to the list, though he is a little further away. Also wonder. Nick, if you didn't need a caffeine intake before writing, lol.Jay pitched pretty well this year, very well at times, in his first "full" season, while making the transition to starter, and reached AAA. There are definitely questions still surrounding Stewart. But he showed real progress at Ft Myers the first half, and flashes at times in AA. And while the jury is still very much out on him, he's very young and still learning. I'm actually higher on him now than I was last year. Side note: If Jay ultimately turns out to be a top notch lefty in the pen, I still won't see him or his selection as a bust.

I confess to knowing less about Romero than the pitching prospects in AA and AAA, probably due his missed time and his lower level status. (Seems we talk a bit less about the lower level players at times) But despite coming back from virtually with full seasons away due to his injuries, his numbers split between CR and Ft Myers are pretty impressive. 7-3 in 14GS 77IP 61H 13BB 73SO .96WHIP Impressive. Here's hoping he sees AA next year.

I love his ability and he seems to play with a flair. He showed his potential in the minors with the exception of one half season. He may never have the contact and OB skills we'd all like, or have seen be better in the minors. But I believe he can and has improved. He has all the ability in the world to be an offensive weapon in the 6 or 7 spot.

correct me if I'm mistaken, but weren't Wade's last college season stats skewed from an injury?

He's very, very talented. You aren't ranked as high as he has been and perform the numbers he has in milb without it. Now, he may have to make some adjustments. But he's also quite young, missed some development time and was rushed some too. Remember how Hunter struggled at first. And while it's a sore subject, so did Gomez. Just give him some time. I still think he's going to be very good.

A couple great lists and some nice additions. I might add catcher AJ Murray to the list as well. Hasn't done as well at Ft Myers as he did for CR but I confess to knowing nothing about him before the season. And then he got off to such a nice start he earned a promotion.

Being streaky isn't necessarily a bad or unusual thing. While we would all love consistency from the players on our team, the truth is that there are peaks and valleys in most every season for all players. Usually, at least on decent teams, when one guy slumls, another player heats up. Now, I do agree with Levi though, that some of the streaks and slumps Dozier has gone through can be maddening. But still, he provides strong offensd, borderline elite when you consider his position. I've read some arguements on here including Sano even though it's a thread about Dozier. And the answer seems to be Polanco. But he also can't play with positions simultaneously. If Nick is correct that BD could in fact bring back a front of the rotation starter, at the least, and I think that plausible, you have to consider a move. But I'm still on the side of keeping him for now.

There are two points of view being discussed on here that I greatly respect and want to jump on board with, but can't bring myself to do so. The first is that the Twins have enough offense to offset Dozier's loss, and the second is that if the team can't contend the next two seasons, then Dozier is a FA in 2019 and we potentially lose him for nothing or face a big contract to keep him. Sano is already a stud and will only get better. I have tremendous faith in Kepler's ability. I like Vargas and think he could be a keeper. I still have all the faith in the world in the young Buxton, he's just not there yet. (Yes, there might be some adjustments that have to be made) I very much like Polanco, and think Rosario will continue to get better and be a very productive and dangerous player, just never make the contact or have the OB skills to move up from the 6 or 7 spot in the lineup. And there are the likes of Gordon, Garver, Palka and Granite that have a real chance to be nice to very good players. But this group is still so young. And despite some of his poor streaks, Dozier is a real producer and a veteran one at that. The Twins biggest problem is a rotation that can compete at a top level. I believe there are pieces in the bullpen to build with, other strong pieces very close, and a smart GM can augment that bullpen with a move or two without having to blow up the roster or his milb talent pool. But I'm not convinced that further growth from said youngsters, including some rotation candidates, that the Twins are already excluded from any sort of contention in 2017 or 2018, though '18 seems more likely. Berrios and Duffey are a coupleading of nice kids to work with, Berrios especially so. It's not too far fetched to think Gonsalves could be ready at some point in 2017. Just how good is Mejia? We don't know yet. A healthy Gibson pitching like he did in 2015 is solid. I'm not saying this all shakes out for contention, but it's also not impossible either. A stronger bullpen, a young lineup getting better and better, with Dozier as a part of it, could make for a nice team. And if the Twins did want to re-sign Dozier, we have some contract coming off the books over the next couple of years. Solid arguements. Just not sure I'm sold.

Great article. Probably worthy of a move to the front page. It's a great question you have asked, but the problem is, I'm just not sure we have the answer yet. Perhaps the remainder of the season will help answer. Despite various lineup/roster short falls and mismanagement in 2015, and a more veteran crew, the Twins played above themselves and had a real chance to make the playoffs with a little more help, most noticeably the bullpen. As disappointing as this year has been, it's really broken in to two different seasons. More roster shortages, poor performances and injury all lead to massive losing and poor baseball. There were numerous examples of mismanagement in regard to various young players. But the past couple of months have seen some real roster changes, an influx of young talent...playing the right positions...and much better and winning/competitive ball. Rosario has been much better since he's come back, a day or two off is not a bad thing. Sano is still a young stud. Vargas has playex, is performing, and should play more, but he's not just sitting. Kepler has come a long way. Polanco is now PLAYING. Berrios is up. Duffey has had a long leash, but has also shown promise amidst his inconsistencies. Is this due to Molitor? Was he not allowed to play the kids earlier in the year? Was this a result of Ryan giving Molitor certain directives that are no longer in place? Or did it just take time for the young players to find themselves? It just feels as though the information to make a decision is not yet complete.

You have to give up good or great talent to get good or great talent in return. And Dozier is a strength from which the Twins could trade to acquire someone and already has someone to plug in to his spot. Polanco won't ever have his power, but he does have some string in his bat and might develop more. He's also got the ability to hit, get OB, and run quite well. Defensively, the potential is very good. Dozier, or Dozier and another prospect, would seem a prime candidate to bring back a top end SP, relatively young and cost controlled for a few years, that could really stabilize the rotation. But here's the rub. He's probably one of the best at his position in baseball. He's only 29, and plays a position where good players can often maintain their skills longer than some others. He's also cost controlled for the next couple of seasons. And even then, should the Twins be inclined to keep him, they will have several contracts coming off the books, and a relatively young and inexpensive roster in place. And he is one of the team'should top power threats and offensive performers. While the team needs SP help, Berrios, Duffey and the newly acquired Mejia offer real potential, and there are a few top young arms at AA, most notably Gonsalves, that could/should be ready to contribute in a year, perhaps a bit sooner. Unless you truly believe the Twins could contend in 2017, I'm inclined to keep him for next season. At least, begin the season with him. When I look at Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Sano, Polanco and Vargas, I see a team that may not need Dozier a year from now. I'm really torn on this subjecg, but I lean towards keeping him for now as all the prospects develop over the next half to full season.

Garver could get a shot as he's the closest and fastest rising catcher on a team needing help there. And he has to be added to the 40 man anyway. I love Gonsalves and have high hopes. But half a season at AAA, even performing as he is. I don't think he's prepared yet. No room for Granite either. No AAA time, little playing time available when Buxton comes back.

O'Rourke has done a solid job a few times when pressed for additional innings. But his role should be 1-3 batters as a LOOGY. I'm not big on such specialists, but with a 7 man bullpen, there is room for such a specialist. But Light is an intriguing prospect and should be given a look if he continues to perform at Rochester well. Has Wimmer actually found a niche as a RP? As a former #1 pick who needs to be added or risk losing, the Twins should take a look. Just not sure O'Rourke is the right choice here. Think I have to disagree on Melotakis. He's had a remarkable year when you see what he's done and remember he's coming back from TJ. I like him and his potential, but I think he's probably close to maxing himself out for this year.

To his credit, Ryan did a really good job of finding useful pieces on minor league and small ML contracts. Not just for the pen, but some useful reserve pieces as well. But I completely agree he blew it the past two seasons on either counting on those guys, expecting the young bullpen arms to arrive more quickly than they have, or both. Abad I felt good about. Kintzler I didnt. But he has really surprised and run with the opportunity. Could he go all Jepsen on us next season? Absolutely. But it doesn't mean he will. I still like the idea of a veteran in the pen to help provide experience and an "anchor" or sorts. This reduces pressure on the younger guys to have to come industry close immediately. And I'm not guaranteeing Kintzler will continue to pitch this well. I'm just saying, while Chargois and others are being groomed, and we await the impending arrival of other strong arms, said veteran would be a nice addition. But instead of seeking out a veteran FA on a limited deal, maybe near the end and looking for that one more season or so in the sun, maybe the Twins already have that temp guy.

Believe me, I'm as surprised by this idea as you. But it may not be as crazy as you think. I have advocated during all the Ervin Santana trade discussion that he is better than any FA starting pitching option listed as being a FA option for next offseason. Further, his contract is in line with what you would expect, and not exorbitant. And while this team is still in rebuild mode, there are some very nice, very young pieces in play, with more to come. But with the exception of Berrios, our top pitching prospects are in AA, and one would assume, rightly so, that they are all at least half a season away. And I've argued the Twins may be better off in the long run to keep Santana as a sort of solid, veteran anchor for 2017 to help lead the rotation. (At least for half the season) I've been thinking a lot about this in regard to next year's bullpen as well. I've made mention before that while the team has some solid pieces in place in Rogers, Pressly, Tonkin, probably Chargois, (maybe May but he should first be made a SP again), we're still waiting on some other young arms, and it might be a smart move to pick up a veteran arm to help the backend of the bullpen, at least initially. Instead of simply thrusting someone in to the closer role to begin the season, or holding open auditions, perhaps the Twins might find someone like a Latroy Hawkins, someone at the end of his career, but coming off a solid season, or perhaps good half season before tiring, to help close out games early. Possibly be a trade flip mid year. But I have to say, the way he has surprisingly pitched and embraced the closer role the second half of this season, I have to wonder if bringing back Kintzler may be the answer. There is no concrete evidence he will maintain his solid work. But there is no concrete evidence he will implode either. It would figure he'd be a relatively cheap veteran option who seems comfortable with the Twins, and could help pave the way for someone like Chargois to gradually slide in to the closer role. What do you think?

I like the way the kid pitches and his approach, his stuff just doesn't play up. Not as a starter anyway. Perhaps he can be effective in the bullpen. But with other guys that need a look see why just recycle Dean again?

Not sure I've seen enough of him defensively to know if he's poor, average or what. There is still an eye test to be considered when watching someone play defense, I MO. But he's still you, makes contact, has some power at least, takes positive AB and takes BB. That's valuable as a bench player/role player. A 4th OF doesn't have to play CF when you have other guys on the team who can do so. I'd definitely keep him as part of the immediate future. But I'd also do my best to find another Grossman out there. Someone with some ability maybe needing a fresh start. Someone who can push Grossman, and be a AAAA option for us at worst. Palka is still rather young, half a season at AAA. Walker needs work. Granite hasn't seen AAA yet. So Grossman provides real value. I'd just like to bring on board another helpful option.