DocBauer

I like the proposed haul and can't disagree with your assessment. And I'm a big fan of Polanco and his potential. Have been for some time. And I think the Twins have handled him poorly, at both the ML and milb levels of late, until recently. I wouldn't move Dozier until the off-season when you can have multiple trade partners. Even then, I'm torn on trading him. I like Polanco getting his chance now. I glad he's getting a shot to see what he can do at SS, a position he's played all his life until this season in the minors. I'd be very interested in having him continue to play SS, possibly challenge Escobar next season, and at worst, provide a charge off the bench as a prime utility player to begin 2017 as he hopefully eases in to a full time role.

Did anyone else catch this article in the Pioneer Press? Sorry, I'm not sure on my tablet how to post a link to the story, but it's well worth a quick read. In the article, the wily veteran Santana praises Berrios's stuff and fe,the he was opening his left hip too quickly. Santana has been pitching well this season for our Twins. He's cost controlled for whatever more seasons, and based on what he is showing this year, I think it's fair to not expect some sudden regression in 2017. The solid job he's been doing, and things ,Ike this article and willingness to work with the young Berrios are why I'm in favor of him helping anchor our rotation as a veteran starter next season vs looking to trade him.

AAARRRRGGGGHHHH! Not only should Milone be gone so we can move on to someone else, but Dean? Really? Dean?! Not Wimmers. Not Light. Not Wheeler. Not O'Rourke. Dean! Come on!

absolutely Gonsalves to AAA to begin 2017

XB hits*

Milb success never guarantees anything at the ML, of course. But it can be used as a loose form of barometer as to a prospects abilities and possible future. If you examine Vargas's Milburn track record, you will see constant progress through the ranks, the ability to hit and get OB with quality 700+ OPS and I believe we or 3 years of 800. He showed a well rounded approach, not just a big strong masher with high SO totals. His 2014 debut was as encouraging as his 2015 was discouraging. I believe what we are seeing now is a return to basics and a better approach at the plate. Is it still SSS? Yes. Has he been a little hot? Probably. But then again, as stated, all players go through streaks. What's encouraging is decent contact and good BBC totals, not necessarily the CBS hits.

I believe Escobar is the better option of the two. Simply, better bat and glove. And despite his down season this year, we've seen the past two previous seasons what he may be capable of. He could very well be the starting SS in 2017. But you also have to consider Polanco in the equation as well. He's better than either Santana or Escobar. And he could start at 2B if Dozier is moved, or could once and for all begin to show that he is at least adequate at SS. He's looked good in SSS thus far with the Twins. And if he doesn't start, he figures to be a utility player initially. With a talented and flexible OF, Grossman as the probably 4th OF, I'd rather not keep Santana vs another at off the bench, possibly finding room for Mauer, Vargas and Park.

This was the right call. As stated, it is just for ONE DAY so an extra arm can come out of the pen. This is not the time or situation to bring up a prospect for a day to see if maybe he gets in a game or not. Refering to some earlier comments, despite a pair of not so great starts to his Twins career, I'd much rather bring back Santiago than Milone, even if it's for a couple million more. He has better stuff and far more potential to help the club.

Garver and Turner both have to be added to the 40 man or risk losing them in the rule 5. Garver is a no brainer. Despite being reportedly excellent behind the plate, Turner is in AA and hasn't hit particularly well. I could see the Twins, catching starved or not, possibly risk leaving him off the roster. But I rather doubt it. That puts 4 guys on the 40 man, but you almost have to to protect your interests. And I believe they'll look long and hard for a waiver wire, milb FA type to invite to ST. They may look at an older veteran on a short term deal. If you do that, then one of the other catchers has to be removed. You just can't carry 5 of them. I'd love to see Garver come up in September, if for no other reason than the exposure. But I wish he had been brought up to Rochester a couple weeks ago. Would have made a lot more sense to me. But if they don't still move Suzuki, there's no room for Garver, Murphy and Centeno behind Zuke.

I'm a big Rosario fan. Always have been. I know his lack of walks is frustrating, and some of the wild, crazy, flailing swings at stuff completely out of the zone is doubly so. Frankly, I think he's just trying to hard for the big hit, the big play, instead of relaxing. But his contact was better in the minors. We've seen his talent on display on the minors. We saw last year what he's capable of. And since his promotion back up, we've again seen what he is capable of. If he can just relax a bit more, not try so hard all the time for the big hit, and just avoid those embarrassing swings, I can live with higher SO totals and lower BB numbers than I'd like. He's very, very dangerous as a 6/7 hitter in the lineup. And despite some bumbling at the beginning of the season, he's quality defensively as well. I'm a big fan and big believer. No way I'd be looking to part with him as some have suggested.

Love to sign a veteran on a 1 year deal. (Maybe with a 2nd year option) But when I look at potential FA next year, I'm just not encouraged. If my scouts believe in even one guy, I try to get him. Otherwise, I'm looking for another Hicks out there with some ability, but available, and I roll with him, Centeno and Murphy with Garver a bit of a dark horse candidate initially, only due to his lack of AAA time. I go with those 4, 2 at the ML level and 2 in AAA and swap out as necessary. I'm not sinking a big cost in to a veteran on a rebuilding team.

Kintzler is kind of interesting to me. I've thought it might be a good idea to sign 1 veteran guy for the back end of the bullpen. Maybe someone like Hawkins was, looking for that final year before hanging it up. Said veteran wouldn't cost a lot, could be flipped at some point, and would let you ease Chargois or Pressly or someone in to a close role. But with the way he's pitched, I'm almost tempted to bring Kintzler back for another year to fill that role.

He was a defense first player when the Twins signed him. The question was his bat. Obviously, that part of the equation has been answered to a degree. The past few years, he's begun every season hitting first or second, then usually moved to the 3 spot because he was so effective. I'm not a scout. I've only seen him play SS a couple of timestops because, honestly, when he's been up he's hardly been in the lineup until now. (So unbelievably short sighted!) He absolutely needs to play SS, and a lot of it, for two very simple reasons. 1} There is a very good chance he at least begins 2017 as a reserve. His bat and athleticism plays at the ML level, or so it appears. If Dozier is not moved, he provides a potentially excellent bench option. At least until a full time role is found for him. 2} Up until just recently, he has played no worse then 50% of his milb games as a SS. Certainly, there are outstanding glove first defensive SS in the minors, though there aren't generally a lot of them that have a ML bat. If you take a good long look at some of the best SS in the majors the last 20-30 years, you'll see a bunch of top notch players with high error totals in the minors, and early in their ML careers. We are supposed to be talking about player development here. I didn't get to watch the game tonight, but I did listen to some of it. It's only one game, but sounds li,E he played wel, at SS. Keep putting him out there!

On the surface, the move for Park wasn't a bad one. On the surface. It's always good to add quality ballplayers to your roster. Better too many than too few. And really, coming in to the season, we weren't sure what Mauer would do. We weren't sure about Arcia. We weren't sure what to expect from Vargas. And if Park was hitting at least .250 with an OK OB and on pace to slug 30+ doubles and 20+ homers, we'd all be on his fan bandwagon. But all that being said, and despite applauding the Twins for thinking outside the box for once, it was a short-sighted move for a team with holes elsewhere. Vargas is young and has good power and a good eye. Even if you dismiss 2014 and 2015 as cancelling one another out, go look at his milb track record. Solid numbers, high OPS, consistent advancement. He should be applauded for the hard work he's put in at the plate and at 1B. He should not be dismissed. Frankly, I'm excited about him. With a little more time and work, and maybe losing a couple pounds, Sano has the reactions and arm to be at least decent at 3B. You can go down through the years and examine 3B after 3B and you will see struggles defensively while they settled in. (Same for SS and 2B) And let's not forget sticking him in OF, announcing he's not going to play 3B, and then putting him back there again. You MUST give him time. I've always rooted for Plouffe, and he's a solid ballplayer when healthy. The real tragedy for the Twins was him being hurt so much this season to decrease his value. Maybe, hopefully, he can still be moved via a wire trade to someone with a need. But really, he should be done after this season with the Twins. To me, the big crunch is 1B/DH. What if Park starts to get it together? Is there room for he, Mauer and Vargas in 2017? Two in the lineup most days, one on the bench in reserve. But that would force you to carry only one utility guy. Not sure I'm crazy about that.

He may indeed work on some mechanical issues while he is down. But if nothing else, just getting in a groove could also go a long way, simply to rebuild some confidence. I think there a good chance at this point that he's pressing.

I forgot about Light. He could be interesting, to say the least. I'm assuming he needs to be added to the 40 man. Anyone know differently?

Interesting you included Dean. I honestly hadn't thought about bringing him up again. I love his approach to pitching. I just don't think he has enough stuff behind it. Are you thinking relief or starting? I see you didn't include Wheeler.

I just can't figure Mauer out. Never been a hater, but with his regression and the Twins rebuilding, I've thought about and even hoped for retirement, or a possible trade to a contender for his last two years with the Twins picking up most of the check. And suddenly he re-surfaces again as a quality hitter. I love his defense. The OB is still good. And I can live without big power with power in the lineup elsewhere. And teams, and lineups, are built a variety of different ways. And him being a quality #2 has real value. I just wish we knew, with days off being the key or whatever, that he could maintain this the next two years.

Now that August is underway, and the Twins are still playing a much better brand of baseball, and the trade deadline has come and gone, I thought it was time to focus on the remainder of the season. While Suzuki, possibly Milone, could yet be traded...and there is continuing speculation on that front...I thought it would be interesting to focus on Twins call ups in September, and who is deserving, and what is realistic to expect. Just because rosters expand to a possible 40 doesn't mean, of course, that another 15 players will be arriving in the dugout. But who should? Chargois: This one is not only obvious, but his promotion really should be forthcoming rather quickly. And deservedly so. Wheeler: While not on the 40 man at this time, (removed prior to this season after a disappointing 2015), he has been borderline dominant for Rochester this season with a 9-2 record, 2.81 ERA 105 hits in 112 IP and a 1.16 WHIP. While it's unclear how his stuff plays up at the ML level, he's been a bit of a forgotten man these days. But if you look back on his milb history, you will see a very strong 2012 debut season for Beloit, followed by an unspectacular but very solid 2013 for Ft Myers. He shined pretty brightly in 2014 for Ft Myers and New Britain both before a final start for Rochester. For a team that is rebuilding and getting younger, with questions still to be answered in regard to its 2017 rotation, (despite recent trade moves and new options brought in) looking at Wheeler is a must. Mejia: He needs to be on the 40 man. His AA was great, his AAA solid, and he's the Twins newest SP "toy" if you will. (Not being condescending, he's talented, shiny and new) He comes up for a look-see, even if it's out of the pen. Wimmers: The former 1st round pick has had an unremarkable and injury filled career in the Twins system thus far. And he stands at a crossroads in his Twins career at this point, especially with so many young arms pushing for upper level jobs next season. But he has put up some interesting numbers for Rochester this season. Despite a rather pedestrian ERA of 3.27, he has a solid WHIP OF 1.20, and has allowed only 34 hits in 44 IP with 42 SO vs 19 BB. He has also accumulated 9 SV while sharing closer duties. Like Wheeler, not sure how his stuff plays up at the ML level. But the Twins will either need to add him to the 40 man this season, or risk losing him to a team taking a flyer. They owe it to themselves to see what he can do at the ML level in September. Baxendale: Despite a losing record while pitching for Chattanooga earlier this season, and low SO numbers, he pitched pretty well. Since his promotion to the Rochester bullpen,his ERA has been cut in half, his WHIP by about a third, and he's averaging a SO per inning. But with only 14 appearances and 15 IP, there are just too many other options to look at first. Murphy: This one is easy. Despite his disappointing year, he has to be brought up. You don't trade for someone at a position, poor year or not, and not take a look at him. He's hit in the minkrs, hit at the ML level previously, and this just may be one of those write-off seasons that happen to young players. And he is young. He might even be one of those guys that gets another chance and something kicks in. You have to look at him. Palka: Despite more SO than you would care for, this young OF is not immune to walks or relatively decent contact. In fact, since his promotion to Rochester, his BA has dipped only 7 points to .263 while maintaining almost the exact OB he showed at AA, .346 vs .348. And while is SLG has dipped from .894, it is still a very good and productive .851. But with one level promotion already in the books, and a young ML OF that needs to play daily, Grossman and even Santana on the roster, I'd say Palka is where he should be now and a ML promotion would offer little more than bench time. Walker: The enigma that is Walker the prospect is interesting, to say the least. WhIle his SO numbers are almost legendary, so is his power and his ability to continue to out produce some of his peripherals. What is so interesting about Walker is that at every single level he advances to, the BA is never high while the SO are, and yet he produces at every level, 3 times crossing the .800 OPS level with .743 in 2014 being his lowest number. But he must figure behind Palka as a prospect at this point. There really are no ML AB's for him in September. And despite some recent contact improvement at Rochester, I'd say he's right where he should be and should simply get himself ready for 2017. O'Rourke: Used properly, he has already shown previously he can be a fairly effective LOOGY at the ML level. And his AAA numbers this year are again solid. And while I would much prefer pitchers who don't merely specialize, (save a closer), On a rebuilding team with a 7 man bullpen, there could be use for a lefty specialist. Does Molitor agree? I don't feel O'Rourke is a must or certainty, but he's a 50/50 option, and someone the Twins could and should consider. Beresford: Once upon a time, to those of us who have followed the Twins and it's milb system for years, Beresford was considered a very possible SS of the future. A good glove, decent speed, hard-nosed and good instincts, the question was always hitting and a lack of any real power to speak of. Fast forward a few years and he's now a AAA 2B who also can play 1B, 3B and SS in a pinch. The power has never developed, any early speed and SB potential has evaporated, but he does hit fairly well. He's a good organizational guy who has stuck with the Twins organization. He deserved a cup of coffee after last season but the never came. Much to the chagrin of many of us fans. Perhaps he gets a taste of ML Starbucks this season as a reward, but with Polanco up, Santana available, I'm not sure he really fits in anywhere going forward. Hildenberger: This is one of the most interesting prospects in the entire Twins system. Despite not being a hard thrower, his production since signing with the Twins in 2014 has been virtually outstanding. In rookie league action in '14 he saved 10 games with 32 SO in 29 IP with only 5 BB and a 2.48 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. In 2015 mostly at Cedar Rapids...about 1/3 of the season at Ft Myers...he allowed only 39 hits in 64 IP! He saved 17 games and posted numbers of 80/7 SO vs BB ratio! He blew away the competition in Ft Myers to begin the season, in only 6 games, before his promotion to AA where he has been even better! There is a very strong arguement that his next promotion should be directly to the Twins. And his success and numbers would support such an arguement. However, with May, Tonkin and Pressly already there, and Chargois next in line, and other relievers such as Wimmers needing a look-see, it could also be argued that Hildenberger's next promotion should be to Rochester to end the year. Keep in mind he does not need to be added to the 40 man this year, has yet to pitch in AAA, and the Twins have a number of tough roster decisions to make yet. I'm not sure we'll see Hildenberger in a Twins uniform this season. Melotakis: He has, always has had, seeming back of the bullpen potential. And despite a couple not so great appearances lately, has had a very good season at AA. If not for his surgery, he may already be up with the Twins, at AAA at worse. But considering he is still on the comeback rehab trail, a late season trip to Rochester is probably best and all we will see. Granite: This young man has clearly stamped himself as a viable prospect. But is currently on a standard progression movement, has excelled at AA despite a less than spectacular 2015 at Ft Myers, and there isn't any real room for AB at the ML level. Like Melotakis, a late opportunity at Rochester to help prepare for 2017 is probably it for this year. Garver: This is an interesting option. He's got a very interesting bat. A bat that could easily project to above average. A bat that's good and valuable enough that he also DH's and plays some 1B to keep him in the lineup. And he's hit better the past couple of months. And the Twins need catching help. He has a strong arm, and reports are he's solid behind the plate and working at getting better. For a team desperate for catching help, I'd bring him up for a taste of the majors and to help get ready for 2017, even if that means Rochester to begin the season. What do you all say?

While it's off the topic somewhat, I also love Polanco hitting up top and Dozier sliding down to an RBI slot. I disagree with an earlier statement, can't remember now who said it, that this next wave is not nearly the caliber or excitement of the most recent wave of prospects. It's just different. We heard so much about Buxton, Sano, Kepler and Rosario and all their potential and big numbers previously. But this next round/wave is filled with rotation and bullpen arms. I have been a Gonsalves fan since day one and he's starting to look like everything we could have hoped for. Also excited for Palka. I know he strikes out more than you'd like, but he does hit, hit for power, and he still takes a fair share of walks as well. The third guy I'm excited about is Garver. He and Turner were the top two for the Johnny Bench top college catcher award coming out of college. He guns down runners. While still maybe a work in progress, I've heard nothing but positives about his ability and work behind the plate. And he flat out looks like a better than average offensive catcher. My only concern is how much time he's had to share at catcher with Turner vs playing almost daily there.

What excites me the most is that this above .500 record, (as of now) and offensive production is that it's without Plouffe, has continued without Nunez, and I believe other than Mauer and Suzuki, everyone is 28 or younger. Kepler is a rookie. Polanco is a rookie.(SSS but he's hitting and talented and getting to play) Buxton, Rosario, Sano and Vargas are all talented, contributing, and barely past rookie status themselves. The best is yet to come for these guys! A glass is half empty fan won't like this, reflecting on an overall disappointing season, but when you look at this roster, position player wise, you can almost set next year's roster already. The OF is set, and old man Grossman, at 26, is a solid 4th OF/DH. Sano, Escobar, Dozier and Polanco in the INF with a combination of Mauer/Vargas/Park at 1Bb/DH. Perhaps room for all three. Catcher is the only real question mark. And how much better will this lineup look like with Sano and Buxton getting on track? I believe Buxton is a real key to 2017 and beyond. He is just so young, and has been pushed quicker than the Twins would have preferred, by their own admission. But even without realizing his full potential immediately, how good does the batting order stack up if he could just hit in the .270 range with an OB around .340 with power and speed at the top of the lineup? He's certainly capable of much more than that, and will probably get there. But a legitimate, decent top of the order hitter let's Dozier drop and sets up something like the following: 1} Buxton 2} Mauer-Escobar/Polanco/Grossman 3} Kepler 4} Sano 5} Dozier 6/7/sometimes 8} Vargas/Park/Rosario 8/9} Escobar/catcher

I am going to also have to say no. Someone mention Crain earlier, and he was moved fairly aggressively. To be honest, names escape me at the moment, but I've seen the Twins promote RP fairly quickly in the past as well, including up to the majors. I think whathe we are seeing now is a skewed perspective. The Twins need bullpen help. They have a number of very nice looking bullpen arms in the minors we anxiously await. And they're putting up good to great numbers. We want to see them advance and arrive. But despite those successes, and out own impatience, there are multiple considerations here. Burdi is hurt. Chargois missed an awful lot of time after barely starting g his career, but has already been bumped one level this year. Melotakis is at AA after coming back romantic TJ. Jones was with the Brewers, hurt, and just came back. Reed is pitching well, but wasn't earlier in the year. Hildenberger has already been promoted a level this year. And as has been also pointed out, for every action, there has to be an equal secondary action at multiple levels when a player(s) is moved. And while I also don't like AAA being filled with journeymen type, we must remember that the minors is for developing talent, but AAA roster's always have a veteran guy or two around for the parent club to call on in emergency. Now, all that being said, today being August 5th, I AM going to say that for the final month of this season, I do agree that Chargois should be up, and that Hildenberger should be in Rochester. (Hopefully both these happen as soon as Hildenberger is healthy again) At this late point in the season, much like a September call up to the parent club, I believe top performs SHOULD be challenged to end the season, even if that means pick slips to a veteran guy or two at the AAA level.

I remember reading about Gonsalves before the draft and wishing the Twins would pick him up. Stunned and happily surprised when they did so. Always thought he was a steal since the day the got him. I agree he should stick at AA for now. There's just no need to rush him at this point. He's a young and outstanding prospect. Natural progression at this point. But I think this kid is the real deal, just given a little more time and fine tuning.

I had to weigh in here. First and foremost, we can only evaluate the trade for what it is NOW, not what a healthy and more consistent Meyer could be. And really, we're talking about the players involved and what they bring to their teams. Let the money be a wash and just look at player value. Santiago may be nothing special, but he absolutely is an upgrade over Nolasco, and not just because he's Yeats younger and LH. Levi brought up some numbers a page or so ago that testifies to Santiago being a better, more productive SP the past few years. In the recent TD blog, "Hector Housing Santiago", there is further detailed information how Santiago is much better than Nolasco with runners on base, and runners in scoring position. This is absolutely a win for the Twins, and I doubt they let Santiago walk after this season unless he implodes or just doesn't fit in with the team. And while I may get hammered for this, and am not a Meyer hater in any form, I think the arguement could be made that if Meyer becomes anything but a stud SP or closer in the next season or two, anything he does could be offset by other pitchers currently in the Twins system. Again, anything other than being a stud in either role, the Twins have a plethora of strong bullpen arms arriving soon to pick and choose from. And within the next couple of seasons, guys like Jay, Gonsalves, Stewart and a couple others will be pushing hard for a rotation spot.

Agree 100%. I'd like this post more than once if I could. I'm not going to bring up the whole good luck bad luck arguement again. And I dont want to get in to another debate about the construction of the team and the now gone TR. But this team has actually been playing decent ball the past 2 months despite some holsx, roster shuffling, and the influx of more and more young players. And I do think it's time to concentrate forward, not backward, and worry less about 90-100 loses but rather how things are going NOW. I really like our 4 man OF, and there's more on the way. Sano is a stud in the making, but a work in progress defensively. A healthy Escobar is at ,East solid at SS with a quality bat. We've seen it the past 2 years, and healthy and playing again, I think we're begining to see it now as well. Dozier is still good. Very excited to see the young and talented Polanco up and playing. (And hitting) We have a logjam and some questions at 1B/DH, but at least it looks like we have some possibles to work with. I know some will disagree with me, but I don't dislike Santana, Berrios, Gibson, Santiago in the rotation with May, Duffey, Mejia and maybe Wheeler as candidates. It's not where it needs to be, but I feel a hell of a lot better about those guys than Correia, Nolasco, Milone and others we've marched out to the hill in past years. IF May is in the bullpen after all, we could be going in to next spring training with 5 of 7 spots virtually set: May, Tonkin, Pressly, Chargois and Rogers. The one hole, the bite in the butt is at catcher. I'm high on Garver, that's obvious. And I hope he's up in September. But I just don't know if he's ready for a full time ML job come '17. That feels forced to me. But I'm just not sure what the right answer is.