DocBauer

You bring up an interesting and valid point in regard to depth. But first, I'd like to address your comment concerning reliability. You are absolutely 100% correct that there is some concerns regarding the bullpen as I stated it. However, let me say that I'm looking for the best bullpen to be built while NOT going big in the trade or FA route. This team, due to a poor season and more and more youngsters now getting oportunities, and probably more yet before the season is done, is HOPEFULLY, FINALLY in some form of re-build and youth movement. Which is why advocate adding just 1 solid, quality FA for depth, reliability, leadership, etc, etc. Talent, milb production, potential, solid overall performance this season, I'm figuring Pressly and Tonkin, along with Rogers at this point. You keep Abad, which I would, still young 30's and a solid track record except for the one season. And Chargois SHOULD be OK, and is at the top of the chain amongst the next wave of RP prospects. Again, that's 6 with 1 spot remaining to audition from everyone else available, LH and RH, for the 7th spot. But in regard to depth, which is important to be sure, Rochester should be able to build a solid bullpen from O'Rourke possibly, Boshers, Melotakis,Corey Williams and Westphal from the left side, possibly with Strong and veteran Runzler, or a similar ST invite signing. From the right side, they should have Wimmers, Burdi, Reed, Hildenberger and possibly veteran Kinzler, or another similar ST invite signing. There's still a fair amount of youth there, but a ton of options and posibilities. And while your AAA club usually has a few "veteran" type players available, like the big league club, sooner or later you have to make room for the prospects there as well. I think depth at Rochester would be OK.

Man...if only a healthy Gibson didn't suck so bad! (Sarcasm alert)

Great news on Benninghoff. Honestly, I don't know a thing about him other than what I read. But his injury, unfortunate for him of course, may have given us a HUGE steal in this draft!

I'm not including Hughes in any of my 2017 plans simply because he's such a dark horse at this time. Could he be healthy and rebound fully to be a solid rotation candiate? Maybe. Could he be a healthy option for the bullpen? Maybe. But a rash of injuries and lack of velocity makes me wonder if we don't have another Perkins situation on our hands. So to me, I'm not penciling him anywhere at this time.

OK, let's concentrate on the SHOULD part. IMO, I would bring back Abad for another year or two for a fair contract. If demands are high, then no. We have some quality LHRP options coming, but not ready yet. Rogers and Abad form our LH side. Pressly and Tonkin are 2 of 4 RHRP. There is still a very strong case to be made for Chargois being up later this year and assuming a spot next year. That's 3 of 4. I believe the Twins SHOULD sign one solid veteran RHRP, whether a closer or not, to solidify the pen. Whatever leads the team has in 2017 should be protected by a better bullpen. The team can afford one solid FA without throwing off any financial dymanic. The team should be moving on from at least a couple players, so the money is there. Further, said FA might be a flip candidate. That's 6 spots filled. The 7th spot is open audition between all other RH and LH candidates, starter or otherwise, at AAA and AA.

While I understand your frustration with available options, and the vast disappointment of just about everyone who's started for the Twins this season, I'm going to have to disagree with you Halsey. We have to take a step back from this season and take a realistic look at the options presented to us. Santana is no ACE, though at times in his career he has resembled one. That's not him any longer. And he's not going to suddenly get better. But he was quite good in 2015 initially, stumbled for a time, then finished very strong. Who is the real Santana? I'm not sure we know that just yet. But I truly believe he is capable of being a solid mid rotation starter for another season or two. His career, and last year with the Twins, would seem to indicate this. Gibson had a somewhat up and down but solid rookie year in 2014, and was even better in 2015. Injury this year, and a whole, stinkpot, mean spirited curse has infected the Twins this season. But he has the stuff and look of a very solid mid rotation starter, with room still to improve, who sometimes pitches lie a #2. Just how good CAN Berrios eventually be? Impossible to predict. But he is a top prospect for a reason, and we've seen what he is capable. Eventually, he will get back on top of things and get back up to the Twins. His stuff, drive, work ethic and knack for making adjustments is outstanding. No matter how people try, you just can't predict ACE-Dom for any pitcher. But he will almost certainly be a front line ML SP. At least a 2, and no worse than a high quality 3. I really like Duffey. If you track his milb career, for the most part, he just got better and better every year he moved up. And he was borderline sensational last year for the Twins. Even if he's not really THAT GOOD, he's flashed his potential. Even with the ever present, downtrodden curse hovering over the Twins this season, he's pitched well at times. And again, this young man still hasn't even pitched a full season's worth of games at the ML level yet. That's one stable veteran to help lead and balance the staff with 3 young starters. Who is the 5th guy? I just don't want to go on yet another rant as to the handling of May last year...or this year...and the incredibly short-sighted and borderline stupid handling of him by the Twins. I would get him healthy first. Then I would send him to Rochester to stretch out, re-familiarize him with being a startER again, and then keep him there. He may hit some bumps, take some lumps, but we are talking about what is best for him and the Twins future. Hopefully, he still gets at least a month, if not two, back in the Twins rotation this year. Meyer, Wheeler and Dean would be other options on the outside looking in, at this point. Man, if only Dean had a bit more pure stuff, or you could take his feel for pitching and transfer it to others. I really like his approach! Is this a championship rotation? Nope. But it's got potential and possibilities. And if you're going to take lumps, take them with young guys who actually have that potential. And then build from there. There's even more and better potential arms coming up behind them. But you have to start somewhere.

I've never given up on him despite the poor start to this year. He is not Buxton talented, but he remains a tremendouslyrics talented young player. The walks are definately an issue. He will always be a free swinger probably. And that's OK when you realize what he is capable at the plate, on the bases and in the field. And we saw a glimpse of that last year after his sudden promotion. I've always believed that once he actually settles in at a level, like the ML, 20 HR might be a norm. But even high teens with 30+ doubles, triples, SB, etc, he could be effective and dangerous as a 7 hitter. What I find frustrating though, is that when you look at his milb career previously, I believe he never had an OB% that wasn't at least 43 points higher than his BA. So while he was a free swinger, and did SO quite a bit, his walk rate wasn't this poor. I keep thinking he's trying to hard to hit and mash his way back the Twins. I am pleasantly surprised and impressed by Grossman. But I'd love to see him play a lot, but as a 4th OF with a Twins OF of Rosario, Buxton and Kepler. Right now though, I'm still thinking I'd keep Rosario down at Rochester for a while longer and just try to get him to relax, and beat it in to his head that we know how talented he is, and what he is capable of, but even a little more patience will take him further and make him that much better of a ballplayer.

I agree with a general consensus here for next year: Santana Gibson Duffey Berrios May Though not in any specific order. Meyer and Wheeler are possibles, but on the outside looking in at this point. Hughes is a dark horse at this point. Maybe healthy, he rediscover himself in 2017. Maybe he needs to be a high priced reliever. Maybe he's toast. Just so hard to predict him at this point...so I'm not going to. Gibson has had a rough year. But we've also seen what he can do when healthy. He's solid, occasionally excellent, and still has room to go before bumping in to his ceiling, IMO. Berrios is young and still working some kinks out. But I am in no way soured on him. I like Duffey and think there is room there. Like everyone else this year it seems, he's not having as good of a year. But he's shown ability and flashes and hasn't even hit a full season played yet. May? Come on. We have many pen possibilities for next year. Take the hard throwing young man and put him back in the rotation. You're a team that has had an awful time developing young SP. Don't treat one you have right in your midst so poorly by relegating him to the pen. If your rotation is going to be inconsistent, at least let it be inconsistent with some young arms with upside!

You forgot the "bring up Polanco to play every day" portion I believe. ☺

I know Rortvedt will be at least 4 years away, probably 5, but I just find his selection to be one of the most intriguing of the entire Twins draft. Along with the young HS pitcher from Kansas who's name I can't recallie at the moment.

The best part of this list is 4 really nice rotation candidates, all having fine seasons, and by the second half of this season, all 4 should be at AA or higher. It doesn't mean they are pending imminent ML appearances or success, with the exception of Berrios, but it means any or all of the other 3 could be up late in 2017, or ready by 2018. Just curious, considering the important nature of the position, a solid and potentially quality bat, and all the good things about his work behind the plate, how close do you place Garver to the top 10? Being a catcher should nudge him a couple extra points higher shouldn't it?

I agree with your assessment on Grossman and have said pretty much the same thing in different threads. You find useful players a lot of different ways, which is why I think the term "dumpster diving" is too frequently used. Despite the disappointing year from Rosario at this point, I don't think anyone should write him off. Maybe it's just me, but I'm having a hard time finding a fit for Arcia with Rosario, Grossman, Buxton and Kepler in the fold, and Santana possibly as a reserve. Maybe with a FO and field manager change? I wouldn't be shocked if the Twins tried to come up with another Grossman-like OF for competition and depth but remove Arcia from the equation. Personally, I'd like to see us hold on to Vargas for additional depth.

What encourages me about Palka is the much higher overall BA and a solid OB%. Yes, he does SO more than you would like, and your correct that there is a risk of an uptick whenever he reaches AAA. But thus far, his BB is not bad and he obviously makes better overall contact. I'm fine if he needs the full season at AA, though some time at Rochester to be challenged and acclimate for 2017 would be nice. At this point, he has to be considered a legitimate prospect and possible steal.

As to what the Twins need, it's debatable. It's possible any prospects we get back could be included in separate deals for other players this offseason, or, to replace anyone we offer up currently in the system. But #1, I'd like to see some firm of decent, quality, semi-hot young catcher involved. You're not going to get a top catching prospect in return. But that doesn't mean you can't get a solid one. Or someone currently blocked by a higher quality, more established starter. Other than a #1 SP, the biggest hole on this team for 2017 is behind the plate. We need depth and competition for Centeno and Murphy.

I am still in the camp of keeping Abad. RP don't seem to fall off the truck after 30 the way SP do. He's got a solid track history. Now, if someone offers something over value for him, of course you listen Nolasco has a shorter, lower contract than Santana and should be easier to move. Agree that in addition to salary pickup, the Twins may have to toss in a lower level prospect here or there to complete the deal. More than worth it to get this team moving in the right direction.

Unless we demote Buxton and/or Kepler again...man I hope not...Palka should at Rochester and soon.

Look at Polanco on the leader board, look at the tremendous success enjoyed in his milb career up until this year as well, and try to make a logical arguement that he doesn't belong up at the ML level for a losing, rebuilding team. Just ridiculous.

In addition to the names mentioned in the post, EST and the lower minors and filled with Latin pitchers and position player prospects, many of them seemingly highly regarded. (Not going to bother to list all the names) I think, from what I read, that the Twins do a great job at the Ft Myers complex working with these kids, teaching them English and offering a nice and inexpensive "community" in which to stay and learn. But I think the overall question is an excellent one. Manager, coach, roving instructor or team liason, every single milb team should have someone...preferably with real baseball experience...that these kids can turn to and learn from. I'd really be interested to know more about what is in place.

Meh. But then again, 27 and a past history of success, though total ML time is somewhat limited. This kind of signing I have no problem with. People rattle off the term "dumpster diving" as if every FA/waiver wire acquisition is a journeyman 30+ yo coming off a couple crappie seasons. Over the years, McPhail and Ryan both picked up guys before the season and during the season...as most teams do...and have had success doing so at times. This guy is the same age as Pressly and only a year older than Tonkin. If we released either of them and they were picked up and did well for another team there would be additional outcries..over and above the ones now...for Ryan'should head. If he regains what he has shown previously, especially with Jepsen stinking up the joint and Hughes down, you may have found another solid arm, again only 27, for bullpen depth.

Short, sweet, to the point, and accurate. Nunez should be shopped, like a lot of guys on this team. And if someone really needs INF help in the form of Nunez and offers something actually solid...best we could hope for is a decent to good AA or A+ prospect, IMHO...then you probably do it. The problem, as I see it, is whether or not Nunez actually holds much trade value at all. Meaning, versatile, decent bat, pop, speed, and someone who brings enjoyment to the game, and is quite inexpensive, is he perhaps or more value for another year or two as a Twins bench role player than a low level milb RP, for instance? I like Nunez for what he is/has been, regardless of his tremendous first half. But is there a team out there that would actual VALUE him enough to even make a trade worthwhile? Unlike Plouffe, who I also have liked, he's not an expensive veteran blocking a young player from a spot or interfering with roster construction. I believe the more prudent move would be to trade Plouffe and Dozier, slide Polanco in to 2B, and have Nunez and Escobar at SS and utility along with Santana and/or Beresford. Top young prospect Polanco now has a home. SS is still open for Gordon when ready, but you still have decent options for SS and utility until then. Inexpensive options at that. Ideal? No. But aren't we talking about the future, building for the future, creating opportunities for the youngsters, and maybe even saving some payroll? We might even get lucky and find a halfway decent young catcher in one of these trades to compete with Centeno and Murphy for next year.

Jeremy, just from your quick comments, Andre Jernigan sounds like a guy who should have been picked higher. Is there a particular reason he lasted until the 14th round? Arm? Level of competition?

Absolutely agree 100%. My point is that the rotation option as I've listed it has more potential than we've seen the past few years, and is at least a step in the right direction. Compared to Nolasco, Milone and the suddenly injured and "lost it" Hughes, I'd rather at least see potential. Not saying I'd be happy with the past few years or the FO, but at least plugging in some live, young arms with potential keeps me interested and hopeful. Though, with the exception of Berrios, the Twins best young SP options are probably in AA and A+ at the moment. (sigh)

I know we have over half a season left in 2016. IF...a big if I know...things are run even close to intelligently, Buxton, Grossman, Kepler, Sano and Polanco will be playing every day in some capacity. Hopefully, Rosario again at some point as well. We have all waiting and pointed with eagerness at so many talented young players on their way up and ready, or close to it. (Grossman is the new guy to the party, of course) And we've all pointed accusatory fingers towards the FO and Molitor for how they have handled some of these youngsters. From what we are seeing on the field, and things that have been spoken out loud, I believe there is a commitment for more playing time for the youngsters the rest of the 2016 season to get ready for 2017 and beyond. Which got me thinking more recently about the actual construction of the 2017 player portion of the roster. I just don't see the Twins making a major FA signing or trade move here, and they probably shouldn't at this point. And by the second half of '17, there could be other names that begin to surface as rising, promotable candidates. But to begin the 2017 season: OF: Grossman, Buxton, Kepler, Rosario and Arcia, with Santana as a super utility possibility. Does Arcia still remain with the club? Would the team keep so many young OF on the roster with someone riding the pine? INF: Sano, Nunez, Escobar, Polanco, Dozier???, Beresford, Mauer, Park, Vargas. Again, Santana can also play some INF as a super sub. Dozier is the big question mark here. What is his trade value? While young enough and talented enough to be part of the "new" Twins rebuild, he may just be replaceable, and actually have some trade value. I still believe Vargas has a decent future, be it with the Twins or not. But the odds are stacked against him with Park and Mauer entrenched at 1B/DH. CATCHER: This is the big, black and blue sore spot. Centeno appears to be a capable backup and decent receiver. Murphy has been a major, major disappointment thus far. But rumor has it that he is NOT deceased, and a pulse was recently discovered at Rochester. Somewhere, FA or trade, this team MUST find another decent option for depth and competition at catcher. Garver and Turner just won't be ready this soon. 5 OF 8 or 9 INF (depending on Dozier) 3 C (one to be aquired) 1 Super Utility 17 or 18 total position players to work with that have a realistic chance to make the roster. The team will carry 13...maybe 14, though doubtful...meaning 5 of the above names are gone, or in reserve at Rochester awaiting a call up. What is your opinion on how these 17 or 18 make up the 2017 player portion of the lineup? Additionally, what kind of lineup do you project?

I'm focused on 2017 at this point, though we need the rest of 2016 to build towards it. Personally, I am now of the belief that there WILL be changes next year, and very possibly MAJOR ones. Hughes is a huge dark horse. He's probably un-tradeable, might be best in the bullpen, could suddenly get healthy and get his s**t together and be a solid rotation piece. I doubt he's just DFA material...but it could happen depending on a new regime in charge. But, as stated elsewhere, a healthy Santana provides a solid SP and veteran presence that is still capable. A healthy Gibson still hasn't hit his ceiling, IMO. Berrios will get it figured out, hopefully soon enough to get some good 2017 time in. Duffey hasn't shined as brightly or consistently as last season. But he also has less than a full season under his belt. I'm not giving up on him at this point. That leaves May and Meyer for the 5th spot, with Wheeler in reserve. At least for the first half of the season. By the second half, there could be others. Not a world-beating rotation, but one that is at least much, much younger and has some real possibilities of potential and improvement. Things we don't have now.

Totally understand your opinion. Not say it's all world yet. BUT, healthy, Santana and Gibson are solid, and Gibson still hasn't hit his ceiling, IMO. Duffey has got skills, but still hasn't even pitched a full season yet. We all know the ability and potential of Berrios. Add in another young arm, and at least we are headed the right direction...which is talented and young with potential.