DocBauer

Benninghoff sounds interesting. An athletic HS talent who throws 90 with a "hammer" curve? Get this one done!

2017: Santana, Gibson, Duffey, Berrios, May.....possibly Meyer....Wheeler in the wings for at least the first half of the season. I'd be happy opening the season with that rotation. One vet, one young vet, 3 youngsters with a lot of promise to build on, with more on the way.

Palka....WOW. Felix Jorge...WOW. Could we see the entire Ft Myers rotation in AA at some point? Darnell...WOW. What a classy guy!

Part II in "how to improve and rebuild a struggling baseball team in the proper fashion": Get May healthy. Get May down to Rochester to rehab and stretch out. Get May back up to Minnesota as a starting pitcher for the remainder of the year.

And there was great rejoicing!!! (per the MNTwins website)

So far so good. Getting a little crowded in places near the top of the milb ladder, so replenish the lower levels with some talent with nice potential. We've been told the team might go a little position player heavy this year after concentrating a great deal on young pitchers as of late. Nothing perfect or polished here, but young athletes with actual upside. I like it!

I know Wisconsin isn't a hot bed for ML talent, but this pick intrigues me more than our 1st rounder. And I like Garver as a catching prospect. Guy is quality behind the dish from all reports and he can hit, and has potential with the bat. Let's not forget, catcher is generally not an offensive position. Secondly, catchers don't tend to be fast rise prospects the way Mauer was.

There is nothing wrong with this pick. He was rated to go right about where he did, and is clearly rated a 1st rounder by everyone. I get that some aren't enamored by a prep OF selection, or claim we have too many already. I don't see how that is true. First, you need at least 4 OF at every level. Second, guys wash out and don't make it for one reason or another. Third, you can't simply not take an OF for rookie ball and development, 4-5 years away from the majors, simply because it seems you're crowded at the top NOW There were actually a couple pitchers I was more excited about, but I can't complain about this pick, even if it doesn't push my "thrill" button fully. I think what bothers some people is just the whole "tools OF" comment because at this point it just sounds redundant.

There is nothing wrong with this pick. He was rated to go right about where he did, and is clearly rated a 1st rounder by everyone. I get that some aren't enamored by a prep OF selection, or claim we have too many already. I don't see how that is true. First, you need at least 4 OF at every level. Second, guys wash out and don't make it for one reason or another. Third, you can't simply not take an OF for rookie ball and development, 4-5 years away from the majors, simply because it seems you're crowded at the top NOW There were actually a couple pitchers I was more excited about, but I can't complain about this pick, even if it doesn't push my "thrill" button fully. I think what bothers some people is just the whole "tools OF" comment because at this point it just sounds redundant.

I've always stated that if you could translate what he was as a hitter while behind the plate, not counting his MVP season, but just have him healthy for 500AB he could be valuable and productive despite not being a slugger. I grew up watching Keith Hernandez, Wally Joyner, Mark Grace and others have quality, productive careers despite not being sluggers. Mauer hitting even .280 with an OB in the .370 range with 12-14 HR and 35 Dbls or so would be very productive, knocking guys in, around, and scoring runs himself. Right now, 3 years removed from concussion, familiar and comfortable at 1B, and re-inventing himself somewhat as a hitter, he's even better than that.

As of NOW, I am choosing, blindly or not, to assume the best for the current front office in regard to their view of our current situation, and what needs to be done. I say this due to obvious, public, frustration by the Pohlad's, as well as comments from Ryan that would almost have you believing he is fighting for his job. (you've heard and read them all) And while we can and have debated back and forth as to if the Twins have shown any sort of change recently in philosophy or agenda...and to what degree...I believe there has been a shift. (even if injuries have more quickly ushered in such changes.) To me, the entire trade, DFA, non-tender issue breaks down in to 3 different categories: 1} THE OBVIOUS: This one is just so obvious that I shouldn't even have to state it. Plouffe needs to go in order to move Sano to 3B. This does so much to facilitate the future of the roster and improve/make-room-in the OF. He's just not a match for the future and value should be received while we can. Same with Nolasco. At this point, eating a chunk of his contract, someone out there needs, or will need, help on the mound and would see the veteran as a solid option without an expensive or long contract situation. With all due respect to the tough and professional Suzuki, he's done as a Twin. Every year it seems, someone invariably needs catching help for the second half as they make a run at the post season. Zuke may have value to one of these teams, and could offer a tiny return potentially. Waiver wire, trade, or however, the Twins needs to find another decent, solid option at catcher to work with Centeno, Murphy later, and simply part with Suzuki sooner rather than later. Jepsen...is not going to be back, and should not be back. Chargois is ready or close. Pressly and Tonkin offer upside, are cheaper, and pitching better. Heck, even Kinzler is younger and throwing better and cheaper. Unless the idea is to bring Jepsen back on a minimum type deal for depth and competition, he's a former Twin in the waiting. For the sake of the future, sooner should come sooner rather than later. And for his sake as well as he may find a good landing spot, via trade or release. 2} THE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE: *Perkins *Hughes *Santana The Twins still need guys to start, this year and next. I still like Santana to be one of those guys. Hes not been at the top of his game yet, but is solid, and provides a proven "veteran" presence in a rotation that could be real young real quick. Hughes and Perkins would be almost impossible to trade at this point. Perkins, maybe, if he has a strong rebound off the DL. 3} QUESTIONABLES: *Dozier *Abad *Nunez I'm in favor of moving Dozier at this point, though we could end up regretting it later. He's young enough and talented enough to be part of tomorrow. But actually getting Polanco playing time could give us an excellent young player to take over 2B. I don't know that Nunez, career season or not, brings back enough to warrant moving him and removing a useful piece. And I'd keep him for sure if Dozier was moved. Same with Abad. To me, I'd be in favor of an extension as long as it's only 2 years and not for an outrageous price. He's had a solid career, and would probably bring more value to the Twins over the next couple of years than what he would bring in return. Maybe.

I could get behind this one 100%

I also want Chargois up, believe he's an important part of 2017 and beyond, and believe he will be up no later than July 1st. Probably sooner. And I am not being snarky, nor am I trolling, but who would you propose is removed to make room at this time for him? Barring a trip to the DL, we appear to be stuck with Hughex, who will move to the bullpen when Gibson comes back. Pressly and Tonkin are FINALLY getting extended opportunities and performing pretty well, Pressly after a rough start and some adjustments. You don't want send down Rogers, and Abad has been excellent. (Personally, I wouldn't break the bank or go long term, but I think Abad may have more value being kept). Boshers? He's a fun story, but also pitched well at Rochester, and has been OK in limited ML time. Do we just release Jepsen at this point? Kintzler isn't part of the future, but he's been pitching decently. Is he the best candidate? Really, what is the right move here?

I know it's become an old arguement, but if we fast forward a bit and DO move Plouffe to the Mets, the Royals, whoever, and Sano is back at 3rd where he belongs, I'd still like to audition Mauer and/or Park in the OF somewhere. And I'm not talking about repeating the same issue as playing Sano out of place. I'm just talking about future roster construction and versatiliy. Park shows some real potential as a hitter, while battling to learn the ML game. Not a surprise there. But he's showing potential, and has less than a half season thus far. (To those who already are sour on him or think he should be moved) And I find him to be a quality defensive 1B. Mauer seemingly HAS rebounded from the past two years. And he's not going anywhere. But while Buxton and Kepler should be counted on for 2/3 of the OF, that leaves one spot open. Rosario could still claim that 3rd spot. Grossman could be a nice role player. We still don't know for sure what we have in Arcia and he needs to play. There is hope for Walker, but he's got a ways to go yet. Palka could be a player. Maybe a defensive speedster like Granite will be the final piece. But for roster and lineup construction...and the possibility of Walker or Vargas providing a potential big bat as a DH, why not just see if Mauer/Park could provide even more roster flexability?

Trying to remove disappointment and frustration from Meyer is difficult. But I think there are two entirely different points being melded in to one point here, and I don't think that is accurate or fair. Whatever anyone's opinion on Meyer last season, and what lead to just a disappointing year, he was moved ask to the rotation again this year. And he did get off to a nice start. But i, and I think most of us, we're upset and angry about how he was brought up to sit, finally got to start, was pulled early, then sent down immediately after without another opportunity. But that is a different situation entirely to the current shoulder situation. We have been told he was rehabbing, throwing, and felt good. Then the next day he'd be stiff and sore again. Then they'd try it again, he'd felt fine, then stiff and sore again. Maybe they've missed something, maybe 28 days is too long, but based on what they have made public concerning this latest setback, I'm disappointed but not overly upset. Again, there is a mix of frustration and disappointment, but there are also separate issues involved here.

Crawford was actually a highly ranked high school QB who originally signed with my Huskers out of high school, so I've always followed his career with a degree of interest. I don't know if he was over rated or not, but was very exciting for a while. It's almost amazing how quickly he has fallen. Also shows the danger at times with the big FA contracts, length if not yearly salary. But I agree with Mike's comment, and something many of us have argued in regard to the Twins opening spots on the roster currently, that once the cost is sunk, it just is. Replacing the cut or traded player if you can find a partner and eat salary, is really no greater a "loss" when a rookie replaces said veteran player. Yes, there can be multiple years involved, and I get that. But said rookie replacement will only be making minimum type salaries for that first 2 or 3 years.

I'm actually in the camp, BTW, for keeping Abad. While he is nothing elite, for a large part of his career he's been pretty solid. I like him, with Rogers, as a pair of potential lefties. Maybe 2 of 3? I just think his value may be better keeping him vs actual trade value.

In a lost season, wins are still important. And by that I don't mean so the team can pull off a miracle comeback 2/3 of the season and only lose 95 games instead of 105. This team HAS to be building itself for 2017 and beyond. We all know this. We all agree. Put the guys in the right spot to succeed, play the young guys that actually have a future, see what you have to build with, move some guys, etc, etc, etc. We all know the various refrains. But you can do these things while still TRYING to win. Winning encourages the fan base that buys tickets and merchandise. Winning helps guys' spirits up, and hopefully helps build a competitive/winning attitude amongst those young kids. But what on earth are you TRYING to do, in regard to winning, by making moves, or not making them, in a case like this? You want to win so you throw out your failed "closer" instead of playing matchups? Beyond frustrating!

I find Grossman to be an interesting, somewhat undervalued story at this point. And I wrote about him a few weeks ago in another thread. I didn't do extensive research on him so I'm not sure how high he has ever ranked as a prospect. But he is a switch hitter with a decent frame. He is no big power threat or speed demon, but he has shown pop and decent power at times, and had double digit SB most years. His career milb triple slash is: .271/ .379/ .392. Nothing spectacular, but solid. Thus far, 16 games I believe, still a SSS, but his defense has looked solid and he hasn't flailed away or looked over matched at the plate. While I'm sure his current production is in no way sustainable, 12 BB against 12 SO is encouraging. I'm not saying we got a star or steal here, but he's young enough with enough ability that we may have uncovered a useful player off the bench, or maybe, who knows, a solid, all around functional 3rd OF. Bit of a stretch maybe, but there might be something to work with here.

Making the Plouffe move, Sano counter move also helps settle the OF. I just don't think there's much question that Buxton and Kepler will be a part of it. Buxton may actually be ready to stick now. Hopefully, Kepler is ready "enough" now so that he can continue to grow and learn at the ML level. That's 2/3 of our OF. Who's the third guy? I don't know, could be Rosario if he starts playing good defense again and can hit like the player he was in the minors, and most of last year for the Twins. Maybe it's Palka. Maybe a defensive speedster like Granite. Maybe 26 yo Grossman is a better overall find than previously thought, and instead of being a 4th OF, maybe he's just a solid, all around ML OF. Maybe. But I'd rather settle my infield and settle settle 2/3 of my OF...including better defensively...with 1 final spot to fill

Fine job Nick! Especially in trying to keep something fresh that has been re-hashed so many times already. And I know I'll be repeating myself again....but.... * I got the idea of keeping Plouffe. At its base, it was not a bad idea. We had no clue what we were going to have with Mauer or Park, and initially, we didn't know we'd even have Park. But we pretty much know what we have now, going forward, how the pieces are fitting/going to fit, and it's time to move Plouffe for whatever we can get. That's not an unsalted to Plouffe, just urgency. * Sano stays and plays 3B. Everything I've seen of him says he can play the position solidly. Not perfect, not Gold Glove, but solid. And that's OK and enough, especially with his bat. (Especially compared to some other all bat 3B around) And do we have to once again explore how poor defensively Gaetti and Koski were when they cam up? And others on other teams before settling in? It's a process. It takes time. There is every reason to believe he will only get better. * I am now of the belief they shouldn't stop with Plouffe, but move on from Dozier as well. Not because I'm frustrated with Dozier...and I am...and not because I don't like Dozier...he's one of my favorite Twins the past few years, along with Plouffe...but because it just makes sense. Dozier is young enough to be part of the rebuild. But what about Polanco? ASSUMING he really can't play ML SS for anything other than fill-in, he should possess all the tools to be a quality 2B who could still fill in at SS & 3B occassionally. While his ML sampling is disgustingly small to this point, everything in his talent bases and past production indicates he can hit, make some contact, take some walks, drive the ball with XB and occassionally HR power, run well and steal some bases, and has been a clutch hitter. Every year he starts out batting in the 1 or 2 spot and slides to the 3 spot to drive in runs. (Same thing Gordon has been doing lately) Escobar and Nunez can share SS competition for now, with the likes of Santana and Beresford as addition INF support until Gordon is ready. This is not a bad INF overall, is young, and filled with potential.

THIS. Listen, I've always liked Plouffe over all. And there is a part of me that still gets why he was brought back. But he just doesn't fit the future of this team. Sano may never be great defensively at 3B, but has shown he can play the position decently. And I dont think it's a stretch to say he can and will get better with more time and repetition. And really, he's going to be better there than the OF. No to next year. And it's time to move him this year to make room for Sano, and just get the best return for him you can. But like him or not, he's got to be worth more than just a non-tender.

The problem with statistics is you can make them say what you want at times, depending on which ones you use, and from when you pull them. My goodness, in baseball we measure and have stats for EVERYTHING! I've read both sides of the May arguement, statisticallyrics speaking, and can appreciate both sides to the arguement. (FWIW Jimmer, I agree with your side of the arguement. But my agreement has little to do with statistical analysis. This a team that has several, talented young arms on the rise. But this is also a team that has a lousy past history drafting and signing and developing quality young SP's. And no matter what stats you want to pull from for your side of the arguement, at the end of the day, you STILL have to trust the EYE TEST sometimes. And that eye test always said May could good to very good depending on overall control. He seemed to come a long way in that regard. He got his shot. He was OK, but inconsistent. BUT, he continued to improve, got better and better...and is not a retread but a young arm, you know, the kind this team hasn't had much off...and then got pulled from the rotation for the bullpen. Instead of a retread like Pelfrey? I still don't get it! No matter his ultimate ceiling as a SP, don't you absolutely have to see what you have there?

I understand and agree with moving Hughes to the pen, if not the DL list. But when I watch Nolasco at times, and he's hitting spots and fooling guys with that breaking ball of his, and I wonder if he wouldn't be better, even re-invent himself in the bullpen?

He did pitch well last night. I know it may sound trite or cliche, but he didn't deserve to lose that game. If he can string together a few more starts like that, and I'm a NL team, where he has spent his entire career outside of his Twins tenure, I'm interested. I still don't want his whole salary on my hands, but he's Ben able to eat innings in the past, had success, and I only have him for 1 more year at what, half salary maybe?