DocBauer

Chief, I agree he'll warrant another shot. I'd even bet on it. So I agree with you there. But I am going to respectfully disagree, for now, on Meyer's future. Really, any young pitcher will struggle with his stuff and command at various points. That's why the grow, learn and advance through the minors. And the simple truth is, longer, taller pitchers have seemingly always had a bit more of a struggle finding proper repitition. Despite a few lapses in control, Meyer made steady progress in his milb career, was considered a top 100 prospect just as recently as the conclusion of the 2014 season. And we all remember the raging debates as the Twins handling of him the second half, and late, in that season. The arguements raged back and forth from the Twins stating he needed to tweak his control a bit more, and the other side of the equation that he was ready and needed ML service time to continue to grow and develop. I am NOT rehashing this old arguement, just stating how highly he was regarded a year ago. Ish. Distracted, hurt, disappointed, grieving, whatever the issue (s) Meyer had a rough and very disappointing 2015, (despite a few solid stretches in the pen). Fast forward to this new year in which he got off to a strong start at Rochester, SSS or not, before coming up...then sitting on the bench when he probably could have gotten at least one more AAA start...before getting his first ML start, with splinters in his backside, and getting pulled with 2 outs when the Twins said he wasn't on any pitch count. He is not the first top prospect to have a disappointing season. He wouldn't be the first top prospect to learn, grow and rebound from such an experience. And I hope he does. And I hope he doesn't take this p**s poor handling recently in a negative fashion. I hope, if anything, it helps light a stronger fire under him. But with his previous track record, his ability and potential, his solid start to 2016, I simply can't view him as a RP candidate at this point.

That might be me you are referring to. And I think it's an important point. I'm not saying empty the minor leagues and just promote everyone. I think the time for an Astros-like move to do so, or what the Twins did in '82, is gone at this point. Part of the young nucleus has already arrived, and been arriving, for a couple of years now. But a 40 man roster doesn't mean you get to promote all your top prospects, while keeping your veterans, and suddenly get to play with a 40 man roster. Berrios is ready. Duffey too is probably ready, despite his rough ST. Meyer, hopefully, will take this latest cup of coffee as a learning experience, be even more determined to get back, and continue at Rochester where he left off. You arent, and cant, run with a 7 or 8 man rotation. So moves to the pen, eating some contract money, sweetening a trade with another player, whatever, you are going to have move out today for tomorrow.

Pretty much this. I did a nicely responded to, but somewhat quickly faded post referencing "blowing up" the roster, and when it should take place this season. And I feel we're making a lot of the same points again on here. Points that seem simplistic in the rather obviousness of their nature. If the team is not going to contend...and right now we're not even overly confident about a winning record...then the FO needs to make room for the future of this team. Nolasco and Milone, for example, are NOT part of the future of this team. It's not personal, it's just a fact. And at this point, or at some point this season, Meyer, Duffey and Berrios, for instance, will be pounding on and kicking in the door that they are ready, (or ready again) for their opportunity. Whether it means taking back a lower level, marginal prospect, throwing in some of the remaining contract dollars or something similar, guys have to be moved. You can't build up a milb system that is one of the best in baseball, keep them, (as in not trade them), and just never promote them.

Outstanding nytwinsfan! Look, with Santana healthy and ready to come back, OK, I don't like it but I get it, time to send Meyer down. But like NY says, "why?" Who is he really blocking for our future? Why was he brought up to collect splinters for days on end before his relief appearance? Why was he pulled after settling down and getting 2 outs in the third, especially when they said he wasn't on a specific pitch limit? Maybe he gets shelled. Maybe he gets the 3rd out, then has a solid 4,5, maybe even 6th inning. But we'll never know now will we. You don't want 3 youngsters like Meyer, Berrios and Duffey all starting at once? OK, say that, send one down for now, start the other two. But stop the yo-yo garbage.

I like Plouffe, and I'm not saying it was necessarily a mistake to bring him up, but after missing a couple of weeks, didn't he only play in 2 milb games?

I missed this on first post. Great human interest story. Thanks for sharing! I have been absent minded and keep forgetting to order my prospect handbook. Any idea what he throws and how hard?

I am probably as excited about this as Berrios's first start. But I absolutely baffled they called him up, didn't pitch him for even an innjng, and now he gets to start. Isn't part of pitching maintaining a rhythm? I don't expect miracles the first time out, but hope for the best. My biggest concern is him getting more than a single start before any decisions are made.

There is a sick, borderline desperate part of me that wants to see injuries linger a bit longer, (while wishing no-one actual harm), so that Berrios, Duffey and Meyer can all make multiple starts. Does this make me a bad person/fan?

I can not like this initial post enough! EPIC! But two comments: 1} I was smart drunken-still wise enough to refuse the dare in the same situation. "So I got that going for me." 2} Dude, the cassette deck era is OVER. Kid probably did you a favor by stealing your car stereo and making you go by a CD deck.

Darnell is a bit of an enigma at this point. He had a really fine 2014 at Rochester, and while K king, he did garner a few SO's. I thought we might have a function 5th SP who could end up being a nice long-middle man who could spot start. But then he had a pretty rough 2015 before a late season rally that earned him a September promotion. Unfortunate, he got very ill and couldn't play. After a solid ST, despite low K totals thus far, he's off to a quality start in 2016. I'm not saying he has monster stuff, but I'm still wondering if there is a viable LH arm for a bullpen there.

He has shown he has some pop, and speed for doubles and triples, but is clearly not a real HR threat. And that's OK. He doesn't have to be one. But finding holes is exactly what he should be doing isn't it? Now...if only he could just work the count for even a few walks, his value goes up immeasurably, IMO. Again, I'm not sure exactly what happened to him last year, but in 2014, one of the things was talked about from time tof time in various broadcasts I watched and listened to, was how quick his hands were. I found it interesting and enlightening. Again, he needs to walk even a bit, but such a natural athlete, and those quick hands, I can see not only pop generated, but the ability to spray the ball, meaning at least a decent overall hitter. With his speed and ability to play multiple positions at least adequately, I really like his potential still, be as it may as a utility player.

I've always liked Santana and advocated patience. If I'm not mistaken, he was never more than age average at any milb level and usually younger. He practically skipped AAA altogether. And while his 2014 was a lot of fun, it just couldn't be sustained. I felt, last year, his BA and such would drop, but he would exercise a little more patience, sort of off setting any drop. But the year was absolutely a disaster for whatever reason. But you're right, he is too young and athletic and versatile to be given up on. And I was part of the 5%, I guess, that wanted him back and hoped for a rebound. I still have a feeling, over some time, that he may actually develop his overall game in to one of a starter. LF top of the order perhaps? (Maybe for someone else?) But while I'm glad to have him, he should be a role player and not a full time player.

A really nice write-up SD. Thank you! I know that at the end of the day milb is more about player development than winning. And you don't exactly get to pick and choose your roster like you do at the ML because you have to play your young prospects, but I'm impressed with Mauer as a manager, and the various coaches the Twins employee in milb. I know you to draft and sign smart, and it sure seems that the Twins have been doing a great job of that the past few years, but you have to have coaches and managers to teach and develop that talent. I really think the entire Twins milb system is doing a great job of that.

I've said before, on paper, this is a better team than last season. Even with Buxton needing more time, Santana, as long as is hitting-and he is, and Rosario, who is not hitting at the moment, can at least hold down the position for now. Arcia has worked very hard and seems to be rebounding. I still think he's more comfortable in RF, but he has experience in LF as well. Dozier, Escobar, Nunez and Santana have the middle infield ckvered, with Polanco in reserve and close to ready if not already. Nunez is a solid option at 3B as well, and Plouffe can also play 1B. Other than not having Buxton ready to hold down CF on a permanent basis, there are two situations to be corrected or addressed: 1} Simply getting Dozier and Rosario to start hitting. 2} Finding one of the corner INF guys to play an OF corner well enough, in place of or in addition to Sano, to increase the roster flexability.

I can still get why they kept Plouffe. Whether you are a fan or not, he's a solid, quality ballplayer. Coming in to the season, nobody knew that Mauer would seemingly find himself again, or if Park would be ready right away. So despite a logjam, I understand keeping him. Your team is always better when you have more good players, especially if those players can offer any kind of versatility. I just never understood the "Sano is strictly an OF unless something catastrophic happens." That is just so short-sighted! And flat out wrong. Sano will make defensive mistakes at 3B. He's still young and still developing. But again, tonce my knowledge, there has never been a scout, coach, manager or front office person who has said he can't be at least acceptable there. (A little better conditioning would help though) The only thing ever stated is that his long term future...whatever time frame that may entail...may be at 1B. The Twins did the right thing last year when they had Plouffe, Sano and Mauer rotate at three spots. Now Park is thrown in to that equation and it complicates things, but the idea remains practical and sound. But yeah, to really make things work, and increase roster and lineup flexability, to get everyone "in the game", someone has to also play a little OF.

I have to say, I've been impressed with his defense at 1B as well as his power. He coils and just unloads on the ball when he makes contact, but his swing looks compact and level through the zone and doesn't seem to the herky-jerky motion of some power hitters. (Arcia for example) I don't know if he can sustain hus current run with the bat. I'd think there will be a series of ups and downs still as he gets acclimated, but I think he looks good.

Wait....I like Escobar a lot....but when did I get aroused? Not saying it's not true...just wondering. Lol

I'm sorry, I know this a subject that has been beaten to death at various points over the last year or so. But the Twins themselves have brought this back to the forefront again. I say this due to the current roster construction, due to injury and the such, not to mention initial roster construction, the start to the season, and the fact that Sano started at 3B tonight against the Indians after we were told initially he would not play 3B this season. (I believe barring anything catastrophic happening) In the game tonight, unless I missed something, Sano did not receive a fielding chance until the late innings. When he did, it was a broken bat roller to him. All he did was charge, field, and throw a strike to Mauer at 1B. I fully admit that my familiarity of Sano at 3B is based on scouting reports, watching a few ST games, and watching some games last season. I'm quite certain there are various TD members who have seen him more than me, and live in person. But what do I know or think I know? Despite being a large human bejng, he carries his weight very well and is a quality athlete. I get that maybe he has to grow up a bit more, (based on some previous news articles), and take his conditioning more seriously. But every scouting report I've ever read says he can play 3B, at least for a few years, works hard at it, and has the ability to improve. When I have watched him play, I've seen a few miscues. But I've also seen a lot of routine and quality plays showing good mkvement, decent hands, and a rocket arm. If Cabrera and Sandoval can be ML 3B on winning teams and MVP, big payday players, why on earth can't Sano? While it is easy to shout roster mis-management, Park could turn out to be a great acquisition. It was impossible to predict Mauer becoming Mauer again. And Plouffe is a solid, quality player. (And unlike a FA signing or roster promotion, I do "get" how you couldn't bank on winning the rights to Park) Are the Twins being short sighted or stubborn? Are they simply flat out wrong with the way Sano has been handled? I know it's a touchy subject....spoken of before...but I really think we need to address it again at this time. And the Twins themselves have brought this up, unintentionally or not.

Like you, I have often defended Ryan's moves. I don't grade him poorly for the Twins not winning or advancing to the WS back in his first tenure. IMO, in any sport, your goal is to field a winning team that can reach the post season. I believe it is short-sighted and down right incorrect to say you build a championship team. Unless you possess a fully functional crystal ball, that's impossible to do. I also don't feel Ryan has been incompetent in his second tenure. I still support the May and Meyer trades. He's adequate other moves that aren't bad, and the minor league system has thrived under his watch, and are begining to pay dividends at the ML level. I can't even blame him for most of the veteran FA SP conundrum where the Twins are seemingly locked in to some contracts that block youngsters. Hughes should absolutely not been extended when he was, but his initial signing, plus Santana, and even Nolasco, unto themselves, we're not bad acquisitions. But I have to say, despite past success and being a good baseball man and a good guy, there have been moves, and non moves, the past few seasons that really have me questioning him as the leader of the organization at this point. Have there been a few injuries that have thrown some of the rebuild in to chaos? Yes. But injuries happen, and we all know this. For three straight seasons the Twins have been nothing but patchwork in CF. How can you possibly count on Hicks and Buxton jumping from AA for three straight seasons as the answer with little to nothing available for a backup plan? The exact same thing applies to the bullpen the past two years. And then the whole, inexplicable Murphy signing and Hicks fiasco, along with a two man bench for a few games. What will define, possibly save, Ryan is what he does the rest of this season. If you are going to build with youth, horde said youth, sooner or later, as that youth matures, you have to make room for it. And you do that youth a disservice by promoting it to just sit on the bench and not play. Unless this team goes on a real run at some point, and looks like a real contender, at some point you absolutely have to look at eating some or all of a contract, throw another young player in a deal if you have to, and look at Plouffe, Dozier, Perkins, Hughes, E Santana, Nolasco and Milone as moveable options to make way for youth.

Wondering, while this is the majors, not the minors, and it's about results and much less about player development, until or unless a trade is made at some point, would the Twins consider a 6 man rotation at some point? I may be mistaken, but the way it's done in milb, particularly with the Kernals, don't they rotate the starters every few potential starts to a few days in the pen before starting again? This would mean you could keep a 12 man staff, while allowing Meyer, Duffey and Berrios to stay up, keep starting most of the time, while still working in the veteran starters. Now, everyone healthy there are still too many starters, but it's a thought.

One of the things I like most about Berrios is his pitching instincts. Yes he has good stuff. Yes he has a great work ethic. Yes he has a determined, bulldog mentality. But if you recall his first few starts at Rochester last season, he didn't have great results. In an interview, after about his second or third start, he made comments regarding needing to change some things in his approach. He then went out and killed it the rest of the year.

A good post. And the Twins do have a lot of young talent. There is also some quality veteran talent as well. Youngsters are going to have struggles at times, no question. It's obviously part of the learning curve. I do think the team may have over achieved to a degree last year. But they were still a solid team in contention. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect this year's team to play as well or better. On paper, it should be a better team than last year. Injuries and flat our poor performances have this team off to a poor start. To re-clarify the gist of the post, in response to other posters as well, was at what point the team should be "blown up", and I did state that the nucleus of the team should be kept intact. I didn't advocate dumping the entire roster. And make no mistake, I want the Twins to win. But if the ship doesn't get righted, if this team can't be above .500, much less contend, then at some point, don't you eat some salary, "blow-up" the roster, as it were,, and commit to spots for Meyer, Duffey, Berrios, Chargois, Buxton, Polanco, etc, etc. If you are rebuilding with youth, reluctant to trade any of that youth, sooner or later you have to make room for that youth.

Now this is some exciting stuff!

We are beyond that point aren't we? This is a team being built, perhaps too slowly, on a great young talent base. Despite FA acquisitions...something new to the Twins, and something clamored for previously...there has been a tremendous influx of young talent brought up the last year or so. We all know the names, there is no reason to run through them all. And there is some very loud and serious knocking on the door. The point isn't what should have been in the past, but the here and now. Frustration makes it easy to say things like: "cut or trade everybody except so and so." But that's not reality.

Frankly, this is a conundrum the Twins shouldn't be facing. How a professional organization couldn't plan even a bit better in regard to their roster management is beyond me. I know the Santana/Duffey situation is rather unexpected, but to make Polanco, Buxton and Kepler all unavailable is mystifying. There is certainly an arguement for Beresford and his tenure with the organization, the fact he probably more than deserved a shot last September, and positional flexability. But, with Santana back, available to play all over, and Plouffe reportedly back soon, and with more questions in the OF, I'd pick Mastroianni. He's nothing special overall, to be sure. But he plays good defense, including CF. He's sort of a known quantity. He had a good ST and is still getting OB, despite a poor BA at Rochester. He would be the most intelligent choice at this point. Either him, or you make a DL move to allow he and Polanco both to come up.