DocBauer

I feel like Wally Riggendof, the defensive coach who got his chance to be the head coach in the last game of the season in Necessary Roughness. After a poor first half against their rival, trying to be calm, to attempts to examine what actually has been working for the team the first half. His response is: "Not a godd**n thing has been working for us!" And it kind of goes on from there. Hell of an emotional and motivational speach, and I'm sure you've all seen the movie. But the truth is, despite all the angst and gnashing of teeth, despite not being world beaters at this point...understatement...the Twins just shouldn't have this record. There really is some talent here. Please note, I am NOT excusing FO failures, or perceived failures. I am NOT blasting TR directly, nor the coaching staff. I am simply stating the obvious; things just aren't working for this Twins team right now. Is there really a need to state the obvious at this point? I think there is. Sometimes the forest does get in the way of the trees. Holes there may be, and again, the endless debates as to what the team maybe and should have done before this point. Regardless of all, on paper, this would seem to be a better team than the one that began last season. We can vent all we want to about Nolasco and Fien...for drug out example...as the bane of all baseball existance. But the reality is, Nolasco actally is looking like a the solid ML pitcher we hoped he would be when signed. After looking like the re-incarnation of Ron Davis...I kid, I kid...Fien's last few outings have been OK. Yes, Perk and Plouffe injuries have stunk and hurt, no question. But the losses have been a team effort, unfortunately. When the staff pitches well, the offense is in the tank. When the offense has actually scored a couple of runs, the pitching hasn't held up. But again I state, this team just shouldn't be as bad as what we are seeing. To quote coach Rig, "let's examine what's been working for us to this point". OK then. If you had told me the following a month ago: Nolasco will surprise, Abad will look like a smart signing, Pressly will look like an actual ML reliever, Escobar will hit, Nunez will hit out of his mind and be very valuable and Arcia will rebound to look again like a talented young ballplayer, and will have a couple really big and key hits, OH, and did I mention Mauer will look like Mauer again for the first time in a couple of years? If you had told me these things, along with the balance of the roster, I would have thought we were in a really good place. We just arent. The season is long. It's still relatively early. Despite some veterans on the roster, this is a team being built on youth. There is time to turn it around. We have one of the most talented farm systems around. Yadda...yadda...yaďda. As I have stated previously, this team may have teased in 2015. While I can grudgingly respect the FO'suddenly attempt to compete and never use the dreaded "R" word...the truth is, we have been rebuilding, and possibly still are. Unless there is a major turnaround soon, this organization is meeting the proverbial point between a rock and a hard place. At what point, then, do we just blow this thing up? At what point do we just face push come to shove and lose money, cut bait, blow a couple players out, keep the nucleus of talent, and just audition youth and potential?

This game with Cleveland is just killing me right now. I feel there were several veteran options, none of them overly exlensive, out there this past off season that wouled be great fits for the Twins to provide depth, match up options, and options so Buxton and Kepler wouldn't have to be forced to the ML level so soon. Byrd and Davis were two of the guys I really liked. While not a perfect solution, doesn't the OF look better right now with Byrd playing/alternating in the corners and Davis in CF while Buxton and Kepler get some much needed AAA time? Of course, I also thought, as before and elsewhere stated, that Plouffe-Sano-Mauer sharing 3B-DH-1B was a great idea as well.

And the jury is still out on Murphy. Opportunity and a bad start shouldn't condemn him or the trade for him. But the Hicks signing was a solid, cheap move for a solid, fairly young catcher, with at least better than horrible offense. In fact, right now, without even the necessity for a 3rd catcher due to injury, it could be argued Hicks should be brought up, Murphy demoted, in order for Murphy to see daily play and AB for a week or two to get in a groove. OOPS...can't do that now.

Can't and won't dispute this at all! But my arguement was, as just mentioned in another thread, it seemed to incredibly obvious to me that the smart moves were to acquire a decent, solid RH OF to play a corner role with Arcia and Rosario, as well as a decent 4thOF/CF option in case Buxton wasn't ready. This would have allowed various match up scenarios and bench depth. If you did move Rosario to CF for now, you'd still have at least a potentially decent OF.

If they really tried to clear a spot for Murphy by trying to sneak a decent, still young 3rd catcher...then...then...I'm not even sure what to say to that. Further, in addition to the well discussed bullpen non-moves, it just seemed SO OBVIOUS to me that the two moves the Twins absolutely should have made last off season was a 4th OF/CF option to protect/buffer Buxton AND a veteran RH OF to play with Arcia and Rosario. (Of course, this was before we got Park and Sano got placed in RF) I see Byrd off to a solid start in Cleveland and it kills me because that's one of the veteran, inexpensive but decent options I saw as a perfect fit for this team. No offense to Park, who may turn out to be terriffic, but doesn't a solid veteran RH OF like that with Sano-Mauer-Plouffe sharing 1B-3B-DH as they did late last season just make more sense?

Starter or top backup, I like Turner. He is a high draft choice from a major conference with glowing reports in his defense, game calling a d leadership from a defensive priority position. The Twins were aggressive with him early on, probably a combination of his backstop ability, splitting he and Garver up, and a sense of urgency with the Mauer move, and he skipped a level he probably shouldn't have. Each of the past two seasons, while I don't have the splits in front of me, he improved and put up better numbers the second half of each season. (Though the 2014 improvement was stronger than '15) Repeating AA, for now at least, at age 24, average age for the level, we're seeing potentially more of what he might be. Catchers generally take longer to develop, we know this. There are very few Mauer's and Rodriguez's out there. So while I've never been down on Turner for his so-so/inconsistent offensive numbers, I'm very encouraged by his start this year in regard to his future.

I know he isn't off to such a great start, but at this point, wouldn't everyone been better off if the Mastro had just been kept directly out of ST where he was playing well and let Buxton open at Rochester? I mean...20/20 hindsight...but if there was any clue he wasn't going to be ready or this is what he'd be facing 20 some games in...sheesh!

I would also say its irresponsible to go in to three straight seasons without at least some reasonable back up option for your CF plan. No matter how great a prospect Buxton is, there were questions as to his readiness this season. (Like Hicks the past 2 seasons) TR confessed as much when he commented to promoting earlier than what they wanted, and before he was ready, last season as they didn't have an option.

To the bullpen???? Argh ARGH AAARRRGGGHHH

My head hurts from banging it against walls. The only person you can drop from your roster to make room for an aging role playing corner OF is your 3rd catcher, who at least has some ability and a little potential?

Set up?

OK....I'm going to cheat since Seth stole my favorite. Just taking the Twins two world series teams and have a grin. 1) Knoblauch 2) Mack 3) Puckett 4) Hrbek 5) Gaetti 6) Davis 7) Brunansky 8) Laudner 9) Gagne Honorable mention: Bush, Lombardozzi, Pagliarulo, Leius. This doesn't even include any pitchers. Lots and lots of consonants and not so many vowels. If you could win by names alone, the Twins would havexpect ad more than the two WS championships.

If Nolasco continues to be solid, I have to believe a team out tnere, very possibly a NL team since that is mostly where his career has been played, would be interested in a solid veteran SP who is healthy again, and only has one more year on his contract. He probably becomes even more tradable if the Twins sweeten the deal with a low prospect or cash. Dealing, cutting or trying Milone in the pen doesn't affect the Twins in any gross manner. I wonder though at the pecking order of promotion. 1] Berrios is a top prospect who is ready, or really, really close. I would never bet against him. But even if he doesn't develop in to a #1, he should still be very good. 2] Duffey may have surprised people, but his milb record is not only solid, but generally showed steady improvemet. His 9 out of 10 solid to good starts in '15 can't be ignored. And he isn't exactly sacking at Rochester right now. 3] Meyer is off to a flying start. Less we forget, he was a top prospect before his disappointing 2015 season. Hey, it happens! But do we ride the wave of a hot start and trust it and his talent that he will be just fine, expected bumps included? Or do we hold him back a little longer to continue building consistency and confidence? In the bullpen, I can absolutely see giving Chargois some AAA time. After all, he missed a ton of milb time due to injury, and despite an impressive ST, has zero time above AA. But then again, once in a while a kid comes along that just seems to have IT. And it sure feels like he may be one of those guys.

I hate to say this as we are simply not getting what we all hoped and wanted, but it might be too early yet to make major moves. In full, never before admitted or printed, confession, I saw two entirely different outcomes for the Twins this season: 1] the bullpen would be at least OK-ish early on with a very solid staff overall, coupled with a fairly potent lineup, and despite some growing pains and ups and downs, this team would be competitive and improve by at least a few games with more young talent continuing to move up, or, 2] the bullpen would blow up, the lineup just wouldn't fit together, and the young talent would need more time to work through things. Right now, to your disappointment, the second scenario is looking more likely. But again, I have to say, did the 2015 Twins perhaps exceed expectations and tease us all? I'm not being mean or snarky, but asking in all honesty. If you reflect on the development of our top prospects, and most prognosticating from the "experts" as well as us passionate and we'll informed fans, wasn't 2016 and '17 supposed to be the years the Twins saw the fruits of their labors arrive and begin to make a mark? Look, I don't like the losing any better than anyone else. And I dont think anybody expected the offensive struggles that have been plaguing this team thus far, though there have been signs of improvement recently. The offense doesn't completely stink at this point, despite flaws, we're probably a .500 team waiting for the next jump. We are not in a rebuild...though everyone knows we really are, semantics and wishful thinking aside. Despite early struggles, all of the top prospects in the system the past couple of seasons, are either in Minnesota cutting their teeth, or pretty close to doing so. Yes, while early, I think at this point we should cut Fien. And except for a brief flash, I'm still not sure Tonkin is ever going to be what we want and hoped he'd be. But are we really better dropping either, or both, this early and promoting Chargois straight from AA? I'm honestly asking as it really appears he might be special. Or are we better off waiting a couple weeks of him in AAA first? Winning or losing in a couple more weeks, for the immediate and future of a team still in at least somewhat of a rebuilding mode, I maintain Nolasco should be traded, regardless of the cost, and possibly Milone, unless we try him in the pen. Note: these two guys are not the reason we are losing. But let's get real, guys like Berrios, Duffey returning, and Meyer if he keeps this up, are the future of the team.

I don't believe in machines calling balls and strikes any more than I believe in machines calling pass interference or any other penalty in football. There is a human element to the way the game is played on the field...an inch or two can make the difference of a caught ball or a hit, a foul ball or a double down the line. Almost every single hitter at the plate has a different stance, even proximity in the batterbox, compared to every other batter before and after. Thus, the strike zone, to a degree, changes. And if you have a pitcher, a Maddux for example, that can have pin point control enough to paint a corner right on the black consistently, then I still don't have a problem with that consisfently, even borderline, being called a strike. As long as the calls are consistent. But that is where the problem lies. With the exception of said pin point control being somewhat arbitrary, the strike zone, even for different batters, is still rather clearly defined...and always has been! Human error be damned, a missed call or two will almost certainly balance out for all teams. But it is the blatant disregard for the rules based on personal bias as to what is a strike, or worse, consistent incomletance, that is the root of a problem. Sticking strictly with baseball as a referencd, if a player can't perform as ended or expected, he is benched or optioned down. Why is this not also an option for umpires? The MLBPA has had tremendous power for decades, though that power has eroded ever so slightly the past few years. Despite some attempts at strong armed tactics, the ML umpire association has not been nearly as powerful, despite their belief that they are. The standards are set by regulation. The umpires, their overseers and their union should understand this, and have the capability to review and regulate such standards. There should be no open, personal interpretation of said regulations, for the most part, as there are actual rules and parameters to follow. This is not a professorship...anot entirely different subject matter and debate...and there should be no tenure. I would think it more prudent, any my preference, for any umpire that doesn't make muster to be demoted or removed in favor of a milb, college, or other umpire to receive an opportunity to show his abilities on a promotional or trial basis. (Yes, I exagerate...but only somewhat) Even as complicated as the NFL is in rules interpretation and enforcement, (and this also has probably as many faulty outliers as ML umpires), at least there are reviews and ramifications for performance leading to removal, removal from top games, and a reward system for only top crews to referee top games, playoffs and the Super Bowl. I think it's way past time that MLB step in and do something about umpires and crews that just can't consistently get things right. Being an umpire may be a thankless job in many respects, but it is a PROFESSIONAL occupation. And there is a difference between human error and incompetance.

TAP...TAP...WHOO...WHOO... (this is blowing in the mic)...is this thread stilL on?

Can I play the role of middleman here? Dozier's start to the season is troubling and perlpexing. I think Levi and Brock both make excellent points and arguements. (Even if, at times, you both are arguing the same side of the coin). IMHO, each of the past two seasons saw Dozier dip, inconsistent or not, in the second half. Again, IMO, this is probably, at least partially, attributable to being worn out as the Twins have relied on his daily presence and production too much. If it was simply due to adjustments made by the opposition, then why the strong first half in 2015? Surely nobody just decided to "go back" to the way they pitched him 2014. With the numbers Brock has posted, I'm siding with him in this arguement for the time being, especially with Dozie having such a strong ST, (yes, I know such stats aren't always a true evaluation), and the overall struggles of so many of the Twins hitters the early part of the season. I think Dozier, and many of the Twins hitters, are pressing and just missing right now. Now, if May-ish rolls around and we're seeing the same things, then I feel we have reason to worry.

Absolutely. Both very intriguing talents, though further away. Seth, I had a post recently concerning the Twins actually being sellers at some point this season, winning record or not, possible contention or not, as I felt guys like Nolasco, (only 1 year left on his deal and pitching healthy now it appears), and Milone could be dealt to make room for a Duffey return, and promotion for Berrios and Meyer, assuming he keeps it up. (Hughes and Santana would probably prove much harder to move with longer term deals). My arguement being that the Twins, FO on down, would feel the need and pressure, for long term success, if not short term, to make such moves even if the Twins are not, and supposedly have never been, in actual "rebuild" mode. I'd be very curious on your take on this.

I think I would agree with you here. After a rough season last year, I could easily see the Twins being in a "prove it over some time so we KNOW you are ready" and not just having a couple good games. But really, don't the Twins have to be absolutely giddy at this time to see the rebound Meyer has made? As to Meyer's part in this, he needs to just keep focusing on what he's doing and not get caught up in any promotion thoughts, or despair if someone like Duffey were to go up before him. After all, Duffey was up ,at season, and did have real success. Meyer just needs to keep marching out there, be himself, and keep grinding. The opportunity will come.

Still a SSS at this point, in regard to the bad as well as the good. But the power is real. He looks like he knows what he is doing at the plate and making adjustments. And I like what I've seen from him defensively. (Oh, if only he could really play 3B). There is no doubt his presence complicates the makeup of the roster. There is no doubt his signing wasn't truly needed based on said construction and options before his signing. But I can never fault someone for going out and acquiring additional talent for their team.

The entire milb segment is pretty much the sports hilight of my day, but Meyer, Berrios, Duffey, Gonsalves and Stewart are absolute "page turners" at this point

I'm happy to have him back in the organization. And I agree with all the sentiments brought up by Seth and John. Gardenhire, as stated, was a tough, gritty, self-made ballplayer who worked his way to the ML level. This something, percentage wise, that is still rare to do and should be respected. He was a highly successful and welL regarded milb manager who worked under the trumpeted and esteemed Tom Kelly and was part of the last Twins WS team. He is the winning-est manager in Twins history. But because he himself didn't manage a team to a WS win he was a poor manager? And because his last few teams were poor it's all on him? Last I knew, the was still a team game. Last I knew, only one team ever finished the season in any sport as the champion. So this highly successful milb manager and ML coach and manager, recognized by independent parties as a manager of year and multiple runner up is back with the organization to provide scouting, coaching and experience to the organization. I don't know...I see nothing but good from this.

Kind of a double edged sword. The kids like Kepler and Polano, both super talented, need to continue playing every day. However, if they are up only for a week or two, then go back to Rochester to play daily, I don't feel their continuity suffers very much. And they get to soak up some ML time and experience to take back with them. But even with team hopes and expectations, and the poor start to the year, and hopes to pull themselves back up to .500 and contention status still within grasp, isn't there still some room for a few games started while they are here? I would think, in the long run, a day off for a regular helps build stamina for the entire season, (something that I think has hurt Dozier each of his second halves the past two seasons), and would provide the kids that much more of a learning experience.

While he has yet to truly find his spot on the diamond, unfortunately, Polanco is one of my favorite Twins prospects, and has been for some time. He signed with the Twins as a good glove, questionable bat prospect with speed. After a rather non-descript season or two in the low minors, he suddenly turned in to a versatile hitter who usually began the season up top, before sliding to the 3rd spot in the lineup. (Which I just read he did again at Rochester-as did Gordon if I read things correctly) I know there has been some concern regarding him defensively, which is odd considering the initial reports on his signing. But I also think he's too young, too talented, to write him off defensively either. He wouldn't be the first infielder who just needed experience and the right move for his glove to start playing. But every level he has been at the last few of years, he has flat out hit and produced. I would really hate it, and believe the Twins would regret it, if he was given up on too soon. Could he handle 3B instead of Sano if and when Plouffe might be traded? Could Dozier, a former SS, make a transition to 3B and Polanco take over 2B? Could he be a versatile and valuable utility player for a year or two before this all settles down? Time will tell. But this is a young man I'm really excited about, and eventually, the Twins will have to make room for.

dxpavelka kind of stole my thunder. Very happy to see Joe looking like his old self again. And with that, until or unless someone else emerges, if Mauer actual is Mauer again, I'd keep him in the 3 spot I think. With the overall RH-NESS of the lineup, and a fair number of SO'S projected for the season, he has the ability to break up a run of mostly RH bats, get on base, but also knock in runners with hits, doubles and the occasional HR. I just think the lineup plays better 4 Sano, 5 Plouffe, and then a mix of Arcia-Park-Rosario 6-7.