DocBauer

Way to make me feel even older Seth! LOL I really, really hope that like Justin, Joe will find time, healing and therapy to remake himself and recover. And I agree that age, injury, and a general downward trend in offense will probably preclude Mauer from being the same .300 plus hitter he used to be. But, hopefully, whatever he is doing will make him at least a semblance of his former self.

I will repeat...."wow". Did you actually read the post?

Dear Joe, I've had my bell rung a time or two in my life, especially when I was younger and played football in Jr High and High School. To my immediate knowledge, however, I never had a concussion. But then again, considering how little we knew about concussions back in the early 80's, who knows. But back then, having a concussion meant having your bell rung. Usually, but not always, it was associated with being knocked out, or at the very least, being sprawled out and out of it for a while. My sophomore year of HS football, in a Jr Varsity game, a friend and teammate, a WR, confided in me on the sideline that he had received a big knock, and that he could not remember any of the plays...but told me not to tell the coaches. He was afraid of not being allowed to play. This was 1980, and we know tons more today than we did back then, but I still knew enough in my gut and head that something didn't sound right or safe. So I went to the team trainer and told him; "Don't let Kirkpatrick go back in. He just told me he got his bell rung and can't remember the plays." Again, this was only 1980, and I knew enough then, despite being years away from CTE or any of the information we have today, that something was wrong, and I should protect my friend and teammate. Joe, there are some out there, I would say a vocal minority, that have never fully appreciated you, your career, and your efforts. Because you are a quiet and private individual, because you have had a couple rough injury seasons, (duh! You play professional sports), and because you were never a 120 RBI HR mashing machine, you somehow failed to meet expectations or potential. I'm sure you've heard the whispers/rumors. How could you not? But Joe, the vast majority of baseball and Twins fans know you WERE probably the greatest pure hitter of your particular generation. You were an absolutely deserving All-Star, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner. You did things as a ML catcher and hitter never done before. Joe, the concussions aren't your fault. It's not hard offseason work or preparation or exercise not done...it's just something that happened to you, balls striking and wild bat swings hitting. You got your bell rung Joe, multiple times. But we now know that that bell rings louder than we previously thought it could. Just like any injury...knee, ankle, elbow, shoulder, etc...a concussion or "bell ringing" affects every athlete/person differently. But Joe, your concussions HAVE affected you. It's been pretty obvious. You FINALLY admitted as such. And forgive us if we are a bit distrusting or doubtful at this point, but we're still not sure you have admitted to us, the Twins, or even yourself just how much. And I get it. Most of us get it. We really do. You don't want to admit it. You want to fight it. You believe, have believed, still believe, that you can overcome it. And maybe you will. Just as with any injury, effort and rehab may bring you back to where you were previously, or at least close. And for us as fans, for our beloved Twins, and for you Joe, I hope that is the case. And we hear about great shape and hard work and 3 months of better vision and feeling better than ever. Forgive our skepticism Joe, but we've heard this the past two years. And now we are hearing about sunglasses and keeping one eye open and one eye closed between innings to conserve your eyes. I'm sorry Joe, maybe we'really still not properly informed or educated here, and I'm not being snarky, but this sounds like a solution (s) somewhere between a nap and desperation. You are still a young human being Joe. And you have a wife, children and family. You have long ago scaled mountain tops the rest of us can only dream of. You have already earned twice to ten times more financially than most of will ever earn in our lives to create financial security for you and your family. (And your life isn't over, you can and will earn more) You can be sure the Twins organization will not abandon you. And while I can't guarantee a HOF legacy for you, like Tony Oliva and Kirby Puckett before you, your Twins legacy and HOF status is secure. Joe, please, now, finally sharing at least part of the full story, after a pair of frustrating and disappointing seasons...in which only your amazing talent probably prevented utterly dismal production...take a step back. Take a long hard look at your career...your life...and your future. Joe, if time, natural healing, work, rehab, sunglasses and alternating eye therapy doesn't bring you back, please Joe...take another step back. This time, all the way back...and step away from the game...protecting both your past as well as your future. You, your legacy and your family all deserve that. Forever a fan Byron "Doc" Bauer

Very jealous of you! Thank you so much for your reports. They are a real treat!

My prediction? With so many OF's available for Rochester to begin the season...Walker, Benson, Mastroianni, Kepler, Sweeney, Rodriguez (also 1B), and MAYBE Quentin, and even with outstanding 2015 AA production...I could see Walker beginning '16 at AA for the first month. I don't want it to happen, but let's be honest...there are a lot of players and pitchers that have a certain something to work on, and beginning where they left off the previous year helps springboard their next season. I could see that here.

It's not biased Nick, it's reality. In college football, and the NFL when they actually follow their own protocol, the things that Joe is saying now, he wouldn't be allowed in the field. And Joe is facing ML pitchers with 90+ MPH stuff? Forget production, let's talk about safety. The best player on my Big Red Huskers mens basketball team had a very hard tumble a couple days ago, flipping over the back of an opponent. He was pretty seriously concussed. He missed the next game a few days later and is out, reportedly, for the next game. This is basketball we are talking about. Just like the other half of the beloved, talented and dangerous M&M boys, this is tragic as can be. But forget sports tragedy...this is getting real life serious.

Great take SD. The exact things I've been thinking about all day now. This is some serious stuff way beyond the baseball diamond. Or, perhaps, it's even more serious because of the baseball diamond.

To me, gut feeling, this is the very private Joe finally opening up...not apologizing...but explaining; "guys, I've tried my best, but to be honest, I just haven't been right the past couple of years. I'm feeling a little better, working hard, trying a few thinvs, and hoping for better." And I hope we do see a renaissance of Mauer in 2016. What he's not saying out loud, and perhaps not admitting fully, is that if things don't get better, he might be near the end. And for Joe, his family, and the Twins organization, some kind of buy out-stick with the team-personal services-retirement plan may be forthcoming.

Not playing a game of he said, they said, I said, but, this is interesting news considering there have been a lot of split discussions concerning Mauer suffering post concussion issues vs Mauer aging and just losing it. (Or not working hard, etc) My question, and it's an honest one, not trolling, do we applaud Mauer for being a gamer and trying to play and help his team, or, do we chastise Mauer and the Twins for not telling anyone and continuing to play Mauer, particularly in high leverage lineup spots, despite knowing of this issue?

I believe the bullpen should be better simply because Jepsen and May will be there from day 1, and I believe the rotation will be stronger overall. It's not just about the number of IP by a reliever or pen, but when they are needed, for how long, how often days in a row, etc. And no...I still don't May there. But for now, I get it. By this time next year, he'll maybe mid-season this year, we're going to look at someone like Burdick and Rogers and Melotakis and just love the stuffing out of our bullpen. There are some good options here. There are good options on the way. But my problem remains, what about the meantime? Please don't tell me there isn't financial room and flexibility to have added a couple solid, proven arms for $10-12M that could actually make a real difference. And that money spent, probably for only 2 year deals, 3 max, would not only not handcuff the club, but would probably be tradeable assets.

Garver seems the better of the two catching prospects, IMO. But to give Turner some leeway, he was asked to skip an entire level a couple seasons ago. And each of the last two seasons, he has performed better in the second halves, indicating growth. Further, is SO numbers aren't horrible and his BB numbers not bad. Does this scream offensive juggernaut? No. But it does speak of potential.

Regardless if how you rank them, that is a very nice list! Where is Walker? Or Gonsalves? Or Burdi, Reed, Melotakis, Chargois, or several other pitchers? And these are guts girl '16 and '17. We aren't even talking guyes in A ball, except for Gordon. This us not a system simply built on 2 great players.

I hope this isn't too off topic, but while I have accepted May in the bullpen for now, and think he'll do great there, he absolutely needs to be in the rotation umtil or unless he proves he better and offers greater value as a reliever than as a starter. Probably not going to happen this year. What about next season? Barring injury, looking ahead to 2017, Hughes, Santana, Gibson, Berrios, Duffey and possibly Milone. (I'm already counting Nolasco of as gone through whatever circumstance), are all in play. So someone has to go somewhere. So I guess my question is, does that happen? The Twins have a large number of strong RHRP arms about ready to make their presence kmown/felt. So does May go back to the rotation in 2017? Do you see him getting a real chance?

I am pleasantly surprised by EE and his development. Not so sure he doesn't still have growth potential. And while I too favored the more gifted Santana, the right guy ultimately got the job. I don't have milb numbers available at moment, but as I recall, they weren't bad. He was called up to the Chisox young and before fully ready to fill a role. Somehow, young and not hitting, promoted too early, he got labeled a utility guy prematurely. Now, could he be a great one of those? You bet. And maybe he will be eventually. But he is a very solid starter.

The service time issue with Berrios is more of an extra benefit, IMO. If he is what we think he will be, he'll be signed to a longer term deal and the extra year really won't matter. But I suspect he will begin the year in the minors simply due to the presence of Milone and Duffey. They can do the job, have done it, and letting them begin the season let's all the pieces fall in to place with movement options available later-trade, injury, etc. I know he's getting paid, but I just don't see Nolasco erasing 2 tough seasons and bypassing Duffey and Milone at this point. (Plus May and Berrios) At some point this season, 2017 at the latest, May will be allowed to start again. He shows real promise. And I think that's more important than a bullpen role. Especially with the options on their way.

Don't have hus numbers available at the moment, but despite his yo-yo status and such, didn't Tonkin put up his best ML numbers in 2015? I worry about Arcia as a true "off the bench" player. He needs AB'S on a semi regular to be effective, IMHO. I think this can be done. I find it kind of strange when I see so much focus on 2015 in regard to Arcia and Santana, their poor seasons, and what they can't do. But I don't feel there is enough reflection back to 2014, or earlier for Arcia, to show what they can do. One bad year doesn't define a young career at this point.

Some good points. I'd like to expand and "opinionate" if I may. A) Not that you are speaking poorly of SP depth...as some do vs having the proverbial Ace...but considering its a very long season, and you can't win BIG until you win enough small to reach the post season, I am ALL IN on rotation depth of quality 1-5 vs a top 2 or 3 and not much else. Now you CAN win that way, and the Twins did in 1987, BUT I prefer knowing I have good chance every night to win vs a big chance 2 days and a poor chance the other 3. Yes, you'd prefer both options, but how often is a staff that good? I also buy the Twins rotation being better in '16: better Hughes, full season of Santana, Gibson STILL getting better, Duffey, Berrios etc. Nunez is solid. His best two seasons hitting have been with the Twins. If he was a better overall player, he'd be a starter. Could he be replaced by even better options in the near future like Polanco or Michael? Sure. But he's a solid bench guy. BB) I don't believe it was stated that Santana was being moved to the OF exclusively. He can/should/will be a multi-position utility player. Overall, based on experience, work and ability, I would expect his defense to continue to improve. He is absolutely NOT as bad offensively as he showed last season. He's probably somewhere in between, as has been routinely suggested. But I have to say, I absolutely would not bet against him, or production being a little closer to the 2014 version. C) Arcia is way too young and way to talented to give up on. And while I don't think there is anything to suggest he is a bad egg, I think there have been suggestions he is hard headed. Not quite reaching potential, a poor 2015 and out of options, despite promise and youth, he may be on his final shot in Minnesota. It would be borderline tragic were he to find his promise elsewhere. But I think he went through a reality check in '15. We've heand recently about the hard work he's been putting in this offseason. I still believe in the guy. I don't know that he reaches full potential in 2016, but I think he shows what he's made of and what he's capable of. (Part of the reason some of us wanted a quality RH OF to work with him and let Sano take over 3B) Defense? Not great. But not as bad as some make it out to be. With decent athleticism and a strong arm, but not great tracking skills and a somewhat slow read off the bat, he needs to be in RF, and playing a bit further back to keep the play in front of him. D) I like and appreciate Suzuki. The man is a tough competitor and has a lot of brass and seems to command respect. But unless the twins are just wrong about Murphy, he's going to be the guy, sooner or later. SSS or not, he absolutely appears to be the better offensive player. Defensively, he can't be any worse. That's no insult, just a reflection of criteria freely expressed here on TD. Long and short of it...bullpen is still a BIG question mark...but the rotation is just fine. The bench is solid, with better re-inforcements on the way, but solid.

Rumor has it that, much as in his baseball career, Young can offer no defense. (rimshot)

Buxton. Because of his talent. Because we need him. Because he doesn't have to play at an all-star or ROY level initially to be beneficial. And because he looked much better at the end of last season after his return.

Vargas has an option for mow, thankfully. I am telling you, don't write him off! I don't begrudge the Twins signing Quentin. It's one of those, "what the heck, just in case we hit lightening and end up with an unexpected opening..." kind of deals. But how does he fit? He fits if Park isn't ready, Vargas is hurt or has a bad spring, and if Kepler isn't ready, if Arcia is hurt, and Mastro, Benson and Sweeney all have poor springs. Then he fits in as a possible platoon DH or OF. In other words.....he doesnt.

Yep. In different words, exactly what I stated earlier. There really isn't a "crapshoot" per say. It's more about Buxton from day 1, or someone else filling for a time. (My money is still on Buxton) The crunch is at AAA. I LOVE the Benson signing! I believe he is still only 27, he still possesses a great deal of skill, and if fully healthy, his only real issue appears to be between the ears. Not an insult, but we have heard for years about his football mentality as a competitor and multi-sport talent. If he can/has/continues to work on and learn to deal with the daily grind, and failure, (2/3 of the time), along with success, he could still emerge as a quality ML OF. I see a little better Lew Ford. With time...and a degree of failure and frustration...much wisdom may be gained. Benson would be an excellent 4th OF to join Rosario, Buxton and eventually Kepler. And speaking of Kepler, he should be playing ever day at Rochester in RF, occassionally in CF and 1B, (though 1B is pretty much spoken for) Benson should play often if not every day. Walker should play every day as well. The issue is Mastroianni and Quentin for me, as I see Sweeney as a given and smart signing. There is absolutely no room for 6 OF at AAA. Barely room for 5. So unless Walker begins the season back at AA...possible for the first month due to numbers crunch and a chance to Polish a few things...someone has to go. On any level, Mastroianni at least offers speed and defense, while Quentin offers nothing more than a "maybe" bench and occassional platoon bat. Ick.

There aren't many SP's who have thrived with only 2 pitches, but there have been a few over the years. Though even those usually dabbled with a 3rd pitch occassionally. While spotting a solid fastball well and having a killer breaking pitch can take you a loooooong way, even a "decent" 3rd pitch would go anow equally long way towards a successful ML future. While we still have a relatively SSS on the ML level,MIT was still 10 GS, or roughly a thI'd of a season. Nothing to sneeze at. Plus, his performance came at the END of the season, in which he narrowly missed 200IP for the first time. Meaning he didn't slow down or collapse in crunch time or after a long season. Further, his milb season stats not only maintain great consistency, but many of his numbers, including SO's, actually got better as he moved up the ladder. That is impressive! I don't know if he is a future #1, #2, or exactly what. But while we have focused so much on the likes of Gibson, Meyer, May, Berrios and others, this young man has quietly snuck up on everyone with quality stuff and an impressive milb track record.

Concerning point #2...at the moment...I discount Thorpe and Stewart. I so with all hope for both of them, but, Thorpe is not only still very young but missed a whole season now. Stewart is also quite young...something people forget that grow impatient too quickly...and not only needs to show a little more, but might actually benefit in the long run from another 1/2 year or level repition. Further, I'm not so sure the pieces aren't just about all there RIGHT NOW, save for a little more experience. I agree Gibson is very close to being a true #2, and often pitches now like it. I absolutely believe Berrios will be a 2 in a season or two. The jury is still out on Duffey to be sure, BUT, he got better and better with each level and each year in the minors before his roughly third of a MLB season in '15 when he was outstanding. That is impressive! May absolutely deserves to be in the rotation, until or unless he PROVES he's got a better future in the bullpen than as a starter. Gonsalves is a full season ahead of Stewart and Thorpe both, IMO. Not unreasonable to expect a Berrios type season in 2016 from him. And none of this even includes Hughes. Your criteria may be as little as a season away from fruition.

Say what you want about roster management overall, but the Twins aren't just blind. IF Buxton doesn't start the season in the majors, I don't see Rosario in CF with Sano and whoever, (Arcia?), in the other corner spot. The defense...or lack thereof...would greatly affect the staff. Santana wouldn't be the best, or worst, option. He could hold the spot temporarily. Otherwise, it will be a last minute option added or the best...or least aweful...hitting option of Benson, Mastroianni, etc. Buxton is supremely talented, needed, doesn't have to set the place on fire all at once AND looked much better on his return to close out the season. I'm banking on him. The logjam is really at AAA and how that sets up with prospects and/vs veterans. Rosario Buxton Sano Arcia Santana as INF/OF utility

I like Suzuki and respect what he does as a catcher and teammate. I do have doubts as to his ability to hit at this point, rest or not. Anxious to see what Murphy does on all respects and I hope he gets a real shot, not the token/usual backup catcher treatment. I echo the 50/50 split to begin the year. Maybe I'm just an optomist who looks at quick promotions and strong second halves of seasons, but I still like Turner and Garver. A year or two, I am hoping we have an extra catcher to move somewhere.