DocBauer

Further, I think we also have to keep the positions of these two players involved in their proper context. There is at least a decent chance that Hicks will hit for a higher AVG and OB than Murphy. He may have more power and more speed as well. But Murphy will be the guy behind the plate calling a game for the staff and receiving 90+ MPH fastballs and crazy breaking balls and balls in the dirt while also trying to catch base runners. All while trying to produce a league average OPS or greater. Context.

For the record, I've never been a "Plouffe must go" believer. Depth of talent is a great thing, and there is no reason you couldn't move guys in and out of spots and the lineup here and there. Also, I'm excited about Park's potential and think the move was a great one. But put these two ideas together, and there is a bit of a conundrum. I know these things often have a way of simply working themselves out, but there is a bit of an oddity to the roster right now. To be fair, there is still time to work these things out. There are still CF options out there if the Twins feel Buxton is better served spending time in Rochester. There is still time for a Plouffe move if the right offer/opportunity comes along. And there are still some solid options for a RH hitting OF to mix and match with Rosario and Arcia if Sano were to be moved back to 3B with said theoretical Plouffe move. I don't think it's time to hit the panic button on anything just yet. I'm still more concerned, at this point, with the bullpen, particularly from the left side.

Bingo! Barring injury, or an unexpected trade, I think there is a good chance May is in the bullpen for all, or most of, 2016. I don't like it, but he could be good at it, and he could shift back to the rotation in '17. The problem isn't even Milone, it's Hughes, Santana, Gibson, Duffey and Berrios. Remove Milone, promote Berrios, and you have one too many starters. So either Duffey or May works out of the pen. I just don't see Hughes or Santana (or Gibson) going anywhere at least untill next year. Even with May, or Duffey, in the bullpen, I could still see a vet RHRP on a 1 year deal to bolster things. But we don't have one guy from the left side we can really trust or bank on right now.

Pretty much this. It's only a bad trade if Murphy stinks and Hicks sets the world on fire. (Or if TR just sits on his hands from here on out) I don't really see anything wrong at this time. At the very least, I'd like to see how this plays out for a season (at least half of one) before making some determination.

When is the printed version going to be available?

Great question! Santana's quad slash as a minor leaguer stands at .276/ .319/ .399/ .717. His batting average has always been solid. And while the OB% hasn't been great, it is 43% points above his BA. That shows potential, especially considering he's never been exactly old for any level he's played at. Quite the opposite actually. The power is a little lax, but we heard about power/pop potential on the way up that might develop. And in fact, his 2014 rookie year he certainly showed some of that potential. He also hit double digits in SB for all 6 milb seasons. In his rookie 2014 season, while he did maintain an almost unsustainable BA and BBIP AVG, he held a 34 point higher OB%. 34 is, of course, less that 43, LOL. It's all fancy way of saying that despite being young, despite being a bit undisciplined, he HAS SHOWN previously in the minors, and to a lesser extent his rookie season in 2014, that he isn't just a SO machine. Looking at his athleticism, looking at numbers, looking at what he was capable in his rookie ML season, it's not hard to project some pop, see his speed, and believe he has the potential to be a decent hitter with an OK OB% and the potential for better with experience and just a little more discipline. And if he simple can't do the job daily at SS, he wouldn't be the first one to move to the OF and see his game take off. (kind of like it happened when he played mostly OF in '14)

I am often a defender of Ryan, though not afraid to call him out if I disagree with him. And he still has time, via trade or FA to make moves to help the club. And there are players available. But as of now, I am very disappointed with the lack of events this past week. While I applaud several moves TR has made the past couple of years, CF and the bullpen have had the feel of "hope and cross fingers" the kids are ready soon. Strong, LH set up men do not grow on trees. To have access to a couple on the market that wouldn't cost a fortune, that could have a huge impact on the depth and functionality of your bullpen, and to do nothing about it has me rather ticked. There are a handful of experienced RH relievers nearing the end that could possibly be had on fair 1 year deals, that along with a quality LH set up man, could mesh well with what we have on hand to build a really top end bullpen for 2016. We can't make the mistake of just waiting for help to arrive.

1* Trades are apples and oranges. I don't know that you can say with any true certainty that that is "all" the Twins would get for Plouffe. However, apples and oranges both being fruit, you can see situational parameters that bare out possible similarities. If that is the case, then a similar trade return for Plouffe would be a waste and we are better off keeping him. At least for now. (and I'm a known Plouffe fan) But I have been in favor of moving him to clear room for Sano. It looks like it's just not prudent to do so. 2* I haven't been in favor of Sano moving to the OF not because I don't think he can't do it, but how long will it take? Do we move him back to 3B in a year or two? What happens when Buxton and Kepler are both ready? Not to mention Walker? I'm not going to scream bad roster management, as rosters can become fluid for various reasons, and it's never a bad thing having "too many" good players. But there are challenges here, to be sure. 3* NOT going to get in to a Mauer debate for the up-teenth time, but, if he doesn't rebound towards the player he has been in the past, the truth is, both offensive and defensively, his presence in the everyday lineup compromises the best team that could be placed in the field/lineup. Would the Twins be bold enough to make him a part time/reserve player? 4* I still have real hope for D Santana. I think he could be a really nice role player. I think it wouldn't be out of the question he develops in to a top of the order hitter as a full time LF one day. (for the Twins or someone else) But I don't believe he is the CF to begin the 2016 season for the Twins if Buxton really and truly is headed for Rochester to begin the year. The powers that be simply can not afford to make the same mistakes they have made previously in regard to CF...sitting around waiting and hoping doesn't cut it. I don't know if Rajai Davis is the answer, or if some of the SD "trade a bad contract for another bad contract" rumors for Upton are an option. But especially with Sano in the OF and learning, we need a legit CF option.

Well....since I took the time to read everything to this point...guess I might as well toss in a few thoughts of my own. I think it's safe to say the Twins and their various staffs know their own players much better than we do. Now, I am not going to debate Dean vs Jones, BUT, I am going to say it would seem plausible to me that the Twins feel several other young RP candidates have shown better, have more upside, are closer to helping than Jones at this point, and decided that Dean provided more organizational depth/worth AT THIS POINT, than another RHRP that has fallen behind several other RHRP. You can't protect everyone. The Twins have players picked. The Twins pick players. Some turn out. Most don't. Still a good chance Jones gets returned anyway. (again, not debating Dean vs Jones, just stating a fact) I often find the debates about Nunez to be interesting if not a touch humorous. He is a utility player. Every team needs utility type bench players. Said players usually play excellent defense but can't hit, or they can hit a little bit, but maybe play average to below average defense. If they could both hit and field, they'd be a starter. Nunez is no gold-glover, but he's OK, and he swings a decent bat with some pop and has a little speed. Not sure what's so bad about that. Santana has more potential, to be sure, but Nunez is probably the the more consistent player at this point.

BTW...Ryan doesn't need to go nuts. He doesn't have to remake the roster. That would be a mistake to be sure. This is a team with a bunch of youngsters making their way to the bigs the last two years. Some look impressive, some have struggled a bit, some have don't both. And there's more on the way this season. But the roster does have real need for augmentation. There is need and opportunity for the pen and the OF. We don't need knee jerk moves, but, we also don't need to clock moves with a sun dial either. The front office got off to a good start. Not recycling the same old guys is a good start. Now, let's not stumble as we come around the bend headed toward the finish line.

Always rooted for Beresford. Frankly, kind of upset he hasn't even had a cup of coffee yet. He can field, run a bit, and slaps the ball around without striking out too much. (Even if there is little pop in those slaps) I'm glad to have him back. Despite Nunez, Santana and Polanco, more depth is nice, and I wouldn't be surprised if this is the season Beresford finally makes an appearance. Really tickled about Benson. I always thought he was a sure thing, and one the biggest disappointments on my failed prospect list of the past 10-20 years. Is it possible that now, healthy, "back home", and perhaps more mature or relaxed or worldly that he could be ready to make it as a "better late than never" role player?

IMHO, up to this point, Ryan has done pretty much what he needed to do, and what I thought he should do. Am I 100% thrilled RIGHT NOW with the results? No. I'm not because I'm uncertain about the unproven Park but very optimistic. Murphy was a high draft pick and a well regarded prospect overall. In relatively SSS he has shown some hitting prowess. I'm willing to at least see him play before I decide he's only a backup catcher. And the guy traded, Hicks, may turn out. But despite a better 2015, and passing the eye test stronger, he remains an enigmatic talent with a good month and a little better numbers otherwise than previous. So...generally happy right now. We need an OF. There hasn't been a run on them exactly, there is still time. But effective, hard throwing, SO inducing LH set up men are not common. Acquiring one lifts the entire bullpen up another level even if you do nothing else. It won't cost a fortune or more than 3 years to do so. What is the hold up/excuse for something that seems so obvious? And Nolasco? I don't know. You don't want to sell low? Who is he honestly going to replace at this point in order to sell high? You'd replace Hughes or Santana or Gibson or May or Duffey or Berrios with him? I think not. Get what you can and move on.

Man....what a nice player he would have been long term if his back was sound!! One of the biggest "what a shame" players in Twins history.

Harper was vastly undervalued and Mack was just so good all around. The only negative on either one is they just didn't put up the huge numbers. Randy Bush was always a favorite of mine. Never a star, never the huge numbers either, but he was just such a great role player over the years. He was a solid hitter with decent power and a knack in the clutch. He was solid in both OF corners, 1B, productive as a DH, outstanding as a PH for his career, and even stole a few bases

Hmmm....anyone know if Hrbek has any charity tournaments going on this week?

Burton...Fien...Guerrier...Swindell...Wells...Fiore...Reyes...Breslow?...would be a few over time that cost little to nothing, seemed to come off the scrap heap, and performed well to very well for a couple of seasons.

And so...fine...if you aren't going to do anything and everything to get rid of him, then move him to the pen where he can throw harder and shorter. Might make him more effective. He showed a proclivity for strikeouts last season when he was actually on the mound. Might keep him more healthy pitching shorter stints.

If he is healthy in ST and pitching well, could this change everyone's thinking and time table for a trade I wonder?

Big, big mistake, IMHO, unless TR can pull another rabbit out of his cap the way he used to.

Raja Davis isn't an ideal candidate simply because his OB% would limit him as a lead off option. But I think he would be an excellent short term fill in at CF with the ability to be a 4th OF and PR off the bench. Thus far, he only has one year with 500+ AB's, and only two with 400+, so I don't know that he's necessarily looking to hold out for a guaranteed starting job. I've read a few...umm...rumors or innuendo, I don't know which, that speculates a trade with the Padres of Nolasco for Kemp could be an option. I'm actually really intrigued by this idea. But does anyone have Kemp's contract numbers available? I don't have them at the moment. But Kemp in the OF more than replaces Plouffe's bat, and allows Sano to stick at his more natural 3B position. This helps fortify the OF defense, while it may weaken the left side of the infield a bit. In the long run, I think that is an overall positive, especially considering how much of our pitching staff works. And then, obviously, it allows for a Plouffe trade for prospects, or to fill another need somewhere.

The way relief pitching is escalating in price, and the way various relievers are flying off the shelves, I sure hope the Twins are planning on using some of their hotel budget savings and signing one of the top lefties soon, if not today. I absolutely love the direction Ryan is taking this off season. Thus far, he's been quick and decisive with his moves, such as Murphy and Park. He's told Duensing and Boyer it's time to move on. People can argue Nunez and Fien being offered arbitration as being the same old song and dance, but I just see depth and options at decent prices. I believe him when he says the Twins are focused and have a plan. But other teams can say the same thing. If the Twins are serious about upgrading their bullpen, there are two obvious and outstanding options that they absolutely need to make a move on before it is too late. If they are rejected, then we need to move to plan B. But first, they must see plan A to conclusion. They simply don't have anyone ready who is an equivalent to Sipp or Bastardo. But a LHSU man of their caliber goes a long, long way to upgrade our bullpen. (though I'd still love a 1 year proven RH veteran as well)

To me, Sipp or Bastardo are borderline musts for the Twins in 2016. We just don't have anyone ready even close to them to be that proven late inning LH option. Either one goes a long way to creating a potential lock down 7-8-9 bullpen. 3 for $18M? The Twins can afford that. And even if the reliever market is going a bit nuts, in the great scheme of team payroll, it's not enough to skew your roster. I still really like a veteran on a 1 year to supplement Jepsen, and probably May. I'm not sure exactly which guy is the best option, but I'd make a decision quickly and get it done.

Personally, I think the Nolasco to SD option makes a ton of sense, as long as Upton or someone else can be moved contractually off their payroll. By all accounts, the Padres are looking at a new plan for 2016 and also happen to find themselves short of viable SP. Nolasco, to me, is a very nice bounce back candidate for someone. (But I don't see that bounce back staying in Minnesota) He is a west coast guy, has been in the NL his entire career previously, I believe, and has a very solid if unspectacular career resume when healthy, which is to say, before joining the Twins. Upton also probably needs a change. The Twins need another OF. Upton could be an interesting bounce back option and is on the books for 2 more years. In a bad-bad situation for both clubs, this is a form of potential win-win for both.

IMPO, Sipp or Bastardo are absolute musts for this team and this bullpen. Either provides a legitimate LH set up man for the late innings. Williams and Molotakis could do that...but not yet. We have some decent options to audition for the second LH in the pen, and I think Milone could be one of those options depending on how the rotation shakes out. The team also needs another RH. With so many good, young, live arms on the way, I had my sights set on someone like the Hawk or Benoit; a hard throwing vet who could get it done for one more season. As discussed in another thread, Rodney could be that guy. Kelley would be a great second addition, and I'd be very happy to have him. And either he, or some of the young kids, could be traded in a year or so with value attached to them. But it might be simpler, cheaper, and prudent to go the 1-year veteran route.

Ridiculous is a pretty big word. But not big enough to cover the absurdity of this situation.