DocBauer

I think I got this one right..... ..."It gets late out there early."

"When you come to a fork in the road.....take it."

BTW...while I have generally backed both Ryan and Molitor with their decisions, actions, and in some cases non-actions, IF the team were to open next season with May AND Duffey BOTH out of the rotation, I think there should be some real hell to pay.

And you are absolutely right about a team putting the best 12 arms on the staff...or in some cases...15 when you think about injury at some point. However, while this is correct in theory, it's not always practical. A guy with really good stuff doesn't automatically make for a SP. Likewise, not all guys can handle coming in to a game with runners on base, or working with the frequency that a RP often does. And, while I generally don't like single batter or couple batter specialists like a true LOOGY, at times in the pen you do need that guy who can help better in certain situations. Nolaso MIGHT be one of the Twins top 12-15 arms next season, (depends on if they make a trade or FA signing or two) but I doubt he sees the bullpen. I don't think there is a team in baseball that would stick a $14 arm in the bullpen for long or middle relief unless it was temporary or post season. Nolasco needs to go, start over, and the Twins will probably pick up half the remaining contract, maybe toss in another lower level prospect, all in hopes of freeing up the spot, the other $7M per, and get something more than a bag of balls back. So while I agree with you to a certain point, and while I think the Twins have about 10 arms I could click off right now that I think are near certainties for 2016, I believe roles still have to be considered and sometimes subtraction must be made for the good of all involved.

Based in his milb numbers, which just seemed to get better and better as he gained experience and adapted more and more to starting, as well as the almost 50IP thus far at the ML level, I'm thinking we may be beyond the SAS concern. Even with Nolasco gone, (should be one way or another), and Berrios beginning 2016 in the minors initially, (maybe-probably?), there is remains a logjam that puts May or Duffey in the pen for now. (with Milone perhaps as a LH mid-long-swing man). May has transitioned well, but has real SP stuff and potential, and should go back to starting. Meanwhile, Duffey is a converted RP with experience in that area but h a transitioned to a quality AP. Tough, tough call here.

The first...sorta...of about 40 offseason trade and FA signing threads. Officially that is. I am sure I will repeat myself multiple times over the next few months on certain topics, but what the hell, might as well start here and now. Let me state officially that I believe the Twins of 2016 are "this close" to contending seriously; holding thumb and forefinger an inch apart and imagining Don Adams doing his best Maxwell Smart voice. Please forgive me in advance when I will invariably use this line again. I have maintained since LAST offseason that the pre-2016 offseason was when they should make major moves...if major moves were to be made. The logic being simple: after 2015 the Twins would really know what they had and didn't have after a return to play of top prospects, (Buxton and Sano foremost), as well as a better feel for all prospects and the roster in general. You should always attempt to trade for need, strength, depth...and sometimes, from clarity. I think we are reaching that point. And actually, with little exception, were I in charge, the trades might be few this offseason. 1* Trade Jepson? O..M..G..NO! A 1,000 times NO! We have an all star closer and legitimate setup man for next season! Why in hell would we depreciate our 2016 bullpen? 2* The pen has options, but I would look to add depth. The milb system has a wealth of RP talent and possibilities who could help anywhere from soon to in a while. That is not enough! I always thought it silly when some thought Burdi, James, Jones and others should be promoted directly to the ML club. Reality proved that isn't practical. Pelfrey's contract alone should allow the Twins to sign another quality RHRP for the pen. The debate should be for who and how long; someone like Hawkins or Benoit short term, or someone younger and for more years. Right now, I'm inclined to bring Cotts back. But I am NOT disinclined to a prime LHFA for 4-6M$. The money should be there. Picture a pen with Perkins, Jepen, FA, Cotts or FA as your prime 4 to start with. 3* For the first time in years, the Twins open 2016 with a real, quality rotation that includes 7 members. Hughes, Santana, Gibson, May, Milone, Berrios and Duffey. Forget SSS, which I don't think exists at this point, former RP Duffey has established himself as a ML quality pitcher. Berrios COULD begin '16 at Rochester for various reasons. Regardless, he will be up soon. Duffey could be a stud out of the bullpen, initially at least, and has experience there, and we've discussed the Cardinals way, many times, of starting guys there. But in past years, we'd be clamoring for him in the rotation. Milone? I've always loved having at least 1 SP being from the port side. And despite limited stuff, Milone has proven in the past, and this year, that he has real ML ability. But I want the best rotation I can bring, even if it's all RH. I am begining to see Milone as a LHRP who can be a mid and long and swing arm. Especially if you have another strong later inning LH in the pen. Do the math...put it all together...and tell me the rotation and bullpen...with just a spot or two open for audition doesn't make you giddy! **Making May a reliever at this early point makes me cringe!** 4* I believe the one thing the 2016 Twins could use is a professional LH hitter off the bench for PH, DH and maybe an occasional lineup start, which is why I find the idea of re-signing Hunter somewhat incongruous, even though he COULD HELP were he to accept a smaller contract and limited-non-promised role. NOTE: none of this involves trades, only FA contracts. Actual trades? 1* No hatred or bitterness. In fact, were he healthy enough to actually help the remainder of the Twins 2015 season, Nolasco would be a welcome addition to the active roster about now. But let's be real...unless the Twins want to make Nolasco the highest paid middle reliever spot starter in the league....he has to go. Again, there is nothing wrong with Nolasco. He's a fine, dependable ML SP who was a nice sign. It just hasn't worked out to bad luck. With health and the Twins picking up half the remaining two years of his contract, throwing in a sold C+ or B- prospect, they might receive back salary and 40 man spot relief plus a B+ or A- prospect. If they play it right, they might even end up with a RP of the equivalent mentioned above without fighting the FA crowd. 2* It was mentioned making trades of little nothings for something. It's not about that. It's about letting the chaffe walk away, or being traded away, to make way for the new crop. 3* Even with some possible early '16 time at AAA, it's not hard to see the bulk of the Twins roster. Catcher is still, and possibly the only, position where there is a question mark. I am a Suzuki fan as the guy commands respect and is tough as nails. And at the end of the day, he can achieve that while still being better than Butera level offensively. But this is the ONE position where the team could look for a real upgrade. THIS is where we have to look at Plouffe and the rest of the Twins prospects to put together a package to bring in a young catcher who can make a difference. Could the Twins put together a package with Plouffe...and without Plouffe...to bring in a talented young catcher? Is there enough depth? I suspect there is. This is the one BOLD MOVE I think TR has to make along with moving Nolasco and bringing in a RP or two. I honestly believe, a couple FA's for the pen, a veteran LH hitting bench player.....and help at catcher just about does it for '16. Is that a big or semi-big trade? Or is it keeping all assets and siginging someone like AJ for one year and seeing how the prospects in the system respond for another year?

<~~~~~~~~grown man jumping up and down!

He deserves it. I maintain that next to Buxton, he is probably the best OVERALL talent in the organization. Hitting, position player-wise. All due respect to the stud-muffin Sano, I did say "overall" talent. Debate the future all you will, Hunter has meant a lot to THIS season. And he's gotten hot again late, something he seemed to do last year as well. And it's pretty tough to take a hot bat out of the lineup. But it would be a shame if Kepler was only brought up for a courtesy AB or two. Surely there's got to be room somewhere over the next couple of weeks for at least a bit more.

Granted Dean may be somewhat marginal, but he shows elements of control, had a successful season, and I'm just talking about an arm who might be able to get us through 5 innings with some success. Injuries have given us Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard of late. Totally agree on Meyer. A start? I don't know. But surely help for the pen at this point.

As of now...yes....a PAIR of milb champs in the Twins organization this year! Ever happened before? My memory doesn't recall.

So much for my dream scenario. Oh well, GO TEAMS!

This would have been a strong choice! At this point, wouldn't Pat Dean by a smart call up? Has he been dormant too long to make his addition effective? I don't believe he's on the 40, but with all the injuries and now Darnell and his illness, I think there's a real need to add someone for the final 2 week push. Things are getting a might thin in the rotation!

I trust in believe in Hughes for next season. For now he's a cross your fingers and hope option with his back. Unfortunately, might be the same for Milone now as well. Might have to make another promotion. Might have to consider something similar to a bullpen game at some point here, lousy as that sounds. Darnell starting if he gets strength back?

Where does Eddie Rosario like the ball? Pitched!

A couple of things I've always considered when looking at Rosario. 1* His milb track record show steady progress from year to year. The only time he ever did any kind of repeat at any level...(not some handful of games followed by immediate promotion)...was when he was suspended and went back to AA. Before that, his promotions were constant and steady. He's never really had the big ups and downs necessary for a repeat. 2* I've always believed, refer to point #1, that when he has a chance to settle in at a level...(ML level in this case)...and just be there for a while, that there will be an increase in HR power. Maybe not as much as he flashed initially way back in the day when he went head to head with Sano, but with a nice swing, good athleticism, some more man muscle, I've always felt an increase will follow. A consistent 20HR threat? I don't know. But definately mid and upper teens to go along with a bunch of doubles and the such. Also...while he's made a mistake or two here and there...I have to say I just love watching the kid play defense! And he is not regulated to LF. He is just playing there.

Poblano hits a run scoring double to tie the game and then Kepler hits a 2 run HR to take the lead and HR trot the team to victory!

I agree with this 100%. At least in theory. Let me "'splain" myself though. As stated, his signing was not a bad move. Despite some inconsistency, 20 HR and 70-80 RBI is nothing to sneeze at. I don't want him back. I don't think he should be brought back. As I previously stated, I believe a smart move would be a veteran LH bench bat; PH, DH, occasional day in the field, etc. And I don't think that is Hunter. BUT...if you make no promises and don't pay through the nose...could Hunter be a RH bench bat/DH option? Especially if the Twins are thinking Kepler might begin the year in AAA, we are still uncertain about Arcia, we could trade Plouffe while acquiring a catcher, etc. So while I continue to say NO...I could see where the move actually could make a little bit of sense.

NOT going to panic or look for a bridge when it's just a rumor in September before the season is even over and nothing officially released to the press from the Twins. However....I would be surprised and rather disappointed. If anything, we need a LH veteran type to come off the bench as a role player. PH type. For a lower salary, and no promises or expectations, I won't freak. But then again, he's still not LH.

I was just pinch hit for!!

John, comedian or doctor...I just play them online. Lol

Dear Phil, We hope your back is feeling better. Please get well soon. We miss you. Best wishes, The Twins Greetings Ricky, I know we here in the Twins organization...that is the Minnesota Twins, you employer...haven't been able to spend a lot if time with you lately, so we thought we'd drop you a note to get updated on how things are going with us. We're in a drive for a Wild Card spot Ricky. Yep, an actual chance at the playoffs for the first time in four years. We understand you've been feeling a lot better lately. If this is true, we'd really love to have you come out and play with us. We could use your help to finish this season off strong. Why not stop in and say hello the next time you pick up your check? Kindest regards, The Minnesota Twins Dearest Jose, How are you? I am fine. How does your arm feel? How does the rest of you feel? I have changed my mind. I would really like you to come play with us for a couple of weeks. Please come home. Love, Terry Mr. Michael Pelfrey or occupant; Wishing you the best of luck on your impending move and future endeavors. Formally yours, The Minnesota Twins, Twinsdom, and the 6th inning P.S. Have you ever considered a career in real estate? (What do you think...over the top?)

I have to say, if I were a RH batter at the plate, I think I'd be scared to hell with that delivery. Doesn't look like you'd have any idea where the ball was headed coming out of his hand. (numbers would seem to indicate that just might be true as well)

Just wondering...if dude hits many more homers here in the second half...he might be surpassing his home run trot allotment for 2015. Any danger of him being shut down before the season is officially over? Twins really need him in the lineup.

Wouldn't it be something if after all the injuries and disappointment of the past couple of seasons, and all the grief and gnashing of teeth here on forums if Nolasco ended up being a late season hero of sorts for our beloved Twins? Heck...might even increase his potential trade value this offseason. LOL

I don't have a subscription, and therefore, have not and will not read the article in its entirety. However, the little "gist" hinted at, the last paragraph, etc, I think we all kind of get the basics. And I agree it all sounds like a fuzzy logic argument to me. If the Twins reach the wild card....the argument is they could have contended for the division, if not more. If the Twins don't reach the wild card...the argument is they didn't because the author is still equally correct. Now...if there were some hard data facts presented...hmmm...maybe. But speculation on who is better doesn't always quantify itself in the form of hard facts. Example...IMHO...I don't believe in any logic that states Berrios is a top young pitcher... Berrios has better pure stuff than say Pelfrey...therefore, the Twins are better with Berrios starting in his place. (again, this is an example, and not an attempt to begin another soapbox debate on Berrios himself) Now, could this be true? Yes. But it's just as likely, indeed, probably much moreso, that the younger, more talented, and obviously far less experienced Berrios would could up and be hit pretty hard. At least initially. So, again, I think the entire argument is somewhat arbitrary. On the other hand, while still probably not provable, I think the argument COULD be made that keeping May in the rotation...with the numbers he was showing and trending...and bringing in another bullpen arm or demoting Pelfrey...COULD lead to better results. That argument has a great deal more validity. So at the end of the day, without knowing the entire context of the article and the argument, I have to simple say "pass" on the conclusions as they are presented. It's hard to argue with a team winning, in contention, and exceeding all pre- season expectations.