DocBauer

Didn't I just see that Darnell is out with pneumonia as well?

I wasn't gonna. I wasn't gonna. I really, really wasn't gonna. But here I am anyway. (Sigh) I guess it's just a sickness. First...just because I told you and everyone else I stopped by the store and grabbed some beer and something for dessert doesn't mean I didn't ALSO pick up the meat and veggies. But I guess it's anyone's right to moan and complain about what I announced I bought instead of looking at the receipt of what I bought in TOTAL. Second...hitting a baseball successfully, (power or not withstanding), is an incredibly difficult thing to do with any consistency. If it weren't, there would not only be a whole lot more "top prospects" in the sport who didn't wash out, but the threshold for greatness...not goodness-GREATNESS...wouldn't be to succeed 30% of the time. Maybe Mauer will rediscover his past self for any number of reasons. But maybe, maybe it's time that we just realize than a star baseball player, facing pitches that dip and dart and dive and slurve and slide between 80-100 MPH, has the very, very, almost obscenely difficult task of locating said round object, dissecting its trajectory and eventual targeted landing area in an X and Y plane, and then deciding if he should swing at all...(projecting and guessing whether it will be a ball or a strike)...and if he does, hoping his hand eye coordination matches his expected velocity and location computation so as to strike the ball successfully in to the field of play in some capacity. And this all takes place in about a second and a half??? So what if you are a star athlete ballplayer like Mauer, at the pinnacle of your sport, and your precious brain gets dinged multiple times until one day it gets hit hard enough to do actual damage? Not even talking such problems as memory loss, lack or coordination, drooling, lack of emotional control, depression, poor speech or anything else. Nothing...not a single thing that anyone can see or that will affect your life in an altering or quality lessening way. But what if it was just enough to throw off that hand eye coordination and split second mental, projectile-hard tossed-spinning-darting-diving-slurving-sliding multiple plane diagnosis targeting mechanism off a degree or hundredth of a second or two? Might you go from pinnacle of your craft to average or slightly above? Especially if nature itself, not old but over 30, wasn't cutting you much slack. So I dunno...maybe we can hope for the best, debate the best role and batting order spot for Joe, wonder when he becomes the highest paid veteran LHPH and backup 1B and occassional DH in the history of the game. Or, we can post even more "I love Joe BUT...." posts. And for the love of St Pete, someone get Ashburyjohn some ibuprofen!

I still like Polanco a lot. Personally, I feel he hasn't yet hit full stride as a hitter, even as good as he's been. He could make Dozier tradable if he can't stick at SS. Not than I'm saying we should trade him. On a lesser note, I am very intrigued by Levi Michael as a nice, versatile utility player. He's been more healthy as of late and his production has greatly improved.

Not being a troll here, but hindsight remains 20/20. I was actually in favor of Hughes, Nolasco and Santana. (Though I wanted Kazmir over Nolasco) The Twins needed to make moves. Now, if they had known ahead of time Santana would have his suspension, Milone and May would do so well, and that Duffey would debut so well, they probably don't sign Santana. Perhaps you can unload Nolasco and take all that money and go buy your ACE. But it's a little chicken or the egg isn't it? The team is better now, closer to being a real contender, even depth of talent so now is the time to maybe acquire some ACE. But you had to make previous moves/signings to better the team to get to this point. And if Milone, May and Duffey didn't do so well, and you hadn't signed anyone........

Half fun...half serious. Am I bad Twins fan? Are you? As I've stated many times, almost 50, a Twins fan since I was five. Roughly 45 seasons of seasons, owners, managers, players, prospects, wins, losses, heights, and depressions. Scrambling for every bit of information I could find in mags and rags, listening to games on various radios through static to hear late innings and west coast games. And at times, turning my eyes and ears away in frustration during bad games and seasons. But always...always a die-hard lover and believer in next game and next season. And lifted to exalted heights on occassion, especially twice. I've made reasonable arguements public and private the past few seasons, and endured them with you all. Regardless of differing opinions. The record will show I picked the Twins to finish at .500 this season...based on the ST question of expectation...with the possibility of a few games above if a few things broke right. (What those things were to be/are to be is impossible to speculate). When we suppositioned before the season began what "a few games above .500" actually meant in the context of being in contention for a playoff spot...wild card...I didn't contemplate. But here we actually are. Chasing and in contention. I did see Hunter having one more good year. I did see Dozier being as good if not better. I did see the rotation improving, just not quite the way it worked out. I didn't see D Santana failing/flailing, or Vargas. Nor Arcia. I didn't see Rosario, Sano, Hicks, Duffey doing what they've done. Regardless...this season has been fun...a total blast...and whether or not we actually make the playoffs...very fulfilling. But while I am rooting every single day for the Twins to make the playoffs...to make a statement...to go as far as they could possibly go...the voice in my head keeps telling me that my beloved Twins just aren't ready to make a serious push until next season. Does this make me a bad fan? As much as I want the Twins to put their best foot forward every single remaining game, I keep thinking games played, AB's and IP to Buxton, Vargas, Sano, Kepler maybe, May, Duffey and others will do nothing but fortify my beloved Twins for 2016. Does that make me a bad fan? I keep thinking about FA signings for the pen, maybe a DH if Plouffe is traded, the absolute need to rid ourselves of Nolasco...not a bad guy or pitcher just bad karma and a log-jam we have to breK up...and just how damn good this team could be in '16 with all the young talent we have, will promote, and just a couple smart moves made. And I can't help but speculate for next year...run through roster options...tinker with stuff on paper and in my head...falling asleep with rosters and lineups in my head...and look forward to 2016. Even as I root for my favorite team to win every game they can here in 2015. So...am I a bad fan? Be honest. Are you with me? Are you a bad fan?

Section 1: 1* rookie league or not, Wade looks tremdous. Look at his numbers again before we move along. 2* it IS borderline amazing how the Twins have virtually zero MI's in their entire organization...and yet...a few years later...we have the top 2B in all of baseball...arguably. No diatribe repeat necessary...Escobar ladies and gentlemen...along with the still talented and potential-filled Santana (future super utility player I think), possibly very nice utility players in Beresford and Michael, and then young studs like Polanco, Gordon and possibly Vielma. Wow. One of these days...maybe...someone should give SOMEBODY kind of credit to the Twins scouts and FO and whoever for all the milb talent in the system. Section 2: 1* I know it's a half season league. And I'm not stupid or naive...I know it's a half season league. But come on...WOW or DAYUM should be the first word that comes to mind in regard to Palacios. I am rather concerned by the lack of BB. But am encouraged by the lack of SO's, and frankly, every other single number. I guess that's where my "wonder" quotient resides. Do I worry about a lack of walks and a future lack of walks...Palacios proving to be a free swinger...and wonder about future OB numbers and possible growing SO numbers? Or do I look at all the other impressive numbers and lack of SO's to tell myself that he didn't walk much thus far simply because he didn't HAVE TO? 2* I absolutely DO NOT want to get in to comparisons, BUT, the Twins recent history in to the foreign FA market has been anywhere from good to outstanding. There are some talented question marks in the lower levels to be sure, as well as some nice looking early successes. But if we look at the larger contract signings the past few years...of which Palacios is one...we witness first and foremost Sano. Anything else to add? No? Good! Next is Polanco who has been on about a 3 year tear of potential for a middle infielder. The question remains, which position for sure, and which team? Ironically, he made it to the SHOW twice before Sano did. Then comes Kepler. Who should have already been here a week or so ago...probably...but will be in a few days...probably...and who could open the 2016 in the Twins OF...maybe...but will be up at some point, probably early at worst...almost definitely. All of the scouting reports I read on Palacios were in one camp or another: a) talented but erratic and hard to predict, might not have a sustainable bat, possibly the top talent available on the amateur FA circuit. How does he look now? I don't want to put the cart before the horse...but...but...what if "b" is right, and we signed the next big amateur FA Sano-ish level talent, but in this case, a legitimate SS version?

Not the least bit concerned at this point. Amazingly talented young man who just needs a little more time. There are very few players, star or not, who reach the majors at 19. And not many more at 21 either. Most are in the minors or college ready to be drafted. He's still very young AND missed a huge chunk of last year AND has been at THREE levels thus year AND had a bit of missed time shortly after his initial promotion. He's going to be just fine.

Mays or not, the sooner he reaches at least 75-80% of his potential, the better and deeper the entire Twins lineup is once he is capable of providing that leadoff spark. There are a few candidates to hit 2 and 3, including Dozier, who could also hit 4 or 5 in different variations. I think he's a real catalyst for the future of the Twins lineup, any way the batting order shakes out behind him.

1* a nice list and some impressive numbers and performances. (Minus a couple high BB totals) Overall depth is even more impressive when you notice some talented arms that aren't on the list. Plus the hopeful return of Melotakis. (?) 2* no question JT is a great story! But how about Bard? Low A or not, his coming back and performing so well might be a better one. 3* these guys plus others not listed, and several milb SP options should bode well for the Twins bullpen in the immediate as well as the future. I just hope they don't get complacent and choose to do nothing this offseason. Another good arm or two could really set the Twins bullpen up for a strong 2016.

Been a huge fan and believer in Berrios since day one. From the very start there's just been something tough and determined about him. My fear isn't whether or not he breaks camp with the Twins or not. No. Day one or a month in, he'll be up...he'll contribute...and he'll be important. My fear is that with what the Twins have on roster now, plus the addition of Berrios, they might be tempted to keep May in the bullpen rather than look for an addition from elsewhere. And that would be a cry in' shame. Next to Berrios...and possibly right beside him...he's arguably the team's top young SP...at least from the RH side...major or milb level.

If it weren't for Berrios, or he was already in the majors, just think how much more we'd all be chomping at the bit in regard to Gonsalves and his season. Perhaps next year?

Look, I'm not dismissing other people's opinions...nor am I comparing two gentlemen as being equals necessarily...but...remember when rumors of the Twins trading for Tulo ran rampant? I was against such a move due to the cost of prospects as well as years and dollars owed financially. And I was, originally, in the Santana camp to open the season based on potential, overall athleticism and what he did last season. But I was also in full agreement that Escobar should be the guy, and should have been the guy sooner than the move was made. And now where are we today? Toronto gave up prospects and is on the hook for an over 30 veteran who has struggled past his initial appearances, has struggled with injury, and is still owed multiple years at $20M per. Meanwhile, Escobar is years younger, multiple millions of dollars cheaper, is playing quality defense, providing above average offense, and is proving 2014 and his ST of this season weren't a fluke. What I'm saying is, sometimes the smart play isn't the big gamble or big move. Rather, it can sometimes be patience and just plugging the right man in the right job.

I wonder, if this were not a brand new affiliate, would the situation be handled differently?

Ok....take Nolasco completely out of the equation. Traded, released, whatever. Your SP rotation going in to ST 2016: Hughes Santana Gibson May Milone Duffey Berrios Argue and debat as you will concerning a rebounded Hughes, (I think it happens), be ticked off about Santana missing 50 games and a recent rough patch he already seems over...there are no deadbeats there. There are no hanging on by a thread retread "was's" there or AAAA hanging on "never were's". Only 1 of those guys is over 30. That is depth and talent and even youth we haven't had for a long time. An expensive, 34 yo veteran pitcher, showing possible decline, undoubtedly declining sometime soon if not now, and replacing one of these doesn't sound like a lot of help or an upgrade.

Been saying for a while now I can see he and Sano and Mauer moving around. I think if Plouffe were a FA a few of you might be surprised what kind of offers he would receive. An available 3B who plays above average to good defense? Hit .250-.260 ish with 30 doubles and high teens low HR? There are a lot of teams that could use that. I don't have a problem with trading him though, IF it's a smart deal with a solid and fair return. Sano can play 3rd, just probably not as well right away. That's normal and called a learning curve. But without Plouffe, unless you really believe in someone else internally, I think you look for a vet DH Extension? With 2 more years of control, I just don't think I would. But I wonder, if you were a team trading for him, would you feel better if he was "cost controlled" for the next 3-4 years? As in, you knew what he would cost ahead of time due to said extension.

Maybe. Tempting. Orioles might let him walk. But a 29 yo catcher coming off injury no less, is not the same as a 29 yo OF or 2B. Down year, recovering from injury, how much and for how long? If he and his agent are thinking high and long I'm out. I just wouldn't take the chance of paying big bucks to a guy who might be out behind the plate soon and/or regress.

I like Shields. But he's going to start a decline soon, and it might be in early stages already this season. He's also more expensive and for a year longer than Nolasco. Only 2 ways I'd do it. 1) part of a 3 way in some fashion and Shields moves on. 2) if we could trade Nolasco and Santana both. Baseball Christmas is finally arriving. And underneath the tree are a bunch of shiny new pitchers. I don't want to block them with older veterans and huge contracts.

The picture is of Jorge yes? Did he lie about his age? He looks all of 16! Maybe I'm just getting that much older. Good on him. Great performance. Great year.

Yep. Been a hopeful fan, love watching him play, love his potential, but felt he burned his 2014 season and chances for 2015 other than as a late season option. Boy has he proved me wrong! I don't believe the Gold Glove or Silver Slugger awards are as arbitrary as say an All Star appearance. But these awards, even with merit, are still dependent on things such as production and reputation. Rosario, with very little exception, has been nothing but good to excellent defensively thus far. But he doesn't have the rep yet. And despite a 3/4 season that is/should be a quad double in doubles/triples/homers/SB with outstanding defense and a boatload of assists, he hasn't had the big season to garner attention. So not now. Not yet. But I have to disagree with Nick on this one. I don't believe weak-armed guys get a lot of assists because people run on them. I believe it's guys that haven't received the rep yet than get run on...and thus often get assists. Then comes the rep. Then, often but not always, the assists will begin to drop as the rep grows.

First of all, this is not intended to be another debate about Berrios and should he have been brought up and extended, or, should he have been brought up earlier, (which means he'd be at an IP limit now anyway), or, should he have been limited to relief innings in order to save him for the majors, (which I also find severely debatable as it seems to me a top SP prospect should actually be a starter, IMHO). And while we still have the AFL to look forward to, as well as a pair of teams in the milb playoffs...(BTW, is there something wrong with the system when top winning teams don't qualify for the post season because they didn't "win" a first or second half of the season?)...we no longer have our wonderful morning reports to the milb season which is, unfortunately, ended. So I felt it was a good time to bring this subject up. As I stated the other day in another thread, Berrios seems to be something special. I think it's ridiculous to attempt to pronounce him as a future ACE or future #1 because that's just so damn hard to predict or expect. And Berrios IS ahead of Gonsalves right now on prospect lists, as well as higher up in the system, but I have felt since he was drafted that Gonsalves was a potential steal. And despite strong conversation, I also think he's been rather overlooked, at times, because of Berrios' season. Consider the following numbers: 13 W - 3 L 134.1 IP 95 Hits 53 BB. 132 SO 2.01 ERA. .198 AVG 1.10 WHIP WOW! This was at low A and high A for a split season...but...WOW. If not for Berrios, this our top SP prospect and probably milb SP of the year. Berrios and Gonsalves are both 21, relative pups, with Berrios only 6 weeks older. However, professionally, though Berrios is a couple levels higher currently than Gonsalves, he was drafted a year before and has an additional year of pro instruction and experience. And for whatever reason, Gonsalves' second pro season, 2014, was only 14 GS as he spent a bulk of the year in EST for reasons I'm unaware of, or don't recall. These two factors could easily wedge a year and a half discrepancy between the two in regard to level advancement. These two do not have a season that compares directly. HOWEVER, we can, somewhat, compare their third seasons, a full season for both, a split season for both. 2014 for Berrios and the previously listed '15 for Gonsalves. And while it was Berrios' second full season, it was Gonsalves' first, and the levels were slightly different: Berrios at A and AA, Gonsalves A- and A+. Close enough, under all circumstances, to at least pause and compare, I believe. So...Berrios in 2014: 12 W 8 L 140 IP 118 Hits 38 BB. 140 SO .2.76 ERA. 227 AVG 1.11 WHIP Right now, Berrios is further up the ladder rung, with the extra year of pro ball contingency. Whether or not he breaks camp with the Twins to begin next season is debatable, but he will be in the majors in 2016. It is also debatable as to whether Gonsalves will break camp with AA Chattanooga, or begin the season at high A initially before moving up. If it's AA, there's a very good chance he sees Rochester at some point. If it's Ft Myers, his shot at AAA becomes smaller. Or, another way of putting it, Berrios reaches the majors at the ripe old age of 22, while Gonsalves probably doesn't get his first taste of ML Java until he's an ancient 23. Now, the proverbial monkey wrench. Not only is Gonsalves, almost the same age as Berrios, a year to arguably a year and a half behind in professional game experience, but he is also listed as 5" taller, presumably with room to grow and fill out a bit more than the 6' Berrios...(though we know size vs velocity is not a pure correlation, much less pure pitch ability, but it is a factor to consider)...but he is also, of course, left handed. And not only is a LH of quality harder to find, but it has long been believed, and seemingly true, that they take longer to develop. So all things factored, and no disrespect to either extremely talented and important young man...long term...which do you feel may ultimately be the best and most prized, and ultimately, most successful pitcher?

This is tough for me to debate, even though a part of me wants to. The problem is, I really didn't know anything about Jepsen before we got him. He kind of slipped under my radar. I liked Hu, and he's a great story. But a top 20 milb, probably after this season anyway, in A ball for a still young-ish reliever like Jepsen who has done what he's done thus far...especially if he can maintain it...I feel pretty good about the trade is all I can say.

I'm sorry, home has been erratic since I got home so I don't have time to confirm, so forgive me if I'm off a bit here. But wasn't Young the second pick of his draft, rushed quickly to the majors, (where he still produced) and runner up for ROY? I think the Twins blew the Harris part of the deal. I believe they were short-sighted in regard to how good a player Barlett was going to be, and their lack of a suitable replacement. But Young was a decent young athlete with decent speed, strong arm, and big time potential power. Flaws? Yeah, there probably were some flaws and red flags, (potentially), but there are a lot of rough edges on most youngsters. Especially those who get rushed a bit. I think Smith felt he was getting on on the ground floor of a prospect with a ton of potential. I can't fault him for that.

I was excited, at least initially, by Smith as he was less conservative in his approach. He was more aggressive in signing current players, (though that didn't always work out so well) And he didn't seem as "timid" towards making a trade. (though I think he acted or over-reacted too quickly at times) If the Young trade had worked out, (and let's be honest, all signs pointed initially to his being a very, very good player), and if Nishioka had either worked out, or at least not just stunk up a 5 mile radius, Smith's entire tenure might be much better remembered. (and might have even lasted longer)

This! A few positive, successful ML appearances to close out this season, and a much more positive second half overall, could give Meyer that much more of a boost of confidence going in to next season, regardless of what his role is intended to be.

Honestly, there are very few moves made by the Twins this season...or not made...that I can take much umbrage with. But May to the bullpen instead of Pelfrey is one move where I have a Paul Bunyan size axe to grind. Every season, on just about every team...even losing ones...there is someone who steps up unexpectedly to help their club, maybe even carry them for a short time. But it's always for the short term. And everyone knows and expects this. To think Pelfrey was going to take a stretch, even one a couple months long, and suddenly transform it in to a full season was a fools wish. For a rebuilding, rebounding team to have a top young SP like May and move him to the bullpen to accommodate and appease a poor to mediocre career veteran pitcher who doesn't fit into your future plans...including next season...is short-sighted and irresponsible. Without being dramatic, even us armchair GM's new what to expect. How could the professionals not know as much?