DocBauer

I am of the conclusion/opinion at this point of promoting him. I don't like the idea of adding him to the 40 man this soon, just so we could save another slot for someone else to be protected. But again, I have come to the decision that he should come up. However, my reasoning is different than what's being discussed on here thus far. Could he help us with our playoff push? Yes. If we watch his pitch and innings count, could he possibly help us in to October should we actually get in this thing and win something? Again, yes. But at that point, I would begin to worry about too much wear and tear on his arm. There may not be direct correlation to injury and sudden jumps is usage from one season to the next, but there is a different in 30 innings and possibly 50 or so. IMHO. The reason I'd like to see him up is to actually see and gain ML experience in preparation for 2016. Can we really doubt that he's going to be part of the rotation next season? And I'm not worried about service time. Barring injury or some such, he's going to be signed to some form of contract or extension before we'd have to worry about his FA year. (same as Buxton and Sano) I am fully aware of contractual obligations we have to SP's on the roster. And I am not slamming the Twins for signing them. But we could realistically see Gibson, May, Berrios and Duffey as part of the 2016 rotation. When is the last time you could say the Twins had four legit young arms to flesh out the rotation? I'd like to get Berrios some time this year to get him better prepared for next year.

I know this is one...albiet huge...blossoming year for Kepler. But when I read stuff like this, when I read everything he's done this year, when I read scouting reports, when I look at numbers, when I examine all-around ability-potential-athleticism, I can't help myself....I start thinking he is a #3 hitter of the future for the Twins.

I absolutely hate the idea of spending that kind of money on a middle reliever...or set up man should Nolasco find a comfortable home in the bullpen. But I think relief might be the best option for he and the Twins should he be brought back. For seeming physical limitations on his body if nothing else. I didn't hate the Nolasco signing when it was made, so I can't go back now and scream about it being a bad deal when it was solid and market value when it happened. But sometimes, bad luck or karma, things just don't work out right for a player and a team. Witness Pavano and the Yankees for a recent reference that deals with our beloved Twins. I believe the Twins should be as agressive as can be to move Nolasco this off season. Probably back to the NL where he has most of his experience. Just call it bad luck, a deal and fit that didn't work out, and everyone needs to try to walk away from it. Toss in some cash to cover the remaining 2 years, maybe a level C prospect to get a B prospect in return, and everyone gets on with life. Hugh, Santana, Gibson, May, Milone, Berrios and Duffey all strong possibilities, we just don't have room for Nolasco at this point. Now...the whole San Diego and Shields trade idea is a different animal. And not because Shield is owed more, and for a year longer, but is a better pitcher. (provided he doesn't suddenly lose it or break down) But if you make the move for Shields, you are suddenly back to too many bodies/arms again. Now what? You are, more than likely, not going to be able to move Santana as well. Would you dare trade one of the youngster? I think not. Milone? So again...in theory, if you make the Shield deal...then what?

Seth, while I enjoy everything you write, and being of a like and similar mind I agree with most of what you write, this one of my most favorite offerings you have presented. Being a "Twins-holic" for more than 40 years, it's easy to fall in to traps of disappointment. No offense to anyone here, but when you read articles/posts of shared consternation here on TD at times, it's not hard to slip in to the doldrums of disappointment at times. And while I absolutely do not wish to toot my own horn...which would be silly as I don't have the retrospect of Joshua's success much less the finish to this current season...but I have posted on several occasions as to how much fun I've been having this season as a Twins fan, minus the first 8 games, and even talked a few weeks ago in my "don't worry be happy" post about such. The Twins were, for the first 8 games of the season, just about the worst baseball team I have ever seen. Then they started to play well and win. Then they slipped. Then they got on a nice streak before the all-star game. Then, for whatever reason, they pretty much stunk again. They lost all 3 games against the evil empire in NY, but they SHOULD have two, if not all three. I know there is, in reality, not much to be said for moral victories. There is something evil and maddening in "almost" in sports. But there is also something redeeming in that "almost" that gives you belief. Our Twins may not be as good as they appear at times, but they are also not as bad as they have appeared at times. What and who are they? A rebuilding team in transition who has guts, and talent, and budding talent as well as budding possibility, who are GAMERS in the best sense of the word. How will this season end up? I don't know. But I credit Molitor and his coaching staff...pretty much all former ML players...for a team that keeps on competing and won't give up. As for me....I'm having a blast!!

Yes...I love alliteration. Next...someone referred to Kepler as Kaiser the other day. I don't know if the nic-name could or should or will stick, but I thought it was funny. Lots and lots and lots of speculation regarding these two top talents and when they will make their ML debuts. I felt it was a really good time to discuss some of the various aspects of the both of them. With Sano up and doing his thing...(where DO the Twins hid his phone booth for road games?)...and Buxton up and getting a chance to do his thing, these two ARE CURRENTLY the Twins top two MILB prospects. (All due respect to Meyer and the unfortunate and mixed season he is having) So what should the Twins do? And what do they, in fact, do? Berrios: To me, Berrios draws strong comparison to all time great Pedro Martinez. And it goes way beyond any Latin similarity. Pedro was listed at 5' 11" and 195 lbs, though I suspect that was dripping wet at with some form of Dr Scholls inserts in his cleats. But he flat out BROUGHT IT with velocity and nasty stuff. Forget lack of ideal size and height and ideal downward plane on delivery, etc. He was dominant. An ACE. He threw hard, and he did it for many innings, and for many years. And I'd have to say, a lot of that was just being athletic and smooth with a repeatable delivery. Berrios is listed, doubt it's accurate, as 6' 0" and 185 lbs. I'm pretty sure the extra inch may be accurate, but I'm pretty sure the hard working and muscular Berrios has a good 10 lbs on any playing weight the slight Pedro ever had. But I digress. Like Martinez, Berrios BRINGS IT on a consistent basis. Like Martinez, there have been discussions about being able to do so consistently without an ideal frame of height, (and weight) to create the desired downward plane and ultimately, endurance as well. Thus far, like Pedro, reports of the ideal are made moot. This kid, like Pedro, has a competitive fire and an IT factor. Two things come to mind above all others, in regard to reports or articles in Berrios. The first was a comment made by him before the season began as to how his goal was to reach the majors this season. (Doesn't sound the least bit cocky now does it?) The second came shortly after his 2nd or 3rd AAA start where he said something about letting hitters dictate his approach, and that he knew how to change things and attack differently the next time out. And he flat out did it just as he said! If I didn't know for sure before that, I knew then that this kid was special. I won't dare call him a future ACE. How can you dare to call anyone that? But if I had to pick one pitcher in the entire Twins system right now, perhaps any Twins pitcher in the last 5-10 years and label him with the bitter burden of expectation.....this would be the guy. BUT...and here is the BIG BUT...(no rap song need apply)...do you promote him at this time? He is still only 21. He is, by reports, 3+ starts away from hitting his 120% increase in IP from last season. As I stated in another article, there is no reason to think the Twins 120% rule is safe and accurate, but there is also no reason to believe it isn't. Would YOU want to risk an arm and potential like this? Also, would Berrios making an unknown, perhaps dubious, 2-3 starts at the ML level as a rookie actually do anything benificial for the ML club and their pursuit to finish the season strong with wild card dreams over and above the pitchers already in place? Would his place on the 40 man roster...necessary for him to debut...risk losing another young player that could be kept through the next off season draft phase? (I KNOW there are guys who can easily be lost, but there are also several young players to consider protecting, and Berrios doesn't have to be protected yet) Also, while I hate to say it, there is no need or guarantee, at this point, that Berrios HAS to be in the 2016 Twins rotation to begin the season. So....for not only reward but studliness and potential readiness...do you bring Berrios up? Or do you look at Nolasco, Milone, Duffey, and decide to let Berrios finish out the year, save a spot on the 40 man, and let's let it play out next spring? Kepler: A lot of things stick out to me in regard to Max. (And there has been a lot of hype, especially early). One is the pure athletic potential of a young man with world class athletic parents. The other, silly as it may sound, is a report from my father who watched Kepler a couple years ago at ST and commented how he just moved like a smooth athlete in everything he did. (Would also like to report how congenial and polite he seemed to be when speaking with my father on the side) Who is Max Kepler as a ballplayer? I honestly don't know for certain. I dare say the Twins don't know with 100% certainty either. But I believe the lens is coming in to focus. For starters, we will ignore his amazing numbers from this current season. Instead, we will examine an athletic and potential-filled youngster still learning the game the previous 5 seasons. Despite an injury filled and not so great 2013, Kepler's career milb numbers BEFORE his 2015 breakout season show a quad slash of .269/.345/.413/.758. I know there are posters here much more detailed in statistics that could probably tell you how Kepler ties his shoes on a Thursday. But the single #1 thing I see In his "career" milb numbers until this season is a +76% in OB% above BA. This one statistic really stands out to me. Whether you want to talk eyesight, instinct or discipline, that's a big number for a young ballplayer. This year's health, ability and potential are meeting. (Good coaching and some valuable AFL experience have undoubtedly assisted as well) If we are talking overall skills and ability, as I have stated before, next to Buxton, there may not be a more complete prospect in the Twins system than Kepler. (Which is why I list him as untouchable unless something special comes along in a trade scenario) There is every reason to believe that he is, or almost is, ML ready. And over the years, there is a set presidence from the Twins to promote top talent from the AA level. There is a lot of consternation and debate as to why Kepler hasn't already been promoted to Rochester at this point. There are, I guess, a few reasons. 1: He was about to be promoted before a mild injury slowed him briefly recently. 2: Why mess with a good thing when he's doing so well and his ability and confidence should allow him ample opportunity come September, or at worst, next ST. 3: The lookouts are in their first season as a Twins affiliate. They've already lost Sano, Buxton, and Polanco for a time, so let's keep the team doing well and the fans interested. Now, I can actually understand #'s 1 & 2...3 is understandable but kind of hard to take unless combined with 1&2. Sooner or later, I believe sooner, Kepler is going to be a regular in the Twins lineup. Honestly, I'm not so sure he isn't the Twins #3 hitter of the near future. The big question is, when do you bring him up? Why would you hold him back? If not today, how about promoting him tomorrow, especially with Hunter barely playing and Hicks out? Does he, and his AA teammates, deserve a chance to finish out the season and the playoffs before he makes his appearance? Is that worthwhile? Is it important? I'm not saying yes or no. Im asking. There are different aspects to look at for both of these two top prospects. There is validity to RIGHT NOW as well as tempering time and expectation. You tell me.

Smoked carp fish tacos Palm trees in CF Replacing the Budweiser deck with Mystery Beer Night. Actually, I kind of like that third idea! But seriously.... *Doing nothing at catcher. *Re-signing Pelfrey for just about any reason. (OK, I won't snap completely if it's for the pen) *Signing another mid-rotation starter to eat up innings and create depth. (Which might...SHUDDER...keep May in the bullpen) *Going status quo with the bullpen *TR reading too much Twins Daily, has a mid-life/late career crisis and decides to become the next Trader Jack or Billy Beane because he just must. Because that's what GM's do when their team is sooo close. No...seriously...this team is really moving in the right direction. It needs to be supplemented here and there, but that's it. About the worst thing that could be done is become reactionary and try to do TOO MUCH. What do I think is realistic to expect? *One nice veteran RHRP to work with Jepsen for the 8th inning. (Please don't let TR get complacent) *One nice veteran bat...switch is the dream but will settle for LH...to PH, occassionally DH or take the field every 5th-7th day, and provide leadership. Thome-lite but with better wheels??? *Flyer on another LHRP option, on the cheap. *Investigate trade options for a young catcher. Find everyone asks/demands too much, and signs a veteran to joint Suzuki and create some sort of platoon/quasi-platoon. Nightmare and reasonable expectation.

Like anyone else, I want Berrios up. I want him to get a brief taste of ML life, hitters, and arenas before he gets that first real shot to STICK. And let's be honest, while the Twins have a guideline on how to handle young pitchers, and IP year to year and subsequent increase in such, there is no hard and fast rule or body of evidence that suggests a "must be" or "always" much less any list of consequence. But to be equally honest, there is no rule or proof to dictate or indicate that the Twins way, the roughly 20% rule isn't a good idea, and doesn't work. I have to confess, logic would tell me that a 21 yo kid/young man, no matter how talented, who has already conquered 2 levels this season, who is on pace for a 20% increase in workload on his arm, has probably done about as well as could be expected, and has probably climbed the mountain about as far as he can...perhaps should?...for one season. He's been fantastic and has increased our appetite for more. But is a promotion now, starting his clock, taking up a 40 man spot that could be reserved for someone else for the winter, worth the 3-4 starts he might make at the ML level this season? I would argue that for THIS season, it would make little difference. Would it make enough of a difference for next season? That's the rub!

I don't know if this helps or not. I don't know if it came too late or not. I don't dislike it. I'm just not sure at the timing. Some quick opinions/points: *This addition is not as a 4th LH. Perkins is your closer, and that's a different animal. I know it's a small point...but still. *If the conservative Ryan could learn one thing from the past couple of seasons, IMHO, it would be to NOT count on youngsters so much. WHAT??!! I am NOT talking about NOT promoting prospects and giving them ample opportunity. I'm talking about examples such as CF, and counting on Hicks and Buxton too much too soon. What happened? Hicks wasn't ready after his best season, but at AA, and Buxton got hurt. He did little to nothing for the pen this season expecting, probably, 1 or 2 Rochester RP to contribute, and 1-2 of the various top young RP arms such as James, Burdi, Jones, etc, to be ready at some point. People want to blast Ryan for not wanting to promote young players the past couple of yeRs, but I think he's almost depended on, banked on, the youngsters too much to step forward too soon, without the fallback option of veterans who could be cut or traded at a later date. *Perkins is an All Star, well paid closer. The idea of him being a high paid LH setup man is interesting, but not going to happen. Not until or unless he begins to slip in dominance. *I know this will be met with much knashing of teeth, but at this point, unless I could target someone else in FA that I really felt good about, I'd consider brining Duensing back, but only for a smaller contract, and with no promises. The past few weeks, he's been solid. Now you add Cotts. And you still have O'Rourke, Thompson, Rogers, Dean and Darnell to audition. Gods of baseball forgive you for having too much talent and you have to trade someone (or cut them) or trade them during the season for value, to make way for a more deserving youngster. *Ditto from the right side. Sign one top RHRP to work with Jepsen, keep Fien, (but in a lesser role now), and see what you find in your RH auditions. Soria was mentioned. OK...Soria, Jepsen, Fien and fill in the blank from about 6 or 7 options. Then look at those LH options...put this all together...now how do you feel about your 2016 bullpen? *All the debates the last couple of years here on TD about the past bullpens the Twins have employed, and how overrated some of them may have been...and now think how much you wish we had some of those bullpens. (And how badly Detroit wishes the past few years they had similar bullpens)

Couple things to consider about Duffy; It's 2015, he was drafted in 2012. College or not, that's a quick climb. And his climb has also been steady, never really stationed/stuck/strands anywhere for long. Just production and climb. He's still relatively new to being a SP. still learning all the prep and nuisances. And as mentioned, a better change and POOF, an even better pitcher. I was in favor of the Nolasco signing and the Santana signing. (Verdict is still very much out on Satana) I don't think injury/bad luck is a call for easy 20/20 revisionist history. But right now, I wish there was a way of unloading both without completing killing us, and run with Hughes, Gibson, May, Berrios, Milone and Duffey as out 6 running in to 2016. Could be good. Could be fun. And could definitely be something to run with for a while.

Funny you should mention that! I believe the Twins have a pitching coach now that happens to specialize the change up!

I can't help myself, but I keep think about AJ. He's LH, still has pop, and has a career...including this season...of hitting and decent contact. And while he has a major pain in the azz reputation, that has generally been I regard to the team he plays against, not for. Generally. If we go the FA route, he's the guy that I keep thinking makes sense.

Count me as a fan of Escobar, and a believer that he should be, at least for now, the Twins starting SS, and should have been at least a month ago. If not two. But I am not a revisionist. I was one of those calling for Santana to get first shot when the season first began. He has more range, more speed, more athleticism and potential. He was coming off a huge season. And while I expected obvious regression, I actually thought he'd walk a little more to help offset a loss in BA. I also thought he might steal a few more bases as well. Therefore....Santana was first up in my book. And I stand by my original thoughts. Again, not a revisionist. And I believe Santana earned and deserved some rope initially. But when it became obvious...well, sure seemed obvious to me and most of us...that he was not just going to play himself out of a funk, I thought he should be in AAA, stay in AAA, and give the job full time to Escobar. When given a legitimate shot, he has shown that the player he was last season just might be real. That the player he looked like in ST was also real. I don't mind Nunez as a utility for now. I'm not giving up on Santana either finding himself, or becoming an athletic and sometimes dangerous INF/OF utility type. (Just never good enough or consistent enough to start) And I have high hopes for Polanco, assuming he is not traded. My objection is it took this long to look to Escobar and stick with Escobar.

I believe Kepler will hit for more HR power over time. His LH bat would undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the lineup. I, for one, don't really see a logjam with Kepler joining Rosario, Buxton and Hicks in the OF, with Sano and Mauer at 3rd and 1st respectively, even if the Twins end up not trading Plouffe. First, who ever your two catcher are, that's what they do, they catch. Dozier, your SS winner and utility (or prime utility) cover the middle inf. You still have 7 guys to rotate in and around the OF, 1B, 3B and DH consisting of 6 spots in the batting order. Baseball math, with days off, matchups, occasional mid-game replacement, and occasional injuries, would tell you that 7 guys in to 6 lineup spots consists of pretty easy equations. And again, I'm not 100% convinced Plouffe HAS to be included in a trade to get a catcher. I believe Arcia still holds at least some value. Put yourself behind the GM desk of another team and think about acquiring the enigmatic but talented youngster and how intriguing he might be. Then there is Polanco. And there are options, including some nice young arms, (not Berrios).

Wow! Love mornings like this, when I get to read that all top 4 affiliates won! Add Desn to the growing list of LH's to audition for the Twins bullpen next season. Just can't be any doubt about Kepler coming up in September any longer can there? Polanco as well. Love to see him come up and get more, do more, than get a sip of coffee. How about a whole thermos full?

OK, I know that sooner or later this will turn in to a Mauer should be a catcher again no matter what, or just leave town, along with Ryan, in a van rented by Robinson, with Nunez riding shotgun as they are all responsible for the fall and failure of anything Minnesota Twins related. But before that happens, I've been doing an awful lot of thinking about this whole Twins catcher position thing lately. Now, no matter where you want to take an arguement about ML catchers, I think the ONE THING, the one solitary thing we can all agree on is that what makes a great catcher, what truly defines one, what is most important...is rather difficult to define. It's much like a top, franchise NFL QB, or a top Oscar worthy actor, and legendary musician...they just have that "IT" factor. And the Twins aren't going to find a HIM with IT, more than likely, this off season. But it is the one position on the diamond that I think most of us can agree is the biggest question mark moving forward. (I understand the whole SS thing, but, there are options there. There is potential there. It doesn't totally suck. There are even some more guys lower in the minors to be encouraged about. And besides, this is about the catching position, remember?) Let me be clear, I am NOT saying the Twins shouldn't overturn rocks, make calls, and pull out all stops to acquire a nice young catcher for the 2016 season. And I rather like, again, I think it was Leviathan but am not 100% certain, who basically called for the Twins to call every ML team with a young catcher on the bench, ready to graduate to the ML's, or who might be starting now ahead of another even more highly ranked/regarded prospect and just see what all the asking prices are, and go from there. A sound and thorough idea. I, for one, have been harping since before the season even began that this next off season, not then, and not at the trade deadline this season, was the time to make some bold moves. My thinking was very simple: by the end of 2015, with the likes of Buxton and Sano healthy again and ready to hopefully make a move, with a number of prospects available to move up a level or two, reach the ML level or knock hard on the door, the Twins would be more flush with various options available from which to deal in a stronger position than they had enjoyed in years. Anyway...what if the other kids won't play with the Twins? What if they don't want to trade, want to play...err...trade with someone else? What if they want twice as much for their player as the Twins feel they should give up? I just keep wondering, could the Twins do as well, or be better off for next season, letting guys like Turner, and Garver and even Navarreto develop for a season, then see what the trade and FA options are the following year? With a blend of mostly young veterans and even younger youngsters on the club next season, would it be smart to go the veteran catcher route for '16? Could there be someone out there to platoon with or surpass Zuke for next season that could have the trust of the staff, still produce a little at the plate in the bottom third of the order, provide some leadership and guidance, and give the team a little more time to shape the roster, find the perfect fit/deal? AJ? A career triple slash of .282/.321/.745 and all numbers slightly bumped this year. Does he have one more solid year left to wòrk with KS and be a fiery teammate and pain in the azz to the opposition? Alex Avilla? LH, down year, under 30 with a solid career and OB and OPS. Get any Soto, a RH version ofAvilla but a little older. There are a couple more interesting options out there, but the point is made. Do we shoot for that big SS move? The ACE pitcher? All while doing our darnedest to unload a contract or two for circus peanuts if possible. Are we making catcher our top priority? Or for 2016, is it more prudent to go the FA veteran option and concentrate roster attentions elsewhere?

Totally understand and appreciate your response. In fact, it's probably the most logical, well thought and succinct response in this column. Along with my own, of course. Lol! But here is where I think the conversation may diverge. And the answer may not be a popular one, but I think it's worth examing. If I may paraphrase, there comes an apex, and unexpected apex, where you as the GM...Ryan in this case...has to make a crucial decision. Essentially it is this: "do I believe ENOUGH in the potential of this team...HERE AND NOW...that with some moves made, we have a real chance to win it all? Not a guarantee, but a real chance?" Now, if the answer is yes, then you need to make some really hard decisions and some really big moves because you are definitely going to lose players and prospects to make moves. Now, if your honest answer is: "No. I just don't think we're quite ready yet. And fun as this is, as much as I want this to happen, I simply can't sacrifice what it would take to make these kinds of moves NOW, when I think this team will be ready tomorrow, and these kinds of moves should be made THEN." Now before anyone jumps all over me about saying tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow and never actually going for it, that is NOT what I am saying. I am talking about an honest, gut-check evaluation of your team, how it's constructed, strengths and weaknesses, veterans, young veterans, newly arrived prospects, close to arriving prospects, trade depth on all levels I can work with...etc...and deciding your best window is not the painted shut one just popped...but the next one over that you expect to open wider, and more easily. To me, THAT is a more worthwhile discussion and debate, along with the overall NOW vs LATER principle.

OK...deep breath...here I go tossing in my buck and change. I am NOT a FO apologist. But I am also not knee jerk either. I'll be honest here....I think TR is actually doing a pretty good job last year and this year. There is very little I can truly knock him on. (The couple years before that I have larger issues). BUT, I have been very vocal about HUGE toe-stubbing blunders in CF, as well as the handling of the bullpen before this season even began. Without spitting vitriol, I have been pretty clear on my CF stance and my response to the Stauffer signing since day one, as examples. As to my arguements for why I actually think Ryan is doing a pretty good job overall these past two seasons? Well, that's not really the point of this particular forum now is it? So I will leave that alone for now. I think the entire point here is, YES, you can bash Ryan on something...(I have)...and personnel moves, etc. it's your right and the reason a forum like this exists in the first place. NO-ONE is saying don't have an opinion, or only have MY opinion, they're just saying...do some of these opinions have to shouted from the rafters repeatedly in every post? I was and am a big fan of Gardy. I listened to a ton of arguements against. I fought for and said why I did. When last season was over, I felt it was time. And I said so, and I said why I thought so. I listened, and I opinionated with logic and respect. Respectfully, I repeat, I don't believe Ryan should be fired at this time. I don't believe he's uncaring, stubborn, or the least bit incompetent. As someone mentioned earlier, I believe I see the plan unfolding. I believe I see the gears working. And for the most part, I am pleased. (Again, I have voiced my opinion when I have disagreed) Has he missed the target at times? Yep. Has he also had some really bad luck on the ML and milb level the last two years with injury that has hurt not only the team but his plan? Yep. When this season first began, the question was put to the readers whether or not this year's version of the Twins could be a .500 team. Except for some tongue-in-cheek responses, opinions varied from another 90 loss team to possibly .500, to maybe a few games over if things broke right. Shame on the Twins, they did something they weren't supposed to do this year: they won. And they played well enough, for a time, and won often enough, for a time, and were in a playoff position, for a time, enough that they teased. For the most part, there is the making of a really nice team here. There is so much to be excited about, IMHO. In fact, I don't think they are all that far away. And I have to wonder, if this team was playing .500 ball all year, would there be as many, and as loud of disapproving screams over Ryan, the FO, and Molitor? I am looking for some things to happen the rest of this year, this winter, and even spring training next season. If I see some or all of these things take place, I'll be pretty satisfied. If I don't, I may also be calling for Ryan to finally move on. As I stated, I believe I see the workings of a plan. If those gears starting grinding roughly, no good WD40 can't fix it reason why, my pitchfork will remain in the barn. But my torch will burn brightly as I discuss...with logic and respect...why Ryan should go.

Yeppers and a high 5'er to Leviathan for beating me to the punch. Buxton got hurt. Buxton missed time. Buxton gets to play at Rochester...where he's never spent a day before...to rehab, get back in the swing of things, and come up when that imaginary "ready through consistency" light comes on. After all, he wasn't firing on all cycling era his first go 'round, so a little sustained success is actually a GOOD thing. Instead of brining him up...oh, next week maybe?...he comes up now with Hicks hurt. No conspiracy. On a side note, is it true he'll be arriving in the Twin Cities aback an ass?

14 PITCHERS if you include Robinson. Seriously, isn't he setting up now?

Interesting. Not much to argue with here, IF, you base the roster entirely on staying pat, as you did here. I just don't think that will happen, and sure you don't as well. I tend to agree with your infield, provided Polanco isn't traded. Should he be included in any deal, I would see Escobar start and Nunez back on the club as a utility. I am also of the belief that Hunter will NOT be on the Twins next season. He's showing his age now, and he's being phased out. Who replaces him? Again, like Polanco, if not traded, it could be Arcia. He could be a LH DH/PH who occasionally plays a corner OF spot. And let's face it, every once in a while, even on the best and most fortunate teams, there are some injuries and games missed. HOWEVER, I could very much see Arcia gone, and a veteran LH hitting version being signed as a bench bat. I have May in the rotation with Nolasco and Milone being the arguement for final starter. To not place May back in the rotation is just..well..just stupid. (as well as short-sighted) Berrios will begin the season in the minors. The Twins will sign a veteran RHRP to address the 8th inning. There is a very good chance they will sign a LHRP or failed LH starter to assume another role. With Perkins, Fien, Jepsen and these 2 FA's, you've got open auditions for the final 2 spots, and several candidates, included Duffey, Rogers and several others. Catcher is interesting. I almost feel another veteran to team with Suzuki for another year wouldn't be out of the question. Then look at '17 for a major trade, FA signing, or possible promotion or combination of said.

Exactly! Lots and lots of talk, for example, of moving Plouffe this off season for a young catcher. And there is no question he is a valuable trade commodity. But as someone stated recently, I believe it was Leviathan, make a list of young catchers, contact the various ballclubs, and see what it would cost you. How do we know that a package of Polanco, Duffey and someone, as an example, wouldn't be more in keeping with what a team would want/need for their young catcher? You end up keeping your 3B/1B/Primary DH rotation alive and well.

Duffey may have a bright future in the bullpen. But if May is going to be in the bullpen for the remainder of the season...(again, never should have been put there to begin with)...then I love the idea of Duffey in the rotation. It helps prepare him for next season as a fill-in SP, which is always needed at some point...or...garners him quality ML experience for a role in the '16 bullpen...or...shows him off as part of an off season trade package.

I think we're all agreed on the obvious choices to be brought up in September, if not before: Buxton Vargas Polanco (ahead of the out of whack Santana right now if healthy) Tonkin I'm on board with Meyer. He's been throwing much better of late and seems to be getting stretched out. That's encouraging! I'd bring him up. He's already on the roster and been up once. He needs a better experience and taste to finish out the season at the ML level than the bitter cup of coffee he had earlier. Thompson? Why not another LHRP? Kepler, and to play, not sit, but don't think he'll come up until the Lookouts season is over. Berrios is questionable to me. I'd love to see him get that ML experience, no matter how brief, to help build towards next season. But, to begin 2016 at least, there ARE viable options to begin in the rotation. Berrios doesn't have to be "pushed" if the Twins don't want to. (numbers games and all) And I believe he's about to hit his IP cap for the season. If healthy, I'd bring up Arcia. His issue(s) remains a mystery to us. If it is attitude, I'd hate to reward that. HOWEVER, if healthy, regardless of the situation involved, I believe bringing him up can A] help with his confidence and motivation B] assist trade potential if he shows something. Beresford, as a reward for another solid season and his years in the organization, if for no other reason. But really, sooner or later this guy needs some kind of shot doesn't he?

Hard to argue with you on this...but I'm going to try anyway. LOL I'd love Vargas up. I'd like to see the Vargas we saw the past couple of years in the minors, and the Vargas we saw the tail end of last season. And while I think he's been mismanaged this season...being sent down just as he was actually starting to hit again...the fact that he's doing well now back at AAA has me wanting him to stay a bit longer. I guess I'm more conservative than some, but to me when a prospect is moved up, or moved up again after a tough time as in the case of Vargas, I usually feel it's in the player's best interest to see sustained success for experience and confidence sake before coming up. But no question he could end up helping, and no question he's probably ahead of Arcia at this point. And no question we don't need 13 relievers! Could Robinson develop a sprained ankle or something soon for a short DL stint that would keep him out until Sept 1st?

I think this kind of nails it. Hunter HAS HELPED the offense this season, though he has been slumping as of late. I truly believe Hunter HAS HELPED the clubhouse and the young players around him. No secret wisdom or formula, he's just a highly successful, former all-star player who has shown the kids you can work hard, need to work hard, here is another example of how to do it...but, has also stressed to them to have fun when you play, and relax. I think it's an important message, and not only a little different than the ones they get from the coaches, but also from a different source. You know, the extra voice theory. Yes they overpaid. But don't dismiss his contributions to the team. Back? He's been slumping, as stated. The daily lineup has been phasing him out. I think this speaks volumes as to what will happen. Were he LH I could see it as a PH, occassional DH, and someone who could play a spot a day a week if necessary without spiking himself. I think there's room and need on next year's club for "that guy" whoever he may be.