DocBauer

Oops.

I understand milb success and numbers don't project exactly to future ML production. Nevertheless, if a player successfully transitions level by level until reaching and making the ML level successfully, he tends to be the player he has previously shown himself to be. Improvements and development can and do take place. Take Dozier as an example. His AVG dipped from what he showed previously but his power increased a great deal. Mauer is more of the status quo; high AVG and OB with gapper power and that's what he became/was. (With a little luck, he'll be something close yet again) If Walker could reach the majors and be a .240-.250 hitter with .310-.315 OB and stay a consistent 30/30-ish doubles and homers guy, he would be very valuable despite the lack of contact.

Throw Kepler in to the mix and we go from the 3 Amigos to the 4 Musketeers. (Feel free to groan) Between the three OF spots, DH and maybe some 1B, (especially if Plouffe ends up moved), starting time and AB's enough for all four of these guys. I believe that while all 4 are different and have their various strengths, that Alamo 4 are 30 doubles, and double digit HR and SB guys. I believe Kepler has the most HR power. Kind of a toss up between Buxton and Rosario as to has the second most. But down the road, always felt getting acclimated, gaining a little more "man muscle", Rosario might just develop in to a consistent threat.

Dave Engle was the name I was going to bring up. I never did hear what "knack" the Twins felt he had to make the move, but it worked with limited success. Were Plouffe younger, a solid athlete that he appears to be with a strong arm, it might have been a possibility. But not now. Not sure what the "it" factor or criteria needs to be recognized for a scout or an organization to say; "this guy can catch", but I bet Cuddyer is one that could have pulled it off. Is there anyone in the organization now that might have "it"? Makes you wonder doesn't it?

As stated previously, your one and only real option is simple....play him. Unless he regresses to Drew Butera territory with the bat, you play him. I don't get to watch as many games as I'd like to, or whole games at least. I'm sure many of you have the opportunity to watch him more than I do. But I find him solid defensively. Wasn't always the case when he first made the move to 1B, but he looks solid to me now. There IS value in that. He has been better at clutch hitting in RBI situations this season. Can he maintain that? Hopefully. He still remains one of the better AVG and OB guys on the team. Absolutely NOT where we want him to be, where he wants to be, or where he used to be, or where anyone and everyone is used to seeing him perform. But for a moment, try to live in a vacuum where we ignore his greatness pre- concussion, pre -1B move. Forget how much he earns because it's NOT an on the field factor. Further, there is nothing to be done about it. If the LH hitting Mauer could consistently hit in the .270's, keep his OB in the .330-.340 area, and produce 30+ doubles with 10-12 HR's while playing a solid to good 1B, he is an overall average/solid ML baseball player. Whether, on this team in this lineup for '16 and beyond, that places him ideally as a #2 or #3 hitter...or down around 7-8, he provides value. And I'm not doing an "average 1B OPS" comp. That's not what's up for debate here. Baseball teams and lineups are built in many ways. Most teams, for instance, don't have a 2B like Dozier, or a SS like Tulo. So sometimes you get more offense at a position, sometimes less at another. The whole point is, Mauer can still be productive, just not like he used to be.

Honestly, why not May? He's an actual starter, he can pitch, I'd guess, at least 3 or 4 innings unless he runs in to trouble? And you already have 13 guys in the bullpen! Let them pitch! OK...I exaggerate...but my point is made.

Didn't he used to have a musical career?

Not a scout. Never seen the kid pitch. But I will refer to comments Seth, and other, have made in the past; Stewart is still very young, young even for his level. He still throws hard, he's working on everything from control to different pitches individually, and different situations. Until I see his numbers and results tumble, I'm not going to label the kid or panic. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see him begin next season at High A again before an eventual promotion to AA simply due to his youth.

Ladies and Gentlemen...Twins fans of all ages...introducing your Twins primary starter in RF for 2016....Max Kepler!

My attempt at bullet points. *STOP trying to trade Mauer. Ain't ever going to happen. And while you are at it, enough of the Twilight Zone marathons. Great show but rotting your brain. *As part of a deal, I still believe Arcia still has value. Enigma? Yes? Questions? Absolutely. Strong arm, some hitting ability, big power potential and still young? Multiple checks. GM's aren't generally stupid. They know his issues, but they know his potential. If he were part of a package and I needed some power, especially from the LH side, I'd be intrigued. *D Santana is a lesser version of all I just said about Arcia. He's not going to pull a lot of weight in a deal. But if a team is hurting for athletic, young INF, he could be a final piece to a deal. Hell of a lot better than the typical PTBNL. *Dont be surprised to see the Nolasco to SD trade for Shields, and a mix of other pieces for our new, young catcher. It actually makes a lot of sense. We lose contract money but gain more back plus an extra year. The Padres guessed wrong, over-extended themselves, need to pull back a bit and recoup, and still get a solid SP with Major NL experience while shedding payroll. Then it's some mix and match to complete the deal. *I'd have Berrios and Kepler on my "no way unless you make it irresistible" list. Berrios for pretty obvious reasons. But Kepler because even with his big breakout year this year, he still hasn't approached his full potential. Next to Buxton, this guy is the most gifted, athletic, potential filled player in the system. Not only do I want to keep him, but I'm afraid we'd be selling short at this point. He can hit, has an eye, has XB power and budding HR power that easily could put him in the 20's, SB ability, and defense solid to good at 4 spots. And he hits LH. *You can adapt the old sports adage to say if you have 4 SS you don't have any. (Escobar, Santana, Polanco and yes, I'm including Nunez at his natural/original position based on that, utility play, and recent improvement comments from the Twins). But there remains talent and potential in Santana. We've seen how steady and productive Escobar can be, if unspectacular. Polanco has some big offensive potential, I don't want to lose him, and could be excellent at 2B if SS doesn't turn out. Other teams may be interested. Let them be interested. I could live with one or two of these guys included in a deal. BTW, how come nobody talks about Beresford any more? *I like Leviathan's idea of persuing multiple catchers and looking for the best deal. There's a few guys who could pan out nicely, see what deal fits the best. *I think Plouffe is an outstanding trade chip. I think he's an upgrade, and a better value than some on here give credit for. I am not convinced we HAVE to trade him to get said young catcher. The SD trade scenario is one example. But to the right team, Arcia, Polanco and Duffey could be very enticing. Despite belief and promise proposed in Rosario, Hicks, Buxton and Kepler...maybe Arcia...Walker down the road...young Ortiz at Rochester as a 4th-5th OF type...Santana as a possible OF/INF utility player...we are still talking a lot of youth. Keeping Plouffe as a DH/3B/1B to split time with Mauer and Sano and spare OF the day sounds nice to me. So trading him isn't automatic to me. *If Plouffe were traded, despite all the great feelings I have about our young and potential OF, and still hope for Vargas, Id like to see Ryan sign a legit DH candidate. *I'm signing a high quality RHRP for $5-7M. That should do it, I think. And I look for and sign the best LHRP/failed or sliding LHSP move to bullpen option I can find. From there it's all about the best deal for a young catcher. See Leviathan for a most probable list of targets. Why does this potential Padres deal keep scratching away at the back of my head?

EXACTLY! Jumps from AA...no AAA at all...and performs well to close out 2014 for the club. For whatever reason, he struggles this season. At his age, his potential, and his milb track record, there is no reason not to give him the benefit of the doubt and keep him around for a while. He doesn't have to be Big Papi Jr. to be very good and very effective. If the guy hit .270-ish with a .320-.330-ish OB with good power (upper 20's-low 30's doubles and 20+HRs), he'd be a very nice asset somewhere in the lineup from 5-8.

Honestly, for me, this is a tough decision. I wish it wasn't, but it is. After flirtation with indecision bordering on NO, I was behind the Hunter signing. In fact, I was on board before it happened, wavered, then climbed back on board again. Call me a romantic or overly optimistic, but seeing what he did last season, having witnessed many times before how a player has that "one year" still left in them, especially when they do something like come home again, I felt pretty strongly about him offering a solid and productive bat, OK defense, leadership and experience. Pretty much, that's exactly what we have received. But to me, it was a one year ticket. That second year for the aging, will he or won't he, ballplayer just never ends happy. I have to confess, about mid-season I was beginning to waver again. For a fair contract, (i.e. less), would he be a smart option for a 4th OF/DH spot? Insurance for all the youngsters stumbling, possibly a DH option along with Arcia if he gets his head a little less lopsided? I wouldn't look for a bridge, buuuuut, for a smaller contract, a reserve/part time understanding, I could understand it. But they shouldn't. Will they? I'm actually thinking no. Rosario, Hicks, Buxton, Kepler, hopefully/possibly Arcia, I'm thinking Hunter is only 50-50 at best, and only for a cut contract.

There are unique factors, including a human element, in all sports. But, generally speaking, if a ball goes through a hoop in basketball, it goes through, and there is no debate. If a ball crosses the goal line in football, it's a touchdown. If a ball is hit over the fence in baseball, it's a homerun. I think the best correlation where the "human element" comes in to play would be the calling of balls and strikes in baseball vs calling a penalty in basketball or football. (baseball has little in the way of a "penalty" that can ever be called) A borderline ball/strike call is akin to pass interference in football, or possibly a charge call in basketball. The rules may be defined in black and white, but the interpretation of those rules can vary from umpire/referee to umpire/referee. It is inefficient and maddening at times. But one person's mild hand check, "gotta let 'em play some" is another person's pass interference. But other than the leagues themselves doing a better job of explaining, detailing, and supervising those who supervise, how else can you find better consistency? There will always be error, there will always be interpretation and angles to consider. In baseball, I absolutely DO NOT agree in different rules for different players, regardless of star status or tenure. (just as I don't buy an NBA all-star always getting the blocking foul, etc.) But what I can understand, if not necessarily get behind fully, is a borderline call. If an umpire sees a pitch that is borderline, he MUST make a decision. He can't call "close" and have a do-over. So if you have a pitcher who hits that mark, hits it again, hits it again, I can see where the pitcher "gets the call". Likewise, I think if a batter lets a borderline pitch go by, and said batter has a reputation for a great eye, I can see the umpire nudging his decision with a little "helping" influence from the batter. Again, there is always going to be some human element involved with these calls. But different rules, stretching or shrinking a zone for a veteran player, calling a strike because a veteran catcher has a reputation for framing, absolutely not! The umpire should be neutral, and he should be educated, and he is paid to be a professional and make a decision. An accurate one.

Question on Tanner English; all reports have him excellent defensively, and it appears he can hit, make contact, and take walks. But for what appears to be a slight stature, he seems to have a little pop in his bat. 21 doubles 8 triples 5 homeruns as of my look up of him today. Is this pop sustainable? More to the point, allowing for at least a little additional physical maturity and growth, is it sustainable? Because if so, he sure seems to be a legit CF/top of the order prospect to keep an eye on.

Plouffe is a huge trade chip for us. IF we use it. He can continue to play 3B, 1B and DH and rotate with Sano and Mauer at these spots. I also hope the best for Vargas, and I have not given up on him. But he won't be up tomorrow. And I've come to believe his skipping AAA hurt him. As of now, I'd be targeting him for Rocheter to begin 2016. But no question his development as a switch hitting DH/backup 1B would be big for the lineup, and allow greater flexability to trade Plouffe. Interesting that all the top relievers we had such high hopes for this season...before imploding and getting demoted...seem to be turning their seasons around. Is this an indicator of 2016 level promotion and potential '16 ML call ups? I sure hope so as this was one of the few dim spots in an otherwise outstanding organization wide milb season to this point.,

Seems he has flashed a bit with the bat, enough to be encouraged, especially if speed and technique can turn him in to a nice base runner. Obviously, contact and the ability to take a walk are of paramount importance here, but without a little more muscle, it will end up being a moot point as he needs at least a small amount of "punch" to go with his "Judy" or pitchers and defenses will have their way with him. My prediction? Not sure he ever really gets a fair shot with Gordon behind him, Polanco, Escobar and yes, even Santana, ahead of him. Remember this off season when the big debate was who should be the SS coming in to the season? Santana would probably regress, but he was the better athlete, and experience might raise contact numbers to help offset AVG, etc. Well.....it's turned out bad. I'd say unpredictably as well as unexpectedly bad. I hope he can find himself again, either as a top option, or at least as a talented utility option. Escobar has performed far better overall, and might be showing some of the consistency he showed last season...if only he were playing consistently. I guess I just don't understand the thought from some that Polanco can't play SS. He was signed as a SS, he's still playing SS, I've never read anything that I can recall from bloggers here "in the know" or that have seen him in person that state he "obviously" isn't a ML SS. I know he's got some errors, but that's what young infielders do...they often make errors. They often make them when they get to the ML level for a while too. Does he have a scatter-shot arm? Does he have hands of stone? Or does he just rush a few throws? Does he try too hard to make the big play? Does he get a little lazy on the routine plays, as a lot of youngsters do? These are all fixable, and almost expected from a young milb infielder. I don't see where reading "E9" in a box score...even a few times...indicates a kid can't play defense in the majors. I still feel, right now, it's Polanco's job to win, or lose, come 2016.

Hate to sacrifice a 40 man spot for Berrios and bring him up in September for a casual look/single sip of coffee unless TR and the Twins in general are willing and ready to fully and legitimately consider him for a rotation spot next ST. Your primary question is an intriguing one that flips through my mind frequently. Barring a trade, which I believe is a strong possibility, (see; young ML catcher), the rotation should be Hughes, Gibson, Santana, May and Nolasco, Milone, Berrios, Duffey and Rogers. That's a lot of youth and potential mixing with a bunch of proven veteran status to work with. Berrios is the future there, even if they decide to be conservative with him. I believe Rogers for the port side and Duffey, especially with his reliever background, should also be considered bullpen candidates. Soooo much competition, depth and potential here Gang! Don't give up on Nolasco. Healthy, he really is a nice presence. Remember when we weren't even sure how to fill a 5 man rotation?

I get very excited when a rookie makes his debut, especially a SP. seems there are only two outcomes: 1) kid does great, owns the other team, who...BTW...probably has next to nothing for a scouting report...OR...2) kid is amped, tries/throws too hard and is gone in 4 or less. Guess we know what happened here. But I agree he was the logical and right choice at the time. Assuming you weren't going to do the right thing, the smart thing, and put May back in the rotation where he belongs. Not stretched out? Please. He belongs there, can be stretched out again in a couple starts, (probably) and you have an 8 MAN BULLPEN to come in when he hits his wall. Regardless, to me, the only real regret with the Duffy shot is that he isn't going to get another one right away to rebound. And that's a shame! I think he's proven he has the stuff/potential to have a future, as a quality reliever if nothing else.

I...................got....................nothin'

This completely echoes my "Don't worry......be happy" thread from a few days ago, though more briefly, (SURPRISE!), but with less flora rap exposition. (Sigh) Guess I had bad timing amongst the doom and gloom. But MonkeyPaws is exactly right. If you pull asides the stained veneer of recent, bitter disappointment and examine all the talent that is announcing itself at the ML and high Milb level for the Twins, coupled with select young(ish) veterans, there is just so much to be excited about in the next year, and two, and three and more. Grab a pen or pencil, notebook or napkin, and jot down the Twins anticipated roster over the next 8-12 months, add in a young catcher and a couple nice bullpen arms, and tell me you aren't absolutely giddy about your projections!

Great and interesting post/debate. And refreshing that I can read something other than; "the sky is falling, the sky is falling, Twins suck after all, the sky is falling, Terry Ryan should be placed in a helmet, driven in a short bus, placed in a straight jacket, and burned at the stake because....the sky is falling." (Heavy...refreshing breath and deep sigh of clean air) *I appreciate that Robinson is a "gamer". I adore those guys and teams in all sports need them. He might be a great guy. I feel very much for him and his family having a tough year in regard to his child. And the Twins DO NOT have to turn their back on him, and his, by replacing him. Honestly, he's a AAAA, ML 5th OF. He should have already been replaced a few weeks ago though with.... ** Arcia. Despite frustration with him, he remains young and talented. Despite his recent slump, up until a week ago, he was hitting well. I believe a message has been delivered, and I'm not sure remaining in milb purgatory any longer will have any additional affect. Not only could the Twins really use his LH bat, but I still believe there are teams other than the Twins who are intrigued by his potential. (He's frustrating, but the talent is there, it's real) But how can you really show him off for potential trade value, if that's what you choose, until you get him back up the the majors? Further, while his defense may never be good, it wasn't bad, for whatever reason, the last half of '15. He seemed to work harder, he has a quality arm, and silly as it sounds, I maintain 2steps to his right and 1 step back back him a much, much better defensive OF. *** HUGE fan and believer in Kepler. You never known until you see it happen, but I believed he is about to explode. Yes, be even better than he has already shown. There is more power coming. I have he and Berrios as borderline untouchable. Despite what he has shown this season, despite my belief in him, I would promote Arcia first, for all the listed reasons. But I would move Kepler up to Rochester yesterday. And I believe he may have been promoted the day before that if not for a slight injury tweak. The fact that he isn't already there TODAY must be gross negligence, OR, someone just temporarily misplaced his bus ticket and he will be there tomorrow. OF COURSE, he comes up in September. I'd love to see him play a little winter ball as well. I honestly believe he will be part of the Twins OF in 2016, immediately, or early, possibly as a full time starter, possibly as part of a 4 or potentially 5 man rotation through the OF and DH, (who knows, maybe some 1B tossed in) that could be absolutely filled with talent, possibilities and production.

So the wonderboy, amazing and fun feel good story of a couple years ago that came crashing down to earth....and the player involved that half the bloggers wanted run out of town because he couldn't play defense and never could "really" hit anyway...this is the guy...the guy.....man....can't even finish.

First, who is going to break the news to the 22yo Sano that it has been decided the Twins, scouts, managers, coaches and more than a fee other baseball people and fans are wrong, he can't play 3B, should never play 3B ever again because he will never be able to play it on an average basis...which he more or less does now...and has no ability to improve. Yep, it's over kid, grab a 1B glove and hire someone to take a tire iron to Mauer's knee Kerigan style. Second, I think Plouffe would indeed be a major upgrade for a lot of teams at 3B, overall. As stated, he doesn't play "cleanup hitter", he plays 3B, plays it quite well, can hit fairly well, and has some power and RBI ability. Those guys are about as rare these days as caters who do the same. I'm OK with trading him for a catcher upgrade, but I also like he and Sano and Mauer rolling in to the 3B/1B/DH slots as well. Trading Plouffe might be that much easier to deal with were a quality DH signed. Directly, or part of a 3 team deal, I'm not sure the Twins couldn't trade the enigmatic Arcia, Polano, Duffey amongst others and still make a successful trade while holding on to Plouffe.

I absolutely concur! While I love this team, am enjoying this season, and have absolutely NOT given up on this team or season by any means, I didn't feel it was the time to slide any major chips to the center of the table. I have said repeatedly, before the season began even, that I felt the 2015-2016 offseason would be the time to visit a move or two. By then, guys like Buxton, Sano and others would be healthy again, on their way up or arriving. Guys such as Dozier and Plouffe would have further established themselves, proven themselves, and overall, the Twins would have a more complete picture as to what they truly do and do not have in a ballclub moving forward. I think, even with the recent stuggles and a possible fade, his club has a better identity now. I think there are legitimate, full functioning and talented parts of a whole to work with. By early next season, if not the start, we very well could and should see Buxton, Kepler and Berrios all part of the equation. You find help a catcher, a quality bullpen arm or two to go along with that, and what is already there, and this could be a real, legitimate playoff team in 2016.