DocBauer

It pains me greatly to say this....but I think age and damage has reduced him to a .270-ish hitter with a 10 HR max, but probably more in the 7-8 range. Experience and recognition could still keep his OB in the .350 range. Less contact, less average, but still a big strapping man, it is my hope he can at least be a 30+ doubles player still. I really and truly believed Mauer, seemingly recovered and moved to 1B, would rebound to hit in that .290-.300 range, keep the OB at .380-.390, and while I have never believed he would suddenly transform in to a power hitter, just playing 150 games a year should put him 12-15 HR's while still providing 35-35+ doubles. I saw him being Wally Joyner-Mark Grace-Keith Hernandez-ish. And not only is that a really, really good thing, (despite not being an lassie 1B slugger) how could you look at Mauer's history, see him healthy at age 31, NOT OLD, look at the kind of hitter/producer he has been his ENTIRE career as long as healthy, and NOT think that is what and who he would be? I mean really! At least for a few years, right? A natural, champion all-star silver slugger hitter with a great eye, line drive power, and now not subjected to the rigors of catching should be that guy..........shouldn't he? Mauer is NOT an old man, nor is he and old ballplayer. You can talk about the rigors of catching, but he has converted to 1B, not 3B, nor a corner OF position. To me...there is something amiss here. Like good friend Morneau, he may show a late recovery from his concussion injury and again flash his old self. But right now...here and now...something has clearly robbed our man Mauer of his skills. While I will hope for the best, right now, I am resigned to Mauer not finishing out his contract. Like his move from behind the plate (where his decreased hitting would still be OK) to preserve health and consider his family, I can easily see Mauer trying it for one more season and then walking away for pride, family, and love of the game. Possibly with a personal services type of arrangement?

You are correct sir! But if your roll is slowed a bit when reading what I stated, you will see where I spoke of pressure and being impractical and the such. I was referring to what would be best for the team and lineup going forward...ideally. Of course you don't put that kind of pressure and responsibility on rookies. BUT, if they can get some time and work in, and actually take over those top two spots as I mentioned, WOW, what it does for us moving forward.

Perkins in the infield is solid enough, but does cause late game situations when he has to close. Not much question Pelf is the top bench bat, but I prefer him at 1B over the OF. Sure he has the arm for out there, but resembles a lumbering giraffe at times. Anxious to see what Tonkin looks like behind the plate when Zuke actually has a day off.

Needed to be done. Also never felt in my gut Stauffer was a fit. But I just don't get 8 relief pitchers. There have been, unfortunately, times in the past when we needed them because the starting staff was such a mess. But other than the whole double header situation, our starters have been a real strength of the team this year. Man...did I really just type that? But it's true. If the pen does need something, it's a RH...or LH...who can get a strikeout or two. Oliveros anyone? Does Fien still pitch for us? I'd give Duensing some more rope and time, and not just because he's a good guy and I'm a fan. I believe past experience and production might prove him to be a rest of the season bounce back candidate.

Going to disagree somewhat. IMO, decent 25th man who can hit w/lil pop and be OK-ish at various spots Yes! Something just always felt wrong about his signing. He needed to go. Yes again. Poor dead horse...but...shouldn't have been in this situation anyway. AAAA I'd stick with Duensing for now. History says rebound candidate second half. Pen could really use it. Not sure about that. Actually like him better and like his defense. Pinto never should have been sent down. I believe the absolute best thing that could happen to the Twins lineup...overall...is: A: Buxton makes it up at some point, and despite no instant stardom, grabs lead off and keeps it. B: Polanco pretty much does the same thing in the #2 hole. Now, I know that's a lot of pressure riding on two young guys, but think what it does for the rest of the lineup the remainder of this season and going in to next. We can debate, project, argue and hope as to Mauer the rest of this year and going forward, but whether he is in the 3 spot or not, Dozier gets to slide down to an RBI position where he should be even more valuable. Hunter, (for now), Plouffe, Sano, (eventually), Vargas, Arcia, Rosario and the previously mentioned Dozier and Mauer fill out and bulk up the lineup 3-7. How much better does Suzuki look hitting 8th or 9th with, say, Hicks. The problem, still, comes down to readiness and patience.

THIS. It's one thing to enjoy your ball club doing well.....unexpectedly well.....and want them to keep it up. But it's something very different to expect your entire AA club to fix or save your season. I exaggerate, but I swear I've seen half the Lookouts roster listed as various sudden promotions to fix one ailment or another, or potential ailment, or pending catastrophe after a slump. Heck, the way we're going here, Jay and Gonsalves should be up around the All Star break to fix the LH side of the bullpen. They can throw hard strikes and transition to the rotation via the bullpen. Remember how Burdi was supposes to break camp with the Twins this year and become a dominant set up man? Sometimes, you have to enjoy your team's rebuild going better than planned, deal with a slump or two, which happens to the best of teams in any year, and show a little patience while the talented youngsters...oh so seemingly close...get a little closer.

Am I missing something here on Polanco? If it's just one game, then why not Bernier again?

Sign him, stretch him out as a starter and simply work with him. By the end of the season, you might have him finish in the pen to limit innings. There is no need to rush him directly the majors for some short sighted motivation, then put him back in the minors to start. It will end up costing him development time as a starter. That may also lengthen his ML arrival timetable. And who wants that?

I find it interesting/funny how the Twins are too conservative in approach and get blasted for making safe picks o predictable control pitchers with limitd upside and not taking a shot at power arms with big upside. So the past few seasons they become more imaginative, turn to power arms, and even become creative in their projected use of them, but now get blasted for taking shots at upside arms instead of being more conservative.

Left handed.....breathing.....some velocity and actual ML success. Seriously. Additionally, he's a legit good guy and I think the Twins honestly saw a rebound year coming.

Nunez can play a couple positions on an occassional basis at an average-ish basis, can hit, pop a few XB knocks and runs OK. Stauffer........how is his ERA not at 9 or more? I mean, seriously, what appearances did I miss where he did NOT allow at least a run per IP? Seems easy to me.

Side note: in regard to why Jay was only used as an occassional starter, or stretched out reliever in some cases, and not a full time starter: Illinois was a top 10 ranked team who won the Big 10 and won 50 games on the season. The team had 4 primary starters in their rotation that went a combined 33-7! The ERA's of those 4 was 1.75, 2.01, 2.28 and 3.35! They all started 12 or more games, and pitched 75 or more innings. The absolute worst SO/BB ratio amongst the 4 was better than 3-1. The worst BA against was in the .250's and the other three were under .250. And only one SP allowed as many hits as IP. Jay was an anchor for the team, and used in slightly different roles at times. But he wasn't in the bullpen because he lacked something. He played his role.

Once again, I love this pick. And I really, really don't get the angst of some posters here. Gang, the Twins have some nice to really good pitching prospects. They even have some interesting LHSP options for the back of the rotation, though most would appear destined for the bullpen, especially compared to their RH brethren. But other than Gonsalves, and hopefully a healthy and recovered Thorpe, there is a dearth of top shelf LHSP options. (As there undoubtedly in most organizations) The Twins made a smart move in acquiring a very talented LH arm here. * Don't think I've read a single scouting report that didn't have him in the top 10 of available draftable prospects this season. The Twins drafted 6, which is in the top 10. * Don't think I've read a single scouting report that hasn't stated he is seen as a legitimate SP candidate, based on his pitch mix and potential. Sure he needs some more polish and command, but what young pitcher doesn't need at least some polish and development. * There were three LH's with real ability and potential in the draft. All have nice potential upside but also have question marks. One...Jay...is healthy and college age and closer to the majors, while the other two are HS'ers, injured, and further away. The draft is all about projectability, but age and injury have to be considered. * Despite rumors to the contrary, with minute, generational exception, you DONT draft Ace pitchers. You scout, you project, you draft, you coach, and then you wait and cross fingers. In all the years I've been a Twins fan, or watched baseball, I could probably name on one hand...hand and a half tops...the guys I've seen drafted as almost sure fire Ace pitchers. And I think all of them were picked #1 or #2 in the draft probably. * If Jay turns out to be a legitimate, solid, ML LHSP who can hold down a 2 or 3 spot year after year...hell, even be a really nice #4 SP on a winning staff...you will say he's a wasted pick? * Even if he washes as a SP, and becomes a top shelf LH 8th inning setup guy...not even a closer...he still becomes a valuable asset to the Twins. And this is his lowest level, practically basement level floor!

Nice pick! (And nice prediction) Tall, big frame, excellent velocity. Definately some stuff to work on, but a lot of tools and potential to work with.

Really happy with this pick. Three different LISP options, all three with risks, and all three with seemingly legit front of the rotation stuff. There is also real need for a quality LHSP with some real stuff. If starting doesn't work out, we have a top port side relief prospect. You need those too. Especially in a draft that doesn't appear overwhelming, this is a great choice with a real fall back option.

I like Santana a lot. He has some real talent and ability. I believe he has the talent to play in the league, and the work ethic and ability to do so. Including at SS. But right now he is struggling and seems a bit lost, though his defense may have been actually improving as of late. I think the move is a good one to get him relaxed and back on track. Considering his potential, and considering what he did last season, I have to wonder if he isn't best suited, ultimately, as a LF who can backup CF and SS. Not saying he can't be a SS full time, but with Escobar around, Polanco after him, and Gordon after him, might his potential be opened up with such a move? It's happened before to a lot of talented guys. Escobar did a fine job last season and will undoubtedly do so as well this year. His bat may be ready to come around with playing every day at one spot again. I'm not worried about Nunez as the utility guy. He'll play SS one day a week, can hit some, has some pop and some speed. He is nothing more than average defensively, but that's all he HAS to be one day a week. And he has ML experience over the years. I hope Vargas learned something though I can't imagine what. Not only was he swinging the bat better when sent down, but he was the only real, true DH option on the roster at the time. Mistake sending him down. Mistake corrected now.

I agree with both of these. He will be a .275-ish career hitter minimum. And I believe it will be actually be 15-20 points higher. I truly believe he's a natural hitter, and pretty decent on contact as well. However, I believe he will also be perennially aggressive, and will keep his OB% in the .320-ish range. Not bad...not great. 30+ Dbls yearly with a hand to hand and a half in triples. He will also crank out 15-17 HR's yearly. But he is more than capable of low 20's a few times as he gains experience after a few years. In fact, his power might increase as his speed begins to diminish. I see 15-17 SB's per year, on average as well. I short, he will de absolutely everything well, without being great in any singular area. And he will be able to help the Twins virtually anywhere in the lineup, potentially, on a daily basis; the only thing he's not is an intimidating #4 hitter. And yeah, surprise surprise, I think he's here to stay.

Despite the points you bring up negatively, such as pitch framing, the crux if your article is Suzuki shouldn't hit 5th. He's no Harper. And I agree. But as the starting catcher, calling a game, taking charge, making his pitchers feel comfortable, blocking the plate, I like Zuke and appreciate him and respect him. I think it's disingenuous to say the Twins pitchers respect him simply because he is a veteran. He had a well respected reputation long before he joined the Twins. Offensively, not being an easy out, stroking a few XB hits at the BOTTOM if the order is not so bad. If Herrmann could ever hit as he has in the minors, I think he could be an asset, and people would climb off his back. I have to say, over the years, when I've watched games with him behind the plate, I've been impressed with the job he's done. I have a hard time calling for him to be replaced. And yet, I still think Pinto belongs in the majors. In fact, he was hitting in the spring when he was farmed out, and never should have been sent out in my opinion. He should be up. He can be a real asset with the bat as a catcher and DH, possibly as a dangerous PH. But until someone gives him the chance...as they did to close out the 2013 season rather impressively...he's never going to do anything.

Were I in charge and could have a few things fall my way, my draft strategy would be as follows: 1:as previously mentioned, the biggest potential payoff at #6, even with risk involved. 2: with no second round pick this year, and reports that the Twins will be judicious with the number of signings they make, you have the flexibility to add powerful, talented arms...(without passing on a BPA position ally speaking in any given round)...and know that you have the financial capability to over spend by slot to sign them. 3: in the first 10 rounds, I'm looking for the top catching prospect I can find. I might even be seriously tempted to select him a round higher than my board says. I think Turner and Garver are very interesting and solid prospects. But if you look at the depth of the Twins system, there are legit, big time prospects on the mound, in the pen, and all across the OF and even the INF, but there is a lack of a TOP catching prospect that makes you think "can't miss".

i would agree with Aiken except for one thing; health risk. I have said multiple times this is the absolutely perfect time for th Twins to make an unconventional move and just grab the guy with the biggest upside, that potential star player. Preferably a high end LHSP, probably the hardest thing to find in baseball. My problem/concern with Aiken is not is TJ surgery, it's all the rumors that something isn't right with his arm, may never be, one day he will simply self combust on the mound, etc. And after all the reports I've read, I'm still not certain I fully understand his injury situation. Allard and Jay are probably my two picks. There is risk with both. But there also seems to be legit top of the rotation type of potential from both of them.

Understood. Some power may still come. But I think just about anyone would love to have an honest to goodness catcher who could hit .290-.300 at the bottom of their order. Or at worst, come off their bench. The ability to hit better than most, especially at a position not known for hitting, is still a nice ability.

But tip of the cap to Meyer who is embracing his situation and is making the most of it. Whether this turns out to be permanent of the right move to regain his motion and confidence, he's doing something with the opportunity. The odds of make the majors are huge. And between competition and his injury history, I cant image what Wimmer's odds are at this point. But a tip of the cap to him for sticking with it and making a comeback that I'm not sure any of us could see or predict. He still has a long way to go, and seems to be battling some consistency issues, but it's really nice to see him do well. Best of luck to Go Go Gonsalves tonight! Walker........WOW.

Swim continues to intrigue me. Plays OF and 1B, has tremendous hit tool, obviously, and can even steal a base or two? Man, if he can only catch...

Look, I'd love Santana to produce like last season and move Dozier down somewhere. Right now, he isn't. I'd also love to bring P olanco up, slide him in at SS, hit somewhere at the top of the lineup, juggle the order, and not look back. But I think its kind of premature to look to a AS SS as our lineup savior. The lineup, right now, is the best it can probably be. Think Hunter at 3 and Mauer at 2 is better? I can see that. But you cant just bash Mauer, say move him, without having a logical stepping stone process. And, I kind of understand the Vargas move to get untracked, but I still maintain he never should have been sent down. Not only was he starting to turn it around, but he's a completely different breed of an option in the 5 hole than anyone else.

Just got done reading about Swim in the prospect handbook again. Anyone have a good read on his defense and game calling behind the plate? I read kind of a mixed bag, and it sure seems like he plays as much or more OF and 1B as he does catcher. It's great that he's athletic and has some potential versatility. But if he can legitimately call a game and be solid behind the plate, with that potential hit tool, wow, what a bottom of the order contributor.