DocBauer

I believe that what I would do is actually probably what I think the Twins will probably do. Of course I'll ever get credit, money or SWAG, but what hey heck. I believe they absolutely will attempt to sign a SP that they truly feel has the ability to fill an important role, without breakin the bank for one of big names. I in favor of Masterson, and believe he is appropriately near the top of their list. They are being quiet about E Santana, but I wouldn't be surprised to his name spring up. I understand top pitching prospects, but, the point is to win. And the Twins haven't done much of that lately. Can you really fault them for trying to beef up and hedge their bets against the team's biggest weakness? I can also see, and would do as well, a second SP signing, but of a different variety. For whatever reason, there are a plethora...(si' El Guapo, you have many plethora)...of guys coming off a variety of injuries this year, that might not even be ready to start the season, but could be real steals if nurtured along either for the Twins, or ultimately, as trade value. So I think a milb deal or very small ML deal with incentives is also a possibility. Perhaps the third time is the charm, but I seriously doubt TR is going to go in to 2015 with Hicks penciled in to the starting CF spot yet again, sandwiched in between Arcia and Hunter. Yes the Twins have mis-managed that spot the past two years. And yes, TR has made mistakes before. But is he really, has he really proven in the past, to be an utterly dumfounded baseball man? No, of course. I believe another signing or trade move of some sort is coming for the OF. I'm really sold on the Bourjos idea. Lastly, I don't think the Twins should spend real money on the pen. It's important, but with so many candidates to sort through, and so many top youngsters with the potential to blow through a couple levels this year, plus a May/Meyer option for the pen, I just wouldn't make a significant investment here. However, I would be looking for another inexpensive flyer that could pay dividends.

OK...late to the party again! There is absolutely nothing but coaching staff speculation and rehashing of past arguments for weeks, and now suddenly there is so much going on that by the time I take a seat at the table, I'm getting cold entrees and corner of the pan dessert! LOL I come up with one silly, fun thread and it dies a quick and horrible death thanks to the Hunter signing. Thank you Mr. Congeniality! LOL OK...being serious for a moment if I may for my $.03 worth. First, it has always been my understanding and belief that Deadspin was created by actual journalists with the idea of blowing whistles, not selling out, and uncovering and reporting the news that others either were unwilling or unable to do so. However, they have used a TMZ carnival barker approach often in order to get their story out there and gain notoriety. And as a writer, and someone who studied journalism, I find that often inappropriate, and a little grotesque in a professional manner. Second, I am unaware of the adds spoken of with Hunter in them. I don't dismiss them, or past comments he may have made, I simply state that I am unaware of these "recent" television adds, thus it is hard to comment on them. But I do know this, I believe there is a time and a place for broaching topics. Hunter was just signed to play baseball for his original team, the Minnesota Twins, in a sort of last hurrah type signing. And that was the pre-text for the interview/conference. I am neither for or against Hunter's beliefs as I write this, but I am disappointed in his response. Not very classy. But I also don't believe Berardino was acting with integrity at the time. Again, there was a general context involved here. And it feels to me as though Berardino either had his own agenda, or wanted to be the kid in the back of the class that raised his hand to ask an embarrassing, off topic question to gain attention.

I mentioned this in another thread, and decided it might deserve its own separate discussion. There are two sides to the Hunter signing argument, and I don't believe either side is wrong at all. The "half full plus" side is excited for the story, the leadership and active "professional" joining the locker room and dugout, as well as a guy that, face it, hit and produced last season above replacement level. There is also the factor that the FA market is very slim, and it is only a 1 year deal. And after all, it's not like the OF defense could actually get worse, no matter what anyone wants to say. (I admit I lean toward this side, with trepidation, I was on the Rios bandwagon) The other side of the aisle states the important obvious, which is Hunter being 39, father time could slap him across tomorrow and he could pull a Willie Mays and just lose his bat completely overnight. His defense is absolutely not what it once was, and borders, depending on perspective, from being able to at least throw to the right base to "at least he didn't spike himself." Here are some realities and ideas to consider: 1) Hunter may be able to easily out-produce our LFers last season. And even if he DOES play RF (I hope not!) his bat is replacing those that played LF. 2) As solid as the offensive production for the Twins was last season, overall, it lacked some consistency. A fairly productive, veteran presence may be able to help deepen and balance the attack for a bit more consistency. 3) Arcia is young, talented, and continues to slowly improve offensive and defensively. It's not a real stretch to say he will probably be at least a little better in both areas for 2015. 4) Both Buxton and Rosario could be ready to make their debut at some point in 2015, joining Arcia, possibly Hicks if he can ever capitalize on his talent...maybe by spending some or most of '15 in AAA. 5) If Hunter can not look crippled, and actually catch a few balls, and take good, smart angles, and throw to the right base, could the OF defense really be worse than last year? (I understand the plan is to get better-I get it) 6) Based on all of the above, especially point #4, the Hunter deal is for 1 year. If the Twins make the smart play, make a deal for everyone's favorite OF target and acquire Peter Bourjos for a high-teen, low 20's prospect...or a pair of, say, prospects in the 30 range...and plug him in for 2015 as the primary CF, what does this do to change your perspective of the '15 Twins in general, and the '15 Twins OF in particular?

Meh, on the signing. But I have to disagree with you on this point Shane. This isn't a Twins move, it's a baseball move that every team employs. There are always filler options AAA less at AA, but still some. Look at the list of names you just listed? And add Farris to it, who I believe is also re-signed. Other than him, how many of those guys have played at AAA for more than a few games? I like Ortiz as a possible multipurpose 4th OF, but he's got something like half a season above AA. Rosario is moving up for the first time. Rodriguez got a few games at AAA last year. This is not a big move, just a typical AAA one.

Late to the party. Lots of genuflecting over the past 24 on this. Not going go sign Cabrerra when he wants 5 years and $12-13M per. So Rios was the absolutely best choice, for 1 year, and less money, but younger, and a solid bounce back candidate. Really, really not sure I get this or completely understand it. HOWEVER....upon further review....a couple points to be made. 1) While overpaying, the market is not good for FA OFers this year, it's only 1 year, and the whole non trade thing is nonsense. It just means Hunter gets to approve where he goes by waiving his clause if the Twins make a move. 2) If he can only produce what he did last season, he'd still be an offensive improvement over last season's LFers. And don't kid yourself, wherever he plays positionally, he's "replacing" last season's LF bungled mess. Our offense was so damn good already? Yes and no. It improved TREMENDOUSLY, but it was inconsistent. Not surprising with so many young players getting time and Mauer struggling. A solid veteran bat could help stabilize a bit. 3) Discount chemistry and leadership all you want, it still exists to some degree, and it would be nice to have someone in that role, even for part of a season. I still believe we've lost a lot of that the past few years with guys like Kubes and Hunter and Cuddyer gone. 4) I make no excuses for Hunter defensively and his various maladies that should have him bed-ridden as he can no longer walk, much less run, upright any longer. (I kid!) I DON'T have the answer, but can he be worse that Hammer and others out there on a consistent basis? I know we need to improve our OF defense, but, honestly, for 1 year, is Hunter really such a terrible option in retrospect? He still knows how to see, track and play a ball and take angles doesn't he? Or is his near 40 status also causing mental faculty loss? He can still catch what he gets to can't he? He still has a half-way decent arm and knows what base to throw to doesn't he? These things alone might actually make him an improvement, no matter how subtle, over last year's OF defense. 5) If the Twins pull a really smart move and make a play for someone like the ever popular Peter Bourjos from St. Louis to come in and play CF on an everyday basis, does your opinion of Hunter and the Twins OF change? It does for me. 6) I like the signing better if the veteran, 1 year contract Hunter moves to LF and Arcia, a long term option that we would be stupid to get rid of. Let me say that again....that we would be stupid to get rid of. Anyway...if the long term option Arcia got to stick in RF and the veteran 1 year contract veteran were to play LF, I likethe whole idea better.

You can slam the interest in signing Masterson and gripe he's coming off a poor season and a drop in velocity, most if not all might be attributable to a knee issue. But his ML career up until last season makes him look like an iron horse of consistency in comparison to Volquez. He's also been there, done that, more than young and talented enough to do it again. Volquez doesn't belong on the same mound despite his solid season last year.

Speaking only of LF for the moment, no to Ichiro. I think he can still play on a part time/role basis. The bat is slowing, the power he did have seems to have almost disappeared. I am and have been with Jokin here. If not Cabrerra, then Rios. There are no injury reports I'm aware of, he still runs well, has a RF arm, is still young enough at 33 for another bounce back season, wouldn't be overly expensive, has no compensation attached, and should be had on a 1-year deal. He provides a RH bat that we could use, and as stated before, if we could get a career average season, it would be solid all around production, and far more than we got from LF last season.

Excellent point my good man! (For point of reference see Cabrerra, Melky, as listed above) Totally agree that a unique first name also offers flare, such as in your examples. While the talent of the player himself, and his production, is what obviously carries the most weight...generally speaking...I would "Doc" such named ones about 1/2 a WAR based on relative ease of spelling and pronunciation do their first names. But to your point once again, see out new 1st base coach. Now, he might end up being an outstanding addition to the staff, but at this point, he is a mostly unknown quality. And "Davis"? Meh. But with a first name like "Butch" he automatically gains additional C-WAR, or Coaching WAR.

Prospects alone, nobody on the big league club, you honestly nailed it about as spot on as could be. Just a couple debatable points. 1) Good chance Turner and Garver could be flip-flopped. 2) I think Kepler and Walker are 2 of the most intriguing prospects in the Twins system. In fact, if we just did a top 10 prospect list based on intrigue, they'd be in the top 4 Thorpe and Gonsalves for me. I think Kepler could be outstanding in the OF, but wonder if he isn't the next full-time 1B at the end of the day. And I'm not sure about Walker on the bench vs being a full time OF or full time DH, or a split thereof, vs being a true reserve. 3) I know I'm a Big Red homer, but my bench would find room for Christiansen. I have a very strong feeling about him as a multi-dimentional, productive, multi-positional reserve.

Curt...I promise...the check really is in the mail.

Crazy! Of all the coaching positions to be filled, THIS is the one that caught me by surprise! I remember Butch, vaguely, back in the day as a player. In fact, I had been thinking he was up more and longer than his reality shows. The things I ready today seem very positive in both attitude and coaching acumen. But to me, he's the biggest unknown quantity of the staff. Maybe that's a good thing. I had convinced myself the last spot would be Cora, or Fernandez, or someone similar. I guess I was close to the mark of the idea with the Delino rumors. I'm not saying it won't be a great hire, but it's the one that stumps me the most at this point.

PS, why all the hate for Nunez? OK, so he's only so-so with the glove, but he's no butcher. He can hit a little, he has some pop, he can run, and he offers some positional flexibility. Isn't that what you want in a utility or second utility player on the roster? I don't think he's long term for the club, Beresford, Michael and Polanco could and should all push him at some point this season or the end of this season. But for the now, I'd hold on to him. In the context of professional sports, he's not going to cost you much of anything to bring in and have around. He might even surprise a little. There is enough potential available to do so.

Torn on Duensing and Milone. Personally, I don't feel either has a very long tenure left with the team. There are youngsters on the rise that are near ready, could be ready really soon, or should/could be ready by season's end. But in the current state of roster affairs, I could easily see both with the club for the time being. First, neither is really very expensive. I think both have a shot at the pen in 2015, though Milone has at least a limited shot at the rotation. Duensing is not old and is healthy and has a decent track record overall. He's a strong candidate for a bounce back season. But I could also see either, or both, allowed to leave or be traded. (trading seems more logical and obvious to me) I even wonder if St Louis could be interested in either as part of a trade as they have dealt away a couple pitchers already this offseason. Unless either of them really shines this season, my hunch is both of them, either or both depending how the rest of the offseason shakes out, is gone by 2016 regardless. Darnell, O'Rourke, Gilmartin and Rogers are just a couple youngsters that could be ready soon for a spot somewhere on the roster to join Thielbar. In fact, I'm not so sure Darnell isn't ready right now for a bullpen spot! My best guess at the end of the day, I believe both are offered and retained. That doesn't mean both are kept!

Now you might be on to something here. Is it to late to change the spelling of his last name? Jon Lestier? Hmmm...LH, a beret, from Quebec and the name change might do it.

B Richard, I'm afraid you missed the point of this exercise. Other than misspelling his first name, and being LH of course, Lester is a high quality ML SP on pretty much equal footing as Max Scherzer. But "Lester" simply cant compare to "Scherzer" in any way. Not only is there the aforementioned "X" in Max, but also an extra "C" in the last name along with a "Z". The only way he could be more perfect for the Twins rotation might be a hidden or silent "Q" somewhere.

Ash, I think it's more about the uniqueness of the name, difficulty spelling adds major points, and difficulty pronouncing...at least initially...is like double jeopardy. I would take the Shark over Scherzer, were he to agree to an extension. He's a year or two younger, would probably cost a bit less in dollars, and I might feel better about the length of the deal. Difficulty speaking his name is HUGE bonus points! The "Z" should be worth a +1 WAR by itself, I'd wager. And while I am hoping that 2015 is the year Pinto starts to take hold of something, should the Twins have any kind of hole at catcher, I'd have to give Pierzynski one last look. LH with power to the RH Suzuki, and what a perfect platoon name-wise they'd make!

After much debate, thought, pen to paper and beer consumption over the past few months...errr...reflection...I now feel compelled to share my resolute assessment of the problems facing our beloved Twins over the past few seasons, and some proposed answers to improvement. I am not discounting minor league talent continuing to rise within the system. But there is a carefully guarded veiled mystique to the Twins that I have uncovered that must be observed even in the patience of prospect evaluation and development. Being a Minnesota Twin, a team named not for a city, but an entire state, that plays in a city that is itself split in two parts, is about Karma, attitude, a sense of being something different than the standard. Successful Twins are not Blacks, or Whites, or Smiths, or Johnsons or keeping up with the Jones's....with all due deference to Jacque. Twins success and history is built on being a Mudcat, a Killebrew (yes, another one please), an Oliva, Allison (a girl's name?), Kaat (made up right?), a Battey (fitting right?), Versalles (they signed a treaty there once), a Pascual, Tovar and Wynegar (there is no crying in baseball) just to name a few all time greats. Reflect for a moment on the 1987 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins roster. It's rotation was lead by Frankie "sweet music" Viola and Bert Blyleven. There was also Les Straker, which sounds kind of ominous, but was only a .500 pitcher...though he would have been preferable to some of the fodder sent to the mound the past few years. Jeff Reardon lead the bullpen with Juan Berenguer, Keith Atherton, and some guys who went by the various alias' that included names like Bittiger, Joe "colonel" Klink, Randy "I'm not a songwriter" Nieman, Mark "we don't speak Spanish" Portugal and something called a Dan Schatzeder. Toss the ball around the starting infield and see Gaetti, Gagne, Lombardozzi and Hrbek with Laudner and Butera behind the plate. The outfield? Gladden, Puckett and Brunansky with an assist from Randy Bush, which sounds either like a 70's porn star or in baseball terms, a name that would be akin to having someone named Lucifer pitching for your church-league softball team. Do you see the pattern here? The Twins have become too obvious, too ordinary lately. It's not just all in a name, for surely, talent may smell as sweet. But for the Twins, there is a distinct quality of individuality that permeates their successful history in regard to the use of vowels and over-use of consenents! Don't believe me? Take a look at the 1991 World Series Champion Minnesota Twins Roster. Substitute a Knoblauch for a Lombardozzi at 2B (without cramping your typing fingers) and a Leius/Pagliarulo platoon at 3B (without feeling like you just went through a sweaty overtime session of Twister) and then tell me that you don't see a pattern here? Tell me you know how to spell Aguilera (without thinking of Christina) without having to think or look it up and then you can blow my theory out of the water as easily as sinking my battleship in less than a dozen moves. So where do we go from here to find guaranteed success? There are various options, and this is where I offer speculation, and you offer your wise and astute observation. Hughes is a nice semi-stud to anchor the rotation, and I don't want to lose him. I believe Gibson is still on the upswing, and might be our second best starter, and I don't want to lose him either. I love the potential of May and Meyer. But look at the names? We need some karma, some real mojo here. Nolasco has talent and proven success, and the right name! But someone here has to be sacrificed in order to sign Max Scherzer. I really don't want to spend $22-$25M per...and yet, not only does he have great success, and is relatively young, and have the fewest IP amongst the big 4 for his career...but look at his name? He has an "x", an extra "c" in his last name, and a "Z" for goodness sake! Markakis and Cabrera should be the top two targets for the Twins in 2015 for LF. I prefer Cabrera because he is RH and...come on...Melky? RH, experienced, talented, productive and his last name is rather unique...but Melky? Markakis isn't going to leave the Orioles anyway, it appears. While I am very intrigued by Rios and his potential as a RH bat, many are coveting Colby Rasmus. While he can play CF, would probably be better in LF, he can't hit much, but does provide power and speed and sounds like a nice, smooth Egyptian cheese, I lean to other mentioned options for LF, and a trade for Peter Bourjos in CF. Not only is Bourjos considered an elite defensive CFer, not only did he have one excellent season for the Angels a few years ago, and then another decent one of SSS, giving him 2 out of 4 as good, but I really am unsure how to pronounce his name, and have to double check how to spell it. This marks him as an ideal candidate to patrol CF for the Twins in 2015,as well as not costing much, and being RH, he might even perform a nice semi-platoon with Schafer, who really doesn't know how to spell his name properly, and it's no co-incidence his best season was with the Twins. If the Twins truly want to sign a LHSP option as Ryan has suggested, they should obviously stay away from Jon Lester. Yes, he has left an "h" out of his name, and is LH, but otherwise has nothing truly distinctive about him when compared to Scherzer. Brett Anderson is ALWAYS injured, has the name allure of milktoast, and should be replaced by a bounce back candidate such as Capuano (sounds like a size or coffee flavor at Starbucks)or bringing back Liriano. If you really want to bring in someone to challenge the other young BP candidates, the guy you should be targeting is Hochevar from the Royals. Not only is he a failed SP until finding himself in the Royals bullpen in 2013, now bouncing back from TJ surgery and probably had on the cheap...but look at his name! So there you go. I make the one big move in the rotation I didn't want to, but am now compelled through Karma to do so. I make the big move for LF, and the small trade move in CF that will pay off nicely. I even offer up LHSP options and a top, cheap RP option. Want more? Geovany Soto as a backup catcher if needed, Emilio Bonifacio as a useful, multi-position utility player. Perhaps a trade for Steve Lombardozzi as a useful utility candidate? (and if you don't get that one, you aren't paying attention). Chamberlain, Neshak or LH Tom Gorzelanny for the bullpen. What say you? Who might you add to reclaim the unique winning Karma that has been the history of the Minnesota Twins? What talented and unique individuals might you add to the likes of Plouffe, Dozier, Suzuki, Pelfrey and others along with the more mundane Mauer's and Hughes and others to make this roster unique and competent...World Series worthy?! Do you see what I did here? Care to play along? Or should I just be locked up until pitchers and catcher report?

Martinez, to my understanding, was not available until after this decision was made. I don't know that I'll be overly disappointed if they don't bring another Hispanic/Latino on board, though I would like it, as they are already well ahead of the game with Hernandez on board. And we do still have one more staff position available at 1B.

OK...late to the party. Sorry to get serious again for a moment. Yes, I'm surprised. Not disappointed, upset or angry. I just guessed Vavra would have a different appointment within the organization. He is the Ben Stiller "Mystery Man" of the Twins coaching staff the past few seasons. He's done nothing in his career but garner great support and tremendous reviews and loyalty from management and players alike despite no-one knowing exactly who he is. I have no problem with this selection. My understanding has always been that a bench coach is either the guy with a clipboard and stats for an experienced manager, or the old-timer who was there to help advise the new manager. Three and a half plus decades in professional ball as a player/scout/instructor/coach, I doubt Molitor feels the need for someone to hold his hand. And Glynn clearly has the experience as a baseball guy and experienced manager...milb not with standing...to offer advice on all the little things that take place as the guy in charge. Vavra might just be the ideal choice as a well rounded, experienced, multi-dimensional quasi-surreal baseball being who can sit at the right elbow of St. Paul...Molitor's Mini-me...and offer up all the reports and advice he ever needs.

Completely honest here....I'm kinda glad we didn't go down this road. I know perfectly well that we may be kicking ourselves in the arse and banging our head against the wall a year or two from now on this one...but I just don't think we will be. Scouting reports are only opinion. I don't care if it's a USA all-American HS or college player or a top Central-South-American-Australian-PR-European-Cuban prospect scouting report, it's still conjecture. I was very intrigued by Tomas, was admittedly a bit hopefull as well. But the more reports I read, the more I became worried about pure power vs no hit, limited contact and questionable defense. I don't object to the gamble per se'. Nor do I necessarily object to 6 years or $66M total. It's the combination of factors that concern me. That much money, for that many years, on a player that MIGHT prove to be one-dimensional, and by most reports comes up short of his predecessors...I guess I'd rather pass and concentrate on the prospects I have, and work with the FA and trade market presented before me.

Ignoring the trade Dozier idea because...he's damn good...we don't know for sure about options to replace him just yet...and I think he has room to definitely get better. I want to look at Twins control and his somewhat late-blooming age and side on the "wait one more year" side of things. But I can't and won't. Because...he's damn good...we don't know for sure about options to replace him just yet...and I think he has room to definitely get better. SD made some great points/comments earlier. Were it me, I'd put forth a 5 year offering right now. I'd consider 6 years, but I just like 5 better from the Twins "hook" perspective. And if I'm Dozier, I might like 1 less year as well, allowing for possible FA one year earlier down the road. Regardless...this is a deal that offers financial cost control for both parties, investment and dividend/security. But as previously mentioned, I would balance the years of the contract more by front-loading more. This accomplishes the goal of allowing greater financial flexibility for the Twins in a couple of years when they start to offer extensions and the such, but also makes Dozier that much more attractive to other teams should they decide to make a deal, not being on the hook for such a large deal at the end of the contract.

Now that Gardenhire and Anderson are gone, Plouffe definitely becomes the #1 hot button topic to debate I guess. (Nolasco probably close behind) Seems to me we've been down this road soooo many times now. But, we don't have a lot else to discuss right now, there is a timing factor...so OK...let's go there yet again. If I'm Terry Ryan, I call up the Giants...I say hello...how is the weather?...any big holiday plans?...so sorry to hear you lost your best player and maybe the heart and soul of your team...did you hear we added gold outline to our uniforms?...and then I shut up. Being realistic, there are very few quality 3B options on the open or trade market for anyone, much less a team like the Giants that may be facing a gaping hole at the hot corner next season. (although they are a well run bunch that does a pretty good job year to year at finding solutions and moving forward) But under NO CIRCUMSTANCES do I initiate ANYTHING. And there are a couple strong reasons why. 1) Plouffe has turned in to a surprisingly solid ballplayer. Suspect defense has turned to solid, possibly even above average. I honestly believe bunts and slow roller bare-handed grabs and throws has become a specialty. At age 27/28 he had his best overall year. You can debate the meaning of numbers and stats endlessly in a game seemingly based on numbers and stats, but amongst ML 3B in 2014, Plouffe ranked 1st in doubles, 12th in HR's, 12th in OPS and 6th in RBI. Depending on how you examine his numbers, Plouffe ranks anywhere from the top half to top third in all of MLB for productive 3B. 2) I am a HUGE believer in Sano, and believe he WILL BE the next Twins 3B, though he is still growing in the position and will be for a while. Like Gaetti, Koskie, and now Plouffe before him, and like most all ML 3B, he will struggle and grow at first. The only problem with Sano is missing last season. Do his incredible talents supercede everything and he magically makes the club out of ST? Does he need the whole year to get back and get ready? Somewhere in between? I LOVE Escobar and what he did, and not sure he's done. But do I want to trust 3B to him full time at this point? 3) Plouffe is coming off his very best season and is still only 28. Realistically, overall, he should have another 4-6 healthy, solid, productive seasons available to him...assuming no sudden regression. He may not be a full member of the Twins rebuild, but he's no graybeard either! This adds value to him as a Twin, and for any other interested parties as well. I would absolutely plan to hold on to Plouffe for the 2015 season. I wouldn't make a single phone call offering him. If SF or someone else calls with a very nice offer in which they are willing to overpay a bit...and considering the dearth of quality 3B options available they may have to...then I listen closely.

WMP.........ummmmmmmmm..............no. To me the question would be WHY? Colabello is younger, cheap, and has a little upside ( based on what we've seen previously and allowing for his reported injury) WMP would be...........ummmmmmmm....... a guy at AAA who can't hit or field but has power?

Valid point. And partially to that end, does his reputation and the reputation of the Rays do anything to enhance the Twins as a destination place for FA pitchers?

He actually produced well last season. The ability to hit and generate power and drive in runs is still there. At least, probably one more season's worth. I know the glove, instincts, knowledge and experience are all still there. They don't really ever go away. The question remains, could his legs hold up enough for one more season of at least decent defense. I know the various metrics all say he was terrible last season. But stats don't always tell the whole story. There is also the eye test: was he ok with what he got to, did he look as though he was moving while dragging a stone behind him, etc. And I didn't see him play enough last season to answer any of these questions. How bad did he look last season? Could he really be worse than Kubel, Willingham, Collabello in LF for one year? I'm honestly asking here.