DocBauer

First, I hope this is all quickly moot as the winning candidate is quickly announced. Secondly, there are many candidates for other coaching positions I have debated and even thrown out, Yount, Sveum, Manuel, Fernandez, Blanco, just to name a few. But like most of us, the names of real, viable...dare I say perfect...candidates for the Twins next pitching coach are hard to come up with. But I'm starting to wonder if the right candidate isn't already "in house" in regard to Marty Mason. Mason began his coaching career in 1986 as a player coach in the Cardinals system before moving to coach status full time the next season. He has spent his entire coaching career, since 1986, in the Cardinals system at various stops, including a tenure as the Cardinals bullpen coach from 2000-2010. The Cardinals are a sound, quality organization, one of the best in baseball, and have a reputation for producing quality pitching talent. As an organization, they've also been applauded here on TD on many occasions. Mason has spent TWO years in the Twins system, so he is no homer. But in those two years, particularly 2014, he's worked with May, Meyer, Darnell, Tonkin, Achter, Oliveros, Pressley and others, mostly with high success. His biggest negative could simply be not knowing Molitor very well, or having spent too many years with one organization rather than moving around some. What is the consensus? Is Mason perhaps a/the top/best candidate?

I have no clue if rumors surrounding Viola are remotely true or not. Further, while I have read tidbits here and there to his coaching career, I can't say he is or is not qualified to be the Twins next pitching coach. I know he was a hell of a ML pitcher in his day and a Cy Young winner. But I do know that while is a former Twin player, as stated, that was nearly 30 YEARS AGO, and has NOT been employed by the Twins since then. (Unless I'm missing something somewhere) While the Twins may do a lot of promoting from within, and keep things often "in the family" (a Norse Baseball Mafia???), Viola was never a Twin under either Gardenhire or Ryan. There is really very little correlation to him being a former Twin and a candidate for a coaching position.

Just to echo, Glynn has worked for the Expos, Rockies, Cubs and Giants in different capacities as coach or manager since 1986. Four organizations and 25 years before joining the Twins.

Seems like a sound move. He's a well know organization guy, but removed from the Gardenhire regime to still offer a freshness to the staff. He's also familiar with the young prospects in their way up as he's been working with them, along with Molitor, and those two obviously are familiar with one another. I had thought Ricardo Ingram might have been the hire here. I also think the "hiring from outside the organization" mantra does get tiresome. You'd think every coach in the system was bred, born and raised in the Twins structure.

Only surprise to me is being named the 3B coach. I was around 50-50 he'd be the bench coach. Next to pitching coach, that's the spot that fascinates me the most. Have a few ideas in mind that would make good sense. Still can't shake the idea of Sveum as a possibility here.

Rasmus on a 1yr, possibly 2, I'm ok with. He can run, has power and can play defense. Unless we overpay for him, even hitting lower than expected/hoped he doesn't kill and can actually contribute. But his best fit is LF. Rios is the guy I like here. He's just young enough, always been a good athlete, and has a previous history to indicate a bounce back season is possible. 1 yr at $5M-ish or a 1 yr with a possible option year filled with the traditional raises and incentives? Rios in LF should be solid to good defensively with a RF arm. 75% of his old self he'd hit .250-.260 with double digit HR and SB with high 20, low 30 doubles. All of this would far outshine anything we got from LF last year, offensively or defensively. (All due respect to Schafer's month with the Twins)

I really hope the Twins aren't missing something with Christiansen. He is a well built and talented overall athlete who was an All Big 10 SS previously. Not saying he has SS projection at this level, but I have to wonder about playing some INF in a reserve/developmental role. Particularly 3B. I keep thinking a former SS with a good arm and nice athleticism should be getting a look there. Any word Seth on him seeing time at 3B?

Hopefully earthy this season, both Zach's should be fun to watch. Did we potentially get a couple of steals in Murphy and English? I understand the whole SSS and age vs level debate, but Murphy really excelled and I believe English won a Gold Glove or two didn't he? Man, if the lightbulb could turn on to even 70 watt brightness Williams could be a nice, valuable player. If he could hit or approach full 100 watt status we could have something there. Reminds me of Angel Morales some in regards.

You know what, I cant believe it, but I'm changing my mind. I still like the pinstripes, but I like the blue Twins logo better than the red.I think if they put the numbers on the front, and a TC patch on the sleeve I'd be in

I have tons of faith in Arcia. Not to sound corny, but he just oozes ability and potential. And unlike someone like Delmon Young, he seems determined to improve. His defense has improved, though there is obviously room for improvement. And his close to last season showed improvement offensively, and teased at what he may be capable of. Defensively, I swear if he played one more step back and one more step toward CF plays would be easier for him.

You can call me an eternal optimist if you like...and you wouldn't be wrong...but I'm reading the BA top 10 last night and reflecting on a few things. Do you realize that in 2015, whether it be opening day, mid season or September call up, we could/should/probably will see Buxton, Rosario, Sano, Polanco, May, Meyer, Berrios, Burdi, Reed and Jones. Eight of those are in the top 10. Of course, we've already seen May and I believe he's up to stay. We also might see a pair of lesser prospects that I nonetheless find intriguing in OF Ortiz and Beresford for a utility spot. Darnell might stick in a bullpen spot as well. Wow. Exciting.

I think a lot of people will be eating some crow after this season in regard to Nolasco. The only thing, S I've said before, that he's guilty of is getting hurt in his first year with the Twins and then trying to play through it. If the only thing he does is just pitch to his career norms, we're talking 30+ starts and 190+ IP, a low 4 ERA and 12-14 wins. Career norms. Not only do I think anyone would take that, it's probably better than anyone on this list will do. Not that I'm not in favor of adding someone somewhere.

I don't mind the 1year idea at all. You haven't tied up big money or multiple years. That gives you flexibility to re-sign said FA for a fair extension, or trade them at the deadline if you've got a nice return and someone else ready to step in. A re-sign is simply not going to be some big $20M deal, which means you are flexible to re-sign and still look at extending Hughes. And the trade option bring back a solid player, and possibly provides a little more time for a May or Meyer if not ready or regress a little. And it allows the parent club to, oh, I don't know, actually March out a quality starter to the mound?

Masterson yes. Pretty much anyone else on the list a big no. What's with the love for Anderson? I don't get it. Unless he gets totally healthy and totally durable real quick, this is a guy who has topped 30 starts once in his career, hit 19 once, 13 once and 8 games started is the 4th best in his ML career. Billingsley may be toast, but he's a much more intriguing option. Maholm, also from the Dodgers, is also an intriguing option. But a TJ and flexor tendon problem in 2 years for Billingsley and an ACL for Maholm mean milb contracts.

Good for Cuddy, one of my favorite all time Twins!! But completely unexpected. I really thought it a surprise when the Rockies offered him the QO, considering age and injury. Thought for sure he'd take it. I think the Mets definitely overpaid. But while it may sound trite to say, if he can actually stay healthy for the contract, it's a fair deal and maybe even a bargain. Look, he's an experienced pro who can still hit, still generate power, still knock in runs, offers position and BO flexibility, and tremendous leadership and clubhouse presence. Unfortunately, I just don't know if he can maintain the health part of it. Sure hope he does.

Echoing comments made. That many prospects with a C or higher grade is outstanding. And I too could argue a few grades as being too low or too high IMO. I know it's only the "minor league prospect game", but it's not hard to look at that list of over 40 players and put together a damn fine roster in 2-3 years time. And I don't mean, "well, if a couple of these guys....". I mean, a roster of talent that you would be surprised if they didn't make it, not the other way around.

Not down on Gordon. Seems to have all the talent to make it, plus the genes. Not saying Santana won't be the answer at SS. But if we're talking SS prospects, I'd also rank Polanco over Gordon. I don't put a lot of credence in error numbers for young Inf's. They are learning, and often playing with lesser talented teammates on fields of poorer quality. What's most important is range and hands, as well as improvement throughout the year. Seems Polanco had that.

Hey, what do I know? Not much I suppose. And there are NO guarantees. But I honestly see Meyer, May and Berrios all in the rotation within the next year or so. May impressed me with his ability to learn and adapt. Really, his last few starts were pretty impressive. He reminds me of a poor man's Clemons, throws hard, durable, lots of IP and good SO numbers, but maybe not efficient enough to be "the guy". What I've seen of Meyer is sooooo impressive. Just needs a little more consistency with his repeatables and he could be consistently nasty. Berrios doesn't have the height, which is what kept him out of the 1st round. But tell me a single thing he doesn't have from athleticism to stuff to work ethic?

NOT trying to stir up old debates and controversies, BUT, is this precisely why the Twins were so patient with Meyer this season and resisted temptation to perhaps promote him too soon?

Yes. True. But only to a point. People simply HAVE TO STOP with the Mauer bashing. Is he perhaps overpaid? Did he just happen to have the best year of his career in a contract year? Yes and yes. But it could be argued most top athletes are overpaid. Even in the context of multi million player contracts in baseball, in all sports, you could point to a lot of players that are "overpaid" for a variety of reasons. So Mauer may not be Johnny Bench and Babe Ruth rolled in to one. Who said he was supposed to be? He is a local kid done good. He's a quality guy with a great story. He's a multiple All Star, Gold Glove winner and Silver Slugger winner. Gleeman recently did a piece on his site where he compares Mauer and Molitor through their age 31 seasons. And guess what? In most categories, Mauer ranks ahead of his HOF manager. And before we just bury the guy and put a RIP above his name, can we give him this offseason to work his normal routine and get ready for 2015? This time last year he was still trying to recover from post concussion syndrome. Go talk to Koskie and Morneau about what they went through before you pile on Mauer.

I believe there is a real potential financial Dilema to be considered now that we have our manager, the coaching staff will be in place soon, and FA is in the early stages. It's time to put the 2015 team together. The owner, the GM, the manager, fans, ground crew, beer vendors and secretaries know the Twins need help in the rotation, OF, and some tweaks to the bullpen. The team has some exciting young players on the roster, and others that will be there soon. But there is nothing wrong with using other methods to build the new Twins. A few key points: 1) The team broke from past spending tradition to outlay some pretty big checks last offseason. They attempted to add more to the roster, and even more to the payroll. They actually made a fairly significant investment by signing Morales. 2) Our GM has made a pretty strong public statement concerning pending payroll with the following statements. (Paraphrased) a) $95M should be enough to build a competitive club the team payroll shouldn't have to exceed $100M c) he has money to spend money on a "single" FA...or... d) he may elect to spread the money available on a few players e) he has repeated the mantra that ownership has no restrictions placed on payroll 3) The team owner has stated rather publicly he wants the team to improve, and has echoed Ryan's statement regarding a lack of payroll restrictions. This all brings about the proposed Dilema, as I see it. Before any moves are made, the payroll, as I have figured it, should be around $75M, give or take a little, but subtractions made, a few more still coming, but Milone and Duensing still part of the team. Which, for now, they both are. This would indicate the team has somewhere between $20-25M to make any significant moves. There has been clamoring for the Twins to attempt a big splash for Scherzer or Lester, possibly Shields. Barring a big market shift, Scherzer and Lester are going to be looking for and expecting contracts that are 5-6-7 years in length at more than $20M per. Shields will be forced to settle for fewer years, 3-4 most likely, possibly for a bit less. Financially, the Twins could actually afford to make a move of this nature. PRO: The Twins have a top of the rotation arm to combine with Hughes to give the entire staff and team a huge lift. Barring some major setback to the team, this FA SP improves and deepens not only the rotation in general, but also helps save the bullpen. He gives the team a real chance to win, and could almost single handedly provide 5-10 more wins per season vs some of the journeyman fodder than has marched out to the mound to start games for the Twins the last few seasons. He would also help provide a real charge in the fanbase, as well as change perceptions of the team in general. While there may be sunk costs the final couple of years of the proposed contract terms, both Mauer and Nolasco will be coming off the books in three years to help offset said sunk costs. CON: The Twins pretty much shoot their load financially, with little to no finances available to address the OF situation, or provide much of anything to add to the bullpen. They may be forced to "dumpster dive" for a few possibles for a season or two while awaiting arrival of the top prospects. It also restricts immediate flexibility to make any moves should a key player become injured or suddenly ineffective. Further, it restricts the ability to re-sign the talented, younger, and hopefully "found" Hughes. The second option available is to spread the same dollars around the roster. It would be awesome to find another Hughes out there, but unless I'm missing something/someone, there are no former top 100 prospects with big arms and big potential under the age of 30 with some past success that simply hasn't fully blossomed yet and may be primed to do so. But there are some 30yo and young 30yo's who have the potential to be very good bounce back candidates, who have the potential for anywhere from 12-16 wins and 190+ IP seasons if healthy, and the Twins and their new pitching coach just make a smart/right choice. Just for the sake of arguement, since he's mentioned a lot, could be a prime candidate, and would seem to be a "fit", I'll use Masterson as an example. Depending on how this year's FA market actual plays out, a pitcher of this nature will bring a minimum deal of $5M and would probably top out at $8M. This leaves money on the table for an OF option, or two, while still being able to drop a $M or $2 for a veteran Burton-like RP to deepen and stabilize the pen while integrating the likes of Tonkin, Achter, Oliveros and others, while awaiting the arrivals of Jones, Burdi, etc. PRO: Making the right FA SP choice, pitching in a nice pitchers park like Target Field, working well with our new pitching coach, the rotation is still deeper, better, and that increases wins, potential wins, and lessens the burden on the bullpen. The Twins maintain financial flexibility to re-sign said pitcher, re-sign Hughes, or make a move to replace another player on the roster due to injury or sudden regression. It also allows the signing of a good to interesting option for the OF to deepen the lineup, and help settle the defense, at least for a season or two. And as mentioned, there is probably room for one solid RP veteran to flesh out the pen. CON: You are not signing an ACE type pitcher, and probably not a SP to equal Hughes, despite a rotation upgrade. You could guess wrong on the signing. If you don't get innings, starts, and quality double digit wins, have you just blocked another young SP like May, Meyer or possibly Berrios from a partial to full year of development? In the long run, you could slow the rebuild of the rotation by a half to full season. I don't know that either choice is necessarily right or wrong. But I think there is real value, and real risk with both options available. There is no question the move to Target Field has brought about a rise in payroll numbers compared to the old dome days. And the three highest payroll totals in Twins history were in 2010-11-12 when the Twins felt they had a chance to win, crossing $100M once. The Twins need a team to rebound, compete and win. They have stated, and shown previously, that they are willing to spend when the right move(s) are there, and the team has a chance to win. So further increases should be expected. But for now, in the midst of retooling and rebuilding, despite the best laid plans of fantasy, we are not going to see $110-120M payroll numbers overnight. There are limitations. And if you pause to consider where we've been, where we're headed, and what options are available at this time, I feel these two options, as I've debated and presented, are what the Twins are currently faced with. I'd really like to hear everyone's thoughts.

Yes, payroll dipped last offseason initially, but the Twins spent record amounts on FA's last offseason and did very well with Hughes and Suzuki and PROBABLY will look good this year with a healthy Nolasco as well. They also tried to sign others, notably Garza, to improve the team and raise payroll even more as a result. Then they went out and signed Morales in an attempt to improve the club, and again actually raised payroll. Despite some rather flippant comments, that we should all be used to by now, about payroll now going down much this year, (as opposed to going up much), Ryan was pretty clear at one point that $95M should be enough, and he doubted the team would exceed $100M. (Though they have before) Now take these most recent comments, Ryan's comments and figures, the spree and attempted larger spree last offseason, mix it all together and what do you get? You get a payroll that will dip slightly at first, raise slightly with raises, then jump $15-$25M with FA's and possibly a trade or two. New manager, somewhat new staff, young talent arrived and arriving, new-ish uniforms, 4 straight losing seasons; as a business the Twins need to create excitement and keep fans coming, bring back some others, and help jump start the team to a higher level of competition.

Keeping Bruno is the right and smart move. He earned his reputation with quality work in the minors, and has continued to do a quality job with the Twins. He definitely contributed to the improvements made this season. My only complaint was the streaky nature of the offense last year. Granted, there were streaks of injuries, a number of young players involved, some of which were not initially even expected to make the roster or play as much as they did, and there were holes at times that were difficult to patch. But there were streaks in which the Twins seemed to score consistently and often, followed by stretches where they couldn't buy a hit or run when the pitching was actually performing well.

Yes. And not just for baseball sake, but for their own. Even though the majority of Latin players tend to maintain permanent residency in their home countries, in fact, they spend over half their year in the US. Just being able to order food, shop and live daily they are better off learning English. Gladden May have learned little to no Japanese in his 1 season, but had he been there longer he undoubtedly would have learned some, even by accident.

Love the idea and see the potential. And he finished last season actually looking good. But I just don't believe the Twins will go in to 2015 with plans for both May and Meyer to be in the rotation from the start. How big a move they make is, to say the least, debatable. But some move will be made. And that puts May, or Meyer, as the #5 SP initially. Now, 2016, or second half of '15, this could absolutely change.