DocBauer

There is absolutely no reason to expect Hughes to pitch as he did last season, give or take a few swings in peripherals. There is also no reason NOT to expect Hughes to pitch as he did last season, give or take a few swings in peripherals. The comps to Lee are, at the very least, interesting. But what has me filled ...ok, I'll admit it, "giddy"...with excitement and expectation is not just what Hughes did last season, but who is physically, and his past. Not to sound corny, but his is a big, strong strapping fellow who has always posses velocity and tremendous potential. It's what made him, once upon a time, a top prospect in all of baseball. At one point his was virtually untouchable with the Yankees, and was considered a top of the rotation prospect. Of course, his tenure with the Yanks was filled with great inconsistency. I wouldn't label him a disappointment as he did have seasons and moments where he looked like the pitcher scouts felt he could and should be. It's been well documented that Yankee stadium, and perhaps the limelight of NY, simply didn't fit him. His change if scenery, and new opportunity, with the Twins came at age 28, not old for a strongly built and hard throwing pitcher still developing. Yes, there are talents who just jump to the forefront at an earlier age, but it seems to me that most top of the rotation starts find themselves in the age 25-28 seasons/years as they gain control, gain experience, learn to trust their stuff, and simply learn the nuances of pitching. Lee is a good example. But also consider Scherzer, one of the top two FA prizes on the market. Turning 30, he's been very good for a few years now, but it's the last couple of years where he matured in to a real #1 type pitcher.

More or less agree completely. But with a couple tweaks. I like Rasmus because he CAN play CF. But I think I'd prefer him to play LF, knowing he can help cover CF, as can Santana here and there possibly. Small trade or inexpensive FA, I'm looking for another Schafer type to bring in to compete with Schafer and Hicks for probably two jobs, primary CF and 4th OF, or a combo/platoon to share those two spots. I want defense and speed for the bottom of the order, and whatever hitting, OB and power I can get. I have a few other ideas for SP signings, but Santana is definitely one of the tops. He's talented, generally consistent, but generally not dominating. He's probably the top SP in the second group of available FA's. Despite his overall ability and numbers, he simply isn't an $18-20M per pitcher. Your $15M per is about right, give or take a little. I think one low cost Burton-like RP should be in order. Totaled up, that's somewhere in the $25M range of moves barring a big market swing either way. IF the Twins keep Duensing and Milone, that outs the Twins around $100M.

I have to agree, unfortunately. I have mentioned Hunter before as a serious consideration on a 1yr deal to infuse experience, leadership and a still capable RH bat with pop and RBI potential. (Doesn't hurt that it would just be neat) But my stance has changed due to, what appears to be, a precipitous drop in defense. Now, I'd still be on board if he could handle LF, which is where he'd project. But I'm not sure that's really an option either. Could he be a decent 4th OF, PH, part time DH? Yes. But I don't think that's what this team needs. We need a full time LF contributor. Cuddyer would make much more sense being younger than Hunter, still productive, and providing the same intangibles. But the Rockies seem determined to keep him at this point. Rios on a fair deal for 1yr, possibly with a fair option and buyout, as a bounce back candidate? Still can run a little, has a good arm, would play LF now and could potentially still provide a nice RH bat?

Always been a fan of the stirrups. Would love to see them back. If I'm not mistaken, didn't they have the TC on the sides?

Thanks to ScottyB and Thrylos for the shot of the red jersey top! I like it, though maybe a shade darker. And I agree with the Mini and Paul patch on the sleeve, move the TC to the front, with MINNESOTA across the front. White numbers trimmed in blue. Nice!

Huge fan of TK, and think the Twins are very lucky to have him still involved, as a scout, advisor and instructor. But not only does he seem to enjoy his role now, I doubt he'd want to return to that regular season grind again. And even if he did, how weird would it be to not be the guy in charge? I agree he can be a great resource for Molitor, simply being the same scout, advisor and instructor he is now. I can understand TK, Gardenhire, or any manager actually, occassionally loathe to play a youngster over a veteran when they are trying to win games. But I always find it funny when people slam TK as not liking or playing youngsters. And yet, who was the manager in charge when the new, or second, wave of new Twins first hit the bigs? That included the entire United Nations infield as well as the Soul Patrol outfield and later Marty Cordova and others. And the thing TK is most known for these days is all the time, energy and hard work he puts in to working with the Twins minor leaguers.

Personally, white, gray or cream, I'd rather see a little less of the blue tops, saving them for an alternate, and sticking more with the one tone color scheme. TC absolutely belongs on the hats, and somewhere on the sleeve or front of the jersey. I also think it's time to bury past superstition and bring back the red tops as an alternate. A few months ago someone had a photo of a red mock-up that was very cool. Anyone recall who had that?

Blows my mind how anyone could not accept a 1yr guarantee of $15M. Especially if you were in the 32/33-35 yo range like Cuddy and a few others. Especially when you saw what happened last year with a few guys overvaluing themselves and being left out in the cold, at least initially. Scherzer is obviously an exception here. Not sure Santana is. He ended up with a decent contract last season after being shut out initially. But most of his numbers actually regressed despite pitching the the reportedly more friendly NL. Can he really count on the big 2-3 yr deal this offseason? Maybe. Should the Twins decide to move forward with any of these players, I believe I'm correct that their 1st pick is safe, but they would sacrifice their 2nd round pick. I'd hate to give that pick up, but protecting a top 1st rounder has to make a serious move much more comfortable.

As a side note, how about a great story line? Local boy plays at the local university, goes on to a HOF career and even spends time at the end of his career with the local baseball team. He then has a reportedly solid career as a scout and instructor for the home town team before becoming it's manager. Hollywood rejects scripts that are this tailored and neat.

Let's just say Molitor was the odds on favorite since day one. The point is??? The Twins interviewed several candidates, and multi-interviewed some of them. This was all for public show and perception? Say what you will about the Twins way of doing things, but they've never been accused of being covert or disingenuous in how they do business. The fact that an odds on favorite ultimately won is the reason they were labeled the favorite to begin with. And let's not forget we are talking about a successful, cerebral HOF player who not only made an imprint on the club last season, but has been given glowing reports from the very minor league players we are all aching to see turn the Twins franchise around for the next era of competitiveness.

I'm just knowledgeable about coaching hires to be dangerous. But I'm probably as dangerous as a wet firecracker when it comes to who would be a good pitching coach hire. Riverbrian is right on in regard to HOF players, in any sport, often not being good coaches. They had the talent, the will, and that special something to excel. It's hard for them to settle for less than what they themselves accomplished, and don't always know how to express what they did. They just did it. That's why I'm not sure you can name a Maddux as a great idea for a pitching coach. If interested, perhaps he could be excellent. So could Glavine and Smoltz. But there has to be the want to be a coach, as well as the ability to articulate the job. But those would be some interesting ideas to be sure. I don't know Cuellar is the right guy, but I've only heard glowing reports about him in the past. And I'm greatly intrigued by Marty Mason. Firstly, he's only been with the Twins for two seasons, so he's no Twins "insider" for those who want a new voice and approach. Secondly, he has familiarity with May, Meyer and other pitching prospects. And thirdly, he actually comes primarily from the Cardinals organization, an organization often lauded here and other locations for being able to provide quality pitching.

Very optimistic on both Rosario as well as Kepler. I know it's SSS, but considering the shortened and disappointing season Rosario had, seeing him participate in a AA or AA+ environment has me encouraged he's returning to form. Everyone is talking Chattanooga to begin 2015, but I wouldn't rule out Rochester. And I've always believed, nothing but a feeling, that while no slugger, his HR power would start to come back with physical maturity, experience, and simply a chance to play at a comfortable level. He's actually been promoted pretty quickly in his career. I also have a gut feeling the light is going to come in for Kepler as well. There just seems to be so much natural talent and ability there for him to not turn a corner one of these days.

I don't think we are "stuck" with Nolasco. No stud, he's posted solid and consistent numbers/seasons for his career, even while pitching for some pretty bad teams at times. When healthy this season, he admittedly showed some inconsistency at times, but also looked good to very good at times. Once again I state the only thing he was guilty of is being injured in the first year of his new FA deal. I expect a healthy and strong rebound season in 2015 where he pitches to his career numbers. With Hughes, an experienced and improved Gibson and the hopeful prospect of a right FA signee, Nolasco could be anything from the Twins #2 to #4 SP. The Hammel and Anderson signings make sense here. But probably on the milb contract level. Despite the presence of May and Meyer, and hopefully the arrival of Berrios at some point, I believe the Twins will be more aggressive this offseason than the likes of Hammel or Anderson. Similar to last season, despite some talented youngsters on the rise and impending promotion, the Twins will make a move for a Santana or a Masterson, or one of a few others that will be available. I believe the market will be very fluid this offseason. I think there will be a handful of big signings to be sure. But I also believe a lot of large market teams are going to limit big spending, having already taxed themselves to certain points. Even more than last season, you will see some interesting 1yr make good contracts.

Thank you. I will also try to be polite. Lol I never mentioned bouquets. I also never stated he should be guaranteed a spot. I also believe, based on pure ability, as well as youth, May doesn't really compare to Milone or Pelfrey, and most certainly not Pino. We're comparing apples to squishy oranges with that white stuff caked all over. May is a former top prospect of the Phillies, and a current top prospect of the Twins, not a 30 yo journeyman. Further, the only thing he's ever really done "wrong" as a prospect was repeat AA, where he did actually show improvement. The point I was attempting to actually make, initially, was how so many called for early/earlier promotions for May and Meyer both to join the ML club. Remember, despite quality results, sometimes dominant results, BOTH young men were in AAA for the very first time. Meyer was on a pitch limitation, and probably less consistent than May. But again, there was clamoring for their immediate promotion to the majors. Not unlike Gibson in 2013. And like Gibson in '13, there was much debate. But May was promoted. And he struggled initially. Once again, not a big surprise. And while he is NOT a finished product by any measure, he showed ability, he showed the ability to learn, adjust, grow, and pitched fairly well the last half of his starts. I would never say he has something locked up. But especially for a rebuilding team, I think you have to at least pencil him in as a solid option for one of the available spots.

It's comments like those from AJ and others I've heard recently that really swayed me over to Molitor as a great selection. Not that I've ever debated his baseball career or baseball knowledge credentials, but being able to coach and communicate are chief components to being a manager and leader, I believe. Now, you also have to know how to assemble a quality staff around you and be able to delegate properly. And that's the one key component we just don't know yet. To echo ASHBURYJOHN, I don't know that pitching coaches often make good managers, for whatever reason, but it might be the single most important hire that Molitor can make. I think Molitor's knowledge from hitting to base running to defense to situational defense are impeccable. In any sport, top players don't always make good coaches. Why? Nobody has ever been able to answer this accurately other than the fact the game just came so easily to them, and they succeeded at such a high level that they simply don't know how to relate and impart knowledge. It doesn't appear Molitor has this problem. But he can't do it all, or know it all.

I think the makeup of the coaching staff is going to be both paramount and interesting in its makeup. Molitor had a very long and distinguished career. He's been in organized ball for about 40 year, and he's obviously played under and with a lot of quality baseball people, and had a lot of contacts both at the major league and minor league level as a player and coach/instructor. Initially, he wasn't my first choice as I found myself swept up in the idea of Dougie M to have that young manager who would be with the club for the long term and this next wave of the "new Twins" arriving. And while it's doubtful Molitor will be as long term as his predecessors, the more I thought about his qualifications, and his work with the Twins minor league players, and their glowing comments about him, I began to feel better and better about him being the choice with Doug getting additional milb time to develop himself as a manager. (Still feel he or Mauer may be the guy in a few more years). I have a hard time NOT seeing Bruno back. Likewise, I think Cuellar would be an excellent choice to return as either pitching or bullpen coach. His reputation has always been glowing, and he probably deserved a promotion to the ML club sooner than last year. I had honestly never thought of Robin Young until recently, which I mentioned elsewhere, until I heard him mentioned by a respected local journalist. I find myself intrigued by his presence. I also wonder about the possibility of Dale Sveum as bench coach. Would he leave the Royals to join Molitor as his bench coach? He might, joining a former teammate, and might enjoy the idea of being a #2 with the idea of using it as a springboard to another shot as a ML manager. I like the idea of a former ML catcher being on staff as well. I think Steinbach is certainly a possibility to be retained, assuming he doesn't move on to join LaRussa in some capacity. If not him, what about Henry Blanco? I believe he's with the Diamondbacks, but perhaps he's ready for a new challenge? Molitor has ties as a player to former Latin players such as Roberto Alomar, Tony Fernandez and Alfredo Griffin. Could any of these be coaching possibilities? The pitching coach is obviously going to be a major hire. And I confess I'm at a bit of a loss for possibilities for this spot.

I wonder, if the entire Maddon surprising out situation had never transpired, would there be so much vitriol and angst among the Molitor and Ryan haters?

I generally like this. I'm uncertain as to friction with Gardenhire, or how much truly existed. There have been some rumors over time, but I don't know that we'll ever know if it is true, or to what degree. At this point, it is water under the bridge. As to Seth's comment about Molitor being brought on last season as the eventual choice, I don't know. Perhaps. Again, we'll probably never know. But he did seem to have a positive impact on the club last year. And after the previous three seasons, I think that very well may have been the only real reason he was added. Again, at this point, water under the bridge. I disagree with Molitor being an inside hire simply because he's been employed by the Twins the past several years. I disagree because he is a knowledgeable, HOFer, respected baseball guy who was not a part of the Gardenhire team until last season. Further, his playing career was only a few years with the Twins, after time with the Jays, and most if his career with the Brewers. Has he been part of the organization? Absolutely. But I just don't see Molitor as a corporate "yes man".

So the Twins were wrong in not bringing May up sooner than they did...although they probably would have if not for injury setback...then they did, and he showed talent but kinda sucked and got shelled. Not surprising, and most of us kind of expected it. But they stuck with him, gave him his shots, and what did he do? He improved and finished pretty strong. So now the rebuilding Twins should NOT plan on a talented SP with talent and a strong finish to last season as being a strong candidate for next season? I guess I'm confused.

On a hilarious but serious note...I enjoyed the comments about Hrbek being in the booth far more than any of us know. If he isn't too busy hunting, fishing, bowling, drinking, or working with his wonderful charity, why isn't Hrbek hired by the Twins in some capacity? Is there a better PR VP candidate? Is there a better choice to join the TV and radio booths for color commentary? He is doubtlessly full of humor, experience, perspective and stories. And while seen outwardly at times as a loveable lug, Hrbek was a highly successful pro. And he's literally a lifelong Twin.

Here in the Big Red state, Omaha in particular, where I call home, we're blessed with some very well respected journalists and well regarded sports talk shows. And many of said journalists have pretty good connections. A couple days ago, there was a fairly bland comment in regard to Molitor soon being named manager of the Twins. Now, this comment was made somewhat flippant, and, of course, we really don't know what the final decision will ultimately be. But the comment was made with the caveat that it could be expected for Robin Yount to be named to the coaching staff soon after. Now, this may not be earth-shattering news, and Molitor may NOT ultimately be the Twins managerial choice. But I found the Yount reference interesting. And honestly, I had never considered him as a candidate for the staff. But I felt obliged to share these comments and toss them out there for consideration. FWIW.

Sorry if I am repetitive, but I have concerns about this whole issue. 1) "Sources" say this, and "sources" say that. Some of these "sources" say things that seem to contradict one another. Sorry if I'm a bit jaded or suspicious of Mr Source, but over the years I've just hear and read too much from him to get immediately worked up about what he says. 2) The Twins have a manager opening. They are the only team with said opening when Maddon becomes a FA. Maddon is a respected baseball guy with a quality track record. And yet, for some reason, Terry Ryan, a veteran and very respected baseball man in his own right completely and utterly ignores Maddon. Nothing. Nope. Nada. Even Ryan's bosses make no attempt at contact, or urge/force him to make a simple phone call. Does anyone else a flaw in basic logic here? Either there is something here we are not privy to, or Mr Source is mistaken. 3) Maddon is now a FA, and there is one team with an immediate opening. And it's reported he respects the organization, likes Target Field, and would welcome speaking with the Twins. And yet he and his team take absolutely no initiative on their own to make a simple phone call to inquire interest? Am I the only person that sees complete disconnect here?

I felt the interview was honest and about as transparent as you could expect. I appreciated comments made about stretching payroll above normal parameters when the organization felt there was a solid reason to do so. And if you look at the 2010-2012 seasons that is clearly evident. I would have liked to hear more about 2015 though, in relation to comments from Ryan in reference to "$100M should be more than enough." Target Field is one of the top ballparks in all of baseball. And the Ft Myers complex, already nice, now has to be the industry standard! But I'd like to know more about this new Dominican facility.

Cool thought. But honestly, I don't know anything about him. Do you have any information to share?

Pinto has potential still. Personally, I don't think he played all that bad the end of 2013 as the primary, unless I was missing something. Suzuki has his flaws, but he's solid behind the plate, calls a good game, seems to have the trust of the guys who throw to him, and isn't anemic with the bat. Is it possible his 2 year extension was given with Turner and Garver firmly in mind? I know it's early, but from everything we hear, it seems like the Twins really pulled a couple potential gems out of that draft.