DocBauer

Right there with you. Until his recent and unfortunate surgery, I had Melotakis right there too. Here's hoping his rehab is complete and quick. I had hoped and believed the Twins would spend solid money on a FA RP to setup for '15. I have since cooled my thoughts to a less expensive, Burton-esque candidate simply because of the tremendous wealth of talented relievers that could/should climb quickly. If even one of these guys makes it all the way to the show this season that is outstanding. And it could easily be more than one. Oh, but let's not forget Tonkin, Achter and Oliveros either.

Another great read! Thank you! Bummed about Rogers. His pedigree out of college looked pretty solid. His milb track record has been solid as well. I have some doubts about his ceiling. He seems to throw fairly hard, reports are pretty solid on his stuff, but there are some concerns about his SO rate. Of course, SO's are not the be all and end all of any pitcher. I know Seth holds him in pretty high regard. I don't think anyone would expect him to push for a ML job suddenly, but I was eager to see what he could do in the AFL, then use that as a springboard for next season. I really thought Kepler was ready to take that first big step last season. Disappointed he didn't, but encouraged he finished strong. His showing thus far in the AFL has me encouraged that my pick to click was just one season early. If the light is indeed coming on, and he can play at AA this season...WOW...I'm really liking our OF and depth in the next year or two.

Yes. But I would Jake Reed as a real possibility as well.

OK, I'll play. I actually find most of these to be sound. Yes to a FA SP, and your choice are sound, but there are a few to choose from and not sure if it will necessarily be one of those two. But why does Masterson just feel like a fit? Back to the AL, back to the Central, and he was part of the Santana rumors several years ago. No to Pinto being traded. The Twins are rebuilding, I think he's still young enough, still talented enough, still has real potential I feel the new staff will want him. Now...if someone comes calling for him as part of a deal....then maybe. I actually like the Twins to hit .500 next season. No to Mauer regressing. Just the opposite. He is not old, despite a few nagging injuries here and there, he is not breaking down. He will have this full offseason to work and prepare like normal, will get over 500 AB's and will at least resemble the Mauer of old. Kyle Gibson will not be the Twins ACE. But he will build in his experience this last season, and the "rookie" pitcher who was good to excellent in about 2/3 of his starts, (not so good to bad in the other 1/3) will be good to excellent in about 3/4 of his starts and be the Twins #2 SP. One of my own: He won't be a stud, never has been, but Nolasco will be healthy next season and force detractors to eat some crow as he will win 12-14 games and pitch at least 180 innings, and probably 190.

This is one of the more exciting positions in the Twins system, to me. For a few years it seemed the Twins only had god defense "organizational" guys. Now it appears we have some really intriguing prospects. Suzuki was a quality signing. His re-signing may have been on the high side, but the market for catchers is very shallow. Even not strong throwing, even with offensive regression, he's a solid ballplayer and quality game caller and receiver. Pinto is stuck a bit in no man's land. My hope is the new staff will continue to work with him, that his reported strong work ethic will continue, and he will get more and more opportunity to prove himself and gain opportunities. There's just too much talent and potential to give up on. I've been a big believer in Herrmann as a solid backstop and hitter who could offer bench flex ability. I still maintain his biggest issue has been being yo-yo'ed up and down the chain instead of being allowed to play and develop. If Rohfling could hit he'd already be in the majors. Koch disappointed this season, but I had hopes before last season. I figure he's got one more season to rebound. And the reason is Turner and Garver. Call me a huge optimist with these two. All kinds of offensive and defensive potential here. Navaretto and Fernandez each offer talent that the Twins can afford to take time with. I think the next couple of seasons could provide some real excitement at the catching position.

First of all, I absolutely don't understand the dislike towards Nolasco. The 6 years prior to joining the Twins, (based on some previous research I did) he was very consistent in averaging 13 Wins vs 10 Losses and averaged 191 2/3 IP. The only thing he's done wrong was have the unmitigated gall to be injured in his first year of a new 4 year FA deal. Secondly, while not seriously injured, he's not very tradable at this point, especially if the Jays want to dump salary. Third, Nolasco's average numbers the last several seasons aren't far removed from Buehrle or Ervin Santana. Fourth, I don't want to block opportunity for May or Meyer, but I don't think acquiring a SP option for '15 will necessarily do that. Sometimes you have to think of NOW, and not next year. Further, teams often need 6 or more SP in a season, plus there are bullpen and trade options. I believe the Twins need to make a move somewhere. And if we could pick up Buehrle for next to nothing, with at least a little financial contract relief, I wouldn't be opposed. He could be a huge boon to the rotation. But, finances are a part of the equation. And sooner or later, probably sooner, his remarkable streak if IP and consistency are going to come to an end. And he will be 36 this season. In the long run, wouldn't we probably be better off spending our finances on an OF, possibly a RP, and a solid/comeback SP?

WAY too many point across the board on both sides of the issue to paste them all, or comment directly. Just some points and thoughts. 1) Not saying Maddon is being dishonest, but still find it odd he didn't know ahead of time about the out in his contract. I also find it puzzling just how fast this whole Cubs situation has come to pass. I'm not accusing anyone of tampering, but it sure sounds like some sort of back room conversations between someone. 2) Not all of the onus should be placed on the Twins here. If they are the only team with an opening, why in the name of Babe Ruth wouldn't Maddon's team at least make a call themselves? "Hello, Twins? Are you interested in talking? We have a guy for your position you might be interested in." 3) Not blasting anyone's integrity, but a couple reports made, not always with a name attached, stating something as FACT...that the Twins never even made a phone call of any sort...is a bit dubious to me. 4) Isn't it possible the Twins and Maddon's camp already knew it wasn't a match from the begining from previous knowledge? 5) Could the Twins already have a list of 2-3 candidates that they have done due diligence on, really like, and with all due respect to Maddon, just not see him as a fit for the future direction of the team? I could go on and on. I'm not absolving Ryan from doing his job in proper fashion. Not am I dismissing Maddon as a quality manager. The history of sport is littered with coaches/managers with experience who were brought on to re-make a team. Like FA players, some had a real impact, and some didn't. I think tremendous angst for Twins management being incompetent because they supposedly didn't make a phone call to inquire about a manager candidate who, according to most opinions here, wouldn't want to come to Minnesota anyway, is a bit misconstrued. Are we so desperate for change and new news that all we can do is fabricate reasons to dislike the process and those leading it? Just asking. A week ago, most everyone was secure to the lengths of the Twins search.

I have tremendous respect for Maddon. I think he'd be a great hire. His management of the smaller market/payroll Rays would seem to make him an ideal fit for the Twins. And by no means would I excuse Ryan, St Peter or Pohlad to dismiss him in any way. But just for the sake of arguement, can I play devils advocate for a moment? We don't always know what takes place in meetings and conversations behind the scenes. Is it possible Ryan and the others already know from previous conversations that Maddon had no interest in making a move to a team like the Twins? (Rebuilding, mid-market, etc). Is it possible the Twins, interviewing their list of candidates, whittling it down, already knew the 60 yo Maddon had his sites set on Chicago or a similar market and team? I find the timing of his exodus curious, as well as the manner of it. I'm not saying there have indeed been covert, under the table conversations between Maddon and his party, but couldn't there have at least been, "what if" proposals put in place already?

Nice. I remember when drafted he was considered an unspectacular but solid SS who should stick defensively with hit ability, some speed, and some pop. We all want and hope 1st round picks turn in to something important, if not big. But if he develops in to a nice, versatile role player, ultimately, that's not a bad thing. Every team needs those too.

Not saying the Twins are overly deep with middle infield talent, and there's some guys on this list that are very young and very much unknowns as a result, but overall, a big black hold has been closed the past few seasons to provide some quality play and options at the ML level, and some at least interesting options in the pipeline. Count me as a big Dozier fan and believer. And I believe we have yet to see the best of him. I know some point to his age and later arrival/maturity, but players at all positions mature at different rates and ages. You don't draft 15 year hall of famers. You draft good baseball prospects from HS and college, work with and develop them, sometimes move them around, and when they're ready, they're ready. It's ridiculous to state Escobar is a utility player only. He's way too young for that, and does offer a solid set of skills, and really had a very nice season once he got his chance. And if a quality utility guy is his best role, then so be it. There's nothing wrong with that. No questioning the talent and potential of Santana though. I was actually pleasantly surprised by Beresford development this season, but I'm wondering about his floor and ceiling, and if he'll ever get a real shot. The glove appears to be there. I like Nunez as a nice little hitter/utility guy off the bench. I probably like him better than most. But I think his time is limited with Polanco on the way up. Goodrum interests me as a talented and seemingly versatile player potentially, offensively and defensively. Is he another potential Santana? Did his experience at 3B last season increase his versatility or slow his development? Vielma is the guy I find fascinating. I don't know a lot about him except what I read here at TD. All accounts have him as a potentially outstanding defensive SS. I know he's young and physically needing development. But I find myself eager to know more about his potential if he hits a growth spurt or two.

This! I thought he had a real chance of joining the Twins by mid-season. Based on talent, what he accomplished at AA last year, if he had remained healthy and pitched in the AFL, he could have been up sooner. Possibly even have broken camp. Massive bummer. Here's hoping for a speedy and quality recovery for the young man.

I appreciate the passion. Other than Gomez, who else have the Twins acquired via trades that have gone on to success after leaving the Twins?

No excuses, as I also pay attention to spending and payroll and rankings, but could I be allowed to play devil's advocate for a moment? High payroll doesn't insure anything. And if you don't believe that, then you haven't been paying attention to team payroll numbers the last 20 years. There have been Yankees and Red Sox teams in recent years, amongst others, who might or might have not reached the playoffs, but didn't make or win the WS. The Dodgers this season are a great example of a team that, theoretically, disappointed or failed despite a seemingly successful season. TR is right that payroll isn't an excuse, or at least, isn't always an excuse. And he's right that teams with lesser payrolls have done well, won, and reached the playoffs. It still comes down to smart decisions and smart roster construction. The Twins themselves were known to be smart in assembling teams while in the Metrodome. What I've always stated and maintained is that larger payrolls allow for more margin of error, and most importantly, allow a quality team to stay together. I truly respect Ryan for everything he has done for the Twins over the years. And really, he's done one hell of a job. But my one concern has been, after years of building teams with limited payroll, does he understand the newer economics of baseball today? The revenue streams for all teams have greatly expanded the last few seasons, especially for the Twins with those new revenues as well as the economic influx brought about from being in Target Field. He began to spend in 2014, which marked a real change in philosophy. Is he learning? Or is he still stuck, somewhat, in the frugal nature of the Metrodome days?

On a serious note, I have to say I totally agree with dropping the whole "4 losing seasons" rhetoric. Not only did the Twins not set out to do so, but how many times do we have to repeat that the 2011 was a seeming aberration following an excellent 2010 season? Or that 2012 may have been a misguided attempt of hope to rebound? Consider the futility of the Royals and Astros and a few other teams for the past 10-20 seasons when you want to complain about 4 poor seasons.

I consider myself to be a highly intelligent person, and a bit of a grammar monitor at times. But I know that at times spell correct and an IPad keyboard, where I usually blog from, cause consternation. I also get so wrapped up in posting that I sometimes forget to proof read properly. But you're correct that we should be able to spell Hermie and Dougie correctly, amongst others. (Snicker) I will guiltily admit to occasional mental lapses that lead me to look up a roster so I don't embarrass myself needlessly. I wonder though, if there shouldn't be an after 9:00, 3 beer rule allowance after a long work day tolerance policy put in place? LOL

I'm more than fine with the solid, improved, (still improving?) Plouffe at 3B for now. Sano is the real deal, but has rust to shake off. I believe he begins the season at AA to do so. Doubtful Hanson has a ML future, but he's the kind of player you try to bring back to help fill out a roster as a solid player. Romeo's window is closing, but I'm still baffled the Twins didn't promote him this season for some kind of audition of look-see. I find Haar interesting. Long, long way to go. But is he a mid round steal option? I'm a big believer in Christiansen and feel he could be a nice multi positional role player. He is a former all Big 10 SS who also played the OF, and would seem to have the defensive ability to play multiple positions. Goodrum I don't get. He's a 2nd round pick, an exciting athlete with growth potential who has reportedly been a very solid SS with offensive potential and speed. My understanding was he moved to 3B to allow Polanco to be the primary SS. Has he already outgrown SS? Is there something lacking at SS despite earlier reports as to his potential and ability there? I'm wondering if he's been given up on too soon if the move to 3B is permanent.

Personally, in today's ever changing market place, and the Twins seemingly growing in to that world with SOME of the payrolls they've had since the move to Target Field, and the new found FA aggressiveness they began to embrace last season, I don't think Maddon would not be approached or hired due to contract. I mean, really, as someone pointed out, in a multi million business in which Pelfrey gets a $5M deal, paying a top, well respected manager something similar really shouldn't be an issue. I find the timing of Maddon's exodus interesting. Why not leave right after the season was over, if he was feeling frustrated and wanted to move on elsewhere. Was he truly not aware of his option? Did he really leave because the GM left and he felt daunted by the change? Personally, and I know I'm a devoted fan, I think we need to get over any insecurity of being a Midwest and mid-market team that nobody wants to come to. There is some real history involved with Twins baseball. And while the team may run things smart and responsible, to the point of being frugal at times, we haven't been in the Calvin G days of penny pinching for some time. Target Field is one of the best venues in all baseball. The teams spends plenty on scouting and development, works constantly to upgrade facilities, has some pieces in place, and one of the best milb systems around. We might not be where Maddon wants to be, but I wouldn't take that as a slight. This is a pretty good job to have.

Hilarious! But on a serious note, at age 60, is it possible he wants a taste of a big market that might have a bigger checkbook? I mean, the reality is that his next job just might be his last. And while not in the slightest way to demean Maddon, are the Twins better off long term with a quality candidate who is younger and would be part of the rebuild, the next phase of Twins winning, for a longer tenure? Just idle speculation.

The research I did was, truth be told, based on the "Hughes-like" principle. Someone who may not be an ACE, but could legitimately be a 1-3 SP of Hughes quality. Ideally, I wanted options of 30 yo or less, but was willing to look at older who appeared to have life left, and be affordable and productive, whether that be a 1yr deal or more, though obviously nothing long term. Meaning I eliminated anyone 35 or older right off the bat. I also went through the list of available FA SP and eliminated anyone that didn't clearly show any form of past consistency as a SP. In other words, if they hadn't made 30 starts any time in their career, or only did it once, or maybe twice but multiple years apart, they were eliminated as clearly being nothing more than a 4-5 or fallback option. And that is NOT what this team needs to be adding at this point. It's not an overly distinguished class, but I was surprised to find several options that intrigued me. It's unfortunate that besides Santana, the next two prospects I like the most are both coming off significant injury. But there are a few options there, including Masterson, who have shown real quality stretches in their career where they have made multiple 30 start campaigns with solid overall peripherals. And a couple others who have done the same, but with less overall consistency. To me, these guys are the closest to the Hughes quotient: not overly expensive, but healthy and a solid pitching coach, the right change of scenery, could be that big find/value.

I always thought the Twins got less by trying for more. And if they had just settled for less, they would have ended up with much more.

I confess to not knowing much about Martinez, other than knowing him as a solid ballplayer, but I am confused and a bit disappointed he apparently didn't get an interview. Especially consider his experience with Maddon and the Rays. But, maybe there was no permission given. I think the search, thus far, seems to be pretty thorough. I don't believe Ryan has simply been giving lip service to a well rounded search. Lovullo's candidacy is proof of that, in my opinion. But I am confused as to continued angst to the Twins looking "internal" for their final choice. Sure Molitor has spent the past few years coaching in the Twins system, and drawing rave reviews from the very players he would be expected to manage, but he also coached for Seattle, spent the majority of his HOF career in Milwaukee, and spent three seasons with Toronto before his three seasons with the Twins. So what exactly makes him solely a Twins insider? (Even though that's not necessarily a bad thing) Dougie M was drafted and developed by the Twins, but also spent time with the Royals, Mets, Pirates, Red Sox, Dodgers and Yankees. He played 12 years, or at least parts of, 7 with the Twins. But because he started with the Twins, then was well thought of enough to come back to the organization as a milb manager, he's exclusively an "insider"? (Again, I don't know that that's necessarily a bad thing) I actually find that kind of funny and kind of insulting, both because it suggests the Twins are somehow inept on all levels, which is most definitely not the case, but also because it seems to indicate the Twins cloning a certain type of coach/manager. Let me ask you, if Molitor and/or Mientkiewicz coached last season for another organization the way Redmond and LeCroy did, would that make them a better candidate?

Please don't confuse "the Twins Way" as being some all encompassing thing based simply on the past 4 years. The "Twins Way" when employed properly, is sound all around baseball. It's a solid rotation, usually anchored by a couple studs, and a quality bullpen. It's quality defense, and a mix of aggressive hitting and base running with a blend of power, speed and hitting while also employing situational hitting. Yes, it's easy to dismiss this as "just good baseball". And that is true, but only to a certain degree. There has been conversation and debate, for instance, of the Royals way or the Orioles way of doing things lately. Historically, there has been the AL power, station to station game vs the NL speed and defense and situational way of doing things. At their best, winning seasons, the Twins have found a nice mix of all approaches. And it's usually been accomplished with smart baseball moves, relying on the milb system, using key trades and FA signings to augment the roster, and even some key waiver-wire FA acquisitions. There have been years, certainly, where the Twins just didn't have the horses to make it work. But TK won 2 World Series with it, and while Gardenhire never won one, and trails TK in overall wins, he also produced, I believe, more winning seasons and playoff appearances. Don't dismiss what the "Twins Way" really is just due to 4 disappointing seasons.

Interesting and disappointing. Agreed I wouldn't him to be out in a risky situation. I may be very mistaken, but isn't the PR winter league later? If so, wonder if that could be an option.

Can I offer my application as your assistant, or at least, as AN assistant? No experience playing or coaching the game. ( played football) But semi-intelligent, open-minded, and a passionate and devoted fan who was watched and listened to the Twins since I was 5, 44 years total. And I called for, dreamed and hoped for the Twins to sign Kazmir each of the last two offseasons.

So I did a little homework for my own information on FA SP options that may be of interest to the Twins. While doing so, FWIW, I thought I'd share my list here. My criteria was pretty simple. I was looking for options that weren't over age 34, and had at least a decent history of making 30 starts per season. Considering Hughes, Nolasco and Gibson locked in, May, Milone and Meyer as options, (maybe Pelfrey) the last thing I felt the Twins would need is another 5th starter option. Also, many of us have talked about adding a "Hughes-like" option if possible. If you can't or aren't going to acquire a #1 SP, and honestly they are expensive and hard to come by, then 1 year, 2 year or 3 year, you want to at least bring in someone to actually have a shot near the top of the rotation. Obviously I discounted Lester and Scherzer. I also want to discount Shields due to being 33, expecting regression soon, but also figuring financial demands and years might play beyond basic logic for the rebuilding Twins. I'm also discounting Wei-Yin Chen, LH and 29 with a club option for $4.75M that is certain to be picked up, and Dan Haren, RH and 34 who holds a player option at $10M that he'd probably be foolish to pass up. Top of my list is Ervin Santana, RH and 32. The Twins have been tied to him previously and is coming off a solid but unspectacular 2014. Wins and loses aren't the best way to quantify a pitcher, but if you compare career numbers and average seasons, he compares very closely to Nolasco. He's had better seasons than Nolasco, but hasn't been as consistent in W-L or ERA, though he does show a little higher in IP and SO's. His stuff is a bit more dynamic, and he's affordable I believe. Others: Gavin Floyd, RH, 32, no stud but a rebound candidate who had a nice 5 year run with the CWS in starts and IP. Yovani Gallardo, RH, 29, 6 straight years of 30 plus games started with nice SO numbers. Club option of $13M. (Very interested, will the Brewers pick this option up? Can they afford it?) Hisashi Iwakuma, RH, 34, three straight solid season, owed $7M club option. Guessing Seattle picks it up. If not? Kyle Kendrick, RH, 30, a rough last 2 seasons but previously consistent in regard to games started and IP. Justin Masterson, RH, 30, rough lately, but nice 4 year run in Cleveland with 29+ starts and good IP. Edinson Volquez, RH, 30, up and down career, good SO numbers, 3 straight seasons of 30+ starts, inconsistent. Joe Saunders, LH, 34, multiple 30+ games started seasons, solid IP numbers, low SO numbers and inconsistent. There's a couple guys there that might be picked up by their clubs. But if not, I could be seriously in, even on a short deal. Available, or the Twins eventual new pitching coach doing a solid job, there's a couple "Hughes-like" potential signees there. Injury concern options: Chad Billingsley, RH, 30, quality career, a $14M club option you have to believe will be declined. He had TJ surgery, then had June surgery for a flexor tendon problem. He and his camp claim he'll be ready for ST. This is a long shot, but a potential low risk and high reward type of potential signing. Paul Maholm, LH, 33, a very solid LHSP option but coming off August ACL surgery. Kind of a big deal. But with a nice rehab, another possible low risk high reward type. A couple dark horse candidates: James Shields, RH, 33, high quality option who might be beyond the rebuilding Twins means or discretion, as stated. But what if his market is not what he'd hope for or expect? Francisco Liriano, LH, 31, this ship has probably long sailed, he's been a bit of a head case his whole career. But there is still some talent to work with there, and with a new manager and pitching coach, is a reunion possible? Anyway, a list of acceptable and interesting possible FA SP options as I see them.