DocBauer

Anyone else think/wonder if the second interviews with Molitor and Mientkiewicz also include conversations about working together on the staff regardless who is manager and who is coach?

FWIW, Santana also began in the bullpen. First as a rule V stash, then as a valuable arm growing in to a role. Not saying that should be Meyer's route......just saying.

I am on the side of improving and augmenting the team talent. That being said, there is a part of me that sees Meyer so close, Berrios ready by August or September, believes in Hughes, Gibson and a healthy Nolasco, likes who's I saw May finish and wonders at acquiring a FA SP. Likewise, when might Rosario be ready, and could Buxton be ready by the end of the season as well. I don't want to spend to spend, or just offer short term results that could block someone in the pipeline, only to take a step or half step back. BUT...and it's a big BUT...I don't only not to want to rush anyone, but I also believe there are holes that can be filled smartly to improve the team without necessarily blocking anyone. I don't know that you can ever have enough pitching. So the Twins take a shot on a nice, high potential FA SP. And it turns out. Someone wouldn't make a deal for our over abundance if this happens if/when Meyer proves ready? Right now, today, Buxton is a season away, slightly less hopefully. Rosario is half a season away, slightly less hopefully. Brining in at least one quality OF blocks who exactly? You spend money you can actually afford to spend on a quality FA OF, a SP FA, and maybe a small deal RP Buxton-hopeful and you try to improve the ball club. You can always trade from additional depth if it turns out right.

Seems to me the Twins haven't made any major investments in milb talent at 1B the past few seasons, with the exception of a rookie FA or two. And I get and understand that. A quality 1B, overall, is nothing to take for granted for sure. But it's also an easier position to fill with player movement than many other spots. Hicks intrigues me as he's been productive thus far, and is only 2 1/2 years in his career. I'm still waiting for Kepler to really take that big step forward. I truly thought 2014 would be that year. I'm still waiting but haven't given up hope yet. Flatly, his athleticism should still see him as an OF option, but I think depth of talent and opportunity could make him a very interesting 1B opportunity. Being a Big Red fan, I'm watching the career of Chad Christensen with great interest. An All Big 10 SS, he was moved to the OF, back to SS due to injury, and back to the OF again. As reported, he is a quality athlete who in college, and pro career thus far, has played multiple positions. He seems to have hit, defense, speed and decent XB power tools, though BIG power hasn't presented itself yet. He's such a nice athlete that I hate to pigeonhole him at 1B too early. But like Kepler, he could end up as a very intriguing player there.

Now in Target Field and increased financial resources, the Twins produced the three highest payrolls in team history in 2010, 2011 and 2012 when it was believed the Twins had quality teams with a real chance to win. Said payrolls ranked 11th, 9th and 13th in ML payroll respectively those seasons. Terry Ryan is on record as stating 2014 payroll topped $90M, and that $100M "should be more than enough" to put a competitive team on the field. And last offseason, the Twins went on an unprecedented FA spending spree, and even attempted to spend more. In past offseason's, we've heard references to the Twins not raising payroll, or not raising it much. Now we're hearing conversely different comments such as not expecting it to drop much. Simply, considering the apparent change in spending philosophy as spoken, as seen in practice during the 2014 offseason, as characterized by Terry Ryan recently, without use of a crystal ball or revealing the FO plans entirely to the world, can we actually expect the Twins to be aggressive for a second straight season to augment the payroll and the construction of the team for 2015?

Not blasting anyone...just saying...a lot of people need to get off Mauer's back/case. Despite the one big HR season, he never has been and never will be a big power hitter. And you know what? That's OK! Sure, there were a few voices that called for increased power production getting out from behind the rigors of playing catcher daily. But that's a bit naive. I for one, and others echoed my thoughts, that there might be a slight increase in power production, but it's really about just being fresher for more overall games and AB's leading to more opportunity, not a sudden surge. Less physical abuse/demand on the body should lead to more games played, which leads to more AB's, which leads to an increase in overall production based on career norms per. Mauer had a lot of things going on the past year, not the least of which was his concussion holding him back, and affecting his offseason preparation if nothing else. He is not old, he is not physically or mentally debilitated in any known way at this point. There is no reason he can't have a hard working off season and a healthy 140-150G season in 2015 at 1B with an occasional game at DH. No reason he can't return to being the .300 hitter with .380-.390-.400 OB% complete with 40 or so doubles. I dare say, healthy, at 1B, participating in said 140-150G we'd probably see 12-14 HR's just based on 500+ AB's. A 1B doesn't have to be a big slugger to be a valuable member of your lineup. No reason he can't produce the numbers I've stated and be similar to what Grace, Hernandez, Joyner and others used to mean to their teams in the past.

While there could be regression in some areas, there could be improvement in others, especially if the OF defense is shorn up. I believe Hughes, while not an ACE is a top of the rotation talent and will prove to generally be as effective next season as this one. With respect and no malicious intent, this is simply not Scott Diamond part 2.

Rumors coming out of Boston now are that not only is he not crazy about re-signing there, but that Boston may now be thinking of moving him. He has one year left on his contract that will pay him $10.5M in 2015. Is this a tactical move on his part to garner a better extension? Or is he simply not happy in Boston? The Red Sox gave up an awfully good SP in Lester to acquire him, but his reluctance to play and sign there could be lowering his trade value. He's not old, but he's also not young at 29. He's generally, from what I've read and seen, a solid LF with a big arm. He runs OK, can steal a base, but isn't a big running threat. He's also not a great OB guy, nor a pure power hitter or big time RBI producer. But his numbers for the last three seasons are solid. 2012: .292-.356-.505-25Dbls-5Trp-23HR-82RBI 2013: .240-.294-.442-21Dbls-4Trp-26HR-80RBI 2014: .260-.301-.450-36Dbls-6Trp-22HR-100RBI Do those numbers deserve $10.5M in 2015? What kind of extension are those numbers worth? And most importantly, are those numbers worth making a trade for a 1-year look-see while either working out a fair option, or, taking the risk of a quality full year then attempting to make a re-signing? It depends obviously on what the Sox would want back, and whether Cespedes and his camp show any willingness to discuss an extension. I'm of the belief the Red Sox may be handcuffed on this one. Assuming the asking price truly isn't high, would you be willing to make the trade for one year and hope? The potential is there for a multi-year, productive offensive and defensive player in the what...$9-10-11M per range? Is this someone the Twins should be in on?

Initially, I felt the Twins mishandled Parmelee by not just letting him play more over time in '12 and '13 to try and develop and judge him once and for all. At the end of ST last season, I think they did make the right move. To their favor, he was passed over and assigned to AAA. It might have been better for him if they had just left him there for all or most of the season. (Similar to Herrman who would have been served to spend all year at Rochester at least one of the past 2 seasons) I no longer hold out hope Parmelee is a long term reserve/piece of the Twins future. And I wouldn't devote a 40 man spot to him at this point, there's just too many young players we need to hold the rights to at this point. But unless claimed by someone else, I'd still bring him back with limited enthusiasm. In spurts at AAA and with the Twins, he's shown glimpses of turning at least a short corner and providing actual value. With Hicks...yes Hicks...Rosario, Buxton, possibly Schafer, Ortiz and Walker hopefully coming 'round the bend, Parm's options with the Twins may be coming to an end. But every year someone finds a former top prospect that either has the light come on, or just finds the right time and place, to become at least a useful piece. I'm still intrigued enough by flashes shown to want to keep him around for 2015 in some capacity.

I like this. I've never dismissed Ortiz, but it is easy to forget about him with Hicks, Buxton, Rosario and Walker conversations. Always felt Rosario had more overall upside, but thought Ortiz could be a slightly lesser overall but similar talent option who could end being an excellent 4th OF option down the road. We might see a promotion at the end of that road with a solid season at Rochester this year.

Of course it's a futile discussion at this point. But we have to have something to talk about before things actually heat up don't we? LOL

Is it my imagination, or does Arcia look more comfortable moving to his left? It could be a SSS on my part watching him, or again my imagination, but the thought has struck me a couple times. It seems right and back to the gap, or right and in gives him more difficulty. The way the ball comes off the bat? If there's anything to this, maybe a step or two right and back would make him more comfortable. Especially with his arm, I'd rather see a ball land in front of him rather than skip through on a race and dive play.

I'm still in the camp of making a couple smart moves to help the rebuild. I don't think a LF FA for 1-3 years, depending on the player and situation, necessarily blocks anyone. Same with another SP option. Guys do get hurt, and there could be trade options. But I have to say there are times when I am torn and want to go mostly status quo at this point. Meyer should be ready soon, Milone could still be an initial option, though Pelfrey may be best used in the pen. Hard throwing, less innings, he could become a factor. Also wonder if Berrios might be ready to debut come Aug or Sept. The OF could still use another option, but what if Rosario is ready at some point and Buxton by the end of the year. It's tempting. I also have a good feeling about Darnell in the pen. A younger Duensing who may throw a little harder and be a little better SO pitcher.

LOL @ bragging comment. Yes to your books comment being a possibility, but the amount of investments actually made, and those attempted unsuccessfully, still very impressive and un characteristic for the Twins of the past. And tell me that it's not just me reading Pohlad's comments through the year that he sounds impatient and willing to open the checkbook again? I would also be closer to that $100M, and it still wouldn't bankrupt the team. I still believe Ryan's couple comments concerning top out and max levels to be telling.

This! Just about right on with what makes most sense to me. Also flexible on which LF but Rios or Melky are my two choices as both are RH. I would argue on the lineup, however, and place whichever signee in the 5 hole behind Vargas and ahead of Arcia. Also flexible on which SP FA to sign with the listed choices and a couple more I like, none of which breaks the bank. (Also a couple injured guys I'd consider taking a long hard medical look at, Billingsly for one) I believe the bullpen will be very fluid through ST, perhaps the first month of the season, and is just hard to predict at this point. Tonkin or Oliveros could be there just as easily as Pressley at this point, for instance. I resist the temptation to spend on one significant, proven, setup caliber for a few reasons; the depth of options immediately available, 2-4 hard throwing young arms that may be ready as soon as mid season, the idea of a healthy Pelfrey being turned in to a short man potentially. However, I do invest a smallish $1-2M probably in someone I believe could be the next Burton, 2012 variety.

Ok, Gardenhire and Anderson are gone now, regardless of which side of the fence you reside on. And we all sit and wait, expectantly and impatiently, for the next manager and coaching staff to hopefully lead the next wave of Twins talent and winning ways. I refer to it as the "third wave" in recent Twins history. TK, his staff, and McPhail started this in 1987. There were some bad years, to be sure, but there was also a lot of greatness in individual players and two World Series wins. At the end, there was the beginning of the next era. Ryan and Gardenhire never won a WS, but there was outstanding success overall, and multiple winning seasons and playoff teams. And now, while we await this next or impending "third wave" of future Twins players and hoped for/expected success, still awaiting the announcement of who the field general will be, and his lieutenants, it's still within our scope to view what we have, what is coming, what could be, and to ask ourselves: "what do the Twins need to do?" Now remember, there has been rhetoric from the FO about not lowering the payroll much. (Keeping Duensing, Milone, Suzuki's raise, and pre-arb settlements probably puts payroll about $74M) But this is also the same FO who spent bigger than ever on FA contracts last season than ever before, and tried to STILL sign Garza, and DID sign Morales for part of the season. TR admitted recently that the '14 payroll ended up in the mid $90's, and commented that $100M should be "more than enough" to put a product on the field. The Twins won't just go out and drop a payroll of $113M (2011 numbers), much less $120M. And I don't think they probably should for a rebuilding team with so much talent rising to the surface. But playing GM, knowing what you know, hearing what you've heard, what would you do? How would you try to build the 2015 Twins?

Parmelee has shown just enough, has improved just enough, that I'd bring him back on a milb contract of nobody claims him. He's never become, and never will become, what we hoped. But he's just young and talented enough to be a possible bench player. At worst, he's a solid AAA player to fill out the Rochester lineup. At best, the lightbulb dimmer switch turns up to be a Randy Bush-like sub role player. I kind of like Nunez. There's nothing special about him at all. But when given a shot here and there, he hasn't been bad, and has had some nice performances. With Polanco, Beresford and others in the wings, or on the rise, his time could be limited. Still, he's not bad as a utility type with a little pop and speed. Like Parmelee, unless someone claims him, I'd like him back. And I'd spend some time with him in the OF come ST, not as a daily option, but simply to increase his bench versatility. Some 1B maybe??? Schafer is maddening! Is he a former top prospect who never made it...and baseball history is overflowing with those guys...who teased once for a couple months? Or is he one of those former top prospects who gets another chance with the right team, at the right time in his maturity to become a solid player or role player? Baseball also has a long history of these types of players. I think he comes back to compete with Hicks, an inexpensive acquisition, possibly Santana and Rosario, for a shot or share of CF and a 4th OF option. Decent defense, outstanding ability and instincts on the base paths, don't you have to at least take another look at him?

Forgetting those few youngsters who flash early and establish themselves as early studs, some sustain and some flame out, it seems that most true top of the rotation SP usually hit their full stride from about ages 27-33,34,35. It's where experience and maturity really take hold. I hope we won't be proven wrong on Hughes. But I just don't see him as some flash in the pan one great year wonder. First of all, from the day drafted he was a top prospect. Even if he didn't fully fit in in NY, he showed flashes and had a few good years. When it comes to stuff, ability and potential, this is not a "Scott Diamond" flash talent. Nor is he a soft tosser, mix it up Kevin Slowey type. He's a big, strapping, good stuff, pound the zone SP. Better OF defense will help him, and the entire staff, going forward, especially with some expected regression. And by regression, I don't mean bad regression. But I doubt he's capable of setting another ML record for fewest BB allowed. It would be virtually impossible. But going forward, some tweaks to the lineup, defense and bullpen, he could easily be just as good and effective overall.

This! Big time this! For those that would chastise how slowly the Twins supposedly promote players, Arcia is the perfect anti-example. Tremendous talent and future ability, promoted very quickly as he tore up the minors. He's shown flashes but is not a finished product. What's so unexpected about that? He has enough range, given more time, experience and coaching to improve, and has. He has more than enough arm as well. He doesn't have to be a gold glover to be solid with a big arm and great offensive ability. This is not the kind of talent you give up quickly on. Just how good could he be in 2-3 years when he's only 26? You don't remove young talent like this, you acquire and keep it.

On the surface, not a lot to really complain about these "dream choices". I'm not so sure the Twins don't already have a quality bullpen coach in Cuellar. I'd like to see Militor stick around if not the manager of choice, same for Dougie M. I think Watkins has future ML coach and possible manager written all over him. I like the thought of his minor experience with a lot of the future Twins and his youth. But I wonder if he's ready for the bigs yet? Not a knock on him in the slightest. Big fan. There will be some sort of milb coaching/management shuffle this season to be sure, in a good way, and if Dougie is indeed up with the Twins, in whatever capacity, I could see Mauer promoted to AA, which allows the extra benefit of managing a lot of "his guys" and I could definitely see Watkins taking over in Cedar Rapids. I confess I don't know anything about Perlozzo. I don't doubt he's a highly knowledgable baseball guy. I fully appreciate Seth's comments about him. Am I wrong to wonder about he and Glynn both on this "dream" team due to their ages? Not that they both aren't eminently quality men and baseball men, but with such an impending turnaround of young talent rising for the next generation/wave of Twins teams, wouldn't a younger approach be better for the long haul?

Great and fun article to read! Thanks Seth. (Very busy, sorry if someone stated this previously.) Some very interesting points SD. And I am assuming you posted them simply for perspective and conversation sake. All well and good to propose perspective and comparison for their own sake. It's interesting for sure. But TWICE the Twins went from last to first with a quality core of talent augmented by some smart moves. And since 1985, when last the Royals were in the post season, the Twins have enjoyed 13 winning seasons vs the Royals 8. The Twins have also reached the post season as many times as the Royals have enjoyed a winning season, 8. (6 by Gardy if that matters) And the Twins even managed to win TWO WS since the Royals made the playoffs last. Just saying, every team, situation and timeline are different. So before some bite fingernails past the quick, develop ulcers, pull the rest of their hair out....the comparisons between the teams is interesting...but that doesn't mean it's direct parallel.

Think about it for a minute. All logic dictates the Twins should bring in someone, from somewhere, to compete for at least a share of the CF job in 2015. What decent to top player will be available, OR, willing to sign with a team who's top prospect is a CF and one of the top prospects in all of baseball? Now, if you're the Twins, and you're being smart...and be honest, they usually are...you can't feel comfortable going in to 2015 with Hicks and Schafer as your lone CF options. Sure Santana is an option, but isn't he destined for a full time SS audition? Rosario is talented and intriguing and definitely an option before being moved to LF, but that's a pretty big push/gamble even with his ability and a solid start in the AFL. Benifacio was mentioned often this past offseason as an interesting piece to the puzzle. The 29yo switch hitter is nothing special, but he does bring a few things to the table. He switch hits, is experienced and versatile, brings speed to a lineup, and probably comes pretty cheap. It's not hard to look at the Twins potential roster for position players next year and find it mostly set, barring surprises or unexpected big move. Suzuki and Pinto at C, Mauer and Vargas at 1B and DH. Dozier, Santana, Plouffe, Escobar and Nunez in the infield. Arcia in RF. That leaves CF and LF in the hands of Hicks, Schafer, and possibly a FA and possibly Parmalee. Bonifacio, Hicks and Schafer could compete for CF, or a share of it in a platoon situation. While I like Nunez and think the only thing he's guilty of is being a role player, I like him. But Bonifacio could end up replacing him as a potential utility player with speed and an OK bat, even if he only grabs a share of the CF spot. If the Twins were to acquire a legitimate LF option via trade or FA, you could see a battle between Hicks, Schafer, Bonifacio, Nunez and Parmelee for the CF/last 3 spots on the opening day roster.

Honestly, that list is pretty depressing overall. Of course, there are always surprises and bounce back candidates. As a recent example, think of Francoeur a couple years ago with KC. One great year, followed by a so-so year and then poof. Finding that right guy is a combination of scouting, with a bit of hope, luck and coaching all mixed together. Alex Rios is the one guy who might be that inexpensive, bounce back steal option. To me, there are 4 smart choices for a FA LF next season. (Not including the possibility of Rios). The first is M Cabrerra. He might be the "safest" choice. The former CF should provide decent defense in LF, can hit, and has some reasonably projection as a power and RBI threat, and provides a veteran influence to a lineup that will include several young bats including Santana, Arcia, Vargas, Dozier and eventually Sano and Buxton amongst a couple others. He's also probably the most expensive option, and I've heard a wide mix of speculation as to what he may cost. My second two options bring a lot of debate with them, but I think both are viable candidates/considerations. They are Torii Hunter and Michael Cuddyer. And it's NOT because they are favorite ex sons of the Twins, that is purely co-incidental. Now hear me out: BOTH are long in the tooth and about done. But BOTH have actually been quite productive each of the past two seasons, both offer an experienced veteran presence and are well known for leadership and presence. Both should be available for a "near the end" discounted price. Both could be motivated for one more year in the sun, back with their original team. Even with regression, based on production over the past two seasons, it isn't hard to speculate at least one more solid, productive season. Even with age/athletic regression, is it so hard to see either of them play at least a decent defensive LF compared to the likes of Willingham, Kubel, Parmalee and whoever we tossed out in to LF for most of the season for 2014? The last two years, Hunter hit .304 and .286 with solid slugging and OPS numbers along with 80+ RBI. The last two years, Cuddyer hit .331 and .332 with even better slugging and OPS than Hunter, though injury shortened his 2014 season. And at last check, his road vs home splits did not show an appreciable home field advantage. I don't think we should dismiss either of these two lightly as an inexpensive, productive and veteran presence on a one year deal. In Cuddyer's case, possibly an option year. My last option, though I prefer a RH hitter, I like Rasmus as a CF by past trade who should do well in LF, could cover CF if necessary, and might be had on the cheap after a down 2014. He didn't deserve the $7M he got last season, is a viable bounce back candidate, and he may be looking for a 1 year deal at only 28yo. Even if signed for 2-3 years of solid pay, it could still be a win-win for both sides ultimately.

Orioles declined to pick up the option on Markakis. Not a surprise since it was over $17M and all but a handful of players deserve that kind of salary. He's more star, but is a solid hitter with some decent peripherals in his career. I like Rasmus' mix of speed and power and ability to play CF even though I'd rather move him to LF on a daily basis. But Markakis could be a really nice option. There is a $2M buyout if the Orioles can't come to terms with him, so I would expect a pretty big early push on their part. Sounds like the Twins would have to make an early decision and push if interested.

Left is definitely in need of a big upgrade. And as I've stated before, it's actually the easiest position to offer sudden and significant improvement to the team. Someone who can actually hit some, be productive, and play solid defense would be a VAST upgrade to what was trolled out to LF in 2014. Other than a couple good weeks here and there, the likes of Willingham, Kubel and others provided mediocre to downright bad defense with only a smattering of offense. Really, other than Schaffer the last 30 days, there was zero stability at the position all year. But LF also offers itself as a conundrum. I've been pushing hard to bring someone in, with the options being a 3 year-ish deal for good money to one of a handful of OF candidates that could deserve it, OR, a stopgap 1 year player that still provides upgrade and possibly even a good season. But there are intriguing question marks of possibilities as well. We saw a little something in former top prospect Schafer that would seem to indicate brining him back as a CF/LF/4th OF option. Hicks is a huge question mark, but could he at least start to figure it out in '15? What if he could be part of an at least OK platoon? How long for Buxton to develop? The whole season, or is he up by July? The same could be said for Rosario. And what if, for whatever reason, Santana doesn't play or stick at SS, does he play LF? CF for part of all or one more season? I'm not saying not to make the move and improve the team. I'm just stating the OF complexion could be very different by mid season next year.