DocBauer

Yes he was an All American 3B for the Huskers. If memory serves, I believe he also won the collegiate Gold Glove at the position. He's turned in to a marvelous player in LF, but after watching him play 3B for years in college at a high level, and seeing how hard it is to find a 3B who can be quality in both phases of the game, I was really surprised they Royals moved him to left so quickly.

Hate to rehash old comments, but sometimes, they can have a direct, affecting correlation to new comments. Therefore....... 2010, our Twins were a top ML club, division winner and playoff participant with a 94 win team and virtually everyone back for 2011. Everyone felt the Twins were again a top team and division/playoff contender for 2011 with almost the entire team back plus or minus a few alterations. We all know what happened in 2011. Ryan's fault? Gardy's fault? FO not spending enough on payroll? No, no and no. No fault, no double talk, no cheapskates as the Twins had the highest payroll in their existence to keep the team together. 2012 is debatable. Some would say after such a horrible and snakebit and disappointing season such as 2011, the Twins should have been smart enough and long sighted enough to blow the team up then and begin over. However, the Twins perspective was to make a few moves, simply get healthy again, and keep the team at its 3rd HIGHEST PAYROLL EVER while looking for a rebound season. So when we talk about 4 consecutive losing seasons, payroll and responsibility, we need to keep perspective and not simply get lost in vitriol over consecutive disappointments. Now, if Ryan ever has been blindly naive, or disingenuous with the fanbase, it would be for 2013 and 2014. But as forthright and optimistic as Ryan has generally been, I wouldn't have expected him to just announce to everyone that the team was going to probably lose, that few if any prospects were ready yet, so just hang on. Right now, it appears the FO is talking out of both sides of their mouth, and they probably are in fact. But the season is just ended, team winter organization meetings just started, and we're a long way from actual trade and FA season. Not sure why the Twins would tip their hand to everyone out there at this point. Rightly or wrongly, I'm putting my faith in actions and not early rhetoric. The Twins made moves to add to the team, and payroll last season. They attempted additional moves that didn't end up happening that would have added more, and in some cases, substantially more. And once again, they did add more with the Morales signing. So for now at least, when I hear two different sets of numbers and perspectives coming out, this early in the game, while examining recent trends by the team, I'm going with the more expensive and optimistic comments that have been presented.

You certainly have to properly balance the 40 man roster, and sometimes, that leaves risks for the rule V draft. But there is only so much available on that 40 man roster. It always sounds like a lot, and then you start adding to it, and wishing like hell it was a 50 man roster. Some of your milb FA have been on that 40 man a time or two. That, of course, is where that number limitation and risk come in. Similarly, you only have so many open spots to fill on your milb teams, and you have to balance newcomers and up and comers along with fill in pieces, and at AAA, those fill in pieces could be at the ML level at some point. There a couple tough calls here, all being said and figured. Romero: I think he's got at least limited ML ability, can help at Rochester if Sano doesn't open there, and should have been brought up at some point last year when Plouffe was hurt...TWICE. Beresford: Despite the Twins suddenly being blessed with infielder numbers they haven't enjoyed previously, Beresford offers some real potential help, is young, and a keeper. Ortiz: also a keeper. Too young, too much overall talent and ability to still make a roster. Gonzalez and Hansen: I don't see ML futures for either. Both could be solid depth somewhere, otherwise, might be time to move on. Rodriguez: I'd probably keep him. A legit power bat For AA or AAA to help flush out the roster. Of the pitchers, honestly, I don't know that there's anyone there I'd be all that interested in having back. Hamburger and Guerra are probably just young enough, still filled with enough potential that I might keep the two of them. But the staff at Rochester should be pretty tough to crack next season. In fact, the entire roster at AA and AAA could and should be pretty tough to crack next season.

Just curious, I know the AFL is sort of a mixed bag of different prospect levels participating, but isn't it generally considered about AA or AA 1/2 in regard to competition level?

I have to be honest, I hadn't thought about Rosario in LF for 2015, at least initially. I feel he's a strong candidate for that position in the future, have been hoping for a strong AFL, but after a disappointing and short last season I felt he'd need more time. I even thought he MIGHT be a temp CF candidate for next season. Long term, I still believe in the guy's potential as a nice all around ballplayer. He's got the ability to be quality defensively. Offensively, I don't know what his true ceiling is, but I believe he will hit, have a so-so to decent OB, will probably be a consistent doubles producer with double digit HR's and SB's. There is the potential for both of those to climb. I see him as versatile "helping hand" player who could hit #2, or be very dangerous in the bottom third.

What I know. Hicks came to the Twins as a talented athlete but rough around the edges ballplayer. He's often been compared to a young Torrie Hunter. He's only a couple of seasons removed from not only being a top 100 milb prospect, but also his very best season as a pro in AA. There was a lot of hope and anticipation, but he fell flat, and was probably promoted too early. Hunter struggled at first as well, but every player is different and it's unfair to take comparisons too far. But Hunter also had Puckett to help pave the way. And Span had Hunter to help pave the way. Revere had Span to offer some initial help and advice as well. Not making excuses, just wondering if Hicks was not only promoted too soon, but wonder if lacking a mentor could have hurt him. I know he's still too young, still too filled with potential to just chuck him aside. What I don't know: Is Hicks mentally tough enough? Is he a victim of being promoted too soon? Or does he just lack the desire and ethic to make himself in to a ML ballplayer? I don't know that Schafer is the answer for 2015 in CF. I also don't know that Hicks is or isn't. But I believe the Twins need to make a move via trade or FA to bring in a 3rd possibility. From those 3, you find 2 to share the spot, or provide a starter and 4th OF spot. Regardless, it should be, at most, a 1 year stopgap until Buxton is ready. Perhaps Hicks surprises and makes a move in '15. But he also might be better served being in AAA to allow talent and production to meet up.

I guess I just have a problem removing Escobar, a highly productive player, the kind of player we've been longing for for more than a few seasons now. But ultimately, while there may still be some questions and growth mistakes along the way, Santana does offer the most overall potential at the position, offensively and defensively. I look at someone like Escobar from the Royals, and while I wouldn't dare to compare or expect similar play, I have to wonder if Santana couldn't at least come close defensively, and be better offensively. We were spoiled by Gagne, teased by Guzman, and have been searching for a strong everyday player since. I hate to dismiss what Escobar did and meant to the team, but Santana is just so tantalizing as an everyday option.

A few thoughts from me. Please note, I did not hear the interview, I'm simply reacting to the reports of Glunn. 1) I find the comments about needing a new manager because something was wrong and needing a change. I find this to be very honest and forthright, especially considering Gardenhire's successes, being a good company guy, and the difficulty in making the change. I find this to be a very honest admission that the team needs a new direction for a new era. I find NOTHING in his comments to indicate a Latin manager is a dismissed possibility at all! I think he just acknowledged that it's a real concern to be addressed on some level. 2) The leadership comments were interesting. Personally, I felt letting Cuddyer leave, forgetting he's one of my favorite all time Twins players, was a huge mistake. Not only was he still productive, but I wondered at the time about his leadership void. Over the past several seasons, the Twins have lost Hunter, Kubel, Cuddyer, Morneau and Santana, to name a few quality players. Experience, production and personality-wise, that's a lot to lose. Teams, businesses and families all have leaders and a hierarchy. And it can be really hard to replace those pieces. Please note, I don't blame Mauer for not being a leader, or enough of a leader. Personalities and leadership style come in many forms, and no-one should attack Mauer if he isn't THE GUY to fill that role. But I do believe it is and has been an issue with this team. Very, very interesting about the comments on Santana having the personality to being a potential leader. 3) I found the payroll comments of huge interest on many levels. I never reacted to St Peter's flippant payroll comments, and have gone in to depth twice in that thread concerning so. My best guesswork, not having full financial details and timeframe to work it out accurately, had the Twins around $88-89M with Morales, so the high of $94M caught me off guard a bit. Although, I did respond that had the Twins actually succeeded in signing Garza, even before bringing Morales on board, they would have been in the $95M mark, or so. And I find the "$100M should be more than enough" to be VERY TELLING! The Twins spent last season, were willing to spend more, and ultimately did. This would clearly send a signal that they ARE willing to spend more in 2015 to right the ship. There is no promise or obligation as to how much they will spend for 2015, but based on attempts made last offseason, the $94M mark mentioned, and the comment seeming to indicate $100M should be enough leads me to believe the team will be pretty proactive again this offseason. Once again, accounting for sinter actions already off the book, and some obvious ones yet to take place, the projected payroll locked in, keeping Deunsing, is about $66M with raises putting them in the low $70's. Did Ryan just tell us the Twins may have anywhere from $25-30M available to improve the club? 4) I am beyond disconcerted, bordering on actual anger in regard to comments made concerning the Twins Way. The Twins Way is not about an address, so everyone just drop that argument right now. We all know what the Twins Way means and represents, and TR and St Peter should know and understand as well. I don't care if the press or fans or whoever coined the phrase, it is what the Twins have been and represented, for the most part, for the past 27 years. It hasn't always worked, hasn't always been present, but it's about a team that is well rounded. It's about pitching, defense, a balanced lineup of hitting, power, speed, taking the extra base, hustling to 1B, and just playing the game the right way. But it's even beyond that. It's about a team that doesn't employee prima donnas. (Countless players have been described as a Twins or Twins-type player) It's about smart scouting, smart drafting, player development, being smart in acquisitions, building academies in foreign lands, building a state of the art facility in Ft Meyers and Target Field, and running a class and smart organization. Pardon me as a fully invested fan of 43 of my 48 years on this earth who lives and dies with my team when I say to Mr Ryan and Mr St Peter, who I have admired and often defended, if you don't know what the Twins Way is, has been, and is supposed to be, and want to dismiss it so haphazardly, then why in the hell are you still employed by MY team? Dismissing the Twins Way is an insult to not only the fans of the Twins, but to every coach, player, scout and employee over the past 27 years since the Twins Way was first established in 1987.

#1 is out of this world and won't happen. I believe we're looking at some different combinations of #'s 2 &3. What I see, mostly day to day, to BEGIN the season at least. Santana=SS/some CF Dozier=2B Mauer=1B Vargas=DH FA OF=LF Arcia=RF Plouffe=3B Suzuki/Pinto=C Schafer/Hicks/Acquisition Duo=CF Hughes FA Nolasco Gibson May Before the season is done, I think we could see at least some, if not a lot of, both Buxton and Sano. I am not normally an advocate for overly aggressive promotion. Aggressive, yes, but not to be overly so. Call me an optimist, but I don't believe Sano and Buxton are typical prospects. I believe they each posses that special IT factor that is difficult to describe or rank. And despite the setbacks each experienced in 2014, I feel each will bounce back strong and should be making their debut at some point in '15 whether it be mid season-ish or a September promotion at worse.

A couple of points in response: 1) the comments I made were in general overall, and not specific to 2014. 2) not sure the 2014 was all that bad finishing a little below the mean, and again overtaxed. Would be interesting to know the rankings at the mid season point vs how they finished up. 3) I attempted to go back to 1987 through 2014 for bullpen rankings, but could only find 1999 through 2014 for whatever reason. However, during the 16 years I could find, the Twins bullpen finished 13th overall in ML team ERA. With some revisionist history, ignoring the past 4 90 loss seasons when the SP ERA ranked last or near last and the pen was theoretically overworked, the ranking jumps to 11th. And if a team, overall, ranks in the upper half of the league, I again state the Twins have consistently had a "good" to "excellent" bullpen year to year. Obviously, like any ranking, there are year to year variances. And as it is commonly believed and expected that any individual or team ERA in the AL would be expected to be slightly higher in the more offensive producing AL than the NL. On that principal, I would further lean to the Twins generally having quality pens in regard to their year by year rankings. Not a perfect example, or argument, but I think all of this is noteworthy over time.

Gibson barely missed rookie classification by just a couple innings, if I remember correctly. Wonder if he would have made it?

One question nobody has asked yet, and it's pretty important. Does this genie look like Barbara Eden? #Master

I don't think there is any thought, at this point, that he can't play 3B at the ML level, though there most undoubtedly will be continued development on the job. Again, most quality, offensive 3B prospects don't just arrive with a gold glove. And again, I reference Gaetti and Koskie from the Twins universe. And while it is possible Sano could slow down, or outgrow his position at some point....maybe, at some point, but it's not a given...I don't know that anyone could product IF anymore than WHEN, in regard to a 3-4 year proposal.

My comments regarding the solid play of Plouffe, and possible progress, has to do with A) not trading him at this time as he is a quality place holder and could have even more trade value later, rather than now, when Sano is ready to take over. I think it's simply naive to think Sano, no matter how talented, will play part of a winter league season and that will be enough to shake off a season's worth of rust and just claim the 3B immediately. Plouffe represents the NOW, and not in a bad way at all. Some have compared Sano to Santana this season, a bat that is placed within the lineup to take advantage. Not saying that is a mistake, given a hole, a need, and the potential run of a team. And it's been done before, on a short term basis, before the player in question moves back to his more natural position. But to suggest a hurry up mode of thought to get him up, in my opinion would be wrong because he could be that much more special at 3B, even with some growing pains. A converse arguement would have been for the Twins to promote Mauer quickly to the OF, and keep AJ at C. I know it doesn't correlate exactly, but it's similar. Mauer had more pure value at C, and Sano has even more value at 3B, with Plouffe as a quality holder for now.

I just can't go with Ozzie, and it has nothing to do with my hatred for the White Sox. (Spit) LOL I just don't like the explosions and attention grabbing. I don't know about strength coach, but I've mentioned Julio Franco a few times now. The guy clearly has a great passion for the game. Not exactly a defensive whiz, he was still a long tenured ML infielder and quality hitter. I love him as an option for a coaching spot, though I wonder if he's ready to finally stop playing. Bark had mentioned the idea of Joey Cora recently, and I really like that idea as well. My gut tells me, despite Twins and Minnesota ties, Steinbach could be headed to join LaRussa. I think Glynn could be a nice bench coach option as a replacement. I really have no feel for Alomar Jr as a manager candidate, but could he be a nice coaching option? Especially to work with the catchers? Whatever happened to Pena, BTW? Not sure the Twins don't already have a quality bullpen coach in house with Cuellar, but like your thoughts here. Absolutely LOVE the idea of Morris as a pitching coach. My only concern is, with no disrespect intended, would he be too staunch with his opinions? Some guys are just such strong competitors, they don't always make the best coaches as they don't always have the patience or communication skills necessary to tutor or teach. My best guess? Molitor is named manager and Dougie M bypasses his promotion to AA for a spot on the staff. Pretty good chance Mauer jumps to FT Meyers, possibly AA. Glynn has a real shot at bench coach. We will add two quality Latin coaches, and we've come up with some good ideas thus far. Bruno is back as hitting coach.

To state the obvious, in the past 27 years, the era that began with TK and McPhail, the Twins have seemingly ALWAYS enjoyed a solid/good to great bullpen. In fact, even in the recent four year 90 loss stretch, until getting overworked, the Steins have STILL had quality bullpens, as they did previously for TK during some of his poor stretches. For whatever, good, reason, the team has found a real niche in this area. And it's not something as easy to do as the Twins make it seem. At the risk of depiction and obvious point, how much would the Tigers have been the past few seasons if they ANYONE to rely on? There have been a handful of trades that brought in top guys like Reardon, Aggie and Nathan, even Capps. Our own minor league system brought guys like Trombley, Guardado, Hawkins and Perkins, just to name a few. Many of those cut their teeth first as setup men, and the system has produced a number of those. Waiver wire type FA have paid HUGE dividends from Berenguer and Atherton and Willis, and more recently Guerrier and Burton, again, just to name a few. The team would seem to facing a bit of a transition for the pen in 2015, and just beyond. First and foremost, Perkins should be back strong as an all star caliber reliever next season. Fien has been another outstanding find, and has pitched good to lights out since his signing, with the exception of a late season fade this year. However, I do like him better as a 7th inning guy than a true set up man. As a veteran LH, and based on last performance, and agreeable contract numbers, I feel Duensing will be back, though this may be his final season. His SO rate was down this year, but he's experienced, solid, and pitched quite well this year until he also faded near the end. That would appear to be 3 out of 7 spots spoken for. Who fills out the remaining 4 spots, at least initially? Swarzak's final numbers weren't terrible, but he seemed very inconsistent this year. Still, he's been solid, and he's cheap to bring back. I'm really not sure what shot Pino has, but as a cheap AAA filler who could challenge for a long spot. Based on milb ability, some experience at the ML level, I was excited to see Pressley, Achter, Tonkin and Oliveros in September. Then they all pretty much laid duds. Though it did seem they all rallied in some late appearances. If healthy, I'm very intrigued about the idea of Pelfrey cutting loose in the pen as anything from a long to mid to potential setup option. From the port side we have Thielbar, possibly Thompson, possibly Johnson, and I have a good feeling about Darnell as a reliever. I think Milone could also be an outstanding option for long and mid relief and be a possible swing man. I previously believed and stated I felt the Twins should make one quality FA signing for a proven setup man. I felt it was a not very expensive investment to deepen and shore up the back end of the pen. Recently, I have been wavering on this idea. Not because said signee wouldn't be a boon, but because of pure numbers of possibilities, as listed above, and because I've become an optimistic convert as to the rapid rise potential of a handful of recent minor league additions. I was hesitant to embrace the extreme optimism of guys like Burdi and Jake Reed. And I'd throw a healthy again Zack Jones in the mix. I now believe at least one of these youngsters should be ready soon, mid season at worst. What these guys are doing is just nasty. I also have a strong feeling for a very soon arrival Melotakis from the left side, though I am disappointed he was pulled from the AFL. Not including Perkins, who is simply a closer, regardless of handidness, could the Twins go with 3 each from the LH and RH side? Who are the strongest candidates, at least to begin the season, to build the 2015 bullpen?

Anyone else having this problem? I know there's been a lot of debate concerning these two at different points in different threads. And I've thrown in my 2 cents here and there as well. But the more I play amateur Manager and GM, it seems the more frustrated and confused I become. Santana had a surprising, unique, and very special season. When you look at athletic talent, potential, milb production, scouting reports and rankings, and especially, just what he did this season, kept doing, kept doing, and kept doing, I don't think you can claim SSS. Could the BA regress? Yes. But could the OB and SB's improve? Absolutely. Might even see a slight rise in power as he clearly generates more power than might initially be expected. And I don't think you can debate or doubt the hands, arm and range at SS if he can learn and polish. But while I think Escobar, NOW FREE, could be a valuable and potentially excellent utility player, especially if allowed to play on a pretty regular basis, what has he done to eliminate his hold on the SS position? We're not talking an elite defensive player, and not as good as the potential of Santana, but a very solid SS. And a solid bat who ranked in the upper half of the league in regard to doubles, BA and OPS. He's given the Twins the best overall play offensively and defensively at SS since Guzman teased several years ago. Were it not for the talent, potential and season of Santana, we wouldn't even be having this discussion. We'd simply be thrilled in what we found in Escobar, growing and learning, and finally getting his shot. And remember, Escobar is not some career reserve who finally got a chance to play a whole seasons. (Mostly) He's a young player, promoted too early by the ChiSox for a bench role before being traded to the Twins for a similar role, bouncing up and down the ladder. He had a highly productive winter ball, got his shot, and ran with it. Is his offense sustainable? I don't know fir sure. But like Santana, he proved consistent overall in 2014. And similar to Santana, the ball seems to jump off his bat pretty well when making contact, indicating his pop may not be an illusion. I do think this frustration is a good problem to have at the end of the day. But ultimately, what is best? Do you roll with Santana at CF until Buxton is ready, knowing he could at least provide a nice backup SS option? And then, he might be best in LF as a strong-armed and range-y player and offensive catalyst. Or is the team simply better with Santana at SS, possible backup CF, with Escobar as a quality and versatile utility player leaving LF open? I keep tearing my hair out over this one. Are you with me on this one?

Again, I'm mostly with you here. And I'm also on record as being a Hermann fan. I think he's solid as a C, can be moved around a bit, and has a potentially solid bat with gapper and occasional HR power. And I have maintained that Hermann's biggest problem has been getting jerked around from the minors to the majors the last couple of seasons without being allowed to just concentrate on development. I think we may end up at the point, sooner rather than later, where perhaps he's pushed aside by Turner and/or Garver. I also believe Hicks is similar to Carlos Gomez in the fact he simply came up too soon. And you have to temper expectation and ability/potential vs initial disappointment. When you have a top 100 talent, you can't allow yourself to grow too frustrated too quickly. That's how you get burned giving up on a young talent too soon simply because you wanted tomorrow to be today.

Isn't it funny what has taken place since this time last season? Not everyone, of course, but a lot of people were already penciling Sano as the Twins 2014 3B with Plouffe moving to the OF, a utility role, or out of Minnesota altogether. Now, Plouffe improves to at least average defensively, maybe even a little above, and has the best overall season in his ML career, Sano has TJ surgery and misses the year, and suddenly Sano can't play 3B for whatever reason, and Plouffe should stick at 3B. And I want to just smack my head against the wall and cry out, "what?". First, Sano was a good enough athlete when signed that he was a SS, with accurate projections of growing out of the position. He's worked very hard on his defense and has had a number of positive reports on his improving defense and cannon of an arm. Second, even if it takes time for full strength to return, a "cannon" of an arm reduced slightly, would still be a strong arm. And there is no tangible evidence at this point that his arm won't be just as strong immediately, if not eventually. Third, he's not a pitcher trying to regain control of his fastball or feel for breaking pitches. Lastly, an athletic big man with strong arm and good work ethic who was good enough defensively to actually play SS a few years ago shouldn't be dismissed as a defensive 3B just because of his size. Remember, if he is around 250lbs, maybe, maybe not, he's got a tall, broad frame and seems to wear his size well. Never seen him in person, but I tell you, from every picture I've ever seen of the kid, he wears his weight very well. There have been 3B who never mature defensively for one reason or another, who find success at another position. But it's silly and way too early to just assume Sano can't be a ML 3B. Could he struggle a bit at first? Of course. I've seen very few 3B who hit the majors as elite defenders right out of the gate. Even in the Twins history, Gaetti and Koskie, not a small man himself, were only OK at the position their first couple of seasons. A potentially elite bat like Sano is even more valuable at the hot corner. Now, that doesn't mean EVENTUALLY he couldn't slow down and a move be warranted, think Thome, but now is not the time. You keep Plouffe for now, unless some tremendous trade opportunity comes along. Plouffe could be even better next season, overall, and the possibility of that happening isn't exactly a remote possibility. And as Riverbrian stated, having the luxury of multiple players to contend with is a GOOD THING.

I could see some regression for Escobar for certain. On the other hand, more experience could see improvement in his splits as well. He is no power hitter, but I have been pleasantly surprised with the strength in his line drives when making decent contact. I don't think he is just a Punch and Judy hitter who got lucky. He was a huge and pleasant surprise to be sure. And if it weren't for Santana, I think we'd all revel in Escobar's season even more than we have. And he's done absolutely nothing to warrant a loss of a starting position, unless his regression was rather drastic. But Escobar does have a strike against him, and that's Santana. Santana is simply a better athlete, with even more range and dynamic ability, at least potentially. And it's the same at the plate as in the field, Santana is just more dynamic offensively as well. Ultimately, I think Escobar does become that 10th starter, and still plays a lot.

I don't disagree with the basis of this statement. But as stated, it's never wrong to add premier talent. But what if some of those tradeable pieces are premier talent, or will be in the next year or two for a rebuilding team? I don't think the argument is "don't trade for talent", but rather, time it right. One player, even an elite one, won't completely change the fortunes of a team. But wait until the roster is more set, and there are prospects knocking on the door, THEN you have the depth and timing to make that big trade to push the team over the top. As I've stated previously, barring an "unlucky" 2015 where the roster and top prospects are ravaged by injury, (somewhat similar to 2014), think how much stronger the Twins depth of talent will be at or near the ML level. At some point in 2015, or by the end of the season, players such as Sano, Buxton, Rosario, Polanco, May, Meyer and Berrios should be up or ready. And there are other solid possibles I'm not listing. And there's a real possibility of a huge influx of quality, hard throwing RP ready or near as well. I'm not saying give up on 2015. But there are finances available to improve the team. Hold on to your bargaining chips until the odds are more in your favor.

Wow! Did I ever get mixed up there! Not sure what I was thinking when I typed Duffey's name. Thank you for the correction.

I can't disagree a lot with your roster Shane. But I would take a more conservative, and to me more logical approach, to what I would expect the "opening" roster to be. Arcia will be in RF, and a FA will be in LF. CF will be a battle between Hicks, Schafer, and an inexpensive FA or similar trade candidate. Two would make the club, one as the 4th OFer, or we could see a semi-platoon situation. (Santana could possibly see some time as a backup as well) I'm not convinced that Parmelee doesn't still have some "Randy Bush-like" value as a reserve as well. Mauer, Dozier, Santana and Plouffe is my infield. Escobar deserves to play...a lot...and will. I keep Nunez, who I think is a better overall utility/spare part and decent bat than some give him credit for. During ST, I work Escobar and Nunez pretty hard at LF and some at 1B as well. It's not because I want them to be any kind of regular there, I just want to know if I can play them there for days off or sub situations. Vargas is clearly the primary DH and backup 1B. Catcher is simple, Suzuki and Pinto. Hoping Pinto grows, gets a real chance, and becomes the primary before the season is done. I know that's 14 position players. But I'm allowing myself 1 over to allow for injury or a milb move.

Honestly, this just might be the best speculated manager/coaching hires I've read or personally considered. I've waffled on Molitor or Mientkiewicz as the best manager choice. But the more I've thought about it, the more I've been leaning to Molitor as the guy with Dougie M as the bench coach. I'd love to keep Steinbach, but have a feeling he might end up working for LaRussa. Hope not. Another Latin coach I've thought of and mentioned is Julio Franco...if you could tear the independent league jersey off his back. Lol Hunter may be average to poor defensively as a RF at this point, and he might be about done, but he's still been a quality contributor for Detroit this year. I don't know that he's the right choice, but I think he could be at least solid in LF. Average to poor defensively in RF doesn't mean he could be OK in LF.

My initial response is no. But I also offer a hint of "maybe" in my thoughts and opinion. I also am very eager to see both. And more than likely, like almost every young player, there will be some growing pains. For instance, despite athleticism, talent and potential, former SS Sano will probably be a downgrade defensively from Plouffe initially. But consider Gaettit, Koskie, Plouffe himself and most young 3B you've ever seen. There is almost always a learning curve to continue development. And I don't think service time is going to be an issue either. So you lose one year for both players if you promote them early. Does anyone really think super talent youngsters like these two WON'T get locked up? And I'm not going down the Hicks road either. Absolutely no insult to him as I still think he's very talented and has a lot of potential, but every ballplayer is different, and should be treated as such. And the effort, determination, attitude and somewhat proven ability to produce and adjust for both of these kids is outstanding! I think they have the "it" factor. My reservations are very simple, lost playing time. Sano pretty much dominated his half season of AA in 2013 in every way but BA. But we all know BA doesn't always tell the whole story. And when you look at Sano's numbers there, it becomes clear. But, after missing an entire season, are a couple hundred, hopefully, AB's in the winter going to be enough to develop and shake off rust to be ready opening day? (Even allowing for some rough transition moments). Same with Buxton. At least he got to play some of 2014. But will AFL AB's be enough to develop and shake off rust to be ready? I think Buxton actually has the better shot at jumping early simply because he played some this year, and defensively, it's probably easier to shake off rust and adjust for CF than 3B at any level, much less the ML level. I'm not dismissing the idea of sudden promotion, just tempering it.