DocBauer

I'm actually pleasantly surprised by Ryan's comments. Seems to me he's always been a pretty close to the vest kind of guy. For that matter, so has been Gardy. And TK for that matter. And yet, both TK and Gardy have been pretty effusive in their praise for Santana in the past, even before he came up to make his mark this season. And to hear Ryan say the same things speaks volumes to me. Say what you want about a few of Ryan's very first moves a long, long time ago, or his reluctance at times past to spend, he has a very strong reputation and resume as a scout and trade maker. I wonder a bit, with no disrespect to Ryan's comments, or Santana's abilities and performance and potential, to "most athletic" in the system because you still have to consider young Gordon as well as young Goodrum, who played out of position most of the season. But overall talent and ability plus being higher than up the chain than others, how could you possibly argue with his evaluation? I think we have all come to realize we have a potentially special player here. Someone who slipped under the radar a bit despite his potential.

Trading for a real ACE caliber pitcher is probably reaching for the stars. Assuming someone of ACE, or at least #1 SP quality were actually available, and there is a difference, you'd be looking at something like a 3-4 for 1 maybe 1+ trade scenario. Even if Sano and Buxton were off the table, you're still talking another 2-3 top 20 prospect players in the system. Yes, you might move a Dozier or Plouffe in place of one of those top prospects, but I think you're trading too big, too much, at least one season too early. Barring another run of "bad luck" that seriously attacks our top prospects, just think of the ML and milb talent in the system next year as we approach the offseason. We are talking a list of players either on the Twins, spending time with the Twins, or sitting right on the cusp, probably at AAA, which would include, (some are relatively young MLer's): Pinto, Vargas, Dozier, Escobar, Santana, Polanco, Plouffe, Sano, Arcia, Hicks, Buxton, Rosario, May, Meyer, Berrios, Gilmartin, Lee, Darnell, Burdi, Zack Jones, Jake Reed, Dallas Gallant, Melotakis. And I apologize if I missed anyone. And we could see another fast riser or two from Ft Meyers who could be added to this list. Again, I think a big trade for that proposed #1...or even another young big bat...should be a year away. You deal from strength to fill weakness. And how much stronger does the Twins and it's system look a year from now? Answer: much more. Now, I think if you're smart, you put out some feelers of course. And if someone, say AZ or Cincy as mentioned examples, have a high quality SP in the 24-27 y.o. range who equates to at least "Hughes" ability and potential and they would make the move for a package that included possibles such as Pinto, Plouffe, Escobar, Santana, and maybe a quality pitching prospect, I think you at least look, listen and consider. I might consider Dozier, but not sold on that idea. Point is, with the list I just gave, you'd still have Suzuki at C, an Escobar or Santana to slide in to an infield spot, without killing yourself. And a top prospect or two getting really close at some point in 2015. But again, I'd rather hold off one more year unless a steal comes our way.

There are 6 pretty interesting youngsters on the initial list. But despite great seasons, future potential and even promotions thought the season, I feel Burdi and the others are simply impractical to make the leap initially. Now, a couple of those listed could see AA to begin the year, or at least see an early promotion there. I think by the second half of the 2015 season 1 or 2 could be ready for the call. One name left off is Melotakis who has already seen successful AA time, I believe is pitching in the AFL, and could fast track. I've been a Duensing supporter in the past, and not sure he's done yet despite some slippage this season. Salary is not a concern, and I could see him back again, at least to begin the season. I think Thielbar has shown decently and has solid potential. I'm also very intrigued by Darnell as a lefty in the pen. He throws fairly hard, would probably pick up a little more velocity used as a reliever, and seems to be a decent SO pitcher. I'm not sold on Thompson, but he has a shot. Johnson in the pen? Also a possibility. Could the team go with 3 lefties? (Not counting Perkins who is the closer, regardless of handiness) I'd like to see one quality RH setup signee to hold down the 8th most nights and give Perkins that occassional day off. It would be nice to just say we already have that guy in Pelfrey, and I like the idea of a look-see, but he's a real unknown at this point. Swarzak and Pino could both battle for the long spot, possibly Pelfrey or Pressley. My best guesses/picks to begin 2015: Perkins FA Fien Duensing Thielbar Swarzak...with the previously mentioned contenders fighting him 1 of Oliveros, Tonkin, Achter and Pressley.

Call me naive, hopeful or an eternal optimist. Stuff happens. I have little to zero worry about Nolasco. He absolutely will earn his place and contract. Hey...stuff happens. It just so happened his "stuff" happened in another disappointing season after signing a big contract. I have little to zero worry regarding Perkins. At this point, every report is no damage. Until or unless we hear something more, I'm not going to be a fatalist. I know nothing really about Milone. I know that prior to the Twins, he has an unspectacular but solid track record as a decent, solid ML LH starter. Until you show me a lingering injury issue, I think he's at least an intriguing back or the order/solid pen option. Pelfrey is a mystery wrapped up in an enigma and has been discussed in another thread. Honestly, he's a "who" fill in option and re-invent bullpen candidate. In other words, not probably thinking too much about.

In this post, at this time, I am not debating the values of Gardenhire as the manager next year and his merits to do so, or not to do so. But I AM frustrated than here in September, for whatever reason in a lost season, we aren't just opening the floodgates and letting EVERYONE play and participate. And that means Santana at SS, no disrespect or dismissal of Escobar, Pinto at C, Hicks in CF along with Shafer out there as well. Are we trying to see what we have for 2015 or trying to pad 2014 final numbers?

Agreed. Despite the very best efforts of Seth and others to bring us the best reporting of the Twins milb affiliates, it means a lot to have "reporters" here at TD who can offer us unique first hand perspectives. From the Twins perspective, it kind of sounds like they were either forced to look elsewhere, or simply felt they had to from an organizational point of view with a big cluster, you know what, going on. Part of me is excited from the standpoint I always thought it made sense for the majority of you'd milb clubs to be close to various other complexes, or the parent club. I've heard good things about the Chattanooga franchise before, and it might be a better fit between the Miracle and the Kernals. On a personal note, it sucks that the cap collection I've started for my father and myself now excludes our Rock Cats hats and we're an affiliate behind now.

It's a marriage of pitching and defense. And we can't lose that perspective. Throw an all-star-ish SP staff with statues in the field and I don't like my chances much. They can't strike everyone out. And no matter how well they pitch, there will still be balls out in to play. Likewise, give me an all-star-ish defensive team with a rotation of Correia's and Pelfrey's, and there is only so much they can do to back up HR's and line drive after line drive. I am so tired of the debate and slamming of the "pitch to contact" principles that the Twins have employed and frustrated fans have slammed. Everyone employs this philosophy to some degree. "Pitch to contact" means throw strikes, keep the ball around the zone and don't walk anyone. If a pitcher throws in and around the zone, pitching to contact, it means the batter can't sit there waiting for a walk or a perfect pitch for fear of called strikes. It leads to strikes, foul balls, pop ups, grounders and fly balls you can catch. Now, pitchers not only have to be around the zone, but they also can't groove pitches. Do you think the Dodgers instruct Kershaw to NOT through in and around the zone? To NOT pitch to contact? So preventing runs is a combination of a pitcher throwing to contact, and in some cases being a SO pitcher, and trusting the defense to make plays on the balls popped up and put in to play. So again, it's a combination of pitching and defense. Using rankings as well as they eye test, the Twins defense is pretty solid. Dozier makes a ton of great plays. But the only 2 years at 2B Dozier still has some room for improvement, and probably will. Escobar fits with defensive metrics, but with progress, Santana could be even better with his range, arm and better overall athleticism. Still, we shouldn't discount what Escobar has done. Clearly, the biggest issue is the OF. I don't know if Arcia will ever learn to be great defensively. Maybe. He's young enough, has a great arm, and is a pretty decent athlete. He has shown improvement, is still young, and you'd like to think he will be at least OK out there with a big arm. The problem is clearly CF and LF. And the problem is not necessarily all the Twins doing. Were he actually healthy this year, Buxton might be already penciled in to CF for 2015. But that's not reality. So for at least part of 2015, what do you do? Do you stick with Santana for the short term, further delaying a possible future at SS with the idea of a possible shift to LF at some point? Do you trust Hick and or Shafer in CF for now? Do you spend FA money on a CF who might not have a job a half or whole season from now? Tough questions. The easy one is LF where Willingham will no long be patrolling. I dare say just about everyone with any sort of vested interest has a bro-mance going on with Shafer in LF. Past performance vs SSS is condemning, and yet, look at what he's done? Oh, if only we had a crystal ball that worked! Forgoing that unrealistic option, I think one of the smartest things the Twins could do is make that big commitment to a FA LF who can play defense as well as quality OF. It may not be ideal, but a quality LF, a still improving Arcia in RF, and a CF "patchwork" with Hicks and Shafer with Santana in the wings has to be a huge improvement over Willingham, Kubel, Colabello, Parmalee, and whoever OF that we dealt with for much of this season, doesn't it?

Back to the original point of the article, May has the talent. That's why he was a top prospect, why we traded for him, and why we've been so excited and intrigued by him this season. I've been very encouraged by his past 3 starts and am excited to see what he does the rest of the way. But his 2014 time with the Twins is NOT about wins and losses. It's about exposure, experience and development on the ML level getting ready for 2015 and beyond. At this point, it's not about him eventually maturing all the way in to a 1 or 2, or settling in as a really nice 3. It's about being a part of the rebuild, and having a real shot to be next year's Gibson, as it were. In my mind, I pencil him in for one of our 5. Even if Meyer isn't ready out of the gate, there are at least a couple place holders for the 5 spot initially. And I'm not saying he WON'T be ready, but if. I'm not saying I wouldn't be thrilled if the Twins signed one of the big names out there. But as I've said, and Brock and others have echoed, finally in a real rebuild mode, are we being disingenuous to said rebuild by tying up a spot, (forgetting financial terms for a moment), instead of giving Meyer and then Berrios and possible a couple others the SP opportunities available? I mean, just using Shields as an example, are two good seasons from worth it long term while developing all these other kids and then having him slide in year 3 when they are all hopefully ready to take big steps forward to a winning club? Would we short change the rotation by one developing arm? I know you can never have enough pitching, but in think there are pros and cons to be considered with that one big signing to be considered. I agree the signing of ANYONE who resembles Correia or Pelfrey in any way, shape or form is a huge mistake that should be avoided at all costs! But I'm not sure you can't still look for a "Hughes" signing that doesn't tie up money and years. Two years ago, I so wanted the Twins to sign Scott Kazmir. He had shown what he could do previously before falling on hard times. He was a great low cost high reward option. Even last offseason, I wanted him just as much as Hughes. Even after Nolasco, we had the funds and wherewithal to sign Pelfrey and STILL made a run at Garza. How much better does 2014 and 2015 look like if we had put that money and effort toward signing Kazmir to flush out the rotation? The point is I think it's a smart move, if the Twins are in the market to add a SP, to NOT go big, but to look for that Hughes or Kazmir signing. I've heard suggestions of Brett Anderson, Chad Billingsly, Masterson and Brandon Masterson. Could they be a Hughes or Kazmir signing? I can't be opposed to this option in the slightest.

The problem with Pelfrey is that he is such and enigma. He's never been anything close to dominant or outstanding in any way. But from 2008-2011 he enjoyed 4, overall pretty solid seasons. Now, 2 were actually winning seasons with a sub 4 ERA, and 2 not very good seasons, but in each of these years he took the ball and ate innings. And I think it's obvious this is the guy the Twins were hoping to get last season. And in truth, once get got strength and feel back, he actually pitched pretty well until late season fatigue. He was not the signing I wanted last offseason after Nolasco and Hughes. There were several options I liked better, that I thought made more sense, even if you had to toss another 2-3M in to the deal. Still, I couldn't hate the idea of a depth signing based on proposed health and fresher a arm. But two years? THAT was the mistake. Still, we have him. His contract could allow the Twins to cut bait like they did with Marquis a couple years ago. Barring a rash of injuries, or a sudden "find himself" moment, there's just no room for him in the rotation. Despite several young relief options that may be ready to audition from AAA next season, and probably an even more talented mix lower in the minors that might fit in 2015 before the season is done, I feel the Twins really need to shore the bullpen up with one high quality arm to pitch the 8th, and occasionally give Perkins the night off. Could that be Pelfrey? I think it's an intriguing idea and worth investigating. It's not like you're going to be able to trade him for anything at this point. But I'd have a hard time banking on the move. I'd still make the FA move along with the Pelfrey audition. You've got nothing to lose giving him the shot, and you might get a nice payoff out of it.

For the Twins, this is probably a really nice move. For someone who has owned a Rock Cats cap for less than 2 years, it kind of stinks. I wasn't even done collecting all the affiliates yet, and now I'm down another one. Ugh!

With what he showed last season, and most of this season, I still have a lot of belief and faith in Dozier. I feel he could have used a few more days off to be sure. Secondly, it can't be easy moving around the lineup from 1 to 2 to 3 at different times. Thirdly, I think he lacked a solid hitter behind him a lot this season, and believe that helped contribute to some of his streakiness as well. I think the BA will begin to climb next season, even if the HR's might regress somewhat. I don't know that he's really a 20 HR hitter. Maybe he'll surprise us. But I could see double digit HR's on a consistent basis, with more doubles and that higher BA. I have a lot of faith in Nolasco going in to next season. Has he been consistently great since his return? No. He's had a couple real stinkers. But he's also, generally, pitched solid to good and I expect a nice rebound. I think Gibson is even better and more consistent next season. Hey, he's practically a rookie and is still learning. While not there yet, I've been impressed with May's growth and think he's got a shot to be part of the rotation next season. Mauer just needs to be healthy. I think he's showing now, once again, how great a hitter he has been and can still be. Still convinced playing 1B will aid his health and overall production and believe we'll see the normal Mauer again last season. He's not done!

I confess, I know next to nothing about Schafer except what I've seen, read here, and a casual glance at his milb numbers. I don't know if he has a real attitude problem or not, only that I haven't heard of one with the Twins yet, but I LOVE the traditional, high stirrup socks, (gotta be a good sign right?), and his speed and aggressiveness on the base paths. I am far from convinced he is our LF answer at this point, but absolutely love what he has done there since we got him and slotted him in the #9 spot. Were my crystal ball working and I could see him playing and producing like this in 2015, I'd be happy and so "go for it". The safer side of me says spend some decent money on a FA OF this offseason and hold on to Schafer as a 4th OF type. Something I've been advocating for some time. Whether the Twins sign a temp CF option for 2015 or not, I've advocated a solid 4th OF AAAA type also. Schafer fits this perfectly and could be a potential steal, even as a bench player.

I gotta ask, what do you think now? For months there has been debate about the Twins rotation and future rotation. There has been opinion and throw-down worthy smack towards the Twins organization for not promoting May and Meyer by such and such a time. May, one of my personal choices for minor leaguer to watch for this season, hit AAA for the first time. And he arguably had the best season of his milb career. Forget the timing, he finally got his shot. And his shot was, initially, an old fashioned flintlock that made a lot of noise with smoke and fire, but proved mostly inaccurate. There were some SO's, and a few OK innings, but nothing to get excited about. Suddenly, the calls for he and Meyer in the rotation dried up. A little reality hitting some upside the head? And the call for the Twins to make a big move in FA this next offseason...or as some suggested a "good as Hughes if not better" signing...suddenly grew loud. A reminder, and a rewind, didn't we go through this almost exact thing with Gibson last season? And what happened? Yeah, Gibson didn't fare all that well. But he did get ML innings, he gained experience, and he learned. And what happened as an end result? He's had a pretty nice and successful "rookie" season and offers a lot of potential upside with just a little more consistency. Something that will probably show through next season based on talent and natural progression. Well guess what? May struggled, then put together a couple OK starts, getting one win. Then he went out and pitched 6 innings in a quality start with 10 SO's and NO walks. No guarantees of course, but does this make you feel a little better projecting the rotation for next season?

WOW! Thanks for sharing this! WOW yet again. I just am more and more with everything this kid does. It just seems as though he has no fear at the plate, and no fear in his current, and still unfamiliar position of CF. Throw another obstacle in his path as a young ballplayer, and he just seems to skip over it as though it were nothing more than an annoying speed bump. Parker, you do such an amazing job of breaking down a player's approach, at least at the plate, that I'd really like to hear your opinion on two key areas concerning Santana. 1) I am very impressed with his approach at the plate. He doesn't walk as much as anyone would like, but, he also seems to do a tremendous job of fouling off pitches looking for something to drive. He also seems to have real potential as a bunter as well. I understand there is potential for regressions, but am I crazy to think this kid has the ability to be a hit machine? 2) The arm, range, overall athleticism seems to indicate that he can actually play as a ML SS given the chance. Do you see the same?

Great post Stringer! And I think I literally "liked" every post here. The biggest problem here is very simple. We just don't know what we have for sure in Santana. Not yet. When the Twins surprisingly promoted him, I felt it was a brief look-see, (despite talent, potential and positive things spoken by the coaching staff), and he'd be back down at Rochester in two weeks. But, as we all know, a funny thing happened on the way to the Forum; the kid showed he could play! The kid hit, hit some more, and kept hitting, even though he was thrust in to a position he had barely played, and had the pressure of hitting at the top of the order, not buried in the 9 hole. We kept waiting for the bubble to burst, but it never did. Then he hit the DL, and I felt the glass slipper would surely fall off, and probably shatter when it did. (If you prefer stagecoach back to pumpkin, go for it). Except, after a couple games to get back in the groove, all he did was continue to hit and produce! At this point, even being a rookie, aren't we beyond the SSS point? I object to references to milb OPS numbers as a comparison. Why? They can be a guideline sure, but milb numbers are just that, milb numbers for a talented young athlete STILL DEVELOPING. What separates a talented, athletic prospect from a quality ML producer? I don't know. I don't know if anyone can quantify it. But at some point, there is a sort of lightbulb that either switches on, or it doesn't. In Santana's case, it seems that 2014 was the time when his 100 watt switched on. I understand possible regression. I understand balls batted in play. And I understand his lack of walks that we'd all like to see rise. And there may be some ultimate balance struck here. But the thing that impresses me most about Santana is NOT his BA. It's his approach. There is no fear in him, or his approach at the plate. I'd love to find a stat that shows how many pitches he sees per AB because he seems to do a tremendous job of battling at the plate. I love Escobar, and I don't think he should be dismissed or taken lightly. I also really like Nunez as a nice role player. But when you look at offense and defensive potential, you HAVE to give Santana the first shot at SS don't you? We may have to live with a player who is less consistent than Escobar, but has better range, athleticism, and probably a better arm with even better offense. Unless he just botches a bunch of plays at SS, with great love for Escobar, don't you have to roll with Santana as your primary SS and let him grow in to the position?

I'm afraid of sounding redundant here, but, what the heck. I'm not opposed to the Twins making a major move and signing a big time potential #1 SP. He'll, I'd dance a jig! Point in fact, I don't feel the Twins are that far from being an actual competitive team. Please don't laugh. The argument the past few seasons has been a lack of talent, and lack of depth of talent. But this season, finally, that is begining to change. The jury is still out, we aren't talking final products yet to be sure, but with athletic "talents" like Arcia, Santana, Vargas, Dozier, Hughes, Gibson arriving, possibly Pinto as well, coupled with solid players like Escobar, Nolasco, Perkins and Plouffe...with the likes of Sano, Buxton, May, Meyer, Rosario and maybe Hicks and Berrios, the "talent" and "potential" is starting to arrive, or will soon. The Twins have real money to spend, and I believe they are willing to do so. I just also feel a big SP move has to make at least a little sense. People have been clamoring for promotions for May and Meyer. May gets first shot, shows some flash, but is disappointing at first. Suddenly, his last three starts are solid to good. Meyer is filled with outstanding upside. All I'm saying is, signing a big time FA SP who begins next season between 31-33 next season is probably a huge initial lift to the rotation and the team in general. History would suggest 3 high quality seasons followed by, very possibly, gradually declining seasons from there hopefully, unfortunately, possibly big declines. Is this time table conducive to the rebuild taking place and the arrival and success of the other talented Twins roster around them?

Second post: After last season, when it seemed there was a real possibility of a manager change for the Twins, I had very mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was and am a fan of Gardenhire as a manager and good guy, as well as his staff in general. And I didn't, and still don't, feel all the blame rests on his shoulders, or his staff. I don't think Gardy just got stupid. No matter how disappointed we all were in 2011, that season still came out of the blue. Not saying I am...but...you could offer up multiple excuses for 2012. In a different post, someone, I can't recall who, pulled out a very interesting statistic that really surprised me in regard to teams winning 90+ games, then losing 90 the next season, before strongly rebounding in season three. We could argue and debate at great length about roster construction, injuries, lack of talent, waiting for the minors to build and provide talent the past few seasons, etc. And we could probably make as many logical, well thought reasons and excuses as we could points of blame and causality for the string of bad seasons. I was 50-50 on a change last season. I felt it could be time, but felt some smart moves, health and a couple promotions could have out us back on track this season. I still refuse to "blame" Gardenhire for this season. Have I had some real issues at various times? Absolutely! NOT saying we would have been a playoff team, or just shy, if Nolasco was 100%, Buxton and Sano hadn't missed all or most of the season, if/and the team had signed just one more quality OF option. But, things might have been at least somewhat different in the W-L column, and the season might be finishing on a more positive note whereby we weren't writing articles such as this. Thoughts and perspective is all. I still believe Gardy can do a good job. But I have come to the point where I now believe change is necessary simply for the team to grow, turn the page, and begin a new chapter. I don't know if "new blood" is the answer, especially as I feel many of the best options available to the Twins for said change would have Twins ties. I think it's more about a different voice, a different approach, a different perspective. I don't know if it's going to happen. But 50-50 in opinion last offseason has now become an almost MUST to move things forward.

First post: I know, and agree, the post isn't about "failure" in regard to the Twins, the Braves, or any of a number of streaking teams. BUT, since it was broached, I feel obliged to comment just the same. I suppose, in sports in general, success vs failure depends on personal position. I have always thought the point in sports was to compete, to win, and as a result, to compete for championships. But in every single sport, there is always ONE single champion. Only ONE team who ends the season on a truly positive note. But again, in any sport, being a winning ball club with a chance, a real chance, to be in the playoffs, a chance to be in THE game(s), is what you can ask and hope for in any season. Our own Vikings had 4 high quality "championship caliber" teams in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, they never won. But does that truly diminish the outstanding accomplishments of those decade plus dominate teams? The Bills, sticking with the NFL for a moment, went to 4 straight Super Bowls without winning one. But are those teams truly "losers" because they lost? The Atlanta Braves strung together an amazing run of division winning, "championship caliber" teams but only won one. You can say disappointing, but, failure? There are a multitude of examples I could list, of course. The point being simple though; winning and having a shot to be the best is what you can ask for, hope for, build for, and play for. But each and every year, there will only be one champion crowned.

In reality, it's only partially about the money. It's also about the length of time you have to spend that money. You tell me the Twins could sign one of the top FA pitchers next season for 4 years, I'm all in. 18-22M depending on who, per year, I'm all in. 5 years kind of stinks, and I'm not sure I could say yes...were it up to me. 6 or 7 years? Absolutely not! Now, calculate the odds of one of those pitchers, and their agents, saying yes to 4 years. Unless there is a major market shift, there's no way based upon precedence. If you draft, develop and trade properly, something the Twins appear to have been doing lately, you generally aren't forced to sign a big time, big name, expensive and long term pitcher. Additionally, who says the Twins can't ever sign a quality FA pitcher? What did they do with Hughes? Or Nolasco? And they also took a real shot at Garza as well. Aces? Quality ML SP? Absolutely.

I would, just to see May. The last couple of starts haven't been great, but they have been better. Encouraging. Growing pains. Expected growing pains. But encouraging.

Baseball is still a team sport, despite 1 on 1 matchups. I don't know that anyone has ever declared Mauer the straw that stirs the Twins drink. However, he can be a hugely important cog in the lineup. And while improved power would be beneficial, he doesn't really have to do so to be effective and important. 140-150 games played at 1B and a few at DH here and there will give the plate appearances necessary to see rises in R's, RBI, as well as some rise in said power numbers simply from being in more games with more plate appearances. Mauer with a .320-ish BA and .400 OB with 40+ Dbls and, probably, low to mid teens in HR's gives the team/lineup an import piece in the 3 hole; someone who can move and knock in runners, as well as start and continue innings himself. Healthy, at 1B, only 32, he can still be that player. 2) Defensive improvement can happen simply from internal progression, (Arcia as a prime example), and by simply having a set OF instead of a bunch of patchwork options. No Willingham in LF, a quality offense/defense LF, as has been discussed multiple times already, and an experienced, natural CF to play consistently, even if he isn't gold glove, will improve continuity. (Hicks?) 3) Cal me a naive optimist if you wish, I don't think the 2015 rotation is as bad as some project. I believe Hughes is real. Gibson has stunk here and there, but also been very good, and the good has outweighed the bad. He will be better next year. When did we forget this is his first full season? Take emotional disappointment out of the equation, and there is no reason to be so down on Nolasco for 2015. No questioning the talent of May and Meyer. It's just time. May is doing what Gibson did at the end of last season, getting his feet wet. Very strong chance at least one of the youngsters opens in the rotation. Hopefully Milone rebounds to the pitcher has been until now. I guess Pelfrey might be an ok fill in if needed, but, MEH. It's one thing to say "give soandso a 22M per year deal for 6-7 years and give us an ACE", and another thing to pay that much to a pitcher in his mid to late 30's and fading, possibly quickly. 4) Better overall team, better overall record. Another RH hitter with power could definitely help, but I don't feel it's a big ballpark mystery. 5) Not joining the endless debate on manager and coaches at this point. BIG Gardy fan, think he can still do the job. I just think it's time for that different voice, that different way of doing things now. I'd like to see at least some of the coaches stay. I think we have some good ones.

Big, long term money tied up in an aging player no longer viable. Possibly to the point of being released, and yet still being paid, still tying up team funds. Sorry, thought I had made that more clear.

If this were a prospect list, and not just a "best of 2014 milb" list, the rankings would be different. We'd have Buxton, Sano, and possibly Rosario listed. Polanco would be higher. But honestly, wouldn't Garver still be right there? He might even rank in the top 10 overall after the season he had. I still have high hopes for Turner based on his defensive reputation, and reports of power and at least decent hitting potential. But don't forget Garver had the better offensive numbers coming in to the draft, and finished second to Turner for the Johnny Bench award for collegiate defensive catcher, if memory serves. Don't be fooled by playing one level lower. As Seth pointed out, they had and wanted to play both kids daily. You can't do that if they are at the same level. I'm watching both of these kids closely in 2015. I'm still convinced the Twins have something quality to work with in Pinto if they will actually "work with him". But these two kids could be the catching future in a couple of years.

I really like this. And I really like Escobar at SS. And to beat a dead horse even further, I still like Santana at SS not only for his offense, but also for his range, arm, and overall athleticism. And I'm willing to live with a little less "perfection" defensively at the position for his range, potential and offense if he can handle the position daily. Is that a big IF? I am also very intrigued by Schafer, also maybe more than I should. I like him a lot as a possible steal 4th OF, possible CF platoon maybe, but keep waiting for Lucy to pull the ball away, or the proverbial pin popping the balloon to disappoint me. I STILL maintain a nice FA LF who can contribute offensively as well as defensively. I think it pays huge dividends both ways. Santana at SS and Hicks at CF, until Buxton arrives, is my ideal. But I am not opposed to a CF signee at all!

My opinion, FWIW, none of the big names excites me. The reason is simple, it's not my money, but it is my beloved team and my common sense. The Twins not only broke tradition, but practically annihilated it last season by signing Nolasco, (who I believe WILL earn the remaining portion of his contract), and Hughes, and even re-signing Nolasco for depth while STILL making an honest attempt at Garza as well. I believe Jim Pohland in sincere in spending money to restore the Twins to a winning, contending club, and feel he proved it with last offseason's signings, and even the Morales shot. I just don't know that the top SP names that are being tossed about make sense. Would the fan in me. E excited if one is signed? Yes! But I just don't know that signing any of the big names makes sense. I'd be ecstatic for Lester or Scherzer! And I've read reports that SEEM to indicate most of the big market, big money teams aren't looking at jumping in to big money, long term contracts. But when push comes to shove, will that actually prove true? I just don't see spending 20M+ for 6-7 years being smart money spent. You have Nolasco signed, a possible extension for Hughes, as well as raises for the other players on roster, not to mention a possible trade or additional FA addition or two to flesh out the roster, while being tied to a huge contract for a SP reaching the 34-35 age. Shields would be even older. I soooo wanted the Twins to sign Scott Kazmir two seasons ago. I sooo wanted the Twins to sign him last offseason. If only they had listened to me and signed both him and Hughes like I dreamed off! LOL I think the Twins would spend real money...even with May, Meyer and Berrios in the wings...18-22M if it was only 3 years. But would any of the big names, or their agents, accept something like that? Serious doubts. I've heard mention of signing an equivalent to Hughes signing. IF the Twins make a move, I think that's the direction they go. Bash the FO all you want, but they have shown lately they are willing to spend, but there is a difference between smart investments and over spending to eventually throw money away on a 35yo pitcher who may be done and still owed money. But they are, I believe, also smart enough to see what they have in front of them, and not sign another Correia or Pelfrey at this point, which is also bad money/investment thrown away. So who IS a potential "Hughes" signing should be the question. Is that Peavy? Masterson?