DocBauer

Progress is always relative. Forget disappointment and frustration for a moment, as well as bad luck, (cap tip to Nick), does anyone think that a healthy Nolasco won't be a solid part of the 2015 rotation? Maybe even...dare I say it...a good performer? Put him along with Hughes and Gibson and you have...(baited breath)...a pretty solid to good looking 1,2,3? Of course, we need two more starters to finish things out. So, I guess we'll look to Diamond and Walters and.....wait....what? They're not around any longer? What? You mean the Twins went out and acquired two top SP prospects who may be better than anyone on the list above, and anybody they've had in years? Wow! Why aren't they up now? The Twins say they want them to develop a bit more to reach a level of consistency where they can achieve more permanent success? Ok. I'm disappointed, but I guess I understand. Can they still come up this season to gain some valuable experience? They can? They might? They probably will? AWESOME! What's that? They also recently traded for a ML experienced LHSP who has a short but solid resume that could be a solid 4th or 5th starter now and next year? Cool. And say what? They also have a young 20yo kid in AA who has lightening in his arm who might be ready sometime next season? Now I'm just giddy with excitement! And you say there are a couple LH's and RH's that have a chance to contribute as 5th starters or pen options, just in case someone isn't quite ready yet, but otherwise could provide insurance at AAA? Oh wait, you're kidding me here right? There's actually some quality arms that may be ready to further improve and deepen the bullpen? WOW! This doesn't sound like the same Twins team I knew a couple years ago.

Great points Scotty. Sometimes guys are looking for a change. Sometimes staffs have shake ups or overhauls, so some of the guys you mentioned could end up available. I think we're all on board with the general idea. I'd love to hear other ideas from the TD audience. Only guy in the system that comes to mind is Ingram.

In regard to LF long term, in addition to the Santana possibility, you can't discount Walker, though he's a year or so away. But I don't discount Rosario. This year has been a bit of a throw-away unfortunately. With a strong winter, he might head straight to Rochester next season. Right now, odds are he begins at New Britain before a probably early promotion. In my opinion, with a little more personal discipline and experience, he is a legit .270-.280 hitter at worst, and very likely a .290-.300 bat with at least a decent OB who is a defensive asset in LF who can cover CF when needed, his original position. I don't know if he has the instincts and pure speed to ever be a big SB threat, but double-digits should be there. He has the natural stroke, speed and power to be a solid doubles hitter with some triples sprinkled in. Can he ever be a 20 HR hitter like was a few years ago? I don't know. But then again, he's young and been promoted pretty quickly. Given a chance to play every day at one level eventually, I could easily see consistent double-digit HR production. I think the natural power is there. And overall, he could be a very valuable, versatile performer.

I think the game of baseball in generally has regressed to what it was through my experiences in the 70's 80's and early 90's before the steroid era saw weak hitting SS's (Bordick?) hitting 20+ homers. It's reverting back to a game of pitching, speed and defense and situational hitting. A game where 20 HR's is considered good. And note, when I use terms like regressed and reverting, I don't mean it in a negative fashion. Quite the contrary, I mean it's the beautiful game it's always been instead of a slugfest with what seems like professionals with aluminum bats. In that world, I DO think Santana providing speed and defense, speed on the bases, gapper power, could be a very valuable and exciting player. That is not to say that will be his ultimate fate, just saying. Also, when I used Cuddyer and Hunter as FA possibilities for LF in the short term, I did state they were examples, not necessarily the only options. Buxton just won't be ready from day one. SOMEONE has to play LF, and it's the easiest position for the Twins to provide a lineup upgrade with a productive bat.

I don't feel May's stuff is pedestrian by any means. I see a big, strong bodied kid who can make 33 starts every year, throw a 100 pitches per game, rack up innings and SO's in bunches. I think it is WAY too early to pigeon hole someone in to a 1-2-3 starter hole. The word "consistency" is not ugly in any way. It refers to overall effectiveness and consistency. Walks can kill. This is a proven absolute. Further, walks, and long AB's, limit the overall effectiveness of a pitcher to log the appropriate innings to win games, help his team win games, and can result in a greater burden for the bullpen. Are the Twins too conservative with pitchers? Possibly. Not here to argue that point. But a guy who tosses his load in 4 or 5 innings, even with SO's, is not as valuable as a pitcher who can throw fewer overall pitches to accomplish 6-7 innings with the same number of SO's. It's simple, performance logic. I believe May and Meyer are close. I believe the Twins believe they are close. You may be frustrated with the Twins, but they ARE in the baseball business. They are well aware of the fact that May and Meyer...and Berrios...are their top 3 SP prospects at this point. Very few pitchers ever hit the majors and are instant #1 or #2 starters. But with the talent they possess, yes...actual ML experience, and more "consistency", talent like these two can be top of the rotation starters. I'm reminded of Gibson last year, when the Twins stated they wanted to promote him when he seemed ready, so that he would be up to stay for good. Scream conservative regarding the Twins if you will, but is that really a bad idea/philosophy? And Seth's list isn't a top 10 or 20 prospect list, or even a precursor of ML success, but best efforts/performance for a single month.

Not a direct comparison, even though a twist if fate has them playing CF, but Santana reminds me of Ben Revere but with more pop in his bat. Now, Revere was a hitting machine in the minors, but as I recall, he was brought up earlier than expected and was solid. His speed brought a very similar sort of excitement, though Santana is out performing him thus far. Who knows how long it will last, or to what level number may eventually plateau. But even if he were at that .270 or .280 level, with any kind of decent OB, he'd still be effective and exciting. I also believe, while not a power hitter, his "pop" May expand. And there is no doubting his speed and SB potential if he just learns and smooths out a few things.

Thank you for such an outstanding and thorough report. And may I say I'm very jealous of your experience! I think Meyer's potential is beyond obvious. And his build and seemingly easy motion for a big kid would indicate an ability to throw 100 pitches routinely. I understand the Twins staff monitoring his pitch count, but would really like to have seen him BA able to throw a few more pitches in an attempt to finish the inning. I am of the belief that even limited exposure at the ML level could really help Meyer's development as he is just so close to being ready. But we have heard repeatedly, and your own observations and comments seem to confirm, that while mostly dominant, there is enough lack of control to indicate he is not yet to the point of economizing his pitches. Like everyone else, I can't wait to see him up, and part of the rotation. But I still believe patience is not only a virtue, but it's own reward. And I think he is still lacking just that little bit better control to make him more effective once he comes up.

Latin or Latino not withstanding, I was attempting to short hand a Spanish-speaking, foreign born coach to add to the staff. Thank you for any input or clarification in the area as I was a bit uncertain. Wise One had a few candidates in his list that I liked. Scotty also had a couple nice ideas. Were Oliva or Carew younger, they could be good options. But I don't believe they are real candidates for full time positions at this point in their life. I have nothing against Guillen, but I'm not sure he fits just right. I've been thought about Omar Vizquel lately. He was an outstanding defender, a true professional, and really learned how to hit and craft his game. Said addition needs to not only speak Spanish and be an ambassador, but he needs to offer something to the young players in the way of teaching. Not to undermine Bruno in any way, but I can't help but want him to help with an approach at the plate. Maybe Vizquel isn't such a bad choice. He could also help as an infield coach.

I love Arcia's potential and still believe in him. I hope and pray Vargas can make the jump straight from AA and stick. But even with those two, and a hopeful return to complete health and normal productivity from Mauer in 2015, there is still a big hole in the lineup, primarily at the #4 spot where we could really use someone to bring a veteran, experienced and effective bat. The Twins basically have 3 options to fill this hole: 1) they can make a trade for, probably a LF, replacing Willingham, ideally with someone late 20's or early 30's, who can give us a few years, and be part of the turnaround. The cost in prospects MIGHT make this prohibitive. It depends in the deal and player. 2) put out some real cash for a similar FA. This keeps the prospects in house, and the Twins absolutely have the payroll flexibility to make this move. In other words, a younger more expensive version of Willingham. Not a bad option. But will a player that fits this option be available. Well...maybe. FA isn't here yet, and these things are fluid. 3) go the short-term older veteran over 30 player. This again keeps the prospects at home, and financially is less of an expenditure both in dollars and time. For example sake only, as there may very well be other options, even better ones, but Cuddyer or Hunter have been mentioned. Let's say one of these two, or someone similar, could be brought in on a 1 year, or 1 plus team option, but no more than a 2 year deal for a fair but not high price tag. You bring in a veteran clubhouse guy, in theory, who can play LF, provide 20+ HR power, an experienced bat/approach and RBI bat short term for that 4 spot with Arcia, Vargas, Plouffe and others filling in behind. Personally, I like the third option. It keeps our prospects in house for at least another year. And I'd feel more comfortable making a trade move after another year of watching and promoting the youngsters to have a better idea of their value/development/potential/readiness, then making a move for a "finishing" piece to the lineup.

I am in the Hicks camp still. He is still quite young, and still posses very good talent. Hey, when Rod Carew believes in you, you have something going for you. No question he wasn't ready for the jump or the pressure. From a few things uttered from coaches and Carew, I think things have come pretty natural for him in the past, and he's finally learning that you have to really work at a certain point to advance and reach your potential. It's only a month, but I'd have him in Rochester tomorrow, just to face arms/guys that are a little better, a little more experienced, to at least get that small stepping stone. And with no promises for next season, I'd have him back up in September. An option has already been used this season, so it doesn't affect him in that regard to close out the year with the parent club. I like Santana to continue in CF for now. For one thing, he doesn't deserve to sit, and he's our best option there. Of course, he should also still see some time at SS. We can't bank on Hicks, Rosario or Buxton for 2015. Whether to supplant Santana at CF or compliment him, I believe someone should and will be brought in. Span has been mentioned, and might be a choice option. As to Santana in particular, his future is still somewhat in doubt, SS, utility or possibly LF. Obviously, Polanco, even Escobar could have a say in this as well. I am not discounting him as a full time SS to be sure. The skill set is there. I wouldn't discount LF as a possibility. A team is made up of many different players and many options. With like the likes of Sano, Buxton, Arcia, say Vargas, Dozier and hopefully a healthy Mauer being Mauer, power and offense/power/RBI potential comes from many places. You also need, and have room for, guys who can hit and run and make things happen in different ways. LF does not have to be solely a power position. Think years ago of Mickey Hatcher playing LF for the Twins. No real speed, no great power, but some gapper and occasional HR power. He played good defense, hit well, made contact, and was a very nice #2 hitter. Santana could be a more exciting version of this.

Even last off season, I was thinking the Twins needed to add a Latin coach to the staff. I think Cuellar was a great addition, and I'm not taking this article to blast Gardenhire, or his staff, which I believe to be solid baseball men all the way around. And whether Gardy comes back for 2015 or not, I feel the Twins would be well served to move someone on the staff to a different position to make room for said Latin coach to offer different perspectives, better communication with the young Latin players currently on the roster, and on their way up. I know there are Ozzie Guillen fans out there, and that's your fair and right perspective. But I doubt his fit in Minnesota, as well as a bench coach. But are there options anyone can see as quality candidates for this position?

Spy and Brock, I defer to your take and wisdom. I think you are both probably correct. Still not sure Plouffe won't have real value as a utility player with some offensive ability. At least until Polanco and a few others knock on the door. Just curious on your opinion, were Plouffe to make the sudden move to corner OF full time, what kind of expectation might we see?

I chose this title based on a comment from Shane the other day while referencing Santana and commented; "what the hell" in regard to his performance. TC tip of the hat to you Shane. I'm tired of hearing how the Twins won't promote anyone. Arcia was promoted young. Hicks was promoted young. (Ultimately good or bad to be determined) Gave Polanco an early cup of coffee, and might yet give him a September call up. May is up soon I'm sure. Meyer, well, hopefully soon. Even Darnell and Vargas have gotten recent shots. But I find it interesting that the most intriguing young prospect promotion has been met with anything from apathy to doubt. And I think it's time we just address this head on. Santana has been a top, athletic infield prospect the past couple of years now. He doesn't appear on any top 100 lists, for whatever that is worth, but depending on who's prospect you look at, has been regarded as anywhere from a top 10 to top 20 Twins prospect. Again, for what it's worth, and depending on your perspective. This ST, Gardenhire spoke of his talent and future prospectus and liked him. Someone, want to say Gladden, commented that he hadn't had any WOW moments as of yet to set himself apart. I think we were all surprised when he was promoted. I know I was. I absolutely expected Bernier to come up, having a great early start to his season, the Twins playing the solid veteran card they are so often accused of playing. Instead, they pulled up the surprising Santana. Like most of you, I felt it would involve bench play, a few AB's, and a quick demotion back to Rochester while his coffee was still warm. Instead, based on athletic ability, 20-30 or so games in the minors, and desperation, he was thrust in to a primary role as the starting CF. What a recipe for failure! Instead, this kid has embraced the challenge, actually shown at least some rudimentary ability to play CF, while also bouncing to SS, and actually shown some defensive ability and improvement. Gang, do I actually have to tell you that this wasn't supposed to happen? I'm not going to tell you that Santana is a finished product in any way, offensively or defensively. But just reflect for a moment at what he's done, and been asked to do, this season so far. His numbers through Saturday: .309Avg/.345OB%/.471Slg/.816OPS with 12Dbls, 2Tpls, 5HRs, 6SBs. 500 AB's project him to 31Dbls/ 5Tpls/ 13HRs/ 16SBs Just a guess, though he has shown glimpses of power in his bat previously, along with his speed, that the SB numbers might climb, along with triples, but the homers and doubles could level a bit. Despite his early success, I kept waiting for him to stumble and go back down. Instead, he kept battling pitchers and producing. When he went on the DL I figured it was time to just throw up my arms and say, "fun while it lasted". And yet, he's come back strong. Hence Shane's; "What the hell?" comment. CF until Buxton arrives, then LF probably, or possibly full time SS, where does Santana fit? After nearly 200 AB's, a stint on the DL and a positive return from it, can we really doubt this kid any longer? Where do we, or more precisely, where does he go from here? Can we really doubt the drive and talent of this youngster?

So I wasn't the only one who felt the empty balloon! Good! I think May is up very soon. I don't know, I think Meyer has better potential overall. Who gets here first doesn't indicate long term success. But I think I'm higher on May than some. He has the potential of a #1, but could always walk enough to be a #3. But I think big, strapping young 24-25 yo RHSP who have his stuff and ability to make 30+ starts and toss 200 innings don't just grow on trees. And if that's what he turns out to be, I'm pretty happy. I still think, 2-3 years from now, he's the 2 to Meyer's 1, who occassionaly pitches better. A RH Glavine, so to speak, to Meyer's Maddux impression? Am I wrong? Or does Berrios trump someone here?

Here we go again. I fully appreciate the various opinions expressed here at TD with the utmost respect. Even when I don't agree, I fully appreciate any counterpoints to my own. But this is one of the biggest arbitrary comments that rankles me. I have NEVER been on record as saying Anderson is the best pitching coach in baseball. In fact, I'm not even sure how any of us could quantify who is the best, or what quantifies what makes who the very best. But to just blast Anderson without question is a huge sticking point with me. The Twins, with Anderson as pitching coach, had winning records in 8 out of the first 9 seasons he teamed with Gardenhire. They made the playoffs 7 of those 8 years, losing out on a 163rd game one time. The ONE losing season the Twins had in that time frame, 2009, the Twins ranked 11th in team ERA. Every other season, they ranked no worse than 7. And in those 9 seasons, they ranked 1st or 2nd in fewest BB every season but one, 6th in 2002, his first season as pitching coach. He oversaw Santana in to a multiple CyYoung winner and candidate. He nurtured Nathan and Perkins in to All Star closers. He helped build and re-build bullpens over the years with power arms like those two and others, but also rans like Trombley, Fiore, Guerrier, Reyes, Neshak, Rauch and others. Some decent arms, some from the Twins system, some cast offs from other teams. Do yourself a favor, take a moment to look at all those winning teams rosters, look at the starting staffs, and then come back. Yeah, he had Santana and Radke some of those years, and Liriano before injury, and after before he lost his mind. But he also won with Blackburn, Slowey, Silva and Pavano, to name a few. A virtual who's who of CyYoung candidates to be sure! (Tongue firmly planted in cheek) This is not to say the Twins were devoid of talent these years. They weren't. But to blast Anderson arbitrarily for the work he's done the last few years, when the ERA and SP have been disappointing to lousy is ridiculous. Just look at what he's had to work with lately. Then look at this season where the first 3 months actually show constant improvement right up until the All Star break.

BINGO! Every point. I think Gardy is a very good manager. As does his current team, the teams before him, and sports writers who have voted him AL MOTY once, and in the top 3 several other teams. He also managed his teams to 8 winning seasons in his first 9 years, and 7 playoff appearances. I also think it's time for a change of leadership, just because. It doesn't speak ill of Gardy to simply say the time may be right to have and hear a different voice during this rebuild. Sometimes change happens just to turn a page and move forward. I have little doubt Gardenhire would be offered a manager job or two or three or more quickly. And I wouldn't be surprised if hired, given a solid team to work with, if he wouldn't be right back in the playoffs. Just remember, the next trade or FA signing Gardenhire makes will be his very first. Otherwise, just read what Seth wrote again, because it's about as right and true as anything ever written here at TD, and I can't add anything else. (Tips his TC cap to Seth)

Right there with Seth, not sure why I'm even responding. Was your intent with this blog to simply be provocative in nature? The money is spent, the move to 1B has happened. End of story. We can all ramble at length about different pressures learning a new position full time, placing pressure on himself to produce at what is traditionally a power position, missing playing catcher, the twins keep him up at night, or a switch from 2% to skim milk in his daily diet. At the end of the day, admitted or not, the truth is pretty self evident; Mauer has still been recovering from post concussion syndrome. It's still a relatively new phenomena to deal with in a contact sport such as football, much less a light contact sport such as baseball. Koskie, a great guy, a great ballplayer, and a great Twin had his career ruined, and his life impacted, before anyone even knew much of anything about this issue. Morneau has suffered the same, and only this year has recovered. And he has spoken of his final recovery, and his thoughts about Joe. If the Twins could rewind, and have just a little more information available, I believe they would have kept Morneau. The two of them would make an excellent pair of DH/1B if only. Joe was actually starting to feel good at the plate, and starting to look like his real self before his oblique injury. Not every ballplayer, even big strong athletic ball players, are made to be HR hitters. Wade Boggs was asked to hit third for the Red Sox on year, and his power numbers rose, though his vaunted BA and OB% lowered. If he were to alter his approach, perhaps Mauer could do the same. But at the end of the day, Mauer has one of the smoothest strokes in all of baseball, and is one of its best pure hitters. He's a true and pure .300 hitter with at/near/above .400 OB% who can consistently stroke 40ish doubles with double digit power that could approach high teens with 150 games played. All numbers I'd expect in 2015 if healthy and truly over the concussion. And for anyone who doubts a quality 1B that can flat out hit and produce without being a true power threat, see; Grace, Mark...Joyner, Wally...Hernandez, Keith.

We'll never know for sure, but I still maintain the belief that May was supposed to get than final start, (or two) before the Futures Game, and unless he mis-fired, or got hurt, UGH, he was going to stay up. The Twins turned to Pino and Johnson at that time as the next deserving guys in line, and guess we'll never know what might have happened otherwise. Rob Antony was talking on the radio the other night and, can't remember if it was Dan or Corey, but they asked about May. The response was pretty dry, commenting on 70+ pitches last time out and trying to stretch him back out to 100 or so next start. Sort of finished with a we'll see comment. And maybe it's just me, but I felt there was an empty balloon left floating in the air that he just wanted to fill in with a "then he'll be up" comment. At this point, the rest of the season is about, will be about, taking a look at several players to gain experience, to see where and when they might fit in next season, or if they fit at all. (We can all name the names) I believe May makes his next Rochester start. And if he's his same, solid self, and tosses a solid 90-100 pitches, he's up. They'll play the same Johnson/Pino/Darnell train game to bring him up. And unless there is an IP concern, he'll remain the rest of the season, 5 or 6 man rotation not withstanding. I also agree that Milone will be up soon, possibly after 1 start. I forget who now, but someone commented Milone was only days away from an extra year or control. If true, that makes the one AAA start while the FO and staff finalize their next moves all the more prudent. Meyer is more complicated. Like Brock stated, I'm also patient when it comes to prospects. Meyer has performed very well, and downright kicked butt this season. But there was the one poor stretch, and a few games where he has just used too many pitches to get through his innings, walked a few too many, to give you pause. I believe he absolutely needs and deserves to be up, whether it be soon or September. Even if it's some relief innings just to get acclimated to the ML level. I think it would mean a lot to his development for 2015.

Some great points. I myself stated earlier in the season he didn't have the ability/durability to be anything more than a potentially very good 5th SP. I just think he's built for 26 starts and not 32-33. I just watch him throw sometimes I think, really? Guys like Pino and Johnson offer more? I also think he has a tough time making a Twins rotation with the likes of Hughes, Gibson, Nolasco, May, Meyer, and now maybe Milone. Possibly Pelfrey for a year or part of a year, and Berrios climbing the ladder. If he harnesses even somewhat decent control, I also see him as a viable bullpen arm who can just be wicked at times. So I think all of your comments are probably right on. It's just that I watch him at times and wonder why he's not out there, at least for the now.

Spy cake, even as I wrote my commentary, I knew someone would write almost exactly what you did. LOL And you're not wrong. In fact, I did mention Plouffe as a poor mans version of Cuddy. (FWIW, Cuddyer remains one of my all time favorite Twins) Cuddyer was, and probably always will be better than Plouffe. However, I maintain my original observations as to the similar parallels to their careers. Both were top picks, large guys at SS with power potential, who ultimately were moved off SS and saw time at 2B and 3B as well as the OF. Both played in the league at 25, though Cuddy had more plate appearances and a higher OPS. Both finally hit the 400 AB level at their age 26 seasons where Cuddyer posted a .752 OPS and Plouffe a .756 OPS. The next season, age 27, is where Cuddyer really established himself and pulled ahead. But again, similarities between them, size, position shifts, good arms, and power potential. Potential that I believe Plouffe may still come close to realizing. Not saying he will, but his overall game and hitting, his doubles power and decent RBI totals before his injury, mark this as Plouffe's best season at the ML level. If Sano were to take over 3B tomorrow...you know what I mean...Plouffe might have decent trade value to someone in serious need at 3B. But he has enough ability, has teased with power potential, that he MIGHT pull a Cuddyer and find his full stroke with a move to the OF. At worst, he might be a multi-position helper player, not unlike Cuddyer, who can offer something with the bat.

First off, I wasn't opposed to selling high on Suzuki if there were a quality return available. But I really like the re-signing. There really isn't anything in the upcoming FA period that probably surpasses his ability/value. Arguements can be made his signing blocks Pinto. And I don't know, perhaps that is true. But then again, if Pinto is not yet truly ready to be an everyday catcher, debateable I know, it's too valuable position to just be throw open to "whatever's" and "will sees". At the end of the day, even forgetting offense, and throwing out runners and pitch framing, a catcher's number one job is calling a good game, having the trust of the staff, and just flat out catching and blocking the ball. Suzuki is good at those things. He still might prove tradeable if/when Pinto proves ready. And if it doesn't happen, he's a solid option until Garver and others should be ready/closer. And as someone pointed out elsewhere, his contract isn't so great that the Twins would feel bad about sliding him in to a reserve role. Parker, your observations are awesome and very much appreciated. And I hope your thoughts here on Suzuki are acurate and he can continue to hit at a rate at least close to what he's been doing. I haven't broken down his hitting in detail, but casual observation and reports have him as a hitter earlier in his career before his slid, and now re-birth. But he has always made decent contact overall, and not been a burden OB% wise. There aren't many catchers that are true offensive forces. Goodness knows how spoiled we've been with Mauer behind the plate the past few years! But the reality is he's not behind the dish any longer, and while the Twins have 3-5 interesting C prospects in the lower minors, they are not close. Pinto still has a real chance. And I would argue and debate about Herrmann as well, even as a decent and versatile backup. The same for Pinto as a DH backup type at worst. Not to be trite about things, but honestly, to paraphrase an old parable: having one solid starting catcher in hand is better than two in the minor (bush) leagues. Even should Suzuki regress beyond this year's performance, expected to some degree, but could maintain the changes you've pointed out here, a .270-.280 hitter with contact and decent OB%, at a defensive position near the bottom of the order would still be a solid! contributing player in the lineup.

Going to slightly disagree here. I think he has more power potential than many give him. He's a quality hitting prospect with a nice swing, good athleticism, and has shown the ability to hit very solid line drives. Power is often late in developing, even in true power hitters. He had the one big year where he went head to head with Sano all season for the team and league HR mark. Since then, he has not duplicated the 20 HR feat. He is still only 22, and between quick promotions and the suspension to miss the first half of this season, he's seldom spent anything close to a full year at one spot, one level, since rookie ball. I believe experience and further development over the next couple of years, as well as just settling in to a level, will see a jump in Rosario's power. I don't know if he's ever going to be a consistent 20 HR guy or not, but high doubles and consistent mid to upper teen HR totals I think could easily be expected.

OK, for some this ship has sailed for various reasons. And I get it. And I know some will blast me for even bringing this topic back up. But there's a legitimate reason I bring Deduno back up. Let's rewind for a moment. Deduno is a journeyman milb player with electric stuff and poor enough control to make Nuke LaLoosh look like Brad Radke. The Twins give him a shot and he shows some flashes at AAA. He comes up in 2012 and while very inconsistent, continues to show flashes. At one point in 2013, throwing a little less hard for better control, he not only pitches solid, but is probably the Twins best SP for over two months. Then he has a shoulder twinge, tries to battle through it, but simply isn't the same, and finally gets shelved. The Twins were cautious with him in ST 2014, but he performed very well. So much so that many were questioning why he wasn't part of the rotation instead of the bullpen. Except for a couple poor glimpses, he actually pitches well out of the pen, Gardy even compliments on having a pitcher with his ability out of the pen. He finally gets his shot back in the rotation and pitches...OK to meh...before being pulled for....Pino and Johnson??? I watched him pitch relief against the Royals the other night, and while their lineup isn't exactly frightening, I watched the Deduno I remember send some stuff up to the plate that looked like 90mph curveballs and found myself wondering where he's been? Why isn't he still getting a shot after what he has shown he could do when healthy? Do Pino and Johnson really have more than he does? Hughes, Gibson, Nolasco, May, Meyer, Barrios soon...and some other solid options...I'm not sure what future Deduno has. But May and Meyer aren't here yet. Nolasco had been hurt. Does Deduno really rate behind Pino and Johnson? I just can't help but wonder if Deduno is getting a fair shake here.

Nick, I don't know how I could really comment you hit it so perfectly. Just a few additional comments: Sorry Mr Fryer, but Pinto is coming up soon to catch a third of our games. He needs and deserves his shot, and we know what Suzuki brings. Hicks goes to Rochester tomorrow, starts every day somewhere, and comes up in September. You've already used an option, bring him up to finish the year in September with no promises. Santana is the CF until then, plays a little SS, plays there a little more come September. Willingham and Correia, I believe, are still gone via waiver trade. I'm a proponent for a 6 man rotation in September, but feel we can also pull it off in August with a 6 man bullpen. It allows more opportunity to sort through various options for next year, and could allow both May, and potentially Meyer, to get real ML experience without pushing their IP limits.