DocBauer

Jim, the proposed call up of Meyer to potentially pitch out of the pen is based, obviously, on his innings limit/concern. I don't believe this scenario stunts his growth at all. It's by no means a permanent move, and would allow him the opportunity to experience ML life and ML hitters, which should only help prepare him for 2015. Further, whether called upon for an inning, or three, there is no reason he can't continue to work on his change. Now, it would be different if the staff actually told him to only throw FB's and sliders as if he was a true reliever. I seriously doubt they'd do that. He's too important to their future, and we're simply not going to be in a playoff chase barring something unforeseen happening. Now, he could still get a start or two or three depending on when said promotion actually takes place, and then finish out in the pen. But I believe any ML experience this year helps his development moving forward.

This. Absolutely. Though I disagree with trading Fien. Still young 30, not expensive, a real find and doing a great job. I still believe May would already be up, stopping the Johnson/Pino train at the station if not for his calf injury.

Agreed! There also a couple other relief arms not mentioned that we could include here. I do think Sano and Rosario potentially arriving early is a bit ambitious, but your point is well taken. Patience is indeed a virtue. And I understand that when your team has had 3 very poor seasons in a row, it's hard to remain patient for the future and a return to serious competition. Especially when you read scouting reports and box scores and prospect rankings. Patience tends to fly out the window, and impatience meets hope somewhere at the fantasy crossroads and it's easy to say: "but this guy, and this guy, and that guy could do this and that if only........" But the minors exist for a reason. And prospects work themselves up for a reason, regardless if you feel an organization is too fast or too slow to promote. A ML team is about building, or re-building, a quality team to compete. Not a showcase for minor league potentials. And while I also am impatient to see our top young talent arrive, I also want them to be ready to succeed, and not fumble and stumble excessively and ride red-eyes up and down to the minors repeatedly while they find their footing. We all want these kids to be "it". And we'd like to have them be so for as long as possible. But there is simply no formula that states a player must arrive by a certain age in order to have a quality career and be a fixture. And while I wish there was, there is also no formula or crystal ball to tell you to draft or promote a certain player by a certain birthdate to ensure he is a hall of famer.

I was a bit unsure of his selection, despite his athletic pedigree, simply because the scouting reports I read him anywhere from 50-65 at all skill levels. Now while those are all above average, I guess I was expecting a prospect taken that high to sport scores more in the 60-70 range. Certainly the early results have looked very encouraging. And the "gene" factor is nothing to sneeze at. When your father was a highly successful ML player, and your older brother is a high ranked prospect who has graduated to a quality ML'er in his own right, there is something to be said of where you come from and your potential. And I have seen many times, in different sports, for whatever reason, where the younger sibling turns out to actually be the better player. Would be awesome if it happened in this case. I don't expect him to ever be a power threat. But I do wonder as he ages a bit, develops and fills out, if he might have some good XB and potential double digit HR capability.

And I don't necessarily disagree with you on this point. I don't think Pinto is as bad defensively as some worry. I think he played pretty well to close out 2013, and didn't seem to play poorly in ST this year. Further, while there have been reports in the past as to needing better footwork, he nonetheless has a strong arm and has done a solid job of throwing out runners in his milb career. I am also on record as being a Herrmann supporter, as I know you are as well. He's garnered positive comments about his play behind the plate in the past, has solid athleticism, well above normal for a catcher, and his track history shows a solid LH bat with contact and gapper power. I think his biggest issue lately has been simply being allowed to play every day instead of being a Twins call up who sits on the bench. Im still in favor of re-signing Suzuki for 2 years at 5-6M per, as has been suggested here. I know/expect his offense to regress, but it's his experience as a quality veteran receiver, still in his early 30's, so no aged veteran, that I'd be banking on. If those numbers don't work, yes, I say trade him for the best value possible. And I also don't buy the idea of trading him and then trying to re-sign him in the off season. Assuming the team he's traded to doesn't sign him, the Twins certainly would have real competition.

This list is pure crap! I've heard from a good source, a former teammate's cousin's roommate friend that Brad Radke is dominating in his slow pitch church league. How could you possibly leave him off your list?

We've taken time in recent weeks to look at the current state, the rest of the season, and projections toward 2015, in regard to the rotation, the bullpen and the outfield. There have been widely varied opinions, ideas and projections shared. I believe it's time now to exams in the infield. A section of the team that may be, surprisingly, a strength of the team! When was the last time you could say that? Maybe the United Nations infield of Koskie, Guzman, Rivas and Dougie Baseball? Koskie's career was cut short due to concussion syndrome, as was Morneau's, at least with the Twins, when he came in late to join in. Guzman was never special, but solid and occassionaly dynamic, and Rivas never hit his potential. But for a couple of years, it was a very nice infield. The past several years was Morneau as a fixture at 1B, whoever at every other position. We got one surprising year from Pinto, who was truly an underrated utility guy, and one so-so year from Hardy and Hudson. And yet, yet, suddenly, we are in the midst of an infield rebuild and revolution to the Twins infield. And any discussion has to begin with Mauer at 1B. Before the season began, there was tremendous hope and speculation of what a healthy 150 game season might mean for Joe. Very few believed he was due to suddenly become a 20+ HR guy, but most felt double digits were possible along with a slew of doubles and a return to the .300 BA and .400 OB % we have come to expect. Sadly, this has been amongst Mauer's worst seasons as a professional. There has been speculation of the pressure of a permanent position change, as well as a different perspective at the plate just not being a catcher any longer. But I think the reality we've all had to face and agree with is that he simply hasn't been the same while still recovering from his concussion. However, before his oblique injury, Mauer was really starting to look like Mauer again. The hope and plan here is that he will be healthy and ready soon to finish the season looking like himself. And if that ccan happen, it jump starts the 2015 where he can get those 150 games in, and just be Mauer. Parmelee might FINALLY be rounding in to a real ML player who may assume a "Randy Bush" role as a solid corner OF/1B/DH/PH. And that's not a bad thing. There is some possibility that Colabello can be a RH version. Vargas is the wild card in all of this. How good of a 1B is open to debate and future revelation. And he has yet to see AAA, much less the majors, but the offensive production potential is excellent. Second base is set. Period. Unless someone feels Dozier is their missing piece and offers up a package too outrageous to turn down, he has 2B locked down for us. He's an excellent defensive player, and ranks amongst the Twins and league leaders in several offensive categories. The ONLY thing he hasn't done yet is bring the BA up. His stroke, his patience, his milb track record all indicate that this too will improve. In fact, were it not for his top of the order mates Mauer and Santana getting injured, we might have already seen a climb this season. The seemingly eternal black hole at SS has been filled wonderfully by the freed Escobar this season, with contributions from the previously mentioned Santana. Escobar has been a revelation, even with some expected regression. He's been solid to very good defensively, and has proven he can play and hit at this level. In fact, the only real downturn he's had this season is when the Twins mistakenly messed with him by playing 3B with the Plouffe injury instead of letting Romero get his first ML shot. Long term, the talented and surprising Santana should be able to replace him. Either way it plays out, the other offers a talented and versatile bench option. Speaking of the bench, Nunez was a really nice aquisition. He may not be starting potential, ever, but he has a nice bat with some pop, has some speed, and despite bad reports, is not a butcher with the glove. I think he's out of place in the OF, but I actually support work out there to see if it can lead to his greater versatility. Beresford at Rochester is interesting. From all accounts he can pick it. From all accounts and milb success it appears he can hit a little and run a little while possessing a decent eye. But is he just too weak to develop in to a ML ball player? If you could just stack 10lbs of muscle on the guy, maybe. Rosario is still playing some 2B, and he should be. It doesn't matter if Dozier is an impending fixture at the spot, versatility is a good thing. And despite being at least a year away, still stuck in A ball, hopefully soon to finish at AA, Polanco is an athletic, talented hitting machine. Remember when it seemed we had nobody to play the infield, especially the middle infield? And no prospects? Seems like just a season or two again doesn't it? My how things have quickly changed! Now to 3B. I know, I know, I know. Sano is the future. Unfortunately, Sano got hurt just when it seemed he might make an appearance at some point this season, even if it was September. Some are already filled with tremendous angst that his TJ will rob him of the ability to play the hot corner. But I have to remind those doubters about several points: A) TJ surgery for a position player is less harmful, and easier to overcome, for a position than a pitcher. Also, TJ surgery is no longer, nor has it been for several years, a death sentence for a P, much less said position player. With a very strong arm to begin with, even with some loss of strength, temporary or permanent, there is nothing at this point to hold Sano back from being able to handle the position. C) Pre-injury, all indications were that the former SS was developing defensively as a 3B. Unless there is some missing information that Romero is an absolute butcher in the field, or has a bat made of Swiss cheese, I'm still surprised he hasn't had at least a cup of coffe yet to see if he can at least be a decent fill in option. For now, 3B belongs to Trevor Plouffe. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. There is absolutely no question that in 2014 he has begun to mature both offensively and defensively. He is no Sano, never will be, and there is no question the Twins will be a better team when Sano forces Plouffe off the hot corner. But for now, he's a solid option. And while it might beg its own thread, I have done some Plouffe vs Cuddyer comparisons since it's often been debated on here at TD. The comparisons are somewhat eerie. Both are former 6' 2" 1st round SS picks. Neither had what it took to stick and moved around. While Cuddy spent a little less time in the minors, both of them were age 26 when they finally had 400+ ML AB's. And they had very similar numbers, and almost exact OPS. The biggest difference was the age 27 season where Cuddyer seemed to take a real step forward. Im not saying Plouffe can or will be Cuddyer part 2. But I am saying his maturity this season has made him a solid option at 3B for now, who might have a future with the Twins as a potential OF or utility bench/bat player. Remember when the infield was a mess with no options?

Surprisingly, considering where we thought we were a couple seasons ago, the biggest hole in the minors right now might be in the OF. Now, I'm not saying we are destitute there, but we are painfully short in the upper levels right now. To be fair, some of this is due to the "graduation" or Arcia, the injury to Buxton prevented him being at AA, Hicks is trying to get straightened out after not being ready, and Rosario's suspension also slowed his progress to AAA this year. Just about every other top to decent OF prospect in the system is in A ball. Kvasnika in AA was a top draft choice for a reason. He's found new life with the Twins. And while it seems doubtful he has any special tools to set him apart, he may find a role as a versatile bench player. Nate Roberts should be in AA by now. Sometimes there are those talented ball players that, for whatever reason, simply can't escape the injury bug. And it's really too bad that Roberts may just be one of those players. He has the talent to be a solid ML OF who can play left or center and be a spark plug at the top of the order. At worse, he could be a very valuable resererve. I just don't know if he's ever going to be healthy enough to reach his potential. Once in a while, there are certain players who finally shake those old snake-eyes and finally arrive, often after being jettisoned and latching on to a different organization. I hope Roberts will be one of those guys, but kept within the Twins organization. Max Kepler is similar to Roberts. I think we all knew, considering his background, that despite enormous talent, athleticism and potential, that he could take a little longer to reach his potential. But the injury bug is starting to get a hold of him as well. Here's hoping he can shake that bug and get back on track soon. Walker has tremendous power potential and potential in general. He moves well for a big man, has more speed than expected, can steal a base here and there, (at least for now), reportedly has a very good arm. The ball reportedly comes off his bat in that special way with that special sound, and he's shown a legitimate ability to hit in the clutch, hits, power and even sac flys, and that's not a talent to be ignored. But he's at A ball for a reason still, looking for more consistent contact. Harrison May be an option, though I'm still a little unsure why he's been moved off 3B so quickly. All reports indicate he also has big power potential. But even if he stays in the OF, he's still a long ways away at this time. And there are others, this is a short list. And with a little bit of luck, Buxton and Hicks and Rosario will get it together quickly and be factors soon. I'm just surprised at the lack of depth and options available at the moment.

Interesting. I am on record for two things relative here. One is that I believe Suzuki has real value for next season, possibly beyond, even with expected offensive regression. He's a quality C, period. He's a good guy on a team, calls a good game, works well with a staff, and has a good glove behind the plate. Good catchers don't just grow on trees. And having Suzuki on the roster doesn't necessarily block Pinto. Wouldn't he still have trade value next year as well if Pinto begins to take over, or given the opportunity to do so? The second item I'm on record about is pitch framing. I've read some very educated information on the subject to be sure. And I'm not saying there isn't merit to the statistic, though it's still a fairly new one. But there are statistics in all sports than can be skewed. PPG in basketball need to be compared to shot % and numbers of shots taken as an example. And to me, being a quality C isn't about framing, and not even necessarily about throwing %, as that number can be skewed for several reasons as well. Being a quality catcher is about Suzuki's strengths, calling the game, taking control of the game, working with the staff, blocking the plate, and catching the high and wide throws. Now, if Suzuki is looking for a big payday built around a career season, I have a hard time with that. I don't blame him, but there has to be reasonable parameters in place in regard to his value, career norms, and a best season. Without a fair figure in mind, years and dollars, then I'm in favor or the best trade value possible. But don't forget, no matter Pinto's potential and our hopes for him, the potential of Herrmann overall, and some nice talent in the lower minors, we need someone behind the plate to work with our staff, including youngsters like May and Meyer, and it appears the FA market next year may be dry.

Just to share and echo many sentiments here in my own words and opinions. No, absolutely no, Dozier is not a tradeable asset. Yes, if someone offers you a tremendous return you always listen. You have to. What that return would be is hard to say, and so I won't go in to pure speculation mode. I am firm belief Dozier's BA will be climbing. In fact, if Santana and Mauer had stayed healthy, hitting around him, I'd be willing to bet we would have already seen a climb this season. He simply has too much of a hitting record, a nice swing, a good eye, and what seems to baseball sense not to expect improvement. But he has already fashioned himself, in only his second season, to being a highly productive player in the AL in regard to virtually every offensive statistic. And not just "for a second baseman". I find it it rather un fathomable that some clamor for the promotion of young prospects, even if not seemingly "ready"...even read references to blowing up the roster with prospects...and yet wanting to trade a young cornerstone player who is young and under team control for several more seasons. Also, despite the tremendous potential of Rosario and Polanco, and the surprising and steady play of Escobar this year, as well as the seeming emergence of Santana, who replaces Dozier if you trade him? Rosario and Polanco simply aren't ready yet. So we trade a budding star who ranks amongst team and league leaders to do what now? Just add more young unproven as of yet talent? While this thread is about Dozier, Meyer and May have also been brought in to the discussion. Always remember, the minors are for player development. When you hear comments about such things as "consistency", it doesn't mean waiting for a player to develop to a point where they are guaranteed ML ready to perform at a high level daily, or, every 5th day. It's about performing to a certain level of consistency, sometimes the little things that can be magnified at the ML level, so that they have the best chance to grow and succeed. May had achieved that level, I believe, and probably would be up already if not for his calf injury. And I believe he will be up soon. Meyer slipped, no denouncement of his talent or future, but he did slip. And now he's rebounded very well. Logical speculation would see him up after May, whether that be August or September. If there is an innings concern, I have no problem with him seeing relief innings to introduce him to ML ball to build toward next season.

Snakebit? Somebody ticked off a Zoltar machine? If this is nothing more than a sore plunking, and I sure hope it is, you have to feel a couple games missed shouldn't make him gather rust with the way he's been coming around. If only stiff/swollen and back quickly, something can still be salvaged on this season. I have absolutely no desire to rush or push anyone beyond their comfort zone, especially with all the time missed and the frustrating setbacks Buxton has had this season. That being said, with his enormous ability, potential and drive, if he's back in the next couple of days, and finishes July strong, considering he dominated at A last season, I'd really like to see him challenged at AA for August to close out the season. I honestly wouldn't expect a dynamic last month, nor would I think of it as a springboard for AAA to begin 2015. But it would allow a building block of experience going in to the offseason, and toward 2015.

Optimistic proposition and following question. Despite possibly shaking off some initial rust, probably, let's assume the Santana of the second half is the same Santana, more or less, that he has been the first half. In other words, a work in progress, particularly in CF, but talented and dynamic, improving, a real spark plug for the team. Are you comfortable with him targeted as the principal CF option going in to 2015? With say Fuld, or similar, as competition/backup and Hicks and Rosario on the farm, getting close, waiting Buxton to jump them. Or do you feel we need to go a little more all in for a short-term veteran option? If Santana would, unfortunately, suddenly show regression, how would that change your thoughts. Im not so sure I'm not more concerned with a productive bat/player for LF, probably short term, unless there's someone out there under 30 who is deserving of a longer term deal.

If they could pull that off, I'd be both pleased and impressed. Might dance a jig if they pulled off the 10-3. Im not even worried at contention realistically. I'm just thinking healthy, working in some promotions in August, obviously more in September, ride a wave of some honest to goodness hope and enthusiasm, and maybe finish the last two months 4-5 games over .500 total. contention for anything or not, that would be a winning record gang.

I guess I look at the C position from a more standard perspective. I look for a guy who handles the staff, catches the ball and sets up well. You also hope he can throw well, but especially in today's game where the stolen base aspect has been disappearing more and more, it's not as important as it used to be. Further, the pitcher also has something to do with keeping the base runner from going, or being successful. I absolutely don't expect Suzuki to hit again as he has done this year. And I don't think Pinto is as bad as some speculate defensively. I actually thought he was pretty solid last season, and a few games I watched this season. I'm also a Herrmann believer, if given half a chance. But I can't deny Suzuki has made a positive impact this year overall. I can't deny he seems to be a smart ball player, a solid catcher, and someone who teams have thought enough of to trade for him and sign him. Im torn. What I really wasn't is him back, but more as a 50-50 or 40-60 with Pinto. Would he do that? Would the Twins do that?

Once again, just to be clearance, I think we're finding some common ground. I don't know Morales' clubhouse influence. Could be great! I just don't know at this point. But, his production could not only be an excellent year or two "patch", but he might be a positive influence. Actually, I'd like to learn more about his personality and leadership skills. But the arguement continues that he, or another potential replacement, as well as a proposed vet LF, are not long term signings, but what you state, a patch.

Yes, as, it might be a patch. Might indeed be nothing more than that. Not sure I agree with 2017 as a target date though. The majority of the players on this team will be intact through 2015 and 2016. Despite some painful setbacks this season in the minors, there is a very real possibility than 2015 will see May, Meyer, Sano, Buxton, Rosario, Vargas, and a return of Hicks, make their appearance at some point. This sets the table well for 2016 with possible appearances/contributions from Polanco, Berrios and Walker amongst others, including some talented relievers who will almost undoubtedly make their presence known. So Morales may be a "patch" as may be a vet LF. But what is wrong with that? I know a patch in many things can be a good thing, including here. I mean, crazy analogy, but a patch in a hole in my tire can be a really good thing instead of just immediately replacing said tire. So a productive player "patch" for a couple seasons, possibly with trade value, until one of the talented youngsters is ready would be a bad thing? I guess I don't see the downside here.

From what I have seen, I think Pinto has the potential, at least, to be a regular DH. I generally like approach at the plate, and his power is definite. But watching him last season when he was pretty much the regular C, I really didn't think he looked bad behind the plate. I think ages get tossed around as if they are absolutes somehow. As if every prospect should be this and that by a certain age with no regard to position, culture, injury, etc. Pinto is still a young man and young player. There is still a lot of potential there. Despite expected regression, very much expected regression, I'm still in the re-signing Suzuki camp because I think he really does handle a staff very well and provides great intangibles to the club. But I'm also big on Pinto's future, and even Herrmann's as a quality and versatile bench player. At least until some of the Twins talented lower level C's approach a higher level. Im in favor of Suzuki back, but, and it's a very fine line, only if Pinto gets the work he should.

Now this I do agree with. As I just stated in my last post, supplementing a roster with a couple quality veterans, productive players, is prudent, and even more so for 2015+, as it happens! Once again, Morales or otherwise, I don't know that anyone is advocating, necessarily, a veteran player for DH, LF, or CF, as a long term signing/patch. I know I'm not. But I also don't view a 2 year deal, or possibly a club controlled 3rd year, as anything long term. One issue I would argue with you about is the value of a winning clubhouse mattering. I myself have used this reference before, and I still believe in it. However, I think it might be necessary to better explain this comment and philosophy. It's not so much about young prospects joining a team that is winning, but rather, joining a team that has a winning "attitude" of professionalism about it. Kirby Puckett had this attitude when he played for the Twins, and did much for younger players, and this has been well documented, especially for Torii Hunter when he was an up and coming youngster. And Hunter, in turn, passed leadership to the teams he played on, especially to Span, who in turn, attempted to pass along the things he learned to Revere. And along with a huge organizational mistake in losing Hunter, (which I brought up in a semi-to-real truth article article built on fun speculation), I think one of the biggest mistakes the Twins have made in past several years was not ponying up to keep Cuddyer. The guy was never a true star, but his production was real and his leadership and professionalism were very much tangible. And he has proven the last season and a half, before his shoulder injury, that he had real life yet. Now, it remains to see what will really happen, but the Rockies have spoken recently about wanting to re-sign Cuddy not only for what he brings to the field, but what he brings to the clubhouse, and as an influence to their younger players. Not my words, but theirs. Personally, I'd love Cuddy back on a 1 or 2 year deal. But that's actually beside the point. I don't know Morales' personality or leadership skills. But if he can produce as he has most of his career in 2015, forgetting the actual contract parameters for the moment, and can be a positive influence on the Twins young Latin talent, I think that's a consideration. Same with any other fill-in player the Twins may sign for, let's say LF, to replace Willingham. Production and a quality influence may go hand in hand with a solid, fair 1 or 2 year deal with whomever they may sign. It's not only the productive bridge they may bring to the team, but the attitude and professionalism they might provide.

This to me is a very key point, if I read Brock correctly when he states: "why not both?" In regard to rebuilding/retooling AND STILL TRYING to put a potentially winning ball club on the field. And I have to echo that sentiment. Honestly, why can't the Twins work at both at this point? I don't think it's unrealistic. Now I get all DocBauer and Leviathan. Lol Some obvious truths first: (and if not, then why are you a fan?) *We want the Twins to be a consistently winning and contending ball club. *The past 3 seasons have been disappointing and pretty rough on the team and it's fans. And frankly, we don't want that any longer. *Everyone is impressed and excited for the development and rise to prominence of the Twins talented young prospects. No matter all the other opinions stated, I think these are absolute truths we all share. And as someone stated at one point in this thread...sorry but I forget who said it...ultimately it is the Twins responsibility to have a winning caliber team, and not simply a showcase for youngsters. That may seem like a simplistic statement, but it's also very true. I hear age brought up a lot in comments lately. And while I understand the general opposition to the "age" factor, obviously in regard to diminishing talent vs young prospects, I am a bit perplexed by the anti-30+ angst. Does being a quality player over 30, helping your team produce/win, mean you have no value? I am NOT SAYING the Twins compare to say, the Yankees, but, with little exception, they build their team around veteran players they sign or trade for, and in some cases, hold on to for a great length of time. But their fans don't factor age, they factor production and winning. Again, not comparing the Twins to them directly, just making an observation. If next season, I could present you a DH, possibly Morales considering the original point of this thread, a veteran power hitting/productive LF and a solid option for CF on 2-year deals, to go along with the other "fixtures" in our lineup, along with a healthy Nolasco, Hughes, Gibson, May and Meyer in the rotation, and I could guarantee you an 80 win team who might contend for 85+ depending on the further health and development of Mauer, Dozier, Plouffe, Arcia, Escobar, Nunez, Santana and even Parmelee, you would say no??? And if you were to say no, then I can only assume your preference was to promote Sano, coming off injury, Buxton, missing significant time this year, Hicks, Pinto, Rosario and Vargas from AA, and possibly Polaco and Walker for high A and just run with them, lose another 90 games for a year or two until they get their feet under them. Yes, you learn on the job in baseball. But there is also a sound reason why there are multiple levels of development. No-one, myself or otherwise, has objected to promotions or "holding back" a prospect from the next level or challenge. But as has also been pointed out earlier, some guys do well quickly, and some fail and flail the first time up. Some take two times. Some need a little more until things begging to click. The reality is the Twins face a hole in LF next season, as well as potentially CF and DH. Now, based on what Santana has done this season, if he can maintain, he and say, Fuld, may hold down CF in 2015. And it's possible Parmelee and Colabello and Pinto, and others on off days, could rotate in and hold down the DH spot. Both of these are possible. But at the very least, aren't we still at least on spot/position short? Even the pro Morales contingent, of which I am one, have never said anything more than a 2 year deal that is "fair", however that plays out. (Though for a 31 y.o. player with quality career production before this strange, late-starting seasons, I wouldn't be opposed to a club controlled 3rd year) Same with the LF situation. For payroll control, and future opportunities with our youngsters, I would not advocate a deal longer than 2 years for a FA signee. And I have yet to read where anyone has even remotely suggested a big or long term offer to Morales, or any other FA, unless they are young enough, "under 30" to provide long term contributions to the club. Once again, why can't we have both? Supplement this years version of the Twins, a much better and more competitive team than the last 3 seasons, with a couple smart signings, while still giving the prospects another half-season/season/season plus to be ready?

I am rolling laughing! Leviathan and I don't always see eye to eye on everything, but we do on this. And I gotta pass out a high 5er!

What he said.

Agree in principal. And I hope we find a nice OF option with power and RBI potential for next year, because like it or not, we have holes to fill for a year or two, unless we just want to raise a white flag for the sake of promoting kids who aren't ready yet. Sorry...but it's a reality. The Twins have the ability to promote several more top prospects this year and next, pitchers and position players. But that doesn't eliminate temporary holes. And the Twins have the available finances, with certain salaries coming off the books, to make a couple solid investments for the lineup.

Yeppers. And as I stated, absolutely depends on the dollars and years. If acceptable, I think a smart move. Especially short term, 1-2 years, with the possibility of a trade in the future involved.

OK, here we go. What we know: Arcia is immensely talented, and no doubt part of our future. He's very, very young. SO's may always be troublesome, no big surprise for a power hitter. And there's no question his early season injury set him back in his development this season. Seemingly a season long curse of many of the Twins top young hitters. His defense is below average at times, though his range isn't bad, and then he makes a great couple of plays and really shows off his arm on a big play or two. I don't think anyone doubts him to be a fixture moving forward, and this defense and arm, over time, should mark him as at least an average OF defensively. With time, work, and a little brighter lightbulb, the potential is there to be above average. Remember how young he is? Don't forget. Willingham looked dead in ST. Then, the first few games of the season, he hit before getting injured. Upon his return, he provided a spark, followed by a dive. And yet, he's still provided some real value. And he poses some veteran power and RBI potential for a contending team the second half of the year. The simple reality is he doesn't fit in the Twins long term prospectus, and will be moved soon providing someone sees real value, and offers something above a bag of balls. Parmelee has been a huge surprise! After being essentially dumped by the Twins after ST, where he was made available to all teams, he went to Rochester and tore things up. He looked good when brought up, then sunked, then rebounded to the point where he's actually looking like a real, viable ML hitter. His defense is actually a bit underrated, partially from being bounced a bit, but offers a decent OF/1B defensive option who can...and I want to initially smack my typing fingers on the table...even provide an emergency option in CF. If the resurgence Parmelee is showing is real, he would join the likes of Cuddyer and Plouffe as top prospects to take time to find themselves. Colabello was a revelation in April, playing a lot of mediocre OF, but leading the team in production. The great story lost his gift, went down the minors to get his stroke again, before coming back up to offer some production again in a limited time frame. If he can keep things up, he offers a decent RH bench bat who can fill in at 1B and occasionally in the OF. The biggest mystery is CF. Forgetting poor decisions by the FO to address the situation properly the past two off seasons, we are sitting with Fuld, an OK option who has probably been producing above his career norm, Hicks who is a complete mystery at this point, and Santana who has been a huge surprise. Is he a true CF despite a few appearances in the minors? Absolutely not. But has he been better than expected and actually shown improvement? Yes. Where we are: Willingham in LF, being as productive as possible until gone. Arcia in RF, playing every day, getting his opportunities, and growing. Parmelee moving around and hopefully continuing his sudden development. Santana and Fuld patrolling CF with Santana also seeing time at SS. Where we will be: Willingham will be gone. Arcia is a lock, and should be. CF??? Santana will continue to see time in CF. He's not the long term solution there to be sure, but could be an important fill-in, with a future in LF, or back at SS full time, with the ability to play CF as a backup, or even as a muti-positional utility player if someone else stakes a better claim to SS. Buxton has been slowed, though the sky is still the limit. Hicks still has tremendous talent, as does Rosario, also slowed this season, both at AA at this time. Walker has a potentially excellent future, but is in high A. So where does this leave us in the short term for the balance of this season and 2015?