DocBauer

He's dealing with the pressure of expectation as well as a full time move from the only real professional position he has known. But...but...Mauer is a real professional hitter with a natural ability. And perhaps these things have tightened him up, helping to manifest pressure. But at the end of the day, I am also in the camp that however concussion symptoms work themselves out, he still isn't there yet. With all regard to those who have suffered, the Twins have had to deal with more than their share of concussion syndrome in regard to Koskie, then Morneaue and now Mauer. Has any team had more key players deal with this issue than the Twins in recent history? The hope is that vision, timing, quick twitch muscles, confidence, whatever, returns to Mauer eventually if not sooner. Not only for the Twins, but also for himself. Instead of bashing Mauer, everyone should be hoping for the best for him.

I know this subject might seem premature. The Twins have been flirting with .500 so far this season, as high as 2 games up, hovering about 4 games down before the ChiSox series. This team is still in a transitional phase, and I think some forget that. After 3 very disappointing, and downright lousy seasons, 2014 is fun and competitive, and already has had some great moments. There are arguements, all thoughtful, what the Twins SHOULD do the rest of the season. And most everyone is chomping at the bit to see prospects get their shot yet this season. And arguements anyone over 30 should be shed. But, again, our team is much more competitive this year, flirting with a positive season for the first time in 3 years. Contributions have come from many sources, including several youngsters. Hughes has been good to outstanding almost since day 1. Gibson has been solid to very good, a little inconsistent, but appears to be growing right before our eyes. Forget regression, which is inevitable to some degree, but Escobar and Santana have been good and exciting. Dozier has established himself as a building block and one one of the best overall 2B in all of baseball. Arcia is very, very young, but has shown flashes, and needs to be stuck with, (and he will). Plouffe has really grown up. Thielbar is contributing. And AAA and AA have some very intriguing prospects to root for and follow the rest of the season, possibly at the ML level. Despite the injuries to Sano and Buxton, there's a lot to be excited about! And the season hasn't even reached the half way point yet. Most importantly, the pitching staff has shown real improvement, despite some inconsistencies. Let's look at the results so far. April: 5.02 ERA, 1.48 Whip, .279 BA against. Last in the AL in ERA. May: 3.97 ERA, 1.29 Whip, .266 BA against. 10th in the AL in ERA. June: 3.70 ERA, 1.26 Whip, .251 BA against. 7th in the AL in ERA. And despite being near the bottom in team SO's, a sore spot with many I know, we ranked 2nd in the AL in fewest free passes allowed. Folks, these are things to be excited about! Even with the disappointment of the Boston series, just when it looked like we might be on a mini-roll, we held our own and pitched outstanding. Now back home, wer're back to winning again with 3 straight over the hated White Sox. Supposedly, the Twins toughest portion of the schedule was the first half. That remains to be seen. But with the pitching rounding in to form, our biggest concern seems to be offense. What will happen there is anyone's guess. But Willingham has looked good, Morales has slumped a bit lately but what did you expect coming off the street? Look for him to rally again, there's an impressive track history there. Mauer is a stud. He just hasn't looked like it yet this season. But there's a lot of season left, and lately he's hit better. I think we have a lot of good and fun baseball ahead of us the rest of the season. 3+ months of baseball that should see the appearance of several intriguing prospects making their debuts, even if only in September. And ultimately, that is what this thread is about. There's been tremendous interest, as there should be, in the Twins top prospects, more pointedly, the pitching talent at AAA. There is also some talent at AA, and some really good looking kids, notably Berrios, who can and should make their presence known the second half of the season at New Britain. Pitching wins, especially starting pitching. And since its a hot topic, let's forget for a moment what's going on at the ML level, to a degree, and focus on 2015. The 2015 rotation already has 3 staples: Hughes: pitching like talent and everyone thought/dreamed he could. Have the Twins found an Ace? Perhaps, or at least close to it. Nolasco: OK, he's been a disappointment so far. But he's shown signs, including a solid recent start, and has a track record that seems to indicate improvement. Gibson: won a job in ST when everyone was resolved the Twins would stick with a more experienced status quo. He started a little inconsistent, but solid, as mentioned, and is only getting better. Only concern is late this year. Will he tire? Maybe. But he's a fixture for 2015 and on. So where does that leave us? Let's be honest for a moment. In my 40 plus years following the Twins and MLB, how many teams have a 5 deep rotation? Few. We could be an exception. May and Meyer, and I'd include Darnell, will fill at least one additional spot next season. All are young, unproven at the ML level, have some things to work on, but very talented. And all 3 should see time with the Twins the second half of this season. Who steps forward first? For the 5th spot, is it another of those 3? Does Pino defy expectation and become the odd 30 y.o. who finds himself late? Does Deduno recapture his 2013 form? Or does Pelfrey, (wait, don't cuss or spit), 2 years from TJ and over his recent nerve procedure, step up for a year and actually earn a year of his contract? Or does someone like Berrios just blow everyone away and force himself in to contention? What say you all?

Good points Jokin. Sorry if 20 years or so later I can't recall Johnson's experiences in the bullpen. I do recall bouts of great inconsistency as a starter before settling in permanately. Just don't recall being in the pen. I most certainly recall Santana in the pen to begin with, though a portion of that, of course, is because he was a rule 5 pick being kept and sheltered initially. I would argue, softly, that there is a difference in Meyer vs Johnson as far as the third pitch arguement you make. Not saying he's on top of it yet, but he seems to have found a chaneup this season that shows great potential. I think Meyer's only real concern/problem is the fact that his 2013 was interrupted, and yet, is in his first season of AAA ball. I think that, and the numbers he's posted, are a great accomplishment. I wish sometimes that fans, so hungry to see the Twins prospects rise to fruition, would cut Meyer and the Twins a little slack in their eagerness/desperation to see him at the ML level. I think Meyer should be thought of much the way Gibson was. Now, there's a big difference between a shoulder strain and TJ surgery! But think about Gibson, compared to Meyer this season, AFTER surgery, building himself up, getting his shot, tiring, inconsistent, but got ML experience, and look what he's done this year. As I mentioned in another thread, I'd rather be overly cautious with Meyer than the opposite. And part of me wonders if his pitch and IP limit isn't an attempt to stretch him out for the full season, in order that he get time up with the Twins at some point, either starting, or from the pen, or both, in order to get that ML experience to build toward next season.

Well, since I already commented once about Pino, I don't mind also commenting off topic in regard to salary caps. (Since we've somehow ended up there) I am very much in favor of a salary cap for baseball, and have been for some time. But maybe not for the reason(s) you would immediately think of. I don't care if the Yankees want to spend 180M or more on a team. When they don't win, it's almost hilarious. And just spending doesn't guarantee any form of success. However, it does increase the likelihood of being competitive, in the hunt, and a higher percentage of success season to season. I don't advocate a low ceiling to handcuff team or restrict movement or salaries. (Though some of the salaries have gotten nuts) Much like the NFL, to protect the players' assets, you could also implement a cap floor as well. The reason I'm in favor of a cap is not to prevent top money market teams from signing players, but to make it more difficult for them to simply corner the market, write checks, eat losses where necessary without concern. If there were some restrictions in place, a team like the Yankees, as the most prime and obvious example, would have to be concerned with such aspects as dead money on the books. They couldn't just have a bad season and open the checkbook without thinking and simply outbid everyone to flood their roster. They'd have to work harder to craft their roster. And mid and low market teams would find themselves in a better position, I believe, to step in to the FA market to not only add new players, but to be more competitive to keep their own. I know it's a few years old now, but think back to when Torri Hunter left the Twins. Yes, they should have been more proactive in re-signing him early. But when they stepped to the table, they didnt sneak up, they stepped up and offered a very good contract. The Angels then swooped in and outbid the Twins by several million dollars in one quick swoop. Shame on the Twins for dragging their feet, and nicely played by the Angels. But what if the Angels had to pause for a moment, found they couldn't just toss out 3-4M more a season arbitrarily, a d had to either pull back, or shuffle their roster? Changes the complexion of the playing field, so to speak, might even said field a bit, and might make team moves even more interesting.

Exactly! Stewart in low A at his age, Berrios at high A for his age is already promoting aggresively. Much more so than has been seen from the Twins before. Once again, in the case of Berrios, at his age, with some decent prospects in the higher levels, you don't have to force the issue. But Berrios himself, continuing with what he's doing, will force the issue and he'll but at New Britain sooner than later. If you notice, the Twins haven't been as shy about tinkering with the roster, cutting lose players that don't seem to be doing the job, promoting youngsters, and generally sticking with them. They are not just sitting idly by, content to see what unfolds. And more moves and milb promotions and changes are coming. Some have started. Others will come once July gets here. But since pitching other than Berrios has been brought up...Im not concerned with the "old" idea of our staff. It's really sort of a short term illusion. Correia is gone after this season, if not before. Same with Burton and Guerrier almost certainly. Deduno and Pino probably have a decent shot to make the club, probably in a bullpen capacity, but very doubtful both. At least one of May, Meyer or Darnell is in the rotation next season. Overall, the staff will have a younger flavor next season. I don't like the idea of Meyer in the bullpen. He's a starter and needs to be treated as such. I know the pitch limit is a bit frustrating for everyone. And perhaps it's being overly protective after his short season last year. But if you are going to error, do it on the side of caution. Now, I know this sounds to be just the opposite of what I previously stated, but could his IP limit also be a means to stretch him out for a full season that no matter what, he could be getting some ML time late in the year? Even if it might be out of the pen, to keep his IP down, but still introduce him to the majors.

More than likely, Pino will be a good story for a short period of time. Yes, he might carve out a niche in the pen, probably fighting it out with Deduno and possible Swarzak. Doubtful he will be a "30 year old finds himself a regular fixture in the rotation for the next few years" success story. And just as Correia, long term, will not stand in the way of May and Meyer, possibly Darnell, neither will Pino presumably. That being said, the game he pitched last night was a real delight to watch. Unprepared or not to face him, Pino was poised, hit his spots, was around the zone all night, and did a fantastic job of changing speeds and mixing things up. The best way to sum it up was that he really "pitched" and never looked like a thrower. It was a joy to watch.

No breakdown. Just...I love this kid. Never read a bad word. Only heard about athleticism, work ethic, willingness to learn and bulldog attitude. Dont have to rush him. No need. But he might be one of those kids who just forces the issue. There is no reason, at his age and experience, to rush him to AA. But he will probably just buy his own bus ticket.

LOL Of course we'll hear it some. I confess, nothing against Gordon, but I was still thinking as the draft approached, that SS Turner, who almost everyone dared dream would fall to the Twins with little hope, just might be the smart pick and a real steal. I just read scouting reports on Gordon that made me wonder in the skill set was enough to warrant the #5 pick in the draft. But as the draft grew nearer, I began to read reports of potential that had me greatly intrigued. A young ball player on the rise. And if these reports are accurate, I wonder if he might at least get a cup of coffee at CR before the season is done. Would be awesome if he did. E-Town for a HS draft pick is rather rare. Still wondering where Burdi might end up.

OMG! I'm not dense, but I'm not a math guy. I'm an English major guy. Lol I'll let you guys and others argue stats and percentages and averages. I'm just going to argue what I see with my own eyes. Some talk about small sample size. I can't and won't argue. I could argue that 31 games and 111 AB's going in to tonight's game is only "semi" small, in that we're not talking about a 2 week call up, but a month plus of games. Still nothing long term, of course, especially if you follow the theory of at least a 1,000+ AB's before a hitter begins to get comfortable and actually gets an idea what's really going on. But there is something about this kid, and what he's doing, that seems to defy what we normally see. He seems to generally take very good AB's. Time and time again I see patience at the plate, fouling off pitches, that seem to defy the scouting reports on him. Nobody expects him to hit long term the way he has. But this kid doesn't seem scared or intimidated at the plate. He seems to have a solid approach when he goes up there, as if no-one has told him he should be doing what he has been doing. Tonight against the ChiSox, he stayed back on a breaking pitch, put the barrel on the ball, and had himself a quality, veteran kind of AB. Then he got a very good single in the 8th and took 3rd on a solid hit from Dozier before scoring. Point is, the kid just doesn't play like a kid. I think we're reaching a point where we might have to re-define what our expectations are for this talented youngster.

Jorgen, understand your perspective completely! And I well remember when the Twins cut bait and just promoted all those young guys and struggled with them. If the Twins deep and talented milb system, say two years ago, was where they are now, especially with Sano and Buxton fully healthy, I'd probably be right there with you buddy. Promote them all and run with it. But the Twins, as constructed currently, despite some flaws, are not a bad team. They are competitive, have some talented youngsters, and a group of mid-aged veterans who are solid. I don't think it's a question, with the general makeup of this team, of youngsters having to "force their way" on to the roster. Rather, I think it's a team begining to rebound after three bad and disappointing seasons, begining to show real life and a competitive nature. They've been patient with several youngsters, and continue to retool the roster as they continue along. And we haven't seen all the moves yet, I believe, that this season will bring. As your numbers show, those were very talented ball players who put up winning numbers AFTER a time. Is there anything wrong with constructing a solid overall roster, similar to now, breaking in the youngsters, and still being competitive without just blowing things up?

I bow my head in apology for my comments about Willingham after 2012, trade options, 20-20 hindsight, etc. I guess from reading here there were those of you asking for a trade at the time. I guess I don't recall. I guess at least one of us has a failing memory. Lol You know, if he remains healthy the rest of the season, and can simply maintain his normal career numbers per AB, he will not only be a huge asset for us, but in retrospect, his deal would once again be considered a good value. FYI, when I have mentioned re-signing Willingham to a one year deal, IF healthy and productive the rest of the year, it's not because that is my preference. Merely an option to consider. It is very possible that next ST will see Hicks, Rosario, some decent but not overly expensive veteran FA acquisition, (even Fuld possibly) to compete for the CF position in 2015. And we can't discount Santana as well, even though his future is probably as a SS. (Possibly interesting utility reserve). So who is in LF next season? That is my consideration for a 1 year deal on Hammer. Though ultimately I believe a younger FA is probably the best option on a 1 or 2 year deal. (Yes, FA, don't trade young talent to fill that spot unless a steal) I have to wonder if the Twins are sellers, even if they would slide. I say again, is Willingham's trade value, if he maintains, worth an A level prospect? Or are the Twins ultimately better having his veteran and RBI presence for the balance of the year? Morales? As has been pointed out, I wonder at negotiations behind the scenes before his signing. As I understand it, he can not be rendered any deal that would restrict him after this season. So he might be playing out the season to improve his contract status for next season. I don't know that that would preclude re-signing with the Twins. There may indeed be an agreement that he is open to a trade at some point to a contending team. He might bring a decent return considering his past history. Again, I'm highly in favor of re-signing him if possible. He would bring a big, steady bat to the team next season while we await the likes of Vargas. Correia? IF he continues his current trend, he might have some value to a team needing to flush out its rotation. I don't believe the return would be great. But his trade might be more about just creating a spot on the roster and in the rotation. Dozier? No way! Plouffe? Again no way. Injury aside, he's just coming in to his own. Sano isn't ready, of course. When he is, maybe then. But he might, as has been pointed out, be Cuddyer part 2 or close. Suzuki? Again, I say no. I so want Pinto to be the guy. And hopefully he will be. But whether he catches 50-60-70% of the games next season, there has to be a backup you can count on. He continues to be an integral part of this year's team. I think his presence is important. And while the Twins have Pinto, backup options are limited unless someone has a good idea who might be available elsewhere. I'm a Herrman fan, but he needs consistent playing time, which he hasn't had lately. And while I believe the Twins have some really solid C prospects in the minors, they are just too far away. Again, other than maybe Morales who I'd love to re-sign, I just don't know that we are sellers.

Mike, I want the young guys as well. And I can hardly wait for them to arrive. I also want to look in to my crystal ball and see that Vargas will be ready to be our primary DH from day one next season, and be a top vote getter for rookie of the year. I want to see that Rosario can start for us in CF, hit well, get on base some, show power and speed and be our stop gap there for a while, also finish amongst the ROTY top spots. I want to see right before my eyes that Santana will be ready to pretty much do what he's done this season but settling in at SS. Pinto will catch at least 70% of Twins games next season and have people talking about how he would be a top ROTY candidate but he's just got too many ML AB's. I want to know, see it laid out for me, that Sano and Buxton will be feady the second half of 2015, September at the latest, and never look back. I want to know that Walker and Polanco are just behind, also ready by September. I want the crystal ball to show me May and Meyer are fixtures in the rotation next season, both possible ROTY candidates, unless either has too many IP this season. I also want to see some of our young relievers step up to take a spot or two to further deepen and strengthen the bullpen. But I also want to see the Twins compete and win, make smart moves, and promote the kids when they are most ready. Promote them to a solid team and a quality, competitive environment. That's why I'm in favor or Morales being re-signed for next season. Suzuki also, hopefully as a backup/share time C. And we'll probably need to bring in a decent LF for a year or two. Another halfway decent CF/4th OF candidate would be prudent as well. And with Willingham assumably gone, and Correia gone, plus being under the magic spending numbers to begin with, the Twins can afford to make said moves while not blocking kids when they're ready. And none of has that crystal ball. And I don't want to do what Houston has done, what the Twins did in the early 80's, and just blow up the roster and promote a bunch of kids from AA, and go down those 90 plus loss seasons again. I think we've all had enough of those lately. My thoughts.

Very interested in Navaretto and what he brings to the table. Very interested in Murphy. Love the Pat Kelly pick even though I hate to see him leave my Big Red. Disappointed in Jorge's first shot above rookie level. Hope he rebounds. Im still confused about Gonsalves. Is there something missing here? He's a great prospect, a real potential steal, and pitched well last season. I'm just surprised we haven't seen him already this year. Again, are we missing something? Someone please give any information on Andro Cutura. He seems to be a complete mystery drafted FAR higher than anyone had him ranked.

I appreciate the enthusiasm. I really do. But no. No pretty much across the board. Hughes is still young, a former top 100 prospect who had #2 starter potential "ace" ability. His career has been marked with high and low inconsistency. He seems to have found new life, new hope, and a new home. And dare I say it, is pitching like an ACE. You don't trade that. Especially when this team is getting so close with its young talent. Morales is a proven veteran producer, recently signed. Not sure what the rules dictate about trading him so soon, but again I say no. I'm in favor of actually trying to re-sign him. Again, he's a proven producer, and this offense needs some of that, this year, and next, awaiting the arrival of youngsters. I am sooo tired of hearing how the Twins should have traded Willingham after his career in 2012. Who was clamoring then to trade our best HR RBI threat when that season ended? Nobody I'd say. 20-20 backwards vision is always a great thing. Now? If he keeps producing he might bring something to a team making a move. I'm not opposed. But he's just going to bring back a top prospect at this point. Is he more valuable to us this season or an A prospect. Heck, he might even be an option for us next season on a 1 year deal. Correia, gone next season anyway, if he continues his positive trend, might be the one guy who might have value for a contending team to flush out its rotation. Suzuki? He might have some decent value. But to me, he's a lot like Willinham in that he might be more valuable to us than what he brings. And what about next season? Let's say Pinto is ready to catch 50-75% off all games next season as our primary C, and I hope he is, who is the backup? Re-signing Suzuki might be a better option than hitting the FA market again.

I'm sad to say I think he's still suffering from post concussion. I have no proof or inside information, simply stating what I think based on results and, fair or not, comments from Mornie speaking about his own experience.

On a more serious note, not saying I'm happy to lose back to back games to Boston by 2-1 scores, but I'm not as sore as I should be. The reason is simple, we played good ball and got some tremendous outings from Hughes and Gibson. I can't even be mad at Fien. Hey, sometimes the other teams score. It happens. It stinks, but it happens. Fien has been excellent for us. Even Perk blows one here and there. The last few years, we just haven't been competitive like we are now folks. There's a real light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not an oncoming train! The offense has been scuffling a bit, and inconsistent. The pitching staff, as a whole, has done the job. Boy do I think we're close to ripping off a run or two. One more SP, one or two youngsters getting their shot in the pen and performing well, and just a little more consistency in the offense and I see a .500 team here. I agree whole-heartedly with the theme of this thread. Sano and Buxton's injuries just completely stink! But just look at the Rochester pitching staff, and some others lower at AA and A. Vargas, Walker and Polanco for some of the young position players, Rosario back and hitting like he was born to it, the lift/gift Santana has brought us. There is a lot to be excited about. Personally, I want to re-sign Morales for next season, giving Vargas and others more time. Not opposed to Willingham for another year if he keeps it up, or another FA for 1-2 (7-10M prob) as a LF stopgap.

I just saved more than that in half the time.

Wow. Isn't it interesting that instead of talk about scrambling to fill roster spots we're actually talking about room for too many young talents? My theory; we have Hicks for CF next season, possibly a re-signing of Fuld for a reserve spot, but the Twins aren't stupid, really, despite some mistakes made in addressing the OF/CF situation, and they will make a move for a solid, temp, fill in, 4th OF type for competition. It doesn't matter how good Buxton is, and will be, you also have to fill out the ML roster. Rosario will spend a good chunk of the second half of the season in Rochester, in CF, with some action at 2B to keep up his versatility. 2015 will see him in competition with Hicks, a FA, possibly Fuld as well, and Dozier as another multi-use option. Santana will also compete at SS with Escobar. If he keeps hitting and providing excitement, he probably wins that battle and Escobar teams with Nunez to give us some great bench options. Rosario was/is a CF by trade. He might not be Buxton, but he's got the ability to play there, at least initially. From there, he could reposition to an excellent defensive LF who provides some very versatile offense. Yes, there is some question about patience and OB%, which is true of a lot of young players. But this kid is flat out a potentially quality hitter. He's got big doubles potential and the ability for some triples as well. A little more polish, he should be at least a decent SB threat. Plus his speed just plays well on the bases. HR power? It's hard to predict. I don't know if he'll ever hit 20 consistently, as he did in E-Town,or ever. But don't forget his youth, his athleticism, or the fact that he's been promoted as aggresively as any young Twins prospect. Given a little time and adjustment to his level, I believe he can be a consistent double-digit HR performer. All of this plays to a quality offensive performer at the top of the order, or at worst, bottom third dangerous threat.

Pino: surprised slightly, but what he's doing at the AAA level warrants a look of some sort. I'm still betting he's not a surprisingly late developer for the rotation, but more a 6th SP middle/ long relief possibility. If he proves this true, could be some real competition the rest of the year and next between him and Dedeno and Swarzak. Meyer: I know he's on pitch and innings limits, and I don't object to that. He's got an arm and potential that you should protect. But I believe he will be up in September, maybe a start or two, but expecting him to get some relief innings. Just to get him a taste of ML life, and to let the coaches have a little time with him. Seth: I'm with Seth, in another post, that there is probably another move coming soon, probably May. I don't know if that means trade, demotion of someone, or a single start for Pino. But we're approaching mid-season for minors and majors. This is the time of year when the Twins traditionally make their moves. There are several pitchers and position players seemingly ready and deserving of such. Could May benefit from addition time in AAA, considering its his first season there, probably. But I think we're at the point now where the time is right for his audition. It just feels right. Darnell: See Meyer. Barring trade or injury, I think there is only one spot to fill at this time and it probably goes to May. But don't ignore this kid. This is not Santana or Liriano, but I think pure stuff he is better than Duensing. If not earlier, definitely September for some relief innings at least. Berrios: Been a big believer since day one. My belief in the kid grows with each success, and each report of his attitude, preparation and work ethic. More and more I'm convinced he's a Pedro Martinez clone. (At least close/similar) And I do believe he deserves and is ready for AA, at least soon. I think when Mr. ? is also young and gets promoted quickly by someone, there is a knee-jerk reaction to do the same. But every young prospect, pitcher or position player, must be treated as an individual. There are considerations from the physical to the emotional. There can be technique issues. For a pitcher, it could be someone able to survive, for a time at least, on 2 pitches. While another similar young pitcher might need better command of that 3rd pitch, but might ultimately be the better player. It could be his slide step, or holding runners on, etc. Could be tomorrow, or another month, but I believe Berrios tastes AA this year. Probably opens up there next season as well. The Twins have shown a willingness in the past to promote from AA, (thinking 2015) but isn't it nice to know we have options that we don't have to rush someone, even someone as talented as Berrios.

Really great post Jorgen! i think you just about nailed my thoughts. I'm still on the .500 wagon as I feel the Twins are really close, a little more day to day consistency, one more SP to step up, and a little tweaking of the pen could lead us there. And I think this might be one of those good, fun Septembers where some youngsters give a lift, vs a bunch of nobodies filling in. Just a couple thoughts. Dont feel Mauer will be a burden next season. Hope he still turns it around second half. I just think its a big change and maybe some after affects from last season. I'd love to sign Morales. Gives Vargas and others time. We need Willingham, healthy, on a 1 year, or another FA. Suzuki for another year is a good idea, despite regression, to partner Pinto. Hoping Soriano gets a shot in September as a bridge player, but another FA short term can only help depth and options. Not sure Meyer will get those 10 starts. Doesn't mean he can't get a couple, along with some pen innings. Im actually more excited for the second half of the season.

For over 20 years now, one thing you could usually point to the Twins having was a solid to quality bullpen. Sure there have been ebbs and flows, and some years a bullpen that was OK and would have been much better if not overworked. One thing that's always been a staple is a closer, and a quality set-up man or two. We acquired some of these closers, the Reardons, Aggies and Nathan's, and some were home grown, often starting as middle men and setup men before graduating to closer status like Trombley, Guardado, Hawkins and now Perkins. From TK and Such's day to Gardy and Anderson, one thing we've been known for is finding some real quality relievers and setup men from nowhere, or a "garbage heap". Think about Berenguer and Willis in years past, to Fien and Burton recently. Even found some decent long/middle men and LH's like Swindell and Reyes at times. I like our bullpen generally, though I think it's down from last year's, (which was quite good but overworked) I like Deunsing and Thielbar, and wonder at those that don't. Fien as developed far beyond expectation, and I think has proven himself. I still like Burton last season, but I think the magic is gone. Swarzak has been a disappointment, but I'm hoping for a turnaround yet. Guerrier is not part of the future, and I just don't know what he's got left, if anything. Sooner or later, Achter and Tonkin need to be up. Burdi could help as early as sometime next season. Majors and minors, the pieces are there. We just need a little tweaking.

Good for Pino! It's still surprising to me he hasn't tasted a cup of coffee to this point in his career. Never a prime prospect, he's had some pretty solid milb years. 30 years old and nothing special in his arsenal. But still, you simply can't deny what he's been doing this season. He deserves a shot at some point. However, I agree with Seth that this might be a limited opportunity with another move in a few days to a week, probably May. More than a little disappointed in Deduno as I expected more based on last season. He was solid in the pen this year overall, and while not overwhelming, his first few starts were at least OK. Trying too hard the past couple of starts? I don't know. Was thinking he might get at least one more start to see if he could turn it around, but can find no fault in this move. Last 42 starts going in to tonight has the Twins ERA just slightly over 4. I like the team being aggressive to promote winning. And as mentioned earlier, how great is it to have real options at AAA and not the AAAA fodder we've been turning to the past few years. I still see Pino as probably a long and middle reliever who can spot start, like Swarzak, like Deduno potentially. A little surprised it wasn't Johnson or Darnell at this time, but again, I think more moves are on the way. May first, most likely. Johnson, (probably a LH Swarzak-Deduno-Pino), Meyer and Darnell will all be up at some point, September if nothing else. And that's not a bad thing! It would mean May's audition is going well, Correia was continuing to give the team a chance to win (even though he's not part of the future), Meyer would get a taste of the majors, probably from the pen to limit innings, and Darnell could be used a couple different ways.

I just don't see anything here unless he's willing to sign a milb deal, work at Rochester for a few weeks to a month. But then what? If he does OK, I'm thinking its still just a "what does he have on fumes to offer and for how long" scenario. For better or worse, we have Santana, Fuld, possible Hicks for another round, and hopefully Rosario spending at least a portion if not the bulk of the second half do the year at Rochester. I feel these are all better alternatives at this point. And I do t want to take AB's from Hicks and Rosario.

I think AAA within the next few weeks. If he can maintain anywhere close to where he's been producing the past season and a half, a September call up wouldn't be out of the question. Id pull the reigns a bit for 2015 though. It's not that I don't believe in the kid or that I don't want him to be a fixture at DH/occassional 1B. But until you prove you can hit ML pitching, you haven't proven you can hit ML pitching. By that, simply, it's a long way from high A last season, to a year split between AA and AAA to being an every day player on a big league club. I'd actually be strongly in favor of bringing Morales back again if possible. At least initially.

Awful, terrible news. And still so damn young! And so much still to offer. I confess, I had forgotten of his recent battles. You know, he never had much of anything in the way of HR power, and the second half of his career the speed began to decline and the SB's dropped considerably, though the percentage of successful tries was still there. But he was a solid doubles producer and an absolute hitting and on base machine. Gwynn, Boggs and Puckett are/were the three best, greatest, most pure hitters I have ever seen, (a healthy Mauer in that class). Gwynn could fall out of bed, stub his toe, fall in the shower, get in a car accident on the way to the ballpark, arrive late, miss batting practice, take two practice swings before stepping in to face the pitcher and still go 2 for 4 with a walk. But the best things were his professionalism and enthusiasm. He was always a class act, always smiling, and always a team player who just loved the game and to compete. Everything from his talent and production to physical build to class and big smiles made him the NL equivalent, pretty much, to Puckett. Also taken from us way too soon. It's a shame.