DocBauer

I listen to the Twins on 57.0 WNAX out of Yankton as I have my whole life. The past couple of seasons, I watch on phone and IPad every game I can. But for whatever reason, I often miss the games where any of the mentioned are used as fill-ins, catching each only occasionally. I mentioned liking Larkin when hearing him before. Inexperienced but OK. I like Morris when I've heard him. TK is a little dry to be sure, but that's just TK, and I actually like his dry wit. Baseball wise, not sure you could find anyone more savvy. I still like Bert. He's casual, relaxed and makes me laugh. Not a bad thing. Having not heard the "candidates" in this post enough to vote properly, may I ask, other than Coomer who we probably can't get back any time soon, who else would you like to see "audition" for a role?

Butterfingers, I get why some Dont like dazzle. There is no question he lacks polish, and always will. But that's actually what I like about him. I prefer him doing commentary as opposed to play by play. But I enjoy that he's a former player, that he's not a broadcaster, that he has a few rough edges. I like the stories and the perspective. Again, I prefer him in more of a commentary role. (See what I did there?)

Let's assume for a moment that the plethora of errors committed by Florimon are the result of pouting, disappointment, and or poorer infield quality. Probably all of that. We know what he has done at the ML level defensively, and there is no reason to believe he won't continue to play good to excellent defense if called upon. But here's the problem, Escobar has been playing excellent defense and providing excellent offense. How in the name of all the baseball gods do you move him to 3B? You are now messing with two infield positions instead of one, further breaking continuity. And if Plouffe comes back quickly or not, your messing with two position reorganization again. Now, if Nunez is healthy and can play, you have a viable option. Don't think he's really any better or worse than Escobar at 3B, but he's been swinging a decent bat for the Twins so far this season. And his moving in at third provides the least disruption to the Infield as a whole. So Florimon gives you two options. A) A starting SS that didn't deserve to be brought up at this point, and the most disruption possible in the infield...or... A backup SS who can't be a utility player because he only plays one position. So I have to ask, why not do a tiny bit of roster shuffling, give Romero, an offensive and natural 3B, his first shot? OK, the defense might not be great. But it's also his normal position. I allows Nunez, who CAN play multiple positions in his role, and in theory, Romero provides at least some of Plouffe's missing offense. And if Nunez starts a day, Romero is potentially a decent RH bat off the bench. This is not an attack on Florimon, as I was one of those rooting for him to improve just slightly over 2013 while providing a solid stop-gap for a season or so. I just see no upside to this move that isn't accomplished better with a Romero promotion. And I don't buy saving the Pelrey to the 60 option for later in the season. For who/what, Meyer? Don't tell me there isn't one other move that could be made in July or August if his promotion is the decision made.

I don't buy in to the "did you watch the game today" mentality, especially in regard to relief pitchers. Stat lines are so volatile for relievers where can generally be good to lights out, but a bad inning can also become greatly magnified. If we took that approach, there have been a couple games where I would have said we should dump Perkins. On the whole, Perk is outstanding, as is Mr Fien, another in a long line of quality Twins setup men to come from seemingly nowhere. I'm in the pro Duensing camp. When given a bullpen role solely, he's generally been good and reliable, occasionally excellent. Thielbar is young, learning, somewhat inexperienced, but with good stuff, and most of the time does a solid job. He's also part of the future while generally performing that solid job in the present. I'm sticking with him. Swarzak is simply not pitching as he has done the past couple of seasons. I would dump him, but does he have any options left? If so, I'd think about some time at Rochester to get back in a groove and give Pino or someone a shot. I was still on the Burton bandwagon last season. One poor stretch in an otherwise good year. This season is different however. I'll see a pitch, or a sequence to a batter, and I think I'm seeing the Burton of old. And then comes a hit, a walk and a double. I don't know if there's anything wrong physically there, but he just doesn't look like the same guy. I think a move might have to be made there. Along with Guerrier. I admit I haven't seen many of his performances thus far, but from what I have, heard on radio, read and seen in box scores, while his lines aren't awful, it doesn't seem like there's anything really going on there. Make sense? Once again, with the talent at AAA in Tonkin, Achter and even Pino, I'm thinking a move needs to take place at some point.

While I am way, way to the left of where happy is if Plouffe has to be disabled, I'm not overly upset or concerned that Florimon is being asked to hang around on a double secret probation break glass in case of emergency exits are at the front and rear of the plane as well as over the wings who packed your parachute option. If disabled for anything more than a week-ish, a move should be made for roster space, (not hard to do), and Romero, a natural 3B with some power and offense, should be up. Period, the end, -30-

Hey Hosken, Thanks for the response/question and the opportunity to respond. I actually like the Leslie Frazier comparison, though its probably not entirely accurate in this example. Turns out Frazier just wasn't the guy, but Anderson has a long track record for winning teams with pitching staffs that have performed well. Again, 9 seasons and only once out of the top 7 in the league for team ERA. Once again, same 9 year span, the Twins staff finished out of the top 2 only one time in fewest walks allowed. His pitching staffs helped the Twins win 6 titles in those 9 years, and I want to say two trips to post season as a wild card? (Don't have info in front of me at moment) Hosken, the point isn't that Anderson HAS to be the pitching coach. One day, like all coaches, change will happen. The point is, why CAN'T he be the pitching coach? His staffs have performed. His teams have won. When he's had quality arms, those quality arms produced, in good and even outstanding ways. He's also taken a lot of lead, and if not gold, at least transformed it to silver and copper over the years. I brought up names that belong in both categories earlier, forgive a distraction and a spell correction error for a couple repeats and a blown name. I hear from detractors that they don't like him or believe in him. Ok, fair enough. But why? Is it because the Twins have let so many of his good arms leave over the years? Is it because there have been questionable to mediocre to bad signings at times? (If he has a responsible voice in these matters, then so be it, bad on him) Is it because we've had three awful seasons preceding this one and the team ERA was at the bottom of the league? Ok. But what kind of arms/talent was he forced to work with, at least in regard to the rotation? Additionally, said rotation and staff have no responsibility toward team injuries, bad defense, bad depth, poor hitting, lack of power or speed. To arbitrarily dislike him in this role, as I have read often from some, seems to defy basic common sense as well as statistics, and the basic law of "scoreboard". And unless my memory is failing me, I'm not sure I've ever even heard of an alternative other than maybe Cuellar, who is with the club now. A move I supported very strongly, I might add. So again, he doesn't HAVE to be pitching coach. But why CAN'T he be?

This. Not 100%, but this. You don't have to burn down the barn to rebuild. Willingham and Arcia make our offense much better and more dangerous. Morales solidifies our DH spot and gives a solid backup to Mauer on occasion. Re-signing Morales wouldn't be a bad thing as he keeps the DH spot warm for Vargas sometime over the next half season plus. Second half of the season, Correia gone, a reliever or two gone, a couple truly talented pitchers getting their shot, plus more in September, wwe're building for 2015 without sacrificing 2014. Mauer turning back in to Mauer is a big cog. Not only this season but next. We're not that far away. And after the last 3 seasons, I am about winning, being competitive, while still looking to tomorrow.

Totally off the subject, kind of, but can't help myself. I always enjoyed Larkin, not an option listed here. Personally, I really enjoy Dazzle! I miss Gordon. I don't care if he blew a call or name here or there, he was good and fun as well as enthusiastic. I grew up with Herb Carneal. There will never be another, God rest his soul. I still miss him. (Hat held over heart)

Ok...here I go. I am not an apologist. Just a realist. I think a manager or coach, maybe more so in baseball than some sports, is treated much like a QB in football. When the team wins, the QB gets the credit. When the team loses, it's the QB's fault. Baseball is a team sport, never forget. But there are also a lot of one-on-one battles that take place. A pitching coach can't make a pitcher throw harder, or have more talent. What can he do? Well, he can increase focus. He can help repetitive motions and mechanics. He can suggest different grips that might prove better. He can move a pitcher to the left or right of the rubber for better results. He can deal with approach and psychology, getting the pitcher to believe in his stuff, trust his defense, change the order of his pitches thrown. He has an impact, but it also depends on the head and arm of the pitcher. Im not going to defend Anderson as the best pitching coach around. And if some of the moves the Twins have made over the past few seasons are a result of Anderson recommendations, (maybe, maybe not, don't know) then he bears as much blame as anyone in the FO for the past 3 seasons. It is very, very easy for critics to find blame and scapegoats where they will. But let's take a little deeper look at the 12+ seasons in regard to Twins pitching with Anderson as pitching coach. 1) From his early days, a list of some of the pitchers Anderson has worked with: Radke, Santana, Liriano, Fiore, Guardado, Milton, Rincon, Romero, Trombley, Mays, Balfour, Hawkins, Crain, Guerrier, Nathan, Baker, Silva, Neshak, Perkins, Neshak, Reyes, Blackburn, Slowey, Breslow, Reyes, Pavano, Rauschenberg, Swarzak. A couple of these names are out of baseball now, but enjoyed their best success in a Twins uniform. A couple were injured and rebounded after rehab, and after they left the Twins. A couple had solid seasons after they left, not necessarily better, but left via FA. And those decisions are on Anderson? Santana was nurtured in to a multi Cy Young winner under Anderson's tutelage. Liriano was a top rookie performer before hurting his arm. (Undoubtedly Anderson's fault) Upon his return, he actually pitched very well in streaks. He pitched poorly for the White Sox, and it was reported he frustrated their pitching coach. Last year he rebounded and pitched very well for the NL Pirates. (Also Anderson's fault) And this year he has continued his Jeckyl/Hyde career. RA Dickey and Kyle Lohse? Please! Just as Hughes has found a new and successful home, Dickey left the Twins after ONE season, had 2 solid seasons before his Cy Young season. Lohse spent 5+ so-so seasons in Minnesota before leaving. He spent a poor season in '07 with the Reds and Phillies before a solid '08 season with the Cardinals, a poor season in '09, followed by a couple solid/good seasons. (Amazing how Anderson has the capacity to direct the FO to dump a pitcher who will have success 2 or 3 years after leaving the Twins) 2) Pitching to contact. I am soooo tired of this concept. Does anyone understand what this means? Somewhere between now and two years ago, Anderson himself gave an interview about this subject. It has nothing to do with SO's. Anderson even addressed this issue. (I wish I could pull this interview out of the past!) What PTC means is throwing strikes! Trusting in your stuff and the defense behind you. Bull Durham and Crash Davis flashback! LOL Brunansky, (some claim Molitor as well, no objection on my part) gain accolades for the Twins currently working hard on counts and gaining walks to improve the offense and run production. But the Twins NOT waking batters has little relevance? Can we all at least agree that walks tend to kill? 3) 2002-2010 with Anderson as pitching coach, the Twins AL ERA rankings were: 6th, 7th, 1st, 5th, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 11th, and 5th. 2002-2010 with Anderson as pitching coach, the Twins AL rank for BB were: 6th, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 2nd, 1st, 1st, and 1st. Even with the poor pitching we've endured the past 3 seasons, along with poor play and production overall, the Twins staff has still ranked 6th, 6th and 3rd in walks allowed. Even this season, with a high ERA that has been declining, (high mostly due to Pelfrey and Correia) our BB ranks second in the AL. From 2002 to 2010 the Twins won the division 6 times in 9 years. In 2010, our primary rotation that season included such studs as Baker, Blackburn, Slowey, Liriano and Pavano. Guys like Fox, Manship and Burnett helped out. The pen was anchored by Capps and Rausch, Crain, Perkins, Guerrier, Duensing, and others. We won 94 games that year with that rotation. Yeah, Anderson's 12+ seasons as pitching coach just reek of incompetance.

Yep. Kind of what I was wondering. Beat me to it Shane.

Not going to address the Gardy comments, as I already did at length in a previous thread on the subject. And I'm not going to bash Mauer. Over the years, he's won 3 batting titles, has tremendous overall numbers, and has been an all-star for very real reasons. And while I know I am repeating myself, Mauer being Mauer is an ideal #3 hitter, especially with the move to 1B which should allow him more games played and even better overall production as a result. Unfortunately, to this point, we are simply not seeing the real or traditional Joe Mauer. Is it bad luck? Putting too much pressure on himself to be the best 1B and producer he can be? Or is he still fighting some effects from his concussion last season? Everyone performs and heals differently. The recent comments from Morneau, however, have me wondering if Mauer's struggles might not be injury/healing related. His OB is still not bad, however, and if you made the Dozier move, I don't know, maybe you keep Mauer at 2 to keep the balance of the lineup intact. Some really great thoughts here.

In truth, I'm very torn on this subject. I don't believe Pinto is a great C, and may never be. But I don't think he's bad either. We all know he has areas to work on, like most young prospects. He has shown the past couple years in the minors, last season with the Twins, during ST, and April, that his bat has real potential. Despite not having the best mechanics, he has a strong arm and caught a good % of runners in the minors. I think a lot of young players reach a certain point where you have to wonder where they are better served. Yes, Pinto needs to play. More than he has been of late. But with Suzuki to learn from, ( even Mauer probably), and Steinbach to work with, and his ML experience last season and so far this season, is he better off long term up, or down. Has he reached that point where everyday play at AAA does little or nothing compared to learning at the ML level? Trying to fight my "want" for him to be at the ML level, I'm really unsure. But there is a part of me that believes catching 3 out of every 7 games, and getting a 4th at DH when Morales or Mauer sits might serve him better in the long run. I think this would be achieved fairly easily considering Suzuki also needs time off, no matter how well he's playing, just to last the season if nothing else.

I hate to label a kid, but despite reports that he lacks the ideal stature to be "great" and should end up a mid-rotation "good", I think this kid might be the next Pedro Martinez. He can flat out bring it. He's athletic and well built, despite not being over 6' and 200+ pounds, and a tireless worker with a tremendous will to compete and win. Were I a betting man, I'd bet high on this kid. Nothing wrong with being a really good #3 SP at the ML level. He can have a long and great career being that. But I think this kid is going to be a real #2 if not better.

Once again, similar to a thread a few days ago concerning Gardy speaking about Correia and the kids in Rochester, I see Gardy just being his normal, straight and candid self. He obviously likes Pinto and has said as much. He kept him out of ST, still has him, and Pinto doesn't exactly have splinters in his pants. Now, Pinto DOES has things to work on, this is true. And it is debatable if he should get to play every day at Rochester. Considering his bat and bat potential, and what little Ive seen of him defensively, I see an average C myself. He has a good strong arm, and did a good job in the minors of throwing runners out. But the guy on the mound has something to do with that too. I see Pinto as a good to very good bat at C who will be solid, but nothing approaching a gold glover. And that's OK. I also agree that there is a lot more to being a solid catcher than just thrown out %. I don't know, Suzuki is playing well, no doubt. Having one of his best seasons. I still think Pinto can learn a lot up here from watching and working with Suzuki and Steinbach. But he needs development, and it's a long season. Suzuki needs time off too. I feel if Gardy would just run him out there 3 days out of 7 we'd end up with the best of both worlds. And again, I don't think anyone is being thrown under the bus here. The Twins and Gardy have been showing far more patience of late with younger players. They were patient and rewarded with Dozier and Plouffe. Even if he was handled poorly, they've been patient almost to a fault some would say with Hicks. Almost everyone had convinced themselves Gibson was going to Rochester to begin the season, but no, and look what he's been doing. Thielbar had a couple rough outings a few weeks ago and they stuck with him. If I could complain about anything/anyone it would be Tonkin. Despite his struggles, he was getting strikes on guys and getting outs. But he was having trouble finishing them off all of a sudden. If it wasn't for Guerrier's opt out date, they might have given Tonkin a little more time. A little confused about the seeming "anti-winning" attitude. We all want the Twins to be good, win, and contend. Now, I don't know if this years team can truly contend, but isn't winning kind of a good thing? But the team can only improve and prepare for the future by promoting a bunch of talented youngsters, toss out the season and do what the Astros have done the past few years? Lose, lose big and lose often? Haven't we had enough of that already? Why can't we bring along the youngsters we have, promote some more the second half, and plug in a few decent veterans and enjoy some winning at the same time? I don't know about you, but I'd rather play good ball, win some, and plug in youngsters in to a positive environment.

You know, I want to argue with this but not sure I can. Only concerns I would have is: 1) Dozier is doing so much, and playing so well at the top of the order, do you mess with the top of the order like that? 2) Does Dozier put too much pressure on himself in that role? 3) Does he run considerably less? I'd hate to remove that part of his game. Again, not arguing, just some thoughts. And if you did make the move, I'd almost like to see what Escobar would do in the 2 hole.

Wow. Just when you think he's done and it's time to move on, he pitches a couple pretty good games. Then the throws another absolute clunker. Then he tosses a shutout tonight. I just don't know what to think. How can you can a guy that does that? Dedunos last start was also bad. But I'm willing to give him a little more time. Hs just wild enough that bad innings and a bad start will happen. But he showed flashes in 2012 and was our best starter for about 3 months last season. Now he's getting stretched out back in the rotation again. I think you have to make an allowance and give him at least a few more starts. I believe I'm in agreement that May is the first one up when the time comes. But I'm not in favor of he and Meyer at the same time. When there's a spot, I believe you make a decision on one for the time being. Run with that guy, work with him, get his feet wet, then bring up the other when the opportunity arises. A little moderation, I believe, allows for an easier transition.

No question he's on pace. Only concern would be, I'd think, just getting worn out at some point. I know I don't want Dozier to sit...ever...but in reality I think he should get a break here and there just to keep him fresh for the whole season. At this point, Dozier has established himself as being real. Power, speed, excellent defense, scores runs, knocks in runs, gets on base. I'm still confused by the low average though. He can clearly hit and has a good idea of the zone. I'm willing to accept a lower AVG for everything else his brings, but it's still puzzling to me.

Love the write up Jokin. Also very high on Vargas. Kid has talent and really seems to be growing as a hitter. I wonder, how is his physical stature? If he slimmed down a bit, would he be a better option as at least an occasional ML 1B? Dont want to stand in his way, but still like the Morales signing and potential re-sign

Hicks is in a bad position. An unfair position. He's been mishandled. He hasn't come close to reaching his potential as a guy with decent to good power potential. And yet, despite all, he's actually made pitchers work and has gotten on base. And thus far, he actually seems to be hitting as an exclusively RH hitter. I just don't know. But I'm not giving up on the kid. And I might be an idiot, but I have the feeling he'll learn more being up than down with our coaching staff.

Sorry I'm going to climb on my soapbox here. I am not climbing on anyone's back or calling anyone out. But I'm really confused about some comments I've read recently. In my opinion, the Twins blew a couple things this offseason. They also went on an unprecedented spending spree to attempt to rectify three disappointing, injury filled and bad years. Hughes was a great signing, Nolasco can still be considered a good signing, though he needs to step up more, and probably will. Suzuki turned out to be a great signing. Pelfrey? Well, at least they had a solid idea. The organization gets blasted for not spending money, but made the mentioned moves, and have now signed Morales to boost the lineup. This is an attempt to actually win. And this is somehow a bad move? I don't get it. There is a call to promote young players, even if they struggle. But the Twins have Pinto and Santana performing well, and Gibson in the lineup and rotation and want to demote a couple of them. Right or wrong, they're trying to work with Hicks, but should demote him. Every situation is different I know. But again, I'm confused. Correia needs to be replaced. And I believe he will sooner than later. I don't know who or when, but we're moving forward. How is signing a still relatively young veteran player to improve our chances of winning a bad move?

Some additional points that follows along with this thread: 1) Over the past 20 plus years, TK and Gardy have done an excellent job mixing and matching overall to get all of the position players time to play. Granted, this was hard to do and with mixed results the past three not so great seasons. But when talent has been actually available, it's been a signature of both managers. It allows everyone to help stay sharp and contribute vs sitting daily and then thrust in to an AB or the lineup cold. Pinto doesn't have to be regulated to a non performer. He can still DH in place of Morales, or Mauer when Morales might play 1B. Further, he can continue to C on a semi-regular basis. Further, if this is done, continued ML experience, while continuing to learn from Suzuki and Steinbach is a good thing. Further along even, who else becomes your other C if not Pinto? 2) Barring something nobody can foresee at this moment, Suzuki will be re-signed at some point. This is NOT a bad thing. Even if Pinto, hopefully, begins to take over the position, and even becomes the primary starter in 2015, who is his backup? I still like Herrman as an eventual quality role player and backup C possibly. But is he your guy in 2015? The Twins actually have a few intriguing options in the lower minors, but they aren't close to ready. Even a rebuilding, young, contending team needs a few solid veterans. You don't win with an entire team of rookies and second year players. 3) I am sad to say it, but Kubel is toast. He's been a favorite of mine for some time, but he had just enough left for one good April to help the Twins. He's done. And, almost as unfortunate, it appears Parmelee just isn't going to turn the corner. At least not here and now. No matter what the future may hold for him, wish him the best of luck, it just might be time to part ways and let him go elsewhere for a change. If he goes unclaimed, perhaps he can return to Rochester, play every day, grow, and take another shot next season. But these are the two who go in favor of Morales and Fuld when ready. Santana stays. Yes, his playing CF and learning on the fly is rather misguided and stinks. And I understand the idea of him playing SS on a daily basis. Not disagreeing with that thought, in theory. And Escobar, even with some eventual regression, has proven that he can play. And he doesn't deserve to lose his spot as the teams primary SS. He's done nothing but excel. But his versatility also allows the team to play him at various positions occassionaly, as well as sit a day here and there, so Santana can still play SS. Everyone keeps calling for the Twins to promote and play youngsters so they can play, learn, fail at times, learn more, etc. So here you have a dynamic young athlete who is doing that, out performing anything we could have expected, seems to have an attitude and approach that refuses to be intimidated, is providing a real spark, and some want him demoted. I don't get it. 4) CF. It's a mess. It's a cluster. I don't have a perfect answer. But barring a trade, (just don't see it for obvious reasons), or another waiver- wire acquisition, it is what it is. Touched on Santana already. At this point, why not run with it? At least a few days a week. Fuld did a really nice job, provided a lift, but even healthy and back again, he is what he is. And that is an experienced professional ball player who can contribute, but is a 4th OF. Hicks is a bizarre, talented enigma, not even of his own making. He's probably not been handled correctly. But the talent and potential is still there. He's attempting now to do the seeming impossible: overcome a rush to the majors and learn to hit exclusively RH at the ML level. What? And yet, despite some shortcomings, he's a solid defensive player. He's now a RH hitter compared to other LH options, he actually gets on base OK, and has actually hit better since the change. What do you do? Do you keep Kubel or Parmelee over Hicks? Or are we, and he, at the point, where you keep him up and continue to work with him and the Twins coaches at the ML level? I actually think the latter might be the prudent move at this point. 5) Pitching. Correia will not finish the season with the Twins, rest assured about that. Now 26-21 when Correia doesn't start a game. That's not only significant, but the Twins staff knows it as well. The Twins haven't been shy about making changes this season, a refreshing change over the last three seasons, though some of that in the past was due to limited options. I don't know if that means this week, or July, but mark my words, a change is coming. Don't know if that means May, Meyer, Darnell or Johnson as a fill-in until one of the other three youngsters get a little more time. Bullpen-wise, Tonkin and Achter are too good to ignore. And however it works out, either or both of these kids are going to get a shot before this season is done. Hopefully soon. But the calls to get rid of Duensing are mind-boggling to me. You want to dump a solid LH reliever with some SO ability who has proven to be a solid LH reliever when just given a consistent role? I don't get it. A couple bad outings can inflate a relievers numbers, and the perception of him, but there are a lot of teams that would love to have a solid LH reliever of his quality in their pen.

Love it! Ecstatic! Doesn't matter, but when I heard there was a "mystery" team dealing on Morales, I just KNEW it was us. All off season and even during ST there were 3 issues I argued the FO to make a move on. One was another CF/OF, which they blew. (Discussed to death here in blogs) and a solid spare part INF who could hopefully hit LH. They were lucky to get Fuld, though it doesn't excuse boneheadedness. We did make a move for Nunez which was solid, got smart to give Escobar his shot, and have gotten a huge surprise and lift from Santana so far. And while I didn't want to give up the second round pick, moot point now, I argued strongly for Morales. Thought it was a perfect fit for the Twins then, just as perfect a fit now. He is only 30, not some aging veteran player on last legs. He provides an OK backup to Mauer. The guy hits from both sides with power and is a proven player. He's also unlikely to break the bank, and the Twins can more than afford him. If he has a solid season, and likes the team and the park, they could be in the driver's seat to re-sign him. Especially with Willingham gone after this season. Productive and only 30, he can very much be a part of this rebuild. Before the arguement even begins, he doesn't block Vargas. No matter how good Vargas might end up being, he's still in AA, for now. And until you prove you can hit at the ML level, you haven't proven that you can hit at the ML level. I don't know where Morales hits. When he's ready, it might take a little juggling to find the ideal lineup. There are arguements for 3,4,5. And there are arguements for Mauer to stay at 2 for now, or slide down. If Mauer can get over whatever hump he's dealing with and can be Mauer again, I still argue the 3 spot is his ideal location for Avg/OB/contact/decent power and the ability to drive runners in as well as start and continue innings. The old "best pure hitter on the team hits third" arguement. But the whole lineup just got deeper and better.

AJ, thank you so much for all the tremendous insights and contributions you have shared with us. Not only the baseball side of your life and journey, but the very real personal side to things you revealed. There is only a few at Twins Daily that have met you or know you in any way. But I think articles, openness and candor makes us all feel that we've met you and know you, at least a little bit. The Twins organization was lucky to have you, and might just be a little bit bleaker now without you. Who knows, perhaps your career path, if you do follow new dreams that lead you to coaching and the such, might lead you back to the Twins organization one day. If you decide to agree to Seth's request to continue writing here, you will have some very grateful readers. Best of luck to you and yours AJ.

Amazing catch by Tanner English on the highlight video. Any chance he could be signed and ready to play Sunday? LOL Really happy to see the Twins draft 2B Pat Kelly. Gotta be team leader and MVP for the Huskers. Batted cleanup this past season. Very solid and clutch. Very much the "gamer" type. Not as versatile as Christensen, also from the Huskers, who I'm thinking might be the real deal as an eventual super-utility type capable of helping at 6 positions. But Kelly is a really nice ball player and a great pick. Kind of torn about him signing though, I admit, as I want him with the Twins but also want home back with Erstad and my Big Red next season. You have me intrigued by Roberto Gonzalez. Really like to know more about him. Is this a potential steal? Late picks, I think the Twins should consider going over any normal slot value for #20 pick 3B McCarthy Tatum. Don't know a thing about him, but Fresno State is a top power who doesn't recruit slouches. Wondering if this might be the kind of kid, who if he doesn't sign, might be a top 10 round pick in a few years. Like the Vavra pick but it was also expected. The Guthrie pick is also neat. Thank you Willihammer for your notes! Very appreciated. No offense to Buxton, Sano, Meyer, May or anyone else in the Twins minor leagues, but the minute he is hopefully signed, my most favorite Twins minor leaguer will be Theo Theofanopoulos. This kid absolutely has to make the show!

Actually, I think your lineup is a very sound and well thought out possibility. Naturally, I have to disagree with it some. Lol I hope Gordon is as good as advertised, and is a fast rising top 100 prospect like Sano and Buxton, and to a slightly lesser degree, Rosario. Only without any suspensions, major injuries or stupid nagging ones to slow him down. Still, considering youth, I'd say 2018 might be Gordon's impending AAA, potential rookie arrival season. And I'm in agreement with Thrylos that Polanco is likely the established SS at the time. Further, unless there is regression, which I doubt, and further believe there will be continual improvement, I don't see Dozier as a bench player. At 35, as long as health is on his side, I also believe Mauer may still be Mauer at 1B. And I suspect Buxton will pull a Puckett on us. This means he will begin at the top of the order, but slide down to the 3 hole by 2018 as the best pure hitter on the team. 1&2 will be some combination of Rosario, LF, Polanco SS, and Dozier 2B. Hitting, speed and power. 3) Buxton CF 4) Sano 3B 5) Arcia RF 6) Vargas DH 7) Mauer 1B 8) Pinto C 9) whichever of Rosario, Polanco isn't at the top of the order with Dozier. Walked and/or Ortiz might be very good bench OF's. Escobar might still be a part of this, along with Santana, as reserves. Turner or Herrman might be at back up C.