DocBauer

YeeHaw! I love playing with lineups! Mostly during the offseason...but here we go. Agree with Ashbury on a lot of his points. I also agree to LH/RH splits in the lineup, stability, and trying not to pressure the youngsters as much as possible. Now, a lineup is different than a roster. And that's a little more tricky. With Arcia and Willingham close to returning, a couple adjustments need to be made. I'm leaving Fuld out of the mix for now, as his ETA is unknown, and missing more time might put him on a rehab assignment to get his timing back. Not to start a debate, but I am a fan of Herrman and his versatility, as well as what I still believe will be a decent, helpful bat. His recent surge at Rochester and solid milb numbers play to my notion. That being said, he's easily the first demotion to make room. After that I'm unsure. Santana would seem obvious so he could play every day. But not only is he doing well at the moment, but he's out backup CF for now. That would leave Parmelee, who just came up again, or the struggling Kubel or Colabello or the recently healthy Nunez. You can make arguements for any and all to stay as well. So I'm going to post my lineup with an extra player on roster. 1) Dozier 2B 2) Hicks-Escobar-Santana-Nunez CF/SS/? 3) Mauer 1B 4) Willingham LF/DH 5) Arcia RF 6) Suzuki-Pinto C 7) Plouffe 3B 8) Pinto-Kubel-Parmelee-Colabello DH/when not in the field 9) Hicks-Escobar-Santana-Nunez CF/SS/? Long term, Dozier might indeed end up being a #3 hitter. Or he might be a #2 behind Buxton. Or he could stay a #1 with Buxton ultimately being a #3. But no way you move him at this time. Mauer slides back to the 3 hole. Healthy, back spasms gone, he remains the team's best pure hitter. Just being himself, he's a .300+ hitter and .400+ OB 40Dbls hitter with low to mid teens HR producer. He hits, he shows line drive power, he usually hits well with a strike or two. This allows the team's best hitter to knock guys in, move runners along, and get on base himself for the heart of the order. He also provides protection for the #2 hitter. And while Plouffe looks like a different player, and is having the best overall year of his short career, I just don't believe he's a real #3 hitter. Willingham returns as a veteran hitter, if even close to his usual career self, batting cleanup with power. Arcia, healthy again himself, hits behind Mauer and Hammer, bringing his power and young talent to the 5 hole. Suzuki at 6 provides a quality, veteran hitter behind Arcia, and keeps him in the lineup where he's been doing so well. Plouffe and the DH could possibly flip-flop 7&8 depending on the day. Batting 9th, obviously, is whoever is not hitting second on a given day. Now, this lineup is focused around the 2 hole. Who can say if Hick's recent performance is a sign of better consistency or not. And Escobar, Santana and Nunez are also a mystery. But if you can play matchups and hot hands daily, you sandwich some young speed and athleticism with a little extra base power between Dozier and Mauer. You also end up with a deeper all around lineup for production, but also allow a better chance for Dozier to come to the plate with someone on base more often.

One thing I really like about this season is that the Twins as a whole, FO, Gardy and his staff, seem less reluctant to change. They don't seem so resistant to making moves that have to be made. Now some of this is due to necessity. But when push came to shove in ST, the staff stuck with Gibson over hope and veteran experience such as Diamond and Worley. They stuck with Thielbar when there were other journeymen in camp. They brought Tonkin right back up. They kept Pinto instead of sending him down. They sent Florimon and Pelfrey out, even if later than they should have. They brought up Santana over a veteran such as Bernier, who was actually swinging a hot bat at the time. I believe they generally realize what we all do...it's time to move forward where and when you can. At some point in ST I honestly believe the entire staff as a whole had a conversation that basically said; "Deduno needs to be in the rotation. But if we're going to commit to Gibson to start the season along with Pelfrey and Correia, and with Deduno coming off his surgery, I think we need to just slide him to the pen to start the season. Bring him along slowly and plug him in when we need him. And no matter how good he's looked for us, not sure he's a 30+ plus start guy. I/we think he might be the best #5 starter around if we can just keep him at 160-170 IP max, or about 28 starts." My opinion. Also my opinion: Despite youth and inexperience, I believe the Twins just might have the best overall talent in the middle infield they've had in years with Dozier, Escobar, Santana and Nunez. There is real talent, flexibility and potential there. And I don't want to lose that. I also don't want to see young talent languishing on the bench. So there has to be a fine line where Gardy keeps everyone playing and involved. With Fuld still out of the picture, I see a soon to be roster of Suzuki and Pinto at C. Mauer, Plouffe, Dozier, Escobar, Nunez, Santana and Colabello in the infield, Hammer, Kubel, Hicks, Arcia and Parmelee in the OF. Perkins, Burton, Fien, Swarzak, Tonkin, Duensing and Thielbar in the bullpen. The rotation is Nolasco, Hughes, Gibson, Deduno, and, UGH, Pelfrey or Correia. Thielbar and Tonkin have each had a couple rough outings lately. But you HAVE to stick with them at this point. They are talented and part of our future. And with little exception, most relievers, like all pitchers have a bad outing or two. And despite decent depth, are you really going to promote some journeyman to replace these talented youngsters? Big mistake if you do. If you added things up, then you know this is a 26 man roster. I don't know where the cut takes place unless somewhere there exists someone on the DL. Even if you replace Santana with a healthy Fuld, there still has to be a move made. So for now, I'm going to cheat.

As of today, Meyer, May and Darnell all have very solid numbers. W-L records mean very little at this point. Meyer: 3.79 ERA and 1.29 Whip with 49 SO 21 BB in 40 IP in 8 starts. May: 4.11 ERA and 1.11 Whip with 41 SO 13 BB in 35 IP in 7 starts. Darnell: 2.32 ERA and 1.19 Whip 33 SO 11 BB in 31 IP in 6 starts through his start Saturday. Not that I believe you HAVE to have a LH in the rotation, but what about Darnell?

Great post Mr Bell. Tried a similar one a couple weeks ago to no avail. Let's hope we get everyone to climb on board here. As far as "order" of SS currently, I believe you're right on with Escobar as the first in line. And he should be at this point. His hard work has earned him this right. And it's rewarding to see him get the opportunity at this point. I think most of us agree his opportunity was at least a week or two overdue. I very much appreciate the tremendous defensive abilities of Florimon, but, truth be told, his setback in ST and poor performance there, probably should have warranted Escobar opening the season either in Ft Meyers or Rochester with Escobar starting from day one. He came to the Twins with a reputation as a versatile player with a good glove. That's why we acquired him. And up until now, he hasn't been given the opportunity to show what he's capable of on a regular basis with the ChiSox, or with us. He's still only 25, offers at least a little upside offensively, but has already been bouncing around on ML benches for 3+ years now, probably rushed up. Santana, two years younger at 23, is and probably should be #2 in line due to age, experience, and Escobar's quality start. Though there is no way he'll continue to hit over .300. I'm pleased he's had chances to play SS since his promotion. I understand his play in CF considering the current OF situation with the Twins. And with his athleticism, perhaps he has the ability to be a multi-positional player who can contribute in various ways offensively and defensively. And while I don't want to talk out of both sides of my mouth, Santana needs opportunities to show what he can do at SS, whether that be now, or back at Rochester and brought back up later in the season. I've had hopeful expectations for him, and simply don't expect him to perform long term as he has in his limited time with the Twins. However, he shows some real speed and athleticism, and by no means does he have any overmatched deer in the headlights look about him. A rough comparison of both players milb numbers shows very comparable numbers: Escobar .266/.319/.354/.673 with a SB avg of 10.5 per season and a success rate of 65%: Santana .270/.315/.395/.710 with a SB avg of 16.7 per season and a success rate of 69%. Very comparable numbers across the board, though skewed slightly by Santana being 2 years younger, and with at least 1 full season less in the minors to this point, a higher slugging and OPS with more speed and SB ability. This is not meant to disregard Escobar or his current opportunity. Just a reminder of the potential of Santana and a statement that he also deserves his opportunity. I am intrigued by Nunez and what he may offer. I also think he's in a good place with the right team as a versatile utility player who can play all over the place and get in the lineup on a fairly regular basis as the Twins have always been good about getting their bench players involved on a regular basis. With all due respect, Florimon's time has come and gone, I believe. Long term, I still wonder and have big hopes for Polanco. Could he be another Omar Vizqel? Not the strongest arm, but all the other traits needed to be a quality SS with real offensive potential.

Always thought the Twins fell in love too early with Parmelee's potential and his numbers to close the season a couple years ago. Just felt he was rushed a bit and never really allowed to get comfortable and work through things. Thought he got yo-yo'ed. I understood passing him through waivers this year and was happy he went unclaimed as I felt there was a lot of potential unfulfilled yet. I don't know if this is a "light bulb on" time in his career or not, but between Rochester and the early returns, I am hopeful.

2014 was labeled, and I feel acurately, as a transition year for the Twins. A year where we begin to say goodbye to three disappointing and frustrating years of non-contention, bad baseball, and 90 loss seasons. A year where we begin to talk about a more competitive team who could threaten for a .500 record who has a legitimate chance to win nightly/daily. A team bridging the gap for higher expectations in 2015 and beyond. Despite disappointing setbacks to such talented prospects as Sano, Buxton and Rosario, the Twins boast one of the most talented minor leagues in all of baseball. And despite the setbacks to those potential difference makers, there is a very large contingent of talented prospects enjoying fine seasons in the minors and continuing their trek Northward. The Twins made an elaborate, for them, and unexpected foray in to FA this past offseason to shore up the teams biggest weakness, the starting rotation. A rotation to make the team competitive built around building blocks such as Mauer, Dozier, Pinto, Arcia, and those that might make their presence felt at some point this year and next, etc. Despite some early and disappointing failings, Hughes has been pitching anywhere from good to outstanding. Nolasco is warming up and looking very good these days. And despite a couple rough outings, Gibson has begun to perform like the top prospect we've been anxiously awaiting. However, despite a solid, overall consistent 2013, Correia has been a big disappointment so far. And while there were other options available that I liked better than Pelfrey, I couldn't really argue with the Twins re-signing based on projections of being a full year further removed from surgery and the tease of a couple very solid months pitched last season before running out of steam late. Correia looks nothing like the pitcher he was last year. Pelfrey looks even worse. Deduno, perhaps a far better than average 5th starter who simply can't handle the workload of a 30+ start schedule, is back in the rotation where he should be, and deserves to be. This leaves the Twins in need of one additional SP. Who is that person? I'm not saying the move takes place tomorrow. But first of June? Mid June? When and who? What say you?

I am one of those that started the season more optimistic than most. Not a surprise if you read my posts I guess. I got a little down the last week or so of ST and got a little Scrooge-like. But I really felt our pen, a better rotation, an offense that simply had to be better, and a couple youngsters taking a step forward would/could lead us to a .500 season, possibly slightly better by a few games. Building momentum for 2015. To be honest, while the team has indeed been that .500 team so far, despite what has been reported as a rough early schedule, it's been a surprising and rather confusing start to 2014. Early, the pen was awful. Except for a few bad performances recently, it's pretty much rounded back to form. Though there is definitely room for more consistency. The rotation, with the exception of Gibson, started pretty horribly. Hughes has looked dynamite after a few rough starts, and Nolasco has been looking very good. A change of teams, bad weather, and, in my opinion, not being fully stretched out in ST maybe. Pelfrey and Correia have been the biggest surprise and disappointment. While not a big proponent of either, we saw decent consistency from Correia last season. And with Pelfrey, while there were others I favored signing, I bought in to stronger and better this season further removed from surgery, more like the solid couple of months he gave us mid-season before faltering at the end. Track history would seem to suggest to me that Deduno has blossomed late in his career, but just might not be good for 30+ starts. He might just be a solid to very good 5th SP who is good for 26-28 starts. And there is nothing wrong with that. His early role in the pen may be just what he needed, and I think he's now back where he belongs and helps the Twins the most. Butchering the OF/CF aside, discussed to death, the offense has generally been a huge surprise. The walks and team OB has been outstanding as well as productive. Despite various injuries and ZERO production from the SS position, the offense made things happen and held the Twins in contention while the SP began to get their legs under them. I actually began to agree with those who felt, despite youth and some strike-outs, that Arcia would emerge as the 4 hitter at some point. But he's been set back big-time the first half due to injury. I also thought Hammer and Kubel looked like toast. But Hammer actually looked good the few games he played before he too was injured. Kubel surprised the heck out of all of us for the first month. So did Colabello. And Plouffe has been far better and productive offensively and defensively. And we'd be sunk early if not for their contributions. But can any of them make adjustments and continue to make solid contributions yet again? An early 30 veteran, a still young prospect-ish playet and an over-achiever who I refuse to give up on as he's produced at every level and constantly overcome expectations. Are they tired from so much every day play and pressure early? Can they rebound? Dozier and Suzuki, frankly, are playing at all-star levels. SS is no longer a black hole in the lineup, at least for the now. We've gotten nice contributions from Fuld, before he also was hurt, and the young, exciting and surprising Santana. Can Santana continue to excite and help? He reminds me a lot of Revere's initial excitement and energy with the Twins. And Mauer, despite the back trouble, looks like he might be heating up. Parmalee has offered a jolt as well. We keep getting contributions from different places. Some guys are sliding, some are picking us up, and two more potential impact bats may be ready to rejoin us soon. I like us a C very much. The infield is solid overall. Healthy, OF and DH offer the possibilities of Hammer, Arcia, Parmelee, Kubel and Colabello along with Hicks and Fuld in CF with Santana as a possible helping hand when not playing SS. There is something to work with here. But how does this all work out and play together roster and lineup wise? And before the season gets too much further along...mid June?...I think we need one more SP. Im in, excited and hopeful. But also unsure where our next steps are.

Offensively and defensively, Dozier is proving he is no fluke. The BA still isn't where it needs to be, and probably will be, but you simply can't argue with any other number he's been producing since June of last year, or the consistency, or the defense to go along with it. I don't want to mess with him, but a SS his whole life, I'm still not opposed to a potential move or try-out there if Rosario or Polanco (unable to prove himself at SS) proves to be a quality ML 2B. But I revel in the player we have with Dozier at 2B. I am NOT opposed to signing him to a longer deal to lock him in. And I don't feel he's going to regress or fall off the edge of the earth. I just think we have enough control over him the next couple of seasons that I'd play it that way, fair raises to avoid the arbitration process, and then sign him long term around '17 or so.

Ugh! Lost my first post somehow. Oh well. Anyway, so very encouraged from what I've seen so far. Not just from Escobar, but from Gardy and the staff giving him a real shot and a sense of commitment to run with him. I was in the Florimon camp. I loved his defense and felt he'd hit at least as well this season as last, hopefully a little better with a year of experience. And while I still believe the surgery in ST set Florimon back and threw off his timing and readiness, he's had a lot of AB's to close out ST and open the season to find at least SOME sense of timing and normality. What we've seen is plain old ineptitude. I never felt Escobar was simply a utility player. In fact, I moved for a platoon of the two at one point. And a tip of my cap yet again for Gardy and the staff to make a move that ad to be made rather than sticking with the status quo, something that's been happening with far more regularity this season than years past. Escobar has skills and athletic talent. That's why we traded for him, and why the White Sox rushed him to the majors. He's still young, not some waiver wire re-tread. And while I expect regression to his great play at the plate, he seems to have a sense of confidence and decent approach at the plate. I still wonder if Santana in the more immediate future, or Polanco or Goodrum further down the road, might not be better long term solutions, but I've been impressed and encouraged by Escobar to this point.

Fun article. Puts them at the forefront of my thoughts when I examine who's who coming up. Being able to "pitch" should never be underestimated as a talent, but often is. I wonder, if they resist the temptation to "throw hard" will they be able to maintain or gain velocity to keep them consistently in the high 80's and low 90 range. Personally, I have very high hopes for Darnell as well, obviously much higher up the ladder. I'm very encouraged by his start to the year in Rochester, and while his Twins appearance was short, and he was reportedly pumped to throw a little harder than normal, it was nonetheless a nice cup of coffee.

Whenever it mercifully happens...Darnell?

I'm sorry, but I just don't get, and never have gotten, all the Anderson bashing. Have I had issues with he and Gardy both? Absolutely! But I just don't get the bashing. Have a few guys done better after leaving the Twins? Yes, for at least a season. But in many or most of the examples listed here, there was another team and season or two before this took place. Liriano as an example? I and all Twins fans groaned with what happened last season. But not only was it seemingly a 1 year fluke, but his early success was with Anderson. As was his one teasing year after surgery. Further, there was another team between us and the Pirates who grew frustrated with Liriano in the White Sox. Burton found new life. Fien found life. Perkins is an all-star closer. Swarzak has developed in to an extended and reliable relief pitcher. Deduno is an enigmatic arm who's best success has been with the Twins. Hughes just might be pitching the best he's ever pitched. Kevin Fricking-Correia probably threw the best ever in his career during a misserable 2013 season with the Twins. Pavano found new life with the Twins. Im not saying he's the greatest pitching coach that has ever existed, but when the Twins had actual SP talent and were winning divisional titles with Santana and Radke and others, are you saying someone else was in charge? With little exception over the past several seasons, the Twins bullpen has been very solid. And the arms there haven't always been Twins prospects. There have been valuable contributions over the years from discards and retreads and can't-get-its. The SP options the past few seasons have been greatly lacking in quality. And this is Anderson's fault? And the past couple of weeks the Twins SP have an ERA under 4 and a 2-1 SO to BB ratio, showing real signs of heating things up and improving, hopefully turning a corner and this in spite of Anderson? Bruno and the Twins hitters receive accolades for BB and playing moneyball with increased production. The Twins staff has consistently been amongst the most stingy in offering free passes but this is a negative in some way? Again, not saying Anderson is the greatest, I just really don't understand all the negativity.

Further, while a HUGE Molitor fan, Brunansky has a lot to do with the Twins success this season. Further, the past two weeks has seen a huge upturn in the production of our SP. That has nothing to do with Molitor. This is no knock on Molitor, who I love and advocate as the next Twins manager, (slightly above Mauer and Dougie M or a reunion with Redmond possibly) but one full year on the bench, and his family callin the Twin Cities home makes it doubtful in my mind that he's going elsewhere. And yes, with Gardy having one more year on his contract, there is the possibility of either an understanding or possibility for Molitor.

This guy. Vargas really intrigues me as a future block for the new Twins foundation. And his play thus far at AA has me very encouraged. Simply can't discount Arcia as a full time OF with his youth and relatively decent athleticism. He just needs time, experience and more coaching. And right now, full health. To me, right now, so far this season, his injury is right up there with Sano and Buxton being hurt. There are different reasons to like him in both corners. RF with his arm, LF if his potential never quite reaches reality defensively. And yet, more room to cover in LF for someone else. Pinto at C, no problem. He's not bad there, just learning and growing and Suzuki doing a great job. Even better than expected. No good reason why a healthy, and steadily improving Sano can't stay at 3B. My "dream" for this season, besides every Twins top prospect improving and growing overall, and Buxton just having a healthy and kick-butt season that would show he might be ready for 2015 (UGH!), was in 5 parts. #1 was a SS to emerge from somewhere. I believe the move to Escobar is long over due as well as encouraging. Santana's early promotion has been a huge surprise, even if it proves temporary. This one might actually be coming true. #2 was an OF, other than Arcia, to take a big step forward toward next season. (Again, other than Buxton) I had a hunch it could be Walker, but perhaps Parmelee could FINALLY be getting it. #3 was for Meyer, May or Darnell to be ready by the ASB. This might still happen. #4 was for a "someone" to emerge. Regardless of position. Regardless of full time or just good all around productive player. Vargas just might be that guy.

Really encouraged by Hughes. Given his relatively young age, some past successes, his original prospect standing, his overall stuff if he could harness a bit more, and his splits out of NY, he was right at the top of my wish list. I have not been disappointed. As has been pointed out, even a couple uneven starts at the begining of the season weren't totally discouraging. Maybe it's just me, but it seems none of the Twins starters were "ready" at the begining of the season. Might have been the weird weather, who knows. Still don't think our staff is where it needs to be, or where it can and could be. Gibson has largely been impressive, as been Hughes. Looks like Nolasco is rounding in to form. Love Deduno back in the rotation, where I've always felt he should be. He can be a little wild on occasion, and not sure he's built for 32-34 starts on a season, but really think what we saw last season is the real Deduno, a late bloomer. Boy, if we can just find one more of our youngsters to be ready this year in Meyer, May or possibly Darnell!

Great article. Great points made by Nick and everyone else. Once again, well thought out arguements on both sides, and without the arguing. Lol Some of my thoughts, and I apologize if I'm repetitive from other posts. The words go where needed. The bad: I 100% understand the Bartlett signing, even kind of agreed with it. Why not take a shot to see if a healthy Barlett could re-discover something and provide a steady backp and steady hand. Doubt something magical would happen, but what if it did? And a lot of people complained that maybe we needed a different attitude to be injected, of even, attitude at all. All that being said, it was obvious by the end of ST it was over. A few walks and at bats where he didn't strike out embarrassingly was no indication he could still play, much less provide depth at multiple positions. Some sort of misguided hope is no reason to give a roster spot to someone, in this case, the Bartlett experiment. The worse: I am not going to arbitrarily bash the FO. Between building the minors, and some ML moves, FA and otherwise, I think they've done a solid job. But when they botch something, it's got to be called out. A team is built on its many parts. This may be most true in baseball where you really have two teams in one: 11-12 guys who basically do only one thing, pitch, and another 13-14 who play positions, don't pitch, and can't be substituted or rotated as in other sports. Plus, you play nearly every day, and don't have a reserve portion of the roster you can juggle as in the NFL or NBA on a game by game basis. So unless you save a spot at 25 on your roster for that rule 5 player to be stashed, as Nick stated, all 25 spots are important. And the FO blew two areas this off season. The Twins blew the inf situation, not in regard to SS where they had Florimon, with all due respect to the many discussions and opinions debated at length, but with back up personnel. Sure, take a flyer on Barlett, why not? But nobody knew if Plouffe was going to mature as he has, nobody knew if Escobar was going to round in to a full time SS, short or long term, or be a quality utility guy. And despite playing very well now when given the chance, the jury is still out. Now, I think the Nunez might play out well as adding a useful player. And hopefully Santana will take this opportunity, and his considerable skills, and do something with it. But we entered ST with Escobar, Barlett and a group of not yet ready middle infielders or AAAA players like Bernier for reserve status. Where was the ONE ML level guy you could count on? Nowhere. Worse, as I have previously stated, was the OF/CF situation with the unknowns of Hicks, a journeyman in Presley, and an injured and still recovering Mastro. Losing Presley and Mastro and adding Fuld is not the point. Fuld is probably better than Presley anyway and Mastro, thus far, is a shadow of what he was in 2012. It's not about the Twins somehow expecting both Hicks and Fuld having concussions simultaneously. It's not even about losing Mastro and not replacing him. It's about going in to ST without another option to provide overall depth and competition, period. The not so bad and even good: The Barlett experiment was over quickly. And don't kid yourself, Gardy and the FO took a stupid shot and it clanked, and they knew it. If Barlett hadn't gotten hurt and decided to hang it up, they would have dropped him very soon. In fact, I have little doubt conversations with the Twins helped lead Bartlett to make his retirement decision. The Twins made an unusually early season trade to bring in Nunez, not standing pat. Too bad he got hurt right away, but is hopefully healthy now and ready to help off the bench. Arguements can be made the Twins waited too long, though only early May I don't see it that way, but they sent out Pelfrey and Florimon both. And even before sending Florimon down, Escobar began the process of replacing him. And doing rather well it should be noticed. Further, despite Gardy's admirable but sometimes mis-guided loyalties to some players, these and other occurrences show a shift in the Twin's rebuilding philosophies and turning to young players. Giving Hicks his shot, playing Escobar now daily, Arcia in the daily lineup when healthy, keeping Pinto on the club and in the lineup daily (though I'd like to see him catch more), sticking with Dozier after the move to 2B last season, trusting Gibson in the rotation, sticking with Thielbar in the pen and calling up Tonkin early. And shockingly, giving Santana a shot over the veteran Bernier, and actually letting him play! There is a shift taking place here, and you will see more of it going forward. Now that being said, I also am puzzled by the Guerrier move. His signing this off season for depth was a so-so move. But, it could provide a low risk depth move due to injuries and the such. And I don't have a real problem with his promotion at this time. I know he's not part of our future, and perhaps he'll simply be cut in a couple of weeks. But there is an opening in the pen with Deduno sliding in to the rotation that happens to co-incide with Guerrier's opt out. So you sent Darnell down, for now, to pitch every day and see if Guerrier can help fill in for the time being. Were it not for the opt out, probably would have seen the younger Pino come up instead. But in this particular case, I don't see Guerrier as being a "business as usual" move. Simply a look-see since things lined up a certain way. Now, if he isn't darned effective,or holds someone back, then we have issues here. A roster caught short a day or two in the long season due to a sudden flux of injury is not an indictment of the FO. With a player or two ready to rejoin the club in 1-2 days and the team not wanting to make a number of sudden and very temporary roster moves should not be an indictment of the FO. However, failure to take action before the season starts at a position or two that have alarming and glaring needs IS something that needs to reprimanded.

1) very much disagree with Gardy not liking Santana. He gave the kid strong props in ST for ability and potential. He's also stuck him in the lineup while he's been up which I honestly had real doubts would happen. And the only negative he's stated recently was a simple matter of fact that the kid is still raw and needs more development. How is that not liking the young man? 2) going back over several posts now, rehashing some of the same old arguments, despite some good moves made, the FO blew the OF picture. I am going to disagree that the Twins should have "planned" to lose their entire starting OF in the first month, or that they had plent of time between injuries to act and figure it out. There is not a team out there, I'd wager an adult beverage or 2 or even 6, that starts the season by saying: "Ok, how do we look a month in if our 1B and entire OF all are hurt at once? That being said, I will repeat the Twins FO blew the OF situation this off season. Don't know now, didnt know then, what Hicks was going to bring to the table other than lots of talent and hope and a reportedly hard working off season. And he has looked better. But that's fuzzy logic to hang your hat on. I'm not bothered by the whole Presley situation as it played out. What I AM bothered about was the unknown in Hicks, a journeyman who played ok for you the last month of the season, and Mastro a still recovering shadow of the solid, useful player it looked like he might become. Thats your CF options on a ML team going in to ST and a season??? I'm not saying spend big bucks on a FA with Buxton on his way. I'm not saying trade a top prospect or two for a top flight starting CF. And I'm sure there might actually be a player or two who MIGHT turn down the Twins with Buxton up in a year or two. MIGHT. Through FA and trade there were options out there to lend better options and depth to the OF in general, and CF specifically. And so what if you would have to sweeten the pot with an extra throw in milb prospect, or toss a little more $ toward a FA to make the move. You had/have the prospects and $ to make the move without suffering. THIS is the one move they blew. 3) Guerrier has had a very solid career. A "meh" signing for depth that cost the Twins nothing but a small contract. I have no excitement with his call up or a problem with it. With Deduno sliding in to the rotation, there is an opening for someone. While I personally have hopes for Darnell, and am very pleased he's choosing now at AAA to have his best season to date, I don't really want him sitting on the bullpen bench when he could continue to refine himself in the Rochester rotation, for now. Pino would honestly, probably, be the best call. Neither he nor Guerrier offer much long term, though Pino is younger. But it's not like they sent out the young, talented, "part of our future and has proven himself" Tonkin for Guerrier to get this shot. There was a deadline to make a decision, the Twins decided to call him up and see if there was anything there. Now, if he doesn't show something and they stick with him, NOW we have a problem. 4) please tell me that with even a little more consistency in the next few weeks we can drop back down to a 12 man staff? With the moves made this off season, this just shouldn't be a problem. Surely the baseball gods will allow this to level out a bit. 5) I do agree with Gardy being too loyal to favorite vets in the past. But he and the FO are moving past that I believe. Not as fast as I would like, but I'm noticing less tolerance, less patience by the club this season in regard to moves. Yes Bartlett was a crazy, ridiculous hope and prayer. But he wasn't going to last but a day or two longer anyway before the roster move and retirement. The writing was on the wall. Say what you want about moves seeming obvious, but Pelfrey was shipped out rather quickly. And while Florimon should have gone 2 weeks ago, he is gone. And even during the last couple of weeks, he was being weeded out. 6) which works with #5 a bit, injuries or not, the Twins have been doing a much better job of letting the kids play. Gibson in the rotation, Tonkin brought up right away, Thielbar kept, Hicks (good or bad debatable) continuing to get his shot, Pinto up and staying up and in the lineup, Escobar finally getting real playing time to see what he's got, Arcia in the starting lineup when healthy, and even Santana being brought up and actually getting a chance to play. 7) Soooo tired of the 3rd C debate. Once again, how many times in a season could you possibly be in a situation where you'd lose the DH to remove an injured starting C from the game? Once a season at most? Once every other season maybe? The only reason for a third C, which I rather like, is when one of them is either a primary DH who can C if needed, or is a decent bat, versatile utility type player. Think Herrman if he can learn to hit on a more consistent basis. Otherwise, drop it already and keep a better all around bench player on hand. Lastly, despite my blasting the FO for the botched CF situation, I have to say that Hicks, Arcia, Mauer all back and Fuld hopefully in a week, Escobar getting his shot, Nunez healthy and getting a shot, and Santana up and actually being allowed to play, combined with the rest of the roster as constructed now, actual pleases me.

Once again, some great arguments for and against on both sides. My $.50, or $1.50 with inflation, for what it's worth. 1) I believe Meyer is an elite prospect. No question in my mind he's at least a 2 if not an actual #1 pitcher down the road. If he didn't have his shoulder set-back last season, he might already be up. And he showed some very impressive things in the AFL, though he also showed a bit of inconsistency here and there in his delivery. But I was very impressed with what I saw. However, he did miss time last year. Time that was in AA, and probably prevented him from seeing time at Rochester. Remember this, as well as the fact that his impressive change up is just that, new. A few good starts, two outstanding starts that please and tease all of us, and then a hard-working so-so start. The minor leagues exist for a reason, for players, even top prospects, to learn, develop and grow. Please don't confuse his talent,potential, and some great performances early in the AAA season as being ready to dominate ML hitters. Just because his potential screams better than someone else's performance at the ML level, eventually, doesn't mean he's ready yet. A few more starts, some more time to work on mechanics and this great new change up doesn't diminish his future. It just means a little more time to develop, polish, and gain even more confidence in his stuff and ability to get hitters out. His innings limit is not a big deal. It just means, if he continues on his currently high development curve, he's up June or July at the latest. Potentially. And if he gets his 10 or so starts, as speculated, and gets shut down around Sept, no big deal. He might even get a few outings in the pen to finish out the season. He's built his bridge toward next season's rotation. And when rosters expand, we just may have another pitcher or two to give a look-see such as May. 2) May and Darnell. Before the season began, May was one of the guys on my personal watch list. He has produced, he has gone through the minors rather quickly, and while some argue as to his results last season repeating AA, he did show improvement, and did finish well. Still, this seemed to be a big year to help him define himself. Thus far, I am greatly encouraged and feel the best may be yet to come. Darnell has been solid, ground his way up the ladder, and thus far, is having probably his best season. To me, the disappointing issue is his promotion. Perhaps he will flash and help, but I was actually hoping he'd stay down for a while to continue his development until given a SP opportunity. In fact, no disrespect to Johnson, perhaps use in Rochester precluded it, but I was really hoping Darnell was going to get the start as the 26th man recently. 3) The 40 man roster, especially as it refers to Meyer, is not a big deal. Why place someone there when you didn't yet have to so you could keep another player in your system, at least for a few months while the season began? When Meyer is ready, I say 3-5 additional starts if he keeps doing what he's been doing, there are players available for transfer or DFA. This is not a problem. 4) Pelfrey, Correia, 40 man, SP, FO, etc. There has been a shift in philosophy within the Twins organization this season that we haven't seen for a while, if ever. It began this past offseason with the dive into the FA SP market with Nolasco, Hughes, Pelfrey (say what you want to but there was logical thought there) and attempts for others such as AJ and Garza and other teasers. We could argue and debate back and forth about various subjects, but there was indeed an unprecedented shift in philosophy there. And so far, only a little over a month in to the season, there has been a greater sense of urgency to play with the roster. The status quo no longer seems acceptable as it may have been in the past. Again, I/we could debate that more should be done, but Tonkin has already been brought up, Nunez has been traded for, Fuld has been brought on board, Escobar has been moved in to the lineup as principal SS (or so it appears), Pelfrey has been DL'd due to a mysterious injury or poor performance. Unless he is traded at some point this season, Correia is gone end of year. (Same for Willingham) Say what you will about Pelfrey and his signing, who knows if he will rebound or not, he is only signed for one more year beyond this. Right or wrong, I understand the reasons for bringing him back. But regardless, considering the limitations of his salary and Twins' commitment, I don't believe they would fail to trade him for little or outright release him in favor of Meyer, May, Darnell or anyone else, including Deduno sliding full time back in the rotation. Remember some of the sqwacking over money not spent? It allows the Twins to make trade moves or cut bait on someone that can be replaced by a ML min contract as well. Thus far, our team is playing .500 ball. A lot of followers never expected this. It may be early, but, it's very encouraging. We've already had a few injuries. Some players have excelled and a few others have not, as of yet. The front office doesn't seem content to sit still. The Pitching levels out a bit, the hitters adjust a little up or down, it seems we might have an interesting a fun club to follow.

As to Mauer, he's shown signs of getting back on track recently. Except for a few stetches in his career, and it seems to me to usually be in the early season, he's one of the best pure hitters in all baseball, and most days, could fall out of bed and go 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. I still maintain, in a decent and balanced lineup, good hitter behind him, couple solid hitters with various talent in front of him, he's best in the 3 hole. Call me old fashioned in my thinking, but I like my best pure hitter in that 3 hole to "stack" the lineup. Using Mauer, in this case, you have a perennial .300 hitter, batting champ, who gets OB at a .400 clip, hits 40 doubles a year in a healthy year, works the count, can hit with 2 strikes, doesn't seemed bothered by runners on base who move around and might steal, is good for about 12-13 HR's, with potential for more if healthy and getting a good 500-600 AB's, which is the plan for this season. It allows your best overall hitter to drive in runs, and help set the table himself with his various contributions. That being said, I grew up watching guys like Downing for the Angels and Boggs for the Red Sox be very effective, non-conventional LO hitters with high Avg, high OB, and good double power with HR's mixed in setting the table for the rest of the lineup. Dozier is turning in to a real, complete stud. And if we don't have someone on the roster who can join him as a solid, productive presence at the top of the lineup, I'm in agreement that perhaps Mauer should be considered for the 1 spot with Dozier dropping a spot. The only problem I see with he and Mauer flip-flopping is I wonder if it would slow Dozier on the base paths in regard to SB threat.

Lot of great points and observations. My initial thoughts. There are always ebbs and flows to the season, team wide and player wide. Hot streaks and cold streaks, etc. And yeah, a whole bunch of .900 and .1000 OPS numbers is just sustainable or expected. Bruno has done a great job so far, IMO, and I believe he will continue to work hard with all the guys and you'll see adjustments makes and hotter bats will prevail again. Pinto has shown, minors and majors both, power and discipline. He's young and learning. There will obviously be good and bad moments, but I think he'll continue to shine, learn and grow overall. Plouffe, to me, just looks like a different hitter than before. Call it a new approach, Bruno's coaching, or TK's famous observations about a batter needing 1,500-2,000 AB's to find himself and figure out what's going on, or a combination of all three. He simply appears more confident, and seems to have a real approach at the plate. Last few games I caught, I was upset by the strikeouts of course by everyone, but I also so a few pitches on the outside corners that were between awesome and "how could the ump call that 4-5" outside the black?!" Kubel, I think, has fooled everyone. It appears there's still real life in him. I am so glad to have been wrong about him. (Also, his defense is as good as it has ever been) I can understand worry about Colabello. No matter what, he's a great story. But as I stated before, I've quit doubting him until I have no choice. Ever since the Twins signed him, he's done nothing but defy odds and make adjustments. Again, I believe he will again until/unless proven wrong. Not probably ever a ML level stud hitter, but a good one.

Despite last year's draft being such a reported down year, it really seems like the Twins scouts and staff put together a really fine draft. While the careers of these draftees is very, very early, the returns last season and so far this season have been very inticing. Slegers is a kid I had my eye on before the draft and was tickled to get. And I was very surprised he lasted as long as he did as I think he is very projectable. I guess I didn't realize just how much time he missed early in his college career. Take what he did his final years and his frame and you have to be intrigued. Unless I am mistaken, reports this season have him adding a couple miles to his fastball already. Only 21, and concentrating on baseball full time now, with quality coaching, and you'd have to expect a little more physical maturation along with better, repeatable mechanics, all of which can add a few ticks. Size and height does not necessarily equate to high hard fastballs in the upper 90's. We've all seen over time there that muscle twitch, delivery, athleticism, delivery, arm action, etc, etc all influence pure velocity. And while location, movement, and secondary pitches are ultimately what leas to success, a good fastball is very nice. He's already moved from high 80's and touching low 90's, to throwing consistently in the low 90's. Given a little more time, I could easily see him add a tick or two so that he is in the 92-93 range consistently. With his size, that probably plays more like 95. Just a great, great group of young hurlers added last draft.

Florimon down. It's just not working and he offers no current value other than as a defensive replacement over another good fielder. What? Bernier for now. He brings a decent glove, can flex to a couple positions, and even if he hits terribly he's probably still a better threat and contributor than Florimon at this point. Sorry, but it's true. Nunez up to replace Bernier when ready. Younger, a better bat, and some potential still. Also agree with sending Herrman down, though I still like him as a versatile player who can make contact, hit a bit, show good doubles power with a few HR's tossed in. But he needs to play every day at AAA instead of playing a yo-yo game. I'd rather not DFA him is what I'm saying. I think there are other options to work with.

Ok, go ahead, call me crazy. I get it. But is it possible we're missing something here that could prove helpful? When the Twins re-acquired Pino this off season I offered a simply "meh" like the rest of you. AAA filler who might not finish the year or even make the club if a few things break right. But with his incredible start I had to sit down and take a look at his career numbers. He has a career 3.7 to 1 SO to BB ratio and a career BA against of .239 including this season, and a career W-L of 79 & 55. Granted, there are reasons he's never had a cup of coffee, but his milb track history indicates a serviceable, replacement level player you would think would have had a shot somewhere down the line. In his time previously in the Twins organization, he was never a top prospect, and was probably a 20-ish level prospect. Though he did receive mention in different prospectus as someone to watch a time or two. I have absolutely no illusions about Mr. Pino's prospect status. I'm just wondering, are we missing something here? Is he one of those guys who spends his career flying under the radar before figuring things out late and turns himself in to a useful piece? A long reliever or middle reliever

First, very glad to see Escobar finally get his chance. About time! Count me as one of those riding on the Florimon bandwagon. Love watching him play, teased by what he can/could do even if he hits just a little. I truly felt the Twins had a short term answer at SS for the next season or two, even if he only hit as well as last year, and presumably with experience, at least marginally better. But when you make NL pitchers look like dangerous hitters, you are virtually in panic mode. Second, for whatever reason, I tend to miss games Escobar starts on the TV/net, usually only catching them on the radio. But his reputation coming up, and when traded for by the Twins, including comments from Gardy, was that he was a quality glove man with some speed, and SS was his best position. Even with some regression defensively, the team as a whole simply has to be improved with him there and a 9 hitter who is at least a mild threat. Third, time to send Florimon down. (I am certain I've read where he has a option or two left) He has value at Rochester, insurance for the ball club, and who knows, maybe he gets his bat figured out to the point he could hit at least as well as last year. But he is a SS by trade, so what good is a backup SS who can't play other positions and only hits .100 going to do for our bench? Fourth, I'm intrigued by Nunez. Very unfortnate he gets injured right after acquiring him. I'm by no means saying we got a steal here, but he was well regarded coming up through the minors, was targeted as Jeter's replacement, and seems to be a decent all around hitter with some pop and speed, at least for a middle inf/utility type. I have a hard time believing his glove is a iron-clad as some have stated, but no intimate knowledge here. Just find it difficult how he cold be regarded fairly higher, and as a Jeter heir, and yet be unable to play defense. Is this a case of undue pressure from expectation and future role, combined with intermittent playing time? However, with Nunez out for the time being, it's time to bring up Bernier. Don't misunderstand me, Bernier is what he is despite a surprisingly strong start to his season offensively, and that is a replacement level player at utility. But you also don't hang around the game this long if you are inept. And he did show solid defense in his time with the Twins last season. The fact that he can apparently play other positions without flat-out stinking up the joint offers of some slight value. And once again, we're talking about replacing a one position playe who hits .100. Lastly, I hope Santana doesn't just sit on the bench the entire time he's up. Even the opportunity to flail or fail can offer up lessons learned for him to take back to Rochester. I believe the reason he is up is because he has at least a bit of brief experience in the OF with Hicks on the 7 day, and being on the. 40 man means no immediate action has to take place. To anyone annoyed that he isn't being brought up to start immediately in this tenure, I would remind you Esobar has pretty much just been handed the position. As such, I don't think you toss a rookie out there who isn't quite ready, and probably wouldn't have been called up until mid-season-ish just for the sake of putting him out there. You have a new SS that is playing decently, and I believe you stick with that decision for now.

Fuld clearly is a nice, solid 4th OF. Though hopefully, in a year or so, the kind of guy we don't need to pick up as there is still a potential log-jam of OF's. I hate to repeat myself, but will to your question DFGG. In a down FA year for position players, and a roster that was begining to show an influx of young talent, with more on the horizon, the one thing that just demanded to be addressed was another CF/OF. Didnt and still don't know for sure what we have with Hicks, or when the light might begin to come on. Also, now, what if his concussion isn't minor? Haven't we seen this enough and had been unlucky enough thus far before to be concerned? Pressley was OK, a decent fill-in option. Hoped he and Hicks would make a nice duo for now. Fuld basically takes his spot. And Mastro has just not been the same player since his injury. So you entered 2014 with a very talented youngster who hasn't figured it out yet, a journeyman fill-in, and another role player that you had no clue if recovery/injury was going to ever allow him to resemble the player he had glimpsed himself to be before. What's changed other than swapping Fuld for Pressley? Nothing. Other than botching a transaction and losing Mastro. In of itself that may not matter. I'm not in favor of trading top talent for any "rental player". But I strongly advocate some sort of move. Anyone have a roster crunch with a decent OF being squeezed out? Any rentals you have in mind Greed? Not sure I can pull one off the top of my head. Said player may have a role as 4th OF next year, or AAA insurance. With luck, Buxton, Hicks and Fuld leave us flush next year. But for now.......