GoGonzoJournal

Given the Twins' performance, attendance levels, and the ridiculous "compare the Twins to a car" marketing survey, how is it you are still employed?

I've been calling for a Schafer/Hicks platoon in LF with Santana in center and Arcia in RF. That would make for above-average hitters at all three positions with just one defensive liability in Arcia. Giving more than one year to anyone is a mistake at any price, and I'd rather see what we have in Schafer and Hicks in what is hopefully the final year before Buxton's arrival.

I don't think on-field performance and nickname should carry the same weight in determining player "value" amongst the fan base. In fact, I would get rid of every category except play and personality and add community involvement, attitude, and screen presence (CAPPS).

Not with postseason success on their resume...it's not just because he's Latino that I think he'll make a great manager for the Twins. It's because he's been to the tippy top and knows what it takes to get there again. I also believe he's learned a ton from his time as an ESPN analyst, and won't be firing off f-bombs or talking politics anytime soon. I think he's gotten a lot more likable in his later years as well.

Nope. Escobar at short. Santana in center. Santana was average defensively in center, below average at short. Escobar was average at short, below average in left.

Patience is THE virtue. No reason signing long-term deals to block the talent coming up. I would like one SP on a one-year deal, like Hammel or Masterson, but don't think the organization should go too crazy this offseason, except with the coaching staff: http://twinsdaily.com/blog/430/entry-6178-a-gonzo-look-at-the-2015-minnesota-twins-coaching-staff/

This is news to me because I was under the impression the front office felt Sano's athleticism and arm would allow him to stick at third base, but I totally agree with most of the Twins Daily crowd that Ryan is thinking about this in the right way. After Plouffe's vast improvement defensively, it would be difficult to explain to fans why Sano gets the spot and Plouffe has to make the move. If you remember recent Twins history, though, it's commonplace for infielders to become outfielders in their later years due to a loss of range. See Michael Cuddyer. Something tells me Sano will be better than average at the hot corner someday. He was athletic enough to play shortstop, so I think he'll stick at third, eventually. If you want him in the lineup and don't have a DH spot, though, the outfield is completely reasonable. See Danny Santana.

Coaches are underrated, underpaid and picking a coaching staff is hard. That’s what I’ve learned since attempting to dig into all the coaching candidates to fill positions on the 2015 Minnesota Twins coaching staff. Choosing a coaching staff is largely the manager’s job, but Terry Ryan will certainly play an active role in who the new manager hires, especially if the new manager is young and influential. Although recently it seems anyone Gardy wanted Terry allowed. Perhaps we’re seeing and feeling the effects of that now. This blog was originally published at GoGonzoJournal.com The right collection of coaches makes all the difference, but the problem with forming a staff is the coaches you want the most already have jobs they wouldn’t leave except for a promotion to manager, which forces promotion from within rather than seeking outside. There’s not enough money devoted to MLB coaching staffs, and too much devoted to owners and players. If the coaching market and players’ market had the same amount of money devoted to each, it would make this Twins’ rebuild even more interesting. But as it stands, it’s pretty damn boring, so in an attempt to spice up the search for Gardy’s replacement, here’s a Gonzo list of coaches I’d like to see on the Twins’ staff next season, some of which may be untouchable or a little too Gonzo, but I’ve provided runner-up choices as well. http://i0.wp.com/gogonzojournal.com/wp-content/uploads/Julio-Franco.jpeg?zoom=2&resize=159%2C200 Julio Franco, 55, prepares to hit as a player/coach for the Fort Worth Cats. Strength and Conditioning Coach/Assistant Hitting Coach – Julio Franco I think Mark Berardino tossed his name out there on Gleeman and the Geek this week and I was immediately interested in what Franco’s been up to. Well, he most recently became the only person to play professional baseball in five different decades. He returned, at the age of 55, to act as a player/coach for the Fort Worth Cats, and is looking for an opportunity to get back into affiliated ball after some time coaching in Venezuela. Although he has no experience as a strength and conditioning coach, he obviously has a personal fountain of youth. This 2006 article describes Franco’s diet and exercise, saying he “stays fit and chiseled through intense workouts and cross training in the off season. In addition to regular cardio workouts, he lifts weights and uses plyometrics, exercises to maintain power and explosiveness.” If he’s fit enough at that age to swing a baseball bat and run to first base, I think he can hold the Twins together better than Perry Castellano has. He’d be a great addition to serve as an assistant hitting instructor for the young, Spanish-speaking Twins players as well. Runners-up: Ichiro Suzuki, Torii Hunter If these guys don’t get contract offers this winter, they should both be strength and conditioning coaches in Major League Baseball. Their run has been more than impressive. Suzuki’s 41 years old and still looks 21, and Torii, 40, can still swing the bat. Hell, the Twins might pay either of them to play a little left field and do some instructing if the price is right. The language barrier may be a barrier for Suzuki, but the point is I’ll take anyone but Castellano. Either give me somebody who can make Mauer a horse or give me somebody who can make him bend so much he never breaks. I’d prefer the horse. Athletic Trainer – Larry Bennese I don’t know many trainers, but Bennese must be a good one. He won the Florida State League’s Trainer of the Year award five times, and he’s put in the time in the Twins’ system – 19 years with the organization. He’s only been in Rochester for two years, but he’ll be familiar with a lot of the bodies on the Twins’ roster and how to handle them, especially the pitchers. It seems like a move Terry Ryan would make. Bullpen Coach – Marty Mason Mason is an easy choice to be the Twins’ bullpen coach because he’s put in the time – 28 years as a coach, including 11 as Tony La Russa’s bullpen coach – and he knows the kids that will be pitching out of the Twins bullpen pretty well. I also think Mason was hired in 2012 as a possible replacement for Rick Anderson. He’s got quite the reputation for turning soft-tossing pitchers like Johan Pino and Logan Darnell into successes, and his pitching staff in Rochester was second in ERA and third in WHIP this season in the International League. A negative may be his inability to right Vance Worley. Mason didn’t have much in the cupboard in 2013, either. And maybe Alex Meyer and Trevor May could have developed faster, but I think with the right cans in the cupboard, Mason can make a mean casserole. http://i1.wp.com/gogonzojournal.com/wp-content/uploads/Minnesota-Twins-Paul-Molitor-.jpg?zoom=2&resize=300%2C168 First Base/Infield Coach – Paul Molitor I’d like to see Molitor stay on the staff, but I don’t know if that’s possible if he’s denied the manager job. He could even end up in Milwaukee. I just think this is the best spot for him. He’s a baserunning and defensive shifting wizard. He belongs on the bases, but if he does get Gardy’s job or decides to walk, there are some options. Runner-up: Jake Mauer The man played every infield position except catcher and wasn’t terrible at any of them. He’s also got a ton of energy and a winning attitude. Plus, maybe Joe will smile a little more with his bro down at first base. Third Base Coach – Gene Glynn I don’t think there’s any way he’s not on the Twins’ coaching staff in 2015. He certainly deserves it. He’s been a coach or scout for 20 years, and most of it as a third base coach. It just makes sense to promote him given his success at Rochester, and I think he’s being groomed to take over as manager in a couple of years. Hitting Coach – Tom Brunansky Brunansky proved his worth this year, getting through to Brian Dozier and Trevor Plouffe regarding plate discipline. The whole team walked early and often until pitchers realized who they were throwing to. Dozier and Plouffe continued to excel, and I don’t know anyone else I’d rather have teaching young, Twins talent the importance of patience. Pitching Coach – Jim Benedict This is just payback. Benedict fixed Vance Worley; he fixed Francisco Liriano with three words – “right back pocket.” The special assistant to Pirates’ GM Neal Huntington should get just about anything he wants. I don’t care what it costs, just bring him to Minnesota. He’s obviously the best there is in the game when it comes to pitching. He’s been turning other teams’ garbage into Pittsburgh’s treasure for years now. Runners-up: Dom Chiti, Frank Viola, Marty Mason Chiti worked wonders with Baltimore’s bullpen in 2014 and certainly has impressive credentials. He’s been coaching since 1982. Viola is coming off open heart surgery this spring, but rejoined the Las Vegas 51s, the Mets Triple-A affiliate, as pitching coach. Bench Coach – Terry Steinbach I wouldn’t mind Steinbach sticking around as bench coach, but I have a feeling he’s headed to Arizona.According to Mike Berardino, “Twins catchers have praised his work on their fundamentals,”but why is it that pitch framing has been largely ignored? Hiring him despite no major or minor league coaching experience was quite the shock. Runners-up: Gene Glynn, Doug Mientkiewicz Everybody seems to love Gene Glynn, or it could be a great learning opportunity for Mientkiewicz to do some of the manager’s grunt work. He’s never done that in his career, and it could change the way he treats his own bench coach. Manager – Ozzie Guillen Anybody who reads this blog knows Ozzie’s been my man for three years, and I’m not easing of the gas pedal now. Ozzie wouldn’t. Terry Ryan is interviewing the first minority candidate, Sandy Alomar, Jr., so the odds of Ozzie becoming “Don Piranha” are getting worse everyday. Terry Ryan doesn’t seem like an Ozzie kind of guy. He’s not one to put up with bull****, so here are some backup plans. http://i1.wp.com/gogonzojournal.com/wp-content/uploads/Minnesota-Twins-Rusty-Kuntz.jpg?zoom=2&fit=300%2C300 Runners-up, in order of preference: Rusty Kuntz, Paul Molitor, Torey Lovullo, Sandy Alomar, Jr., Gene Glynn, Doug Mientkiewicz I really like Rusty Kuntz, and not just because of his name. He’s regarded as the best outfield and baserunning coach by Nick Cafardo, and you can see it in Alex Gordon, Nori Aoki, Lorenzo Cain, and Jarrod Dyson. And what was one of the biggest problems for the Twins in 2014? Outfield defense. He looks good in the powder blue uniforms, and there aren’t many internal candidates with a specialty in outfield instruction, either. Molitor seems like a good fit. I’ve heard Twins players respond well to him, and considering his willingness to shift defensively and ability to teach good baserunning skills, I’d say he’s an upgrade. And you can’t deny the awkward way he was brought in as the seventh coach on the staff in charge of baserunning, infield defense, and “in-game strategy.” Sure sounds like a manager to me. Funny thing is hiring Molitor was all Gardy’s idea. Seems to me Gardy wanted a way out. Torey Lovullo has a reputation for being an encouraging guy, and maybe with all these young players coming up, the Twins could use more positive reinforcement than negative. I think this Twins team would be an ideal fit for Lovullo, and he would thrive in Minnesota. Sandy Alomar, Jr. is an interesting candidate because he’s a former catcher who can teach both Suzuki and Pinto the proper way to play the game defensively. I’m not sure I want Steinbach to be the only coach in that role. I think Glynn is going to groom Mientkiewicz into the job. Molitor may only stick around for a few years if he gets the job. It’ll be another Tom Kelly situation. Whoever inherits this team in three or four years is going to be given the keys to an old-fashioned, gas-guzzling, American muscle car with the power to get out of the parking lot in a hurry. Something tells me it’ll be Glynn or Mientkiewicz, but not this year. ---- Anthony Varriano is editor of Go Gonzo Journal, a sports blog featuring the rants of fans and outlaw journalists.

I think Esco earned the starting job at SS, but I wouldn't mind a platoon. Santana proved he's talented enough to make a quick switch in positions, so when they need him to play SS, he'll be ready. Esco was the better defensive SS, too. Santana stays in CF, platoon Schafer and Hicks in LF, start Esco at SS.

Dave St. Peter said payroll won't go down significantly, but I just did a little exercise and if no moves are made except reasonable non-tenders and arbitration raises, payroll could fall to $75 million next year – $10 million lower than last year. That would place the Twins 29th in payroll behind the Rays. Tell me it's not going to happen. And if it doesn't, tell me Terry Ryan signed a competitive starter and didn't extend Hughes and Dozier after one good season. At least he waited until the end of the year. Suzuki only needed to play well for half the season.

With Dave St. Peter saying the Minnesota Twins’ payroll won’t be “going down significantly” in an interview with Mike Berardino, the time has come to determine how significant the payroll decrease will be. With season ticket sales due to drop without the lure of the MLB All-Star Game and the “honeymoon effect” of shiny, new Target Field wearing off, I argue the Twins’ payroll will go down significantly. This blog was originally published at Go Gonzo Journal. Right now, the Twins have nearly $60 million in commitments. They started the season with a payroll of $85 million, but dumped about $10 million when they traded Kendrys Morales, Josh Willingham, and Kevin Correia midseason. Aaron Gleeman assures us on this week’s episode of Gleeman and the Geek that we won’t be seeing that money again, and it won’t be invested into 2015. I know, it’s stupid, but let’s evaluate the non-tender candidates and see what we’re left with. Tommy Milone Originally, I had assumed the Twins would make a splash in the deep starting pitching market this offseason, but that’s looking more and more unlikely, despite Mike Berardino’s support of my idea to sign Ervin Santana. Berardino suggests Jason Hammel as a cheaper yet effective option, which is reasonable, but I think the Twins intend to keep Tommy Milone around now that they’ve seen him pitch one shutout inning. The Twins’ front office likes to take a small sample-size and extrapolate it into some form of unhinged hope. I mean, he’s a free poker chip, and Terry Ryan probably thinks of him that way. Ryan’s subconscious will also play a role. I imagine it’s saying, “When that kid turns it around and starts throwing like he was in Oakland, people in Minnesota will be calling you a genius again.” That could very well be, and with team control until 2018, Milone could end up a free poker chip that pays off. He’ll be around. Anthony Swarzak There is no way I see Swarzak returning to the Twins. His strikeouts per nine innings were down 1.5 from 2013, and he walked nearly one guy more per game than the previous year. I see Mike Pelfrey filling this role, since there’s no place else to put him. Jared Burton If Terry Ryan picks up Burton’s option for 2015, I’ll throw a bigger tantrum than Aaron Gleeman did when Pelfrey was given a two-year deal. If it happens, there’s no way Ryan has a job in 2016. Brian Duensing I was on the fence on Duensing when I reviewed the Twins payroll last month, and his community involvement made me leave him on the roster, but that’s no longer the case. Duensing’s strikeout rate has dropped significantly, from 8.3 in 2013 to 5.5 in 2014, but his 3.31 ERA will keep him in the running for an increase in pay this year. I guessed he’d make $3.2 million in 2015, which is too much considering Duensing can’t get righties out. They had an .843 OPS off him in 2014. Eduardo Nunez Like Gleeman, I don’t see the value in Nunez. He never could hit, and he’s the worst defensive shortstop in the game. For some reason Twins Daily fans seem to think he’ll be back, but I don’t see it. Eduardo Escobar is a more versatile utility option that can hit, and according to Mike Berardino, he’ll be $1 million cheaper than expected. His average was 25 points higher, his on-base percentage was 44 points higher, and he can play six positions, albeit just below average. Nunez is well below average everywhere he plays except the outfield, which may be why some people think he’ll be back, but he can’t hit enough to stick at a corner outfield spot, and with Miguel Sano pushing Trevor Plouffe to a new position, I doubt the Twins tender Nunez a contract. There’s room for only one Eduardo on this team. The Twins also have a new guy that will get a good look next season. http://i1.wp.com/gogonzojournal.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2014-10-07-at-5.53.02-PM.png?zoom=2&resize=300%2C573 My new Minnesota Twins’ payroll and roster for 2015. Jordan Schafer I don’t think there’s any way the Twins don’t tender a contract to Schafer, and not because he hit the hell out of the ball and got on base at a .345 clip when he came over from the Braves. I don’t think Schafer’s numbers at the plate are sustainable, but in 262.1 innings in left field, Schafer was worth 21 runs above the average left fielder’s range defensively. It was his best position in Atlanta, too, as he was worth 14 runs above average. Schafer is under team control until 2017, and gives Terry Ryan a reason not to sign a free agent left fielder this offseason. It also gets Ryan’s subconscious talking about how Schafer will make him look like a genius. Trevor Plouffe Plouffe had a career year at the plate and in the field. He improved his defense and walk rate. He hit the same number of homers as he did in 2013 and nearly doubled his double total. His on-base percentage was up 19 points, and his OPS was up 50 points from 2013. His WAR was 3.9! All that being said, he is not an extension candidate, but a trade candidate in 2015. This will be Plouffe’s first year of arbitration eligibility, and he’s due a sizable raise. I’ve predicted he’ll make around $3.8 million next year, and if he continues what he did in 2014, he’ll be a valuable trade chip at third base or better learn to love left field. I think he’ll be dealt by the trade deadline next year to make room for Sano. Brian Dozier Dozier is obviously a candidate for an extension after raising his on-base percentage 33 points in 2014, and that’s the route Terry Ryan may very well take, but it won’t be this year. He likes to reward guys for past performance, and Dozier has arguably become the face of the franchise. He’s a fan and media favorite, and he’s certainly Ryan’s most valuable asset. He had a WAR of 5.2, best on the team and fifth amongst MLB second basemen. But he’s even more valuable if you don’t extend him. Dozier is under team control until 2019. He’ll be 32 and declining when he signs his first free agent contract, and given the depth at middle infield positions the Twins finally have, I suspect Dozier will be dealt…eventually. Mike Berardino expects Jorge Polanco to be competing with Dozier for MLB time by the end of next season, and I suspect we haven’t heard the last of Eddie Rosario. Marijuana isn’t a drug that ruins careers. By August 2017, the last year of Nolasco’s deal, Dozier will be gone, unless he turns into the best second baseman in the game. Hopefully the Twins can make some noise in the playoffs before then, but a top-5 player at any position is worth an ace and some change in return. And Minnesota needs pitching more than it needs a top-5 second baseman. You can’t afford to have a heart in this game. Phil Hughes Phil Hughes is the man I most want to extend, but I wouldn’t do it until after next season. Hughes hasn’t been able to string two good seasons in a row yet, and I’d like to see some consistency before extending him three more years. I think this is the approach Terry Ryan will take as well. So how much does the payroll go “down significantly” from 2014? Well, if Terry Ryan signs Jason Hammel and does what I expect him to with the rest of the non-tender candidates, the 2015 payroll will be almost exactly the same as 2014’s – roughly $85 million. Without Hammel, though, we’re looking at a payroll that’s around $75 million, significantly down from 2014, regardless of what Dave St. Peter says. ---- Anthony Varriano is editor of Go Gonzo Journal Sports, a blog featuring the rants of fans and outlaw journalists.

I think Terry Ryan holds onto Dozier until the second or third year of arbitration and deals him around the All-Star break, regardless of where the Twins are in the standings. He'll be an OLD free agent – 30 – and in his declining years during his first big contract. Polanco will be pushing for playing time by the end of next season, according to Mike Berardino, and there's plenty of middle infield depth in the organization...finally. Eddie Rosario could recover and Nick Gordon won't be a long study. I wouldn't be surprised if Santana continues to play CF next year to give Escobar some trade value at short until Buxton is up. If he can be what he was this year and just be an above average defender at SS (he was slightly below average this year), Esco is going to earn the Twins a mint. Plouffe should be pretty good trade bait around the All-Star break next year, too, but I think he'll stick around and play LF when Sano is up, unless the Twins feel Esco can hit enough to hold down LF at lower arbitration dollars. I'd prefer to keep Esco given his proven ability to play up to six positions, albeit slightly below average, and the fact he's under team control until 2019.

1) What's the latest on extending Brian Dozier? Any chance he'll be traded given organizational depth at second base (Escobar, Polanco, and Rosario)? 2) Still interested in signing Ervin Santana as a No. 2 between Hughes and Nolasco? Offered him three years this spring... 3) Will there be any changes to the Twins' marketing department given the backlash of local and mainstream media to their "tone deaf" marketing survey comparing the Twins to shiny new cars? 4) With season ticket sales bound to plummet without the All-Star Game and the "honeymoon effect" of a new stadium wearing off, what are the plans to increase attendance if the team is not competitive again next year? Lower ticket prices? Lower drink and food prices? More ticket exchange options? Promotions and giveaways?

The Pohlads are people, too. They have feelings and, I think, would prefer to give Minnesota a winner. They're just not very good at it. They've allowed too much old guard stick around for too long. It's like the whole organization is an extension of the Pohlad family. A change in ownership and a front office shakeup is what this organization needs. I agree. But the Pohlads aren't selling a team with a shiny new stadium the people paid for through taxes. As a business, it would not be in their best interest to take the Houston or Clippers approach because creating goodwill with the community is also important in running a financially solvent business that depends on that community. The Pohlads obviously know their business is safe for the next 30 years or so, and although success is cyclical in MLB, I think the Pohlads and Terry Ryan are attempting to recreate the success they had with a lower budget, because that success is more impressive. I would rather be a fan of an underdog team with the 24th ranked payroll that wins a World Series than a fan of the team with the 3rd ranked payroll that does the same. I'm more impressed with an organization that overachieves expectations, as you would be with a business.

And I'm sure he learned from that mistake. He may not be the candidate that's most press or organization friendly, but he is the candidate with the most postseason success. The Twins haven't been getting the best press anyways given their tone deaf marketing survey, and I'm sure Terry Ryan would work out an agreement that would allow him to fire Ozzie in the case of misbehavior without paying him for multiple years. Always have Mauer waiting in the wings.

Couldn't agree more. It's a raw deal, but someone's got to go. I see it as more of a staff shakeup than just a managerial shakeup. Sure all of Gardy's staff was on a one-year deal, and he was the only one on a two-year, but with the announcement coming so early, I think Ryan, by saying their "contracts are in limbo," basically encouraging them and endorsing them for other jobs elsewhere, the front office is sending the message that this staff is going to look very different next season.

That day I’d been calling for the past three years is finally here, and we can now speculate as to who will fill Ron Gardenhire’s shoes as manager of the Minnesota Twins. I don’t see any problem with the decision, and apparently neither did Gardy. “I agree with this. I think this is right,” he said at today’s press conference, citing many times that he’s “a fan,” and joking with Mike Berardino that he could punch him in the face now. “I want to see this team win.” Gardy was in good spirits all things considered, and has an open job offer to return, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds playoff success in Colorado with all the Twins’ former players. He better not bring Rick Anderson to that ballpark, though. I was surprised by some of the responses to the firing. Will Carroll said “Terry Ryan has no loyalty,” which I thought was a joke because Ryan has been the most loyal GM in the history of the game. And then Keith Olbermann replied by called the firing “cowardly” and Tweeting the ownership and front office were to blame for those losses, which I agree with. If there’s anyone to call out in this situation, it’s Jim Pohlad for not firing Terry Ryan. But come on, Keith. Terry Ryan’s job was on the line, too, and he couldn’t be the only general manager in MLB history to retain a manager with four consecutive 90-loss seasons…twice. http://i1.wp.com/gogonzojournal.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2014-09-29-at-12.52.54-PM.png?zoom=2&fit=300%2C300 Also, there is obviously a disconnect between the staff and players given the quality of play the last four years. The players may be shouldering the blame for their manager today, but at some point the MANAGER has to MANAGE, and get the most of his players. There is talent not reaching potential in Minnesota, especially in the pitching staff, and this firing was a firing of the staff and not just the manager. There are also concerns regarding a lack of Spanish-speaking coaches to relate to the young Latin stars the Twins have coming up. The jobs of the entire staff should be available and Ryan should cast a wide net. According to Jeremy Nygaard, the “Twins want staff in place by October 12,” so this job won’t be vacant for long, as the Twins Wikipedia page beautifully displayed this morning. But according to Berardino, my favorite candidate will be in France until October 18. As you all know, my candidate has been Ozzie Guillen, and there is some support for that idea out there. As of this writing, a Star Tribune poll found that 34% of 5,228 voters believe Terry Ryan should hire someone outside the organization. And Ozzie is, of course, interested. He’s always wanted to be a “piranha,” and it was confirmed today by Mike Berardino. Another ESPN analyst, Manny Acta, could be a calmer, safer way to bridge the Latin gap between the Twins’ roster and staff, but I like Ozzie’s credentials better. I think it’s important to bring someone in that has playoff success, which eliminates Jim Tracy and Bo Porter from the conversation. Other internal options include Doug Mientkiewicz, who I feel is the most accomplished internal option, Paul Molitor, who would serve merely as a figurehead since he has absolutely no experience managing, Terry Steinbach, a reasonable but unexciting coach, and even Jake Mauer, who I find to be a reach, but he certainly has the skill set. So there’s your shortlist, Terry. Seems to me Ozzie’s at the top of it, and I couldn't be happier.

How is nobody discussing Ervin Santana as a possible free agent acquisition? Ryan offered him three years earlier this season, and his changeup is nasty. He could take pressure off Nolasco, so he can get some confidence vs. #3 starters instead of #1s, which Hughes will obviously handle next season. And we have the money. $15 million a year for three years is reasonable. That's a very serviceable top three, and with what looks to be an improving offense (sixth in runs with 4.39 per game), we can afford to be 24th in ERA (that would be an ERA around 4.1) or even 27th (4.29), but not 29th (4.58).

I just like the idea of bringing rookies along as long relievers and transitioning them into starting roles when guys go down. Not so much pressure. Generally pitching in games that are out of hand. Feel Milone is a borderline non-tender candidate, especially if they sign Santana or another starter. He'll have a lot to prove in the last few games pitching in relief.

Nunez and Swarzak, in red, aren't actually on it. Just left them on to indicate they'd been non-tendered.

There is no reason the 2015 Minnesota Twins can’t be competitive. They have money to spend, prospects to watch, and changes to be made to the coaching staff that will reap rewards. Terry Ryan should be making drastic moves just to keep his job. Anywhere else and he would have been canned by now, but I believe in Terry Ryan’s ability to do the job. He can prove it by canning Ron Gardenhire and Rick Anderson. Gardy’s gotta go. He’s not the type of manager that can lead these young, mostly Spanish-speaking men to the promised land. He’s only been to the promised land once in his career, and that was his first year managing a team built by Tom Kelly. He’s got one playoff win in 11 years, two in 12 years, and a whole six in 13 years. If I were Terry Ryan, I’d take a chance on Ozzie Guillen – a man who can at the very least give us entertaining post game interviews. He’s also known to defend his players and light fires under asses. Oh, and he’s got a World Series ring – during Gardy’s tenure! Then there’s Rick Anderson, who somehow couldn’t make Francisco Liriano and Vance Worley work. They certainly aren’t having any trouble in Pittsburgh with Ray Searage. Maybe Terry Ryan should offer him the job. Frankly, I don’t care who he hires as long as it’s not Anderson. Sure, he can say he turned Phil Hughes around, and Hughes even credits him, but one guy in 10 years? It’s not like Johan Santana needed a lot of coaching, and it’s not like the young Twins’ starters have been breaking through in the majors. Trevor May has struggled mightily, and very few of the young bullpen arms have impressed. Terry Ryan can’t fix the problems with the Twins by hiring a new manager and pitching coach, though. It starts and ends with the product on the field, which is horrendous. He can start fixing things by spending as much money on starting pitching as he does on his nine starters. Ervin Santana should be a nice fit. Ryan offered him a three-year deal worth roughly $30-33 million before this season, but Santana elected to set himself up for a better payday, taking a one-year deal with the Braves. It worked, and now he can expect a three-year deal worth $45 million or more. http://i2.wp.com/gogonzojournal.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2014-09-26-at-2.02.05-AM.png?zoom=2&w=900 I think he’s a good fit between Hughes and Nolasco, and so does Carl Buscheck of Bleacher Report. It should take some pressure off Nolasco to be the man and just allow him to pitch. He’s also another “veteran” presence at the top of the rotation, although Hughes (28), Nolasco (31), and Santana (31) may be the youngest group of veteran pitchers in the league. Good thing Mike Pelfrey will be around in the bullpen. Pelfrey’s 2015 contract could end up OK, as Nick Nelson smartly writes here. Even if we can get 80 innings out of him, something’s better than nothing, and Pelfrey will be a leader in the clubhouse. I guess that’s why they keep paying him because he’s certainly not leading by example. Besides non-tendering Anthony Swarzak and Eduardo Nunez, there aren’t too many surprises. Miguel Sano better be in the mix. If he’s not, I’d suspect an early call-up in July. Millone could replace Swarzak in the bullpen, but frankly, I think they’re both non-tender candidates. Millone was a gift, but seems to be damaged goods. Billy Beane knew something Terry Ryan didn’t. It’s not as though Millone has been dominant or anything, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio is down a full point from last year. Hicks and Schafer both make the roster because who knows if Hicks will stick. Santana may move to short, or he may not, but it'll all shake out in Spring Training. This is not a lineup for next season – just a 25-man roster. Anyway, that’s a grand total of around $92-93 million, barring any extensions, and I think Terry Ryan and the Twins are backing off a potential extension for Brian Dozier after signing Kurt Suzuki for two years. Barring any injuries, the team above will be better than the 2014 Minnesota Twins. Santana is a massive upgrade to Kevin Correia, Pelfrey could be serviceable from the pen, which now has plenty of long relief to accommodate the inconsistent youngsters. Eventually, we’d like to see Alex Meyer in a starting role, but his day will come soon enough. Something is bound to happen to Nolasco or Hughes given the Twins’ luck the past few years. If Miguel Sano recovers, Kennys Vargas keeps smashing, Oswaldo Arcia keeps improving, Hughes repeats his 2014 performance, Nolasco figures himself out, Mauer stays healthy, Santana sticks at short and Hicks hits enough to stick anywhere in the outfield, Gibson improves his consistency, Suzuki stays fresh, Pinto gets reps at catcher, Plouffe returns healthy, Dozier keeps doing his thing, and Meyer and May reach their potential, 2015 could be a much better year for a much better ballclub. ---- Anthony Varriano, @GoGonzoJournal, is editor of GoGonzoJournal.com/sports, a sports blog featuring the rants of fans and Gonzo journalists.

Bats like Sano and Vargas don't come around very often, and there is some versatility in the roster to keep both. Mauer can play third or OF, Sano first, Vargas DH. If I were going to deal a bat, it would be Pinto, since there's a two-year logjam at catcher and an even bigger one at DH. Might have to throw in another prospect, though.

What do you think of Ozzie Guillen? He's been my choice for two years.

Agreed. I think our current situation is evident of our need to get out of that comfortable "promote from within" mentality. The Twins organization doesn't always have the best people for the job. They seldom do in fact.