A well-balanced and thoughtful article, Nick. To remain so interested in this team at this point is a reflection of your dedication to the Twins and this website. I can hardly stand it, myself.
Slander is a heavy word. I'd edit that out if I were you. Simply criticizing a player is not slanderous. Definition of slander: "the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation."
I have to agree. Though it was frustrating to see him drop the ball after a great catch, I don't think he could have thrown the runner out at first. He was virtually sitting down as I recall.
Simmons is a trade piece you overlooked. He's here on a one-year deal, and if the Twins continue to fizzle contending teams will like to add his defensive wizardry. Not much return, but something, and a line to cross later in the summer.