JA

It certainly would take a big package to acquire Archer. I like going after the free agent route to see if an improvement to the rotation can be had. if nothing can be had, then possibly explore a trade for an Archer, Cole, Duffy, Odorizzi type. When factoring in the acquisition cost, I like Odorizzi out of this group. Lewis-untouchable,Gordon appears to be a solid regular, 2-3 war player, Stephan Gonsalves had more than held his own at all minor league stops and looks to be a rotation workhorse for the next half decade or so, and Max Kepler is about to break out into a star. A trade for one of these types could include a Gordon, Rooker, Kirilloff, Jorge, Jay type, but I would prefer to not see someone like Lewis, Kepler, or Gonsalves, and for pete's sake not Berrios.

Do we realize we need depth in our system? He is a bench guy, not a starter. Even a the case of an injury, not a starter. Plouffe breaks his arm, Sano goes to third, Kepler called up. Escobar pulls a hammy, Polanco up for SS, in both cases Nunez stays as a bench guy.

Well it"s easy to be fairly pessimistic with the lack of sexy moves. However, this roster doesn't, or didn't need too many upgrades. A fairly set rotation with some real credible depth and upside, a bullpen with key contributors, with a few minor holes, and an everyday line-up with average to above average offense and defense at most set positions. There are many questions that need to be answered, but all teams do. The positive thing is the Twins have a lot of youthful depth. Will it all turn out positive? Of course not, will everyone flame out, no again. With relative health and a few surprises, this should be a contending year. And with a contending year, you never know what can happen.

The only questionable thing with Bastardo is the walks. For the Years and $$$ it may take to get him, can you trust him as a late inning guy.

Here is my Question? Do we need Two Lefties? I think we may. O' Rourke could serve as a left on left specialist. However he could also serve as AAA depth along with the other 40-man LHP's. I wouldn't be comfortable with trading away a top 10-15 prospect for a bullpen lefty with, in the case of Mcgee, questionable health with two expensive years of control, and Smith with three years, but lefties hit him at a better rate than righties. I would have to think the top target should Bastardo. The expense is the biggest factor. Does 3/18m get him done? Pricey but he has put up a quality stat line. The other would need to be on the cheap. Blevins, Breslow, Parra, or someone on that line.

No! he has earned an opportunity to come into spring training with a chance to earn a spot. But no more.

Count me in! Thanks for doing this, Jeff Allen

Congrats Jon! You did a great job pointing out the negative.

Great post! I am very excited for the draft. At #2 the twins just need to get it right. Personally, for what I have read, and/or seen in video, I like Zimmer. Solid athele, four solid if not plus pitches, holds velocity deep in games. I have seen Gausman pitch on ESPN U, looks great! As for Buxton, let's just hope he pans out if choosen. So at 2 I see them taking one Buxton, Zimmer, Gausman. The money pick will be at 32. High school pitcher Matt Smoral would be my early favorite by reading the reports.

Well said Seth!

Great write-up Seth! Like you, I have watched him in spring training the last few years, and have heard Gardy, TR , and Jim Rantz gush about the quality of ball player and person of Brian Dozier. Certain bloggers and commenters have been down on him cause of the national prospect rankings have never held him in high regard. From undrafted, to the 8th round, to a starting major league shortstop. He keeps proving people wrong. By the sounds of things, not sure he really cares what others think. He knows he'll make it.

This is very disappointing news. The worst part may be the "partial tear" part. Give him the surgery, and let's move on.

Thanks Snapper! Very good to read

I see: Dozier Parmelee Hendricks Benson I wouldn't be shocked if Dozier, Parmelee, or Hendricks head north with the team. Of course depends on the health of Baker, Morneau. And what shakes out of the middle infield.

Thanks for taking the time, helps give us a little insight on the life of a minor league prospect. Good luck in 2012!