Rosterman

He should go to Japan and get the BIG contract!

What this means is that Gibson has kept his spot in the rotation (he is not considered worse than Melville) and that Dee will more than likely start for his turn. We know Slegers will be back at some point. And, of course, Mejia and Santiago are in the September wings. So the Twins are go now on starters. Be interesting to see if anyone claims Melville. He could be a valuable pickup assignment for an AAA team in the playoff hunt if someone has 40-man roster space for the moment!

The Twins will have to think PLAY-OFF roster if they keep playing as they do. They also have the potential to go to a 6-man rotation to rest their five-inning throwers if truly in the playoff hunt with the return of Santiago and Mejia. Yes, I would like to see Curtiss and Reed and Rucinski come up for the bullpen. (Remember: you can move guys up from Chattanooga if the Red Wings need players) have to remove other guys. I would also weigh how important names like Turley, Boshers, even Pressly are for the far future Twins, who will also have to make a decision on Ryan O'Rourke. In the hitting department, the Twins need to decide who is on first and who will DH. They don't have a DH. I would rather see Granite in the outfield and Kepler or Rosario at DH at times. Yes, I would rather see Park up, too, but the Twins will probably let him sit out the off-season and come to spring training (or he will buyback his contract). Vargas or Park, but not both. Because you also have Palka. Like Adam Brett Walker last season, you have to ask why you are protecting this guy if you don't have any intention of playing him. If he can come up in September and do some Chris Parmelee numbers, he could sick around for another season. Otherwise, sadly, you may see him walk. And do you give Vielma some bench time, or just write him off. If you plan on keeping Jorge at shortstop, are you keeping both Eduardo and Ehire going into spring training? If you are going to arbitration, then adios to Vielma who will be replaced shortly by any number of shortstops in the system not named Gordon, Lewis, Javier or Marte. There isn't really a lot of question on how to bring up batting wise. Again, who will NOT be here in 2018 (Grossman, Vargas, Gimenez?). Then the question comes, is Molitor willing to play these guys the correct way (whatever that is). Just think of the joy you will bring to so many of these guys who, with a September callup, will more than double their salary for the season. May cost a few more hotel rooms and more meal money, but...man...how much have the Twins spent on airfare between their affiliates and the major league club this season anyways?

Basically they were started with nothing and a bunch or promises. But two starters went down (May and Hughes) and happily there were enough AAAA bodies to start the season and more pickups to keep things running fairly smooth. Think of poor Rochester which has had 40+ pitchers thru their mound. It was a season in which you hoped some promising guys would make the rotation at some time during the season (Gonsalves and Stewart, for example). Neither have, and it looks iffy as any of the prime prospects would break camp next season. Same with the bullpen, which by this time should've had names like Burdi, Reed, Melotakis, Chargois, Jones, Bard holding fort. Instead we have Busenitz and Hildenburger with Rogers and Duffey and pray for a complete game. That the Twins have survived this far into the season without a dominant closer (Kintzler is still a set-up man in my opinion) is beyond words. And no closer on the horizon. And all those fabled names? Most will be lucky to work into the picture sometime next season, if they ever do pan out (Reed being the closest, Chargois we don't know where he is -- hanging out with Zach Jones, perhaps - and maybe some names like Curtiss jumping ahead of the pack. They may have spent a tad too much time with some folk (Haley) and the 40-man thing is a constant mess, because once you pass them off, you may not see them again (Wheeler, Wilk -- not that they are missed). Seriously, at Twinsfest we thought we had Santana, Gibson, Hughes, Mejia and May and Berrios fighting it out. We knew Kinzler could close, but Perkins would be back sooner rather than much later. We hoped Duffey and Rogers would give us innings. Haley would be the true long man. Chargois and Pressly would throw heat and be closers in waiting. Tonkin was a distant backup. And Breslow and Belisle were the old men to turn to if someone couldn't open the season. All that looked pretty darn appetizing, compared to what the pitching buffet has served up so far. I think the plan was to really get work out of May, have Hughes come back, Perkins make a statement, and any number of prospects would be pushing on the door handle wanting "in" by July, if not August. The thing is, the team is still as unsure about 2018 now as it is 2017. Any arms from the old regime going to finally come swinging thru the doors and dominate...I say lucky if they get more of a looksee (Jorge, Rosario, Romero for example) next year and lots of ray of sunshine come 2019. But what to do before then. Long-term some guys, or patchwork a staff again by asking Colon to return and hitting the waiver wire for guys hungry for another opportunity in The Show?

Let's talk about the problem of David Ortiz and weight.

The BIG Question! Planning a roster for POST=SEASON Play! Who Stays? Who Goes? The disabled-list being stocked actually helps the Twins.

Scott Diamond? Actually, if I could've booked the starters, knowing a double-header is coming up, I would've brought up Jorge once again or figured out how to get Romero up here. If I truly wanted to add a 40-man, yes, I would give it to Melville, who I want to take some sort of look at to see if there is a reason to bring him back (as well as Turley) next season...but the bigger decision will be if either is wanting of a real 40-man spot, or just a club invite and resign for insurance in the minors. But I would've figured out how to look at Romero, who is burning an option year and probably won't be on the roster in September as he will be shut down.

Like when the Twins let Koskie get away...Dozier doesn't have to play second base. Right now, depending on Sano - and also Mauer) the Twins don't have a DH. Dozier could work well into that role in a season or two, plus still be able to play the field. Again, the elephant that is stifling the Twins is what to do with Mauer. Of course, salary is the biggie. Dozier won't command less than the $8 mill he is making. But I'm sure he has heard via the grapevine that he isn't all in demand (or playing a position that is set pretty much everywhere else). Of course, if the Twins can get a salary friendly contract for a 2 year extension (with an option for a third) I would say go for it. Veteran presence. Still would be trade bait. If nothing else, again contract allowing, he could be a ncie waiver claim for some team.

They are still a .500 team, which is what we all hoped MIGHT happen this season. No depth in the bullpen. There is possible replacement arms, but we are not sure how they will produce. We have two starters and Colon. Any pitcher can win if you team scores 6-7-8 runs. But if they can't, and don't pitch into the fifth, let alone much past, you have a major weakness. The lineup never seems to work, except for the occasional big inning. Is there match-up rhyme and reason? Isn't there something to the fact of players being comfortable hitting around other players on a consistent basis? It's a mess. Who to bring up. Who to send down. Who to send packing? Is there still any worth in some players in the marketplace (Belisle) and if offered a choice package would you move one (Santana). We should all be happy for the ride. But like in 2015, the team may be winnings...just...but really isn't GREAT! It's good for putting people in the stands (always a plus) and the selling of concessions...and if they can win, or even jsut stay in second (although third wouldn't be horrible) it would help to market the team after super bowl madness calms down in the spring.

Yeah, I can agree. As much as I want to see Melville and Gee, it is more of an after-the-fact, out of contention type of look. I would rather see another start from Jorge, or a callup of Romero (who should've received one of these golden ticket double-header looksees, this is made for this type of thing). And if you have a roster spot to add a guy, go ahead and do Gonsalves, if you HAVE to add him in the off-season anyways. You want to put your best stuff out there, and even at their worst, which you can't predict, a hard-throwing prospect can stink just as bad as AAA guys, but you have somewhere forward to go. AAA guys take a roster spot, have to spill thru waivers again (though at this late point they probably wouldn't be claimed). Would I rather see Kepler or Rosario at DH and the speed of Granite in left or right? Hey, I want to see Garver catching if the pitcher IS an AAA call-up...maybe he has worked with the guy, yes, and if Garver is going to make this team it will be as the second catcher for now. Which also brings up the point, play-off rosters need to be set September 1, so who shuffles in from the minors replacing someone not producing on the major league roster? Sure, you have some movement because of the names on the DL that can come back (Sano, Grossman, Mejia, Santiago). But that is a whole new can of worms that I do hope the Twins have to face. I can wish, can't I? Someone thought Gee and Melville could win in this important series. You have to respect their judgement. But, man, what a season this has been.

And, regarding field management, that is something I want to see...I want to be the fly in the room. All depends on what Fahley and Levine want to work with, in the end. The direction they want to send the team. More prospect building (hire from within), keep Pohlad happy (Molitor stays). But something isn't quite working right on the field, or so it seems...or a lot of names are getting a looksee as the big brass see how players play in Target Field (not too well this home field advantage in 2017).

I picture the Twins being aggressive on how players do in the GCL. Waiting for the Elizabethton season to start is jsut too much for TOP prospects. Regarding September call-ups, here is a new wrinkle... Who do the Twins call-up IF they have to set playoff rosters? What would be their rotation, bench and bullpen. Would Granite get shuffled up and Garver shuffled down. What is the fate of Vargas in such a scenario. Thinking that you can make changes after September if names like Grossman and Sano are still on the DL, who do you choose? Do you cycle out Perkins on a DL call. But then who do you bring up. And you still have the 40-,man adds and subtract. I hate to say ONE LOOK in or out, but Melville and Turley may fall under that umbrella. Letting them both pass thru 40-man waivers at this late point, doubt anyone would grab them, and you could still resign them in the off-season. So, who do the Twins put on their Playoff Roster? Rotation of Santana, Berrios (Mejia will still be on the DL), and who? You have to take another look at Slegers. You have to find someone. Colon still in the mix. Again, you can do some movement after the fact because of Santiago and Mejia. But Gibson as a lock?

At this point in time, I would still rather stick with the possibilities prospects will bring to the team than spend all the money on an aging game changer. I don't think he would totally put us over the edge for this season, especially if we would have to tradeoff any parts of our current lineup (be it Kepler or Rosario) and considering how much it would improve us for 2018...I would rather hope we can get the same, if not better, results from the likes of Romero, Jorge and Stewart...if not individually, at least in combination for the next couple of years and spend the money elsewhere in the off-season. We are still excited here, but one of up to a half-dozen teams in the second wild card playoff hunt.

Be interesting to see if they can work Garver into the mix. If he was healthy, I would rather see Granite up here and Rosario (or Kepler) in the DH role. If it is Kenny, hope he makes the most of this opportunity. I wonder what the Minnesota Twins airfare bill has been this year?

Morneau could still be looking at a comeback. Surprised no one did give him a run this year. Nathan could still be in the mix. I'm sure he will be calling clubs in the off-season. So, yes...who is up in 2018? At some point, people will really forget about the Tovars or Worthingtons, the remaining names of that era. It will be interesting to see next year's list!

Give it time. A player pretty much needs to be retired and Santana keeps inkling about a return. Now, the guy that I want to see in the Hall of Fame is Al Worthington. Talk about a career and a career with the Twins, plus a good solid citizen to boot.

Interesting. When will Sano transition to 1B. Will he become David Ortiz and basically transition to DH (which is a pain, cause you still want him to be a position player when playing in National League aprks.) Of course, he could become another Oswaldo Arcia or Delmon Young (hopefully not). We do have Lewis Diaz in the wings. Zander Wiel could be a backup fix. Rooker MIGHT become a first base candidate. Of course, nothing happens until Mauer decides what to do with his career.

The Twins have soooooo many shortstop candidates. Who stays, who moves? Be telling next season to see where they play Gordon. If at second or not. Of course, an off-season decision on Dozier needs to happen. At best, would Garver catch 75-80 games a season, or would he be that 40-50 games behind-the-plate and a bench bat, so to speak, mainly DH or spelling 1B? Who's at short? Palacios? Javier? You got a bunch of backups coming along at the same speed>

It kinda harkens back to 1987 where the team survived with 2 1/2 starters and a bunch of wannabees in the bullpen. 17 pitchers then, 12 made a start at least. Three were regular starters. No one was outstanding in the bullpen, except maybe Senor smoke. The lack of prospects to step in and Twins having to pull together innings from a variety of unlikely sources. Sadly, time will show that few of these guys will pan out more than a season or two in the organization. Be interesting to see how September plays with Twins pitching futures. Sadly, it means jettisoning many of pitching past, and giving an opportunity to some guys who may only be partial season stoppers next year.

Spell the outfielders? Kepler not playing every game. Buxton had a DL run. Granted, Granite could come up and play everyday and the Twins should shuffle Rosario into the DH spot (or Kepler). Yes, I have pretty much had it with Gibson. Let's give his roster spot to someone else. Perkins is up, and left-handed, so a lefty can be sent out...besides everyone BUT Pressly is doing okay, it seems. But the Twins should make some hard decisions on the pitching staff in the weeks to come. Wonder if anyone is biting on Belisle. Too bad Santiago and Grossman are both injured now, so the Twins can't let them go in a waiver claim, not that anyone would claim them. So, what would stop the Twins from just releasing both? Well, they are NOW taking up 40-man roster space by being on the disabled list. How does this happen? So, time to see Colon go, and Gimenez. And makeup your mind if you need BOTH Adrianza and Escobar, or if Vielma is really in the mix. Whomever is not, open up their spot for another looksee guy. Be interesting to see what September truly does bring. Will we see Plaka. Will Rosario (or Romero or Jorge) come up and ride the bullpen bench, just to breathe in the major league air. Garver better be on his way. And time to give a better looksee to hungry guys at AAA - Gonsalves, Slegers, maybe Hurlbut, possibly Melville. Where does that put Boshers and Turley? We all know they are at the top of many a team list of players to grab from the Twins, yes?

Well, since the Twins have to be pitcher heavy, I guess I would like to see Granite. But who is the DH then, Escobar? Okay, let's bring up Garver! But watch, The Twins will bring up Daniel Palka!

Well, ate up two roster spots in a day. So no to Gonsalves, unless the Twins do cut bait with someone.. Yes, I am glad Perkins has battled back. Be interesting to see his role. Considering the shambles of a starting rotation that is two deep and no one can go more than 5 innings anymore. Sheesh. And we don't have a fifth starter. But I really don't see the need for Colon and the need to schlep Gibson out there, either. Would rather see the future at this point, be it Romero, Jorge, Slegers, even Melville get a couple of shots. aThe bullpen ahs to say goodbye to Boshers and Pressly. Seriously. Reed, Cutiss, Melotakis all come up bet least we have a long man in Gee. Can't wait to see where the Twins are come September 1 and how the roster starts to...change. Bad afternoon for Perkins. See where he goes from there.

Interesting to look at Dozier? Does he have one more season at second? Moving him to 1B would be a possibility, as well as potential DH duties. Right now, come 2019, who do we have at first base, and who at DH (we can assume DH will be the home for Sano someday, possibly sooner ratehr than later). Then it bring up who plays 2B and who is at SS. We have placesetters in Polanco and Escobar. Gordon is on the horizon. Lewis will be fast-tracked, but at what position. We also have Wander Javier and Jermaine Palacios. But then, what is the cost for Dozier. We had the potential to keep Trevor Plouffe around as a 1B/3B/Dh/OF guy. But that proved too expensive, and did we see him with the Twins 2020 and beyond. That's the question, do we see Dozier as a Twin in 2020 and beyond, filling the DH role with his .240 bat, 20-25 homers, and the possibility of playing in the field. More challenging is the bigger elephant in the room. What will be Joe Mauer's continued role in the organization. We can't put him at DH, he doesn't give us power at first base, we don't have room for him in the outfield. Has he already run his course? Would he catch on with some other team rather than go into retirement (for that, do we need to care alot). And then, who plays 3B if Sano blows up and becomes too big. Is the prospect stream there to fill all these roles? So, again, do we keep Dozier? What would be reasonable. 3-years and $30 million with a 4th year option past his 2018 book? Do we want to go that direction?

Shows how many of the drafted guys don't really pan out. You spend a lot of money here on potential. Man, put that 2011 behind us (and probably will when only one guy is kept on the 40-man, if even now, from that class). As a side note, sometimes interesting to see what players have drifted to other organizations from these classes. Only notables are Tyler Jones and Kyle Barraclough from the class of 2011. A bit more than a dozen players from all those draft classes are playing, or signed, with different organizations.

Yes YES so many talnted arms, and from the unexpected. But, man, talk about having all your TOP prospects go down at once. What a bullpen that would make, if healthy. ' Think the Twins are sitting pretty well. They do have to move on from the also rans, even in invites to spring training. The prospects should be equal to the Tonkins, Wimmers, Boshers, Presslys and Duffeys. A whole new look for Twins pitching. Now who is the rotation, what with May on rehab and Hughes probably gone. Berrios, Santana and whom?