BomboHoskinChiles

Time for a large dose of reality: the Twins have not built an organization to win longer-term. Without pitching and defense (specifically up the middle - C, SS, CF), we will be left dreaming about Sano's 40 home runs and Buxton trying NOT to strike out. Not since Santana/Liriano (one year - 2006) or the defense of Mauer-Guzman-Hunter have the Twins been in a position to win. After all, the teams of the 1960s were built on pitching, defense and three offensive studs - Harmon, Tony and Carew. 1987 had it - Laudner/Gagne/Kirby; 1991 had 2/3 of this combo - Kirby/Gagne (If you think Suzuki is bad, don't forget all hit, no glove B. Harper). So - 1) Fix the pitching; 2) Solidify C/SS/CF; 3) Empower your offensive studs How do we do this? 1) Fix the pitching = Some of this has started since Ryan came back after the Smith debacle. The minor leagues have a mixture of power arms and Radke's (don't scoff - a staff needs both). But, the Twins must continue to stock pile both. The current ML staff has a mixture of headcases (Duffy, May), veterans (Santana, Santiago, Gibson, Pressly, Kintzler) and projects (Chargois, Berrios, Rogers). Perkins needs to take an injury settlement and the Twins need to be creative. The new GM should be aggressive and trade a few veterans (Gibson, Kintzler), help pave the way for Kohls and Gonsalves in 2018 and avoid free agents. 2) Solidify C/SS/CF = C is a disaster, with BOTH Smith (Ramos trade) and Ryan (no forward thinking) to blame. Enough complaining. Centeno is a serviceable back-up only and Suzuki is a liability and expensive, while Murphy is a headcase (yes, stating the obvious). If we can get offense from 1 of the three up the middle guys = good. If 2 out of three = AWESOME. So, the bet the Twins have to make is that the offense will come from Buxton longer-term, while focusing on "quicker" offense from SS first (especially given C limitations and expensive FA alternatives). Thus, Polanco at SS is the key for the next 2 years while Gordon in the minors awaits. During that time, Buxton will hopefully mature as a hitter while saving runs in CF, making C THE defense key. A decision must be made on Murphy to fish or cut bait, while a Garver/Centeno platoon could work if managed properly. (Please Dougy M or Tory L - save us). 3) Empower your offensive studs = THREE STEPS: A. If Sano really is "Miggy" - then make him Miggy and move him to 1B, with 2 games a week at DH. It is time for Mauer to man-up and admit he is hurt and take an injury settlement OR accept a DH/PH/Super sub role. He has two years left on his contract and with his current pace of output, his lifetime .300-plus BA could be at jeopardy. A move to 1B would allow Sano to settle in at ONE position, protect his elbow and focus on hitting. Mauer is going nowhere - he has become a selfish, non-coachable energy sucker that we are stuck with. Yes, it is sad that his melon was knocked around. However, his injury history is not new -- and the Twins HAVE NOT managed him properly since anointing him the savior. Joe needs some tough love - and he will NOT receive it from Molitor. Only a new GM and manager can facilitate. B. Give Dozier the Captain's patch and build the team around him. He is the real team leader as Buxton is Mauer-esqe and Sano is too immature. Within 2 years, Dozier could potentially be moved to 3B, with Polanco at 2B and Gordon at SS. The returns for a Plouffe trade will be low (unless we get a ML ready pitcher if a team gets emotional and makes a drastic decision before Aug 31 or this winter). C. Find that third stud - could be Kepler, even Rosario (if he keeps his head on straight). Don't forget Walker and Palka, let alone Vargas and Park. DSantana is a 4th OF at best, ditto for Grossman. Of this list, all should be trade bait for PITCHING, except Kepler. I am just a simple kid from MN who loves the Twins, a 15 year full season ticket holder and a dreamer of good baseball. We have a chance with this ball club, but not with the current culture and strategy. Sacrifices will need to be made to win.