iowadutchman

Since I think the greater need is in the bullpen, Will Smith is the key to a deal like this. The Giants could demand a pretty good return if you want to get both. They won't bite on Sano and Kirilloff is not at peak value right now. The Twins would have to be willing to part with legit prospects and maybe a couple major league ready players. I like the idea, but I'd really listen to what it would take just for Smith. Maybe they'd be happy to get Bumgarner off their hands and would take less to get him if they get a good offer for Smith.

I think the Twins can get by with Pineda all season as a fifth starter. Then he flips to the pen for postseason if needed or could be off the playoff roster in favor of a position player or another reliever. I still have hope for Mejia. His stuff seems better than many of these guys, but he needs control and confidence and conditioning. Another lefty in the pen would be nice even though Rocco seems less concerned about match ups. Having the luxury of games with big leads definitely allows him to use the pen differently than if the games were 1-3 runs.

At 20 years old there will be a time this season where they will want to limit his innings. Bringing him up to work in relief might be a good way to do it. If they think he can be a valuable piece to the bullpen, they may feel like they get a great arm without trading any assets to do it for August and September. In an ideal world, they can start using him in low leverage situations and if he can get outs, gradually increase his use in bigger situations. Having him come now for a look will keep him motivated as the dog days of summer roll in.

Agree to give the young guys the AB's. Need to find out if they can play or not. This is a roll the dice team anyway so why not roll with the risk. Bat Buxton lead off followed by Mauer. Assuming he gets on base, defenses have to respect his speed so that opens some holes for Joe. Dozier batting 3 gives Mauer better pitches to hit. Then Sano, Vargas/Park, Kepler, Rosario, Castro and Polanco. Having a 9 hitter with some speed and higher on base % flips the lineup with a chance there will be runners on base. Neither Trumbo or Bautista makes the team better. DH production is the key to this lineup. They need to be a threat to give Sano protection. Or, Kepler could move up if he can be more consistent.