Regarding Mauer, it may be hard to see a scenario where he's not with the team through 2018, but it's also hard to see a scenario where he IS with the team through 2018. Honestly, not to knock him, but you just wonder at that contract, his skills as a hitter (hitting singles and drawing bases on balls) and the possibility that even playing first base he's going to miss a month or two of every season. Sano and Vargas have both been discussed as first base candidates, not to mention some lower level guys in the system who play first. I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins try to rework that contract or redefine his role, with all possibilities on the table. Just a feeling.

Regarding Mauer, it may be hard to see a scenario where he's not with the team through 2018, but it's also hard to see a scenario where he IS with the team through 2018. Honestly, not to knock him, but you just wonder at that contract, his skills as a hitter (hitting singles and drawing bases on balls) and the possibility that even playing first base he's going to miss a month or two of every season. Sano and Vargas have both been discussed as first base candidates, not to mention some lower level guys in the system who play first. I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins try to rework that contract or redefine his role, with all possibilities on the table. Just a feeling.

I still don't see how he isn't with the Twins until then.  I guess part of that is I don't see him as a .250 hitter with 2 HR a year or whatever.  If he comes back to any level of normalcy, it is hard to see how he isn't at .280/.360 type guy at least. He won't be replaced at that point.

I also don't think he would be allowed to re-work his contract in order to take less money.  It is my understanding that was not allowed in MLB.

Gotcha. Obviously the best scenario is that he rebounds next year and in future years.

Tobi, love to argue with you man, but I think you not only hit the nail on the head, I think you just about hammered it!

Just a few points of opinion from me:

I would put Berrios in the lock category. He's athletic, talented, coach able, hardworking, a seeming natural with tremendous stuff. I think the only thing that could hold him back....and I don't want to say it...I don't want to even think it....is injury. I just have this feeling he can't and won't be denied, will be good to very good, and then, after gaining a little experience, might just explode as a #1 or #2.

I'm higher on May than some. He's a big strong, strapping kid who has the ability to throw a lot of innings. He throws consistently in the mid 90's with SO's and some nasty stuff. Lots of pitchers struggle with control, at least to some degree, power pitchers probably more so. I see his floor as a #3. Honestly, no disrespect to Meyer and his potential, but he has the potential for a 1 or 2.

Nolasco may have to be moved by sometime in 2016. It would be a nice problem to have to be sure.

Arcia is also a lock for position players. Too much talent. It's going to click!

Sano is our future 3B, at least for a few years. He's worked hard to make himself a solid, competent and still improving defensive player. He is not a pitcher. His injury is not going to be debilitating. His strong arm will still be strong, and probably stronger a year later. He may be a big man, but the former SS is a quality athlete who is showing he can play the position. Unless he eats himself out of the position or something, people need to quit worrying so much.

I love the 3-part race for LF! (And 4th OF spot)

Santana is speed, defense, potential avg. with some OB and gap power, some HR power, and potential position flexibility.

Rosario offers defense, CF ability, great pure hit ability, some OB, with gap power, and I believe, decent HR power. Despite decent speed, he'd probably never match Santana's SB potential. But he'd probably hit better with more power.

Hicks is a mystery after what we've seen the last couple of seasons, but still offers huge potential as a defensive OF at all 3 spots, speed and power potential with OB ability, but maybe not as much avg. potential as Rosario or Santana.

Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but if Polanco can be at least average defensively, isn't he the best and most exciting SS option?

I fully agree on the pen. There's almost too many good arms to count over the next year or two to settle on a list.

Man, the next year or so could and should be very exciting!

Tobi, love to argue with you man, but I think you not only hit the nail on the head, I think you just about hammered it! Just a few points of opinion from me: I would put Berrios in the lock category. He's athletic, talented, coach able, hardworking, a seeming natural with tremendous stuff. I think the only thing that could hold him back....and I don't want to say it...I don't want to even think it....is injury. I just have this feeling he can't and won't be denied, will be good to very good, and then, after gaining a little experience, might just explode as a #1 or #2. I'm higher on May than some. He's a big strong, strapping kid who has the ability to throw a lot of innings. He throws consistently in the mid 90's with SO's and some nasty stuff. Lots of pitchers struggle with control, at least to some degree, power pitchers probably more so. I see his floor as a #3. Honestly, no disrespect to Meyer and his potential, but he has the potential for a 1 or 2. Nolasco may have to be moved by sometime in 2016. It would be a nice problem to have to be sure. Arcia is also a lock for position players. Too much talent. It's going to click! Sano is our future 3B, at least for a few years. He's worked hard to make himself a solid, competent and still improving defensive player. He is not a pitcher. His injury is not going to be debilitating. His strong arm will still be strong, and probably stronger a year later. He may be a big man, but the former SS is a quality athlete who is showing he can play the position. Unless he eats himself out of the position or something, people need to quit worrying so much. I love the 3-part race for LF! (And 4th OF spot) Santana is speed, defense, potential avg. with some OB and gap power, some HR power, and potential position flexibility. Rosario offers defense, CF ability, great pure hit ability, some OB, with gap power, and I believe, decent HR power. Despite decent speed, he'd probably never match Santana's SB potential. But he'd probably hit better with more power. Hicks is a mystery after what we've seen the last couple of seasons, but still offers huge potential as a defensive OF at all 3 spots, speed and power potential with OB ability, but maybe not as much avg. potential as Rosario or Santana. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but if Polanco can be at least average defensively, isn't he the best and most exciting SS option? I fully agree on the pen. There's almost too many good arms to count over the next year or two to settle on a list. Man, the next year or so could and should be very exciting!

I could be convinced regarding Berrios. I tend to be more conservative with predictions.  So the distinction between Meyer and Berrios is the track record, Meyer has 3+ years of great numberse. Berrios has one, albeit maybe better than any year Meyer has had.  The fact that he has done it at such a young age is very encouraging too.

I think Arcia will click too. think if he can put up OK numbers against lefties he will be hitting 4, 5, or 6 for us for a long time, we will find a place for him.  He is young too.

I wasn't thinking TJ was going to determine whether or not Sano could stick at 3B.  He has had a ton of errors, and keeps growing.  I am very high on him regardless of where he ends up.

I agree with you regarding Polanco, it is just a matter of if the Twins accept less than a gold standard defensively at short.  Historically I believe they would rather have a guy that can get to every ball versus a guy that will let 15 go through, but have another 45 hits.  Doesn't make sense to me but it is what it is.

Good topic... Great discussion.