I am recalibrating some of my thoughts for 2015. I think (now) that something like this should happen:

I would like the following to happen: the Twins refrain from spending big this offseason unless it is on one of the top 5 pitching free agents. So, no spending to replace LF. Wait and save. That means that money should be SAVED now in order to be spent when NEEDED when the team is competitive for real. Just finally, finally, go with the youth movement.

2015 opening day roster barring trades and injuries but dealing/releasing where noted (and I don't care about my consistency over the past month!):

C: Suzuki, Pinto, Herrmann

1B: Mauer, Vargas

2B: Dozier (Escobar, Santana, Beresford)

SS: Escobar (Santana, Beresford)

3B: Plouffe (Escobar, Beresford)

LF: Hicks (yes, Hicks), (Ortiz, Herrmann)

CF: Santana (until Buxton, then decisions need to be made), (Hicks)

RF: Arcia (Ortiz, Herrmann, Hicks)

DH: Vargas, (Pinto)

Bench (generally): Pinto, Herrmann, Beresford, Ortiz

Yep. Gone from this are Parmelee, Nunez, and Schafer. Trade for C level prospects who are under 22 and that is a win. All three of those guys could serve as major league bench players, but not for the Twins now.

Starting rotation:

Hughes

Gibson

Nolasco

Meyer (or Milone)

May (or Milone)

Bullpen:

I still would like some trading to be done as there is just no reason to pay Swarzak and Duensing any more money, for instance. Also, I am surprised Fien wasn't dealt, but for these purposes we will keep him.

Perkins

Fien

C. Johnson

Oliveros

Tonkin

Thielbar

Deduno/Darnell/K. Johnson

I also think Guerra and Achter could compete here. The big question is going to be: when do Burdi and Z. Jones arrive? Those two will serve as dominant setup men (and there needs to be another dominant lefty somewhere).

I absolutely refuse to believe that this team as is won't be pretty good. That is, 80+ win good. I would like to see the Twins now develop the young talent, see who fits and who doesn't and then spend quite lavishly eventually on where they need to do so.

I am pushing some guys here who many people might not like: Herrmann, Ortiz, and Beresford. But I prefer promoting those guys then adding in guys of similar value from the top on down (good lord . . . the Twins and their 4th OF adventures). Also, these guys are clearly also not deprived of value if they get sent back down to AAA when Buxton and Sano arrive. In such a scenario, Hicks might become the 4th OF, Santana moves to short, Escobar super utilities, and Plouffe utilities.

All in all, the rebuild is now close to full swing. Buxton, Sano, Rosario (where he fits, time will tell) Meyer, Burdi, and Z. Jones are the next wave.