Here we are, once again playing meaningless games in August/September. I would not term this season as an abject disappoint as there have been some positives to take forward into next spring. Some of the positives are:

1. The apparent willingness to promote players on a quicker pace then before.

2. The emergence of several younger players: Vargas, Santana, Polanco, May, Meyer, Burdi, and Lester Oliveras to name a few.

3. The front office's willingness to cut bait when needed: Kubal, Guerrier, Willingham, Bartlet, Morales.

So where does that leave us for 2015?

BULLPEN:

This offseason, the Twins will be looking at improving the major league club. It is doubtful they will attempt to improve the bullpen via free agency, as the past several years teams have overpaid for bullpen help. I do not see the Twins doing this, they will go with what they have, and depending on weather they want a 12 or 13 man pitching staff, lets take a look at the options available in the majors and minors.

In the majors, the Twins have Sam Deduno, Anthony Swarzak, Glen Perkins, Casey Fien, Jeff Burton, Brian Dunsing, Caleb Thielbar, Michael Tonkin, Matt Guerrier, Trevor May, Ryan Pressley, and Logan Darnell in various bullpen roles this year. That is 12 pitchers used out of the bullpen. Not all have the experiments have been successful. So on top of the 12 pitchers used last year, who is knocking on the door for a promotion to the big club?

In AAA, the Twins have AJ Archer (74.2 Innings, 74 K's, 44 hits allowed, 25 BB, and 2.29 ERA), Lester Oliveros (62.1 Innings, 39 hits, 84 K's, 27 BBs) there is also Stephan Pryor, Michael Tonkin and Deolis Guerra. One could also argue the likes of Kris Johnson and Sean Gilmartin could be considered for long relief roles out of the bullpen. In the lower levels, Cole Johnson, Jake Reed and Nick Burdi also could force the Twins hand and see time with the big club next year.

Who is Gone?

Matt Guerrier is already released by the big club and Jeff Burton will most assuredly have his option bought out.

Non-Tender Candidates

Brian Duensing, Anthony Swarzak, and Sam Deduno are all possibilities to be non-tendered. I think of the three, Duensing is the most likely as there are cheaper options (Johnson, Darnell, Gilmartin) who can fill his role.

Who are locks for the Bullpen in 2015?

Glen Perkins and Casey Fien are the only two pitchers who I would consider locks. So who is left to fight it out over the last 5-6 spots?

We have Caleb Thielbar, Sam Deduno, Anthony Swarzak, Michael Tonkin, AJ Archer, Lester Oliveros, Stephan Pryor, Deolis Guerra, Kris Johnson, Sean Gilmartin, Ryan Pressly, Nick Burdi, Jake Reed and Cole Johnson to fight it out for the spots. Some of the pitcher listed will also receive consideration for starting roles. Because of all these options as well as the past drafts being heavy in relievers, I find it very probable the Twins will go with what they have in house, and that any signings will be minor league signings.

What does everybody else think?