This!

Almost.

Every single time I try to lay out the position players for the "start" of 2015 I end up with 14 position players. At some point...July 1st?, August 1st?, September 1st?...I see Sano and Buxton making a move. I keep seeing almost everything you do, except, I still see the team signing one quality OF option to provide a quality, veteran, productive bat. That means Parmelee or the surprising Shafer is on the outs. And while I hate to say it, Parms is probably the guy on the outs.

I also like Nunez as a really nice and under appreciated bench player.

In regards to Pinto...the Twins have to refrain from being stupid. What? Suzuki has real value, and I was in favor of his signing. But you also can't ignore a talented young player right in front of you.

Agree, but think neither Parmelee or Nunez will be here not year as Twins will only carry 13 players after April and neither player will be needed, with Santana and Escobar being the super subs.  Best guess is that Parmelee will be the first player out.

I tend to agree, but with one obvious notation and question. This offense appears to be much better with Santanna hitting lead off. He so far appears to be the long lost one hole hitter we have been looking for.

If he does not end up as a regular defender at SS or CF, will the current manager of record juggle his lineup every game, so he has a spot in the batting order?? That has not been his previous modus operandi!

With both a more effective starting rotation and some flexibility in the relief corps, I believe that a 12-man staff should be the rule rather than the exception.

I think that Escobar is an ideal utility man because he plays good defense at many positions, but IMHO he's the best shortstop. If Santana lands the SS job, than Escobar and Nuñez provide a little bit of everything as reserves. I'm still believing in Parmelee, but if another outfielder is acquired, Parmelee is on his way out. Schafer will almost certainly not go through the arbitration process, so the Twins will have to do some "fancy footwork" to keep him in the fold. If Schafer is not back next year, there is room for a free agent in the outfield.

Assuming good health, here is my handicap for the marginal players on my list:

Suzuki, Mauer, Dozier, Escobar, Plouffe, Arcia--100% Santana-95%, Vargas 80%, Pinto 75%, Nuñez, 70%, Hicks 65%, Parmelee 55%, Schafer 50%. Schafer is probably the only one where a contract will be an issue.