Article: Your Turn: What Do You Want From A GM?

[Hrbowski]

I just don't understand the love of drafting hitters. Colon, Ackely, Alonso....

[USAFChief]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 1:38 PM, TheLeviathan said:

Here would be a few highlights for me:

 

1) More emphasis on modern analytics and an understanding of statistics.

 

2) Early picks on hitters only

 

3) Treat FA as either boom or bust - either go big or go dumpster diving.  Stay out of the middle.

 

4) Use the trade deadline aggressively, don't be too attached to players if the right moves are there

 

5) Emphasize defense and fundamentals

 

6) Emphasize strikeouts for pitchers

 

7) Adjust player's positions and roles early on.  Not at AAA or the MLB level.

 

8) More analysis of their own work, flexibility with outside ideas, and a willingness to move on from people and ideas when they fail

 

9) A genuine effort to be out in front of trends

 

Just off the top of my head.

Nice list.

 

I strongly agree with 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9.

 

I am not as hard over on 3 and 5, but I can see the rationale.  

 

I would expand 4 to "year round" instead of "at the trade deadline."

 

 

 

 

[Mike Frasier Law]

  On 5/24/2016 at 1:38 PM, TheLeviathan said:

 

 

9) A genuine effort to be out in front of trends

 

 

 

This. Unless we are going to outspend everyone, we need to learn and take advantage of efficiencies better than everyone else. Otherwise, we're just hoping to strike gold.

[Han Joelo]

Personally, I am a little gun-shy of the "proven winner."  All of sports are littered with the remains of winners who couldn't repeat their success.  

 

I'd probably tend to go with a smart guy who had observed/been a part of some success, but had already failed on their own.  Whomever it is, the Twins could be a plum job--a smart guy would know he is stepping into a situation ripe for success.  Several good young players along with a high (very high) draft pick coming up.

 

Additionally, stepping into a job with this ownership group would probably be a plus--the very thing that many believe is the root of the current problem--the insular, good 'ol boy network, would hopefully indicate the team doesn't expect instant results, and would preclude the necessity of any Padres-like overhaul.  A patient owner is a rarity in sports, but all too often we see hair-trigger franchises retooling every few years (or more often) as they chase the short-term flavor of the month.

[DaveW]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 4:00 PM, Hrbowski said:

I just don't understand the love of drafting hitters. Colon, Ackely, Alonso....

Trout...Harper...

 

We could go all day with this sort of thing, the reality is that a lot of first round picks in the MLB never pan out, at a much higher rate seemingly then other sports.

 

One could make the argument that an NFL team should never draft a QB in round one because of Tim Couch, Ryan Leaf etc...again it goes round and round and doesn't really accomplish much.

 

 

Edited May 24, 2016 by DaveW

[markos]

I wish I had more time to write out my thoughts about an ideal front office (though for the most part would just be a re-iteration of what has already been said by other), but these two points sum up most of my thoughts:

 

1) I want to see a plan in action. Frankly, I don't necessarily care what the plan is, and I don't need to have it stated explicitly. But I just want to see the moves made at all levels (drafting, player development, trading, signings, etc) reflect a coherent strategy for the team. Again, I don't really care about the details too much - there are a lot of different ways to put together a winning team. 

 

2) I want to see them exploring methods for gaining a competitive advantage. Yes, I definitely want to see them improve their analytics department, but in many ways that was the last war. I don't know what the next frontier is, but maybe it is something with player health, or minor league development strategies, or something else no one has even thought about yet. But I want the Twins to be the team that finds a next frontier and has other organizations trying to catch up to them, rather than the other way around.

[DaveW]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 4:24 PM, markos said:

 

 

but maybe it is something with player health, or something else no one has even thought about yet.

#HireBurns (or Barry Bonds)

http://eatslikeaduck.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Brain-Nerve-Tonic-Screenshot.png

[jctwins]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 2:57 PM, DaveW said:

 

 

5. The Twins used to be very good at this, I think they have lost a few steps since Gardy was let go Gardy became manager and TK's role was consistently reduced to be honest.

 

 

 

Fixed

 

 

[tobi0040]

  On 5/24/2016 at 4:21 PM, Mike Frasier Law said:

This. Unless we are going to outspend everyone, we need to learn and take advantage of efficiencies better than everyone else. Otherwise, we're just hoping to strike gold.

It would be pretty interesting to find out what Terry thinks our competitive advantage is. Only the Astros, who many suggested openly tanked for two years have fewer wins since the start of the 2011 season. So the quick answer is we don't have one. Like you point out, without one you have very little shot of being good for any long period of time.

[jctwins]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 5:38 AM, Seth Stohs said:

So instead of regurgitating the old, tired discussion about why the Twins should fire their general manager or others in the front office, let’s be a little more productive. 

 

 

Is this no longer just a place to waste time on the internet?

 

Just checking

[Thrylos]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 4:59 PM, tobi0040 said:

It would be pretty interesting to find out what Terry thinks our competitive advantage is. 

 

Hate to say it, but I don't think that TR can grasp that concept

[Craig Arko]

Free beer. Everything else is just window dressing.

[Kwak]

Once the decision has made to hire a new GM--commit to the new system!  Get a rid of the "beer hall gang" reminiscencing about "the old days".  It's now a new day!  Expect your new GM to bring in his own team to do things "the new way".

 

Of course there is a budget--every team has one--and most likely the first order of business will be to take a meat axe to the present team!  Good! A new GM was hired because the "old system totally failed".  Hence a new system--one that sends Plouffe, Dozier, Jepsen, and every salary on his way ASAP.  Some may have to be kept because they "have contracts" and are untradeable.  But, contracts expire--and they don't require replacing with a "similar player!" Don't tie the new GM's hands with platitudes--(like "we like 'home grown' guys"). A budget?  Yes, but flexibility is needed so is patience.   

[Brandon]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 2:52 PM, Thrylos said:

Who?  Phil Hughes at his career season finished 7th in the Cy Young vote with 6 points.  First place had 169 and second 157.  For perspective.  Not.Even.Close

 

Unless you are talking about the Perkins, Pelfrey, and/or Capps extensions...

Of course I am talking about Hughes.  He had a monster year and if he had another year like it would have been a 150 million pitcher.  signing him to a 3 year 42 million extension giving us 5 years of control through his what age 32/ 33 season seemed like a bargain at the time. 

 

Perkins signed below market extensions which was a smart move.  Pelfry was an inexpensive signing to eat innings when we were real bad ...meaning no minor league talent as well as no major league talent.   

Capps was Smith as GM not Ryan.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 4:59 PM, tobi0040 said:

It would be pretty interesting to find out what Terry thinks our competitive advantage is.

I'd guess he thinks it's our people, our baseball minds, our years of experience, our "no shortcuts" philosophy, "doing it the right way"...

 

While those aren't necessarily bad, I'd want a new GM who recognizes the limitations of relying exclusively on those qualities in modern pro sports.

Edited May 24, 2016 by spycake

[d-mac]

Thanks for posting this Seth! This will be a fun exercise. 

 

Background: Don't care so much as long as they embrace equally both sabermetrics and traditional scouting. Also they must come from an organization with highly regarded front office: Cardinals, Cubs, Red Sox, TB, Pittsburgh, Houston, Oakland.

 

Scouting: -Draft- If picking high in the draft, go BPA. If picking behind top group of players, lean college hitters from top conferences with strong contact and plate discipline skills. In the supp-rounds to 3-4 load up on high upside high schoolers especially pitchers.

Int'l- Every avenue of amateur player acquisition should be explored. Caribbean, Cuba, Central America, Australia, Asia, etc. Leave no stone unturned.

Advanced Scouting- Why not use use all available options?

 

Advanced Stats: I want a large and robust stats department! I want my scouts to be knowledgeable in at least basic sabermetric ideas. The statisticians and the scouts should be given equal weighting- they are there to "check" one another. Baseball decisions do not need a consensus, but should not be made without the input of both groups. I think breaking scouts and statisticians into "teams" would be a good idea. Have a team solely for internal stuff (minor league player development, big league club) and external stuff (opponents/matchups, external player evaluation and acquisition). Then have each group cross check each other. 

 

Player Development: Those of you that have been following my posts over the past week will know I've done some basic research in this area. As far as a basic plan- get the players up to A+ and AA as quickly as possible- particularly for college players. If a player dominates an early level, plus shows control of the strike zone (both for pitchers/hitters) they don't need to spend more than a month and a half- two months at that level. However, if they can't prove that they have mastered a level, then there is no reason to promote a player.

 

Then I want players to prove that they can control the strike zone and put up productive numbers at AA and AAA before they move up. A full season at AA is required for all hitters and starting pitchers (relievers are exempt).  I want all hitters to master AAA for a minimum of 200 PA (and 3-5 starts for pitchers) with control of the strike zone before promoting them. 

 

In essence the sole role of the minor leagues is for producing major league players. The record of the minor league team, minor-league all-star appearances are not important. I think having former players as minor league managers are important for the young players adjusting to professional baseball life. Discipline should happen with the minor league staff. I think having players meet with coaches individually and have a "performance review" of their season is good. Then come up with a plan for things to work on in the following season. 

 

As far as philosophies: For hitters I want a strong focus on contact and plate discipline- on base skills are preferred over power. Pitchers, I want strikeouts, lots and lots of strikeouts of the swinging variety. I don't care if it's fastball velocity, breaking balls, or changeups that does it. I want pitchers to develop at least one out pitch that gets swinging strikes, then learn how to set up hitters to put them away with it. 

 

MEDIA: We're building a winning baseball team, not running a political campaign. I wouldn't tightly control information, but I also will not go out of my way to provide access for the media. We'll let the product on the field speak for itself.

 

Front Office: I would give the GM full reign to gire who he wants. But I think the Twins' current front office is so infected with bad baseball, that I want a clean house. As far as "historical royalty" I want them there mostly for the fans' enjoyment. I don't want them around the players if they are giving advice that is counter to our organizational philosophies.

 

On Field Staff: The manager should be knowledgeable in modern statistics. They should be able to utilize the roster in the way it was designed by the front office team. The manager should understand how platoons and defensive replacements work, when to pinch hit at the proper times, and have an allergy to sacrifice bunting and stealing 3rd. The line-up construction should be set by statistical analysis and opponent matchup. The pitching and hitting coaches should have a philosophy that is in unison with the organizational philosophy. Furthermore, the staff should create a relaxed, loose, and fun atmosphere in the clubhouse where players are allowed to be themselves.

 

Current Situation: The ulitmate goal should be a sustained winning team- winning 90+ games every year. I want the GM to make decisions that will get us from here to there. Many of the young prospects are not ready and should be in the minors for a while longer. The ones that are should be up and playing everyday: Polanco at 2nd, Sano at 3rd, May in the rotation, Chargois in the pen. Anybody that doesn't fit in the plans 2-4 years down the road when the team is contending should be traded (tactfully of course don't move them if they have no value and no replacement ready). I would work on trading Plouffe and Dozier, put Suzuki on the bench and start Centeno. I would clear spots in the rotation for May, Berrios and Meyer. if we have to eat some of those bad contracts to do so then so be it. Justifying it is an easy explanation: "My predecessor was incompetent, they are a sunk cost now but having them on the roster is hurting your team."

 

Trades: Each trade should be done with the goal of getting to that window of success, then once there, maintaining it as long as possible. We have the player acquisition statisticians and scouts identify targets from potential trading partners. Don't stop until you get what you want in return. As far as trading for elite players: Does said player provide a clear and significant upgrade at the position? Does his age fit the window of contention? Does he or any potential extension fit in the budget? Are the returns the other team asking reasonable? If yes to all of these questions, then go for it. If no, for even just one, then don't make the trade.

 

Free Agency: Type of players signed depend on where the team is. If we are not yet in contention and there are questions as to whether or not the young player at that position is ready, then there is no reason not to look for a stopgap veteran on a 1-2 year deal with an eye for trading him at the deadline if he produces. But avoid long term deals. Once the young core is established, Free Agency should be used to fill gaps in the roster, then it is ok to sign longer term deals and ones that cost draft picks.

 

Misc: Since the playoffs are such a crapshoot, success should be measured by regular season wins, division titles, run differential, and having the best record in the league. 

The front office atmosphere should be open and candid; people should be encouraged to voice their suggestions and think outside the box. People should be rewarded for their hard work and success, but I don't want to create an environment that those in the front office are in constant fear of losing their job or have no fear of losing their job.

 

[HitInAPinch]

[HitInAPinch]

 

 

Do the Twins need hire someone with experience as a big league GM?  No.
Do the Twins need hire someone with experience working for a successful, experienced, big league GM?  Yes.

 

I want the whole package. I want a guy that:

1. knows his own Farm System and knows the needs of developing a Farm System looking towards the future.  i.e.  Backfilling for those position players that graduated for MLB or got cut.  What's lacking at the lower levels right now.

 

2.  a guy that's not afraid to spend in the International Market

 

3.  Scouting:  IMO, eyeball test is more important than stats.  However, advanced metrics, when used properly, are very very valuable. 

 

4.  role of MiLB Managers:  part baby sitter, part disciplinarian, full-time teacher of basic skills

 

5.  on-field staff:  Billy freaking Martin and Dallas Green.  These Twins seem pretty weak to me.  Molitor is being too nice, IMO.

 

6.  If the manager isn't evaluating from day 1, YOU ARE FIRED!!

 

7.  Outfield situation:  we know what the contracts look like.  a realistic solution won't be for a couple years.  Right now: the Arcia experiment needs to stop, Dozier seems delusional, Hughes and Nolasco are repeating career histories and Jepsen would not be a part of future plans.  Sano will eventually get time at 3rd, but unless something changes, his destiny is DH.

 

8.  Stay clear of free agency.  Develop,  Develop, Develop.  Those pitchers in the $150-200 range will NOT want to sign with the Twins.  Since the Twins need a lot of everyday player help, I'd spend the money on position players.

 

9.  Doug Mientkiewicz?? No.  Not that I think he's a bad guy.  I want an experienced MLB manager or HIGHLY respected coach / Bench coach. 

 

The future is not this year.  It is a "maybe" for next year.

[Comrade Bork]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 1:38 PM, Thrylos said:

He does not and that was my point.  The Twins need someone above both St. Peter and the GM who actually is a baseball person and cares more about baseball 

Ah  I see what you are getting at. (what the lower quote says right?)       Do other owners let their presidents hire the FO staff with a hands off approach?

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 2:49 PM, tobi0040 said:

I have now converted to the idea of hiring a president from outside and putting him in charge of hiring a GM. Kudos to Thrylos, Nicksaving and others. Because at the end of the day without one it would be Pohlad conducting the search and he has no credibility at all, nor connections outside our team.

The Pohlads would still have to find a president then and personnel search firms haven't been too nice to MN lately.      With how the Wild and the Wolves stepped up and Zimmer being a stud, its frustrating watching ownership that cant address these issues.   How the hell did the Wolves become more interesting than the twins.... 

Edited May 24, 2016 by Comrade Bork

[d-mac]

  On 5/24/2016 at 4:00 PM, Hrbowski said:

I just don't understand the love of drafting hitters. Colon, Ackely, Alonso....

TINSTAAPP

[tobi0040]

  On 5/24/2016 at 5:58 PM, Comrade Bork said:

Ah  I see what you are getting at. (what the lower quote says right?)       Do other owners let their presidents hire the FO staff with a hands off approach?

 

The Pohlads would still have to find a president then and personnel search firms haven't been too nice to MN lately.      With how the Wild and the Wolves stepped up and Zimmer being a stud, its frustrating watching ownership that cant address these issues.   How the hell did the Wolves become more interesting than the twins....

The Wolves had a GM come into a terrible position. After four years they realized he was a terrible GM and fired him. The Twins have not moved quite as quick

[lukeduke1980]

I think a GM has to stand behind his plan, which in this case was rebuilding/developing talent.  But also hold your staff accountable at all levels for production and be able to improvise when results aren't happening.  

 

Multiple years we've heard of the fantastic MN farm system, yet all there seems to be is raw talent of Buxtons and Rosarios and Berrios, etc.  Many have come up the the majors only to seem over-matched and un-prepared.  If there is such dependency on the young talent, with a sprinkling of Plouffes and Suzukis, then the GM should have a plan for development of key pieces and contingencies upon their likelihood of talent advancement.

[Thrylos]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 5:19 PM, Brandon said:

Of course I am talking about Hughes.  He had a monster year and if he had another year like it would have been a 150 million pitcher.  signing him to a 3 year 42 million extension giving us 5 years of control through his what age 32/ 33 season seemed like a bargain at the time. 

 

Perkins signed below market extensions which was a smart move.  Pelfry was an inexpensive signing to eat innings when we were real bad ...meaning no minor league talent as well as no major league talent.   

Capps was Smith as GM not Ryan.

 

a. "Monster Year" or "Cy Young Year" does not equate with 7th in the Cy Young award vote with 6 points when the winner got 178 and the second 167.  One of those 2 is a fact.  And, since it was an aberration, like the Suzuki & Dozier "monster years" (read: slightly above league average) that led to extensions, regression was not only written on the wall, was about chiseled on marble.

 

b. Are you defending Pelfrey's extension?

 

c. Indeed.  Smith brought Capps to the Twins  (and made the post-season because of the move in 2010).  Ryan was the one who extended him on the December of 2011 (winter meetings) after Smith was "downsized"

Edited May 24, 2016 by Thrylos

[jokin]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 6:08 PM, tobi0040 said:

The Wolves had a GM come into a terrible position. After four years they realized he was a terrible GM and fired him. The Twins have not moved quite as quick

 

Huh? I've seen sloths riding on the backs of turtles move more quickly.

[Thrylos]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 5:17 PM, Craig Arko said:

Free beer. Everything else is just window dressing.

 

Sounds like you are in the St Peter camp  

[Riverbrian]

Alright my assumption from this: I am the owner and I am hiring a GM to run the baseball operations.

 

BACKGROUND

 

I'm not limiting myself to any possibility. All backgrounds will be considered. Obviously past experience and success is weighted but I would never go into a search of this importance with immediate filters. 

 

SCOUTING

 

This is one area where I would change the operation model completely. Long term success can only be sustained by accurate identification of players who can help you achieve long term success. The Twins can't keep up with the Dodgers operation model and spend accordingly. You will need advisers who are capable of finding young talent that will develop and keep the pipeline flowing. Even if you play the Free Agent Market heavily... you will need scouts and advisers at the top of their game for that as well..  

 

Bottom Line: I would double salaries if necessary to attract and retain the very best in the business from any organization. I would pay more for the best scouts and outbid other organizations to do so and if this creates an arms race... so be it. I will be the first organization to handle scouts with this respect and reward them accordingly. If possible I would add designated analysts to my advanced statistic department to create and implement metrics to track and identify the best in the business and target the top of the list. Success ratios... that sort of thing. Scouting positions will be highly competitive and those who rank toward the bottom of the curve would be replaced. We will be top of the league in quantity and quality and budget. We have player salaries that exceed the cost of this additional expenditure so I'm honestly not sure why this isn't already happening. 

 

THE DRAFT

 

The General Manager would set any priorities necessary for each draft and be the final decision maker throughout the draft.  Best player available would be standard however starting pitching would be the preferred emphasis in the first 5 rounds because extra starting pitching will keep you competitive. Starting Pitching suffers more injuries so you need more of it and if you have more than you need... starting pitching is always an easier trade chip to other positions. There is more value in Starting Pitching than any place else so it must be weighted accordingly in the early rounds. There would not be a standard answer for college or high school preference... it would be a priority that you set if necessary before each draft. The GM should be absolutely involved because the results of the draft are critical. 

 

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

 

As part of my increase of the scouting department this would include all international markets. You at least need to be confident in the players available and the potential of these players and if you are confident in someone... you should be aggressive. I for example am not currently qualified to assess slot management and so I'd like an Asst. GM who is fluent. 

 

ADVANCED SCOUTING

 

Yes it should continue and all reports should be sent to the General Manager, Assistant General Manager and Advanced Statistics for fine tuning before being submitted to the Field Manager. 

 

ADVANCED STATISTICS

 

This department should be increased to the size necessary to be comprehensive. The danger of this department is providing half cooked information and being under staffed will only lead to misleading out-liers or incomplete information. Databases will need to be up to date to the minute. As I mentioned earlier... a separate department for scout metrics will need to be created for identification and recruitment of the best scouts. You will need a department that adds appropriate metric information to each scouting report submitted before it reaches the manager. You also need a department that will solely focus on the creating of new metrics or ways to use new technolgy. Things will keep advancing as time goes by and you will be better off if you are a leader in any new advancements. I'd have a crew on that. You also need a department that simply crunches data.

 

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

 

Be Humble. Never assume that their is a right way or a wrong way with any player's development. Watch what other clubs are doing for possible discovery. Hire consistent leaders at the top for continuity but bring in new people below to bring in fresh new ideas with them. Your Minor League director and his top assistants should be able to database and deploy multiple ideas to almost any issue as the years pass. Make sure that every player has every tool needed to advance. Make sure that a player has enough film to see his mechanics and film of other successful players for compare and contrast. Increase the number of paths to the major leagues. Play players at multiple positions in the lower levels and ween them down when it becomes obvious to do so. By the time a player reaches AAA and is ready for possible major league call up.. ideally they will be skilled enough to be considered at multiple positions. Development and Winning are both important but Development is more important because I believe that Winning is part of Development. Discipline is case by case... simply try to not throw babies out with the bath water. Each player has value and thrown babies is lost value. Do not take decisions lightly. Don't allow a single coach who says a player is not teachable to be the sole opinion which causes a red mark on the top of a player's file. The GM should spend most of his focus on the 40 man roster and rely upon his Minor League Director to provide the candidates for the 40 man. Once a player is identified... then the GM can make a trip to Rochester or Chattanooga. If you trust the people who work for you... there shouldn't be any reason other than curiosity to go to Ft. Myers or Cedar Rapids. 

 

MEDIA/PRESS RELATIONS

 

Information will leak because it has since the beginning of time. That said... there is no benefit of revealing your methods to anyone and your methods should be closely guarded. PR/Media Directors should be college educated and control the message that is presented to the public. The GM/Manager and Players must be accessible to the media and fans but properly trained on how. Employees who tend to start fires should be held away from public situations. I see no need and only problems for complete transparency. 

 

FRONT OFFICE

 

Asst. GM -- He must have strengths that compliment the GM. Be strong where the GM is weaker. Ideally... I'd like a GM who can focus on the 40 Man Roster so I'd like to see an Asst. GM who is an expert at contract negotiations for example.

 

The Director of Player Personal would be a very important position and would require the best and the brightest. He or she would be a future GM in training... and he would know more about every player in the organization than anyone including the GM. He would be vital in all player decision and discussion. He would be in charge of player recruitment and player support.  

 

Minor League Director... I covered this earlier but I'd like the guy to be open minded first and foremost.

 

Keep Historical Figures that make sense but don't force it. I am not qualified to asses anybody current at this time as far as who stays and who goes... I am qualified to say that something isn't working and I'm hoping someone is finding out and changes are forthcoming.

 

THE ON-FIELD STAFF

 

Manager --  I want Joe Maddon or someone who can do Joe Maddon. I want creativity and the guts to try something different. I want a manager who isn't afraid to ask Joe Mauer to play RF if it improves the team. I don't want anyone to stubbornly cling to what could be false assessments made a month ago waiting for things to change. I want the manager to know who has the hot hand and play them accordingly. I don't want the manager worrying about how much a player is making unless the GM tells him to. I want a manager who understands and listens to the GM so he can properly consider future needs to today's need when asked. The Manager will be given every tool available and the Manager will need to know what it all means and use what works and report back on what doesn't. The Manager must be able to manage the players and staff and be able to manage up when talking with the GM and down when working closely with the analytic department and he needs to know when to ignore it all and use his gut (hopefully not too often) and he must be able to be an amateur psychologist.  The Manager opinions on his current team will carry enormous weight. The manager's opinions on players outside the 25 man roster will have very little weight. Ultimately if a conflict arises between the GM and Manager on personnel decisions such as lineup construction or in-game decisions. They will hopefully have the type of relationship where they can talk about it stress-free. If they persist and the results are not working... and communication begins to shut down. It's time to look for a new one. Otherwise... trust the guy you hired or hire someone that you will trust. 

 

THE CURRENT SITUATION

 

1. Take responsibility for it... This is on the GM primarily... take full responsibility. 

2. Realize that you can't fix it tomorrow and start getting ready for 2017 the best you can. Moving 4 players off the 40 man in one day was wrong even if each move was the right thing to do. Take your time and get the holes in your evaluation fixed first and foremost or you won't get anywhere while you are trying to bail water. 

3. Identify everything that went wrong and address each thing. 

4. Don't rush but walk a little faster and try to get prospects up for next year when they demonstrate consideration and when they are called up... Make sure that the Manager doesn't waste those chances to assess value for 2017. 

5. Only Sano should be considered for everyday play. Everybody else can rest a game here and there so others can play. It's open audition time for 2017. Nobody on the 25 man roster should spend large amounts of time on the bench. If Mastro is not considered a 2017 possibility... get him off the 25 man. If Grossman is now considered an option for 2017.. continue to play him. 

6. Look for your chances to bring up Berrios and Meyer and start them. Don't worry about trade value or feelings for Nolasco or Hughes or Gibson if they are struggling. It's open audition time for 2017. 

7. If you have young power arms with talent for the bullpen... find out if they will be ready for 2017. If you still have holes and you do... Take the bullpen more seriously and acquire the top level arms you need to build a good one. The game is changing... starters are pitching less and the bullpen is going to grow in importance. 

 

TRADES

Do not trade for more youth at this point... Trades at this point have to be for Major League ready talent. You have a 40 man issue with all of the youth piling up right now that is only going to get worse. Find out what youth is close and should help you in 2017 and get them ready for 2017. The 40 man youth not quite ready... You can trade for Vets that are ready and will help in 2017. 

 

FREE AGENCY 

 

Be competitive in free agency to plug immediate holes when you are in contention. If not in contention... you sign what you need to function on a case by case basis. Do not dive into free agency headlong unless you are a step away. This was a mistake that was made when Signing Nolasco and Hughes in the first place. You were just desperate for starting pitching but you were not realistically in contention. Develop your core in house first.  

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Success is defined by the meeting or failing to meet reasonable expectation. A GM should be able to look at the roster he has to put together and meet with his key personnel to set reasonable goals and then share those goals with the owner. You should only allow yourself two years of low bar goals. Clubhouse atmosphere should be fun... a reputation of a great place to play should be fostered with the understanding that the occasional day off will occur and the understanding that you will compete for playing time constantly. Front Office Atmosphere should also be fun... who wants to work in misery? You can't retain the best people otherwise. Yes... Build from within but also understand that bringing from the outside is equally important for the fresh ideas that come along.

 

Bottom Line: I think Terry Ryan should inform Jim Pohlad that he is responsible for the current situation and privately ask him to begin the search for his replacement from outside the organization. This should begin immediately because 2016 doesn't matter but 2017 does and the decisions being made right now are important for 2017. This isn't something that should wait until the off season in my opinion. Treat Terry Ryan with the respect that he deserves... name a street after him or build him a statue. He seems like a stand up and loyal guy. 

 

Paul Molitor and the Coaching staff... Make no decision on them until the new GM is hired. 

 

 

 

 

 

[jokin]

 

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 5:19 PM, Brandon said:

Of course I am talking about Hughes.  He had a monster year and if he had another year like it would have been a 150 million pitcher.  signing him to a 3 year 42 million extension giving us 5 years of control through his what age 32/ 33 season seemed like a bargain at the time. 

 

Perkins signed below market extensions which was a smart move.  Pelfry was an inexpensive signing to eat innings when we were real bad ...meaning no minor league talent as well as no major league talent.   

Capps was Smith as GM not Ryan.

 

None of the below opinions are based on revisionist history.  All were debated and fleshed out contemporaneously with their specific occurrences.

 

1) Hughes was already under contract- with no track record for year-over-year consistency- foolish extension. If he would have succeeded in 2015, make the QO and move on with your young arms.

 

2) A much smarter move would have been to trade Perkins at peak value- during the time when having a reliable closer was of no use to a rebuilding team.

 

3) Pelfrey was a bad move when he first signed, and a worse move when he was re-signed.

 

4) Capps was a bad trade for net value at the time (Smith as Ryan protege), and made no sense at the time of the re-sign.

 

Edited May 24, 2016 by jokin

[tobi0040]

  On 5/24/2016 at 6:36 PM, jokin said:

Huh? I've seen sloths riding on the backs of turtles move more quickly.

Apparently my extremely heavy dose of sarcasm was not received! Or maybe I missed yours.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 6:03 PM, d-mac said:

TINSTAAPP

 

Given that this is not a team with as deep of resources as the Cubs, I think not getting pitching in the early picks is just as risky as we won't be going out and handing out those 150MM ace contracts. I do think pitching and hitting should be mixed up, but refusing to draft a pitcher at #1 simply b/c of the risk smacks in the face of all that BPA talk I hear every day. 

[jokin]

 

  On 5/24/2016 at 6:52 PM, tobi0040 said:

Apparently my extremely heavy dose of sarcasm was not received! Or maybe I missed yours.

 

Mine was meant to serve as a heavier-dosed extra ladle of exclamation point worth of sarcasm.