Article: 5 Things the Twins Absolutely Must Accomplish This Offseason

[Otwins]

I am tired of the criticism of the Twin FO about how Buxton was treated. He was offered an extension last offseason that he turned down. The extension certainly would have paid him more money for next year and would have eliminated the service time considerations. Buxton made a business decision and turned it down. He got hurt and had a lousy season and now we should INCREASE his raise for next year. That is not how it should work.  They should work out the long term extension this year. If he is not interested no extra unearned raise for turning it down.

[Otto von Ballpark]

I am tired of the criticism of the Twin FO about how Buxton was treated. He was offered an extension last offseason that he turned down. The extension certainly would have paid him more money for next year and would have eliminated the service time considerations. Buxton made a business decision and turned it down. He got hurt and had a lousy season and now we should INCREASE his raise for next year. That is not how it should work. They should work out the long term extension this year. If he is not interested no extra unearned raise for turning it down.

We have no idea of the terms of the proposed extension which he turned down -- it may have been, and may remain, a smart business decision on his part. Given that the front office has yet to ink an extension with anyone, perhaps they are not offering fair terms yet? Or they aren't generating much long-term buy-in from the players yet?

 

(Also, Buxton extension talks are not going to happen this offseason. There isn't really a figure that could satisfy both parties at this point in time. That's not a fault of Buxton or the Twins, it is just a reality of the situation. Teams and players just don't sign "buy low" extensions, at least not at this kind of low.)

Edited September 24, 2018 by spycake

[Otto von Ballpark]

FWIW, due to the nature of the system, Buxton will likely get a raise anyway. He's looking at least ~$1 mil or so for 2019 salary. I think Nick's contention is, if he submits a figure at $1.5 mil or something, then just settle there. The extra year of control has been secured, the message sent, the fire lit or whatever else you want to call it. There is nothing to be gained further by arguing with him over a couple hundred thousand bucks at this point, which might represent 0.2% of our payroll and wouldn't be a disincentive to him signing an extension down the road either.

 

Consider it like a grievance settlement without the acrimony, or just the MLB pay he could have received after roster expansion in 2018 (while the team still withholds the more important service time).

Edited September 24, 2018 by spycake

[beckmt]

Have seen several good points made in this post.  I have a few more to address.

1.  Cleveland is not that good.  Why punt when you can go for it without hurting us down the road.

2.  Absolutely sign 2 good relievers this offseason, Twins cannot afford to be throwing out the relievers we have this season.

3.  Only May, Rogers and Hildenburger should feel they have spots next year, make the rest of the relief staff earn their positions.

4.  Twins need to trade some of their starter depth before the rule 5 draft, otherwise the closer we get to the rule 5 the more teams just wait and see who the Twins will have to make available.

5.  Need to find a short term SS and move Polanco to 2nd.  Adrianza may work out, but Escobar would help a lot.

6.  I agree Twins need to find a big bopper for the middle of the lineup.  Too many rallies are dying with bad AB's by some of the Twins players.

 

Twins can afford to make the effort to contend next year, while not punting the long term.  Do not know if it will work, but they have the money and the core to give it a try.

[jmlease1]

 

Kepler was league median in RF among all teams.....I don't understand why people don't like him as an OF.......Of course, that was largely driven by very good defense, so I understand why people want more hitting......but I'm not sure replacing him with a bad fielder who hits more is a better idea. I'd rather they just let him try to keep hitting.....and he can play CF, just in case Buxton can't hit at all again....

 

I love Kepler as an OF. I'm not happy about his growth as a hitter. RF is considered to be an offensive position, so if you're not generating offense there, you need to be making up for it elsewhere, and that's harder to do.

 

I had Kepler pegged as the most likely player to have a breakout season, and the reality is he stood in place. When you need your young players to continue to develop, that's frustrating. In three seasons he may have revealed himself as a slightly below average hitter who plays excellent defense in a non-premium defensive position, with a little positional flexibility. Am I wrong, or doesn't that profile more like a 4th OF than a starter? FanGraphs seems to agree with me. fWAR of 1.2, 1.4, and 2.4 over the last three years with this year needing a BIG leap in his defensive stats to get him to starter status.

 

I love Max Kepler. I'm rooting for Max Kepler. but if I'm the Twins, I'm worried about RF. (In addition to being worried about 3B)

 

The twins have options at 1B, 2B, questions at SS, BIG questions at 3B, options at C, settled at LF, questions at CF, questions at RF, and some questions at DH.

 

Yikes. The lineup is frankly much scarier than the pitching staff right now. We have more established guys in the rotation and in the 'pen than we do in the lineup right now, with internal options that have promise for every questionable area/hole. They're not perfect and there's real risk in not adding outside talent...but I see more holes in the lineup.

 

 

[yarnivek1972]

Have seen several good points made in this post. I have a few more to address.

1. Cleveland is not that good. Why punt when you can go for it without hurting us down the road.

2. Absolutely sign 2 good relievers this offseason, Twins cannot afford to be throwing out the relievers we have this season.

3. Only May, Rogers and Hildenburger should feel they have spots next year, make the rest of the relief staff earn their positions.

4. Twins need to trade some of their starter depth before the rule 5 draft, otherwise the closer we get to the rule 5 the more teams just wait and see who the Twins will have to make available.

5. Need to find a short term SS and move Polanco to 2nd. Adrianza may work out, but Escobar would help a lot.

6. I agree Twins need to find a big bopper for the middle of the lineup. Too many rallies are dying with bad AB's by some of the Twins players.

 

Twins can afford to make the effort to contend next year, while not punting the long term. Do not know if it will work, but they have the money and the core to give it a try.

1. Their BULLPEN is not good. Their rotation and lineup are light years better than the Twins. Wanna bet they remedy that this offseason?

 

2 & 3. More like 4 or 5 good ones are needed.

 

4. They would be better served finding roles for them. Maybe consider Romero for a relief role and see if he can blossom into a closer in a year or two. Stewart is probably better suited in a middle relief role as is Gonsalves.

 

5. Escobar isn’t better at ss than Polanco.

 

6. If Sano doesn’t develop into that guy, nothing else matters. The Twins won’t contend for the next 3-5 years if Sano isn’t a 5-6 bWAR player.

[Ryan Atkins]

That's a pretty solid plan / list of action items.

 

On Buxton, I don't know why he or anyone else at this point should be thinking that you are robbing someone from millions who can't hit major league pitching. Yes, of course he could have an epiphany and become a serviceable as a hitter, let's hope so. Looking back to Opening Day 2017, it seems utterly silly now that Molitor thought he could be a #3 hitter at this level.

 

On Rotation, agree 100%, Twins are in good shape if they can sign one top tier starter. I would also like to see Mejia in the mix for that #5 spot.

 

Extend Berrios, this is a no-brainer.

 

Roster and the corners. I can't be the only one who hopes that Mauer returns on a 2-yr deal. His defense at 1B has been outstanding (no Gold Glove last year was a crime) and is still in the AL Top 25 in hitting and over .400 with RISP. Not as easy to replace as some may think.

 

[ChrisKnutson]

Still not a 100% on board with signing multi year deals, but I’m warming up to it. Especially, if it’s established bats like Cruz, Murphy (1st, not 2nd), and Ramos.

[Battle ur tail off]

 

I would be happy next year having a consistent line-up.  Instead of a mix-match every single game.  I think getting a power hitting 1st and DH would fill most gaps.  We need to let Sano and Buxton improve or fail on a whole year of playing before we let them go.  Infield: Sano, Polanco, Lewis, at least and all star worthy 1st or DH or best both.  OF can be Rosario, Buxton and Kepler.  Starting pitching Berrios, Romero, Gibson, keep Santana, and find 2 more.  I don't think it should be Odorizzi.  Bullpen is hard to determine Rogers is the only memorable pitcher there.  

 

It has been years since they sent out the same line-up I miss those days. 

 

I'd say just put Sano at DH and be done with it. Have him work on his hitting and nothing else. He is not here to field ground balls, he is here to hit them over the fence. Less chance for injury, focus on one thing, etc. His best stretch of baseball in his short major league career is when he was DHing anyway. 

Edited September 24, 2018 by Battle ur tail off

[beckmt]

 

1. Their BULLPEN is not good. Their rotation and lineup are light years better than the Twins. Wanna bet they remedy that this offseason?

2 & 3. More like 4 or 5 good ones are needed.

4. They would be better served finding roles for them. Maybe consider Romero for a relief role and see if he can blossom into a closer in a year or two. Stewart is probably better suited in a middle relief role as is Gonsalves.

5. Escobar isn’t better at ss than Polanco.

6. If Sano doesn’t develop into that guy, nothing else matters. The Twins won’t contend for the next 3-5 years if Sano isn’t a 5-6 bWAR player.

1.  Cleveland does not have unlimited funds, bullpen fix will not be easy and they will be bidding on the same relievers as the Twins.

2. Twins need to find out how the young starters play out, but I would trade 3 of them for a decent mid range starter (out of Littell, Gonsaleves, Duffey and maybe Stewart or Mejia).  

3.  Escobar could play 2B with Polonco at SS for next year.  

4,  Need to figure out where Sano will play.  And he had better hit.

[ChrisKnutson]

Because the pitching staff, and pitchers in general, are always unpredictable, I typically find it much easier to project the starting lineup and our bench instead. Although I think it’s pretty obvious that when it comes to ‘absolutes,’ the Twins FO ‘absolutely’ need to bring in a relief ace and other bullpen arms. Other than that, here’s what I hope our opening day roster looks like:

 

CF- Byron Buxton

SS- Jorge Polanco

LF- Eddie Rosario

DH- Nelson Cruz

3rd- Miguel Sano

C- Wilson Ramos

1st- Brent Rooker

2nd- Nick Gordon

RF- Max Kepler

 

Bench:

Ehire Adrianza/Josh Harrison

Lamonte Wade/Jake Cave/Tyler Austin

Mitch Garver/ Willians Astudillo

[yarnivek1972]

Because the pitching staff, and pitchers in general, are always unpredictable, I find it much easier to project the starting lineup and our bench. Hopefully this roster that the FO puts together because it would promote both Gordon and Rooker, while at the same time include the presence of established veterans like Cruz and Ramos. Although when it comes to ‘absolutes,’ the Twins FO ‘absolutely’ need to bring in a relief ace and other bullpen arms.

 

CF- Byron Buxton

SS- Jorge Polanco

LF- Eddie Rosario

DH- Nelson Cruz

3rd- Miguel Sano

C- Wilson Ramos

1st- Brent Rooker

2nd- Nick Gordon

RF- Max Kepler

 

Bench:

Ehire Adrianza

Lamonte Wade

Mitch Garver

What is the reasoning behind signing two veteran hitters (Cruz and Ramos) and then putting two rookies in the lineup, one of whom did very poorly at AAA the other has never even played at AAA? Seems like an inconsistent strategy to me. If you are rebuilding with Rooker and Gordon, what’s the point of signing veterans? If you are trying to contend, wouldn’t it make sense to put more established players in place of Rooker and Gordon?

 

IMO, neither of those players sniffs the majors until June of next year, and that’s probably optimistic.

Edited September 26, 2018 by yarnivek1972

[Mike Sixel]

 

What is the reasoning behind signing two veteran hitters (Cruz and Ramos) and then putting two rookies in the lineup, one of whom did very poorly at AAA the other has never even played at AAA? Seems like an inconsistent strategy to me. If you are rebuilding with Rooker and Gordon, what’s the point of signing veterans? If you are trying to contend, wouldn’t it make sense to put more established players in place of Rooker and Gordon?

IMO, neither of those players sniffs the majors until June of next year, and that’s probably optimistic.

 

Because you don't wait until all your ducks are in a row to add talent. Ramos is probably a three year deal....so he's here and good when those young guys are here and good.....Or should they just sit on all the money this year, and next year, until the moon and stars align?

[ChrisKnutson]

What is the reasoning behind signing two veteran hitters (Cruz and Ramos) and then putting two rookies in the lineup, one of whom did very poorly at AAA the other has never even played at AAA? Seems like an inconsistent strategy to me. If you are rebuilding with Rooker and Gordon, what’s the point of signing veterans? If you are trying to contend, wouldn’t it make sense to put more established players in place of Rooker and Gordon?

IMO, neither of those players sniffs the majors until June of next year, and that’s probably optimistic.

Well, considering the roster decisions the FO has made so far, it’s actually not that crazy if you think about it...

 

Also, I wouldn’t see as inconsistent (even though it is), I’d see it as attempt in maintaining a ‘safe’ balance between a “rebuild” and “contention.” Where a team can in rebuild mode, yet still able to bring in impact players without crippling the team’s payroll.

 

And while I could be wrong, I really doubt that both Gordon and Rooker would hit below the Mendoza Line, which is why I think they should be promoted, because they could very easily surprise us like Stewart, Cave, and Astudillo have. Add Cruz, Ramos, and the rest of the core to mix, and the Twins could very easily surprise baseball (again) like the young & talented Braves did, by winning the division.

Edited September 26, 2018 by ChrisKnutson

[yarnivek1972]

Well, considering the roster decisions the FO has made so far, it’s actually not that crazy if you think about it...

 

Also, I wouldn’t see as inconsistent (even though it is), I’d see it as attempt in maintaining a ‘safe’ balance between a “rebuild” and “contention.” Where a team can in rebuild mode, yet still able to bring in impact players without crippling the team’s payroll.

 

And while I could be wrong, I really doubt that both Gordon and Rooker would hit below the Mendoza Line, which is why I think they should be promoted, because they could very easily surprise us like Stewart, Cave, and Astudillo have. Add Cruz, Ramos, and the rest of the core to mix, and the Twins could very easily surprise baseball (again) like the young & talented Braves did, by winning the division.

So, you think they should be promoted because you doubt they would hit below the Mendozza line?

 

I guess I’d rather see them come up when they can actually contribute. As I said, I don’t see that day as being before June. More likely well into July.

[yarnivek1972]

Because you don't wait until all your ducks are in a row to add talent. Ramos is probably a three year deal....so he's here and good when those young guys are here and good.....Or should they just sit on all the money this year, and next year, until the moon and stars align?

No problem with adding talent. Just don’t see the logic of promoting players that show zero signs that they are remotely close to ready. Although, I don’t personally love the idea of signing a DH only type like Cruz. I’d rather use the DH to rest players. But that’s me.

[ashbury]

No problem with adding talent. Just don’t see the logic of promoting players that show zero signs that they are remotely close to ready. Although, I don’t personally love the idea of signing a DH only type like Cruz. I’d rather use the DH to rest players. But that’s me.

A DH who hits so well that players sit on the bench during their days off, because their participation would weaken the team if they DH'ed, would be all right with me. Ehire has been in a lineup as DH 4 times in his Twins career and that's 4 times too many.

[ChrisKnutson]

So, you think they should be promoted because you doubt they would hit below the Mendozza line?

I guess I’d rather see them come up when they can actually contribute. As I said, I don’t see that day as being before June. More likely well into July.

The ‘Mendoza Line’ comment was more of an exaggeration, but even if that was the case, I could live with that just as long as Rooker’s SLG% is above .400 and Gordon’s OBP is above .300.

 

Also, I think it’s important to understand that most rookies aren’t prepared for the majors anyways, despite all the AAA seasoning in the world; So why not let both Rooker and Gordon take their licks and make adjustments early in the year.

Edited September 26, 2018 by ChrisKnutson

[yarnivek1972]

The ‘Mendoza Line’ comment was more of an exaggeration, but even if that was the case, I could live with that just as long as Rooker’s SLG% is above .400 and Gordon’s OBP is above .300.

 

Also, I think it’s important to understand that most rookies aren’t prepared for the majors anyways, despite all the AAA seasoning in the world; So why not let both Rooker and Gordon take their licks and make adjustments early in the year.

Why waste the service time?

 

The Twins are supposed to have people coaching their minor league affiliates that are supposed to prepare players for MLB. Why not let them do their jobs?

[Riverbrian]

 

Because the pitching staff, and pitchers in general, are always unpredictable, I typically find it much easier to project the starting lineup and our bench instead. Although I think it’s pretty obvious that when it comes to ‘absolutes,’ the Twins FO ‘absolutely’ need to bring in a relief ace and other bullpen arms. Other than that, here’s what I hope our opening day roster looks like:

CF- Byron Buxton
SS- Jorge Polanco
LF- Eddie Rosario
DH- Nelson Cruz
3rd- Miguel Sano
C- Wilson Ramos
1st- Brent Rooker
2nd- Nick Gordon
RF- Max Kepler

Bench:
Ehire Adrianza/Josh Harrison
Lamonte Wade/Jake Cave/Tyler Austin
Mitch Garver/ Willians Astudillo

 

Who gets called up to play if Gordon gets hurt? Who plays significantly if both Gordon or Harrison/Adrianaza are on the DL at the same time? 

 

If Gordon starts in AAA... Gordon could be that guy who comes up and we will need guys who can come up because no team can avoid the injury reaper. 

 

If you want Cruz, Ramos and Harrison... Do it this way. 

 

C - Ramos

1B - Austin

2B - Escobar

3B - Somebody with a track record

SS - Polanco

LF - Rosario

CF - Kepler

RF - Cruz

 

C - Castro or Garver

1B/3B - Sano

2B/SS - Harrison

OF - Buxton

 

Rochester/Chattanooga

C - Astudillo

1B - Rooker

2B/SS - Gordon

OF - Cave and Wade

 

If you are going to invest in Cruz and Ramos... Don't stop short... Finish the job. 

 

[ChrisKnutson]

Who gets called up to play if Gordon gets hurt? Who plays significantly if both Gordon or Harrison/Adrianaza are on the DL at the same time? 

 

If Gordon starts in AAA... Gordon could be that guy who comes up and we will need guys who can come up because no team can avoid the injury reaper. 

 

If you want Cruz, Ramos and Harrison... Do it this way. 

 

C - Ramos

1B - Austin

2B - Escobar

3B - Somebody with a track record

SS - Polanco

LF - Rosario

CF - Kepler

RF - Cruz

 

C - Castro or Garver

1B/3B - Sano

2B/SS - Harrison

OF - Buxton

 

Rochester/Chattanooga

C - Astudillo

1B - Rooker

2B/SS - Gordon

OF - Cave and Wade

 

If you are going to invest in Cruz and Ramos... Don't stop short... Finish the job.

 

Going into offseason with a “finish the job” mentality while we’re still in this purgatory, that’s between “rebuilding” and “contention,” in my opinion is very counterproductive. Especially when taking extensions for Berrios and Rosario into consideration. Now this doesn’t mean I’m afraid of slightly ‘overpaying’ for any of Cruz, Ramos, plus Ottavino, because I’m not, my problem is with ‘overspending.’ Which is why our FO needs make trades as well. And while guys like Starlin Castro, Maikel Franco, J.P. Crawford, and Ketel Marte come to mind, I honestly would be very content with just Cruz and Ramos, not only because of the impact they make on the field and the payroll, but the impact they have in the clubhouse. Just look the all the teams they’ve been on, you can tell by just watching the game, their interviews, and their interactions with teammates that they really set the tone in the clubhouse. And with prospects like Rooker, Gordon, Kirilloff, and Lewis coming up soon, creating a winning environment is very important, in my opinion more important than “finishing the job,” when in actuality; we’ve only begun. And because I understand that the FO may not have the same approach, I’m now sorta warming up to the idea of signing more FA, particularly Galvis, Escobar, Murphy, and Harrison.