What needs to happen for a 2014 turnaround? (Player additions/improvements)

[BabyJesusBuxton]

I've reached my limit talking about what is wrong with the current Twins ballclub. So instead I want to discuss what would need to happen over the next 365 days to be watching the Twins playing baseball. Ultimately the questions is what has to happen this offseason to assemble a MLB roster that could compete for a playoff spot next year?

 

(Replacing the front office personal and coaches can be discussed elsewhere, lets try to keep this thread is for player personal discussion)

 

Starting Pitching:

 

I think the Twins need to add 3 quality arms to the rotation, 2 of which I expect would require free agents. All 3 additions would need to be pitchers who slot at or above what Corriea/Pelfrey provided in 2013.

 

Deduno, Gibson, Worley, Diamond. 2 of these pitchers will need to pitch effectively next year. Effective here meaning 190-200 innings, with ERAs in the 4.00 to 4.50 area.

 

On top of this the Twins need at least one young arm to graduate to the majors and pitch effectively down the stretch in the second half (Meyers, May, etc.).

 

Bullpen:

 

I expect a slight regression from the bullpen in 2014. However, if the SP improves and the pen isn't overworked I could see them able to repeat their effectiveness. The core is intact from 2013 and little work is needed here barring an offseason trade.

 

Position players:

 

This could be the biggest question mark for next year. For a winning 2014, the Twins are going to need the young guys to take a step forward and perform at a high level (Arcia, Hicks if called back up, Sano/Rosario if called up).

 

The team as a whole will need to have better at bats at a more consistent rate. Specifically, two areas the Twins must improve on is 1. Strikeouts and 2. At bats with RISP with less than 2 outs.

 

They can't give graduated prospects another full season to figure things out. Plouffe and Parmelee can't be given 500-600 at bats as full time players if they are not producing. If this is the case, these types of players will need to be played as platoon players in order to get quality at bats out of them.

 

I don't think the Twins would necessarily need to add a bat via FA unless Willingham and Doumit are traded this offseason. The one possible FA addition would be a 1st base bat unless it is intended that Mauer is going to be the everyday 1B.

[nicksaviking]

Nice general break down. I don't think there is a lot to quibble with in there.

[pierre75275]

They need a first baseman. A good one like Abreu. If not him then that justin guy playing for pittsburg. They need starting pitching. Tanka and that Kazmir guy. Or Hughes Kazmir Jimenez johnson haren norlasco: pick any three. I would leave it at that for free adgents unless u want to maybe sign a stephen drew. If possible trade for a minor league pitcher with high upside for our minor leguers not named Buxton or Sano

[Otwins]

Besides the starting pitching additions I would love to see an outfield with three outfielders. Not two guys that are or were catchers. I think this would really help the pitchers. I know it would be rushing things but is there any chance that Rosario, Buxton and Hicks could be the outfield by next August. I also would be looking at a catcher that is good defensively. Doumit and Pinto are not solid receivers. Move Mauer to 1st. Russell Martin was an excellent addition for the Pirates. We need a catcher like that.

[beckmt]

I don't think there is much quibble to needed FA pitchers. Just how much will the Twins have to overpay to get them and how to limit the number of years committed to. Hitting needs to be better, but Mauer back will help. Depends on how many outfielders make it next year. Will post my expectations in another thread.

[TRex]

I know it would be rushing things but is there any chance that Rosario, Buxton and Hicks could be the outfield by next August.

 

I definitely do not think that is expecting too much, as Ryan himself has hinted at the possibility of Buxton being called up next year. I wouldn't even mind if you substituted Arcia for Rosario! Either group is an excellent mix of speed, power and defense!