stringer bell

I expect that Buxton will start 2014 at New Britain. If (certainly a big "if") he dominates the AA level, there is a chance of mid-season promotion to Rochester and a tiny chance of promotion to the big leagues. I think that he is special enough to immediately bat lead-off, moreso than I think that Sano would start his career as a cleanup hitter.

So many disappointments: Hicks, Diamond, Gibson, Plouffe, Morneau, Doumit, Willingham, Parmelee, Worley, Hendriks. Well, basically everybody but the bullpen. I guess Mauer has been pretty good, Arcia's had his moments, and much wasn't expected of Correia, Pelfrey, and Florimon.

I guess I haven't paid great attention the last couple weeks. Man, Florimon has slumped again since his wrist injury. I noticed that Plouffe had homered a couple of times, but overall he's still not hitting much. I don't see anyone in the organization except for Sano who could start for Plouffe. Santana probably needs some time in Rochester before he can be considered to replace Florimon. So, to rephrase, Plouffe and Florimon may have played just well enough to be "incumbents", but haven't established themselves as part of the Twins' future.

Sadly, the Twins' rotation looks to be as big a mess as last year. It doesn't look like anyone has earned having their name written in ink for the rotation next year. I suppose Correia is the closest to a lock in the rotation. That is sad.

Of the topics of discussion here so far: 1) Dozier may be more than a placeholder. I think his defense is elite, and he grades out average offensively. 2) Mauer could be part of the solution at first base next year. I wonder if he caught less if he would sustain more power. Maybe, maybe not. 3) Herrmann's skill set makes him a near-ideal 25th player. I don't think he's an alternate as a catcher, but he can be a backup plus an occasional corner OF, capable of pinch hitting. 4) I despise seeing Bernier, Thomas, Ramirez and to a lesser extent Doumit, and Morneau taking at bats away from guys who could help in the future. 6) Plouffe and Florimon seem to have earned starting spots to begin next year, no more than that.

I do agree that the results are disappointing. I suspect that results were effected by his poor luck, nervousness, fatigue, and probably loss of confidence. Perhaps he will need to rebuild his confidence in Rochester next spring, perhaps not. I will say that sending him to AAA has more to do with the roster crunch until the end of the season than anything else. I'm sure he'll be shut down after a couple more starts.

Hendriks making his claim for Gibson's spot.

Who says the Twins are willing to trade and take on salary? I remember very few instances where the Twins took on significant salary. One is John Smiley (in the 80s) and another might be JJ Hardy (by Bill Smith). This is the part of the general managing game that I see the Twins as among the most conservative. They seldom commit money to those outside their system and they seldom take on significant salary--both of these areas are significant risks, and the Twins seem unwilling to take that risk.

Mastroianni has been optioned to Rochester according to the PP. That will leave one player to be sent to Rochester or designated when Doumit is cleared to play (supposedly today). Mastro's activation fills the 40-man roster.

I'm wondering if Rochester's status of being in a pennant race matters at all. I actually think that it does. Diamond threw a shutout last time out and I think the Twins would like the Wings to make the playoffs for the first time since they were a Twins affiliate. Obviously, the number one goal is player development, but winning at Rochester is probably just as important as winning a few more games in Minnesota.

Here's my prediction: With the support of management, Ryan will not trade Morneau unless the acquiring team takes on all of his salary. That is how the Twins roll. I don't like it, but it is not my money. For this reason, I fully expect Justin Morneau to play out the season with the Twins and then leave with no compensation as a free agent.

Second best player? Brian Dozier says "hello". I just don't see the point of carrying Ramirez. Colabello's season in Rochester should be justification to see what kind of big league hitter he is at 29. I also want more ABs for Parmelee, but in truth, he hasn't produced at a position where there will always be other offensive options. I think Hicks is still injured. He hasn't started a game in about a week and only played in a long extra inning affair.

I think Morneau is moved before the conclusion of the month. I can picture Terry Ryan looking like Mr. Scratch waiting for phone calls when a first baseman or DH get "nicked". Why isn't Ramirez in the conversation for demotion?

Doumit is supposed to be healthy and ready to come off the 7-day DL tomorrow. Mastroianni has one more day of rehab before he must be reinstated. Gardy mentioned again that Mastro has been "nicked" a couple of times on his rehab. I wonder if the Twins can and will petition to get an extension of rehab time for Mastroianni. Apparently, he is not swinging well (0-2 with a walk today, 2 Ks) and if they can't extend his rehab, it appears the Twins will option him. (BTW, Hicks still isn't playing). If Mastro stays in Rochester, one way or another, the Twins will have to shed one player. I have been screaming "Ramirez" but I suppose it could be Colabello or Herrmann. Meanwhile, Gibson passed the 140 IP milestone tonight (Minors and Majors combined) and Gardy is speculating that Deduno may have a "dead arm". What to do? What to do? Unless the Twins simply skip Deduno and start Swarzak/Duensing/Pressly, then they probably have to recall somebody and be creative in creating the roster space. I suspect Gibson does not pitch at all in September and someone will have to be recalled to fill his spot. The only starters that are healthy and on the roster in Rochester are Diamond and Hendriks. The Twins have one spot on the 40-man and that seems to have earmarked for Mastroianni. If Morneau or another veteran gets traded it likely will add another vacancy on the 40-man.

Nice inning Perk. Now a Plouffe walkoff!!??

$3.5M may not buy as much as it used to, but it is still a lot of money.

Not sure if it's true, but I'm going with it.....Kyle Gibson has just tied Andrew Albers for the number of 1-2-3 innings this year. I'm out, it is too beautiful and the golf course is calling my (real) name!

Hey, friend. You're younger than me. None of that "retirement" nonsense. Work 'til you die! Or until the house is paid for.

Gameday says that Carrasco is throwing as hard as 95. Must be pretty straight. I saw the hit by Arcia--the ball cut into his swing--so I guess velo along solves nothing.

OK Dozier, you're fired!

I think the word "unpossible" is a good clue!

If the Tribe wants more RH power, I'd trade them Plouffe straight up for Aviles. Aviles, IMHO, is better in the field, can play an okay MI, and better at getting on base, plus he is older. Plouffe is younger and has more power with the chance to be better.

It looks like a lot of runs will be scored. The Twins missed Kazmir, Ubaldo, and Masterson this series. I think that is pretty lucky. One or more of those guys must be injured.

Not quite fair, Halsey! I'm not a huge fan, but I do appreciate Morneau's effort and professionalism. BTW, Morneau got a hit, but Mauer wouldn't have scored without Bourn's error.

I won't argue with the numbers. However, IIRC, Morneau was white hot in August and the first week or so in September and then drifted the 2-3 weeks while the MVP talk intensified. The Twins were the midst of an incredible run catching the Tigers and winning the division, but they did wrap up at least a wild card pretty early.