hitterscount

I agree.... if a player is ready and has earned playing time at the MLB level because they are excelling in the minors then they should be brought up. I have wondered if keeping players in the minors to manipulate team control can actually hurt their confidence or put undue pressure on them once they are called up. Hell of a difference between big league accommodations and the minors and the pressure to perform to stay must be tremendous. If he is successful and there isn't room because the line-up is "stacked" then we have trade material somewhere for a true ace.

Totally agree it's do or die time for Kirloff. If he is injured again or underwhelms it is time to move on. The issue is there really isn't a good option to fall back on. Not thrilled with the thought of Gallo or Miranda as the everyday 1st base option.

The Correa deal falling into their laps has certainly changed the outlook of the team. I would think this line-up is strong enough to compete for the division. The keys, IMO, are Miranda and Kirloff, they need to step-up. Really like the Taylor acquisition. Unless a trade really upgrades the roster I would defer until the trade deadline. Many of our top prospects are in the 24-27 age range, it is getting close to the point that they can either play at the MLB level or time to move on and using some of them in trades. The only way to find out what you have is letting them play. The team should be solid enough that will allow a prospect or two get steady playing time.

If Rocco utilizes the starting rotation as he did last year there will never be enough bullpen arms.

Aside from Dobnak.. you almost have me sold! Someone mentioned Wes Johnson's surprising departure last year, would like to hear the real story.

If you are serious about contending you pull the deal for either one of them... preferably Gallen with the additional year of team control.

I believe Duran might be undervalued after watching Pagan blowing saves last year. Duran was, for the most part, lights out after taking over the closer role. I would argue if the switch was made after Pagans 3rd or 4th blown save that came by mid May they may have held on to win the Central. Duran may be #3 or 4 on my list.

This is a decent trade. Taylor is one of the better, if not the best, defensive center fielders in MLB. Buxton's injury history pretty much tells you that Taylor will be needed at some point. I will give up BA for a quality defensive CF. With that said, we could use one more quality bat. You know you're getting a .200 hitter in Gallo, not sure he is the best 1st base option if Kirloff falters. With the Arraez trade, other than Correa, I am not seeing anyone that is getting on base consistently. It seems like we are going with the hitting approach of HR or bust. Kind of miss the Gardenhire days of advancing runners and small balling them into submission.

Did we really need another infield prospect? I have no issues trading Arreaz, it's a business, but if the goal was to land a top quality/ace type arm than we probably missed the mark with Lopez. I would have demanded Cabrea or Luzardo in return and if another prospect on our end was needed so be it, The goal was to land an ace or high end 2 starter that can stop losing streaks or a win playoff game or two, not sure we accomplished that while giving up the one player that is constantly on base. If the Marlins were unwilling to part with either one of those two I would have walked.

Twins had several shortcomings last year and their defense was one of them. Moving Farmer doesn't help/address that issue. While he can't hit, Gallo should help the OF defensively. You can probably plan on Buxton playing CF around 50% of the games. IMO, Buxton's health is the key to the season. If he could exceed expectations and play CF 100-120 games and remain healthy if they made the playoffs, then another RH OF wouldn't be quite as big of a concern, at least not as big as adding a quality starter. Moving Farmer to the OF to offset Buxton being unavailable is not a great fallback plan. Then again it might be the only one they have. Related to the defense topic, did I miss something last year,... I was not impressed with Arraez's defense at 1st. In spring training I would get Miranda as much time as possible at 1st and let Farmer handle 3rd base duties.

Don't believe the 91 team was much better. In each of those WS they lost every road game and were fortunate to have 4 home games. Those were two of the best WS ever played.... the Metrodome was rocking!!

It should come down to what helps the team this year and in the long run, Arraez and a couple of minor league players for a front-line starter is a trade you probably need to make. However, I agree 100% that pitcher is not named Pablo Lopez.... that trade would offset any progress the FO made in winning back some fans after having Correa land in their laps.

It’s a start. Now fix the outfield, add a first baseman and a quality starter and maybe , just maybe they can compete for the division.

This shouldn’t even be a consideration, the man is toxic and his actions after and during his suspension show what a POS he is. I don’t think enough emphasis is placed on having a clubhouse that truly gets along and roots for each other. I have no knowledge of this, but maybe it hasn’t been the best the past few years? You look at the World Series teams and they had it… unfortunately that’s been 3 decades ago.

Looks like the article has touched a nerve with many. I feel it's fair to question the direction this organization is heading. No doubt owners are not a charity and are in this to make a profit. But us as fans show up to and watch the games based on the product placed before us. The current plan is really hard to get excited about. What is this teams strength(s) as of today? They are relying on position players that have had 2-3 years or more of injury issues to suddenly get healthy and have career years. They low ball Correa who was a priority and pivot to a 1-year contract with a guy with a career .avg of ,199 The organization has a history of dumpster diving to fill out the rotation., signing some really bad arms. Many of them based on 1-year contracts. Watching Happ, Shoemaker, Bundy, Archer. etc... getting shelled start after start is kind of, well not fun. My point is what the hell is the plan? What has the FO done that brings some hope. What moves have been made that leads us to believe that we can compete for a playoff spot? What makes me think if we were to reach the playoffs that there is enough talent not to be swept for the umpteenth time? I would love to see a plan that makes this team fun to watch... even if there are some growing pains. The Cardinals and Rays can do it in smaller markets, just have not witnessed it here.