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[He's one level ahead of Gordon. I have to wonder how that will all play out down the road.] That could be very interesting come 2017-2018. Isn't that about the time Dozier's contract expires? Does the Twins future include a double play combo of Gordon and Vielma? Sure looks like it to me. Also want to wish you a Merry Christmas Seth. Thanks for all your work you do to keep us informed with the kids that are the Twins future.

No one is talking about Ryan Pressly. He was an effective reliever last year until injured. Personally, I see his injuries as one of the reasons the Twins didn't get the WC. Is he being forgotten because the injury is expected to linger into 2016? Not only do I see Duffey as a definite starter, I see him as becoming our best starter. Sure, he doesn't throw serious heat, but his curveball is just plain filthy. I can see him as a legit ACE by the time the playoffs roll around.

With Rogers performance this fall, he could be one of the two top starters in Rochester come April. Berrios, Rogers, Darnell, Dean and Meyer could make an awesome starting rotation for the Wings. I don't recall the Twins having five true prospects in the Red Wings rotation. And this would be five prospects who all could be ready for "the show" sometime in 2016. Their pitching depth sure has changed from a few years ago when they were calling up pitchers X, Y and Z!

Don't waivers first go thru the same league, ie, the AL? Then move on to the National League?

I am making a prediction regarding Mauer. Should his numbers/performance deteriorate further in 2016, I expect he will approach the Twins to negotiate a settlement for the remaining two years on his contract and retire. What the settlement looks like would be interesting. I don't understand what has happened to his hitting, but I expect he is more disappointed with his performance than all of us. He may opt to retire rather than continue with that disappointment.

The biggest surprise from 2015 is the results. Although I had predicted more than 81 wins, didn't have a lot of faith in that prediction. Individually, hats off to Aaron Hicks. After watching him fail on the field while most continued to ink him into the Twins lineups of the future, he moved to the 'you will need to show me' category for me. Well, Mr. Hicks did show me last year. On the mound, Tyler Duffey was a huge surprise. And I believe he will continue to surprise us in 2016 as he becomes a legitimate ACE...albeit a somewhat different Ace with that nasty curveball. The disappointment for many, but not me, will be the continued struggles of Kohl Stewart who has replaced Hicks in my 'you need to show me category.' And yes, I also see Mr. Berrios and Buxton both being in the hunt for ROY. After the Twins brief playoff run in 2016, the biggest surprise will come from Joe Mauer. After watching his numbers slip yet again, Mauer will negotiate a settlement with the Twins and retire one year from today.

Thanks, for what had to be a lot of work with a reasonable view of these players. It was a great read.

If my California math is correct, Seth, Jorge needs to be added to the 40-man this fall, correct? If not, is he likely to be gone?

Have a question about Kepler. The Lookouts season ends in a few days, will he be called up to the Twins for the last dozen games this year? Considering he will likely begin 2016 in AAA, service time shouldn't be a problem. Add that he is already on the 40-man roster, he doesn't need to be added posing a problem with exposing another player to the Rule 5 draft. So the barriers to a callup are limited...will he get the call?

Thanks for another season of these daily reports, Seth. And thanks also to those who assisted him this year. I don't recall, how long have you been doing this? Have a great winter, hopefully we all are able to return next year.

What do you think, Seth, Does Dean get added to the 40-man in November? Expect he will be gone if they don't, don't you?

We should be hearing about September callups today, or do you already know Seth? Expect Darnell is a done deal. On 40-man roster, check! Pitching great, especially the last part of the season, check! Has experience working out of the bullpen, check! If he travels on Tuesday, should be available on Wednesday for some work out of the bullpen. So do you think he will be here then, after the Red Wings season, or not at all?

Keep him down for the playoffs, then a week off before heading out to Arizona.

Have noticed that Alex Meyer has had a lot of good appearances of late. Your thoughts Seth on whether or not he gets a September call up?

Was thinking about this earlier today and have a feeling Max Kepler will be going to the AFL. With Vargas getting back to what is expected these past few weeks and Buxton likely activated prior to 8/31, Kepler would see almost zero playing time with the Twins in September. Seems to make sense to send him to Arizona.

Well, John, Did you intend to stir up this hornet's nest when you wrote this post? I for one both agree with you and feel for you. Have a great day!

I am glad I don't have to make the decision on Berrios. But I am thinking one or two more starts at Rochester, then move him to the bullpen for a couple weeks. Bring him up in September to pitch out of the bullpen. That gives him a taste of what it is like in Minnesota and pitching to big league hitters without a lot of pressure. But Mr. Ryan has to clear a spot or two this winter because Berrios sure looks to be about ready!

Have a question for you, Seth, about Blankenhorn. He is hitting great, especially for a high school kid playing at Elizabethton. What have you heard about him other than the stuff we read when he was drafted. Is he as special as his success would indicate?

Thanks Seth. Have always believed this young man could be as good as anyone in the organization. Especially after that fantastic winter he had back home two years ago. I guess we're just going to have to wait an extra year plus to see him.

I know someone here mentioned that Chris Paul had signed, yet, the Twins website doesn't show him as having signed. Can you confirm his signing? They also don't show Max Cordy as having signed, yet I believe he has appeared in a game. Are there others that they show as being unsigned who have in fact signed?

It really has been a long wait, hasn't it Seth? But this is exciting! Too many players for several positions, but that will work itself out over the next year or two as some get it done and others fail. But 2017 looks to be when it should all come together for a great chance to win it all!!!

I personally would like to see him stay for at least three weeks so I get a chance to see him.

Polanco and Swim hit for .353 and .364 averages, respectively, and can't make your Top 6! No disagreement here, just a bit unbelievable. Looking forward to a short stop in Chattanooga on July 1st. Will be great to see the 2017 Minnesota Twins a bit early. Have a good one, Seth. Appreciate all you do for us minor league junkies.

Aren't you being a bit tough on Reed, Seth? After skipping Hi-A, a rough start at AA could be expected. The important comment was, "He has been better of late."