DocBauer

I should have been more clear on this. I don't count Perkins as a LH in the pen, he is simply Da Closer. I was referencing three additional LH in the pen vs the two we have normally kept.

A few thoughts: Hamburger still throws hard, and has some actual ML experience. There is a LOT of RHRP competition for the pen this spring, and we never talk about him. He just might be a surprise. Speaking of surprises, if O'Rourke is as good against LHers as we hear, he might also surprise, though I think it would require the Twins keeping 3 lefties instead of two. Ortiz is a guy who has flown under the radar most of his career thus far, and yet, he seems to always put of OK numbers and work his way up the ladder. Though not a prospect close to their league, I wonder if he might see the majors before either Rosario or Buxton. Does anyone have a solid scouting report on Farris? I know he's nothing special, but he can play 2B, was suddenly transformed in to a CF last season, and actually seemed to perform reasonably well. Is there any chance he could be a versatile, 25th man type?

I don't think Walker is being disrespected at all. The whole purpose, generally speaking, of bringing someone to camp on an invite basis, is you expect that individual to have a legitimate shot at playing time some point during that year: AAA call up, AA up to AAA and then a call up or September promotion, etc. No matter how talented and productive Walker has been thus far...and I'm a fan...he has holes in his swing to work on, and the odds are pretty doubtful he sees the majors at any point this season. And besides, a lot of kids not actually "invited" still make appearances in the big games at the behest of staff, or to fill up a roster for SS games, or both.

Excellent post! Still talented, filled with a lot of potential, having shown at least some of that potential off previously in the minors, being rushed to the majors and then pulled and pushed about like Stretch Armstrong...and still only 25...there is no reason to give up on Hicks yet. For those who say he has nothing to learn or prove at the AAA level at this point, I'd say he hasn't proved anything at that level yet, and unless we're watching two completely different players in CF for the Minnesota Twins named Aaron Hicks, he hasn't proven he can play at the ML level enough to warrant any consideration there to be sure. Again, talented and only 25, the smartest thing the Twins could do would be to make a move for a fill-in/stop gap CF...such as a member of the St Louis Cardinals that we have mentioned on several occasions...to a) help the 2015 ballclub be a nice role player on the bench when Buxton arrives c) remove pressure off Hicks and allow him to play a year in AAA, work on his game, gain/re-gain confidence, and rewind his career a bit in hopes that he can actually have one. As far as the initial function of the post, breaking down his swing, I'm no Parker, but rolling of the foot or not, his hips and whole lower half seem to bail out before the ball even arrives as though Nolan Ryan were pitching and pi**ed off. How could you ever hope to drive the ball with any authority with that opening movement?

What Riverbrian stated 100%. For the Twins to go in to 2015 with nothing more in place in CF than Hicks and Schafer, a pair of failed and failing prospects, with nothing else for contingency for a third straight season is beyond odd or frustrating, but borders on apathy or incompetence. There absolutely has to be a third option added to this mix.

Not sure I follow you on Cederoth. I know he was a college draftee at high rookie level, and he's expected to do well, but it's still a transition from college to milb, being a professional, the travel, different cities, different coaches and teammates, etc, etc. His numbers were pretty impressive, and his stuff is pretty outstanding. When you say his debut didn't go "perfectly", could you elaborate? Are we talking consistency?

I fully expect May or Meyer in the rotation as the #5. Based on his time with the Twins late last season, and his general improvement as he got acclimated, I'd put May in the lead. Meyer could get his ML feet wet in the bullpen initially, though I could also see him pitching every day at Rochester in the beginning, to keep himself stretched out and on a regular turn. Vice versa with May potentially. Pelfrey is in the pen or simply gone. And I have doubts the team will, or needs to, keep both Duensing AND Milone. Not with Thielbar around, Darnell really close, and Thompson as a possible as well. In fact, I still think the Twins make a move for a CF, one of the LH's may be included. (Insert Duensing comment/joke here)

Let's not rewind the "shouldn't have re-signed him" tape ok. A raise of hands for anyone who really believes that Pelfrey, after the past two seasons and a new staff in place, is really any kind of strong contender for the final spot in the rotation. Secondly, I'm not going to pile on Milone for his lousy time with the Twins last season. It was a short tenure, thus SSS, and he was reportedly less than 100%. Now, if part of his injury was ego related from his AAA demotion by Oakland, then that's HIS issue. I think he looks sound if not solid, but he doesn't appear as anything special. And I don't believe the Twins will give him a leg up just because he's LH. May and Meyer were traded for for a reason. They are very talented. They are filled with potential and promise. And they are NOT OLD at 25 and just coming off their first seasons of AAA ball. They will get a serious shot. And there is room for both, rotation and bullpen, until opportunity comes knocking in some form.

This outstanding breakdown actually has me even more optimistic than I already was. Thank you Parker! I've done my own look-see in to Santana's career numbers and been surprised, pleasantly so, with what I've found. I've seen some poor years and some inconsistency...though all pitchers have these...but found he was more consistent than I realized, and that his overall numbers were actually better than I had realized. I was actually excited and all-in for a signing last season. He or Masterson were the guys I wanted this offseason if we were going to make a move. Santana's last 5 seasons are very solid overall, and seeing and reading this breakdown to explain improvements make me feel even better about the guy we are getting. I know there are defeatists out there, but if Hughes is what I believe he is, which is pretty much the pitcher he actually was in 2014, and will be again, with a little give and take here and there, Santana and a healthy Nolasco offer some fine stability behind him. If Gibson can avoid the sophomore jinx, and improve on his 2014 experience even a little, we really are set pretty nicely at 4 rotation spots to begin the season.

Agree with Seth, the statement was made last offseason with the signings of Hughes, Nolasco, (Pelfrey), Suzuki, Morales and the attempted signings of Santana and Garza. Based on that, based on comments/hints by Pohlad this past year, based on comments made by Ryan as the season ended, I was one to expect/predict at least some sort of spree this offseason. Though I admit Hunter blind-sided me a bit. Masterson and Santana were at the top of my actual wish-list, Santana maybe the safer choice of the two. (length of consistent track record) I know his numbers are actually pretty close to Nolasco, though better in most all categories by a bit,but he does rate better overall. His past 5 year numbers as an average: 32 GS/ 207.3 IP/ 195.2 hits/ .249 OPP BA/ 164 SO/ 64 BB/ 2.56-1 SO-BB ratio. I don't know, that's a pretty solid #2 guy to me.

Torii's comments mean little to nothing. He is what he is defensively, and he will play the best that he can, catch what he gets to, and hopefully cut off the rest and throw to the right base. Lack of speed is a reality, as is experience and knowledge. And besides, it's the manager and his team that decide on shifts and positioning.

I want to hear more about this space lint.

Sounds strange...never seen the kid play in person yet unfortunately...but just from reports like this, numbers posted, TD reports, scouting reports, yada, yada, yada....it's just always struck me that there is something special, indescribable, and just special in an absolute kind of way with this kid. As if there is simply no way to deny him. Don't know how much sense that makes.

I actually thought about Liriano for a bit when the season was ending. I thought about him a lot. And if Liriano wasn't Liriano, I'd be in great favor of signing Liriano. But Liriano IS Liriano, and we've been down this path with him before. The ChiSox tried to walk the Liriano path with Liriano and waved their hands petty quickly. For whatever reason, the Liriano the Pirates ended up with isn't our past Liriano. And if Liriano weren't Liriano, he is EXACTLY the type of pitcher we should be signing, LH, lightening occasionally harnessed, just over 30, perhaps just figuring stuff out at 30/31 and wouldn't be the first guy to do so. But Liriano IS our Liriano. So unless there is something more concrete that indicates a turnaround in Liriano and his new fortunes,(somewhat limited/inconsistent thought they may be) other than being in the NL or just finding the right time and place and team to be with, then I'm not interested in signing Liriano, even though Liriano, in theory, is exactly the type of SP we SHOULD be signing, because...well...he's Liriano.

[quote name="big dog" timestamp="1418043562" I say spend big or stay home. We have enough 3/4/5s to sort through. Could Ryan make a big trade move for a top of the rotation SP under 30 with team or contract control for several years, yes. Do I think he will, no. I believe Ryan, and I agree with this strategy, wants to hold on to all of his prospect cards for another year. It gives him a bigger deck to shuffle and deal from a year from now when so many of the youngsters will be up, or getting really close in some cases. It fills the roster better, and offers even greater trade value. Masterson...maybe Santana...THATS IT in my book....or move on to a flyer on Anderson, Billingsley, or another of several quality arms coming off injury that offer high reward and little risk. NO 4th or 5th starters floundering around in place of prospects.

Love to have Liriano back. Love to see him healthy, grown up, head on straight, throwing strikes, getting SO's, winning games and living up to at least some of the vast potential he has owned and flashed. But he is not only the ex-girlfriend, he's the bi-polar ex-girlfriend who quit taking her meds because she felt better. Liriano washed out in Chicago in one season, so it wasn't just the Twins. For whatever reason, the NL, right place at right time, the one pitching coach in all the world he'd listen to or that "got him", he's found some success. I have serious doubts his recent success would follow him back to Minnesota.

It is filled...but not yet full. It could be at some point early, mid or late if and when May and Meyer are both up and in and performing. And I want to see the kids as well. But the Twins are also a professional ML franchise that needs to win as well. To that end, assuming the obvious we're not making the big $20M per ace signing, they need to sign Masterson or Santana. Those two are quality #2-3 guys who can make a difference. NO #4-5 guys! If you're even thinking it...STOP and just play a youngster and grow with him. He'd probably do as well or better anyway. If not one of those two guys, and no backend stopgap speedbumps, there are a lot of post injury options that could be had on the cheap with some nice high-side potential.

Gonsalves is at the top of my list, and I'd place Thorpe there as well. The Twins seemed painstakingly slow with Gonsalves last season, a bit less with Thorpe, but I think they truly believe they have something in these two. And by gosh and golly and any other g-word you want to use, they are determined to avoid injury or shocking confidence lost by too early promotion. And I get that. But either, or both, of these kids could make a jump this year. Top prospects are supposed to play well and get promoted, do well again, and eventually arrive. But when you examine how young some of the top prospects are in the system, it helps re-define that opinion. For example, in addition to Gonsalves and Thorpe, Stewart might also make a big jump this season, especially if he starts using that slider a bit more. I picked Kepler last season as one of my top picks to click. I was really surprised it didn't happen. But a solid finish and solid work in the AFL, I'm going with him again this season. I discount Polanco's error total last season simply because he is still in the minors, surrounded by other minor leaguers, and playing in milb stadiums on milb fields, did get better statisticly as the season wore on, and because, well, simply, most milb infielders, even good ones, go through some growing pains and make errors. I still think Goodrum is just too gifted for the light not to start coming on. And Christiansen is a personal favorite son I have my eye on, and feel really good about developing not as a star, but as a very useful and versatile player.

I believe that what I would do is actually probably what I think the Twins will probably do. Of course I'll ever get credit, money or SWAG, but what hey heck. I believe they absolutely will attempt to sign a SP that they truly feel has the ability to fill an important role, without breakin the bank for one of big names. I in favor of Masterson, and believe he is appropriately near the top of their list. They are being quiet about E Santana, but I wouldn't be surprised to his name spring up. I understand top pitching prospects, but, the point is to win. And the Twins haven't done much of that lately. Can you really fault them for trying to beef up and hedge their bets against the team's biggest weakness? I can also see, and would do as well, a second SP signing, but of a different variety. For whatever reason, there are a plethora...(si' El Guapo, you have many plethora)...of guys coming off a variety of injuries this year, that might not even be ready to start the season, but could be real steals if nurtured along either for the Twins, or ultimately, as trade value. So I think a milb deal or very small ML deal with incentives is also a possibility. Perhaps the third time is the charm, but I seriously doubt TR is going to go in to 2015 with Hicks penciled in to the starting CF spot yet again, sandwiched in between Arcia and Hunter. Yes the Twins have mis-managed that spot the past two years. And yes, TR has made mistakes before. But is he really, has he really proven in the past, to be an utterly dumfounded baseball man? No, of course. I believe another signing or trade move of some sort is coming for the OF. I'm really sold on the Bourjos idea. Lastly, I don't think the Twins should spend real money on the pen. It's important, but with so many candidates to sort through, and so many top youngsters with the potential to blow through a couple levels this year, plus a May/Meyer option for the pen, I just wouldn't make a significant investment here. However, I would be looking for another inexpensive flyer that could pay dividends.

Late to the party. Lots of genuflecting over the past 24 on this. Not going go sign Cabrerra when he wants 5 years and $12-13M per. So Rios was the absolutely best choice, for 1 year, and less money, but younger, and a solid bounce back candidate. Really, really not sure I get this or completely understand it. HOWEVER....upon further review....a couple points to be made. 1) While overpaying, the market is not good for FA OFers this year, it's only 1 year, and the whole non trade thing is nonsense. It just means Hunter gets to approve where he goes by waiving his clause if the Twins make a move. 2) If he can only produce what he did last season, he'd still be an offensive improvement over last season's LFers. And don't kid yourself, wherever he plays positionally, he's "replacing" last season's LF bungled mess. Our offense was so damn good already? Yes and no. It improved TREMENDOUSLY, but it was inconsistent. Not surprising with so many young players getting time and Mauer struggling. A solid veteran bat could help stabilize a bit. 3) Discount chemistry and leadership all you want, it still exists to some degree, and it would be nice to have someone in that role, even for part of a season. I still believe we've lost a lot of that the past few years with guys like Kubes and Hunter and Cuddyer gone. 4) I make no excuses for Hunter defensively and his various maladies that should have him bed-ridden as he can no longer walk, much less run, upright any longer. (I kid!) I DON'T have the answer, but can he be worse that Hammer and others out there on a consistent basis? I know we need to improve our OF defense, but, honestly, for 1 year, is Hunter really such a terrible option in retrospect? He still knows how to see, track and play a ball and take angles doesn't he? Or is his near 40 status also causing mental faculty loss? He can still catch what he gets to can't he? He still has a half-way decent arm and knows what base to throw to doesn't he? These things alone might actually make him an improvement, no matter how subtle, over last year's OF defense. 5) If the Twins pull a really smart move and make a play for someone like the ever popular Peter Bourjos from St. Louis to come in and play CF on an everyday basis, does your opinion of Hunter and the Twins OF change? It does for me. 6) I like the signing better if the veteran, 1 year contract Hunter moves to LF and Arcia, a long term option that we would be stupid to get rid of. Let me say that again....that we would be stupid to get rid of. Anyway...if the long term option Arcia got to stick in RF and the veteran 1 year contract veteran were to play LF, I likethe whole idea better.

Prospects alone, nobody on the big league club, you honestly nailed it about as spot on as could be. Just a couple debatable points. 1) Good chance Turner and Garver could be flip-flopped. 2) I think Kepler and Walker are 2 of the most intriguing prospects in the Twins system. In fact, if we just did a top 10 prospect list based on intrigue, they'd be in the top 4 Thorpe and Gonsalves for me. I think Kepler could be outstanding in the OF, but wonder if he isn't the next full-time 1B at the end of the day. And I'm not sure about Walker on the bench vs being a full time OF or full time DH, or a split thereof, vs being a true reserve. 3) I know I'm a Big Red homer, but my bench would find room for Christiansen. I have a very strong feeling about him as a multi-dimentional, productive, multi-positional reserve.

PS, why all the hate for Nunez? OK, so he's only so-so with the glove, but he's no butcher. He can hit a little, he has some pop, he can run, and he offers some positional flexibility. Isn't that what you want in a utility or second utility player on the roster? I don't think he's long term for the club, Beresford, Michael and Polanco could and should all push him at some point this season or the end of this season. But for the now, I'd hold on to him. In the context of professional sports, he's not going to cost you much of anything to bring in and have around. He might even surprise a little. There is enough potential available to do so.

Torn on Duensing and Milone. Personally, I don't feel either has a very long tenure left with the team. There are youngsters on the rise that are near ready, could be ready really soon, or should/could be ready by season's end. But in the current state of roster affairs, I could easily see both with the club for the time being. First, neither is really very expensive. I think both have a shot at the pen in 2015, though Milone has at least a limited shot at the rotation. Duensing is not old and is healthy and has a decent track record overall. He's a strong candidate for a bounce back season. But I could also see either, or both, allowed to leave or be traded. (trading seems more logical and obvious to me) I even wonder if St Louis could be interested in either as part of a trade as they have dealt away a couple pitchers already this offseason. Unless either of them really shines this season, my hunch is both of them, either or both depending how the rest of the offseason shakes out, is gone by 2016 regardless. Darnell, O'Rourke, Gilmartin and Rogers are just a couple youngsters that could be ready soon for a spot somewhere on the roster to join Thielbar. In fact, I'm not so sure Darnell isn't ready right now for a bullpen spot! My best guess at the end of the day, I believe both are offered and retained. That doesn't mean both are kept!

Ignoring the trade Dozier idea because...he's damn good...we don't know for sure about options to replace him just yet...and I think he has room to definitely get better. I want to look at Twins control and his somewhat late-blooming age and side on the "wait one more year" side of things. But I can't and won't. Because...he's damn good...we don't know for sure about options to replace him just yet...and I think he has room to definitely get better. SD made some great points/comments earlier. Were it me, I'd put forth a 5 year offering right now. I'd consider 6 years, but I just like 5 better from the Twins "hook" perspective. And if I'm Dozier, I might like 1 less year as well, allowing for possible FA one year earlier down the road. Regardless...this is a deal that offers financial cost control for both parties, investment and dividend/security. But as previously mentioned, I would balance the years of the contract more by front-loading more. This accomplishes the goal of allowing greater financial flexibility for the Twins in a couple of years when they start to offer extensions and the such, but also makes Dozier that much more attractive to other teams should they decide to make a deal, not being on the hook for such a large deal at the end of the contract.

Valid point. And partially to that end, does his reputation and the reputation of the Rays do anything to enhance the Twins as a destination place for FA pitchers?