DJSim22

Love the Gopher baseball team, best ticket in town. Last year adults were still $8 and kids $5, it is very good baseball dirt cheap. I try getting to a couple games a year, but my kids own games make it difficult. I do have video of my then 7yr old at one of the Iowa games sitting in the front row behind the plate. The game was on BTN. The Gophers won the Big Ten again last year, and are a top northern team most seasons. This year they should have a very good offense, but it will be interesting to see where the pitching is. Gilreath was mentioned in the article, he is a good prospect who has been pitching in the bullpen until this year. I suspect it will take him a little time to adjust.

This is down right terrifying to me. This seriously is taught in t-ball.

Dozier out homers Sano 32-31. Dozier is not traded at the dealine. May starts in the rotation, but is on the DL in early May with a back injury. He struggles all year. Talk of the bullpen causing the issue is over. Mauer hits .300 until September and ends up at .290. He holds up and is not on the DL partly due to his decreased innings. The importance of pitch framing is decreased after Castro's subpar defense overall. Santiago becomes the Twins second most reliable starter after Santana. Gibson struggles and trades places with Haley in August as the long reliever. Buxton hits .250 and shows an ability to see more pitches. He is moved into the #1 spot in the order mid May. Phil Huges comes back in September to throw some innings from the bullpen. His velosity is still down and he struggles. Kintzler is okay as a closer, but Chargois in the second half. The Twins stay at .500 until June and slowly fade during the summer. They have their worst month in September as they are out of contention and take looks at several players. They end the season 69-93, but improvement was made.

I picked them at 69-93. I think they'll play .500 for a few months but really tail off at the end of the year when they are out of it and looking at more young players. I think Buxton plays closer to his September self, Sano has an uptick in his game, and Dozier plays at a level between last year and previous years. I think Santana will have good season and Berrios will take a step forward. I don't have high hopes for Gibson. I am optimistic that the bullpen will be used less, not sure how good they will be. Overall the staff has to be better, but likely still a bottom 1/3 at best staff. The defense should be better like everyone else I worry about the left side of the infield.

That's definitely doable if Mauer DH's a little more and if he has any DL stays. I think most everyone agree's a little less Joe equals a better Joe. Now the million dollar question: What will Molitor do?

Let me know when an accounting spot opens up.

Does Vargas need more than 250 innings at first base or overall in your opinion? I expect he'd be in the lineup 4-5 times a week minimum.

I don't think so, I think his value is getting on base, which makes him a #1 or #2 hitter. At 6th you are still looking for more RBI and power. If he bats 7th what good does it do to get him on base for Castro? Respectfully disagree.

i guess I like Jorge and his potential more than most here. I'd have him in the top 20 at least. My 02.

Three of them for two positions and and a bench bat. I'd rather have Mauer at first. Vargas can play first once or twice a week, Grossman can DH those days.

It's also the most important stat for a top of the order player.

The reality is the Twins FO is working in reality where as I feel like some posters are posting like it is a fantasy baseball league.

Why would anyone take Mauer at 23 Million? Why pay him 46 million for nothing? He still is a good baseball player. He's a shell of his former self, but it's not like he's a 25th player on a roster. He should be the #2 hitter in the line up getting on base and scoring lots of runs.

Agree 100%.

The throw from 3B is often shorter than at SS and of course you have more time than at SS. I wouldn't be too worried about Dozier throwing a ball from 3B. The reaction time is more of a concern.

I don't see any problem with this signing, although I would very surprised if he made the club longer than a DL stint.

BB has more clout and isn't afraid to make changes. Putting Nino on the PP was a nice change for one example. Yeo would have just kept putting the five same vets out there. The Wild quietly is putting up some huge depth too. Tuch is one example, if anyone watched the World Juniors, you know they have 3 captains getting ready to knock down the door.

I'm indifferent about this. It reminds me of what a dumb signing it was. I would assume Grossman will be the extra bench bat.

They can't win. If they sign or trade anyone they are blocking prospects! If they want to see what they have, they should have traded for mediocre FA's and make a horrible trade of Dozier. Sometimes I think people just need to b1tch.

I also agree the team should be better. The majority of the younger players should get a bit better and I do think the rotation will be slightly better. I'd put wins at 65-69.

Santana Santiago Berrios Gibson May I'll be interested in the order of the rotation and if they don't use a a fifth starter in April.

I thought Walbeck was good enough defensively to avoid this list. Just .02 We're all waiting for Nishi...

I don't know what they offered, but I've suggested in my impatience to walk out and not look back. It is also possible by keeping talks going it could influence another team to jump into this who though they had no chance. Maybe it's not likely, but it might be a good idea.

I realize the Braves signed Rodriguez, I should have been more clear. I was looking for any interesting back story involving talks. It sounds like you believe there isn't much to discuss. Thanks,

Brilliant.