iTwins

There's a lot to keep an eye on (from the Twins' perspective) this year. Buxton: finally getting back into live competition after missing the entire year. Kepler: Can he keep up his hot second half and perhaps show he's ready for AA? Rosario: Can he prove his struggles were rust related and show top prospect stuff once again? If so - he may be closer to the big league club than we think. I keep an eye on the fall league every year anyway, but there's an extra layer of interest this year. Some (potential) future Twins could be making a move in the right direction.

Arcia made adjustments and improvements to his swing as the season progressed - especially late in the year. His early season "hand drop" that Roy Smalley pointed out on FSN was almost eliminated (he still reverted from time to time) and his ability to identify and lay off of breaking pitches seemed to improve later in the year as well. He's 23 years old, so there's absolutely no reason to bail on him yet. I wouldn't platoon him or bench him (if he slumps) in 2015. Let him ride out the lows and keep learning on the job. He has talent, and as evidenced by the late season improvement - the drive to make the best of that talent.

Right. Any deal would have to hinge on Stanton signing a long term deal. IF he would (and since we're wildly speculating anyway, let's say he does) I would absolutely trade Sano, Meyer, Kepler, Harrison etc. etc. to get Stanton to the Twins. (No Buxton or Berrios though...) The bonus with Stanton is he's still very much in his prime. I think folks forget he's only 24 years old. There are very few position players I'd be willing to give that many prospects for, but he's one of them. (The list is: Trout, Stanton. That's it. That's the list.)

Rosario, Kepler, Thorpe, Gonsalves - all outside the top 10. Man, there's a lot of talent in this system!

Based on what the Twins have done for so long, I didn't think there was a chance that Gardy would be gone. The Twins surprised me today. Here's hoping this change marks the point where the Twins changed perspective. The old guard and old approach isn't working. Maybe, just maybe, this team is embracing that.

I assumed too much in my original post - I thought some things would go without saying, but I should have been more clear. Take 2: No, I don't think Nolasco is enough for Kemp straight up. The Dogers would make a good trade partner, as they have a surplus of what the Twins need. Of the Dodgers outfielders, I'd target Kemp. To offset his deal, I'd require Nolasco to be part of the trade. Any trade would obviously require more pieces than Kemp / Nolasco

I'm not saying the Royals wont' have good pitching when (if) Shields departs. What they will have is two less high level prospects (who would likely be two major league players at this point) and no Shields. They're likely to be down an ace, two top prospects and have nothing more than a playoff appearance to show for it. I question if the move the Royals made was the right one. They had a good core, and I believe they cost themselves some long term success in an attempt to chase a playoff appearance. It's entirely possible that Wil Myers fails, Odorizzi never develops and the Royals come out looking OK when it's all said and done - heck, it's possible the Royals go on a run and win a World Series this year on the back of James Shields (If that's the case, then they obviously made the right move). As it stands now, I don't believe those things will happen. I feel like they made a mistake and jumped the gun. I'm getting the impression that by taking the counterpoint to "trading for an ace" some are automatically thinking the only other position is: "anti trade, prospects only rebuild" - my point is only in relation to the original question. Do I want to the Twins to emulate the Royals approach? No. I want them to be smarter and stay patient when they're close, but not quite there.

Emulate KC? You mean by pushing your biggest chips "all in" before you actually have a good hand to play? KC may be playoff bound, but are they deep enough to actually make a run - to actually win a World Series? I have my doubts. Is that the goal? Just to make the playoffs? Or should we be focused on not just building a team that gets in, but a team that can make a run? I'd pick the latter. KC went all in and grabbed a wildcard this year. If Shields walks in free agency, they'll be back to where they were before the trade - a solid core but not quite having the pieces to contend...except they won't have a young core of well regarded prospects, those went to Tampa Bay so they could make the playoffs...once. There are sound elements to want to duplicate - building an offensive core around your young prospects as well as building a great bullpen with multiple flamethrowing power arms but the exact execution of their plan was botched. Dayton Moore was on the hot seat, panicked and made a splash to save his job. It worked, but the long term cost may have done more harm than good. So no, I don't want to the Twins to emulate the Royals. I want the Twins to see the Royals hurt a long, patient rebuild by going big a bit too soon. Hopefully the Twins learn from the Royals and manage to pull off their rebuild a bit more efficiently.

The outfield overload in LA is something I think the Twins can take advantage of. Kemp would be my preference - and I'd start any trade talk for Kemp with Nolasco. Bad contract for bad contract - each with a chance to rebound if the other team is willing to take the risk.

Late to the discussion - but I'll agree with the notion that Pelfrey isn't a viable starter any longer. I do think that he can provide value in a bullpen role. Either as a longman (Swarzak) or even a set up guy (Burton). Out of the pen, he may be able to add 1 to 2 MPH to his fastball and still be a viable arm for the Twins. I'm not ready to cut free of Pelfrey just yet. However, if he comes out of spring training looking every bit as hittable, then the Twins should knock him off the 40 man and cut their losses.

A large portion of the Twins defensive woes can be attributed to their outfield defense. For most of the season, the team has run out Willingham (bad range, speed) Nunez (a shorstop / infielder) Santana (a shorstop) and Parmelee (not a horrible defender, but ideally still a firstbaseman) to various outfield roles. I think the defensive woes can be alleviated (at least slightly) by filling these positions with actual outfielders. If the team adds a true LF (as has been addressed countless times here already) and allows Hicks / Buxton to play in CF the defense improves nicely already. We have to hope that Arcia keeps learning the position and eventually becomes at least league average in RF. Right now, he's a disaster, but he's just too young to chalk up as a lost cause and relicate him to a fulltime DH role. The infield defense isn't as big of a worry. Plouffe has become better, Dozier is above average, Mauer is improving and looks to be at least league average at first. Santana is the big question mark, but one possible issue out of four roles isn't too bad. Catcher? Catcher concerns me. While Suzuki is good at blocking balls in the dirt, I haven't been impressed with the rest of his defensive game. Pinto is very much a work in progress and I worry that he'll never develop the tools needed. Like Arcia, he's young enough (older than Arica, but still young) to not quite give up on yet, but catcher is a much more demanding position to field. There's questions around this team for sure, but they're young enough that I think those questions are to be expected. Hopefully the Twins address the OF (specifically LF) and Hicks finally earns CF - I think that will go a long way in helping the defense improve for next season.

I think that would be move too. Promote everyone up a level, let Mientkiewicz get more experience (bonus - he'd effectively be managing the same group of guys through each level) while Molitor holds things down for a few years. Assess again in 2 to 3 years.

I get your point Mike - but for the sake of argument, here's a counterpoint. What exactly does another manager do with this current roster to earn more wins? Are these losing seasons a symptom of Gardy being unable to competently manage a big league team? Terry Ryan has done a great job building depth within the minor league system to the point where all of the Twins minor league affiliates just made the playoffs or nearly made the playoffs. He's returned depth to a system that was nearly drained of talent - in the long run, the team will be better for it. Now, it may not have been the method we'd LIKE to see the Twins rebuild, but it's hard to argue he's done a bad job rebuilding. He's just handled it in a different way. I have a hard time trying to penalize him just because he's more patient than I am.

I've said this a few times around here, but I'll repeat my stance again just for fun. Rick Anderson HAS to go. When a team finishes at or near the bottom in team ERA for four straight years, changes have to be made. It's not his fault the 2011 and 2012 staffs were attrocious - there's only so much a coach can do with Cole De Vries and PJ Walters. Their potential is limited from the word "go". That being said, when Vance Worley leaves gets a "mechanical tweak" and is suddenly the pitcher the Twins THOUGHT they were getting, it's hard to stomach. This season, he was given an average rotation and still, the results were not there. Is it all Anderson's fault? No. But someone has to fall on the sword after repeated failures and with the glaring issues on this team being pitching related - it has to be him. I'm not convinced that Gardy's the problem either and I'm less inclined to throw him out the door when he's been forced to field a roster where one of the requirements seems to be "a shortstop needs to play in the OF". However, I can see the value in making an organizational change if only to change the message being delivered everyday. A shake up can provide value in terms of shock value too - it's not all business as usual, losing has consequences (etc, etc). In the end, I'm OK with Gardy staying IF (only if) Rick Anderson is let go. If the two are a package deal - then both need to go. Something has to change in the dugout. Terry Ryan can stay for a few more years (realistically, I think that's all he'll stay before retiring again) to complete the rebuild. Despite some questionable decisions (questionable according to us fans) he's made the Twins better across all levels. His work over the past few years should (key word: should) yield benefits for years to come.

Agreed on both counts. If a player is destorying lower level pitching, it's easy to fall into "if it ain't broke" line of thinking. Either that means coaches don't notice the issue(s) because the results are still good or (more likely) the players don't really see a need to change UNTIL they find their old tricks don't work. The age of Vargas and Arcia (and their rapid climb to the bigs in their final minor league years) could have a lot to do with it as well. Either they haven't had a lot of time to spend with the lower level coaches or they have just been thrust onto a big stage and reverted towards their old habits. Either way, I'm not at all concerned about Arcia. He's young and he has talent. With time and practice, he'll improve.

That's what I was going to add - this group has been a championship team or very close to a championship team each year that they've been together. New Britian should be tons of fun to watch next year. They're used to success and winning, it's great to see. (It's too bad they're not closer to the big leagues yet!)

I actually get where Dave St. Peter is coming from and fully understand and agree with their need to track how their perception has changed amongst fans over the last four years (all from the link JB posted). However, to sit there and say "It's not tone deaf" is...well...tone deaf. While I'm sure this is one variant of a question that could be asked in many different ways, you HAVE to understand that a question phrased that way at this time is completely dense. Marketing research works in multiple ways, and while a truly negative response (let's use Olbermann's "yugo" example) isn't going to get you accurate data, a survey full of good options won't help much either. In the end it just feels like the team doesn't really understand what their fans are feeling, despite the fact the FO is assuring us otherwise. Do I think the Twins need to respond to Olbermann? Nah, that's what he wants. What I want them to do is LEARN from this and not repeat their mistakes.

My .02: Off the 40 Man Jared Burton Aaron Thompson Kris Johnson Yohan Pino Doug Bernier Chris Collabello Pedro Florimon Added to the 40 Man: Miguel Sano Eddie Rosario Alex Meyer Sean Gilmartin (There are others that have to be added, if I remember correctly, but I'm drawing a blank as to who they are at the moment). I treat 1B, 2B, SS (Santana), 3B (Plouffe, then Sano), RF (Arcia) and C (Suzuki, Pinto) as "set" and seek upgrades in LF (Tomas is target #1 for me) and a short term solution in CF (Rasmus / Hicks timeshare). Pitching? Well, that's a whole other realm. Gibson, Hughes, Nolasco and May are set but the fith spot needs help (and May's spot isn't set in stone either). I look at Lester or Scherzer - but I doubt much will develop there for the Twins. The bullpen can be filled internally, but I'd be shopping the market for another starter this offseason.

One spot to address via a major acquisition? Probably accurate. But, I certainly hope they address a lot more than one thing. I'd like to see the Twins add depth this offseason. While Santana looks primed to take over CF or SS, Escobar could fill the utlity role and Vargas could be the regular DH for years to come - I'd like it if the Twins didn't simply assume that they're all going to contribute at their current levels perpetually. Persue a free agent LF (or a LF via trade). They don't necessarily have to be the big powerful bat - in fact a guy who can cover CF in a pinch would be just fine with me. But don't stop at LF and figure "Well, the rookies will carry the rest of the load". Injuries happen, regression happens. Plan "B" is a good thing - and something I don't think the Twins have really thought about over the past few years. I'd love an offseason with one big move and a whole bunch of little stuff. Add depth. Have a plan B. (Please)

Much like Escobar at shortstop - I think Plouffe sticks at 3B until someone takes it away from him. If Sano is promoted and hits like he's expected to (and can field the position) I think Plouffe is shifted elsewhere. (Corner OF, 3B backup, occassional DH) However, let's not just assume Sano will come up and set the world ablaze as the next great third baseman - if Sano needs to moved to 1B or even the OF, Plouffe would certainly be a nice option at third- he's improved his defense to the point where I think the Twins can be comfortable with him at third and his bat has proven to be a valuable asset as well. In short - I think Plouffe has some role on this team in the coming years. Whether that role is at third or as a corner outfielder / bench bat is largely dependent on Miguel Sano's ability to play third base.

I wouldn't call next season's (projected) rotation the proof that the rebuild is nearly complete - but it's a sign that it's VERY close to being done. Hughes, Gibson and a healthy Nolasco make a solid core while Meyer / May / Milone can fill out the back end with above average contributions. Those players are vastly better pitchers than the De Vries, Albers, Deduno crowd. I agree with the notion that our next "elite" rotation probably features Berrios and Meyer amongst the names (likely as starters 1 and 1A), but the fact that Meyer can be learning on the job next season alongside some quality starting pitching is a very good sign.

I'd love it if Escobar was the longterm answer at short for the Twins. I'm still skeptical, however, and think he likely ends up as a utility guy for them in the coming seasons. That being said, he's a great player to fill that utility role. I'd keep him on the roster just to be a rotating infielder, if his short stop success suddenly disappears. I think Santana is the future SS, but it's hard to say what we have with him defensively or if his bat will continue to be leadoff quality. One thing's for sure, it's nice to have too many options, for once.

It is nice, after 4 years of losing and 3 years of half hearted rebuilding, to finally see the Twins parting with veteran talent and getting a return for said talent. 2012 & 2013 were particularly frustrating as the Twins just sat on aging assets that clearly were not in the future plans for the team. I'd rather watch May get knocked around a bit and learn "on the job" than watch Correia make another start. The same goes for Willingham vs. Vargas, Arcia vs. Fuld (in a roundabout way, fewer options in the OF means Ozzie HAS to play). Now, if the Twins could move Burton and Duensing and bring up some more young arms, I'd be quite pleased with the last two months. (Transaction wise).

I enjoyed watching Willingham play with the Twins, but it was time for him to move on. With his less than stellar numbers this season and defensive woes, I was surprised the Twins got the return they did. Jason Adam is a solid addition to a team that could use as much pitching depth they could get. Worst case scenario, he's organizational depth in AAA. Likely scenario, he's a solid right handed option out of the pen. Best case scenario, he works on his third pitch and becomes a reliable starter. Not bad for an expiring contract slugger who hasn't "slugged" so much the last two years.

My tweet was quoted! I'm famous! Do the royalty checks come in the mail or...? RE: Plouffe - I've always been a big Plouffe fan and was one of his few supporters during the rough defensive seasons. It's nice to see him become league average to slightly above league average this season. I agree, his defense has been one of the biggest "perks" this season. The routine plays are, well...routine for him now and he's even made so tough plays look easy this year. That's impressive. First round picks always carry a lot of pressure to be the next superstar, and while Plouffe certainly isn't that, he is a solid role player who can give league average output to a contending team defensively and offensively. I'd say the pick was still a solid one for the Twins.