TonyInOmaha

I wonder what, if anything, making this move now signals about the FO feelings on where the organization is and how they'll approach FA this offseason. My initial thought was that they wouldn't make a change if they weren't going to push to be competitive immediately next year. But after the press conference I'm not as sure.

Looking at the AL Central schedules, the Twins definitely have the easiest road the rest of August, especially the last 2 weeks.

I would agree with you if Santana, Dozier, and Castro weren't under contract after this season. Not trading them makes the 2018 and 2019 Twins better. Plus, who's to say any of those players won't be shopped around after the season?

Plus $1.5 million in international bonus slot cash.

I was disappointed Molitor didn't use Dozier's 11th inning strikeout looking to stick up for his players and light a spark. Sano ended up being the one to give Cuzzi the reaction he deserved but that should have come from the manager.

Some of my thoughts after the Dodgers sweep of the Twins: The Dodgers are clearly a team that is and has been ready to contend for a World Series while the Twins aren't quite there yet. But, the Twins had the lead in the bottom of the 8th inning in 2 out of 3 games against the best team in baseball and were a few pitches away from winning the series. That's very encouraging for a team that is just getting into what should be a multi-season window of opportunity to win a championship. I'm not ready to completely give up on staying in wildcard or division contention this season quite yet, but the Twins need to take advantage of playing mostly sub-.500 teams over the next 2 weeks.

Good trade to help the rotation this season without giving up a top prospect. Intrigued by what move might follow acquiring Recker.

How about today?

Not to mention a serious All Star candidate.

Don't sleep on Kintzler if he has clean outings between now and selection of the pitching staff.

Just curious, who else to you think he should have gone to?

I'm just curious how any manager is supposed to balance his relievers when the bullpen is short on reliable arms to hold a lead. I'm sure Molitor would love to have the option to be more flexible late in close games but that's just not possible right now with what he has available. I think he's done a pretty good job using what he has to get wins that are there. If that's overtaxed the bullpen, it's more due to lack of depth than mismanagement.

I think it's pretty clear a big part of the bullpen issues have to do with a lack of talent. I'm not sure how you can judge Molitor's ability to manage a bullpen based on the options he's had available.

Good bounce back win after yesterday. Glad they're playing in Texas in April. Odor's 9th inning fly out might have been out mid-summer.

Presley hasn't been a long man since his rule 5 year in 2013 and is in the mix as a set up guy, recent struggles aside. As for Haley's immediate value, one thing is having him fill the long role leaves more options to use Duffey depending on how he develops out of the bullpen. The other problems you mention aren't caused by Haley and don't magically disappear if you give his roster spot to any of the current replacement options.