Spring Training 2018

[bleedspeed]

Pitchers and catchers report next Tuesday the 13th.

Expect Minor leaguers invited to ST.
http://www.1500espn.com/twins-2/2018/02/13-minor-leaguers-expected-invited-twins-spring-training/

[bleedspeed]

Well this sucks

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22349464/minnesota-twins-pitcher-ervin-santana-10-12-weeks-finger-surgery

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

So, we're just not going to discuss this news of a Byron Buxton extension? Come on, guys! That's great, in my opinion.

Best defensive outfielder in the game, both by statistics and by recognition. I'd like to get him locked in before the rest of his bat comes around, and I definitely think it will.

[TAFKASP]

Who is Byron Buxton?

[Monster]

So, we're just not going to discuss this news of a Byron Buxton extension? Come on, guys! That's great, in my opinion.

Best defensive outfielder in the game, both by statistics and by recognition. I'd like to get him locked in before the rest of his bat comes around, and I definitely think it will.

There hasn't been much talk here for a while. I'm happy with the idea of getting him locked in at a solid number. I'll be interested to see what they come up with.

[bleedspeed]

Lock him up for 8 years. I did see they have not even begun talking to Dozier about an extension. I am guessing they are hoping they have someone coming up from the minors ready to take his spot. This team could get even younger next year if Dozier and Mauer are gone.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Lock him up for 8 years. I did see they have not even begun talking to Dozier about an extension. I am guessing they are hoping they have someone coming up from the minors ready to take his spot. This team could get even younger next year if Dozier and Mauer are gone.

I'd love to keep Dozier as we transition into a contender. I obviously don't know his asking price or length of contract he's hoping for, but I seriously hope the Twins treat the situation appropriately. He's been nothing short of fantastic the last several years and he's a difference maker -- both with the bat and with the glove.

However, the Twins do have a handful of very promising middle infielders coming up in the farm. Some of which are shortstops that might get placed at second due to their talent being so high that we just need them in the lineup. All of them probably won't pan out, but a couple probably will, and management will plan for that, in my opinion.

I'd be open to seeing if Dozier could transition to 1B as Mauer looks to be on his way out in the near future. I know Dozier's not the prototypical size, but he does have the expected pop for the position. And his defense would potentially remain at a high level for a longer time.

As for Sano, keep running him out at 3B for the time being and then maybe put him in the David Ortiz, everyday DH, role.

[bleedspeed]

Interestung thoughts on Dozier. I can see Mauer back on a year to year bases. Unless he is thinking maybe I should give the NFL a try since those QBs get crazy money in mid to.late 30s.

[Monster]

Kind of a fun article Buxton obviously figures into this one.

https://www.mlb.com/news/statcast-ranks-mlbs-fastest-teams/c-267809528

[Monster]

Everything so have heard from Wolfson and Roy Smalley is Dozier is open to an extension. The Twins haven't gone down that road. I want them to. Dozier has been one of my favorite players on the team for a few years now. We can basically assume if healthy he is gonna produce plenty of numbers from the 2b while being a very good defensive player. It's tricky and so get why they haven't gone there yet. There are a lot of factors to consider.

What number is fair?

Like it's been mentioned is there a young player that can take his spot?

When is Dozier's vet presence something that can or can't afford to lose?

If he is signed by another team want kind of compensation would they get in terms of a draft pick?

If they make a deal for a pitcher or pitchers and give up middle infielder depth maybe then they can consider him as a guy they can deal those guy away because they have a position of strength. (Again the Twins have middle infield depth?!? What?!)

As it's been mentioned also were could Dozier play besides 2b? Who will falter in one way or another to make him an option at another position? What if it seems nobody is actually the 2b of the future?

A couple people on the podcast with Souhan and Jim himself say/s GMs of teams like to and don't have to make decisions till they have to. That might be where Falvey and Lavine are coming from. Wait till they have to do something. It's also according to what I have read a time when 2b isn't a black hole around the league and teams are desparate to fill it. It has to be tough to know what to do. I've heard they really like Dozier actually. It must be hard to decide what to do with a guy that is a good dude is still young enough to have good years ahead but will probably cost a decent chunk of money and you have some good prospects coming up. It's a different thing and they have more time to decide but in a few years or moneths we will probably be asking what do they do with Polonco?