Looking forward to 2019 - Twins Fall Offseason Thread

[bleedspeed]

So 2019.....

I think Mauer retires, but this team is in transition. Lots of questions to be answered. Looking at this team moving forward we have a lot of players that show promise and I think we need to invest a season in to see who sticks and who we can form a core around.

!. B. Buxton
2. M. Sano
3. M. Kepler
4. A. Meija
5. K. Stewart
6. W. Astudillo
7. F. Romero
8. S. Gonsalves
9. G. Moya
10. Z. Littel
11. T. Austin
12. M. Garver

Pretty huge list, but I think we need to figure out who we want out of this group on the 2020 team and let them grow at MLB level. If we did want to throw FA money at a player it would be Manny Machado or Bryce Harper for a huge 1 year deal. 30-40M. If they don't take it that is fine because I wouldn't want to get stuck with either of them on a 5+ year deal.

[Monster]

I'd say cave qulaifies for your list And probably a couple other pitchers. You you got the main idea.

At some point it will be interesting to look at the 40 man roster and see who can be left off and who needs to be protected. Who will not be taking up a spot because they are on the 60 day DL? Does anyone have a good site for having it easily laid out who will need to be protected before the rule 5 draft?

[bleedspeed]

Ugh - I forgot Cave.

Here was an article on the 40 man.
http://www.1500espn.com/twins-2/2018/09/busy-offseason-looming-minor-leaguers-will-added-twins-40-man-roster/

[Monster]

Ugh - I forgot Cave.

Here was an article on the 40 man.
http://www.1500espn.com/twins-2/2018/09/busy-offseason-looming-minor-leaguers-will-added-twins-40-man-roster/

Thanks for the article Bleed. I think a lot of people scratch their heads why Nick Anderson and maybe Jake Reed didn't get a call up.

[Jester1534]

Ugh - I forgot Cave.

Here was an article on the 40 man.
http://www.1500espn.com/twins-2/2018/09/busy-offseason-looming-minor-leaguers-will-added-twins-40-man-roster/

Thanks for the article Bleed. I think a lot of people scratch their heads why Nick Anderson and maybe Jake Reed didn't get a call up.

I'm definitely one of those people

[Monster]

Ugh - I forgot Cave.

Here was an article on the 40 man.
http://www.1500espn.com/twins-2/2018/09/busy-offseason-looming-minor-leaguers-will-added-twins-40-man-roster/

Thanks for the article Bleed. I think a lot of people scratch their heads why Nick Anderson and maybe Jake Reed didn't get a call up.

I'm definitely one of those people

Have you heard any intel about what the deal is with either guy? I'm more curious about Anderson though. I mean for one thing I've been a Duffy supporter for a while but...um I'm at the point where I'd rather see someone else.

[bleedspeed]

Age seems to be the only thing with Anderson, but why not give him some time in the MLB before you have to decide if he will be on the 40 man. Unless the idea is you think he would be fine and hope you can sneak him by the Rule-5 draft.

[bleedspeed]

And the Molitor situation.

http://www.1500espn.com/news/2018/09/time-no-assurances-paul-molitor-will-return-twins-manager/

[petecorcoran [enjin:6658618]]

So 2019.....

I think Mauer retires, but this team is in transition. Lots of questions to be answered. Looking at this team moving forward we have a lot of players that show promise and I think we need to invest a season in to see who sticks and who we can form a core around.

!. B. Buxton
2. M. Sano
3. M. Kepler
4. A. Meija
5. K. Stewart
6. W. Astudillo
7. F. Romero
8. S. Gonsalves
9. G. Moya
10. Z. Littel
11. T. Austin
12. M. Garver

Pretty huge list, but I think we need to figure out who we want out of this group on the 2020 team and let them grow at MLB level. If we did want to throw FA money at a player it would be Manny Machado or Bryce Harper for a huge 1 year deal. 30-40M. If they don't take it that is fine because I wouldn't want to get stuck with either of them on a 5+ year deal.

I have a little different take. 78 wins is not a disaster, especially with no Sano or Buxton. Assuming we start with 13 hitters and 12 pitchers (light schedule in April), here's my take without trades:

OF: Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave
IF: Austin, Polanco, Sano, Adrianza
C: Garver, Castro

That's 10. I think we add a 3rd catcher and Astradillo is perfect because he's cheap, can also play 3rd, and allows us to use Garver at 1B and DH. I think we should add a lefty 1B - maybe it's Mauer, but I doubt it. Now the last one... we need SS and move Polanco to 2B. I would spend biggest there but agree on no longterm deals.

Now the pitching and this is where we may need to spend the most money. I think we have only 5 sure locks: Berrios, Gibson, Rogers, May and Moya. First, we need #3 or better starter, then we can fill out with Odorizzi and the best of Mejia, De Jong, and Stewart. Forget Gonsalves for now - clearly not ready and needs to work on command.

I would go out and sign a closer. Maybe May is ready, but he can prove it by becoming a lights-out 8th inning guy. With 5 starters, Reed (under contract), and the 4 relievers, we have two open spots. Maybe we fill from within, but if a reliable guy can be signed to a reasonable contract, I would do it.

So, three key FA's and another one to three modest ones. Add in normal improvement from this year's core and getting something from Sano and Buxton and we are competitive for a playoff spot. Even we don't get there, there's no reason for next year to be a tryout year.

It probably adds up to $40-50 mil in salaries, but as long as it's short term, we are still less than this year.

[Monster]

Monitor is out. I know a few people had some issues with him but it seems like he wasn't the problem and maybe was part of the solution but I also get he likely had some faults. I'd guess they decided they wanted a different direction not that Paul did a bad job. That makes sense to me.