Comments on: Got a question, comment, or topic idea for this week’s podcast?

By: Chris Walker

Chris Walker — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:33:55 +0000

so my theory is that most closers are failed starters. Think Guardado, Aguilera, and even Nathan. If you accept that premise, then doesn’t every organization have several options for a closer? Does it make sense to pay 12 or even 6 million for a closer? Does it make sense to trade Wilson Ramos for a closer? In a perfect world cost is no object, but in the real world doesn’t it make sense to let Nathan and Capps go and had the closer job to Perkins who has looked good as a setup guy, knowing there are plenty of failed starters lining up behind him? Keep it up guys – I am so glad to have a Twins podcast to listen to.

By: Lundar

Lundar — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:23:45 +0000

Due to the subpar Twins season on both the minor and major league levels, will you only be selecting at top 20 twins prospects of 2011?

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:14:44 +0000

I am having a hard time articulating or understanding the Twins plan. 1. How would you describe the Twins current plan – including the pre-injury riddled 2011 season plan? It seemed to be – bring back the band, get faster, younger and cheaper in the MI, and the bullpen will sort itself out. Then it was get healthy, get faster in the OF, trade value low for generic wild project arms (see Baseball Prospectus “wish casting”)

2. Compare this plan to the Twins wandering through the wilderness years 1973-1983, 1994-2000. Have one or two stars, trade low, expense mgmt, find cheap veterans and hope that everyone is healthy / recovers from injury and has career years.

3. What should the plan be from your view? Asked by others – goal is World Series. Go. Is this a one year rehab job or is this a 3-5 year plan?

4. Aaron, loved your article on MI defense. If we are going fast in the middle and fast in the OF with guys that do not get on base and are not great fielders, who will hit? The A’s, Seattle, even Phils prove that you must play all phases of the game – must hit – even with strong pitching.
5. How is this NOT Gardy? The moves have his fingers all over them – save Punto split. Is there a manager is baseball that has more power in an org than Gardy?

By: Gary

Gary — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:39:58 +0000

What are the chances of the MLB doing a realignment? If this was enacted how would MLB teams react and adjust to this change? Would the Twins and the current central division stand a chance?

By: Mark R (Columbus)

Mark R (Columbus) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:06:40 +0000

Why am I Mr. Sparkle?

By: Abe

Abe — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:18:48 +0000

Bracket-style argument over the best and worst Twins teams of all time

By: Steve J

Steve J — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:17:27 +0000

Focus on one position at a time; for example, “closer.” Bring Nathan back? At what price? Is there an under-the-radar arm out there who could thrive as closer if given the chance?

I would say that for a team that may not have a winning record next year, closer is probably down there on a list of needs.

Save for the angst of deciding whether or not to retain the best reliever in Twins history, all the twins have to do is look to aquire decent arms. Whoever will be the closer can easily be figured out in spring training.

Alternatively, you could discuss the merits and PR value of bringing in Micah Owings to pitch and play DH (career .820 OPS!) for the team next year.

Comment by BR — October 11, 2011 @ 10:09 am ,/i>

I’m pretty sure this franchise isn’t use to doing that much thinking outside-of-the-box.

I’m also not very sure it’s a very good idea as he hasn’t been that good of a pitcher in the NL. It’s also a bit short-sighted make a call on his effectiveness as DH based on an .800+ OPS as he’s only had 217 lifetime plate appearances. There is no guarantees he can hit like that when given regular at-bats after comming to the AL.

By: mike wants wins

mike wants wins — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:33:07 +0000

Who’s the worse GM, Spielman, Kahn, or Smith?

By: AM

AM — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:14:34 +0000

Would like to hear a speculative discussion of the 2015 team. Who is the team built around? Where is Mauer? Which prospects are playing a prominent role? What percentage of the 2015 roster would you guess are currently in the Twins organization?

By: Kathy D.

Kathy D. — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:59:21 +0000

Twins ownership seems to overly value loyalty when it comes to the front office and the on-field staff. What do you make of what’s going on with the Angels shedding everyone from the GM to a longtime scout? Would the Pohlads ever even think of doing this to shake up the organization?