Make a major move or see everything crumble

Ok. The All-Star break analysis from everyone under the sun is about done. Twins are about to start the second half with a game in Texas to start a 10-game road trip. Here is my take.

The next 2 weeks could make or break the next 3-4 seasons of the Minnesota Twins organization.

Seem a bit over the top? Let me explain.

This time of year, the Twins have been in the hunt for a division title every year since the M&M boys started playing together and even a few years before that. Every year they have glaring weaknesses that could be fixed with a trade or two before the non-waiver deadline. Every year they have done nothing or even worse given up players (Luis Castillo).

If your an all-world catcher with your contract year just a little over a year away... what makes you stay? Ok he is a local kid, so there is that angle, not a huge incentive. Year after year you see your organization waste chances at some postseason success.

There comes a time when you just want to feel like you can play with the big boys (Yankees, Red Sox, Angels). Joe wants more than just to make the postseason he wants to win the whole thing. The way this team has operated to date since Joe has been here, he has no reason to believe they will change.

Bill Smith, and Jim Pohlad if your smart you make a deal in the next 2 weeks, go get a impact player like Sanchez or Tejada. Trade a few of our prospects... win now, or see Joe leave after next season... with Mauer gone... Morneau will be soon to follow. Now your young nucleus is gone because you refused to trade a few "prospects"????

Please I beg you, make something happen....make us believe you want to win, and more importantly make Joe Mauer believe it too.

Lineup & bullpen thoughts.

Yesterday the Twins played the lineup I think they should stick with as much as possible with their current roster (with the exception of Delmon giving Kubel a break when we face tough lefties).

Span -- LF

Harris -- SS

Mauer -- C

Morneau -- 1B

Kubel -- DH

Cuddyer -- RF

Crede -- 3B

Gomez -- CF

Punto -- 2B

Bench:

Tolbert, Young, Morales, Redmond, & Buscher

That is a pretty solid lineup sans Punto.

I have heard other bloggers talk about a kid in AAA, Steven Tolleson (see Josh's Thoughts). His defense is a little shakey but he is swinging a solid bat (kinda sounds like what everyone was saying about Harris a month ago). I don't know why he isn't given a shot instead of Tolbert (who is a duplicate of Punto, good defense but can't hit). With Tolleson and Punto we can platoon them at 2B depending on the situation (have Tolleson pitch hit for Punto late in games when we are behind, and bring in Punto for Tolleson as defensive replacement in games we are winning). Right now we don't have a difference with Tolbert and Punto.

With Tolleson he could bat 8th, and put Gomez 9th where he did decent last year as a "2nd leadoff guy" for the top of the lineup (LaRussa philosophy).

To me this is the last hole to be plugged in the lineup.

As for the Bench, Young really needs to be in AAA working on a better plate approach but that won't happen with his contract. Tolbert I've already commented on. Buscher is a need to backup a Crede with his back issues and give Morneau an occassional break at 1B. Redmond is our backup catcher. That leaves Morales who isn't getting any better riding the pine in the Majors as the 3rd catcher. He needs more work on his defense in AAA. It seems pretty clear that he will be Mauer's backup next season as Redmond will start looking into managing in the lower levels somewhere. I think his roster spot is best used with more help in the bullpen.

Bullpen issues by role:

1. Closer -- Nathan has looked stronger as the season has gone on. No issue here.
2. Setup Righty -- Matt Guerrier does well when he isn't over-used.
3. Setup Lefty -- Jose Mijares is in this role but is more of a Lefty Specialist as he has struggled against right handed batting this season.
4. Long Man -- R.A. Dickey needs to stay in this role as he does well there, but can get us through the 7th on occassion to give others a rest.
5. 6th & 7th Inning Righty -- Keppel with only 2 appearances is a small sample size, but has been excellent so far, but his Minor league stats suggests that he is quite average.
6. 6th & 7th Inning Lefty -- Henn is supposed to be Lefty help in the pen but has been shaky at best (0-3 in11.1 innings -- 9 ER, 8 BB, 2 HR).

The problem here is not overusing Guerrier. We need a lefty that can be more than a specialist, and a righty that can consistently work the 7th & occassional 8th to spell Guerrier. Now maybe Keppel can be that right hander, we'll find out. But a proven MLB reliever is a big need right now for the Twins.