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Inbox: How will Twins improve over offseason?
- Updated: August 22, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS — Despite their recent scuffles that saw manager Paul Molitor visibly frustrated by a four-game sweep at the hands of the Royals over the weekend, the Twins have played better baseball over the past two months.
After an almost unfathomable 11-34 start, the Twins have gone 38-41, including a 24-22 record since July 1. But the horrible start ultimately cost Terry Ryan his job, as he was dismissed as general manager on July 18. Minnesota is currently conducting a search for a new general manager, but the club has kept the process quiet so far. There are a lot of questions about how a new front office might look for the Twins, who pride themselves on stability. With that in mind, here’s this week’s Inbox.
@RhettBollinger how do you see the Twins improving in the off season? trades, or try the poor free agent market? area we need the most help?
— Brenden (@BKause33) August 21, 2016
@RhettBollinger how do you see the Twins improving in the off season? trades, or try the poor free agent market? area we need the most help?
It’s obvious the Twins need roster upgrades heading into next year considering their record this season after an improvement last year. But it’s hard to say what the team will do, considering it doesn’t have a permanent general manager in place. Rob Antony, who is serving as interim GM, appears to be a long shot to be the permanent GM, especially considering the Twins hired a search firm to help them identify potential candidates.
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On the offensive side, the Twins need catching help, especially with Kurt Suzuki set to be a free agent. John Ryan Murphy was thought to be the catcher of the future, but he’s struggled this year, even at the Triple-A level.
Minnesota will also look for pitching, especially to upgrade the bullpen. And with a logjam of corner infielders such as Joe Mauer, Trevor Plouffe, Miguel Sano, Kennys Vargas and Byungho Park, they could look to deal a player such as Plouffe or Vargas for pitching help.
But one issue is that this is considered a weak free-agent class, so the Twins might need to utilize trades to improve the roster. It’ll be interesting to see if they hire an aggressive GM who is willing to shake things up.
@RhettBollinger Do you see Twins making a run at Wilson Ramos this winter?
— Josh Meyer …
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