Lookouts Season Tickets and Mini-Plans on Sale Today
October 5, 2016 - Southern League (SL1)
Chattanooga Lookouts News Release
MINNEAPOLIS- It will be an important offseason for the Twins, who are coming off a highly disappointing year and will have a new leadership team in place, with former Indians assistant general manager Derek Falvey taking over as the president of baseball operations.
Falvey, 33, replaces longtime general manager Terry Ryan, who was dismissed in July after the Twins couldn't build on their surprising showing in 2015. Falvey inherits an organization that has young talent such as Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco as well as a top farm system, but the Major League team is coming off a 100-loss season and lacks pitching.
Many changes are expected this offseason, but manager Paul Molitor has been assured by ownership that he'll be back next year. There are plenty of unknowns heading into next season, however, and Molitor is grateful he'll get another shot to help turn around the franchise under Falvey.
Shortstop: Polanco had a solid rookie season, and he emerged as the club's everyday shortstop the last two months of the year. But his defense at short remains a work in progress, and there are those within the organization who believe he's better suited to be a second baseman. He could move to second if the Twins decide to trade Dozier, or he could even be traded if the Twins decide to keep Dozier but don't feel Polanco can handle short. Eduardo Escobar remains on the roster, but he lost his starting job to Eduardo Nunez early in the year before again losing it to Polanco late.
Outfield: With his strong showing in October, Buxton silenced doubters and showed why he was such a highly regarded prospect. He's essentially a lock to be the club's center fielder next year, while fellow rookie Kepler also solidified himself as the right fielder of the future. Left field is a little bit more up in the air, but Eddie Rosario played better after getting sent down to Triple-A Rochester. Danny Santana and Robbie Grossman figure to be back as extra outfielders, while Schafer could be non-tendered. The Twins could look to improve their outfield situation via free agency or trade, but it's not a high priority.
Bullpen: Three-time All-Star Glen Perkins is coming off major surgery to repair his labrum, and there are no guarantees he'll be able to bounce back to his old form. Kintzler performed well as the club's closer, but he didn't get many save opportunities. Pressly and lefty Taylor Rogers both had solid years in relief, while J.T. Chargois showed promise down the stretch. The Twins are still waiting on highly regarded relief prospects such as Nick Burdi, Trevor Hildenberger and Mason Melotakis to make their debut.
• Discuss this story on the Southern League message board...
Southern League Stories from October 5, 2016
- Lookouts Season Tickets and Mini-Plans on Sale Today - Chattanooga Lookouts
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
