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Twins Daily was conceived, above all, as a platform to elevate Twins fan/writing communities. In line with this vision, we try to infuse our annual flagship product – the Offseason Handbook – with a variety of new and exciting voices.

Today we're pleased to announce our foreword contributor for the 2020 Offseason Handbook: R.T. Rybak!

It's a hard truth: The 2019 Twins season is over. It ended in a way none of us wanted. But here's the good news: This team's contention window has been thrust open, and now, one of the most intriguing offseasons in team history lies ahead.

Your definitive guide awaits. The 2020 Offseason Handbook is now available for preorder, and we've got some fun surprises on the way.

Yesterday, we looked at some of the Twins’ best relievers’ struggles with zero days rest. Is it time to consider scheduling the Twins' ace relievers into a rotation?

Before going forward, let me clearly lay out the system I’m envisioning. It’s a simple one. Just as five starting pitchers take turns doing the bulk duty from one game to the next, three top relievers should do the same.

In a season where records were set with the long ball, Luis Arraez made a name for himself with his discipline at the plate and contact hitting. The rookie made his debut on May 18 and showed why he deserves the starting spot next season.

Royce Lewis has been lighting up the Arizona Fall League with a 1.066 OPS which ranks second in the league. He helped the East to win the Fall Stars Game after he cranked a two-run home run in the first inning. He would go on to be named MVP of that game and it looks like he is ending the year strong after some inconsistencies during the regular season.

Minnesota drafted Lewis for his athleticism and the potential he had shown as an amateur. Now there are some questions about his defensive future. What position will Lewis play when he gets called up to Target Field?

Aaron and John talk about their preseason over/under bets, why the Twins need to finally take some risks, the less-juiced playoff baseball, Rocco Baldelli being nice at Brasa, and the Yankees losing to someone other than the Twins again. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link.

Now that the Yankees have been vanquished, soothing the postseason angst of the pettiest among us (myself included), we Twins fans can fully turn our attention to the coming offseason. Once the World Series gets sorted out, Twins Daily will be ready to deliver you the 2020 Offseason Handbook, and you can be among the first to dive in by preordering your digital copy now.

We live in the age of Bullpenning, The Opener, and a never-ending quest for The Next Andrew Miller. Some 20 years ago, trying to limit the risk of injuries and loss of effectiveness, teams began closely, consciously counting the pitches thrown by their starting pitchers. Ever since, reliever usage has become more creative, more important, and sexier.

Despite having a clear need in their bullpen, the Twins spent last offseason focusing on offensive upgrades. Their only addition was fungible reliever Blake Parker, who assumed the likeness of Robert Hays from the movie ‘Airplane’ every time he took the mound. Parker was eventually designated for assignment around midseason and the Twins seem to have made the right choice in focusing on developing in-house options. One of the most impressive internal leaps in 2019 was taken by Tyler Duffey.

In the final installment of this three-part series comparing the Twins to the Astros, we will look into the role that an important veteran has played in shaping and mentoring some of the emerging young talent on both teams. We’ll also take a look at free agency and how Minnesota would do well to emulate Houston in the starting pitching department. Finally, we’ll end with the looming threat of losing valuable coaches and front office personal, which has already happened in Houston and is likely to affect the Twins sooner rather than later.

Inside the Twins’ meeting rooms this winter, plenty of discussion will be focused on starting pitching. However, third base should be a serious consideration for the front office.

"How hard could it be?"