I'm starting to think this is the type of signing the Twins should start to use on some of their younger players like POTENTIALLY Arcia, Hicks, and other up and comers given they actually produce for at least half a season. Imagine if the Twins had been able to lock up Mauer much earlier and for much cheaper given the risk of a bust. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/05/cubs-to-sign-anthony-rizzo-to-seven-year-extension.html#disqus_thread By the way the key word here is POTENTIALLY given production in a limited time, so Arcia would be an example for consideration while Hicks would not be RIGHT NOW.

I think it's an interesting thing to consider... I've referenced the Evan Longoria and Matt Moore deals. This one is a little more risky, I think. The TWins have definitely shown a willingness to by who some arbitration and free agent years. They did that with Hunter, Santana, Mauer, Morneau, Span, Blackburn, etc.

I've referenced it relative to Oswaldo Arcia. I just think it's important to get players through at 31, maybe 32. After that, it's probably even more risky to sign free agents than signing them early.

I think the Salvador Perez might be a better comp for Arcia, though I would tack on a couple more options.

So Rizzo is 23, but has spent 2+ years beating up AAA pitching? Any idea why he wasn't called up sooner?

I happen to agree with this model as choosing which young players to invest in from your own organization would inevitably have to be more efficient than the free agent market. It didn't work out so well with Blackburn, but plenty of people (rightfully) argued immediately after the signing that he wasn't the right kind of target.

What's wrong in today's Free agent market is that teams pay a player (Josh Hamilton) for their 20's but get there 30's.Which is usually worse.