Why I think the Twins will end up with Ryu and possibly Donaldson.

[Brandon]

The biggest competition for Ryu is from LA. LA is also in the hunt for Madbum. If LA signs Madbum, then Minnesota becomes the next team who is aggressively pursuing him. You think the Angels who also need pitching would go after him but looking closer the Angels are now 15 million over.last years payroll with a need for a C, Reliever, and 1 or 2 more starters. Last year no starting pitcher had more than 18 starts for the always injured Angels staff. There is another starter who better fits their needs especially with a great IF defense. Keuchel is rarely hurt and rarely misses starts, pitches lots of innings and is cheaper than Ryu. I also don't think the Angels will go to hard after Madbum either. Why do that when they could add more stability with Terehan. The cost of Keuchel and Terehan would be close to what Madbum costs on a yearly basis. Therefore I expect LA to get Madbum, Minnesota to get Ryu, and Anaheim to sign Keuchel.

 

On Donaldson it's going to come down to preference. I see the big three suitors as Washington who will offer defferrals, LA, and Minnesota. I think LA could win the bidding but Minnesota can offer the chance to be at the heart of a historic offense. I hope that LA is content after signing Madbum as I'm sure they want Minnesota to be content after signing Ryu....All teams are capable of winning so it will come down to offers and preference.

[Mike Sixel]

Let's hope you are right!

[Brandon]

I also want to add that Anaheim is 30-35 million from the luxury tax threshold. I think their highest payroll has been 165 million give or take. How high do you think they want to take payroll now.?

[Cody Pirkl]

Ryu is also being pursued by the Cardinals and Blue Jays according to rumors as well. Most teams may be going after MadBum who probably will be more expensive, but likely would settle for Ryu if they miss out. The pitching market is on fire this offseason and I have a hard time rationalizing any predictions because it's all based on how much a team likes a guy to pay them enough. So far it seems there's been bidding wars driving prices up(See Tanner Roark). 

 

I thought at one point the Twins could get Donaldson and Ryu, but I've changed my tune watching this market. The front office appears to not be willing to make any moves they don't believe in 100% and are content leaving money on the table if it means avoiding a bad deal. We could MAYBE see Keuchel and Donaldson, but I think substituting Ryu is out of the question.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

No to Donaldson. I feel Donaldson may have leg problems next year (he's a former catcher and has experienced leg problems previously). His price range makes him too much a risk for me. 

[Cody Pirkl]

 

No to Donaldson. I feel Donaldson may have leg problems next year (he's a former catcher and has experienced leg problems previously). His price range makes him too much a risk for me. 

He basically only had one lost season to the leg problems. Every pitcher is probably more of a landmine than Donaldson is, and he's still a gold glove level 3B who punishes pitchers. A lot of people hated the Cruz deal with Seattle for similar reasons, but some guys can just hit. He's a special talent who I believe in to be a significant presence into his later years. He's the kind of player I'd like to gamble on, especially if that money we're spending isn't going anywhere else.

[crapforks]

Donaldson is a legitimate stud, but he is also high risk. This piece about him during his time in Toronto illustrates that he is a very big personality that probably can't be plugged into just any clubhouse. I might have never been one to place 'clubhouse chemistry' above performance, but that piece paints a picture that requires some thought.

 

Basically, are the Twins OK with signing Donaldson and allowing him to takeover the team's personality? 

[In My La Z boy]

 

Donaldson is a legitimate stud, but he is also high risk. This piece about him during his time in Toronto illustrates that he is a very big personality that probably can't be plugged into just any clubhouse. I might have never been one to place 'clubhouse chemistry' above performance, but that piece paints a picture that requires some thought.

 

Basically, are the Twins OK with signing Donaldson and allowing him to takeover the team's personality? 

Rocco is the perfect clubhouse svengali required to meld Donaldson into the fold. He is a Madbum type, hyper competitive. That is a good thing. I want him. This club needs a gold glove at 3B - who happens to smack 35hrs annually.

[cmoss84]

I would not mind Donaldson one bit. But if we are going to invest heavily-I would prefer us to go "all-in" and do whatever it takes to get Arenado. If there's any truth to those rumors. 

 

 

[Cody Pirkl]

 

Donaldson is a legitimate stud, but he is also high risk. This piece about him during his time in Toronto illustrates that he is a very big personality that probably can't be plugged into just any clubhouse. I might have never been one to place 'clubhouse chemistry' above performance, but that piece paints a picture that requires some thought.

 

Basically, are the Twins OK with signing Donaldson and allowing him to takeover the team's personality? 

Very interesting story, but I'd argue that the Braves club house is pretty similar to ours in terms of emerging young talent and players who still have a little ways to go in maturity and development. It's certainly impossible to argue chemistry and personality fits, but his flare for competition and intensity is something I've always loved.

 

After the postseason sweep last year where the offense didn't really show up to a single game, the interviews from players had me feeling like they got to the playoffs and accomplished their goals and were content with whatever the outcome. There was more of a feeling that they were trying to hide from the spotlight, and they really seemed to be missing any sort of intensity. I'd love a big personality like Donaldson in a best of 5 series like that.

[akmanak]

I can see Donaldson simply because homers fill the stadium and the cost would be low. When it comes to Ryu no chance. They will not spend on a pitcher like that.

[Mike Sixel]

 

I can see Donaldson simply because homers fill the stadium and the cost would be low. When it comes to Ryu no chance. They will not spend on a pitcher like that.

 

low? I bet he gets north of $15MM per year. For 2-3 years. that would be in the top five of the largest FA deal in Twins' history....IIRC

[dex8425]

 

The biggest competition for Ryu is from LA. LA is also in the hunt for Madbum. If LA signs Madbum, then Minnesota becomes the next team who is aggressively pursuing him. You think the Angels who also need pitching would go after him but looking closer the Angels are now 15 million over.last years payroll with a need for a C, Reliever, and 1 or 2 more starters. Last year no starting pitcher had more than 18 starts for the always injured Angels staff. There is another starter who better fits their needs especially with a great IF defense. Keuchel is rarely hurt and rarely misses starts, pitches lots of innings and is cheaper than Ryu. I also don't think the Angels will go to hard after Madbum either. Why do that when they could add more stability with Terehan. The cost of Keuchel and Terehan would be close to what Madbum costs on a yearly basis. Therefore I expect LA to get Madbum, Minnesota to get Ryu, and Anaheim to sign Keuchel.

On Donaldson it's going to come down to preference. I see the big three suitors as Washington who will offer defferrals, LA, and Minnesota. I think LA could win the bidding but Minnesota can offer the chance to be at the heart of a historic offense. I hope that LA is content after signing Madbum as I'm sure they want Minnesota to be content after signing Ryu....All teams are capable of winning so it will come down to offers and preference.

 

 

I just cannot see Madison Bumgarner signing with the Dodgers. No way the Giants let that happen. Bumgarner hates the Dodgers. Dodgers play the Giants on opening day. I hope I'm wrong but I don't see the Dodgers committing to that contract nor do I see Bumgarner taking it; if he gets an offer from the Dodgers Zaidi will make him an offer to return to SF. 

 

My Madbum predictions:

1. Atlanta

2. SF Giants

3. Angels

4. Twins

 

[sweetmusicviola16]

Both of these guys will cost between 45-50 mil if not considerably more. We presently sit around 95mil factoring in arbs. Besides an SP or two we need a 1B and a pen guy or two. Lets say we spend another 20 mil for a #5 SP the 1B and pen guys. We're at 115mil. Both Donaldson and Ryu would put us at 165mil then before any extensions.

 

Both is not happening. I doubt we get either one.

 

Madbum LAD. Ryu LAA. Donaldson Was/Atl. Keuchel CWS

 

Twins, Tehran or Miley and Wood or a fallback trade for Ray or Boyd.

[sweetmusicviola16]

 

low? I bet he gets north of $15MM per year. For 2-3 years. that would be in the top five of the largest FA deal in Twins' history....IIRC

3 years of Donaldson? 70-80 mil is my bet tbh.

[dex8425]

 

low? I bet he gets north of $15MM per year. For 2-3 years. that would be in the top five of the largest FA deal in Twins' history....IIRC

Mike, don't you think the cost will be more than 60 mil? He's a former MVP coming off a great season. 

 

The Donaldson risk for me is the aforementioned clubhouse chemistry. I'm not sure he would fit in here. He might get pissed that Rocco imparts a (good) hands-off laid back vibe. Bumgarner is also intense, so not sure how that would work either. I wouldn't describe Garver, Kepler, Rosario or Polanco as intense.   

[Mike Sixel]

 

Mike, don't you think the cost will be more than 60 mil? He's a former MVP coming off a great season. 

 

The Donaldson risk for me is the aforementioned clubhouse chemistry. I'm not sure he would fit in here. He might get pissed that Rocco imparts a (good) hands-off laid back vibe. Bumgarner is also intense, so not sure how that would work either. I wouldn't describe Garver, Kepler, Rosario or Polanco as intense.   

 

I probably went low there, yes........So, he'd be the largest FA contract in Twins' history if you and the poster above are correct. What are the odds of that?

[dex8425]

 

I probably went low there, yes........So, he'd be the largest FA contract in Twins' history if you and the poster above are correct. What are the odds of that?

Very, very low! I don't think we sign Ryu, Madbum or Donaldson. I could see Kuechel but that signing would raise my eyebrows due to our present infield defense. 

 

I'm holding out for Julio Teheran if Wes J thinks he can get that fb velo back up. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

 

I probably went low there, yes........So, he'd be the largest FA contract in Twins' history if you and the poster above are correct. What are the odds of that?

Slim and none and none just walked out the door?

 

I just don't see Donaldson happening. Its not just the money, however big that factor is, it also means Sano at 1B. Do we really want that in a season where the division and the WS is our intended goal? I certainly believe he can work his way into a capable 1B but it's going to take time. Possibly longer than 2020.

[sweetmusicviola16]

In the case of Donaldson I have no issues with his personality. He wants to win. I see nothing wrong with that.

[Riverbrian]

I could be wrong but I think the Dodgers could be outbid for Bumgarner. 

 

Friedman just doesn't seem to be that guy who settles for Bumgarner because he has unspent Cole money. He's too disciplined in everything he does. 

 

If Bumgarner takes less years... he will sign with the Dodgers. If he is looking for a longer term. He will sign someplace else because someone will bite to get the deal done. Where that someplace else is? Anybody's guess. 

 

Ryu? I assume he will probably be offered less years. This will bring the Dodgers heavy in that discussion instead. 

 

Just my guess. I'm not betting anything of value on my guess. 

 

 

[Dman]

I think the Twins have a chance on Donaldson otherwise they wouldn't be mentioned at all.  I mean the Twins have to know what the bidding numbers are at this point as the Rangers bowed out knowing that it would likely take 4 years to get him. The Twins haven't bowed out so the money or years must not scare them yet.

 

I am not sure they can get Ryu.  I think they will likely need to go 4 years there too and I also think once Bumgarner comes off the board there will be more competition for Ryu as well.  Would love to have both but don't see it.

[Musk21]

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Nationals are "actively engaged" in talks with Josh Donaldson. Nightengale adds that the Nats know it will take a four-year contract to land the veteran third baseman.

[Cody Pirkl]

 

I can see Donaldson simply because homers fill the stadium and the cost would be low. When it comes to Ryu no chance. They will not spend on a pitcher like that.

Odds are Donaldson gets paid more per year and for longer than Ryu. He's a lot more than just a home run hitter even at 34.

[Battle ur tail off]

I doubt we get either and I don't really care. 

 

Both are old. Both will take 4 years to get deals. Both are injury prone. 

 

 

I've resigned myself that this club just isn't gonna sign any top end Free Agents. I think it's time they pivot over and realize you are gonna have to dump 2-4 of your top 10 prospects to build this club. Their cheap attitude and thirst to "win" every transaction they make has backed them into a corner. It is either send out your honey prospects, or roll with the same team as last year at this point. No amount of low end free agents, pickup of projects, or signing guys getting into the twilight of their career can help them at this point. It is looking to me like there is only one way to improve this club, and that is by letting go of some young guys. 

[crapforks]

In the case of Donaldson I have no issues with his personality. He wants to win. I see nothing wrong with that.

If you read the posted article, there’s some quirks to his presence beyond being someone who ‘wants to win.’ Not one single poster here has any insight into the Twins clubhouse vibe, but JD seems like a risk to bring in. Especially if the team or individual players get off to a slow start.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

 

Donaldson is a legitimate stud, but he is also high risk. This piece about him during his time in Toronto illustrates that he is a very big personality that probably can't be plugged into just any clubhouse. I might have never been one to place 'clubhouse chemistry' above performance, but that piece paints a picture that requires some thought.

 

Basically, are the Twins OK with signing Donaldson and allowing him to takeover the team's personality? 

Man that article, if true, seals the Donaldson decision for me. No way should the Twins sign him. However this attitude may appear to some as necessary to win...may appear as good for the team. I'm sure some readers will disagree with me on this, however  I don't see how this player could  be a positive for a team. I wouldn't hire someone like this to work in my office, no matter how talented he may be. Remember this is a team sport. It is not a one man show.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

If Nelson Cruz was a good influence on the younger players and taught them about how to play the game and respect the game and how to represent the Twins franchise...don't you think that it is just as likely that JD would have the opposite effect on the young Twins players?

[Linus]

They may get Ryu but there is no way they are signing both. Zero chance, none

[sweetmusicviola16]

 

They may get Ryu but there is no way they are signing both. Zero chance, none

I second your zero chance.

 

I haven't read yet the entire article linked here. But I have to wonder why Atlanta would want to once again secure his services for another 3 years or more if he was a clubhouse problem considering just how young their team is. Makes no sense.