Front Page: With Twins Likely Out on Donaldson, So What's the Plan Now?

[Bomba2026]

Well maybe we can use that saved money for a pitcher....and isn't Sano a 3rd baseman?

[KirbyDome89]

 

So you’re answer is just to eat cheap ****ty pizza your whole life, and watch other enjoy great pizza? And you’re just OK with that? That really sucks for you.

It's sarcasm

[kdag23]

You can debate about FA vs trades, developing from within or any combination. But when they say they're "in" on someone, in this case JD, and maybe the media blows things up more than they should, but if they are going after someone, then put your big boy pants on and do it. Instead of, offering $10m less and posturing, and saying that he's not interested in signing with us.

[Dave Overlund]

So you’re answer is just to eat cheap ****ty pizza your whole life, and watch other enjoy great pizza? And you’re just OK with that? That really sucks for you.

(Ranier Wolfcastle voice)

 

That’s the joke

[mshnd06]

 

Well maybe we can use that saved money for a pitcher....and isn't Sano a 3rd baseman?

A poor one.  Infield defense is a very real problem for this team.  Any evidence to suggest that we are going to use that saved money for a pitcher?  We're out of reasonable options on the FA market.  The only thing that money might be used on now is eating Price's salary

[jorgenswest]

A poor one.  Infield defense is a very real problem for this team.  Any evidence to suggest that we are going to use that saved money for a pitcher?  We're out of reasonable options on the FA market.  The only thing that money might be used on now is eating Price's salary

If they want to move the needle with infield defense it has to come at SS or 2B. Sano is below average at 3B but the volume of plays at 3B is much less than up the middle.

[mshnd06]

 

If they want to move the needle with infield defense it has to come at SS or 2B. Sano is below average at 3B but the volume of plays at 3B is much less than up the middle.

Can't disagree

[howeda7]

 

If they want to move the needle with infield defense it has to come at SS or 2B. Sano is below average at 3B but the volume of plays at 3B is much less than up the middle.

What SS's are available though? Iglesias doesn't excite me. 

[howeda7]

 

A poor one.  Infield defense is a very real problem for this team.  Any evidence to suggest that we are going to use that saved money for a pitcher?  We're out of reasonable options on the FA market.  The only thing that money might be used on now is eating Price's salary

At this point, I'd be happy with trading for Price, eating $25/15/15 of his contract and signing a 2B (Gennett or Doz) and moving Arreaz to 3B. It doesn't improve the D that much, but it's better than using Gonzalez at 3B. Especially when he'll be needed in the OF once Buxton gets hurt.

[mudcat14]

 

"...Gray would cost a bit more..."

You're miles short on both trades.

 

You're right Chief.  'A bit more,' is an understatement of what would be required to land Gray, who is controllable at a relatively cheap rate for two more years.  However I truly believe that the two player package I proposed for Arenado isn't that far off, provided the Twins absorb the entire $234mil remaining on his deal.  Lewis and Kiriloff are Top 15 overall prospects, and Balazovic is on everyone's ask list when the Twins are in trade talks.  Perhaps a 'B' level prospect or two would need to be added to appease the Rockies fan base, but I wouldn't plan any anyone significant. 

[D.C Twins]

Yaaaaaaawwwwwwwwnnnnnn.....(sigh).....(slow head shake)..... sign off.....

[Mike Sixel]

Is Jason Castro the biggest free agent deal for this FO? In four off seasons?

[MMMordabito]

 

I think they've taken solid "swings" on guys like Wheeler, MadBum, Donaldson.  What they aren't is willing to move prospects to build a team that can compete for a World Series

 

When my kids were younger, I used to listen to scores of parents yell "Good swing, buddy" or "Nice cut, [insert name of 13th hitter in order]".  

[MMMordabito]

Twins GM Interview:

 

JP:  "These free agent salaries are getting really high. We aren't comfortable with where the prices are going.  How do you intend to present our team as competitive without breaking the bank?

 

Falvey: "Well, one of my strong points is mining contract data and using predictive analysis to determine what types of deals each free agent is going to sign. I could then offer what looks to be a very competitive offer while knowing that one of the big market players will beat us every time. Those few and far-between analytical fans will be pissed, but you're average rube won't notice or will give us credit for at least trying."

 

JP: "You're hired."

[Linus]

What SS's are available though? Iglesias doesn't excite me.

Iglesias is good with the glove and ok with the bat. The Twins score a bunch they can afford to put a good defensive player at the most important defensive position

[tony&rodney]

... So What's The Plan Now?"

I think this is the thread.

We have a little bit of the working class people adoration for billionaire profits arguing with disgruntled fans who might have thought that something big should happen this offseason. Baseball is entertainment and we read this junk to keep abreast of trends, thoughts, and various ideas. There have been many - that's good. I want to refer back to the thread idea and suggest that this season could be a very exciting one for Twins fans. Garver has emerged as a strong MLB player and even with regression will see more time on the field and be productive. It is easy to see Arraez, Kepler, and Rosario having equal or improved seasons this year. Cruz is a professional and DH can be covered by many players. Gonzalez has to be better. I expect Buxton and Sano to bust out and be around for the entire season. That leaves Polanco, the AL starting SS last summer. Read that again. How did we get to complaining about an all star shortstop. Polanco is not Mark Belanger in the field, but neither is Buxton Paul Blair. The pitching staff could be middle of the pack and that should be pretty good as the Twins break in some young pitchers. 

I would argue that a 91-95 win season is doable with the current squad. I wanted to add Grandal at $20M, Cole at $38M, and a few adds like Pineda and Alex Wood. The only player they added on my list was Avila.

Now we can move forward and hope the kids get their chance to play and do well with their opportunities. Who knows, maybe Donaldson wakes up tomorrow morning and has had dreams all night long about batting with Buxton and Kepler on base.

Whatever ... the Twins front office has apparently encountered some difficulty and I am not enamored of that at all, but  still that should not obscure what should be a rising, exciting, and competitive team.

The kids are next, in full support of a solid core.

[ewen21]

Stop with this excuse. Donaldson's camp flat out said they will sign with whoever meets their #. Our offer isn't close and we're not willing to raise it. Again. The only player who probably truly wouldn't play in MN is MadBaum.

Guys making more money than God isn’t a excuse. You just don’t get the implications of players making crazy money and what it’s done to the game.

 

If a guy like Donaldson from some jerkwater town in Florida already has earned tens of millions of dollars and is assured an amazing pension anyway, what is the difference between getting 90 million and 120 million at the end of his career? He’s already earned over 80 million. Cut out the taxes and pay his agent and he still has earned at least 30 or 40. What if he just wants to play near home? He’s married and he’s got enough money for a couple of generations of Donaldsons.

 

Ever think of the possibility that baseball players are so rich these days that 10, 20, 30 million doesn’t make enough of a difference? He wants to use other teams against the Braves to jack up his price. Do you not get this or do you just want to throw tantrums all the way until the season starts?

 

ALL you have done over the last month is complain daily about how the Twins aren’t paying every single free more money than everybody else in the market. In every single case you have advocated for the Twins to outbid the entire market for each of the last five big free agents.

 

Well guess what? It’s not happening.

And furthermore, Donaldson isn’t going to put us over the top. Donaldson and Ryu together wouldn’t have.

 

Scream all you want now. I’m done talking about Josh Donaldson

[Captain Torii]

I'll say it again, Eric Thames would be a good add to the team and affordable. He was fun to watch for the Brew crew, seemed a good clubhouse guy; and could be used along with Garver at 1B depending on pitcher matchups, keeping Mitch healthy, and would keep Sano at his natural position. I also think he'd be better for playing with Cruz as well, much as what happened with Sano and the kids, but that is mostly just my opinion...

[Otwins]

 

None of the free agent infielders are very appealing. Moreland or Thames seem to be the best bets, but .830 OPS.... not a huge upgrade over what you might get out of Rooker, just more reliable.

From here on out, I’d look to swing a trade for a 3B and SP and plan on internal options as fallback options.

Edit to add: could get creative and look at Rosario at 1b as well.

I like this idea better than moving Kepler there as some have suggested.  Kepler is too valuable as a defender in the outfield.  Rosario played second base for awhile in the minors so he has played some infield.

[specialiststeve]

 

Well, at least the Vikings loss today will take my mind off of this terrible off season for a little while...

 

Umm... Vikes won! Skol 

[specialiststeve]

 

Uh, no.  If they just get to the playoffs again and lose, it's a failure.

 

You mean like the Yankees and Dodgers... also haven't won a Series in a LONG time. Yes they win consistently and get to the playoffs and No championship. We are fine. Yes we would all love to sign the big boys but very unlikely. Have to build within as well as have savvy trades. If we win the division and have an entertaining product with a chance to win in the playoffs it is a success. 

[Sjoski]

Has anyone in this thread pointed out the obvious....NONE of today's free agents want to play for a team north of Iowa...at least not one without a dime stadium.

[akmanak]

I was hoping for Donaldson but not at that price. Now the Twins are pretty much back to square one unless they plan to dump some prospects or key players for rental chips.

 

They need to just go with what they have and hopefully be able to pick someone up who is decent in mid July but I won't be holding my breath.

[Mike Sixel]

Has anyone in this thread pointed out the obvious....NONE of today's free agents want to play for a team north of Iowa...at least not one without a dime stadium.

It is the job of the FO to fix that. And, I'm guessing if they bid the most more often, they'll get someone to come....

[David HK]

Well, why would he sign here? The FO has already signaled it's not serious about competing by not grabbing an impact starter.

[howeda7]

 

Is Jason Castro the biggest free agent deal for this FO? In four off seasons?

Yes. And I'm shocked he was willing to come here and put his family through the hell that is MN.

[howeda7]

 

Guys making more money than God isn’t a excuse. You just don’t get the implications of players making crazy money and what it’s done to the game.

If a guy like Donaldson from some jerkwater town in Florida already has earned tens of millions of dollars and is assured an amazing pension anyway, what is the difference between getting 90 million and 120 million at the end of his career? He’s already earned over 80 million. Cut out the taxes and pay his agent and he still has earned at least 30 or 40. What if he just wants to play near home? He’s married and he’s got enough money for a couple of generations of Donaldsons.

Ever think of the possibility that baseball players are so rich these days that 10, 20, 30 million doesn’t make enough of a difference? He wants to use other teams against the Braves to jack up his price. Do you not get this or do you just want to throw tantrums all the way until the season starts?

ALL you have done over the last month is complain daily about how the Twins aren’t paying every single free more money than everybody else in the market. In every single case you have advocated for the Twins to outbid the entire market for each of the last five big free agents.

Well guess what? It’s not happening.
And furthermore, Donaldson isn’t going to put us over the top. Donaldson and Ryu together wouldn’t have.

Scream all you want now. I’m done talking about Josh Donaldson

Why did Nelson Cruz sign here? He could have taken a couple million less and gone to Houston? Why did Gonzalez? Why did Lance Lynn? All of them signed here because we made the best offer.

 

MOST of the time, FA's will go where the best offer is. Occasionally there is an exception. You're claiming the exception applies in every case when we have not made the best offer to ANY of the top FA's this off-season.

 

Yes, I believe all things equal, Donaldson wants to stay in Atlanta. He's also played for a lot of teams, and if we top Atlanta's offer by $10-15 million in total, he'll be a Twin. But we won't. And maybe we shouldn't. But the same cannot be said for Ryu, Kuechel, etc.

[Dave Overlund]

 

Guys making more money than God isn’t a excuse. You just don’t get the implications of players making crazy money and what it’s done to the game.

If a guy like Donaldson from some jerkwater town in Florida already has earned tens of millions of dollars and is assured an amazing pension anyway, what is the difference between getting 90 million and 120 million at the end of his career? He’s already earned over 80 million. Cut out the taxes and pay his agent and he still has earned at least 30 or 40. What if he just wants to play near home? He’s married and he’s got enough money for a couple of generations of Donaldsons.

Ever think of the possibility that baseball players are so rich these days that 10, 20, 30 million doesn’t make enough of a difference? He wants to use other teams against the Braves to jack up his price. Do you not get this or do you just want to throw tantrums all the way until the season starts?

 

If he doesn't care about 10,20,30 million why does he need other teams to "jack up his price?" Using your logic he should be fine signing with Atlanta for 4/80 or whatever since he has enough money, no?

[cmoss84]

 

Well, why would he sign here? The FO has already signaled it's not serious about competing by not grabbing an impact starter.

 

Because he would be signing with a team that won 101 games last year, in a weak division, that broke homerun records, that is returning mostly everyone and has young guys in the wings to help out as well? And there are still 2 months of off-season left? 

[Battle ur tail off]

 

Has anyone in this thread pointed out the obvious....NONE of today's free agents want to play for a team north of Iowa...at least not one without a dime stadium.

Ryu just signed with Toronto

Seattle has signed quite a few high end guys in recent years. 

Milwaukee has brought some big names in

Detroit, Cubs and White Sox have been in the mix plenty.

 

 

It's the Twins. It's no one else. Honestly. Quit letting these guys off the hook. Identify someone you want and make the highest offer. You will get better than 50% of them. That is all fans are asking. When the time is right, identify, make solid offer and see what happens. 

 

So far we have, identify, make an offer that fits into Twins budget, see what happens. Free agent signs. We all find out Twins were 20% off of the highest offer.