Prospects we drafted doing well elsewhere?

[Trov]

This is not an update on prospects we let go or traded away, but a question on what are your thoughts on having prospects we drafted that got traded, or taken in rule 5 draft or other means.  One view is the one that got away view and what if we still had them and how dare the FO not know what they had.  However, the other side of the coin, is look at how good they were at identifying talent in the draft or international signings.  I know sometimes it may be for what was traded and if it was worth the lost future value, but what if you traded away a top prospect that tanked at MLB level, do you feel better we maxed the price or worse we tanked the pick?  

I am always on the fence on how I feel when I see guys we had doing well elsewhere.  I know roster dynamics are more complicated that just who we let go or traded, as much more decisions go into it, like who else is in the pipe, what other replacement options do we have. Personally, if our FO is continuing to get prospects to develop, that is a plus, even if we trade them away.  Unless it starts to turn where we start trading away prospects for bad returns, and starting keeping prospects that never pan out.  

[ashbury]

It's definitely a double-edged sword and it's right to look at it both ways.  You want for trades to bring value for value - but should not overlook where that original value came from.

[rwilfong86]

23 minutes ago, ashbury said:

It's definitely a double-edged sword and it's right to look at it both ways.  You want for trades to bring value for value - but should not overlook where that original value came from.

I agree, I think good teams have a cycle of building up prospects and a good farm system but also are willing to trade those assets when the need arises. Ultimately winning is what really matters in the end, so however a team goes about accomplishing that seems to be fair game. 

[Jocko87]

They are pivoting a bit as an organization.  The Twins fanbase is well conditioned to draft, develop and fill from within but I think they are slowing turning into an asset buy and trade team.  I would not be surprised to see them take 4-5 more college "shortstops" and college pitchers in the top 10 this year.  Maybe one or two will stick with us but more likely they will turn into a relief pitcher here or established corner bat there.  Then draft developmental talent in later rounds and work the international scene hard while they still can.  I'm not a big fan of investing in high school talent with high draft capital but I like taking a look at someone elses high school draft pick after they have a few years in the lower levels. 

We are going to have some sellers remorse at times but if we can avoid giving away a Joe Ryan deal the big roster is going to get holes filled.  Seeing our prospects be successful elsewhere is going to be a good thing, both in that it highlights their ability to find and develop talent but as credible trade partners going forward.  The days of cheering for and following a prospect for 5-6 years are likely gone.

[Beast]

When it comes to trades, you have to give something to get something.  Those don’t really bug me.  I’ve harped on them for years to be more aggressive, and this FO is doing that.  Even though the Mahle trade looks like it’ll end up a disaster, I like the aggression.

People being DFA’d or rule 5’d coming back to be something transcendent is so uncommon, that doesn’t really bug me.

To this day, the one I move I look at that’s agonizing is Ortiz.  Can’t really think of any other that really changes the trajectory of the franchise.