I'm a Twins fan living in NYC. I must disabuse readers of this excellent blog of one misapprehension: Tyler Austin is not a full-time player; he's not even a reliable part-time player. The Yankees gave him multiple opportunities to prosper and it didn't happen. Serious planning for the Twins 2019 season should not put any material import on Tyler Austin. I dare say there's more likelihood of a healthy Logan Morrison having an impact than with Austin. I believe we must let Joe Mauer ride into the sunset after a splendid career. He can still hit singles and doubles (particularly with runners in scoring position) and play first base, but he cannot deliver the power numbers required of a corner infielder...and that is a major problem. In the current style of baseball we must have power production at first and third. I believe Joe means to retire and all cheers for him--I say he's a HOF'er. I like the idea of signing Esobar; three years at $40M or so is reasonable in light of the history. I do NOT want to hear about the big lug Adams, that's not interesting. If Sabathia doesn't sign a short term deal with NY by all means let him know there are two guaranteed years with the Twins at a reasonable salary. The guy had a solid year for NY and is a clubhouse presence the team desperately needs. And now...c'mon Oakland!!