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Thanks, WH, for the video. While I'm not a scout or expert, I did notice a couple of things that trouble me about Kolek. He seemed to be a all over the place. His plant foot really isn't very consistent and his control seems to be weak. That change with coaching and repetition. It did seem to telegraph his curve. It is obvious that the catcher had quite a time handling him. That should also change as he moves up to better competition. Just wondering if my observations are legitimate or are skew from a 1Bman untrained eye.

Gimme a break. Is it so difficult to find something good about this story? At least take what a major league veteran pitcher has to say about the future of Meyer as a positive and hope.

Correction. Add Tampa to #3 with 90.

Projections are just that - projections. I usually don't get too worked up about them and especially regarding the Twins b/c I'm a homey. However, after just a just review of their projections I found the following areas that I would also question besides Mauer's expected regression. 1. Joe is predicted to play 138 games - at 1B ??? 2. The 669 runs scored by the Twins would be 4th in the NL. 3. Only 2 teams are projected to win 90 ob games; Detroit-91 & St Louis-90. 4. The CWS is expected to be 3rd in the AL central?!?!? I'm sure there are more that seem a bit of a stretch. Point is: This projections is as satisfying as that empty beer can in the trash can. Bartender, a round for everyone.

Am I becoming a Sheldon Cooper (Big Bang Theory) by not being able to catch sarcasm or are you serious about spending money?

Good article Nick! I do have a problem though. I am starting to get fatigued with the same money arguments from both sides. So maybe we should move on. From my observations, depending on your position, it is plainly obvious that the Twins have either done a credible job in improving this year or have dribbled down their leg pathetically like the last 3 years. A great deal of passion on both ends. Some say the Twins have the money and haven't increased the payroll from the last 3 years, so spend it. While others see the Twins dishing out, uncommonly, large free agent paydays and are spending wisely. Some see free agents as the one way out of this mess, and feel their performance will match or exceed their past. Others question whether the upgrade will be worth it and view the potential of the up-and-coming players will be worth the wait. While those favoring free agents, do not see much hope that the youth movement will provide enough improvement. And then, throw in the occasional statement of fact about such-and-such or so-and-so that has no way of being absolute and is subject to the future. These discussions have hashed, rehashed, hashed and rehashed the same positions. Passion is admired and there is not one on this site that is not a fan. However, I believe that it is time to recognize that there is no swaying of the other, before we are all drunk at the bar. So, maybe, we should turn our attention to something like: who will be the first player injured in spring training. Something we can't prove until it happens also. OMG, spring training will be here in a month. Halleluja!!!!

Certainly if Garza was the target, that would sure take care of the $15.

I don't want to rehash the Drew debate, but let's suppose Drew is signed. That's likely to come in at around $10 mln from what I have gathered. That still leaves another $15 mln available. If the goal is to invest in team personnel, again, who else should they be pursuing?

What free agents are you thinking they should go after?

Good point. That's why I believe Parmelee will be on the club for back-up 1st and OF. Kubel could be primary DH with some OF when Mauer DH's and Parmelee mans first. Kubel can also come off the bench. So here is my take C: Suzuki, Pinto IF: Mauer, Dozier, Floriman, Plouffe OF: Willingham, Pressley, Arcia Bench: Kubel (DH/OF), Parmelee (IF/!, Escobar (IF) & ??? (CF,C, or bat)

For my perspective this has been a very good off-season. Adding (and improving) the SP has been very welcomed. (Disclaimer: Yes we didn't land any aces, but compared to 2013 SP is/should be better.) I am not of the mind that spending money b/c you have it equates to a successful off-season. If we were coming off a .500 or better season with a legitimate chance to win the division then I would be disappointed in not using any and all resources available. Let's face it, we are still in the rebuilding stage, waiting for our prospects to arrive. Turning this ship around will take a bit more time (2014) and patience. There is a balance that needs to be struck for now and future considerations. 2015 and beyond transactions will be very critical to the Twins long-term success. IMHO, outside of the pitching that was/is available there really aren't any position free agents I'm am coveting now. While Drew is intriguing there is the argument that the round 2 draft choice could lead to future trade opportunities. Just a thought. Patience is a virtue but action alone can be debilitating.

If you believe that Kubel, Mastroianni, and Bartlett make the club, who do you propose to be DFA'd since all three are not on the 40 man roster. Certainly, Parmelee and Colabello are candidates, but I have a hard time believing both would be. I think that Kubel has a good chance to make the club and the other two will stay in AAA as replacements for injury or performance. IMHO, Parmelee gets the call to settle once and for all whether he belongs in MLB.

I totally concur with Kwak on this. Somehow many of us become enamored with the players we have. That is not a bad thing until it gets in the way of making moves to improve the current team. After rational judgement of what is out there and what the Twins have, there is one question that should determine if a FA signing or trade be made -- Does the player(s) improve what we already have. If so, you get it done. I believe some of us have gotten away from that premise.

Great pairing. TD is the first thing I read in the morning and Summit is the first thing I order when ordering a drink.