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I don't know about the pouting or bad attitude, but I don't believe he gave his all here. I think that when times got tough, he checked out. I said so at the time, it doesn't surprise me he got more money. Let's see how "classy" people think he is when he is batting .320 and playing great defense over there. He never wanted to be here.

I could see them resigning him to a major league contract, but it would have to something like $1-2 mil with incentives. A healthy Pavano makes the rotation better. I would take 200 ip with a 4.50 era in the rotation at this point, especially in the 4/5 hole. Yes we need to sign pitching, but we are not going to sign 4 aces. Think reality people.

Seth, Nick, and Brock: I don't believe you read what I wrote. My discussion was not aimed at whether or not you "supported" the actual rumor, rather how you appeared to support to individual posting the source. Those are two different discussions. At no time did I claim TD leadership took the rumor as fact, nor did I say that any of you as individuals reported this as fact. The fact that multiple individuals have debunked Thrylos citing sources and claiming rumors should be enough for everybody to draw their own conclusions. Once the Baker news came out, John's post and Brock's closing the thread gave the impression that TD leadership was protecting Thrylos. Whether that was the intention or not, that was not how it came across. I know that TD leadership is working to maintain a level of civility around here. Brock and I had a discussion regarding this exact thing prior to the rules coming out a while back. I do agree with this, and feel it is a good thing for the TD site. My concern is how the TD brass handled the situation. If somebody other than Thrylos had posted this exact same thing, would it have received this level of scrutiny? By Seth's own admission, you guys monitored this closely from the start. Why? Because you believed the post might be true, or you knew that with Thrylos' history, this was going to blow up? My problem is that Thrylos has a well earned, very public, negative perception. If somebody with 10 posts had posted this and was wrong, those same comments would have been there and the thread would not be closed. But because you know Thrylos, it was handled differently and you are protecting him. Whether you want to admit it or not, the "piling on" as you put it, only hurts Thrylos. In 2-3 days, this all would have blown over by itself. By closing the thread, you are validating the bashing that Thrylos does. This is not about the integrity of a website. If it was, Thrylos, and those like him, would be under tighter control in how they comment. This comes across as very hypocritical for a site trying to protect individuals from bashing, then validating one of it's chief bashers. Thrylos will come back in the next few days. He will start ripping individuals on a local level again. Where will you be when that happens?

Before I begin, a quick recap for those who don't know what has been going on. A while back, Thrylos started a thread by posting that, according to a source, Scott Baker had signed a 3 year contract with the Twins. The deal had not been announced, but Thrylos said it was signed and done, and it would be announced. A few people responded in disbelief, Thrylos responded in a demeaning fashion. A few days ago, news came out that Baker actually signed with the Cubs. The thread turned into a pile on Thrylos. John Bonnes attempted to diffuse the situation warning that by attacking incorrect sources, future posters with "inside information" would not put their neck on the line for fear of retribution. His post was essentially ignored. A short while later, Brock closed the thread. You can see the entire thread here: http://twinsdaily.com/showthread.php?3858-Twins-re-signed-Baker I have disagreed with John, Seth, et. al., many times before. I have posted to this effect. But I have to say that this is the first time I have been truly disappointed in the Twins Daily leadership group. There are a few points I would like to make: 1) Thrylos is not a rookie poster. On the contrary, he is among the most prolific posters on the Twins Daily website. I can honestly say that his comments are usually among the most negative, argumentative, and demeaning of all the posters here. The fact that there were so many shots taken at Thrylos (including one by Parker Hageman) should tell you how Thrylos is generally viewed by the Twins Daily readers. 2) Thrylos could easily have avoided this situation by being half a step more cautious in reporting his information. He could have qualified the statement in any number of ways, but he chose not to. Furthermore, he invited challenges by posting aggressive replies to those individuals that wondered about the validity of his information. 3) When it was officially announced Baker signed with the Cubs, it looked as though TD went into protect Thrylos mode. Bonnes makes his comment about not attacking source-citers (I'll come back to this). Brock closes the thread. I find it very sad that there posts and posts of Thrylos attacking other comments, making wild accusations, and pushing around other posters, yet when the tables turn on said individual, TD make moves to protect him. They may say that they weren't, but it can't be viewed any other way. John Bonnes' comments about not attacking individuals that cite sources because it can scare away others from posting in the future is also way off base. All of the negative comments about Thrylos on the thread were not made because a source was wrong. They were made as a direct result of Thrylos' past posting history, including his own responses in that thread. Aggressive, negative posters like Thrylos do substantially more damage to your new reader base than any single thread like this could possibly do. Allowing daily attacks from posters like Thrylos, then protecting them when the tables are turned, is a poor move that smacks in the face of what you say Twins Daily wants to accomplish. I understand that the TD group at times walks a fine line. Their hope is that this site doesn't turn into a bashing free-for-all, but a stays a more intelligent discourse on all things Twins related. I applaud their efforts in this regard. But if you want to protect somebody, protect your new readers, not somebody like Thrylos. Be more diligent on the slams and rips. Posters at Thrylos' level do not need to be protected, and have earned (both positive and negative) the responses coming to them. It should also be known that, at the time of this blog, Thrylos has not posted anything since the Baker news came out. No response, nothing. That speaks volumes to me. I hope that situation reminds the TD staff about where they want this site to go, and what is more important: protecting one individual, or protecting their readership.

Before I begin, a quick recap for those who don't know what has been going on. A while back, Thrylos started a thread by posting that, according to a source, Scott Baker had signed a 3 year contract with the Twins. The deal had not been announced, but Thrylos said it was signed and done, and it would be announced. A few people responded in disbelief, Thrylos responded in a demeaning fashion. A few days ago, news came out that Baker actually signed with the Cubs. The thread turned into a pile on Thrylos. John Bonnes attempted to diffuse the situation warning that by attacking incorrect sources, future posters with "inside information" would not put their neck on the line for fear of retribution. His post was essentially ignored. A short while later, Brock closed the thread. You can see the entire thread here: http://twinsdaily.com/showthread.php?3858-Twins-re-signed-Baker I have disagreed with John, Seth, et. al., many times before. I have posted to this effect. But I have to say that this is the first time I have been truly disappointed in the Twins Daily leadership group. There are a few points I would like to make: 1) Thrylos is not a rookie poster. On the contrary, he is among the most prolific posters on the Twins Daily website. I can honestly say that his comments are usually among the most negative, argumentative, and demeaning of all the posters here. The fact that there were so many shots taken at Thrylos (including one by Parker Hageman) should tell you how Thrylos is generally viewed by the Twins Daily readers. 2) Thrylos could easily have avoided this situation by being half a step more cautious in reporting his information. He could have qualified the statement in any number of ways, but he chose not to. Furthermore, he invited challenges by posting aggressive replies to those individuals that wondered about the validity of his information. 3) When it was officially announced Baker signed with the Cubs, it looked as though TD went into protect Thrylos mode. Bonnes makes his comment about not attacking source-citers (I'll come back to this). Brock closes the thread. I find it very sad that there posts and posts of Thrylos attacking other comments, making wild accusations, and pushing around other posters, yet when the tables turn on said individual, TD make moves to protect him. They may say that they weren't, but it can't be viewed any other way. John Bonnes' comments about not attacking individuals that cite sources because it can scare away others from posting in the future is also way off base. All of the negative comments about Thrylos on the thread were not made because a source was wrong. They were made as a direct result of Thrylos' past posting history, including his own responses in that thread. Aggressive, negative posters like Thrylos do substantially more damage to your new reader base than any single thread like this could possibly do. Allowing daily attacks from posters like Thrylos, then protecting them when the tables are turned, is a poor move that smacks in the face of what you say Twins Daily wants to accomplish. I understand that the TD group at times walks a fine line. Their hope is that this site doesn't turn into a bashing free-for-all, but a stays a more intelligent discourse on all things Twins related. I applaud their efforts in this regard. But if you want to protect somebody, protect your new readers, not somebody like Thrylos. Be more diligent on the slams and rips. Posters at Thrylos' level do not need to be protected, and have earned (both positive and negative) the responses coming to them. It should also be known that, at the time of this blog, Thrylos has not posted anything since the Baker news came out. No response, nothing. That speaks volumes to me. I hope that situation reminds the TD staff about where they want this site to go, and what is more important: protecting one individual, or protecting their readership.

Bonnes, you may want to close the comments if you are looking to protect Thrylos on this one. Thrylos said it was done. Period. No comments about "close to signing" or other caveats with an out clause. Any piling on needs to be done because how it was reported, not that it was reported.

This has to be the most impatient post I have seen yet. Are you really complaining that Terry Ryan hasn't filled out the roster yet? Good grief, we aren't even to Thanksgiving yet. Have you not read any of the reports that talk about all of the players he has been in contact with? Players have barely had the chance to decline qualifying offers. You realize we haven't even reached the winter meetings yet? Take a Prozac and wait a few months...

I think it says: Kent Hrbek: This Twins great is known for fishing, eating, hunting, and the occasional baseball game. He is currently believed to be a masked wrestler in Japan using the name 'Tyrannosaurus Rex'.

well... I got 2 words about that statement. (and it hurts) : Gary Anderson Ouch. The guy misses one kick all year...

Another good fit for the Twins. He was ok while he was here, but they didn't feel comfortable with him in the starting rotation (for some reason). There is no reason to believe that Dickey doesn't haver at least 5 more decent years left. Knuckleballers tend to age better than just about anybody (except NFL placekickers).

Klaw is snarky and uppity, but that is part of his schtick. He is very confident in his opinions, and is not afraid to say so. He is a refreshing change in the vanilla sportswriting biz.

Nope. 3/30 is as high as I would go for him.

Myers and Dempster seem logical choices for the Twins. Short term fixes that could be had on the cheap. I would be very surprised to see them swimming in the deep waters with Sanchez. I would also love to see Webb and Zumaya in camp. Both have a proven history. If they can show some life, their experience would be beneficial.

I think the posts here have hit it pretty much on the head. There is no denying that the kid has talent and is major league ready today. If half of the stories floating around about him are true, I wouldn't trade much value for him. The Twins track record with head cases speaks for itself. They either decide not to work with them (Ortiz, Lohse) or give them to much rope (Delmon). Part of the Twins way is conformity. This guy does not fit that bill. I can't see them making a move here (as much as he could help them).

lol thats not going to work. Bauer was a top ten prospect and will be again next season, I'd personally have him right around the #5-#7 range in all of baseball. Hicks is a nice prospect but no where near that. If you aren't trading Span, you are most likely going to have to start with Sano, or two of the Arcia/Rosario/Hicks trio along with some additional pieces most likely. Duensing has zero value in a trade. You're right in that it probably isn't an equal trade. But you have to wonder about a "coveted" pitcher being available so quickly. I was a huge Bauer fan when he was drafted. I still think he could be an impact arm. But considering the current circumstances, I would not give up the preverbial farm for him. This has the faint odor of Delmon Young swirling around it...

Ummm.. who wouldn't be interested in Willingham at this point. High production that comes cheap over the next 2 years.

I would go with Hicks, a low grade prospect or two, and either Duensing or Burton. Anything more than that would be an overpayment. The fact that they are looking to move a highly drafted, young, cost-controlled pitcher so quickly after being drafted gives me pause.

In Minnesota? Yep. Benson better hope for a trade, an injury (or two) or a torrid Feb-Apr to have a chance.

I have no clue where the "Nobody wants to come to MN" schtick comes from. Sounds like a Reusse bit. If this was the NBA, then yes I would put some stock in that argument. In baseball, there are relatively less big dollar contracts to go around (again, relatively), so they usually aren't as picky. Younger players tend to follow the money (to stabilize their future). For older players, money can be lesser of a motivator. It could be family (Thome, Oswalt), location (Petitte, Grienke) or just the need to play somewhere (Giambi, Moyer). Bottom line is for every FA, you work to determine their needs and wants, make your best offer, and negotiate. The Twins have a strong history of being a player-friendly environment. High priced FA don't come here because the Twins don't chase them to the extent other teams do. The are fairly agressive on the 2nd and 3rd tier FA, and that is what you see. They also don't throw big, long term, money at pitching, as the risk tends to be too high.

I think he will get multiple large, long-term offers. The deal breaker will probably be the level of out clauses the team requires due to his history. He is a producer that fans love.

I take it you are not an umpire or Jewish. Young will float around on the borders for a while because he has some offensive ability. At the end of the day, this will be yet another example of a guy with all the tools flaming out because he is a headcase.

Casilla needed to go. He wasn't getting the job done here. His value is easily replaced for cheaper,

Considering the Twins threw away a draft pick for Capps, nothing would surprise me. That being said, I would find it hard to believe the Twins would give up that high of a pick for Lohse or Swisher (nobody else is really up their alley cost or position wise).

AAA filler. Roenicke may have an outside chance as a long man out of the bullpen. Don't expect either of these guys to be on the 40-man for very long, both will be DFA'd in the near future with the hopes of keeping them in the organization. AAA filler is not a bad thing, not every single move will instantly upgrade your team.