tony&rodney

It almost seems like the Twins need to settle their situation with Byron Buxton before they can sign free agents or make some trades, because their needs and direction spin off of that outcome. If they cannot wait, Chris Taylor becomes an intriguing option because he can play a little centerfield. Another option is to sign Starling Marte very early in the free agency season to alleviate concerns related to Buxton. Nevertheless, pitching remains a huge part of any offseason plans and knowing if they can include a Gilberto Celestino or others (Lewis) in a trade for pitching because Buxton is signed remains important.

Greinke is likely less interested in the Twins than the other way. He has had an amazing career and has forged his own path every step of the way. Zack Greinke is nearing the end of a fantastic career, still managing to pitch a ton of innings and leave his team in a position to win nearly every game. He may retire if the Astros win the World Series. He also might just want to keep playing baseball and sign for a lesser contract. Your post is correct - Greinke is not a TOR pitcher any longer but rather a back of the rotation innings guy. This year he pitched 171 innings. Your post was well done and accurately points out how Greinke has declined in effectiveness. Nevertheless, Greinke holds a special place as a former opponent with Kansas City and while we should not look to sign him for 2022, he can still be productive as a #4/#5 pitcher for 150 innings on another team. Thank you for the complete analysis at what Zack Greinke might look like going forward. I just wanted to acknowledge what a special player he has been for baseball.

Where was it that there was an article stating that the actual correct number for WAR was just over $4 million? Fangraphs? Buxton would be wise to sign for 7/$140 million. If the Twins can get a 7/$80 million base, they should absolutely go really high with incentives.

Makes good sense if it ever happens and I suppose it does happen actually. The Pohlad family, by most accounts, have been terrific community members and this is laudable. What we should remember is that the club of MLB owners is by invitation only. If you had $10 billion and wanted to pay $2 billion cash for the Twins, the sale would need to be approved and those not deemed worthy are not allowed at the table. So I am fine with owners making profits because it is none of my business, but I'm not worried about their welfare. I mean I want any normal business to make money so the employees get paid and money cycles through the economy. This doesn't apply to baseball because there are a ton of people to bail out any team. The final call on what to do with payroll is strictly with Jim Pohlad and how that budget gets used is on Falvine.

Well, we have no idea what another team looks for in a potential trade with the Twins, but there could be opportunities. I accept reality but do wonder if something along Garver or Jeffers, Larnach, Celestino, Sands, and a lower minor league prospect for Alcantara and Meyer would be acceptable. The initial thought is that the Marlins would never trade either pitcher but perhaps an overpay could work. Oakland has three starters worth looking at and Arraez, Rooker, plus two or three others might return one of these guys. Both Twins pitching prospects ready for the major leagues did ok this year and we hope one of them pans out next year. I would not bet on Ryan, but Ober looks decent. Throwing the other prospects out before they are ready will be difficult. To be real, the Twins will have to break the roster down if they cannot sign Buxton and choose to keep the budget well below $120 million and then the minor leaguers might as well play. Additionally, it is not really reasonable to expect the Twins to go above a budget of $150 million. The decision on budget directly affects the roster construction and the direction of the team for next year and thereafter. Would everything have to right for the Twins to win next year? Yes. That was true, really, in every season in which the Twins have won and it is true for any other team that wins for that matter. Baseball is very competitive and the teams still playing this year are all very good. Tampa Bay and San Francisco had terrific seasons and are done for the year. I think a $130-150 million budget could bring a decent competitive team to Target Field next year. A few trades and a few free agents and a more athletic team would be nice. I'm not thinking that rolling with rookies will necessarily make the Twins better in 2023. Lastly, I understand how people look to San Diego as an example of the woes of going too fast but we don't have to worry about Pohlad using a budget of $170+ million, nor do we have similar prospects to throw away or such a mess with management. The Twins move at a slower pace. I'm thinking positively about the future of the Twins.

Kirilloff would be an ideal #3 hitter, but the Twins have Jorge Polanco in that spot. I would like to see him hit behind Donaldson and in front of Sano. I'm also not going to worry about injuries too much because they were different injuries to the wrist and Alex will have worked hard by Spring Training to strengthen the areas and get ready for a big year.

What if the players received in trade have multiple years of control left and can perhaps be signed to 4-5 year contracts? The Twins have a glut of corner players, some enticing minor league pitchers, and could make some good trades. When I look, optimistically, at the Twins pitching prospects I also need to recall how many pitchers the team has developed and conclude that a couple or three trades for pitchers is a good idea and possible.

The future of the Twins as far as being competitive in 2022 is solely in the hands of Falvey with the blessings of Jim Pohlad. It is as simple as that really. Going by past practices, you are likely correct in being realistically pessimistic. However, some of us are pain in the ass hopeless optimists that look for trades that both teams are amenable to and a few simple free agent signings. A little juggling of resources and a $150 million dollar budget. Of course, you could be right.

Considering the contract and the way Polanco responded to better health with a fantastic 2021 season, the Twins would need to get back quite a haul. His at bats are generally tough for the pitcher and he could easily maintain his production throughout the length of his contract. My sheet always includes Jorge Polanco at 2B, but the Twins might find a trade possible if another team offers the right collection of talent. I have not thought about what a Polanco trade would generate because I'm keeping him.

Yes, I did. Thank you for the link. I stand corrected. While I wanted to trade Sano in 2019 for pitching, I'm going to put him on my 2022 team and hope for the emergence of the best Sano. Once more sounds like addiction.

Dear Nick, Earlier, I began a post a post as "Nice Nash" Sorry and oops, but you did get a ton of people going. What do the Twins have in mind? We have been disappointed by how conservative the Pohlads have run the team but it is possible that something will change. There is a ton of pent up energy for good entertainment because of the unfortunate Covid-19 debacle of the past two years. 2022 is a key year going forward, for the Twins and many businesses. People like to get out with friends, neighbors, and family and the Twins could draw really well with a fun team. Nice Nick!

Oh, to the post - JD stays.

Personally. I agree with these numbers. I'm hoping for a ceiling of $150 million but expecting just under $140 million. The Twins can field a really decent team at those prices and Falvine needs to use his phone often to complete at least two significant trades and then he can use the company checkbook. Please $150.

Nice Nash. The key is exactly as stated - What are the true intentions of management? We don't need sound bites, quotes, or explanations at any point from Falvey or Pohlad. We need decisions and direct action. Looking at a number of other teams' sites, the Twins and their players are seemingly dismissed. I wonder if other teams see the Twins as competitive? 1.) Right on with the conundrum at shortstop. Lewis in 2023? When? It almost seems like Semien is the only real option amongst the top free agents. The other choice is an extremely unlikely trade for Mondesi and sign Adrianza to fill in. Shortstop is a difficult topic for the team. 2. ) If the Twins are going to avoid 90-100 losses the option to just use prospects and maybe Pineda won't work. There are trade possibilities and the Twins may have to overpay to get their guys. Miami and Oakland look like fair partners. 3.) If the medicals look good, the Twins have to bring back Rogers. 4.) Thielbar, Alcala, and Minaya looked good. Two additions should suffice in the bullpen. 5.) Everybody loves Cruz, but the Twins can fill DH with any number of players. 6.) The Twins need pitching but they must absolutely try to sign Buxton. If traded ..... hopefully not, but I wonder how many teams are looking for a CF with his power, speed, and upside? I have no idea of value but I'm thinking Atlanta (Anderson & Waters), San Diego (Abrams & Gore), NYY (Loaisiga, Dominguez, & Peraza), and others should be willing to talk. I have no idea but Buxton has mad skills. This offseason could be anywhere from tragic to spectacular and certainly risky.

Dark stance. Sano has not evolved to be the superstar we all envisioned. True. He can still improve. I actually do not remember Sano ever discussing his weight until this year. I guessed I miss it. I will stick with Sano once again.

Donaldson and Sano have flaws and injury concerns, but their upsides are huge. There is room for both Sano and Donaldson in the lineup between 3B, 1B, and DH even if one has a desire to see Kirilloff at 1B and Miranda getting at bats. The rookies have the ability to fill in at a corner outfield spot and Miranda can also play 2B. The Twins expect anther good year from Josh Donaldson and a team would have to offer a legitimate player and pick up his contract for a trade to happen. That doesn't seem too likely. Finally, a part of signing a decent free agent is how a team treats those players after they sign. I believe part of the Twins everyday usage of Simmons after the trade deadline was out of respect for their shortstop. Donaldson stays.

Sano has declared that he will shed pounds and get back to hitting the ball more frequently. Scary thought for pitchers because his power is unrelated to his weight; he is a strong man. Improved mechanics and flexibility and Sano may reach his promise. If I think about the three scariest hitters to face in MLB, Sano is right even with Judge and Stanton.

The money may get wild this offseason. A recent article suggested the Dodgers will bring back Scherzer for two years at $40 per year ($80 total). This was on BleacherReport.com and I don't read that site so am not familiar with their reputation.

Rooker is 27. That is usually old if a player is just emerging as a superstar. Rooker has plenty of time to have a fine MLB career. He adapts, has a strong work ethic,, and continually improves as a baseball player. I expect Rooker to be someone who hits 30 home runs and doubles; he has power. The skills Rooker has are duplicated by others on the roster and that makes him available as a piece to trade. The NL adding a DH will open up some interest in Rooker as well. The Twins need to get more athletic and trim the number of players whose skills are too similar. DH, 1B/3B, LF/RF: Kepler, Sano, Kirilloff, Larnach, Donaldson, Miranda, Arraez, Garlick, Martin, Gordon, Refsnyder .... who did i miss/this is beyond depth - it's too many. I do think Rooker can turn the corner and be a productive MLB player given a full opportunity. Somebody has to go from the excess and Falvine must ascertain which clubs have an interest in what combinations of those players currently on the roster that will bring a return which improves the team for 2022.

The priority for the Twins this offseason is pitching, probably three starters and two relievers. Almost everyone wants Buxton on a long term contract and he is important to sign asap; I'm a Buxton fan. In the unhappy event Buxton is traded there are players to sign for CF (Starling Marte). SIGN BUXTON. However, as some have pointed out, the Twins do not have anyone to play shortstop for next year in their system. I was ok two years ago with Polanco but it is clear that while he was never a star defender, the ankle injuries required a move to 2B and Jorge needs to stay there and the Twins need his bat in the lineup. This means that shortstop is the second priority after pitching. With sincere apologies to all Simmons fans - no to any more Andrelton. There are options and while it is unlikely the Twins go above $25 million per year, something must be done to fill the shortstop position. Correa and Seager are going to be too much money, but Semien may be the most affordable and he wants to play shortstop. Shortstop will be a difficult problem to solve this Winter.

Baez might flourish in a make it one year deal with the Twins. Mondesi would be good but cost more in trade than is being discussed currently. DeJong is an option but is still owed @$17 million for next two years. While i always liked Inglesias, he looks more like a utility option at this point and I believe Arrianza is better signing if we are looking for veteran fill ins. Galvis may be a solid option. It is annoying to type repeatedly, but it sure seems like the Twins almost need to solve the Buxton situation before signing free agents. I am hoping for a few quick trades, even if the Twins overpay and if the Royals would trade Mondesi to our team - that would be really sweet.

Well, this really depends on the direction the Twins are taking this offseason. If the team is handing the pitching over to their prospects until they learn "on the job", then we expect 100 losses for a couple of years and Donaldson doesn't make sense for 2022. That makes sense. However, if the Twins intend to run with the White Sox or even reach .500 baseball in 2022, the scenario changes and Donaldson is a key feature of the team. In an attempt to be competitive, the Twins would not consider any trade of JD unless it is sure to make the team better in 2022. Josh Donaldson is still good at the plate and in the field and there should be plenty of DH opportunities as well to get him off his feet while keeping his bat in the lineup. Falvey will look at the two choices above. I expect Donaldson back next year, although I have no idea what plans the Twins have in mind.

There certainly will be opportunities and Falvey should attempt to strike early. Will he though or will he wait? The Buxton contract and a few trades will be necessary to convince any free agents of note to consider Minnesota as a destination unless the money the Twins offer blows a player away and that has never happened. We should know the Twins direction by the end of November.

Yes, but how interested? Ian Anderson interested? C. J. Abrams interested?

The three pitchers you suggest would all make for decent #3 starters and they would go well with the two pitchers the Twins trade for this offseason. I'm good to see the Twins sign one of the three for the right price.