tony&rodney

Yes, in fact, we are all guessing, but the Twins absolutely need to make a ton of calls to find a match and teams like Miami, Oakland, and Milwaukee have pitching to offer in return for filling their own needs. The parameters of deals may be beyond our guesses, but the potential for trading certainly exists. The Twins cannot roll with the pitching prospects next year. The free agent market might bring one or two pitchers. I cannot see the Twins going above $20 million for any of Stroman, Ray, or Gausman and a lesser FA like Pineda or Gray works only as a mid/bottom of the rottion pitcher. This leaves the Falvine to work a few trades. The bottom line, as always, is what Jim Pohlad sets as a budget. Most TD readers agree that everyone should expect around $130 million. While I cannot disagree, it sure seems like $145 million is possible and then the possibilities widen.

Me too, I wondered about that possibility. In that event, .....sadness ..... trade opportunity. Ian Anderson and Drew Waters or something along those lines? Hopefully we keep Buxton.

Shoot high. The baseball trade value site has some interesting numbers. I have looked at it but do not find it particularly relevant for teams. It does give some context, however, and I am certainly not dismissive of it. Trades? Ideas? I don't know actually what a GM would see as reasonable or risky but I will throw out a few just for ... whatever. The Twins have a difficult situation with Byron Buxton and I want to keep him, but also want some protection as well so - sign Starling Marte. Trade #1: Larnach, Jeffers, Sands, Celestino, Dobnak, and Canterino for Alcantara. Perhaps the Twins might look to get Lopez instead or widen the trade to pry away Meyer. Trade #2: Arraez, Rooker , Duffey, Cavaco for Montas. Oakland also has a couple of other pitchers worth discussing, such as Bassitt and Manaia (sp). The general idea is to add pitching, use the duplication that currently exists on the roster along with a couple of prospects. I also wonder if Royce Lewis, much coveted by Twins fans, might help the Twins get the pitching they need that would allow Winder, Duran, Balazovic, and W-R to develop and gain a little acclimation to MLB rather than being thrown into the fire. In any event, the Twins will need to have a plan going forward that brings fans to Target Field. I remain open to all ideas for an improved team in 2022.

Does this mean you see Ryan and Ober as #3 & #4 pitchers? I don't necessarily disagree, but turning the team over to AAA pitchers does mean a steep learning curve, ala Detroit, Houston and so forth. I am not certain of the path that Falvey has planned for the future and just play with speculation like others, but it might be a tough time for the Twins to sit at the bottom of the AL Central for a few years.

Why not play? We are all in the dark anyways. It would be nice to play at $150. I cheated a 5% raise.

I'm not very open to considering a trade of Jorge Polanco. What specifically would anyone suggest as a trade? Right now, Polanco has more value than any other player on the team, in my opinion. His bat, glove, wheels, consistency, style, contract - it all comes together to make Jorge the team MVP. It would take a total haul.

It seems like trades may provide the best quality plus value and the Twins need to be very aggressive in seeking out a few trading partners. It is completely true that we do not know what Falvey is thinking. It just seems like 2-3 trades and a number of smart FA pickups could improve the roster for 2022. $130-145 million should allow for the Twins to be really competitive next season.

If the Twins decide that their 2022 team cannot be competitive, then I would expect a budget closer to $100 million or even lower. Any budget under $130 million sends a message to a degree, unless the Twins trade Donaldson without including any money.

I'm enjoying the run that Eddie Rosario is on right now and hope it continues on through the World Series. There is no reason to look back on the events of one year ago when the Twins released Eddie. Move on.

So true. Since this time a year ago, I have been pushing for an overpay (according to some) for Sandy Alcantara. Why? Alcantara pitches a ton of innings and is consistently a decent pitcher, which is somewhat similar to Jose Berrios. I have no idea what Miami would do but I'm offering Jeffers, Larnach, Celestino, Sands, Dobnak, and Canterino for Alcantara and Meyer. This may be totally bogus but I'm open to whatever brings pitching. Along the same line, Oakland needs a call as well. I'm wondering if Arraez, Rooker, Duffey, and Cavaco could pry away Montas or is that laughed off? The trading front could bring two really stable pitchers for around $10-11 million, which is a good thing for the budget. I love how steady Seager is at shortstop and at the plate, but he will get at least 6 years and probably $30 million per year. The Twins might want to go simple at shortstop, like Galvis, but their strategy at SS will clarify if Buxton is signed. Count me in on Adrianza - steady and predictable production with class. Knebel or Graveman are solid adds to the bullpen worth a shot at around the price used in the post. The offseason strategy still depends on the budget but most of us expect around $130 million, even if we want around $150 million.

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.