GNess

How many teams actually win the world series with a generally fiscally-conservative, don't take risks approach? For a sample, take the last ten seasons - really only the Royals in that span could be described in that manner. Champions are bold and take calculated risks. Yes, a long term deal such as this is taking a chance. At least, it's taking a chance on a proven MLB elite-level SS and leader. Risk avoidance is another term for also-ran in sports. Fortune favors the bold....

I like both moves which basically resulted in two like for like players. Although, I suspect Farmer is a better SS option than Urshela. (Who was a good player for the Twins at 3B.) Also there is a cost component as Farmer makes less than Urshela wold have as I understand things. That's not a happy accident by the FO - that is purposeful. Twins are active already....good sign.

Murphy played 116 games at catcher and had over 600 total plate appearances this season. He should be a trade target - he is an elite player at his position.

Starter! He has top of the rotation stuff and make up. SP is more important than BP generally speaking.

Agree Contreras would be a splash. However, as Twins' fans we are conditioned to sift through the "maybe he won't cost too much" pile when thinking about potential Twins in the off season.

There are a lot of semantics in this discussion. about what constitutes an Ace? To me, its a more simple issue - good pitching is a common thread amongst most serious contenders. Good pitching means consistent solid performances above league-average that can be counted upon by the club for long stretches of the season. The Twins need as many good pitchers as they can get. If the Twins can put five good pitchers in the starting rotation they'll be headed in the right direction. (Assuming the BP is competent...)

Yes, there is some downside to a long term deal for Correa. If the Twins are going to contend for a World Series they must have at least a few elite-type players. Correa is an elite SS by almost any standard or metric. He will likely be so for likely another 4-5 years. He seems serious about playing at a high level - when the age related regression does come it doesn't have to be a severe drop off. The Twins should make a sincere effort to sign Correa.

Trades (Conducted through Baseball Trade Values Murphy, Puk for Celestino, Larnach, Winder Lopez for Polanco, Ober Kept Correa Free Agents: Pinder, Givens Lewis to join as UTL when healthy.. C: Sean Murphy ($3.30M) 1B: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M) 2B: Luis Arraez ($4.50M) 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M) SS: Carlos Correa ($30.00M) LF: Austin Martin ($0.70M) CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M) RF: Max Kepler ($8.50M) DH: Jose Miranda ($0.70M) 4th OF: Chad Pinder ($2.75M) Utility: Royce Lewis ($0.70M) Utility: Nick Gordon ($0.70M) Backup C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.70M) SP1: Sonny Gray ($12.00M) SP2: Tyler Mahle ($8.00M) SP3: Pablo Lopez ($6.60M) SP4: Joe Ryan ($0.70M) SP5: Kenta Maeda ($9.00M) RP: Jhoan Duran ($0.70M) RP: Jorge Lopez ($3.00M) RP: Griffin Jax ($0.70M) RP: Jorge Alcala ($1.00M) RP: Caleb Thielbar ($2.00M) RP: Mychal Givens ($3.00M) RP: AJ Puk ($0.70M) RP: Joavni Moran ($0.70M) Payroll is 10.46% under budget

Enjoyed the thoughtful responses on both sides of the Duran as a SP question.

Duran was most impactful rookie, but Ryan and Miranda showed true quality too. Why is Duran not being considered as a potential SP next season? He would have a chance to be even more impactful. Note the impact of strong SP on the first round of the playoffs.

Arraez can rake, there is no doubting it. He has the batting title to prove it.

Celestino has played a lot as a 4th OF type. Martin is likely a big upgrade over Celestino at minimum.

I won't comment on the FO decision-making process, their collective expertise or such as I am not aware of their deliberations, and I don't have any real inside information. However, their results are fair game and to be honest the results are mixed and mediocre overall. Not sure if that demands an immediate changing of the FO and Rocco, but it is cause for a complete examination on behalf of ownership as to the direction the FO and Rocco have taken the Twins.

The see-saw season continues. Gutsy win.

Yes, the season is teetering now given the lack of offense the past few weeks. But the team shouldn't cash it in - they remain within striking distance of the post season despite their obvious struggles. Let the season play out, let's see if the Twins can put up a fight in tough, but doable circumstances. There are a good number of young and/or future core players who could use the experience of being in contention. (MIranda, Arraez, Gordon, Duran, Ryan, Lopez etc.) There remains those games in September vs Cleveland too...