GNess

Kirby Puckett w/ honorable mention to Tony Olivia and Harmon KIllebrew

The "knee problems" seem to be so speculative - maybe even a red herring? Arraez has produced at a fairly high level, fairly consistently for a few seasons. He also plays with great competitive intensity. How many current Twins can we say those things about? Arraez has value to the Twins and would have value too many MLB teams. Extending him on a fair, cost-controlled contract would add value for the Twins or in a trade scenario.

Arraez is a special player/competitor, but given where things now stand trading him for SP may be the move the Twins' FO has to make. (Would be disappointed to see him go, but even more disappointed if the pitching is poor and the Twins' fail to be in contention again.)

Yes, most of these pitchers are a few years away from MLB - but they profile well. Hard throwers, secondary pitches - this is an encouraging list for # 6-10. I am still hopeful Duran becomes a quality SP soon.

To date the biggest failure is the failure to add pitching. Maybe they have a plan, but there is no discernible evidence for such a plan unless the plan is to promote from within and hope for the best.

Kirby's impact on pivotal Game 6 in the 1991 World Series homering in extra innings. "We'll see you tomorrow night." is likely the most iconic moment in the history of the Twins. Kirby was special.

It would certainly be entertaining.

Acquiring a proven, solid starting pitcher with at least two seasons of control for a few prospects is not that risky. It gives the team a better chance to contend in 2022 and play meaningful games after the All-Star break. Those meaningful games would be hugely important in the development of the prospects still on the Twins. Then in 2023 said starting pitcher holds down a key spot in the rotation for an even better team. Yes, this presupposes the Twins can score enough runs and pitch out of the pen reasonably well - based mostly on the present roster. (Figuring they will add an arm or two to the pen) If you except this premise as possible the Twins almost have to make at least one big move for a SP. It would be riskier to do nothing.

Nice article. Yes, the Twins' strategy appears to be build pitching from within. I am good with that (as if it matters). But if the team is seeking to compete for a postseason spot as they should be given the run scoring potential of the line-up bringing in 1 competent to very good SP wouldn't derail the strategic approach and would increase the chances some of being a contender.

Bundy at best will likely be a deep backend rotation type. Why add him now? Was he going to get scooped up the Dodgers or Yankees?

Great deal for Twins and Byron Buxton. Now BUILD around him and the core guys.

Byron Buxton, injuries and all, is an exceedingly rare talent who can impact the outcome of a MLB game in myriad ways. Just how many current and future Buxtons do the Twins think they have? Here is a hint for the Front Office: Less than 2 and more than zero. Sign Buxton!

Trading Byron Buxton is a terrible idea especially if it's motivated by a tight-fisted front office unwilling compete in the marketplace.. Having said that it becomes less terrible if the FO somehow gets = or > value in assets in return. But I am dubious the current FO will be able to pull that off...

The Twins rarely sign "sure thing" free agents, if there is such a thing. So pretty much anyone in Top 10-15 or so is more pipe dream. These signings along with a healthy Buxton and Garver, progress from Kirilloff into a + MLB hitter, Polanco stays productive and add: #18 Rodriguez, #35 Cobb, #42 Knebel, SP via trade and a new answer at SS Could well be a dream of the Twins back in contention...

Alcala is progressing. He pitches with good, competitive intensity. The development of a change up combined with his + fastball could put him on another level.