Cory Engelhardt

I mean, maybe you are right. I was just the messenger in terms of sharing the article :)

This bleacher report article poses a trade of Kepler and Polanco (and cash, covering about half of their combined salary) to Seattle for Bryan Woo. I don't know that I see that trade happening, as I would imagine Seattle could ask for more. But I am a huge fan of Woo. They also list 7 other trades that could happen. What do you guys think? https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10103195-realistic-mlb-trades-that-could-happen-before-2024-spring-training

I mean, they led baseball in strikeouts last year as a pitching staff, and had the 4th most pitching WAR for all teams in baseball. There is still work to do to add pitching, but generally I'd say they are in a very healthy spot overall no? Whatever they are doing, overall, is working.

It still gets results, and even the guys they are trading for they are getting the best out of right? I do think the 2022 draft class, that will all (mostly) start the year at Wichita, has some potential to add to the starting pitchers developed. But yeah, covid and the 2020 missed year really set a lot of prospects back it feels like.

Would love to see others, including Simeon Woods Richardson, in attending. Thanks!

Ryan does have a lot to prove to show he is closer to first half 2023 and that he is over whatever injury he was fighting at that point (if that is truly the primary reason he struggled so much after the calendar turned to July.) On that note, do we know who is going to driveline this offseason? I know it seemingly helped a number of pitchers last year work on their craft. Hopefully a number of them (or all) are going there again this offseason.

Ryan and Ober and Varland, as well as (arguably) getting the most out of Lopez and Gray and Odorizzi and Maeda. Plus, a "bunch" of relievers that (again, arguably) give them an elite level bullpen in 2024. I guess what I'm saying is, I'm kind of sick of the talk that they can't develop pitching. They have a really strong pitching staff AND a really solid amount of prospects in the system right now.

Can we stop with signing Clevinger. Yuck

Agreed. Their mold has been guys with MORE experience with a year (or more likely 2) remaining in arbitration.

I'll just add, I would be open to Cabrera if his medicals check out. I know walks have been an issue with him, but I also believe that the infrastructure and coaching here could work with him and his stuff to get it more under control. Or at least, if they were to pull off a deal with Cabrera coming back, that's what the plan would have to be right?

I THINK there could be a chance here that Polanco could be moved for prospects to a team, and then some of those prospects could be added to a deal for a starter somewhere else. Like, if a team really likes a pitching prospect from a team that wants Polanco, then it could almost be a 3 team type deal in that sense right?

Mostly I just use apple podcasts on my phone, so that's where it didn't finish the episode all the way that one. I haven't had issues with any of the other episodes so far. @Jamie Cameron

Ok, I'm only sharing this as a nagging thought I've had over the last few days. I THINK the Twins are waiting to see if the White Sox or Astros (or even Cleveland bites first with their 3 starters (Cease, Valdez and Bieber) make a move first, either to them or to another team, to get the floodgates open a bit. Think about this; All 3 are very heavily available this offseason for the right price, or at least Cease and Bieber are. Valdez, I guess we will see, but his name has been out there. I'd argue, at least Cease in particular, is VERY MUCH a perfect fit for the Twins, even if it would be trading in-division. He is still young, he is coming off (for him) a down year, but also very much as a ton of upside that could be tweaked into a top of the rotation arm. He also is only team controlled through 2025, so theorhetically he will be cheaper to acquire than Jesus Luzardo, in comparison. Plus, Chicago does need just more in terms of overall talent in the organization. I don't know what it would cost, but I wouldn't be shocked to have the name they acquire be more of a NAME compared to a younger prospect. And I'm someone who would love Bryan Woo or Max Meyer. I compare to the pitchers they've acquired in the past; Maeda, Odorizzi, Gray, even Lopez. None of them were PROSPECTS, and all of them had a smaller number of years of control. Just has me thinking, maybe they go down this road again.

My guess is to the NL. I also think it will be someone a little more established than the (mostly) prospects that were listed in the article or as targets, and I would guess we send a prospect (or multiple) with Polanco to get someone back. I don’t know who that is though, but I fully expect the majority of people who comment on the trade (whenever it is announced) to be underwhelmed. And maybe that’s ok too

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/12/looking-for-a-match-in-a-jorge-polanco-trade.html

All of these are actual positives. It does lend credence to the idea that if his knees feel ok, he isn’t cooked. Just remember though; if this gets shared anywhere on social media, don’t read the comments. :) Happy New Year!

Interesting move

1 year deal, 15-16 million, per montage rumors. Healthy and getting out of New York, we will see if he can bounce back

RIP

10/10, perfect.

Having him as an option would be awesome.

Depending on how Miranda looks with a healthy shoulder, I’d be open to this idea. And I suppose, even if Miranda is back to his 2022 form (again, we will see) having someone else who is solid and can crush lefties isn’t a bad thing

I think Varland can be that multi-inning bullpen option, that's why I like him there. IF that means he is going in the 5th or the 8th, I don't care much about that. Whatever the high leverage situation is, I like him as a "fireman" of sorts.

Oh man, just saw this now. His stuff was VERY good not that long ago. It's interesting he got a major league deal with his injury issues last year. IF he can get back to anything close to 2021 levels we have something. Certainly worth a look.

That could be. I keep coming back to, they have 4 open 40 man roster spots, and that's before potentially ALSO trading away Polanco or others. Where are those spots being filled? What positions are taking those roles? My guess is a playoff level starter, at least one other major league pitcher contract (is that a reliever, or is that someone who can start?) Maybe someone who can play CF? Another hitter? I can also see a minor league signing, like you mentioned similar to Sanchez. I just think there is more opportunity there for additions outside of payroll concerns.