I can appreciate the simplistic logic, but I think it ignores too much to be applicable. The loss illustrated in "Sign nobody" doesn't happen. By signing nobody, the Twins get to keep someone. The opportunity to have someone pitch doesn't change. It's not an either-or situation. In "Sign someone", the Twins face opportunity costs around roster spots and salary commitments. That opportunity can be applied to any number of options -- a higher dollar FA like Santana, an upside guy like Anderson, an innings eater, a minor league free agent, etc. -- but each has their own appeal of positives and negatives. All of that said, I do agree with the idea of signing a pitcher like Santana this offseason if possible. In my assessment of the next few seasons, I see the Twins having the realistic financial capacity to take on a contract like the one being discussed here for Santana. However, it's not realistic to say or think that capacity is limitless. If the front office thinks this is the right guy and the right time to do it, then let's get him.