Einstein

Moran is starting to grow on me if the big 3 are gone. I'd probably still take Stewart, but if the Twins feel the negotiations with him could grow unruly, Moran would be an acceptable alternative in my book. The guy can hit, he's got a quick bat, he's got a good eye at the plate, he's got some power potential, he can play multiple positions (3B, 1B, probably corner OF) and being a college player he won't need as long to develop.

It does seem that the tea leaves are pointing in his direction at number 4. I'm wondering if they would take him over Bryant if they had the choice.

Callis says if the Twins take a HS bat it will be Reese McGuire. Let's hope for a HS arm or a college player then.

No need to go any further, it makes me nauseous too, just pick the damn BPA.

McGuire would be the biggest reach of those 9, I wouldn't be happy at all if the Twins selected him. It would reek of their tight fisted approach of years past, I just don't know how they would sell that to the fanbase.

Through The Fence top 5: Mock 2013 MLB draft: Top 75 picks 1. Houston Astros — Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford I’m sticking with Appel here as the 6’-5” right-hander has proven to be the most complete pitcher in the 2013 MLB draft and arguably the safest pick on the mound. Over 12 starts, he is 8-4 with a 1.97 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 110 K/20 BB over 91.1 innings. His 7.6 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has, and he maintains his velocity late in games. 2. Chicago Cubs — Jonathan Gray, RHP, Oklahoma All signs point to the Cubs taking either Appel or Gray — whoever is still available, or Appel if the Astros opt to go with a bat such as Kris Bryant. The 6’-4”, 240-pound right-hander can touch triple-digits with his fastball to go along with a plus slider and above-average change-up. He doesn’t have the track record Appel does, but the stuff might be better. Over 13 starts, he is 8-2 with a 1.43 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 112 K/19 BB over 94.2 innings. He is holding opponents to a .175 batting average. 3. Colorado Rockies — Kris Bryant, 3B, San Diego No doubt the best bat in the 2013 MLB draft, the 6’-5” right-hander has enormous power and a great approach at the plate. He leads the nation in home runs with 28, as well as walks with 56. Over 52 games, he is hitting .346/.506/.880. The big question is can he remain at the hot corner, and more and more people are thinking he can. If not, he is athletic enough to hold down a corner outfield spot, and his bat will more than play well in Coors Field. 4. Minnesota Twins — Clint Frazier, OF, Loganville HS (GA) The quickest bat in the 2013 MLB draft, Frazier is an aggressive player who hits the ball with such authority, his raw power is disturbing at times. The 6’-1” right-hander is hitting .505 over 30 games with 16 home runs and a .571 OBP/1.165 SLG. His arm and speed are both above-average, and you aren’t going to find a more exciting player to watch. 5. Cleveland Indians — Kohl Stewart, RHP, St. Pius X HS (TX) With his low mid-90s fastball, as well as three other quality pitches, the 6’-3” right-hander simply overpowered prep batters this season, allowing just 13 hits over 40 innings, striking out 59. His slider looks like a plus pitch, and both his curveball and change-up are following suit. He may have the highest upside in the 2013 MLB draft.

16 HR's in 30 games, not too shabby. I'd take Frazier over Meadows, higher risk with him but his upside is much higher too IMO.

Yep, Walker is putting together a pretty nice season.

I'd rank my top 3 as Gray, Appel and Bryant, in that order. If all 3 of those guys are gone, I'd pick between Frazier and Meadows (probably Frazier). Manaea's recent troubles scare me and I'm not a fan of high school arms that high.

I really hope they don't reach on McGuire. Just take the best player. Here's a Mock Draft Database BTW: 2013 Major League Baseball Mock Draft Database

Thanks for the link! Good read!

Are the Twins still at the $70 million range for 2013? Worst record in the A.L. two years running and they cut $30 million in salary? Is that right? Or am I missing something?

I would guess that community outreach is especially important when you're about to run a crap team on the field for the third straight year.

More money for the Pohlads! Yay!

What's the point? Why even bother?

Welcome to the bargain bin.

Another one gone. Reported 1 year, $2.5 million w/incentives. I'm starting to wonder about TR. Twins couldn't top that? And why did they spend so much more on Correia? Phillies sign pitcher John Lannan to one-year deal according to reports | NJ.com

Terry Ryan on Nick Blackburn: "I'm counting on him to compete for a job. There's no reason why he can't be in a situation where he's breaking camp with us. He's coming on a minor league invite, but that's a little deceiving. We've got a lot invested in him."

I wouldn't get my hopes up, TR talks a good game (he has to though doesn't he?), but it seems pretty obvious to me that they've already punted on the 2013 season. They may still sign a Joe Saunders or Brett Myers but don't look for a top of the rotation starter. On this bright side, they will be drafting very highly in 2013 and 2014.

Probably wouldn't matter, I doubt they'd spend the money anyways.

Get those playoff tickets early people! We've got our ace! Oh wait, Kevin Correia? Sorry, I thought TR said he was after a "pretty darn good pitcher". Carry on folks. Nothing to see here.

Let's say Greinke turns into a lemon three years into the contract. You now have a declining Mauer and a worthless Greinke eating $50m. What do you do intl that situation? (answer: lose a lot of games) What make you think he's going to turn into a lemon?

I see your logic, but why spend money on free agents that won't make much difference? If no difference makers can be signed, why not use the money to try to sign some more Sanos and Keplers, and maybe save some for Appel or some other expensive draft pick? Do you really see that happening?

Why should anyone buy a ticket in 2013 if they have no intention of competing in 2013? I suggest that Twins fans also save their money until 2014, then spend it.

I predict Myers and Liriano and another high draft pick in 2014.