TopGunn#22

Hey ! The Rays don't have a 1B-man !! Time to put a deal together with the principles being Sano and Blake Snell. Come on Tampa Bay! You really want that prodigious power, Don't You !!

It hurts to lose Badoo and Wells, but I think the Twins got off fairly lightly. Rijo, Jax and yes, Wander Javier (he still really intrigues me) we my greatest worry about being picked. Let's go trade for Ketel Marte now !!!

I agree about LaStella for 2-million. I'd take that in a heartbeat. I'm also with Tony&Rodney on trading for Ketel Marte He would be a regular in the lineup, just able to play multiple positions. I think he should be a top priority. I would put David Dahl on that list. Tremendous hitter who can play all three OF positions and could be had for about $4-million per year. He's also insurance for Kiriloff and Larnach even though I want both of them playing for the Twins in 2021. Health is always an issue. Maybe away from the altitude of Coors helps. I think Paxton is a good idea. We need a Lefty.

Once again, the White Sox are out of the gate quick. Very interested what the Twins will end up doing. Would love to somehow acquire Ketel Marte from the D-Backs. Covers LOTS of positions. Would love to add Liam Hendricks to the BP. Absent Hendricks, would like to see Brand Hand and Bradley added to the BP. Very interested in David Dahl as a full time LF'er and backup CF'er if Buxton gets hurt. Who will the Twins add as another SP? Need a solid vet with Dobnak #5.

Sign Him. NOW !! Indications that there will not be a DH in the NL only mean the Twins should act and lock Nellie up. Then go on to other targets of opportunity. He's our BOOMSTICK. Do it.

I agree with ashbury, I'd sign Dahl for $4-million in heartbeat. Dahl is young, talented and affordable just what the Twins need. Dahl could play all 3 OF positions and I don't care that he's a left-handed hitter. However, one player the Twins should be targeting in a trade in Ketel Marte. He plays 2B, SS and CF and I'm sure could play LF or RF if needed as well as 3B in a pinch. He's a very good hitter and his defensive versatility is just what the Twins need. Arizona will NOT be contending in the near future. An arm like Enlow and someone like Larnach (although I'd HATE to part with him) should do it. Ketel Marte is worth it because the Twins are built to win NOW and Marte can help them more than Larnach or Enlow right now. What does anybody else think would be needed to acquire Ketel Marte ??

I think that's a little TOO rich for Snell. But Garver, Larnach and Enlow would STILL be very attractive for the Rays. If the Rays insisted on Jeffers instead of Garver, I would say "fine" I'd keep Garver's much better power potential and it's not like Garver is a BAD defensive catcher. I'd do Larnach, Jeffers and Enlow for Snell.

Agree Doc Gast Either Taylor or Hernandez would be a good fit Taylor can actually play some SS in a pinch Zeke has more power Taylor makes more consistent contact BOTH have LOTS of Post season experience. Soria would be O.K But I would like to see an impact arm like Hendricks or Hand with all the league minimum guys we will have on our roster.

Well, it could be done. Rosario's $8 million. Sano's $11 Million (if we trade him). Romo's $5 million. Marwan's $8-$9 Million. If the Twins traded Sano, they could pretty much get it done. I think if the Twins are willing to be just a BIT aggressive they could do a LOT to improve this team. I would much rather have Kiriloff at 1B and Wheeler in our rotation than have no Wheeler and Sano at 1B. I am NOT advocating giving Sano away for nothing. His power is impressive What could we get for him? Somebody will be intrigued. We should have a BUNCH of guys at ML minimums on our roster. We CAN add a pitcher like Wheeler. He's not Bauer. But he's awfully good at a much lower cost. The Twins cannot stand still and expect to just stroll to the division crown and the playoffs. These are strange times but a front office willing to be creatively aggressive could do a LOT.

Those of you who have read my comments know this is why I keep saying "Trade Sano." Here's how they rank for me: 1. Kepler 2. Polanco 3. Sano 4. Rosario Had Kepler been hitting #4 or #5 and Rosario leadoff the numbers would have been even more starkly in favor of Kepler. As was stated he's superior defensively and is a year and half younger. He's reached 36 HR's Rosario only 32. Polanco is a SS with below average "D." That's why a trade for Trevor Story or a signing like Simmons/Semian intrigues me. I'd like to see us get better up the middle defensively. Polanco could transition to that Super-Utility guy but so could Arraez. I'd love to see a trade for Ketel Marte. He's a good 2B-man who could also play a little SS and a LOT of CF. If Buxton was to get hurt the Twins could put Marte out in CF and Arraez at 2B for an extended time. Imagine our up the middle "D" with Simmons at SS, Marte at 2B and Buxton in CF. Polanco is only set to make 4.33 million this year. But depending on what that increases to in 2022 he may eventually become a trade or non-tender candidate. Jorge needs to bounce back with a strong year offensively to retain some value. He will always be a liability defensively.

I would part with Garver to get Snell Rolling with Jeffers and an affordable vet (and later Rortvedt) would be O.K. with me I would rather give up Enlow than Balazovic or Dhuran. I'd HATE to give up Larnach, but we have Kiriloff (and we could sign David Dahl for 4 million so I would). I would STILL look to deal Sano. I just think we're a better lineup without him---better AB's. I'd talk to Colorado (Marquez or Gray) I'd talk to Miami. I'd like to shed the $11 million Sano would get and use the $$ saved to strengthen the BP and rotation. Maybe Sano could go to Arizona in a deal for Ketel Marte. And speaking of Ketel Marte, I think whoever first suggested him as a trade target was brilliant. Marte is a good hitter and has some speed. He can play SS & CF which helps backstop the Twins with potential missed time for Buxton and Polanco. He's a pretty good 2B-man. Much better there with the glove than Arraez who would move to a super-utility role. I'd look to make a deal for Marte. I'd include Garver in a potential deal for Marte. In fact I consider Marte because of his defensive versatility and and bat a higher priority than Snell. Maybe Garver and Enlow and Wallner for Marte. Sano for German Marquez. C Jeffers $.600 1B Kiriloff $.600 2B K. MARTE $7.00 3B Donaldspon $21.0 SS Polanco $4.33 OF Kepler $6.50 OF Buxton $5.10 OF DAHL $4.0 DH Cruz $15.0 SP Maeda $8.15 SP Berrios $6.10 SP MARQUEZ $6.0 SP Pineda $10.0 SP Dobnak $.600 SP Rich Hill $2.0 BP B. HAND $8.0 BP BRADLEY $5.0 BP T. Rogers $6.0 BP Duffey $2.0 BP Alcala $.600 BP Theilbar $.650 BP Stashek $.600 Bench Arraez $.600 Rooker $.600 Vet Catcher Avila $1.5 UT E. Hernandez or J. Profar $7.0 Payroll $129 Million. I purposefully over-priced Cruz at $15 million. I guessed on Marte $7 Million, Marques $6 Million.

Twins Territory, It looks like you left out Donaldson, but I still come up with about $125.

I'm with tony&rodney !! (and by the way, what a great moniker paying homage to my favorite Twin--Tony O and the greatest hitter in Twins history "Rodney"). The Twins need to be aggressive in this "unique" time period. The Pohlads are LOADED. They can afford to be "smartly" aggressive. Sign Cruz (1-year 14 million. Option year $12-$13 million). Sign Hendricks. We need a proven, elite closer on the back end. He makes our BP "Elite." Trade Sano in a package for Blake Snell and put Kiriloff at 1B. JUST DO IT !! I'm very intrigued with David Dahl. Still young, controllable, affordable and potentially VERY GOOD. What does that mean for Larnach and Rooker ? Possible trade bait ?? TRADE for Ketel Marte. He can play SS, CF and 2B. He's a very good hitter and should be leadoff or #2 in the lineup. Give up whatever you have to. Here's why: His versatility gives the Twins protection at CF and SS if Buxton or Polanco are hurt. His best defensive position is 2B, making Arraez our super-utility guy. I'd part with some good prospect capital to add this guy.

Warning ! Warning !! Maybe snub in above comment !!! I left out Pineda from the starting rotation. He would replace Rich Hill who I would still consider bring back at affordable price. Yes, he will get hurt at some time (maybe a couple times) but he's a solid pitcher who gives you quality innings when he's healthy.

Great article. I agree that's it's hard to say "THIS" is what the twins should do when there are so many unknowns yet to be resolved. #1 of those is "Will there be a Universal DH ?? " If there IS, it just got a LOT harder to sign Cruz. If not, Cruz should be back in our lineup at about $12-million per year. He's head and shoulders our BEST HITTER. If Cruz is NOT our DH then that means there IS a Universal DH and the Twins should be spending money on PITCHING. In other words, If Cruz is not our DH we could sign any 2 of: Hendricks, hand, Bradley, Soria. Add Rogers and Duffey and Alcala and THAT'S a Bullpen. A guy like Dahl has always intrigued me. His age, cost and potential scream "TAKE A CHANCE ON THIS GUY!!!" But---When you already have Kiriloff, Larnach and Rooker what are you going to do with Dahl ? I know he played "some" CF in Colorado. He would intrigue me as a potential LH bat to replace an injured Buxton or give Buck a rest against a tough RH pitcher (Bieber). I think one thing is clear to me: The Twins are in a position to contend and the Terry Ryan philosophy should be out the window. I want them to sign Bauer. BAM!! Elite starting rotation with a still powerful lineup. But if that is not in the cards, trade Sano in a package to Tampa for Snell and put Kiriloff at 1B. Sign someone like Hendricks to be our closer. This would give us a proven, elite closer while also hedging our bets on Taylor Rogers. If he comes back strong our bullpen is even MORE awesome (along with a SP rotation of Maeda, Snell, Berrios, Rich Hill--yes Rich Hill, and Dobnak). There is literally 100 different ways the Twins could go. I want Cruz back in our lineup. But if that doesn't happen for some reason they need to turn on a dime and make some impact signings and trades. The window is open.

Eddie would still be a Twin if they didn't have Kiriloff, Larnach and Rooker waiting in the wings. That's the thing here, they have THREE capable replacements. And Kiriloff will be a STUD. Happy Trails Eddie. (Don't sign with the White Sox) !!

This has always annoyed me. If Oliva had been a Yankee or a Red Sox he'd be "legendary." He should have been in the Hall years ago. And he should have been A.L. MVP instead of Zoilo.

I think Maeda deserves more, but I agree with LA Vikes fan one of the reasons we gave up Graterol was Maeda's contract. I think he over-performed what any of us thought he could do last season, but he was always a good pitcher that the Dodgers took advantage of to avoid paying bonuses. It's not the fault of the Twins that he's so under paid. And we need that payroll flexibility to add more firepower to a team should be a contender.

I'm not sure the haul would be as high as you project. Reading MLB trade rumors or other sites, it seems like the Mets are able to acquire all sorts of guys for one good prospect and then their #11 and #20 prospect. On one hand, it's never productive to assume you can get someone like Snell for your #4,#11 and #20 prospect. On the other hand, it seems like you shouldn't have to assume that it will take Kiriloff/Larnach and Balazovic. There was a article written on this site about whether the Twins should trade for Snell. It was very informative. It pointed out how good Snell can be while also pointing out he's basically a 5-Inning pitcher. Now, when I watched him in the playoffs I didn't think he was a 5-inning guy. And I think Tampa royally screwed up removing him not once, but TWICE. That said, PITCHING covers up a LOT of deficiencies. Witness the 1965/1966 Dodgers (the 1988 Dodgers for that matter as well). Getting Snell just fortifies an already solid area. I still think you could offer Sano in a package for Snell and use Kiriloff/Rooker/Larnach in a 1B/LF rotation. The hell with service time!! The Braves move their prospects up the ladder in the system, so why can't we?? Maybe one of the three doesn't pan out, but let's find out. Tampa should be intrigued by Sano's power. It's not like I want to GIVE him away. But we will be a better lineup with those 3 kids top to bottom and Tampa can enjoy the occasional 3-run bomb. Otherwise, trade Sano to Colorado for Marquez or Gray (or in a package for Story) and let him hit 40 Bombs for the Rockies. The Dodgers and Padres have put Colorado waaaay back in the rearview mirror. The Rockies are going to have to tear down and rebuild. We should be talking to them.

The rays just non-tendered Choi, their 1B-Man. Not sure what their plan is for First Base. Offer Sano in a package for Snell. If they say no, fine, move on to other targets. I'd rather have Kiriloff/Rooker playing 1B than Sano. The shortcomings of Snell were laid out clearly. He's very talented but there is some risk.

I think they really have to find a way to keep Cruz. He's just simply their best hitter. Non-Tender Rosario and trade Sano. Save $19-$20 million. Rookie contracts for Kiriloff and Rooker saves money. If Tampa Bay non-tenders Choi you could package Sano and other pieces for Blake Snell (provided Rocco promises Snell he won't take him out in the 5th inning of a playoff game). Sano is still decently affordable at $11 million which would be enticing to the rays. Otherwise, dangle Sano to the Rockies his power at Coors would be fun and they have a hole at 1B. Maybe get a SP from the Rockies for Sano. The point is they need Cruz in their lineup and we can get better, more consistent AB's from Kiriloff, Rooker and Larnach than Sano and Eddie. We will miss the power, but we've got plenty of power anyway. Sign Cruz.

I still maintain that a big free agent signing (Bauer) is possible if the Twins GO with the youth: Kiriloff, Rooker and Larnach. Trading Sano ($11 million) Get a SP, Bullpen and/or prospects. Non Tendering Rosario ($8 million) And paying rookie salaries to Kiriloff Rooker and Larnach puts the Twins in that kind of position. You have $17 million come off the books and you plug in your youth. You've already saved by not paying Romo, May, Adrianza, Marwan etc... You can also pay rookie salaries to Alcala, Dhuran, Colina etc... Maybe it's not Bauer Maybe it's someone like Paxton (we could use a LHP in our rotation). Paxton would allow you to retain Cruz (a must) and add a Bullpen piece and someone like Profar or Zeke Hernandez as your super utility guy. It's just that Paxton is a LONG ways from Bauer.

If I have to choose between Cruz or Rosario, I take Cruz 11 out of 10 times Also, when you have talented players like Kiriloff, Rooker and Larnach who would be playing for the minimum and you could use the savings to strengthen the team in other areas you do And when I'd rather have Kiriloff at 1B and in my lineup and I can trade Sano for something needed as well as use the $$$ saved to strengthen the team in other areas, I do it The Twins haven't won a playoff game in how long ??? It's time to shake things up. Less strikeouts, more contact, better AB's, new blood and a stronger team top to bottom. Change is needed.

Hard to disagree with who the Twins added. Ober is intriguing, and I have to admit I don't know much about him. His stats are IMPRESSIVE. But I don't know how hard he throws, what his spin rates are, what kind of change up he throws etc... The Twins see something in Ober. That's enough for me. I still have high hopes for Wander Javier. He won't get selected. He just hasn't been able to show anything the last couple of years. Maybe this is the year he flashes that talent, we will have to see.

My first thought would be to see if we could sign him to an extension like we've done with Kepler, Sano and Polanco. That way you have payroll certainty and it also makes the player more tradeable because the team acquiring him has that certainty. I like what Buxton gives the Twins, they just have to find a way for him to play 140-150 games consistently. He's our CF'er. This is why I talk to a number of teams about Sano. He's cost certain for several years. He's got tremendous power. Teams like Boston and Colorado could use help at 1B. Cleveland will probably be without Santana. I move Sano for an elite SS (Story, Bogaerts) or a SP who is at worst a solid #2. I've got Kiriloff and Rooker RIGHT NOW. And they have the power hitter they drafted #1 from North Carolina? Can't remember his name right now, but he projects as a 1B/DH kind of guy. They could replace Sano. They can't really replace Buxton right now.