SteveLV

I would not want to trade for any of the 3 "short-timer" Oakland SP's unless you have permission to work out a long-term deal with their agents before the trade. Twins are not in a position to be in the 1 or 2 year rental market, and I have zero confidence the team will sign extensions for these players unless it is agreed to ahead of the trade.

Congrats to Jose. Disappointed that the Twins did not think he was worth this $20M/year for an extension. 7 years is certainly risky, but he has been amazingly durable. Time will tell. Thor also gone on a one-year deal for $21M. Big money, but only one year protects against injury risk. Again, seems like a deal that would have been affordable for the Twins, although we are not on the West Coast, either. Agree with poster above: This is a black day for the Twins, and FA so far has been lousy. Nowhere to go but up, right?

Lefty Rodriquez to the Tigers for 5/80, so $16M per year AV. Tigers are going to be good this year, especially if they land Correa, too.

Since it is not my money anyways, I would offer Verlander 2/50, and hope he has returned to form. He, when healthy, is the stud we have not had in many years. Backfill the rest of the rotation, preferably with trade with the Marlins for one of their young arms. If it takes a 3rd year option of some type for Verlander, so be it.

The reporting from late last summer is that there was agreement on the base guaranteed salary, but disagreement on the incentives. Have no idea how far apart the two sides were, but that sure sounds like something that could be hammered out if both sides are interested in getting a deal done. Twins FO should be happy to pay the incentives if achieved, and BB gets long-term financial security no matter what happens. Sounds like a Win-Win.

If Gray is the big pitching acquisition, needle does not move much. If he is the second or third SP added, sure. GIven a choice between Gray at $10M x 3 or 4 seasons and Pineda at $7-8M x2, prefer Big Mike. Happy to have both if there is someone else ahead of them.

Verlander, assuming he is back from TJ surgery, big yes, but he will be highly sought after. Kershaw, no thanks. I think he is done, and may just retire.

They lose Cruz's salary, Berrios last arb salary, and assorted FA/non-tendered players with total savings of well over $30M. They need to sign Buxton. If not, get a haul for him and pray he doesn't turn into Willie Mays for some other team. I like the idea of trading with the Marlins for some of their SP depth. Young and talented players there. I am neutral on trading Kepler. He is earning his contract, but not exceeding it, and we have other corner OF prospects deserving opportunities to play. Donaldson is also earning his contract. So unless a trade offer brings real value, he should be kept at 3rd. Chris Taylor seems like a total gamer. Not sure on his defensive metrics at SS, or whether he is capable of playing there FT. This will be a very interesting off-season, starting with the CBA negotiations which could lead to major changes.

Nah, engineer a trade for Witt instead! I know it would cost a ton, but why take their 3rd best SS? Canterino and Strotman for Mondesi seems like a big overpay to me. We do not have pitching to burn for that type of player. Aim higher, please.

More college lefties, please!

Well, I am old enough to remember a pretty remarkable lefty drafted out of Michigan: Jim Abbott. Late 80's?

Anyone have intel on Povich?

Teams must not believe in Bachman's performance in weaker conference?

I would also note that this is a draft by a management team that thinks it has solid job security. Neither of these players will see MLB for 4-5 years in all likelihood....

Saving money with this pick for signability of later picks?