SteveLV

FWIW, Emerson and Cholowsky are 65 rated prospects. Lackey, Flora, Booth, Lonbard, Burress and Rojas are all 60 rated, although Lackey was the top "60" according to their rankings.

Lackey slots in immediately as the number 2 prospect in the Twins system, 60 rating like Jenkins.

Welcome to Minnesota Mr. Lackey!

Lackey is an awfully good player at 1.3. Twins were lucky to get this spot with the lottery system.

Yech. Like Sprock. This guy is average, which for this bullpen is, unfortunately, elite. At least he is cheap!

The only possibility to render this choice at 3 interesting is if Chicago or Tampa do NOT take one of the top 3 at their picks. If the Twins have to choose between Emerson and Lackey (or any other combination), then it becomes quite intriguing which way they go.

As soon as Culpepper returns from injury and proves he is back up to speed, I am afraid Mr. Gray will be departing.

OK, so you admit you are assuming and that there is ZERO reporting that the Twins and Ryan have EVER discussed an extension beyond arbitration. My point is that when teams and players ARE negotiating such an extension, it does get reported, even when they fail to reach agreement. You position is that the Twins and Ryan MAY have discussed an extension, which both sides kept completely silent about. I think my position is more likely accurate, but I am sure you disagree. So there we are.

Cruz at 36 y.o. even with a contract into 2027 doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I would consider Chivilli, who is 23, and has an electric arm, with middling results so far in MLB. Plus a prospect or 2 to be negotiated. The Yankees would look at it as an opportunity to get Jeffers not only for this season, but to extend as well and shore up their weakest position. Furthermore, if they give us a young RP they can always trade or promote for more bullpen help.

So you "assume". Again, if you actually have any reporting that the Twins and Ryan discussed an extension beyond arbitration, please let us know. Otherwise, you are assuming and speculating. We both agree Ryan has reportedly sought FA. That contradicts your assumptions as well. Ryan will not pitch for the Twins beyond 2027 in any scenario. so trade him now when his value is highest. We agree on that point.

The contract the Twins and Ryan signed was to avoid the last 2 years of arbitration at a compromise figure that roughly approximates the middle ground for his last 2 arbitration years. You jump to a startling conclusion that this means they discussed a post-arbitration, multi-year extension with zero proof, just speculation. Please point us to any reporting that this Twins FO has tried to extend Ryan beyond his arb years. Happy to be wrong, but I have never seen even a hint that this has been negotiated. (There are dozens of examples where there are reports that the teams and players have been negotiating a multi-year extension. Sometimes they come to terms, sometimes they do not. Nothing like that reported as happening for Ryan.) But your conclusion is dead accurate: Trade Ryan if you are satisfied with the return, Trade Jeffers unless it is a low-ball offer.

If the Yankees call I would be interested in Angel Chivilli coming back. 23 years old. cheap, electric arm, bolsters the bullpen. They also have some other interesting prospects but people asking about Lagrange, he is injured and out at least 6 weeks. Maybe get Henry Lalane for a long play as a big, power lefty?

The choice is simple: Either extend Ryan or explore his trade value. If the trade value is good/great, pull the trigger. I would prefer they extend him, but this FO hasn't even approached Ryan for that according to all reports. Sad, but true.

Incorrect.

Ryan: Only if it is a terrific offer. They don't have to move him. Jeffers: Yes. Ober, Larnach, Bell. Sure, if someone is buying. Clemens: Why? He is under control for years and is dirt cheap. If someone offers something good, sure, but no reason to shop him. Wallner: Maybe, if the offer is decent. Rental bullpen pieces: Sure, if anyone wants them.