Willihammer

Just seems like a non-sequitor. There's nothing to dispute. These are economic indicators. Are you suggesting the "st" market should move in lockstep with them?

OK...

Huh?

Some good economic news this week. 2.9% 3rd quarter GDP growth was revised up to 3.2%. October non-farm hiring was greater than expected. Consumer confidence hit a 9 year high in November. And OPEC agreed to a production cap which is going to be a boon for US shale.

I would assume Molitor had ultimate say in deciding who pitched where.

Answer: I just go where they tell me. Third, second, center, catcher, pitcher. I just want to help the team win.

There are good points on both sides IMO. There are also good counters to each. How's this for a hot take: trade Trevor May. If he is questionable as a starter (and I think he is) and can't stay healthy in the pen, then how much good is that guy really?

It would be kinda cool to have two Johan Santana's on the same team.

Good defender, took good at-bats, and seemed like a rock solid teammate. Too bad about the oblique stuff last season.

I think this is interesting. Back in 1992 the market had been on a bull run similar to today's: http://i.imgur.com/1TCdAjP.jpg Just like today, it was trading at 25x earnings. If you had sold at that point you would have missed out on the run it made from 1992 to 2000 (when the market really did create a bubble):

Ah. Yeah it is high but (I know I sound like a broken record) with interest rates historically low, we should expect that to be the case. This article does a good job describing the correlation between P/E and interest rates: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/much-interest-rates-affect-markets-222845806.html This is the tl;dr:

You gotta do what you gotta do but I'd be curious to know what exactly in the fundamentals has you worried.

How many times in the last 100 years have we had an extended run of zero or near-zero interest rates?

In the short term the #1 thing I would keep an eye on is inflation. We are going to get a rate hike at the Dec meeting of 1/4 percent - that's already been priced in. If the Fed were to raise rates 1/2% or higher it would shake the markets a bit, but the Fed would only do that because of higher than expected inflation. But reports such as this one suggest inflationary pressure is still low.

Based on?

If Trump's policies do cause a spike in inflation, which the market is pricing in somewhat as bond yields are creeping up, then investors will flood out of the market into safer asset. But as far as entering a recession I see no sign of that.

I'd still like to hear what Glunn has to say but regarding the above: GDP grew 2.9% last quarter, the highest of Obama's administration. Inflation is still really low. Running deficits in a near ZIRP environment is not a huge deal, and it can be an economic stimulus. "We're overdue" I disagree. If anything we're overdue for >3% growth which has been the historical norm.

Why do you think there will be a recession?

Musk has about 900 different ventures going on and I do worry about how much time he is or isn't devoting to TSLA. But I have 100% confidence in him, the man has vision and aims incredibly high. He is Steve Jobs 2.0 IMO. TSLA is down and GM is up. The market likes gas prices to stay low, due to a strong dollar and pro-shale policies keeping the supply glut up. That will be good for GM's SUVs. TSLA is taking a hit, good time to get in. Gas prices are a secondary concern for its target market.

Yeah the market is anticipating a pickup of inflation under Trump. Oil I would stay away from.

I feel like the Twins, at least publicly, have emphasized fastball command / first pitch strikes for as long as I've been a fan.

Yeah it doesn't help anybody if they get off on the wrong foot. They have at least one season together. What they do after 2017 will be interesting tho. Maybe they can find a manager with better leadership qualities so they dont' have to burn roster spots on token veterans.

ON a P/E basis, Russian stocks are 80% discounted relative to American stocks. I'm looking at Yandex, and Russian banks. If Trump is buddy buddy with Putin, we could see movement on Russian sanctions.

Some talkers from the west side fish wrap: http://www.startribune.com/new-twins-execs-happy-to-keep-paul-molitor-at-the-helm/400348931/ http://www.startribune.com/twins-new-leaders-intend-to-pursue-experience-for-clubhouse/400417531/ Twins' new leaders intend to pursue experienced players for clubhouse “It’s a tall task to ask the manager to do that job and also motivate every single player in the clubhouse,” Levine said of the need for players who understand the need for a positive atmosphere. “If you have some clubhouse ambassadors who are veteran leaders, you’re a step up on most teams.” Falvey joined the Twins from Cleveland, where Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis (and later in the year, Coco Crisp) set the tone, while Levine comes from the Rangers, who have placed an emphasis on leadership for several years. Both testified to the need for such players on Monday, saying that while young athleticism is the most important factor in winning, employing a player or two to set an example can be important. “Those guys helped transform the franchise” in Texas, Levine said. The Rangers reached the World Series in 2010 and 2011, and “the energy of our team was the young group of players who were in their prime, exceptionally talented. And we always married them with the right veterans who could get the most out of those players.” Texas had more than most, Levine said, “and some of them were really extraordinary. Michael Young was where it started, but Colby Lewis was exceptional, Adrian Beltre was exceptional. Darren Oliver, Joe Nathan — we had leaders up and down the lineup and pitching staff.” You would have to think, if veteran leadership is a priority, that reduces the chance (or inflates the price) of a Dozier trade.

If Mitch Moreland, Justin Morneau, Matt Joyce, and Adam Lind find jobs this winter then Mauer isn't a sunk cost. Is that fair to say?