Seth Stohs

There is zero reason to believe that he can't get back to being a quality, upper-half-of-the-rotation guy as early as sometime in 2017. Is it likely? I don't know. Hard to guess based on the surgery and track record. But it'd be completely inaccurate to flat-out say that it can't happen... And man, would it be nice!

Born in Puerto Rico, Edgar Corcino was drafted in 2009 by the Detroit Tigers. In 2012, he played at four different levels, including a handful of games at AAA. However, after the season he was released. He spent two seasons in independent leagues. Before the 2015 season, Corcino signed with the Twins. He began the season at extended spring training before spending the final four months of the season in Cedar Rapids. Last year, he began in Ft. Myers, but after a slow start, he came on strong and by midseason, he was promoted to Chattanooga. Overall, he hit .273/.337/.420 (.757) with 20 doubles, 11 triples and eight homers in 124 games. He also stole seven bases, and he is a tremendous outfielder at all three positions.It’s been a busy offseason for Corcino, but fortunately, he was willing and able to take some of his time and answer some questions for us at Twins Daily. So, let’s get to know a little more about Edgar. Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in Puerto Rico, who was your favorite team to follow? Who were some of your favorite players? Edgar Corcino (EC): Growing up, I was a big Red Sox fan!! And my favorite players were David Wright and Evan Longoria because I used to be third baseman. SS: What were some of the better memories of your high school baseball career? Did you play other sports or were you involved in other activities? EC: I used to play a couple sports like basketball and volleyball in high school, but wasn't really good at it! And some of my better memories were going to the tryouts and workouts for MLB teams. That was pretty exciting!! SS: You had just turned 17 when the Tigers drafted you in the 26th round in 2009. How difficult was the decision for you to sign, or did you have other options other than signing? EC: Yeah, it was really hard for me because all I wanted to do was play baseball. But I was really young, and I had the chance to go to school, but that wasn't my first option. Hopefully, we made a good deal with Detroit and I was able to sign!! SS: What was the experience for you in the Tigers organization for four years? You spent three years in the rookie leagues, and then in 2012 you played everywhere from Low-A to High-A to AAA. EC: It was a great experience playing for the Tigers. I made really good friends and learn a lot. My last year there was kind of weird, but pretty exciting, as well being able to played at AAA level was great!! SS: After the Tigers let you go, you played for two seasons in independent leagues. How did that opportunity come for you and did you enjoy playing in that league? EC: Well, this will sound kind of weird, but during those two years, I had a rough time in my life. But at the same time, it was the best thing that ever happened to me!! I learned things to really help how to be consistent. SS: How did you come to sign with the Twins? What was it about the Twins that helped you decide to sign with them? EC: Actually the Twins were the only team that to gave me the chance to play in affiliated baseball again, and I really appreciate the opportunity. SS: You’ve worked out with Jose Berrios in the offseasons and you’re good friends. How long have you known each other, and what was it like seeing him make the big leagues last year, reaching his dreams? EC: Yeah, I had the privilege to work out next to a great person. We have known each other over five years. When I heard the (news) that he got called up, I got really excited!! SS: What would you say are your best traits on or off the baseball field? EC: I will say my personality and my good sense of humor. SS: What areas of your game are you working to improve in the offseason? EC: I been working to improve my stealing and adding a little more power!!! SS: What was the adjustment like from playing in Cedar Rapids, to playing in Ft. Myers, to playing in Chattanooga? As you move up each level, do you see big differences in the pitching? EC: Yeah! You can tell there is a difference at each level you go, but you’ve got to make your adjustments!! SS: What do you do in the offseason as you prepare for the 2017 baseball seasons? EC: During this offseason, I had been focusing on my mobility. I know if I gain more mobility, I will be able to get better on my swing and defense as well!! SS: What are some of the things you enjoy doing away from the game of baseball? EC: I love spending time with my family, especially my wife, and help people to get better!! SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career? EC: First, I want to thank Jesus Christ, my lord and my savior. Without him, I wouldn't be here. My wife, she has been a big part on my career. My family. Josue Lionel "Build and Safe Sport Trainer." He's the person who's been the key in my career, my trainer and mentor since I was 12 years old. I really thank him for being such an important part of my career. And last but also important, my agent Hector Gomez. True example of how an agent should be!! He never let me down, even when my career looked like it was about to end!! SS: Favorite baseball movie? EC: My favorite baseball movie is Major League. A HUGE Thank you for Edgar Corcino for taking time to answer our questions, in his second language, and doing a great job. Please feel free to ask questions and leave comments below. Click here to view the article

Went out on a limb on that one, huh? I like Granite. Great kid. Great attitude and I love his approach at the plate. He needs some time at AAA though, and someone with his talent shouldn't be sitting on the bench as a 4th outfielder. He needs time in AAA. I assume John Ryan Murphy will be the backup catcher to start the season, though I think he, Gimenez and Garver probably go in on pretty equal footing. I put Vielma as my Twins SS if the Twins had dealt Dozier, but I'd be shocked. I'm certain they'd go out and get Erick Aybar or someone like that.

Twins minor league outfielder Tanner English has always been a star on the baseball field. Like many in professional baseball, he was a great high school player. Following his career at St. James High School in Murrell Island, South Carolina, he was drafted in the 13th round by the Tampa Bay Rays. After a lot of deep thought and long nights, English decided to stay in-state and attend the University of South Carolina. Following three seasons there, the Twins used their 11th-round pick to take the speedy center fielder.His talent and athleticism helped him get to the point where he began his 2016 season with the Ft. Myers Miracle. English can now see clearly a path to further success, and maybe even a major league career. “I’ve been blessed with some natural abilities that I can thank the good Lord for, and my parents, but I think that everything’s caught up with me.” English continued, “I think I’ve been performing enough my entire life to get to the point where I was, but to advance my game any more, I needed to put myself into the best position I could.” When English was in grade school, he started wearing reading glasses. In middle school, he was encouraged to start wearing contacts. “It didn’t work. So I gave up on it. The rest of high school, and even in college, I tried hundreds of pairs of contacts, and none have ever worked, for whatever reason. Maybe I’m a diva.” English said his eyesight, without enhancement, was around 20/50. Not terrible, but certainly not near 20/20. Eyesight is crucial for a baseball player. Hall of Famer Ted Williams was found to have 20/10 vision. Tony Gwynn also tested at 20/10. 20/8 is said to be “perfect” vision. From a recent San Diego Union-Tribune article, “Optometrist David Kirschen, of Brea, who specializes in studying the eyesight of athletes to achieve optimal sports performance, says the average major league baseball player’s vision is 20/12 and 3.9 percent have 20/8 eyesight.” English had been encouraged to get contacts in his physicals with the Twins too. About two weeks into the Miracle season, Twins minor league field coordinator Joel Lepel asked English how his contacts were treating him. English again reported that he wasn’t wearing them. That turned into a conversation with English, Lepel and Twins minor league director Brad Steil. A couple of days later, English had Lasik surgery. English reports, “Now I’m reading the 20/10 line in some cases and can read the 20/15 line easily.” The plan was to miss three weeks of the season. By doctor’s orders, he wasn’t supposed to do anything for the first two weeks. Then just one more week of rehab to get his legs back under him and get a few at-bats, and he was to head back to the Miracle lineup. Or, that’s what was supposed to happen. “I played one (game). Got my second one. The last inning of that second game is when I hurt my ankle. That three week time frame turned into another eight weeks. That was not fun at all!” Can you imagine the frustration? English struggled with the decision to miss three weeks for the Lasik surgery but decided it was in his best interest. He knew that injury was part of the game, but it obviously isn’t what any competitive player wants. “It was going stir-crazy. I was in my walking boot for five weeks, and I had to rehab for another three weeks.” He continued, “I was seeing the ball like I had never seen it before. So I was chomping at the bit to get back on the field, and then I got hurt. That’s what happens in baseball. Everything happens for a reason. I don’t really know what that reason was, I’m just trusting the good Lord’s plan and taking things as they come.” He returned to the Miracle in early August and played in just 22 games with the Miracle. After missing so much time, he was behind the curve, but despite hitting .247, he got on base 36% of the time. And that’s the type of offensive weapon that he is. “I would like to be that table setter guy. No matter if I got a hit, if I walk, if I get hit by a pitch. Shoot, if I hit the ball and the shortstop makes an error. I want to get on base because I know that once I am on first base, we have a good chance of scoring one run. And in a lot of games, one run goes a long way. Once I get on first, I know that I can steal second. I could get to second base on a passed ball and score on a base hit. A couple of times this year, I scored on base hits from first base. I’m pretty confident that if I get on, I can help the team out and put a run on the board. That’s my goal every at-bat. It changes a bit here and there, like if a runner is on second base. Same thing if a runner’s at third base. I’m not expected to be driving in runs all the time. There’re other guys in the lineup expected to do that. I’m paid to get on base and score run. That’s what I’m trying to do.” It may seem easy, but it is a realization that each player needs to come to. They need to grow and mature as a player and a person to realize the type of player they need to be. It is a process. “I think that’s half the battle. I battled with myself when I was a little bit younger. In high school, I was able to hit the ball over the fence. When I got to college, it was an adjustment I had to make, and I’d still be swinging too big. Then when I got into pro ball, my eyes started opening up. I realized it more every day. We also play more, so I can see it. It took me awhile to realize it, but when I did, it helped my game out a lot.” When the calendar turned to September, English had another surprise, though this one was positive. “We were coming back from Jupiter. It was about 1:00 a.m. When I hit the bus, I put my headphones on. and I find my happy place and I’m out. Smitty (Miracle manager Jeff Smith) walked up and shook my leg. I opened my eyes real groggy. He’s like, ‘Hey, just got a call. Buxton got moved up, and you’re going to New York in the morning. You’re going to fly into Rochester in the morning.’” Great news for Tanner, of course, though he did have a quick phone call to make. “My parents had just crossed the state line to get into Florida to come watch me play my last few games. I called my dad and said, ‘I’ve got some really bad news. I guess it could be good news. I just got moved up to Rochester, so you guys have to turn around and go home.’ They had to drive all the way back. That phone call was cool. I didn’t sleep that whole night.” English wasn’t completely sure what he was going to do with the Red Wings, but he was excited for the opportunity, even if it was only five days. “I thought I was just going up there to fill a spot in case somebody got hurt and needed a backup outfielder. I didn’t know that at the time they only had two outfielders on the roster and needed a center fielder. I went up there and met with (Rochester manager Mike) Quade. I said, ‘Hey, I’m Tanner. Nice to meet you. Thanks for having me.’ He said, “OK. Here’s the signs. You’re hitting ninth tonight and playing center field.’ I wasn’t expecting that, so I had to prepare for that. It was awesome.” After going 0-6 in his first two games, English ended the season by going 5-11 with a double and a couple of stolen bases over the final three games. “I wasn’t really going up there trying to impress anybody. I was just trying to go up there and have fun and really enjoy the experience. I ended up playing really well. I think having that mentality of just go enjoy it, it’s baseball, don’t put any extra pressure on yourself. I think that helped me the most. It’d be really easy to get thrown into that situation and get really tight and try to do too much. I’m glad I didn’t do that. I’m glad I took it pitch-by-pitch and played with a smile on my face. I know that might sound silly, but I just thoroughly enjoyed myself. The weather was beautiful. The fans were great. It was a really fun experience. And the guys were really great, they were all really good to me.” He also was in the clubhouse when Mike Quade informed the Red Wings that James Beresford was heading to the big leagues. “Being able to see how all the guys reacted to James Beresford getting called up. It was a really cool experience. It was a really fun experience for me to see those guys get called up and be like, I’m right here. It’s really motivating. It was a good time man.” The regular season was over. Combined, with Ft. Myers, rehab appearances in the GCL and the late-season stint with the Red Wings, he played in a total of just 41 games. He was an ideal candidate to send to the Arizona Fall League for some additional experience. We’ll discuss the Arizona Fall League experience, what he was hoping for in the Fall League, how he felt about it and more later in the week with additional thoughts of Tanner English. Click here to view the article

He'll be a minor league free agent after the season, so if he doesn't make it, it'd be surprising to see him come back. Some decent talent in this list. I have Stashak maybe 15 spots higher. I'd have Wells, Vasquez and Wiel just about the same, both just outside the Top 50. I have Wheeler down a bit further. I think I put Stashak as a 2017 Sleeper.

San Diego

Kevin Kiermeier's are worth like 5-6 WAR, and if Buxton provides a little more offense than him, that's a very valuable player. No one ever said he would put up the numbers that Trout has. Some said (and I saw both at the level) that he was a better prospect than Trout in Low A because he had better tools. Sure. But that doesn't mean anyone should have thought that he would be another Trout. If you get a 5-6 WAR guy with the #2 pick in a draft, that's pretty rare and a positive. Sano's terrible year still had him hitting 25 homers and he missed 6 weeks. I'm not sure what to make of him, but he can be a 3-5 WAR guy just with his bat. I think the pressure is on him a bit. Rosario isn't in the same level of prospect. To give up or make any real opinion on Berrios after like 10 starts makes little sense. But, most prospect people saw him as a #3 type of starter that could reach up and be a #2 at times. I don't think that's unrealistic. Plus, they'd still have dozier and santana and then you hope for better health and improvement out of a young bullpen. We'll see how the Falvey/Levine regime does with player development. I'd say that the Ryan group (since Brad Steil took over) has shown a pretty strong ability to get guys to the big leagues. Few prospects come up and dominate, so I'm far from being willing to give up on them. If Vegas were to put the odds of the Twins winning 72.5 games in 2017, what would people take? I said between 70 and 75.

Per Jerry Crasnick, Twins and Ryan Pressly have agreed at $1.175 million.

They did not reach an agreement with Pressly so the two sides will exchange figures. They can still negotiate even after that happens up until it goes to the... arbiter or arbitrator(?)...

If they go Polanco and Dozier up the middle in 2017, then the middle infield defense is pretty much the same (+ or - a bit either way). I would probably say that 2015 and 2016 were outliers. They were a 'better than .500 team' in 2015, and they had way more talent in 2016 to be a 59-win season. My optimism is in the hope that the elite young talent takes a step forward and that the pitching staff is better, healthier. Will Sano, Buxton, Kepler, Polanco and Berrios all take a step forward? Probably not, but could one or two of them take 2-3 steps forward? Sure. Can Jason Castro help the pitching staff? That's certainly the hope. It's certainly not a perfect roster. There are flaws. But there is potential.

I'd like to see that too.

Per Doogie... Kintzler agrees at $2.925 million... The Saves got him some extra money, no doubt. Which is fine. It's still not a big number.

Per Berardino, the Twins and Hector Santiago settled at $8 million. That's exactly what we projected in the Twins Daily Offseason Handbook.

Thank you! This was a fun one for me because I've known and chatted occasionally with Dan for probably 7-8 years. But this one was different because 1.) he was coming back, 2.) his relationship with Beresford, 3.) the catcher stats stuff, 4.) Team USA stuff, 5.) playing for Backman and Viola... I felt like there was a lot of interesting stuff here.

According to Mike Berardino, the Twins and Kyle Gibson avoided arbitration by agreeing to a 1 year, $2.9 million deal. I'll be interested in finding out if there are any incentives in this deal... Here's what I wrote in the article...

To steal a fun catch phrase we see often... a person with direct knowledge told me that teams have until noon central time to reach an agreement before they are required to exchange numbers. We'll keep things updated here.

Dan Rohlfing was the Twins 14th round draft pick in 2007 out of high school in St. Louis. He played a lot of third base in high school, but the Twins had him mostly playing catcher. Because he is such a good athlete, he played some in the outfield as well. After three years of rookie-league ball, Rohlfing skipped the Midwest League and jumped right to Ft. Myers in 2010. He split the 2011 and 2012 seasons between Ft. Myers and New Britain and finished the 2012 season with some time in the Arizona Fall League. His 2013 was split between New Britain and Rochester, and he spent the 2014 season with the Red Wings. Though he could have left earlier as a minor league free agent, he signed with the Mets before the 2015 season and spent the summer in Las Vegas (AAA). In 2016, he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks and spent most of the season in AAA Reno.Given the opportunity, Dan Rohlfing decided to return to the Minnesota Twins organization on a minor league contract. Recently, he took time to answer several questions for Twins Daily readers about a variety of prospects. Let’s get started. Seth Stohs (SS): Earlier this month, you announced on Twitter that you are returning to the Twins. Tell us what went into your decision to sign with the Twins. What were some of the factors that led to that choice? Dan Rohlfing (DR):Opportunity is the number one factor I look at. I just want a chance to play and prove myself. This year, with the teams I was talking to, the Twins were the best fit. Bonus points for it being a familiar place! SS: You’ve been a free agent the last couple of years and signed with two different organizations. Have you enjoyed the free agency process at all, or is is more stressful? DR: Free agency starts as exciting. Then can turn stressful pretty quickly if it doesn't go your way. Wondering who will call or the thought of a fresh start somewhere is always exciting. The first couple years went smooth, and I signed back with the Twins pretty quickly. But, then there are years like last year where the catchers market was saturated and the phone wasn't ringing. I didn't sign with the Dbacks until Feb 8th. So to say I was stressed may be an understatement. SS: After all those years in the Twins organization, you’ve had a year in the Mets and Diamondbacks systems. Without getting into anymore detail than you’re comfortable, were there (significant) differences between the organizations from your perspective? DR: There wasn't anything too crazy that I can remember. Baseball-wise, it's all the same game. The main difference I noticed is just how teams place emphasis in different areas. SS: What did it mean to you to put on the red, white and blue chest protector and represent Team USA in the WSBC Premier 12 tournament a year ago in Japan? What was that experience like for you? DR: Playing for Team USA was always a dream of mine and that was the most fun I've ever had playing ball. That uniform had a special feel to it the second I put it on, different than any other uniform I've ever worn. We had such an awesome group of guys that all came together and truly played for the name on the front. Even though Park and Team Korea took the gold, we walked away with silver, and I wouldn't trade that experience of playing for Team USA for anything. SS: I have to ask… How was your Wally Backman experience? (Secondly, did you work with Frank Viola as well in 2015 in Las Vegas?) DR: Ha ha! What a staff! That was fun. I loved playing for Wally and working with Frank! Wally is a guy you wanted to play hard for. He still remembers how tough it is to play this game, and because of that the way he interacts with his players is special and he was the type of guy you wanted to win for. You knew he always had your back and clearly has no problem tearing into an umpire for you. If you need a refresher just check out his YouTube videos. Ha ha!. SS: You spent eight years moving gradually up the Twins system. You had a lot of teammates in those years, and there were several that you played with a lot. For instance, you played with James Beresford about five of those years. Were you excited to see him get his month in the big leagues in 2016? DR: So many great guys! I think Jimmy and I may actually be legal brothers now. Between time at the field and living together in about 7 different apartments and houses we definitely got close. That was the happiest I've been for someone to get 'the call'. The only one that would top it was if I received that call myself. SS: Having seen that, and with the time you’ve spent in AAA over the years, does it change your opinion at all on what it would mean to you to get an opportunity in the big leagues, even if just for a week? DR: I'll take one day at this point. Ha ha! Baseball has been my life and my dream since I can remember. To be able to say "I made it" would make every single sacrifice I've made worth it. SS: You’ve spent some time in the Dominican Winter League. What do you get out of the Winter League experience? DR: Each year I've had a little different motive. The first year was for the experience and getting more reps in against quality competition to make myself better. The other year I was a free agent so it helped get more exposure. Also the money is nice so that's always a plus of going down. SS: What is it that you most enjoy about catching? DR: I love the action. It's a crazy position where you impact the game on so many different levels. My favorite part has to be working with pitchers and game-calling. It gets you involved in every pitch, and it becomes a game within a game. Using my knowledge of what the pitcher has against each different hitter is a true chess match. SS: As more catcher statistics such as pitch framing have become more prevalent, what are your thoughts on them? In your experience, are they used by coaches at various levels in any way? DR: I love them. I'm not exactly sure how I measure up on them, but I'd be willing to bet I could guess pretty close to where I am. Being a catcher first/hitter second type of guy I love seeing guys finally getting credit and getting paid their worth for what they do behind the dish SS: Are you looking forward to getting back to Ft. Myers and spring training in that Twins uniform again? DR: I am. Fort Myers has become kind of a second home to me and a town I really enjoy. Leaving the Twins was a sad day for me, so to get another opportunity with them is something I hope to take advantage of. I'm excited to see what this year has in store. Thank you to Dan Rohlfing for taking time to thoughtfully respond to these questions. Please feel free to discuss and ask questions in the comments down below. Click here to view the article

In my opinion, the plan doesn't change if the Twins don't trade Dozier, at least big picture. The plan should be all about playing the young guys as much as possible and giving them opportunities. Sano, Kepler, Buxton, Polanco, Rosario, Berrios, .. these guys are the key, and hopefully each of them will improve in 2017. Castro should help the defense, or at least that is the assumption. Santana is a solid guy in the rotation, and we have to assume that Gibson and Santiago will be better (if healthy)... Hughes can be solid (if healthy)... and Mejia likely works his way into the rotation at some point. The bullpen, well maybe they can add another option, but I want to see Pressly, Chargois, Rogers and soon Reed, Melotakis, Hildenberger, Burdi, etc. if they'd like a DH, I'd be good with Chris Carter (if the front office is ready to give up on Park or Vargas). Target Field has been good for right-handed power hitters, and Carter - despite all the Ks - could hit 40 HR in his year. This is a 59-win team that could/should jump up to 75 wins in 2017 just with improved youth and some health.

Spent 45 minutes chatting with English a couple of days ago. He's healthy. He had Lasik surgery in April. Was supposed to miss three weeks. That third week, he was playing his second (final) rehab game when he hurt his ankle. However, he came back for about 25-30 games at the end of the season and ended with five in Rochester. He also played 22 games in the AFL (one behind team leaders). He's healthy. He's talented. He and Granite are very similar in terms of skill set. Here's my thought. English probably has a little more upside. He's a little bigger/stronger. They're both incredible fast. English is a better outfielder and has a stronger arm. The two are friends and competitive with each other, which is fun to see. If people have my book and have seen my updated top 30/50 rankings, I have Wade in the low-teens, with English and Granite in the mid-20s. Wade has a chance to be a quality everyday left fielder (or a 4th OF). Of the three, all of them can play CF, but Wade and Granite are more left fielders whereas English can absolutely be a centerfielder (even if he never gets that chance because of Buxton).

My guess is that it won't a whole lot. The general inflation of all salaries probably is equally helpful to those types.

Back in November, the Twins had to decide whether or not to offer 2017 contracts to six players. They non-tendered Trevor Plouffe (who now has an agreement with the A’s). The Twins agreed to terms with Eduardo Escobar who will make $2.6 million in 2017. The Twins offered arbitration to four other players for 2017: Hector Santiago, Brandon Kintzler, Kyle Gibson and Ryan Pressly. If those players do not have an agreement with the Twins by Friday (several players already have), the two sides will exchange numbers. Obviously the player and his agent will ask the team for a number. The Twins side will likely think that number is a bit high and will come in with their own number, likely lower. Most often, the two sides wind up meeting somewhere near the midpoint on a deal.With that in mind, let's try to project (OK, guess) what will happen over the next two days. Post your thoughts and guesses in the Comments below. HECTOR SANTIAGO Service Time: 5.016 2016 Salary: $5.0 Million MLB Trade Rumors Projection: $8.6 Million Twins Daily Projection: 8.0 Million Santiago came to the Twins at the deadline last year in exchange for Ricky Nolasco and Alex Meyer. He struggled early, but was better late. He has been an All-Star and until his 4.70 ERA in 2016, he had never posted an ERA over 3.75. He has pitched over 180 innings in each of the last two seasons. Seth’s Guesses Santiago Asks: $8.5 Million Twins Offer: $7.0 Million Midpoint: $7.75 Million A huge salary bump after a rough season for Santiago doesn’t make sense, but he’ll get a bump because of the innings and the numbers prior to 2016. That means there is potentially a pretty big difference between what Santiago’s side wants and what the Twins might be willing to offer. The bigger the gap, the more difficult it can be for both sides to reach an agreement in the middle. Remember that the Twins sent $4 million to the Angels in that trade last year to avoid needing to pay Nolasco $12 million in 2017. In other words, it appears that they anticipated needing to pay him around $8 million. BRANDON KINTZLER Service Time: 4.128 2016 Salary: $1.1 Million MLB Trade Rumors Projection: $2.2 Million Twins Daily Projection: $2.5 Million Kintzler’s road to the big leagues was interesting and even included a stint with the St. Paul Saints. After a couple of solid seasons in middle relief for the Brewers, he missed much of the 2015 season with a knee injury. The Brewers non-tendered him after that season and the Twins quickly signed him to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Though he didn’t start the season in the big leagues, he was with the Twins within a month. Not only did he pitch well and show increased velocity, but he became the Twins closer and recorded 17 saves. Seth’s Guesses Kintzler Asks: $2.95 Million Twins Offer: $2.25 Million Midpoint: $2.6 Million This is an interesting one because of the saves. Frankly, if he had just worked in middle relief, he would likely be in line for a deal between $1.9 and $2.2 million. The reality is that the saves probably mean something in arbitration discussions. While I can’t imagine Kintzler’s side overstating their case, they should be using it to their advantage. That’s why I kept them just shy of $3 million. The Twins will argue that he isn’t really a typical closer and fits the role of middle relief. That would be an easier case for them if they had a veteran closer on the staff at this point. This feels like one where an agreement should be easy to reach. KYLE GIBSON Service Time: 3.056 2016 Salary: approximately $600,000 MLB Trade Rumors Projection: $3.5 Million Twins Daily Projection: $2.5 Million Gibson was being fast-tracked to the big leagues. He was the team’s #1 pick in 2009 and began his career in Ft. Myers in 2010. He finished the season with several starts in AAA. That’s where he began the 2011 season. By season’s end, he had Tommy John surgery and missed the 2012 season. He debuted in 2013 and became a fixture in the Twins rotation since 2014. He was the Twins pitcher of the year in 2015. A month into the 2016 season, he landed on the DL with some shoulder pain. He returned about six weeks later and was inconsistent the rest of the season. Seth’s Guesses Gibson Asks: $3.55 Million Twins Offer: $2.55 Million Midpoint: $3.05 Million This is another difficult one. It is Gibson’s first trek into arbitration. There are some first-year arbitration eligible starting pitchers who have reached closer to $4 million, but I don’t think Gibson can reach that level. But the Twins may be able to use his 2016 struggles to negate some of the value he could have received after 2015. The Twins can’t really go any lower than $2.5 million. My guess is that they will reach an agreement with Gibson just shy of the midpoint with some innings-incentives that could push him just past the midpoint. Using my guesses, I could see a deal for about $2.9 million with $50K bonus at 140 innings, $50K at 170 innings, $50K at 185 innings and $50K at 200 innings. RYAN PRESSLY Service Time: 3.053 2016 Salary: approximately $550,000 MLB Trade Rumors Projection: $1.1 Million Twins Daily Projection: $1.5 Million Pressly came to the Twins in the December 2012 Rule 5 draft. He spent the entire 2013 season with the Twins, but he was able to go to Rochester in 2014. He returned late in 2014 and pitched well. He was off to a very good start in 2015 but an injury ended his season early. Pressly was one of the most used relievers early in the 2016 season and in time it caught up to him. Blessed with a fastball that reached 98 and even 99 mph, he has the potential to be very good in the bullpen. Seth’s Guesses Pressly Asks: $1.65 Million Twins Offer: $1.15 Million Midpoint: $1.4 Million I can’t imagine this one even getting to the point of exchanging figures. They should be fairly close in the $1.1 to $1.5 million range. I would think that they are close enough where midpoint agreement would work. He pitched innings, but was average for a reliever, numbers-wise. He has missed time the two previous seasons, so he should fit into a typical first-year arbitration reliever range. So what do you think? Which players will come to an agreement with the Twins before exchanging numbers? Is it possible that the Twins could go to arbitration for the first time in over a decade in 2017? We shall find out in the next couple of days. Click here to view the article