I think that the prospect cost would be about nothing if the Twins pick up most of Kennedy's contract. They are in a better position than most contenders for this type of deal as several have luxury tax or payroll limit concerns. I prefer this to a prospect bidding war unless you are going for Syndegaard or Stroman. I also like the Givens and/or Bundy idea. Both could pitch better out of Baltimore and the prospect cost should not hurt too much.
Thanks for the research. I only saw Colina pitch two innings in spring training but I would not trade him. I would try some combination of two of Stewart, Gonsalves, Gordon, Larnach
Kennedy IMHO is the best fit as I assume the Royals would eat some payroll. The Royals will not be contending by 2020 so if they can save half that payroll money and pick up a middling prospect this deal could get done. It makes sense from the Twins side by adding needed bullpen help without having to part with a top 20 prospect.
The Giants would have more interest in Larnach than Cave. I would trade Larnach if I think I can extend Rosario. If you have Kepler and Rosario not a lot of room for a left handed hitting corner outfielder. Looks like Kiriloff is moving to first.
I like the way you think. The only part I question is the middle of the order bat. Rocco has batted him mostly6th-7th and I think that is perfect. Getting run production from the lower part of the order is a nice position to be in.
I think they need to improve the depth of the bullpen besides the back end. I could see a Hunter Strickland pick up if he looks good when he returns. Seattle is in sell mode and he would not cost much
I think they will try several internal options. Why not Randy Dobnak? I think I would leave Smeltzer as a starter. We will need a starter again at some point and he looks much better than Kohl Stewart to me. I would try Stewart in the pen
We shall find out tommorrow if the interest is reciprical. Have to think they will be taking in quite a bit more money the rest of the season as attendance has to be better than last year the second half of the season.
The attractive part with Kimbrel is that he will cost money not prospects and could be exactly what we need. The money should be available since the crowds will be very good the rest of the season. The hold up is the way he ended the season last year. I think that and his salary demands are what caused him to be unsigned this long. But if they signed Kimbrel now you would have until the end of July to decide if you should trade for additional bullpen help. I hope they go for it.
Looks to me like Pineda is not in shape. Pretty disappointing since we paid him for last year to recover. Need one starter and two relievers but it is only May. Probably won't see many deals for at least a month or two. Twins will look internally until the trade deadline market takes shape IMHO
Pineda does not seem to go very deep in his starts. Might use an opener there but not sure there is a reliable two inning reliever to open with. Maybe Harper