TFelton

Thanks for the post. I tell my wife nightly that there is no one better.

I really enjoyed this article. Thank you. When Morneau was ready, room was made at first. When the White Sox decided Paul Konerko was near the end, they moved on Abreu, were overt about it, and provided him a soft landing and celebrated his years of service. I'm not saying the Twins would, but moving Mauer to a part-time player down the stretch of his contract makes a lot of sense. I understand the financial side while I've heard that even the merchandise sales and other financial benefits more than covered the contract, so why not phase him out on a reunion tour Konerko kind of way or if he isn't happy with that, then would probably approve a trade (eat money with it) or flat out release, while hopefully doesn't come to that. I understand the love hate relationship with Joe, more specifically the contract. I have been lucky to see him play and appreciate his talent and overall performance. I don't want to cast him aside as he means a lot to this franchise while it seems there are other options than sitting out 3 more years. I struggle to accept the fact that we have 3 more years of Maurer at first, blocking a number of 'potential' replacements with high upside for next 10 years. I don't want to turn this thread into a Mauer bash as I am not in that camp, but IF Kepler keeps up this growth and performance into mid-2016, he deserves a chance and the marketing associated with a German (Global) could be very lucrative to the financially minded Twins, not to mention where Sano finds a position. Maybe Kepler is an outfielder I'd just hate to play him out of position as he is appearing to be an elite future, IF he keeps developing at this pace.

Someone gets hurt or bows out of All-Star Game and #voteDozier gets in right? Baseball Gods, anyone.

Wasn't Doug M to Fort Myers somehow family related as I remember? What was the story there and assuming he moves, I assume that situation has changed?

My speculation - why would Maddon leave Tampa, as sure the salary issue is one, but wonder if like Leeland, he wants a shot with a high payroll team.

Nolasco signing (assumed) is great. Need some arms that can pitch. Provides some FA's the idea that the Twins are actually paying attention. Now, go get Garza. He has been a horse. He's got an attitude and we need that. I consider the scenario you laid out as a 3. We are shooting too low, and with some key 'over pays' we can change things here. Then, go get Cano (see thread I started on it). Nolasco, Garza, and Cano, then Twins have an off-season that gets us excited about 2014. I did the math in my head while I think that still leaves money in the budget and provides the Twins some trade chips (Dozier) or someone for SS...

Let me start by saying, the Twins need starting pitching. We know that. Highest priority. Baseball is a business, while I suspect many of the better pitchers don't consider the Twins because they aren't very good right now. Money matters, but going to a futile team isn't the best either considering things pretty equal. I can see why this is challenging and agree that home-grown talent is very good, so keep building the minor league depth. Twins thirst for ace type starters. I haven't seen the Twins linked to Cano in any articles. Why not? Yep, Twins have Dozier and the kid in the minors (converted OF), while sometimes doing something un-conventional may just change the game. Cano representatives apparently need a dance partner to make the Yankees sweat a bit. Why not? It doesn't cost anything to finish 2nd and if you win, how would that change things at Target Field? Think about how it could maybe change the Yankee intimidation that seems to exist? 6-4-3 of Sano to Cano to Maurer sounds pretty good to me. Talk amongst yourselves.

Twins Daily Guys and Regular Posters: Thank you for your efforts. I am a lurker at best and I fully enjoy your site. It is a go-to site every morning and multiple times during the day when I am in the office. I remember word getting out on Torii Hunter on the night before Thanksgiving (signing with Angels) and tonight I see you guys on top of the Nolasco story, so for me, tonight is a night I am very aware of regarding signings. A lot of smart people posting a lot of detail which is intimidating to me while I will get more involved here when time allows. Very appreciative to the information and still enjoying re-reading the off-season handbook. Handbook is a lot of work and well done. I even enjoy the over-worked and re-worked topics and the minor corrections leading to major battles by the posters - entertaining to see the sarcasm too which I really enjoy to read and better understand from certain posters the more they post - feels like I know them. I love baseball. I have a boy playing (and I coach) and he is getting to the age where he follows the Twins too, so it provides great discussion material. Have a great Thanksgiving and again, the thanks is to you guys for having the courage and vision to do this.

You are correct.

TFelton got married, moved, and 3 kids now. Been a busy few years but 'lurking since the beginning of Twins Daily' and will continue lurking til these kids get older. Some remember the big posting days of TFelton in the Trish chat room and the paper blogs, while TFelton hasn't given up the dream of returning the 3rd person typer to the mainstream Twins Daily.

I agree. Your post rings with many of us, just that many of us don't dare speak as afraid our wives may read this!

My favorite MN Twin. Ha!

Classy article Seth. Thanks, enjoyed reading. TFelton