Somehow I feel like this thread is like one of those marketing surveys that come by the phone--"have you got a few minutes to answer some questions so we can serve you better"? Optimism--I guess I'm not sure how much we should feel to be considered "optimistic"? Would the likelihood of winning 70 games be optimistic? Or, being competitive in 95% of the games? Not sure what is meant. To me, the only thing to be optimistic about is a willingness to admit that the rotation can't just be "patched" with some castoffs and fringe players--some real money must be spent. It's difficult to be more optimistic than that (and the 70 games) when the cause(s) of this predicament are whitewashed. If the Twins continue to lose (a lot!) and for several more seasons, and numerous early draft selections are made (sort of like the Astros now, and the discredited Rays) will we hear that success was obtained by hard work and savvy management? Or, will we hear that the long-term losing option was selected because other teams (and in other sports too!) have proven that technique successfull?