Kirby Killebrew

Agree, expect one major transaction, whether it is for a significant pitcher or hitter.

Agree, expect one major transaction, whether it is for a significant pitcher or hitter.

If we believe the Twins' primary offseason goal is to obtain a playoff-quality starting pitcher (e.g., a Sonny Gray or Kenta Maeda type), then the FO actions are completely in line with doing so. * the team cannot afford a free-agent pitcher of that level, so that option is not available; he will have to be obtained via trade * the top free agents (hitters and pitchers) must go off the board, so that the other teams have an idea what their rosters are going to look like * therefore, the FO has to wait until January/February to make that trade * as noted by other writers, based on the current roster, our most valuable tradeable players are Polanco, Farmer and Vazquez (although unlikely we can get much for Vazquez because of the $10m salary the other team would have to take on). * Should not trade Kepler because our OF depth is unproven. * the FO will have to find a team in significant need of a strong infield bat (Polanco), valuable utility guy (Farmer), and/or starting catcher (Vazquez), that is willing to trade that playoff-quality starter * individually, I doubt those players can fetch a playoff-quality starter in return. * my guess is that the FO will have to package a combination of Polanco/Farmer/Vazquez/prospect(s) for the playoff starter. * again, I don't think that can happen until the free-agent market has lost most of the big names, hitters and pitchers. * in summary, the quiet November/December is necessary with the quest for a big-time starting pitcher. Agree, disagree, what do you think of this?

I like the idea. A HUGE virtue of last season was the versatility of the position players as nobody had to play 150+ games. An infield group of Lewis, Correa, Julien, Polanco, Kiriloff, Castro and Farmer (?) would keep everyone fresh and involved and provide lefty/righty balance. Also, Polanco is supposedly a great team leader/clubhouse presence. If so, makes sense to keep him!