DocBauer

Also, to a lesser degree, it breaks up the opponents lineup and approach at least once in a series. And, to a lesser extent, if you have a pair of quality RH arms who are similar in velocity and approach, the LH provides a break between those arms, assuming he's of similar quality.

I understand hope and misgivings concerning Polanco. But while his debut was slowed in 2023, his quad slash line was right about career norms across the board. There's life there, no doubt. Again, the question might be does he STAY with the Twins, or does someone really value him for their hole at 2B. To echo chpettit19, Lee won't sit on the bench and back anyone up. If he's not playing almost daily, he'll be at St Paul. That leaves room for Farmer at around $6M, which is pricey, but could be smart. He backs up Correa well...though Lewis and Castro and Polanco can as well...and can start at 2B against LH arms with Polanco spelling Kirilloff at 1B. Polanco can also DH once in a while. Now, whether or not the Twins can afford Farmer for one more season is TBD, but I'd sure like to see him back. Lee will force his way on the roster eventually, and/or, there will be injuries to provide opportunity. And say he's fully ready mid year, the Twins might have a trade chip or two to send out. But let's not pretend the Twins haven't had more than their share of bad luck with injuries. Lee is no reserve, he's a top prospect. But it's nice to have that kind of depth available. Same with, possibly, Prato. And I can see a scenario where Polanco sort of assumes the roll that Solano played this past season, only as a switch hitter. And we've got another switch hitter at AAA in Severino that might end up as an OK defender at 3 spots, but a powerful bat. Maybe not to open the season, but eventually. So there IS a lot of flexibility now, and in the near future. I just don't feel any need to rush Lee to the ML club, no matter how much potential, when we have some great options to begin the season with. Oh, shoot, did we forget there's a chance a healthy Miranda rebounds? So no to Lee as a reserve. Yes to room for Farmer if the budget can keep him for one more year. I'll save the OF for another day, but they obviously need a contingency plan for Buxton. The question will be a veteran like Taylor until Martin is ready, or, budget concerns that have them gamble on Martin or Keirsey, etc, early. And while this OP is about Lee, let's not forget that we could almost change the headline to MARTIN instead of LEE, and have almost the identical debate about roster construction.

I really liked the 2022 draft an awful lot. But once you got past Lee in the 1st round, and the HOPE of Prielipp after him, the guys I really liked the most were Matthews, Lewis, and Culpepper. I liked Matthews and Lewis due to their length and the idea of adding velocity, the ball jumping on batters, and, of course, the fact that it seemed like each had at least one more solid offering at this point. Culpepper doesn't have the height/length of those other two, but he's still 6' 3". And he was only 20yo when drafted, didn't turn 21yo until the offseason, didn't play for a particularly large program, and didn't throw a ton of innings until his 2022 season. That spoke to "under developed" to me, with perhaps a low floor, but a good ceiling. So far, he's looked petty impressive. Really like just about everyone from that draft so far, but next to Lee, the arms are what's really intriguing.

Granted. I sure wouldn't pencil him in for 160 games, that's for sure. But sharing 2B with Julien...possibly Farmer depending on $ and final roster construction...and appearing at DH and maybe some 1B let's him "rest" his legs a bit. A healthy or semi healthy Polonco is a great ballplayer. And I'd rather pick up the option and take a little more time with Lee than just move on. He's definitely got miles on him. He might be 30yo but I think his legs are about 4-5yrs older. But I think there's still some tread left on him. Of course, someone like Seattle might agree and want to package a solid arm back to us for him. If so, you gotta think about that.

I think Lee is going to very good, if not great. And frankly, I couldn't care less which if he and Lewis plays 3B or 2B, they're both going to play. But isn't putting your very best team together always the goal? If so...and there could be financial limitations of course...why wouldn't you keep Polanco for this season? Lee was solid in AAA, but what guarantee is there that he's ready from day 1 to take a job and let the very good Polanco walk? Now, a trade of Polanco for help elsewhere is also a possibility, but still removes him from the team. And, in theory, means giving Lee a job. (Based on the general sentiment of the thread). Lee has 1 full year of pro ball and a couple additional months. He's very close. He himself says he's still working on some things. So why not keep Polanco and let Lee continue to work, and grow, and be ready when he's shown he's ready and opportunity presents itself? I can't wait to see him up. But I'm not so impatient for that day that I want to rush him in favor of shedding a very good veteran ballplayer like Polanco.

The Twins need SOMEONE to play CF besides Buxton. You just have to assume you won't have Byron, and then be grateful for as many games as you get out of him. Should that someone be Taylor is the question. And I think it might come down to how much the FO likes/believes in Martin. If they feel he's nearly ready, we really just need a solid fill-in for a few months. Why not Taylor then? I might expect the power to drop, but see his SB numbers rise. The defense is still outstanding. And I don't think the Twins will be looking for a long term replacement in CF for 2024. So Taylor on another 1 year deal might make the most sense.

To echo jorgenswest, he was promoted pretty quickly. And honestly, I don't think Detroit has done much to develop their young talent the past few years. So I don't know that Castro simply hasn't grown and improved as a ballplayer. It's definitely possible 2023 was an aberration and he will regress, at least somewhat. But isn't it just as possible he continues to improve, even slightly, instead? I really like his skill set and think his INF defense is quite good. I wouldn't be surprised to see him there more in '24. Here's hoping for a positive step forward for the kid instead of one back.

I really wish more people would be considering him. I get he's a late bloomer...slowed by some injuries earlier in his career...but he really had a very nice 2022. In 135 games he slashed .258/ .337/ .432/ .769 and 46 XBH, which included 20 HR. He also stole 40 bases in 45 chances and scored 101 runs and drove in 60 In 38 games this past season...slightly less than a third of 2022 due to injuries...he produced at an even higher clip: .302/ .367/ .544/ .911 with 20 XBH and 8 stolen bases in 9 tries. He scored 31 runs and drove in 40. Take those numbers and times them by 3...figuring a full season like he had in 2022...and he pretty much exceeds his 2022 numbers. No question he's a late bloomer, and probably never a starter, much less a star. But he's go bat ability and a nice combination of speed and pop, and he can play 7 positions. He's got a good chance to be a solid and versatile bench option at some point in 2024, and perhaps beyond. A RH version of Castro, if you will. He's not in the same potential category as Lee, Martin, or perhaps Severino...but he's a rookie that I think has a chance to make a mark this next season.

This is where I'm at. I'm so surprised by short term memory. Varland DEBUTED at Yankee stadium in 2022 and was solid where a lot, if not most, rookies, might melt. And while he wasn't great, he had a solid rookie debut in 5 starts. If memory recalls correctly, didn't he also win a game against the WS Astros? As pointed out by the quote in my post, Varland got his shot at the rotation after Ober. But he was also good to very good for his first 5 or 6 starts. And then the HR bug hit. And now we hear about his new sweeper. And I get why Rocco would get excited about another quality arm for his pen and think the guy could be "lights out". But we still have ZERO idea if Varland is a #2 or a #4 SP right NOW. Why on earth would you move a potential #2-3 starting pitcher to the pen this early? I think he might be a good to great RP. And I object to the whole age idea in regard to prospects, not just due to covid and missing a year, but to prospects needing more than a solid half season or so to firmly establish how good they might be. I LIKE what I've seen from Varland as a starter initially. I'd love to see what his new sweeper is like in his repertoire as a starter. And I believe that's where he should be for now. I WANT another 2023 debate how it's unfair "someone" has to begin the season in AAA. Varland might just turn out to be a great RP. But I would never turn a rotation arm to the pen this early with the stuff he's got.

The thing I keep thinking back to is a recent comment made by Tom Froemming in a video. As he basically said, the FO/ownership knew all about the TV situation for some time now, and still went out and signed Correa, and signed the extension for Lopez. So while there might not be an easy answer as to what to do, or how it will all play out, I don't think they made those kinds of moves thinking to themselves: "well, I hope we win big in 2023 because after that, it's all downhill for a couple of years." Again, not sure how it's all going to work out, but I don't see payroll going up, as it has pretty regularly the past few seasons. But I am hoping it will stay at $150M with a new deal, maybe a few more $M coming from as of yet unknown source(s) like some new advertising, and FO/ownership pushing more towards a 55-60% spending threshold of total revenue. (at least in the short term). They've got roughly $30-31M to work with if that happens. And that's keeping all 3 of Polanco, Kepler, AND Farmer, if I understand correctly. So if one of those is not kept, or moved, they would have another $6-10M to work with. That should be enough for a quality starter, and one more good bat somewhere. Possibly a solid but not grossly expensive pen addition or re-sign, (can't believe I'm actually, maybe, probably, in favor of Pagan back), and set up an inexpensive, milb flier offer to a SP depth option. It's all a question of at least keeping the payroll at status quo. And I just can't believe they are remotely blind-sided by the loss of the Bally contract. So no matter how this turns out, I don't see any kind of big cut.

"Kyle Farmer: Actually no I like him he works really hard he plays the game the right way and isn't afraid to get dirty I'd let him date my daughter." PRICELESS!!

I've been torn on where he should be. But I guess I am still on the side of keeping him as a SP initially. If he builds up that arm...even with some careful monitoring...and can be a legit, quality rotation option in the near future, who cares if he's 26 or 27yo? Having 4-6 years of quality performance isn't as good as 8-10 years, but it sure doesn't stink! And being able to monitor him on an IP leash still allows him to work on all of his pitches, at least for now. I do have a feeling he's still going to end up in the pen eventually as even with a re-built elbow, gut instinct still tells me he's not built to eat innings, but to be dominate in 1-2 of them. And I think that's what's going to happen. I can see a fast track where he's with the Twins by the break in that role. But letting him work on ALL of his pitches and just see what he looks like as a starter makes sense to me to begin with.

Nope, you're not an idiot at all. I have him high on my list for replacing Gray if A} Gray doesn't come back, B} They can't pull off another Gray/Lopez deal, or C} Can't pull off something like a 3yr $60M-ish + FA deal for someone like Eduardo Rodriguez. Honestly, I think he'd be more durable in 2024 than 2023 simply because the recovery is over, he's at full strength, and I think he's got at least one more good season left in him. He's not about velocity. He just needs enough of it to make everything else work, and it did once he came back from his IL stint. But I don't think he's worth $20M. I do think he's worth around $15 or so a year, whether it be 1yr or a 2yr deal. And if you offer him the QO, I'd bet he jumps at it. I think that would pretty much preclude the Twins from any sort of Gray reunion, or a quality FA, and might cut off any trade options that could potentially bring in a younger, even better option. Keep in contact. Let him know you are interested. But I don't see the QO making sense.

Yes, it might indeed by difficult to replace what Solano did for the Twins in 2023. That seems especially true when you look at the list of other "candidates" of production that were monitored. But it doesn't mean the guy to replace Solano's production is Solano. His 2nd half was not as good as the 1st half. He's going to be 37yo. He has very little power. He's limited defensively, though honestly, I don't think he looked awful at any of the 3 spots we saw him at. I sit firm and comfortable in the middle of the Helman bandwagon. The Twins brought him to camp as a non 40 man invite as they saw something in him following 2022. Unfortunately, from a hamstring, to a concussion, to a dislocated shoulder, he lost a lot of this past season. But he was really good when he did play! He's got speed, pop/power, and can/has played all 7 spots on the field. And I will repeat what I've said previously, if he was healthy, I don't think you would have ever seen Luplow on the roster. I have finally become convinced Martin is going to be pretty good...if not really good...following a strong end to 2022 and his AFL performance. His 2nd half of this year...when finally healthy...wasn't great, but it was really good. I can honestly see him being the primary CF for the Twins in the 2nd half of 2024, though I'm hoping it won't come to that. (fingers perpetually crossed for Buxton health). It's also possible he plays the whole year with the Twins in a OF utility role. (he doesn't really NEED to play 2B/3B, but he can). Does Williams get a shot as a 1B/DH/#3 C? There might be room/fit for him. If Miranda shows up healthy and looks like his 2022 self, problem solved. He can fill in at both corner INF spots and DH and provide solid contact with power. After his milb breakout in 2021 and how good he looked for the bulk of 2022, he shouldn't be dismissed so easily. If our biggest concern is simply 1B, why not Polanco? I like the idea of Polanco being able to play almost daily...mostly at 2B of course...but also able to fill in at 3B/SS and 1B as necessary. If Farmer is kept, he can play 2B, Polanco can play 1B, problem solved. I have little doubt Solano will be available late in FA, or early in ST like he was last season. I'm grateful for everything he did to contribute to the team's success this past year. But I don't see him as being the replacement for himself.

No on Sano for so many reasons. No on Hicks as I think I'd trust Taylor more for the role needed and how he'd fill it, and Martin should be pretty close. I do like the Odorizzi idea, which I've stated previously, on a milb with an opt out that, hopefully, gives an opt out until at least Jube 1st, if not July 1st. Both parties are familiar with one another, he was a good fit when here, and it costs little to bring him in for insurance on a chance to prove he's OK and back after pretty much taking 2023. First priority is finding someone to replace Gray, if not Gray. And there are some OK and some good arms projected at AAA, but also a lot of uncertainty as some guys need to prove themselves still. So someone like Oddo on the cheap makes a ton of sense.

A little disingenuous to comment at all on Buxton, Lewis, and Stevenson in regard to any aversion the Twins have to stealing bases. Buxton was never good enough physically to play even an inning in CF, was basically shut down thr last half of the season, and still stole 9 bases in 9 tries despite practically needing help to his feet every time. Royce was 6 and 1 in 7 attempts while playing in less than 60 games at the ML level, and coming off surgery. Stevenson was only up a few weeks, saw limited playing time, and went 4 and 1 in 5 attempts in his very limited time. While elite speed isn't the only requisite to being successful at stealing bases, better than average speed sure helps. A good jump helps. The ability to read a pitcher to get that jump, or go on the right pitch, also helps. Very few successful SB percentage players...I'm not talking 5 or 6 over a full seasos...don't have at least slightly above average speed. The Twins have been more focused on SB in the minors the past few seasons, via draft and signings. I didn't expect Taylor to hit as many HR as he did, but I expected more SB. However, some back and hamstring issues undoubtedly held hum back. Were he back as CF depth in 2024, I think you'd see the HR total drop some and his SB attempts rise. Martin is the next guy up to add speed and a SB threat. Julien has shown before he can steal double digits. Depending on how the 40 man and St Paul roster shake out, guys like Helman, Keirsey, and Stevesnon might all be around/available and offer speed and SB possibilities. I'd also expect a few more opportunities from Lewis over a full season...do we dare dream about an even slightly more healthy Buxton..l I embrace the idea of having more speed, overall, and swiping some more bags. But stealing a bunch at 60-70% success rate is NOT successful. More is a good idea. But more while maintaining a 80% ish successful rate is where a difference can be made. The Twins ran much more in 2023. I think that trend will continue, and I think there's more speed on the way. But I don't think they have been reluctant to attempt steals at all. I think they've begun running more when they have guys who can, have picked good spots to do so, and have been adding speed where they can over the past couple of years.

I'd love to have Gray back. He's high quality, a gamer, and a leader. But I just don't see the Vikings offering 3yrs and $65-70M for someone in their age 34-36 seasons. I believe they are looking for another Gray/Lopez kind of deal. But on the FA market, the guy I like is Eduardo Rodriguez. He's LH, 3yrs younger than Gray, and there were rumors at the deadline of a 3 team deal that included him and Gray, with Rodriguez coming to Minnesota. That tells me the Twins are interested, and see something to work on and tweak to take him to the next level. I think they might still need a flier, probably/hopefully on a milb deal for depth. Someone to sit at St Paul to begin the season, more than likely, working their way back. I'm just super curious and intrigued about Dan Hayes's suggestion of the rehabbing Jake Odorizzi. Just makes a ton of sense.

I'd take an identical season in 2024 and be very happy. The only negative I really saw all year was a handful of games where he just nicked and blooped to death in some innings and couldn't seem to get out of them. I don't know if that's experience or a certain pitch he could throw better. Nothing wrong with trying to get better. I'm just not sure how much better he can get other than a few less of those innings.

1] Having 2 quality catchers is HUGE, even if one is obviously the better offensively. (The one who is becoming the primary backstop). 2] COMBINED cost of Vazquez and Jeffers next season is around $13M I believe. Of, slightly more than Gallo this last year, or Kepler or Polanco this upcoming season. This is easily affordable. 3] While nothing backstops are solid as a brick wall, it's hard to expect another full season from both with not a single game missed. Camargo is a good looking #3 who is going to get his shot at some point. 4] Coming off a down year offensively, the Twins would almost certainly have to eat a little of Vazquez's deal, unless some team were really desperate and willing to take it all on. But what's he worth on the return side? And is saving even $6-7M worth it while shortening the position for a kid who hasn't seen a ML pitch yet and then having virtually nothing for the #3 spot? Vazquez is more than worth keeping, is not a financial burden, and should be on the 2024 roster unless someone comes knocking with a hell of an offer.

FIRST, I'm going to be the BAD GUY here and state that I'm worried about losing over $50M from TV revenue and how much of it can be replaced by whatever deal(s) come in to play. For the first time in years, I'm worried about a potential loss in payroll, and betting there won't be a raise for the first time in a few years. NOT being a downer, just stating a fact none of us want to see happen. Right now, I'm hoping for at least a status quo. BUT, there's a TON we don't know yet, and that's an entirely different discussion for a different day. And I want to focus on the OP. I understand and appreciate the idea of raising the ceiling with additions to make this team better, and have a better shot at post season success. How could anyone debate that? I also agree that keeping a status quo in regard to "depth" doesn't move the needle. No arguement there. Where I'm confused is the idea of "adding" better players/talent to a team that actually did that last year DID THAT before and during the season. I mean, the 2nd half Twins played between a 92 and 96 win pace between some changes and young talent. And many of us were practically begging for the younger talent. And we got it. So are we saying we need to now replace the young talent we wanted to see with different talent? Or is everyone kind of saying the same thing: just don't go status quo with the depth and margin talent? 1] Gray needs to be replaced with Gray...doubtful...or someone else. Personally, I think Varland has a chance to be a pretty good SP. He's still growing and learning and has tweaked his breaking ball. And he's already flashed. I'm excited for what little we saw of Paddack when we got him, and his tremendous recovery and late season appearances. But I'm a little worried about IP in 2024. And like this year, I want a good 6 options to start the season. And I'd love a flier to look at as well. 30yo Eduardo Rodriguez might come cheaper than Gray, have some upside with the Twins coaching, give us a LH, and come cheaper than Gray. Or we might instead see another trade for someone with upside, no names to present at this time, way too early. Dan Hayes has floated a very interesting idea of a reunion with a rehabbing Odorizzi...supposedly feeling really good and building himself back up...as a milb signing with ZERO risk as such a flier. I'm still not convinced that a reunion of Maeda as a quality back end arm isn't a good idea with Ryan and Ober taking a step up, along with a healthy Paddack. Improvement with what's on hand, adding ONE important part, and adding some sort of optional piece has the ability to keep the rotation very strong still. The base is there, but I want another quality starter to keep the floor high and keep the ceiling high with depth. 2] The Twins generally don't spend on the pen. And we can debate that as well. But as of NOW, we are looking at Duran, Jax, Stewart, Thielbar, very probably a return of the "new and improved" Pagan, and a couple LH's in Funderburk and Moran. I so wish Funderburk was brought up earlier, but he looked good in his debut. There's something to work with there. And while Moran largely disappointed, there is an ARM there if it can be harnessed. With NO additions, there is still a solid base to work with. It's not hard to see a 6 man pen from that group with POSSIBILITIES from Headrick from the left side...1st year at AAA and ML...and Sands, Winder, and Balazovic having some good qualities. Sands has a great breaking ball, Winder has a new sinker, Balazovic was a top 100 prospect with his stuff 2yrs ago when healthy. Henriquez had a couple injuries that slowed him, but flashed a little late in the year with his pen conversion and is only 23yo. Might Canterino, recovered, be a dangerous option by mid season? How about Alcala throwing high 90's again in his rehab? Could he be ready to FINALLY take a step forward? I'd sure like to see that. I LOVE that the FO brings in arms with potential. Witness Thielbar, and Stewart, and to a lesser extent the now injured De Leon. (Wissler a couple years ago). But I am also frustrated when they seem to HAVE such an arm such as Coulombe and Hoffman this past ST, and let them go for nothing. I DON'T expect a major BP signing like Hader, or other. And FA pen arms are always a bit of a wild card. And while it's not hard to squint and see the potential of this pen for 2024, I sure wish they would add just ONE quality arm for $5-7M maybe, that they really like and believe in to STABALIZE the back end. Depth is there, I just want one more trusted piece. 3] The position players, the lineup, is where it gets more interesting to a degree. It's not hard to say PRIORITY ONE is adding a SP. And not hard to "ask/beg" for ONE more proven arm to increase depth. But how do you improve the position player/lineup and depth? Again, I agree it's probably a mistake to stay status quo. I think we all realize how well Solano played and contributed overall. Despite some bad slumps, he had some key moments. And he filled in here and there best he could defensively. But he's not part of tomorrow. And Taylor might not be as well. No question he's an OUTSTANDING CF. He provided some speed...that might have presented itself better had he not had some nagging injuries...as well as some power. He also was part of some small ball plays that turned out well. He wouldn't be a bad re-sign as Buxton insurance. And that's where the rubber meets the road. There is NO WAY to build the positional part of 2024 without discussing Byron. It's not ALL on him. There are many factors, including the development of the prospects, but the truth is no Gallo or flailing Buxton made the 2nd half offense better. Wallner has developed and produced at every level. So has Julien. So has Lewis. I think it's an incomplete arguement at best to say anyone doesn't expect their production to continue and grow. So we should change direction after pleading for them to get a shot, get it, and now dismiss their talent and potential for a different addition? I believe any logical compilation of the 2024 roster should exclude Buxton. You just HAVE to assume anything from ZERO to 120 games split between CF and DH. Is Taylor being brought back as an option on the cheap side? Or do you assume he can't be similar to the player/producer he was in 2023, or just can't spend the $5-7M it will take to keep him and turn to Castro and the maybe not quite ready, but maybe Martin? Kirilloff IS the 1B with a world of potential still in front of him if his shoulder is OK. With his wrist situation FINALLY fixed, he was the best hitter for the Twins for a couple of months before he dove for a ball and messed his shoulder up DEPTH is Castro, maybe Farmer. Lee and Severino on the way, maybe even Prato. I love the idea of advancing the offense. I agree with Riverbrian and Chpettit19 that the offense is a concern. But I struggle with the idea of who to add that makes sense. I feel we are a bit stuck in talent and potential when it comes to offense. I honestly believe that at 30yo, Kepler FINALLY realized good, hard contact was better than being perfect. I think Wallner is a better version of Gallo. He will always K a lot, but he will take walks. And he just seems to have an ability to adjust that i never saw Gallo do. Julien is a bat that has a great eye. He will K some due to extreme patience, but SLAM whe he sees something. Lewis almost defies description as to how good he can be. When he's ready, Lee will play 3B with Lewis moving to 2B. Possibly the opposite, we'll see. Julien will play some 2B and 1B along with DH. Eventually, IF he keeps on his new trajectory, Martin will be in CF. And CF, in the system is a bit weak. There is projection for the 2024 lineup, and depth, to be considered and concerned. For instance, IF Farmer is not kept or traded, who's next in line? With Solano probably gone, does Miranda return to previous form? Martin, Severino, Prato, Castro, maybe Farmer kept, I can still see some depth. But where do the Twins 2024 Twins actuality ADD someone with a powerful bat? Do they dismiss the return and potential of Kirilloff at 1B? Do they ignore the sudden improvement of Kepler or the potential of Wallner to add an OF? How can we ask for the kids to play, see them do well, and then ask for additions? Not a fan of a full time DH, unless they are special. And i just can't dismiss the 2nd half offense and what they did. But I can see the idea of a 1B or corner OF bat added. I get it. I'm just not who or what spot. I can't believe they are going to ignore Wallner at this point, or dismiss the new Kepler. So 1B and ignore AK? Guess, in the long run, a healthy roster says, to me, we've got a TON of potential offensively, with a healthy AK and CC IF AK turns out OK. If not, I'm 100% making a move.

I think he probably takes the job if offered. And while it would undoubtedly be a jump in pay, I think it's the opportunity after all these years as the "second" guy and now getting the chance to put your own personal stamp on something. My concern, were I him, is if he gets enough time to build things the way he wants to. As I recall, Boston has gone through a lot head guys previously. They've had 3 in the last 10-11 years. But then again, I'm sure he has confidence in himself and these jobs aren't always available to take.

De Leon and Luplow are easy. One is a 30yo who was just finding himself as a pen option before blowing out his arm. He won't even be available in 2024. Luplow is replacement level. On the opposite side of things, Moran, Alcala, and Henriquez are virtual locks for me. I know Moran disappointed this season with his Jeckle/Hyde performances, but his stuff is really good. Alcala has done little the past 2 years. But he's still only 28yo and was throwing high 90's at the end of this year. Someone would snap him up in a second to see what they could do with him. Might as well be the Twins who get first crack at a healthy again Alcala. And Henriquez flashed near the end of this season and is still only 23yo and was relieving for the first time. No way I cut him loose this early. Ortega, Stevenson, and Gordon are almost tied for me. Ortega has shown just enough in the past, and while in the Twins organization, that I keep him beyond De Leon and Luplow. But I also have to make room for trades, FA, and some rule V prospects, so he's probably the next on this list to go. And do you realize that Stevenson is only about 6 months older than Gordon? And he's a better base stealer and OF defender than Gordon. So Gordon is the better player because he can play a little 2B and SS...but not as good as others currently on the roster...and has the really nice half a 2022 season? IDK. Pick one first and then the other one next. As to the OP, I keep Balazovic for another year with little to no hesitation. Two years ago he was a top 100 prospect. Then he struggled all of 2022 with a rough knee, and then mechanics as he tried to heal from it and get back to his old self. And now he appears to be transitioning to the pen. Healthy again and only 25yo, that's an arm you give another shot to. So I don't think he's going anywhere, and shouldn't.

I got a lot of bad feedback a year or so ago when I commented that Rocco was still "learning on the job" to a degree. But by his own admission...a former top prospect and top baseball ML talent...all he had to to in 2019 was fill out a roster card and sit down. Obviously he was joking a bit. His players love him. He's produced winning teams, even if the ultimate prize hasn't come yet. And he's growing as a manager. I'm sick and tired of the IP by SP mantra! Just look at the facts of who you had and what was vs what you have now! Just RIDICULOUS to continue to debate the SP of '22 vs '23. The Twins rotation was amongst the leaders in all of MLB in IP and SO. Why? Better talent...better health didn't hurt. Rocco also employed more SB and bunts in crucial situations than before. Why? Because he had more speed to work with and had guys, or realized, he had better bunters on hand. Or maybe he realized he needed to create more after a rough offensive 1st half. Rocco has a higher win % than Kelly did. But Kelly is a deserved legend. But eras are different. And to me. It's OK that Rocco has the respect if the team and is growing as a manager. I mean, what was he supposed to do, win multiple AAA championships and THEN become a ML championship? I DON'T think Rocco is a GREAT manager. I think there are very few who were/are. I think Francona was one. Joe Torre might be one as well, but wasn't he dismissed a time or two? I LIKE how Rocco handles this team. I BLOW OFF any arguements about passion because of what his players feel about him and because off the records comments by reporters state a different kind of curse word, regular sort of guy the public doesn't always see. What I DON'T like is a manager who gives in too frequently to the PH option too early in to games. The Twins PH early in 2023 was ABYSMAL. But was that Rocco or the players? They were much better the 2nd half. But I'd like him to be more hesitant early in games. I'd also like him and his staff to drill more on fundamentals. The defense, IMO, improved this year. But simple plays and base running errors need to improve. And when you throw in a collection of rookies, no matter how talented, you need to round off the rough edges. And PARAMOUNT, you need to SHAPE your hitter approach, with your coaches, for your batters to succeed. Honestly, I think the Twins hitting approach is almost TOO GOOD to succeed. The old "choke up" isn't right any longer. And Popkins seems to have Twins batters almost trusting too much in the strike zone. And not everyone is a Julien when it comes to patience. (And even he gets screwed as a rookie) Maybe the new discipline is WHATEVER Popkins and the other coaches did with Kepler is what they should do with most if the lineup. Even as a fan of Kepler from day one I NEVER saw him suddenly finding a new approach at 30yo. I apologized for his youth and too early promotion, like Polonco. And suddenly we are looking at both being as good or better than expected. I'm starting to believe in Rocco as a manager growing in to his role, and enjoying doing so. I'm also starting to believe more in his staff. Time will tell if we have a good manager or a great manager. Though I'm not sure exactly where the finish line is.

Not sure how Polanco got drawn in to this conversation, but I'll bite. Despite a bunch of $ coming off the books, there are areas of need to be addressed. Unfortunately, the lack of ANY sort of TV deal is going to leave us all...the Twins of course...I. flux with projections for 2024. I don't see room for Polanco at $10M AND Farmer at around $6.5-7M. I'd love to keep both for various reasons. I hope they can. But Lee isn't ready, but might be June or July. And he'll only be on minimum deals initially. I'd love Polanco back for every reason from leadership and clubhouse to being a good hitter with power who has been proven clutch. I'd put him at 1B as well as 2B and 3B and have a hell of an INF with Kirilloff...crossing fingers...and Correa and Lewis and Julien, with Castro also part of the equation. But boy would I love to see Polo AND Farmer back for next season! I can see a scenario where Polanco is part of a trade to a team looking for a serious 2B with 2yrs of control that aren't expensive. BUT, to the point of the OP, the Twins will offer the QO. Gray will decline, and he should. Unfortunately for him, that costs SOME value to a team wanting to sign him. I absolutely believe he wants to stay, and $ isn't the only factor in his final decision. And I'd LOVE to see him back for 2-3yrs at something like 3yrs at $66M. I'd bite the bullet at $26M 1st year, $22M the second, and $18M in his 36yo season. I'd be paying up-front, and probably over paying in his final year. Totally do-able and fair for both sides, even though it would be a record for a Twins FA signing. But let's be honest about 2 points: 1] Gray isn't getting younger, will be 34yo next year, and he pitched his most innings in about 6 or 7 years this season. 2] Teams like Baltimore and St Louis are on the prowl and a 4th year and another $10-20M may be on the table. I object the OP relegating Varland as a seeming also ran. The kid has STUFF. He had a nice debut in 2022. He was shoving really well this season before his last 3 starts when he suddenly got bit by the HR bug. I think he's got a future as a ML SP. Now, can he get better and be a #3 SP or better, it's to be determined. But he shouldn't be dismissed. He's got room to grow and improve and grow. Same with Ryan and Ober. And I was encouraged by the changes the Twins made with Paddack when he came over, and was blown away with how well he has seemed to recover from his latest surgery. But the Twins AREN'T going to go in to 2024 with Lopez, Paddack, Ryan, Ober, and Varland by themselves with question marks behind them. Frankly, with a deeper pen and an expectedly better offense, I might be OK with bringing Maeda back. With little exception, he was damn good once he got his IL break and ramped his strength and control back. But I think the Twins might shoot a little higher. I think if Gray is just too expensive, they might look for another Gray or Lopez trade, Polanco, Larnach, other prospects, to a team looking to add to their future. I just don't see a FA, other than Gray, except for MAYBE Eduardo Rodriguez. He's got an $18M opt out, if I read correctly. He's not tremendous, but he's LH, has talent and some success and might have another level to hit with the right team. And that might be the Twins. It was "reported" that he was part of a 3 way trade proposal between the Twins, and Detroit, and an unnamed team before the deadline that included Gray, I'm sure to the unnamed team. What would be the cost for Rodriguez, 3yrs younger than Gray? Might he be worth 3yrs and $66M? Too low? About right? Do the Twins see something that they like that they can unlock to take him up a notch? I think he might be interesting to follow. The Twins are going to add SOMEONE to be sure. I just don't know if it's keeping Gray, adding Rodriguez, or making a trade. If I were a betting man, I'd say a trade none of us sees happening right now. NOTE: Athletic and Twins beat writer Disco Dan Hayes has reported that he's been in contact with former Twin Jake Odorizzi...out the whole season...who is rehabbing and trying to get "right" again and is reportedly feeling terrific and might be an interesting milb signing for the Twins as a flier to compete for a depth spot. NOT a primary signing, but as a possible surprise rebound option.

There's a lot to unpack here. But to begin with, Buxton has 3 outcomes: 1] The removal of the place flap takes away all/most of the irritation/swelling/pain and just remove any further hip issues that have flared up previously as he was probably compensating when he ran. And he can return to CF on a daily basis for when he is healthy, and as long as he is healthy. 2] The procedure helps, but the knee is just bad enough from wear and tear that it only does so much. As a result, he's only good for playing CF on a part time basis...60-80 games tops...and DH another 40 plus games. 3] Despite hope and optimism, his knee is just BAD and his days in CF are pretty much done because he just can't run any longer and the best case scenario is keeping his knee healthy enough to just have a good base to hit and run the bases. And that's it. Now, I am going to continue to hold out hope for #1, but expect #2, and am not entirely opposed to #3. Personally, I prefer my team to NOT have a primary DH. I want the roster depth and flexibility to roll through that spot. It's different if you have an Ortiz or Cruz for that spot. But let's hit the pause button for a second on Buxton as a primary DH. (And I know I'm repeating things I've stated elsewhere before). Not necessarily daily, but primary. Not everyone can adapt mentally or physically to being a DH. IF Buxton's knee simply doesn't respond and he just can't play CF any longer, what if it's strong enough, stable enough, to hit? IF he can make the mental and physical adjustment, gain advice from others who have done it before him, he's got the potential to be dangerous doing it. From 2019 through 2022...with a short year mixed in there...Buck had his best offensive stretch and had an OPS of .877. While beloved Nelson Cruz had 2 of his best seasons wearing a Twins uniform, his career OPS was .856. Now, I'm not saying I want Buxton to be a DH only. And I'm not comparing his best 4yrs to Cruz's career, but I think you can see opportunity for him to POTENTIALLY make the adaptation and BE that dangerous hitter only player. It would be a damn shame for him to never patrol CF again, even on a part time basis. The guy has as much pure talent as I've ever seen, matching guys like Griffey Jr. and Davis and others. I'm only saying, there is a window, an opportunity, where if his knee just never comes back well enough to play in the field, he's got a chance to adapt and become a dangerous bat only player. I think it's just something to be considered. Here's hoping he's going to respond well enough to at least share CF. But the Twins simply have to build for 2024 with the idea that he's a "fall back" CF option. I honestly think Taylor being re-signed makes a ton of sense. While it's hard to expect him to duplicate his 2023, he just might come close. Maybe he steals a few more bases and the HR totals drop some. No way to predict. But I also don't know that they want to trust someone as young as Martin, who might need a little more time.