DocBauer

I agree with keeping both at this time. Yes, trading either or both provides at least some salary relief. But with each you are also having to eat about half of their salaries to get a marginal or low level flier prospect back. If lucky, you might find someone willing to give up a quality RP option either proven or just at the beginning of their career but having flashed and seemingly ready. Donaldson is the harder move for me. He proved in 2021 he is still a very good and dangerous player. He also brings experience, leadership and a bit of fire to the team, though his "spirit" sometimes makes him a target. And like last year, he needs to spend some time at DH to keep him fresh. I'm OK with that. I think Miranda is going to be very good. But he's still a rookie. I think Arraez is also fine at 3B on an occasional basis. But the clubhouse and lineup just looks better with Donaldson on board, IMO. I just don't think you get enough "value" back by trading him and eating half his salary. Now, if someone really likes him and is willing to trade a low A flier and take on all of most of all his contract so the Twins can make a serious move for a top SS, then the conversation changes. But there still isn't enough room to make a move for one of those FA SS, with pitching being the top priority, unless Sano is also moved for full, or mostly full salary relief. And what are the odds of BOTH of those things happening? I'm OK with being inventive and creative and aggressive. I just don't know if it can happen the way we might fantasize it happening. Balance sheet wise, I think both come back as part of 2022. At least initially.

MOSTLY agree with previous posts that I have "liked" with some small descepancies. So I'm going to roll with some bullet point opinions here: 1] 1B will be manned by a combination of Kirilloff and Sano. Call me crazy, but from the eye test, Sano isn't as bad as his metrics show. He catches everything close to him and scoops very well. He's fine with pop-ups as long as he doesn't run in to his teammates. His biggest issue, to me, is still forgetting he's not a 3B any longer and being out of position at times. Things like that can be learned. AK looks so good there, it's probably his position of the future. 2] I've seen enough, briefly, that I think we need to just stop with the idea that Kirilloff CAN'T play the OF. He's at least OK out there. We've even seen a couple really good plays from him. He's just more natural and smooth at 1B, which is not a bad thing, and he has a great future there, IMO. 3] If you noticed, when AK and Larnach were both in the lineup, AK was in LF and Larnach was in RF. Why? Larnach has the better arm. Eventually, IMO, Kepler MIGHT be gone in a year or two, depending on his production/development, and Larnach will then slide to RF. But Kirilloff is NOT just a 1B. He can easily play some LF for now. 4] And speaking of Kepler, I am opposed to him being dealt in any way unless he's part of acquiring someone special. Hes an outstanding RF with power and a much better hitter than he showed in 2021. Even if he never duplicates 2019, again, he's much better than last season. And healthy, no more hamstring injuries that surely held him back, he's a solid backup option in CF as well. LF is an issue. I don't want to exasbhrate problems in the OF by adding RF to the mix. 5] There is a quasi-illusion to the Twins OF depth. They HAVE talent and prospects. AND possibilities. But we are talking again about AK, Larnach, Rooker, and Celestino for the NOW, vs some quality and very interesting prospects in AA and below. Where this all meets is undetermined at this point. Rooker may yet surprise, with us or someone else. Larnach is going to be quality, IMO, but not sure it's going to be out of the gate for 2022. Celestino was pushed WAY TOO EARLY, but responded well at AAA when playing where he should have been. Martin may be destined for the OF with the ability to play the infield. But draft choice to AA and then MLB is pretty tough. But this leads me to my next bullet point... 6] The 2022 Twins have enough pitching issues to worry about and fill without worrying about LF. Trades may happen, but this spot should not only be an open competition, but also be part of the 1B and DH options. Arraez should still some time in LF. I don't believe his knees are an issue running around on grass fields 75% of the time. And he's no worse than some LF, past and present, Twins or other teams. Rooker could find his stroke. And defensively, what I said about Arraez. AK can fit in at LF and so can Miranda, who we just HAVE to find room for! And Larnach could pretty much blow the whole thing up and take the primary job if and when he's ready. In MY blueprint for 2022, I found room for Pillar on a cheap 1yr deal that could fill the 3rd spot initially as well as the 4th spot and provide depth and options as Larnach and Celestino adjust and get ready to grab hold of a job. Health and development, I have some high hopes for LF, as well as 1B, related. Just don't give away what you already have.

I'm interested in Gray. Despite a solid career, his best numbers/results were with Oakland early in his career. But I'm very interested in this idea. My issue is I think...assuming the Twins find a #1 somehow, and there are multiple possibilities and options available...does Gray really slot in as a viable #2? He could, especially only 31yrs old and experienced. And maybe the Twins see a few changes that could unlock a little bit more. But I just see him as a quality #3 in the rotation. I just feel someone like Pineda as a re-sign for the #3 spot, and probably for a couple $M less, just makes more sense. Just not sure I buy in to Larnach and Canterino as a fair trade option. Wallner and Gross or Gipson-Long might make more sense from the Twins perspective. Maybe with a sweetener thrown in. I just don't know that Gray is worth 2 top 15 prospects for a re-building team trying to lower payroll for a #3 SP.

Came up through the Dogers system primarily, as a SP, with a little time with Oakland. Solid numbers as a SP in regard to K/9, WHIP, as well as hits vs IP. Looks like he missed a little time here and there in milb. Decent FB and has a slider and a change that is hopefully good enough to keep LH hitters honest. I'm encouraged by his 2021 AAA numbers after missing 2yrs and his September finish which was outstanding. Smart flier pick up. And remember, this is what happens this time of year. Moves are just beginning to take place. Lots of little moves like this take place for every team, not just the Twins. And half of the signings of this type get waived again with the hope of sliding through. And sometimes you get a steal. Nobody needs to feel anxious about an early November flier pick up.

Assuming for a moment no QO to either, and/or no draft pick compensation, (which I think the Twins are OK on using the current CBA due to the location of their 1st rounder), I'd probably go with Rodon. If for no other reason than the fact he's already had his TJ and came back to the mound with guns blazing. As of this moment, we just don't know enough about Syndergard's full recovery. I'm 100% all in, healthy, for a 1yr at $18-20M. But I'm nervous for anything more and think there are good arms, solid arms, available with better health records. And I'm not sure I want both Buxton AND my potential top of the rotation SP to be big injury risks.

I know Nick talked about a trade for Manaea from the A's involving Kepler. Makes some sense, but I don't see the FO trading anyone for a 1yr player based on history. And we've rehashed over and again about trading our catching depth to Miami for one of their pitchers. That just doesn't make sense to me unless the Twins truly believe they would be OK with Garver or Jeffers being gone and everyone else on hand is ready to take the lead as a starter or backup. But wouldnt we need to bring someone else in to balance and add to the roster? Other than another Oddorizi or Maeda trade out of the rabbit's hat, I just don't see a way to add to the rotation without at least ONE major FA signing.

As someone who follows the Twins milb system very close, I'm embarrassed to admit I hadn't realized how good of a season Morales had as the catcher selection. I'm going to assume Isola was chosen at 1B not only because he qualified there, but because you couldn't select 2 catchers? Maggi deserves the choice at SS, only mildly surprised Palacios wasn't the final choice. I'm very excited about both Steer and Julien. Both could be outstanding bench players within the next couple of years with bats and defensive versatility. I keep wondering about defense, especially in regard to Steer. I keep wondering just how well he can play SS. I've seen guys grow in to the position and become solid, if not very good there. Could he, possibly, be a darkhorse candidate down the line? Would really like to Cabbage and Contreras in the organization. Just don't know if there is room on the 4p man for either, much less both.

Tom, I guess my question to you, which you sort of hinted at, are you looking at Cobb as a secondary acquisition? Because if he's the primary addition then I have to say no. I don't trust the injury history, or feel there's enough upside to make a difference. I'd prefer Cobb as a #3 SP option but could be convinced he'd be a solid #2 if the health question/gamble turned out. While his career W/L is uninspiring, as is his career K/9, most of his overall numbers are solid across the board. He could be that experienced, veteran guy that just suddenly stays healthy and starts to perform the way he always "could have" before, even at 34yo. It happens. We see a guy like that almost every year. Forgetting what I believe will be an approximate $140M payroll for the team to re-tool and compete and thus have the money for a quality FA signing to lead the staff, my biggest problem trying to figure out 2022 is the #2 spot. Is that filled via FA or trade? My gut tells me Pineda is the #3, and it's an easy play, as you alluded to. I can be talked in to Cobb. You make a compelling arguement. And I'd LOVE Gray, but recent rumors say Colorado may offer a QO, assuming they can with the CBA up in the air. If that happens, the Twins are out unless their pick next year is protected. (Want to say it is, but am not sure). I think Wood and Matz might be safer, and I do like a bounceback from Bundy and Duffy. But again, you've given me a lot to think about and I could be talked in to Cobb. Nice OP!

I say this without anything negative intending to be implied to the man, but as long as Simmons isn't a distraction or problem in the clubhouse, I'm OK if he's back for a 1yr for about $3M. That being said, he's not my first choice. Sometimes the puzzle pieces that make up a team just don't all fit together the right way. I sort of had that feeling, for whatever reason, with Simmons. I could be completely wrong. Assuming most of the resources for 2022 are spent on pitching, we need a SS and I'm looking at Galvis and Iglesias as my first two choices. (Providing Iglesias's defensive issue were a blip). But in defense of Simmons, no pun intended, his career numbers are .265/ .313/ .683. And that is including his horrible 2021 at the plate. 5 times in 10 years he's had an OPS of .690 or higher. For a high quality defense first SS that is more than acceptable. Galvis, for example, has a lower career BA and OB% but an almost identical career OPS due to quite a bit more power. Iglesias beats them all with his career numbers. (Less HR power than Galvis). Galvis is a fine defensive SS and Iglesias has been one as well before what would hopefully prove to just be a down year. And after such a horrendously poor year at the plate by Simmons, which I fully appreciate, I don't think you can easily dismiss him as a bounceback candidate. Again, for the sake of change for a piece of the puzzle, he's not my first choice. But I'm not grabbing and torch or pitchfork if he's back.

First of all, we just need to STOP talking about an ACE pitcher. When you have one, it's AWESOME. But it guarantees nothing. Witness the Yankees and the Dogers right now. And I would LOVE the Twins to have an ACE to front their rotation. But again, look at the teams in the WS right now. Stop treating the Twins as a lousy franchise. There is a lot of talent in place and and more than a few prospects just ready to contribute or explode. The Twins had a lousy 2021. But Boston and SF and Atlanta were supposed to do nothing or next to nothing. As built right now, the Twins have 2 consecutive ALC flags before 2021. They have a nucleus of a good offensive team in place. They have some key components in the pen initially and a FO that is respected amongst agents. With money to spend, why wouldn't Stoman, Gray, Gausman, Rodon, not look at the Twins as an option? The Twins can easily place any of these 4 in their payroll for 4 years to front their rotation as a 1 or 2 without blowing up payroll. And Pineda can easily slide in to the #3 slot initially. The problem is, who slots in to the #2 slot? The Twins probably need to spend $5-6M for ONE ARM for the BP. Unless the FO pulls another rabbit out of the hat, they are going to have to make a trade for a #2 SP. OR, they will push the 2022 payroll to $145+ and let it fly and take a flier and run with it.

Thank you for a great write up and wonderful review. Well done! What I find so interesting about this draft, which I haven't really heard anyone else talk about, is the Twins first 4 picks all came from northern climate schools. There has long been a prejudice against players from northern climate as they don't have year round opportunities to play, and those schools don't always get the same attention in recruiting from southern prospects. (Petty is a HS kid of course and wasn't a recruit). But I think recent history has begun to change that perspective. Talent is talent and if someone needs an extra half season or so to develop, so what if he's ultimately as good or better. Very happy to see 3 LH pitchers selected. I know you don't draft for need, but some solid LH arms ARE a need in the system, really excited about Hajjar and his frame. Guarantee his velocity goes up, and with a great change, I see a ton of potential. Ditto for Macleod, though with a curve and needing a change. Not sure about physical growth and velocity with Povich, but the control certainly seems to be there. He seems to have a nice assortment of pitches it's just a question how well his repertoire plays with at least a little better velocity. Is he another Barnes? Or is there more there? The bat and power of Encarnacion-strand plays. From all reports, the arm is excellent. What I care about is does he have decent feet? Does he have hands of stone, or are they pliable? His range may be limited. But with decdnt feet and a good arm I'd keep him at 3B as long as possible. Drafting 2 catchers in the top 10 with potential is always a good idea to me.

Going to agree with everything jmlease1 stated with a small exception, that being Laweryson's hits allowed in 2021. While you always prefer your pitcher to have fewer hits than IP, one hit per has always been considered about right or at least acceptable, yes? Laweryson did that almost exactly; 59 in 58.2, 19 walks are solid and his 73 SO are excellent. Not sure how his ERA is as high as it was 4.91, but have to assume a few key hits and the 6HR hurt him. He seems very similar to Gipson-Long, Gross and others who were mid-round selections with the look, stuff, potential, etc, that they like and identify. This is a great opportunity for him and could be a springboard for 2022. Excited to see how he continues.

As of right now I agree the Twins don't need a super-utility player such as Taylor. Stating the obvious, we have to fill SS first as well as re-sign Buxton. (Im ONLY focusing on the player side of things right now). We also have no real idea as to whether Donaldson will be shipped, or if there's interest in him, or what it might cost the Twins to move him, because it's going to cost SOMETHING to do so. I DO think the odds are pretty good the Twins WILL make a pitching addition via trade. But despite speculation on any of our parts, we don't know if that will be prospects only, or include any ML roster mainstays, much less which one(s). For example, it's easy to say we should move Kepler, or Arraez, or Garver/Jeffers to get a deal done. But we really have no clue what the FO is thinking at this time. It's only my opinion, but while I believe they are open to trades, I don't believe they are looking to move any sort of large number from said roster as it stands today. Arraez fills a valuable role at 3 spots as well as being able to DH and provide a real leadoff option. Gordon provides speed off the bench, a chance to hit a little bit, and fill in "adequately" at multiple positions for a day or so here and there. And at some point, we have to find room for Miranda as well, who can also play a few different spots even though I think his role as future full time 3B would seem clear. Now, I think Taylor COULD be a perfect signing as a solid but not great, SS for 2022 with the idea he can move around in the future if the Twins believe in Lewis. He fills a daily role for now with solid offense, comes cheaper than the other TOP SS on the market, frees $ to continue to address pitching due to his lesser salary, and then slides in to a useful multi-position role come 2023. But to sign him, or anyone else, at this point for a utility spot just doesn't work and doesn't fit with current team needs. IF the Twins suddenly start to move 2 or 3 guys off the ML roster, then ask me this question again in a couple of months.

Entertaining and fun!! That eephus pitch is hilarious but surprisingly effective. He actually does have very good control of his "stuff". In semi-seriousness, if he is on the roster as the 26th man again, it might be worth him working 15-20 IP...MAX...in a few blowouts just to save the pen a little. Of course, my preference for blowouts is the Twins doing that to other teams.

Just want to toss in that I agree the Twins have some quality pieces in play already, provided Rogers is back, a long with Duffey, Thielbar and the budding Alcala. For now, I'm assuming Gant is back as a versatile and valuable swing man but I think the projected $3.7 might be a little high. Previous, solid production and what he did last year I want to keep Minaya but I think the roster crunch won't allow it. I also agree AAA has about 4 arms in Moran, Cano, Hamilton and Mason that will contribute in 2022, cheap, loaded with potential and all possessing options. I wouldnt be the least bit shocked if Jax...solid FB and really nice slider...didn't surprise. I want to protect Stashak and look for him to be healthy in 2022. I don't want to see another Anderson or Littel slip away, I hope there is room to keep him. All of that said, all of the names and possibilities presented, I'm OK if the Twins make a SINGLE big move in the pen. Graveman, Knebel and the also mentioned Ryan Tapers all interest me, not necessarily in that order. I jump at $5-6M and MIGHT consider a little more if it gets the deal done. I'm INTERESTED in Bradley, but not as high on him as I was previously after the last year or so. IMO, the pen doesn't need a bunch of additions or huge flier numbers, What it needs is ONE MORE high quality, proven arm with some velocity/nasty stuff and K ability to solidify itself. The absolute #1 priority is adding 2 starters beyond Pineda and the prospects....kinda sounds like a band name lol...because I think Pineda is a given re-sign for no more than $8-10M. Next priority is a quality SS whether they go BIG or just SOLID there. And that's a different arguement for a different time and thread. Maybe I'm silly or overly optimistic, but again, IMO, the pen is going to be just fine to really good if we just get that ONE GUY to add to and deepen the back end of the pen as it sits right now.

Levi, this is extremely well thought out and practical! Bless you and your hard work to put this together and being more in touch with some prosoects and lesser known players that I'm just not in touch with, Jose Butto from the Mets as an example. And I agree with Vanimal tbat what you've presented may be better than an "also ran" roster. But I'd like to offer a critique, but not a criticism. Just a few thoughts and questions. 1] I think you are just about spot-on with Buxton. 2] Maybe it's just me, but I think Garver, BIG bat, decent defense, experienced, great team control, might be worth more than Sanchez. And then I read where Sanchez is coming off surgery. So with my belief in Garver, even without surgery for Sanchez, I'm thinking a sweetener for someone better and more proven. And while I don't want to move him as I think he bas a great future, if I'm Miami, and building, might I be more interested in Jeffers? Or Jeffers and a sweetener for one of my more proven arms? I'm just thinking being more aggressive for Alcacantara or Lopez, etc, for Garver/Jeffers and a sweetener. Miami may be looking more for youth and potential. 3] Donaldson to the Mets makes so much sense it's scary. I think you nailed it. I really hate to lose him for 2022, and what he could add to the lineup, but your proposal makes a lot of sense for both teams. Especially if a catcher and other to Miami works out. 4] Doesn't Seager re-sign with the Dogers? Speculation. Is Story the best 2nd choice? I worry about the Colorado factor. What about Baez? I know there is some negatives around him, but nothing really bad. He might come a little cheaper. 5] Cool with Gray. But would Stoman for a few $M be out of reach? It still wouldn't blow your final numbers out of the water and makes sense to me. 6] LF is kind of a potential wasteland with Rooker and others and I get that! You're looking forward. Larnach could settle that spot, and Rooker could adapt and surprise. Hell, could be be any worse than Young or Willingham if he hits? But work with me here brother, you listed MARTEN as an option by mid-season. I'm ASSUMING you are speaking about Martin and not FA Marte, right? Just want to be clear. 7] Love your pen, but head and heart says protect Minaya if you can afford to 40 man wise. Again, just a few questions and a critique. Great job!

Almost exactly what I was thinking earlier. Additional thought is Larnach in RF and Keplwr gone with Martin flying solo in LF. Of course, we have Celestino for a 4th OF as well. Wallner and/or Cabbage as an OF/DH on the bench? As to backup SS, think Steer or Julien perhaps?

You need offense and pitching. But how do you get better by trading one of your very best players? You don't unless you are rebuilding. And the Twins don't need to rebuild, they need to re-tool, and even management has been clear on this. The Twins can add pitching via FA. They can also trade from within their system, possibly with the addition of a different existing player not named Polanco, to acquire a pitcher. Maeda will be back in 2023. And there are a number of high potential arms a half to full season away from adding to the staff and the pen. Young, talented and controllable arms. You absolutely don't trade Polanco!

I thought I had heard that his second wrist injury was different than the first one. I hope that is correct. I don't believe his being sent down to begin the season was a mistake or nefarious in any way. He just had a bad ST and they wanted him to get his legs under him and get going. I think he did that and the results were excellent when he got his shot. I believe he's going to be a big producer in the heart of the lineup for years to come. Just another in a long list of bummer for 2021 he wasn't able to be healthy and finish out the season.

A great OP Nick! Just tremendous! And dead on! 1] IMO, Lewis is, right now, still a SS. And he should be. The talent and ability is there to be AT LEAST a decent SS with a potentially big bat and offensive versatility. Despite lost time you can't ignore talent and potential. He just needs to PLAY! You HAVE to play 2 games at this position as the FO. You have to examine what you intend to do in 2022 as a team while also looking at the future. It's a delicate and difficult balance. The Twins have pitching as their #1 need. Period. But despite a massive amount of $ to spend this offseason there is still a finite number to keep the Twins where they have been, which is $140M to a max of $150M, which is the mean the past few years, roughly. (And the FO has basically stated they expect to spend around what they've spent the last 3yrs). Barring a trade for someone, Taylor, Iglesias, and Galvis are all potentially fine short term SS options for now. They may not be as good defensively as Simmons, but they all could not only be better offensively, but maybe just be a better "fit" for the team. That's not a personal knock on Simmons, but roster construction is more than just numbers. 2] Building a rotation is probably the biggest key to 2022. We can, and will discuss the staff in length going forward. But IF the FO is serious about contending...and they should be considering the overall talent on hand...someone needs to lead the rotation, The good news is the FA depth this year is deep and interesting. I am going to continue to bang the drum that Stoman makes the most sense. He's been tied to the Twins for a few years now. He's, more or less, a Berrios clone. (I said more or less). I believe the $12M he earned in 2021 is his highest earning season. I think he's about as safe a signing as you could make at $18-20M per, maybe even with an out clause. Ray and Gray have as much ability, and might prove to be even better signings. I'm not sure I trust Rodon, but he is intriguing, I think Gausman wants to stay where he is. The Twins need someone 29-31yo who has the ability to front the rotation on a 3-5yr deal without making anyone nervous about blowing up. Hence the guys I've mentioned. Pineda, to me, as I've stated before is almost a done deal as the #3 guy, unless his $8M could be spent on someone they actually like better. The key is the #2 spot. That spot could EASILY be a 1yr flier make good deal to sort of go "all in" for 2022. Or, a sort of "WTH", let's take a shot, in other words. But I think the #2 spot is 50/50 a trade with a couple years left, think Odorizzi and Maeda, or a 1yr prove it like Bundy for example. There IS a pipeline coming! It's tantalizing close! And I really don't want to trade from it because I see a couple quality MLB SP and quality RP options, but SOMEONE has to front the rotation for the next year or two. 3] Rogers is an absolute keep and important part of 2022, and maybe beyond. And his cost is marginal, But only he and the Twins know how he's looking right now. Without him, it changes a lot of their off-season approach. 4] The pen arms on hand, even with an expected healthy Rogers, is a HUGE issue question. Duffey slipped then made changes, and was great again. He's is. So are Thielbar and Alcala. I would not be shocked or ticked off if Colome was brought back considering his career and his 2021 season from June on. But like Simmons at SS, sometimes the mix just doesn't work. I don't know who at this time to replace him, but I think you need to just move on and spend the $ on someone else. I'm OK with protecting Minaya, who performed well and has a decent history. Coulombe I'm not so sure about as be did well, and has an OK history, but what about Smeltzer,Thorpe and Moran? Moran will be protected. The rest are questionable. I'm seeing a couple milb signjngs and we'll see what happens. I'd probably protect Minaya and let everyone go and see who I can re-sign. I think FA, milb deals, and a couple young arms like Jax converting, could fill the front end of the pen. The guy that perplexes me is Gant. He is an experienced, veteran arm with OK results across the board as a solid RP and so-so SP. In no way is he worth a projected $3.7M in arbitration. He could be very valuable as a middle relief guy who can slide in to the rotation in an emergency, but NOT for that price. I'd offer $2.5-2.7 and let him go if he balks. Stashak is the guy that just kills me. He's looked so good in SSS that I don't want to lose him. But the 40 man is going to be so scrunched that I'm not sure you can protect him. Rogers healthy, bring in ONE ARM for around $5-6M and I'm happy trusting what we have, prospects, and milb signings. 5] The DH? Let's just address the elephant in the room. It would be AWESOME to have Cruz back as our DH and a leader, etc, etc. If not him, it sure would be nice to have a BIG bat you could write in pen daily to torment the opposition. But on a practical note, how many teams have that? And we all pretty much assume the NL will have the DH in 2022. Not only will we have to fight 29 other teams, potentially, for his services, but his age just can't be discounted. Furthermore, unless the Twins trade off at least one if not two players from what we expect to be their "regular" roster, where is there room for a full time DH? Right now, today, no trades made, the roster needs room for Sano, Donaldson, Garver, Arraez, AK and even Larnach...who may or may not break camp with the Twins...and Miranda to be in the lineup daily. Even IF one of those guys are traded, there remains a daily crunch to play everyone and get them in the lineup. Unless there are massive injury issues, or a couple guys just stink initially, the DH should be spread out between the roster we have. As the roster stands now, the primary DH should be handled by a mix of Donaldson, Garver and Arraez with a few half days off for others. DH is NOT a problem. 6] Buxton is both complicated and easy. He wants to stay. The extension was reportedly NOT A PROBLEM in regard to guaranteed salary. The hangup was the incentives. Well hell, if he's healthy enough to play 120-140 games, you'd think the FO would be ECSTATIC to pay for his availability and the numbers he would probably produce. Further, he'd put butts in the seats. At WORST, he provides tremendous value when on the field vs his guaranteed money. At best, he is a potential MVP candidate who leads your team to a possible WS. You can even toss in an opt out clause if you are truly worried about future earnings. But what ownership, even if you want to keep beating the same old worn out drum about the Pohlads, wouldn't be willing to pay incentives to a difference maker who could be a face of the franchise and POSSIBLE MVP player? Get this done!

To answer the question posed in the headline, he did as much as he could with what he was given. Despite impressively transitioning to the OF/CF on the fly, he was still used a bit inconsistently in a losing year. There were absolutely additional opportunities to play he could have been given. His offense wasn't great, but was solid enough for a utility type. He showed a little pop and no question the speed he displayed is very welcome. He's always been know for building on his previous experience at a repeat of a level. That should hopefully be the situation here. Additionally, what would a good, healthy 10-15 pounds do for this kid? Sure hope to find out.

Going to Target on a Saturday night when no one else is shopping and you have the store to yourself and you see yourself on the security cam at the self-checkout and you look like you lost a little weight in your face. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Every single camera at the checkout makes me look like my DL picture from every year since I turned 30! Makes me look like a mug shot from being picked up for a DUI...which has never happened....or my company credential pic for driving an annoying ice cream van blaring annoying Caribean music throughout local neighborhoods enticing kids to fork over their allowance for sugar treats...which has also never happened.

Echo all previous comments that the proposed trade is disgusting and offers the Twins nothing more than a small pittance of financial relief and nothing more. Less we forget, Donaldson's injury this season was a hamstring issue and not the dreaded calf issue which has plagued him previously. He played in 135G, had over 500 PA and over 400 AB, albeit, some of those came as a DH. His numbers were very similar to his career production. And there is a very enlightening BLOG on TD where bean5302 really breaks down his season in minute detail that basically shows he might have been even better in 2021 with a little more BABIP luck and his skills haven't diminished. That means, decent health, a little more time spent at the open DH to assist and preserve, hes on target to again be a very productive hitter in 2022. Except for a few bizarre miscues, especially early in the season when it seemed the Twins were under some kind of general/universal curse, his defense was again very good, though his range may have slipped somewhat. But let's stop there for a moment and look at the "dude" and not just the player. Donaldson is absolutely a "red ass" as a player. That is NOT an indictment of him as a person. It's a long held term for an intense player. And if you don't think the best Twins teams, including their 2 WS teams, didn't have a couple "red asses" on them you are either too young or weren't paying proper attention. He's a very different personality to the intense, but more laid back Cruz. But like Cruz, from the day Donaldson donned a Twjns jersey, players have flocked to him for advice on hitting and approach. And he has responded in kind. Despite a few on the field incidents that may have left a few of us shaking our heads, he has been totally professional and never been anything negative during this disappointing and frustrating season. He brings offense, defense, experience and leadership as well as some "red ass" to 2022 that the Twins will need between 3B and DH. His trade just won't bring back anything substantial enough unless it could, maybe, bring back a high quality back of the pen arm. Other than something of that nature, his value is remaining a Twin for 2022 and splitting his time between 3B and some time at DH. It's up to the Twins FO, and Rocco, and opportunity that always happens in regard to things like injury, to find room for Miranda and others to pave their way for 2022 and the future.

I would be excited if the Twins added any of these fine SS. But I'm not sure I'm excited at the prospect of adding any of them. The problem with SS within the system is NOT that the Twins don't have SS depth, or at least intriguing options, it's that they don't have anyone close to being ready or anyone you can draw a circle around and say THIS GUY! I've seen just enough of Lewis in ST games, hilights from milb and the AFL, as well as reading enough to just be dangerous as a talent evaluator. I think he has the speed, quickness, athleticism and arm to play the position, play it well, and be at least solid, if not better. But the kid needs a chance to PLAY. I think he's a full year away, no matter his ability, attitude, professionalism, talent, etc. Martin went from college straight to AA. He split his 1st season almost equal between SS and CF but I'd keep playing at short as long as I can. It's called development, and at worst, flexibility. Who knows at this point if he couldn't surprise and stick there? (Not betting on it, but I wouldn't give up after ONE SEASON). Cavaco and Miller are too far away. Steer and Julian are probably super-utility players but could surprise, Holland has done nothing as of yet. Javier is an enigma. Palacios is a mystery who could surprise after his 2021 return to the Twins system. EVERY SINGLE TIME I look at this roster I see offense and offensive potential that makes 2022 look just fine, overall, and darn right dangerous with a couple simple rebounds, just a little better health, a little more consistency and development of some very talented youngsters. I just see adding 2 quality SP, by WHATEVER means, to join Pineda, Ryan, Ober, a healthy Dobnak, and the prospects as being the key. Of course, love to add ONE MORE backend RP and a viable RH 4th OF as well. But IMO, what the Twins need is a viable defensive SS who doesn't embarrass himself at the plate. And I just don't know how you add one of these top FA SS and still add to the rotation unless the FO can pull a rabbit or two out of their cap. If they COULD do that, I'd be as giddy as a lottery winner! I don't know what happened to Iglesias this past year. I'm not a metrics investigator. But my understanding is his defense fell way off in 2021 after a career of being considered a quality defender. Did he suddenly get very old at 31? Was he playing hurt? Was he under the Angels curse? Dunno. But I have him and Freddy Galvis at the top of my SS list for 2022 as relatively inexpensive, proven, veteran, don't embarrass yourself at the plate options while focusing on the pitching staff.

I agree with the basic sentiment that signing a big $ BP arm seldom makes sense or turns out right. History shows this as being a crap shoot, but then again, FA in general can be that way I guess. That doesn't mean the Twins shouldn't sign SOMEONE they think has real value for $6-7M-ish to augment the back end of the pen. I don't know who that guy is right now I'm sorry to say. We keep talking about making a trade for a quality SP with a couple years of control. But what about a trade for a BP arm from a team not expected to compete in 2022, OR, a team needing a little help somewhere who has a setup arm they would be willing to deal? That used to be a common way for teams to acquire a closer, get the setup guy from someone else who may be ready for the next step. Other than trading for Reardon, way back in the day, and nabbing Nathan from the Giants as, you guessed it, a setup man ready for an expanded role, the Twins excelled in developing their closer from converted starters within their system. Aguillera, Perkins, Trombley, Guardado are some examples. (Aguillera was acquired as a SP and then later converted). That is the best way to go to be sure. But we don't have THAT GUY at the moment. Alcala might be the next opportunity, but he's just taking that first step to being a reliable back end arm. Duran could be as well, but I'm sure as hell not going to give up on him as a SP at this point. Canterino is the same, but further away. They really, really need ONE ARM they believe in to join Rogers, Duffey, Thielbar and Alcala on that back end. And nobody wants to hear this, and I don't want to say it, but until someone shows me a real FA or trade target that makes sense....forgive me....I still have to wonder if Colome isn't a viable option. At some point, we have to forget April and May last year and look at his career and what he did from about June 1st on. I hope they can do better for the same $ or a bump, but I think he needs to be considered as a 1yr option.