DocBauer

I wanted to nominate myself for the award but: A] I didn't want to appear too normal or cocky. B] I missed the deadline for entrance anyway. C] I didn't want to make anyone else feel bad. D] Why ruin a perfectly good streak at this point. I mean, until the Twins win a meaningful playoff series at least. E] I didn't want to appear too normal or cocky. Oops, may have blown it there at the end.

Here is what sucks, Donaldson, Polanco and Arraez, HEALTHY, provide the Twins with a VERY GOOD infield! Period! There are, unfortunately, questions. All the more reason why the 10th and 11th man additions are so important. Blankenship and Gordon are prospects that could have a real role going forward, but you can't bank on them at this point. Hence FA options which abound! Arraez will never be a speed demon. He may never be a Gold Glove defender. He will never be, probably, a real power threat. But he is a natural hitter with a great eye and is a BALLPLAYER. Despite playing through a knee issue that we all hope was minor, he still hit and was productive. He's talented enough, smart enough, that he was OK playing around the field his rookie season in 2019 to think HE could be a 10th man vs Polanco. Not saying it should happen, just saying it could happen. Healthy, this infield has TREMENDOUS possibilities. And yes, like SS, there is some interesting depth within the system. But Arraez is the 2B for now. And he should be. In fact, a healthy Arraez should be the #1 batter in 2021 and allow Kepler to adjust and thrive lower in the order.

There is nothing wrong with having a productive and even powerful bat at 1B. Duh! And there is also nothing wrong with having a quality glove at 1B as well. And if you look at 1B defensively over 30+ years, the Twins have generally had a quality 1B defensively. Sano has work to do defensively at 1B from footwork to just not beating up his own teammates chasing a pop-up. And at times, he forgot he was no longer a 3B and tried to get to balls he needed to let go and just play his bag. These are things he will learn. For the most part, he played an adequate 1B and handled scoops the way you would hope a former SS, former 3B would handle them. He just needs to learn and understand the nuances of the position. His bat plays at an All Star level if he just plays within himself, despite some streaky-ness. And like a lot of players, Twins and across all of baseball, I'm willing to let a lot of 2020 slide. Let's all just admit it was a weird season with a lot of weird results. I think a clean slate for 2021 is warranted for everyone. Depth-wise, of course, there are a multitude of options. Barring trades, there is absolutely the possibility of Sano moving to primary DH with Khirilloff playing 1B. Rooker can also fill in. And Donaldson could also fit in at 1B as part of a transition. But there is also NO REASON why any sort of transition needs to take place NOW. Other than roster and lineup flexibility, Sano is the 1B. AK plays the OF but can play 1B. Donaldson is the primary 3B, but can DH here and there and might transition to some 1B. Really, nothing to see here. No issues. No problems. Not going to lie, however, I DID NOT see Sabato as our pick in the last draft. In fact, I actually liked the potential of every other pick besides him based on projectability. And I'm not trying to demean the young man. I just didn't see him as a 1st round choice despite his bat and questionable position ability. But, I'm reminded of Jeffers. He was a bat with questions about his ability to be a catcher. I think any questions there have already been laid to rest. I'm trusting the FO on this one.

A high quality team, a wide open window of contention, a fairly young roster, a quality system that should provide additions and maintained success and opportunity, I take a contrary opinion in regard to a SINGLE big splash. In MY opinion, the Twins are indeed circling, as stated. But MY OPINION is they are looking at a series of moves WITHOUT cutting payroll, or only doing so slightly. $50M dollars does a LOT to add to the OVERALL team vs a SINGLE splash. You want the most bang for your buck, but how about Cruz, 3 pen arms, a pair of 10th/11th bench pieces and a quality rotation add with a flier for another? Think: Cruz: $15M Oddoorizzi: $13M Hand/Henricks: $9M Clippard/Soria: $6M Hernandez/Frazier: $9M And I'm just spitballing some numbers and names as the FA class is DEEP, and there will most certainly be some bargains available late. Especially in the pen and 5th SP types. So a splash may not necessarily mean ONE GUY, but rather just being smart and aggressive and not cutting payroll.

I am not excited by the 3B options in the system, but I am cautiously optimistic. We're obviously short at the high levels. But I'm not sure that should be unexpected when Sano WAS penciled as the 3B and then we signed Donaldson. Of course, we need some form if 10th and possibly 11th man to shore up that spot. I maintain that Lewis could end up at 3B, even initially. And that's not an indictment of his ability to play SS, but rather the possibility of just getting the best infielders in the lineup at once between Arraez, Polanco and Lewis himself. I have hope that Blankenship will eventually earn a bench spot as a decent hitter with power and multi-position flexibility. And it's obvious the Twins like him or he wouldn't be on the 40 man, wouldn't have been in St Paul last year and wouldn't have gotten his brief cup of coffee. And despite being a fairly large young man, he's reported to be a quality athlete who can even run a bit. I don't know if he's quite ready yet, but what confuses me is the shift toward 2B and the OF and away from 3B, but if not mistaken, he played some 3B last camp and while on the reserve list. I'd like to think be can be at least adequate at the hit corner with a decent bat. I think there is real hope for Miranda. His not being protected or rule 5 selected is due to youth. He hasn't had anything close to a monster year by any means, but he's flashed a bit. 2021 could really determine his future. I was excited for Bechtold when drafted. He is reported as being excellent defensively with a solid bat and at least some power and potential. Then he bottomed out in 2018. Really nice to see him rebound in 2019, but like Miranda, his 2021 season should establish just how good he might be...or not. Mack, Steer and Gray are just too new to the system to really comment with any real opinion at this point. And this just goes to show how hard it is to evaluate on hand talent with a lost 2020 season. Steer and Gray were drafted in 2019 and have a half season of ball with varying degrees of positive success. There is just no way to really project them at this point. Meanwhile, Mack was drafted high out of HS and has a pair of short league season's before covid. While I appreciate the whole positional analysis idea, 3B may be the hardest to project or quantify in the entire system at this point. It's not that there aren't some recent draft choices over the past 3 years, it's just that most are too young or inexperienced to really know what we have at this point. But I will throw a dark horse option at you: Wander Javier. Yes, yes, yes...so many tools and so many injuries and now a missed season. BUT, he has tools. And will only be 22yo in 2021 even though it feels like he's been around forever. And from all reports, be bas filled out, grown in to his body, and is no longer the skinny SS he was previously. If he can just be healthy and play a full season again, I've thought for some time he might slide to 3B at some point.

Holland was a really nice pick...drafted later than expected after a somewhat disappointing season IIRC...but he has a way to go. Cavaco has an even longer climb considering age plus a missed season. I may be stubborn, but I refuse to give up on Javier based on tools and age. But can we just have a healthy and actual milb season for him? (Still believe he and Miranda could be a 3B option in the future). I honestly can't recall a prospect as "snake bit" as Gordon. Despite some ailments...reportedly determined and under control...he then runs in to injury to de-rail a possible promotion given to Arraez. Now, that looks pretty good so far for Arraez and the Twins. But then, Gordon gets wiped out by Covid for 2020. I still think he has a shot as a future, versatile utility player. MAYBE a starting 2B for someone. There is some offense there and defensive versatility, but I think versatile utility infielder is his calling at this point. Two big elephants in the room: 1] How good is Polanco REALLY and 2] How good is Lewis POTENTIALLY. POLANCO: Despite being a very good athlete, he just doesn't have the IT factor to be a top SS. But does he have to be? The game has changed! His new throwing motion has allowed for great improvement and he's worked hard on his hands. Shifts have also helped. But his #1 obstacle is just getting healthy and staying that way. Over the past 3 seasons we have seen a HEALTHY Polanco play at least acceptable/solid defense and perform as a borderline elite offensive SS who can be productive in various spots in the lineup. And HOPEFULLY his 2nd ankle surgery will be minor and have him 100% right and ready to go in 2021. Is that a BIG hope? I "hope" not. But if you haven't watched a healthy Polanco over the past few seasons and seen his value, then I can make no valid arguement to you. His future role may yet to be determined. But right now, HEALTHY he's the guy. LEWIS: Look, I don't pretend to be an expert on the potential of prospects. But I have to laugh sometimes when others pretend to be. The little I've seen of Lewis defensively is post game footage and a few innings of milb games. Of course, I read reports as well. What I've seen and heard and read is a great athlete who seems to make plays, sometimes great plays, but is still feeling his way a bit. And we should be shocked that a super athletic young 21yo has all the skills and makes amazing plays but is still learning and growing a bit at the position? Please. Lewis had an amazing 2018 before being promoted late in the year. Even with an injury affected 2019, the FO saw enough to promote him to AA to finish the year. Fully healthy, he goes to the AFL and plays around the field and ends up garnering the MVP. This kid is a top 100 prospect and the Twins #1 prospect for a reason. But that doesn't mean there aren't growing pains and development taking place and that he's ready for a full time gig in 2021. At some point, I still think Lewis will be the SS. And I think his debut may be in 2021 as a fill-in, if not more. But if Polanco can be 100%, he is the SS for the next season or two. How aweful it would be to try and figure out how to get Arraez, Polanco and Lewis on the field every day with Sano and Donaldson at the corners and even DH. Polanco PROBABLY short term before transitioning, and Lewis long term.

Seth, look forward to listening post-interview as I wasn't able to live. But just a small edit, you stated he was selected 6th and then signed undrafted. Love all these interviews and can't wait to listen to this one as well!

Please don't refer to me as an expert on this, but I do believe there is a minimum seating requirement. However, not only is the current stadium ripe for expsnsion...or so I've heard...but the actual attendance of games actually surpasses many other AAA franchises. Thought I heard on Gleeman and the Geek recently that ticket sales last year, possibly each of the last two, actually exceeded capacity. In other words, a lot of standing room only or grass seats. So I think that was taken in to consideration. It's one thing to have seats, but quite another to fill them. Hoping this new partnership will mirror Omaha and K.C. who have had a great relationship going back something like 40-50yrs! Does anyone have information regarding the length of the AA Wichita deal? They are a good baseball town for decades now, including being home to a quality and distinguished college team. But they have always been unique in regard to location as they sit with a couple of hours of about 7 or 8 franchises. And I know they had concrete plans to be a AAA franchise with their new park. Marlins I believe. And I'm sure they are disappointed, to some degree at least, with their AA affiliation with the Twins. But as I recall, they have been entirely or mostly AA for years now. Could they end up embracing their affiliation with the Twins? I guess we'll see what happens.

I'd say the winner was Texas because they ended up signing a really good SP for a very cost effective salary and have now flipped him for one good prospect and one decent prospect. Healthy, Lynn has been pretty darn solid to very good. I've often wondered, if he came to the Twins in a different way/time and embraced the opportunity vs coming to Minnesota with a reported chip on his shoulder, would things have turned out differently? Maybe he just wasn't a good fit in the end. But when I see contract and results the past 2yrs, how good would he have looked as part of our favorite team's rotation? Twins didn't win and the Yankees didn't win. Now, if Rijo can take that added velocity, as Seth reports, and build on his 2019 in 2021 post covid inactivity, we might be talking about a "lock" addition to the 40 man this time next year.

Unless you have a pretty special bat like Cruz, or Ortiz, or Thome back in the day, etc, I've never been in favor of a bat only player on your team. I believe in the best, deepest and most versatile roster you can put together and rotate the DH spot. The obvious caveat to this is no matter good and deep a team you put together, some guys will just be better defensively than others so someone could still get the majority of their AB in the DH spot. To a smaller degree/example, think Randy Bush when he was with the Twins. He was a servicable corner OF and 1B but on more of a fill-in, rotating basis. Think Rooker, potentially, going forward. But even with the talent on hand, prospects and players expected to rebound in 2021, losing the production of BOTH Rosario AND Cruz is going to bring a downgrade offensively. And with the talent on hand, and the PROBABLE additions of a couple utility 10th/11th man options, overall roster flexibility should remain in place. But there is both room and need for a bat for this lineup IF Cruz is not brought back. But that doesn't mean that has to be a bat only option. Ozuna is not Cruz, but he's a nice bat who could at least play an OK OF once in a while. My problem with him is $18-20M per for 3-4yrs. There is a real chance that a year from now Kirilloff, Rooker and Larnach are all fixtures, or near fixtures. There is a real chance that a year or two from now, Donaldson could be transitioned to DH, or 1B in place of Sano, who can slide in to more of a DH role. So I'm not sure I want to commit long term to something like that. Brantley would make so much sense to me as an option instead of Cruz. Less HR power, more doubles, and a quality AVG hitter with decent contact and can still play the field. He fits in perfectly with various DH/OF/1B rotations. I'm also very interested in Schwarber on something like a 2yr deal. I MIGHT do 3yrs but it depends on the terms. He's coming off a poor season...but a lot of guys are...and has a career OPS of .816 even with a bad 2020. He will only be 28yrs old for 2021. While I don't want him in the field often, he CAN play some OF. (Could he be worse than Willingham and some others)? And he CAN be a 3rd/emergency catcher on the roster. (Guy was a catcher in college and began his career back there). I honestly believe Cruz will be back. I'm starting to think it might be a 1yr deal for around $15M. Less than he wants, but more than he got either of the last 2yrs. But Brantley and Schwarber could be productive and smart choices as replacement options without tieing in to expensive or long term deals.

In theory, all 3 points in the OP are correct. A healthy and normal Darvish is worth $20M per in a normal market situation. I am not concerned to any great degree about his 1st year and a half in Chicago. He finished 2019 strong a d was great in 2020, short season or not. Unless the Cubs are looking at full on re-build and/or economic firewall, they aren't going to give him away. He's a trade chip to bring back young talent. And financial implications or not, the Cubs should still have money to afford to keep him, I would think. It would probably cost something like Larnach and one of Enlow/Canterino. And he's probably worth that. Am I worried he turns 35yo in April? Yes, at least a little. I'm more worried about being 37 the final year. But I am not saying no. My concern is the entire need/cost scenario facing the Twins in 2021, much less beyond. This team has definite needs, but they aren't exactly desperate in any particular area. Further, the FA market is very deep in infielders, DH options and relievers, all of which the Twins have need for. And even though it "appears" from multiple rumors that they are not plannjng to slash payroll, they still have to fill those needs in some way or another. They also need another quality SP. $20M for Darvish almost certainly means no Cruz, and probably not a similar replacement. And that MIGHT be OK with depth of talent and a shorn up pen. Unfortunately, while there is tremendous depth of cheap back of the rotation SP in the FA market, quality middle of the rotation arms are few. For somewhere between anywhere of $8-13M you have Odorizzi, Richardson, Tanaka, Walker and a possible bounce back from Kluber. Are the Twins better off with one of these options, maybe adding a cheap flier, while keeping prospects for NOW, and addressing the other needs for the best overall TEAM they can field? Again, not saying know to Darvish. It would be a bold mkve and could pay large dividends. But I think I lean a little more towards spreading the $ around as far as they can team-wide at this point.

We live today in a fast paced society of immediate return. What have you done lately? Kershaw is a potential HOF SP who has been, unfortunately, cursed with some poor post season performances. He had a good 2020 WS and the Dogers won. Now he's great again! How fickle perception can be. Fran Tarkenton set records in a 14 game season when defense and ground and pound was still the way the game was played. It took 30yrs and a completely different way of playing the game before Manning and Farve and others broke his records. My point? Perception. Bauer has the ability and intellect to be GREAT! And he has been. But can he be does he want to be? He COULD go on a roll the next few seasons to be one of the next generational SP. And I have often argued that MOST of the SP who we argue as being ACE SP don't achieve that status until their late 20's or early 30's when stuff matches maturity and experience. I LOVE my Twins having an ACE SP. That ONE GUY can thrill fans, stop losing streaks, and MAYBE, win game one of a big series. But that guy only pitches every 5th day. So what happens if he loses? What do you have next? You need to build the best team you can for your season. In any sport. The best and deepest team you can. From there, you hope your outcome is the best it can be. I HOPE Maeda is what he he showed going forward. I actually believe Berrios may prove to be as good or better with changes in his routine that 2020 didn't provide. Time may prove me wrong, but I just wouldn't spend the $ on Bauer. I would spend $ on the talent and depth of my team for the long haul and build the best, deepest and most talented and versatile team I can.

Losing Wells was a huge surprise considering post surgery and not pitching for some time. Doubt he sticks and is probably offered back. Has a chance to stick as the last man in the pen if they want to hold on to him. Was actually equally surprised by Baddoo. Tremendous talent but young, post surgery and hasn't seen the field in 2yrs. Applaud Detroit thinking outside the box, but are they reaĺy thinking they can carry him for a season? Are they somehow thinking they can carry him via the injured list? I don't get it. I think he is also offered back. Hernandez, yes, but don't overpay. NICE ballplayer, but let's not inflate his value due to postseason heroics. Career OPS is not great. Really great 10th man option. Allows for an additional infield option such as Frazier or Gyorko to really deepen the bench for an extra $3M-ish deal. Yes, again, to Soria, along with Clippard and Yates or Bradley for a combined $11M. Would be a potentially great haul for the pen! Duvall? Why? Because he bats RH? Nice player. But you still face mostly RH pitching. The Twins ineptitude against LH pitching is a weird combination that I wouldn't overreact to. Why would you spend $ to block Kirilloff, Rooker and Larnach unless you see him as a DH alternative???

Just my opinion, but I'm not certain drafting inexpensive talent will be at a premium. The loss of a full milb season leaves a lot of question marks in regard to development. Further, we aren't sure if rosters will be at 26, 27 or 28 for 2021. There will be non contending teams who will be willing to take a flier here and there. Why Not? But most of them will be looking at the glut of FA offerings to augment their rosters. Why not look at ML options on the cheap, possibly on a 1 + 1 vs drafting a rule 5. Still blown away by the Royals signing Santana to a 2yr deal. He's really going to help push them over the top or going to be a trade piece? Unless someone is just infatuated with a Twins prospect and willing to bet on an expanded roster to keep someone, Jax and Wiel are the only prospects to maybe be selected. NO 2020 milb season, a team COULD see potential in selecting those two based on age and production and ride them.

I'm not a Mets fan, but as a baseball fan it's kinda fun seeing N.Y. city's "little brother" challenging the Yankees. As to the questions posted: 1] Yes, I believe Cruz will be a Twin. I believe he bas one more really good season left. Maybe not as outstanding as he bas been, but still really good. IF there is a 2nd year involved, then you hope for a decent/solid year. The underground whispers that are prevalent that the Twins will be keeping payroll close to last season provide a a great deal of optimism and makes sense to me. Schwarber is a guy I haven't even mentioned previously, but without Cruz on board, he could make tremendous sense. Now, for various reasons, I might prefer Brantley, but if the FO wants a primary fixture at DH, Schwarber could be the guy. He CAN play some OF for versatility. He COULD still be an emergency #3 catcher. I mean, that's what he was when drafted and his original position. I have to believe he could be an extra depth option at 1B as well. 2] The Twins will be making 2 infield moves. Despite calls for trade options, there is so much available FA talent that I think that's the way to go. Does that mean a SS for insurance on Polanco having another surgery, or moving him to utility remains to be seen. But as I stated in part 2, they can go a lot of directions here to build a great bench. Even if they stick with Polanco at SS, how about Hernandez and then add Adrianza, or shoot higher offensively with Frazier or Gyorko, etc. OR, sign that SS, utilize Polanco as a versatile utility and STILL sign another solid second guy. The infield needs to be addressed. The good news is there are a multitude of quality options available. 3] Yes, they are going to add to the rotation. My hunch? They will go the FA route vs trade. Again, my hunch, with a number of decent options out there, the FO would like to keep the system intact FOR NOW and bring in someone they like/believe in for 2021. Publicly, there are no Odorizzi rumors. But once again, he makes the most sense for both parties, whether it be 1yr or 3yrs. I'm intrigued by Richards. Don't sleep on rumors about Kluber. There is an obvious connection there. If he is 85% of his old self be would be an excellent #3 SP, with hopeful potential for more. He's a definite risk. But a 1 + 1 option for $8-10M...possibly less with incentives...could be a risk worth taking. I think the Twins believe in Dobnak as a #5, despite his late season demotion. (I mean, really, he was a rookie after all). And I think they have strong belief in Duran, Balazovic and apparently Ober. But none may be ready. But I believe there will be another milb invite, at least, and probably a late addition in January or early February for $2-3M. Think a Bailey type signing. If not Cruz, I'm not sure what direction they will go. But another proven bat needs to be added. Soooo many options available to add to the infield and 10th man than they can hardly fail. One quality addition to the rotation and a cheap flier with the numbers indicating someone should be available. 4] Surprised you didn't bring the pen up. And I'm repeating myself here, but there will probably be a plethora of decent arms available to add late. And this team knows how to build a pen. But for a contending team, the FO is too smart to depend on their smarts, if that makes sense. While it would awesome to spend $8-10M on a big time arm like Hand or Hendricks, is that the smart move? Or rather still, a move the FO would see as smart? How about Clippard, Soria and Yates or Bradley for a combined $11M? I don't know if it's a big move tomorrow, or a couple smaller moves weeks from now. But despite trusting what they have, who is seemingly ready, they are going to bring in at least 2 BP arms. The glut of options alone will allow for this.

Living in Omaha, I'm not going to be attending any/many Saints games...though my father and I are hoping for a trip in the future to catch a "double header" or sorts...but I'm happy to see the Saints still embracing their independent attitude of fun and embracing the fan experience still. The only bummer might be reports that the Wichita affiliation may not last long as they really want to be a AAA level franchise. With their new ballpark, I get it. Perhaps Twins and fan support will be strong enough the agreement may end up lasting longer than initially expected?

Thanks again, Seth! These are all wonderful, but I have to say this is my favorite interview thus far! The one word that came to mind when watching was "engaging". Edward just seems like such a fun and genuine good guy. I'm betting he is one of his teammates favorites. One that has really struck me in all of these interviews is all of these guys, naturally, have played and practiced together and know one another, but they seem to have z genuine fondness for one another and all seem to speak glowingly about one another and everyone's potential on the field. They seem to have a real "team" sense between them and embrace that they are all part of a combined next wave. Good stuff!

He has seemingly enjoyed his time with the Twins and prospered financially as well as record wise and enjoyment wise. If the $ numbers are there/close, there is no reason to leave.

The Dirty Sox continue to be aggressive. Should we be concerned? Maybe. I'm not at the moment. Rumor has it the Twins are being quietly aggressive in early talks and speculation has them keeping payroll close to last season. That leaves a lot of flexible room to add to our favorite team. Reportedly, the Mets may be out on Odorizzi. Atlanta was rumored to be interested, but they've already made some early moves. Maybe Oddo isn't what the Twins want, but I still think he makes a ton of sense. I think there's a lot of faith in the FO and ML staff to build a bullpen. And we have holes to be filled. But except for a couple of primary FA, there appears to be a GLUT of potentially good arms to add at some point. I am concerned about the infield and "utility" personnel. Everyone 100% healthy, we're just looking at Marwin and Adrianza replacements. Now, I'm not saying that isn't important! But I think it's more important considering injuries to Donaldson, Polanco and Arraez. There are going to be 2 moves here at some point. This could be as "small" as a re-sign of Adrianza and a Marwin replacement who could be one of at least a half dozen players from Hernandez to Profar to Gyorko or LaStella, etc, etc. There are a TON of options! As I posted in another thread, what if the Twins did sign Hernandez? He can, as I understand his ability and past appearance, cover SS. They could then sign another decent bat who can play 3 infield spots. Or maybe they surprise and sign a top SS and still sign another solid player and convert Polanco to a super utility role. I think there could be a surprise signing in the infield. Opportunity is there. Surprised the Royals signed Santana. He will help. I think they're too far away, but who knows. Takes away a potential DH option for the Twins, should they move on from Cruz. Speaking of Cruz, the report from MLB that there should be no expectation of a universal DH, should play in the Twins favor. Still not sure I buy reports Cruz should expect $15-18M post covid 2020. Maybe. But thus far, most signings have still been SP. There have been early signings, and there will be more. I still expect a sort of "leveling out" and a bunch of bargains over the next few weeks. I appreciate the FO ability to build a team and find bargains. They've done so in the past. I believe they will do so this year. But I hope they will also jump on a couple early values initially that seem present.

I like the idea. I really do. But I'm also looking at payroll...even though reports are the Twins may be buyers and keep their payroll about the same...as well as 40 man spots with additions to be made. I appreciate concern about Buxton's availability. And once again we hope for the best. But can you slend $ and a roster spot for a backup CF when you have guys who can at least cover CF short term and still have Celestino on the roster as a talent up and comer? Between what you have, and the possibility of Hernandez as a super utility option, I'm not sure I'm sold on Almora unless you believe his bat is worth re-claiming and/or you may trade one of your young OF in a deal.

Not sure if TD or my tablet or internet is having issues. So I'm taking a shortened "quote" response here. I believe Kirilloff is going to be a STUD!. He's untouchable to me. But I simply can't/won't believe he will equate the OPS of Rosario immediately. I wish he would! Perhaps he and Rooker will combined. There is room for both. And despite my love and belief in Keple.r, I could absolutely see AK gone in the next season or two, OR, some combination of all filling OF corners, 1B and DH maybe with Sano and even Donaldson. But I'm getting ahead of myself. For 2021...we need that proven bat. I've argued Rosario in these dual threads for what he has done. I'd rather have a short term Cruz for what he has done and because I think he has one more really good year left in him. Probably one more mediocre/average/solid year after that based on age/history. I'm OK with that. I debated with my dad tonight about how $ should be spent. Rosario back as an OF/DH would be nice. But him instead of Cruz for a year? Cruz all day long for 1yr. Cruz vs Brantley for 2yrs? Man, it gets tough! Rosario could fill a Same money, how do you not take the younger Brantley who can still play in the field vs a DH only. Except, we are talking about an elite bat!

Once again, John, like in the pro-Rosario article, every point you made is spot on. I am and have been a big fan of Eddie and have thoroughly enjoyed his production, great plays and moments, as well as his enthusiasm for the game. But the world in general, MLB in particular relevance for this conversation, is in a strange place right now. And the Twins have other needs to allocate $ towards. In a perfect situation and anything close to "normal", as I stated in the other OP, Rosario would be back for another year and the kids would be allowed to develop and force themselves in to the lineup. But this is the easiest "cut" to add to other areas. While I don't expect Kirilloff, or anyone, to just step in their 1st year and automatically replace Rosario's production, we can't love and embrace and eagerly await such young talent and their debut, and then chastise the Twins for allowing that to now happen. I repeat myself yet again that the Twins simply can't allow the lineup to lose BOTH Rosario AND Cruz at the same time. So via unexpected trade or more probably FA, a dependable bat will have to be signed or re-signed. Hence my article in the Forums category concerning Cruz. To naysayers, I absolutely, positively believe Rosario being cut loose is not, in of itself, some attempt to save $. It's the most logical step, and easiest replacement, to re-allocate $ to other team needs, even if payroll itself is lowered due to the current financial situation. And it's not just the Twins.

John, everything you stated in your OP is 100% correct and spot on. But the key quote that I wanted to highlight is the following: "He led the team in RBI the last three years. Granted, he had a lot of opportunities, but someone still needs to cash those chips. Eddie did." To me, that is the most salient point. You simply can't plug anyone in to an RBI spot and just expect results. It still takes a hitter who has the mentality to accept that role and produce. I'm reminded many years ago of Manny Ramirez not wanting that role with Cleveland initially. He had been very productive as a 6-7 hitter and had misgivings initially being the cleanup man. Obviously, he ended up accepting the role and grew in to it exceedingly well. The bite is, even with 3 top/good prospects all seemingly ready or near ready, anything close to "normal" in the baseball world right now would have brought Eddie back for another year while the kids earned their playing time and forced their way in to the lineup. Rosario MIGHT have been traded during the season if said prospects really stood out. And if things were "normal" and the Twins still wanted to move forward, Eddie and his 2021 salary would have at least some trade value now. But we are not in normal times. And so this move gets made as position-wise, it's probably the easiest spot to fill and save $ for other needs. But no contending team can just lose their primary #3 and #4 hitters at the same time. So while I don't knkw if Eddie will be back on a smaller deal, or Cruz retained, SOMEONE will need to be brought in if both are gone.

Really good work, Tom! And each arguement presented has merit to be sure. Of course, MLBTraderumor numbers are speculation at this point. And the obvious sticking point with any FA discussed is simply not knowing how any team's payroll is going to shape up much less the Twins. I'm with you that my hope is the FO looks at their contention status and decides to keep things in that $135-140M window and see no raise in payroll as a form of cut. Opens up a lot of possibilities. Be that as it may, just a few thoughts.... I'm not going to address Bauer for reasons that should be obvious. I'm of the school that status quo isn't always a good thing, but sometimes keeping what you know/have can be the best solution. And while he is not part of your list, I think a healthy Odorizzi may be the Twins best option whether it be 1yr or longer. I do think Walker and Richards, who you briefly mentioned, could be very smart and low cost options. Paxton, even at the bargain price of $10M kind of scares me. Which makes no sense when I say I find myself very intrigued by the older Kluber on an incentive laden deal. Something in my gut just tells me he is one of those guys who gets right and even at 80% of his old self he would be a very good middle rotation piece for around $10M. Call me crazy. Totally agree on Brantley as a Cruz replacement as he is good, steady, and can still play the OF for roster flexibility. We needed a solid BP arm even before May signed with the Mets. Just not sure I see the Twins moving on Hendricks, though I would love it. I think Yates or Rosenthal PLUS another decent arm for the same $10M might make more sense. The Twins seem to knkw how to build a bullpen. I have never considered LeMahieu as an option as I've always felt be would go back to N.Y. if they want him. But he might be my #1 from your list. He is the PERFECT 10th man due to his offense and defense and the fact he's already been used that way and in the lineup on a daily basis. But again, I just don't think he's going to be available. There is a lot of thought about Profar or Hernandez, who you didn't mention, as 10th man options. I like Profar and think his OF ability only adds to his value. Same with Hernandez. Offensively, neither is great, though they are solid and have had their moments. I would prefer the younger Profar if he could be convinced being a 10th man is not a bad thing. It still means you play every day, just at different spots. Can he be convinced at $6-7M for a contending club and playing dailyis better that a set position for a losing team? Not mentioned as he wouldn't be in anyone's top 10, Tommy LaStella could be a less expensive and really good 10th man option. Our 10th man doesn't have to play OF with the depth there. Despite your deserved fascination with Semien, I feel this team is good enough, well rounded enough, that I'd rather balance payroll for 5 additions rather than 2 or 3. I'm not saying buying in bulk is the answer, lol. But a quality SP, 2 BP arms I like, a 10th man who can bring offense and versatility, and a bat to potentially replace Cruz/Rosario seems to make more sense to me for $40M than 2 guys who might grab the majority of that extra $.

Funny story attributed to a very smart Trevor Plouffe on the latest Gleeman and the Geek where he was basically quoted as saying if he was in charge of a team he'd call up the Rays and ask about a possible trade proposal and whoever the Rays asked for in return he'd check mark that guy as untouchable. LOL Cody, I think you are dead on with this article. I have always believed you build the best, deepest, most complete team you can and then see what happens. There is no magic formula to building a WS winner. I mean, weird 2020 season or not, the WS was between a $200M Doger team and the cost driven Rays. You build the best team you can with what you hope is a great staff, and look to make the playoffs and see what happens. Period. You have to win to get there. There is no "build a team that beats the Yankees because we are somehow cursed" format. Great, you take 8 of 9 from the Yankees during the regular season. What if you don't make the post season? What if you do but lose to someone else and/or never face them? I am ALL IN trading a prospect or two or three from any kind of depth to acquire a player who makes a difference. But I am NOT in favor of trading away a big part of the future for one guy who may or may not make it happen. I'm also not in favor of spending $ capital on one guy at the sacrifice of the rest of my roster. If SP X doesn't win game 1 for whatever reason, in the playoffs or WS, then what do you have for game 2 and 3, etc? Again, NOT opposed to making moves! But I believe in building the best and deepest team you can for success, not just one year, but for all years. Think the Dogers again. Despite all their $ and vaunted milb system, and all their playoff appearances, they still hadn't won a WS since the late 80's. The organisation and their fans love that they won this year! And they have every right to celebrate! But do you think for a moment that they didn't enjoy being in contention and having winning teams over the intervening years didn't bring great joy? Yes, I'm rambling! LOL. But the point of all of this is that this team is GOOD. And the future looks bright as well. And I'm not willing to proclaim Maeda is an ACE at this juncture. He COULD be. Or he could be a great #2. In fact, Berrios is young enough, talented and determined enough, he could still emerge as the Twins best SP. Any way you slice it, there are no glaring defects with this team other than balancing the entire roster with what is on hand, what is coming, and what's available to bring in. As is, right now, they need a SP as good as or better than Pineda. Is that a healthy Odorizzi? Considering the market and what he nas done the last 2yrs, I would say yes. Is there someone better? IDK? Who saw the Maeda deal coming last year? But SOMEONE needs to be brought on board and I don't think it has to be some costly, potential #1 option. You still need a lineup, a bench and a pen. And even IF the Twins don't drop down from the $138-140M of last year, there remains a structure you have to fit 2021 in to.