DocBauer

Appreciate the sentiment Ash. But the RP is filled with a number of intriguing options. The SP options are Bauer...however you feel about him...and a TON of interesting options that don't excite, but have value. Does not taking a $10M-ish flier mean they are going cheap? (And I've been in for $8-10M as a shot for some time on Kluber). Or does it mean they think Oddo, Walker, Richardson, etc, as good and safe an option? Or are they really looking at trade options similar to the moves they have made for Odorizzi and Maeda the last 2 yrs?

I was interested for $8-10M with some incentives, MAYBE a similar 2nd year option if both parties were interested. Every year there is someone who makes a surprise comeback. And Kluber is the #1 most likely to do that in 2021. He's scary but intriguing as hell! But more than $10M pushes me to the pass category. What does this say about Tanaka? Either the Yankees know something we don't know, or they also are pinching a few $. Maybe they have a secret agreement already? Just find them seemingly moving on very interesting. Does Maeda know Tanaka? Can he put in a good word for the Twins and living in the Midwest?

I'm just going to try and address about everything here because there's a lot of good meat on the bone to chew on. But first, a tip of the cap to Matt for so much hard work and a very interesting and detailed OP! 1] EVERYONE wants that ONE GUY to finish a game or get the crucial outs in a big bullpen moment. But for DECADES the bullpen was just a group of guys to come in and finish things off and HOPEFULLY secure a win. Sometime in the 80's, roughly, the SAVE became a countable and important stat. In those days, 20-30 saves was excellent. A few guys even saved more than 30. Around the 90's and the early '20's era, we suddenly saw 40-50 saves as a benchmark. But then something interesting happened. Some very smart people began to break down what a save actually meant and how empty the SAVE stat actually was. What they discovered was a lot of those saves were given to a guy who pitched 1-3 outs, with a lead, and was at times facing the lower part of the order, possibly facing a PH or two. They also discovered that games were actually won or lost in the 7th or 8th inning not necessitating a "closer" appearance in the 9th. And sometimes, it was the "set-up" man who actually faced a higher leverage situation. Which is also why a lot of closer types began in that role before transitioning to what we know now and define as the "closer" spot. I DO NOT disparage the performances and careers of ANY past closer, especially great Twins such as Reardon, Guardado, Aguiilar, Nathan, etc. But the game changes, as all sports do. Perception and the game within the game also changes. Several years ago, the term "fireman" became something more thzn just the title of an award presented at the end of season. Smart, forward thinking teams realized the 7th and 8th inning were often more important and harder to navigate than the 9th. 2] A traditional closer is no longer what it was. YES, there are times in a game when you want a quality and experienced arm to finish a win in the 9th against the top or heart of the order. But I think what has been proven, and slowly been adopted, is you really want about THREE arms or so that can you can "count on" to handle the final couple of innings. Prove me wrong? 3] Hendricks, Hand, etc, are all fine and proven arms. And I want the Twins to have as many quality pen arms as they can. But the pure "closer" idea is quickly becoming outdated. Don't misunderstand, I'd LOVE a Hendricks, Hand, etc, in the pen. And the signing or Addison Reed...which looked good at the time...should NOT preclude the Twins from signing an "expensive" bullpen arm now or in the future. And true, quality pen arms can maintain viability in to their mid and even late 30's. But if you haven't seen a lot of those arms fade quickly vs $, then you aren't paying attention. 4] Even if you have a top closer for the 9th, he doesn't do much good unless he has opportunity to fulfill his role. Not just a team who can score enough runs, but a pen who can bring a lead to him. This brings us back again to the middle innings and having a deep and capable pen overall. 5] Rocco and the FO have adopted the newer priciple/analytics approach of a deep and versatile pen without defining roles such as primary set-up man or closer. They prefer matchups and fireman roles. THAT you can debate as you will; history vs changes in the game. AGAIN, I have ZERO objection to adding a quality arm to the pen regardless of label. And we know there is volatility in the pen, game to game, week to week, month to month. But hitters are the same. We end up looking at the full season and final results for hitters as well as pitchers. So Rogers, with good peripherals, is suddenly toast? What might he have done in a full season? Now, he might have had a poor/mediocre season in 162G, and we will never know. But to not think/expect he can't be part of the back end of the pen going forward is also being short-sighted. TODAY, with no additional moves yet made, the bullpen has Rogers, Duffey, Robles, Stashak, Alcala, Stashak and Thielbar penciled in. One new addition along with some subtractions, a group of un-interesting milb FA arms that could provide another Wisler, Harper, etc to help and surprise, along with an exciting Colina or Chalmers...even though I dream of him finding a 3rd pitch and sticking in the rotation...plus arms like Smeltzer or Thorpe providing help. (Also hoping a new year allows Thorpe to FIND himself again as a possible rotation piece). There are a dozen RP arms out there still available at different ages who could absolutely be viable additions to the current pen without some huge $45M investment. 6] I still would have brought Wisler back. Not sure I buy $ and no options or a 1yr surprise but Robles essentially replaces either him or Romo at this point. I WANT Clippard back for $2-3M. He proved, yet again, how good and reliable he is. I WANT another proven RH arm. Is Soria the answer? He COULD be. Do we get on Yates or Rosenthal for around $5M-ish? Maybe. Or Colome? I want a deep and versatile pen. But I'm just not sweating a huge RP contract at this point with all that is still available externally and internally.

I thought Bradley would have been a nice addition. Had him on my hope list for $5M. Interesting the Twins didn't even check on him. A Wood flier for that cheap would have been interesting as a second SP signing. I think there are others out there that will still be available in a couple weeks for a similar deal as a 5th rotation option candidate.

Absolute no to Ozuna. He's shown none of the consistency Cruz has shown. Further, we are talking about a long term commitment, which I am against. I support the DH, always have, for many reasons, but you just don't LOCK UP a DH unless he's a special bat. I think Rooker is going to be an OK player. Maybe even a good one, I think Kirilloff is going to be great. I think Larnach is also going to be good to great, which is why I hope any trade the Twins MIGHT make doesn't include AK OR Larnach. Those two could be our corner OF for years to come, or a combination of 1B and OF. Why, unless a trade opportunity came our way would we part with either? Cruz for 1yr makes so much sense for both sides it's almost ridiculous it hasn t happened yet. But I get it. But as great as Cruz has been, If you want to buy into MLB TRADERUMORS, Brantley could be had for the same projected salary or less and could actually play the OF giving the roster flexibility. OR, you could sign one of the top 3 SS options, move Polanco to super utility, STILL sign an 11th man amongst the many options available, and still sign Bradley or Pillar for OF depth and versatility to go along with a SP and possible RP move and forgo a direct DH signing. Of course, IF you buy in to a $135-140M payroll, all bets are off. You can STILL sign or trade for a SP, potentially bring in an 11th man AND another solid BP arm and STILL bring in Cruz or Brantley. I believe the Dirty Sox are about $120M right now. They MIGHT make a move or two to augment their roster and push it it $130M. Do the Twins actually do less than that? No to Ozuna long term because there is so much talent on hand. Yes to Cruz on the short hand to let the roster and prospects come up and play. YES to a signin of Bradley or Pillar on the cheap to fill out the OF and DH spot with Kirilloff and Rooker and everyone else on hand.

The Twins have needs, of course, to still address. But they also need a bat and not just a SS with offensive ability/potential. And with a super slow off-season and ST only 5 weeks away barring a change to delay, most every team still has moves to make a d rosters to flesh out. And, as of now, there is NO DH for the NL. Yes, that could yet change last minute, especially if they use it as leverage to gain something else such as a shorter season, etc. IF, there is no sudden NL DH addition, Cruz has little to no market. IF MLB suddenly shifts gears and add the DH, there still aren't 15 teams added as suitors. There will still be teams with enough depth to not need a 41yo DH, or up against a payroll wall, or simply re-building and have no room or need. I WANT Cruz back on a 1yr because I think they need a bat, I think he has ONE MORE really good year left in him, though I would expect some slippage of his total OPS. And one more year of his experience and leadership is a good thing. I see multiple ways he fits in $ for 2021 even with additions to be made, but won't go in to all of them right now. Why I DON'T want Cruz back is because the Twins CAN afford to wait for a few bargains to fall to them, but CAN'T wait for EVERYONE in order to complete their 2021 roster! Trade or FA, they need to bring a SP in while still needing to bring a decent bat in. And they are primed to add a SS and have 3 FA options that don't cost prospects. Further, unless Rooker, Larnach or Kirilloff are involved in a trade...and I hope they aren't but we can survive if any of them are...the Twins have a nice glut of options to handle OF/DH/1B along with Sano and Donaldson spending time at DH. Think about this for a moment: The Twins actually trade for a SP. Let's say Musgrove, which makes sooo much sense. No guarantee, but he could really thrive with an organizational change and better coaching. The Pirates know the Twins system and said trade COULD include Larnach or Rooker, but COULD also include something like a ready made OF like Cave, Enlow or Canterino plus an OF like Wallner or Urbina, etc. BOTH teams win. Suddenly, the Twins have their SP addition with $23-28M to spend IF the $125-130M IS reality. (I'm still doubting that). So you bring in your FA SS for $12-14M. That's another $9-11M for one more "proven" BP arm and and another 11th man INF and even a possible OF in a market deep in all 3 spots. Sound crazy? Maybe. But think something like Clippard and Cabrera for $5M total. Now you can look at something like $4-6M for Bradley or Pillar. The Twins COULD do a $135-140M which I'm still betting on. Where there is smoke, there is fire. If so, NOW you have the ability to sign Cruz or Brantley, etc. But no Cruz, do you like the team as presented?

I vote for both!

Great OP idea! But betting on potential trades is a fools errand at this point. Assuming a 26 man roster, which could easily change, 18 spots are currently filled. Kepler Buxton Cave/Wade Donaldson Polanco Arraez Sano Garver Jeffers Maeda Berrios Pineda Rogers Duffey Alcala Robles Thielbar Stashak Despite angst and holes, that's a hell of a place to start! Said it in other threads and will re-state it here, the final position roster can't be fixed until the FO makes a determination on Cruz and SS. Trust Polanco, you bring in Hernandez or Profar and then one of many cheap alternatives that should be available for the 11th man spot. And there are some good options available! Don't trust/want Polanco as the primary SS? Then you sign one of the 3 FA SS available and sign as quality bat as you can to play the field and rotate DH. And then you still need an 11th man who can fill in different spots. Either way, Cabrera anyone as your 11th man? Do we believe the reports on Odorizzi getting a $13-14M multi year deal? Then unless payroll matches 2020, we have to look at a trade option or lower cost FA. Musgrove in trade? What about Walker, Richardson or Kluber for $8-10M? Soria for the pen? Reportedly, he's been offered about the same as Robles but slightly more. The Twins banking on their ability to develop a pen and waiting for Alcala and Colina to step forward? Is there any way to save $2-4M for a 5th SP invite? Doubt it. But hoping. Might be a few invites available to potentially surprise and compete. Would love to see $1-3M available, which might not be, to sign a veteran catcher for an invite and opt out. Again, might not be possible. Besides any "fluid" payroll set of anywhere from $125-135M-ish, the biggest determination is SS and Cruz. If and when they make a commitment to either or both spots, everything else starts to fall in to place.

I work for a communications company. That being said, I have no dog in this hunt. And I have total understanding for anyone who is a cord cutter. I get it. But what you are seeing is an expected evolution in the process. If you actually pay attention to the process...and why would you normally because it's frustrating, confusing and fluid...all the other "options" keep adding and deleting while raising rates. And you shouldn't be surprised. Media in all forms remains fluid and will be for years to come. Even if some dream of free internet becomes a reality some day, we will all have to make decisions as to what "package(s)" we want to subscribe to. And *hint* they won't get cheaper, lol. I'll be following the Twins on the MLB app for video and audio on my car and WNAX 57.0 from Yankon SD as well as right here on TD!

Great post! While I am also more interested in Musgrove as the "cheaper" alternative, and my preference, I think it behooves us to take a moment to at least consider taking on Moustakas or Castellanos in a deal for Gray or POSSIBLY Castillo. The POSITIVE is pretty simple. Moose gives us a nice, veteran, proven bat to play 2nd and 3rd base with the idea of fitting him at 1B as well and he can obviously DH. While we still need a glove man to cover SS and other positions...whether or not Polanco remains the full time SS or moves to utility is up for debate in this context...Moose becomes one of our two 10th/11th man options we need. Castellanos, on the other hand, provides a decent option at both OF and 1B though I think his 3B days may be over, and can obviously DH. The NEGATIVE is pretty obvious as either contract now eliminates Cruz. Now, that elination is and has been open to debate. Many have objectively and rightly stated that betting on another season may be fools gold and it may be time to cut ties now vs doing so too late. On the other hand, a short 2020 may actually work in Cruz's favor in the Father Time eventuality of decline and we could/should expect at least one more season at or close to his previous level of production. And none of us has to debate the experience and leadership factor he brings. I think these considerations are worth examining. But IF we go the trade route, my thoughts/hunch/preference is Musgrove and the belief Cruz has one more really good season left in him and possibly one more decent/good season after that should a 2nd yr option MAYBE being involved.

So we, and others, tend to really like the Musgrove idea. Again, I'm buying in to low cost prospect wise...though it will take a couple good ones...and some upside Johnson and the Twins can unlock. Like you, I am not a fan of keeping prospects as much as possible. Yes, absolutely in favor of trading some in the right deal, but the milb system is always the lifeblood of any team, especially for mid-market and below. To use an old but yet fitting axiom, the more bullets you have the more shots you can take. The Twins can't...nor do I believe they ever will...move half a dozen or so prospects within their top 25-30 in a given off-season simply because they can't afford to long term. With all due respect to his talent, current ability and projection, I don't think I'm in on Castillo though. I think the cost simply may be more than we want to pay. If the prospect cost lowers due to us taking back salary for a veteran, the ramifications could eat up too much salary for another addition. In other words, no Cruz. Which, I know, is also debatable. If Duran and Balazovic weren't so tantalizing, and potentially so close, I might change my mind. And I fully appreciate a prospect is just that, a PROSPECT, but each seems to carry the expectation of at least a solid mid-rotation SP. We haven't had a duo like this for a long time.

I don't know...the more I think on it the more I really like Musgrove as my #1 pitching trade candidate. Solid stuff, relatively young, controllable, he could really thrive with the Twins without causing a major disruption to the milb system.

I see your point but will also have to disagree. There are a couple major points the NBA AND the NFL have over baseball. (Though popularity and viewership has been declining somewhat recently). Revenue sharing in these sports, particularly the NFL, are much more balanced than they are in MLB. That creates a more solid floor and ceiling for each franchise. And it becomes even more important for each franchise to draft and sign smartly and just run said franchise better. I refuse to take sides in MLB labor situations because I think both sides need to "smarten up" to understand the future health of the sport. If profit sharing was more equal in MLB, a salary cap actual works, because you then also have a concrete floor that all teams have to maintain. Today, forgetting covid adjustments, just think of a $200M payroll cap but a $75M floor. There might be fewer 5-7yr deals for $25-35M per, but like the NBA...who's roster size is closer to MLB...minimum contracts would be closer to $1M plus. Shorter FA regulations, which I would endorse with a new system, means players reaching FA status earlier. They might not get the HUGE contracts we talk about, but they would also gain at least as much $ in the long term by signing smaller contracts in their 20's vs the current arbitration years, etc. Both sides need to be smart enough to realize change takes place. I DO place some onus on the MLB union. What's more important? A small collection of players making BIG $, or EVERYONE seeing a rise in their potential $ earnings? I personally feel the union is absolutely focused on a power play for top earners vs a more balanced system and earnings for everyone.

IMO his only downfall is his previous late season swoons. He rebounded in late 2019, as recall, because he backed off his routine to bring about more late season endurance. We never got to see those results in the short 2020 season. I think he's vital going forward for the Twins, even if he never develops in to a #1. Everyone else would love to have him.

Oops. Lol

I like this grouping better than the first. We often talk and speculate and disagree and chew leather about Twins prosoects that haven't turned out to be the studs we hoped they would be. Why? Because we want each and everyone of them to be the next 22-23yo future HOF players to lift the franchise to another level after years of disappointment and frustration. But when you look hard at the roster, do you realize that after 2 highly productive seasons Polanco, Sano, Kepler, Berrios and Buxton are still all around 27yo? Just entering their prime years. Sano was fine at 1B. In fact, except for being overly aggressive chasing pop ups and foul balls and panacaking some of his teammates, I think he was damn good at 1B for his 1st year. Offensively, what can I say? We all know what he can do. You want to blow him off after 2019 and the short season of 2020? You won't get a big return, but you'd find a lot of teams that would love to buy his potential on the cheap if the Twins were stupid. Duffey has the stuff and mentality to be part of this organization for a while. Balazovic and Duran are going NOWHERE unless the FO feels they have an equal plus type of deal. They "inherited" Balazovic and traded for Duran. You don't think they are smart enough to see the potential for these two? Neither is going anywhere unless it brings a cost controlled SP. Arraez is a BASEBALL PLAYER, damnit, were I to quote Kelly or Gardenhire. What's wrong with that? I've watched him for 2yrs now at the plate and in the field. I really don't want to see him in the OF again, but seen nothing in the INF that tells me he can't be at least average. Playing on 1 1/2 legs to finish 2020 he HIT and produced. And he brings a hit and contact and OB approach this team needs. Hell, I might even rate him higher than this if I knew 100% his knee was ready to go. (Same with Polanoc). I think he's a healthy and important fixture.

In my roughly 50 years of watching baseball I've seen teen flashes burn out and some turn out to be HOF players. And I've seen a TON of guys who didn't reach the majors or reach their potential until 25-27yo. Cruz, IIRC, didn't hit any stride at the ML level until he was about 27. Now, by no means am I saying Rooker has some amazing career in front of him. But he also shouldn't be penalized as some sort of nobody simply because he was an older draft choice who has raked at every level and looked "ready" when he got his first shot last year. So I get his being on this list 100%. While I refuse to commit to projection at this point, I could easily see him as a RH Randy Bush for 4-5yrs of team control. And if that is all he is, that's still pretty damn good and valuable. And he might be even better considering his power.

Having a 40 man crunch really stinks, but it's a nice problem to have to deal with. At some point, someone has to be removed, no question. It seems to me Waddell and Gibaut are the most likely candidates as signings would be direct replacements for them. They might slip through and kept as AAA options with an invite. IMO, the FO is willing to make a trade if it presents itself. But, IMO, said trade would involve players, most likely, not yet in the 40 man such as Larnach, Enlow and a few others. We hear rumors lately of a payroll around the proposed $125M mark with some flexibility. There are rumors the Twins are potential buyers. Because of this, and Pohlad stating 2020 stands by itself and the team is not looking to recoup lost revenue, and the fact a wide open window exists that I personally speculate they may yet creep payroll closer to the $135M due to opportunity for competition sake as well as bargains available. But we just don't know. In an ideal situation, the Twins would bring as many as 7 new or familiar names on board. They need a bat, possibly Cruz, a pair of 10th/11th man utility types, a quality SP and one more reliable BP arm. Ideally, they would bring in an additional BP arm and possible 5th SP on the cheap. But can they possibly accomplish all of that on a $130M-ish budget? Maybe. Forgetting an extra spot or two on the 40 man for a moment, they would have about $42M to accomplish all of this. Let's just say that the slow market is very real and there won't be a sudden explosion of signings for $ that weren't originally expected. That still leaves a thought process like: Cruz for $13M Oddo or Tanaka for $12M, OR, Walker, Kluber, etc, for around $10M. Hernandez as 10th man for $5-6M. BP arm for $5-6M 2nd utility player for $1-3M, and there are a TON of options. 2nd decdnt BP arm for $2-3M 5th SP option for $2-4M Anyway you slice it, that's a lot to add against a $130M payroll and about $40-42M left to spend. There just isn't a lot of fluff on the 40 man to trade. With the future of the franchise and the sustainability factor, moving Kirilloff or Duran or Balazovic doesn't make sense to me unless it's a really good deal. How much trade value does Rooker or Colina have vs their potential to help and be viable pieces over the next few years? Glad I'm not in charge. If I were, the Twins would be sitting about $140M next season and the only question would be lopping off a final spot or two on the 40 man.

I agree it's hard to project anything for 2021 based on 2020 for all the reasons we already know. I can completely understand upticks for both Polanco and Arraez as long as they are healthy. Clearly, they are betting on that. I see no reason why Maeda couldn't slide a bit. Same with Pineda, but only to a small degree for both. Rocco does a great job of handling his starters, some would say he babies or under-utilizes them. And I get it. But I do appreciate his not insisting on overworking them and trying to get 200IP from everyone. With moderate rest, I see no reason Maeda and Pineda can't and won't be better than the listed projections. Dobnak is interesting. Never expected him to be as good as his first 50 or so IP looked like, but after 75 IP we've seen a guy barely past rookie status who has largely performed well and shown some potential. If 2020 had been a full season, I have to wonder if he would have been an integral part of the 2nd half of the year after his demotion following a couple rough outings. So I can absolutely understand some optimism for a young back end starter who has flashed a bit.

I can't disagree with your top 3 Cody. But I'm surprised you were able to keep it at just 3! Cruz is obviously not listed because he's a FA. Buuut...since he WAS brought up...he could be a key for several dominos to fall. He will not be disrespected by the Twins, but I do feel he will be back at around $13M to a max of $15. I lean to the $13M mark due to age, expectation, and limited number of teams who would have actual need and interest even if the DH was made universal. There just won't be 29 other teams chomping at the bit. But I digress. 3] I am a huge believer in Berrios, even if he never finds that extra gear of consistency. He is a gamer, a performer, and at worst a legitimate #2 most days. I fully believe there is another level of consistency available in him, even if he never fully reaches that #1 SP level. I'm still hoping for an extension. 2] I don't care if it's Pilates, yoga, or some other new form of stretching/conditioning approach, finding SOMETHING to let his calves stay healthy is very important. The guy is a stud in the field and at the plate and seems to bring a fire and energy to the team as well as experience and a leadership voice. 1] At some point supreme ability, hard work, experience and just a bit of good karma has to give Buxton a bit of a break doesn't it? I keep forgetting at times he just turned 27! He's built up his body. He's learned not to beat up that body in the field. He's absolutely flashed how good he is/can be when in the lineup. And he's really just entering his prime years physically now. 2020 was so weird in so many ways. The Twins remained one of the top teams last year and can easily be again. And while there is no room and gloom meant to be presented here, I think a second 3 could be easily presented. 6] Polanco: We know how good his offense is, and the defense is OK. Can he get himself fully healthy again? Even IF the Twins bring a SS on board this off-season, it doesn't diminish his potential as an everyday 10th man option. 5] Kepler: He really broke out in 2019 and STILL it appeared he had another level he might hit. 2020 was weird for a lot of players not on the Twins. So can he rebound and be the 2019 version of himself, even without further improvement? Because the 2019 version was outstanding. Personally, I think it's time he slides down in the order. 4] Sano: We have seen glimpses of what he can do. No, that's not entirely fair. Healthy and better conditioned and what appears to be an even better, more mature attitude, I think we've seen great stretches of what he can do. Based on 2019 and his full acceptance to 1B in 2020, I have to wonder if he is yet another "victim" of a weird season. With or without Cruz on board, can he put 2020 behind him and continue to grow as a ballplayer? Again, not being negative. Only pointing out how good this team is, but all the potential to be even better for 2021 and beyond.

I look forward to listening, as I always do, to learn more about these prosoects and who they are. Just a wonderful endeavor of yours, Seth, and much appreciated. But I admit to being a bit confused when the opening line stated Valimont was being interviewed. Guessing the copy and paste didn't get corrected? Lol

Rosenthal is also my first choice due to velocity, K numbers and being a few years younger too, I believe. I'd like to think he would come in between $5-6M. But I would be fine with Colome on a 1yr. SO are not everything, no matter how nice they are. Ground balls, pop ups, weak fly balls also work. And for him, it's been working for a while now. Just get a good arm and then re-sign Clippard. I wouldn't be opposed to Bradley or Yates either for a little less.

Absolutely the type of flier that should be brought in to compete for the 5th rotation spot. I believe there's going to be more than a few options available late that could be as little as a couple $M in addition to a few potential milb signings/ invites like this. Here's hoping when the dust settles there's a little bit left over to bring a couple of those guys in.

Ted, outstanding piece! Agree 100%! I am not a successful businessman, much less a billionaire, lol. But it seems to me that a successful businessman knows when to invest in the market or his company even when the economy may be down, buying stocks or investing in expansion, etc, playing the long game. The Twins are in that arena right now. The FO preaches competitive sustainability. And analytics, new approaches to development, smart drafts and trades, this team is in a wide open window right now and a window that doesn't have to close anytime soon unless they get silly or stupid with moves. I don't see that happening. Our FO reminds me a lot of another Midwestern franchise in the Cardinals. They just do about everything right. They seldom have a "tank" season and are almost always in the mix and occasionally make a big move to further their opportunity. And by no means do I think our FO is going to copy them. What I see is a FO that is very smart and progressive in so many ways and borrowing from experience from various archetypes to build a foundation. The structure is in place. Now it may take another year or two to see some of the fruits of their labor to see the results despite a couple recent outstanding seasons. And even though we have a top 5-10 farm system in place, not quite as good as the Padres system, do we want to follow their plan exactly? IMO, our current roster and prospect depth is pretty damn nice. And with a FA pool that is so deep, why would we follow the Padres example exactly? In other words, why not keep what we have for NOW and use $ available to complete the roster? Agents...yes agents...have spoken out loud as to how well the Twins handled 2020 and arbitration. They have spoken that they believe the Twins are buyers. Jim Pohland has stated the Twins are not looking to recoup 2020 "loses". Where there is enough smoke, I figure there is a fire brewing. Unless bargains fall in their lap, I think the idea of a $125M payroll may be an illusion. I am thinking the FO will hold on to their milb talent for the future and ownership will keep the 2021 payroll around the $135-ish mark of last year. With that number, give or take a couple $M, they can keep Cruz, sign one of the top 3 SS, add a quality SP, add another RP, another INF and maybe have a $M or 2 left over for a 5th SP option. The Twins don't HAVE to trade anyone to complete their roster. They can keep what they have, make a couple additions, and keep payroll around the $135-138M mark and still be one of the best teams in MLB. Follow the Padres? Yes in regards to being aggressive and taking advantage of the market and opportunity. No in trading half of your system top 20 when you have $ to spend on various 1yr and 2yr deals.