DocBauer

I appreciate your idea, Cooper, and your intent. But as you stated, and as Rocco has stated, there is no plan at this time for a traditional closer. But I do think your idea has real merit in that Rogers, Duffey and someone I believe not yet signed yet could end up being the true "firemen" with someone like Robles finishing off or "closing" the game with a sufficient lead. And ideally, there would be a lot of games where the offense would provide that kind of cushion. But it doesn't always work out that way, of course. For those who long for a Hendricks or Hand signing, while it could happen I believe, it doesn't mean they would be brought on board as a definitive closer either. They would be a high leverage arm but that doesn't mean a traditional 9th inning spot. Baseball evolved in to having closers but seems to be evolving again in to matchups. The 8th and even the 7th innings can be higher stress than the 9th depending on the score and the other team's lineup. I absolutely will not disparage Hand, Hendricks or anyone similar. So please understand that. But we have seen a number of 30yo plus RP arms signed to multi year contracts that suddenly turn volatile. Reed, signed a couple years ago, is a slightly lower grade example. Are the Twins potentially better off with Rosenthal, a bounce back candidate in Yates or the even younger Bradley for somewhere around $5-6M? If so, then you probably have room to bring in one additional arm like maybe Clippard for $2.5-3M to deepen the pen even further. I hated to lose May, but if you give me FA TBD along with Rogers, Duffey, Robles, Alcala, Clippard, Stashak and Thielbar with depth options I'm very optimistic regardless of who "closes" and when.

I'm OK with this moves and not exactly surprised. He's relatively young with velocity and seems a perfect candidate for Johnson to work with. But I am surprised by the contract. I firmly believed Soria and Clippard would be targets...and may yet be...that would cost a minimum of $2M and would probably be in the $2.5 to $3M range based on age and the market saturation.

I think we're all interested in Tanaka but just expect he will still re-sign with the Yankees. If not, would he want to be in the Midwest? I still think the best replacement for Odorizzi is Odorizzi. I am interested in Walker and Richards, both of whom appear healthy at this time. Kluber, healthy, at 85-90% of his old self would be very interesting. But is he, can he be that? Why does the answer seem so obvious to me?

MLTreaderumors has always been pretty smart when it comes to potential contracts. With the market being ice cold at this point, and so many questions are payrolls and number or games and even the start of the season, I think their projected numbers are high. They have Semien at 1yr and $15M. I'm thinking $13M might be max. And I could go for that. I'm throwing out his 2020 offense, as I would for a lot of players. And he may indeed not be the bat he was in 2019. But good defense and the player he was 2015-2018 would still be pretty good. I don't know anyone has to be written in ink as the "utility" guy per se as there would be a ton of flexibility. What would very intriguing to me, is there a number of solid, versatile infielders out there that could be signed for $2-3M such as Cabrera, Frazier, Miller, etc. This could make the infield outstanding for 2021. IF some of the rumors are true that the FO and ownership are treating 2020 as an outlier and may be considering keeping payroll close to 2020 level, then you might still have Cruz for about $13M, a SP for $8-12M, room for 2-3 solid BP arms for $8-11M, and keep payroll in the $135M range. Yes, a lot of speculation. But speculation that isn't unwarranted, IMO. Adding Semien shouldn't handcuff them from other moves and could really solidify the infield.

I think this is a very smart OP and full of value. I enjoyed the perspective very much. And I think you brought to light a very smart approach to how this off season will ultimately play out. The #1 issue is, of course, nobody has a bead yet exactly where payroll will end up. A 10% cut to roughly $125M or believing speculation the Twins may be kinda/sorta "all in" and keep payroll in the $135-138M payroll they began 2020 in with a team in a competitive window? And we all know that budget and a potential Cruz signing might be the initial talking/sticking points. But without going crazy or trying to speculate actual $ numbers which are virtually impossible at this point, I think we can make a few educated guesses. 1] I see Clippard back and Soria brought on board for a combined $4-6M. Despite having some nice arms on hand, these 2, prospects, and a group of milb FA that might produce a surprise, I could see a Bradley or Yates for $5M also being added. That means 3 competent arms added for about $10M total. Quite the steal! IF payroll allows, yes, you could drop another $2M for Hand, Henricks or Rosenthal. I just don't think that's the direction the FO is looking. But they also understand value. 2] The rotation needs a 4th option and there are many available even if you dismiss Bauer and even Tanaka. (Not sure I'd totally rule out Tanaka). Between Oddo, Richards, Walker, Wood, etc, there is a collection of very solid SP options who could combine with Pineda to give the Twins a VERY nice #3-4 combination for $8-13M depending on not only the market but 1yr vs 2-3yrs. And I just can't shake the idea of Kluber on some sort of deal as well. The depth of the FA market could easily see a 5th option brought in to camp on a cheap 1yr deal for a couple $M to an invite with incentives to compete with Dobnak and prospects. But I don't see a Bauer signing in any way. POTENTIALLY, the Twins could add a quality 4th SP and maybe a cheap flier for $10-15M tops. How often can you do that? 3] The Twins need/want a 10th man. Hernandez would be nice, even though I prefer Profar. (Too much OF depth for the 10th man to HAVE to be a viable OF option). But no way do I pay more than $6M for anyone. There are just too many options out there to overspend. The Twins sign a SS and move Polanco to the 10th man role? Great. You then have a list of at least a half dozen guys from Frazier, Gyorko, Miller and Cabrerra and others for a couple $M to be a quality 11th man. Or you can be super cheap and re-sign a solid Adrianza or similar but why pinch pennies at that point? Want to keep Polanco at SS? Sign Hernandez, already rumored, and then spend another couple of $M for any of the names I just listed as your 11th man. 4] I think they are more than comfortable at catcher. But I also believe they are smart enough to jump on something like a $1M+ deal for a veteran option for depth just to cover themselves if they have a little extra sitting around. SHORT? The Twins will sign 2 viable, proven BP arms but not go crazy, and they don't have to in this market. A very good bet they will extend $ for 5-7M for what will prove to be a steal. They will sign a SP for $8-10M from a collective group with a possibility of $12-13M. They will NOT sign any DH unless it be Cruz, but they will sign a veteran bat such as Brantley or Schwarber who can actually play in the field but for no more than 2yrs. I am not opposed to trades, but I would rather keep what we have and be smart and take advantage of the current market within reason. And for the most part, I think that is the direction the FO will take. Potentially, it gives them ammunition for 2021 and beyond.

Not saying i am sold on a trade with the Reds as speculated here...for the record I prefer the FA route at this time and hold on to prospects until we get another half season to full season of further development and evaluation...but there is real merit to a move here. Nothing wrong with a move for Gray from a team looking to shed payroll and pick up a couple of prospects. And the cost shouldn't be all that high. But I do see the idea of a younger Castillo, with additional potential and better $ control along with Castellanos, as maybe being the better option. Now, said trade is going to cost a pair of top 15-20 prospects and at least a throw-in, whether that be a lower prospect or someone like Cave, who could be a nice temporary option for the Reds. Castellanos is NOT Cruz. But honestly, we aren't 100% sure which version of Cruz we might get in 2021. And if looks like we can't come to terms, Castellanos is an OF/DH with a decent bat and good power as a "replacement" for about the same $ cost per year. In fact, IF the Reds truly are in "savings" mode, taking on Castellanos might lower the package from someone like Duran or Balazovic being included to someone like Enlow or Cantarino instead. (Not that they are poor prospects). Not my preferred way to go, but I see match and merit here potentially.

Fantastic. Just fantastic.

Rumors, rumors, rumors. The Twins will be buyers. The Twins are "in" on a lot of good FA. The Twins MIGHT be in line for a major trade. Plus, ownership has stated they are not looking to recoup any losses from 2020. What does it mean when you add it all up? Who knows? Covid, financial losses, still no clue for 2021 in regard to a start time, how many games, how many fans, etc. No wonder the MLB world is so quiet. But I do believe in the old adage of "where there's smoke there is fire". I have little belief the Twins will be involved in any major trade for a 1yr player with hopes of an expensive extension. Just not prudent, or in keeping with the approach of our FO. What your numbers and all the rumors DO SAY TO ME is the Twins will not cut their "initial" 2020 payroll, or only have a slight cut. Now, I'm confused by the numbers you posted for 2020 as initial reports, IIRC, were south of $140M, not including bonus earnings. So if I read your adjusted 2019 to 2020 payroll numbers, the Twins raised an adjusted payroll approximately $6.5M. My biggest takeaway was still finishing at 19th in MLB, meaning they still hadn't hit the medium yet. Again, I do not expect some major trade that others hope for or speculate. They want sustainability and aren't willing to "gut" the system for an addition or two when the market is ripe to simply add vs trade. IMO, they will keep the payroll basically where it was to begin 2020. That would mean approximately $50M available, maybe slightly less, on a sliding scale of proration that is not yet determined. That is more than enough to augment the existing roster in a variety of ways from a SP not named Bauer, a quality bat that may or may not be Cruz, a couple nice 10th/11th man players and a couple of three RP in a flooded market. Might even have a couple $M left over for a 5th SP flier and a cheap veteran catcher option. I am guessing no major trade, but smart FA signings, a couple late deals, and maybe a small trade for someone they like. They payroll comes in, un-ajusted, around $135-140M. Pretty much how they began 2020.

Not addressing any of the rumors or speculation, simply the idea of a major trade. But I do think it's hard to always define what is a major trade. For example, Graterol wasn't a "major" trade because no All Star type, high salary players were involved. But it sure was a major trade when you talk about impact. A couple points to address: 1] The FO and ownership are not opposed to spending money and bumping payroll as long as it makes sense and brings value. But they also understand their market and their is a difference between value or being frugal vs being cheap, OR overspending vs return. 2] This FO is not opposed to trading young talent. But it also seems they are also always looking for a control factor in their return because... 3]...they want sustainability for the organization. And that's not just financial control or flexibility, it's having a quality milb system of drafting/signing and development. The deeper and better your system, the more "replacement" players you have to promote, but you then have more depth to trade for additions to your roster as well. The Twins have $ to spend this off-season, whether it be $35M or $50M. And they have enough depth within the system to deal 5-7 really nice prospects to bring someone or a pair of someone's to the team. But at some point, if you trade away top prospects, you better get a good return, AND, you have to then replace what you sent away. Of course, smart drafting and smart development allows you to do that. But it doesn't happen over night either. I don't believe the FO is adverse to making a big move. But I simply don't believe they would make any move for ANYONE on a 1yr deal. I think there is a much greater chance for a Darvish type move than a 1yr SS.

Absolutely understand this viewpoint 100%. I think having Astudillo as an extra option for the Twins as well as St Paul is a bit of a luxury. Telis much the same, but as a catcher only. He's really an emergency type, but has ML experience and at least hasn't embarrassed himself in his time. Beyond Rortvedt things do appear at first glance to be weak lower in the system. The problem is youth. Hamilton has been converted to catcher fairly recently and has position flexibility. I have serious doubts about his bat. The other guys are just young/inexperienced and right now we just have no idea if they have any real potential. And now missing a whole season just keeps the book of questions wide open. I think they need to add another good looking prospect or two here, no question. But I think if we actually have a full season in 2021, a couple of these guys could take a step forward. Unfortunately, that's true at almost every position.

This. I understand it is a "way too early projection" OP. I get it. It's an attempt to examine the NOW that leads to speculation and projection TOMORROW with reflection. But it really is way too early. The Dirty Sox have made a couple nice moves. The Twins haven't made a SINGLE one yet of any significance. But I would still put the Twins #1 at this point. You still have to do it on the field. In order to be the best, you have to beat the best. Now, someone a little more tech savy than me cue up a Rick Flair GIF. You out there Ash? LOL

I appreciate the numbers and reasons. All sound. And I'm more than willing to give pitchers and catchers across baseball, not just the Twins, a mulligan for 2020 because it was a strange year and we saw SO many examples of odd performances. Garver, IMO, is NOT what we saw in 2019. I mean, we are talking HOF, all time spectacular numbers! But he also not what we saw in 2020. And I don't need the 3 points in the OP to tell me that. He hit in college. He hit in the minors and was named the hitter of the year twice IIRC. He hit pretty well in his 2018 rookie season. I tend to agree with JLease, even if he hits like 2018...and I think he's better than that...with his growth behind the plate, he's a very good and valuable catcher.

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???