DocBauer

Absolutely agree 100%. Turner was no slouch as a prospect. And the previous FO decided to, mostly, stagger he and Garver rather than have them on the same roster. Turner was accepted as the better defensive option, and the higher selection, FWTW, even though he was less of a polished hitter. Were Turner and Garver under the control of the current administration, even accepting their same draft selection status, which I have doubts about, I have to wonder if they wouldn't have pushed Garver faster and be would have possibly gained his MLB "sea legs" a year earlier and been more prepared in 2018 to take over for the injured Castro. Personally, I always felt he was held back somewhat.

Repeating myself I know, but the FO is smart and not blind. They know perfectly well the rotation is not set up ideally for the first month and a half. Again, we don't know how much they, and the staff, really like and believe in the kids we are looking at for that time frame. They may be sky high, or guarded optimistic what these guys can do for the start of the season, and their potential going forward. But don't think for a second they aren't making calls and receiving calls. Colorado has been actively shopping their very best player! They are doing that because they think they are going to contend? Arizona, unless they really believe they are ready for a push, was not planning on signing anyone until Bumgarner fell in to their laps on an almost self written deal. Do they have room now to move someone? How crazy and desperate is Boston? Is Miami really going to do anything in 2020? Point is, there is the POTENTIAL for a deal yet to be made. Nobody has turned off the phones. NO, we don't HAVE to make a deal right now. But I think we are open to one if it makes sense. If one of these teams has someone available that the FO feels is a legitimate #2-3 option...#1 options are seldom available, just being honest...without overpaying, we are going to listen. Whether they make the move depends on prospect cost and what they truly feel about what is on hand. Other than another flier, I think we are done for now. Larnach and Gordon, just an example, for Gray or Ray? I think the FO probably pulls the trigger.

Great point. Couple of those guys are decent candidates to be back though.

Lest we forget, despite selecting lower than we have in some time, and missing our 3rd selection with the Donaldson signing, there is another draft in June to continue to add depth. Oh, and international signings as well. A few quality players dealt will not shatter the system or negatively affect it in a gross way by any stretch of the imagination.

Fully appreciate your disciple...err...assignment to write this devil's advocate piece. There is a risk involved, we all know that. But power and late discipline age slowly or elite bats. He can side to 1B or DH after a couple of years. All he really needs to do is work out and stay healthy, IMO, which you would tend to expect of a professional athlete. His signing also changes the perception of the Twins to their current players, and future FA possibilities. Considering the immediate, and future payroll considerations, and those of players who have yet to arrive, his contract should not handcuff the Twins. Any risk is worth noting. But barring an absolute collapse of some sort, the good far outweighs most any potential risk.

Wow. A very convincing arguement. Other than trade, the only guys I would consider were Wood and Walker. We lost out on Wood, a mistake IMO, but could still have a very interesting flier in Walker. I have never really considered McHugh. Probably was dismissive of being 32yo, so-so stat line from 2019, and not considered a true SO. But you've made me look closer to not only 2019, but to his career, and now I'm thinking he would be a cheap, 1yr late January addition that could make an awful lot of sense. While every addition has certainly not worked out, the FO has made it a habit the past couple of years of brining guys in late on value contracts. Could this be another one?

Walker, to me, is one of those low risk high reward fliers that smart teams sign at the end of January.

Love the post. Really, really wish we could re-wind time to late last season and pitch some of these kids more in place of Perez and Gibson. I GET why they didn't, they were trusting more experienced guys and really hoping at least one if them would right himself in time for the post season. Obviously, it didn't work that way. I don't doubt for a moment that Falvey and Levine will continue to work the phones. They are fully aware the first month or so looks a little weak. What we don't know is just how much the FO likes and believes in these youngsters. I doubt they are going to tell us. But if we don't see a trade before the season starts that tells us 1 of 2 things, or both. 1] The cost to add now is exorbitant 2] They really like the potential of these kids, especially considering the cost asked for.

I also love the idea of at least 1 open slot in the rotation for the prospects to audition and gain experience. If they don't receive opportunity, how will they ever develop and how will ever know to trust them? The problem with this process is we are looking at 2 such scenarios, at least to open the year. The best time to do all this would have been last year, when the Twins were coming off a disappointing season, rather than coming off a 101 win year. But the kids weren't ready at the beginning of 2019. And late in the year, for whatever reason, Perez and Gibson were still getting opportunities. I guess I don't know that I have the right answer at the moment. Wait until mid season and then see what happens and trust/audition the kids initially? Makes sense to me. But I also find it a scary proposition for the first month plus.

Ted, I also love and believe it makes a difference. And I absolutely believe the Twins could take a step forward with a better defense. However, I will state that I think catcher and OF are pretty damn good. The infield, however, needs to improve. Donaldson improves 3B, of course. And as I stated in the Donaldson signing thread, Sano will not suddenly be some outstanding 1B. But he has all the experience and ability to develop there anywhere from solid to good. The crux is the middle of the diamond. I do not expect Polanco to be the next Ozzie, Vizquel or even the next Gagne. But he is a fine athlete and only 26yo. Forgetting the greats, I could list pkayer after player who had high error totals in milb and their first few ML season's who turned out to be solid ML players defensively. Polanco is a fine athlete who is still learning and who just found a new throwing angle that seemed to work. Repeating myself from previous comments in different threads, his biggest issue is those plays where he is "right there" but the ball isn't in the glove. A little more consistency due to experience, and his overall defensive performance rises greatly. I have no illusions that Arraez will be a great defensive 2B. But he was a 23yo rookie playing various positions. How much better can he be settling at one spot daily? And let's not kid ourselves, the kid has shown natural instincts in everything he has done. Hyperbole or not, sometimes the comment that someone is a "ballplayer" actually means something. I get the trepidation and angst. Polanco and Arraez will never be outstanding. But there is easily room for improvement and growth as early as this season to be at least solid.

Maybe it's simply hyperbole in the moment, but I'm intrigued by his comment about wanting to stay with the Twins. Dismiss it if you will but the Twins signed him, developed him, and have stuck by him. He, and the team, seem to have a bright future ahead of them. Bear with me for a moment. I am a Midwestern boy, born and raised. Living in Omaha, Nebraska most of my life, SD in my youth, this is HOME. I am a HUGE Husker fan. Over decades as such, you hear the same old rhetoric from teenage recruits, and their families, that they had no idea what Nebraska, and the University, the campus, the people, etc, were like until they came here. Honest to God, they expected some tiny town and wilderness and cornfields. OK, there are cornfields, lol. The biggest obstacle to recruiting is just getting kids here to visit. And then everything changes. How many MLB players come from the Midwest vs west coast and southern states? How many future Twins, even if they left later in their careers, still identify themselves as Twins for life? How many have come back for special occasions, or to work for the club or broadcasts to varying degrees? There have been debates and arguments about FA not wanting to play here. But when is the last time you heard anyone who played for the Twins say something like, "given a choice, I'd never play there or go there again"? Odorizzi has stated he'd like an extension to stay here. Why wouldn't he? I laugh when his QO pays him almost $18M and only Ryu and 3 others signed to play for more in 2020. And come on, Cole and Strasburg are in a different stratosphere. But some state his agent must be lousy. Come on! The Twins are investing in Sano and their other talent. Sure, Sano and others could bank on themselves and future paydays that exceed their Twins contract extensions. But if you like where you are...and there is that understanding and accepting of something you didn't know before you were there...and you can secure your financial future, it is a win win for both parties. Berrios and Buxton are next. Beyond that, and the Donaldson deal could change a lot of future opinions, the one thing the FO should concentrate on is becoming "recruiters" and not just businessmen.

Absolutely and completely understand the sentiment. Young, LH, controllable and SO ability. Honestly have to question why Detroit, devoid and desperate for talent, would give up on him. He would be behind Smeltzer and Thorpe, SP who could also find a role in the pen if the rotation doesn't work out. Or, as temporary moves. They have also signed a couple of so so fliers who could, maybe, surprise and help. And, as mentioned, Clippard is practically a LH RP himself. Milb contract and an invite.

This may or not be the time and place to bring this up...probably will end up being a OP brought up...but does the Donaldson change opinions on a SP move? I mean, for the most part, this team is BUILT! Bailey helps. Hill is a bit of a flier, but a potential 2nd half acquisition ahead of time who could pay big dividends. And there are some njce young arms to audition early, who could also pay dividends this year and going forward. But for the first month or so, there remains a potential hole in the rotation. Are you now more in on a move for someone like Price with $ exchanged and a couple lower prosoects? More inclined for additional prospect capital for Ray, Gray or maybe a youngster with promise like Alcantara? Or what about the rumored smaller deal of Cave for Hernandez from Miami? Does this change your opinion on what we need and what the FO seems to be doing and building?

Always thought the $80-85M was low. Figured and stated, I felt it was closer to $88-92 to fit in the parameters of what he had been making. Unless, of course, they did as I suggested the other day and up their offer some and tell Donaldson that was it. If they did do that, then I want some sort of consultant fee. Lol

Soon as my son gets home from the gym, I think I'm giving him my debit card to go buy a 6 pack. That way I can finish cooking supper, dance and celebrate, read, post and fantasize the rest of the night.

Passing Tom a beer and a towel.

Pretty much what I've been thinking. Wondered about swapping Donaldson and Cruz. Not sure it matters. Practically illegal!

ECSTATIC...but not overly surprised. The way this was dragging on, frustrating or not, told me our offer was legit and we were in on him seriously. Couple quick points: 1] Shouldn't have to say it, but WOW, what an offense! 2] Infield defense is improved, at least a little. And that's not a knock on Sano who I think has been banged on a bit too much. But Donaldson is flat out better and should help make Polanco's life just a little bit easier. 3] Team game. More offense, better defensively at even one spot, all helps the pitchers. 4] This sets a precedent not only to fans, and the rest of the league, (including future FA), but to the CURRENT TWINS on roster. Don't underestimate that. 5] Sano is going to be fine, if not good at 1B. Now, he won't be a polished product immediately, but he is a big target with reach, he charges balls well, he goes after pop ups well, and his hands aren't the problem, it's always been about lateral range. Lateral range won't be as big of an issue at 1B as it was at 3B. Guy was a SS when signed and moved to 3B. He's dealt with smashes, hard grounders, rollers all his life. Don't tell me he can't handle some scoops in the dirt. Again, not a finished product immediately, but he's going to be fine. Plus, large man, titanium plate in leg, 1B is probably easier on his body. I am so pumped right now I may have to pop the top on a few to celebrate!!

You can't not sign an extension because he "might" get hurt. That would be true for anyone. Unless his demands are just nuts...and we have no idea what he and his agent are thinking...you absolutely put together something fair and get it done. I'd really like to see 5yrs. These kind of deals work for both sides. The team gets a but of a discount, but the player has guaranteed money just in case. Win win. If he wants to bet on himself and a huge return on the open market in a few years, that's on him and not much you can do about it. I think it gets done.

Howie, I am a big fan and believer in Thorpe. The kid was awesome initially before his surgery and then missed season due to mono. IIRC, he was actually rated top 100 or just outside of it initially. Since ha E has come back, he's performed very well at the milb level and been promoted rather aggressively. Despite his final numbers, if you watched Thorpe last year...and I mean that in a general sense, not just you...you saw what he can do and what he might become. I think he has a real shot to be a mid rotation SP. I just don't want to trust that right out of the gate. Same could be said for Graterol, out of the gate, but that is a different discussion. FWIW, off topic somewhat, if the rotation just doesn't work out, I think Thorpe is very Rogers-like as a bullpen piece. I'm also hoping for a trade for another rotation addition. And I'm not talking about some top of the rotation #1 SP addition. That would have happened weeks ago or at the next trade deadline. But unless the FO, smarter than me by a long shot, just has so much belief in the kids on hand and Bailey, they absolutely have to make a move for another quality arm before the season begins. Ray, Gray, name someone. Who is another Odorizzi addition? Just can't start next season, IMO, with what is on hand while playing the waiting game.

What transpired with regard to the pen can't and shouldn't be dismissed. Like many, I was up in arms, no pun intended, at Parker being the only addition last year. But what they held things together for a time, and then the pen really took off. Made Johnson and the FO look a whole lot smarter than the rest of us for sure. And there are additional arms in reserve that could make their mark before 2020 is over. I kind of laugh, when you reflect on the results, because the Twins don't have NAME arms in their pen. But you aren't a NAME until you get a chance to go out and earn it. But are they that smart, can they get that lucky with the rotation as it sits now? Because honestly, right now, we're short there.

I am going to disagree on Polanco not improving at SS. I have no illusions he is going to develop in to some Gold Glove caliber SS. But the overall athleticism is there to improve. Further, his new throwing motion seemed to pay dividends and he should be more and more comfortable with it. My biggest issue with Polanco, from what MY EYES saw, was silly boots when he seemed to be in position but just didn't secure the ball. That's the kind of thing that can improve with religion and experience. I fully appreciate the work you have done here and all the numbers regarding Arraez's various defensive numbers. But to me, we are still talking about a rookie, and a rookie being asked to play various positions. 2B has always been his primary position. I am all about positional flexibility, and his flexibility last year helped a lot even reflecting on the ratings, but being allowed to concentrate at 2B should show a marked improvement on his 2020 defense.

The double blind arbitration process has both sides already very close. The FO has shown they are intent to extend what is already on hand. The fact it hasn't been everyone all at once doesn't concern me. My guess? Berrios is signed to a nice extension before he reports that both sides like. I feel there is a 50-50 chance Odorizzi is extended as well. If you look at the FA SP that signed, his current QO of nearly $18M is not out of line at all. And he wants to stay. The Twins want him and need him, it seems to me. I'm guessing Buxton is extended next off season. What is so damn frustrating is the Donaldson situation! You don't want to bid against yourself, but unless the FO is convinced their offer is quite a bit better than Atlanta, I think they should bump themselves a bit and force Donaldson's hand one way or another. We heard rumors of Cave for...sorry but I can't remember the guy's name now. If that was for real, then do it. If not, bite the bullet and move 2 of the top 5-20 with another decent prospect or two and get SOMEONE they like to add to the rotation. I love Pineda and Hill could be huge the second half. But this rotation still needs at least one more decent to good arm. Love most of the team as is.

Personally, nothing is dampening my enthusiasm. I mean, real Twins baseball is a month away! All the world is better when it's baseball season! I love the offense, minus only Cron, if you really look at. Sure there could be some regression, but I also think we haven't seen the best of some guys, notably Sano and Buxton. I really like the pen, so much better than how last season began, and depth to continue to maintain and improve. I feel Berrios has another level, and I'm actually excited about some of the kids already "here" and a couple more that could make an appearance before the year is over. I am NOT excited about still needing one more bat and not knowing who it's going to be or where it's going to come from. Holding out hope for Donaldson...I'm starting to think we have at least a shot of making that happen...but I'm getting really tired of this waiting game. I am NOT excited about the rotation to begin the season. IMO, the Hill move is like a mid season acquisition that could prove big. But only Bailey still has me bummed and burning. A month away and we still need another good, decent, solid arm if not a really good one. The FO can't be that sold on the kids can they? But I remain hopeful and excited. Cold, rainy, dreary day here in Omaha, but spring and ST are on my mind.

I tend to be a very optimistic person/fan, but I've had a real struggle with this signing. There we guys I liked a lot more who had much better results more recently. Grudgingly, I went back and reflected on career numbers and honestly, I had basically forgotten there was a stretch a few years ago when he was actually really good. (As referenced in the OP). And then I see a bounce back season last year, plus a change in pitch usage, and suddenly I'm a little more hopeful that health and tweaks actually has Bailey back to being a solid contributor again. But to show how smart I am, a couple of the younger, more talented guys I wanted the Twins to sign are Wood and Walker. As of this moment, I believe BOTH are still available and just looking for work/opportunity.