DocBauer

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.

I am also coming around to the idea of Polanco as a super utility option and signing one of the FA SS. I don't believe Polanco was signed to be a utility player. But said proposed situation is similar to the idea of signing Profar as a utility role. The sales pitch is, you get good money to play virtually ever day on a good team but you just don't play ONE spot. The Twins seem to be attempting to copy the Dogers format of roster versatility which I applaud 100%! I'm sure some guys just want to play one spot, and feel comfortable there. But the game has been slowly changing more towards versatility. There is a bit of a sales job involved, but again, that sales job is good money and playing daily.

I'm OK with both of these guys as quality additions even if they aren't my first choices. I would prefer Profar as my "super utility" even though he can't play CF like Hernandez. But I'm OK with that. There is a lot to like about Kike, but Profar is younger, still has some upside, and might be the better bat. I've been assuming Adrianza would be back for $1M as a 2nd utility player who is the primary backup SS. But if Hernandez were signed, he could potentially be that backup and you could sign someone like a Frazier as another solid bat off the bench in a utility role. Your bench is looking pretty good at that point. I'm also fine with Soria as a pen addition as long as he isn't the primary signing. I don't know that Henricks or Hand will be brought on board...though it would be nice...but Yates or Bradley for $5M ish with Soria and Clippard back for $3M each could help build a really strong pen with what is on hand.

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.

No pat on my back as I can only hope and speculate, but i did suggest this makes the most sense a week or so ago. I'm sure Wichita is disappointed considering their new park and AAA hopes, but the city has been a part of AA for many years. They were an affiliate for the Royals for some time I do believe. They rest in sort of a no-man's land between multiple ML franchises in both leagues. But they ARE a midwest city. So being part of a quality organization that is also midwest has to be rewarding vs a coastal team, IMO. Works for fan identification and rooting interest that should benefit both parties.

I really didn't want to lose him. And no matter they hype of potential interest in him, I just never bought in to $7M per for a non-closer in the current climate. Shows what I know. But, I will say this, if this was anyone but the Mets, and their new owner who not only wants to make a splash, but just got another $24M to play with AND who's pitching coach is very familiar with May, would he still have gotten a deal this big?

There is the undeniable reality of the financial aspect of MLB EVERY year even without covid and losses and possible payroll cuts, or at the least, payroll stagnation. Rosario and his agent may recognize and understand this and even grudgingly accept it. But there is also belief in oneself and personal pride. Rosario back as a DH/OF depends not only on these factors...not to mention the FO opinion on what they have and other moves they may want to make...but what kind of conversations took place before the expected DFA took place. Rosario is not the only player this has happened to or will happen to.

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.

Nice out of the box thinking, but a cursory glance shows 16G at SS in 2017 and nothing since. No 3B since 2015. Meanwhile simply for comparison sake, I see Schoop playing a surprising 17G at SS in 2018 and 17G at 3B in 2014. Very similar. I fully appreciate Martin's ability to play a very good 1B and contribute to the OF corners. While his offense dipped in 2019, I think he was a fine addition and key contributor. It's too bad his offense went over a cliff in 2020. But IMO, while it would be awesome to have our 10th guy be able to play some OF...and there are options who can to be sure...the Twins OF depth is so great right now that that isn't a primary concern of mine. Adrianza should be a virtual no-brainer for $1M and 1yr for his glove. Hopefully, the decent and contributing hitter he was in 2018-19 will return. The Twins need the 10th man option to bring a decent, everyday workmanlike glove to 1B/2B/3B with solid offensive ability. That can be any number of combinations of AVG/OB and power, etc, mixed in. The top names, of course, are Hernandez, LaStella and Profar. You might even include Turner in there if the Dogers decide to move on. MLB Traderumors has all of these guys between $6-7M. Do they really get that considering the current market? Or could one of them be snagged for $4-5M for at least 1yr? Secondary options that are at least intriguing could include the likes of Cabrera, Frazier, Gyorko and Miller for maybe $2-3M if the market is as shallow as some expect, especially if more options are included via DFA. I think this is a perfect time for a smartly run organization like the Twins to find a really good value for a 1 or 2yr 10th man option without breaking the bank. And guys like Gordon and Blankenhorn get a little more time to establish themselves without undo pressure or a big drop off when called on.

I am not directly opposed to either on a cheap 1yr. A little surprised they were cut loose considering relative youth and what I would suppose are rather inexpensive contracts. Renfro could form at least a quasi-platoon with Cave/Wade if Kirilloff/Larnach and/or Roomer needed more time. But I believe the Twins feel they are ready so I probably say no. No matter how cheap of a 1yr Renfro may be, I think the money could be better spent elsewhere. Nunez actually intrigues me more. He will only be 26yo until April and has power. He can DH, sub at 1B and the fact that he can and has played a little 3B offers a little lineup flexibility here and there. His inability to dominate LH pitching doesn't really concern me as most arms remain RH. But again, no matter the cost, couldn't the money perhaps be better spent elsewhere? I think the Twins can and should aim higher, even with questions about an undetermined payroll. But if utility, rotation and bullpen are addressed and there is just no room for Cruz, you could do a lot worse that adding an inexpensive power bat like this to finish out the roster.

I tend to agree. We all know there was a universal DH last season. And it made perfect sense for the way the 2020 divisions were laid out/played. And while there are covid situations to be resolved for 2021...including teams like Toronto that can't play home games actually home for NOW...there is at least tentative hope for vaccines, lowering of numbers, time, etc, and MLB will have something more akin to a "normal" 162 game season, or approximate, with fans at some point. Under those hopes/conditions, the league-wide acceptance of the DH would almost certainly be part of the next CBA. Now, if the season suddenly becomes more compressed and involves more inter-league games, then the powers-that-be could arbitrarily add the universal DH again. To Cruz's detremit, such a sweeping move probably wouldn't take place until late January at the earliest, IMO. That puts him waiting awfully late in the process of hope for additional bidders for his services. Additionally, what if most rosters are already budgeted and set by that time? Right or wrong, I think he's going to have to expect 1 league and limited suitors as not everyone has a need at DH, or a want to invest in one as they are re-building.

I think you kind of nailed it here. The Twins are in a weird place, as are most teams, not just financially, but trying to figure out exactly what they have in young talent with no milb season in 2020, and what and how do you evaluate the expanded roster and the instructional league? This is not only in regard to promotions, but even trade value between teams. Prospects are still prospects until they show otherwise. I get it. And I don't follow anyone else but the Twins. But when you have a contending roster, albeit with some holes and question marks you want/need to address, and a large group of young talent seemingly so close to hitting MLB, how do you trade said prospects at this time to augment your roster? For NOW, I'm really hoping payroll and financial discussions would allow the team to keep what they have/know, and just make a couple smart and affordable signings....really hoping we can keep a $130-138M payroll...work the kids in, and then make any trade moves mid-season 2021 or next off-season. I am not opposed to a smart move that makes sense for a quality return. We have depth to do something like that. If Johnson and the FO feels a guy like Snell is someone they really like and can work with, so be it. I'm not convinced at this point about Snell. The FO and staff are a whole lot smarter than I am. But I feel the team is in a perfect position to "tweak" the roster and hold off on trades for another half season or so.

I agree they are smartly run and a very shrewd team in their dealings. But the Odorizzi deal was very cheap on the Twins side of things and turned out very well. It could turn out even better if Oddo is brought back on a decent deal for both sides. But, Snell is still cheap for 2021 and unless they are blown away, I don't see the Rays moving him until next off-season anyway.

There is no question Cruz is a short-term signing, whether it be 1yr, or 2yrs, or some sort of 1 and option, which is what I suspect will happen if he's brought back. I do think the FO is serious about contending and keeping their contention window open. And with what is in hand and coming up, there is and should be a lot of optimism. But regardless of any opinion on the finances of MLB, there is an unknown situation right now regarding revenue/losses/2021 projections. I don't think the Twins would bring Cruz back for the sake of PR. Personally, while a proponent of the DH, unless you have a special bat for that spot, I have always been in favor of a deep roster and a rotation at that spot. The bite is the Twins find themselves in a sticky situation as Cruz IS/HAS BEEN that kind of bat. And I believe he has one more really good season left in him, all the more because 2020 was short. But at the same time, we have some SERIOUS potential in Kirilloff, Larnach and Rooker to fill spots/roles. But to bank on them so early, and remove, potentially, BOTH Rosario AND Cruz in the same off season is frightening.

I think I actually like Brantley better than Ozuna. He's still a decent OF to create better roster flexibility/insurance and is super consistent. Ozuna has a higher ceiling power-wise, and is younger. Ozuna is a step down from what Cruz is, or has been, but do we want to commit a 3-4yr deal on someone that should be a DH only might be a consideration. But I also like both options. My problem is the NL DH idea. I also believe the NL will eventually adopt the DH. But when? Are they going to do so next CBA? Or will they announce something late like in 2020 and won't know until February? There are a lot of working parts from now until any potential announcement. Teams have to work out payroll and rosters. Players will want to find their homes for 2021 and their best deals. I'm not sure the Twins, Cruz, or anyone else can sit back and wait to see what's going to happen in this situation.

Matthew, appreciate the entire black Friday, blue light special thought process. And there is some upside and potential quality here. I'm just not sure, even with possible payroll restrictions, that there are matches here. Miller: I'm not sure he really is better offensively than Marwin was when you look at his career quad slash line, despite the 2020 fall off by Gonzalez. I think...if we are talking budget acquitions only...that Cabrera for about a $1M more and brining back Adrianza isn't a better move. Pillar: I love this idea! I was hoping for him last season. Some power and speed to go with excellent defense. He provides a legitimate CF option behind Buxton and LF insurance if any of the prospects struggle at first. But will he be willing to accept a non-starter role? Financially speaking, there are larger concerns, potentially, to fill that would only allow his signing on something like $1-2M. I just don't see this happening even though it would be a great fit. Wacha and Anderson: Interesting! I like Wacha better with upside and younger. Really hoping payroll/moves will allow us to bring in someone as good or better to the mix with Pineda for that 3/4 spot. Wacha offers upside and hope on the cheap. But I'd like to think we can find a better option for a contending team and make it fit. Wilson and McGee: I think both of these guys could be a CHEAP investment with high dividend reward potential, especially if you don't buy in to Thielbar. But how inexpensive and what kind of floor/ceiling would you expect? Clippard did what he bas done year after year, which is perform against LH and RH for an inexpensive deal. Despite his success and consistency, he doesn't put up huge numbers and is not a closer or elite set-up man. So he grinds out year to year for $2.5-3M deals. Money may be tight, but IMO, he's a smart re-sign for $2-3M. These guys would be outstanding values on $1-1.5M as a potential 3rd "LH" offering from the pen to compete with Thielbar. A well thought out and interesting OP! I like a lot of what you've presented here. I just think/hope the FO will find a way to fit better options in.

I don't know many IP Maeda threw oversees, but he hit 175 his first season with the Dogers. While his performance and numbers the next 3yrs were good/excellent he was moved to the pen to help their run. As one of our top rotation pieces you want him to pitch 180 innings plus. There's absolutely no reason to believe he can't do that, especially with an occasional break here and there and no over-use, which the Twins seem to be good at preventing with thjs staff. And the guy I watched pitch last season seems to be more than capable of maintaining what we saw. So while he hasn't done it but once thus far, doesn't mean he can't. In fact, the Doger pen moves and the short 2020 season may actually prove beneficial to a 30yr old arm. But the pragmatic part of me wants to see it first before I talk extension or any bump in his incentive clauses. And then, as Diesel mentioned, there is the ghost of Hughes lingering. I don't think you extend a guy already under contract...or again bump his incentives...until you see more. No to any re-work of his deal at this time.

#11] Twins daily and it's community at large, and all the hard work done by those that run and maintain it.

Re-sign Oddo or talk to the Marlins.

Despite his loss at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, what he has done performance wise has been excellent. He was a very smart acquisition by the FO. I'm glad to have him back for 2021. Any sort of extension, in my mind, is not based on what he has done thus far. It's based on 2 key points that we don't know yet: 1] Who do the Twins add? Do we sign Odorizzi or someone else via FA or trade? We NEED one more SP. But whoever we add, if it's only a 1yr deal, that could raise Pineda's value. 2] How close do the Twins view Duran, Balazovic, Chalmers and Ober as being ready? There is no such thing as a bad 1yr contract, right? No insult, but after the suspension, I would think another 1yr deal for $10M...MAYBE $12M...would be in order. You could offer a similar 2nd year with a $2M buyout. And I'd be OK with that. Quality SP is worth an aweful lot. And Pineda comes cheap, potentially. But with some talented young arms on the way...before we see what the FO does...I'm balking at anything other than a 1yr with a decent 2nd year and an affordable buyout.

Going to disagree with you slightly here, Seth. I see Celestino the same way I view Lewis. The Twins are built to compete RIGHT NOW barring something obscene happening. I don't feel, right now, especially coming off no milb season despite the reserve list at St Paul and development time at Ft Myers, that the Twins are in any shape to just promote for the sake of promoting and looking towards the future. We've done that a couple of times in the past, and we HAVE been rewarded when we did so. I feel Celestino and Lewis don't have to be penciled in over the next couple of seasons as a lock. I feel both will be brought up, hopefully soon, as bench pieces to get their feet wet without being counted on as every day players. And there's nothing wrong with that. And if Celestino is what we hope he can be, it could change the perspective of a Buxton extension. But he is still a prospect at this point. But I see both he and Lewis coming up as fill ins and utility players initially.

I like this and think it's fair. I might bump it up to $30M to make the first couple of guaranteed years a little more enticing. NOBODY can debate what he does when healthy or his potential. But Buck and his agent also can't deny his limited time on the field thus far. I can't blame him for a FB to his head at the end of last season. And I can't blame him for a crazy foul ball that injured a toe, or a weird cleat caught in the OF making a play. And you'd like to think good luck/karma would assist along with a few tweaks like playing deeper, jumping on 2 legs, holding back here and there vs sacrificing your body, etc. Waiting another year, a full season, might be the smart thing to do. But if he's healthy for 2021 and plays 120-140 games, his $ value goes up. So the Twins are in a very awkward situation here. But so is Buck banking on better health and luck going forward. Were it me as his agent, or Byron himself, and the Twins offered my something like this, I'd jump at it. I MIGHT lose $ in the future, but I'd also have guaranteed life changing money in hand.