DocBauer

IMO, I think you're close Seth. With the option year, he hits the market again at age 32 and potentially earns a nice deal from the Twins or someone else. The issue I see is he is an intense competitor who believes in himself and if I'm not mistaken, isn't he still represented by Boras? I believe they would balk at the option year and want 5yrs locked in. And I think $72M might be a bit light in their opinion. I'm thinking closer to $80M might get it done. They key is SPECULATION what he might get on the market for 2023-25. Of course, they'd be looking at $20M+ I'd think. They might be looking at 5yrs and $90M, which would give me pause. At $80M for 5yrs I'd jump. Why would they take $80m-ish? Because it's guaranteed money with covid/post-covid concerns, a potential drop in the market over the next couple of seasons, and the unknown of the next CBA. I still believe we haven't seen the best of Berrios yet, consistently over a full season. I think we might with growth and a change in his training routine, which we MIGHT have seen if 2020 had been a full season. In short, I'm in for 5yrs and $80M. I'm not sure future "risk" would make me go $90M. But I'd really like to see this done. Risk/reward tells me he's worth it.

Err...meant to say height and length AREN'T a very large factor when it comes to pitching potential. Just wanted to clarify my rushed and badly typed response.

That much height and length is intriguing for deception, if nothing else. But it's been observation that said length does little to nothing to create velocity. (When you look around and compare). And it seems that great height and length has more "moving parts" to it, creating greater mechanical issues at times. Not saying height and length are bad things. I just feel they are a very large factor.

If anyone in the system is worthy of an early extension, it would certainly be Kirilloff. It's a risk/reward for both sides, of course, but one worth considering. Especially in the strange socio-economic climate we find ourselves ins right now. I find speculation about service time to be irelivant. Especially considering AK's debut and the unknown departure of Rosario. If he looks ready next ST...then he looks ready. If he doesn't look great, then he goes down for a few weeks and someone else takes the spot to begin the season. I don't believe the Twins are really looking at service time right now but rather the best team they can put on the field for 2021. Doesn't mean they couldn't consider an extension for Kirilloff. I just think they have a few more priorities to address at the moment.

Another wonderful interview, Seth! Greatly appreciated! The Twins like him enough to protect him, which is great, but didn't see enough immediate benefit to include him in St Paul. I can understand that. Though reflecting on some of the other guys there over the season, I would have thought they might have snuck him in. For instance, wasn't Barnes brought in for the last few weeks? And it seems strange he wasn't included in the instructional league either. I don't want to poke my nose where it doesn't belong, but I have to assume this was due to the impending birth of his second child and covid concerns. And I get that. Really looking forward to seeing him in 2021 and really hoping he is healthy and ready to go! Can't help but wonder if he will skip additional time at AA and move straight to AAA.

Let me state I love Cruz and want him back if possible. I not only believe he brings class, experience, knowledge and leadership to the team but I feel he has one more really good season left in him. Beyond that 1yr is a huge question mark based on history alone, if nothing else. Any idea of a 2nd year to a deal is rather obviously a potential stumbling block based on $ and an acceptance he could easily be average at best come said 2nd year option. And to me, "option" is the key word here. A second year that IS an option may be the key. Less $ and either a nice buyout of $4-5M, OR, a clause that kicks in based on number of AB/PA may be key. In other words, if he's good enough to appear that many times, he'd be worth brining back for a 2nd year, even at diminished production. I still believe any form of 2nd year would have to be at a slightly lower $ just based on reality. I hear numbers of $15-18M per, or at least for year one. I'm not sure I buy that, especially considering there is no report that the NL will have the DH in 2021. Cruz wants to wait and see. I get that. But how long is too long for all involved? Even if it happens, it could be last minute as it was in 2020. The more I try to play with blueprint options on paper, read and listen to other ideas, the more I'm coming to grips with the idea Cruz may simply not fit going forward. And my brain has been turning and burning all the more after a very smart broadcast from John and Aaron while discussing this very topic. There were some very interesting options brought up: 1] Ozuna: He doesn't have the career numbers of Cruz, or the consistency. But he's a nice 30yr old bat who is best as a DH but can play some OF. MLB Traderumors have him at $18M per on a 4yr deal. Not sure I buy those numbers, but he could be a long term addition. 2] Brantley: Personally I don't feel him being LH is a negative. The 34yo is a consulate professional hitter with decent power and could be a great fit for the lineup. While he won't match Cruz for pure HR power, his numbers speak for themselves. He's still decent in the OF and could be a great fit anywhere from #2 to #5 in the lineup. Projected at $14M per at 2yrs. 3] Santana: Let's NOT look at his abysmal 2020 BA but look at career numbers. (Though OB and SLG numbers in 2020 were OK). He is a switcher hitter who knows the league and the Central. He isn't the hitter Cruz is, but is a good career OB guy who grinds and has good power. He can still play some 1B for versatility and comes in cheap at about $6M if you agree with projections. No Nellie, but a solid contributor to a lineup that has a lot of rebound offerings. 4] Turner: Let me just say I hadn't thought about him initially, but the 36yo could be a perfect fit. His career quad slash line is excellent, he can still fill in at 3B...regardless of any 10th man addition... and is expected to be around $12M per for 2yrs. He might be my 1st choice to replace Cruz except the Dogers practically print money and can have him back if they want him. There are additional possibilities such as Moreland and Braun, previously proven hitters who may have life in their bats and could still play in the field here and there. I have never bought in to the DH as being an "exclusive" bat only spot unless you had someone pretty good/special there. Yes, like Cruz. I've always wanted a team deep enough, balanced enough, that the DH spot is just handled by someone taking a half day off to fill that spot. Speculation and even limited imagination could see the Twins rotation the likes of Rooker, Kirilloff, Larnach, Kepler, Sano, Garver or Jeffers, etc, rotating through that spot over the next few/several years, especially if the Twins continue to embrace having a viable 10th man available. But I don't feel we are quite there yet. And there is ABSOLUTELY room for a big bat. But what if that bat isn't Cruz and could still play the field here and there? Is Nellie a MUST? Or are there good, solid options for the same or less $ available to take his spot on the roster?

Hey Ash, I agreed with the sentiment from TopGun's post of picking Cruz 11 times out of 10 over Rosario. I agree with you about what criteria and numbers may or may not be chosen to make said arguement. And so I like and agree with your post as well. Baseball is a game obsessed with numbers and statistics. We all know this, and it's for good and viable reasons, I do think, at times there are SO MANY numbers that reality gets lost and you can make/find numbers to say what you want. So while I am not disagreeing with you, or anyone, I'm using these combined arguements to make a point of my own beliefs/opinions. I think I've been pretty clear on the record as loving Rosario, believe he's given a bum rap at times that "anyone" could produce his numbers the last couple of seasons, and I hate to see him go. The reality is the Twins are deep with OF talent ready or nearly so to take his spot. The current finances of MLB make him probably the "easiest" person to replace on the roster due to expected financial considerations. And if I had to choose the better overall hitter in Cruz for 2021, again, he's my choice. I believe he has at least one more really good year left in him. Beyond that is a question mark based on history. His potentially one really good season also helps the young players have a season to get a accustomed and ready to roll. All things being equal, I'd rather the FO bite the bullet for 2021 and keep payroll in the same $138-140M range and keep both for another year and work the kids in while still having room to make additions. Fantasy land? Maybe. But the taste of that bullet for another year isn't so bitter if the team has a real shot to do something. But if someone has to go, I'm voting Rosario. *Side Note: Still on target as it seems to be part of this discussion, the more I reflect, and after listening to some very interesting/valid discussion from John and Aaron on their most recent podcast, I confess to wavering somewhat on Cruz being a MUST re-sign. When I start to think about various options such as Brantley, Ozuna, Turner and possibly Santana or even Moreland as possible for the same or less $ per, I'm starting to wonder and debate.

Regardless whether you believe Eddie's production is based on his spot in the lineup, it's going to be really hard to replace that power and production AND lose Cruz...potentially...at the same time. I have high hopes for Kirilloff and Larnach both and reasonably high hopes for Rooker as well. I could see all 3 in Minnesota at some point this coming season. But I'm not willing to bank on them replacing the production of a pair of proven vets. I don't know if the Twins and Rosario are, indeed, considering a 1yr deal to avoid arbitration and a potential DFA or not. There is a logic to it from both sides of the are. I certainly don't see room for both he and Cruz remaining unless the payroll sticks in the $138-$140M range. At tbe end of the day, I see the Twins preferring to keep Nellie for a few different reasons. But there is a definite logic to your thoughts, Tom. I'm still betting on a DFA at this point.

Great rebuttle post! May I do the same? 3] Zimmer LOVES Barr even though I don't think he has EVER used him to full affect, which drives me crazy as he is a defensive first coach. Does ,Spielman have enough guts to just tell Zim he's gone? He'd better. Because I agree Wilson is as good or better. As to Wilson being a FA, I'm going to believe IT tbere is truly a cut in the cap, it will lower his earning potential. If they can save $ on Barr, that should also help. (The whole cap hit finances have always confused the he'll out of me, to be honest). The Vikings need to part ways with Barr, keep Wilson, and draft a couple LB with their 12-14 expected picks to add depth and competition. 4] I take ZERO solace in not using a 3rd WR very often. I LOVE ME TE USAGE! Always have. In fact, I think I've seen enough of Conklin and even Dillon in limited usage and preseason action to say they have UNDER UTILIZED the talent on hand. And I grant you the current scheme on offense lends itself to a "defensive" and efficient mindset of ground and pound. But in today's NFL, that only gets you so far. I love good defense and still believe it leads to winning and even championships. But you also have to move the football and score. For Johnson to suddenly disappear...especially after camp speak told us how good he was looking...and for Beebe to suddenly "emerge" as the 3rd WR speaks about a lack of creativity. The Vikings have lacked a 3rd WR option for years now. At some point, even with a good running game, you have to fling the ball and gain chunks of yards. Even good TE's can only do so much. You need to pressure the other team with real threats. We just don't have that right now. And it's going to bite us in the butt eventually. 5] Again, I've seen so few games broadcast in the Omaha market this year. I read and I watch the YouTube abbreviated versions of the game. I don't tbat Dozier has been a disaster, but he does seem to help the ground game work. But that's not enough. While not enchanted with him, I'm OK with him as a reserve. But agree he should not be starting! Samia appears to have been a fugly draft choice. No clue how you can be all this, all that, etc, with athletic ability and just look and play that badly. The Vikes make it sound like they actually believe in his potential. I call B.S. and say he's gone next year. Cleveland? He's looked solid to great at G so far with potential. But wasn't he supposed to be the LT of the future? I'm confused there. Reiff has rebounded to play decently this year. But he is no long term fixture and salary could make him gone next season. But if Cleveland looks this good at G, do you move him? Kind of a messy situation to be sure. The Udoh situation befuddled me. HUGE, powerful, athletic smaller school prospect with potential. Kid looks so good in preseason they keep him on the roster. He looks good the 1 game he gets to start. And I get he's still raw and there were no off-season camps and no preseason games. But he sits on the bench and Dozier and Samia get to actually start games??? I still think Reiff is gone unless he again re-works his deal. Even if the Vikings drafted Cleveland to be a LT and move him back there, this team still needs 2 OL via the draft or FA to put together a quality OL. You say Kubiak has done a good job with what he's been given. I'm not going to completely disagree with you. But for the most part, he is totally in charge of the offense. He has "his guy" in charge of the OL. He is considered an offensive guru of sorts. And he can't find a way to open the offense enough to utilize the talent he has at TE and WR to find a threat or two? OR, is Zim holding him back? Just a thought.

That was a blast! Totally agree on remembering Ford. We lost a lot of quality ballplayers back in the 70's and he was one of them. I had almost forgotten him. Just a little sad every time I see Mourneau's name. What might have been?

EVERY SINGLE TIME I put pen to paper to figure out my blueprint for 2021, and EVERY SINGLE TIME I listen to the various podcasts here on TD...all done wonderfully BTW...Cruz just doesn't seem to fit on the roster for an "estimated" $125M payroll. Not unless you cut corners somewhere else to the probable detriment to the construction of the team at large. But Cruz has been Mr. Twin since the day be arrived. He has been an outstanding performer and ambassador for the Twins. Now it appears he is contending for Mr. Minnesota. It's why I keep hoping the Twins will be content with a $130M+ plus payroll to find a way to keep him. Losing him...along with Rosario the same offseason...is troubling for the team. I think the FO and ownership understand that. But it's still a business with hard decisions to make at times. It is my hope that the hard decision made is to bank on a contending team and keep a prime piece of that team intact for at least one more year for production, leadership, and public relations by not cutting payroll, or at least only trimming it slightly.

Agree here 100%. It's interesting and fun in a dark way to re-visit past drafts in any sport. But drafts are always a bit of a crapshoot, especially in baseball. And for every whiff in the first round, many teams have a stud player from each class drafted later on. Stewart was considered a great athlete with tremendous potential and about as sure of a thing as you can get in a HS pitcher. Raw, but tremendous potential. He wasn't a reach at the time. No offense to Gordon who I still believe can carve out a decent career as a solid utility player with some offense, but I just never saw him as a good pick that early. (Though some early success made me optimistic). I really liked Turner in that draft. But as I recall, he had a down season and slid down the boards. He was a guy I really wanted. Tremendous disappointment for Jay. But again, as I recall, it was considered a poor draft that year and the Twins needed arms. He was one of the most talented ones that year and should have been a quality RP at worst. HUGE bummer there! No way I can downgrade the Buxton selection as there was no way to predict injuries and set backs. He's a stud when he plays. And he's still young enough to believe we haven't seen the best of him yet.

I had to check out Ober's numbers again. WOW! I actually forgot just how incredible they were! He got 24IP at Pensacola in 2019. I'm guessing he goes back to AA to begin 2021, but wondering if he bas a shot at AAA? The loss of a milb system affects everyone, not just the Twins. So all but the prospects who were invited to the reserve sites are going to have that lost year that hopefully EST helped. It's going to be really interesting to see how rosters and possible level promotions are handled next year. I'm guessing Balazovic goes to AA to begin the year with hopes of AAA at some point. But could he end up being fast tracked?

Law appears, as you stated, to be a depth piece. OK-ish BA against at .257. Nice K numbers per. Outrageous BB numbers. Possible sleeper?? No clue about stuff or velocity.

Here's hoping Reed actually gets a shot and does well, just not against the Twins. I always wondered about Clay. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't he at St Paul this summer? Or am I confusing him with someone else? You can't keep everyone, but was sorry to see him leave. IIRC, he just couldn't handle RH hitting very well but put up some good numbers otherwise.

My opinions are based on YouTube highlights and various reports and observations as I've only been able to watch a couple of games in my market. 1] CB has been a disaster due to injury. Did anyone expect more? What has surprised me is some very good play here and there. There is real potential there between about 4-7 kids who are doing their best. 2] DL is staring to show something. Not great, but showing something. Thrust in to roles, are we starting to see development? 3] Wilson at LB is looking like a keeper. We need depth. Is Barr out do to $? 4] How in the hell can't an offensive "genius" like Kubiak find a way to develop a 3rd WR? Johnson has disappeared after a solid rookie season. Beebe appears to be average at best. 5] OL has improved. Cleveland has looked great at G. I thought he was supposed to be LT. Fine! Keep him there if you believe in him there. But you still need a future LT to replace Reiff at some point. Samia is an All American wasted draft choice if he doesn't get himself together SOON! Dozier has been OK. He's a solid backup. Where is Udoh? I'm exited they won a few games. But when you have a questionable OL and a supposed genuious OC and your whole offense centers around an amazing RB and a decent QB, and you can't find a single 3rd receiving option, I'm starting to think we have the wrong OC. Seems Zimmer has never recovered from Turner walking away, IMO.

I 100% agree he's raw. I think he's at least a year away. Honestly, I doubt anyone would select him. Even if they did, would they really stash him for a full season? I doubt it. But the FO obviously sees his potential. And with Garver, Jeffers on hand, with Telis and Astudillo available, there is no pressure. But he is an emergency option who now gets a chance for a full season to develop and we see what he is when 2021 is done.

Again, fun, smart and well thought out. Great work guys! Echoing the previous sentiment that there is merit with each plan. Going to offer a little feedback in reverse order for reasons that will probably be apparent. 3] Nick: Love the Snell trade but believe the Rays have a window right now and won't trade Snell for a year. He's affordable, even for them, for another season. BUT, if they are willing, I don't believe Kirilloff get's it done. I'm thinking Larnach instead, with Enlow or Canterino and a decent lower level prospect with some upside. And I'd make that move. I love Larnach and who knows, he may end up better than AK. But there is just enough difference in he and Kirilloff, IMO, that a 3 for 1 has Larnach and not AK. I like the idea of Simmons at SS and Polanco, or Arraez, becoming a super utility 10th man who plays daily. And really, would it matter? Opportunity and versatility abounds without having to label anyone in a given role. I suspect the Rays holding on to Snell for one more year sort of dismantled your plan. 2] John: I fully appreciate your aggressiveness here. And I think the Twins have an "in" with Bauer from the FO, general familiarity after years in the ALC, and are a legitimate contending team. An intelligent, if opinionated and flamboyant personality, he now has an agent and is on the open market, albeit in weird off-season. My opinion based on this and a few various additional opinions, he will drop his 1yr at a time approach and sign a 2-3yr deal and then hit FA again. The Twins could afford that. And the rotation would be AMAZING. But I'm not sure I like sacrificing the remainder of the roster for this one big move. I also agree the roster, in general, doesn't have a MUST addition. And I also agree in the Twins ability to build a bullpen. I never want to take a young arm out of the rotation too early, but Colina and Chalmers are a couple of arms that could be ready soon if moved to the pen to join what is on hand. I like the Santana addition as a DH, who could still play a little 1B here and there. He had a lousy 2020, but was still good in 2019 and could easily be a bounce back candidate. He's no Nellie, but it's a smart addition. IMO, Bauer will end up with a higher bidder, though I think the Twins have a legitimate shot in your scenario. I do think the entire roster suffers, potentially, from just trusting the team to build a pen and fill in where they can. 1] Seth: I believe your approach makes the most sense overall. I am OK trading prospects to improve the team. But after no milb season, even with every team having taxi squads to work with at least some young talent, and an EST, how do fully evaluate young talent at this point as the Twins or any team? Oddorizi may or may not be the guy we saw take a step forward in 2019. But he's still young enough that I'm betting on him. With Storman and Glausman gone already, and Tanaka almost certainly going back to the Yankees if they want him, he is the best option to bring back. He has stated he wants to come back and the Twins have done nothing to treat him wrong. I'm willing to bet he, healthy, is closer to the 2019 version than not. I just think this is a perfect fit for player and team. I love Profar, or La Stella, as a 10th man option. BUT, I'm wondering if Cabrera on a 1yr isn't smarter for less money. The OF should be OK. Couldn't we use savings there for the pen? Speaking of the pen...I love Hand for $7M. But what about bringing back May and signing Yates on a bounce back for $3-4M and maybe even bringing back Clippard for $2-3M. The savings for no Hand and no Profar could deepen the pen. *Seems everyone would love Cruz back IF the payroll bumps to $130M or POSSIBLY stays the same. (No additional payroll is still a sort of "cut" if ownership is wanting to be aggressive with the window open). **everyone Seems to agree bringing back May if there is a couple $M available. I agree. Not sure if there is additional upside available. His arm and SO numbers can't be denied. His only negative is a handful of games where he was wild and allowed a big hit before settling down. We all know the role of a RP is volatile. Even more so in a SSS. Does he really get such a big offer that we can't squeeze him in? MY OPINION: 1] The Snell trade of a 3 for 1 is outstanding. I don't see it happening until 2022. So sign Oddo for the best deal possible. If not possible, look to Morton, Richards and Walker. 2] Trust the FO and staff to build a pen, but don't just trust in TBD and keep Rogers, look at keeping Clippard, May if you can, look at Hunter and Yates. There are so many possibles here that if you wait it out, there could be some real bargains late. 3] If $ doesn't allow Cruz to be back, then use the DH spot as a rotational spot. I don't think John's idea of Santana is bad at all. Smart idea if you believe he is what he bas usually been vs 2020. But maybe you just want to trust in Kirilloff, Rooker and Larnach, much less better health for a couple of guys and a normal season. The Twins have one of the best teams in all of MLB the past 2yrs with some very talented players oh so close to being ready. So I'm looking at tweaks and keeping what we have.

I think this is about exactly as it should be. I admit to being surprised by Ober's addition. You simply can't deny the production. He has been outstanding when on the mound. Obviously the Twins believe time, a few adjustments, etc, will alleviate some of his injury concerns. I've been wondering if his injury issues have been mechanical with his big frame, or if he's also been still growing in to that frame, or a combination of both. From my understanding, despite being tall and long, his velocity only sits in the high 80's and low 90's. I have suspected his length gives his FB a "jump" that gives the illusion of greater velocity. Does Johnson find a few more MPH with adjustments? I find him SO intriguing if he can just be healthy. Balazovic and Rortvedt just make obvious sense. No need to comment on J Blaze. And a young catcher with tons of talent and potential that doesn't have to be rushed is someone you hold on to. From those left off, Jax is the only guy that I actually see being selected and maybe sticking with someone, especially a non contender and a return of the 28 man roster. But even then, with no milb season last year, I'm expecting the rule 5 to be very limited this year.

FWIW, "AA collapsing" is in reference to the American Association. Much speculation they are facing some tough roads ahead staying solvent, especially if St Paul were to leave. As to Lincoln, I guess I'm just starting to rezlize AA milb just doesn't really exist in the Midwest. Bad memory or lack of effort to look at franchises and grab a map I suppose.

Curious...why is Lincoln a non starter? Especially if the AA begins to have issues of collapsing.

With all due respect, it looks like a wonderful ballpark. But I have received pushback on Lincoln, NE, Haymarket Park, ALSO part of the AA which could find itself failing, as an option for the Twins. Wouldn't a beautiful ballpark in a city/state that thrives on amateur and semi-professional teams/athletics be just as good of a choice? (With SLIGHTLY better weather). Never understood an arguement for the Royals being in Omaha. This is a state that loves and supports sports and the Lincoln Salt Dogs have brought in fans and won within the confines of the AA.

This is a tough as nails but worthwhile discussion. He's been injury prone, absolutely. Migraines are something I know about. It would appear he has those under control as I haven't heard a word about them in some time. NOBODY could do ANYTHING about a foot/toe injured while playing. A FB hitting his helmet is also beyond his control. What IS in his control? Just not diving too often or running in to walls. He started to make that change this past season. But like so many things that happened in 2020, how do we judge Buxton? He will not be the next Mays or Griffey Jr at this point. And he won't be the next Henderson leadoff hitter we all hoped he would be. I would argue...even with disappointment...so what? He'll only be 27yo next season and has already displayed himself as difference maker when on the field. And he is morphing himself in to a decent power hitter with defense and speed. I'm starting to see him as more of an Jim Edmonds kind of player. If you can find a taker for a quality player, probably a controllable front of the rotation SP, I MIGHT be willing to make a trade and fill in CF the best you can for now...pending FA and future OF. But I'd much rather bet on talent and potential and a full season of adjusting his defensive/physical game for 2021 and beyond instead of selling relatively low at this point coming off 2020. I'd bank on Buxton continuing to make adjustments to keep him healthy, playing at least 120 games or more, and re-evaluate.

I could copy and paste a lot of thoughts here, but that might end up redundant. I still believe this market is going to be very weird. We haven't even had DFA candidates really enter the market yet. Position players, bench pieces, bullpen pieces and back of the rotation options...there could be tremendous late in the process options available. 2022 could be even more wild...assuming a season at this point...as there will not only be FA, but very possibly a plethora of 1yr 2021 contracts available. But I digress. Despite bargains and potential steals here and there, SP is, and always has been, a premium. Despite "expected" cuts in payroll across the league, what we are seeing early is a few teams...and players...jumping early for a payday and some sort of rotation stability for next year. I'm betting things will slow down after an initial wave of SP activity. Are the Twins desperate for SP? No. But don't kid yourself that they aren't in the market to add vs banking on Duran or Balazovic being ready early. The FO has been smart and savy with the initial signing of Pineda and the trades for Odorizzi and Maeda. The Hill signing was still solid. Honestly, if 2020 had been a normal season, the Bailey signing could have ended up being very smart as well. Rotation-wise, the Twins are very close to being very good. But can they bank on being smart enough for another Odorizzi or Maeda trade acquisition? At some point, don't you have to play it a little bit safe and play the cards you have in your hand? It seems to me the Twins knkw what they have in Oddo. I would not overpay for him. And only they know how they truly feel about him. I ABSOLUTELY don't feel he is an $18M per pitcher. But age and performance and history of $ would indicate he is worth somewhere between $12-15M per. All indications have been previously that he would like to return. I'd jump at 3yrs for around $36-39. Anything more and I'd have to pass. Odorizzi gone, Morton for 1yr makes sense. This is assuming he doesn't want to retire. I think its more about being with a contender. Bingo! I like Walker...again...based on relative youth and potential and a solid rebound in 2020. But I'm betting he is asking for a multi-year deal after looking good. Is he worth it? And for how much and for how long? The more I think about it, the more I like Richards. But again, how much and for how long? Baseball gods help me, I keep thinking about Kluber on a 1yr for $3-4M with incentives to see if he can be 75-80% of what he once was after 2yrs of basicaĺly not pitching at all. Everything tells me Odorizzi for something fair...unless another team comes in and blows things up...for 3yrs makes the most sense. After that, Morton on a 1yr deal for around $13M+ish. After that, I'm looking at Richards and Walker for the best 1-2-3yr deal that makes sense. After that...trade. I am never opposed to trading prospects for a quality acquisition. I am hoping for a FA THIS SEASON because, despite depth in the system, I am afraid of paying too much. Rosario is almost certainly gone. If Cruz is brought back, he's on some sort of 1+ deal. We are uncertain about Pineda beyond next season and Berrios beyond 2022. If a trade is the way to go, so be it. I just want someone with control for a few seasons.

Hunter remains one of my favorite players of all time. He's absolutely a Twins HOF and that's not even debatable. He was soon offensively and defensively for years and meant an awful lot to the Twins and no question he was very good to borderline outstanding most years. I wrote a piece in the forum a couple years back how his leaving the Twins had a trickle down affect on the Twins roster, trade moves, etc that really impacted the team with his loss. It took a long time to replace him. To a degree, you could argue they have yet to do so. But despite all of that, I have to agree that no matter how good he was, he just isn't in that ML HOF category.