DocBauer

I am not saying the Twins should break the bank to sign Odorizzi. And I'm not saying in any way he deserves any bank to be broken, piggy or otherwise. But i am saying if they like him, believe in him and want him then they'd better act pretty quickly. We've already seen 2 QO accepted, a re-sign and now an unexpected Smyly signing. And while I hate to buy in to rumors, they exist and seem prevalent. Need to get this done or the trade route might be the only route. Otherwise, nothing but low level and far left fliers will be left.

We're kind of thinking along the same lines. But Stoman and Gausman are gone. So is Ray. Not saying I was necessarily IN on those guys, but I found them of interest. I'm OK on Smyly. I'm tantalized, scared and interested all at once on Kluber. Even at 35 can you imagine him suddenly healthy and ready to go? But he is a low investment to me at this point. Barring trade, I'm just not sure the market has anyone better than Odorzzi. And that's not a negative shot at him. I just think he might be the best option. But I do like Walker. I liked him last off-season. Not sure about about an extended deal. But I do like him.

I think we all need to let go any misgivings about the loss of certain milb franchises and the "homey" feelings of the "good old days" we might have grown up with. I am NOT being callous, simply, a realist for what is taking place. As I stated in another thread, I can appreciate what MLB is doing and reserve judgement until we see how it all plays out. *Side Note: I am excited about situations such as the Appalachian League becoming a college showcase league with the support of MLB. (Shout out to Ash for providing a great link). I am hopeful other cities will find their niche. From a purely logical standpoint, a lot of what is happening makes sense. Travel, promotions, scouting and even building a fan base that makes more sense regionally can benefit both ML teams and their affiliates. Nowheresville has a recently posted a blog on TD that indicates 10yr contracts will be the way of things for teams and affiliates. This makes tremendous sense for both parties, and could even put the ML franchise on the hook for such things as facility improvements. And I think that would be a good thing. I like the idea of Ft Myers being low A and in the vicinity of the Twins primary ST/milb facility. I'm sure Cactus ML teams would look to do the same. It actually makes a ton of sense! Once upon a time, the American Association used to be the 3rd milb AAA league. If MLB wants to continue to have a milb championship, with all of their logistical re-alignment, they will have to consider keeping just the PLC and IL, OR, expanding to 4 leagues, possibly with crossover games, and keep things even more regional with their AAA championship. And speaking of the American Association...now an independent league...you have to wonder about the future of independent leagues. Especially with the Appy League becoming said college showcase league. St Paul becoming the Twins AAA team makes tons of sense for both parties, especially if the Twins help pay at least part of the $20M price tag. I think they'd be silly not to! How does the St Paul ownership lose anything? Fans won't come out any longer to see baseball simply because they don't like the Twins? Please! Milb baseball is grounded in a cheaper form of family fun and baseball with promotions, fun, giveaways, etc. The level of baseball would only improve, as would interest in seeing potential ML players. (Any sudden rise in cost for a day at the ballpark is a different story). But the independent American Association could be about ready to sucum. And that brings me to an idea easily dismissed by others a few months ago I think should be re-investigated. The Lincoln Nebraska Salt Dogs of the same AA have been a viable franchise with success. They share Hawk's Field at Haymarket Park with the Husker baseball team. It's a beautiful brick-style park that seats 4,500 with an additional 4,000 berm and OF grass fans. There is room for expansion. The stadium has been home for not only the Huskers and the Salt Dogs, but countless concerts and special events, including college baseball regionals. Nebraska as a whole, Omaha and Lincoln, have become a centralized location for college, independent and Olympic sports over the past few decades. And if you don't know that, you aren't paying enough attention, or at least aren't from the area. LOL! Some have argued with me a milb franchise couldn't exist 45 miles away from Omaha and the Royals AAA team. But I'm talking AA, not AAA, in a city that has supported the Salt Dogs in the AA. A city that is sports crazy, in a state that is sports crazy without a single "true" professional franchise. Unless there is some crazy way MLB would be treated differently by the NCAA vs the AA, this could be a tremendous fit for everyone. Now, Wichita is an interesting idea and alternative! As I recall, they have been mostly or exclusively a AA franchise previously. They sit in an odd nomansland geographically between multiple ML franchises. But they fit just as well with the Twins as anyone. Were I the Twins FO/ownership, I'd be VERY interested in them as my new AA affiliate. Especially with a brand new park, as reported. I'm not sure Twins ownership can lose here if they are just willing to invest a bit. Florida takes care of low A, EST, ST, and whatever rookie indoctrination they establish. St Paul is your AAA franchise. Wichita or Lincoln is your AA with Cedar Rapids your high A. Where is the downside?

If I'm not mistaken, wasn't Wichita previously a AA affiliate? Or am I remembering incorrectly?

I should have read this before jumping in to my original comment. Thank you for sharing the link Ash!

Slightly confused as I thought I heard the Appalachian league was going to be a college wooden bat league. So is Elizabethton just done for good? Or are they done simply as a milb affiliate? I am confounded, disappointed and saddened by the changes in milb and the consolidation of the entire format. All the more so for Elizabethton as it has produced so many great seasons and championships and I dare say only a handful of great Twins players over the past couple of decades haven't passed through there. I can understand change and what MLB is attempting to do by streamlining the entire system. And I will reserve final judgement until I see how all of this plays out in the end. But it does carry a sense of loss. I don't pay for the Trib, so I can't read the article. Smith and Reed have meant so much to this organization over the years, I'd like to think their wealth of experience and knowledge would find a place within the organization still.

You may be right as we just know so little how this market is going to play out. But the back issue that slowed him to begin the year might be explained by the short ramp up to begin this season. He had a back issue in 2017 that hindered him with Tampa, but showed no signs of it being an issue in 2018 or 2019. The other injuries that provided a lost year this past season were flukish in nature and not major or potentially debilitating in any way. He will only be 31 next season. While not the exact player if Ray is worth $8M for 2021, I'd say Jake should be worth the same at least. Now, does he or anyone want a 1yr deal only? Is he looking hard for a multi-year deal? Does anyone offer it? Way too many unknowns. I think Doctor Gast hit it on the head when he stated the Twins know who Odorizzi is and what he can do. (As well as what he HAS done). Sometimes, dancing with the one you brought is better than looking for a different partner, to paraphrase an old axiom. I'd jump at 1yr and $10M. I'd strongly consider 3yrs at $30M myself. And IMO, Oddo would have to strongly considering it as the market after 2021 could still be convoluted, especially if a bunch of guys end up only on 1yr deals for next year. Good, solid ML SP...even 3/4 types are often worth $10-12M per. Sometimes more. I would consider 3yrs at $36M...but how much do the Twins really believe in him is the question.

Yet another fun and interesting podcast. Really enjoyed it! Thanks again guys! All 3 scenarios have merit, and I don't feel any of them are outlandish in any way. (Though each may have to be tweaked slightly). Just my opinions/thoughts on each: 1] The Twins system had added a lot of arms with hope/projectability including a few with some pretty high upside. But I'm not yet content to move any of them just yet unless I feel the return is fully justified. And I don't buy the old adage "there is no such thing as a pitching prospect. Of course there are! That's why you draft and sign them...and then hope for the best just like any position. With all due respect to Story, I don't see what very easily could be a 1yr rental as a smart gamble. A healthy Polanco is still a good ballplayer. Your top prospect could supplant him over the next couple of years. I just don't make this deal. 2] Would the Brewers really be crazy to make this deal? They have payroll to worry about like a lot of teams. Reportedly, they have a bad farm system. Do they really see themselves contending the next couple of seasons? If not, this deal actually makes a lot of sense for them, adding more prospect ammunition for a re-build. Woodruff and Hader could easily be about ready to leave just as the Bewers might be getting "good" again. Now, that being said, were I them, I'm debating Celestino over Wallner for the 2nd OF. I also think I want a 3rd arm such as Sands or Colina maybe. I think Canterino would be too much, unless he replaces someone. Lastly, I'm going to ask for Cave or Wade as a final piece to give me a decent, young-ish OF to provide immediate depth and the ability to stick around a few years. Virtually all of these guys could be ready over the next 2 seasons. IMO, the Brewers would not be crazy to make this deal...with the additional tweaks...if they reaĺy don't see themselves contending for a couple of years. They have to replenish or face some very dark days. 3] Fully confessing I don't know Ketel Marte as I just don't follow AZ at all. I like everything I've heard and read however. He fits a need as a true 10th man, which I don't think is unimportant. His numbers are solid, his versatility excellent, defense seems to be good to even better. Really smart out of the box thinking on this one. I'm tempted. Despite immense talent and potential, the Twins could absorb the losses of Cavaco and Rodriguez as well as Canterino due to being ready to win now, and having such a deep system. I AM concerned about Marte's contract situation in '23 and '24, but he would only be 29 & 30yrs old those seasons and if he continues to play and produce similarly at those ages...not the least bit OLD and probably still in his physical prime...he could absolutely be worth those $ numbers, especially considering other contracts coming off the books for younger players potentially and a fairly affordable first 2yrs. Final analysis? 1] No. I don't like an expensive 1 shot deal that isn't a SP. 2] Yes, even with tweaks and additional prospect cost. 3] Maybe. Again I'm very tempted here. But not so sure I wouldn't hold on the prospects involved for now and spend $5-7M on one of the quality FA 10th man options that are on the market.

I still believe we will see a big DFA market to saturate the FA market and, potentially, cheap and late signing values. But what I find intriguing is Ray signing quickly as well as Stoman and Glausman accepting their QO. It means some players are willing/smart enough to grab what they can when offered. Also indicates at least some teams are smart/brave enough to keep an important piece of their puzzle despite financial concerns. I disagree Odorizzi was shaky in 2018. He was still solid. He was borderline outstanding in 2019, even as a 5+ IP thrower. His injuries in 2020 were freaky and in no way career threatening. Barring a trade for someone, he's a perfect fit for around $12-13M, whether it be 1yr or 3yr. He's no ACE, but who ever said he was? But he IS good! And he wants to be here. This really should be a happy no brainer sign unless demands get out of whack.

Happy to bring Kluber on board as a flier for a couple $M with incentives. Otherwise, complete pass.

Mike, tremendous post! And really, despite endless OP's before on the front page, I'd like to see this one moved there. I LOVE Eddie, even though he has made me pull my hair out many times or made me take an extra sip or two from my beverage of choice at times. I absolutely think he is a better player than given credit for at times. Like you, I've always chafed when some argue his RBI production and dismiss it as being in a good lineup and in a good spot. You still have to produce, right? And Eddie has, no doubt! The problem is, with all due respect and love for Eddie, is there someone knocking on the door who could do it as well or better who is younger and cheaper? We can compare Eddie and Max all day. Max is better defensively overall, younger, might have a higher ceiling, and might be better and more productive than he has been lower in the order instead of hitting #1. Also, it's really, really hard to look at the potential of Kirilloff, maybe Larnach, and NOT see better overall hitters who might not have the same "flair" but who are better overall "hitters". Power is awesome. Production is most important. Defense is really nice. But sometimes a younger player has as much or more ability to do all of that and maybe more. We can't lose Eddie and Cruz in the same year. But we have, I think, at least one ready replacement for Eddie. And I think we are going to be very OK with our #1 option there. We might even be better, overall, very soon. Kirilloff is going to be a stud!

Unfortunately while I like the OP and the exercise in general, it has 2 minor flaws. ONE being teams won't remain static in regard to their rosters. Everyone will see at least minor changes. That could be for the good or bad. TWO is the most obvious situation regarding payroll across MLB. And that goes back to point #2. But let's talk in a vacuum for a moment. Let us safely assume nobody is going to raise team payrolls. Second, within that vacuum, let us be somewhat optomistic that inoculations help curve covid...along with more time...and teams expect something along the lines of half attendance. As Pohlad stated, the Twins are not looking to recapture losses from the 2020 season and want to consider 2021 on it's own terms. Would it then be far-fetched that the Twins might consider keeping next season's payroll also status quo? That would place them at approximately $138M IIRC. That would give them about $50M to build their roster. (I referenced this idea in a forums post recently, FWIW). I don't believe in change for the sake of change. But I do believe in change to shake things up a little and to keep a team always moving forward. So what does $50M for the Twins to remain one of the top teams in all of MLB, much less get better? (Financial numbers are my best guess on proposed estimates and a belief some expectations are a bit high, IMO). Internet knocked me out so I lost all of my "intelligent" thought processes and comments. Grrr! So I can repeat everything and make all of my seemingly intelligent points or I can now be sorta P.O. and comment briefly. I choose being p.o. and being brief. (Heavy sigh) BULLPEN: Giving up on big time arms already on hand is a mistake. Rogers at $6M and May for $5M makes sense to me. WAY TOO MUCH arm talent unless the market explodes for May. Absolutely love the idea of Yates for $4-5M on a 1yr make good offer. Clippard back for $2.5-3M should be a no-brainer. Someone offers May a BIG DEAL, rewind and look at Petit and Hunter in the $4-5M range. ROTATION: Barring a smart trade, which I think COULD happen, show me somebody better than Odorizzi for $10-13M. Yes, that's a $3M swing, but are we talking a 1yr or multi year guarantee? DH: Cruz has less than half one league to negotiate with considering re-build, financial considerations and rosters/DH in place. He might get some sort of 2nd year option. I don't buy $15M. Maybe. I'm thinking $13M tops. UTILITY: Hernandez sounds great, but goes back to the Dogers if they want him. Love the idea of Profar, MY first choice, with room to still improve, but won't accept a 10th man role, so I would choose LaStella as a perfect fit for about $6-7M. Adrianza is brought back for around $1M for his defense and a bet his offense is the 2018-19 version. All of these moves put the 2021 Twins almost dead on with the 2020 payroll for 2021...give or take just a little wiggle room. And should keep them as a very realist championship/top contending team with no raise in payroll. I WISH, in this scenario, there was room to bring in a Pillar kind of player for an extra $3-5M. But there just isn't room. Further, we still don't know if there is any chance of actually having a status quo $138M payroll. I hope it happens! But even at reports of a $125M option, I don't exactly think that means the Twins are dead in the water. There is still too much talent on hand and too many possibilities vs trade and DFA to be determined to not look for improvement. Maybe Smyly is our 4th SP option. Maybe Oddo reaĺy can be signed for $8M for 1yr. Maybe the Twins are the right team to offer Kluber a $8-10M make good offer. Maybe Carberera is the perfect 1yr 10th man option. A lot of unknowns at this point, unfortunately. If you look at the current roster and the milb depth, you can't help but be excited. But there are so many unknowns, you also have to be guarded and hope the FO is as smart as we think they are. I remain hopeful for 2021 even with questions. I see an awful lot of opportunity available if the payroll stays the same. If everyone else lowers payroll, then I still see opportunity because of the same. A lot of talent on hand. A ton of talent pounding on the door. Per the OP, you want to keep up with the top projected teams, just be smart and keep your payroll at an even quo at least.

No offense to Rochester, who by all accounts I've ever read have treated the Twins well and do a great job, it just never felt like a good fit. I mean, didn't they sell something like 2-1 Yankees merchandise vs Red Wings in the pro shop? Sorry to see Pensacola go if true. Seems we just arrived and the park looks great. Assuming St Paul takes over for one location, really interested who becomes the remaining affiliate. Any thoughts or rumors?

Cabrera is a guy I have my eye on. She should come inexpensively and has veteran experience. If he's league average, i think I'm OK with that for my 10th man. Not my very 1st choice, but with other roster considerations and finances to consider, I kinda like him. Hadn't considered Villar but like that idea. Unfortunately, he might not fit in the budget.

Marwin Gonzalez was brought in as an ideal 10th man for the new age ML roster with versatility offensively and defensively. And we can argue about his production and value. Defensively, while no longer a legitimate daily SS option, over the past two seasons, I'm not sure anyone could really complain about his defense. Despite a few gaffs here and there, his glove was solid to excellent at times. Offensively, he was OK in 2019 but slid big time last year except for a couple of moments. I believe in roster depth and versatility. I have for some time. I'm way beyond any .190 BA utility INF, and so is most of MLB. I believe in the best and most balanced roster roster you can put together. And I believe Adrianza will be be brought back on a cheap deal for his defense at multiple positions. Hopefully, his offense will more reflect his past couple of years. But there is room for a Marwin replacement. And there are a number of viable options from Hernandez to Profar and even Cabrera for a year. Do we go this route? Or do we just spend everything $ to pitching and just trust in Gordon and Blankenhorn being ready?

I always appreciate your comments and perspective. Always smart and well thought out. My only disagreement/caveat with the last part of your post is the players have already agreed, grudgingly, to "contributing" to "losses" in 2020 due to a short season. And 2021 WILL HAPPEN, presumably, with a great deal of unknowns at this time. I think you are ABSOLUTELY right to consider 2022 to be a mystery. And while I can place a certain amount of blame on ownership to opening books and negotiating honestly for the future...why in the world can't both sides just look at everything that is taking place and just be adult and benifical for both sides as other sports seem to...my OP was just about recognizing the best scenario for the franchise. Maybe it was his money. Maybe it was his personality. But Carl was well respected amongst ML ownership. It seems to me Jim has been largely silent or under the radar at least. But ever since Falvey and Levine were brought on board, and through covid and social issues, it seems Jim has stepped forward. Maybe he wanted to, and maybe he didn't want to. But he and the family have done so. And I expect no miracles as a Twins fan. I only ask perspective for what they have and what they have been building. I don't ask for crazy financial numbers. I only ask for reasonable numbers for their investment...an EGO investment to be sure, Carl LOVED the Twins...to continue to keep their investment as viable.

So ONE TIME I figured out how to multi-quote and now I don't remember how to do it again. Otherwise I would have done it here. Sue me! Lol! Kepler is FINE as a back up CF option. And please don't ask me for links as I'm going off memory that is usually good. I believe it was here on TD last off-season where someone looked at Kepler's numbers as the primary CF. The numbers weren't bad, but they seemed to slide as the season wore on, as I recall. It seemed he "wore out" playing CF daily. Now, maybe that was a slump of sorts, or maybe it was losing lis legs over time. IMPO, Kepler was kept in RF last season because of defense and to save his legs for offense. He was also kept there because, whether you like him or not, Cave showed great defensive improvement in CF. I was able to watch the majority of the games played last year, or at least parts of them, and I saw better tracking skills and no absurd dives or slides that I saw in 2019. Just better defense overall. That's why Kepler was seldom placed in CF. The ideal situation would be Celestino earning a 4th/5th OF spot in the next year or so to take care of the CF situation behind Byron. Of course...as always...a little bit better luck along with Byron learning to take better care of his body...which I think he did last season...changes the complexion.

Apologize for probably repeating some things already stated in the post podcast OP. I do think the FO and staff do a great job of identifying bullpen pieces. Internally, I think Alcala has a high ceiling and is already penciled in for 2021. Now, does he morph quickly in to a back end piece, or does he settle in to mid relief for the time being? Depends not only on him, but also any potential additions. I also believe Rogers is back for around $6+M. There is WAY too much arm talent and past production at his age to believe he is cooked after a mediocre 2020. Duffey is set. I believe Stashak and Wisler are near locks. Wisler less so, and he will regress somewhat. He pretty much has to! That's 5 of 8 spots virtually set. No matter how payroll gets set, there is need and room and at least SOME payroll to work with. Thielbar has a real shot, IMO, but doesn't have enough OOMF in his arm for me to just slot him in despite how well he performed last year. The Twins MIGHT slot Colina back in the rotation at some point, but IMO, they have decided his future is in the pen, at least for now. His one appearance late in the year is indicative of the Twins liking him, but no indication he is or is not ready yet. And, of course, there is ABSOLUTELY the possibility one of the 2 recent additions, or a flier yet to come, could surprise. But those ARE fliers and depth at this point. Also possible the Twins slide Thorpe in to the pen NOW, but I'm guessing he remains in the rotation for NOW. Can't ignore Smeltzer for some sort of role. Not even going to touch the Romero possibility at this point. But ALL of this is more about depth at this point. Clippard has been living on 1yr deals for about the same money for some time now while producing. He was excellent in 2020 at $2.7M I believe. His re-signing for somewhere between $2.5-3M makes so much sense for both sides. And I see no reason that kind of contract can't be fit in rather easily. Where it gets difficult is a NEED for ONE MORE quality arm to keep the pen strong for a championship caliber team. STILL have to make the crucial Cruz decision, bring in a #3/4 SP and at least consider a 10th man utility player. (IMO, Adrianza is a given at around $1M). There is going to be a financial crunch at some point. But a quality bullpen is too important to be ignored. Unless Cruz is gone, or Rogers is gone, (maybe and I doubt it), there just isn't room for a Hendricks or Hand signing unless payroll stays the same for 2021. THEN, there would be room. Losing either, or both, open up a whole different can of worms not to be discussed here. I agree with Tom, beyond the re-signing of Clippard, that there should be room for ONE GUY for about $4-5M. Does May really rank that highly on other teams list? I like him a lot. And I repeat that if he was a FA from another team, we might be clamoring for the Twins to sign him. But not a proven closer, does be really get $6-7M for multiple years from someone else? IDK, maybe he does. Maybe he doesn't and wants to stick with the Twins for $4-5M per. Like the RP offered, maybe a Yates or Hunter comes on board for a shot at winning for a $3-5M deal. Any way you want to slice up the roster and payroll pie, I'm looking at Clippard back and one more veteran arm for $3-5M, plus one more cheap flier with some sort of split contract or opt out deal.

I think Kirilloff is being targeted to be the probable OF, but he also has to earn the job. This could easily result in an "accidental" extra year of service time. Rooker is older, has successful AAA time and looked ready in his SSS. The team already knows what they have in Cave and Wade. So I can see a scenario where Kirilloff doesn't have a great ST and comes up later. But once he's up, I think he'll be up for good.

I have been rooting for Javier for some time. All the potential in the world! He showed some real potential his first 2 years. And then he missed 2018 due to injury. And he might be the #1 guy in the system who got screwed by no milb season to get back to normal. But I think you are thinking of someone else or looking at the wrong season. His quad splits in 2019 were awefull.

I admit to being a bit worried last year about him. But with no milb season last year and not being on the taxi squad at St Paul, would someone really bank on stashing him for a year? I know scouts and various FO are always working and projecting. But do you really think he's at risk this time?

I'm with you on Rortvedt. I would be STUNNED if someone selected him and kept him. He's just not ready. He needs at least another year, especially after missing 2020. But really good and interestingly catcher prospects are valuable. Someone could find a reason to stash him on the roster or the IL. I'd like to be safe and protect him. I like Garver and absolutely don't think the 2020 version of him is the real player. But I think Jeffers and Rortvedt are the future.

To all concerned, We are living in uncertain times as a society right now, that's a given. And with all that is taking place right now, perhaps anyone reaching out with any sort of thought or plea regarding a sports franchise would seem superfluous in such times. Yet, I write. I write because life must go on, and indeed, it does carry on regardless. And such things as sports is an ingrained and relatively important part of our society and culture. Who I am individually is not really pertinent save to say I am a sports fan and an avid Twins fan through ups and downs for nearly 50yrs of my life. I am a Midwesterner born and raised and fit probably, financially speaking, as middle to maybe lower-middle class in our world as it is now. I can't and won't pretend what it might be like to be in charge of a multi-million/billion franchise. But intelligence and practicality doesn't have a price tag. Not a one of us fans out here in tbe public world has a true grasp on the ultimate, bottom line numbers of expenses and profit and loss of owning a franchise such as the Twins. And loss is definitely a key word after the 2020 season and how it relates to MLB in general and the Twins specifically. To be frank, despite all of us debating such things as payroll, contracts, a player's financial worth and the such, we get lost in abstract details. Very few of us can even comprehend the earnings of a ML rookie, much less the multi-million dollar earnings of an established player. I think very few of us truly ever begrudge a player trying to earn as much money as they can. For myself, I simply can't look at an owner of any business, much less a sports franchise, and loudly proclaim it is my right as a fan to demand you lay out as much as you can monetarily to make myself and hundreds of thousands of fans "happy". From a mom and pop shop to a sports franchise, how could this make any business sense? But I WOULD argue that owning a public entertainment business, such as a sports team, does have a different weight. Ownership wise, there is nothing wrong with wanting to earn profit from said franchise. But I think we all are wise enough to know and understand that those who own such an industry also don't rely on that investment as a sole income. So there is where the rub comes. As owners and FO, you have made significant changes over the past few years to rebuild the Twins organization from the top on down. You have done so with investments in infrastructure and intelligent moves personnel wise. You have spent unprecedented financially while still being intelligent and even frugal...never just blowing the lid off. I commend you for the changes that have taken place. YOU, FO and ownership, are at a strange precipice I'm sure you never saw coming. Unlike many franchises, you have done "right" thus far by paying your milb players and not dismissing employees in droves. Again, I applaud you. But where do we go from here? Jim Pohlad had a recent interview concerning the state of MLB. I found his comments to be open, honest and succinct. I'm not sure how other owners, or agents or players received them, but I think he was spot on as to the current situation taking place. What I found to be interesting and revealing were his comments that...paraphrasing here...2020 was what it was and is done, and the Twins organization is not looking to recoup any sort of financial losses in regard to 2021 and beyond. And so, at length...some would say FINALLY...this brings us to the crux of my letter to you all. There is a universal opinion, rightly so, that there will be some sort of financial cutback across MLB post covid 2020 and with unanswered questions concerning 2021. There has been some rather wild speculation that a depressed and possibly saturated market of possible FA players available an organization could pounce on opportunity to "buy" contention and a possible title. I think we're all intelligent enough to know this is a fallacy and fool's errand. But I WOULD argue that opportunity DOES present itself. In anything approaching normalcy this current off-season, a top and contending team like the Twins would AT LEAST expect a status quo payroll wise, if not a bump. Even in 2019 and '20, the Twins payroll was just under the ML mean. One might easily expect something like a 10% bump in payroll for 2021 for a contending team. I don't ask you to bump payroll in these strange and uncertain times. I'm not even asking you to not cut payroll. But I AM asking you to look at the BIG PICTURE of your franchise. Were you to keep payroll the same, or slightly lower...say a 5% cut...trusting in your talent and intelligent FO, I wonder if the potential dividends wouldn't ultimately pay large dividends. Regards to you all.

First off, just want to say this podcast was outstanding! It was well laid out from top to bottom with options and opinions and thoroughly entertaining. Just a couple quick points: 1] Payroll is just such a mystery not only for the Twins, but for everyone. It's great that the TD staff and ML Traderumors and others offer up speculated contract offers. And while some guys WILL GET PAID, I still think a lot of the proposed numbers are high, including some of the targets I've seen for RP. Hand is a perfect example of how crazy this market may be. For every team to pass on him at $10M indicates a drop in $ across the board, IMO. 2] I think the Twins FO and staff have a really good eye for BP talent. And I have faith they will end up with a solid to great bullpen in 2021 no matter what direction they ultimately take. Those things being said, the Twins are a TOP contender with a wide open window with talent on hand, options available, and young talent on the way. But one way to KEEP being a contender is to make sure the pitching staff doesn't regress. My PERFECT scenario would be as follows: Rogers: $6M May: $5M Clippard: $3M (maybe as low as $2.5M) Yates: $4M And there is more than enough depth to not only complete the pen, but to have depth on hand. But that's roughly $18M...not a large amount really...applied to the $37M available to spend to reach the proposed $125M payroll target we are speculating. That leaves $18M left for a SP and Cruz, while ignoring any decent 10th man utility player signing. That's just not going to work. Clippard may be too good, too dependable and too cheap to not bring back. I think you have to decide if May or Yates makes the most sense. Yates has the track record but is a health question mark while May is younger, healthier, and may have another level left in him. My best guess? Rogers is back, Clippard is back, SOMEONE in the May-Yates-Hunter category MIGHT be signed for $3-4M and a flier is taken on a milb/$1M deal like the examples of Kline-Jones-Robertson. (Incentives could be thrown in, but would gladly be paid out if performance earned them I'd think). Depending on the proposed 3rd signing, the Twins then have $24-28M for Cruz, SP (Odorizzi?), Adrianza and a solid 10th man utility option. That's cutting things really close, but is do-able. Really wish the $ was there for $130M payroll. The opportunity is present for the Twins to put together a hell of a team for 2021 if it were.

With all the craziness left over in regard to arbitration, FA, non-tendered players, etc, as part of the hangover from 2020 civic, crazy to realize rule 5 is also affected. With payroll questions and cuts, will anyone really want to spend money on a rule 5 pick? Or will teams be looking to spend a relatively small financial investment even if it means stashing a player for an entire year? Of course Balazovic is a given. I'm really not sure anyone would be willing to keep a AA catcher on their roster, but I'd be very tempted to protect Rortvedt just to make sure. I don't want to lose any of the guys listed. The system is deep and all of the guys listed have the potential over the next season or two to knock on the ML door. But are they really at risk of being selected and kept for a whole season? And while I believe there are some guys here who have a real chance over the next couple of years...as I previously stated...is there anyone listed who couldn't be replaced by others in the system? I think the givens are just that, with Rotvedt as the one question. Otherwise, we will need roster spots for whatever moves will be made over the next few months.