DocBauer

Agreed. But that's what we are talking about isn't it? I don't think the market offers up a better option. Nobody else is ready just yet. And while Marwin and Adrianza can play 1B, I don't want either there daily. And if you move the still young Sano to 1B, now you have the same situation on the other side.

Yes to bringing him back if the thumb checks out. No brainer to me when I see what he did in 2018 and the first half of last season. Personally, I think a raise from $4.8M to the projected $7.7 is a little high, but whatever. It isn't enough to dismay me from bringing him back. Moving Sano to 1B doesn't guarantee any improvement, now there is a hole at 3B to fill, it's really too early to not allow Sano more developmental time at 3B, future 1B options are at least part of a season away, and I really don't want to take Marwin out of his current role by making him a full time starter at one spot. [breath] Healthy, it's a no brainer to me for a 1yr deal

Pretty close to what I was thinking. Anywhere from $750K-$1M first year. Your $7M is probably fair. I was thinking more like $5M guaranteed with bonuses that would take him up to $7M+

Been on record as saying I wasn't crazy about Bumgarner as a mid season pick up last year, but am full in on signing him now. I'm trusting decent peripherals on a bad team, not yet 31yo, career numbers, experience, a change of scenery, and Wes Johnson.

Coming of his first "full" season at AAA, (yes, injuries shortened his year), with quality numbers, he remains an "intriguing" prospect for the Twins and other organizations. He is no longer a headline prospect, but I dare say he is much better than some throw in option. He appears to be a late, not old, developer who brings a lot, potentially, to the table. Probably not a star, but a potential starter of good quality, he could provide solid defense at two positions, with a decent bat, some OB and contact, combined with speed and some pop. I sure wouldn't mind having him. He reminds me a bit of Adrianza and Escobar. Remember, Adrianza produced fairly well in milb but was a glove first player, and Escobar was similar. Late bloomers have a place, either as quality role players or potential starters. If not traded, I feel Gordon will play for the Twins in 2020 at some point. The skill set is there. At some point, he may replace Adrianza, or could be the next Marwin. Hard to say. 2020 could be his make or break season.

So much talent, so much stuff, so much potential, I ABSOLUTELY believe this kid has ACE potential. At the WORST, he is a tremendous #2. What holds him back? You mean, continued growth as a still 25yo? He just needs to find a little more "repeatability" with his secondary stuff. He has alread shown the ability to adjust in game when a certain pitch isn't there. As Ted spoke of, his biggest problem seems to be late season. His ethic and conditioning are not a concern. Were I to speculate on his routine, I would guess a little more cardo work, combined with a little less "hard" work late in the year to preserve his endurance. Just guess work on my part.

Where is Thrylos in this conversation. Lol He, like me, will point out OPS numbers not only in the minors, but at the MLB level. Look, like a lot of great sluggers, be will SO some, more than we might like, but he can/has/Will hit decently. He will also take walks. "Haters" will focus on 2018 and that stretch in June where he was ABYSMALL for outside pitches. But what did he do? He adjusted. Defensively, he's OK. There is no debate about his arm. Even a year ago, there was debate about chasing foul balls. I think that debate has been put to rest. Even with diet and conditioning, he is a large, muscular man. He is surprisingly nimble charging a ball. Personally, I think the former SS has decent to good hands. Some disagree. OK. But his lateral range may always be suspect. Even with time, work, development, being only average defensively wouldn't exactly be a bad thing. I DO THINK he could be a good 1B, tranitioning his 3B skills to 1B. But his bat/production has finally arrived, and will probably only get better. And I am more than fine with him as the 3B for 2020. Trades may mess this up, probably will to some degree, but a year, or so, from now, I'd love to see a combination of Sano/Lewis/Kirillof/Larnach/Rooker/etc man 1B/3B/DH/OF in different, versatile combinations.

Going to say some things here that sound contradictory, but bear with my points. With some, and against some, I am a huge fan of Astudillo, and not just because he is fun. FO, manager, coaches, teammates all love him for so many reasons. But that is not enough of a reason to keep him. And while nothing special, at all, defensively, the guy is a gamer and solid wherever you play him. And despite some late season flailing at outside pitches that made him look bad, the guy can hit. NOT exactly, but for intent and purpose, he was virtually a late blooming rookie coming off of his 2018 performance. He hit before he got hurt. When he came back, he struggled a bit, then got in a nice groove, then got hurt again after his wall collision. Just never looked the same after that on his return, IMO. I think he is a very useful and versatile player who can hit, hit well, and produce when used in a semi-regular basis. I also think he's a pretty decent catcher. In fact, I'm not so sure he couldn't be a he'll of a backup backstop option. But I don't feel comfortable, at this point, as the primary option. I don't know that Castro is "special", but I think he is undersold as a presence to the staff and the team. Is it just co-incidence the team was better in '17 and '19 when available? Maybe. For reasons I just don't understand, I've always felt the catcher position in baseball bas always been underrated. Castro will be 32 to start next season. He had a nice and productive season as a roughly 50/50 backstop coming off knee surgery. Is there a team who will look at age and 2019 and decide he can play 120 games? As someone else pointed out...too tired to remember and look back...would it be a competitive team? Or will his market prove dry? Best of luck to him if he can find a really nice multi year deal. But I am betting a deal with the Twins for $4-6M for a year, maybe 2, and a chance to win, being something like a 40/60 backstop trumps anything else he finds. And it makes so much sense for both sides.

Congrats to Rowson for his promotion. I don't fully understand this move to a team like the Marlins, but it obviously should increase his pay and progression to a possible manager role some day. But the Marlins? Best of luck to him. My first thought was surprise, and then "damn, we lost a really good coach!" And then I thought about Ash's comments...and then I thought a little bit more...and I suddenly thought "huh, maybe he's right". NOT a knock on Rowson at all, but after 3 years, even after an amazing season, maybe a different voice can offer up a little different perspective that can tweak all this talent just a little more. And this FO seems to have a really good eye for coaching talent. Sometimes surprisingly so. Call me "uncomfortable" losing Rowson, but optimistic they will make a fine addition here.

Just going to say, if you followed the system last season, Raley was in line for a promotion, possibly ahead of Cave, who might have won out due to experience. His ankle injury as very disappointing! To see him flashing now and getting ready for 2020 is exciting to me. If you recall, Twins were high enough on him that he played a lot in ST last season, including a lot of CF despite being thought more of a corner OF or 1B. A reflection of his athleticism. Kid shows hit and OB ability with power and decent speed. Really disappointed by his injury last year and really excited to see what he does healthy this coming season. Don't sleep on him.

Tremendous OP, Ted. And you hit it right on the head! Prospects are still just prospects, until they prove otherwise. Thank you Captain Obvious! LOL But at the end of the day, internal development has proven over and over again to be the foundation of good teams. I DESPISE saying anything positive about the Yankees, but for years they tried to build championship teams by flexing financial muscle. Now, they still have that ability and use it, but they built most of their championship teams, in recent memory, with a foundation that was home grown. As currently constructed, even if it was "inherited" talent, the Twins have that kind of core. With this FO, and before, some pieces were brought in through trade of talent. When Falvey and Levine talk about building a sustainable organization, there is, IMO, a huge misunderstanding taking place. Building tbat sustainable organization does not mean ONLY building with home grown talent and "hording" prospects. When has that EVER been stated by anyone involved with the organization? BUT, building and improving the internal talent base not only means you have talented promotionsl/replacement talent, it means you have enough flexibility to trade milb talent for players, or replace ML talent traded away. There are debates that the Twins system lacks "top end" prospects, but there is little to no debate they have a deeply rich system. One could argue, rather easily, that many of the prospects in the system ranked 11-30 would be top 10-20 for many teams. Just for giggles, glance at some of the guys who played for AA Pensacola in 2019. Would you WANT to trade Balazovic, Colina, Duran, Jax, Ober, Sands, Jeffers, Rortvedt, Blenkenhorn, Miranda. Or WOULD you in a good deal? And this is just names from a single affiliate. There has been a TON of debate at the trade moves Houston has made, from a deep system, to acquire quality talent without ever touching it's top 3-5 prospects in any individual deal. This is important to remember. Do the Twins really have to part with Graterol, Lewis and Khirilloff to make a major move with the depth they have? The organization has the money and opportunity to make a few smart re-signs, as well as the financial flexibility/opportunity to add another high quality SP and RP from outside the organization. And these opportunities HAVE to be explored! Maybe we are floored! Maybe we are only slightly happy because they have to "settle" for a really nice addition or two to augment an already good team. But in whatever incarnation you wish to dream about or present, the organization is also PRIMED to make a nice trade, or two, to enhance the current roster. Today, right now, the FO has been on the job for a little over 2 1/2 years. And they have been aggressive from the top down in many ways. To say they will continue to horde prospects and do nothing because that is the way things have been done before is misguided and short sighted.

I kind of laugh when I hear the Gwynn comparisons. Gwynne was an OF, had pretty decent speed despite a build that wouldn't dictate such and developed some power over time. If memory serves correctly, like Boggs, he was asked to slj3de down in tbe lineup one year and showed even more power. But like Boggs, his other batting numbers slipped. But then I shake my head and reflect and realize the comparison is very just. His look, his confidence, his image ability to see the ball, make contact with it, and spray it all over the field is very comparable! We talk at times about "pitchability", a made up word we all understand. But some guys, like Arraez, just have a natural "hitability" factor. He doesn't need "power", though it would be nice. He just needs legitimate "pop" for doubles and solid line drives to keep defenses and pitchers honest. Not yet 23yo, we've already seen some "man muscle" begin to develop. Defensively, he is a work in progress. Not surprising. But I have seen nothing to tell me he can't be a fine 2B. In fact, despite a few errors here and there, I watched him at 2B/SS/3B/LF, and saw enough really good plays to wonder what all the concern was. For those who wonder how be flew under the radar, no offense, but you simply not follow the milb system as close as some of us do. His missed season clearly messed with his rankings. And not playing an "elite" defensive position like SS/CF/C probably lowered his rankings as well. But he has produced since day one. Kid is real and a gem.

I just don't see Rosario going anywhere at this time. He is a very, very nice player and a lot of teams would love to have him. He'd probably even play CF for a few teams. But by himself, he won't bring in a stud pitcher. Part of a package, yes. But then you create a hole. And the top prospects aren't ready to replace him yet. And, unfortunately, there are still questions about Buxton being healthy. The Twins have tons of milb depth to trade for a quality SP, if that is the direction they go. And you like to deal from depth. That depth does exist in the minors as part of a deal. Not traded, that depth could allow for a trade of Rosario before 2021.

I think a lot of comments are selling Lewis short, no pun intended. I don't see where Steve, or anyone really, is saying he can't play SS. Only 19yo and played in AA ball and didn't embarrass himself. Nobody is saying he can't or won't potentially displace Polanco. But Polanco is also young and continues to improve, and should continue to improve. There is room for both of them. The point Brian was making was an excellent one. If you have Polanco, Arraez and Sano as quality fixtures, and have more than a couple 1B options getting really close, (plus a potential move of Sano to 1B), and have a dynamic OF, when together, and a couple other really nice kids on the way up, what on earth is so wrong with Lewis playing other positions in his ML promotion? That's like saying Marwin's value is limited because he doesn't play a single position. Maybe more to the point, examine Arraez. While a natural 2B, and possibly a fixture there for some time, he contributed at 2B/SS/3B/LF. Was that a mistake in his usage? I would say a resounding NO. And Lewis is a far greater athlete with greater potential. Where he ultimately fits on a daily basis is yet to be determined. But when he is ready to come up, why not use him in similar fashion? And I find debates about his offense humorous. A year ago he looked so good some thought/hoped he'd be ready early 2020. Now, he struggled a bit as a 19yo in his second full season. But he's flashing in the AFL.

Possibly. And I'm willing to go higher. But am considering injury history and the suspension. And the first year was $2M just to rehab.

Echoing a few other thoughts. 1] Error numbers for a 19yo milb SS are pretty meaningless. It's still about potential at this point, and further development of that potential. 2] Totally agree he should keep playing all over, including some time at 2B, to increase his versatility not only for a future home at some point, but to increase his initial call up value. And maybe he ends up being a daily player at a couple spots. Who knows? 3] Having a problem of how to fit all of your talent on the field at once is a nice problem to have. At this point, where Lewis ultimately ends up really shouldn't matter.

I am NOT saying no to Syndergard at all. And any deal for him could hurt. But in the best deals, there is hurt and everyone wins. You don't get something for nothing. I don't hate the idea of trading for Syndergard. But I think a lot of people are obsessed with "stuff" vs production. Despite his highest IP TOTAL in his career...only topping 180IP for the 2nd time...he is coming off the worst season of his career. The potential is there, to be sure. But any trade for him is still banking on potential and not some "sure" bet.

From what I have read, thus far, he can participate in ST. I've also beard he has a 15 day window for milb work before he would have to be activated, allowing for ramp up time. That should make him available 2nd or 3rd week of May, roughly. He has commented he would be interested in a return...as has Odorizzi for that matter...and several teammates texted and factimed him after the Twins clinched. Not sure about the FO, but Rocco or someone commented about liking him and being receptive to him coming back. Salary? TBD. He has had a decent, solid career, complete with an All Star appearance. But injuries have absolutely held him back. Despite a somewhat slow but decent start to 2019, and a disappointing end, he was damn good for most of it. You could easily argue 2019 was one of his best years. But regardless of that, and arm talent, and potential for 2020, IMO, he will not command a big contract. He earned $8M last season. I maintain a 1 or 1+1 or 2yr deal at $12M is fair and makes sense for both sides.

I don't feel anyone is saying don't spend and don't trade. I think the basic arguement is build a quality rotation however you can. Be creative and look at all avenues. While not a stud, Odorizzi is a very nice starter and was acquired for a flier prospect. 2 years later he's still good, better even, coming off the best season of his career. Pineda was signed to an inventive deal and paid real dividends before his suspension. NOT going to bring up the same old Darvish arguements again, but the Twins made a legitimate effort and were in the mix. The FO has stated they are looking and will be aggressive. What does that mean? We just dont know yet. But nowhere have they said they wouldn't trade prospects or make a major FA signing. I do find it somewhat humorous to discuss Cole and Strasburg when we dont even know yet if Strasburg will be available. This really is all speculation at this point, and that's fine. The Royals made 2 world series appearances, and won 1, basing their team on solid starters, a top bullpen, speed and defense. The Twins have a MUCH more dangerous and lethal offense than the Royals. There is the makings of a really, really strong bullpen here, especially with another quality LH added. I would LOVE Cole or Strasburg to be wear a Twins uniform. But if they don't, do we just decide we can't win at that point and fold up tents? How about a next best case scenario addition...whoever it may be...with a young and still improving Berrios, Odorizzi, Pineda and youngsters filling in the 5th spot with a deep and talented pen and prolific offense? There are a lot of ways to do this, build this. I don't think a pair of $30M SP necessarily has to be the answer.

Go ahead and disagree because I'm starting to disagree with myself, lol. I guess what I meant to say was we didnt give up any top prospects so I could see them moving on. Teng was the guy I hated to lose also.

This has to be considered! I have stated a couple times I'm still about 50/50 the Twins will sign a major FA. NOT because ownership is just cheap or any of the traditional rhetoric, but simply because this FO may have a guy or two that they and Johnson just really think is about ready to take the next step. Cole was considered a really decent pitcher, but not an ACE. Suddenly he is the #1 stud everyone wants. In all my years watching baseball, there are so few ACE caliber pitchers who were drafted at the top of the 1st round. Most were/are guys who learned and grew and transformed in to such. Is there someone out there the Twins are targeting who they really believe in? I don't know. Maybe they will sign Oddo, sign Pineda, sign Bumgarner or Wheeler and STILL make a trade that catches us off guard. It's going to be interesting to see what happens. Moves are going to be made. I just hope they make the right ones. They did well this past off season. Come to think of it, they were pretty smart with Odorizzi and Pineda the last couple years.

Curious, as the rotation is the obvious first need to address. When you mention someone like Watson, who I wanted at the deadline, but you mention adding a traditional closer like Giles or Diaz...forgetting total payroll for a moment, are you saying you like them better than Rogers? (I don't) Or are you saying you simply believe Rogers would be better used in a "fireman" role rather than as the traditional closer? Second question. Smith should come at a similar or cheaper price than Giles or Diaz. You don't think the Twins would be interested or that be wouldn't sign here?

I've been reflecting on this idea, but not quite as directly as you state here. But first a thought, and there may not necessarily be data to address this: It's very easy to address available data on zero days rest, 1 day rest, etc. What I don't think is accurate, or can be properly measured is appearances as such can be defined with 100% accuracy. For simplicity sake, let's just use Rogers as an example. Duct tape, wire and smart usage allowed the Twins to cobble a relatively effective bullpen for most of the first half of 2019. Rogers however, was often asked to pitch more than a single inning on many occasions. In the second half, with a much more effective, and deeper, bullpen, he was not asked to do so as often. At times, we have all seen closets, for example, achieve a "cheap save" by coming for only 1 or 2 outs to complete the game. I am not necessarily using said "save" as a direct measurement of importance, only stating as out 8 pitch save simply has to weigh differently on a RP than a 4 or tp5 or even 6 out save situation and 20 or more pitches thrown. In other words, the entire ZERO DAY rest situation can be skewed either direction by number of batters faced and number of pitches thrown. All that being said, it still comes down to bullpen depth, doesn't it? Along with a manager who doesn't abuse his pen by warming them up too early or too often before making an appearance. I am NOT using this OP to discuss the 2020 rotation, except to say this: some combination of Cole/Strasburg/Bumgarner/Wheeler/quality trade addition to team with Berrios, Odorizzi and Pineda would tell you that MOST days, you can count on 5-6 IP from your primary 4 SP, with the 5th spot open to conjecture. Thjs assumption IMO, is pretty easy to make as we are talking about quality effective ML starters vs a low end, cobbled rotation. Let us assume our intelligent forward thinking, and at least somewhat aggressive FO realizes they need a 2nd LHRP option via FA or trade. Let's us use Miller as the choice here since he fits the bill and we have been tied to him previously. 2020 bullpen: Rogers Duffey May Miller Romo Littell Stashak 8th man debatable in regard to choice, Rochester shuttle, and the possibility of keeping an extra position player instead. In this scenario, Rogers is the primary closer, though the "fireman" idea remains. The quartet of Duffey, May, Romo and Miller "own" the 7th and 8th innings, with the possibility of pitching the 9th on occasion. This leaves Littell and Stashak, and possibly an 8th arm, for the 6th inning, and earlier on bad days from a starter. Other than general roles of normal usage, I don't knkw that a true rotation is necessarily in order. I think it's simply a depth issue and normal usage roles that make your pen effective.

Tend to agree on Dyson. And we didn't give much to get him really. Just a thought since they embrace out of box thinking. Agree there are further options on hand to call up. Wonder about Romero staying in the pen. Also wonder about Poppen. I see him in the Rochester rotation for possible depth and to keep him stretched out.

1] IMO, Romo is back, and there is no reason for him not to be. 2] Unless they want to convert Thorpe to the bullpen this early...SO potential and goodmoversll stuff...which I don't think they will, badly need to add another quality LHRP via trade or FA. I'm fine with the pen otherwise. 3] Not saying Dyson will be back but say again don't be surprised on a split deal where he recovers in 2020...with a possible late season appearance...but with an eye toward a healthy 2021. 4] Back to Duffey here, I could be mistaken, but I don't believe he ever had a slider until this season. He threw 2 different FB and threw his curve at different speeds presumably/possibly, with different grips. And then he attempted a change he could never master. Pretty sure the slider...maybe it was a new, harder, different version of his curve...was developed this season. If memory serves.