DocBauer

I agree it's a little hard to get overly excited about Rooker's 19AB. But I think he "looked ready" which is subjective as an arguement, of course, but an arguement that shouldn't be dismissed, IMO. Previously, he had struggled some when reaching a new level before adjusting. I was pleasantly surprised that he didn't seem to struggle in his SSS. It seems like he's been around for a while now simply because he's a little older...not ancient...and we've been talking about him for a while now. But he's only had 3 milb seasons plus the 2020 taxi squad. He has consistently produced after the previously mentioned adjustments. So maybe we shouldn't be surprised he looked the part in his short time with the Twins. That Sano is a streaky hitter is no surprise. He may always be to some degree. I had hoped be would build on 2019 to even out the peaks and valleys...certainly the depth and length of the valleys...in 2020, but no. I'm still hopeful that experience and a normal season will show continued development and a more even plane of performance. I am predicting no goodness or greatness for Rooker in 2021 or beyond, but I wonder if it's accurate to refer to him as a streaky player, despite the aforementioned "level up" adjustments he's had to make in the past. While it's true he is a power hitter prone to SO...313 times in 965 milb AB...he also hit .267 with a .357 OB to go along with his. 505 SLG and .861 OPS. Surprisingly, his quad slash line in the minors is ahead of Sano. Now, week to week and month to month, I don't know if Rooker has or has not been prone to any large degree of peaks and valleys. And how good he could be is a complete unknown. And I'm not ready to bank on him for 2021 either as a replacement for Sano or anyone else. But watching his short ML stint and looking at his milb numbers again, I'm feeling encouraged.

The Twins had Telis at Rochester in 2019. He produced. They brought him in for the taxi squad. They carried him on the road for emergency. He has MLB experience. But they chose Jeffers when injury hit. That should be all that needs to be said. SSS or not, he looked good and the Twins like him a TON. I'd still like a AAAA catcher available. Not sure who that might be. Again, maybe Avilla with an invite and holding on. Maybe someone else. Despite some some bad games here and there, some poor performances at the plate mixed with some good ones, I'm OK with Astudillo as one of the options, though I'm not sure he's on the 40 man going forward. Healthy, head in the game, he HAS played at least OK defense and hit. But I would like that extra option for depth and experience available since Rortvedt is going to be at least a year away.

To the actual headline of the OP, NO, I don't shop him. Like anyone else on the roster, you listen if someone calls. They might make you a deal you can't pass up. But I don't shop him. At some point, we all have to get over the fact he wasn't an All Star 3B who looked like a possible HOF player at age 24-25. He won't be 28yo until after 2021 starts. My concern is what he bas been thus far, and what he could be the next 3-8yrs. 1] Despite some regrettable injury situations, he has been mostly 100% physically healthy since getting over the weird/fluke heel injury in early 2019. (Covid early 2020 doesn't count). By all accounts he has grown and re-dedicated himself to better conditioning and preparation. 2] Even with missed time, he has a career OPS of .829 thus far with an OPS+ OF 120. Ummm...thats pretty good folks. If you don't want to allow for 2020 being a weird season for him, or other Twins, or a number of quality and even high profile players from other teams, then I have no arguement for an outlier season than to tell you a bunch of All Star caliber players must just be bums all of a sudden. He's stubborn and won't adapt? He was heaped with praise in 2019 for his new found conditioning and hard off season work, as well as working with and being attentive to Cruz. His OPS in 2019 was .923 and his OPS+ was 139! He was a major recruiter for Donaldson joining the team and even sent him a video imploring him to sign. Defensively, he was OK at 1B with some issues. What were those issues? They were two-fold. He was out of place at times after a lifetime playing the left side of the diamond and trying to get to balls he shouldn't have. And he about demolished a couple teammates chasing foul balls he should have let someone else gather in. Those are part of adapting and learning. He caught about everything thrown his way and was good to great in his scoops. He will only get better the more he plays there. Roster-wise, no doubt he could move to DH in a couple years to acomidate Kirilloff or Donaldson. Maybe 1yr depending on how the roster shakes out eventually. And that's not to say he can't stick at 1B for a few years plus, or fill in there for lineup variation and flexibility. Trade him, shop him, absolutely NO. There is so much good ahead for him. But listen to offers that are really good? Of course!

I'm glad the Twins aren't being shy about looking oversees after a couple of blunt toe moves in the past, but I'm a little confused here. I've done a couple online searches and I haven't found anything about any pending availability, recent scouting reports, or projected dollar numbers. I'd like to think a winning ballclub and this FO and the presence of Maeda would put the Twins near the top of potential suitors, but I feel very much out of any loop as to his value financially or as an asset at this time.

Some good points! May I address them? 1] I think the play calling is part of the problem as well. Cousins running for his life sure doesn't help. 2] I also have issues with over drafting certain spots, which would primarily be CB it seems. You have 7 rounds for a reason. Not to mention FA and rookie FA to build your roster. And I have also been frustrated with some of the extensions the last couple of years. At some point, you absolutely have to balance your entire roster, trust in your scouts/coaches/GM, and unfortunately let someone go for the good of the team and the entire roster. I don't know the inner workings of the Vikings when it comes to draft selections and the such. I'm not sure any of us knows. But it has always been my impression that the bead coach, Zimmer in this case, makes the final call. The GM, Spielman along with his staff, put together the board, accumulate picks, etc, and give the head coach what he wants/needs. I'm not saying I dislike Zimmer, say he's doing a bad job, or should be fired. BUT, if we're going to lay blame at someone's feet, IMO, it has to be Zimmer. Generally speaking, I think Spielman has done a fine job. I applaud collecting draft picks for the ability to move up when you target someone in a round, as well as having multiple selections to have more bullets in your roster building "gun". The more talented bodies you have at your disposal the better, right? While the Vikes have certainly missed on a few guys...but everyone does...and I have been perplexed by a few mid round choices, they have far more hits than misses. The Vikings under Spielman, have done very well in late round selections and rookie FA. Last time I looked/read, they were amongst the top teams in the league for roster construction being drafted or signed initially by the primary team. Now maybe Spielman has been the trigger guy all along. And maybe Zimmer has wanted to do things differently and Rick has just told him "no, you got this one, the rest is up to me". But it just doesn't feel that way to me.

There's an arguement to be made for Avilla, or someone similar, for all the reasons previously stated, including just depth. This may be more true if the roster remains expanded next year. But you can't have Avilla back for anything close to what he made last season.

First, just want to state how much I love and appreciate these video casts. They are a lot of fun and offer some very good insight/debate. I was happy to participate Thursday night in this live offering. While we have no way to determine 2021 payroll at this time, of course, I hold out optimistic and probably mis-guided hope the FO will find "acceptable financial losses" are in order, combined with window of opportunity, to keep the payroll at status quo. Of course, final numbers may still end up pro-rated without fans and a shorter season, etc. Short-sighted optimist? Probably. Can't let TWO bats like Cruz AND Rosario BOTH go. You are just relying too much on prospects. Is there a decent, less expensive option in FA to replace Cruz? Maybe. But he bas to remain a priority if the numbers align. Gone for sure: Hill, Romo and Gonzalez. Assuming Hill wants to keep playing, he's a 1/2 season SP who's velocity and SO continue to decline. Gonzalez is just not the player he was. There are at least a couple options out there that interest me who could take his spot for less. I think it's just time to mkve on from Romo, and not because of a couple bad games at the end of the year. See below. Probably gone: May, Adrianza and Avilla. Unless May gets a big offer, I'd much rather use Rome's $ for him. Were May a FA from a different team, many perspectives on him woukd be different. We remember that bad appearances and too easily forget velocity, SO's, etc. Adrianza back for the same $ or a little less should be considered. The glove is still there. He could be an excellent 2nd utility player beyond a Marwin replacement. Two solid years with the bat and a horrible 2020. Who is the real Adrianza? I could see a 1yr deal. I think Avilla is gone unless he's willing to take a much smaller 1yr deal to provide depth and experience. I'm honestly thinking he will be looking at a split contract with a MLB invite. Back if you can swing it: Odorizzi. Unless the Twins can pull off another similar Oddo or Maeda trade, who is another quality SP option better than Oddo himself? Is it a 1yr make good or a multi-year offer I'm not sure. The guy might not match Maeda or Berrios, of course, but combined with Pineda, we have a quality 1-4. Again, barring a smart and nice trade, who is a better option? Fitting all of this in a $125M payroll will be hard. But makes the most sense to me if possible.

I also agree that in a league-wide scenario, it's awfully tough for a pitcher to win MVP. That's kinda what the Cy Young award is for. But if we are discussing a team concept on it's own, I don't have a problem with it. And it's really hard to argue Cruz over Maeda considering how good he was and how consistent, and sometimes dominating, he actually was. IMO, both were so good and SO important voting "justice" would have seen an even split between the two.

Just a couple thoughts before we go for win #2 against Atlanta: 1] How can this team just NOT find a 3rd WR option? I thought Johnson might be it after a solid rookie season but so far nope. Was hoping Sharpe would enjoy a change of scenery and take a step forward as an option, but again, so far nope. Why is Beebe on the team again? 2] It's painful to say for a Zimmer lead team, but the defense is a bigger problem than 3rd WR or the OL. But is anyone really surprised? Pierce might be a good replacement at NT but opted out. (For good reason I will add). And we don't have a 3 technique DT. Plus, rebuilding CB on the fly and now Hunter and Barr out. Honestly, I expected this. I find myself pleasantly/ hooeful surprised by the offense, despite it's obvious areas of need. But tbe defense came in to the season in obvious re-build mode. Not that you have a choice, but play and rotate all the kids at CB and let them learn and gain experience. But for goodness and future sake, let Watts and Lynch play as much as possible at DT.

I'm a little blind on Samia and how bad he has been. I wasn't able to watch the Seahawks game and when I watch the 10 minute You Tube abbreviated game, I don't get to see enough of the line play to know exactly what is going on play by play. I "hear" he's a pretty good run blocker but so bad pass blocking he gets bench pressed a couple times again. (And the holding calls...yeesh)! About came unglued when I read coach speak comments from Kubiak the other day about how there are growing pains with a young OL but how hard he is working, etc, etc.

Very smart post! As much as Rosario has meant to the Twins, and as much as I love him as fan, the reality of the market and covid finanalcial repercussions makes him a 1yr rental for trade value. Now, that could mean something for tne right team. But tbe return would be, at best, a projection arm. Unless he is packaged with someone else for maybe a better arm. Despite Pittsburgh re-building and a perception they have "given" arms away, Sheton knows the Twins system. It's possible they could go for something like Cave...talented and under control...and something else. Depends on the GM. But I'm thinking they would be looking at something along the lines of Larnach and Enlow. I think I'd make that move were I the Twins. A quality move that "hurts" usually means it's fair to both sides.

Really tough call between Maeda and Wisler. Maeda was a quality SP who moved to the pen to shore up a hopeful WS team pen. He then gets a new opportunity and becomes even better than he ever was! (Worried they need to try and keep him around 180-190 IP in 2021 considering the Dodgers previous use of him) And then you have a former top prospect who just never turned out, never fit in or "found it" with anyone else until he came to the Twins and Johnson. I guess I have to give it to Wissler for most improved. Honestly, no hyperbole after ONE season, but did we find a diamond in the rough who is a younger, cheaper and harder throwing version of Romo? I know 2020 was only slightly over a 1/3 of the a regular season, and there was a couple of games when he got pulled quickly...happens to all RP at times...but he started, he pitched in the middle and he even closed a game in impressive fashion. Is he the next Hildenberger or the next Romo? I don't know right now, but damn he looked good most days.

Skipping the massive math in the thread that I just won't address, lol, just a few comments. Sorry, but I said some of this on the front page as well. While some guys will absolutely be paid, the general FA $ will be depressed. The problem with that is every/most teams will have depressed payroll cuts making lower values of offers equalizing out. Now, it's possible large market teams, with different revenue streams from merchandising and TV/radio deals could have lost less and be expected to spend more, I'm assuming a general loss % across the board. Where it could get reaĺy interesting is a glut of non-tendered players to offset loses. Suddenly the pool gets deeper. As to more of the original topic, there is still the CBA beyond 2021 to be determined. So any sort of backloaded contract may be impossible to predict, much less embraced. Logic would seem to dictate...lol at logic when it comes to MLB CBA contracts...would be status quo for multi-year offers vs some proration. As to signing bonuses, my understanding has always been that incentives are allowed in MLB. Everything from performance numbers and bonus dollars to securing earnings the next season, including a guaranteed deal. But thus far, no CBA deal has ever allowed any sort of signing bonus.

Agree on the "Uggh!" comment on the cuts. I think we all knew cuts were coming sooner or later. It just happened to come later way post draft time. But I still say kudos to the Twins for keeping everyone onboard for the season. There were a couple names released that did surprise me. I guess I'm assuming part of that is related to affiliate crunches moving forward. (NOT a fan)! Happy to hear there actually is an instructional league taking place. Guess I missed where things were open enough to proceed with one. (Though I heard today Florida had lifted restrictions). Really hoping the players on the taxi squad can also join in soon.

I know most of them but am sorry to agree with you that some are mysteries to me. I think those are mostly 2019 draftees. Oh how I missed the milb season and the daily updates!

Just tossing this out there, I'm really surprised by how many people are wanting/projecting Lewis as part of the 2021 team. I think that is a lot of false hope at this point. Don't get me wrong. I think he's super talented and has a nice future ahead of him. I don't hold a poor 2019 season with nagging injuries against him. Neither do the Twins as they promoted him once in '19 despite poor numbers. His great AFL MVP shows his potential. And I'm very pleased he was part of the St Paul taxi squad to continue to work on his game and develop. The FO was aggressive with Jeffers, and at least semi-aggressive with Rooker, Blankenhorn, Colina and Kirilloff late, even to just get their feet wet. Shows to me they believed enough in them to do so, plus opportunity/need was there. I think there is a real and practical chance that Lewis appears in 2021 as a potential super utility fill in. And I am not dismissing his ability or future impact, even if his initial ML time is spent as said utility option. Remember Arraez's initial multi-position introduction in 2019? But NO WAY they rush him to a bench spot to begin 2021. I really liked Ted's recent blog about utility options. He mentioned guys like Jrickson Profar and Asdrubal Cabrera as options to replace Marwin. (Still need a legit SS option on the cheap). We need someone like those guys for 2021 and let Lewis develop a little more.

To re-state the obvious, and John did so wonderfully, we just don't know the finances are going to look like in 2021. We also don't know, and will probably never know, how much MLB lost as a whole in 2020, much less the Twins directly. Unfortunately, what we also don't know is anything on a team by team basis. Did large market teams lose less % wise due to TV and radio and merchandising deals? OR, can we safely assume a similar loss % across the board? No matter what kind of dip we will undoubtedly see in FA offers, there will be a few key BIG signings, just as tbere every year. It's rather easy to speculate FA dollars/offers will be depressed, however, that depression fits right along with "anticipated" payroll cuts for most teams. Therefore, depressed offers only echo the shrunken payroll figures expected. What COULD influence less expensive offers, ergo VALUE to teams, is a flux of non-tendered players to saturate the market. Think the debate on a Rosario, for example. Good players teams may feel compelled to walk away from. Since this FO has come on board, ownership has proven to be much more flexible and aggressive with spending. They haven't exactly been printing money, they are still frugal as a mkd-market must be so, but they haven't exactly been miserly either. While moves have been good bargains, they haven't been opposed to trades, 1yr contracts, extensions that make sense, laying out some coin to bring in or keep players or even eat a few dollars here and there. This team still has a wide open window of contention with players on hand, and some very nice talent rising up. While it is my hope, all of ours I dare say, to at least remain status quo around $138-140M...if not bump to $150M which would put them about the ML mean for the past 2-3yrs...I think some sort of cutting will inevitably take place. I see, with my head and heart in complete agreement, they WILL NOT SLASH said budget. To do so would be self defeating for an organization coming off 2 of the best seasons in recent memory, if not history, of the Twins. I think a target of $125M is very safe and doable. I'd like to think they wouldn't balk at $130M...less than a 10% cut...if it made sense for the competitive team the FO wants to put in place. One of the biggest problems...faced by almost every team, not just the Twins...is no milb season in 2020. But, of course, just focusing on the Twins, how much better does anyone feel about plugging in one of our top OF prosoects, or Gordon and Blankenhorn as utility options, or Duran/Balazovic/Chalmers as rotation pieces when all you bad was the taxi squad scenario thus far? I'm not opposed to promotion...and I don't think the staff is either...or trading a couple prosoects. But it sort of feels like you are betting against the odds or potentially selling low at this point. Pushing the payroll envelope to $130M, a 6% cut, my back of the napkin scribbles have something like the following: Cruz: 13M Rogers: 6M May: 4M Clippard: 3M Utility: 2M Odorizzi: 12M IF $130M is viable, I have $3M for a second utility player, or invest a little more in my primary option, maybe a cheap flier for the pen or rotation. Not much to work with, but you still have a really good team with some depth. To me, it would really be hard to let May go. We're he a FA from another team, there would be a clamoring to bring his velocity and SO numbers on board. Odorizzi slots in beautifully with Pineda in the 3/4 spots to give us one of the best rotations we have had in ANY recent memory. And remember, he was set back by a stiff back, a shot to the chest and a bloody blister, NOT any serious injury. Cruz has been awesome at the plate and in the clubhouse. He is professional and keeps himself in great shape. A slump over the last couple of weeks due to a minor injury tweak should in no way indicate he is done. In fact, the 60 game season may have actually SAVED his body all the more for at least one more .900+ OPS season. But to build the best and deepest team you can, it seems to me at least 1 of these guys has to go. Do we really let Nellie walk and try to find a cheaper option, or just rotate the DH spot? Then you have to potentially bring Rosario back for another year, right? Can you afford to let May walk and trust in Alcala and bank on Colina or Chalmers? (Hate to move both out of the rotation so early). And if not Odorizzi, then you have to trade some milb talent to bring in another SP. You have to find another Odorizzi or Maeda trade out there. I've argued that just keeping Oddo made more sense to me than making a trade for a SP, whether it be 1yr or 3yrs. I still like that idea, but finances may not allow. I don't want to "sell" too early on prospects with no milb season to determine readiness, but Musgrove from Pittsburg, or similar, could make a ton of sense. Maybe letting May walk makes sense and you keep everyone else and free up a few more $M. You have pen options and some good looking arms really close. Again, really hate to just "give up" on a couple of those arms as potential SP, but it may be prudent. In addition to the enigmatic but popular and productive Rosario probably going, at LEAST ONE of the quality guys I've listed above, someone who meant a lot to the past 2 seasons, is going to have to go. Were you to twist my arm, or force me to watch a Yankee/Packer game, I'd change my thoughts on brining back Oddo and move a couple nice prospects for a controlled SP. Larnach and Enlow maybe? (Hurts)! Next, I'd have to let May walk. I think it's a mistake that could haunt and bring regret. But at least there is some depth, talented young arms available, and the FO and Johnson seem to have an eye for talent. Sorry, not sorry, for the long post. Just a lot to say. Sure hope it was relevant.

If the answer is NOT to bring Odorizzi back, this would absolutely be the type of deal they should be looking to make. Since Pittsburgh is rebuilding and has familiarity with our system, I wonder if this might be fair to both sides and easily made?

A smart post and something very important for 2021. I'm not so sure that Adrianza won't be back on a similar or cheaper deal. His glove is good. While no offensive force, he was a solid contributor in both '18 and '19. Was 2020 just an outlier? Not saying he will be back, or should be back, but he could be an option as the 2nd utility guy. Especially considering Gordon may not be ready initially as health bogged him down again. For the record, I have high hopes yet Gordon WILL turn out to be a solid, versatile bench guy. But I'm not ready to count on him yet. But the Twins absolutely need a Marwin substitute. I'm not sold on Blankenhorn, but hopeful he can be a decent, solid multi-position profile with power and a decent bat. But again, I'm not going to count on him right now. I think he's a ha,f season or so away. There may be more options available via FA, trade, or non-tender as teams evaluate 2021 and payroll. But I like a couple of the options you have presented here. Profar interests me the most. I expect no greatness, but there is enough to like in talent and positional flexibility combined with potential and youth that he could be a very smart signing. Secondly, I like Cabrera for one year in the sun for a contending team. Again, no greatness, but enough left and proven profile to be a quality veteran 10th player to fill in where it matters most.

After reflection and listening to Aaron and John the other day, the more I feel it just might be time to move on from Romo...especially for that much $...and use the money toward May. His velocity and SO rate is fantastic. I also agree to a comment they made that some of are too close to the situation to see May objectively at times. We remember the few games where he served up a HR to the opponent before SO the side. We're he on the market from another team, there could be a clamor to bring him on board. *Note: On board with their proposed idea of buying out Romo so he can gauge interest and bring him back cheaper. Not saying we should, but it could be a good move. I really think he's a 6th-7th inning option going forward. **Note: The more I think about it, the more I think Clippard should be a high priority at around $3M, small bump from this season to get it done. I appreciate your enthusiasm for a move as big as Hader. Assuming he was even available though, finances are a real factor, especially after "covid 2020" and so much gray area financially going in to 2021. I recall WAY BACK in the day when the Twins traded for Reardon as a proven closer. I just don't see that as practical these days. What I'd like to consider...even with good arms on hand and some good ones potentially on the way...is a move for a Nathan-like or Pressly-like trade. Someone who is not a closer, or expensive, but a set-up guy with a live arm and potential. Especially if May wasn't brought back. And no, I don't have a name, its just a thought process. This FO has done a very good job identifying arms in the rotation and the pen they like and feel have upside. And instead of making a trade for a SP, I'm just wondering if a semi-proven pen arm with upside isn't the smarter route while brining Oddo back, as I spoke about previously.

My $.02 for a nice article, good and bad. Just trying to keep it real. 1] Maeda: Pitched like a #1, maybe even an ACE. But I'm not going to call him that. I'm not even expecting that over a 162G season. Some will say he faded in LA and got bumped to the pen. I would argue he wasn't afforded the chance to pitch a full season due to the depth of their rotation options, AND, it's also been well reported that part of the reason be was moved to the pen late in the season was because the Dodgers needed pen help and he was OUTSTANDING in that role. The Twins changed his approach and sequencing and be had the best season of his career. Different team, different pitching coach, different sequencing, what's not to like? Negative? It's been a while since he topped 180 IP. His arm was rubber in a short 2020. He seems to be VERY capable of 6-7IP per start. Skip a start or 2, manage his IP, just set him up in 2021 for 180+ IP without a tired arm at the end. 2] Berrios: He suffers from 2 things. One is that expectation from desperate fans for a dominate arm like Gooden or King Felix hasn't happened...yet. The second, here we go yet again, is his late fade. The kid has produced so well that be has made 2 All Star games with outstanding numbers...not that that award is a be all...but never quite finished what he started. Yet AGAIN, both be and the Twins recognised he was wearing himself out with his routine. He made adjustments at the end of '19 and responded well. He probably would have benefited in '20 were it a normal season. Didn't he finish fine? Everyone wants a 22-24 ACE on their team leading their staff. I think if you did enough research you would find most of the best SP, with any sustained success, didn't hit their best runs until about the 26-27yo seasons plus. It's not just velocity, it's about knowing how to pitch. Berrios is just getting to the point where he is maturing enough as a pitcher to tame determination, stuff, experience, and knowledge about his routine and repertoire to being the best he can be. If be were a FA this off-season, we would be clamoring to sign him based on production and potential! But sometimes we are too close to see the big picture. Negative? Still needs to follow through with his new season long conditioning program to maintain endurance. Needs to continue to develop that curveball and not forget/ignore a change that looks really good at times. Despite his velocity increase this year, is he more effective dialing it back a couple mph for better control and movement? Or is it just a mechanical tweak? Second negative: Will he sign a nice extension that benefits both sides, especially considering the unknown market for both sides? Or will be gamble on himself and an unknown future? I'm worried we are going to end up losing a pretty dominate arm a year or two from now. 3] Pineda: Talk about history if you will. Smart signing! Outstanding in 2019 before his suspension. (I'm willing still to give credence to his explanation). He pretty much picked up right where he left off last season. He doesn't throw as nasty as he did a few years ago. But he is learned, has no doubt learned a few things from Johnson, and has adapted/transformed in to a slightly different pitcher than he was previously. Negative? While I seemed to somehow miss watching the games he appeared in, reports were that he was in at least "decent" shape. Results seemed to indicate his head and arm were definitely in shape. But will he STAY IN SHAPE for 2021 and a potential full season? Despite his experience/knowledge/stuff, can he go AT LEAST 160 IP to maybe 180? I am SO ENCOURAGED by this 1-3. Give me back a healthy Odorizzi or someone similar to share the 3/4 role/load, and I'm feeling damn good.

Also have doubts about Thorpe at this point even though I've been a pretty strong believer in him. I'm willing to give him a mulligan for 2020 and I'd like to keep him around for another year. I hope Clippard is around next year. He's a bit of a priority in my mind and works as a 2nd LHRP even though he's a RH. I'd probably/maybe keep Thorpe as a SP for as long as possible to keep him stretched out and get his IP to keep working on his stuff. But I would strongly consider moving him to the pen where his velocity may play up and you just might have a solid 1-2 IP reliever. He's never had outstanding velocity. But his milb numbers, including SO numbers, have just been too good to ignore. I felt he flashed some in 2019. But we have to see SOMETHING much more encouraging in 2021 for him to remain beyond that.

First of all, BIG ^5 to Darius for a great post! Especially having no milb season this past year, just counting on or young talent or expecting it to step forward and perform in 2021 to high standards is a fools errand. Let them earn a spot and push for a spot. Secondly I'm addressing the OP 50/50 on a trade situation scenario. But let's address the Bauer idea first. Now that he's a full fledged FA, I have serious doubts he's locked on the idea of a 1yr deal any longer. He's a smart guy. If someone offers him a 5-6-7yr deal worth $25-30M plus he's going to turn it down and just continue to get on himself? I just don't see it. Now, if he really wants a 1yr deal then give him a call. You can maybe/probably afford said 1yr deal as a "go for it" season. He might even like the Twins chances and the FO and have them near the top of his list. I just don't see it happening. So back to me being 50/50 on a trade idea. Is there another Maeda deal the FO has in mind? Go for it! But for that matter, the Odorizzi deal a couple years ago was cheap, smart and worked out very well. We absolutely need another quality arm to fill out the top 4 spots in the rotation. And there is system-wide depth to make a move like this. But I'm going to continue to argue that the right guy is right under our noses in Odorizzi. Why does everyone dismiss him so easily? He was solid in 2018 and made adjustments and was borderline outstanding for most of 2019. My goodness, he even made the All Star game in '19. (I recognize he slipped some late last year, but then looked better late and was solid in his playoff start). His 2020 was a complete and utter washout year. But we're talking about a stiff back, a shot to his chest and then some sort of blister or fingernail issue. We are not talking a shoulder, elbow, labrum, knee or another lingering health issue. If this was a full season, he very likely would have ended up being healthy for at least a half season and been a real boon to the rotation. Does he want to get on himself for 1yr? Is that all he gets offered? Is there a good and practical 3yr deal for him? If we open with Maeda, Berrios, Pineda and Odorizzi as our top 4...debate Who the 3/4 guy is...I'm really happy with that! Then you use FA to find yourself a decent, interesting option to compete for the 5th spot with Dobnak and prospects and if nothing else, help keep the seat warm. Where I'm interested in a trade is for a RP. I am not saying we will ACTUALLY GET a Nathan or Pressly, but could Rosario, Cave in a package, a couple of solid prospects in a deal, bring in a talented set-up arm to add to the pen with potential? I'd still look to bring May back unless his market goes nuts...which I just don't expect...but would love to add one more quality arm with experience and maybe some upside. I'd let Romo go at this point I think. Again, really like May back. But look for a BP arm that may be ready for the next level via trade. Clippard back very much interests me. Re-sign Odorizzi and then find the best FA SP option for the back end of the rotation. You still have room for the talented young arms on the way up.

I will not yet again talk about Kepler being only 27 and rushed a bit, nor his starting out a good year behind HS prospects in the US when signed. I am also willing to dismiss the ball used in 2019 as well as dismissing 2020 for Kepler and just about anyone on the Twins and anyone in MLB. Just a weird and crazy season! Numbers prove it. He is a great athlete, though he doesn't exactly have the speed of a Buxton. (Who does)? He has a sweet stroke. He has a good eye. He has legit 20-30HR power. He should be a legit 30+ doubles hitter with a few triples tossed in. He's also a tremendous RF defensively who can cover CF just fine on occasion. But what is missing? One thing. His ability to "control" his bat and "spray" his hits. At various times, he has shown the ability to hit LH pitching. His power is real. But he needs someone to work with him and just learn how to make contact and hit the ball where you can. Inside out, knock it in to LF. He is a perfect example where "old school" thinking and approach actually works. Someone teaches him how to spray the ball and go the other way once in a while instead of looking to pull everything, you suddenly have him at the next level. He might "slump" to 25HR instead of 35, but doubles may increase along with BA. And his whole OPS may end up being as good or better than 2019. Really hoping this is what happens and he slides down to a #5-6 slot in the order for 2021. POTENTIALLY, I still don't believe we've seen the best of what Max càn be. Up to him as well as the coaching staff.