DocBauer

Agree Nunez would be very smart. My only concern is, will a full and healthy roster, who plays 1B? Vargas would probably be gone in this scenario and that leaves Sano, which might be fine. Nunez is the better overall fielder, maybe/probably, with more overall versatility and the better overall hitter, but Reynolds really intrigues me. He might be the better roster "fit".

LOVE this post. Very smart. But we will continue to disagree on 2 pitchers better than Berrios. But that comes down to belief as well as cost and affect. Despite this unfortunate injury, I'm a believer in Santana, and never bought in to the theory his arm would fall off in 2018. He has pretty much performed as well as or better with the Twins than he ever has. (Obviously this minor injury clouds things a bit). Even with some regression, Santana is a very nice pitcher. And I believe Berrios will only continue to get better. Darvish is obviously a HUGE need and potential get. (Honestly, I'm not sure why he hasn't taken the best opportunity and contract and signed already), but some of the other options still move the needle for me, if the numbers make sense. But Darvish, (I hope), Santana and an improving Berrios does a lot for me. After that is Gibson, Mejia, and a few really nice prospects, (maybe not quite ready) plus the rehabbing May. Just not sure I buy in to another SP better than Berrios. But I could absolutely buy in to a flier/1 year deal at this point to offset any Santana issues. It would deepen the initial rotation and buy time for May and the kids. Who knows, might get lucky and have a flip asset.

I am not a modern day stat guy, though I DO somewhat understand them and their value. But WAR to me is always quite debatable. I am looking for my best chance to win on a daily basis. There is no way I can see any of the top FA pitchers providing only 2 more wins for someone like Hughes struggling in the rotation. Obviously, a very poor season or sudden resurgence from Hughes can change this. But said scenario would be almost impossible to predict. Still comes down to Darvish making a difference. And if not him, do any of the others stand out enough for a 3-4year deal vs a fuller and wait for May and the kids.

Initially, I was excited about Darvish but seriously doubted he'd actually end up in Minnesota, the closer we get to ST, the more I'm thinking the possibility is real. (And that possibility really should put a lot of the "Pohlad's are so cheap" stuff to bed-IMO) If you read between the lines and various opinions, as there is no definitive proof, it sure seems the Twins have the best offer on the table. Somewhere in the 5 years and $25-28M per area. Sure seems the Yankees and Dodgers are out for financial reasons now, and going forward. Darvish and his agent may not like their situation, but we are still talking 5 guaranteed years and a ton of money and security. I almost wonder if he and his team are thinking about a 1 year deal? Personally, as good as he is, I think that's a big risk. Read about an agent, I forget who, that is being outspoken for this market and is alluding to collusion. I'm sorry, but I find that laughable. With mid range payrolls being in the $150M range, and "power clubs" climbing in to the $190+ range, I just don't buy it. I think teams are just becoming a little smarter about some of these huge and long term deals we've seen the past few season's. I believe in Santana, even if he regressed a bit. There is a great article over at Puckettspond by Benjamin Chase that examines numbers while with the Twins, and where he has ranked in MLB during that time. It's interesting and impressive. I strongly believe Berrios is only going to get better. Mejia is young and talented. Gibson may or may not have turned a corner, but, he worked hard to change a lot of things. It seemed his approach/attitude on the mound was very different the second half of 2017. He's a bit of a wildcard, but I wouldn't get against him just yet. May IS a bit of a wildcard due to his injury, but the stuff and potential are there, he was looking really good before his injury. How quickly can he come back? And, of course there is a very reasonable chance that by the second half of 2018 we are seeing the early performances of Gonsalves, Romero, Littrell and maybe one or two more. This team really, really needs Darvish. A lesser, but still good arm, STILL moves the needle. But the way the market is shifting, it seems no-one is going to get the contract they want. It could indeed be a year for a 1 year deal opportunity. (Nothing says the Twins couldn't re-sign said pitcher). Arrieta may be risky, but the best choice, and possibly the most likely of the top arms to do so. After him, it's kind of a crap shoot. Cahill is only 29, but his first half of 2017 was the best he's looked in some time. Vargas had good years, and a great first half, but is 35. Did he tire the second half or pitch through injury? Or is just toast? I like the idea, I get the idea, and it could be smart and pay off. At least for the 1 year. I'm just not sure I like most of the options unless one of the "second tier" of Arrieta, Lynn or Cobb is willing to go this route.

I like Grossman overall, as a solid role player. If he could take his weird reverse splits the past 2 seasons and even them out, is like him a lot better. But I just don't see an improvement over him here. Then there is still the possibility of Vargas. Sano may have to DH some, allowing Escobar to play 3B. I just don't see a guy or need unless someone is available inexpensively to replace Grossman.

Sorry, maybe its a misprint, but how could Dozier, who i love, believe in, and would like to be re-signed, be worth $100M? $20-$25M per depending on years. What? Typo, right? Dozier is an iron man. All iron man are until they aren't. In any sport. But you can't predict those things. The Twins have a wonderful wealth of talented infielders coming up. But most, except for Gordon, are 2-3 years away. Dozier shows no signs of slowing down, and is an important part of this team both offensively, leadership wise, and is quality defensively. There is also a bit of a glut in MLB in regard to 2B available in FA and trade the next few years. This brings his cost down, I believe. With the continued development of Sano, Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Polanco, etc, trade and FA opportunities and eventual promotion, I still feel Dozier is a viable and important presence. What if he's signed for 4-5 years and plays the last 1-2 as a DH and super utility player? His value is about $14M per IMO. Even if you re-sign him for that, even if Mauernis also re-signed for 2 more years, which has been discussed, you still save money overall for payroll. Production, experience, leadership, potential flexibility, I'd love to sign him for about 4 years and $14M. Anything more, I trust in moving forward.

Darvish, no question, if the cost isn't just crazy. He's better than either, and there is depth here and more coming to a ballpark near you soon! Second: ONE of Lynn or Cobb. You still deepen your rotation and your chances. And did I mention the depth and the depth coming soon? No need for 2 contracts, loss of 2 draft choices, and block what you have.

Thank you Tom! Post of the year....thus far. Lol But seriously, this is awesome! There is just so much interesting and telling stuff here to sort through. A few hilights for me: 1] Pressly in routines. We comment positively, and some to es negatively, on veteran signings and a veteran presence here and there. But hearing him talk about being a young veteran, and still learning about routine from Belisle is telling. You can find fault with Pressly, or the staff, but what I read is a guy "getting it" because he heard a voice from a veteran who he connected with. 2] Gibson, we saw a different version the second half. He changed his delivery and his workout routine. He got sent to the minors twice. He was quietly, but also publicly, chastised on the mound by Molitor. He always had good stuff and was reported to be a really good guy. But it seemed like his whole approach and demeanor changed the second half. And he speaks about his mental change here. 3] Rowson on working with Buxton just speaks so much to something a lot of have commented on previously; he just seems to have been a great hire and a guy who really understands the basics and kniws how to communicate them, and work with each player individually. A lot of really good comments shared. Again, thank you!

100%. Slegers comes to mind as a possibility as well, just to name someone. But with his MLB experience, I'd feel more comfortable with Duffey in that role, if you're going to have someone for that spot, wouldn't you? At least, initially. I think Duffey is more than capable of being a 7th inning guy, for example. But as the bullpen seems to be shaping up now, there isn't room for the 9th or 8th innings for him. So if you're going to have that long/mid man, Duffey would seem the best choice. Part of me does wonder, I'll admit, about Duffey staying a SP and work that way in Rochester as insurance and depth. Maybe I just can't get over how good he looked the last half of 2015. Regardless, if the Twins want that long/mid man, Duffey would be my choice for now.

Personally, I'm not that big on a long man being a necessity. Now, there are times when you have a blow out, or your SP gets hurt, etc. But my feeling is Duffey is better suited to that role than Pressly or Busentiz or Hildenberger, etc.

I believe stretching Duffey let's him work on all his pitches, and allows hum to work as the middle and long man, something I've been thinking and saying for a while.

I am not saying I'm a big Rodney fan, but you would think he was some guy off the street when you read a few comments. Yes, there are bouts of wildness that stink. But he brings velocity, high SO numbers and huge production in his career, overall. I like Duke quite a bit and think he will resemble his previous self in 2018. Bullpen construction and usage has changed. I still believe in a quality closer to ice and shorten the game. But Reed has the potential to be that high leverage guy and I like that.

Tremendous pitcher and great Twin! Just too bad his arm fell off early. Really thought he might be on his way to a possible HOF career. One of the great losses/mismanagement situations by the Twins; losing Hunter hurt a lot, and IMHO helped lead to the trade of Santana to upgrade over all talent and find a replacement CF. I still wonder what could have been had the Twins been more pro-active and found a way to keep both what might have been,

A great list, but really, I'm not so sure Hildenberger didn't "break out" second half of last season. A full season from Buxton and Polanco would be HUGE. As well as the next step for Berrios and Kepler. I know that's cheating...but I'm sticking with 4 instead of 3. Honestly, I'm expecting bigger and better seasons from all 4 of these guys.

While I'm pretty sure he has an option remaining, Duffey seems to be the perfect choice for the long man in the pen. He has been a starter at both levels so his arm is used to the longer workload. Mays needs to keep starting, but will need a little time for control and feel, if not endurance. Pretty much the same for Hughes, if there is anything left at all. Duffey is certainly capable of being more than a long man, but he's the best choice for that role if you really think you need one. (Don't dismiss Slegers as a possibility here as well).

And the best part is the cupboard isn't exactly barren with talented arms ready, and nearly ready to augment, fill in and replace.

Is it just me, or does it feel like we may be the best offer and option at this point? We can even front load the contract to make it more palatable down the road. Brian, not only witty but you may actually be on to something here. Would seem the Dodgers, Yankees and Astros are out. I think you may be on to something with the Twins offer. Betting they are sitting at 5 years and around $25M per, maybe with an opt out in there as well. I think there may be a very good reason neither party has met face to face yet.

Yep. From all rumors and speculation, it sure seems the market is slow because, for the first time in a long time, teams are just being smarter about tossing out big and long term contracts. What else explains such a slow moving market for all but a few of the top FA? Hard as it is to believe, MLB teams seem to be flexing a bit of financial-mental muscle for the first time in a while. Payroll, payroll coming off the books soon, a slow market, this is the perfect time for the Twins to make a huge move. A move that will come at a cost, but a manageable cost, while still fulfilling Darvish with the security he desires. He should get 4 years, probably 5, at $24-26M per. Darvish is set for life, the Twins can afford it, and could even afford to front load the contact some to make it even more palatable down the road.

His FB seems OK, his change is excellent and he has a great sense how to pitch. Not so sure his length and change don't play up the FB a bit. His breaking pitches will determine whether he evolves in to as high as a #2 or sits as a solid 4.

100% This! No room when he was selected in the first place! And while Boshers is nothing special, and will be gone fairly soon, (barring a trade), after the next acquisition, he is at.lrast a useful player if not overexposed.

Actually saw this happening up until about a week ago. Then, just felt it was too quiet and were focusing solely on the rotation for now. Wow! Great move!

I think it's a fair question. I believe Polanco has every bit as much talent and potential as Gordon. If not more. Perception wise, Polanco suffers from not being a top draft choice, and from some initial struggles/questions that Gordon hasn't had to necessarily deal with yet. Hes still shiny and new. Now, I don't wish struggles on either of them and hope both grow, develop and kick butt. But I believe that this is where there is a perception issue.

Polanco was actually one of my favorite prospects moving through the system. And it drove me nuts the way he was bounced up and down early in his career, at first only being brought up to sit for depth as he was on the 40 man, then practically forced off SS, (big mistake for a young player still developing), and then thrust in to the limelight as the starting SS. Maybe SS isn't his ultimate stopping point, but signed as a skinny glove first player initially with speed and athleticism, I have been impressed just far he came defensively in 2017. No telling how good he may become defensively...or not...but work and effort clearly indicate there is room to continue to improve. Amazing huh? A talented youngster gets time, coaching and opportunity and improves. Who could have seen that coming? As his bat matured in the minors, he was frequently moved from the top of the order to the 3 spot for his various teams. I believe that had to factor somewhat in Molitor's decision to use him there the last couple of months of 2017 when Sano was out. And while his success is probably unsustainable, we have clearly seen some of the offensive potential for this young man. I don't know where he ultimately fits best in the lineup, but I'm very encouraged by his 2017 and potential whichever spot he ends up in.

I think Gordon is too low at 8, but we're splitting some pretty fine hairs here debating a couple of spots on a top 10 list. There's a few guys loaded with potential that aren't even in the top 10 here. I think his poor second half downgraded him somewhat. But young, talented and improving overall, he could be right back in the top 3-5 This time next year. Defense is highly important, but error numbers, by themselves, don't trouble me. You can randomly look up error totals for a myriad of highly successful ML infielders, past and present, and you would be surprised by some of the error totals you would see while in the minors.

How good for now long might Koskie have been without his concussion issues? What a shame!