DocBauer

Umm...while I can be accused of being a huge optimist at times, with bad health and terrible clutch hitting that almost defies description and probably the worst starting rotation in all of baseball, the Twins won 66 games last year. Now we almost automatically have a deeper and better rotation, probably an even better bullpen simply because they are stretched to a MLB max, a little better health, and no way can we possibly maintain such a low standard of offensive ineptitude, this team has to improve at least a few games in the win column. Call me an optimist, but I think you are being a bit of a pessimist here.

Not going to lie, I've thought about Reynolds the past couple of seasons as a solid bat off the bench and with some real power. As well as a little versatility. But especially now, I'm going to vote no. And let me explain why. Plouffe has teased, shown real flashes, but hasn't hit a really consistent stride yet. Maybe he never will, but even if he never rounds in to the player we'd all like him to be, he still offers real value when Sano takes hold of 3B. Plouffe could still provide a good RH bat with power as a DH and back-up corner INF and OF, possibly even providing spot duty at 2B. A poorer man's version of Cuddyer at least? He is younger than Reynolds, has not only more positional flexibility, but, despite the flack of criticism he has taken, is not really that bad of a glove man. Better than Reynolds I'd say. I am really intrigued and in favor of Betemit, Chavez or Chad Tracy as a veteran alternative who can DH, PH, and back-up Mauer at 1B while also providing some platoon options at 3B. (I have stated all this before in other threads) These 3 provide a LH bat to counter Plouffe from the right side. Further, even when Sano takes control of 3B permanently, any of these still provide a legit option off the bench from the left side as valuable vets. I figure $2-3M should do it for any of the three, and we certainly have the financial flexibility for that.

I don't know much about him at all, but will make the assumption as to good defense that you allude to. His numbers in the minors show power and speed along with decent average and on base as well. I like the switch hitting, and agree he might be a bloomer with a change of scenery. But if the Nats are losing interest, ok. But if not, and with the Lombo trade, I have to wonder what he might cost. Dozier and Florimon in place, Escobar younger than Espinosa, and coming off some good AAA numbers and reports he's doing well in winter ball, plus Beresford as a possible UTILIF that has had me intrigued for some time, I guess it comes down to cost to acquire, what the Twins really think about Escobar, as well as Santana's future. Santana could potentially be close. And what if Escobar is finally ready to, if not exactly explode, but become at least a valuable and versatile backup/platoon option?

Nooo!

Going to agree here, though in the short term, yes, I think Gardner would be a great fit. Hopefully Buxton will truly be on a fast track to the show. But even without that possibility, I see the Twins OF taking on a pleasing shape next year. At least potentially. I see Presley in LF sharing time with a healthy Mastro, though I think a piece might still be added. I heard Raja Davis being mentioned in another thread and see that as a solid possibility. Some combination there gives us range and defense, decent production at the top of the lineup, with the young, talented, improving, and strong-armed Arcia in RF. As I have stated in a few other posts, Hicks is the key. While rushed last year, and obviously disappointing, the talent is still there. And we did see flashes, and improvement before injury. Even if you allow for Hicks to be learning on the job, his defense in CF, his potential power and speed on the bases would all be helpful, even if he hit only .230-.250. With 500 AB you might even see 30+ doubles, a few triples, and possible 20/20 potential just on talent alone. Willingham needs to be a DH primarily, forcing Doumit out. One more, I hope we can find a way to hold on to Parmalee somehow. I'm not yet ready to give up on him just yet. He and Plouffe might be good DH, OF and INF reserves a year from now if Sano makes his move.

Add me to the list on no. To repeat what has already been stated, that one "ace" SP is not going to put us over the top immediately when several really high pieces to the puzzle have yet to arrive. And while many will be soon, or getting their feet wet, you have to be worried about decking performance as they begin to rise, and having such a huge financial commitment to that one player, Price in this case. And as Thrylos stated earlier, over the next 5 or 6 seasons, not so sure Meyer won't prove to be as good or better, and much more cost effective. Nolasco, Hughes, Gibsn and Meyer and TBD has me optimistic and down right tickled from the possibilities. Yes, we still need a LHSP in that group somewhere, whether from the system, FA or trade. Why Anderson scares me, but also thrills me with potential if over the injury hump.

Absolutely! Not to sound like a fatalist, but really, could they possily perform any worse? Better health for Mauer and Willingham would go a long way as well. One would usually expect at leat some development and growth from the younger players as well, not to mention Arcia, hopefully, for the whole season. A couple quick points, I also believe another pitcher is still coming on board, whether a smart trade for someone like Anderson provided it doesn't cost dearly, or another FA. Capuano anyone? The Twins have/had roughly $36-38M to spend this offseason; $23-25 after cuts and arbitration estimates, plus 52% of $25M in new TV money, or, $13M. The Twins have only spent $20 so far. Let's say the Anderson trade takes place, that's another $8M off the books. (Other trades or signing could affect these numbers a couple million either way, but this trade is do-able, reasonable, rumored, and probably smart even with some risk attached) This still leaves another $8-10M the team is capable of spending, just this season, to further improve an already improved product. Secondly, I also agree that signing someone, or trading for someone, for a significant cost in dollars or players or draft picks for only a year or two simply doesn't make sense. Nor would it make sense to acquire a talent to "block" a talent behind him. But none of that means the team can't make moves to help the roster and the lineup, and do it smartly. The one possible exception to some of this is a veteran C to ease Pinto's development and help nurse the staff. 1) We need someone to bring a decent LH bat off the bench with at least a little defense and versatility. For different reasons, some of the guys I like are Betemit, Chavez and Chad Tracy. All 3 have potentially decent bats off the bench as a PH, can back up Mauer, and provide some platoon with Plouffe at 3B. Plus, even should Sano prove ready early, and Plouffe move or be gone, any one of these guys still provides that useful player off the bench. A move like this should only cost $2-3M, leaving $5-7M still available for another useful addition without actually "raising payroll" per say. 2) Despite what seems on the surface to be a cluster of OFers to choose from, improving depth, defense, and offense probably requires a signing here as well. I've seen Raja Davis used here as an example, and will run with it as it makes sense, should help in the mentioned areas, and should also prove to be cost effective, if not earth-shattering. One real key to the offense and defense this season, as I have mentioned elsewhere, is Aron Hicks in CF. Providing great defense out there, plus speed and some power and power potential, even if under-performing while learning on the job, could make him a valuable asset. I'd gladly take a BA of .230-.250 with 30 doubles, a handful of triples, double digit homers and stolen bases, possibly 20/20 at the bottom of the order this year. The talent is there, and there was a surge last year before injury setback. Time for Willingam to move to DH on a full or nearly fully time basis. He's not much of an OFer defensively, is not getting younger, and needs to avoid injury. And Molitor may be ale to help ease his transition with his own experience. All of this leaves, to at least begin 2014: LF: Presley/Davis= (Mastro also available if all the way back, or insurance) 2B: Dozier= (showed excellent, continued production & consistency after slow start) 1B: Mauer=(return to health, more games played, Avg & OB machine, etc, etc) DH: Willingham=(healthy and productive again, could see the OF a game or two) RF: Arcia=(exciting bat, showed flashes, has some experience now, excellent winter) 3B: Plouffe/FA=(as mentioned previously, depth and some platoon) C: Pinto/?=(FA, LH Hermann, possibly Doumit. Different reasons for each) CF: Hicks=(as mentioned above) SS: Floriman/Escobar=(excellent defense, versatility, some speed, platoon possibility) That is 13 position players, a mix of youth and experience, some speed, some power, a generally quality starting defense, and some position flexibility. Now, it does leave out Parmalee and Doumit, at least for the most part. As noted, Doumit could be a backup C, giving Hermann some additional AAA time. Also, there can be injuries and perhaps the teams goes back to 14 position players. And since it was mentioned: SP: Nolasco, Hughes, TBD, Correia, Deduno or Gibson or Worley or Diamond. RP: Perkins, Burton, Fien, Swarzak, Duensing, Thielbar, Tonkin or Pressly.

Ok TR, time to step up and take another big swing

Seth, I love you man and agree with almost everything you say/write. Great minds? Lol And I can't dismiss your arguments presented here. I too have been a bit torn about our C situation for next season. But I can debate your arguments, I believe. First, without a crystal ball, I believe most of us are in agreement the Twins need to make some move to shore up the C position. But I don't believe that is an inditement as to Pintos talent or potential. Just a very real observation he isn't the second coming of Mauer, and has limited time at AAA or the MLB level. And I don't believe signing Salt is a negative either. How can having an experienced and solid offensive C and another even younger and talented C working with him be a bad thing? As I have stated before, depth of talent is a good thing! But as you yourself pointed out, AJ has proven to be durable and generally very productive. While his HR totals might slide playing half his games in TF, he would still be a vast improvement over most C's, would provide a nice compliment to Pinto, and would provide some real experience for Pinto as well as the staff. And while I love the "Twins Way" of doing things, we've lost some of that. And I think we've lost a little spark and fire as well. I think AJ would provide at leas a little of all the things I've commented on here. Now, in an ideal world, Molina would find the fountain of youth for a year or two and be my very first choice, I have to believe that short of signing Salt, AJ would be a great second choice, pending financial details.

I believe trading Duensing at this point to big a big mistake. Further, I believe trading virtually any of our relievers to be a mistake. The Twins had one of the best overall bullpens in the league last year. They look all the better when you look a the workload they were given. A healthier and bolstered rotation this year not only makes the overall team better, but the bullpen better as well. There is potentially excellent depth as well when one considers available options to be called up due to injury or in effectiveness bugs biting. Pressley, Tonkin, Achter, Albers, Ibarra, Dean, Diamond and the newly acquired Johnson are some of the names who could fill rolls, find a roll, progress, etc. this year. But they are not yet a known quantity. Why dismantle something that works, is strong, could be stronger, and elevates the quality of the team in its entirety? Now if spring, or early season, proves that someone is ready to step up, that changes the complexion of things. signing a veteran C is a must for this ball club. And whether its AJ, or Salt, or someone else, it is not a negative reflection of Pinto, but rather a statement saying we want to be better, we don't have Mauer or his second coming, and Pinto, despite talent and potential, is still a little raw and inexperienced. The Twins still have plenty of money to spend on said C, even the rumored potential signing of Salt, and could STILL add a smart piece or two. Depth of talent is a good thing. And a quality veteran C AND Pinto is again no negative reflection on Pinto as a prospect, and gives the team even greater talent depth and flexibility. Keep the bullpen depth and talent strong as is, at least for now. That and a better rotation is a good thing. Don't weaken yourself unnecessarily. And depth in the rotation is also good. Guys get hurt, and under-perform. Last year we thought Worley was a good acquire, and he might yet be, a year removed and fully healthy. And what if a fresh start this year, right in the head and heart and elbow, Diamond reverts back to a healthy 2012 version of himself? As I have stated in another thread, Gibson starting the season would not be a bad thing. Now, I want him up, and I believe he can be and I hope he is. But if someone comes roaring back, and we want Gibson to get consistent innings and starts to begin the year, would that be so aweful? Perhaps he warms up with consistent production in Rochester, then comes up a month in with someone getting hurt, or Correia getting traded. And despite a lack of active rumors, I believe the Twins will soon sign that veteran C, I hope one decent LH bat who can plat a little third, (Tracy?), and I still think, to improve depth and options (even trade options) the Twins will still sign another starting pitcher. It might be Pelfrey. Would thar be a bad thing? A veteran SP gaining more strength and endurance a year plus removed from surgery who actually pitched quite well the second half of last season before running out go gas? Or a possible flyer on Johan or Floyd. Even if neither is ready to start the season, what if they are ready a month or so in? What if Johan is 75%the pitcher he once was? For 1M plus some incentives, wouldn't that be worth watching and help bolster the staff? The point is we've already improved, we have options, depth isn't a bad thing to have, and don't trade from a strength just for the sake of trading. Same with our minor league talent. If TR can swing a great trade, awesome. But I'd rather hoard what we have for now, and trade later. In no particular order, our rotation is 3/5th set as of now: Nolasco, Hughes and Correia. Deduno is a virtual lock if healthy based n stuff, what he did last year, and even what the Twins have seemed to indicate. And boy do I hope he is 100% because he's fun to watch, and was REALLY good last year when he felt right. That leaves one spot left, (possibly 2 depending) for Gibson (immediately or a month or so in), Worley (healthy and a season removed to reclaim what he's shown in the past), Diamond (ditto) and possibly a flyer ( even if not ready to start the year). 3 or 4 set, one flyer nursing himself, one with options in the wings, a couple guys n the comeback trail, and the almost inevitable pulled muscle or twinge somewhere buying time. In short, depth is good, in case I didn't say that enough. Lol There may be room to start the year for just about everyone. Sorry for being so long-winded.

Think the Hughes signing is great, even if it based somewhat on potential. 20M spent, and another 15 to 18M that should still be available on cost cuts and 52% of the new 25M in TV revenue available

Not the least bit happy with Clemons and his usage, denials and overall attitude. But my goodness could the man pitch. And it couldn't have been usage his whole career could it?

Very interesting thread. And sooooo debate ale I almost want to just stay out of it. Lol This class is overwhelming filled with all-star talent. And without being a cop-out, I truly believe you could make a serious argument for every player on this list as being worthy. (And I will explain further. Please be patient) The problem with selecting a member for any HOF is what criteria you use! Let's be honest, there really isn't any! People are affected by emotion as well as perception. It's not all about numbers. Just for a moment, indulge me and let me make some comparisons. Let's use the NFL for example. Gayle Sayers may have been the most electric and talented talent of his generation. But as we all know, his career was cut tragically short. Yet he is in the HOF and I will not debate his worthiness. And yet, using our own Vikings as an example, Paul Krause was a multiple all-pro and all-NFL player, the all time interception leader, and had to wait more than 20 years to be inducted. Mick Tingelhoff played on FOUR Super Bowl teams, never missed a start in his entire career, retired with the longest active streak in the history of the NFL at that time, and was elected to something like 6 pro bowls, as well as being elected all league 2-3 times. (Not taking the time to look ever fact) He is still waiting. Jim Marshall, years, consecutive games played, sacks, pro bowls, etc, still waiting. Perception? it has been said for years the Koufax made the HOF not for his career, but for his dominance over a period of time. And let's be entirely honest here, no matter how much we all loved Kirby Puckett and his smile, and his gold gloves and his bat, his career was cut tragically short. Do his actual numbers scream HOF? He might be the Gayle Sayers of his sport. Someone smarter and more in touch than me, might have been Costas, spoke about perception and dominance. In other words, someone who was dominant for their era of playing. A player that made you cringe to face. Someone who produced, and was considered at the top of the game for his time. Jim Rice as example? I'm 48. I watched all of these players in their prime. They were all excellent. And while I am not some stubborn or soap-box sportswriter, I do have trouble with roid candidates. And that is what makes lists like this all the harder. Do you simply, arbitrarily dismiss? What do you weigh to be fair? 10 votes? OK. In no particular order. Maddux. Easy. Come on now. Raines. The second best lead off hitter of his generation. Clemons. Even if PED's gave him a few extra years of dominance, can anyone dispute his career to that point? Bonds. The poster child for not only PED's, but for also being a perpetual jerk. But again, let's be honest, he was probably a HOFer even before he discovered the cream. Just don't tell me he's the all time HR king. We all know that title still belongs to Mr. Aaron. Thomas. He was called the Big Hurt for a reason and his production more than backs it up. Morris. This is like Blyleven. Are you kidding me? When you think of dominant SP's of his era who else do you think of? 250 wins and 3 championships as the leader for 3 different staffs. You don't think this guy was dominant or made a difference? Oh, a 3.90 ERA in the steroid era. So you can penalize the hitters but not pitchers who had to pitch, with obvious success, against them? Biggio. Again, are you kidding me? Multiple all-star appearances, multiple gold gloves and silver slugger awards while playing 3 different positions over 19 years. Should really be automatic. Glavine. Do you have to ask why? Piazza. Probably the best hitting catcher in all of baseball. 'Nuff said. And now I'm stuck. Lee Smith, Alan Trammel, Fred McGriff, Edgar Martinez?

I like Arroyo a lot for what he'd bring to the table for a year or two. But I want to think longer term than that. Garza is my choice. But Hughes is near my top. One year deal is ok. Especially with even more money off the books next year, we could not only re-sign him, but possibly during the season. I'd also be good with a 3 year deal if he wants. I am totally intrigued by his overall talent, a fresh start, and pitching in TF and almost anywhere but NY.

I agree whole-heartedly Jim brings up some really good pitchers I didn't even mention, as did Shane. That is what is so great about the depth of our system right now. Including the likes of Hicks and Vargas, Walker and others. One guy I deliberately didn't mention is Polanco. That was due to the fact I feel he's already broken out, to a certain degree. But I have a general question to all of you concerning him. What is his ceiling potential? I feel he is a bit of an enigma at this point despite what he has shown. He was signed as a great fielding SS with some speed and athleticism. And he's begun to show some really great potential. But it seems he's been playing more 2B than SS. And I've read reports where maybe his arm isn't the strongest. Is his time at 2B due to Goodrum? Or is he really not a great SS prospect? Being a great SS is just just arm strength, though it helps. It's also about range, glove work, getting rid of the ball quickly and accurately. Any thought here guys?

As a side note, since he has been brought up here, Gibson has a lot to prove. But I am in no way down on the young man! He was a very talented fast riser who fell to injury. By all accounts, he returned healthy and strong with velocity as good as before the injury. In fact, I'd say looking at what he did at AAA last season, especially after the first month or so when he found greater feel and consistency, was pretty outstanding and fills me with great hope. We all know it takes time for any successful TJ surgery patient to find his comfort level and groove. Nolasco, Hughes or whoever, Deduno-Correia, and Gibson brought along a little more slowly as the #5 wouldn't be a bad thing. It would still be the best rotation in years. And if Gibson would need a little time in AAA just to keep on a regular schedule to begin the year, I don't know that any of us should be disappointed.

A really great and really fun post! And lots of well delivered thought and opinions to boot! Some thoughts and opinions overall. I think the argument could be made that Deduno indeed has early rotation "stuff" even if not as a #1. But as was pointed out in this thread, his walk rates always held him back previously. And there has always been a general lack of overall consistency that has held him back some. Probably because his stuff is just electric to be at the top of a rotation. A drop in K rate this year and drop in total velocity may have been 2-fold due to some lingering shoulder issues coming off the classic, but Anderson may have convinced him also that throwing a little softer, with great movement and better control was to his benefit. And that isn't rocket science, that is the art of pitching. And along with that, can we begin to bury this "pitch to contact" bugaboo? Anderson himself has stated before that the term doesn't mean giving the hitter something to stroke, it's about being in and around the zone so you don't walk people. Movement on pitches in and around the strike zone is to get strikes, foul ball strikes, poorly hit balls, and grounders. Once again, we are talking about the art of pitching. Neither Anderson or any previous pitching coach has taught or told his pitchers to serve up hitable strikes. Deduno is fun to watch. Prior to his late season injury, he was not only the Twins best pitcher, he was just a good pitcher period. He would not be the first pitcher to either lose a little velocity, or learn to take something off the ball, to gain better control and achieve better results. Healthy, and what he has learned, he is at worst a very capable and occasionally very good pitcher at the #5 spot. And if what we saw this year wasn't a mirage, I could see him as more than that for sure. I just think consistency would hold him back from being a top of the rotation arm. Hey, I'd love for him to prove me wrong! I completely agree he could push Correia down the chain to #4. How great would that be?

Referencing Butera was in regard to quality defense. Note, I said a better bat than Butera, not that would be hard. A solid defensive catcher who could make contact, draw walks and jack some doubles and a few home runs would be wonderful. And perhaps Fryer will indeed be a late bloomer. My reservations are as John stated, the number of at bats at AAA without improvement, so far, brings doubt.

Great thread but a difficult one. I love to follow the Twins minors but simply don't have the knowledge of Seth and Jeremy and others. However.... Kohl Stewart. Might be an easy pick, but this kid, healthy and his head on straight, is primed for a big year. I suspect he'll finish a Ft Myers. Gonsalves. I think the Twins pounced while other teams slept. I think they really found something there. Goodrum. The talent is there in spades. I think the light is coming on. Thorpe. Just a gut feeling, and he is a ways away, but again, I think the Twins really found something. Turner. I keep thinking we found another Bob Boone type with a little better bat. A guy who will hit a little, work the count, provide a little power, and provide great defense. A solid year this season, and grow even more next season once he has his professional legs under him. Solid this year and a fast riser next year. Kepler. The talent is there absolutely. But we all new it was raw and would take some time. Unfortunately, injury interrupted his development. What really pleased and surprised me was his play in the AFL. He showed nothing special, but he was facing talent 2 levels higher than anything before and showed some discipline and ability. I think this is the year he really starts to shine. Wimmers. There has always been doubts about the ceiling for this potentially solid young athlete. And then the injury bug hit him in a bad way. But I have always seen another Tapani in this kid. And a year plus removed from his rehab I see a potential fast riser.

Agreed, valid points. However, we are talking about a very real exception. If lightning strikes again, wonderful. But there is usually a reason someone has not had their shot to this point. I have no problem with signing Fryer to lock him up for depth and help at AAA to help the pitchers there. Though I do have trouble with his taking up a place on the 40 man. BUT, a later developing Butera with a better bat wouldn't be a bad thing. I still think we're talking about a solid AAA player and injury call-up.

Going to disagree with a couple points made here in different posts. While no ace to be sure, Nolasco's overall numbers, especially the past 3 seasons when he may have finally, really learned to pitch, coupled with being n some pretty bad teams, suggests he's better than a #4 starter on almost any team. I see a legit #3 with the POSSIBILITY of a 2 on a good defensive team with decent lineup IF YOU CONSIDER the past 3 season numbers. Wishful thinking? Perhaps. But again, the past few seasons speak to me of a guy really learning what it is to be a pitcher now. Plus, 31 at the start of the season puts him in prime years as there is a different scale to measure the growth of a SP vs just a hard thrower vs a position player. I also take a small issue with the Twins defense over the next season or two. If the Twins sign a vet C, and I think it's a foregone conclusion we will, the names we are tied to are solid defensively. If we don't make the big splash of Salt or AJ, which I Think IS a good possibility, we might even sign two to give Pinto a little more time. Mauer will be solid to good a 1B as early as this season. Dozier is the real deal with the glove and will only get better with more play. Escobar is excellent as is Floriman with the glove, giving us a strong, young, and improving keystone combo. Arcia is young and needs improvement, but is fairly athletic with a good arm, s young, and will improve. The key is Hicks just hitting well enough to hold on to CF while providing speed and power and sort of learning and improving on the job. If so, then Pressley and/or Matro in left gives us a pretty good defense. Willingham is going to be playing more and more at DH with a little LF accounting for some shifts. And Molitor is on board now to help his transition. Some combination of TO BE SIGNED, Nolasco, Correia, Gibson, Deduno, Worley, Diamond and eventually Meyer is the best rotation we've had in some time, with a potentially excellent defense behind them, and excellent bullpen backing them up.

I have to agree completely. While his control will never be tremendous, and he will always lack some consistency, he seems to have a modicum of control by simply trusting his stuff and letting it fly, rather than trying too hard to be fine. If we continue to take the necessary steps we are embarking on to improve our rotation; Nolasco, to be named, Correia, Gibson, Deduno healthy, Worley and Diamond in the wings as challengers, (possibly Albers) we are moving from lousy to possibly "good" this year. A "good" rotation might not be World Series capable, but is far better than we've had for 3-4 years. And with Gibson' potential and Meyer following soon, there is the potential for even better. And while there will be clunker innings and clunker games on occasion when his pitches simply have a mind of their own, 4 out of 5 games being solidd to good with 5 innings, often 6, occasional 6+, I would gladly take that over the Walters and Hernandezs of the world. My only concern is his full health. We hear his injury was mild and he only needed rest and a little rehab. But we've heard that before

No. No. No. And....umm...no. Hot stove fever is growing to epidemic proportions I feel. Lol Look, Bailey is a very good pitcher, and might even have great tattooed on him. And I would love to have him if TR could find some of his old magic and make a great and fair trade that didn't involve much of our top 10. (Not just prospects, but near prospects like Gibson and Arcia for example) But with the finances available to us right now, the player player that are available to us right now to add and improve, aren't we better going this direction, as the Twins have proven with rumors and the Nolasco signing? I wish my crystal ball wasn't in the shop right now so I could tell you all how things are going to work out. But unless TR can find some old magic, I'd rather sign 2 solid FA's to improve our staff, (1 more now) and stick with what we have. I truly believe a year from now the we'll be saying: "these 2 FA's we signed last year, along with a fully healthy and developed Gibson and stud Meyer, along with (fill in blank or blank possibilities) is the best and deepest rotation we've had in years. And you'd like to trade away multiple talented young players for one who might not sign? Love Bailey. Don't think I'm in at this point.

Ecstatic! And not just because the dam is breaking and we have something positive to talk about instead of pure conjecture. Lol 1: Our rotation is instantly better and deeper, giving us a better, more competitive chance to win nightly/daily. As a side note, it instantly makes one of the best bullpens in MLB better as well, not having to work as hard. 2: Not a huge modern day stat guy here. I get lost sometimes in WAR and Fip and how it all translates. But to naysayers out there, Nolascos overall stats are not only good, but quite good. Especially when you look at the fact he's played on some pretty lousy teams. He's only 31, in what could and should b his prime years based on stuff, durability, and a sense of what it takes to actually pitch and not throw. And his overall numbers the past 3 seasons show actual improvement. 3: This also is proof that the Twins are not simply paying lip-service to spending and improving. And don't think for a second that other targeted FA's and their agents aren't paying attention. ( along with having one of the best farm systems around with truly great talent on the cusp of arrival and a terrific ballpark) NOW, we can't stop! And I don't think we will. Based on cuts from last year, and the new surplus of income that all teams will enjoy, there is still plenty of money left over to spend without taking the Twins out of any comfort zone. We follow this up with Garza, Kazmir, Hughes or even the older Arroyo, (not my favorite just due to longevity) and a vet C like Salt or AJ and I feel soooo good. Even a healthy Capuano is not a terrible choice IMO. One more of these FA pitchers and a C, possibly a decent INF option who can hit LH, and this offseason is a huge success. Based on different projections I have read, and my own calculations, the Twins have anywhere from $23-25M saved, plus another $13M from the new TV deal money to spend, or roughly $36-38M total spend without actually "raising payroll" out of pocke, so to speak. We still have another $24-26M available. More than enough for another of the SP I have listed and we have been linked to, plus Salt or AJ. And with the idea of improving "the product" that is our Twins, JP and TR might be inclined to go a little over that for a Pelfrey or Santana to potentially improve even more. And lest we forget, another $16-17M comes off the books next year for more financial flexibility and improvement. Plus great talent flowing up and in. One final point, I would be very happy to make one of the mentioned trades for a talented young SP vs another quality FA P signing, but am mostly against it at this point. I would rather invest in another of the mentioned FA SP, and hoarde all our available talent for this year, and possibly revisit trades next off season.

At least a 5 if not higher depending on the veteran C they sign. I would welcome back Pelfrey with open arms if he is a 3rd choice. But I believe he will indeed be better and stronger this year, and while Nolasco isn't my very first choice, he is in the top 5 or so and instantly makes our rotation deeper and better. If it HAS to be Pelfrey as our second signing, but we sign Salt or AJ I'm pretty darn happy.