DocBauer

I don't believe Buxton has reached the point in his career where he us at all ready to "flip the mental switch" that would allow him to focus on being a full time DH. There might come a day for that, but it's not now. HOWEVER, there should be no reason he can't fully accept doing it on an occasional basis here and there as a half day off. The guy's knee was a wreck last season. So much so he got about half a game at St Paul in CF for the whole season. You can't hit/perform when you don't have your legs underneath you, as many have also stated. Success for me is simple: He's healthy enough to play 80 to maybe 100 games in CF. Additionally, he plays another 20-40 games as a DH. Might even toss in PH duties in there, if you want, as part of the 20-40 mix. I'm not picking numbers for offensive production. If Buck is healthy/reasonably healthy to play and appear in that many games, the numbers/production will be there.

A brief recap on Montas: His first couple of seasons with the A's, 2017-2020 was a mixed bag of limited IP...one in which he nearly hit 100...where he was basically good for 2yr, and poor for 2yrs. In 2021 and 2022 he took a major step forward, even earning a handful of Cy Young votes in '21. He was very good the first half of that 2022 year through 19 games before being traded to the Yankees. After that trade, it was all downhill. While I didn't take the time to delve deeply, it appears he may have been hiding an injury before the trade. He had arthroscopic surgery in 2023 on his right throwing shoulder for a labrum cleanup. The key words are "arthroscopic" and "cleanup". Not too bad, right? The other key words are "shoulder" and "labrum". At this moment, only the Yankees and Montas's doctors probably understand fully the extent of said cleanup procedure. But it should be pointed out he performed rehab at AAA, and even made a brief appearance at the end of the season for the Yankees, tossing an effective 1.1 inning. THE BAD: Don't we always shudder a bit when we hear the terms "shoulder" and "labrum"? It can set of sirens. THE GOOD: "Arthroscopic" and "cleanup" seem to mitigate some concern. He won't turn 31yo until after 2024 turns over. He was a top starter in 2021 and the first half of 2022 that could slot near the top of the rotation IF healthy. He ONLY made $5M in 2023, so there's no way he's getting a huge contract for 2024 based on previous earnings and coming off a missed season. WHY SHOULD THE TWINS BE IN?: Again, IF his medicals check out, his 2021 and first half of 2022 and potential to still be very good remains. He MIGHT be had on a 1yr deal, though, of course, he and his agent are going to be looking for more. But how about a 1yr deal for $12-14M, at least doubling his last deal, plus. MAYBE, the 1yr with a second year for $15-18M team option that vests with some easy to hit incentives, maybe a $2M buyout just in case. And how about a third year option for $21M with a player option? That means he's probably tripling his career earnings over 2yrs and can still, potentially, be a FA at 33yo for another deal if he remains healthy and productive. THE RISK?: INSTEAD of making a trade of talent to acquire a young-ish arm under control, they are betting that they are the proverbial winner that happens every single season where someone gets that rebound arm that is talented and is ready to go. And the structure I've laid out gives him to the Twins for 2yrs, with potential to keep and extend. BUT, if he doesn't come back fully, they shot blanks for 2024 and might have to look at a mid season trade. THE REWARD?: The Twins get a rebounding arm who slots right behind Lopez. If they can work in the 2nd year of higher value, they have him for 2yrs! THEN, they still have the option to move Polanco...and his $10M...for help elsewhere. There's been a lot of conversation on the boards about a deal to Milwaukee for Devin Williams to add to our pen...(and you know who you are, lol)...and we suddenly have one of the best pens in all of MLB, potentially. Since the Brewers have a CF crunch, it's also possible the Twins come away, possibly with a throw in, with a useful 4th OF/CF depth option. I think this actually works IF the Twins believe Montas is good to go. And NO DOUBT there is some risk here. AGAIN, every single year there's at least one guy, if not more, who rebounds from injury or a poor year where they just suddenly re-establish themselves as a top pitcher. In this scenario, the FO might turn out to be very smart. Add a quality SP with great ability on the cheap, keep the prospects, add to the pen, still have a little $ to spend if we accept a potential $140M payroll, and see what happens. The downside is a mediocre arm, but a strong pen, Varland in the rotation, and making a mid season trade. Again, I'm just spitballing here and throwing things against the wall. But this kind of makes sense to me to a certain degree.

The more I read all of these articles as to "could they, should they"...and I've done one also...I keep wondering how healthy and ready to go Frankie Montas is? Still not old, what would a 2 or 3yr cost? Would coming off injury lower his $? He could slot behind Lopez and we keep our prospects. Then, to add and trim payroll, you can move Polanco and add a nice BP piece, or a CF or RH bat option, unless they could be one in the same. Add $18-20M (in theory/guess) per for one guy, trade away another $10M, you'd still have $ left over for a couple adds if the $140M payroll is in play.

Fascinating. But what does it mean? LOL On the one hand, I want to look at the top 2 guys on the list, Gallo and Julien. To me, the difference here is very obvious. Gallo would hit some bombs, he would BB some, K at a tremendous 40% rate, but that's basically IT. Meanwhile, Julien would hit HR/XBH and K and BB for a good OB%, but he could/would also HIT. That's the difference, IMO. The problem is, I'm not sure that works as we go up and down your list here. But there might be some correlation similar that I'm just not seeing right now.

I'm not saying I disagree with you in principle, but, isn't that what the Twins did in the Toronto series? It didn't work against Houston. Does that mean it's not correct when it works a majority of the time?

I have read additional reports concerning the comments Falvey and Rocoo stated and they support the numbers listed above. (an no, I'm too tired, too busy and too lazy to do any research right now, sorry). Power and BB/OBP% lead to a high OPS which leads to runs scored. Regular season and post season. The issue is NOT the approach. It's the implementation of the approach that makes the difference. I.e. the players involved. The FO attempted to set up a lineup in 2023 that would provide power and OB%. They DID NOT attempt to set up a lineup would lead the league in K's, any more than they hoped Correa would struggle with a bad foot all season, have a poor season, (for the most part), and lead the world in grounded in to double plays. (which, BTW, are often worse than K's). Unfortunately, the Gallo experiment to find himself again didn't work, except for the first month, and in fact got even worse. Taylor and Buxton were both windmills, and that's NOT a knock on Taylor who was a life saver in CF for us last season. The power and high BB/OB% plan of attack still needs guys who don't all K at 30%. It should be a mix of guys who can also "hit". And for a myriad of different reasons, the Twins were lacking in "hit" ability the first half of 2023. That's part of the reason the offense did better once Wallner, Lewis, and Julien were up. And let's not forget Kirilloff being maybe the best hitter on the team for about 2-3 months. The whole, spectacularly unbelievable ineptitude with bases loaded flipped later in the season. Now, some of that was natural regression back to the norm. But it might have also coincided with some of those same lineup changes. But let's flip this on end and look at Kepler. Instead of trying to be too cute, try too hard to be perfect, he just started putting the bat on the ball HARD. And suddenly, he didn't have all of the weak grounders and pop-ups that plagued him save the occasional XBH. He suddenly raised his AVG, AND his SLG with a more aggressive and powerful approach. His K percentage WENT UP, and yet, he was a better, more productive hitter. So the whole point is power and BB and a fair number of K's for your lineup. But it works a heck of a lot better without a guy K-ing at a 40% rate, and a few other guys who can hit better than .200. It's not a problem with the philosophy, it's just having the guys...healthy guys...able to carry out the execution. No Gallo, Lewis, Wallner, Julien, a healthier AK, Buxton, Correa, a couple guys like Martin and Lee about to graduate, etc, etc, there is a really nice mix of what they need. Power and BB/OB%. But there are STILL going to be a fair amount of K's. Just...probably...never again quite as many as 2023. They were already top 5 in runs, HR, OB%, BB. Folks...that's good stuff. Imagine a little more health, a little more growth from the young players, and just a small drop in K%. Wow!

I get your point. Even though the rules have changed, for the better, in regard to outs and interference and the such, I'd rather have Lewis at 2B and Lee at 3B. Lee is smart and smooth and has a good arm. He's a good athlete. I think he has the potential to be a solid, OK ML SS. And thats great with his bat! But I just think Lewis is an even better, faster, quicker athlete where his 2B skills would make him an even better defensive player than Lee at 2B. But honestly, do we care? LOL. We're talking about a pair of dynamic talents who could plug in anywhere.

I keep hearing how deep Seattle is in arms. But they need bats. But they don't want to trade any of their young arms. And then I read articles about them moving payroll to lower it. And then I read articles about them buying the majority share of their broadcasting company, only to cut employees, and further concerns about payroll. They are talking out of both sides of their mouth. Not uncommon. They make a big investment for the future in hopes it works. But in the meantime, they need to add and will have to give to get. Same as any team. I don't know that they really want to move Castillo. But if they really are looking to lower payroll, while adding offense, and they really like their young arms, it sure does make sense to move him at this time for a handful of bats that could help in the short term, and the long term, if the Twins play it right. Probably much ado about nothing, but it's interesting to consider.

So I'm a big fan of Gleeman and the Geek and am a Patreon subscriber for their show, in addition to listening to their free broadcast. (Just as personal endorsement, if you're a deep, dyed in red/white/blue Twins fan, why aren't you a subscriber? Great perspective, and the humor and guests alone are worth $8 a month). They just did a WONDERFUL show with Cory Provus Monday in which he confirmed that yes, he has a job, LOL, and yes, the Twins will be on TV for 2024, and without blackouts. The details are still being worked out, but essentially, if I understood correctly, Bally will still be responsible for running the actual broadcasts, seemingly as part of the whole bankruptcy ordeal and probably due to any pending possible purchase by Amazon, as nicksaviking alluded to, though that part wasn't mentioned, if I recall correctly. There was nothing mentioned...and possibly unknown...by Provus as to the $ involved, but the consensus seemed to be it wouldn't be for the same $55M the Twins had been receiving. So right now, it's anyone's guess/speculation. Even on the Twins side, possibly, at this time. But it's not hard to do simple math and simply make an educated guess. Say it's $35M? Well, roughly half of the lost $ would be $20M. An accepted 52 ish % of $20M would be a loss of about $10M from the $155M the Twins had in 2023. IF that actually happens...and I'm NOT apologizing for ANY sort of reduction...a $140-$145M payroll for 2024 shouldn't destroy any optimism for the Twins next season. There's still room to work the roster, and add, and there is PROBABLY going to be some added wiggle room financially when you realize/accept, that at least one of Polanco, Kepler, Farmer, MAYBE Vazquez is moved via trade. As far as inactivity goes, well, we all hate just waiting around in December wanting something to happen to break up the winter monotony of waiting for ST to arrive. But that's how this FO works. They are patient and deliberate. This is a mostly young team, with some additional youth coming, that doesn't have major holes. It just needs to be tweaked here and there. We haven't been able to say that a lot of offseasons. I honestly can't recall a single big move made by this FO in December previously. Maybe Castro at catcher? If I'm not mistaken...and feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken...Cruz, Gonzalez, Gray, Lopez, were all added in January. The Paddack/Pagan deal was right before opening day. (We might still end up with a win on that one). And last season, the surprisingly productive Solano was added after ST started. The quiet from the FO is just normal right now. It gives us time to offer up all kinds of speculation that seldom occurs, but let's us have some fun to fill the time. Barring a surprise that I think is 30/70 against right now to leap forward, I'm betting on a $140-145M payroll. Again, room to work with. And with some contracts gone, and the general youth and low cost of the majority of the roster, there is a rather natural lowering of the payroll. To a DEGREE. There is room to work. There are trade options and not overly expensive FA options to add. I disagree whole heartedly with ANY notion that ownership should be "hurt" by earning $10-15M less from Twins income in 2024. But I see a team that is right on the cusp of legitimate contention that really just needs a couple adds, a fraction of better health to a couple of guys, and just further development of all the young talent on hand.

While I don't agree with everything you said, I can't really disagree with anything. STARTING PITCHER: I just don't know that the Twins can pull off another smart, slick, unexpected deal like they did for Gray and Lopez. Boy do I hope they can! There are absolutely question marks in any of the "second tier" arms, but the payoff could be HUGE. Giolito was really good for 3yrs, and solid to begin 2023 before the wheels came off. This guy has received Cy Young votes. What if we get him back on track? I'm very intrigued by a healthy Montas. His first couple of years were a mix of 2 good and 2 bad, but he never exceeded 100 IP even once. THEN, he exploded in 2021, and was just as good for the A's in 2022. It was only after he was traded to NY that his season spiraled. Just how good might he be healthy again? If we can't afford someone like Luzardo from Miami, how about the 27yo Cabrera? He'd cost less, hasn't fully proven anything yet, but has been generally solid. Is he ready to take the next step like Lopez did? And speaking of Miami, how about a healthy Rogers instead of Luzardo? Again, not the PROVEN guy, but a guy with good stuff who might be just about ready to be just as good. BULLPEN: We are in accord here. I don't know who, but smart "aha" FA, trade, or guy coming back from a poor or injured season, I'd LOVE to add one more good arm to deepen the back end of the pen even before we see what Alcala and Canterino might be able to provide. I don't think we need some $8M, high priced guy....but we could really use ONE guy to help make a difference. BAT: I'd like to add a RH bat as well. Problem is, as the roster is constructed right now, where do you put him? Personally, I think AK is going to be fine. He hurt his shoulder, and not very badly, just badly enough to have to finish the season on the IL. As long as it wasn't his wrist, I have a lot of faith in him. And for a couple of months or three, he might have been the Twins best hitter. And the power was starting to come back. But I could see another Solano type addition to help out against LHP. Because the only way I see a MAJOR RH addition would be if Wallner or Kepler were dealt. But, could Miranda, Helman, or Martin maybe be that RH bat? I'm fine with going out and adding one...just not sure we absolutely have to. VAZQUEZ: Going to disagree with moving him. He's a good defensive catcher with tons of experience and calls a good game. Nothing wrong with $10M for that when your other backstop is only costing you about $3M. And if you trade him, do you get anything of real value back? And if you eat some of his contract, you've moved a really solid, veteran catcher and haven't really gained anything. I only move him if he's part of a deal to someone who could really use his leadership and experience. Camargo will get his shot sooner or later. A nice write up!

I'd much rather call up Miami for someone like Cabrera, same 27yrs of age, hasn't put it all together yet, but has actual upside.

If this is actual, then then the Tiwns should JUMP to offer something that would include a combination of offers that might include Polanco, Larnach, Severino, Camargo, and Kirilloff. Polanco fits 2B and a great bat for 2yrs. Arraez moves to 1B/DH. Larnach, even never reaching hopeful production could almost accidentally provide 20HR and 30Dbls while hitting .230. Camargo is a reportedly solid backstop with power. Severino is a bit of an unknown, but has power and switch hit ability that we might regret moving. Kirilloff's shoulder injury is NOT related to his wrist injury that has held him back from being the top prospect and player he was supposed to be, and has glimpsed to being. I try to look at the other team when trades are involved. I don't always know exactly what they need, but that's the perspective I try to take. And Miami needs offense. They have the pitching depth to make it happen. As Twins fans, I think we undervalue what we have. We see Julien at 2B, Lee as a possible, but we sometimes forget how damn good Polanco is, for example. No offense to Pasquanito, but I'd rather have Polanco, and Kirilloff, plus another prospect or two that is ready, or near ready, to move my team forward. Supposedly, the Marlins want a catcher. So why wouldn't they be interested in a solid, young catcher like Camargo? Do they want a solid veteran like Vazquez to nurture their staff? Fine! Include Vazquez as part of the deal and pick up part of his contract go make it happen. But at what point do the Twins stop giving if this was an actual ALMOST trade? Pasquantino vs Polanco and some combination of Larnach and Camargo/Vazquez and AK/Severino, maybs a lower level throw in HAS TO BE better than a 1B right? If this proposal was at all accurate, I just can't believe the Royaks backed down. Even if there was another player/prospect involved it makes no sense to me. The Twins could up the ante TWICE to make this deal happen without disrupting the team/system.

So, kind of seems everyone is reaching beyond the OP and being impatient for January and just wanting something to talk about, LOL. Just learned from the most Gleeman and the Geek Patreon that very POSSIBLY the TV situation is settled as far as the Twins still having an actual video broadcast for 2024, supposedly with no blackouts, but the actual financial numbers are still up for debate through court and negotiations. That just means the Twins will be televised, but who knows, right now, how the $ numbers affect 2024. But let's stop there for a moment. The Twins aren't desperate to move either Polanco or Kepler. Farmer and Vazquez are lower down the line. Our FO seldom does much of anything until January. And while there have been a couple of major moves, a few minor ones, a couple that might still happen, MLB is about to shut down for a couple of weeks until January. This is normal. But to just address a couple items presented: 1] Polanco is a very good ballplayer. As fans, we sometimes overvalue prospects to a degree, but we also under value current players because we ONLY see, at times, what they DON'T do. A healthy Polanco is one of the best 2B in MLB. He's solid defensively, can be moved around, and is willing to do so, and is a quality hitter with good OB and contact and power numbers. Frankly, he's a difference maker ONLY AVAILABLE because the Twins have depth there. Of course there's "tons of interest" there. The biggest question is can the Twins "make hay" with him individually, or with more added, to bring something back? 2] We've seen the best and the worst of Kepler. I would tell you that right now, based on his 3/4 2023 season, I think his value is MUCH higher than 2019. I think the Twins, and everyone else, has seen what I've/We've seen in 2023 and the ONLY negative is him being on a 1yr deal. That either means the Twins keep him, MAYBE look at a re-sign, or a trading team looking at a great defensive player, a strong offensive player for their own re-sign. 3] Farmer is a really good, solid player. Despite everything he does, he's still questionable worthy of anything other than a solid milb prospect, or, a ML CF back up, or a BP piece. But he is what he is. He's a fine temporary SS, or a great utility player and teammate for a year or two. I believe the Twins kept him to hope his $ made sense for one more year as a solid backup and team leader, unless it makes sense to move him sometime after the 1st of the year. Especially if someone suddenly has a hole to be filled. 4] I love trade prospects about Jeffers...not mentioned in the OP....as he's just not going anywhere. How can anyone blast the Twins for not developing catchers and then want to trade away the best one they HAVE DEVELOPED for the first time in over a decade? The Twins don't WANT to trade Polanco. It's just smart to do so. They don't WANT to trade Kepler, they just might have to. And they WON'T TRADE both Kepler and Wallner. They absolutely WON'T trade BOTH Lee and Julien. But it's possible they might have to trade one. But we're also 20-30 days before we see anything happen. So there is no "clarity" to be seen at this time. But I'm betting there are a lot of teams chomping at the bit to add Polanco to their team when the calendar turns over.

I'm not really familiar with the Marlins team, to be honest, so I'm going to be a bit vague here. But I think Polanco is a better defensive 2B than Arraez. Polanco can also cover 3B, though not great. Like he did with the Twins, Arraez can play 1B. In fact, I think he's pretty good there. Also, there is the option for Arraez to just DH and be a BATTER. Polanco is a very good hitter, solid OB guy, solid contact low K batter, good clutch hitter, has legitimate 50-60 XBH ability. We keep talking about trading him as if he has no value to the Twins. He has TREMENDOUS value to the Twins, and has for years! He's on the block because he's very good, is cost controlled for the next 2yrs, and the Twins have two guys already in place to replace him. Polanco is a very good ballplayer that is available to acquire and add a lot to many teams. Miami is one of them. When you are a team needing offense, like Miami, even Seattle for that matter, you look to ADD for what you need. And sometimes, you figure out later where everyone fits. The very fact Miami was looking to KC to add a good 1B is almost a tell that they might consider moving Arraez to 1B and add Polanco to 2B. And the universal DH has also changed a lot of roster construction. So yeah, Polanco has real value. Including Miami.

Chpettit19 more or less beat me to the punch. I LOVE Arraez and still miss him, even though I'm very, very glad to have Lopez. And I would NEVER attempt to disparage Arraez in ANY way whatsoever. He is maybe the best pure "hitter" in MLB, meaning he sprays line drives all over the place that fall in more than anyone else in baseball. That also makes him pretty clutch. His BB are somewhat limited, but combined with his high AVG he creates a high OB%. But...he's limited defensively, and doesn't have much power, and very little speed. That's just reality, not trying to de-value him. So he alone brings in a #2 SP that some viewed as #3 when acquired, albeit with #2 potential, and the Marlins even throw in a couple of pieces besides. But now Luzardo will cost us a pair of top 10 prospects and more? Or a pair of just graduated from top 10 prospect status plus more? But the Royals were almost teading a 1B straight up for him? I guess I probably don't know as much about Luzardo as some. But that really confuses me. Makes both #1 and #2 options sound like an overpay. Maybe the younger and even less expensive Camargo replaces Jeffers in #3 and the switch hitting and powerful Severino completes the deal by either replacing or adding to Larnach? Miami gets Polanco for 2 more years and 3 guys pretty much ready to play/compete right now, all with power, and one at a premium defensive position. Just spitballing a little her Again, I just can't imagine a 1B 1 for 1 for Luzardo. And a 1 for 3 swap of Arraez for Lopez. But the Twins need 2 top 10's, or just graduated top 10's, plus more for Luzardo? I was never outstanding at math, but something doesn't add up right to me here.

The idea is sound. I think Lewis is a very smart young man who has Joey stated before that he's seen now just how quickly things can be taken away from you. I just think the numbers have to be right. I believe the first couple of seasons have to be bigger $ and the last 2 vesting years should be pretty easily obtainable. Life changing, guaranteed money foe he and his family, plus the opportunity for another big deal in his age 31-32 year should be his goal. I think he can obtain that, and would sign this kind of deal, if those first few years are bumped. As the offer is written now, I think a healthy Lewis gets as much or more through arbitration, thus, he's really just giving the Twins a gift the next few years.

I figured he would sign and be off the board before the Twins made any moves. Still, I was very intrigued by his coming on board for Kepler, who would be moved with Polanco...though necessarily in the same deal...to land that SP and still have a quality lineup with balance. Oh well, it was just an interesting idea.

Personally, I could care less if Baldelli is the senior manager in the central or not. I only care if he does a good job. And for the most part, he does. I don't know that he often makes a difference during a game, but when your team is united, likes one another, likes playing together, that's a job that takes place off the filed and he seems to do be great at that aspect. Rocco does NOT pull his starters too early. When he's had Shoemaker type of rotation pieces, he pulls them as soon as he needs to. Isn't that what you do when you're pitcher is being light up like a Christmas Tree on fire? On the other hand, when he has good arms, he lets them go. He did that last year. Baldelli has freely admitted than when he first took the job, he pretty much just had to fill out a lineup card and sit back. Now, he's done a little more bunting, had his guys take extra bases more, attempt more stolen bases, etc. The Twins were AWEFUL in early 2023 in regard to PH. But he stuck with it, and the Twins actually had a pretty good year with their PH when all was said and done. Like TK years ago, he gets everyone in the lineup a couple days a week, puts them in good spots, and recognizes that when guys don't ever play, you can't expect them to perform. I don't believe there is a single statistic that can be found that doesn't support more power equals more wins. Strikeouts come with power. Strikeouts don't kill by themselves. Double plays are much worse I'd say. It's when the strikeouts are as HIGH as they were in 2023. But that's not Rocco. That's an organizational philosophy to build a power lineup, with a decent OB%, and ACCEPTABLE K level. The FO didn't set out to make a lineup that would set a K record. But it happened. There are better "hitters" and more guys with speed coming up to create a better balance. Where I DON'T like Baldelli is seeming to fall in to "traps" set by the opposing managers at times, like PH too early in a game due to an unexpected pitching switch. Maybe he needs to be reminded by Tingler, or someone, that when a player is pulled early, he doesn't get to go back in later. LOL I don't think he's awful with his pen usage, but he's definitely not great. I haven't always liked some of the matchups he's used. I don't like saving a spot for arm that never throws unless you have a blow out game. I'm not asking for the Twins to make believe they are one of the 1980's Cardinal teams, but I do think there is a time for a an extra bunt here and there, starting a runner on a contact play, etc. Just a little more of the "old school" stuff that I think still plays here and there. Of course, you have to have guys who can pull it off too. And I think more of those are coming. He's not some tremendous difference maker. But I think he's a solid manager.

"2024 Roster and Payroll Projection Nothing has really changed since the end of the season. The projected roster and payroll has remained static with the lack of additions; here's how it would currently shake out at about $120 million, which is on the low end of the $120-$140 million range fans were told they could expect." Just a smidge over $120M right now. I am assuming the $140M number that has been mentioned as the Twins aren't going to be broke, just bringing in less, even though we aren't quite sure how the TV situation will ultimately turn out. Plus, the FO has usually pushed the payroll envelope almost every year and I don't think 2024 will be an exception. More than likely, whatever arm they trade for, is not going to be making $20M next year. Plus, more than likely, Polanco will be moved either in the trade for said SP, OR moved for someone in a different spot to help build the 2024 roster. (small chance he's traded for a quality prospect or two to replace whoever is moved as part of the SP move). So you have $20M to work with, cut another $10M, then add $XM back, but I'm betting no more than $14-15M, if even that. In other words, there's still a little room to add without any sort of need to cut payroll. While no $155-160M payroll for 2024 really stinks, and won't allow any MAJOR moves, it doesn't mean there isn't room to augment and add to a roster that is actually quite young, and mostly under control. So I'm not singing the blues about this offseason...just wish it could be a little bigger, no matter what they end up doing. But there is no death sentence to next season with a $140M payroll.

Read a piece today where Ken Rosenthal has stated he believes the Mariners are reluctant to move any of their young, controllable arms, despite looking to add bats to their lineup. The onus appears to be their own concern about losing $ from their current TV deal. (Honestly don't recall if they are with Bally, or if their broadcasting deal is with another company and different concerns). If Rosenthal's opinion has legs, it would make some sense for future financial security and contention compatability over the next few years for Seattle. The further opinion of the article is from a reporter at Fan Nation, so take that in to consideration. NOT meaning an insult towards anyone, but it doesn't come from Rosenthal at the Athletic, or another national news corporation, BUT, it's a very interesting idea. COULD the Mariners actually be looking to move on from Luis Castillo, while "hoarding" their young arms, to add bats? They keep their young arms, shed payroll, and add offense. Personally, I didn't see this an an option initially, but it does make sense. Castillo is 31yo, and is due $21M in 2024. He's under control through 2027, with a vesting option for 2028, I believe. (I don't have the information concerning said vesting option). Overall, he's still owed over $80M total, through his age 35 season, not exactly ancient, or overall expensive, even though there might be a bit of an overpay his last couple of seasons. From a Twins perspective, there's little doubt that Polanco and Kepler are both fits for Seattle, solid, not old, Polanco with an extra year of control. Now, the Mariners would surely be looking for more than just an immediate contribution. But keep in mind, they are shedding payroll and keeping their young arms while adding to their offense. Based on talent, ability, projection, future possibilities, the Twins MIGHT be able to add the likes of Larnach, Miranda, Severino, Camargo...ML ready or close...or/and...add some of the younger available talent like Keaschall, Rosario, J-Rodriguez, Yasser Mercedes, etc. The Twins MOVE $20M and add $20M. The Mariners lose $20M, keep their young arms, but add $20M in good bats they need. The Mariners also add another 2-3 bats/position players...their choice...between ready now or a couple years away but legitimate top 20 prospects with real potential. The Twins MIGHT keep all of their top 3 prospects as well as Julien and Wallner. But they add a top SP who replaces the $ sent out. Seattle adds offense needed for the same $ they sent out, keep their young arms, and grab a collection of 2-3 more solid bat prospects who are ready, nearly ready, a couple years away but very talented. I know this is all speculation, but I don't think this is illogical to consider from both sides. And maybe I'm wrong. Even with Seattle wanting to keep their young arms and maybe moving Castillo they just DEMAND a Julien or Lee, etc. And the Twins might look elsewhere. But I think this is an interesting idea. Your thoughts?

Martin should have been listed, no question. Iike the idea of adding Canterino as well. Only question is how long until he's ready. Agree SWR appears, but also agree Festa might be ahead of him in the pecking order right now. Darkhorse: Helman added to the roster at some point. (Yep, I'm riding that horse again). Potentially solid RH bat with power, speed, and defensive flexibility. Better overall hitter, faster, and more positional options than Garlick or Luplow.

LMAO! One of the best! And it ends with "hail Hydra!" to boot. Priceless!

Or, sign the much better Kiermaier for another $3-3.5M and keep Farmer and the prospects for yourself.

I have high hopes for Canterino to remain healthy and become a weapon. I think the reports that he's going to start are just to build up strength and work on control. I'm expecting him in the pen eventually, but I'm not expecting him to break camp even with a great spring. I remember how good Alcala looked at the end of 2021. It felt like he had arrived. Now that he's healthy again and throwing in the high 90's, I think his winter league numbers...though obviously at a lower level than MLB...all indicate he just might be back. I'm actually counting on him making thr club, but he does have options I believe. Can Sands's FB play up to match his breaking stuff? Can Winder's new sinking FB actually work? Velocity is great, but not when it's straight and getting hammered. Not so long ago, Balazovic had some good stuff and nice K ability. If the old version of him is still in there somewhere, it's time for him to come out now. There's some potential there. Headrick and thr non rostered Henriquez might factor in as well. Again, I'm predicting Alcala is ready, am excited/hopeful on Canterino, but if just ONE of those other arms makes a jump we are in great shape. Still can't believe Hoffman was let go after having such a strong camp last year. He went on to have a great season with the Phillies. Probably the best season of his career. Huge mistake by not keeping him.

Very possibly the best episode yet! TONS of great perspective from everyone. I admit to also having concerns about E Rod. He's SUPER TALENTED, but there's enough questions to be concerned. But we're also talking about a very young kid with a tremendous ceiling. I agree that 2024 is probably going to define his potential more. I really, really don't want to move either Lee or Julien, though it could happen. Really hoping for something similar to Gray or Lopez kind of deals where we don't have to move the future for a solid arm. Hoping the depth in the system, and on the 40 man, can net a quality arm. I keep thinking Polanco, Larnach, and another top prospect, or two, not in the top 3 works. The breakdown of Festa, Raya, and the collection of CR arms was very insightful. The whole "pitching pipeline" discussion was great. It's begun to arrive already, with additionsl dividends on the way. Loved the comment about "some" believing the pipeline was supposed to mean 5 ACES in play already. Had to laugh at that. What wasn't mentioned was how Cleveland's "pipeline" was similar to how the FO has already been doing business. Most of the Guardian's arms were acquired from other teams, rather than just being draft choices. Just awesome!