AussieTwin

I'd just like to quickly summarise my optimism for the Twins off-season and this proposed trade with a short clip that I feel really encapsulates our emotions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwFK5kWlh9M

Lol took the words right out of my mouth, I was more than confident that Parks did that whole evaluation with a semi. He was frothing at the mouth over the system. I think there's only 2 options for us as twins fans though and we should split them up evenly 1. PRAY that they all stay reasonably healthy and half develop to be as expected 2. Provide personal bodyguard and security for them to enhance step 1 ready? BREAK

I too agree with the consensus that the cubs would laugh that trade off pretty quickly, but the shark isn't even the most interesting pitcher I'd inquire about. I'd be looking specifically at potentially great pitchers who had down years last year (in no particular oder) 1. Jeremy Hellickson 2. Ricky Romero 3. Chad Billingsley 4. Yovani Gallardo 5. Dan Hudson 6. Trevor Cahill 7. Brett Anderson

Of the free agents available I'd prefer to go after Jimenez because he at least will gives us the opportunity to have a true ace on staff if he hits form. If I wanted a solid starting pitcher who's gonna eat innings and keep us in games I'd go Nolasco. If I wanted to take a flyer on potential then it's definitely Josh Johnson. If healthy he can be a natural leader and ace of the staff and he's been proven on an average team before. I'd even consider signing him up on top of one of Jimenez and Nolasco. I'd also like for the Twins to take a look at trading for a good pitcher who had a down year. Some guys I'd hope we ask about are Jeremy Hellickson, Ricky Romero, Chad Billingsley, Yovani Gallardo, Dan Hudson and Trevor Cahill all of who I think the Twins could shake a deal out for without giving up the farm

I really like most of your thoughts here. Agree completely with the Josh Johnson signing, have to take a risk on a potential ace. I also really like your idea of trying to trade low on some guys. I like the Romero idea most, lefty with filthy stuff when he has it working. I'd also like to throw in Jeremy Hellickson after his down year, could definitely provide a solid mid rotation guy. Billingsley if healthy I'd take a run at too since I'll bet the dodgers wouldn't be too unhappy to get rid of him. I would throw in Gallardo from the Brewers but he's a bit pricier. I might ask Arizona about Daniel Hudson or Trevor Cahill since they have some good young pitching coming through. I don't see how the Twins shouldn't be making calls this winter

I wanna throw one CRAZY idea out there. If we've got all this money why don't we try and spend it in an outrageous way. Matt Kemp? provided it wouldn't cost us any ridiculous prospect package. They'll probably look for Rosario since they lack infield players Report: Dodgers listening on OFers, who has the most trade value? - CBSSports.com

Well that was exactly my thinking, Ubaldo has the upside because we've seen what he can do and he showed glimpses of it again last season. Nolasco I think is just one of those solid middle of the rotation guys that most games will give your team a chance to win. The other FA I would take the risk on is Josh Johnson, former ace who's proven himself and did his best work on a horrible team who if healthy could get back to his form and really give us some solid innings A guy I've been thinking about that is never mentioned is Jeremy Hellickson. He had a tough year last year but has definitely been a solid pitching and the Rays know pitching so why not inquire with them what it would cost for him while his value is at its lowest?

Since I'm greedy and we have cash to spend I'd go for both Jimenez and Nolasco and try and sneak in Madson to boost the bullpen, but I'm the greedy type

Hey guys, Aussie Twins fan here. Been a Twins fan since about 2003 and a lurker for the last couple of months after I started being directed here from ESPN articles. Really like the detail and passion you guys have for the twinkies and it gives us guys overseas a great idea of what's to come for us since we obviously struggle to get minor league details over here. While it does look to be a somewhat depressing year coming up it is at least good to see that a bright future on the horizon with all the youngsters coming through. Having looked at a lot of the off-season talk I must say I'd be happiest to take a flier on Josh Johnson of all the starting pitchers, if he's healthy he's most likely to have a few more strong years at him and he's someone that can lead a young pitching staff coming through as he was a proven performer on a horrible Miami team for all those years, although that is a big if. Secondly in regards to a topic I'm pretty interested in which is our infield. There's a lot of talk from you guys that Rosario is the future at 2B soon but he could do with improving his D a bit more, but we really don't have a long term solution at SS. I think our best option is to trade for one since there's slim pickings in Free agency, preferably a guy with a great glove who has a reasonable bat ie. what we thought we were gonna get with JJ Hardy when we made that move. With all the trade rumours going around I would want to ring the Rangers and ask them about Ian Kinsler because he sounds like he might be the odd man out there and it would save the Rangers from moving on Profar or my other alternative would be Asdrubal Cabrera but I don't think there's any way that the Indians move him within the Division