ChrisKnutson

If the Twins are looking towards reclamation projects rather than Cobb or Lynn, then why not look at players that actually just had a rough/injured season and not a waste of a roster spot (no offense to Anibal, but cmon). Why not sign Jeff Locke or Matt Garza to minor league contracts? Or maybe bring back a healthy Ricky Nolasco, R.A Dickey, or even Scott Feldman. We should've signed Cashner, Chatwood, Chancin when we had the chance.

I still think a Chris Archer trade could still happen if we offer Sano, Gordon, and Graterol (or Gonsalves) (or Mejia). Losing Sano would hurt, but I'd say (I know) Archer holds more value since he's a pitcher. To offset the possibility of this, the Twins could bring back Carlos Gomez (still has that power/speed blend) to play LF, moving Rosario to starting DH/4th OF, and installing Eduardo Escobar at 3rd (he deserves it). Then sign a RH handed bench bat like Danny Valencia Imagine. 1. Chris Archer 2. Jose Berrios (if he progresses) 3. Ervin Santana 4. Trevor May (I believe he'll put up numbers similar to Lance Lynn) 5. Kyle Gibson

Just sign Andrew Cashner and Wade Miley, both have decent track records and are former 1st rounders (so they have the ability to be a bargain). Also, I could see both turning into effective relievers as well if someone (Gonsalves, Romero, Little, May, Duffey) steps up and performs. I especially see Miley (smaller frame) (if that matters?) having the abilty to be that max effort guy in the pen ready to be unleashed.

Why are we so easily dismissing Danny Valencia, seriously, he has a very good track record against lefties and is a versatile bench bat (1b, 3rd, corner of). And after all that's happened with Sano, we shouldn't be worried about his past "clubhouse issues" with the Twins, nor should we even think of pursuing (the lefties) Duda, LoMo, (or overpriced egos) GoGo, or Joey Bats. Also, Valencia would be just as effective of a signing as Eduardo Nunez (ALDS injury and price$) in terms of upgrading our bench.

Eat Kemp’s contract and take SP prospect Yadier Alvarez instead of signing Darvish (cuz I’m losing hope). Then spend some on free agents like Wade Miley to start or relief (depending on ST) and then sign lefty killer utility man Danny Valencia. If it’s too much to upgrade our pitching to where we want it, then make a juggernaut offensive (somewhat like the Astros). Both Kemp and Valencia would offer roster flexibility without the risk of poor at bats and both have hit lefties pretty well throughout their careers. Kemp would be worth it, if attached with a high level prospect, cause it’s not like he’s washed up yet.

Does anyone think a reunion with Danny Valencia would be worth it? He plays 1st, 3rd, and corner outfield, he mashes left pitching (look at career splits), and could play 3rd of DH to start the year if Sano is suspended. I don't wanna hear he's bad clubhouse guy (when we got Sano on our team) because honestly Danny's consistency as a role player is a better fit for the Twins compared to question marks like Bautista, Napoli, Maybin, Young, and Holiday.

This smells like a possible "failed starter" turned reliever scenario, I hope so. It would be smart for the Twins to make a move like this because none of their lefty relievers really leave me feeling comfortable about our bullpen, especially Zach Duke. Former first round draft pick Wade Miley as a starter averaged 93 on his fast ball and so far has topped out at 96, maybe 97??, for a lefty he's got some heat, but imagine his smaller 6'0 frame coming out of the bullpen to be used as a max effort guy. Despite their height differences I don't see why Miley can't follow the similar path taken by former 1st round starters that are now currently lefty relief aces (Andrew Miller, Mike Minor, and Brad Hand).

Too much statisics, even for baseball! Regardless of the allegations and how this situation ends, I think the biggest question the organization needs to ask themselves, is keeping Sano around worth it? He's obviously very talented (talented enough?), but to go along with these allegations are his weight related issues (work ethic) and the gap left at 3rd if he were suspended/traded. Also, I think it would look very bad (and unfair) if the Twins kept Sano in the same workplace as Betsy (a photographer). The Twins need to move on from Sano, Sano needs also move past this incident (despite denying it), and Betsy needs closure. On the bright side (not really :/ ), what the Twins could do is trade Sano along with Felix Jorge, Kohl Stewart, Jermaine Palacios for Chris Archer and a throw in role player/pitcher. This could also entice Darvish to set up a meeting with the Twins and possibly choose them over the Yanks, Astros, Dodgers, Cubs, Rangers, etc. The reason why I think this would attract Yu is by having already having 2 very accomplished starters and fact that the organization (should do) did the right thing handling Sano. Demonstrated in this years' World Series, Yu Darvish seems like a person who places importance on character (good guy), once you add Darvish to the mix you got.... 1) Archer 2) Darvish 3) Santana 4) Berrios 5) (yet to be determined) (Mejia, Gibson, May, Romero, Little, Gonsalves, Slegers) It's possible the Twins could turn this bad situation into a positive one in the from of a starting pitching surplus.

This offseason, nothings happened, yet there's already been a lot of talk of what the Twins need to do in order build on their surprise wildcard birth last season. Obviously this team is young, and ahead of schedule as well, but this doesn't mean its time to trade the system (top prospects or even some of our core) and go all in on Chris Archer, Gerrit Cole, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, or even Shohei Otani (don't think he'd want to come to MN anyways). Although I do like the thought of overhauling on pitching, starters and relievers (Tommy Hunter and Brandon Kintzler), I don't think we need to because we got a lot of the system's top pitching prospects coming off injuries (Chargois, Jay, Burdi) and others looking like they'll be in MN sometime in 2018 (Gonsalves, Romero, Pudge Jr). All Falvine needs to do is make two moves in order to make this a very good team. Which is sign SP Yu Darvish and trade for RP Brad Hand. These are two pitchers that sometimes go under the radar as being "elite" because they choked in the WS (albeit small sample size) or we're apart of a dying franchise (Padres) that lowered their value by selling way too high in July (Preller). Regardless, I think these two would be all the Twins need in order reach the WC game again, maybe even become division winners again. We have enough bats to win a game, all we need to do is hold the lead.

While Kohl Stewart does have the potential too be a regrettable loss, we left him of the 40-man for a reason. And it would plain stupid to just let him go through the Rule 5 Draft. He's a 1st rounder!!! Whose stock hasn't taken too big of a hit. Hopefully all this means is that Falvine is planning to deal Stewart like the A's dealt Jaycob Brugman to Orioles (MLBTR). In the same MLBTR article, it was also mentioned that the Twins are exploring trades for relievers such as Raisel Iglesias, Brad Hand, Alex Colome, and Justin Wilson. Although I've said this many times, I still believe that Brad Hand would be the best option for the Twins, and would fit perfectly in our bullpen (another lefty besides Rogers) and Minnesota (hometown is Chaska). In the comment section of the MLBTR article it's mentioned many times that Nick Gordon would probably be the center piece in a deal for any of those 4 relievers. So I believe a package of Gordon, Stewart, and Felix Jorge would be an offer that San Diego would find hard to refuse be they are in dire need of a SS and needs young starting pitching (like every other team in the league).

I'm a little worried about dangling Stewart and Reed, but then again if it's for free agents I'm all for it, especially relief pitching. I like the idea of bringing Kintzler back as our 7th inning guy, then Tommy Hunter as the set-up (most underrated free agent reliever, IMO), and then trade for Brad Hand to be fireman/closer. If Falvine makes moves for these guys the Twins could have an actual playoff bullpen. Just imagine.... Tyler Duffey Trevor Hildenberger Alan Buesnitz Taylor Rogers Ryan Pressly Brandon Kintzler (no introduction needed, yall already know) Tommy Hunter (former starter for WS losing Rangers teams -> turned 95-100 mph reliever) Brad Hand (career similar to Andrew Miller's) (has funky delivery) not to mention: Buddy Boshers (please no) Tyler Jay, John Curtiss, Aaron Slegers, Trevor May (maybe?) and Gabriel Moya If we're looking to extend our core players 2019 and beyond we can't break the bank on Darvish, Minor, 1b Santana (why would we?), Lynn, Davis, Cobb, Morrow, etc. We subtracted from our roster last year and still made the playoffs, all we need to do is add a few "actual" major league ballplayers, not overrated/overpriced stars. Both Kintlzer and Hunter great relievers that are in a way underrated so they should come at a relatively affordable price while Hand, our "big splash" wouldn't cost money, but instead top prospect Gordon and probably Kohl Stewart and Felix Jorge as well.

Too expensive in terms of prospects, instead the Twins should go after possible breakout starter/relievers Bryan Mitchell (former top prospect) and or Luis Cessa (both top out around 98-99 mph) of the Yankees for a more reasonable price of prospects. The Yankees don't have enough room on their 40 man roster for all of Mitchell, Tyler Austin, Cessa, Garret Cooper, and others (on MLBTR) so a trade is definitely possible as long as the Yankees get prospects in return. To sweeten the deal for both sides the Twins could also swap the contract of Phil Hughes for either of Jacoby Ellsbury, Starlin Castro, or Chase Headley and then flip that contract for pitching or prospects or hold on to the veteran.

While the Twins current outfield trio seems cemented for the future, the infield's future seems stable yet very uncertain in the coming years. Mauer doesn't have many years left, Dozier's future with the Twins seems uncertain for a number of reasons, Polanco may be our SS now but I guess he's a trade candidate now (so who is our SS) (Gordon?), and I'm not sure how much longer Sano can stay a 3rd. I like Escobar (a lot) but realistically don't see him becoming our regular or even part-time 3rd baseman (bench piece). Instead, I think the Twins should start playing Polanco/Gordon at 3rd while the other plays SS, moving Sano to the role of part time 3rd baseman and DH. Yet, if we do sell high on Polanco, I'd still put Gordon at 3rd because I have a feeling that it'll be a good fit for him. Which means being on the market for a SS. A Dozier/Zack Cozart duo seems pretty dangerous with the bat and glove. And if not, Twins could trade for Dee Gordon since the Marlins are looking to shed payroll. Realistically, a Gordon trade is probably impossible (one can dream) because he's a 2nd baseman (former SS). Would he be able to displace Dozier (debatable)? What about his own brother from SS, even after his strong comments on the Twin's doubt of Nick's ability to play SS. However, if it was possible for the 3 to coexist he'd probably be the most obvious mentor for Nick and clubhouse leader (along with Dozier) for the rest of the young team. And a batting order starting with Gordon and Buxton would be very fun to watch. When it comes to the situation at 3rd, I think the transition would be fairly smooth defensively for Polanco/Gordon because both are overall good fielders that can hit the ball enough for a 3rd baseman as well. A move like this isn't just about being capable of manning your position, because I think both are capable SS too, it's about maximizing the talent on the roster. Many examples come to mind like: Matt Carpenter, Jose Ramierez, Anthony Rendon, World Series hero Alex Bregman. With Polanco, I see him moved back to second when Dozier is no longer with the team, but for meantime I think the goal should be getting him (and Gordon) on the field as much as possible.

I say we need a proven shutdown reliever, worry about the closer stuff later. The important thing is for the Twins to have a guy that other teams fear when they're down in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th. Someone that can come in at any situation, not just close. The only problem is that the guy I'm thinking of is isn't a free agent. But it's definitely possible for the Twins to pull off a deal for Padres reliever Brad Hand. All Falvine would have to do is hand over Nick Gordon (they need a SS) and couple mid/low tier prospects. IMO, Hand's value as a versatile shutdown reliever (on a team that lacks quality pitching) definitely outweighs Gordon's value as a future Twin, so I don't think anyone would lose sleep over the loss of Gordon. I wouldn't.

Whether the Twins take 1 or 2 in San Diego, imo this is a great opportunity for Molitor to get the less experienced relief pitchers (Moya!?, Tonkin, Curtiss, etc) more seasoning and to give Buesnitz, Hildy, Rogers, Belisle somewhat of a break. After splitting the KC series it just seems like the perfect time for someone new to step up and contribute!

Time to call up more reinforcements since the AAA season is over for Rochester. IMO I'd like to see the front office really take advantage of the 40 man (Sept) since they didn't feel like making moves prior to the august deadline. Since Niko Goodrum got called up feel almost all of aaa is fair game for a callup. To me these are the players that should be at least considered. Pitchers- Gonsalves, Romero, Tonkin, Reed, Rucinski, Bard, Melotakis, Jorge, Wimmers, Rosario Position Players- Park, Palka, Shuck, Reginatto, Hague. All these guys can be or are better hitters than Goodrum, they just don't have the versatility. But if you think about it versatility is sorta meaningless in September. For any of these guys to get "the call" someone on the 40 man has to go, but who else besides Santiago and Hughes?

If we're gonna go get someone like Garcia (rental) the Twins might as well go get one rental relief pitcher. I'm thinking Addison Reed or Pat Neshek, since both imo seem affordable in terms of prospects. Although I'm not exactly sure what the Mets or the Phil's needs are. And if we go after Reed I definately feel we should add Bartolo Colon to sweeten the deal because if feel the Mets do want him back. Also I don't want someone considering retirement based on how his start against the best team in baseball goes, when we're in middle of a playoff hunt.

Is that a good thing? I mean Chris Young isn't what he used to be but he's a solid veteran that at best could possibly have a season like Torii did (22 HR/81RBI/.240 BA except with better defense. And Austin Jackson to me seems primed to have a really good season something similar to his first few seasons with the Tigers.

Let's be realistic the Twins aren't gonna get free agent Yoenis Cespedes, but yet there is still a few free agents that are better than or just as good as Aaron Hicks was (and less frustrating too). Three that I'd like to see the Twins go after for a RF/CF starting position would be Austin Jackson, Chris B. Young, or Will Venable. First of all, all of them are a billion times better with the glove in the outfield than Miguel Sano will ever be, also all are just as good as Rosario with it too, minus the arm but I could be mistaken. Will Venable spent most of his career with the Padres in a park that kills homeruns yet he managed to have a 20-20 season in 2013. In 2015 he started his season off with a solid .258 BA /6 HR/11SB for the Friars until heading to the Rangers where he got minimal playing time and struggled. Chris B. Young is a former Rookie of the year Candidate and All Star who seem destined to be the D-Backs franchise player. And he was that good as he had speed, power, great defense, but if he did have a flaw it was striking out, low batting average, and a low on base percentage. However it seems he's gotten better with age even though as part time player. Austin Jackson, mostly known as the young talented center fielder for the Tigers who was runner up for Rookie of the Year in 2010, is still young and talented, at 28 years old I feel he still has some of his best years ahead of him, this year he was even apart of the Cubs run in the playoffs.

A decent amount teams are going to go after the troubled but talented Colby Rasmus(28 yrs old) and he could cost more than we think so it might not be worth it, especially if he is most likely not apart of our future. But if we can't get him or decide not to we should go after Chris B Young(31 yrs old) or go after veteran platoon player Chris Denorfia(34 yrs old) Chris Young is actually a super realistic Free Agent for our Twins to sign , and could be a good fit. He is not that old yet (still a good athlete), fast, a (very) good defender, Ok patience at the plate, and has had pop in his bat since his debut. His defense is well needed in center or left and his bat ain't bad either his only issue is actually getting hits consistently (career avg is .230 something) but his short time with the yanks at the end of the season showed some promise. He's not our future but right now we need his DEFENSE and bat at low cost for high reward. Or Go sign free agent Chris Denorfia yeah he's a veteran but he's not our future but he would help this club in few areas like -veteran leadership (heart and hustle award for Padres) -good defense (Wilson award for Padres) -would be a great platoon player, hits Lefties good (platooned with Hicks in left) -isn't a liability hitting wise (look at stats with Padres) just a solid veteran player in everyway

Who thinks Daniel Ortiz should be looked at? I mean he actually plays all outfield positions played good amount of LF last year in AA and AAA. He hit very well in AA after struggling a little bit the year earlier, he then was promoted to AAA, struggled a little bit but held his own. If you don't know who he is, you should, look him up and his stats. Also just because he isn't even on the Twins Top Prospect list (at least I don't think so?)doesn't mean he shouldn't be looked cause he's got some tools. Ortiz -strong arm -some speed 7 SB -decent power 12 HR -needs to be more patient at the plate .303 OBP -young (24 yrs old) -good bat .285 AVG

The Pirates have two players that could be traded for Brian Duensing (just one would probably be dealt for Duensing) like Jose Tabata and Tony Sanchez. Tabata is definitely starter material and is very underrated in the pirates organization (only seen as a 4th outfielder) also he is only 26. Tony Sanchez is also a good player to have especially next year because we might not have Suzuki and will be left with only option starter and defensively troubled Pinto. Sanchez is also 26 and has fared well in the majors in his short stint with the Pirates at the beginning of the season. One of them could help the Twins this year, next year, and years to come.

Trade Albers with a reliever, Duensing or Burton. because Albers was somewhat of a decent starting pitcher and could build on that, maybe not, that's why you'd add a reliever. In return you'd probably get an AAA minor leaguer who's a decent SS or SP.