slash129

I agree, but he'd likely have to be playing at a Buster Posey level to unseat Castro as the regular in just a three month period. I'll actually be pleased if he gets the ~240 PAs as a catcher that Castro doesn't get (going off Castro's 3 year avg) and makes good use of them while not being too much of a step down defensively.

I think it's possible to be disappointed about the lack of extension talks and be excited about free agency. I think different questions were asked in the two interviews. If he sees the writing on the wall, then his best bet is to have a positive outlook on the next chapter of his career.

For what I think the Twins can get with that cash? Yes. Hypothetical projection here: Someone like Patrick Corbin is probably the ceiling we can expect for an FA pitcher signing with the Twins next offseason. Let's assume Gordon would be the player that takes over at 2B (or Polanco switches to 2B and Gordon plays SS). I think Dozier will put up more WAR than Patrick Corbin and Nick Gordon combined for 2019-2022. Even if those two combined are slighty less expensive than what Dozier would cost (and Gordon would have one arb year in there), his market value to the team and clubhouse presence will probably more than make-up for those contract dollars.

Probably according to those that think the Twins will be better with him on the team than off the team. How do we know that he isn't going to have the career arc of Jeff Kent -- a player who had his most productive years in his 30s and wasn't listed on the Mitchell report? It's easy to just "plug in" Gordon, make assumptions on production and then make more assumptions that now X Ace can be had with the Dozier dollars. Unfortunately, it isn't really that simple. X Ace (this year Darvish) may not or, more likely, probably won't want to play here. Gordon would have to just destroy AAA this year for him to look the part of a Dozier replacement. Yes, he's going to be cheaper, but you still have to get the production somewhere.

Rainis Silva is also a prospect, but he'll probably be in A-A+-ball.

From my perspective, hype around the team seems to be higher than last year, but I mostly agree with you. Home games in April in the Minnesota "cold" won't be a hot ticket without a sure thing. The baby boomer fan base may opt for activities that favor climate comfort. Folks have five months afterwards to get to a game.

People pretend to care about the hot social justice/ crime against humanity fad. Then we go back to caring about what we really care about. Yesterday, we cared about the abuse of power over women in the industries. Then we remembered that we really care more about how effective the Twins lineup will be. Today, we care about assualt weapons being available to the mentally disturbed or maybe anyone for that matter. Tomorrow, we'll remember that we really care about those number 4 and 5 starters and how much stock we should put in the big fat eggs that Hughes and Sanchez laid the last couple days.

Sure does suck that Sano's availability is affected by a passing hashtag.

Trade Gordon for pitching! Nice article!

I'll check it out. Thanks!

I'd lean toward this, although I think Adrianza is probably the safest of this bunch. There are still too many variables this early. Falvey may have alluded to this group being the ones they choose from, but there is still a lot of talent available. Prices and minor league contract willingness may still change. I can only see Vargas sticking if Mauer or Morrison get hurt, but there is still a month of ST left. The Twins don't need late inning defensive replacements in the outfield or a LH bat, so I think Granite goes to AAA, if ST was over today. You could argue that guys need days off, but there are a lot of off days early in the season. If someone gets hurt, you throw Adrianza or Escobar out there to finish the game and then call Granite or Wade (requires 40-man move) up afterwards. I'm still scratching my head on Aybar. A scenario where he makes the team means multiple injuries, IMO. I still think there are better options out there. You mention Neil Walker. If his price point and willingness to be a role-player get to a certain point, he's obviously an upgrade. He is yet another bat who is better over his career from the left side. I think Grossman's spot is going to depend a lot on how the staff think Kepler has progressed hitting LHP. Grossman can at least draw a walk against lefties and poorly pass in the outfield. If you're really looking for a right-handed bat (I know Grossman is switch), there are better options out there. Danny Valencia (136 career wRC+ vs. LHP) is one that keeps coming to my mind. He's played some outfield, so it would be a decision on if you think he can play at least as well as Grossman.

I hope Berrios gets Opening Day and keeps it for the next several years.

O-Dog ceiling with no gold gloves but more stolen bases. Hopefully someone else in the lineup can add 20-30 homers to their game. The runs created with those homers will basically be the difference between Dozier and a Gordon who reaches his ceiling. Gordon will have zero leadership being a millennial who's always eaten from the silver spoon. Hopefully, G-Cinco trash music will be banned from Target Field.

Yep, and if he goes somewhere else, that will be my second favorite team for awhile. Well, maybe not the Yankees or White Sox.

QO will be north of $18 mill next off-season. He could just sign that and get a 100% raise.

I had to go all the way back to 1996 to find a player (Jacques Jones) that would even be in the conversation as a 2nd rounder as good as Dozier. Scott Baker and Anthony Swarzak are the only other two whose career WAR was higher than a single season WAR from Dozier. The Twins have not done well in the 2nd round. Baddoo, Rortvedt, Miranda and Leach have a chance at changing that, but all are low minors prospects at this point. I'm pretty sure Eades and Melotakis won't even make the Baker/Swarzak list. All other 2nd rounders are out of the system. Anyway, Vanimal, I think the answer to your question is: Likely not. Isn't prospect dreaming fun?!! Edit: My bad ... I missed Jesse Crain (Still half the career WAR of Dozier so far)

You obviously haven't played sports that involve people getting injured. It's quite typical for teammates to be at the side of an injured player. Most players appreciate the support and concern. Not sure why you would support making the rule so strict that a teammate can't even offer moral support to an injured player so that your game finishes one minute earlier.

So if the umpire needs some time to collect himself, the players should stand around with their thumbs up their a$---es? Making use of the time and conversing on game strategy should be forbidden? You're reference to family members not running out on the field and checking if the player is OK is asinine. If I was a family member of a player, I would hope one of his teammates would check if he's OK. The rule should be flexible enough to allow for normal human interaction during a possible injury that will hopefully only happen less than once a game or never. If teams are obviously trying to circumvent the rule via hangnails and sand in the eye, they can be dealt with.

So it's not a get-to-know Tyler Kinley podcast?

Tony Clark still trying to play with the big boys. From what I've read, he should probably stick to negotiating "Free Pizza Fridays" or something like that.

This list isn't really bothering me. It could be sour grapes, but I'm a lot happier with what has been added. The relievers did have some promise, but they couldn't stay healthy. The Twins should have a strong bullpen now. Reed and Jay are still in the picture. Lujan and Hackimer could be available quicker than we think as well. Also, supplementing the bullpen via free agency, trades and waivers seems to work better anyway. Look at the Astros.

Completely agree. Unfortunately, 30 owners and the hands that feed their golden sows won't.

At least Granite has options. Grossman is good at walking against lefties, but that's about it. Danny Valencia anyone? Mashes lefties, one year removed from 68 games at 3rd (albeit below average), plays a little corner OF, defensive replacement at 1st (on Mauer's off days), might be had on a minor league deal

I think John went to an all-you-can-eat ribs joint for dinner. 10 uses of "mess" and it's derivatives in one article had to come from a recent experience.

Fixed