SDTwinsFan

Down year and an injury are a tough combo to establish value, but this is a guy that looked elite less than a year ago. I bet the demand/cost would be pretty high. I don’t think we are gonna be seeing another Graterol/Maeda type deal. Although, I’d be happy with Gray on the team if no lingering shoulder issues.

Yep, my bad. He can spell it however he wants. I am just lazy and saved myself some extra typing. "Ohtani" looks better anyway.

Now that we can expect that Otani is actually moving to the MLB, I had some thoughts. At this point, we can safely say that Otani does not care about money as a motivating tool. But what are his major desires? My guess: 1. Become an MLB HoF player 2. Win a World Series 3. Become a 2 way star I think the Twins are in a great place to offer Otani a few things. Primarily, the Twins are in a position right now to go for it next year, or hold on a year or two. They can offer him a place to play both sides of the ball. He could be the only Japanese player. The Twins could go out and get his (supposed) mentor, Darvish. The bottom line is that Otani could be a once-in-a-lifetime player, and will basically be playing for free. This can completely alter any organization, but for the Twins, it would create payroll flexibility to sustain a winning team for years. They NEED to do everything they can to get him. Here is how they could: If Otani wants to come to the US, and have a year to acclimate, and have his mentor: - Sign Darvish - Extend young core This allows for a winning team, that is still probably a little short of the best teams currently. If Otani wants to win now, and have his mentor: - Sign Darvish - Extend core - Go after FA/trades for some relief pitching - Consider Lynn if price is right This allows the Twins to go for it. If Otani wants a year to acclimate, and be the only Japanese player: - Extend core Plenty of talent to still play for the WC. If Otani wants to win now, and be the only Japanese player: - Extend core - Trade for Archer or Cole - FA reliever x 2 (Nicasio and McGee should fit nicely) - Consider Lynn if price is right following FA relief market acquisitions This is a great team for years. If I am the Twins, I let Otani tell me what he wants. Then make it happen. I don't think any of these are that "crazy". Unlikely, of course, but it could happen! Otani would fix a lot of issues. Make it happen Twins!

I love idea of signing Santana, with one minor hesitation: If there is ANY chance that Otani signs with the Twins based on a lack of a strong DH, you take the gamble with Otani.

It’s an interesting move keeping several “big” names off the 40 man. I’m discouraged about Reed, because I expect him to be selected and stick. Diaz and Stewart are more of a question mark. I doubt Diaz sticks, but who knows. As Big Dog and Tom just pointed out, we lost Turner and he basically didn’t really play all year on the Reds. Stewart reminds me somewhat of my feelings on Alex Meyer when he was traded: it just seems like the Twins aren’t able to make it click. If that’s the case, I hope he succeeds elsewhere. It might make the Twins “look bad” but maybe it was never going to happen in Minnesota. I prefer a talented guy to get it figured out even it’s on another team (except the Yankees or White Sox—screw those guys).

That would be pretty amazing!

This is a much better way of saying what I was trying to say

I can understand the thinking that wavering on plan can be concerning, but I see it differently: 1. The FO made a decision to go get the Twins some pitching help. Made the trade to grab Garcia. Cost them a low level prospect. 2. The Twins looked awful after the trade. 3. The FO made another decision to sell. They didn’t waste any time. Made multiple trades. The bonus here is that by “buying” prospects from the Yankees, the FO showed that ownership is willing to work with them and provide some $$$ if they have a plan. That is incredibly exciting IMO. Things may not work out this offseason, but the fact that the FO made multiple deals, AND the Twins still made it to the post season has me happy with what took place at the deadline.

They also swapped him for better pieces than they initially traded away.... seems like a solid strategy. They aren’t afraid to make moves.

I would love to get excited about Otani signing with the Twins, but I can’t imagine that would ever be his top choice. The Twins are a different organization, but they have also brought in 2 previous players from Japan and Korea and failed to get anything out of them. I realize that Otani is in a completely different world as far as talent, but you would have to wonder if perhaps the Twins didn’t help out enough with the transition? I can’t begin to guess how difficult it could be, and the Twins have failed twice. Again, I hope this wouldn’t be a talking point in negotiations, but it would make me nervous if I was Otani.

I think that the craziest part of this article is that Thorpe is still only 21. Hope that he stays healthy and continues to move through the minors. Very encouraging that he hit 94, too!

Cool article. Will be interesting to see if trends change. One question, Seth: is Polanco at the bottom of the list? That would surprise me.

I feel terribly nervous about this draft. I trust the Twins, but both of the guys in play seem like they could blow up. And it would be devastating to pick "wrong" with 1-1. Such a crap shoot with pitchers, but that won't stop the analysts destroying the Twins if they pass on Greene and he becomes the best pitcher in baseball. It seemed like a better position when the Astros picked 1-1, and Twins didn't have the pressure. That said, the Astros did pretty well with Correa....

Why not front load his contract? Not to an excessive level, but do $10 million for 2018-2022. Then add in a $15 million club option for 2023, $20 million club option for 2024. That takes us through age 30, at which point, baseball money will be much different. Add in a solid buyout ($5 million each year?). That is $55 million guaranteed (up to $85). Shows some BIG respect for a young player. Gives Twins a chance to spend some of the money early--hopefully giving them a chance to spend on big free agents and/or other homegrown talent when they get to the "championship years". Strong chance I have no idea what I'm talking about.

Totally agree, but also feel that a Tommy Milone type can be a helpful 5th starter for the next few years.