mike8791

If this is the best we have to look forward to, it's going to be a long season! Sitting here in Chicago, I guess I'm spoiled by how well Sox and Cub minor leaguers have stepped up to provide solid innings in relief this season. The Cubs bullpen has been amazing and the Sox prospects have stepped right in to preserve game after game(in fact, addition of Hendriks has been helpful but certainly not essential to Sox success in late game victories). Contrast to the Twins org. where retreads like Law, Waddell, Anderson, Thielbar have failed miserably and the one minor leaguer from the Twins system, Alcala, has been a disappointment. If Cano, Hackimer, and Chalmers are the best we have to look forward to, the Whiz Kids better go back to the drawing boards(or better yet, retire). There is some hope, if the FO is willing to push some of our top prospects like Duran, Canterino, Winder sooner rather than later, place them in the bullpen and see what we really have for the future. So far that strategy has worked here in Chicago. Maybe it can work for the Twins, too.

This will probably be tossed out by TD because content is a wee bit negative. However, this poster finds little humor in the 2021 season so in an attempt to maybe initiate a real discussion of the origins of Systems Failure 2.0, here are my 3 curses: 1. Jim Pohlad/ownership for looking at the Twins as nothing more than a P & L item rather than a community investment with the sole goal of bringing a world championship to the Twin Cities. As a result, they focus on hiring executives who subscribe to a conservative approach to building a winner instead of rolling the dice to go all in when the "window seems wide open." 2. Falvey/Lavine for their aversion to risk taking, as well as their hubris in believing they are smarter than everyone else in knowing how to build a sustainable contender by concentrating strictly on an analytical numbers approach to player evaluation. 3. Baldelli for his inept game management, inability to provide leadership, and over protection of his players similar to Little League. This team was soft under Gardy and Molly, as indicated by a record 19 game losing streak in the playoffs, but Rocco beats both in his cluelessness in how to motivate a talented, but spiritless roster. Truly a perfect storm.

Like Kirby Yates or Trevor Rosenthal? I don't disagree with your premise about Colome but signing "high upside FAs" in the bullpen is not quite as simple as you make it sound, even if you're willing to spend. The bet on Robles has looked decent so far, fwiw. OK touche Nick! Yates or Rosenthal were two of my preseason choices and both are on the IR list. Colome looked like a reasonably priced FA addition but living here in Chicago, it did not take a tech genius to see he was running thru raindrops on almost every occasion. The Sox were going for the brass ring so they went for the BPA in Hendriks. The Twins not so much. Many of us on TD pointed out the biggest weakness going into the offseason was the BP - and it still is. Guys like Kennedy and Melancon were available, not to mention the ill-advised moves to trade Pressley, and dump Nick Anderson. My biggest problem with this FO is they generally nibble around the edges rather than go after difference makers. And that's a shame, because the window is still wide open. If the team is still in contention come July, will they change their MO and actually make significant additions. They never have in 4 years.

Gleeman reports Dobnak sent down to AAA. I'm sure this is a precursor to get him back in the rotation to replace the Shoe. If Maeda returns to form, this is a strong rotation. If not, you can probably forget about the playoffs. This is why many Twins fans were vehement about FO adding a top-of-the-rotation arm in case Maeda regressed. Wouldn't a Snell, Darvish, Lynn or Sonny Gray have made a sizable difference in the team's outlook now? But the real problem is the pen, of course. Colome was found wanting in Chicago so why did the Whiz Kids sign him as their top offseason bullpen addition? Relievers are notably erratic from year to year, but there were clearly better choices this offseason. Losing May and knowing Rogers was iffy should have been enough warning signs that a couple high upside FAs were critical to a successful 2021 season. When you add in our continued inability to develop pitching in he minors and Rocky's poor decision-making, the bullpen was on everyone's worry list.

Two blowouts in a row! Plus, Kirillof starting to look like a contributor on offense, Buxton continuing his MVP year, and Pineda looks like he's in a groove. While these are the first signs of Twins' revival, let's put things in perspective. This offense has shown they are capable of beating up on subpar pitching. Allen was sent down after Wednesday's rout and yesterday, essentially they beat up on a poor KC bullpen after Allen removed. Any team that gets 10 walks is well on their way to a decisive victory. But except for the last two games, every time Twin bats have erupted for one game, they have reverted to their prior listless offense the next game. Today's matchup against arguably KC's best pitcher, Duffy, will provide a very good test of whether this turnaround is for real. Yes, its early, but the Twins have to step up and sweep the frontrunners to close the gap to 4 games. Winning 2 of 3 hardly moves the needle. Rocco didn't help matters much by throwing in Duffey and Robles in a game they were ahead by 4 runs after 5. Will this bullpen usage affect our chances in the next 2 games? Time will tell. The last 2 games were fun but the Twins have dug themselves a hole that only a 5-6 game win streak will dig them out of. Hate to be a Debby Downer here, but this team(and manager) have to demonstrate they have the internal fortitude to more consistently produce in run-scoring opportunities, hold a lead, and come-from-behind. This mental toughness has been sadly lacking so far.

My take is this team, like last year's and the many playoff losses, are lacking two essentials for a contender:1.) Inability to manufacture runs;2.) inability to come from behind/bounce back. "Not necessarily with the first one. Of the 53 runs they’ve scored, only 22 of them have come via HR" Inability to manufacture runs not synonymous with HR or nothing. "Inability to manufacture runs" statement was mainly an observation about inability to score in extra innings with runner on 2B, no outs. This has happened 3 times. I agree with those who hate this rule, but all teams must play with it. Twins seem incapable/unwilling to bunt or move runner to 3rd by a grounder to the right side. I know, SSS, but over last 2+years, this team has basically failed to play small ball. The many holes in the L/U are one reason, as well as high SO % by guys like Sano, Garver, Kepler. Seems that twins need to change their strategy a bit. Need more contact hitters, as well as greater emphasis on moving the runner by squeezes, sac. bunts, hit and run, etc. Certainly not panicking, but this inability to manufacture runs has continued to haunt this team, particularly in the playoffs where good pitching is the rule.

Buxton and Cruz are leading the charge for a lineup that has been locked in and routinely destroying the ball I think this overstates Twins' offense. Their "offense" has consisted of Bux and Cruz, with major contributions from Arraez and Simmons. Four other lineup regulars(Garver/Jeffers, Cavem Sano, and Polanco) have basically been non-contributors, with BA below the Mendoza line. Our team averages look good because we have 3 games where we averaged 11 runs/game. We have consistently failed in clutch situations - runner on 2nd, no outs, in 10th inning, no runs. I expect JD to help, but although SSS, concerned that Garver, Sano, Cave and Polanco are continuing last year's slide. My take is this team, like last year's and the many playoff losses, are lacking two essentials for a contender: 1.) Inability to manufacture runs; 2.) inability to come from behind/bounce back. These weaknesses point to the manager and team leadership, as well as relying on some very streaky players who probably do not belong in the lineup on a regular basis. With Donaldson back, start Arraez at 2B, Astudillo at 1B, Garlick in LF, and give Jeffers more of a chance to prove his worth as main catcher. And speaking of Baldelli, his pen managment has proven disastrous. Why wasn't Robles, after pitching perfect 8th, allowed to start the 9th? How many times has Rocco pulled a reliever after one strong inning. Let one or two of the pen establish themselves as the go to 8th/9th/10th inning pitchers. Colome must be dropped in the hierarchy, Rogers, Robles and Alcala(and hopefully Duffy if he straightens himself out) should each be used in game save situations, including multiple innings. I know its easy to second guess, but you need an established closer. This is why Sox dropped Colome, signed Liam. Twins FO selected not to go all in because they had depth. Let's start usuing that depth and see who emerges as a stopper. If no one, let's hope we're still in the hunt at the trade deadline and make the move to acquire someone who can.

Have to agree with the anti-Sano crowd. He's had enough time to prove himself. These type of all or nothing types do little to help the team. As things stand now, we have maybe three consistent hitters - Cruz, Arraez, and Donaldson(if he ever stays healthy). Simmons looks like he could join this list, but a little early. I'm not writing Polanco off yet but his falloff from the first half of 2019 is cause for concern. To bolster this team's ability to have a balanced lineup, I would like to see Armadillo play 1B, at least enough to see how he fields the position. This man can just hit and should be in the lineup every day. Rooker is more Sano-like and should not. I believe Arraez should be playing every day and when not filling in at 3B, should be playing LF until Kirillof or Larnach prove they're ready(I like Garlick as a backup if the rooks don't make it). When/if that happens, time to consider trading Polanco, allowing Arraez to return to 2B. This team needs their best contact hitters in the L/U every day!

For 2021 to be defined as successful for the Minnesota Twins a Postseason series victory needs to be achieved. This says it all! Being competitive is nice but for this rabid fan, losing the first playoff series cancelled 2020 regular season success. For many of us long-term Twin fans, who still revel in the '87/'91 teams, you can't beat a WSC as the capstone of one's lifetime memories. Yes, WSC are rare, but to see your team choke year after year in the post season is worse than a regular season of noncompetitiveness. The key to this season will be how this team reacts to adversity and how the FO reacts at the trade deadline to fixing weaknesses on the roster. Rico should be on the hot seat, as should Falvey. Most of us agree this is the strongest squad(at least on paper) we have probably seen since the 2006 team. And while injuries will certainly be a factor, as they are are for all teams, fans should not accept that as an excuse for underperformance, nor should we attribute extending our playoff loss streak as a matter of luck. Baldelli must shed his nice guy image and crack the whip when necessary and exert some leadership. Falvey must act boldly to bring in some difference makers mid-season to widen the window and show the fans and players the FO is going all in for the ring. We should expect nothing less.

Couple of interesting observations on this post: 1. A little too early to panic, but Varela has to be put on the hot seat soon. Our offense was poor last year, especially the playoffs, and putrid this spring, especially the regulars like Kepler, Sano, Buxton, and the two rooks - Larnach and Kirillof. They have to give some of the guys who are good contact hitters a chance, like Astudillo, Garlick, and make sure Arraez is at top of lineup every day. Not convinced yet about Rooker's staying power with his K tendencies, but yes, he is certainly in a good position for the 26 man. 2. Can't blame the manager for everything, but Baldelli is too laid back for my taste. Time to crack the whip! TK never would have put up with such lackadaisical play!! There is some fire missing on this team. Are there any team leaders like Hunter, Puckett, Gaetti? This was Molitor's big weakness and maybe Baldelli's too. The rotation seems to be the strength of this team. The bullpen looks shaky - Thielbar yesterday, Robles many times, and Rogers and Colome have been erratic. Color me worried about this group, but it won't mean much in the end if the hitters do not hit.

I think one has to take a long, hard look at Varela's role in all this. Most of us gave him benefit of the doubt in last year's shortened season, but if Twins continue with subpar offense, he should be on the hot seat. Unlike Rowson, who had years as hitting coach for NYY at both major league and minor league levels, Varela was a minor league field container for 2 years with the Twins before being promoted to hitting coach. Not exactly a sterling resume. Did the FO take the path of least resistance by taking one of their own rather than look outside for best qualified? 2021 should tell the tale.

Twins' ST Records in Playoff Years: 1987: 14-10 1991: 21-10 2002: 18-15 2003: 19-13 2004: 20-11 2006: 20-12 2008: 15-15 2009: 19-13 2010: 16-14 2019: 13-13 Not saying ST records are an indicator of regular season, nor are an individual's ST stats an indicator of what he'll do in the regular season. But this spring's offensive performance is troubling, especially after last season.

Yes, we both probably remember TK's adage that he wanted to wait until end of May to see what's what. My point is not to wait until July/August for slumping players to rebound. I should add that theme of this blog presupposes we have some prospects in AA/AAA flourishing for the month of May. Late start to the minors, though, is certainly a downside.

Spring training is slightly more than half over. While most of us tend to dismiss results, both from the Twins W/L record and individual performances, I admit to a growing concern about last year's greatest weakness - the offense. Looking at team stats the Twins rank 23rd(out of 30) in BA, 27th in Runs, 29th in OBP, and 25th in Slugging. These figures are even more depressing if we subtract the very robust stats from guys like Lin, Astudillo, Broxton, and Garlick, none of whom are given much of a shot to make the 26 man roster(more on that later). Among the almost certain starters, Sano, Buxton, Simmons(very SSS) are all hitting below the Mendoza line and Kepler is below .100. Even our two most heralded rookies, Kirillof and Larnach fall below .200BA and Jeffers is near the line. Is this a continuation of 2020's offensive malais? Well, we obviously won't know much until the season starts, but after 2+ weeks of ST, one has to wonder what offense can we expect from these designated starters in 2021? On paper, this looks like a solid lineup. Barring injuries, it could be one of the more productive ones in the majors. Guys like Cruz and Donaldson should be expected to produce and others like Buxton and Arraez have exhibited enough offensive prowess to supplement the big two. Simmon's defensive chops at SS earns him a pass on offensive production. But there are still holes in this lineup. namely Sano, Kepler, LF, Garver. The streakiness of this lineup, so apparent in the playoffs, could loom large over a full season. All we have to fall back on in forecasting is past performance, which among these last group named, is, to say the least, highly erratic. Suffice it to say that despite rosy predictions for the 2021 Twins, the FO cannot afford to wait all season for some of these hitters to perform. The Cubs have made the mistake of waiting too long for guys like Bryant, Baez, Rizzo, Schwarber, and Contreras to live up to their earlier potential, with the result they have steadily declined since their 2016WC and now border on irrelevance. Patience should not be endless. If Sano, Kepler, et. al., don't pick up in April and May, then guys like Astudillo, Broxton, Garlick, and any of our high minor league prospects should be given the opportunity. This is not pushing the panic button. It's part of good managment to separate the wheat from the chaff. The window is wide open for this team to advance deep into the playoffs so long as complacency does not remain the org's managing philosophy.

I have always thought of Kepler as one of those over-hyped Twin prospects who has never really lived up to his "potential", with the single exception of 2019. He is a low BA guy with some pop. My doubts have been reenforced with this spring's performance where he is batting .087. Yes, its only spring training but his lack of improvement is troubling. The Twins have two rookie OFs in Kirillof and Larnach who are almost ready. Is it unreasonable to look at Kepler as a valuable trade piece? Probably not now, or not even this year, but the Twins should be more proactive in looking to trade players like Kepler, Sano, Garver who are streaky hitters and outside of maybe one year, have never performed at the high, consistent level hoped for. This is a critical year for these players and if they don'y rebound, a smart FO should consider alternatives.

You know what they say about great minds.....!! I posted in your Part 1 post that Polanco is an obvious trade candidate with the Reds, partly because they have not yet addressed their biggest need of the offseason - SS, and also because moving Arraez to a utility player makes absolutely no sense when you consider he is a batting title contender with great OBP potential. Do you risk messing with such offensive potential by moving him around to different positions? He is too accomplished a hitter to risk a utility role, even if his ABs are maintained. And Lin looks like he might be a perfectly acceptable utility IF. Polanco + a top 20 pitching prospect might work, but you can rest assured a high pitching prospect would be a much higher priority to the Reds than a draft choice. I would throw in someone like Rooker, too. I believe such a package could land Gray who would certainly move into the top 3 of Twins' rotation, but not Castillo. To grab Castillo would probably take either Kirillof or Larnach. That would be a deal killer for me. Both of these players are the only near-term prospects that look like significant upgrade tp a lineup still filled with too many all or nothing hitters. Such a trade is so against this FO's track record that its safe to say its not going to happen, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't.

I think lost in all the speculation is that the Reds want a top shortstop. Offering them anything else is like offering an orange when they want an apple. Are Polanco or Gordon "top" shortstops? Evidently not when you move one to 2B and the other can't make his way out of the Minors. Keep dreaming! Disagree! Reds can't afford a top prospect. Polanco is a bargain and better by far overall than anything else on Reds 40 man. Of course, Twins would need to add one top pitching prospect plus one other top 20 prospect, and more if it were Castillo rather than Gray. But Sonny Gray would be a very solid top 3 starter. With that said, likelihood of going after either one is negligible now and probably also at trade deadline unless year goes south or serious ineffectiveness/injury in starting 5.

This has been a hot topic for many of us all winter: do the Twins need another frontline starter to succeed in the playoffs? Certainly they had at least two reasonable trade opportunities in Snell and Darvish, both of whom were acquired for a good but not elite package of prospects. But as many TD readers have remarked, when it comes to trading prospects, this is a very risk-adverse FO. In looking at the Reds as a trade partner earlier this offseason, I had hoped they could grab a very serviceable veteran in Castellanos along with someone like Castillo or Gray. It made sense, at least on paper, especially after signing Simmons, making Polanco expendable at a position(SS) that Reds are weak in. Adding one of our two top pitching prospects and a 10-20 prospect to the package seemed a reasonable and doable package for Sonny Gray, at least. But once they resigned Cruz, adding Castellanos did not make much sense. In all probability, In any case, Falvine probably had few if any conversations with the Reds, given their 4 year history of trisk-averse trade policy. As things have developed late in the offseason and 2 weeks into preseason play, the additions of Happ and Shoemaker look smart, at least on paper. With Berrios and Maeda looking very sharp to date, it is not a stretch to think both could make for a very competitive #1/2 starters in the playoffs, and backed up by a solid threesome. Right now, this looks like a better starting five than the Yanks. I can't say I have the same trust in our bullpen, primarily because of the total ineffectiveness of Duffy and some erratic games by the rest of the big four "closer-types". No reason to push the panic button yet, but again, many of us hoped in vain for addition of a shut-down reliever. The FO opted to add a couple of veterans who could slot in late in the game, but are by no means elite relievers. More troubling so far this spring has been the offense. Yes, SSS, but the Twins relative inability to mount much of an offense is troubling. In particular, Kepler, Sano, Polanco and Kirillof(until yesterday's HR) have looked weak. While I would like to write off 2020 as an aberration, last year's offense was subpar, especially in the playoffs(what else is new). The Twins reliance on the long ball might be further hurt by the deadened ball this year. Relying on erratic hitters like Kepler, Sano and Garver might be a fool's errand. For this reason alone I would not part with their two best hitting prospects, Larnach & Kirillof, for anyone. The twins need more consistency in their lineup and those two, along with Arraez, represent the best chances for improvement, even as early as 2021. We just don't have the depth in the minors to correct some of the obvious deficiencies in our current lineup. So my take is : wait until near the trade deadline and then, reassess the teams' critical needs to break their stomach-churning playoff streak. Think big or go home, Mr. Falvey!

Can't understand how Sox are pegged ahead of Twins assuming equal health. Giolito probably has more ace potential than Maeda, but Berrios and Pineda are a better bet than Keuchel and Lynn, both of whom are getting up in age. As for the $4 & #5 spots, as Nash mentions, Cease, Lopez and Rodon are crap shoots. Now if Kopech returns as a starter, watch out! But again, I have to like Happ and Shoemaker over the Sox twosome. Again, Sox have the best stopper in Hendriks, but the next 3 arms, while promising, are relatively unproven, especially in critical games. Overall, our top four should be more reliable than Sox top four, although I am mighty worried about Roger's ability to bounce back. The back end of our bullpen looks better on paper, especially with Dobnak in long relief. Its the offense that gives me more pause in assessing the two teams. No doubt, the Sox have more higher ceiling guys than the Twins, but because of their youth, there is more uncertainty over continued progress. Our all-or-nothing offense last year is cause for concern. No one, except Cruz and Arraez, played up to their potential - and we lost a key RBI guy in Rosie. So maybe give the Sox a slight edge in run production, but look out AL if a couple of our hitters like Garver and Kepler rebound - and most importantly, if Buxton and Donaldson are healthy. With an improved defense and more solid bench, the Twins should be at or near the top of AL in win %, but so much depends on health!! Won't even predict if this team can break thru in the playoffs, but make them, they will.

And now Lewis out for the season with a torn ACL!! Wow!! What a gut shot. Is this one of those snake bitten #1s who flame out? Certainly young enough to fully recover, but parallels to Buxton are starting to appear.

http://Since Kirilloff and the college hitters look like sure MLB regulars, it will all depend on how the pitching prospects turn out. Nicely said! The rotation looks solid this year, but next year, look out below! Only Maeda would be a lock to return. The FO has had plenty of time to resign Berrios, but at this juncture, that seems unlikely. Pineda, Happ and Shoemaker will be FA and with their ages, perhaps only Pineda might be retained but that will greatly depend on his 2021 performance. This FO has emphasized position players in their 4 drafts. Yes, they traded for Duran, but otherwise, their emphasis on offense in the draft has cast question marks on the quality of their 2022 rotation. If Duran and Balozovic are both ready to step in next year and provide quality starts, then that would greatly alleviate the losses. What are the odds of that happening? I like what this FO has done to restore the Twins to a playoff caliber team, but the fact is they have not proven they can spot pitching talent and develop same into quality big leaguers. Since they refrain from signing top FA pitchers, where can they turn? Sure, they can hope their prospects turn into top starters but that's just a crap shoot, especially in an org. that has badly underperformed in developing pitchers compared to Cleveland or LA. I know many on TD have crowned the Falvine regime to be brilliant in turning around this org., but color me still sceptical when it comes to developing arms. Which is why I am so perplexed from their failure to use the trade route to acquire pitching. What is the point of having a solid minor league system, especially a surplus of OF, if you don't seriously engage in trade talks with rebuilding teams having to jettison good pitchers for future prospects? The FO did not do anything in the offseason to add young, controllable pitching - a clear area of weakness as soon as next year. Nor have they shown the ability to pull the trigger at the trade deadline to add to their rotation. By not doing so again this year, the FO is doing a disservice to a good team that will need an infusion of starters as early as next year to keep the window open.

I remember when Musgrove was traded to the Pods, there were reports that Twins were also interested but Pirates asked for Larnach and Twins turned it down. Just a rumor but wonder what others think about wisdom of trading from area of strength in the organization for someone like Musgrove? What if Larnach could fetch a pitcher like Sonny Gray or being the top trade piece for Luis Castillo? How about one of the Dodger studs like May or Urias? Would this keep the window open longer?

Nick, great article! This is why you are my favorite TD writer - you try to look beyond the superficial and delve into what the underlying issues are!! There tends to be too much homerism on this site but articles like this are a refreshing change. You have hit the salient point of the 2021 team: are they better positioned to succeed in the playoffs? Hard to quarrel with the widespread opinion that the 2021 Twins are well positioned to make the playoffs, given the 2 or 3 bottom feeders in the division and the new additions that, at the very least, make this year's team at least as good as last year's. No doubt IF defense is vastly improved. This weakness in the last couple of years has been instrumental in playoff defeats, though not nearly as much as hitting woes and the bullpen. But this is where I have to diverge from your story line a bit. The bullpen does not seem to have a shutdown reliever, one who can come in late in the game and not allow any runs to score. Yes, Colome is better than Romo but after two years, the Sox saw enough to dump him for a real closer in Hendricks. Roger's just cannot be considered an elite ninth inning arm, nor does he have the durability to pitch well in consecutive games. So give the FO a C grade in upgrading the pen; at best, this might be as good as last year's bullpen, unless some unheralded player steps forward. On the offensive side of the ball, the team could take a big jump forward if Buxton/Donaldson are healthy for 140 games or so, but as you note, past performances point to this being an unlikely scenario. I, for one, am uneasy about Araez's utility role. With his OB skills, he is a key to a successful offense. How will his super-utility role affect his hitting? Could be unsettling - or not?? One other big factor that others on this post have noted regarding our playoff futility: leadership. Under Gardy, who seemed to give in to the Yankee Stadium jinx, the team just looked flat during the aught playoffs.. Just no spark! DOA!! This was partly a reflection of the manager, lack of competitive fire and resilience. The two best players, Mauer and Morneau, wetre hardle leader-types. Similarly, under Rocco, except for Cruz, this team looked defeated the last two postseasons, even with their record-setting 2019 record-setting HR barrage. Again, no fire in the lineup. Too nice. Maybe Rocco is a little too laid back, maybe the lineup was pressing too much, who knows? But the psychology of losing seems to have permeated this team, unlike the 87/91 teams under Kelly along with firebrands like Gaetti, Puckett, Knoblach, Morris and Hrbek. Could this lack of fire possibly reflect mgt. who has refused to make a "big" move at the trade deadline that could have pushed the team over the top for the stretch run? For example, many of us feel we do not have a top shutdown ace for the playoffs(Maeda might be the best in a while but how will he hold up in a full season?) What would the addition of a Snell or Darvish have done for this 2021 team's confidence? Same for even a Hendrick's, Rosenthal or Yates signing? If managment doesn't go all out to win, what message does this send the players? Here in Chicago, with some big moves the past two seasons and the addition of a no-nonsense, playoff-experienced LaRussa, expectations are sky high. Can we say the same in the Twin Cities?

Major League Ready - you missed the main points!! First, a trade for Snell would not have put the Twins in the poor house; his annual pay was around $13MM. Gray is in about same range. If our prospects are so good, then it should not be unrealistic to trade for either of these two. Second, no one is saying the Twins should go after a Bauer in FA. No one! Nor do I think Hendricks contract was wise, but guys like Yates, Rosenthal, or Hands would have been very affordable and an appreciable upgrade from Colome, who the Sox deemed expendable after 2 seasons. The point here is simply that Twins mgt. has never shown or even expressed the desire that their only goal is winning a championship. Being competitive might satisfy your wishes, but not mine. I agree our TV package is on the low side, but Pohlad and company continue to live in a banker's world where the bottom line is everything. Why haven't they learned that in order to succeed you must invest first, then reap the rewards later? Unfortunately, the conservative banking mentality seems to be the key criteria in hiring the Ryans and Falveys of the world to run their baseball org.

Nick, am a big fan of your stuff but I think you might underestimate the profound disgust many of us long-term Twins fans feel about this org's long term inability to make some big moves that would elevate a good team into a championship contender. The Ryan regime encapsulated the low-risk MO of the organization by not building on competitive teams in the aughts to make midseason additions that could have brought us closer to another championship. In particular, the 2006 and 2010 were two terrific teams that fell short in the playoffs. Ryan by refusing to trade any of his prized prospects failed to add enough to fill some obvious weaknesses. BTW, none of his prospects really contributed to future Twins success. This nibbling at the edges has been continued by Falvine. Yes, Donaldson was, we hope, a strong addition, as was the Maeda trade, but as Darius notes, they found a pitcher unneeded and underutilized by the Dodgers and actually gave up a "top" PROSPECT in Graterol to get him. The fact that Maeda turned into an ace was a pleasant surprise, but what are the odds that he does the same over a full 160 game season? The FO should have agressively gone after another top-of-the-rotation starter, like Snell, Darvish, maybe even ones like Castillo or Gray from the Reds, to greatly improve their chances in 2021, just like they should have signed a bona fide closer in case Rogers downhill slide continues. And while they have been in charge for 4+ years, none of their draft choices seem ready to help this team in the near future; in fact, their #1 overall pick, Lewis, has continued a steady slide down prospect rankings(#46 in Law's latest). I would like to see more attention paid by TD writers to the concerns many of us have that this org, from Pohlad down to Falvey, has shown little commitment to going all out for a championship. If not this year, when?