MC

I think the two lists are conceivably both accurate as they're trying to measure different things. Baer's list is measuring the sum of the total parts, where his focus is clearly on winning whether it be this year or in the future. Rogers says, "most improved." I like the Twins moves of Nolasco and Hughes but not Pelfrey so much. The Twins are trying to upgrade their rotation and it is clear they did that but the dollars spent, Baer appropriately challenges, likely doesn't make them a winner. I'd argue the Twins couldn't have/will not sign Baer's recommendations. I don't think for lack of interest from the Twins but for lack of being the destination of choice, sometimes comes at a considerable premium. Baer's arguments that the Twins are improving but the spend likely doesn't make them a winner. Rogers said they're top 5 most improved.... conceivable that they're both accurate.

I went to the AFL game on the 15th and it was a treat. Buxton went 2/4, Kepler had a couple of hits and got to see Meyer, May, and Achter pitch... Here was my overall impressions: 1) Buxton's got great ++ speed. His first hit was in IF single to the short... in his second at bat, he beat out a double play hit to the third baseman with runners on first and second. Both were sure outs by less gifted ball players. His homer was a no-doubter... We're all going to be very happy to watch this guy play when he makes the show. 2) Meyer made Pro's look silly... He struck out all 3 in the first with Swing and Miss stuff and he induced weak contact to get outs in the next inning. None of the hitters really looked like they had a chance. I know it's SSS but I walked away thinking he's our best starter, right now. 3) May was hit hard, even on his outs. Overall, it was a great experience... there were less than 400 people there... you could sit anywhere and just absorb the game. We sat right next to the on deck circle and just soaked it all in. I can't recommend it enough... although, don't plan to eat there. Due to limited attendance, there was also limited offerings for concessions... Thinking I'll visit my inlaws more often in October going forward. The golf was great too (pre-peak season so not as highly price as it is in Nov-March)!

My take is you're going to see middle relievers go on the cheap this year relative to other years. So thinking we'll get much for the likes of a Burton or a Capps just seems really unlikely. Teams aren't going to be getting comp picks for relievers so their value has been become much more fungible. I'm thinking more deals like the Twins pulled off for Rauch... minor league filler. Thus I think it will be a buyers market, not a sellers for relief.

I'd too would drop cable if it weren't for Wolves/Twins broadcasts only being available through TV in the local market. The way I see it though is that MLB won't make any changes because they'd erode the value of the TV contract rights. The way it's set-up now probably allows them to maximize both local TV contracts and then the national rights probably net them out to about the same. It's a premium price for both the packages whether mlb.tv or through your provider. I really don't see a path for this to change.