"And who are those 2 relief pitchers that you would want? O'Day would be an upgrade, but for $35M? Tyler Clippard isn't much of an upgrade over Jepsen. Chapman? Or mediocre guys like Bastardo or Sipp on multi year deals?" To say that Clippard isn't an improvement over Jepsen is ridiculous, Clippard is a 2 time All-Star. And to call Bastardo mediocre is crazy too. He was one of the best lefty relievers in all of MLB last season. This team would have benefitted so much from either of them.
Maybe trade would have been the route then. Milone Plouffe and Nolasco could have gotten someone, maybe Kazmir or someone of his caliber, while clearing the roster for Berrios, Duffey, etc.
I have to agree. I think the team would be much stronger with a GM more willing to go after FAs. He seems so reluctant to spend money on anyone- i feel like the twins would be a serious playoff contender this year if we had gotten at least one notable FA pitcher.
Personally I think it was not a bad idea to keep Plouffe. Starting pitching doesn't come cheap and I would much rather have someone who consistently produces offensively than trade him for another Nolasco-level pitcher.
The Twins just unveiled new red alternate jerseys that will be worn at every Friday home game. http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/fan_forum/infographics/redesign.jsp?partnerId=s_min_20160128_57711146&adbid=692738902759571456&adbpl=tw&adbpr=39397148 Thoughts?