Rosterman

I remember all the talk about second base being the better position for Polanco. He made a smart move, signing for the distance. If his value increases, he becomes a tradable sort. But in the scheme of things, I would not have seen the Twins going to arbitration. They would've pushed Lewis faster. Now they don't. WIll be interesting to see Arraez in 2021. And also if Nick Gordon gets some playtime. Sano. We want him to be our answer to Boston's Ortiz. We fear cutting him loose (or trading him) and having him become the second-coming of Ortiz for someone else. The Twins kinda got a bargain to wait-and-see. The question is if he has a huge season in 2021, do you longterm him even more? (I keep remembering Dark Star talking about Cristin Guzman getting the multi-year contract rom the Twins, how IT WAS A great deal for the Twins, but a better deal for a guy who not feel he ahs to play that hard anymore). Kepler is a student of baseball. He is a sponge. He seems to be over analyzing things at times. He has the talent, he has the drive. But at some point you weigh the cost vs. replacement cost. He would be gambled on for anotehr arbitration season, but the Twins (and him) did good with the extension. Which shows you the foibles of arbitration. Eddie entered 2020 knowing he would make $8-12 million in 2021 with the Twins, if he put up the numbers. He wasn't going to make less, unless the Twins cut him. At worst, NO ONE WANTED TO GRAB HIM FOR ARBITRATION. He was maybe hoping he would be offered $20 mil for two seasons...maybe. Now that he is free, he might only be signed for $5-7 million, and for a single season. Or maybe he takes that contract for a guaranteed $20 million for three years. You can't pay your own players less, unless you come back at them again from the free market, and then you have maybe burned bridges...so why would the play wish to return if still in a good position in their career. Same with Wisler. A gamble for another year perhaps. But the chance of a $2 million fightout was considered unnecessary. Maybe Matt will get a two-year deal for that from someone else, or maybe not. This one will be interesting to watch. It is why you look at trading players before they go to year three or arbitration, if they don't love you back. And, like pending free agents, the ball IS in the court of the player playing for that BIG contract tomorrow or long-term. It's the gamble where you also sign guys pre-arbitration for 4-5-option years if possible.

Opening the season: Garver/Jeffers catching. But Garver can play 1B and also DH. Sano at 1B. But Sano, for all intents and purpose, would be the long-term DH of the future who can also play 3B. Rooker. Corner outfield. Possible 1B. Possible fulltime DH. Kirilloff. Corner outfielder. Also called a first baseman. Doesn't need to DH. Donaldson. 3rd baseman. Because of his contract and age, will he switch to, say, 1st base, or need to be only a DH? You got five guys for 1B/3B/Corner OF/DH. Not to mention fill-ins if someone NEEDS to not be in the field. Not taking into account keeping a Jake Cave. And Trevor Larnach is in the wings, looking for work, too. That is where 2 years for Cruz becomes problematic. And Sano is still the dark horse/elephant in the room. Will he produce, or will he just be...okay. We all want HIM to be the next David Ortiz. Admit it!

As long as Minnesota can pay, they won't lose. Plus, the titles. I was sad that Rowson did leave, but you never know the preferences for organizations or locations. I do thinkj Falvey and Levine have a plan that they BOTH wish to see thru to an end.

Will be fun. But sad as I wonder what happens to all the teams in the American Association from Fargo to Winnipeg to Sioux Falls and more. Plus how the staffing of Saints land ends up happening. Sad to see Tsamis end a long career as the Saints manager. The joy is the Saints still get to be a fun place and make money, and probably keep selling out...and the Twins will be paying the salaries of the roster and coaching staff. Sure, revenue splits will happen, but the potential is there for better ad revenues. Be interesting to see how the television contract and radio airtime will play out. The Twins now have four wonderful ways to see the minor league teams. Cedar Rapids Kernels. Wichita, can be combined into a trip to Kansas City, and the Saints. Wichita will actually benefit from hardcore road trips by Twins fans, as often that is the best place to see top-flight prospects. And Ft. Myers as Low-A will be great for working the other 50 guys in instructional camp onto the roster and games during the minor league season. The Big plus for the Twins is transportation costs for rehab, as well as the ability to have players workout of Target Field. Not that the Saints don't have top-flight facilities now. But can you ask for anything better than to have your taxi-squad 15 miles away? Now, how and where will the Triple-A players live. Jammed into apartments downtown St. Paul? Wish I still lived next to the Saints Stadium!

4 years $50 million with an option for a fifth. Yes, Celestino should be groomed as backup starting next season, although he could start the season in the minors playing regularly. Royce Lewis is a possibility until you need to think about replacing or moving Polanco. But the Twins are sorta shortstop rich in prospects right now.

Kirilloff is one of those player's that could have "bright lights" in the back of his mind. He can play the game the Twins way for the next 5-6 years and move on. All depends on how he comes of the gate in his first near full season in the majors. If he is a powerhouse, he will write his own ticket, especially if he IS a first baseman who can also play the outfield. What kind of numbers would you be thinking to lock him up for the next, say, seven years as a Twin? If you wait at least two more seasons, then you have a better idea of what his arbitration numbers might be, and if he is super special those first two seasons, then you lock him up for 6-7 more with an option.

6 infielders is light. But remember, the Twins don't need to add players like Royce Lewis yet. Yes, they have an abundance of names in the outfield. Is Rosario not offered arbitration? Do you need both Cave and Wade still? Especially with Rooker and Kirilloff in the mix...not to mention Celestino. Be interesting to see what happens with Griffin Jax. And Wander Javier. Miranda and Severino can still remain in the mix as I doubt no one will claim them for a year of major league play.

I would like to see the Twins do an arbitration trade of Rosario to the Tigers for Matthew Boyd. They throw in a low-level prospect (or two) for the salary difference, or perhaps give up on Thorpe or Smeltzer if the Tigers want a pitcher who might pan out closer to majors.

Is Rosario too expensive? That seems to be the question. Can he be too expensive with a 2-3 year deal at this point, too? Three of the four mentioned haven't really lived up to their potential. Sano is always the elephant in the room. Do you look for a better third baseman? Do you look for a better first baseman? Is he the designated hitter the Twins need for life? Do we still shudder at the ghost of David Ortiz and fear a departing Sano will be the second coming of such a ghost. He is considre3d cheap for the current longer haul. And the ultimate, what is his worth to someone else at this point. Buxton just can't stay healthy. Jeez. What a thing to be tagged with. We have seen Hunter leave. A run thru names like Span and Gomez and Revere and Hicks, most all have produced at times better than Byron. What is Byron besides a ground traveller? Does he have bigger power? Will he ever be a base stealing threat? He can go from first to home faster than anyone. The Twins managed to get that extra year, as well as cheaper hearings because of on field time. From just being in the line-up and playing a lesser field, Rosario has more worth, it seems. Kepler. Man. I hated the fact that he batted leadoff in 2019 and moreso in 2020. I don't think he is a leadoff hitter, and is best placed in the lower portion of the order. He is mighty cheap, and IF he shines will have better trade value. Right now, he is more valuable to the Twins. The question is where do you put Krilloff, Larnach, Rooker (and to a lesser extent names like Baddoo, Wallner, Celestino, Maciel - all of whom would probably be on par with any of our current guys in years to come). Throw in the mix the need to looks at Urbina or Soularie in the next 3-4 years. Plus, Royce Lewis could be an outfielder instead of an infielder. Truth be told, I would take an option on getting Rosario signed for a team friendly 3-year-deal and move from there. I would entertain any offers for Sano or Kepler and even Buxton. Moreso hoping the value of all four of these guys will sky in 2021 and you can comfortably work in Kirilloff and Rooker with an open DH position (sorry Cruz) and Larnach later in the season, and still not hurt yourself offensively. I hate the though of getting nothing for Eddie and just letting him walk. That's what we did with Ortiz - not that Eddie is Big Papi. The Twins have been lucky offensively that the team does play as a good team on the field and overall in the batting order. 2021 showed that there are weaknesses in these guys and no one, including Polanco and Arraez and Garver, are set for the longterm, but still offer team play - which is most important. No superstars, including these big four that promised so much.

I hope his recovery is good. He is one of those guys that should put up solid numbers. But you need to find a place where he can comfortably play on the field (or become a designated hitter).

Here's one. Arbitration swap. Rosario to the Tigers for Matthew Boyd. Would we be willing to pay Boyd $7-8 million and hope for a bounce back to go thru arbitration again the following season. Would Detroit like Rosario enough to offer him $10 million (or long-term). Does each team pass along a low-level prospect? Twins get a pretty solid lefty arm for the far backend of the rotation. And does adding Boyd make arms like Thorpe or Smeltzer expendable and part of this trade? Does the Tigers have any blocked prospects the Twins would crave?

There will be a lot of players available short-term for 2021 as teams cut salary as much as then can. Those willing to go into debt can overpay. The big need is to get playing time for prospects and to figure out how to get the most out of a tighter minor league system. Prospects have basically lost a year of play, and an organization a year of time. The Twins are sitting pretty goo with whom they can add this year and next, and it looks like a decent longterm crop...so they could make available some lower prospects in trades if they need to trade for someone else's salary. Kinda sad that they won't be able to get anything for Rosario unless they resign him and carry him into spring training.

Utility guys are utility guys. You gotta look at who you have in the system that could get a full-time shot if the main guy goes down. That person is Lewis, and might also be Miranda. So you could suffice with Gordon and Blankenhorn as the late-inning replacement and occasional rest guys. If you have Rooker and Kirilloff and Cave/Wade, you also got a backup at first (not to mention Garver), and Sano can play third...still. The joy of having people competent at multiple positions.

The Twins need to sign a starter. Someone not on the disabled list most of the time (Hill, Odorizzi, Bailey ended up flopping). The more I think: we say bye-bye to May and Clippard and see what arms are available. Brad Hand, anyone? Bring back Kintzler for ground-ball action? We really need only one grizzled veteran arm for the current pen, unless that arm is left-handed and we part ways with Thielbar. Or give up totally on Thorpe who needs to find a palce on the opening day roster or bye-bye anyways.

The Twins need to make a decision on Rosario. And also Cruz. If they jettison both, you basically have Kirilloff, Garver, Sano, Rooker working between the OF/1B/DH Not a horrible thought, and you cut $20 million in salary. The Twins have a bullpen of Rogers, Thielbar, Thorpe (out of options), Alcala, Duffey, Stashak, Wissler. You still have Littell in the mix if you add him back on the 40-man. When you can troll for guys like Waddell and Gibaut, I guess you don't need to bring back Clippard, Romo or May. The Twins could spend BIG on a starter, and leave the fifth spot to Dobnak, Smeltzer (and Thorpe) until a prospect emerges. Backup infield could be Blankenhorn and Gordon. If not those two, you don't need them on the 40-man.

They need to go forward. Rather give it to May.

Littell is a gamble. No one claimed him because he wasn't useful in 2020 and he would be a roster decision for 2021. The chances are that he will sign on as a minor league free agent with a spring training invite. If the Twins know more, that he can be a regular after one more option year, than "yes" put him on the 40-man. His biggest plus his his age, minor league record, and dynamite 2019 out of the bullpen. And no to any of the others for a 40-man add. Sam Clay would be a slim possibility. A younger Caleb Thielbar, perhaps. If you can keep him and Moises Gomez for another season as minor free agents, do it. But other teams will be cutting similar players. Be interesting to see the number of players available as minor league free agents, or the number of plays not offered arbitration. Do the Twins have 8-10 potential 40-man spots?

Is Drew Butera available?

I so would love May to be a solid closer and be a part of the Twins for the next 2-5 years. But I'm afraid to risk the money he might NEED on a beginning 2-3 year contract, compared to what he might get elsewhere. Do you bring back Cruz for a hefty sum, or go with the combination of Kirilloff/Sano/Rooker at DH/1B - plus remember you can play Garver there, if need be. Suddenly it looks like you don't need Cruz, or do you really need Sano if he ahs any value. I remember old talk about Polanco being better at second that short. But then I also hear talk that Lewis is NOT the best shortstop. If Lewis comes up, he starts. He will be added to the 40-man. Do we just stay where we are for 2021 and use Blankenhorn and Gordon as backups? Do we move on from Cave and keep Wade? Does Celestino bring more worth the the outfield mess? Of course, a decision ahs to be made on Rosario. Is Larnach ready? Between Bailey, Hill and Odorizzi the Twins clear alot of salary from the rotation. As far as the bullpen, remember we still have Littell who could slide back into the mess.

Who else is there in prospect land and when can they come to the majors. I pictured Ben Rortvedt being a possible swing catcher. Needs another year in the minors. Is Caleb Hamilton in the mix as an emergency callup? I'm sure the Twins could always sign Drew Butera for AAAA depth.

Who replaces these guys? Catcher. Jeffers and Garver. Set. Willians a third backup. You can sign some minor league free agents. You have nearly $5 mil to spend. Middle Infield. You have Gordon and Blankenhorn. You have Royce Lewis in the wings. You also have Zander Weil. No need to go big. You can always find a player like Vargas if push comes to shove to also hold you over. The Twins had a variety of names in the minors, Tovar and Maggi. You have some$13 million to spend. Cruz. Will he keep doing one year deals? Can you get him for $12-15? Does he add leadership? Will he help Sano, his heir apparent? If not, do you buy someone else? Rooker or Kirilloff at first, Sano at DH. That can work. Rosario movement also in the picture. Odorizzi is a helluva a contract. He will try and get a multi-year (good luck). He is going to be cheap as he strives for a comeback. Already jettisoned Bailey. Hill didn't really increase his value. Is Hill a good stopgap with his experience as you work a rookie arm or two into the rotation. Depends on the overall worth of Thorpe, Smeltzer, Dobnak as possible package tradebait (with Rosario). Do you see any of these three back in 2022 is the bigger question. Yes, with the money spent on Hill/Bailey/Odorizzi you could make a nice one-year offer to Bauer. Be nice to have four experienced arms in the rotation to start the year. 2020 Bullpen: Rogers, Duffey, Alcala, Stashak, Wisler, Thielbar, Coulombe. You also have names like Clay, Colina in the wings. Like a solid rotation arm, I would spend on a closer (if available). I would rather invest in a return of Hendricks than a multi-year with May. I thought May could be the closer of the future, but I don't trust him today, I would like to think that he will sign for 3 years and somewhere in the $15-22 range. I could see the Twins moving on. Clippard was a nice cheap signing, I'm sure he will draw a decent contract for 2021. Nothing like the $2.5, but maybe would go $4. I would not bring back Romo for $5. What is the fate of Griffin Jax for the Twins?

Anderson was a sleeper. The Twins needed to give him a shot. And Curtiss, always felt, had the stuff. But needed some guidance in the majors. Took his lumps. Got cut loose by Angels and Phillies.

Doesn't he only want a one-year deal? Go for it.

I think can go year-to-year. AT some point the Twins do need to make room for Larnach and Rooker, amongst others. Sano the DH? Can Cruz help Sano for one more season? The Twins also need to get Garver at bats to increase value, either at first or DH. I'm sure Cruz would love to reach 500 homes. Would it take two or three seasons to do so is the question, and can he.

The Twins are sitting pretty good money-wise. They can trade Rosario and a prospect or two and maybe get another Maeda-type starting pitcher. Or they can still trade Rosario for prospects and pay out some lump sum for a HIGH-QUALITY arm. Like Delmon Young of old, looks like Rosario is the first to go as replacements are in the wings. Even if Kirilloff isn't ready, we can hope Rooker is healed. And the Twins still have Cave. No minor leagues meant we didn't get to hear much about players like Sam Clay, Dakota Chalmers. We still have Caleb Thielbar and Zach Littell and Danny Coulombe. But ROMO is not the closer of our future and Rogers may be best as a set-up guy who can also close. I would spend money on a REAL closer. Otherwise catching depth (mainly AAA-type) and backup for the infield. We shouldn't write-off Nick Gordon. What happened to him in 2020 hasn't been explained. That is TWO seasons he has missed an opportunity for major league play. And speaking of missed: Fernando Romero?