rdehring

Time for my qualifier, Mike. When I post the smiley face I do it for comments that brought a smile to my face. I sure wish TD would have two smiley faces, one that makes you smile and another that indicates something more sarcastic (their haha).

Yes, he is a Boras client. I may be seeing something others aren't, but it seems to me he is a big part of this team and likes his teammates. With the exciting young players on the horizon, he just might want to be a part of it. At least the Twins should make that part of their sales pitch when offering a multi-year contract, even one that overpays him a couple million a year. As for our young prospects, at best Lackey is two years away. Having Jeffers for another three seems to fit that timeline. Whether it's the QO or an extension, if he signs the Twins need to move on from Caratini regardless of the return and how many $$$ they need to pay.

Add me to those who believe Ryan should have been traded last offseason. And certainly, at last year's deadline. With those two in the rear-view mirror, it is a must that he goes this offseason. Why? Look at Tampa, Cleveland and the Brew Crew. A competitive small market team must, I will repeat must move on from their most expensive and valuable players before their value deteriorates as they near free agency. Maybe these teams keep one of their best and most popular players for his career, think Mauer, Buxton, maybe Jenkins in the future. The rest cannot stay. As for who he can be traded to and what they can get, I'll let the guys with the knowledge and ability to do a deal make that decision. By the way, look at Tampa, Cleveland and the Brew Crew today as they are the last three standing.

Count me among those most concerned about 2027. The first five you list are all exciting young prospects that should pitch a lot of innings in 2027. And they all have some, albeit limited major league experience. Of the four veterans, seems to make sense to extend Lopez and trade two of the other three. Hopefully, the return will include one very good bullpen arm who will help next year. Two veterans, plus the five young guns should give the Twins one of the better staffs in baseball going into next year. As for 2028, guys my age can only hope we are still here seeing what our team is putting on the field.

Great read, Cody. Thanks. Zoll really doesn't need to do all that much this winter. And that is probably good as there likely won't be a lot of time to do whatever needs to get done. Unlike many of you, the only position player decision I see as needed is behind the plate. With Houston on the horizon and Roden reacquainting himself with his first base glove, I am fine with Royce and Roden handling first until Houston arrives and Cody joins the mix. Wait on any decisions about Royce until the trade deadline as one last chance to deliver. Zoll could show me a lot if he somehow manages to keep Jeffers for another year or two. Or longer. Understand the current catching situation isn't great insofar as the running game is concerned. But he seems like a key part of this team. Keep Jeffers and the only work remaining is ridding the roster of a few players who many of us see as blocking younger players who should be playing. Wouldn't it be fantastic if he could trade Larnach, or Larnach plus a mid-level prospect for a very good reliever? Could he trade Wallner for a youngish backup catcher with some big-league experience, perhaps someone who has disappointed with his bat and needs a change of scenery? Also keeping Jeffers probably means they should move on from Caratini, but that is a less important decision that could also wait until summer.

Adding Houston would mean moving Culpepper to second, where with his tools he should be excellent defensively.

No. The single biggest issue is what the management does to improve the team over the winter. Example. They trade Larnach and throw in a lower-level prospect, say someone outside their top 20 who was solid for the FCL Twins last summer (or maybe the Mussels). In return they get a promising reliever who was at AAA last summer with a cup of coffee for team X. The net result would be a noticeable payroll reduction, yet the team could be improved in 2027. And yes, this example may prove you correct, as is does relate to payroll.😀 It just seems all the discussion is related to how much it will increase. There are several moves they could make that would reduce payroll, perhaps enough that they could be better in 2027 with a payroll similar to this year. Should that happen, they will likely continue to get bashed for how much they spend, even if they win many more games.

Great piece, Cody. I expect the Twins are as happy as a pig in the proverbial you know what that they have both prospects. Give them all-star quality players in center, short and soon behind the plate and they will be a team we all can be excited about

I have a question related to this discussion. Should both sides shock us and agree on a new CBA before spring training, the opening of camps is about 120 days from now. My question is how many payroll related posts will the writers of TD have between now and the opening of camp? I will put the number at 120, you pick the over or under.

Yes, the Twins have been slow for way too long.

Could not agree more with your comment, Nashville. Loved it!

In know Roden played first base at Creighton. My question is: how much? Was he competent there? Or filling in a few games? What I am fairly certain of is Roden belongs in major league baseball. If the Twins don't have a spot, they should be able to include him in a package that brings back something of need. Roden is an upper mid-west guy. Wondering, could he be similar to another of those guys who plays first base for the Cubs? That worked out nicely for the Cubbies, didn't it?

Leipold? Maybe, but probably not. His wife is another story, she is part of Racine, WI Johnson Wax family. Could the recent Timberwolves sale be what is happening? A limited partner flipping his interest with the majority owner?

I am of the opinion that the Twins, or any team for that matter, should never let a player with value leave without receiving something in return. Although my solution isn't easy, it should be doable. That would be to trade him in November prior to the lockout. If not possible, offer arbitration and work to trade him after the lockout. Have always liked him, but the Twins must open the corner outfield spots for the young guys.

The only one I would like to see is the guy from St. Louis, who is likely either unavailable or way too expensive. The others are either injured or can't play first base. Isn't Clemens as good an option as any of these guys except the St. Louis guy? Move him to first full time and find a second baseman. Maybe give Lewis two-thirds of a season to prove he can get the job done. Should he fail, Houston comes up and Culpepper moves to second. If Lewis succeeds and Houston is ready at the trade deadline, move Lewis.