rdehring

Enjoyed the read this morning, thanks. A question regarding #16, however. Why didn't you include Rosario with the departing veterans? He was right along side Cruz as a leader in the clubhouse and may be missed in 2021...assuming there is baseball next summer.

I don't know what to think about the moves, or lack thereof, this winter. Am wondering if the addition of a shortstop may mean Cruz won't be back. One of the spots for Polanco to get at bats in a super-sub role would be at DH. Those at bats aren't going to be available if they resign Cruz. Expect there is a better chance the Twins get their #3/#4 starter via a trade than a free agent. In that case, none of us has a clue who that pitcher might be just as we had no idea they were getting Maeda last year. Hopefully, he will be somewhat younger and tied up for 3 or 4 years. As for left field, will be exciting listening to Gladden talk about Kirilloff in left field come opening day. Have a feeling this kid is gonna be special.

Happy with this move and there is no reason to believe he can't be better than last year. Let's remember it was the weirdest year ever in MLB. But I want to see them land one more better reliever. Wouldn't it be nice to give Hand his wish and bring him home? But heck, I'm just happy they have done something. Now let's see there next move.

Doc, I honestly don't have a clue what to expect from Sabato. If I recall, he was a stretch and not expected to go until later well into the next round. Then I read about what he did in college and comparisons to that kid from the Mets. I know his D at first is likely to put him at DH, but heck, if he hits anything like the Mets' kid I will be elated. Here's hoping for him to be another Jeffers who also had a lot of us wondering why the Twins took so high. And memory serves that Jeffers' defense was also suspect and he worked hard and now is considered well above average. Could we catch lightening twice in the same bottle?

Hey, don't say nobody. I will be very happy if Polanco is the Twins shortstop in 2021. Hell, I'll be happy if anyone is at shortstop and we both have baseball and those of us that currently don't have FSN have it so we can watch the Twins. I agree that adding a top defensive shortstop may make sense, moving Jorge to a super sub role. But that isn't all that likely and I will be fine with him at short, especially if he is healthy.

To me the biggest reason to trade for him is the sisters. That's assuming that relationship can be used to get both tied to an expensive, but reasonable extension. Personally, I have no interest in trading for a one year rental...unless it can be done for a mid-level minor league guy...certainly not one of the top 6 or 7 prospects. I don't know if this applies to you, Matt, but I find it interesting how many are calling for the Twins to overlook bad numbers from 2020 on somebody they should sign/trade for because of the small sample, rules, etc. Yet many are also calling for several Twins players to be shipped out of town because of their poor numbers in 2020. That leaves me scratching my head.

Mets are sold and the Cubs are in a salary dump. Clear evidence that teams and owners were hit hard and effected by last year's losses. Expect it may have been worse for those teams who didn't maintain fiscal discipline...like the Twins. Don't know why our FO hasn't done anything yet. However, there has been so little movement on the FA market that they could be sitting back and waiting for the market and agents to realize that the world has changed before signing a few key players closer to spring training...whenever that may be, although certainly not in mid-February which is now only 6 weeks away.

Agree with almost everything you have written, Cody. On the other hand, expect your chances of being 100% accurate are close to zero. My hope would be that Buxton will be back and healthy. If he is, don't know what that means for Lewis, who will likely be somewhere in the lineup.

That may be true, however, he spent a lot of time in center in the AFL a year ago when he won the MVP award.

Will agree with the above comments that our defense suffers when Kepler is moved to center. Not so much because he isn't adequate in center, because he is solid, but the big step down defensively when he isn't in right. Also agree that this situation hasn't be adequately addressed over the past few years. Yet, with Buxton as the starter I understand why the FO would work on other, more pressing needs. But I think we are approaching a time when the backup center fielder isn't a problem any longer. Unless there is a big move to an infielder, second, short or third, I see Lewis breaking in as a super utility man in the mold of Gonzalez...only much, much better. He could play nearly full time at second, short, third, left, center and right. When someone is banged up or on the IL, he becomes the starter at that spot. He then moves to one position in 2022 or 2023. Have a feeling the FO may see him in this role soon, perhaps by opening day. Expect we will learn more about their view with what moves they make (or don't make) over the next two months.

Agree with those above that there isn't a hole at catcher. Jeffers/Garver will split time behind the plate with Astudillo and Telis around to fill in for an injury. Doubt Rortvedt will be ready to step up should a lengthy injury take one of the big two out for an extended period of time, but could he be ready by late season? Loved this article, Matt. Great read of what this FO does and what we should expect over the winter. My only gripe is I want to see them get started with their first move.

The more I read about comments like yours, Minny, the more I like the idea of signing a top defensive shortstop and moving Polanco to Gonzalez role from last year. He could play a lot of second, short and third while being the DH when not in the field to keep his bat in the lineup for 150+ games a year...assuming we play a full season, which is looking unlikely. Can't make this decision, however, until they know if Cruz will be back. Probably let it go for another two weeks until after the Holiday's, then give Nelson an ultimatum. Sign something reasonable for both sides, or we are moving on.

If I was running the ballclub, Arraez would be my second baseman as long as he can get his body on the field. With all the questions Doc and others mention, the Twins need a solid utility infielder along the lines of Adrianza. Hopefully, someone a bit better. A player who will play four or five games a week at various positions, much like Gonzalez. Maybe Lewis will become that player later in the year. But can you ink him onto the roster opening day? I don't think so.

Another great interview, Seth. With no minor leagues last year and Adam coming to the Twins in a trade a couple years ago, not all that familiar with him. Was pleasantly surprised to hear about his being from EP, who was the enemy back when my son played HS and Legion ball at Excelsior. Fond memories of many battles between those two teams. Seems like a very good chance Adam could begin his season, whenever that will be, in St. Paul. And once there, that call is only a 10 minute drive away from his ultimate dream.

Really need to discuss 1B, DH and LF together as two of their about ready top prospects (Kirilloff and Rooker) can fit into each of those slots. Sano also could play a lot of 1B and DH. That's the main reason the Twins may be sticking to a one-year offer for Cruz. I feared that Sano would be terrible defensively. He was better than feared and can probably be average after getting more experience. But his bat was the big concern last year as the strikeouts went from a problem to a major liability for the Twins. I for one am willing to give him, and all hitters, a mulligan for last year. But if his K's don't go down in 2021, assuming it is more of a regular year, the Twins may need to be looking to move on. Fortunately, with Kirilloff, Larnach and Rooker, the Twins may have players to fill those three positions without going outside the organization.

No, the players aren't doing anything to suppress owner's income, COVID-19 is. Depending on which report you read, it appears the typical team went from earning anywhere from say $20M to $50M, or a lot more for a few teams, to operating losses of as much as $100M in 2020. No matter how rich they are, those magnitude of losses cause problems...just ask the owner of the Mets who has sold his team. The players didn't absorb any losses, rather, their income was reduced by about 63%. Yes, they made less money, but they still made 37% of their anticipated earnings by working about 37% of the time they were expected to work. Really no different to the waiter who had his hours cut by two-thirds but still makes his $25/hour when working one-third of the time. Losing $100M when you expected to make $10's of millions is a lot different than staying home two-thirds of the year, but getting paid your regular rate for that one-third you were at work. And although there may be two vaccines available later today, let's not kid ourselves that this pandemic is over. That's the problem owners and the league are facing as they try to plan for 2021. Can they open spring training on schedule in less than two months? How much of the public will be vaccinated by then? Will COVID and States allow fans in the stands on April 1? So many questions with so many unknowns. Should they push opening day back a month it is likely the vaccination program will be much further down the road. But what type of season can they fit into a schedule knowing that once the calendar turns to November you don't want to be playing ball in many of their markets. Yes, all those issues need to be discussed and agreed to with the MLPA, hopefully, both sides will be reasonable.

Thank you. Would also like to comment about using the FED inflation factor to demean what the Pohlads have earned, on paper, since buying the club. Those of us receiving Social Security checks just got a notice that inflation went up 1.3% this past year. Talk to your wife or whomever shops for groceries that real cost has gone up only 1.3%. The Pohlads have the business contacts and ability to invest their dollars in lots of places. Take a look at what $44M would be worth had they invested in Microsoft back when the bought the Twins. I believe it would be a hell of a lot more than $1.3B. And there would have been lots of places for them to invest, the fact they chose to put it into the Twins and keep them in the Twin Cities should be commended, not constantly belittled by some.

Another great interview, Seth. What is becoming clear by viewing these is that the Twins don't only have a system filled with talented baseball players, they have a system filled with very sharp young men. Found his comments interesting when talking about the Twins encouraging him to cut his season at ETon short so he could go back and finish getting his degree My other question: Did you interview a future trainer for the Twins?

Got to this one a bit late, Seth. Thanks again for another fantastic interview. What a wonderful young man. Enjoyed all the conversation about books, SEALS, his now being an Oriole. Especially enjoyed the discussion about his relationship with Kirilloff and others. I don't view losing Tyler and Baddoo as a bad thing for the Twins. I don't believe anyone can second guess their decision about who was added to the 40-man and who wasn't as they need those five open spots for holes that need filling prior to spring training. And the fact that they lost these two fine young players tells us all how strong their organization is. And for me, that's a good thing.

Would love having Cruz back with the Twins next year, but not on a two year deal. As for the Twins, they may be better off if he isn't back, both financially and on the field. I believe Rooker is going to be a very good hitter with a real chance of hitting as well as Cruz does in 2021 and better in 2022. And he would be doing that for $0.05 on the dollar. The Twins may have realized this and another offer may never make it to being 'on the table.' And if Rooker doesn't work out, there is Kirilloff and Larnach. One of that trio is going to be very good...although expect one will be in left field.

Like a lot of what you said. Was wondering about the Gardy effect in Detroit? Yes, he is gone, but are any of 'his guys' still around? If so, they probably remember Baddoo and the excitement many in the organization have had for him.

One question that may figure into team's thinking regarding the Rule 5 is whether next year's roster will be 25, 26, or 28. Are you aware if this decision has been made? Like many above, will be anxious about possibly losing Rijo. Yet, he was available and not taken last year. Will be shocked if someone take Javier after not taking him last year and his not playing ball last summer. Still shaking my head when I think about his being the biggest signing bonus the Twins ever paid to any International Player. That is correct, isn't it?

Didn't that exact thing happen to the Twins, say five or so years ago? Can't remember who and not even whether it was a pitcher or position player. But do recall it happening.

This is fantastic, thanks for the update, Seth. Looking forward to getting to St. Paul to see the best prospects. Every time I went to Cedar Rapids I say, damn, wish I lived in a town that had minor league ball. Well, its about to happen. Is one of the concerns the Kernels have is that they are going to have to pay additional dollars to move up?

What is most interesting about that group, Seth, is that it was only two, plus, years ago and four have already played for the Twins. Contrary to lots of criticism, the Twins move the best fairly quickly, at least this FO does.