rdehring

Another solid move that makes the bullpen a bit better and certainly deeper. My hope had been that they would get a second lefty, which certainly can still happen. Looks like this may push Stashak to AAA to start the season, which wouldn't be all that bad. Also looks to push another reliever off the 40-man once they get around to signing a corner infielder, starting pitcher and that lefty.

Valid comment, Mike. We just don't know how much the FO liked any of those 14 not named Cole, Strasburg, Wheeler or Bumgarner. Wouldn't be surprised if they made an initial inquiry on a couple, but didn't engage. We just don't have enough inside information to know how they view them. Heck, they may really believe that they will get equal or better performance out of one or two of the four kids who all had rather impressive debuts last fall. I expect we are going to see either a signing or trade in the four or five weeks. Come July we will know whether or not their decision was correct.

I read the headline, Matt, and thought here we go again. Well, that was wrong as I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, we all know much of what you wrote and I suspect the FO would agree with most of it. I believe these guys have a set of guidelines that they may bend, but won't break. I see that type of discipline as a requirement in managing a mid-market baseball team. No matter how much talk there is about the second group of pitchers, let's admit there were only two free agents this year that would have given the team a much better chance at a Series win. And there was almost zero probability of getting either to the land of 10,0000 lakes. The next group has talent, but every one of them also had a lot of warts, including age, health and making that move from the National to American League. It appears they were very interested in Wheeler, who unfortunately had no interest in coming here once his minimum contract requirements were met by a team in an area he wanted to be in. Although Ryu remains, we are now at the third group led by Kuechel. I expect they have had some trade talks, however, won't get serious on that front until they have worked thru this next group of potential signings. But I don't see them forgetting about their guidelines (both dollars and contract length) when dealing with this group just to fill that #4 slot, and they shouldn't. Yes, they need at least one more experienced starter. It is possible they have always thought he would arrive via trade. They just have to work thru the free agent process before finalizing that deal, be it a big one or more similar to the Odorizzi deal. Meanwhile we need to understand they have a plan and as hard as it is, be patient as well.

Thanks, Seth. A couple questions. He looks awfully young in that photo. Was it taken a long time ago? Back in the day, teams had some scouts who weren't full time employees. I assume that the entire staff now works full time for the Twins? Does he have a specific area of the country that he scouts? Or does he move around? I know the Twins at one time had over 50 scouts. Is it still that many? Seeing that dollars are always a concern in comments here, what does someone like Wright earn. I expect that amount, plus expenses, times say 50 is a pretty big number.

Great way to look at the coming season, Cooper. If these questions are answered yes, the Twins will again be in the playoffs. And although last year was so disappointing, once in anything can happen. Agree that all three listed are important, very important. Although Berrios has more upside, he is pitching at an ACE level if he can avoid what happened last August. Heck, change August to what he did in September, which wasn't up to his early season standards, and I am guessing his numbers for the season are close to the best. I have been saying all year that Kepler has more upside and if he can maintain that level of play for another ten or twelve years, he will be in the discussion for the Hall of Fame. As for someone else important to add to this list. I would say Arraez. If he can hit like last year for a full season it will be huge for the Twins. And I really expect him to do so. But his most important improvement should be in the field when he is playing second base every day rather than all over the field including a lot in left field where he had never played. As for rookies making a big contribution, I'll vote for Thorpe. Lets remember how young he is and how little he has pitched after missing two entire years of his development. Yes he has a few things to fix. But watching him get lots of strikeouts in many of his appearances last summer, his future could be special.

Don't know who or how he will be obtained, but I expect the Twins will bring in one good starting pitcher. Whether he is someone at the same level as our big three or more like that kid from Miami who is young with a year or two experience but not quite there yet...don't know. That leaves the #5 spot and those early starts from Pineda to fill. See them filling those with the winner of the spring training sweepstakes from the four candidates you listed. The second place guy will get Pineda's starts. My best guess is that Graterol gets the #5 spot and one of the other three fills in for Pineda. I see them dealing with Graterol's innings concern by bringing him in after a two inning opener...Littell maybe? He then averages 4+ innings a game for 125-135 innings for the year. The other three will fill in for big Mike and then be rotated into the bullpen as the eighth (long) reliever throughout the year like last year. Any of the other three could develop a very good long-term career. Which one, your guess is as good as any. There is also a good possibility that one of these three or four could be part of that trade and long-gone by spring training.

When I read the majority of the potential trades thrown out on these sites, I usually shake my head and think they are crazy. This one, not so much. The Rosario haters will tell us that no way would the Mets make this deal. And as far as baseballtradevalues is concerned, my son's chocolate lab is probably more accurate than what I see from most of their calculations. But should the Mets want a little more on the pitching front, perhaps Blankenhorn gets replaced with another starter, say Duran (anybody other than Graterol and Balazovic). In any case, this deal would be dependent on Thor agreeing to an extension of at least another year or two. But a deal like this sure would be a nice present under the Twins tree this winter, eh?

Could not agree more, Doc. And what I have seen so far they have a plan and are sticking to it. Gotta respect that. Will all trades turn out good for the Twins...no. For example, the trade with the Giants was a good trade. Didn't work out but working at the deadline with hours to finalize a deal, that happens. Will always wonder if the Giants knew more than was on the medical reports.

Is it possible that the trade can go down in the books as a win-win for both teams? Is there something wrong with that result? Not in my opinion. As for Littell, I commented last year that I saw a lot of Joe Nathan in this kid. Not exactly the same pitchers, velocity, etc. But the idea I was getting is that he could become a really good late inning workhorse. Still believe that is possible, perhaps as early as this year. I have also stated that I see him as a perfect opener for Graterol as an option for our #5 spot in the rotation. Pitch Littell the first two innings with Graterol coming on for the next 4 or 5. Results could be very good. Would also leave Littell available for an inning or two between those appearances.

Great one year contract with an option should he have another good year. Was a bit surprised at the amount, but he should be a good veteran in what is still a very young bullpen. His signing brings the 40-man to 38. That's only two open spots with the likelihood of four additional signings over the next couple months...a lefty reliever, two starting pitchers and a player to address the corner infield need. Perhaps one will come via trade, but even so there is a good chance they will have to make one more cut to the current 38 players on the roster. It's also possible they will bring in only one more starting pitcher and give the #5 spot to the winner of the young gun competition.

I will join you Doc in hoping that the Huskers return to national prominence on the gridiron, although not at the expense of my Badgers. Fell in love with the program back in the early 80's when I built a couple properties in Omaha and Lincoln. Met Devaney once, impressive man. Really thought that Riley would get it done. Boy was that wrong. As for this front office, I like how they have set certain standards and stick with their convictions. Appears that one of those is length of contracts for older free agents which seems to be the problem with Bumgarner, assuming there was any real interest on his part. Personally, I gotta respect that position.

Back in the '60's I had an involvement with taxes when I represented a couple dozen small Wisconsin towns and villages correcting errors in the State distribution of individual income taxes. So taxes have always been something I am aware of. Can't point you to the specific posts, but I have commented here and elsewhere numerous times over the past several years. And when I think back it was really interesting having access to the individual tax returns of every person paying taxes in the State of Wisconsin back then.

Great article, Nick. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!

I'll take a swing at that, Mike. Although I question whether it makes sense, expect they will play out trying to sign one of Bumgarner, Ryu or Koechel. If they are successful, next work at getting a AAAA or reclamation starter. Then move on to a lefty for the bullpen and someone to fill the void from when Cron left. And I would promote the idea as the way to do that is to sign the best defensive experienced shortstop on the market. Then move Polanco to second, Arraez to third and Sano to first. Should they not get one of the three, they should then move on to fill the #4 slot via trade. Don't have a clue what that could look like, although I think they should try to do something similar to the Odorizzi trade. I don't think they should give up a package including a couple of their top three to five prospects for a potential #1 starter who will be here for a year or two. The four young guns from last year and the reclamation project battle it out for the #5 spot in the rotation. The second best gets Pineda's five or six starts in April and early May. I look at the young gun as the replacement for Perez. Expect the results at year end will be better than what we got from Perez last year. Although the pitcher they trade for may not be perceived to be as good as Gibby, it is likely his performance would be better than what we got from Gibby last summer. Although not splashy moves, they would strengthen the team's chances to repeat.

You are right, I didn't watch most of game 1 because it wasn't on tv...at least any station I could get. Did watch the next two games. Failure in 2019 does not mean that pitchers like Berrios, Pineda and Odorizzi can't succeed in 2020. Whether or not they will remains to be seen. And I don't see it as a hope and prayer that any of the three can pitch winning games in the 2020 playoffs...assuming we get there.

What's the saying, Doc? I couldn't have said it better myself. Well, truth is I couldn't have said it anywhere near as well as you have. As I have said previously, I hope the Twins don't sign any of the current big 3 for whatever it takes as I am fearful that contract will come back to bite'em. Would much prefer your recommendations above.

Although I get tired of reading all the bitching about who the Twins didn't sign, I would much rather read that than a few years from now be reading about how pitcher X is getting paid a ton, isn't producing squat and is keeping the Twins from keeping several prospects who are nearing free agency. As for winning in the playoffs, nothing says that Berrios or Odorizzi can't go out and pitch one of their best games of the year and beat those blasted Yankees. Am I disappointed that the Twins didn't sign Wheeler, yup. Do I look forward to their signing any of Kuechel, Ryu or Bumgarner...not really. I think all three will be ok in 2020 and a drag on the team by the middle of their too long contracts. Hopefully, the Twins sign some reclamation project for #4 and he losses his spot in the rotation by July to whomever wins the right to pitch in Pindeda's spot the first six weeks.

Love La Tortuga. With that said, think his best role for next year is either as the 26th player or at AAA where he is a phone call away should one of the catchers be injured. Don't know what effect his personality has in the dugout, as it seemed they wanted him around last summer while an injury extended until the Sept.1 roster date.

Thanks, Seth. That is fantastic news!

Expect he is talking about North Carolina Chief! But yes, Northern Colorado does have a baseball team. They play in the WAC against teams like New Mexico, NM State, Air Force, etc.

Will anxiously await the results of the Rule 5 draft, John. Expect the chances are better than 50/50 that at least one of Javier, Jax or Rijo won't be a Twin come noon. Would be gut wrenching to lose two of them and I really hope I am wrong.

Loved what Dobnak did last fall and look forward to him producing for the Twins in 2020. As for which of the four young guns becomes the Twins #5 in 2020, not a clue. Should be exciting to see them battle it out in spring training. Still believe, however, that Thorpe may be the winner. Yes, he was more inconsistent last year, but there were spots where he was awesome.

Reality is hard to accept some times, Ted. Thanks for the realistic look at what the Twins face this offseason. With very few good options available on the free agent market, I suspect the Twins must turn to the trade market to find their fourth starter. Fully expect starter #5 to be one of the four young guns we saw last year. Maybe as a #5, or maybe one who follows an opener every fifth day. Personally, I like Graterol coming on in the third inning after Littell gets the start.

Thanks, NIck. Agree that we don't know which slot Pineda will slide into once he gets back in late May. Twins may look awfully good if we see the Big Mike we saw last August. Personally feel that we are going to see them sign one more starter and that will be it. Wake up every morning and come here to see if today is the day we find out who. Unfortunately, no news this morning.

Informative article, thanks Nick. It was difficult to watch Castro last summer, as his 19% caught stealing number is something I recall. To be honest, I don't remember his throwing anyone out. I will be so happy when we have robots calling strikes and we can stop hearing about pitch framing. It is a stat that I put little faith in, although I don't understand exactly how it is calculated. I assume, perhaps wrongly, that it is based on the number of pitches that were called strikes but were actually balls. Do they offset that with the strikes that were called balls? And how do they know that it was based on what the catcher did versus the ump being out in left field with his strike zone that day? And with the way umps are all over the place with their strike zones, I don't understand how you can calculate anything like pitch framing. A great defensive catcher to me is one who throws runners out, blocks almost all the balls in the dirt and does a great job managing his pitchers. I can see the first two, don't have a clue about the third other than from the results of the game.