Morneau gets traded during the offseason for a starting pitching prospect knocking on the major league door.

if

Parmelee can continue his success in AAA throughout the rest of season.

but

not if that success doesn't translate into a strong September call-up.

​Willingham shifts his bat to the DH role more often following the All-Star break.

if

Arcia/Hicks advance to AAA and still produce at the same level and deserve a call-up.

but

also assuming a shift to primarily first base for Mauer.

The rotation consists of: Diamond, Pavano, Walters, Gibson, Hendriks.

if

Gibson can continue his successful rehab this season AND if Hendriks can finally find his footing against major league hitters.

but

Dump Pavano if a "cheap, impact" starting pitcher can be acquired in free agency

That's all i've got for now. There are so many more ifs and buts to be addressed but i think this covers the major three that have been floating around in my head for the past month or so. Anybody have any of their own to add?

Not sure that the pitcher that the Twins should be looking for this offseason will be cheap, but they should be an impact player.

Not sure that the pitcher that the Twins should be looking for this offseason will be cheap, but they should be an impact player.

No, I suppose you're right. With all the payroll they're (hopefully) freeing there should be money that they SHOULD want to invest in a long term, impact pitcher. The amount of "should" in that sentence make me uneasy

Not sure that the pitcher that the Twins should be looking for this offseason will be cheap, but they should be an impact player.

Which type of pitcher? I do not see the Twins spending 15 -20 mil on a starting pitcher(not sure if any are worth it). 10 -12 mil a year are still gambles, but would be OK with that. Do not want to see recycled pitchers on the cheap(though Ben Sheets looks to be working out for Atlanta). Best guess would be Span to the Nats or Reds for some pitching prospects, or maybe to the Reds or Nats for a major league ready middle infieder and some pitching prospects, need to clear room for the next round of outfiilders.

Which type of pitcher? I do not see the Twins spending 15 -20 mil on a starting pitcher(not sure if any are worth it). 10 -12 mil a year are still gambles, but would be OK with that. Do not want to see recycled pitchers on the cheap(though Ben Sheets looks to be working out for Atlanta). Best guess would be Span to the Nats or Reds for some pitching prospects, or maybe to the Reds or Nats for a major league ready middle infieder and some pitching prospects, need to clear room for the next round of outfiilders.

Well one name in my mind is Ervin Santana. If the Angels choose to buyout his contract, which they might considering they already have Weaver, Greinke, Wilson, and Haren I would love to see the Twins go after him. He's shown that he can be very, very good in the past and he would be an exciting addition for the Twins. He'd probably be within that 15-20 mark you suggested since he's already making 11 million but considering the down year he's having and the plethora of big name starters which could possibly hit the market the Twins have a chance to get him on the cheaper side. This all tends to hinge however on whether the Angels choose to drop some big money on keeping Greinke and/or Haren.

I remember hearing around the trade deadline that the Reds and Twins were talking about Denard Span but couldn't come to an agreement on how truly valuable he is. Maybe a poor playoff performance from current Reds leadoff hitters and resulting elimination therefrom would give them the kick they need to loosen up their grip on top prospects. In any case I'd rather see pitching than a middle infielder.

Good questions! Sorry if my response was inadequate, as i'm not the most informed person but I do try. Thanks for reading and reacting.