Well, sure, but there isn't a pitcher or player you can't say that about.

 

Even now, I would call it borderline crazy to promise Baker 9.25M. I understand you have lots of confidence in Baker. I don't.

 

The difference is that every other player can choose whether or not to play with the Twins. So maybe you can look at the list of guys that signed in the 5-7 million and say if the Twins bump it up 2 million they surely would sign with the Twins. Had they done that and offered Saunders 9 or 10 or Myers 9 then I have a lot less to support the argument. On the other hand, I have no less confidence in Baker than any of the other guys that signed in his range. He is an injury risk with an upside of solid starter. Are any of the other guys more than a borderline league average starter?

 

I think the market has changed. I think Parker foreshadowed it in his article about the cost of relief pitching. I don't think the Twins anticipated the change. If they had, they may have preferred a Baker over the other guys.

 

Now they have 9 million in their pocket. I would rather have Baker. I said in October and I say it now. If at the all star break he isn't pitching, I will come back and give the Twins credit for their good decision.

It's crazy to criticize the Twins for not picking up the option. Could they have tried harder to sign him after declining? Perhaps. But at the time it seemed reasonable not to jump the gun given the other options available. There are plenty of things to criticize about the pitching decisions this winter, but Baker is not at the top of the list.