Front Page: Winter Meetings Bring a Dose of Cold Reality for Twins

[laloesch]

 

 But maybe this new, aggressive and progressive FO need to not only think about $ but work on a different "recruiting pitch".

BINGO!

[rdehring]

 

The top income tax rate in Minnesota is 9.85%, which it's been for years. That's only "sky high" compared the 6 states that have none. And this "Off-season of Twins excuses" is the first time I've ever heard anyone bring it up regarding MN teams and FA.

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.

[rdehring]

 

I've had a lot of laughs about Minnesota as a landing spot for players and FA and the such. As a Nebraskan and Omaha native, I've chuckled at having my home city mentioned a couple of times in context. And I am not equating thjs directly to the Twins and pursuit of FA. But it may apply, directly or indirectly.

The Big Red have recruited nationally since Bob Devaney built the program in the late 60's all the way through the glory days of Tom Osborne. Coaches since have done so. You kind of have to considering population. But reputation only takes you so far. (Sound a bit familiar?) But for several years now, as we re-build the Husker program, over and over again you hear about kids who absolutely love what they see when they get here. They felt Lincoln NE was a tiny bodunk town in the middle of cornfields with nothing to offer. And, of course, it snowed all the time and was always cold. This is no hyperbole. Now, nobody thought we were part of Canada, lol, but perception out of the Midwest is borderline nuts for some people born and raised out west or down south.

But what has always happened is, those who have come here ALWAYS think thjs is HOME to them whether they stay here permanently or not. How many Vikings and Twins players, through the years and now, have stated similar feelings? I get money talks when dealing with FA. There are always other mitigating factors. Thats reality. But maybe this new, aggressive and progressive FO need to not only think about $ but work on a different "recruiting pitch".

 

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.

[tony&rodney]

There is one thing we can be certain of - our collective knowledge of how Falvine operates or their plan is a secret to us. If you follow the Twins, not too much has changed from Ryan to Falvine. I mean, it appears the money is still pretty tight and a Pohlad makes the decisions. Fair enough because they are the owners.

What is disingenuous to me is how many "fans" are Pohlad apologist and cast negative thoughts towards the players. Mauer was the 21st century version of Harmon Killebrew - a great player and an amazing human being. But, to the total amazement of baseball fans from outside of Twins Territory, there are those who constantly throw shade at Mauer even after his playing days. Imagine a player landing on your team and being recognized as one of the top ten at his position in the history of the game. The Twins and their fans were lucky to have Mauer and Ryan signed him to retire a Twin. The question is - do we need to wait for another top ten player at their position before the front office jumps in? It appears that this decision rests with the Pohlads and in the meantime Twin fans wish for their team to be stronger and guess about what trades are possible; that is what fans do. 

I wanted Cole at any price but  accept that it may be Wood or Archer or Teheran filling a spot and Thorpe emerging. I enjoy the day to day and pitch to pitch competition and what Falvine and Pohlad decide is out of my hands, which is my cold reality. 

[MABB1959]

Players like Sano, Buxton and Berrios should go for free agency.  They will get the money probably more if they wait.  Let's pretend they are going to be a good as anticipated why would you want to stay on a team that has no goals of WS or is handicapped by not being able to attract star power.  Most of them have dream't about winning or at least playing in a WS since they were young boys.  They will have more money than they need by that point.  It may be a little early to judge the front office but the history of the Twins is to let the good players go when big money is ude.  They will blame it on a comment or attitude but really they don't want to pay them, they would rather go with the players that still make close to league minimum.  How many players in the last few years have been let go for a comment they made about the Twins letting players go and giving up by the trade deadline.  So many have been accused of having attitudes and then magically are traded.  Maybe the new FO and Baldelli can change that but like many have said, players talk and I am certain they know much more that we do.   Aaron Hicks is now making 10 million, they never resigned Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, Justin M, Micheal C.  

[Major League Ready]

 

I don't think you read the list:

 

http://twinsdaily.com/topic/35827-front-page-twins-front-office-playing-with-patience-this-winter/?p=942388

 

You need to address Goldschmidt, Holliday, and Rolen. I don't think anyone cares how the Twins compare to St. Louis in free agent signings that ignores examples like those 3 just because they weren't *technically* free agent signings. Each one was an aggressive trade and contract for a player outside their organization, for which the Twins to my knowledge have zero comparables.

 

I understand the Cardinals have done some things the twins have not but let’s be more specific than they have acquired or extended certain players. I honestly don't know of any top 25 type prospects the Cardinals have traded away. Have they traded this type of prospect? I ask because there is a big difference between trading depth for Goldsmith vs trading away Lewis or Kirilloff.

 

If not, what you are saying is that they have been willing to trade depth and spend more on free agents and/or extensions. Is this fair?

[Mike Sixel]

 

I understand the Cardinals have done some things the twins have not but let’s be more specific than they have acquired or extended certain players. I honestly don't know of any top 25 type prospects the Cardinals have traded away. Have they traded this type of prospect? I ask because there is a big difference between trading depth for Goldsmith vs trading away Lewis or Kirilloff.

 

If not, what you are saying is that they have been willing to trade depth and spend more on free agents and/or extensions. Is this fair?

 

Pretty sure if the Twins trade for one of the best players in the game, and extend him....that that poster would find it refreshing. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

I understand the Cardinals have done some things the twins have not but let’s be more specific than they have acquired or extended certain players. I honestly don't know of any top 25 type prospects the Cardinals have traded away. Have they traded this type of prospect? I ask because there is a big difference between trading depth for Goldsmith vs trading away Lewis or Kirilloff.

 

If not, what you are saying is that they have been willing to trade depth and spend more on free agents and/or extensions. Is this fair?

Why not look up what they traded before offering conclusions?

 

For Goldschmidt, Carson Kelly was a top 50 prospect, at catcher. I wouldn't call him a spare part. Luke Weaver had graduated but was a recent top 50-70 SP prospect who had shown some promise. Another piece and a competitive balance pick was in the package too.

 

For Holliday, Brett Wallace was #27 by BA at the time. Plus two other recent 1st and 2nd round picks. For a trade deadline rental! They re-signed him after the season.

 

So no, I don't think the Twins could make a comparable package without giving up Lewis or Kirilloff.

[SwainZag]

 

Players like Sano, Buxton and Berrios should go for free agency.  They will get the money probably more if they wait.  Let's pretend they are going to be a good as anticipated why would you want to stay on a team that has no goals of WS or is handicapped by not being able to attract star power.  Most of them have dream't about winning or at least playing in a WS since they were young boys.  They will have more money than they need by that point.  It may be a little early to judge the front office but the history of the Twins is to let the good players go when big money is ude.  They will blame it on a comment or attitude but really they don't want to pay them, they would rather go with the players that still make close to league minimum.  How many players in the last few years have been let go for a comment they made about the Twins letting players go and giving up by the trade deadline.  So many have been accused of having attitudes and then magically are traded.  Maybe the new FO and Baldelli can change that but like many have said, players talk and I am certain they know much more that we do.   Aaron Hicks is now making 10 million, they never resigned Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, Justin M, Micheal C.  

Which players have been let go for making comments?  Which players have had attitudes and were traded at the deadline?  Where does this stuff come from?

[DocBauer]

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.

Tremendous respect for your Badgers. Run a great program, as you know, actually patterned after the Huskers. With Alvarez, you'd expect that.

 

I also applaud the FO for their conviction. I think they are willing to spend $ as well as prospect capital to make a deal. They just don't believe in making a foolish deal. I think silly or stupid is OK, just not foolish.

 

I don't know why some can't see the difference. The Twins were told by Wheeler pretty much thanks, but no thanks. Now, if we offered $20-30M more would that have changed his mind? Maybe. But now we're beyond stupid money to foolish money.

 

I am not a FO apologist. I want improvement. I want to take a risk or two to see a payoff. But I don't want my team to mortgage the next 5 years on 1yr of a shot.

[rdehring]

 

Tremendous respect for your Badgers. Run a great program, as you know, actually patterned after the Huskers. With Alvarez, you'd expect that.

I also applaud the FO for their conviction. I think they are willing to spend $ as well as prospect capital to make a deal. They just don't believe in making a foolish deal. I think silly or stupid is OK, just not foolish.

I don't know why some can't see the difference. The Twins were told by Wheeler pretty much thanks, but no thanks. Now, if we offered $20-30M more would that have changed his mind? Maybe. But now we're beyond stupid money to foolish money.

I am not a FO apologist. I want improvement. I want to take a risk or two to see a payoff. But I don't want my team to mortgage the next 5 years on 1yr of a shot.

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.  

[twinkiesfan11]

 

Fifteen of Fangraphs top twenty free agent starting pitchers are signed, plus a few others. Two were brought back to Minnesota. They have not acquired any of the other top twenty.... Is anyone excited about the remaining guys at this point?

 

At this point, given what's left and the terms the top remaining FA's are looking for/teams also in the hunt I would totally be fine with/would almost prefer punting on Ryu, Keuchel and Donaldson.

 

If it were me I'd be focused on extensions for Berrios, Odorizzi, Buxton and Sano, offer a 2 year deal to Taijuan Walker along with one each of the best FA starter, reliever and corner infielder you can get to agree to a 1 year deal. This strategy would really piss off the payroll obsessed fans but you get an upside signing in Walker while building solid depth which proved very beneficial in 2019 without any regrettable long-term commitments. Can always supplement for the stretch-run at the trading deadline and have money to play with for free agency next year. 

[Major League Ready]

 

Why not look up what they traded before offering conclusions?

For Goldschmidt, Carson Kelly was a top 50 prospect, at catcher. I wouldn't call him a spare part. Luke Weaver had graduated but was a recent top 50-70 SP prospect who had shown some promise. Another piece and a competitive balance pick was in the package too.

For Holliday, Brett Wallace was #27 by BA at the time. Plus two other recent 1st and 2nd round picks. For a trade deadline rental! They re-signed him after the season.

So no, I don't think the Twins could make a comparable package without giving up Lewis or Kirilloff.

 

It’s impossible to have a discussion if you are unwilling to apply any objectivity. Kelly had been up and down over the course of 3 years. He was a decent player but there is no way he ever was an equivalent prospect to Lewis/Kiriloff. Brett Wallace may have been #27 with BA but that is one opinion and we know those rankings have lag. He never demonstrated Lewis or Kirilloff potential and he was traded by both the A’s and Blue Jays before he ever made it to the Majors and he had negative WAR for his career. We are just going to have to disagree that we don’t have a prospect other than our top 2 that are equivalent to Brett freaking Wallace, I am sorry.

 

Let’s keep in mind the premise being debated here in general is what the twins are willing or unwilling to pay or give up in the form of prospects. Many here are calling for a Lewis or Kirilloff plus a couple other top prospects, perhaps even Balazovic. Let’s not pretend that is the same kind of sacrifice as trading a couple decent prospects for Goldschmidt. You guys are far too baseball savvy to say this with a straight face. It’s convenient.

 

In terms of their WILLINGNESS to pay. I think many of you confuse willingness with ability. Since the Twins moved in Target Field they have averaged 233.67M in revenue and an average payroll of $109.4. The Cardinals have averaged $282M in revenue and $137.5M in payroll. In other words, they have average $48M more in revenue and 28M more in payroll.

 

A reasonable measure of willingness to spend would be the percentage of revenue after operating expenses. By this measure, the Twins have been willing to spend $20M per year more than the Cardinals. I am not going to suggest you don’t understand the difference between able and willing in this context. Coincidentally, you are unwilling to see the difference. The Twins generated 438M less in revenue over 9 years. Therefore, they were unable to match their spending not unwilling. They actually spent a higher percentage of dollars available for payroll (Rev-Operating Cost) Therefore, the the Twins actually spent more aggressively than the Cardinals.

[Mike Sixel]

 

It’s impossible to have a discussion if you are unwilling to apply any objectivity. Kelly had been up and down over the course of 3 years. He was a decent player but there is no way he ever was an equivalent prospect to Lewis/Kiriloff. Brett Wallace may have been #27 with BA but that is one opinion and we know those rankings have lag. He never demonstrated Lewis or Kirilloff potential and he was traded by both the A’s and Blue Jays before he ever made it to the Majors and he had negative WAR for his career. We are just going to have to disagree that we don’t have a prospect other than our top 2 that are equivalent to Brett freaking Wallace, I am sorry.

 

Let’s keep in mind the premise being debated here in general is what the twins are willing or unwilling to pay or give up in the form of prospects. Many here are calling for a Lewis or Kirilloff plus a couple other top prospects, perhaps even Balazovic. Let’s not pretend that is the same kind of sacrifice as trading a couple decent prospects for Goldschmidt. You guys are far too baseball savvy to say this with a straight face. It’s convenient.

 

In terms of their WILLINGNESS to pay. I think many of you confuse willingness with ability. Since the Twins moved in Target Field they have averaged 233.67M in revenue and an average payroll of $109.4. The Cardinals have averaged $282M in revenue and $137.5M in payroll. In other words, they have average $48M more in revenue and 28M more in payroll.

 

A reasonable measure of willingness to spend would be the percentage of revenue after operating expenses. By this measure, the Twins have been willing to spend $20M per year more than the Cardinals. I am not going to suggest you don’t understand the difference between able and willing in this context. Coincidentally, you are unwilling to see the difference. The Twins generated 438M less in revenue over 9 years. Therefore, they were unable to match their spending not unwilling. They actually spent a higher percentage of dollars available for payroll (Rev-Operating Cost) Therefore, the the Twins actually spent more aggressively than the Cardinals.

 

What would you do?

[HawksNest]

Buster Olney tweeted that with most FA pitchers signed, the Twins (and White Sox) are seen as most desperate for pitching help.

 

https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1207026472323407872?s=20

 

Slow clap for backing ourselves into a great negotiating position re: trades and free agency....

[jkcarew]

The cold reality is how awful drafting and development of pitching has been for the last decade. While most of that is not on the current FO, you still need to concede (IMO) that the current administration so far has failed in either anticipating 2019...or in reacting to it. Anyone could see the pitching dilemma coming from a mile away. Still, I just can't get that into weighing in on why/how they're failing. Too much of it crosses my personal line between reasonably-informed opinion...into simple guessing. Besides, the why doesn't matter to me. Just like for players, results are all that really matters. It's getting late.

[Mike Sixel]

 

The cold reality is how awful drafting and development of pitching has been for the last decade. While most of that is not on the current FO, you still need to concede (IMO) that the current administration so far has failed in either anticipating 2019...or in reacting to it. Anyone could see the pitching dilemma coming from a mile away. Still, I just can't get that into weighing in on why/how they're failing. Too much of it crosses my personal line between reasonably-informed opinion...into simple guessing. Besides, the why doesn't matter to me. Just like for players, results are all that really matters. It's getting late.

 

Agreed. This was obviously going to be a problem in 19 and beyond......it needs to be fixed. Perhaps they will manage to be right about enough of the players they have added, but that is unlikely to help in 20, and barely likely to be enough in 21. Not impossible, but not likely that they can rely only on internal options or cheap signings. I'm still hopeful they sign Ryu and/or make a trade, but as I've said for a year, there just aren't many currently good MLB starting pitchers available.....because most of the good pitchers are on playoff contenders. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

It’s impossible to have a discussion if you are unwilling to apply any objectivity.

 

Objectivity means not pushing conclusions about a trade before you even know who was traded. Conclusions should be derived from the facts, not the other way around.

 

As for the rest of your post, I have no idea why you keep bringing up prospects the Twins *haven't* traded, in a discussion about prospects the Cardinals *have* traded. If you think the Cards are more aggressive in trades because of their revenue, good for you -- I just think the Twins have room to be more aggressive than we've been, even within our revenue.

[twins_89]

 

Buster Olney tweeted that with most FA pitchers signed, the Twins (and White Sox) are seen as most desperate for pitching help.

 

https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/1207026472323407872?s=20

 

Slow clap for backing ourselves into a great negotiating position re: trades and free agency....

 

It's tough to negotiate a trade when everybody knows the Twins pretty much have to make a deal. I'll be curious to see if the front office can work out a fair trade, or if we are going to have to significantly overpay due to an extremely poor bargaining position.

[Major League Ready]

 

Objectivity means not pushing conclusions about a trade before you even know who was traded. Conclusions should be derived from the facts, not the other way around.

As for the rest of your post, I have no idea why you keep bringing up prospects the Twins *haven't* traded, in a discussion about prospects the Cardinals *have* traded. If you think the Cards are more aggressive in trades because of their revenue, good for you -- I just think the Twins have room to be more aggressive than we've been, even within our revenue.

 

You know ... what I would love to see is someone concede that the Bull&^%$ about the Twins unwillingness defies any logic. The unwillingness to spend requires the absence of logic. At least every now and then Mike admits it's just a product of fanaticism.

 

I keep bringing up the prospects they have not traded because you and others insist other teams WOULD trade them. When I ask for examples of top 20 prospects they have traded in these success stories the topic is ignored. It might even makes sense to use that capital but the hole song and dance about the success of others was a product of trading elite prospects is not based on solid examples.

 

BTW .  I don't need any lessons on basing conclusion on facts. You either did not check the facts when you claimed the Twins were less willing to spend because I don't believe you fail to understand the $480M additional revenue produced by the Cards constituted an incremental ability as opposed to a difference in willingness.

[Vanimal46]

You know ... what I would love to see is someone concede that the Bull&^%$ about the Twins unwillingness defies any logic. The unwillingness to spend requires the absence of logic. At least every now and then Mike admits it's just a product of fanaticism.

 

I keep bringing up the prospects they have not traded because you and others insist other teams WOULD trade them. When I ask for examples of top 20 prospects they have traded in these success stories the topic is ignored. It might even makes sense to use that capital but the hole song and dance about the success of others was a product of trading elite prospects is not based on solid examples.

 

BTW . I don't need any lessons on basing conclusion on facts. You either did not check the facts when you claimed the Twins were less willing to spend because I don't believe you fail to understand the $480M additional revenue produced by the Cards constituted an incremental ability as opposed to a difference in willingness.

Have you considered that people ignore your topics because of your self-imposed parameters? Who wants to engage when you ask about a team who’s traded a top 5 prospect with revenue of $200 million with the climate of Minnesota in the last 2 years? It’s exhausting.

 

I thought we were on the same page at the start of the offseason. I even remember vividly you would have spent top dollar on a free agent and have a budget of $135 million! Where’s that person these days? Same old, same old, MLR...

 

Very few fans on this site are making absurd asks. The vast majority is asking for one bold move. Just one to supplement a 101 win team who will have unrealized revenue not seen before at Target Field.

[Otto von Ballpark]

I keep bringing up the prospects they have not traded because you and others insist other teams WOULD trade them. When I ask for examples of top 20 prospects they have traded in these success stories the topic is ignored. It might even makes sense to use that capital but the hole song and dance about the success of others was a product of trading elite prospects is not based on solid examples.

 

Why top 20? I said I respect the Cards aggressiveness including (among other things) trading a top 50 prospect for Goldschmidt, as compared to the Twins whose current FO has yet to trade a top 100 (maybe even top 200?). I didn't say anything about any top 20 prospects. It seems an unnecessary and confusing qualifier to inject into this discussion.

[Otto von Ballpark]

You either did not check the facts when you claimed the Twins were less willing to spend because I don't believe you fail to understand the $480M additional revenue produced by the Cards constituted an incremental ability as opposed to a difference in willingness.

I never denied the Cards have a greater ability to spend than the Twins, so I am not sure of your source for that accusation. I just think the "ability gap" should be a lot closer than the trade and contract results of the two front offices to date.

 

If you think we can and should sign someone for significantly more than Jason Castro's contract, or trade a top 200 prospect, then you probably agree with me. It's not an extreme position.

[lukeduke1980]

 

It's tough to negotiate a trade when everybody knows the Twins pretty much have to make a deal. I'll be curious to see if the front office can work out a fair trade, or if we are going to have to significantly overpay due to an extremely poor bargaining position.

I think that's why a Price trade makes sense as Boston as far as I know is figuring out how to fit a Betts contract into their budget.  I'm sure Boston is asking teams to take on his whole contract and we're waiting for that to come down into the 20-25/yr range.

[Battle ur tail off]

 

What would you do?

 

Won't get that out of him. Only will get what we "wont" or "can't" do. 

 

As has been said zillions of times on here before, Twins have a pitching problem. There are 2 ways to correct it if you want it to happen quickly, sign or trade. So far it looks as if the FO wants to do neither. Or at least neither involving high end guys. This is a problem if you think we can compete, truly compete next season or the year after. 

It's my opinion this FO is perfectly happy waiting on their own prospects to develop in order to fill out this pitching staff. In fact, I would bet you see them trade someone away for more pitching prospects before you see them give up prospects for someone that is producing right now. 

 

 

[prouster]

Which players have been let go for making comments? Which players have had attitudes and were traded at the deadline? Where does this stuff come from?

The only instance I can think of is Knoblauch, but his situation of course doesn’t apply to all the other notable former Twins.

[Major League Ready]

 

Won't get that out of him. Only will get what we "wont" or "can't" do. 

 

As has been said zillions of times on here before, Twins have a pitching problem. There are 2 ways to correct it if you want it to happen quickly, sign or trade. So far it looks as if the FO wants to do neither. Or at least neither involving high end guys. This is a problem if you think we can compete, truly compete next season or the year after. 

It's my opinion this FO is perfectly happy waiting on their own prospects to develop in order to fill out this pitching staff. In fact, I would bet you see them trade someone away for more pitching prospects before you see them give up prospects for someone that is producing right now. 

 

I already stated with specificity what I would do. Even posted the roster with a budget. It jsut so happens that with the exception of Wheeler and a LH RP, the team has done exactly what I planned. Here is what I wont do.

 

I won't complain because they did not sign Cole or Strassburg. Only the top couple markets had the capacity to land those two players land Strassburg was not leaving his team with that kind of offer on the table. Anyone who pays any attention to the national media heard the same message.

 

I won't complain because they were unable to land the one guy I thought was both a real upgrade and within the financial parameters the Team could absorb. The premise that family is an important consideration in where someone elects to live is not foreign to me.  

 

I won't complain about Bumgarner because I did not believe he still had the ability to dominate in the playoffs. I might be wrong but several other teams including his current and both LA teams agreed. 

 

I won't suggest they are unwilling to spend as much as SLC that grossed $480M more than the Twins. I will appreciate that the Twins actually spent $230M more of their available revenue. (Rev-Op Cost)

 

I won't complain they have not made a trade for two reasons. One, I can't think of a single SP that plays for a team I believe would make such a trade. Two, teams generally look to the trade market after FA options have been exhausted. We are not there yet.

 

I finally, I won't complain until the off-season is over. You would think last year would have been a lesson.

[Nick Nelson]

 

I won't complain about Bumgarner because I did not believe he still had the ability to dominate in the playoffs. I might be wrong but several other teams including his current and both LA teams agreed. 

Based on this story, it sounds like the Twins truly had no shot at Bumgarner. He wanted to go to Arizona so badly he turned down far more money elsewhere and took a team-friendly contract. 

 

https://theathletic.com/1469374/2019/12/17/the-number-one-place-the-diamondbacks-get-madison-bumgarner-on-a-second-hometown-discount/

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Based on this story, it sounds like the Twins truly had no shot at Bumgarner. He wanted to go to Arizona so badly he turned down far more money elsewhere and took a team-friendly contract. 

 

https://theathletic.com/1469374/2019/12/17/the-number-one-place-the-diamondbacks-get-madison-bumgarner-on-a-second-hometown-discount/

 

Okay, I'm not a subscriber yet... but what specifically does it say about him turning down more money? The author couched that in a "maybe" on Twitter, so I'm not sure if there was actually an offer, or if it was just an expectation (which has been reported before, and elsewhere).

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Okay, I'm not a subscriber yet... but what specifically does it say about him turning down more money? The author couched that in a "maybe" on Twitter, so I'm not sure if there was actually an offer, or if it was just an expectation (which has been reported before, and elsewhere).

Well, he says he had at least two 5/100+ offers, and get this, his 2020 salary will be... $6 million. (So much for my prediction of front loading to woo him here )

 

Here is one of the money quotes:

 

“He always loved spending spring training here, to the point that he and his wife occasionally brought out their horses from North Carolina for the two-month stay. He likes Arizona so much that he told his agent, Ed Cerulo of VC Sports, that the Diamondbacks were “the number-one place for me.”

 

He got what he wanted. “It just feels like where I’m supposed to be,” Bumgarner said.