Riverbrian’s 2023 Payroll Blueprint

[Riverbrian]

Mitch Haniger, Edwin Diaz and Brad Hand added as Free Agents

To add some speed. Jorge Mateo acquired in a trade with Baltimore for Cody Stashak.

Still have Royce Lewis ready to go when he's ready to go. 

Otherwise... I'm going to let the starting pitching keep bubbling up. 

• C: Ryan Jeffers ($0.7M)
• 1B: Jose Miranda ($0.7M)
• 2B: Luis Arraez ($4.5M)
• 3B: Gio Urshela ($9.00M)
• SS: Jorge Polanco ($7.5M)
• LF: Trevor Larnach ($0.70M)
• CF: Byron Buxton ($15M)
• RF: Mitch Haniger ($15M)
• DH: Alex Kirilloff ($0.70M)
• 4th OF: Nick Gordon ($0.70M)
• Utility: Jorge Mateo ($.7M)
• Utility: Max Kepler ($8.50M)
• Backup C: Omar Narvaez ($5M)
• SP1: Sonny Gray ($12.00M)
• SP2: Tyler Mahle ($8.00M)
• SP3: Kenta Maeda ($9.00M)
• SP4: Joe Ryan ($0.70M)
• SP5: Bailey Ober ($0.70M)
• RP: Jhoan Duran ($0.70M)
• RP: Jorge Lopez ($3.00M)
• RP: Griffin Jax ($0.70M)
• RP: Jorge Alcala ($1.00M)
• RP: Caleb Thielbar ($2.00M)
• RP: Josh Winder ($0.7M)
• RP: Brad Hand ($6M)
• RP: Edwin Diaz ($14M)

Payroll is 9.14% under budget

[tony&rodney]

I put a quick team together when this first came out and almost immediately made another one that was different and included Edwin Diaz. I paid him $20 million. It will be interesting to see how MLBTradeRumors pegs Diaz salary. I think Diaz would be an excellent addition for the Twins.

[Riverbrian]

I'm not going to get him at 15 if you have driven the price up to 20. ?

I'm hoping the Trumpet Day Promotions will entice him. Free Trumpets to the first 10,000 fans. 

 

 

[Major League Ready]

I like your plan better than my own.  Polanco is not ideal at SS but it's a great way to bridge the gap until Lewis or Lee take while giving Arraez an every day spot in the lineup.  Of course, a much better BP.

[Riverbrian]

21 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

I like your plan better than my own.  Polanco is not ideal at SS but it's a great way to bridge the gap until Lewis or Lee take while giving Arraez an every day spot in the lineup.  Of course, a much better BP.

SS is such a hard position to fill and stay under budget, All the SS's worth spending a chunk change on will be expensive. I'd love to have Correa back but Hanigar, Diaz and Narvaez fix 3 spots instead of 1.  

Injuries are going to happen so I want the depth that Martin and Lewis bring in St. Paul. We won games with Polanco at SS in the past and we can do it again.

I think Baltimore is going to spend some money this year, it wouldn't surprise me to see them jump in the SS market and they also have that Henderson kid who can play SS if they don't so the Orioles could part with Mateo. 

A player like Mateo has speed (which we need), defense and the ability to play OF. He also has a little pop in the bat but I would like to see his on base percentage up. With Mateo on the roster, Royce Lewis could be the first call up with an injury at 2B, 3B and OF.  

Cave was our OF leader during the pennant chase. There is no way I'm looking at Kepler and saying this is the guy. I'm hopeful that the banning of the shift helps Kepler out but a RH power hitting outfielder is my first priority. Haniger is that. 

[stringer bell]

I think Mateo would be a "good get" in that he has speed and is a really good defender (+5 Zone Runs, +13 Runs Saved per BBRef). He was a 3 WAR player despite only an 81 OPS+. I would think he'd be the principal shortstop and a lesser fielder (Arraez, Polanco, Miranda) would be the DH on most occasions. Having six regulars for five positions (IF + DH) works in today's game, especially with a couple of the guys hitting lefty.

[TwinsDr2021]

If I am in charge of the Twins, no chance I am paying Haniger, Narvaez, Hand 26 million unless all three are on 1 year contracts.

The pitching staff looks good, a few injury question marks, and the offense looks middle of the road at best.

If the Twins could get Mateo that would be a good get and IMO he would be the starting SS (I don't believe that Stashak would be enough to get him, the trade simulator does though)

IMO the idea that AK is starting the season in the majors is a huge reach ( lots of people are handing him a job in their payrolls), he should be in minors proving he can still hit. I am fine with Larnach penciled in as a starter as long as they bring in a really good right handed outfielder (maybe Haniger is the right guy).

[Riverbrian]

3 hours ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

If I am in charge of the Twins, no chance I am paying Haniger, Narvaez, Hand 26 million unless all three are on 1 year contracts.

The pitching staff looks good, a few injury question marks, and the offense looks middle of the road at best.

If the Twins could get Mateo that would be a good get and IMO he would be the starting SS (I don't believe that Stashak would be enough to get him, the trade simulator does though)

IMO the idea that AK is starting the season in the majors is a huge reach ( lots of people are handing him a job in their payrolls), he should be in minors proving he can still hit. I am fine with Larnach penciled in as a starter as long as they bring in a really good right handed outfielder (maybe Haniger is the right guy).

In my opinion, Narvaez and Hand would certainly be 1 year contracts or 1 year with a club option. 

I'd guess that Haniger will take some years on the deal to get done. Health has been an issue for him and that is probably the main reason not to knock on his door. After all, we've had enough of the D.L. listings. 

I like the potential depth of this lineup so I'm knocking on Haniger's door.  

[tony&rodney]

10 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

I'm not going to get him at 15 if you have driven the price up to 20. ?

I'm hoping the Trumpet Day Promotions will entice him. Free Trumpets to the first 10,000 fans. 

 

 

I like Hand but if you drop Hand and include Jovani Moran, you get Diaz without ruining your budget. Moran is good and getting better.

[Riverbrian]

27 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

I like Hand but if you drop Hand and include Jovani Moran, you get Diaz without ruining your budget. Moran is good and getting better.

Agreed

However, Moran has options and can be stashed for a rainy day and it rains a lot. Gotta have those guys around.  

 

 

[Riverbrian]

8 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

I like your plan better than my own.  Polanco is not ideal at SS but it's a great way to bridge the gap until Lewis or Lee take while giving Arraez an every day spot in the lineup.  Of course, a much better BP.

I want to put a better one together. I might spend some time with a spreadsheet and the potential 40 man adds because in the end... that 40 man roster will dictate how many you can add and who needs to be moved. 

[Brandon]

yeah the mets closer is gonna get around 100 million.  so yeah Moran would be how you could do it.

 

[DocBauer]

3 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

In my opinion, Narvaez and Hand would certainly be 1 year contracts or 1 year with a club option. 

I'd guess that Haniger will take some years on the deal to get done. Health has been an issue for him and that is probably the main reason not to knock on his door. After all, we've had enough of the D.L. listings. 

I like the potential depth of this lineup so I'm knocking on Haniger's door.  

I hadn't thought of Haniger, to be honest. There's a lot of upside there to be sure, even at 31yo. I could get on board with him as I'm having a tough time trying to figure out another RH OF who isn't old. (Or coming off a big salary they probably  didn't deserve but are used to and may be over pricing themselves). But he made $7.75 last season and you have that basically being doubled this year in your blueprint. 

I'd say that's a little high.

 

 

[Riverbrian]

2 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I hadn't thought of Haniger, to be honest. There's a lot of upside there to be sure, even at 31yo. I could get on board with him as I'm having a tough time trying to figure out another RH OF who isn't old. (Or coming off a big salary they probably  didn't deserve but are used to and may be over pricing themselves). But he made $7.75 last season and you have that basically being doubled this year in your blueprint. 

I'd say that's a little high.

 

 

I won't argue with you because I have no idea. First year of free agency. Other than Judge he would be the top RH power hitting OF. I was thinking a 3 year deal at 45. Health might push him down to 2 years or 1. 

But yeah... I have no idea. His agent wasn't returning my calls. 

[Game7-91]

15 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

I'm hoping the Trumpet Day Promotions will entice him. Free Trumpets to the first 10,000 fans. 

 

[Riverbrian]

A slight change after taking the current 40 man roster into consideration and expected additions. 

Instead of Brad Hand... I'm bringing in Brandon Drury. 

 

SP	SONNY GRAY	12.5
SP	KENTA MAEDA	9
SP	TYLER MAHLE	8
SP	JOE RYAN	0.7	3
SP	BAILEY OBER	0.7	2
SP	SIMEON W. RICHARDSON	0.7	3
SP	LOUIE VARLAND	0.7	3
SP	COLE SANDS	0.7	2
SP	JORDAN BALAZOVIC	0.7	1
SP	CHRIS PADDACK	4	2
SP	BLAYNE ENLOW	0.7	2
SP	MATT CANTERINO	0.7	3
RP	EDWIN DIAZ	16.1	2
RP	EMILIO PAGAN	3
RP	JORGE LOPEZ	3
RP	CALEB THIELBAR	2	1
RP	JORGE ALCALA	0.7	3
RP	JHOAN DURAN	0.7	1
RP	GRIFFIN JAX	0.7	2
SP	JOSH WINDER	0.7	2
RP	JOVANI MORAN	0.7	2
RP	RONNY HERNANDEZ	0.7	2
C	RYAN JEFFERS	0.7	2
C	OMAR NARVEAZ	3.1
3B	GIO URSHELA	9
1B-3B	JOSE MIRANDA	0.7	2
1B-2B-3B-OF	BRANDON DRURY	6.1
1B-OF	ALEX KIRILLOFF	0.7	1
2B-1B-3B	LUIS ARRAEZ	4.5	2
2B-SS	JORGE POLANCO	7.5
SS-3B-2B-OF	JORGE MATEO	0.7
SS-3B-2B-OF	ROYCE LEWIS	0.7	2
2B	EDOUARD JULIEN	0.7	3
OF	BYRON BUXTON	15.1
OF	MITCH HANIGER	15
OF	TREVOR LARNACH	0.7
OF-2B-SS	NICK GORDON	0.7	2
OF	MAX KEPLER	8.5
OF	GILBERTO CELESTINO	0.7	1
OF	MATT WALLNER	0.7	3
BUYOUTS		4.5
TOTAL		147.7
GONE
COULOMBE	DFA
GARLICK	DFA
MAGILL	DFA
CONTRERES	TRADED FOR
STASHAK	JORGE MATEO
FREE AGENTS
SIGNED	EDWIN DIAZ
	OMAR NARVEAZ
	BRANDON DRURY
	MITCH HANIGER

[TwinsDr2021]

10 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

A slight change after taking the current 40 man roster into consideration and expected additions. 

Instead of Brad Hand... I'm bringing in Brandon Drury. 

If Hand (or somebody else) hasn't sign at the start of spring training another, you move Paddack to the  60 day and free up another spot. And cut Pagan for the love all things Twins fans deserve (I know you said you would cut him, I was talking about the real FO)

[Riverbrian]

I only included Pagan because... I know that he will be back. He will be on the roster next year and the front office better be right about that. 

In my world... Pagan money could be turned into Hand money. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

10 hours ago, Game7-91 said:

 

Only slightly used

[TopGunn#22]

REALLY nice job Riverbrian.  I like the 2nd one better.  Subtracting Hand and adding Drury has a much greater positive impact on the team/roster.  I think Hand is unnecessary when you bring in Diaz and we already have Duran and Lopez.  Add in Alcala and that is some SERIOUS firepower in a BP.  Yes, we need a LH option other than Theilbar, but I'm fine with Moran.  

Drury adds a solid RH bat and a little positional flexibility.  Hanniger is interesting but Drury could make him unnecessary as well but I love your creativity.  Mateo is a good idea as well, but I'd rather trade for someone like Kiner-Falefa instead and just make IKF the starting SS.  He's a solid bridge to Lewis and also offers multiple positional versatility.  

Seeing a plan like this gets me excited about next year (without Correa).  YOU. ARE. HIRED !!!

[Riverbrian]

6 minutes ago, TopGunn#22 said:

REALLY nice job Riverbrian.  I like the 2nd one better.  Subtracting Hand and adding Drury has a much greater positive impact on the team/roster.  I think Hand is unnecessary when you bring in Diaz and we already have Duran and Lopez.  Add in Alcala and that is some SERIOUS firepower in a BP.  Yes, we need a LH option other than Theilbar, but I'm fine with Moran.  

Drury adds a solid RH bat and a little positional flexibility.  Hanniger is interesting but Drury could make him unnecessary as well but I love your creativity.  Mateo is a good idea as well, but I'd rather trade for someone like Kiner-Falefa instead and just make IKF the starting SS.  He's a solid bridge to Lewis and also offers multiple positional versatility.  

Seeing a plan like this gets me excited about next year (without Correa).  YOU. ARE. HIRED !!!

Thanks... I'll take the job. Just waiting for Falvey to give me a call. I'm keeping my phone charged and with me at all times just in case. 

In my opinion, Drury and Haniger are necessary together.

We just don't know if Larnach will get the job done.

We don't know if Gordon will be the same Gordon next year.

I am certainly at my wits end with Kepler. 

Buxton has his health issues and so does Haniger. 

Drury plays 1B, 2B, 3B and he also plays OF. If we are struggling to find OF production because of the 5 things listed above. Drury can prop things up. Make it less likely that we are praying that Jake Cave brings us to the playoffs. Mateo can also play OF if needed. Gordon can also play IF. 

WIth the DH spot also available for use. We could staff a Haniger and Drury and find the AB's to keep them producing if they are producing.

[Platoon]

I won’t argue dollars or cents or availability, but ooooh that’s a bad IF at first, second, and short. And yes, I am aware that ground balls are becoming passé.  

[Riverbrian]

4 hours ago, Platoon said:

I won’t argue dollars or cents or availability, but ooooh that’s a bad IF at first, second, and short. And yes, I am aware that ground balls are becoming passé.  

I won't argue bad or good, but we won games with Polanco, Arraez and Sano in those spots. ?