Notebook: Instagram Wars, Expanded Rosters, and a New FA Offer at DH?

Twins Instagram Feud

Eddie Rosario and Miguel Sano got into a bit of an Instagram feud. This is my favorite Twins content of the day (click link to see the full Tweet thread, translation thanks to Twitter user @Crewsett). Here's the juiciest part of their interaction:

https://twitter.com/Crewsett/status/1356722953304563717

At the end of the exchange, both Rosario and Sano apologized and said it was a misunderstanding. Let us know in the comments if you’re Team Eddie or Team Miguel.

Twins and Nelson Cruz Still in a Standoff?

The Twins and Nelson Cruz seem to be in another staring match, with the sides allegedly still not close enough on money.

With Cruz losing leverage from a lack of clarity about universal DH, it is being suggested that the Twins could pivot to other options, Nelly appears to be running out of time and options.

https://twitter.com/AaronGleeman/status/1356748851026124803

KTSP reported tonight that the Twins have made Ozuna an offer.

https://twitter.com/jzulgad/status/1356779923004874753

Andrelton Simmons Opens up About Mental Health

Jeff Fletcher detailed an incredible story of new Twins SS Andrelton Simmons and his battle with depression and thoughts of suicide leading to his opt out at the end of the 2020 season. Simmons reached out to a reporter after not naming his reasons for opting out in his introductory press conference for the Twins.

In the article, Simmons states he hopes his openness allows others struggling to seek help and support, in addition to voicing his fears that his story will be misinterpreted by those reading. I’d encourage everyone to read it’s a brave step to take and an incredibly important topic to normalize.

Nolan Arenado Trade Finalized

The unbelievable complex of Nolan Arenado from the beleaguered Colorado Rockies to the St. Louis Cardinals is complete. Here is the full prospect ‘package’:

https://twitter.com/BaseballAmerica/status/1356754412153294848

Additionally, the Rockies sent around $50 million in salary relief to the Cardinals to complete the deal (yes, you read that correctly). Rockies GM Jeff Bridich commented that he believes the Rockies are ‘not in a rebuild’. Presented without comment.

Expanded Rosters

Information about the shape and texture of the 2021 season continues to trickle slowly to its organizations, players, and audience. Today, it was confirmed that expanded rosters are here to stay.

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1356593894587305984

The CBA and Labor Relations

With labor relations growing increasingly tense, Eugene Freedman provided a useful thread on the nature and status of the CBA.

https://twitter.com/EugeneFreedman/status/1356456806629978112

As Freedman notes, the incredulity around the lack of a counter-proposal from the MLBPA is misguided, given that would re-open the current agreement in place and lose the players association leverage for the forthcoming renegotiation of the CBA after the 2021 season.

Mickey Callaway

In incredible reporting from the Athletic (subscription required), current Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway is subject to accusations of lewd behavior towards female reporters when employed by three different teams in a five-year span. The Angels have suspended Callaway pending an investigation, which would seem likely to cost him his job, following a similar story regarding former Mets GM Jared Porter last week.

Drew Robinson

Speaking of incredible stories, Jeff Passan’s longform about Drew Robinson is a must read from ESPN today.

Transactions from Around the League

• The Phillies signed Hector Rondon and David Paulino to MiLB deals.
  
• The Padres extended GM A.J. Preller through 2026.
  
• The Reds signed Sean Doolittle to a 1 year, $1.5 million deal (I forgot he was a FA).
  
• The Rangers signed Spencer Patton to a MiLB deal.
  
• The Yankees signed Kyle Barraclough to a MiLB deal.
  

The Rays signed Chris Archer to a one-year, $6.5 million deal. On initial glance this seems expensive given Archer’s recent performance and injury history. Additionally, it potentially heightens the market for remaining FA SPs (Odorizzi, Paxton) and brings full circle for Pittsburgh, the nightmare that was trading Tyler Glasnow, Shane Baz, and Austin Meadows for Archer in 2018, with the Rays eventually returning Archer anyway.

Denard Span Back with Tampa

Lastly, Tampa native and former Twins CF is back with the Rays in a baseball Ops role. Could there be a better place to learn?

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1356656255826296833

SEE ALSO

Free Agent Market May Push Twins Away From Nelson Cruz

2021 Twins PECOTA Projections: 5 Free Agents Team Could Target

2021 Twins PECOTA Projections: 5 Big Takeaways

STONKS! The 3 Minnesota Twins Player Stocks You Need to Invest In Right Now