Doctor Wu

No problem with the visa but it was a customs problem?! That implies he was trying to bring/smuggle in something he shouldn't have. Not saying that's the case, but once you have gotten your visa, clearing customs should be a breeze unless the customs officer suspects something's not quite kosher.

That sums it up nicely. High expectations will invariably lead to disappointment. Hope for the best and cross a few fingers.

Very good article! Will keep my eyes on the progress of these youngsters. Very comforting to know that we have some strong arms coming up through the ranks.

I used to go to Spring training games every year when the Twins had their camp in Orlando (1960s through 1980s). Lots of great memories, but I can't get my head around all the changes to ST, in recent years, most especially the wide choice of food! Sure beats having to put up with blah hot dogs and stale popcorn.

I just don't see Cave getting enough at bats to have a "breakout" season. And as saviking noted, we also have prospects like Krilloff, Larnach, and Rooker who could likely make appearances this year. Cave is a good guy to have as a backup, but I just don't see where he's going to become some sort of star starter.

I love watching Buxton play the game; playing center field, running the bases, it's all a joy to watch. But you can't deny that he has a hard time staying off the IL. Injury prone sounding too negative? Let's call him Healthily Challenged.

Good article! Honestly, I don't know what to expect. Being a longtime Twins fan I've become used to not having high expectations at all. But if either Duran or Balazovic turns into a high-end starter that would be nice. And if they both end up being rotation staples that would be extra great. All we can do is hope. Keep the faith ... and don't wear out those arms too quickly.

He's back! Well, sort of. Tommy Milone just signed a minor league deal with Baltimore: https://sports.yahoo.com/tommy-milone-orioles-complete-minor-league-deal-231214692--mlb.html

Setting aside the issue of salaries and impending free agency, I think the Dodgers were the big winner in this deal. But I still think the Twins did okay too. Getting an above average starter like Maeda was huge. Then again, another year or two down the line I may regret that opinion if Graterol becomes an all-star. But I still think the Red Sox didn't get much of a return for losing both Betts and Price. If I'm a Boston fan I'd be feeling very disappointed.

I'm not so sure this is about holding grudges. It's more about playing the game fairly and showing accountability. And should the players who were involved also be punished? I think that's a fair question. Grudges are something else.

Yeah, but that would be a fun scenario to see happen!

I still like the trade, even in this revised form. As Brock and others have said, the Twins are a stronger team now than they were a month ago. But ... I still hate to see Brusdar go. When I saw the trade announced today, my first thought was that a lot of people on this board would moan about losing Luke Raley as part of the package. Seems like many had high hopes for him. But as noted by others already, we have other very good prospects that can play a similar position so I'm not too sad about losing him. I'm more annoyed that we had to give up a fairly high draft pick to get the deal done. But hey, I like our starting rotation a lot more now.

I agree with that assessment. Not sure what happened to the Twins' sky-high hopes for Brusdar, but that bright and shiny optimistic glow seemed to suddenly dim in recent months.

I hate all of this uncertainty. Let's decide one way or the other. But how firm is this "deadline" that the Twins are talking about?

Shocked to see that Parmalee is still hanging in there. I assume Joe Benson is long gone? And whatever happened to Oswaldo Arcia?

Too bad for Dozier that he wasn't a free agent a year sooner. He didn't get much last year with Washington and this year ... well, like you said, good luck!

Most of us are assuming, or at least hoping, that Nelson Cruz has another productive and healthy season. But he turns 40 in July, and we should be prepared for either a breakdown or dip in power. Okay, maybe he passes for Super Man again and leads the team to the playoffs, but something unfortunate could happen, so it's not unrealistic to think that their could be a DH opening earlier than expected this season.

I'm not sure the Red Sox did so well in this trade. I realize one of their big goals was to shed salary, but it doesn't seem like that got a big haul in return for Betts and Price. Then again, I don't know much about this other prospect that got from the Dodgers. Anyway, best of luck to Brusdar in Fenway.

Good, informative article. Thanks! I have to admit that I wasn't familiar at all with Canterino and Wallner so it was educational for me to learn more about them. Sounds like a couple of yet more very promising players in the system.

Joe Nathan was a very good closer for the Twins for a good stretch of time. A very valuable member of the team. But a Hall of Famer? Hmm... my gut feeling says no.

I hate to see the Twins lose a potentially great arm in Graterol, but I'm okay with this trade. As others have pointed out, it's unlikely that Grateroll would have been a big factor on the team this year (okay, that's still debatable ...) but if the team is serious about contending this year, and more importantly advancing in the playoffs, then I think getting an above average starter like Maeda is a savvy move. Starting to look forward to this upcoming season very much!

This one ticks all the boxes, up to a certain point: low risk move, potential upside, veteran presence in the rotations Let's just hope he has enough in the smoke & mirrors department to fool a few batters this year. All in all, I like this signing.

Like all Twins fans, I'm obviously hoping for the best. But with his age and the injury concerns, I wouldn't be shocked at all if he never pitches a full month for the Twins.

Another very good article Nick. Yes, Romero has definitely become the forgotten name in the pitching mix. From prospect to suspect. I can only join the other voices in hoping that the pitching coaches help him sharpen his control and it will result in increased confidence and better performances. That would be a very welcome surprise!

Just go out and sign at least one of these guys and hope for a miracle, or something akin to an Anibal Sanchez-like career resurgence!