ClubhouseDanceParty

This is a great point. I have often wondered myself what kind of methodology goes into these rankings/lists. They seem pretty subjective to me, yet this is also what is fascinating about baseball compared to football and basketball. Those other sports rely on more traditional analysis like scouting combines to help reinforce who the top prospects are. How do you do that with an 18 year old from the Dominican? The path to the big show is such a long burn I don't envy the difficult jobs these talent elevators try to do.

Great write up Tom. I agree the Twins need to make a spash. Outside of Mauer/Morneau's contracts the team does have a perception of being cheap. Rightfully or not that is the perception. This signing would drive interest. Darvish would instantly be the best picture on the roster since we had some other guy with the last name Santana. Our core is starting to mature. Our division is weak. Carpe Diem!

Chemistry. No advanced statistic can quantify this. I'm sure baseball is like any organization and morale can absolutely destroy productivity. Having mixed cultural backgrounds would add another layer to the issue. For two of the last three years, Paul Molitor has had the Twins either good or competitive. Being a prior player, Paul likely has a good grasp on team chemistry and it's importance to a winning ball club. If words like clubhouse presence is thrown around I'd venture the powers at be seem like its needed, especially if a Gimenez is not brought back.

Without knowing what kind of return is possible, which level of the minors would you prefer to sell from?

I like the move. Trevor Hildenberger has shown at the MLB level for the Twins that multiple arm slots/deception can be just as effective as velocity. Does this move put Boshers on the 40 man bubble if another move is to be made? Can anyone recall if Boshers has options remaining and if not do you think this hurts his chances of remaining in the organization? Does a lower release point put more strain on elbow? Did it contribute to the ligament tear? Pros: Prior results, relatively cheap (2 million with 1.5 million more incentives), 1 year deal Cons: Injury history, age. From a cost benefit I think the Twins will be fine. If he is not producing he can be DFA and one of the other 26 or so pitchers on the 40 man can move up.

Multi year lurker here, just upgrading to part time commentator. The request for help has spurred me to do my part and create a membership to help grow the community. Your website is fantastic. I have seem my appetite for your content grow. Twins Daily has turned me into a fan of the minor league system, draft, and advanced stats. I would enjoying seeing blog posts about MLB ex-Twins players and how/what they are doing. Seth's piece earlier in the year on Josh Rabe was great, more like these would be great. I can imagine the spirited dialogue in the forums. Call it "Old Friends". Yes, I stole that from Mike Berardino. I look forwarded to future commenting and hope other lurkers make the same jump.