brvama

I lean toward bringing Cron back. His defense seems solid and before his injury he had a solid bat. However, i think it will depend on whether they sign a 3B, as they have been rumored to be vetting. (Sorry, I’d post the link but have been unable. Saw the rumor on MLB Trade Rumors.) Then they’d move Sano and Cron would be gone.

Nice write up Nick. It would really be interesting to have been a fly on the wall when the FO was discussing these 5, and others.

Diehardtwinsfan made a good point about the lure of working with Wes Johnson. I would think that is a very positive for the Twins in any conversation with FA pitchers. Especially those on the fence. As a team, Falvine have created a very attractive destination for FA players, IMHO. While far from an expert, I place Wheeler signing with the Twins at better than 50%.

I hope you didn't bite your tongue while it was in your cheek.

I don’t really disagree with that position. I happen to think that Berrios will continue to improve and could legitimately work his way toward an elite pitcher. The only concern with Cole or Strasburg would be the length and how it could hamstring future spending, if in fact it would. Long-term contracts (>4-5yrs) are not something I prefer. There are always exceptions. Is this that case — maybe?

Fair enough Tom. I guess we view the future through different lens. i definitely agree with you on Pineda/Porcello along with the trade. As far as future moves it’s a matter of how much history we need before we make our assumptions. And while you may be right, I hope they prove you wrong and that the truly do take advantage of the open window.

Mike, you may be right, however I personally am not convince that LY creates a trend. Another year of the same and I’ll probably have the same position. Until then I’m on the side that they will make the moves. It could be I’ll be be greatly disappointed, hopefully not.

So Tom, if they accomplish Jeremy’s preferred options, will the Twins be improving their team and specifically pitching? Secondly, do you have evidence that they did not contact other teams about trading this past July? My point about Greinke wasn’t to indicate a trade of that nature would happen, but having the $$ and prospects certainly make it plausible. I see this plan as accomplishing what is needed with players that can improve the Twins. And BTW, I have not been a big fan of Wheeler.

Are saying that if they didn’t make that trade LY they won’t do it in the future?

In Jeremy’s plan Wheeler would be the big signing. In some form or another, this SP scenario has been advocated by many at TD. It certainly is an improvement in pitching as it brings in someone better than Berrios of today. As far as the balance of the squad it maintains still an excellent offense. What seems to be the problem (was at first for me too) is the payroll seems low thus some will say nothing was done to improve. I think this is a great example how the team can improve and still have the bullets for further acquisitions, either at the trade deadline or next year. A trade in July, like a Greinke, now becomes possible because $$$ and prospects are available.

Hasn’t Gordon stated that he’d only play for the Royals or no one?

One thing I like about a Cole signing is that it would be open in 21, thereby giving a one of our prospects a slot or another FA. This plan doesn’t jam the $$ or the prospects for future growth and gives us a very good team this year.

Put me on the NO side of this idea for the reasons already been stated. Even if I agreed, this proposal, you’ve created a dilemma at 3B, by taking Gonzales out of his valued position, plus removed a potential replacement in Gordon. Finally, i agree with John on Balazovic. Why on earth would we trade one of our potential “aces” for something like this package? Only for a young controllable Ace-like SP would I considered it.

Good point tarheeltwinsfan. We also have Travis Blankenhorn, while not A top prospect, who has seemed to turn the corner with his bat in AA, as a 1B-3B. He could be up before Lewis.

I was a sceptic at first but after some thought I could see this working. However, SP needs to be first addressed. Let’s suppose a trade is made for say Noah S of the Mets; sign Odorizzi and maybe Pineda or similar; now there is enough $$ for Rendon. (Or even Donaldson) They’ve addressed SP, shored up the defense and should have stayed within their budget.