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.

Just finished reading the handbook. GREAT articles and insight. Fantastic job y’all. Especially, enjoyed the articles on analytics of pitching and shifting defense. Learned something new. I also like the layout except for the background blends into the font on the edges making it difficult to read.

I second that mikelink45. Post season awards are nice, especially for the player, but I generally place them in a grab box full of plastic pliers.

If we get league average at #5, then we should have a very good staff. He may not be flashy, nor any of the non-Graterols, but there have been solid success with pitchers with his skill set for years.These guys are young and have learning curve like many of the better prospects (ie, Berrios), but some or all could surprise us and have a good career in MLB. Also I like their “no fear” composition on the mound.

With great anticipation I await my copy! Likewise I look forward to this off-season to see if the Twins really have turned the corner on ALL fronts of this franchise and will acquire difference makers. So far, I've been a believer, as have others, and IMHO, all of us want to really get behind this team for many years to come with great expectations..

Badsmerf, are you aware Sano manned both SS and 3B in Rookie League at Elizabethton? Eventually he was moved to the corner, but he still must have been athletic enough to play SS. I don't think it's his athletic ability but his size and speed that moved him, IMO

I need to get something off my chest about this proposed move to first because of a presumption of being easier to play and the poor defense at third. Now I beg of you to allow me some leeway as I navigate my thoughts on this. Many have proposed this type of move over the years. It's like just what we did when we were kids, put the worst player in right field. As a former 1st baseman, I somewhat feel that many overlook the difficulty of playing 1B. In Money Ball, IIRC, Ron Washington said that 1B is one of the most difficult positions on the field. Now, how many chances come to 3b compare 1B? Sano may not have the range there but he does have the arm and does ok coming in on balls. Someone may know the frequency of chances, which I venture is the lowest among infielders. Let's compare 1B. I'd say that the fielding chances are close to 3rd, maybe a bit lower. However, virtually every ground ball to the infield 1B is involved with either fielding the hit or throw. Hopefully, the throw is at the chest, but one has to be able dig it out of the dirt at times, and also be able gather in a high or wide throw. Then there is the footwork to be able to stretch out for a throw. And let's not forget the front end of a double play and covering the bag for the throw back. More footwork. Also, he's charged with holding a runner on, receiving the throw from the pitcher, tagging the runner, fielding his position, receiving the throw from the IF, or tossing to the covering pitcher. And of course there are the relays, but that involves most everyone. When you look at it, 1B touches the ball more than anyone except the P & C, no that's not the insurance term. So to have a good first baseman you need one that has good hands, accurate arm. good footwork, physical flexibility, and instincts. It also helps to be a bit taller. Now that's the end of my rant about playing first base. Regarding Sano, I think he could become a very good first baseman because he has some of the desired tools. But as others have said he could become good at 3rd also, just as Koskie and others did. The only reason I'd move him is because he is blocking someone and 1B needs a fill. When that happens I believe he'd do well there.

I enjoyed this and am excited for the next two parts. Patrick, regarding the analytical side of MLB teams, do you have any info on where teams stand? Is MN middle of the pack, top ten or late to the dance? Seems I read often that we are way behind MLB. My guess is we aren’t as late as has been suggested.

Ted, that’s exactly what I understood from your article. Still, I feel a pro-rated QO is too much and as others have said, it’s unlikely he would command that on the open market. I am fully on board bringing him back and we should be able to negotiate a more friendly deal. He’s said he likes MN and IMO probably has some regret what he did to the team. Given that assumption, there’s a reasonable chance he resigns.

NO!! I want him back but offer a reasonable contract to him, but with his suspension a $17+ ‘QO is excessive. Plus I think he’d give the Twins a discount.

Enjoyed this. Regarding Buxton, if I'm the GM, my plan would be to hold on to him as long as he's producing despite any injuries. If he has turned the corner, which I think he has, he's production was outstanding despite the fewer games played. I'd just make sure we have a good 4th OF just in case. I don't how he ranked this year vs. other CFers, but I'd guess his half a year was at least average. His fWAR is the same as Sano who played 18 more games. It's exciting to think what these two can do in a full year. There is just too much potential to give that away. Many of his injuries have not been self-inflicted, and no athlete worth their salt likes being on the bench. With age comes wisdom and I believe Buxton will make the subtle changes to stay in the game. I would be very disappointed if they would trade him at this stage.