mudcat14

So it sure seems to me that C4 made very positive impression and held major sway in the clubhouse last season. This, in spite of the fact that everyone and his brother knew that Carlos was only here as a 1-year rental. Now that he has committed to the organization for the long haul, I expect his influence to have an even more significant effect an the roster. For this reason I think his signing is a much bigger deal than just retaining a component from last year's 3rd place finisher. I don't think many of the "Talking Heads" I see on the internet are crediting his commitment for the upgrade that it really is.

The only ways the Twins could trade either of those two for a #1 ace is if said hurler was a high ceiling prospect or a pending FA. If the Twins want a #1, they must develop him. More than a generation ago we brought back Blyleven and lured Black Jack Morris home. Each were beyond their peak years, but enjoyed a brief resurgence leading to championships. The only two pitchers we have had since that era who could be considered #1 talents were Viola & Santana. Each were developed internally.

No way. No how. No matter the potential return. Regardless of his current knee status, he has all of the physical tools and proved in his limited AAA/MLB 2022 AB's that he is the type elite talent that contending teams need to retain. At the end of 2019 questions regarding his swing and defensive reliability at SS began to surface. Then between the pandemic and his 1st ACL procedure, he went two entire season's without playing in a single game. The adjustments he made during that hiatus were enough to convince me that he has the head, heart and desire to be an All-Star at whichever position we need him to play. I'll be outraged if the move him in any deal.

I'm all for signing Andrus as a place-holder, until Lewis or Lee are ready. Offer Rodon the 7/200 deal he seeks. Flip Kepler and perhaps Polanco for whatever pitching depth we can get. Go with the youth! Maybe make an offer to JD Martinez as a RH DH, veteran presence.

I liked Wade as a 4/5th OF, but his only real advantages over Cave are his batting eye and shorter service time. Larnach, Rooker, Lewis or Celestino would all likely jump him if injuries required a regular fill-in at the major league level. 17-years ago, the Twins acquired another RH from the Giants who was also only one season removed from transitioning into a reliever's role. He was a couple years older, but also threw in the upper/mid 90's. Now he's in the Twins HoF. Come on lightning! Strike twice!!!

Justin Wilson seems like a good fit at somewhere below $5mil on a 1-year deal. I also like the idea of adding James Paxton but am uncertain as to his health and projected cost.

The question on Musgrove is this, Would you be willing to part with Kiriloff and a lesser prospect to get him? I'm pretty sure it would take at least that much. Alex could be especially enticing for them with his Steeltown roots.

You're right Chief. 'A bit more,' is an understatement of what would be required to land Gray, who is controllable at a relatively cheap rate for two more years. However I truly believe that the two player package I proposed for Arenado isn't that far off, provided the Twins absorb the entire $234mil remaining on his deal. Lewis and Kiriloff are Top 15 overall prospects, and Balazovic is on everyone's ask list when the Twins are in trade talks. Perhaps a 'B' level prospect or two would need to be added to appease the Rockies fan base, but I wouldn't plan any anyone significant.

Agree, completely. If I were Falvine, I'd give the Rocks the choice of Kiriloff, Larnach or Lewis plus Balazovic and eat all of Arenado's contract to get it done. Including Gray would cost a bit more, but is worth exploring.

Personally, I'd give up Lewis & Kiriloff if the deal netted both Syndergaard & Diaz. They are two experienced yet controllable, dynamic, young arms that could thrive outside of the NY spotlight. Plus they fill glaring needs on a potential World Series team, right now.

The Giants only shot is a 1-game Wild Card play-off, and their farm is weak. They've been auditioning OF's all season and Crawford & Panik ain't getting any younger (or better.) Add Badoo/Celestino or Maciel to that package and I think it's a better offer than you're giving credit for. We've already seen that the QO compensation isn't a guarantee for the Giants, with the way Keuchel and Kimbrell played out this year. I think the Giants would give it strong consideration.

I don't think we can solve our mound issues with one deal. I think we need to make a rental deal for Bumgarner/Smith. Maybe Gordon, Duran & a couple lesser's get that done. We also need two RH guys for the pen. Giles for Larnach/Rooker & Balazovic. Then finish with Kennedy for Jaylin Davis, if the Royals eat some salary. None of those deals are worth including Royce Lewis unless we can get a piece to flip into one of the other deals.

I don't see the Twins making any deal that includes anyone on the Major League roster. Possibly one of Astudillo or Arianza, but it's unlikely that a team in rebuild mode would covet either of them. Perhaps Cave might have value, but the Twins won't make any move that upsets the core that they have in place. They are looking to supplement what they have, not subtract.

I agree, Greg. I don't think that either Met starter is a realistic target for the Twins. I'm hoping a MadBum/Smith or Stroman/Giles package could be made without including any of my 3 hands-off candidates.

I'm not giving up Kiriloff, Graterol or Lewis for any deal, realistic or not. Everyone else is fair game, within reason. I wouldn't give up more than a couple of our top mound prospects, but would have no trouble parting with multiple IF/OF candidates where I believe we have an abundance. I'm a big fan of Lewin Diaz, and would hope he can be retained to compete for the 1B job in '20 or '21.