TopGunn#22

I usually lean toward signing the young player because of the message it sends the players that if they perform they will be rewarded. I liked the deals with Polanco and Kepler and I like the idea of cost certainty moving forward. Teams like Cleveland and Atlanta have been very smart and calculated with this. And I think Duran is certainly a piece we want to build around. There is no question there is risk. Pitchers are inherently a more risky proposition than hitters and Duran's own history is cautionary. I think it's unlikely given his dominance as a RP, but there is always the possibility he could still be viewed as a potential starter.

The Twins are a much better team if Polanco is playing and producing. And I don't think you can undervalue how reasonable his contract is with what you would expect to get out of him. The Twins have several candidates who could/should eventually emerge to replace Polanco---Lewis, Lee, possibly Martin and possibly whoever we select with the #5 overall pick this year. But this is an important bridge year. Until the eventual successor can prove themselves it's tough to determine who is more important for this season: Kirilloff or Polanco? Both playing at the level they are capable of would be HUGE. One or both NOT being able to will be a tough thing to piece together to come close.

Yeah, Nettles was part of the trade to bring Luis Tiant to the Twins for the 1970 season. This is why Kirilloff is such a key to the Twins season. He could fill that 1B spot and be a solid middle of the order bat. He's a special talent, but we're all hoping he can be healthy. If he's healthy, I don't think there's anyone on TD who doesn't think he will hit.

I have always been of the mind to just play Buxton and not handle him like fine China and only take him out for holidays and other special occasions. However, I remember how I felt about Joe Mauer and how important his bat was to the Twins. To me, it seemed like had the Twins moved him out from catcher and began the 1B or RF transition sooner, they might have gotten more out of him and for a longer time period. I understand those who don't think a Mauer/Buxton comparison is valid, but the way Nick has laid this out I can see that I was treating them differently but now am aware of how similar their situations are. The defense both provided is a key comparison and while Redmond was never the defensive equal of Mauer he had some good seasons with the bat. Just having Taylor allows for very little defensive drop off. In the end, the primary goal is for Buxton to play, because when he does he will have a very positive impact. With the new rules I would very much like to see Buxton be more aggressive in stealing. Yes, that could put him at risk, but at some time you just have to play the game. I think Riverbrian's note says it all. At least for me and wanting to get ALL of what Buxton can do. He could/should be a guy who could swipe 40 bases

If you pitch, you're always in the game. Baseball will look different and familiar this year. Different from the last several years and more familiar to those of us who grew up watching baseball in the 60's, 70's and 80's. I don't think we will see a Rickey Henderson or Lou Brock type of SB total, but we will certainly see more aggressive baserunning and as fans I think we will love it. I see Jorge Lopez as a huge key to this season. If he's 80-100% of what he was for the Orioles in the first half of the season he will allow Rocco to use Duran as that high leverage guy and Lopez will get us saves. If he's more like the pitcher we acquired, then Rocco will have a harder time defining roles and things will be difficult. The starters are veterans and have proven track records when healthy. The bullpen needs to shine for us to truly battle Cleveland and Chicago.

Hahaha ! Very nice! Lee and a host of others to follow.

I had not really considered Polanco but I can see the logic in what SpecialistSteve said. I agree with Gallo and Kepler seeing little time at DH. When they play, their defense is a positive. Having a Molitor, Cruz, Thome etc... means that guy fills that spot at the highest level. But absent that, I like the flexibility too. I'm in the camp that hopes Buxton doesn't have too many DH games for the obvious reasons. But I'm in favor of anything that gets him to 140+ games. I wouldn't mind seeing Kirilloff get chances there, but I much prefer him at 1B as much as possible.

I said health and young up and coming faces but all the choices were good. I just think if we're healthy we will be pretty good. You could say the same for the White Sox because they've been just about as hamstrung by injuries as we have. But if the Twins are healthy we should see a great divisional battle this season with Cleveland and Chicago.

My only differing thought would be the same as Doc Bauer with Winder. I was pretty impressed with him at times last season and I think he could be a 2-3 inning guy that teams need from time to time. It's a shame Ober will probably begin the season at St. Paul, but if Maeda is healthy and capable of going 5-6 innings per start he's a great guy to have at #5. As others have said, it's just great to have what appears to be "depth" this year with good options to call on should injury or ineffectiveness occur. I would like to see Pagan on a short leash. There is no need to keep trotting him out there if he's not effective.

As soon as I scanned the headlines I went right to this article. Great topic Ted! My initial thought before reading was that Kirilloff is the #1 key and I see several others agree with that. But Ted is right to highlight 2nd base for all the reasons he listed and many others have commented on. Twins Daily has so many knowledgeable people commented with differing opinions that it's always a treat to log on. This is why it was wise to trade Arraez for a solid #2 starter like Pablo Lopez. Pitching keeps teams in every game where a key hit or play can mean victory. You can never have too much pitching. I'm looking for a solid year from Polanco. He's been a key bat in our lineup since he arrived. But we literally have several prospects who could replace him. They aren't just "prospects" they are GOOD prospects. Lewis & Lee stand at the top but as Heiny so effectively laid out his depth chart this team is in MUCH better shape than same time last year. Our outfield at times last season was an embarrassment. I believe this off season was the best this front office has ever had. Some of these prospects will not pan out, but the talent they possess tells me some of them will and the time is coming for Lewis and Lee to shine. We all want Polanco to have a great season because if he does, chances are the Twins are having a great season. He could very well perform at a level where his option is just too cost effective to refuse. But the better he does, and if Lewis and Lee are tearing it up, he becomes a tremendous trade chip as well.

It's nice to dream, but I've said this before, Burnes will be a Dodger, Met or Yankee. As much as the Twins have accomplished this offseason (I mean who REALLY thought we'd end up with Correa)? If the Brewers are put into a position that they must deal Burnes, I would expect one of the aforementioned teams to put a better trade package together and then to sign Burnes to an incredibly heavy contract. I have written about a couple trades for Woodruff, but as good as he is, he's not in the same class as Burnes. Honestly, I wish Burnes could stay a Brewer but those days ended with the advent of free agency.

This is what smart teams do. Showing faith and support for Lewis to blossom could reap huge dividends for the Twins. I think this kid will be a star and look forward to many seasons watching him play for the Twins. Identify your BEST young players and keep them.

Great article Ted ! Just when a guy thinks he knows a little about baseball an article like yours comes out of nowhere and leaves many of us pondering how much we really know. Thanks for this enlightening perspective. We will just have to see what the new rule changes mean for how baseball is played this year. I'm hoping for more of the game I grew up with.

I'm not predicting World Series Champs. You need to be the Astros, Dodgers, Mets, to have that kind of confidence. But there is no question the Twins are better NOW than they were same time last season. I've been very critical of our front office. (yup, my trade of Kepler for Frankie Montas looks REALLY good about now). I think despite a very slow start (as usual) they finished with a great off season. I'm looking for a tremendous pennant race between the Twins, White Sox and Cleveland. All the White Sox need is health. Sound familiar? They lost Abreu but what happens when they get healthy, productive seasons out of Luis Robert and Eloy Jim? Chicago clearly won last off season and then injuries ruined them. Tony&Rodney is right, a new manager will be very helpful. The Guardians are the defending division champs and have the best pitching in the division and added power to their lineup. It's their division until someone takes it from them. The Twins had a GREAT offseason, but health more than anything else will determine success. I just like the feeling I have for the coming season better than I have for awhile.

I think the Paul Molitor and Pete Reiser comps are excellent. With Reiser, he wasn't able to overcome it, with Molitor he was, all the way to a HOF career. I also agree with Dave the Dastardly that sitting Buxton when he's healthy in an attempt to "prevent" injuries is bad strategy. Play him every day he's healthy. If he's "injured" then sit him until he and the team are confident he's 100%.

Great article Luke! Great conversation as well. Tony-O is my guy, but I can't quibble with your four. Killebrew, Carew and Puckett are the sure things. Killebrew was the face of the franchise. Carew was the greatest player in Twins history and Puckett led the Twins to their 2 World Series Championships. Where it gets tough is that last person. If we were counting the Senators era it would be the Big Train. But several have pointed out why it should only be the Twins era. I agree with the comparison of how the Dodgers and Giants moved out of New York but stayed with their brand and maintained their rivalry and in contrast, Griffith did everything he could to market the "Twins." The Senators brand was horrible. So that leaves us with that last person. Mauer has an MVP. Tony-O does not. Mauer played the more difficult defensive position. BOTH suffered injuries that shortened their careers. Once Carew arrived on the scene, Oliva was going to have a hard time winning any batting titles. I just wish he would have had the ability to put up more counting stats. Each of Puckett, Oliva and Mauer saw their careers shortened somewhat by injury. It's too bad, but we all got to enjoy them in their prime.

Great points Doc. I see them as 1 and 1A as well. I put Lee #1 because he's had no injuries yet and he was such a steal falling to the 8th pick that his hit tool could very well have him up this year. It will be later in the season, maybe August, but it could very well happen. I thumbed "UP" on so many comments I felt like I didn't really even need to type something, but heck! Where's the fun in NOT commenting? Correa is a Gold Glove SS. He stays there until he NEEDS to move. Lewis and Lee will probably get reps to show what they can do as well on days off for Carlos or if Correa DH's. I like our future infield!

I would have liked to have Moore as a Twin, but not for over $7 million. I'm glad the Angels got him and would also like to see them make the playoffs just to see Ohtani and Trout in the post season. I'm fine with Hand at $2 million if they go that way and I think Moran will be solid no matter what.

I really don't want to trade Lewis, Lee or Rodriguez. But I like that you put this out there. It makes for interesting conversation. Burns is easily a top 5 pitcher in all of baseball. If a team is going to get him, my guess is that the Dodgers would put together a package and land him for the front of their rotation. The Dodgers have been uncharacteristically "frugal" this winter while the Padres keep pushing more and more chips to the middle of the table. And then as Kershaw ages out, I could see the Dodgers going all in on Ohtani next year (if not at the trade deadline). They've got the money to just keep chasing stars. I like Mike Sixel's suggestion of going after Aaron Nola next year with zero prospect loss. We will probably have some SP openings and Nola would be tremendous. I feel the Twins are on the verge of finally seeing great things from Lewis, Kirilloff, and Larnach. In addition, Brooks Lee is probably closer than many of us think as well as Julien. Then there's Rodriguez. I want to see some extended run by this young, up and coming core before I deal any of them away. We sold high on Arraez and got a top of rotation SP. We had Polanco on board already, with Kirillofff, Julien, Lewis and Lee. We fleeced the Fins with the addition of the 2 lottery pick prospects. If the Pohlads are willing to spend money like they haven't before (and there are indications this could be the case within reason) then stick with the kids and see what we've got.

I wouldn't be opposed to signing Hand, but I much prefer Matt Moore or Will Smith. I think Moran will be a solid BP piece and having 3 LH's in the pen isn't a bad idea.

TREMENDOUS Hans! This was a fun read and everyone's suggestions are very interesting. I would also bat Kepler 9th in any lineup construction he's in. Gallo lands at 7th, maybe 6th, but no higher. I have to admit, my favorite lineup is the Lewis & Lee one, just because it's pretty cool seeing their names on a lineup card. In my "Let's Dream" lineup, which would probably be more 2024 (although September could possibly see Lee up) and if those two guys are truly taking no prisoners, here's what it would look like: 1. Buxton CF 2. Polanco 2b 3. Correa SS 4. Kirilloff 1B 5. Miranda DH 6. B. Lee 3B 7. R. Lewis LF 8. Gallo/Larnach RF 9. Vazquez C Kepler has been traded for Frankie Montas just prior to breaking camp. The starting rotation as we move into the playoffs is Montas, P. Lopez, Ryan, Gray, Mahle. Maeda and Ober long relief. Duran, J. Lopez, Alcala, Theilbar. If Gallo has a decent year (30HR's good OBP) he's in the lineup and on the team. If not, Larnach is in there. This doesn't account for a big trade at the deadline, but it fulfills my fantasy that Lewis and Lee are up and on there way to being All Stars. A guy can dream can't he?

I wish we had a sense of what has been offered for Kepler and what the Twins have countered with. I believe if the Yankees are willing, a trade of Kepler for Montas even with Montas missing most of April while he gets his should right would be a great trade to add a top of the rotation arm if we're willing to be patient. If the Yankees has zero interest in that then I can understand the Twins unwillingness to trade Max at this point. But I firmly believe Max will be dealt. Maybe if the Twins had singed Adam Duval as a RH hitting complement to all the LH hitting outfielders we have the roster would look better. We sold low on Gio so it's not a reach to label it a mistake.

I would add Jorge Lopez to the list. Since Rocco will not make Duran the teams "closer," instead choosing to use him in high leverage situations as needed, that means Jorge Lopez will be getting plenty of closing opportunities. If he's "Jorge, the Baltimore Oriole" pitcher from the first half of last season he will have a much larger impact than Ober or Alcala (who are still good pitchers to list). If he's "Jorge the second half of the season Twins pitcher" we will have issues once again at the end of games. He's a key member of our bullpen and MUST have a good season to provide stability and certainty in the back end.

I like the idea of Kepler for Marquez. I would consider Kepler to the Yankees for Frankie Montas. Montas was the Ace of Oakland's pitching staff when they were pretty good. He wasn't quite "right" when the Yankees traded for him at the deadline last year and he's going to miss the first month of the season getting his shoulder healthy. The Twins have the depth to be patient with Montas and once healthy this would be about as low as you can go to get a #1 starter. If it works out the Twins would have pitching to deal at the trade deadline for an impact move. Kepler for Montas is a gamble I would take.

Great article Nick!! I have been very critical of this Twins Front office in back to back years, complaining that they seemingly approached each off season either without a plan or a slave to a specific priority and thus chained to inaction while mid-level FA's that could have been a good fit flew off the board. However, I think this has been by far their BEST off season and while there was some luck involved with Correa this F.O. displayed patience and resolve as the Correa situation evolved and eventually came out the winner. I could nitpick and say that Adam Duval would have been the RH bat counter to Gallo but I won't. There are still "ifs" that need to pan out, primarily the health of Buxton and Correa, Kirilloff and Larnach, and just about everybody on the pitching staff, but This F.O has built a team with a LOT more depth and better options to begin spring training and with a pipeline that includes Royce Lewis, Eduard Julien and Brooks Lee there could be impact bats that augment the lineup at some point this season. I still don't think the Twins are done either. I'd like to take a flyer on Alex Reyes, the quintessential "boom or bust" arm in a bullpen and I still think Kepler gets traded before spring training. It could be a fun baseball season in the upper midwest.