SteveLV

The reporting from late last summer is that there was agreement on the base guaranteed salary, but disagreement on the incentives. Have no idea how far apart the two sides were, but that sure sounds like something that could be hammered out if both sides are interested in getting a deal done. Twins FO should be happy to pay the incentives if achieved, and BB gets long-term financial security no matter what happens. Sounds like a Win-Win.

If Gray is the big pitching acquisition, needle does not move much. If he is the second or third SP added, sure. GIven a choice between Gray at $10M x 3 or 4 seasons and Pineda at $7-8M x2, prefer Big Mike. Happy to have both if there is someone else ahead of them.

Verlander, assuming he is back from TJ surgery, big yes, but he will be highly sought after. Kershaw, no thanks. I think he is done, and may just retire.

They lose Cruz's salary, Berrios last arb salary, and assorted FA/non-tendered players with total savings of well over $30M. They need to sign Buxton. If not, get a haul for him and pray he doesn't turn into Willie Mays for some other team. I like the idea of trading with the Marlins for some of their SP depth. Young and talented players there. I am neutral on trading Kepler. He is earning his contract, but not exceeding it, and we have other corner OF prospects deserving opportunities to play. Donaldson is also earning his contract. So unless a trade offer brings real value, he should be kept at 3rd. Chris Taylor seems like a total gamer. Not sure on his defensive metrics at SS, or whether he is capable of playing there FT. This will be a very interesting off-season, starting with the CBA negotiations which could lead to major changes.

Nah, engineer a trade for Witt instead! I know it would cost a ton, but why take their 3rd best SS? Canterino and Strotman for Mondesi seems like a big overpay to me. We do not have pitching to burn for that type of player. Aim higher, please.

More college lefties, please! ?

Well, I am old enough to remember a pretty remarkable lefty drafted out of Michigan: Jim Abbott. Late 80's?

Anyone have intel on Povich?

Teams must not believe in Bachman's performance in weaker conference?

I would also note that this is a draft by a management team that thinks it has solid job security. Neither of these players will see MLB for 4-5 years in all likelihood....

Saving money with this pick for signability of later picks?

I think they go Mack at 36 if still on the board. I like the thinking on the Petty pick, swinging of the fences so to speak... And since it was a late 1st round pick, if they can't sign him they don't lose as much with the comp pick next year.