Physics Guy

It may have been the Twins prior to signing Santana. Shields said no, so the Twins moved on.

I agree and would rather have Zimmerman. He should cost less in terms of prospects as well.

Absolutely not. I want all of the arms we can get. We would be lucky to get 25 cents on the dollar in trading Nolasco or Milone. If Meyer and May are lights out in ST and Nolasco and Milone look healthy and productive, then maybe we try to see what value they might have.

Come on now, don't curb his enthusiasm. "Just call him butter, 'cause he's on a roll."

Thanks for all the hard work put in by our moderators. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Here's the spin on MLB Traderumors: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/12/twins-to-extend-phil-hughes.html

This is good news. Yes, this does expose the Twins to additional risk, but I don't like the statement that the Twins assume all the risk at the higher value. At last year's production, 13.2 M per season is still a bargain on the FA market. It is a gamble on the Twins' part, but they seem convinced that he has figured it out and they aren't paying big money for a pitcher into his mid-30's.

I'd be happy giving up two dimes and even throw in a nickel if the quarter is a #2 SP or better.

Agreed. I felt like responding to the "aces" idea, but most importantly, there are many good pitchers available. I count at least a dozen guys that would fit into the mold of "as good as Hughes" that I called for at the end of the season. I say screw leaving spots open for Meyer and May. They can earn their spot in the bullpen and work into the starting rotation if, or more likely when, one of the other guys fails or gets hurt. It worked for Wainright, Lynn and Wacha in St Louis. (Sorry to bring up St Louis as the model franchise )

I'm not sure that would be the case. Aren't a large number of the regular lineup going to be on minimum contacts at that point, or just reaching arbitration?

Agree completely. KLaw repeatedly scoffs at people in his chats who suggest giving up big packages for guys with one year left on their contracts.

I agree that we shouldn't be trading multiple top prospects when similar money (but more years) gets the job done in FA.

While I lime Zimmerman, I wouldn't trade Dozier and Berrios/Stewart for him. You get one year of control. That's crazy, plus you have to pay big bucks to extend Zim. I had a Twitter chat with a guy that write for SBNation for the Nats. I asked about trading Dozier for Gio straight up. He thought it was reasonable, but slightly favored Nats since Dozier is cheaper. He thought Dozier for Zimm was too much since we only get a year. Why not wait and sign him in FA. They would have Gio for 3 years at 30-35M which would likely be palatable for TR.

Correct

Let's get a fuller picture: 2014 - Age 23 3.74 ERA, 4.54 FIP, 4.47 xFIP, 1.74 K/BB 2013 - Age 22 3.06 ERA, 3.73 FIP, 3.67 xFIP, 2.96 K/BB 3rd in ROY voting Yes. Hell. Yes.

I seem to remember trying to come up with possible trades for Miller a year or two ago, but at the time he was still the "shiny new prospect" and nothing seemed to make sense. Now that the past year has taken a little luster off his game, maybe they would be willing to trade him. I doubt it, but a package starting with Arcia might do it. Miller is more proven, so I would think Arcia might not be enough. I really like Arcia, but I think he ultimately ends up being a DH. If they can get a good pitcher (#3 on the staff or better) in a trade, I say do it. I've read several places that the trend may be swinging more towards valuing hitters (especially those with power) over pitchers. This trade may make sense.

Any chance the Rox has suspicions that Cuddy was looking elsewhere and might sign with somebody regardless of the QO? Shrewd move by the Rox if so. I was shocked they offered it.

I took this as meaning that Joe understands that the biggest issue is him being healthy and in the lineup. I would agree with him on that point. If that is what he meant, I see it as encouraging. Hopefully he puts the time in during the offseason to get himself in better shape. I think some forget that he was still dealing with concussion symptoms for a good portion of last offseason.

Career away: .258 .314 .437 .750 - Still not very good, but decent. Not a big money guy.

I've seen this on multiple threads and I would like somebody to explain this to me. I keep seeing people suggest that Matt Kemp might be available for cheap if we absorb his contract. Why would the Dodgers be willing to do that? They seem to have an unlimited payroll so keeping him is not an issue. He was the #7 OF by OPS in the majors this year. If they are trying to win championships, that is not a player you look to dump. I haven't heard anything about them needing to dump salary. I'm sure Crawford and Ethier could be had for cheap, but the Dodgers would need to send money with those two.

Can we please get rid of the ugly Twins logo on the current pinstripes as well? I've never liked the lower case "m" on the hat either. Welcome change. From the description, I wonder if they are going with something like: http://www.buydiscountjerseys.org/image/cache/c5d18d06893de5da217385508e7eeedb.image.335x360-500x500.jpg I personally wouldn't have minded them going with the throwbacks from the 60's/early 70's permanently. I've always liked them.

My guess is that Gene Glynn ends up as the bench coach. He has significant experience as a manager in the minors and spent 10+ years on major league staffs. He would be a logical choice, but I have no idea if there is any connection between Paul and Gene.

It makes a great deal of sense, but it seems to me Kelly is happy with his level of involvement with the team. I doubt he wants to grind through a 162 game season again. If he were to take a position, my guess is that it would be only for a couple of years. I was surprised that he is only 64, just 6 years older than Molitor.

I agree on balking at Tomas. He could be a nice player, but seems to be a repeat of Arcia. Arcia is cheap and Tomas will not be. We don't need two below average defensive OF. I would rather spend the money on an OF who is above average on defense, although I'm not sure that guy is available (Melky scares me). Maybe Rasmus as long as his salary is manageable.

I think Molitor was a quality hire. While Lovullo may have some qualities that Ryan was looking for, he was an unknown quantity. Ryan knows first-hand what to expect out of Molitor. He has seen him work with young players in the minors as well as work at the major league level the past year. Molitor is much more of a known quantity, even if he doesn't have managing experience. The success of coaches such as Matheny and Ausmus, who went straight to managing without prior experience, certainly doesn't hurt. I hope that Molitor brings an attention to detail to all areas of the club that he does towards baserunning.