bap3141

...for Correa? Perhaps. But I read a few posts in here floating the notion that salaries are only heading upwards from here. I agree... and $350M for a superstar might be a bargain as soon as next off season. I don't see many people talking about this, but think about what Shohei Ohtani could do to the free agent market next season, assuming health. You're getting a superstar hitter and pitcher in one. Could he get $500M? The Dodgers quiet off season could be getting below the luxury tax and clearing room for him. What does Correa's value look like then, heading into 2024? Food for thought.

One other option that I would like for them to explore is the Pirates Roberto Perez. He ruptured his hammy last year but should be ready by 2023. He's a talented backstop and decent hitter and his recovery likely makes him a perfect candidate for a platoon. I dunno if he's available, but it's the Pirates -- who isn't available on that team?

Ha! This place is already too crowded for my liking... ?

The Twins apparently offered him a contract and he hasn't accept it yet, so he might be headed elsewhere. If he signs elsewhere, there's still Zunino, Narvaez and Barnhart. I'd be fine with any of them. Gary Sanchez is still unsigned as well but hopefully both parties have moved on.

Looks like we agree on most things. I do think, though, they have shown a history of signing retreads. The Josh Donaldson signing was really the one that opened most people's eyes. If you're Correa and you're deciding between the Dodgers, and the Twins or the Twins and the Yankees, and you want to win, of course you're choosing the big market teams. The Cubs are -- apparently, because people keep saying it -- a big market team. They just happen to be devoid of talent at the moment. Again, I think it is all just a smokescreen and ultimately you and I can debate the point to which we feel the quality of moves have been made that "should" satisfy Correa, but, really it comes down to what moves he thinks are quality enough to entice him to stay. I should probably read the source material -- but I'm not all that interested in the article, to be honest. Because I see it as likely a negotiating ploy. Having said that, I agree with him, I want to see them sign players and build around him. In my mind, signing Correa and adding a guy like Chris Bassit or Nathan Eovaldi, or Andrew Benintendi, or Yuli Gurriel is within reason. Signing Correa and Rodon would be amazing, but I'm less encouraged by his expectation of 7 years. Point being, he doesn't want to sign and sit through a rebuild now or 5 years down the road, anymore than I do.

Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson, Carlos Rodon, J.D. Martinez, Chris Bassitt, Nathan Eovaldi are still out there and among the names I would love to see them pursue. After that, there are definitely some guys that you could take a reasonable flyer on: Mike Zunino, Omar Narvaez, Brandon Belt, Yuli Girriel, Joey Gallo, Tommy Pham, Andrew Benintendi, Michael Brantley, Tyler Naquin, Corey Kluber, Craig Kimbrel, Taylor Rogers, Sean Manaea, Adam Ottivino.

I tend to agree that the Twins are in a better position right now than the Cubs and Giants. And, I haven't read the article citing his comments, but I do recall him saying to the press when he opted out that he likes it here and if the Twins want him, they should come get him. So, I am not sure how much stock I take in what is being said now -- likely all a negotiating tactic. Having said all that, I do think the Cubs have shown more of a propensity to spend, so, again I am not in the mind of the man, but that could be part of what's gone into this thought process. However, my main point is that I tend to agree with the sentiment. They can't just sign Correa and expect to win the World Series. They'll need to spend or make shrewd trades to upgrade their roster. So, like Carlos, I am concerned about -- probably not a complete rebuild, but -- in the very least their inability to upgrade their roster to compete for a title.

Has all hope already been lost in Oakland? Man... how they have fallen.

That's what makes it hurt so much. I know I'm just scenario building based on the rumors, but I think the entire league should have a problem with the Yankees being in on three of the top free agents on the market. Having said that, I do believe the "Correa to the Yankees" rumors are smokescreen.

No, you're the one nitpicking, Point is, I was speculating about the reasons free agents might avoid the Twins -- because they seem to be in constant rebuild mode and are a good destination for players to come and rebuild themselves. Whether it's true or not is worthy of discussion. Obviously I know Paddack and Gray were trade acquisitions. I used them as an example of players that could reform themselves on the Twins' dime and bolt also.

You don't say???? Wooooooow!

I wasn't in on Senga. Just too much risk. The Japan player market is always a lottery ticket,

Agreed and I think the Giants also... Essentially, the CC comment either leads me to believe that there is, in fact, a large market contender calling -- i.e. all that Dodgers talk about not wanting him there because of 2017 is smoke, or the Yankees story might have teeth, Or, he's using it as leverage to get the Twins to commit more. Because, money talks and he has stated in the past that he likes it here. Recall, when he opted out, he proclaimed in an interview that the Twins could get him, all they needed to do was pay him (paraphrased). The difference, of course, between the Cubs and Twins is that the Cubs -- apparently -- are a larger market team that can and is willing to spend.

I'm with him on that. This is also likely the reason why free agents continue to ignore the Twins as a destination unless they, too, are in need of a rebuild -- i.e. Correa's brand, Paddack's stock, Gray's reputation as an "ace", Lynn's arm, etc.

Sometimes I hate that this is my favorite sport because, you're right -- it's not an equal playing ground. The NFL has it figured out, but, meh... I don't like football. What stings the most, is that we, as fans, are powerless to do anything about it. Yes, we could tune out but that will only make the situation worse and for those of us that love the sport and love watching it, that's not a real option anyway. We have nothing to do with television contracts and we can't vote the owners out -- so what can we do besides take it up the rump? It sucks. I swear, if the Yankees sign Correa, it might just be enough to push me away for good.

The reason I'm not chomping at the bit to trade Max is because his value is low. He doesn't cost a ton and the potential for a rebound is solid. For his career, he averages 25 HR per 162 and gets you a solid OBP along with good defense. With the shift rules in place, he might even hit .250 - .255. If he does rebound, his value will be much stronger in season and could be moved if the other OFs pan out. If he not, he's not crushing the payroll. 2019 will likely end up being his career year but the Twins don't need 2019 Max to make his salary play.

You're asking for the imposssible. Every pitcher is a Tommy John candidate.

Agreed! All this Pablo Lopez love is silly.

Exactly! Depth? LOL! If this is depth, every team in the league has OF "depth".

Why is everyone so freaking high on Pablo Lopez??? It's annoying and lazy. The guy has only managed to stay healthy one year - last year. A year in which he had a 4.60 ERA from May 18th on. That's a span of 25 starts - approximatley 78 percent of his season in which he had a few good starts sprinkled in but was often just plain bad. Also he doesn't have amazing stuff. And some of you want to trade Arraez AND someone else for him??? There are just as good and better options in free agency. Good lord, I'm glad those of you that think this way aren't in the front office. End rant.

Bingo! Aside from his silly managing of his starting pitching, and odd bullpen decisions, his lineups are all over the place and often don't make much sense. Can't stand Baldelli. Having said that, I still catch a game or two every year. Target Field is my favorite place on Earth.

Absolutely!! Because Pablo Lopez is not a great pitcher.

I personally don't mind opt outs. It's 1 or 2 year opt outs that I don't like.

I wouldn't trade Arraez for Pablo. He's not a frontline starter, only had one fully healthy season, doesn't have dominant stuff and was bad from June until the end of the year. In fact, it was more like mid-May (4.60 ERA after his May 18th start). If this rumor is true, come on Falvey. Be better.

So you're the culprit? I dunno why, but I always suspected that it was a fellow Twins fan responsible for the Hot Wheels vending machines added to the lobbies of our local Jaguar dealerships.