DocBauer

I'm not a Mets fan, but as a baseball fan it's kinda fun seeing N.Y. city's "little brother" challenging the Yankees. As to the questions posted: 1] Yes, I believe Cruz will be a Twin. I believe he bas one more really good season left. Maybe not as outstanding as he bas been, but still really good. IF there is a 2nd year involved, then you hope for a decent/solid year. The underground whispers that are prevalent that the Twins will be keeping payroll close to last season provide a a great deal of optimism and makes sense to me. Schwarber is a guy I haven't even mentioned previously, but without Cruz on board, he could make tremendous sense. Now, for various reasons, I might prefer Brantley, but if the FO wants a primary fixture at DH, Schwarber could be the guy. He CAN play some OF for versatility. He COULD still be an emergency #3 catcher. I mean, that's what he was when drafted and his original position. I have to believe he could be an extra depth option at 1B as well. 2] The Twins will be making 2 infield moves. Despite calls for trade options, there is so much available FA talent that I think that's the way to go. Does that mean a SS for insurance on Polanco having another surgery, or moving him to utility remains to be seen. But as I stated in part 2, they can go a lot of directions here to build a great bench. Even if they stick with Polanco at SS, how about Hernandez and then add Adrianza, or shoot higher offensively with Frazier or Gyorko, etc. OR, sign that SS, utilize Polanco as a versatile utility and STILL sign another solid second guy. The infield needs to be addressed. The good news is there are a multitude of quality options available. 3] Yes, they are going to add to the rotation. My hunch? They will go the FA route vs trade. Again, my hunch, with a number of decent options out there, the FO would like to keep the system intact FOR NOW and bring in someone they like/believe in for 2021. Publicly, there are no Odorizzi rumors. But once again, he makes the most sense for both parties, whether it be 1yr or 3yrs. I'm intrigued by Richards. Don't sleep on rumors about Kluber. There is an obvious connection there. If he is 85% of his old self be would be an excellent #3 SP, with hopeful potential for more. He's a definite risk. But a 1 + 1 option for $8-10M...possibly less with incentives...could be a risk worth taking. I think the Twins believe in Dobnak as a #5, despite his late season demotion. (I mean, really, he was a rookie after all). And I think they have strong belief in Duran, Balazovic and apparently Ober. But none may be ready. But I believe there will be another milb invite, at least, and probably a late addition in January or early February for $2-3M. Think a Bailey type signing. If not Cruz, I'm not sure what direction they will go. But another proven bat needs to be added. Soooo many options available to add to the infield and 10th man than they can hardly fail. One quality addition to the rotation and a cheap flier with the numbers indicating someone should be available. 4] Surprised you didn't bring the pen up. And I'm repeating myself here, but there will probably be a plethora of decent arms available to add late. And this team knows how to build a pen. But for a contending team, the FO is too smart to depend on their smarts, if that makes sense. While it would awesome to spend $8-10M on a big time arm like Hand or Hendricks, is that the smart move? Or rather still, a move the FO would see as smart? How about Clippard, Soria and Yates or Bradley for a combined $11M? I don't know if it's a big move tomorrow, or a couple smaller moves weeks from now. But despite trusting what they have, who is seemingly ready, they are going to bring in at least 2 BP arms. The glut of options alone will allow for this.

Living in Omaha, I'm not going to be attending any/many Saints games...though my father and I are hoping for a trip in the future to catch a "double header" or sorts...but I'm happy to see the Saints still embracing their independent attitude of fun and embracing the fan experience still. The only bummer might be reports that the Wichita affiliation may not last long as they really want to be a AAA level franchise. With their new ballpark, I get it. Perhaps Twins and fan support will be strong enough the agreement may end up lasting longer than initially expected?

Thanks again, Seth! These are all wonderful, but I have to say this is my favorite interview thus far! The one word that came to mind when watching was "engaging". Edward just seems like such a fun and genuine good guy. I'm betting he is one of his teammates favorites. One that has really struck me in all of these interviews is all of these guys, naturally, have played and practiced together and know one another, but they seem to have z genuine fondness for one another and all seem to speak glowingly about one another and everyone's potential on the field. They seem to have a real "team" sense between them and embrace that they are all part of a combined next wave. Good stuff!

He has seemingly enjoyed his time with the Twins and prospered financially as well as record wise and enjoyment wise. If the $ numbers are there/close, there is no reason to leave.

The Dirty Sox continue to be aggressive. Should we be concerned? Maybe. I'm not at the moment. Rumor has it the Twins are being quietly aggressive in early talks and speculation has them keeping payroll close to last season. That leaves a lot of flexible room to add to our favorite team. Reportedly, the Mets may be out on Odorizzi. Atlanta was rumored to be interested, but they've already made some early moves. Maybe Oddo isn't what the Twins want, but I still think he makes a ton of sense. I think there's a lot of faith in the FO and ML staff to build a bullpen. And we have holes to be filled. But except for a couple of primary FA, there appears to be a GLUT of potentially good arms to add at some point. I am concerned about the infield and "utility" personnel. Everyone 100% healthy, we're just looking at Marwin and Adrianza replacements. Now, I'm not saying that isn't important! But I think it's more important considering injuries to Donaldson, Polanco and Arraez. There are going to be 2 moves here at some point. This could be as "small" as a re-sign of Adrianza and a Marwin replacement who could be one of at least a half dozen players from Hernandez to Profar to Gyorko or LaStella, etc, etc. There are a TON of options! As I posted in another thread, what if the Twins did sign Hernandez? He can, as I understand his ability and past appearance, cover SS. They could then sign another decent bat who can play 3 infield spots. Or maybe they surprise and sign a top SS and still sign another solid player and convert Polanco to a super utility role. I think there could be a surprise signing in the infield. Opportunity is there. Surprised the Royals signed Santana. He will help. I think they're too far away, but who knows. Takes away a potential DH option for the Twins, should they move on from Cruz. Speaking of Cruz, the report from MLB that there should be no expectation of a universal DH, should play in the Twins favor. Still not sure I buy reports Cruz should expect $15-18M post covid 2020. Maybe. But thus far, most signings have still been SP. There have been early signings, and there will be more. I still expect a sort of "leveling out" and a bunch of bargains over the next few weeks. I appreciate the FO ability to build a team and find bargains. They've done so in the past. I believe they will do so this year. But I hope they will also jump on a couple early values initially that seem present.

I like the idea. I really do. But I'm also looking at payroll...even though reports are the Twins may be buyers and keep their payroll about the same...as well as 40 man spots with additions to be made. I appreciate concern about Buxton's availability. And once again we hope for the best. But can you slend $ and a roster spot for a backup CF when you have guys who can at least cover CF short term and still have Celestino on the roster as a talent up and comer? Between what you have, and the possibility of Hernandez as a super utility option, I'm not sure I'm sold on Almora unless you believe his bat is worth re-claiming and/or you may trade one of your young OF in a deal.

Not sure if TD or my tablet or internet is having issues. So I'm taking a shortened "quote" response here. I believe Kirilloff is going to be a STUD!. He's untouchable to me. But I simply can't/won't believe he will equate the OPS of Rosario immediately. I wish he would! Perhaps he and Rooker will combined. There is room for both. And despite my love and belief in Keple.r, I could absolutely see AK gone in the next season or two, OR, some combination of all filling OF corners, 1B and DH maybe with Sano and even Donaldson. But I'm getting ahead of myself. For 2021...we need that proven bat. I've argued Rosario in these dual threads for what he has done. I'd rather have a short term Cruz for what he has done and because I think he has one more really good year left in him. Probably one more mediocre/average/solid year after that based on age/history. I'm OK with that. I debated with my dad tonight about how $ should be spent. Rosario back as an OF/DH would be nice. But him instead of Cruz for a year? Cruz all day long for 1yr. Cruz vs Brantley for 2yrs? Man, it gets tough! Rosario could fill a Same money, how do you not take the younger Brantley who can still play in the field vs a DH only. Except, we are talking about an elite bat!

Once again, John, like in the pro-Rosario article, every point you made is spot on. I am and have been a big fan of Eddie and have thoroughly enjoyed his production, great plays and moments, as well as his enthusiasm for the game. But the world in general, MLB in particular relevance for this conversation, is in a strange place right now. And the Twins have other needs to allocate $ towards. In a perfect situation and anything close to "normal", as I stated in the other OP, Rosario would be back for another year and the kids would be allowed to develop and force themselves in to the lineup. But this is the easiest "cut" to add to other areas. While I don't expect Kirilloff, or anyone, to just step in their 1st year and automatically replace Rosario's production, we can't love and embrace and eagerly await such young talent and their debut, and then chastise the Twins for allowing that to now happen. I repeat myself yet again that the Twins simply can't allow the lineup to lose BOTH Rosario AND Cruz at the same time. So via unexpected trade or more probably FA, a dependable bat will have to be signed or re-signed. Hence my article in the Forums category concerning Cruz. To naysayers, I absolutely, positively believe Rosario being cut loose is not, in of itself, some attempt to save $. It's the most logical step, and easiest replacement, to re-allocate $ to other team needs, even if payroll itself is lowered due to the current financial situation. And it's not just the Twins.

John, everything you stated in your OP is 100% correct and spot on. But the key quote that I wanted to highlight is the following: "He led the team in RBI the last three years. Granted, he had a lot of opportunities, but someone still needs to cash those chips. Eddie did." To me, that is the most salient point. You simply can't plug anyone in to an RBI spot and just expect results. It still takes a hitter who has the mentality to accept that role and produce. I'm reminded many years ago of Manny Ramirez not wanting that role with Cleveland initially. He had been very productive as a 6-7 hitter and had misgivings initially being the cleanup man. Obviously, he ended up accepting the role and grew in to it exceedingly well. The bite is, even with 3 top/good prospects all seemingly ready or near ready, anything close to "normal" in the baseball world right now would have brought Eddie back for another year while the kids earned their playing time and forced their way in to the lineup. Rosario MIGHT have been traded during the season if said prospects really stood out. And if things were "normal" and the Twins still wanted to move forward, Eddie and his 2021 salary would have at least some trade value now. But we are not in normal times. And so this move gets made as position-wise, it's probably the easiest spot to fill and save $ for other needs. But no contending team can just lose their primary #3 and #4 hitters at the same time. So while I don't knkw if Eddie will be back on a smaller deal, or Cruz retained, SOMEONE will need to be brought in if both are gone.

Really good work, Tom! And each arguement presented has merit to be sure. Of course, MLBTraderumor numbers are speculation at this point. And the obvious sticking point with any FA discussed is simply not knowing how any team's payroll is going to shape up much less the Twins. I'm with you that my hope is the FO looks at their contention status and decides to keep things in that $135-140M window and see no raise in payroll as a form of cut. Opens up a lot of possibilities. Be that as it may, just a few thoughts.... I'm not going to address Bauer for reasons that should be obvious. I'm of the school that status quo isn't always a good thing, but sometimes keeping what you know/have can be the best solution. And while he is not part of your list, I think a healthy Odorizzi may be the Twins best option whether it be 1yr or longer. I do think Walker and Richards, who you briefly mentioned, could be very smart and low cost options. Paxton, even at the bargain price of $10M kind of scares me. Which makes no sense when I say I find myself very intrigued by the older Kluber on an incentive laden deal. Something in my gut just tells me he is one of those guys who gets right and even at 80% of his old self he would be a very good middle rotation piece for around $10M. Call me crazy. Totally agree on Brantley as a Cruz replacement as he is good, steady, and can still play the OF for roster flexibility. We needed a solid BP arm even before May signed with the Mets. Just not sure I see the Twins moving on Hendricks, though I would love it. I think Yates or Rosenthal PLUS another decent arm for the same $10M might make more sense. The Twins seem to knkw how to build a bullpen. I have never considered LeMahieu as an option as I've always felt be would go back to N.Y. if they want him. But he might be my #1 from your list. He is the PERFECT 10th man due to his offense and defense and the fact he's already been used that way and in the lineup on a daily basis. But again, I just don't think he's going to be available. There is a lot of thought about Profar or Hernandez, who you didn't mention, as 10th man options. I like Profar and think his OF ability only adds to his value. Same with Hernandez. Offensively, neither is great, though they are solid and have had their moments. I would prefer the younger Profar if he could be convinced being a 10th man is not a bad thing. It still means you play every day, just at different spots. Can he be convinced at $6-7M for a contending club and playing dailyis better that a set position for a losing team? Not mentioned as he wouldn't be in anyone's top 10, Tommy LaStella could be a less expensive and really good 10th man option. Our 10th man doesn't have to play OF with the depth there. Despite your deserved fascination with Semien, I feel this team is good enough, well rounded enough, that I'd rather balance payroll for 5 additions rather than 2 or 3. I'm not saying buying in bulk is the answer, lol. But a quality SP, 2 BP arms I like, a 10th man who can bring offense and versatility, and a bat to potentially replace Cruz/Rosario seems to make more sense to me for $40M than 2 guys who might grab the majority of that extra $.

Funny story attributed to a very smart Trevor Plouffe on the latest Gleeman and the Geek where he was basically quoted as saying if he was in charge of a team he'd call up the Rays and ask about a possible trade proposal and whoever the Rays asked for in return he'd check mark that guy as untouchable. LOL Cody, I think you are dead on with this article. I have always believed you build the best, deepest, most complete team you can and then see what happens. There is no magic formula to building a WS winner. I mean, weird 2020 season or not, the WS was between a $200M Doger team and the cost driven Rays. You build the best team you can with what you hope is a great staff, and look to make the playoffs and see what happens. Period. You have to win to get there. There is no "build a team that beats the Yankees because we are somehow cursed" format. Great, you take 8 of 9 from the Yankees during the regular season. What if you don't make the post season? What if you do but lose to someone else and/or never face them? I am ALL IN trading a prospect or two or three from any kind of depth to acquire a player who makes a difference. But I am NOT in favor of trading away a big part of the future for one guy who may or may not make it happen. I'm also not in favor of spending $ capital on one guy at the sacrifice of the rest of my roster. If SP X doesn't win game 1 for whatever reason, in the playoffs or WS, then what do you have for game 2 and 3, etc? Again, NOT opposed to making moves! But I believe in building the best and deepest team you can for success, not just one year, but for all years. Think the Dogers again. Despite all their $ and vaunted milb system, and all their playoff appearances, they still hadn't won a WS since the late 80's. The organisation and their fans love that they won this year! And they have every right to celebrate! But do you think for a moment that they didn't enjoy being in contention and having winning teams over the intervening years didn't bring great joy? Yes, I'm rambling! LOL. But the point of all of this is that this team is GOOD. And the future looks bright as well. And I'm not willing to proclaim Maeda is an ACE at this juncture. He COULD be. Or he could be a great #2. In fact, Berrios is young enough, talented and determined enough, he could still emerge as the Twins best SP. Any way you slice it, there are no glaring defects with this team other than balancing the entire roster with what is on hand, what is coming, and what's available to bring in. As is, right now, they need a SP as good as or better than Pineda. Is that a healthy Odorizzi? Considering the market and what he nas done the last 2yrs, I would say yes. Is there someone better? IDK? Who saw the Maeda deal coming last year? But SOMEONE needs to be brought on board and I don't think it has to be some costly, potential #1 option. You still need a lineup, a bench and a pen. And even IF the Twins don't drop down from the $138-140M of last year, there remains a structure you have to fit 2021 in to.

I am not directly opposed to either on a cheap 1yr. A little surprised they were cut loose considering relative youth and what I would suppose are rather inexpensive contracts. Renfro could form at least a quasi-platoon with Cave/Wade if Kirilloff/Larnach and/or Roomer needed more time. But I believe the Twins feel they are ready so I probably say no. No matter how cheap of a 1yr Renfro may be, I think the money could be better spent elsewhere. Nunez actually intrigues me more. He will only be 26yo until April and has power. He can DH, sub at 1B and the fact that he can and has played a little 3B offers a little lineup flexibility here and there. His inability to dominate LH pitching doesn't really concern me as most arms remain RH. But again, no matter the cost, couldn't the money perhaps be better spent elsewhere? I think the Twins can and should aim higher, even with questions about an undetermined payroll. But if utility, rotation and bullpen are addressed and there is just no room for Cruz, you could do a lot worse that adding an inexpensive power bat like this to finish out the roster.

Matthew, appreciate the entire black Friday, blue light special thought process. And there is some upside and potential quality here. I'm just not sure, even with possible payroll restrictions, that there are matches here. Miller: I'm not sure he really is better offensively than Marwin was when you look at his career quad slash line, despite the 2020 fall off by Gonzalez. I think...if we are talking budget acquitions only...that Cabrera for about a $1M more and brining back Adrianza isn't a better move. Pillar: I love this idea! I was hoping for him last season. Some power and speed to go with excellent defense. He provides a legitimate CF option behind Buxton and LF insurance if any of the prospects struggle at first. But will he be willing to accept a non-starter role? Financially speaking, there are larger concerns, potentially, to fill that would only allow his signing on something like $1-2M. I just don't see this happening even though it would be a great fit. Wacha and Anderson: Interesting! I like Wacha better with upside and younger. Really hoping payroll/moves will allow us to bring in someone as good or better to the mix with Pineda for that 3/4 spot. Wacha offers upside and hope on the cheap. But I'd like to think we can find a better option for a contending team and make it fit. Wilson and McGee: I think both of these guys could be a CHEAP investment with high dividend reward potential, especially if you don't buy in to Thielbar. But how inexpensive and what kind of floor/ceiling would you expect? Clippard did what he bas done year after year, which is perform against LH and RH for an inexpensive deal. Despite his success and consistency, he doesn't put up huge numbers and is not a closer or elite set-up man. So he grinds out year to year for $2.5-3M deals. Money may be tight, but IMO, he's a smart re-sign for $2-3M. These guys would be outstanding values on $1-1.5M as a potential 3rd "LH" offering from the pen to compete with Thielbar. A well thought out and interesting OP! I like a lot of what you've presented here. I just think/hope the FO will find a way to fit better options in.

I don't know many IP Maeda threw oversees, but he hit 175 his first season with the Dogers. While his performance and numbers the next 3yrs were good/excellent he was moved to the pen to help their run. As one of our top rotation pieces you want him to pitch 180 innings plus. There's absolutely no reason to believe he can't do that, especially with an occasional break here and there and no over-use, which the Twins seem to be good at preventing with thjs staff. And the guy I watched pitch last season seems to be more than capable of maintaining what we saw. So while he hasn't done it but once thus far, doesn't mean he can't. In fact, the Doger pen moves and the short 2020 season may actually prove beneficial to a 30yr old arm. But the pragmatic part of me wants to see it first before I talk extension or any bump in his incentive clauses. And then, as Diesel mentioned, there is the ghost of Hughes lingering. I don't think you extend a guy already under contract...or again bump his incentives...until you see more. No to any re-work of his deal at this time.

#11] Twins daily and it's community at large, and all the hard work done by those that run and maintain it.

Despite his loss at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, what he has done performance wise has been excellent. He was a very smart acquisition by the FO. I'm glad to have him back for 2021. Any sort of extension, in my mind, is not based on what he has done thus far. It's based on 2 key points that we don't know yet: 1] Who do the Twins add? Do we sign Odorizzi or someone else via FA or trade? We NEED one more SP. But whoever we add, if it's only a 1yr deal, that could raise Pineda's value. 2] How close do the Twins view Duran, Balazovic, Chalmers and Ober as being ready? There is no such thing as a bad 1yr contract, right? No insult, but after the suspension, I would think another 1yr deal for $10M...MAYBE $12M...would be in order. You could offer a similar 2nd year with a $2M buyout. And I'd be OK with that. Quality SP is worth an aweful lot. And Pineda comes cheap, potentially. But with some talented young arms on the way...before we see what the FO does...I'm balking at anything other than a 1yr with a decent 2nd year and an affordable buyout.

Going to disagree with you slightly here, Seth. I see Celestino the same way I view Lewis. The Twins are built to compete RIGHT NOW barring something obscene happening. I don't feel, right now, especially coming off no milb season despite the reserve list at St Paul and development time at Ft Myers, that the Twins are in any shape to just promote for the sake of promoting and looking towards the future. We've done that a couple of times in the past, and we HAVE been rewarded when we did so. I feel Celestino and Lewis don't have to be penciled in over the next couple of seasons as a lock. I feel both will be brought up, hopefully soon, as bench pieces to get their feet wet without being counted on as every day players. And there's nothing wrong with that. And if Celestino is what we hope he can be, it could change the perspective of a Buxton extension. But he is still a prospect at this point. But I see both he and Lewis coming up as fill ins and utility players initially.

I like this and think it's fair. I might bump it up to $30M to make the first couple of guaranteed years a little more enticing. NOBODY can debate what he does when healthy or his potential. But Buck and his agent also can't deny his limited time on the field thus far. I can't blame him for a FB to his head at the end of last season. And I can't blame him for a crazy foul ball that injured a toe, or a weird cleat caught in the OF making a play. And you'd like to think good luck/karma would assist along with a few tweaks like playing deeper, jumping on 2 legs, holding back here and there vs sacrificing your body, etc. Waiting another year, a full season, might be the smart thing to do. But if he's healthy for 2021 and plays 120-140 games, his $ value goes up. So the Twins are in a very awkward situation here. But so is Buck banking on better health and luck going forward. Were it me as his agent, or Byron himself, and the Twins offered my something like this, I'd jump at it. I MIGHT lose $ in the future, but I'd also have guaranteed life changing money in hand.

IMO, I think you're close Seth. With the option year, he hits the market again at age 32 and potentially earns a nice deal from the Twins or someone else. The issue I see is he is an intense competitor who believes in himself and if I'm not mistaken, isn't he still represented by Boras? I believe they would balk at the option year and want 5yrs locked in. And I think $72M might be a bit light in their opinion. I'm thinking closer to $80M might get it done. They key is SPECULATION what he might get on the market for 2023-25. Of course, they'd be looking at $20M+ I'd think. They might be looking at 5yrs and $90M, which would give me pause. At $80M for 5yrs I'd jump. Why would they take $80m-ish? Because it's guaranteed money with covid/post-covid concerns, a potential drop in the market over the next couple of seasons, and the unknown of the next CBA. I still believe we haven't seen the best of Berrios yet, consistently over a full season. I think we might with growth and a change in his training routine, which we MIGHT have seen if 2020 had been a full season. In short, I'm in for 5yrs and $80M. I'm not sure future "risk" would make me go $90M. But I'd really like to see this done. Risk/reward tells me he's worth it.

Err...meant to say height and length AREN'T a very large factor when it comes to pitching potential. Just wanted to clarify my rushed and badly typed response.

That much height and length is intriguing for deception, if nothing else. But it's been observation that said length does little to nothing to create velocity. (When you look around and compare). And it seems that great height and length has more "moving parts" to it, creating greater mechanical issues at times. Not saying height and length are bad things. I just feel they are a very large factor.

If anyone in the system is worthy of an early extension, it would certainly be Kirilloff. It's a risk/reward for both sides, of course, but one worth considering. Especially in the strange socio-economic climate we find ourselves ins right now. I find speculation about service time to be irelivant. Especially considering AK's debut and the unknown departure of Rosario. If he looks ready next ST...then he looks ready. If he doesn't look great, then he goes down for a few weeks and someone else takes the spot to begin the season. I don't believe the Twins are really looking at service time right now but rather the best team they can put on the field for 2021. Doesn't mean they couldn't consider an extension for Kirilloff. I just think they have a few more priorities to address at the moment.

Another wonderful interview, Seth! Greatly appreciated! The Twins like him enough to protect him, which is great, but didn't see enough immediate benefit to include him in St Paul. I can understand that. Though reflecting on some of the other guys there over the season, I would have thought they might have snuck him in. For instance, wasn't Barnes brought in for the last few weeks? And it seems strange he wasn't included in the instructional league either. I don't want to poke my nose where it doesn't belong, but I have to assume this was due to the impending birth of his second child and covid concerns. And I get that. Really looking forward to seeing him in 2021 and really hoping he is healthy and ready to go! Can't help but wonder if he will skip additional time at AA and move straight to AAA.

Hey Ash, I agreed with the sentiment from TopGun's post of picking Cruz 11 times out of 10 over Rosario. I agree with you about what criteria and numbers may or may not be chosen to make said arguement. And so I like and agree with your post as well. Baseball is a game obsessed with numbers and statistics. We all know this, and it's for good and viable reasons, I do think, at times there are SO MANY numbers that reality gets lost and you can make/find numbers to say what you want. So while I am not disagreeing with you, or anyone, I'm using these combined arguements to make a point of my own beliefs/opinions. I think I've been pretty clear on the record as loving Rosario, believe he's given a bum rap at times that "anyone" could produce his numbers the last couple of seasons, and I hate to see him go. The reality is the Twins are deep with OF talent ready or nearly so to take his spot. The current finances of MLB make him probably the "easiest" person to replace on the roster due to expected financial considerations. And if I had to choose the better overall hitter in Cruz for 2021, again, he's my choice. I believe he has at least one more really good year left in him. Beyond that is a question mark based on history. His potentially one really good season also helps the young players have a season to get a accustomed and ready to roll. All things being equal, I'd rather the FO bite the bullet for 2021 and keep payroll in the same $138-140M range and keep both for another year and work the kids in while still having room to make additions. Fantasy land? Maybe. But the taste of that bullet for another year isn't so bitter if the team has a real shot to do something. But if someone has to go, I'm voting Rosario. *Side Note: Still on target as it seems to be part of this discussion, the more I reflect, and after listening to some very interesting/valid discussion from John and Aaron on their most recent podcast, I confess to wavering somewhat on Cruz being a MUST re-sign. When I start to think about various options such as Brantley, Ozuna, Turner and possibly Santana or even Moreland as possible for the same or less $ per, I'm starting to wonder and debate.

Regardless whether you believe Eddie's production is based on his spot in the lineup, it's going to be really hard to replace that power and production AND lose Cruz...potentially...at the same time. I have high hopes for Kirilloff and Larnach both and reasonably high hopes for Rooker as well. I could see all 3 in Minnesota at some point this coming season. But I'm not willing to bank on them replacing the production of a pair of proven vets. I don't know if the Twins and Rosario are, indeed, considering a 1yr deal to avoid arbitration and a potential DFA or not. There is a logic to it from both sides of the are. I certainly don't see room for both he and Cruz remaining unless the payroll sticks in the $138-$140M range. At tbe end of the day, I see the Twins preferring to keep Nellie for a few different reasons. But there is a definite logic to your thoughts, Tom. I'm still betting on a DFA at this point.