DocBauer

Great rebuttle post! May I do the same? 3] Zimmer LOVES Barr even though I don't think he has EVER used him to full affect, which drives me crazy as he is a defensive first coach. Does ,Spielman have enough guts to just tell Zim he's gone? He'd better. Because I agree Wilson is as good or better. As to Wilson being a FA, I'm going to believe IT tbere is truly a cut in the cap, it will lower his earning potential. If they can save $ on Barr, that should also help. (The whole cap hit finances have always confused the he'll out of me, to be honest). The Vikings need to part ways with Barr, keep Wilson, and draft a couple LB with their 12-14 expected picks to add depth and competition. 4] I take ZERO solace in not using a 3rd WR very often. I LOVE ME TE USAGE! Always have. In fact, I think I've seen enough of Conklin and even Dillon in limited usage and preseason action to say they have UNDER UTILIZED the talent on hand. And I grant you the current scheme on offense lends itself to a "defensive" and efficient mindset of ground and pound. But in today's NFL, that only gets you so far. I love good defense and still believe it leads to winning and even championships. But you also have to move the football and score. For Johnson to suddenly disappear...especially after camp speak told us how good he was looking...and for Beebe to suddenly "emerge" as the 3rd WR speaks about a lack of creativity. The Vikings have lacked a 3rd WR option for years now. At some point, even with a good running game, you have to fling the ball and gain chunks of yards. Even good TE's can only do so much. You need to pressure the other team with real threats. We just don't have that right now. And it's going to bite us in the butt eventually. 5] Again, I've seen so few games broadcast in the Omaha market this year. I read and I watch the YouTube abbreviated versions of the game. I don't tbat Dozier has been a disaster, but he does seem to help the ground game work. But that's not enough. While not enchanted with him, I'm OK with him as a reserve. But agree he should not be starting! Samia appears to have been a fugly draft choice. No clue how you can be all this, all that, etc, with athletic ability and just look and play that badly. The Vikes make it sound like they actually believe in his potential. I call B.S. and say he's gone next year. Cleveland? He's looked solid to great at G so far with potential. But wasn't he supposed to be the LT of the future? I'm confused there. Reiff has rebounded to play decently this year. But he is no long term fixture and salary could make him gone next season. But if Cleveland looks this good at G, do you move him? Kind of a messy situation to be sure. The Udoh situation befuddled me. HUGE, powerful, athletic smaller school prospect with potential. Kid looks so good in preseason they keep him on the roster. He looks good the 1 game he gets to start. And I get he's still raw and there were no off-season camps and no preseason games. But he sits on the bench and Dozier and Samia get to actually start games??? I still think Reiff is gone unless he again re-works his deal. Even if the Vikings drafted Cleveland to be a LT and move him back there, this team still needs 2 OL via the draft or FA to put together a quality OL. You say Kubiak has done a good job with what he's been given. I'm not going to completely disagree with you. But for the most part, he is totally in charge of the offense. He has "his guy" in charge of the OL. He is considered an offensive guru of sorts. And he can't find a way to open the offense enough to utilize the talent he has at TE and WR to find a threat or two? OR, is Zim holding him back? Just a thought.

That was a blast! Totally agree on remembering Ford. We lost a lot of quality ballplayers back in the 70's and he was one of them. I had almost forgotten him. Just a little sad every time I see Mourneau's name. What might have been?

EVERY SINGLE TIME I put pen to paper to figure out my blueprint for 2021, and EVERY SINGLE TIME I listen to the various podcasts here on TD...all done wonderfully BTW...Cruz just doesn't seem to fit on the roster for an "estimated" $125M payroll. Not unless you cut corners somewhere else to the probable detriment to the construction of the team at large. But Cruz has been Mr. Twin since the day be arrived. He has been an outstanding performer and ambassador for the Twins. Now it appears he is contending for Mr. Minnesota. It's why I keep hoping the Twins will be content with a $130M+ plus payroll to find a way to keep him. Losing him...along with Rosario the same offseason...is troubling for the team. I think the FO and ownership understand that. But it's still a business with hard decisions to make at times. It is my hope that the hard decision made is to bank on a contending team and keep a prime piece of that team intact for at least one more year for production, leadership, and public relations by not cutting payroll, or at least only trimming it slightly.

Agree here 100%. It's interesting and fun in a dark way to re-visit past drafts in any sport. But drafts are always a bit of a crapshoot, especially in baseball. And for every whiff in the first round, many teams have a stud player from each class drafted later on. Stewart was considered a great athlete with tremendous potential and about as sure of a thing as you can get in a HS pitcher. Raw, but tremendous potential. He wasn't a reach at the time. No offense to Gordon who I still believe can carve out a decent career as a solid utility player with some offense, but I just never saw him as a good pick that early. (Though some early success made me optimistic). I really liked Turner in that draft. But as I recall, he had a down season and slid down the boards. He was a guy I really wanted. Tremendous disappointment for Jay. But again, as I recall, it was considered a poor draft that year and the Twins needed arms. He was one of the most talented ones that year and should have been a quality RP at worst. HUGE bummer there! No way I can downgrade the Buxton selection as there was no way to predict injuries and set backs. He's a stud when he plays. And he's still young enough to believe we haven't seen the best of him yet.

I had to check out Ober's numbers again. WOW! I actually forgot just how incredible they were! He got 24IP at Pensacola in 2019. I'm guessing he goes back to AA to begin 2021, but wondering if he bas a shot at AAA? The loss of a milb system affects everyone, not just the Twins. So all but the prospects who were invited to the reserve sites are going to have that lost year that hopefully EST helped. It's going to be really interesting to see how rosters and possible level promotions are handled next year. I'm guessing Balazovic goes to AA to begin the year with hopes of AAA at some point. But could he end up being fast tracked?

Law appears, as you stated, to be a depth piece. OK-ish BA against at .257. Nice K numbers per. Outrageous BB numbers. Possible sleeper?? No clue about stuff or velocity.

Here's hoping Reed actually gets a shot and does well, just not against the Twins. I always wondered about Clay. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't he at St Paul this summer? Or am I confusing him with someone else? You can't keep everyone, but was sorry to see him leave. IIRC, he just couldn't handle RH hitting very well but put up some good numbers otherwise.

My opinions are based on YouTube highlights and various reports and observations as I've only been able to watch a couple of games in my market. 1] CB has been a disaster due to injury. Did anyone expect more? What has surprised me is some very good play here and there. There is real potential there between about 4-7 kids who are doing their best. 2] DL is staring to show something. Not great, but showing something. Thrust in to roles, are we starting to see development? 3] Wilson at LB is looking like a keeper. We need depth. Is Barr out do to $? 4] How in the hell can't an offensive "genius" like Kubiak find a way to develop a 3rd WR? Johnson has disappeared after a solid rookie season. Beebe appears to be average at best. 5] OL has improved. Cleveland has looked great at G. I thought he was supposed to be LT. Fine! Keep him there if you believe in him there. But you still need a future LT to replace Reiff at some point. Samia is an All American wasted draft choice if he doesn't get himself together SOON! Dozier has been OK. He's a solid backup. Where is Udoh? I'm exited they won a few games. But when you have a questionable OL and a supposed genuious OC and your whole offense centers around an amazing RB and a decent QB, and you can't find a single 3rd receiving option, I'm starting to think we have the wrong OC. Seems Zimmer has never recovered from Turner walking away, IMO.

I 100% agree he's raw. I think he's at least a year away. Honestly, I doubt anyone would select him. Even if they did, would they really stash him for a full season? I doubt it. But the FO obviously sees his potential. And with Garver, Jeffers on hand, with Telis and Astudillo available, there is no pressure. But he is an emergency option who now gets a chance for a full season to develop and we see what he is when 2021 is done.

Again, fun, smart and well thought out. Great work guys! Echoing the previous sentiment that there is merit with each plan. Going to offer a little feedback in reverse order for reasons that will probably be apparent. 3] Nick: Love the Snell trade but believe the Rays have a window right now and won't trade Snell for a year. He's affordable, even for them, for another season. BUT, if they are willing, I don't believe Kirilloff get's it done. I'm thinking Larnach instead, with Enlow or Canterino and a decent lower level prospect with some upside. And I'd make that move. I love Larnach and who knows, he may end up better than AK. But there is just enough difference in he and Kirilloff, IMO, that a 3 for 1 has Larnach and not AK. I like the idea of Simmons at SS and Polanco, or Arraez, becoming a super utility 10th man who plays daily. And really, would it matter? Opportunity and versatility abounds without having to label anyone in a given role. I suspect the Rays holding on to Snell for one more year sort of dismantled your plan. 2] John: I fully appreciate your aggressiveness here. And I think the Twins have an "in" with Bauer from the FO, general familiarity after years in the ALC, and are a legitimate contending team. An intelligent, if opinionated and flamboyant personality, he now has an agent and is on the open market, albeit in weird off-season. My opinion based on this and a few various additional opinions, he will drop his 1yr at a time approach and sign a 2-3yr deal and then hit FA again. The Twins could afford that. And the rotation would be AMAZING. But I'm not sure I like sacrificing the remainder of the roster for this one big move. I also agree the roster, in general, doesn't have a MUST addition. And I also agree in the Twins ability to build a bullpen. I never want to take a young arm out of the rotation too early, but Colina and Chalmers are a couple of arms that could be ready soon if moved to the pen to join what is on hand. I like the Santana addition as a DH, who could still play a little 1B here and there. He had a lousy 2020, but was still good in 2019 and could easily be a bounce back candidate. He's no Nellie, but it's a smart addition. IMO, Bauer will end up with a higher bidder, though I think the Twins have a legitimate shot in your scenario. I do think the entire roster suffers, potentially, from just trusting the team to build a pen and fill in where they can. 1] Seth: I believe your approach makes the most sense overall. I am OK trading prospects to improve the team. But after no milb season, even with every team having taxi squads to work with at least some young talent, and an EST, how do fully evaluate young talent at this point as the Twins or any team? Oddorizi may or may not be the guy we saw take a step forward in 2019. But he's still young enough that I'm betting on him. With Storman and Glausman gone already, and Tanaka almost certainly going back to the Yankees if they want him, he is the best option to bring back. He has stated he wants to come back and the Twins have done nothing to treat him wrong. I'm willing to bet he, healthy, is closer to the 2019 version than not. I just think this is a perfect fit for player and team. I love Profar, or La Stella, as a 10th man option. BUT, I'm wondering if Cabrera on a 1yr isn't smarter for less money. The OF should be OK. Couldn't we use savings there for the pen? Speaking of the pen...I love Hand for $7M. But what about bringing back May and signing Yates on a bounce back for $3-4M and maybe even bringing back Clippard for $2-3M. The savings for no Hand and no Profar could deepen the pen. *Seems everyone would love Cruz back IF the payroll bumps to $130M or POSSIBLY stays the same. (No additional payroll is still a sort of "cut" if ownership is wanting to be aggressive with the window open). **everyone Seems to agree bringing back May if there is a couple $M available. I agree. Not sure if there is additional upside available. His arm and SO numbers can't be denied. His only negative is a handful of games where he was wild and allowed a big hit before settling down. We all know the role of a RP is volatile. Even more so in a SSS. Does he really get such a big offer that we can't squeeze him in? MY OPINION: 1] The Snell trade of a 3 for 1 is outstanding. I don't see it happening until 2022. So sign Oddo for the best deal possible. If not possible, look to Morton, Richards and Walker. 2] Trust the FO and staff to build a pen, but don't just trust in TBD and keep Rogers, look at keeping Clippard, May if you can, look at Hunter and Yates. There are so many possibles here that if you wait it out, there could be some real bargains late. 3] If $ doesn't allow Cruz to be back, then use the DH spot as a rotational spot. I don't think John's idea of Santana is bad at all. Smart idea if you believe he is what he bas usually been vs 2020. But maybe you just want to trust in Kirilloff, Rooker and Larnach, much less better health for a couple of guys and a normal season. The Twins have one of the best teams in all of MLB the past 2yrs with some very talented players oh so close to being ready. So I'm looking at tweaks and keeping what we have.

I think this is about exactly as it should be. I admit to being surprised by Ober's addition. You simply can't deny the production. He has been outstanding when on the mound. Obviously the Twins believe time, a few adjustments, etc, will alleviate some of his injury concerns. I've been wondering if his injury issues have been mechanical with his big frame, or if he's also been still growing in to that frame, or a combination of both. From my understanding, despite being tall and long, his velocity only sits in the high 80's and low 90's. I have suspected his length gives his FB a "jump" that gives the illusion of greater velocity. Does Johnson find a few more MPH with adjustments? I find him SO intriguing if he can just be healthy. Balazovic and Rortvedt just make obvious sense. No need to comment on J Blaze. And a young catcher with tons of talent and potential that doesn't have to be rushed is someone you hold on to. From those left off, Jax is the only guy that I actually see being selected and maybe sticking with someone, especially a non contender and a return of the 28 man roster. But even then, with no milb season last year, I'm expecting the rule 5 to be very limited this year.

FWIW, "AA collapsing" is in reference to the American Association. Much speculation they are facing some tough roads ahead staying solvent, especially if St Paul were to leave. As to Lincoln, I guess I'm just starting to rezlize AA milb just doesn't really exist in the Midwest. Bad memory or lack of effort to look at franchises and grab a map I suppose.

Curious...why is Lincoln a non starter? Especially if the AA begins to have issues of collapsing.

With all due respect, it looks like a wonderful ballpark. But I have received pushback on Lincoln, NE, Haymarket Park, ALSO part of the AA which could find itself failing, as an option for the Twins. Wouldn't a beautiful ballpark in a city/state that thrives on amateur and semi-professional teams/athletics be just as good of a choice? (With SLIGHTLY better weather). Never understood an arguement for the Royals being in Omaha. This is a state that loves and supports sports and the Lincoln Salt Dogs have brought in fans and won within the confines of the AA.

This is a tough as nails but worthwhile discussion. He's been injury prone, absolutely. Migraines are something I know about. It would appear he has those under control as I haven't heard a word about them in some time. NOBODY could do ANYTHING about a foot/toe injured while playing. A FB hitting his helmet is also beyond his control. What IS in his control? Just not diving too often or running in to walls. He started to make that change this past season. But like so many things that happened in 2020, how do we judge Buxton? He will not be the next Mays or Griffey Jr at this point. And he won't be the next Henderson leadoff hitter we all hoped he would be. I would argue...even with disappointment...so what? He'll only be 27yo next season and has already displayed himself as difference maker when on the field. And he is morphing himself in to a decent power hitter with defense and speed. I'm starting to see him as more of an Jim Edmonds kind of player. If you can find a taker for a quality player, probably a controllable front of the rotation SP, I MIGHT be willing to make a trade and fill in CF the best you can for now...pending FA and future OF. But I'd much rather bet on talent and potential and a full season of adjusting his defensive/physical game for 2021 and beyond instead of selling relatively low at this point coming off 2020. I'd bank on Buxton continuing to make adjustments to keep him healthy, playing at least 120 games or more, and re-evaluate.

I could copy and paste a lot of thoughts here, but that might end up redundant. I still believe this market is going to be very weird. We haven't even had DFA candidates really enter the market yet. Position players, bench pieces, bullpen pieces and back of the rotation options...there could be tremendous late in the process options available. 2022 could be even more wild...assuming a season at this point...as there will not only be FA, but very possibly a plethora of 1yr 2021 contracts available. But I digress. Despite bargains and potential steals here and there, SP is, and always has been, a premium. Despite "expected" cuts in payroll across the league, what we are seeing early is a few teams...and players...jumping early for a payday and some sort of rotation stability for next year. I'm betting things will slow down after an initial wave of SP activity. Are the Twins desperate for SP? No. But don't kid yourself that they aren't in the market to add vs banking on Duran or Balazovic being ready early. The FO has been smart and savy with the initial signing of Pineda and the trades for Odorizzi and Maeda. The Hill signing was still solid. Honestly, if 2020 had been a normal season, the Bailey signing could have ended up being very smart as well. Rotation-wise, the Twins are very close to being very good. But can they bank on being smart enough for another Odorizzi or Maeda trade acquisition? At some point, don't you have to play it a little bit safe and play the cards you have in your hand? It seems to me the Twins knkw what they have in Oddo. I would not overpay for him. And only they know how they truly feel about him. I ABSOLUTELY don't feel he is an $18M per pitcher. But age and performance and history of $ would indicate he is worth somewhere between $12-15M per. All indications have been previously that he would like to return. I'd jump at 3yrs for around $36-39. Anything more and I'd have to pass. Odorizzi gone, Morton for 1yr makes sense. This is assuming he doesn't want to retire. I think its more about being with a contender. Bingo! I like Walker...again...based on relative youth and potential and a solid rebound in 2020. But I'm betting he is asking for a multi-year deal after looking good. Is he worth it? And for how much and for how long? The more I think about it, the more I like Richards. But again, how much and for how long? Baseball gods help me, I keep thinking about Kluber on a 1yr for $3-4M with incentives to see if he can be 75-80% of what he once was after 2yrs of basicaĺly not pitching at all. Everything tells me Odorizzi for something fair...unless another team comes in and blows things up...for 3yrs makes the most sense. After that, Morton on a 1yr deal for around $13M+ish. After that, I'm looking at Richards and Walker for the best 1-2-3yr deal that makes sense. After that...trade. I am never opposed to trading prospects for a quality acquisition. I am hoping for a FA THIS SEASON because, despite depth in the system, I am afraid of paying too much. Rosario is almost certainly gone. If Cruz is brought back, he's on some sort of 1+ deal. We are uncertain about Pineda beyond next season and Berrios beyond 2022. If a trade is the way to go, so be it. I just want someone with control for a few seasons.

Hunter remains one of my favorite players of all time. He's absolutely a Twins HOF and that's not even debatable. He was soon offensively and defensively for years and meant an awful lot to the Twins and no question he was very good to borderline outstanding most years. I wrote a piece in the forum a couple years back how his leaving the Twins had a trickle down affect on the Twins roster, trade moves, etc that really impacted the team with his loss. It took a long time to replace him. To a degree, you could argue they have yet to do so. But despite all of that, I have to agree that no matter how good he was, he just isn't in that ML HOF category.

I am not saying the Twins should break the bank to sign Odorizzi. And I'm not saying in any way he deserves any bank to be broken, piggy or otherwise. But i am saying if they like him, believe in him and want him then they'd better act pretty quickly. We've already seen 2 QO accepted, a re-sign and now an unexpected Smyly signing. And while I hate to buy in to rumors, they exist and seem prevalent. Need to get this done or the trade route might be the only route. Otherwise, nothing but low level and far left fliers will be left.

We're kind of thinking along the same lines. But Stoman and Gausman are gone. So is Ray. Not saying I was necessarily IN on those guys, but I found them of interest. I'm OK on Smyly. I'm tantalized, scared and interested all at once on Kluber. Even at 35 can you imagine him suddenly healthy and ready to go? But he is a low investment to me at this point. Barring trade, I'm just not sure the market has anyone better than Odorzzi. And that's not a negative shot at him. I just think he might be the best option. But I do like Walker. I liked him last off-season. Not sure about about an extended deal. But I do like him.

I think we all need to let go any misgivings about the loss of certain milb franchises and the "homey" feelings of the "good old days" we might have grown up with. I am NOT being callous, simply, a realist for what is taking place. As I stated in another thread, I can appreciate what MLB is doing and reserve judgement until we see how it all plays out. *Side Note: I am excited about situations such as the Appalachian League becoming a college showcase league with the support of MLB. (Shout out to Ash for providing a great link). I am hopeful other cities will find their niche. From a purely logical standpoint, a lot of what is happening makes sense. Travel, promotions, scouting and even building a fan base that makes more sense regionally can benefit both ML teams and their affiliates. Nowheresville has a recently posted a blog on TD that indicates 10yr contracts will be the way of things for teams and affiliates. This makes tremendous sense for both parties, and could even put the ML franchise on the hook for such things as facility improvements. And I think that would be a good thing. I like the idea of Ft Myers being low A and in the vicinity of the Twins primary ST/milb facility. I'm sure Cactus ML teams would look to do the same. It actually makes a ton of sense! Once upon a time, the American Association used to be the 3rd milb AAA league. If MLB wants to continue to have a milb championship, with all of their logistical re-alignment, they will have to consider keeping just the PLC and IL, OR, expanding to 4 leagues, possibly with crossover games, and keep things even more regional with their AAA championship. And speaking of the American Association...now an independent league...you have to wonder about the future of independent leagues. Especially with the Appy League becoming said college showcase league. St Paul becoming the Twins AAA team makes tons of sense for both parties, especially if the Twins help pay at least part of the $20M price tag. I think they'd be silly not to! How does the St Paul ownership lose anything? Fans won't come out any longer to see baseball simply because they don't like the Twins? Please! Milb baseball is grounded in a cheaper form of family fun and baseball with promotions, fun, giveaways, etc. The level of baseball would only improve, as would interest in seeing potential ML players. (Any sudden rise in cost for a day at the ballpark is a different story). But the independent American Association could be about ready to sucum. And that brings me to an idea easily dismissed by others a few months ago I think should be re-investigated. The Lincoln Nebraska Salt Dogs of the same AA have been a viable franchise with success. They share Hawk's Field at Haymarket Park with the Husker baseball team. It's a beautiful brick-style park that seats 4,500 with an additional 4,000 berm and OF grass fans. There is room for expansion. The stadium has been home for not only the Huskers and the Salt Dogs, but countless concerts and special events, including college baseball regionals. Nebraska as a whole, Omaha and Lincoln, have become a centralized location for college, independent and Olympic sports over the past few decades. And if you don't know that, you aren't paying enough attention, or at least aren't from the area. LOL! Some have argued with me a milb franchise couldn't exist 45 miles away from Omaha and the Royals AAA team. But I'm talking AA, not AAA, in a city that has supported the Salt Dogs in the AA. A city that is sports crazy, in a state that is sports crazy without a single "true" professional franchise. Unless there is some crazy way MLB would be treated differently by the NCAA vs the AA, this could be a tremendous fit for everyone. Now, Wichita is an interesting idea and alternative! As I recall, they have been mostly or exclusively a AA franchise previously. They sit in an odd nomansland geographically between multiple ML franchises. But they fit just as well with the Twins as anyone. Were I the Twins FO/ownership, I'd be VERY interested in them as my new AA affiliate. Especially with a brand new park, as reported. I'm not sure Twins ownership can lose here if they are just willing to invest a bit. Florida takes care of low A, EST, ST, and whatever rookie indoctrination they establish. St Paul is your AAA franchise. Wichita or Lincoln is your AA with Cedar Rapids your high A. Where is the downside?

If I'm not mistaken, wasn't Wichita previously a AA affiliate? Or am I remembering incorrectly?

I should have read this before jumping in to my original comment. Thank you for sharing the link Ash!

Slightly confused as I thought I heard the Appalachian league was going to be a college wooden bat league. So is Elizabethton just done for good? Or are they done simply as a milb affiliate? I am confounded, disappointed and saddened by the changes in milb and the consolidation of the entire format. All the more so for Elizabethton as it has produced so many great seasons and championships and I dare say only a handful of great Twins players over the past couple of decades haven't passed through there. I can understand change and what MLB is attempting to do by streamlining the entire system. And I will reserve final judgement until I see how all of this plays out in the end. But it does carry a sense of loss. I don't pay for the Trib, so I can't read the article. Smith and Reed have meant so much to this organization over the years, I'd like to think their wealth of experience and knowledge would find a place within the organization still.

You may be right as we just know so little how this market is going to play out. But the back issue that slowed him to begin the year might be explained by the short ramp up to begin this season. He had a back issue in 2017 that hindered him with Tampa, but showed no signs of it being an issue in 2018 or 2019. The other injuries that provided a lost year this past season were flukish in nature and not major or potentially debilitating in any way. He will only be 31 next season. While not the exact player if Ray is worth $8M for 2021, I'd say Jake should be worth the same at least. Now, does he or anyone want a 1yr deal only? Is he looking hard for a multi-year deal? Does anyone offer it? Way too many unknowns. I think Doctor Gast hit it on the head when he stated the Twins know who Odorizzi is and what he can do. (As well as what he HAS done). Sometimes, dancing with the one you brought is better than looking for a different partner, to paraphrase an old axiom. I'd jump at 1yr and $10M. I'd strongly consider 3yrs at $30M myself. And IMO, Oddo would have to strongly considering it as the market after 2021 could still be convoluted, especially if a bunch of guys end up only on 1yr deals for next year. Good, solid ML SP...even 3/4 types are often worth $10-12M per. Sometimes more. I would consider 3yrs at $36M...but how much do the Twins really believe in him is the question.

Yet another fun and interesting podcast. Really enjoyed it! Thanks again guys! All 3 scenarios have merit, and I don't feel any of them are outlandish in any way. (Though each may have to be tweaked slightly). Just my opinions/thoughts on each: 1] The Twins system had added a lot of arms with hope/projectability including a few with some pretty high upside. But I'm not yet content to move any of them just yet unless I feel the return is fully justified. And I don't buy the old adage "there is no such thing as a pitching prospect. Of course there are! That's why you draft and sign them...and then hope for the best just like any position. With all due respect to Story, I don't see what very easily could be a 1yr rental as a smart gamble. A healthy Polanco is still a good ballplayer. Your top prospect could supplant him over the next couple of years. I just don't make this deal. 2] Would the Brewers really be crazy to make this deal? They have payroll to worry about like a lot of teams. Reportedly, they have a bad farm system. Do they really see themselves contending the next couple of seasons? If not, this deal actually makes a lot of sense for them, adding more prospect ammunition for a re-build. Woodruff and Hader could easily be about ready to leave just as the Bewers might be getting "good" again. Now, that being said, were I them, I'm debating Celestino over Wallner for the 2nd OF. I also think I want a 3rd arm such as Sands or Colina maybe. I think Canterino would be too much, unless he replaces someone. Lastly, I'm going to ask for Cave or Wade as a final piece to give me a decent, young-ish OF to provide immediate depth and the ability to stick around a few years. Virtually all of these guys could be ready over the next 2 seasons. IMO, the Brewers would not be crazy to make this deal...with the additional tweaks...if they reaĺy don't see themselves contending for a couple of years. They have to replenish or face some very dark days. 3] Fully confessing I don't know Ketel Marte as I just don't follow AZ at all. I like everything I've heard and read however. He fits a need as a true 10th man, which I don't think is unimportant. His numbers are solid, his versatility excellent, defense seems to be good to even better. Really smart out of the box thinking on this one. I'm tempted. Despite immense talent and potential, the Twins could absorb the losses of Cavaco and Rodriguez as well as Canterino due to being ready to win now, and having such a deep system. I AM concerned about Marte's contract situation in '23 and '24, but he would only be 29 & 30yrs old those seasons and if he continues to play and produce similarly at those ages...not the least bit OLD and probably still in his physical prime...he could absolutely be worth those $ numbers, especially considering other contracts coming off the books for younger players potentially and a fairly affordable first 2yrs. Final analysis? 1] No. I don't like an expensive 1 shot deal that isn't a SP. 2] Yes, even with tweaks and additional prospect cost. 3] Maybe. Again I'm very tempted here. But not so sure I wouldn't hold on the prospects involved for now and spend $5-7M on one of the quality FA 10th man options that are on the market.