DocBauer

Another tremendous podcast with outstanding thought and evaluation. Sorry I could only listen and not message in. My thoughts: I'm intrigued by Smyly if finally healthy. Injury history has me intrigued, however, as a 5th SP option. His arm talent, again if fully healthy, is there. And further removed from past injury makes him look all that much better. BUT, can he replicate 2020 results over a full season? That's why I view him as a 5th SP idea. And with payroll considerations, $4M with other young arms available and maybe other fliers may not make a fit with the Twins. Gausman is one of those guys I always seem to forget about, though I recall some momentum for him here on TD over the last couple of seasons. I think he could be an ideal choice at 29yo for a multi-year deal, especially with Pineda only signed for one more. Not convinced the $10M is right as I'm still expecting bargains to abound. But he could be a bargain at that rate. Robbie Ray HAS to deserve some extra love just because he's LH! I don't believe a staring staff is defined by having a quality LH option, but it sure is nice to have that option in your rotation! While there are a few pluses and minuses here and there, Ray and Gausman have almost identical career numbers across the board! And they are the same age. My choice? Does it matter? The FO and Johnson know what they know and see what they see. I'd be happy with either of these two, but I would LOVE to see a quality LHSP option in the rotation so I'd like to see Ray as a choice here. It's the Stoman vs Odorizzi debate where I get confused. Stoman has been connected to the Twins for some time now. And I wouldn't have a problem with his signing. But he and Odorizzi...as I posted in a different thread previously... are VERY similar to one another. They are only 1yr apart age wise. And if you insist on using WAR, Stoman has a slight advantage. But virtually EVERYTHING in their career numbers mirror one another from ERA to WHIP to BB/SO numbers. There is little separation between any of their numbers, except Oddo does have a higher K rate. I have to lol a bit at the OP comment, sorry Seth, that Stoman is an "innings eater". He has averaged about 1 more out per over Odorizzi in their career. Just don't see how Oddo is limited as an IP per start pitcher but Stoman is an innings eater. Somehow, someway, in a mystery payroll for 2021, the Twins need to add at least one more quality arm to the rotation. This could happen via trade. And the trade with the Marlins OP is very, very interesting. The idea that so many seem to be down on Odorizzi is surprising to me. And I will absolutely bow to the Twins management to make the final determination. But seems to me Oddo, Stoman, Gausman and Ray are all excellent choices to compete with Pineda for the 3/4 spot in the rotation for 2021. My hope is, of course, they will pick the RIGHT ONE, and sign them for more than 1yr. Despite unknown financial situations, it seems to me any of these 4 could be great additions and may well appreciate some sort of financial security. And it would seem all 4 could be had for $10M TOPS for a 1yr. I'd like to hope the RIGHT ONE might consider the security of a reasonable 2-3yr deal.

To be fair, May isn't gone yet, despite being a FA. There are those who believe some team will offer him 2-3yrs at $5-6M per and he will be gone. And it only takes one team to like him that much for it to happen. But we are already seeing quality ML players being let go despite very reasonable $ numbers. I have reasonable hope and expectation...IMHO...that May's best offer will come in around $4M per. As much as I like him and want him back, as much as I believe at 31yo he has anotherlevel in him with just a bit more consistency, he's not a BIG TIME, PROVEN fireman, much less a closer. I think is a very good chance be comes back to the Twins still. As to your comment about Clippard, I'm sorry but I think you are very wrong in your statement about him. He is a strange enigma as a RP. He seems to have built a career of bouncing around the league on short term and reasonable contracts, but has put up very consistent numbers most of his career. In fact, his career numbers are borderline sparkling. But he's never really been the high velocity 9th inning guy who grabs the headlines. All he does is perform. I ABSOLUTELY want him back for around $3M per.

I think "regression" is the operative word here. I'm not sure I expect Wisler to put up the same numbers over a full season. If he threw 50-60 innings in 2021, with 2020 numbers guy would be an All Star. But the former top prospect is still relatively young for a RP and seemed to find real life with the Twins. Only partially in jest, I have commented previously, that he might be a young Romo. A guy who brings something very different and something very effective. Regression of some sort would be expected, but he could still prove to be very useful as well as effective. I'm less certain about Thielbar. He absolutely re-invented himself. I'm still surprised Detroit didn't keep him. And again, I'd expect regression as his 2020 numbers were just outstanding. But I'm not sure he won't still be useful going forward. But I have less belief/faith in him than Wisler.

I regret I wasn't able to watch live, but I listened twice, lol. The jist of what I heard is what I believe; without Cruz or similar type of bat, there is no reason for a DH only player. Now, 15 teams only, and some of them with a DH on hand, and some teams that will absolutely not spent $ on a 41yo DH...no matter how tempting...Cruz's market is not large, especially post 2020 financial implications. The smart move is a 1yr deal for $12M with the Twins and an option for less in 2022 that triggers with incentives around 120-130 games or an AB scenario. Possibly with a nice buyout. And if he performs well enough to warrant the 2nd year, then you are happy and hopeful and talking about a 1yr deal. And there is no such thing as a bad 1yr deal, right? You just can't lose BOTH Cruz and Rosario in a single year and trust in rookies only, no matter talent and potential. So again, everything just screams for a workable contract for Cruz back for at least one more season. Brantley or Bradley make sense. They make almost too much sense. And contract wise, either replaces Rosario and Cruz financially. But even in a depressed market, do we spend high $ for 3yrs for another player after signing Donaldson? Are we handcuffing ourselves financially too much the next few years? With or without Cruz, the only guy mentioned that makes sense is Pillar. He SO way too much. He is not great as a hitter. But he could be a perfect option as a decent hitter with power and speed as a great glove 4th OF who can cover for Buxton as well. He fits with Kepler, Kirilloff and Larnach. He also fits with Rooker because of his CF ability and depending how the roster turns out. Remember, we don't know how big the roster will be, much less a loss of both Cruz AND Rosario and trusting on top young talent. He should come relatively cheap. He fits. He can play for a contending team. I LIKE Cave and Wade for different reasons. But there is room to improve on both. And Pillar brings something different from each to build the 2021 roster. I think he's a perfect fit as a 4th OF who plays a lot for $2-3M. I'd do that in a heartbeat.

I'm old enough and smart enough to know a few things and have a few connections in my life to have access to knowledge that few people do. The first is that Nicholas Tesla, and his associates, have knowledge for unlimited power potential that has been subterfuged by political power and and that an unknown and burried author by the name of Walter Olacandor has found a formula that equates to proven WS success in baseball. Media and MLB ownership has suppressed this research for decades since attempted publication in 1973. And Walter has spent the remaining years of his life working for TMZ and stringing together mad networks or string and and printed articles in his attic like a Hollywood writer working on the next Morgan Freeman thriller. I'm told he is dis-barred from the writers guild. But dark web research has informed me that his original thesis for a WS championship is based on a team that hits better and pitches better than the other team. So let us let fun and sarcasm lie and die there. The Twins have no curse the same way the Cubs and Bo-Sox had no curse. No matter how the WS turns out, it will remain an amazing diconomy how the wealthy battle the frugal. And our Twins remain somewhere in the middle of this battle of have and have not. I have no answers to payroll, or how to slay the beast. Of course, despite their payroll, the Dogers haven't had the answer since '88. But I DO BELIEVE in trying to build the best and deepest team you can. That is where you get your chance. 2020 didn't offer up the chance we hoped for. The FO has already stated they are looking to tweak some things. And no question $ play a part. But they do for everyone. But to blow things up and put on dark glasses is ridiculous. There is no secret formula. There is only building the best and most competitive team you can.

Where is Ober?

Part of me hates referencing John and Aaron in their podcast because it makes me feel like I can't think for myself, lol. And while I love and appreciate both guys, despite the title of their podcast, I'm still not sure which one is really the "geek", lol. But in the latest episode Aaron broke down age 39-42yo players who are elite, HOF type performers. And Cruz has been very good to elite for years now, not just the past 2 seasons with the Twins. In fact this almost 1/3 of a season may have actually been benifical to him physically, IMO. And I think he has at least one more really good season in him. His conditioning and preparation are exemplary, as is his knowledge. And I don't buy a couple 10 days to 2 weeks in an abbreviated season to end 2020 means he is done. But a 2yr commitment? Along with the weird, hard to calculate finances for 2021? I'm still thinking 1yr at $12M fits perfectly with all things considered. Again, I would consider a 2nd year for something similar, with a decent buyout, and incentives that guarantee it. Said incentives would be tied to PA or AB. Say something like 400-450 AB. If he was healthy enough to warrant that many AB, it would mean he was healthy and productive enough to actually EARN that 2nd year. Which means he is then on a 1yr deal. And remember there is no such thing as a bad 1yr deal. I'm sure I'm repeating myself at some point here. But Cruz means a lot to the clubhouse as well as the lineup. And losing both him AND Rosario could be damaging. Especially with questions about Donaldson. And that is NOT a shot at Donaldson! I liked the signing. I still do. But worked out in the right way, Cruz is around for at least one more year and Donaldson transitions to more of a DH/1B/some 3B option. Payroll and the FO and all these variables are complete unknowns at this point. And there are holes to fill. And numbers and years for EVERYONE, not just Cruz, are weird and wild speculation at this point. And again, I don't begrudge him looking for 2yrs. But everything points to a 1yr, or MAYBE, some sort of 1yr plus. I think Nellie is going to have to accept that. And it works best for both the Twins and Cruz for something like that. But anything more, I think the Twins may have to regrettably walk away.

By no means an absolute, but something to consider. In anything approaching "normal" and in contention...even hopeful contention...the Twins payroll would probably rise 5-10% putting them at or close to $150M which has Belen about the ML mean the past couple of seasons. I say this not only due to some posters stating here there is obvious opportunity to NOT drop payroll and instead add a couple pieces to the roster as replacement options, much less keeping certain players, but because John and Aaron brought it up on their recent podcast. So in theory, NOT cutting spending actually accounts for a 10% cut already. It's a nice thought. It's a thought I wish the FO would embrace, cut their losses for 2020, keep the most important players they can, re-tool a few spots, and let it ride with the same payroll as this past season. And maybe they will surprise and it will happen. But I still expect everyone to cut, at least a little, and I'm still thinking the $125M mark is about right.

Not 100% convinced Hernandez, Profar, etc get $7M based on dropping payroll, losses, drops in the market even before covid, and a possible saturation of DFA. I'd rather spend a little more and keep May over Romo. (And I respect Romo and the job he's done). Just my humble opinion, I don't see May getting more than $5M/$6M tops. Why pay Romo $5M? Smyly or similar for the 5th rotation spot is intriguing. I've been thinking more along the lines of someone cheaper, more a flier to compete with Dobnak and other internal offers. You're right about some tough choices. The map you've put together here is smart. I'm just not so sure a couple of your figures aren't a little high.

Now I like these trade ideas more than others presented thus far. Youth and upside for the long haul. However, it could make them more expensive prospect-wise in a trade. And that's where you have to look at your own internal talent and speculate when and how good, how much prospect capital will it take to acquire a veteran trade target or young trade target while balancing the payroll and just spending $ on someone for the time being. In short, keep Odorizzi or sign Stroman and hold on to your young talent to start filling in various spots over the next season or two and have future trade options. But if we're going to trade young talent I'd like to acquire young talent back.

arby58 did the numbers so I don't have to, lol. Thanks! He absolutely has to be added back to the 40 man. He is 24yo and has ddcent stuff witb good results initially. There are/were 2 different scenarios taking place for his previous removal: 1] He's hurt worse than we know at this point and surgery remains a possibility. 2] In the midst of a short and poor 2020 the FO gambled he would slide through to create a roster opening. It was a gamble that worked.

Little confused here. Cruz wants 2yrs...who wouldn't?...but MLB just stated the NL will return to normal status for 2021 as of now. Soooo...unless there is a sudden decision made the other way, Cruz now only has half a league to play in or play financially. And I'm betting half those teams already have a DH in place or a plan. I don't blame Cruz for looking at financial opportunity. I never blame anyone for that. But reality sets in at some point. He loves being a Twin. He made good $ the past 2yrs. He's embraced here by the fans, his teammates and the entire organization. His opportunities are going to be limited. He doesnt have much time left. And I don't believe the market is going to grant him another big $14-15M payday per. I would expect $12-13 and the Twins being the best option for both parties. Yes, I think a 2nd yr and buyout might be in line. But also at a reduced salary. Unfortunately for everyone, there are strange and unknown financial repercussions taking place. Cruz staying HOME with the Twins makes the most sense for everyone.

NO disrespect to Cruz here! Love him and want him back! In fact, I see NO WAY the Twins have much of an offense in 2021 with BOTH Cruz AND Rosario gone. But the problem with all of this is speculation financially. The good news for the Twins is an competition for Cruz's services have been cut in half. Furthermore, I'd be willing to bet at least half the teams in the AL either have their DH in place, or a plan/rotation they are happy with, or are re-building and have no interest in a 40yr old DH. Cruz is absolutely worth $13-15M for a 1yr. I think an arguement could be made he's worth a 2nd year option for something like $10-12 with a decent buyout. But that's based on a normal season, which we don't know if we are going to have, much less coming off a financial loss season. So all the numbers I keep seeing appear to be based on a normal platform. NOT saying this will happen, but I could absolutely see the Twins signing Cruz to something like 1yr at $10-12M with a similar 2nd year option and a $3M buyout. Tell me I'm wrong, or who the competition is for more? in the reality we swim in today, this makes way too much sense for everyone involved.

First, another great podcast! Sorry I wasn't able to join in for this one. There are a couple key points that just make this exercise maddening! 1} of course is final payroll number. 2} what affect will 2020 and financial losses for the season combined with the unknown for 2021 mean to the FA market? And, obviously and of course, all of this is connected. It wasn't stated in the podcast, but I HAVE to believe the numbers discussed and posted here are based on normal parameters and a normal season. If not, then I have real questions about some of the salary numbers listed here. Has anyone tried to build a lineup without BOTH Cruz and Rosario and not felt their knees get weak? I understand we haven't had a podcast concerning OF/DH yet, but it's not hard to project. Sorry, but unless there is a really nice bat to be brought in cheaper than Cruz, how does the lineup possibly compensate for both? And again sorry, but with the NL now not having the DH for 2021, plus a depressed market, I don't see Cruz getting $14M. I just don't unless the Twins scoff at a payroll reduction and just keep status quo. (understanding possible pro-ration). Catcher: Avilla is probably a milb invite with a split contract. He might make the most sense. Vogt was the guy I wanted last offseason. $2M sounds right, OK and affordable to me. I'm OK with Castro as a second option for the same $2M. Otherwise, Avila with a split deal, coffee invite, and maybe an opt out clause. i DO very much like a veteran 3rd option for depth and experience. Makes so much sense we shouldn't even have to debate it/ Infield: Easy part is bringing back Adrianza as the #2 guy. We need someone who can bring a good glove anywhere he plays, especially SS. I see no better option than bringing him back at $1M+. How is he suddenly old at 31 when his glove was just as good last year as ever? Offensively, 2 decent, solid years followed by an awful year. 2020 is a curse. I'm betting a return offensively to something a little more decent in 2021. And he provides a fill-in for Gordon and maybe Lewis. The BIG discussion here is the PRIMARY utility guy. You know, the Marwin replacement who plays multiple positions and brings a solid bat as a 10th starter type. All the options presented make sense for different reasons. But I still question the $ values assigned. There is NO WAY I'm paying any of the guys listed $7+M per! Marwin was signed for better yearly average before the world went nuts. So again, can we assume the numbers being proposed are based on "normality"? If so, hell yeah! Sign the best option you like for $7-8M per! If the Twins bite their thumb at reductions and decide to stay status quo, PLEASE offer Hernandez or Profar or La Stella the kind of $ presented because they offer offense and versatility. But if we are talking reduction and payroll crunching, and despite an expected FA crunch we still can't afford those guys, I'm kind of excited about Cabrera as a veteran bat/player who can fill that 10th man roll on a 1yr deal for $2.5-3M. Like Adrianza, we are buying veteran experience and decent production on the cheap while allowing guys like Gordon, Blankenhorn and Lewis to get little more time

Makes you realize how important the taxi squad in St Paul was for the prospects there, and just how much of a setback no milb season has been for everyone else. To think Enlow would have seen AA last season, and that's understating it, and would be ready as a 22yr old for Rochester at some point in 2021, but is now looking to begin the season at AA AT BEST is regrettable. It's almost like everyone was injured for a season. Not only is there a chance the missing year could jeopardize someone's development, but I wonder if there could end up being a full year gap for the Twins and all teams in regard to system help.

The rub remains the same. The Twins need a quality 3/4 SP to team with Pineda. While the FO may find another Odorizzi steal or quality Maeda deal to add to the rotation, is it the best move? We gave up a great young BP arm for Maeda but it appears to have been a great move, especially considering cost control. But quality SP with cost control usually comes with a price. Got a little lucky with Maeda. Most of the time, you are giving up a couple top 20 prospects to do so. Are the Twins willing to do that right now with a wide open window and an influx of talent on the way to keep that window open? Especially with weird and unknown financial implications? Would you be willing to trade Larnach/Rooker and Enlow/Sands/Colina as a package for a quality 3/4 SP with control and hopeful upside? Or maybe payroll decisions would allow a FA and keep all the other options in place for promotion. Didn't we already see the FO is ready and willing to promote from within? Stroman makes TONS of sense for the Twins as a viable and possibly affordable option. And he's been tied to the Twins more than once over the past couple of seasons. But is he the right choice? Odorzzi...and I'm sorry I sound like a broken record...is only 1yr older. His QO in 2020 is something Stoman didn't fit. But it allowed Jake to almost double his 2019 salary. (I'm ignoring pro-rats for both guys). But as quality as Oddo is, despite his 2019 season, he was never going to get $25M+ that Wheeler got. I doubt, IMO, he would have received $20M. He got, at least close, to what he might have received if he chose the FA route. Right now, the playing field for these two is about equal. Look up their career numbers, 1yr different in age. If you believe in WAR, Stoman has the advantage, 14.7 to 12.4. Without going deep in to analytical numbers, Stroman has a slightly better career ERA, but lags slightly behind in WHIP AND BB/SO ratio with Odorizzi a bit over a SO per over Stoman. Stoman has averaged about 1/3 more IP per appearance, which is pretty negligible. So Stoman is an innings eater? Nope. Each of these guys are quality and each of them has warranted an All Star appearance, FWIW. Their career numbers are virtual mirrors of one another, with Odorizzi having a better WHIP and SO numbers. Oddo is also a known quantity within the system. I like Stoman. I'd be happy to have him. Injury to a torn calf vs a stiff back...even if it happened before 3yrs ago...I think I'd take the stiff back. And I absolutely believe these two are on equal footing when it comes to the crazy FA we will see. I'd take the known quantity of Odorizzi at this point.

I don't know. I wouldn't be opposed to Gray if the deal worked out OK from the Twins side. In other words, fair but no overpay. He's young enough that a new team, a new pitching coach, and being away from Coors Field could provide some upside. I think I'm still partial to the Musgrove trade idea with Pittsburgh. A year younger and just a feel the upside might be better. Just a bunch. NOT opposed to a trade option and the FO seems to have an eye for arm talent. But right now, I'm still sold on a healthy Odorizzi back.

I agree it's a little hard to get overly excited about Rooker's 19AB. But I think he "looked ready" which is subjective as an arguement, of course, but an arguement that shouldn't be dismissed, IMO. Previously, he had struggled some when reaching a new level before adjusting. I was pleasantly surprised that he didn't seem to struggle in his SSS. It seems like he's been around for a while now simply because he's a little older...not ancient...and we've been talking about him for a while now. But he's only had 3 milb seasons plus the 2020 taxi squad. He has consistently produced after the previously mentioned adjustments. So maybe we shouldn't be surprised he looked the part in his short time with the Twins. That Sano is a streaky hitter is no surprise. He may always be to some degree. I had hoped be would build on 2019 to even out the peaks and valleys...certainly the depth and length of the valleys...in 2020, but no. I'm still hopeful that experience and a normal season will show continued development and a more even plane of performance. I am predicting no goodness or greatness for Rooker in 2021 or beyond, but I wonder if it's accurate to refer to him as a streaky player, despite the aforementioned "level up" adjustments he's had to make in the past. While it's true he is a power hitter prone to SO...313 times in 965 milb AB...he also hit .267 with a .357 OB to go along with his. 505 SLG and .861 OPS. Surprisingly, his quad slash line in the minors is ahead of Sano. Now, week to week and month to month, I don't know if Rooker has or has not been prone to any large degree of peaks and valleys. And how good he could be is a complete unknown. And I'm not ready to bank on him for 2021 either as a replacement for Sano or anyone else. But watching his short ML stint and looking at his milb numbers again, I'm feeling encouraged.

The Twins had Telis at Rochester in 2019. He produced. They brought him in for the taxi squad. They carried him on the road for emergency. He has MLB experience. But they chose Jeffers when injury hit. That should be all that needs to be said. SSS or not, he looked good and the Twins like him a TON. I'd still like a AAAA catcher available. Not sure who that might be. Again, maybe Avilla with an invite and holding on. Maybe someone else. Despite some some bad games here and there, some poor performances at the plate mixed with some good ones, I'm OK with Astudillo as one of the options, though I'm not sure he's on the 40 man going forward. Healthy, head in the game, he HAS played at least OK defense and hit. But I would like that extra option for depth and experience available since Rortvedt is going to be at least a year away.

To the actual headline of the OP, NO, I don't shop him. Like anyone else on the roster, you listen if someone calls. They might make you a deal you can't pass up. But I don't shop him. At some point, we all have to get over the fact he wasn't an All Star 3B who looked like a possible HOF player at age 24-25. He won't be 28yo until after 2021 starts. My concern is what he bas been thus far, and what he could be the next 3-8yrs. 1] Despite some regrettable injury situations, he has been mostly 100% physically healthy since getting over the weird/fluke heel injury in early 2019. (Covid early 2020 doesn't count). By all accounts he has grown and re-dedicated himself to better conditioning and preparation. 2] Even with missed time, he has a career OPS of .829 thus far with an OPS+ OF 120. Ummm...thats pretty good folks. If you don't want to allow for 2020 being a weird season for him, or other Twins, or a number of quality and even high profile players from other teams, then I have no arguement for an outlier season than to tell you a bunch of All Star caliber players must just be bums all of a sudden. He's stubborn and won't adapt? He was heaped with praise in 2019 for his new found conditioning and hard off season work, as well as working with and being attentive to Cruz. His OPS in 2019 was .923 and his OPS+ was 139! He was a major recruiter for Donaldson joining the team and even sent him a video imploring him to sign. Defensively, he was OK at 1B with some issues. What were those issues? They were two-fold. He was out of place at times after a lifetime playing the left side of the diamond and trying to get to balls he shouldn't have. And he about demolished a couple teammates chasing foul balls he should have let someone else gather in. Those are part of adapting and learning. He caught about everything thrown his way and was good to great in his scoops. He will only get better the more he plays there. Roster-wise, no doubt he could move to DH in a couple years to acomidate Kirilloff or Donaldson. Maybe 1yr depending on how the roster shakes out eventually. And that's not to say he can't stick at 1B for a few years plus, or fill in there for lineup variation and flexibility. Trade him, shop him, absolutely NO. There is so much good ahead for him. But listen to offers that are really good? Of course!

I'm glad the Twins aren't being shy about looking oversees after a couple of blunt toe moves in the past, but I'm a little confused here. I've done a couple online searches and I haven't found anything about any pending availability, recent scouting reports, or projected dollar numbers. I'd like to think a winning ballclub and this FO and the presence of Maeda would put the Twins near the top of potential suitors, but I feel very much out of any loop as to his value financially or as an asset at this time.

Some good points! May I address them? 1] I think the play calling is part of the problem as well. Cousins running for his life sure doesn't help. 2] I also have issues with over drafting certain spots, which would primarily be CB it seems. You have 7 rounds for a reason. Not to mention FA and rookie FA to build your roster. And I have also been frustrated with some of the extensions the last couple of years. At some point, you absolutely have to balance your entire roster, trust in your scouts/coaches/GM, and unfortunately let someone go for the good of the team and the entire roster. I don't know the inner workings of the Vikings when it comes to draft selections and the such. I'm not sure any of us knows. But it has always been my impression that the bead coach, Zimmer in this case, makes the final call. The GM, Spielman along with his staff, put together the board, accumulate picks, etc, and give the head coach what he wants/needs. I'm not saying I dislike Zimmer, say he's doing a bad job, or should be fired. BUT, if we're going to lay blame at someone's feet, IMO, it has to be Zimmer. Generally speaking, I think Spielman has done a fine job. I applaud collecting draft picks for the ability to move up when you target someone in a round, as well as having multiple selections to have more bullets in your roster building "gun". The more talented bodies you have at your disposal the better, right? While the Vikes have certainly missed on a few guys...but everyone does...and I have been perplexed by a few mid round choices, they have far more hits than misses. The Vikings under Spielman, have done very well in late round selections and rookie FA. Last time I looked/read, they were amongst the top teams in the league for roster construction being drafted or signed initially by the primary team. Now maybe Spielman has been the trigger guy all along. And maybe Zimmer has wanted to do things differently and Rick has just told him "no, you got this one, the rest is up to me". But it just doesn't feel that way to me.

There's an arguement to be made for Avilla, or someone similar, for all the reasons previously stated, including just depth. This may be more true if the roster remains expanded next year. But you can't have Avilla back for anything close to what he made last season.

First, just want to state how much I love and appreciate these video casts. They are a lot of fun and offer some very good insight/debate. I was happy to participate Thursday night in this live offering. While we have no way to determine 2021 payroll at this time, of course, I hold out optimistic and probably mis-guided hope the FO will find "acceptable financial losses" are in order, combined with window of opportunity, to keep the payroll at status quo. Of course, final numbers may still end up pro-rated without fans and a shorter season, etc. Short-sighted optimist? Probably. Can't let TWO bats like Cruz AND Rosario BOTH go. You are just relying too much on prospects. Is there a decent, less expensive option in FA to replace Cruz? Maybe. But he bas to remain a priority if the numbers align. Gone for sure: Hill, Romo and Gonzalez. Assuming Hill wants to keep playing, he's a 1/2 season SP who's velocity and SO continue to decline. Gonzalez is just not the player he was. There are at least a couple options out there that interest me who could take his spot for less. I think it's just time to mkve on from Romo, and not because of a couple bad games at the end of the year. See below. Probably gone: May, Adrianza and Avilla. Unless May gets a big offer, I'd much rather use Rome's $ for him. Were May a FA from a different team, many perspectives on him woukd be different. We remember that bad appearances and too easily forget velocity, SO's, etc. Adrianza back for the same $ or a little less should be considered. The glove is still there. He could be an excellent 2nd utility player beyond a Marwin replacement. Two solid years with the bat and a horrible 2020. Who is the real Adrianza? I could see a 1yr deal. I think Avilla is gone unless he's willing to take a much smaller 1yr deal to provide depth and experience. I'm honestly thinking he will be looking at a split contract with a MLB invite. Back if you can swing it: Odorizzi. Unless the Twins can pull off another similar Oddo or Maeda trade, who is another quality SP option better than Oddo himself? Is it a 1yr make good or a multi-year offer I'm not sure. The guy might not match Maeda or Berrios, of course, but combined with Pineda, we have a quality 1-4. Again, barring a smart and nice trade, who is a better option? Fitting all of this in a $125M payroll will be hard. But makes the most sense to me if possible.