mumoo13

Interesting concept to create a list for, thanks for starting this discussion! Agreed that Sano's recent track record has been bad, but his upside makes him much more valuable than any of the others. My definition of the value of an asset would be who you would keep if you had to choose, and the choice would definitely be Sano (assuming the Twins don't suddenly get a conscience about off the field issues). And I can't think of any different definition of value of an asset that would result in a different choice.

While it's important to sort out existing assets and develop the core, there is a balance between that and being competitive in 2019, and it would be disappointing to end up with a payroll of ~$100M or less. Given that Austin's upside and flexibility are limited, and the potential commitment to Cruz would be 1 or 2 years, this seems like a situation where it would make sense to get the free-agent even if it means giving up on potential value in Austin. And we don't get Cruz, and Austin/Cave platoon at DH is a nice fall back plan.

With Rosario-Buxton-Kepler playing almost everyday, shouldn't that make it easier to have Grossman as the 4th outfielder? He can DH against lefties with Mauer or Morrison sitting, and just be on the bench against righties. He can play in the outfield once in a while, but if an outfielder goes on the DL we can call up Granite.

We should make sure to give Garver enough playing time, which won't happen in the majors. So I would choose between Murphy and Gimenez.

I like the possible lineups a lot. Only significant change I would make is against LHP, we shouldn't bench Rosario too often because his splits are pretty even, and the defensive downgrade to Grossman is probably bigger than the defensive upgrade from Sano to Escobar. I think a more common lineup should be: Versus LHP: Byron Buxton CF, Robbie Grossman DH, Brian Dozier 2B, Miguel Sano 3B, Kennys Vargas 1B, Max Kepler RF, Mitch Garver C, Eddie Rosario LF, Jorge Polanco SS

Are there any indications on how Trevor May will be used yet?

Does keeping 4 middle infielders in the majors mean that we'll only have 4 outfielders? Does that mean no more Danny Santana?

If we go with Adrianza at SS, how do we get Polanco at bats? Play him at 3B, Sano at DH, and Vargas on the bench?

The problem is we have too many players who can only play 1B, which will continue to be a problem this year regardless of win-loss record.

Good article focusing on the future of the pitching staff, which should be more important than the present. Adding De Leon to this group will definitely help, but I don't think the Twins should use the #1 pick on a pitcher unless he is actually the best player in the draft, which probably will not be the case.

He shouldn't be playing often, and he definitely shouldn't be hitting at the top of the order, but as far as backup outfielders go, he is pretty cheap.

Trading Suzuki would allow us to bring up Murphy for the rest of the year and make a more informed decision on what do to next year. And that decision could be to re-sign Suzuki even if we trade him.

Why isn't Grossman considered a candidate for a full-time role? Is his defense that bad?

I think a couple of mid-level prospects should be enough if we don't have to pay a lot of the salary. Although he has been our best starter, he won't be part of the next playoff team and trading him will open up a spot for someone who might. But we should be patient until the deadline to try to get as much as we can.

Last year he also had a pretty good April before falling off. Does something change for him in May, or has he just been lucky the last two Aprils?