GP830

I wonder if on his first day at the job, his new co-workers will say "Hello, new man."

Good for Pelf. I'm sure he's a good guy.

I've cooled on Kepler a bit-- I think a veteran OF could help solidify the position, and he could be enticing tradebait.

I still don't understand why Darvish would leak the idea of their being a Mystery Team. Weird right? I guess I also don't understand why he's going public with any of this?

Any news on who the special guests will be yet?

I have a hunch that the mystery team is the Angels. They've gone all in to upgrade every aspect of their team this year, and he would pair nicely with Ohtani. Just a hunch...

I think 5/125 is the sweet spot, and agree that that's the likely number.

Saw that. This could be the lynch pin that begins the rest of the off season.

I know. I’m just hangry for a signing! And our dear Thrylos isn’t exactly a previously unknown user here. I’m hopeful.

Thrylos’s tweet has sent my night into a tailspin.

Interestingly, I saw that Trevor Plouffe tweeted that he believes her and has her back. Not that we shouldn't believe her regardless, but this makes me wonder if Sano has a history of this type of behavior that other players have been aware of in the past.

I’m super intrigued. I have loved Donaldson for years, but I’m cautious that he’s aging quickly. I love the outside the box thinking on this.

I think we say no. Sano and Gonsalves both still have ceiling, while Longoria is probably past prime and Archer has probably peaked as well

Orioles are seeking two controllable young pitchers for one year of Machado. Would Gonsalves/Romero + Jorge get the job done?

Interestingly enough-- Banuelos seems to be not too far down the depth chart-- which may make Garver expendable for the next year or so-- while Gimenez keeps the spot warm for Banuelos. Twins are said to be looking at Back Up Catcher options, and Gimenez alledgedly wants to return. I wonder if they have him on Speed Dial and have told Darvish that they'll bring in Gimenez to help ease the transition if he signs. All speculation of course, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see Garver moved and Gimenez signed quickly after a Twins-Darvish signing.

That's extremely intriguing.

Does this mean Masa Abe is now out of a job?

I️ think that about sums it up- though I️ would maybe even modify your first point to say 3 pitchers instead of 3.

According to CBS Sports-- here are the questions-- -An evaluation of Ohtani's pitching and hitting ability -An explanation of the team's player development, medical training and player performance philosophies -Spring training, minor-league and major-league facilities -Details for Ohtani's cultural assimilation -How the team plans to integrate Ohtani into its organization -Why the city/franchise is a desirable place to play along with any other relevant "marketplace" characteristics It all seems very reasonable to me.

I read a thing recently that compared Santana to Koufax. Totally dominant lefty pitchers who had short careers. I think he deserves to be in-- not sure he'll actually be voted in though.

The tricky things with Otani is that they not only have to pitch to him but also take hacks at signing him.

Does anyone have any insight on when we'll start hearing about Otani? Are they in the phase right now where teams are making pitches to him?

Man, it sure feels like there's something in the air surrounding the Twins these days. So many little clues appear to be pointing towards some excitement. Let's hope it's not all for naught.

So now-- we still have the same intl pool money but no Marte?

There just seems to be an awful lot of smoke around these rumors- hoping there's fire. It's all just lining up so nicely! So much money coming off the books. I suspect they're planning on letting Joe and Doz walk, and hoping that Gordon and Rooker can step up at that time. This frees up a ton of money for these big deals we keep hearing about. Nothing would jack up this fanbase more than some shut down pitcher to rally behind.