GP830

It's fun to think about that lineup.

Yes. This all seems pretty legit-- and I agree with it pretty much whole-heartedly. HOWEVER- if there's a shot we can sign Otani-- by all means, do it.

I was wondering if the fact that it was the Ham Fighters was a coincidence or not, as speculated above. There's obviously now a pre-existing relationship that could prove beneficial.

Lol. But seriously, if the Twins are in fact in the top 3-- the Rangers don't appear to be nearly as appealing as the Twins or the Yankees. If the Yankees are involved (which of course they are), then they stand to be the favorite-- but the Twins could represent a nice fallback option for Otani due to the fresh competitive window, and uncertainly in the rotation and at DH. He could get legit at-bats and pitch every 5th day here.

Right, but when people are referring to a given player as a 5th starter-- they aren't referring him as if they're referring to the 5th Beatle. They're referring to the starter who is the 5th best on your team and 5th least reliable.

He get's it! Aiming for a 5th starter is so weak. Sign the best guy you can and hope he makes your 4th starter into your new 5th starter.

I would not want to mortgage a pick for a middle of the order guy who won't be better then what we have.

Interesting! Not only does it say they're one of 6, it says they're one of the top 3. Of the top 3, I could see Texas being not as sexy for Otani because they are seemingly on the downturn of their competitive window, but I could see the Yankees being very alluring due to the history, young core, and affiliation with Tanaka. The Twins of course may be right in the middle. If pool money can be acquired via trade-- wouldn't some other team be inclined to just pay pool money for prospects? Another thought-- it might appeal to him that with Sano's question marks and Mauer's uncertain future-- there may be a real opportunity for him to hit on off days.

My impression is that most good teams don't spend this kind of money on starting pitchers. They build from within and they spend bigger money when it's necessary. Spending on middle of the road guy does nothing but add to the middle-of-the-roadness of an already middle-of-the-road team. I'd rather hedge my bets on Gonsalves, Romero, or Jorge, being able to help shore up the back-end of the rotation if need be, and spend 4/48 on top end BP help.

I'd rather give a couple million to Lackey on a short term deal than pay 4/48 to a middle-to-back-end of the rotation starter that will likely seem overpaid in 2-3 years, ie Cobb. Werth is a pass for me. Wouldn't be werth it.

Savage.

This is terrible, terrible news. A first ballot HOF, I would think. Just so sad.

Very sad.

I like everything Brandon said. I think these are all realistic moves as well- nothing too pie in the sky.

Wow! Never heard of him!

That's good insight. Thanks for that.

I wonder if a package of Gordon and Gonsalves gets us close on Lamet and Hand...

I'm on board for Anything Regarding Reasonably Improved Elite Talent, Also.

I saw that Ryan Braun may be available...

I see what you're trying to do, but I hope they go bigger.

Perhaps I'm too high in Rosario, but I see him as a legitimate piece of the pie. Kepler, on the other hand doesn't seem to have fully figured it out. If we could get a taker on Kepler-- I'd be interested in including him as a big piece.

That's as good a reason as any not to sign someone.

Either CarGo would be interesting to me. Gomez has some allure, but I wonder if his bat justifies his place on the team. Gonzalez has been brillient in the past, but also inconsistent and has played most of his games at Coors. So I dunno.

I'd be 100% in on this plan, especially if it involved Kepler over Rosario. Rosario continues to develop but Kepler continues to try and get over the hump.