mike8791

I don't know if Hayes/Gleeman and you are collaborating, but their latest analysis on the 26 man roster also includes The Turtle as the 26th man. Now that the all-important middle infield is well set, addition of Tortuga primarily for PH, 3rd string catcher, and fill-in at 1B/DH seems like a no-brainer. Once Kirillof is added, this should be a very formidable lineup, IF Buxton/Donaldson can be counted on for full seasons. No need now to add to the offense, assuming no trades for pitching.

I like the Colome and Robles signings. They definitely strengthen late-inning relief help. But I'm not sure this bullpen is playoff-caliber. The biggest worry I have is Rogers who simply looked awful last year. I would hate to entrust him with closing duties early, at least until he has proven he has regained his 2019 form. Duffy and Colome appear solid and Robles has potential to fit in critical game situations, too. Stashak and Alcala could be solid, but I would hate to rely on Thielbar and Hamilton to round out the bullpen. I never want to see Lewis or Smeltzer in any Twins game, ever. Dobnak might prove a useful middle reliever, innings-eater. I am still hoping for a more proven veteran FA(Odo would be great, but unlikely; hope Twins can swing trade for a starter who would push Dobnak to bullpen/6th starter. Assuming the only goal in 2021 is to win in the playoffs, I don't think this bullpen, on paper anyway, looks anywhere near championship caliber. With Baldy's propensity to pull his starters after 5 innings, the need for a shutdown bullpen becomes vital to the team's success. We're not there - yet.

I've brought up this possibility of trading for one of the displaced young Dodger hurlers on David Young's latest Notebook article. I would totally be against any inquiry of Price for the simple reason there are available FA veteran starters who would be much cheaper, but probably at similar performance levels as the fading Price. But the Dodgers are now awash in young, promising pitchers(only one or two of whom will make the starting five): Dustin May(23) Julio Urias(24) Tony Gonsolin(27) As many have pointed out, May would be the hardest to pry away, Urias and Gonsolin seem to have almost equal ceilings, based on limited major league performance. For the Twins, I'd be more interested in Urias because he's a lefty, he'll be 24 in 2021, and so far has performed well in an admittedly SSS. He is exactly the sort of young pitcher the Twins should be targeting this offseason, especially with the ages of Pineda and Happ, and the looming free agency of Berrios. Yes, the Dodgers are notoriously hard to deal with and yet, the Twins pulled off a trade for Maeda last year - conceivably one of the biggest pickups in Twins' recent history. Maeda was considered excess once Price was acquired; hence, he was made available for a high, but unproven prospect in Graterol. Now, the situation could be identical with the Bauer signing. Its an intriguing possibility, one that any agressive FO should be very seriously exploring. The big question is: what would it take to get him? Looking at the Dodger lineup, there are hardly any glaring weaknesses, but one might look at 3B, where Turner is a FA, for starters. Not sure what they'd want from the Twins but now we have an "extra" IF in either Polanco or Arraez, either of whom could play 3B. Would the Dodgers be interested in a big thumper like Sano whose position the Twins can replace fairly easily. Or, might it take a package headlined by Lewis or Larnach, Balazovic or Duran or Enlow? The chances for this risk-averse FO to swing such a deal are pretty low. Coupled with the Dodger's desire to shed Price's salary and the odds drop even further. But despite such odds, wouldn't it be nice to see the Twins FO swing for the fences for once?

Some mild speculation that Bauer addition might trigger LA to unload some of their excess pitching. Right now their rotation consists of Bauer, Kershaw, Buehler, Price, May, Urias, and Gonsolin. Wow!! Bauer, Kershaw, and Buehler would be unavailable. Price would most definitely be available but who wants the salary. Doubtful they'd give up May, but Urias or Gonsolin should be available. Looking over their current roster, with Justin Turner unsigned, the Dodgers lack a good offensive 3B. The Maeda/Graterol trade worked out well for both clubs. What about Sano for one of their excess starters? At least its worth an email.

Some great names to drool over, but they are just a pipe dream with this FO. As mentioned by Prouster, Twins had excellent chance for picking up Gallen cheaply, but passed. This offseason, they could have actively pursued Castillo/Gray but obviously deemed the price in prospects too high. It's just guesswork, but trading Lewis or Larnach + one of out top 2 or 3 pitching prospects + a top 20 prospect could have likely gotten at least Gray. The Reds are desperate for a SS; after signing Simmons, why wasn't Polanco offered up as key to a trade package with Reds? Isn't the addition of a potential #1 or #2 starter more impactful in breaking the dreadful playoff streak than a utility IF? Since Cincy wanted to dump salary as part of any deal, we could also have probably picked up Castellanos in any trade for Gray/Castillo. Falvine's risk-taking chops in 4 years have been close to zero. The only exception would be the Maeda trade where they gave up a top prospect for him. Kudos of course, but if you can pick up a potential top starter for a prospect already designated as bullpen material, it's practically a no-brainer, even for this FO. They are much more adept at salary dumps - an activity this organization has excelled in for years. There are some organizations that can recognize when their team has a shot at WS contention and go all in. Living in Chicago, I can point to the Cubs who invested heavily in guys like Lester to push them over the top. More recently, we have the Sox whose 85-year old owner is determined to see another championship banner before he's gone. This is why the Sox saw a chance to upgrade their bullpen by jettisoning an adequate closer in Colome for a best-in-the-game Hendricks. Not saying that'll give the southsiders a WS but they are going all in this year and have elevated their odds to accomplish that goal. Has anyone ever heard of JP expressing such ambition? Ownership seemingly goes along with their baseball leadership, but is it any surprise the guys they hired(Ryan, Falvey) are as risk averse as ownership? If you're content to have a competitive team year after year, than you probably like such caution. But if you yearn for a championship, incrementalism will never get you there. Compare MacPhails' moves in "87 and '91 to current management. Sure, there was some luck involved, especially in '87, but Andy's additions in the offseason arguably made the difference for both teams. Can anyone say this about Falvey?

I enjoyed the article and agree that we Twin fans can feel more optimistic now than in December, especially with the Simmons and Cruz signings, but I can't see this FO getting an A Rating. Time will tell, of course, but the sole object of this offseason(and the actual 2021 season) was to move the needle enough to improve our chances not only to make the playoffs, but to succeed in these same playoffs, at least to the point of becoming serious WS contenders. Simmons was the only move that really moved the needle somewhat. The other additions filled some holes: Cruz/ Cruz; Happ/Odorrizi & Hill; Colome and Robles/May, Romo, Wisler, Clippard. Net result: while we haven't fallen back, this team's odds of breaking their long playoff futility run is still pretty much dependent on the ability of Donaldson and Buxton to enjoy productive full seasons and Maeda to repeat his great 2020 year. If any one of these keys fail, we just don't have the depth to compensate. Many readers applaud Falvine's smart, under-the-radar moves. As you say, this is a risk-averse FO, that is more interested in finding value than "big" moves. So true! Others of us who well remember the glory days of 1987/1991 would like to see a repeat. I realize that this org. will never match the Dodgers, Yanks, Bosox, Cubs in spending, but there are other ways to move the needle, as the Pods have shown. Yes, Falvine should be applauded for 3 out of 4 years getting the Twins into the playoffs and certainly setting us up for a strong 2021, but can such a risk averse FO bring us a WS? The answer to that question will ultimately determine their grade. As of now, give them an above average B Grade and hope they drop their aversion to risk and move the needle a bit further than has been done.

Nick, kudos on a very informative article! Thank you. I'm surprised the Twins are pencilling in Arraez as their chief utility guy. He is the exact type of contact/high OBP hitter the team needs to counter many of the all-or-nothing types who abound. My fear is that this young, talented player might be unsettled to move around so much, resulting in a falloff in production. I don't think his defensive weakness at 2B is nearly severe enough to move him from that position, which isn't nearly as critical as SS or 3B. Nor do I think this Simmons addition will or should effect the team's need for a proven run producer like Cruz(or alternative) as DH in a lineup already weakened by Rosario's departure. I was hopeful after Rosenthal's column that Arraez could be a huge trade bait to land a #1/2 starter, like Snell or Darvish, but that ship has sailed. Now, maybe the only pitcher worth including in any Arraez trade would be Luis Castillo. Unfortunately, the Reds are in dire need of a SS so Polanco(or even Lewis) might be a better key to getting that trade done. If Castillo is untouchable, like many believe, why not try for Sonny Gray for Polanco? Bottom line, I'd like to keep Arraez, trade Polanco for someone like Gray, and sign one of the remaining utility players or Blankenship/Lewis. Much better team with Gray in the rotation, Cruz, Arraez and Kirillof in the lineup. The Twins have at least one good utility OF in Cave and certainly should be able to find a capable utility IF among what's still out there.

Speaking of Law's list, several surprises, at least to me: 1. Ranks Kirillof the 7th best prospect! Yes, he should start from Day 1!! 2. Lewis's ranking drops to #46. He cites tinkering with his stance as cause for concern. Makes you wonder whetherLewis more valuable in trade or key player on Twins in the future? This is quite a drop for a #1 overall pick. 3. Balazovic (# 63) and Duran(#83) both included in rankings. Doesn't expect them to make any impact at major league level in 2021. 4. Larnach unranked?? Was it mistake for Twins to turn down Larnach for Musgrove(reported in some writer tweets)? Law does admit to great difficult in compiling his 2021 list without benefit of a 2020 minor league season. However, just looking at Laws' rankings, are Twins' prospects overrated by fans and FO or is Law just underrating our farm system? Btw, he will be ranking organizations in February.

About an hour before Andrelton Simmons signed with the #MNTwins, one source suggested they’d pivot to Simmons after missing out on Marcus Semien. Same person believes club has two more moves ahead before the offseason is out. As happy as Twin fans are over the Simmons' signing(probably the Twins best FA signing besides Donaldson), the above quote from Passan's tweet announcing the Simmons signing gives even more reason for optimism for the Twins looking at two more transactions. So lets start the speculation on what these two moves might be/should be. I've broken down the possibilities as follows: 1. Most likely: 1.)resign Cruz; 2.) sign a low cost reliever, e.g., Soria, O'Day, Clippard, who would strengthen the pen but not be "closer" material. 2. Hope not: 1.) sign a low cost, veteran starter like Rich Hill, who would compete for the #5 spot; and 2.) low cost reliever(see above). DH to be filled by rotation of players like Polanco/Arraez, Garver, Rooker. 3. Hope so: 1.) Trade Polanco and a couple of prospects(not top 3) to Reds for Castellanos and Sonny Gray; and 2.) sign Trevor Rosenthal The most likely scenario doesn't move the needle much from what we had in 2020 but is probably sufficient to get the Twins into the playoffs. "Hope not" would be a step backwards, particularly for the offense which will have lost both Cruz and Rosario. Is there enough offensive potential left to carry the team into the playoffs? "Hope so" is obviously the biggest needle mover in terms of increasing our odds of advancing in the playoffs. We have replaced Cruz with a lesser offensive force, but a good one nonetheless who also adds youth and flexibility for 1B/OF positions. In addition with Sonny Gray our rotation becomes a top 3 at least in the AL. And finally, the bullpen would be bolstered by a strong "closer-type" who would be strong insurance against a further decline by Rogers. I know most TD readers are juiced by having Polanco/Arraez in a rotating utility/DH role and that's not a bad idea. But the Reds are desperate for a SS and assuming they do not sign Didi, Polanco would be a terrific sweetener to obtain Gray(or better yet, Castillo). Isn't his value higher in a trade than as a utility player? We could fill the utility role from the likes of Gordon, Blankenhorn, or even Lewis - not ideal but not a game changer either. If the Twins FO goal this offseason is to advance in the playoffs, they're off to a good start with Happ and Simmons' signings. Why stop there? Go bold or settle for "being competiive".

Couple comments Top Gun. First, I might be a little late in embracing these new stat sites like baseball trade values, but I highly doubt that the Reds would be interested in anywhere near as little as that package, even only for Castellanos/Gray. I think it would take a Balozivic, Duran or Enlow(?) plus Polanco and another top 20 prospect to get them interested. Blankenhorn and Gordon are merely fillers, Urbina is a very high risk prospect and Dobnak would seem to have a ceiling as a #5 rotation piece. And while trading for Story is a needle-moving event, he would be a one year addition. No way the Twins offer him a multi-year extension(same argument I gave for passing on Ozuna). This would be an abrupt departure for this FO which so far has given signs they are going all out in 2021.

Nice summary, Nick, but can't agree with your elevating Simmons to #1 priority. Polanco might only be an average defender, but to push him into a utility role seems a much lower priority than 1.) adding a top reliever, like Rosenthal; and 2.) strengthening the rotation with a starter who provides staff with insurance against an injury or falloff in performance from any of their current top three. Now this opinion would change if Polanco was a key trade figure. Part of problem this offseason is that the Twins seem to be waiting on Cruz instead of being more proactive in aggressively seeking players who can actually help us end our playoff woes. Of course, no one knows what budget constraints FO operating under. My take: Falvine are imposing their own restraints rather than JP imposing a limit. Boldness is just not in their DNA, except when talent "falls" to them at end of the offseason. I'm afraid this is their MO again this offseason and as a result, we are not likely to acquire any significant difference makers. If so, then our advancement in the playoffs becomes very dependent on a return to 2019 levels by Garver/Kepler and relatively healthy seasons by Donaldson and Buxton. Is that asking too much?

But the question is: are the Twins in a "go-for-it" mode in 2021. If they are, relying on 2-3 rookies for significant contributions towards this goal is a crap shoot. OK, to give up Rosario for one of 2-3 rookie replacement fillers is acceptable. Replacing a second offensive position with another unproven player is a dangerous gamble, unbefitting of a team with championship aspirations. Remember, the Twins offense declined considerably in 2020. Do we gamble on Garver, Kepling, et. al. rebounding to 2019 form. I hope not!!

Well done, Matt. As you said, there is some risk with Rosenthal but well worth it. Seeing his fast ball approach 100mph in 2020, with much better control, bodes well for his apparent recovery from arm surgery. He was very good with KC and I, for one, was disappointed Falvine didn't nab him when he was available at trade deadline. San Diego hit the jackpot when picking him up for their late season run. Rosenthal at 30 would be a huge benefit to a depleted bullpen, led by a very questionable Taylor Rogers. Easily worth a 2 year/$15MM contract. Now that would move the needle for me! FO whiffed on Yates; they have a chance to make amends. Is it in their DNA to take a risk with potentially big payoffs??

Recently, Twins have been reported to have sweetened the price to Nellie, though still sticking to a one year deal. Very hard to argue with FO's desire to bring back a guy who has been the Twins' offensive leader for the past two years, nor is sticking to a one year deal with a 41 year old debatable. The only FA DH the Twins have been linked to is Ozuna, whose offensive prowess is a close match to Cruz's over past couple years. His signing, however, would most likely result in a big, multiyear contract which this FO appears loathe to pursue. Can't argue with that philosophy, especially with Donaldson's big contract and the need for payroll flexibility with Berrios and Buxton approaching FA. While Nick Castellanos does not have the offensive stats of the above, he is a very consistent hitter over the years. Even in a subpar 2020 year, where his OBP fell below .300, he still managed 14HRs and 34 rbis, and a .784 OPS. He was an absolute stud for the Cubs in 2019 when his OPS exceeded 1.0. Castellanos has age going for him(29), positional flexibility, mainly as corner OF, and a 3 year guaranteed contract of about $15MM annually. Now Nick might not match Crus/Ozuna's production in 2021, but he has one big attribute the others do not. His inclusion in a trade with the Reds could likely diminish the price on Sonny Gray. Yes, the Twins would have to give up some prospects, but probably not any of the top 3. They are in need of a SS so Polanco could be enticing along with one of the Twins top 10 and one top 20 prospect. No way of knowing exact players needed but suffice it to say that the Twins have a strong enough minor league system to satisfy the Reds, particularly if Nick's salary is removed from the books. Arguably, with Gray shoring up the Twins rotation and Castellanos filling the DH role more than adequately, that is a needle-moving transaction that should get our blood boiling. What do you think?

Can't buy this, after reading about Didi's defensive shortcomings. If you're going to move Polanco off SS, it would be for a defensive upgrade. Simmons should be the easy choice. His offense ability is ok for that position. Semien's track record shows one superior season, so big red flag there. I like Didi's offense but at SS position, you have to go for defense first. Bottom line, sign Simmons, use Polanco as a key trade chip in getting Sonny Gray from Reds, and add Castellanos to deal to fill DH spot.

Why trade prospects for Musgrove when better pitchers are available for just money, e.g., Odo, Paxton? And if they were willing to give up a top prospect or two, it should be for someone like Gray or Castillo with top-of-the-rotation potential. As for Lester, meh! He's on the downhill side of his career. What is disturbing is that MLBTR reports Yates close to signing with Jays. Just no excuse for FO to pass on him, unless they have their sites set on Rosenthal. Getting the impression FO sitting on their hands until Cruz question settled. Hope someone worthwhile left when that happens!!

Very well-written article, Nick!! Mostly agree with you but have a few questions: First, you rank Odo #2 on your list of gets but summarize by saying "Now that May has signed elsewhere, Clippard and Cruz are the only Twins free agents that I'm particularly keen on bringing back." Huh?? Agree totally that Odo should be resigned(and yes, Paxton is #2 most desirable FA target), assuming the Twins are unable to trade. Twins cannot afford to take high risks here if they want to compete with the big boys. They need a solid top 4!! Second, while you didn't place Cruz as a top priority to resign(#5), an opinion I share because of age and inability to fill in elsewhere, you didn't mention who should replace him. Rosario is gone, so without Cruz, this leaves a big hole in an offense that way underperformed in 2020, particularly in playoffs, as usual. FA replacements like Ozuna, Springer or Brantley would blow the Twins budget, So how would you fill this hole? Love your top 2 RP picks of Rosenthal, Yates(in that order). The Twins need to add a quality late inning reliever who can miss bats. Either of these two fit the bill. No one else does but a 3rd pickup like Clippard or Soria would be an added bonus so long as they didn't prevent signing of a better reliever as well. For SS, I had been a big believer in Semien, but believe your selection of Simmons as #1 choice is better, primarily because of defense and question marks of 2019 being a fluke year for Semien. My question is: if Simmons signed, does Polanco become the 5th IF and fill-in for DH if Cruz not resigned or do you still prefer to sign Profar for this role? Personally, I prefer adding a Profar or Kiki and using Polanco in trade(see below). And finally, one additional thought. Does a major trade have any chance of occurring with this risk adverse FO? For example, a trade with the Reds for Sonny Gray and Castellanos makes just too much sense. We would get back a much younger DH with very good positional flexibility and a pitcher with seemingly higher upside than either Odo or Paxton. Yes, we might have to give up a couple of top prospects but we do have surplus OFs so Larnach might be attractive, as would Polanco to fill the Reds glaring need at SS. Yes, we might have to add one of our 4/5 best pitching prospects but the return would be worth it, IMO. Taking Castellanos with Gray would probably reduce the prospect value we'd have to give up, similar to Mets taking back Carrasco with Lindor. This deal makes too much sense not to be at the top of the Twins' offseason wish list. And, of course, how much is this organization willing to spend to push the needle forward, rather than running in place? This is a critical time for Falvine and company. As you point out, there are some tremendous opportunities this offseason if only this FO would be agressive!!

Good article Matt! While I am not happy with Twins offseason to date(Bowden gave us an F Grade on The Athletic which is still too high), I have to agree that throwing a long term/high $ contract to a reliever makes little sense, if history is any guide. The one time the Twins tried that - Addison Reed - was a disaster. Obviously, if payroll was not an issue, then sure, Hendricks or Hands would be nice, but that is obviously not the case here. Starting from the premise that the Twins need to bolster the bullpen with a shutdown arm, mid price but high reward FAs abound. I would be happy with a Trevor Rosenthal, Kirby Yates, Roberto Osuna, Alex Colome or, yes, even Brandon Kintzler(in that order). Such an addition should be at least #2 on their priority list(an established starter or at least one young, controllable pitcher with a high ceiling should be #1, IMO). And no one on this list should cost more than $5MM/yr - a perfectly reasonable figure for this org. looking for their first playoff win in 19 years. Assuming the Twins have a minimum of $30MM left to spend, this would at least give them enough for resigning Cruz, maybe resign Odo(or some other second tier starter), add a $5MM per yr. reliever and maybe a utility IF. This would up the grade to a C which will would mean going into the playoffs a distinct underdog but still with a decent shot. To increase these odds, they'd need to add another $15MM or so to the budget. Big question of this offseason is : will this organization go for the brass ring or be content to run in place??

Ted, your headline is promising but where's the beef? Yes, they have 4 roster spots open, but where does that point to significant moves this month or next. As a daily reader of MLBTR and The Athletic, I have seen absolutely nothing to indicate this FO is planning on any major moves, i.e., ones that move the needle in increasing our playoff chances, except the one totally unsubstantiated rumor from Passan and allusions by Rosenthal that Twins looking at bringing in another SS. This FO is great at looking, not so hot at doing! The Donaldson signing was the first and only significant move in Falvine's 4 years in office. They should be applauded for that one, as well as some under-the-radar moves like trading for Maeda and Odo, that paid off bigtime. This offseason seems to revolve around whether they will resign Cruz. No matter what your opinion of this is, do you think a Cruz signing makes us an improved WS contender in 2021? Until I see something more impactful than signing a middling RP like Robles, color me very sceptical of this FO's ability to make a significant offseason move. It's nice to engage in wishful thinking, but realistically(until shown differently) that's all this offseason has been for Twins fans.

More concerned with what Hendrik's inflated contract does to price of other FA relievers. Not upset that twins didn't overpay like Sox did, but if Twins are going to remain in hunt for Central Division title, they must sign one of the remaining top FAs. Rosenthal, Yates, or Hand would comprise the next tier, but their asking price has probably just increased. Will the Twins bite? If adding Cruz(or someone equivalent) and adding another solid #3 starter(or higher), and adding a closer-type, this set of moves would undoubtedly push Twins close to the $140MM figure of last year. If this is not in the cards, then they might have to look harder for a trade that entails giving up a prospect or two. It would be a shame given the current talent if the FO opted out of either scenario.

Surprised no one mentioned trading Santana to Mets as Twins' worst trade ever. Probably the best starter in Twins history for a bag of beans. It's a shame that was Bill Smith's major legacy, as he did some very good things in his GM tenure(mainly signing of intl. free agents). Don't think Brunansky/Herr in same atmosphere as that one!

Glad you brought up the importance of trading in improving the team's 2021 chances, but I can't agree with your priorities. Why trade away valuable prospects for Trevor Story when we have a pretty good SS in Polanco, but more importantly, can sign one of 3 quality FA SS's in Simmons, Semien or Didi, if moving Polanco is deemed desirable by Twins' brass? One year of Story makes little sense and if he signed a longer term contract, with Donaldson's contract, would severely hamper Twins' ability to sign some of their own players soon to be eligible for FA, especially Berrios and Buxton. Same argument for not going after either of the Cub players. What does make sense would be a deal with the Reds, obtaining Gray and Castellanos for prospects and perhaps Polanco(the Reds are in the market for a SS). This would accomplish two main things: 1.) strengthen the top of the rotation and 2.) add a younger and more versatile player to take Cruz's place. Castillo would be preferable, but that would entail giving up one of our top 3 prospects, one of our top two pitching prospects, along with a regular like Polanco or Jeffers. Gray would be a very good replacement for the oft-injured Odo with the potential to slot in as a # 1 or 2 starter if Maeda/Berrios were injured or declined in effectiveness. This is the trade I would like to see. The Reds are interested in shedding payroll and Castellanos would be a welcome addition to our all or nothing lineup and provide versatility at a number of positions. Musgrove would be a good addition if the Red's trade were not made, but here's hoping the FO is working 24/7 on a trade with the Reds!

At one point, after Rosie non-tendered, I thought resigning Cruz was a must for the offense. Now, not so sure. Instead, think that FO should be all in on talks with Reds. While Castillo's price would be prohibitive, Sunny Gray's would not, especially if the Twins were willing to take on Castellanos' salary. He would be an excellent replacement for Cruz, albeit not quite the cleanup hitter Cruz has been. He would also add much more flexibility to the lineup, having played 1B, 3B and corner OF. Here in Chicago, his OBP was over .350. At 29(in March) he is in his prime and would provide some much needed RH pop. Of course, the even bigger prize would be Gray who would likely be a #2 or 3 starter, with potential to rise even higher. He would most likely surpass Odo, not only in performance, but also durability. With his addition, the Twins would have a stronger staff and have the luxury of slotting one of their prospects as a #5 starter. Yes, to get this package, the Twins would have to give up a couple of prospects = maybe one top 10, one in the 10-20 range and possibly someone like Polanco. As many on this site have noted, there are 3 FA SS's available to replace Polanco, none of whom would break the bank, and all improving a vital defensive position. This trade makes a lot of sense for both clubs. Just get it done!

Sorry, can't agree. As you pointed out, his K/9 is awfully shaky for a closer-type. Assuming Hendriks salary puts him out of reach, I would much prefer Trevor Rosenthal who has come back nicely from a season-ending injury. Great k/9 numbers and a proven closer!

Ted, you've expressed what a lot of us on this site feel right now - impatience, despair, and frustration. As a resident of Chicago, where criticism of team's management is a blood sport(especially now with the Ricketts/Cubs dismantling) it has always amazed me how passive both the media and blog sites like TD are with regards to Pohlad ownership all these years. Where is the anger and calls for action for a team with a wide open window, solid major league roster, and an above average farm system with some top level prospects? Why is the FO lurking in the weeds while the Pods and Preller are gobbling up the available talent? The answer has to start with the banker's mentality of the Pohlads. They still don't understand that success depends on investment, not each year's P&L statement. Either that, or they are just simply uninterested in taking the necessary risks to bring home a championship to Minnesota. With such an attitude, is it any wonder that their FO picks share this attitude, as witnessed by their passivity this year. San Diego, with a similar market to the Twin Cities is upping their budget to about $150MM to give the powerhouse Dodgers a real run for their money. Why not the Twins? The answer is ownership indifference to the ultimate goal. So Falvine sits by the side of the pool watching and waiting for some small fish to come their way. This is a sure way to mediocrity and eventually, back-sliding. As many have pointed out, this is an ideal off-season for nabbing some real talent without costing a fortune. We all see the needs for the team in 2021 - a big addition to the rotation, a proven closer, and adding some professional hitters who are not just all-or-nothing sluggers. Why the FO won't pull the trigger is the big offseason question. Unfortunately, there appears to be little urgency among fans, the media, and ownership to criticize this approach. I guess that's what they mean by "Minnesota Nice".