Darius

Walker, Cashner, and Salazar are the only ones I’m even remotely interested in. There’s some legitimate upside there that could be worth a gamble. I’m really warming up to the idea of Cashner as a back-end guy instead of one of the rookies. He’s been durable. He’s got pretty good stuff. He seems to have pitched well when he’s not in those slow pitch softball parks in the AL East. I’d be fine with Cashner on a 1 year deal to round out free agency.

It’s not a deliberate action to sign older free agents as part of a greater strategy. It’s just that these are the only types of free agents they choose to be involved in because of cost. A high-end player in his prime (Cole, Strasburg, and Rendon this year) is just never going to happen. But, once that star player crosses the age 30 threshold and accumulated a few injuries, the price may be in the wheelhouse of the Twins’ budget. I don’t think it’s a great way of doing business. You’re going to get burned more often then not, probably, and the self fulfilling prophecy of “small market team” just keeps running a circular course, as we’ve seen here for decades. I heard somewhere recently that the Astros made $60M just in the postseason in 2017. A couple of good postseason runs basically recoups the majority of any of these huge contracts. It’s when you go half-assed like the Twins historically have, when you can’t win a playoff series and corner yourself with financial constraints.

I didn’t think an article of this nature would ever be written in regards to the Twins. It has never been able to be written in my entire lifetime. What a time to be alive.

I don’t get the “purple” rain connection everyone has been making. I get Prince is from Minnesota, be he had nothing to do with baseball, purple has nothing to do with the Twins, and it would be an awful song to play at a ballpark after a homer. That’s the thing, most songs with “rain” in the title are slow depressing songs about being heartbroken. It’s just forcing it to make them “rain” connection.

I think they do have the time. I’m not worried at all about the regular season (apart from injuries). As long as something is done to gear up for the playoffs at some point, I’ll be happy. A few things to think about: 1). The quality of pitcher available right now may not substantially help the team. For example, Gray would be a really nice piece to have around during the regular season. But, is that what gets the Twins over the hump in a playoff series? I don’t think so. They’re better off waiting for the deadline, where maybe someone like the Rays would make Snell available, for example. 2). The prospects available to trade may not be requisite if acquiring a true high-end starter. If Falvine are really as reluctant to trade the big names in the system (Lewis, etc), is acquiring a starter that helps possible? 3). Contracts will get in the way. There aren’t many cheap controllable starters available, obviously. I’m sure Price could be had, but what are the Twins willing/able to pick up? My point is, there are a lot of hurdles. Many think it’s a foregone conclusion that they’ll trade at some point, but I’m not sure it’d all that likely. The stars will really have to align to get a legitimate high-ender.

At the end of the day it boils down to run differential. Isn’t that the ultimate objective? Opponents will score fewer runs with Donaldson at third than Sano. The Twins will score more runs with Donaldson in the lineup than Cron. It makes the team better, and not just a little bit (20-30 runs, net?). I was one pounding the table for pitching. But, if you were to ask me in a vacuum if I’d rather have Donaldson or Ryu, it’s not even a question (Donaldson). It’s also a heck of a lot better than nothing, which is where they were left on pitching when the music stopped.

I agree on Bailey. I think it’s a great signing. I think he’s an upgrade over Perez, and possibly Gibson (I still contend that Gibson is a really good pitcher when he’s healthy and confident, which hasn’t been often). I don’t want him starting a playoff game in Yankee Stadium, though. James Paxton v Homer Bailey in game 3-4 isn’t likely to turn out well for the Twins. Have to remember what we’re up against, here. You’re looking at an offense equally as dangerous (Yankees), with Cole, Severino, Tanaka, Paxton. If you’re running out Dobnak, Bailey, etc, you’re losing that series 9 times out of 10.

Do they need one to win the division? No. If they want to advance past the divisional round in the playoffs, they need another starter. Berrios is the only guy I can run out there that can take over a game and win it for you. I think Odorizzi is close, I’m just not sure his stuff gets to the same level. Pineda is fine, but misses too much time to be counted on a playoff rotation stalwart. Guys like Smeltzer and Dobnak are nice filler/swing guys. But, in no way should they be the primary in a playoff game against the Yankees or Astros. They are overmatched. Graterol has the talent, but doesn’t have the innings track record. The wildcards are Hill and Bailey. I don’t think Hill can be counted on to stay healthy, or Bailey be counted on to be good enough. Could things work out with status quo as we speak? Sure, theoretically. Is it likely? Of course not. It’s a prayer, and nothing more. Add a third legitimate starter and you enter the conversation as a “serious” contender. We saw it again last year, pitching is king in the playoffs. The two best rotations in baseball outlasted everyone. At the end of the day, I’ve done a 180 on this off-season. It’s gone from awful to great with the addition of one of the best position players in baseball. But, if you’re going “all-in,” why not actually go all-in? If you go get a guy like Blake Snell, or even John Gray, you’re no longer “a great offense; but.....” club. Certainly, there is no hurry at this point. The trade deadline gives plenty of time to evaluate things.

Nailed it. If we’re going off of the 50% of revenue rule, they could’ve been spending 130-140 when they were awful and getting no fan turnout (they made $270 in 2018 while being terrible). They should have to no problem getting up into the 150-160 range while still not surpassing 50% of revenues going forward if they remain competitive. The media has done such a great job protecting the Pohlad’s pockets for decades, that people actually believe this is a massive and extremely risky deal. No way this deal should hamstring the Twins. For God’s sake, people were signing $100M deals back in the 90s. It’s time for some people to adjust their thinking for inflation. He’s one of the best players in the game. It’s a bargain.

I was wrong. They FO did it. Nothing but credit. I don’t care if Donaldson suffers a career ending injury this year. They made the attempt, and that’s all I was asking for. What a freaking lineup this team will have (especially against lefties). I’m imagining: Polanco, SS Donaldson, 3B Cruz, DH Sano, 1B Garver, C Kepler, RF Rosario, LF Arraez, 2B Buxton, CF Pretty incredible. Now, everyone make their sacrifice/offering to the injury gods.

That necklace tho.

This changes everything for me. Great offseason.

Doesn’t matter. We can’t definitely say roids helped guys like Bonds, either. Bottom line, they cheated. If it didn’t help them enough, then they’re just dumb for doing it.

Well, I have an idea. Don’t cheat if you don’t want your fans pissed at you for vacating a title. There should be more to it on top of vacated team accolades. Verlanders Cy Young should go. Altuve’s MVP should go. The stats players accumulated during those seasons should go. You get no HOF points for those seasons, like roiders. Players don’t like it? Who cares, you knew. And, if you didn’t, go take it up with your teammates/coaches who did. While you’re at it, cry me a river. If I’m complicit in a murder, I don’t get a pass just because it’s inconvenient for me. There should be forfeited draft picks. There should also be some sort of monetary compensation that gets allocated out to opponents based on number of games played against the Astros. Who knows how much revenue was potentially lost elsewhere. You’re right, vacating a title is a slap on the wrist. It should be worse than that. But, at the end of the day, what’s the point if you’re not officially vacating titles/awards? It just won’t deter teams like the Yankees and Red Sox who will gladly pay monetary penalties, etc, if it means winning a title. It’s not going to hurt a team fanbase-wise (see Houston’s Twitter). There’s literally no downside to “cheating” if you don’t actually punish somebody. You want to see a useless “punishment?” Suspending the manager for a year.

Well, when you lose 20 playoff games in a row (which is impossible in baseball) to a team that has been implicated in this mess by former players (the Yankees), I think it’s clear how the Twins were “cheated out of something.” Also, the Yankees beat the Twins for home field last year by 2 games, including losing a series at home to the Yankees. You don’t think illegally using video analytics to steal signs for the entire season could’ve changed that outcome? It’s not bad enough to have the umps calling doubles 3 feet inside of the line foul....you also have to beat the most potent offense in the game when they know what pitch is coming. I’m not sure how it would work, but I’m pissed if I’m a pitcher like Berrios or Odorizzi. I’m going to players association and elsewhere to see if there is any sort of grievance I can file against the alleged teams or MLB. These guys just negotiated contracts. Playoff victory’s vs playoff losses to the Yankees on their record could cause a difference of millions.

Not a good look for the MLB. Especially when it’s clear that there are numerous clubs getting away with it. It’s just another reason why the sport is becoming unwatchable. The lack of parity already alienates fans of small-mid market teams enough. Now, when knowing that these large markets are cheating on top of the gross payroll inequity...it’s just another coffin nail for many would be fans. Just look at Twins v Yankees in the playoffs for the past 20 years. Let’s be honest, nobody really wants to watch that garbage. Way to keep shooting yourself in the foot, Major League Baseball. What a ridiculous dog and pony show this sport has become. An total and absolute joke. It’s like they are deliberately trying to run the sport into the ground.

Sure, Rich Hill can be good when healthy. But, expecting anything out of him is a huge mistake, IMO. He’s never pitched over 135 innings in a season in his career. For whatever reason, he seems to always be having blister issues. He’s over 40, and is coming off of an elbow surgery. It’s more likely Rich Hill doesn’t throw an inning as a Twin than becomes a postseason horse. Decent back-up plan/flier. Awful plan A for a team desperate for starting pitching.

Reasons to not be as excited as we could be about the upcoming season: 1). Knowing we aren’t as good as our direct competition for the World Series. We weren’t good enough to merely put up a fight in the playoffs last year....and we did nothing to improve this offseason after blowing hot air and making promises to sell season tickets. I’m excited for the formality and/or process of baseball. Love having it on the radio in the garage while working, in the boat while fishing, etc. But, I have no expectation of a successful season. I already know that the best case scenario is losing in the division series. Hoping for anything beyond that at this point is delusional and about as futile as attempting to count every blade of grass in my yard. I can tell you I’m not chomping at the bit to get to any games. If I had season tickets, I’d be pretty pissed off with the organization right now. I’m certainly not signing up for any season ticket packages. I can assure you I’m not alone. Massive wasted opportunity for this franchise to really kick the fan base into overdrive. It’s really a shame.

Another great plan by a Twins FO. We have one shot at a legitimate ace caliber pitcher (Berrios). He’s already clearly not overly high on being here, and clearly has issue with the team’s financial approach (aka, they’re cheap). So, let’s go to arb. with him over $200k and piss him off even more by detailing every reason why he isn’t worth what he thinks. The Twins’ precedent of low-balling players has been very thoroughly established. Going to battle over this is just an awful strategic decision, and does nothing in terms of a helpful precedent. Meanwhile, fans and media call others “morons” for describing the Twins as “cheap,“ while swearing up and down that the only reason why players don’t want to spend July in Minnesota is because it’s cold in January. D’ok.

Context is needed when determining whether or not this is a good move. Bringing him in to provide competition/depth for the 5th starter/swing man role is a wonderful move. Bringing him in to be your 3rd starter means your rotation probably stinks (aka, bad move if you have aspirations). Both are happening, sort of. Ideally, he’ll be the 5th starter come July (being Berrios, Odorizzi, Pineda, Hill). But, until Hill and Pineda come back, he’s your #3. Factor in likely injuries along the way, and you’re probably looking at him at the #3-4 all year.

This takes a little of the edge off of this offseason for me. Not totally, but it at least gives me some indication of a pulse. Great deal for both sides. We may have just gotten a top 20 offensive player in the game for $10M per through 2023. Sano gets financial security for his entire family for the rest of his life (and more if he’s smart). Of course, all of these great cheap deals (Sano, Kepler, Polanco) mean nothing if you don’t use the savings somewhere else.

So, the “rational” crowd are the ones who say, “wait, they still might do something.” Something this franchise has never done.....ever (a blockbuster trade for legitimate front-line pitching). See definition of insanity in the dictionary. Fans have every right to be pissed off. People want to watch a legitimate contender. We watched this franchise piss around and waste talent for a decade in the 00’s. Then we built them a stadium when they said it was necessary to compete. Then they told us we need to wait for a wave of prospects to open a competitive window. When it finally arrives, we see a respect of the 00’s. I’m sorry, but if it doesn’t piss you off as a fan you just don’t care that much. You’re fine It doesn’t bother whether they win or lose. You’re a casual. There’s nothing wrong with that, but stop telling me every freaking 5 minutes that I’m the irrational one for expecting a little return on my multi-decade investment with this rug-pulling, snake-oil selling franchise. This off-season is a complete and total failure. There is no other way to describe it. There is nothing they are going to realistically accomplish at this point that is going to change that. Let’s stop the, “eel they might trade for Syndergaard” delusions.

I know I’m probably dreaming, but this is set up absolutely perfectly: 1). A left handed starting pitcher and another power bat from the left side are exactly what this team needs. 2). There doesn’t appear to be any large market players ahead of the Twins in terms of international FA budget (not sure where you’d place the Cardinals, they have more). 3). The Twins are flush with cash. That should be a good negotiation tool. There should be almost nothing holding them back from a long secure deal, whereas a team like the Yankees, Nationals, Angels, Dodgers may be less inclined to add another significant deal. Due to the nature of the process, this is a true “pick where you want to go” scenario for him. But, we have to be on the short list of semi-legitimate contenders willing to push some chips in. I won’t get my hopes up. But, this seems like a perfect opportunity.

Not sure what you mean by “he HAS to do it for a full season.” Despite only producing for half the year, he still put up numbers that would be awfully impressive for a full season. He carried the club down the stretch when Buxton was out, Cruz and Kepler were hurt, and Berrios was breaking down (again). He then went on to hit a home run in Yankee Stadium in the playoffs (not epic, but contributed more than nearly every other player in a Twins uniform). Would it be great if he did it for a full season? Of course. He may finish top 5 in MVP votes if he played 150 games. But, what’s the ultimatum if he doesn’t? DFA him for hitting 40 HRs and 80 RBI in 100 games while finishing among the elite in nearly every meaningful metric available? The Twins need to find a way to keep the guy healthy come playoff time. Maybe that means only playing 100 games during the regular season. With the emergence of Cave and Arraez, Marwin is more than adequate to fill 3B for 50 games. Acting like he’s not a valuable asset if he hits the IL once for twice just doesn’t make sense to me. At the end of the day, he’s still probably one of the top 10-20 RH power hitters in the world right now. He’s the kind of guy that can get hot and hit 4-5 homers in a playoff series to win it for you. How many times could you ever say that about a home grown Twins prospect since Harmon? Maybe Puckett and Morneau?

I think saying Kirilloff is projected to be a much better hitter than Rosario is a huge stretch. I get Rosario has some warts, but recently people have been acting as if he’s a mediocre, or even bad, player. Rosario with the Twins since 2017: 2017: .290/.328/.507/.836, 27 HR, 33 2B, 2 3B, 9 SB 2018: .288/.323/.479/.803, 24 HR, 32 2B, 2 3B, 8 SB 2019: .276/.300/.500/.800, 32 HR, 28 2B, 1 3B, 3 SB. A little lacking in the on-base department, but in terms of hitting for power, which is a pretty big deal these days, he’s remarkably consistent. We’ve seen how he can carry the team for significant stretches, and he seemingly always comes through in “clutch” ABs. “Much better” at the plate than Rosario is pretty darn high bar. Not saying it isn’t possible, but I think Rosario gets a bad wrap. The perception gets skewed because he’s a bad ball guy, and that’s seen as a negative. But, despite being a bad ball guy, he’s been one of the better offensive outfielders in the AL over the past 3 years. Also, did you know he finished 18th overall in AL MVP voting last year ? He received 5 more vote points than Max Kepler and JD Martinez (finishes 20th and 21st, respectively). I’m not sure if the context in regards to Rosario was lost last year, because of the historic performances for the lineup as a whole. But, it got lost somewhere along the way. Rosario is a damn good hitter. “Much better” than Rosario is going to be guys the caliber of Betts, Springer, and Trout in terms of the OF. I’m high on Kirilloff, but the odds of him reaching those heights is almost nil (possible, but almost nil).