rdehring

Where is the option for the case against both? Rather than spending ten plus million on Cruz or much, much more for the other guy, how about spending $600K on one of the young kids in the system? That would also open up a spot to rotate several of their big bats in the regular lineup thru the DH spot. Seeing that the Twins have pulled their offer to Cruz off the table, got a feeling looking internally is high on their list.

Was all for signing him as long as it is one year or a second option year that doesn't have to be exercised if he doesn't perform to X in 2021. But you list so many reasons that I have to wonder if signing him is the wrong decision? What I do know is that this front office is very patient and will wait for the right deal to come to them. Will be interesting to see what those deals are come opening day, related to Mr. Cruz and others.

MediaCom basically told me when my rate went up 35% that if I wasn't willing to bundle they didn't want me. So I left. Am now at Hulu and although my wife says things will change, am assuming I won't have Twins games come spring...or Wild games now other than the 6 on NBCSN. Also couldn't watch the Badgers play the Gophers in Hockey yesterday or today. As for baseball, will be back where I was when I was a kid listening to the games on radio...although then it was the Braves. Assuming the MiLB package will be available, will sign up for that and watch a lot of Saints and whatever the Wichita team is called. Heck, I usually am more interested in the minors anyway.

Don't know what to think about someone not believing Polanco and Arraez are locks for this roster in 2021. Yes, trades could be made, but that can be said about any player currently under contract.

First, I want to thank you Nick for doing this series. What an interesting and different way of looking at the Twins roster and prospects. Will disagree a bit on several of your comments. I don't think Lewis ceiling is any lower than ever. Although I understand that his trade value may be a bit lower. His numbers weren't what we expected two years ago, but then he went on to be the AFL MVP. Then last year happened and he didn't have the opportunity to show us who he is, unless you are of the belief that his not getting called up told us something. As for Berrios, we probably need to begin understanding that he may not ever be that legit ACE we all have been hoping for. Doesn't mean he isn't one heck of a pitcher who is very valuable to the Twins. Won't quibble with you about your placement at #4, just want to see the Twins get this kid extended...which probably won't happen this winter. Much of what you wrote about Kepler is as good as I have seen, thanks. Don't know if he should be #2, but agree that Kirilloff is going to be an absolute star. Just doubt that much of it will be in right field. Personally think we are going to see him a lot at first base. Also expect to see him on their roster on opening day in April, May or whenever. For all of us who are anxious to hear about the FO next moves, the Maeda deal should remind us to be patient...as the FO certainly is. When you take the contract into consideration, what a trade. Now lets hope like hell he repeats that performance in 2021.

What a pleasant, fun interview Seth. Thanks. Could the Twins have found a diamond in the rough in the tenth round when they signed him? With all the time he missed with the back injury, gotta believe that kept him off some team's radar. Checked and saw that the Twins went well over slot to sign, so they obviously like him...alot. The look on his face when you were talking about ice fishing was memorable. I sure hope he makes it to the show so you can take him out on the ice sometime.

Won't disagree that Kirilloff and Larnach have ceilings equal to Kepler, at least their bats. I do believe, however, that Kepler's bat has another level yet to be seen. But most player's also must play a defensive position and it is in the field where Kepler's value far exceeds either Kirilloff or Larnach.

I like to think that last year's numbers should be disregarded because of so many issues related to COVID. Yet, I can't get over the disappointment I had from Garver's terrible summer. Also believe his 2019 may have been an outlier, thus, am of the opinion that he is too high on your list. Also believe that Buxton is the most valuable player on the Twins roster, when on the field. If he was able to play in 75% of the games every year, I would still have him as my MVP. I continue to hope that the Twins extend him, if not this off-season then this summer once they know that fans will be back in the stands and things are returning to normal. So for me Buxton belongs in the top 3, especially considering there are two years of control remaining. And like those above, would definitely have Arraez higher than Larnach, even though I believe he is going to have an excellent career.

So happy to see someone agree with me about his potential. Heck, it isn't potential any more as he has been doing it for a year.

I would value Duffey higher, but I am also a guy who values relief pitchers more than most. Would like to see the Twins work out a nice extension for Duff later in spring training. LIke several above, would also push Arraez into the Top 10. Yes, I understand the limitations you mention. But if he is ever healthy his production is going to be beyond belief. Not being in the locker room, don't know how likely his knee problems are to return year-after-year. As for Sano, agree with your comments and ranking. 2021 should tell us a lot about his future as a player and as a Twin. Can't wait for the minor league season to get started, assuming it does. Like most of you, have my fingers crossed that these two pitchers will dominate whatever league they are in...Duran at AAA and Balazovic in Wichita?

Very interesting, Nick. Not certain I would have included Cavaco, but certainly understand your reasons for including him at #20. Yes, it was a tiny sample, but I really liked Rooker's at bats and can see him surprising us to the up side, especially with the at bats he will get if Cruz isn't back with the Twins. Like most of us, I was disappointed with Rogers last summer after his unbelievable 2019. Have asked this before, but could his performance have been affected by his being the player rep and the negotiations that were ongoing much of the season? Would love to see Clippard return, not Romo. Am certain I am included with most of us who are hoping for Alcala to have a big year out of the pen. As for Donaldson, will he be healthy most of this season? If so, he can/should replace Rosario's bat in the lineup.

Very interesting exercise, Nick. And with so little happening Twins related, will be fun to follow. Will be curious to see how you value performance in 2020, given that so many prominent players throughout baseball put up ugly numbers, really ugly. But while we all sit back and anticipate a season that may or may not begin on time, a season that many of us will not be able to watch, it should be fun to read your projections and everyone's comments/bashing of your results.

Enjoyed the read this morning, thanks. A question regarding #16, however. Why didn't you include Rosario with the departing veterans? He was right along side Cruz as a leader in the clubhouse and may be missed in 2021...assuming there is baseball next summer.

I don't know what to think about the moves, or lack thereof, this winter. Am wondering if the addition of a shortstop may mean Cruz won't be back. One of the spots for Polanco to get at bats in a super-sub role would be at DH. Those at bats aren't going to be available if they resign Cruz. Expect there is a better chance the Twins get their #3/#4 starter via a trade than a free agent. In that case, none of us has a clue who that pitcher might be just as we had no idea they were getting Maeda last year. Hopefully, he will be somewhat younger and tied up for 3 or 4 years. As for left field, will be exciting listening to Gladden talk about Kirilloff in left field come opening day. Have a feeling this kid is gonna be special.

Happy with this move and there is no reason to believe he can't be better than last year. Let's remember it was the weirdest year ever in MLB. But I want to see them land one more better reliever. Wouldn't it be nice to give Hand his wish and bring him home? But heck, I'm just happy they have done something. Now let's see there next move.

Doc, I honestly don't have a clue what to expect from Sabato. If I recall, he was a stretch and not expected to go until later well into the next round. Then I read about what he did in college and comparisons to that kid from the Mets. I know his D at first is likely to put him at DH, but heck, if he hits anything like the Mets' kid I will be elated. Here's hoping for him to be another Jeffers who also had a lot of us wondering why the Twins took so high. And memory serves that Jeffers' defense was also suspect and he worked hard and now is considered well above average. Could we catch lightening twice in the same bottle?

Hey, don't say nobody. I will be very happy if Polanco is the Twins shortstop in 2021. Hell, I'll be happy if anyone is at shortstop and we both have baseball and those of us that currently don't have FSN have it so we can watch the Twins. I agree that adding a top defensive shortstop may make sense, moving Jorge to a super sub role. But that isn't all that likely and I will be fine with him at short, especially if he is healthy.

To me the biggest reason to trade for him is the sisters. That's assuming that relationship can be used to get both tied to an expensive, but reasonable extension. Personally, I have no interest in trading for a one year rental...unless it can be done for a mid-level minor league guy...certainly not one of the top 6 or 7 prospects. I don't know if this applies to you, Matt, but I find it interesting how many are calling for the Twins to overlook bad numbers from 2020 on somebody they should sign/trade for because of the small sample, rules, etc. Yet many are also calling for several Twins players to be shipped out of town because of their poor numbers in 2020. That leaves me scratching my head.

Mets are sold and the Cubs are in a salary dump. Clear evidence that teams and owners were hit hard and effected by last year's losses. Expect it may have been worse for those teams who didn't maintain fiscal discipline...like the Twins. Don't know why our FO hasn't done anything yet. However, there has been so little movement on the FA market that they could be sitting back and waiting for the market and agents to realize that the world has changed before signing a few key players closer to spring training...whenever that may be, although certainly not in mid-February which is now only 6 weeks away.

Agree with almost everything you have written, Cody. On the other hand, expect your chances of being 100% accurate are close to zero. My hope would be that Buxton will be back and healthy. If he is, don't know what that means for Lewis, who will likely be somewhere in the lineup.

That may be true, however, he spent a lot of time in center in the AFL a year ago when he won the MVP award.

Will agree with the above comments that our defense suffers when Kepler is moved to center. Not so much because he isn't adequate in center, because he is solid, but the big step down defensively when he isn't in right. Also agree that this situation hasn't be adequately addressed over the past few years. Yet, with Buxton as the starter I understand why the FO would work on other, more pressing needs. But I think we are approaching a time when the backup center fielder isn't a problem any longer. Unless there is a big move to an infielder, second, short or third, I see Lewis breaking in as a super utility man in the mold of Gonzalez...only much, much better. He could play nearly full time at second, short, third, left, center and right. When someone is banged up or on the IL, he becomes the starter at that spot. He then moves to one position in 2022 or 2023. Have a feeling the FO may see him in this role soon, perhaps by opening day. Expect we will learn more about their view with what moves they make (or don't make) over the next two months.

Agree with those above that there isn't a hole at catcher. Jeffers/Garver will split time behind the plate with Astudillo and Telis around to fill in for an injury. Doubt Rortvedt will be ready to step up should a lengthy injury take one of the big two out for an extended period of time, but could he be ready by late season? Loved this article, Matt. Great read of what this FO does and what we should expect over the winter. My only gripe is I want to see them get started with their first move.

The more I read about comments like yours, Minny, the more I like the idea of signing a top defensive shortstop and moving Polanco to Gonzalez role from last year. He could play a lot of second, short and third while being the DH when not in the field to keep his bat in the lineup for 150+ games a year...assuming we play a full season, which is looking unlikely. Can't make this decision, however, until they know if Cruz will be back. Probably let it go for another two weeks until after the Holiday's, then give Nelson an ultimatum. Sign something reasonable for both sides, or we are moving on.

If I was running the ballclub, Arraez would be my second baseman as long as he can get his body on the field. With all the questions Doc and others mention, the Twins need a solid utility infielder along the lines of Adrianza. Hopefully, someone a bit better. A player who will play four or five games a week at various positions, much like Gonzalez. Maybe Lewis will become that player later in the year. But can you ink him onto the roster opening day? I don't think so.