rdehring

Another great interview, Seth. With no minor leagues last year and Adam coming to the Twins in a trade a couple years ago, not all that familiar with him. Was pleasantly surprised to hear about his being from EP, who was the enemy back when my son played HS and Legion ball at Excelsior. Fond memories of many battles between those two teams. Seems like a very good chance Adam could begin his season, whenever that will be, in St. Paul. And once there, that call is only a 10 minute drive away from his ultimate dream.

Really need to discuss 1B, DH and LF together as two of their about ready top prospects (Kirilloff and Rooker) can fit into each of those slots. Sano also could play a lot of 1B and DH. That's the main reason the Twins may be sticking to a one-year offer for Cruz. I feared that Sano would be terrible defensively. He was better than feared and can probably be average after getting more experience. But his bat was the big concern last year as the strikeouts went from a problem to a major liability for the Twins. I for one am willing to give him, and all hitters, a mulligan for last year. But if his K's don't go down in 2021, assuming it is more of a regular year, the Twins may need to be looking to move on. Fortunately, with Kirilloff, Larnach and Rooker, the Twins may have players to fill those three positions without going outside the organization.

No, the players aren't doing anything to suppress owner's income, COVID-19 is. Depending on which report you read, it appears the typical team went from earning anywhere from say $20M to $50M, or a lot more for a few teams, to operating losses of as much as $100M in 2020. No matter how rich they are, those magnitude of losses cause problems...just ask the owner of the Mets who has sold his team. The players didn't absorb any losses, rather, their income was reduced by about 63%. Yes, they made less money, but they still made 37% of their anticipated earnings by working about 37% of the time they were expected to work. Really no different to the waiter who had his hours cut by two-thirds but still makes his $25/hour when working one-third of the time. Losing $100M when you expected to make $10's of millions is a lot different than staying home two-thirds of the year, but getting paid your regular rate for that one-third you were at work. And although there may be two vaccines available later today, let's not kid ourselves that this pandemic is over. That's the problem owners and the league are facing as they try to plan for 2021. Can they open spring training on schedule in less than two months? How much of the public will be vaccinated by then? Will COVID and States allow fans in the stands on April 1? So many questions with so many unknowns. Should they push opening day back a month it is likely the vaccination program will be much further down the road. But what type of season can they fit into a schedule knowing that once the calendar turns to November you don't want to be playing ball in many of their markets. Yes, all those issues need to be discussed and agreed to with the MLPA, hopefully, both sides will be reasonable.

Thank you. Would also like to comment about using the FED inflation factor to demean what the Pohlads have earned, on paper, since buying the club. Those of us receiving Social Security checks just got a notice that inflation went up 1.3% this past year. Talk to your wife or whomever shops for groceries that real cost has gone up only 1.3%. The Pohlads have the business contacts and ability to invest their dollars in lots of places. Take a look at what $44M would be worth had they invested in Microsoft back when the bought the Twins. I believe it would be a hell of a lot more than $1.3B. And there would have been lots of places for them to invest, the fact they chose to put it into the Twins and keep them in the Twin Cities should be commended, not constantly belittled by some.

Another great interview, Seth. What is becoming clear by viewing these is that the Twins don't only have a system filled with talented baseball players, they have a system filled with very sharp young men. Found his comments interesting when talking about the Twins encouraging him to cut his season at ETon short so he could go back and finish getting his degree My other question: Did you interview a future trainer for the Twins?

Got to this one a bit late, Seth. Thanks again for another fantastic interview. What a wonderful young man. Enjoyed all the conversation about books, SEALS, his now being an Oriole. Especially enjoyed the discussion about his relationship with Kirilloff and others. I don't view losing Tyler and Baddoo as a bad thing for the Twins. I don't believe anyone can second guess their decision about who was added to the 40-man and who wasn't as they need those five open spots for holes that need filling prior to spring training. And the fact that they lost these two fine young players tells us all how strong their organization is. And for me, that's a good thing.

Would love having Cruz back with the Twins next year, but not on a two year deal. As for the Twins, they may be better off if he isn't back, both financially and on the field. I believe Rooker is going to be a very good hitter with a real chance of hitting as well as Cruz does in 2021 and better in 2022. And he would be doing that for $0.05 on the dollar. The Twins may have realized this and another offer may never make it to being 'on the table.' And if Rooker doesn't work out, there is Kirilloff and Larnach. One of that trio is going to be very good...although expect one will be in left field.

Like a lot of what you said. Was wondering about the Gardy effect in Detroit? Yes, he is gone, but are any of 'his guys' still around? If so, they probably remember Baddoo and the excitement many in the organization have had for him.

One question that may figure into team's thinking regarding the Rule 5 is whether next year's roster will be 25, 26, or 28. Are you aware if this decision has been made? Like many above, will be anxious about possibly losing Rijo. Yet, he was available and not taken last year. Will be shocked if someone take Javier after not taking him last year and his not playing ball last summer. Still shaking my head when I think about his being the biggest signing bonus the Twins ever paid to any International Player. That is correct, isn't it?

Didn't that exact thing happen to the Twins, say five or so years ago? Can't remember who and not even whether it was a pitcher or position player. But do recall it happening.

This is fantastic, thanks for the update, Seth. Looking forward to getting to St. Paul to see the best prospects. Every time I went to Cedar Rapids I say, damn, wish I lived in a town that had minor league ball. Well, its about to happen. Is one of the concerns the Kernels have is that they are going to have to pay additional dollars to move up?

What is most interesting about that group, Seth, is that it was only two, plus, years ago and four have already played for the Twins. Contrary to lots of criticism, the Twins move the best fairly quickly, at least this FO does.

I really appreciate these, Seth. But this one just blew me away. It was a great discussion with a young man who lives half a world away. And his English was far better than I would have anticipated. Appreciated the comment about the core group he is part of. Got me thinking about the last group, Buxton, Sano, Rosario, Polanco, Berrios and Kepler, how we were expecting them to lead the Twins to the promised land. Well, they have delivered winning baseball. Yet, they haven't gotten over that post season hurdle. And the truth is that for various reasons, not a single one of that group has reached the ceiling we all hoped they would achieve. Can still happen with the Twins for four of them, but will it? Expect all of us hope like heck they will. None of us knows what the future holds, but could this group be more successful at reaching their ceilings and finally take the Twins that last step? Colina, along with Alcala, Balazovic, Duran, Jeffers, Rooker, Lewis, Kirilloff, Larnach and a few others just may get the job done. And I forgot, but Arraez should probably be included with them. Thanks again Seth for an amazing 45 minutes.

Is gonna be interesting, Matt. Count me among those who tend to agree with what you are saying. Would be happy with Rooker/Sano getting a lot of the DH at bats with others penciled in once in awhile when needing some rest.

A very sad day for this ole fan as Rosario was one of, if not my most favorite Twin of all time. I guess there is still a chance he is back, but there's also a chance I could win the mega lottery. Also surprised they didn't offer a contract to Wisler. Gotta believe they think his stuff was suited to being a one year wonder? Hopefully, they will sign some top reliever and a top #3 starter...soon! Any more prospect interviews coming soon, Seth? Really liked what you have done so far. Maybe wait until after the Rule 5 then have one with Griffin Jax.

Thanks, John.

Also agree wholeheartedly with what you have written, Cody. I also can't understand all those who are suggesting we trade Sano for Snell. The way Tampa doesn't spend money, it is very unlikely they would ever take on his contract. I believe there is a good chance that this next group, Kirilloff, Lewis, Larnach, Rooker and Jeffers will be better at the big league level than our last wave. If that happens, the Twins will have an exciting lineup in two years considering Arraez, Kepler, Buxton, Sano, Donaldson and Polanco could all still be here . Toss in one of the young arms, Balazovic, Duran or maybe even Ober, making it big and they will compete for that championship.

Certainly not this winter. As good as he was, lets see how he does next year hoping it is a regular 162 games...or close to that. If he is again a top three vote getter for the Cy Young, then consider going out another year or two. Would prefer going out and signing Odorizzi this winter.

Agreed Mike, although there are two coming thru the system that are getting close. Granted, neither will likely be an option on opening day, but both Celestino and Lewis could be options later next season. Yes, Center may not be the first choice for Lewis, but he proved in the AFL that he would be very good out there. I actually am warming to the idea that when he joins the Twins he fills a spot similar to what Gonzalez did last year...short, third, and center before taking over at short full-time in year two or three. With those options on the horizon, I don't see getting a backup for Buxton as a major concern this winter.

When on the field he is the Twins MVP. Yes, he isn't always on the field, but an extension makes so much sense and I expect with all the uncertainties in the world both sides should have an interest in getting it done.

Don't even want to speculate what it would cost or what I think it will cost. My concern is that they get it done.

This is becoming a broken record, Seth, but another fantastic interview. Another very impressive young man working his way up to the Twins. Is a little unclear to me why he would be in Denver. If I am correct, was a Carolina kid growing up who then went to CofC. Is his wife from Denver and that is why they are there? Hearing that he was healthy this past spring makes it more confusing why he wasn't at the Alternative Camp in St. Paul. And even more so why he wasn't then at the Instructional Camp. Doesn't make sense, especially now that he is on the 40-man? Found his comments about Rortvedt very interesting and confirm my belief that he will be a Twins catcher for a long time. Thanks again, Seth. These interviews are the best programming on any baseball site, anywhere.

Is Rosario a "likely" non-tender candidate? I don't know that and I suspect neither do you. Could happen, but I have a feeling the Twins do not plan on doing that. But we will finally find out within the next week. As for Kirilloff, love the kid and his future but believe it is at least a year early to be having this discussion.

Looking forward to listening to this tomorrow, Seth. Really want to learn what he was doing this summer and why he wasn't at St. Paul. Personally thought he should have been in St. Paul with that leading group of pitchers.....Balazovic, Colina and Duran. You alluded to the fact that they make more $$$ once on the 40-man. Is there a minimum salary for guys on the 40-man, kind of like there is a minimum once in MLB?

Lots of uncertainty heading into next year, some of it baseball related. Will personally be shocked if the Twins don't either sign Rosario (one year contract or extension) or go to arbitration. They aren't going to release him, at least in my opinion. I also believe they can find a spot for one of AK and Rooker with Rosario on the roster. And maybe even both.