ESPN.com’s Buster Olney breaks down a big offseason for the Twins in an Insider post. While the team still faces a lofty task in unseating the Indians in the AL Central, it certainly seems to have achieved plenty of bang for the buck in adding multiple veteran pieces this winter. The Twins are on track to have over $125MM on the books to open the 2018 season, which will easily set a club record. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the organization’s opportunism this winter, though, is that it was able to add a variety of quality veterans without committing much at all in future resources. Not only that, but the club also feels quite confident in its prospect base, as Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports (subscription link). GM Thad Levine says the organization feels it has the pieces in place to allow the team to pursue yet more external acquisitions in the near future without compromising its long-term outlook.
- Meanwhile, chief baseball officer Derek Falvey told reporters today that owner Jim Pohlad did not veto anything proposed by his front office this offseason despite the payroll climbing to record heights (via Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press). While Falvey said the team will (obviously) evaluate trade needs more closely as the non-waiver deadline approaches this summer, he implied that he expects to have continued support from ownership. “I can tell you this: I know Jim Pohlad is committed to this team and committed to winning because he just proved it,” said Falvey at the press conference to introduce Lance Lynn.
- On a similar note (and also via Berardino), Falvey implied that the team’s pursuit of Yu Darvish wasn’t ultimately called off due to any kind of reluctance from Pohlad but rather because the bidding simply went beyond a point where the team felt comfortable from a baseball standpoint. “There were other opportunities we were pursuing that we tapped out ourselves,” Falvey said when asked about Darvish. Though he didn’t mention the righty by name, Falvey indicated that at times, players of interest to the Twins simply received offers that went beyond internal valuations in terms of years and/or dollars.
- La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune takes a look at the considerable shortstop depth the Twins have throughout their minor league ranks due to the presence of Royce Lewis, Nick Gordon and Wander Javier. All three landed on Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list, and Falvey spoke to Neal about the importance of that depth even with present-day shortstop Jorge Polanco entering just his second full big league season. As Falvey notes, some of the in-house prospects could move off the position, and it’s also of course possible that Polanco could move across the bag to second base should Brian Dozier leave via free agency. Neal notes that the Twins believe all three can play shortstop in the long run but are heartened by knowing that each has the athleticism to move around if needed. Gordon is likely ticketed for Triple-A to open the season, while Neal notes that in an ideal world, the 18-year-old Lewis (last year’s No. 1 overall pick) would open the year at Class-A Advanced with Javier in the Class-A Midwest League.
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Fernando “The Bull” Rodzilla
I wouldn’t be upset if we traded Gordon to help a team need, once mauer’s contract is off the books next year we will have more money available for dozier. Let’s stack our pitching like Falvey stacked Cleveland’s staff.
I wouldn’t be upset with trading Gordon either. polanco should be able to hold down short for a could years. (I had a coach with the last name Niedenfuer, not that common of a name)
Not at all lol gotta be family, where at?
Anoka Minnesota
Josh I think was his name
Haha yep that’s my cousin! We are Minnesota based I believe, look up Tom Niedenfuer he’s a distant relative but gave up a home run to Ozzie Smith in the NLCS in 86 hahaha pretty funny
Small world man!
I’m happy at where the twins are at. And to see Jim did open his pocket book. Now will he be willing to spend next year is the question. They still need a real shutdown ace, but I’m feeling much better about the staff than I have in a long time.
so we are on pace for 125 million dollar payroll, and they think they are doing so well, after gutting payroll for 6 of the last 8 years, 2011 payroll was still larger ,if you account for inflation , and 125 doesnt even take us to 48% of earnings ,or account for any of there free 50 million from Disney…..so dont be fooled the McPohlads are still pocketing 70 million in 2018
So you don’t think the Twins got good value on their off-season additions? What else should they put money towards?
They’re is a lot more to it than what you describe sir
It’s weird to think one of the twins strengths this season will be starting pitching. The new FO/coaching staff has actually pulled a turn around from those dark years from 2011-14. Four years can really seem like ten without anything to cheer for.
The offseason for the Twins has been amazing. The only thing I could’ve personally wished for would’ve been a Dozier extension but I completely understand why they didn’t. Still could happen but unlikely now.. Polanco goes to 2B and Gordon comes up it’s obvious.. only way Dozier fits is if he would be willing to give 3B a try and shift Sano to 1st. Then I’d be happy to give Dozier a 4-5 year deal.
Not a chance they move over dozier just to make room for Gordon, Dozier is an all star lol, they only way Gordon gets called up is from an injury to dozier or andrianza/bench player.
Or if polanco struggles/gets injured. Dozier will be at 2nd for the twins for this year and beyond
I am so glad that Bill Smith and the second reign of the Terry Ryan regime is over. I get that Ryan had a big impact on many of our current players, but so many head-scratchers from his leadership. This is the breath of fresh air that is much needed!
Let’s catch a Twins game this summer, Steve. All you can drink beers on me.
im thinking the McPohlads will sell, after hosing the state for a free stadium, gutting payroll, and having zero dollars under contract for 2020….most here are kids who havent watched how Jiimmy has pocketed 300 million in profits,watched his team increase in value by 700 million while claiming to be operating at a loss….look at the odds makers ,they didnt have us better then any team but 1 team in the AL,because they know we will never go for it, just do enough to sell tickets….