The Blog Formerly Known as Undomed

Imagine, for a moment, you are looking for a job. You’re a pretty hot commodity and you have offers on the table from two companies:

Company A has spent the last two years floundering and has seen massive layoffs. Based on the company's history there is optimism for the current year, and they aren’t just hiring, but talking big about the future. The company offers you a competitive salary, a little higher than others perhaps, with great benefits and delightful little travel perks.

Company B is a powerhouse. Steady growth. “Recession proof.” They are able to offer you stability and the work atmosphere that you covet. The salary is slightly lower than Company A, but overall, the company is safer bet.

Which company would you choose?

This is the exact scenario facing free agents with an offer from the Twins. The Twins are Company A.

It seems many Twins fans forget that the worst team in the American League the last two years has been . . . well . . . the Twins. Free agents, especially in a market where guys like Jeremy Guthrie and Shane Victorino are getting paid, shall we say, "handsomely" can not only get paid, but paid by a team of their choice.

Take, for example, Joe Blanton. He just signed a deal with the Angels for two years, $15 million. How much more would it have likely taken for him to sign with a non-contender? Two years, $18 million? Perhaps a third year?

My point is fairly simple: We're all well aware that we've been watching one of the worst teams in the league the last two years, so it's time to be realistic about free agents. The worst team in the league has a hard time bringing in top talent, because top talent wants to win.

The right free agent deal is hard to come by. It's even harder when you perform terribly.

Eric Johnson
@ejoh24