Why can't you spend money when you rebuild? The Twins picked up Willingham last year and now he is worth a decent prospect or two.

The rule for signing FA's should be: Will it affect the long term payroll? Will this veteran block a good prospect? As far as the rotation and MI is concerned there are almost no options and nobody will be blocked. I'm all for rebuilding but that doesn't mean the Twins can't sign a couple of veterans (max 3 yr contract) to fill gaping holes in the org. It's possible that these vets can be traded in a year or two for more prospects which wouldn't have been possible if the Twins never got them.