Twins apparently willing to spend more on international free agents. Of course, we'll have to wait to see if they actually follow through on this, but I'd generally rather spend $3-4M per uber-prospect, even if there's a fairly large bust rate than I would spend $3-4M on replaceable guys like Livan Hernandez. If nothing else, having some hyped prospects around can help to give us more chips to bargain with when we want to make trades.
And my gut feeling is that since the overall dollars are smaller (at least for now), the Twins (and other small-to-mid-market clubs) can sometimes afford to out-spend higher-spending clubs on the international free agent market for prospects, whereas it would almost never be a good idea for them to out-spend the biggest markets on top veteran free agents.

Recent Letters to the Editor
In Response to Cup of Coffee: March 16, 2010,
sean wrote: And more is being added! BR is adding box scores from Retrosheet for 1920-1939, and play-by-play for '52 and '53 soon. There even appears to be the occasional game with play-by-play for the '20-'39 data.…
frightwig wrote: It could be true that an obsessive ego, which may compel someone to sleep with a different woman every night, might also be what drives that person to be the best in his … I…
spookymilk wrote: Stick, I've got to thank you for doing the six-word evaluations last year; I used them for my Creative Writing Survivor game last week to hilarious results. It was a blast. For the record, three…
frightwig wrote: I know a hipster woman in Portland who also loves the Twins (she grew up in Minnesota)--and she dyes her hair red. Sad to say, though, I think she's been with a guy from PDX…
frightwig wrote: His eyes will glaze over when he gets to, "However it seems like you are unaware of how much data is available on-line regarding baseball statistics and history."
brianS wrote: Rhu_Ru is about to become a Cincy Reds fan, judging from this story. despite the fact that I'm not a Reds fan and that I'd be looking at 10 hours of driving for 81 games a…
Milt on Tilt wrote: Reading a review of The Show, apparently one of the time wasting animations is a hot foot in the dugout? I've not seen this yet. Anyone else? Also, EA Sports is tracking online gameplay. Favre…
New Guy wrote: Ha! No, this is a new New Gal. Our first real date was the drunken Alice in Wonderland escapade a couple weeks back.
FirstTimeLongTime wrote: Let's just hope it isnt "Been Around A While Gal"
UncleWalt wrote: Hey, that's my neighborhood! I guess I need to get out more. In all seriousness, I wouldn't eat anything off the floor of the Uptowner.
In Response to Cup of Coffee: March 15, 2010,
SBG wrote: And, apparently, it is insured.
SBG wrote: Is Nathan's contract insured? Because if it is, then you have to readjust your calculus.
brianS wrote: that is awesome.
brianS wrote: Meat?? Calling Meat!!!
Andrew wrote: I'm … My old roommate Adam and I always refer to Juan Dixon, formerly of Maryland, as The Illiterate Juan Dixon. Through him, my hatred for Maryland basketball is 3rd to only Purdue…
SBG wrote: I'll do that, what is it?
frightwig wrote: And Sampras never even mentioned crystal meth.
In Response to The Fiery Furnaces - Blueberry Boat,
AMR wrote: That, plus the discussion, plus I've heard the FFs (Only Widow City) and I know their reputations.
FirstTimeLongTime wrote: What, the 4.14 rating gave you the impression it would be a bad video?
AMR wrote: Not as bad as I feared.
In Response to Patty Griffin - Mary,
AMR wrote: I bought it for my wife for her … two originals on it, but they're both very good. All of the songs are religiously themed. Some old gospel standards. Others not so…
E-6 wrote: I'm with you, AMR. Patty Griffin is awesome. I happen to think this is one of her best songs, too. And while I would also prefer she sang it solo, Ms. Maines doesn't exactly ruin…
AMR wrote: Awesome. One of her best songs. It and "Tony" were the first that drew me to her. One of the few things my wife and I can agree on, so she gets a lot…
In Response to Happy Birthday--March 16,
CarterHayes wrote: .
E-6 wrote: Blondie? Patsy? Flowers? It's a league of their own.