Disappointment and outrage are unhealthy

Disappointment and outrage are unhealthy, but sometimes it's necessary.

Of course we're disappointed. Of course we're angry. Being wiped out once again by the New York Yankees makes us sick. But the fact is, last week we couldn't have been more proud of those 94-68 Twins who won their division. We filled their new house almost every single home game this year with sell-out crowd after sell-out crowd, so we can't really say the regular season wasn't a success.

We were fired up over their incredible second half and most of us weren't worried about their end-of-season slump, until we were set to play the Yankees. Apparently, they're just a better team. They spent $200 million last season in an effort to make certain very few teams would be able to compete with them and the Twins are not anywhere on that short list.

However, we'd like to think their beautiful new ballpark and $100 million payroll would have been enough to facilitate hanging with the big dogs. Consider this comparison: you go grocery shopping for a week and only have $50 to spend. You'd really like a porterhouse, but are you willing to go without milk and bread just to eat that steak? That's more or less how I feel the Twins have maintained their budget. Yes, Joe Mauer is incredible, but at what cost? Francisco Liriano is a heck of a pitcher, but what about the other four guys? Can they really afford to pick up any talented, big name free agents?

Jim Thome isn't going to be around forever, and who knows what Justin Morneau's future holds. And just look at that middle infield. Orlando Hudson and J.J. Hardy? Scrappy is one thing, sucky is entirely another. They're both very nice gentlemen, but yikes. If the Twins are willing to settle for .250-ish hitters who are going to be injured half the time anyway, shouldn't they just rely on younger, less expensive players, possibly from within their own system?

I penned a Dear John letter for Big League Stew on Sunday, when I was in a different stage of grief. I let optimism and sadness cloud my judgement. Today, I'm trying not to be negative, but it's seriously time for this organization to get real. If they want to bring another championship to Minnesota, it's time to spend some real money on a few guys who will help them get there when it matters most.

What are your thoughts on what moves the team should make during the offseason? Who should stay and who should go, or do you like things just the way they are?