40th and 80th pick that won’t help until 2015 at the earliest is a bit much. If we were in full rebuild, I’d probably agree but if we’re trying to make another run at the central, I’d prefer the better player.

As I’ve pointed out, Willingham has some serious flaws. His first year in the AL would’ve been plain bad if he hadn’t set a career high in home runs. I don’t think he hits 29 again (believe me, I hope I’m wrong) so unless he makes better adjustments to the AL, last year will be his high water mark in the AL and the next three years could be ugly. (Or, Benson takes his place).

those years would represent Cuddy’s 3rd best year of his career, and Willingham’s 2nd worst.

Honestly, projections for both players may be conservative.

True, some are going to like Willingham better and the same with Cuddyer. They probably are going to have similiar production. I get that and I think 7M a year for Willingham is good value. I’d rather have Cuddy at 8M a year. If you start talking 10-12M a year, I’m all for Willingham. Regardless, I still think we need another bat.

My view on the picks is that they are a bonus to have when you lose a key contributor. I am not saying they don’t matter. I’m all about fielding the most competitive team you can year in and year out. Does getting the picks improve those odds? Maybe and maybe not. The decisions you make through the years are going to vary depending on so many different things that I wouldn’t tie my clubs future to two comp picks.

As to the picks, here is my thought process:

1) 40th and 80th pick in a weak draft aren’t that great. Certainly it’s two more attempts, which is a very good thing, but that low the likelihood of getting someone who even makes the majors is low.
2) We don’t know how the new draft deal will affect us since we tend to target players that might now prefer the college route or just play another sport
3) These picks won’t help us for years and we aren’t rebuilding (an argument could be made that we should be rebuilding). I’d prefer to have the better player now than having a Duensing like player in 2016.

All that said, it’s a done deal. Hopefully someone other than the Rockies sign Cuddy so we get a top 20ish pick (makes the trade a lot better). #2 overall should be a good pick and two more supp picks should make draft time fun to watch. The Twins have been active in international market. We have some interesting talent coming up that will be ready around 2015 so these extra picks could fit in as complementary pieces to the Sano/Rosario/Arcia group.