MINNEAPOLIS -- The James Dozier sweepstakes should be coming to an end this week, as the Twins want to set a deadline for a potential trade to give the second baseman some peace of mind after the process has dragged on throughout the offseason.
With reports that the Dodgers and the Twins have hit a snag in their trade talks involving Dozier, it seems more likely that he'll will remain in Minnesota heading into this season. The Giants and Braves remain in the mix, but the Dodgers have always been the best trade fit for Dozier given their strong farm system and need for a second baseman.
Dozier has been handling it well, as he's set to appear with general manager Thad Levine on an episode of "Deep Cuts" on Wednesday night, and even jokingly responded to a request for questions on Twitter for this week's Twins Inbox:

The White Sox obviously got great returns for both Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, landing MLBPipeline.com's No. 1 and No. 3 overall prospects in the process, but it's important to note that Sale is under team control through 2019 and Eaton through '21, while Dozier has two more years left on his deal. All three contracts are team-friendly, but there's more long-term value to acquiring Sale or Eaton. An ace like Sale is also a rare commodity.
The Twins understand this and haven't been holding out for similar packages, as they simply want a fair deal built around cost-controlled pitching. The Dodgers made the most sense with a package built around top pitching prospect Jose De Leon, but the two sides have had trouble agreeing on additional prospects.
There's still a chance Dozier gets moved, but it's looking more and more likely he'll remain with the Twins.

It's a fair question, as moving Dozier would allow the Twins to acquire much-needed starting pitching. But even if they were to trade Dozier, it's more likely they'd acquire young pitching prospects than any established veterans to plug into the rotation.
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The Twins are still on the lookout for starting pitching, but there isn't much left on the free-agent market and could look to a trade for a veteran starter. If they keep Dozier, it makes sense to try to add to this team instead of committing to a full rebuild.

As part of MLB.com's series of bold predictions that ran Tuesday, I suggested the Twins could go after a power hitter to add to the offense with so many big bats left unsigned such as Jose Bautista, Mike Napoli and Mark Trumbo.
The Twins did check in on Bautista this offseason, but I've been hearing they're still more focused on improving their pitching than adding a bat like Bautista. It would be a bold move, however, to add some firepower to the roster, especially to supplement a young outfield.

Barring any additions this offseason, the rotation is likely to be composed of veterans Ervin Santana, Kyle Gibson, Hector Santiago and Phil Hughes, while the fifth-starter job will be more up for grabs. Hughes, who is coming off surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome, also has to prove he's healthy.
Starters expected to compete for the final spot include Jose Berrios, Adalberto Mejia, Trevor May, Tyler Duffey and Rule 5 Draft pick Justin Haley.

It's great to see Dozier in good spirits, as he's clearly been taking the trade rumors in stride. He even said at the Winter Meetings that he's had fun throughout the process.
Dozier, along with Hughes, are noted fans of The Bachelor, even hosting team watch parties during Spring Training last year. And to answer Dozier's pressing question, I've never watched the show, so I'd only be guessing a random name. But if Dozier remains with the Twins, I'll be curious to hear his thoughts on his favorite show come Spring Training.