{"id":137638,"date":"2026-01-10T16:21:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T16:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=137638"},"modified":"2026-01-10T16:21:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T16:21:07","slug":"opinions-los-angeles-dodgers-acquiring-a-former-twins-infielder-has-sparked-questions-about-why-minnesota-chose-not-to-retain-him-analysts-point-to-roster-decisions-and-long-term-strategy-as-possibl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=137638","title":{"rendered":"OPINIONS: Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring a former Twins infielder has sparked questions about why Minnesota chose not to retain him. Analysts point to roster decisions and long-term strategy as possible reasons, while fans debate whether the Twins missed an opportunity. The move highlights how quickly talent can shift in MLB and impact team dynamics"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 data-start=\"213\" data-end=\"293\">Why the Twins Let Ryan Fitzgerald Go for Orlando Arcia: Was It the Right Move?<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dodgersnation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/USATSI_27167023.jpg\" alt=\"Dodgers Claim Infielder From Twins in Under the Radar Move\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"295\" data-end=\"701\">The <strong data-start=\"299\" data-end=\"318\">Minnesota Twins<\/strong> have made significant roster changes this offseason, including the high-profile signing of <strong data-start=\"410\" data-end=\"437\">infielder Orlando Arcia<\/strong>. However, the team\u2019s decision to <strong data-start=\"471\" data-end=\"515\">designate Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment<\/strong> has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The Los Angeles Dodgers recently claimed Fitzgerald off waivers, fueling the debate: <strong data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"701\">why didn\u2019t the Twins simply keep him instead?<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"703\" data-end=\"706\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"708\" data-end=\"761\">Ryan Fitzgerald\u2019s MLB and Minor League Performance<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"763\" data-end=\"848\">Ryan Fitzgerald, 31, appeared in <strong data-start=\"796\" data-end=\"834\">24 games for the Twins last season<\/strong>, recording:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"850\" data-end=\"1009\">\n<li data-start=\"850\" data-end=\"878\">\n<p data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"878\"><strong data-start=\"852\" data-end=\"876\">.196 batting average<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"910\">\n<p data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"910\"><strong data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"908\">.302 on-base percentage<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"911\" data-end=\"954\">\n<p data-start=\"913\" data-end=\"954\"><strong data-start=\"913\" data-end=\"941\">.457 slugging percentage<\/strong> (106 OPS+)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"955\" data-end=\"1009\">\n<p data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"1009\"><strong data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"983\">4 home runs and 9 RBIs<\/strong> in 53 plate appearances<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1011\" data-end=\"1344\">While these numbers might seem modest, they don\u2019t tell the full story. Fitzgerald\u2019s <strong data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1117\">limited MLB sample<\/strong> showed flashes of above-average potential, particularly in terms of power and versatility. In addition, his <strong data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1272\">sprint speed ranked in the 79th percentile<\/strong>, indicating that he could contribute on the basepaths and in the field.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1346\" data-end=\"1349\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1351\" data-end=\"1375\">Minor League Success<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1377\" data-end=\"1486\">Fitzgerald earned his Major League opportunity thanks to a strong 2025 campaign with <strong data-start=\"1462\" data-end=\"1483\">Triple-A St. Paul<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1676\">\n<li data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1521\">\n<p data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1521\"><strong data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1519\">.277\/.367\/.469 slash line<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1522\" data-end=\"1595\">\n<p data-start=\"1524\" data-end=\"1595\"><strong data-start=\"1524\" data-end=\"1568\">7 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 30 runs scored<\/strong> in 245 plate appearances<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1596\" data-end=\"1618\">\n<p data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1618\"><strong data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1616\">5 stolen bases<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1619\" data-end=\"1676\">\n<p data-start=\"1621\" data-end=\"1676\">Played <strong data-start=\"1628\" data-end=\"1640\">59 games<\/strong> across all four infield positions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1678\" data-end=\"1850\">His ability to handle <strong data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1726\">multiple infield spots<\/strong> made him an attractive candidate for a <strong data-start=\"1766\" data-end=\"1782\">utility role<\/strong>, which is increasingly valuable in today\u2019s MLB roster construction.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1852\" data-end=\"1855\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"1898\">Twins Trade Moves and Roster Shuffling<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1900\" data-end=\"2170\">The Twins\u2019 decision to designate Fitzgerald for assignment came as part of a broader offseason shakeup. Minnesota made room on their <strong data-start=\"2033\" data-end=\"2050\">40-man roster<\/strong> for <strong data-start=\"2055\" data-end=\"2085\">first baseman Eric Wagaman<\/strong>, acquired from the Miami Marlins in exchange for <strong data-start=\"2135\" data-end=\"2167\">pitching prospect Kade Bragg<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2520\">As a result, Fitzgerald was claimed by the <strong data-start=\"2215\" data-end=\"2238\">Los Angeles Dodgers<\/strong>, who saw potential value in a versatile, experienced infielder. Despite being low in the waiver order, the Dodgers\u2019 decision to claim him indicates that at least one contending team viewed Fitzgerald as a valuable addition\u2014perhaps as <strong data-start=\"2473\" data-end=\"2519\">injury insurance or a future utility piece<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2525\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2527\" data-end=\"2568\">Comparing Fitzgerald and Orlando Arcia<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_fill,w_1200,ar_4:3,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/2\/01kem699pjcxr7ejnvex.jpg\" alt=\"Dodgers swiping former Twins infielder raises questions why Minnesota  didn't keep him\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2570\" data-end=\"2730\">The Twins opted to sign <strong data-start=\"2594\" data-end=\"2611\">Orlando Arcia<\/strong>, a former Braves shortstop, rather than retain Fitzgerald. Let\u2019s break down the <strong data-start=\"2692\" data-end=\"2711\">key differences<\/strong> between the two:<\/p>\n<div class=\"TyagGW_tableContainer\">\n<div class=\"group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"3083\">\n<thead data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2799\">\n<tr data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2799\">\n<th data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2741\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Player<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2741\" data-end=\"2747\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Age<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2747\" data-end=\"2764\" data-col-size=\"sm\">MLB Experience<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2764\" data-end=\"2774\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Defense<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2774\" data-end=\"2784\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Offense<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2784\" data-end=\"2799\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Versatility<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2866\" data-end=\"3083\">\n<tr data-start=\"2866\" data-end=\"2982\">\n<td data-start=\"2866\" data-end=\"2884\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Ryan Fitzgerald<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2884\" data-end=\"2889\" data-col-size=\"sm\">31<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"2889\" data-end=\"2908\" data-col-size=\"sm\">24 games in 2025<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"2924\">Above-average<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"2924\" data-end=\"2943\">Potential upside<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"2943\" data-end=\"2982\">Can play all four infield positions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"3083\">\n<td data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"2999\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Orlando Arcia<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"2999\" data-end=\"3004\">29<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3004\" data-end=\"3015\">7+ years<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3024\">Strong<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3024\" data-end=\"3057\">Consistent, but limited upside<\/td>\n<td data-col-size=\"sm\" data-start=\"3057\" data-end=\"3083\">Primarily shortstop\/2B<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"3085\" data-end=\"3110\"><strong data-start=\"3085\" data-end=\"3108\">Arcia\u2019s advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3284\">\n<li data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3173\">\n<p data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3173\">Established <strong data-start=\"3126\" data-end=\"3146\">defensive skills<\/strong> and a solid track record<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3174\" data-end=\"3232\">\n<p data-start=\"3176\" data-end=\"3232\">Proven <strong data-start=\"3183\" data-end=\"3202\">MLB consistency<\/strong>, providing a known quantity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3233\" data-end=\"3284\">\n<p data-start=\"3235\" data-end=\"3284\">Familiarity with <strong data-start=\"3252\" data-end=\"3282\">team-building expectations<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3286\" data-end=\"3316\"><strong data-start=\"3286\" data-end=\"3314\">Fitzgerald\u2019s advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3318\" data-end=\"3550\">\n<li data-start=\"3318\" data-end=\"3392\">\n<p data-start=\"3320\" data-end=\"3392\"><strong data-start=\"3320\" data-end=\"3347\">Higher offensive upside<\/strong>, as shown in Triple-A and limited MLB time<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3460\">\n<p data-start=\"3395\" data-end=\"3460\"><strong data-start=\"3395\" data-end=\"3417\">Utility capability<\/strong>, able to play <strong data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3458\">all four infield spots<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3461\" data-end=\"3550\">\n<p data-start=\"3463\" data-end=\"3550\"><strong data-start=\"3463\" data-end=\"3478\">Athleticism<\/strong>, with speed and versatility that can contribute in multiple scenarios<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3552\" data-end=\"3695\">In essence, the Twins chose the <strong data-start=\"3584\" data-end=\"3624\">known defensive consistency of Arcia<\/strong> over the <strong data-start=\"3634\" data-end=\"3694\">potential offensive upside and flexibility of Fitzgerald<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3697\" data-end=\"3700\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3702\" data-end=\"3743\">Why the Twins Might Have Made the Move<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3802\">Several factors likely influenced Minnesota\u2019s decision:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"4493\">\n<li data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"3957\">\n<p data-start=\"3807\" data-end=\"3957\"><strong data-start=\"3807\" data-end=\"3826\">Roster Security<\/strong>: Arcia provides a predictable, reliable presence on defense, whereas Fitzgerald\u2019s limited MLB experience introduced uncertainty.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3958\" data-end=\"4139\">\n<p data-start=\"3961\" data-end=\"4139\"><strong data-start=\"3961\" data-end=\"3978\">Immediate Fit<\/strong>: The Twins may have valued Arcia\u2019s experience in high-leverage situations, particularly in the <strong data-start=\"4074\" data-end=\"4101\">American League Central<\/strong>, where infield defense is critical.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4140\" data-end=\"4323\">\n<p data-start=\"4143\" data-end=\"4323\"><strong data-start=\"4143\" data-end=\"4169\">Payroll Considerations<\/strong>: Fitzgerald could have required a minor league option shuffle or arbitration considerations, whereas Arcia is likely a more <strong data-start=\"4294\" data-end=\"4320\">plug-and-play solution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4324\" data-end=\"4493\">\n<p data-start=\"4327\" data-end=\"4493\"><strong data-start=\"4327\" data-end=\"4354\">Front Office Philosophy<\/strong>: Twins executives may prefer veterans with <strong data-start=\"4398\" data-end=\"4426\">proven MLB track records<\/strong> over players who are still developing at the Major League level.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4498\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4500\" data-end=\"4527\">The Dodgers\u2019 Perspective<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4529\" data-end=\"4583\">The Dodgers claimed Fitzgerald for multiple reasons:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4585\" data-end=\"4938\">\n<li data-start=\"4585\" data-end=\"4657\">\n<p data-start=\"4587\" data-end=\"4657\"><strong data-start=\"4587\" data-end=\"4602\">Versatility<\/strong>: He can fill in across the infield if injuries occur<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4658\" data-end=\"4807\">\n<p data-start=\"4660\" data-end=\"4807\"><strong data-start=\"4660\" data-end=\"4673\">Potential<\/strong>: While Fitzgerald\u2019s MLB stats are limited, his Triple-A success suggests he could <strong data-start=\"4756\" data-end=\"4782\">contribute offensively<\/strong> in the right situation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4808\" data-end=\"4938\">\n<p data-start=\"4810\" data-end=\"4938\"><strong data-start=\"4810\" data-end=\"4822\">Low Risk<\/strong>: With options remaining, the Dodgers can <strong data-start=\"4864\" data-end=\"4891\">stash him in the minors<\/strong> without committing a full 40-man roster spot<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4940\" data-end=\"5096\">The Dodgers\u2019 claim indicates that even <strong data-start=\"4979\" data-end=\"5006\">back-of-the-order teams<\/strong> see value in Fitzgerald, raising questions about whether Minnesota missed an opportunity.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5098\" data-end=\"5101\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5103\" data-end=\"5141\">The Argument for Keeping Fitzgerald<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5143\" data-end=\"5310\">Critics of the Twins\u2019 move argue that Fitzgerald could have been an <strong data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5232\">impact utilityman<\/strong>, providing a combination of <strong data-start=\"5261\" data-end=\"5307\">offensive upside and defensive flexibility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5312\" data-end=\"5752\">\n<li data-start=\"5312\" data-end=\"5447\">\n<p data-start=\"5314\" data-end=\"5447\"><strong data-start=\"5314\" data-end=\"5342\">Potential over certainty<\/strong>: While Arcia is a known quantity, Fitzgerald\u2019s ceiling may be higher if given consistent playing time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5448\" data-end=\"5602\">\n<p data-start=\"5450\" data-end=\"5602\"><strong data-start=\"5450\" data-end=\"5475\">Cost-effective option<\/strong>: Teams often benefit from retaining <strong data-start=\"5512\" data-end=\"5546\">control over versatile players<\/strong> with upside rather than paying for veteran stability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5603\" data-end=\"5752\">\n<p data-start=\"5605\" data-end=\"5752\"><strong data-start=\"5605\" data-end=\"5624\">Depth insurance<\/strong>: In the event of injuries, Fitzgerald could have served as a reliable bench option without disrupting payroll or draft plans.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5754\" data-end=\"5893\">From this perspective, the decision to <strong data-start=\"5793\" data-end=\"5831\">sign Arcia over keeping Fitzgerald<\/strong> may be seen as <strong data-start=\"5847\" data-end=\"5892\">short-term security over long-term upside<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5895\" data-end=\"5898\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5900\" data-end=\"5937\">Looking Ahead: Fitzgerald\u2019s Future<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.newsweek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2683114-minnesota-twins-pitcher-jhoan-duran.jpg?w=1600&amp;quality=80&amp;webp=1\" alt=\"Dodgers Showing 'Strong Interest' In Trade For Twins Star Pitchers -  Newsweek\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5939\" data-end=\"6020\">Now with the Dodgers, Fitzgerald\u2019s career continues, but the path is different:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6022\" data-end=\"6316\">\n<li data-start=\"6022\" data-end=\"6108\">\n<p data-start=\"6024\" data-end=\"6108\">He may spend <strong data-start=\"6037\" data-end=\"6059\">time in the minors<\/strong> while awaiting opportunities on the MLB roster<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6109\" data-end=\"6194\">\n<p data-start=\"6111\" data-end=\"6194\">His versatility gives him a <strong data-start=\"6139\" data-end=\"6174\">chance to break out offensively<\/strong> in a limited role<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6195\" data-end=\"6316\">\n<p data-start=\"6197\" data-end=\"6316\">The claim may serve as a <strong data-start=\"6222\" data-end=\"6262\">springboard for renewed MLB exposure<\/strong>, particularly if injuries or trades create openings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6318\" data-end=\"6493\">Meanwhile, the Twins are banking on <strong data-start=\"6354\" data-end=\"6377\">Arcia\u2019s consistency<\/strong> to stabilize the infield, though it remains to be seen whether they <strong data-start=\"6446\" data-end=\"6492\">sacrificed offensive upside in the process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6495\" data-end=\"6498\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"6500\" data-end=\"6530\">Conclusion: Risk vs. Reward<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6532\" data-end=\"6659\">The Twins\u2019 decision to let Ryan Fitzgerald go in favor of Orlando Arcia reflects a classic <strong data-start=\"6623\" data-end=\"6656\">MLB roster management dilemma<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6661\" data-end=\"6834\">\n<li data-start=\"6661\" data-end=\"6748\">\n<p data-start=\"6663\" data-end=\"6748\"><strong data-start=\"6663\" data-end=\"6701\">Arcia offers certainty and defense<\/strong>, a safe choice for a team looking to win now<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6749\" data-end=\"6834\">\n<p data-start=\"6751\" data-end=\"6834\"><strong data-start=\"6751\" data-end=\"6795\">Fitzgerald offers upside and versatility<\/strong>, a higher-risk, higher-reward option<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6836\" data-end=\"7037\">By claiming Fitzgerald, the Dodgers signaled that his <strong data-start=\"6890\" data-end=\"6931\">talent and potential are still valued<\/strong>, suggesting that the Twins may have <strong data-start=\"6968\" data-end=\"7034\">missed an opportunity to develop a high-ceiling utility player<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7039\" data-end=\"7255\">For fans and analysts, the debate is clear: while Arcia may provide immediate contributions, Fitzgerald\u2019s departure raises questions about whether the Twins <strong data-start=\"7196\" data-end=\"7254\">prioritized short-term stability over long-term upside<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why the Twins Let Ryan Fitzgerald Go for Orlando Arcia: Was It the Right Move? The Minnesota Twins have made significant roster changes this offseason, including the&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":137639,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-137638","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>OPINIONS: Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring a former Twins infielder has sparked questions about why Minnesota chose not to retain him. Analysts point to roster decisions and long-term strategy as possible reasons, while fans debate whether the Twins missed an opportunity. The move highlights how quickly talent can shift in MLB and impact team dynamics - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=137638\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"OPINIONS: Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring a former Twins infielder has sparked questions about why Minnesota chose not to retain him. Analysts point to roster decisions and long-term strategy as possible reasons, while fans debate whether the Twins missed an opportunity. The move highlights how quickly talent can shift in MLB and impact team dynamics - NEWS USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Why the Twins Let Ryan Fitzgerald Go for Orlando Arcia: Was It the Right Move? 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Analysts point to roster decisions and long-term strategy as possible reasons, while fans debate whether the Twins missed an opportunity. 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