Folks, thanks for the all the feedback. Got lucky and got targeted and approved for an AMEX Business Platinum and I think i can make the numbers work to offset that crazy annual fee for this card (at least for 1 year). I will designate Delta for the remainder of this year and use that $200 towards the baggage fee.
Sidebar question: I assume I can't get the kids into the MSP Sky Club (using the AMEX Business Platinum) during the layover, right, w/o paying?