Minnesota Twins Talk

According to MLB Trade Rumors Nick Cafardo says that Pavano was cleared medically in September and could sign a minor league deal. Should the Twins persue this? I think on a minor league deal, it can't hurt. If he pitches well in ST, he could be at the back of the rotation. If he pitches poorly or is still injured, you cut him. And he doesn't take up a spot on the 40-man. Discuss

You can view the page here: http://twinsdaily.com/entry.php?2173-2012-Roy-Oswalt-Relief-fastball-versus-SP-fastball I know last year he wanted to play for a contender but I doubt he'll be as sought after this offseason by most teams. Thoughts?

Original video and accompanying article chronicling Justin Morneau’s autograph signing in Brooklyn Park, as part of the Justin Morneau Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive. http://ifollosports.com/celebritystory/justin-morneau-signing-good-cause-video

The Twins have added the following to their 40 man roster: Aaron Hicks (outfielder) Danny Santana (Infielder) Josmil Pinto (Catcher) Caleb Thielbar (LHP) Kyle Gibson (RHP) B.J. Hermsen (RHP) Michael Tonkin (RHP) Tim Wood (RHP) With these additions, the 40-man roster is full.

So admittedly, I'm as itchy as everyone else on these forums waiting to see the Twins do something about their starting rotation. Obviously, nothing has happened. We hear continuously that they "are interested" in this pitcher or that pitcher, but no signings have occurred (yet). Most of us realize that the Twins' "interest" is akin to one of us saying that we "are interested" in Heidi Klum or Katy Perry. IOW, it ain't gonna happen because there needs to be mutual interest from both parties. And most of the (good) starting pitchers available on the market aren't willing to play for the Twins at some cut rate price and on a team that (for now) is a non-contender in 2013. …

I hate to beat a dead horse but I'm going to do it anyway. We all saw the Blue Jays make a big trade. They are taking on a lot of salary but they want to compete and they want to win. They are now rumored to be targeting another starter, such as Edwin Jackson or Zach Grienke. With almost every free agent or trade target you are sure to hear Toronto mentioned. The Twins haven't made an impact trade or signing yet and it's discouraging. It's not that I'm impatient but since there has already been several players the Twins have been rumored to have interested in come off the board, I can't help but think that they aren't really serious about improving this team. I have…

I have a couple of pitchers that would be good additions to the rotation on the cheap. The first one would be Roberto Hernandez(aka Fausto Carmona) and Brett Myers. If the Twins could somehow pull off a James Shields or similar type of pitcher to be the ace you could have a rotation of Shields, Diamond,Hernandez,Myers and possibly Kyle Gibson. That would be a great improvement over last seasons staff. Or I would try to find out what it would take the Dodgers to trade either Chris Capuano or Aaron Harang who would fit into the back end of the rotation. LA has too many starters and would be willing to deal a starter for some minor leaguers. To fix 2nd base I woul…

What if the Twins, with the 22nd overall pick in the 2009 MLB June Amateur draft, had taken Mike Trout (drafted three picks later) instead of Kyle Gibson? Would Trout have made as quick a debut and as immediate an impact with the Twins as he did with the Angels or would he just now be getting promoted to New Britain?

According to yahoo sports its a 2 yr 16 million dollar deal. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/blue-jays-sign-melky-cabrera-two-years-16-195901094--mlb.html Blue Jays continue to spend money and prove they're all in on being a serious contender this year.

The Mets are shopping him since they are far apart in extension talks. Not sure what the asking price would be, but it could be somewhat high seeing how he is on a very friendly contract next season (just 5 mil). He could be a trade target possibly, but would be way about giving him anything more then a 2-3 year extension if we do so. The Mets literally need everything, so 2-3 solid prospects could get it done. Thoughts?

The Indians need a CF and we need a shortstop. I know that we need pitching and many Twins Daily members want Span to bring back a big leaguer. But this deal would be great for us. Cabrera makes 6.5 this year and 10 mil in '14. A solid bat at SS with gold glove defense...This would be a hard deal for TR and company to turn down. What do you think?

What could we reasonably get back from them?

From MLB trade rumors on Thursday The Reds' first priority is trying to find a leadoff hitter, though Jocketty said that Michael Bourn is too expensive for his club and the same could be true about Angel Pagan. Later he goes on to say Jocketty said last week that the Reds could deal one of their shortstops (Zack Cozart and Didi Gregorius) if the right deal came along, but Jocketty said that neither player is being shopped. "We’re not taking offers,” Jocketty said. “That gets out and then we have to call Cozart and call Didi.” I still think we are a good trade partner, even if I would prefer we go after pitching

Here is a piece from KLAWs Chat today. At what point in 2013 do you think it is reasonable for Kyle Gibson to be in the Twins rotation? [h=6]Klaw (1:35 PM) [/h] As soon as he's built up the durability. Stuff is ready now.

A couple of days ago I interviewed Bill "Soup" Campbell a Twins reliever from 1973-1976. Campbell is the only Twins player that I know of to have ever served in combat when in served our country in Viet Nam in 1968-1969. Campbell was signed by the Twins after leaving the Army and quickly moved up the Twins system and made his big league debut in 1973. Campbell was the first ever free agent to sign with another team when he left the Twins and signed a four-year $1 million deal with the Boston Red Sox in November 1976. If you want to know more about Bill Campbell and listen to the interview you can do so at www.twinstrivia.com .

I sometimes think that the Twins scouts and minor league coaches may be below average. Lots of other teams seem to have better prospects in their systems, especially starting pitchers. And as others have noted, finishing last in the weakest division in baseball suggests that something is wrong. My questions: 1. How important is it to have above-average scouts and minor league coaches? (the poll question) 2. Is there any way that fans can discern whether a teams scouts and/or coaches are below average? (for extra credit)

Torii Hunter has been reported as signing with the Tigers.... http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/torii-hunter-deal-detroit-tigers-111412

I'm curious whether, in going through the interview/negotiation process, the Marlins informed Redmond (or any other candidates) that there were likely to be significant roster changes this offseason that would drastically impact the Marlins' ability to even field a .500 baseball team in 2013? In the end, Redmond probably accepts the job either way -- after all, it's a MLB managing job, and there are only a few vacancies each off-season. But you do wonder what Redmond was thinking this morning as he was drinking his coffee and reading the Miami Herald sports section.

In his latest chat, he says Hicks and Arcia aren't ready for the majors to start this season and that he figures Rosario will end up in CF. He's also a Max Kepler believer. Doesn't think he'll be a star but will be an every day player.

According to several sources (including MLB's), the Cubs have signed RHP Scott Baker to a one year contract. More information to come.

I know Stephen Drew had a down year last year coming off major surgery. He did look pretty good towards the end of the A's season. I think he can regain some of the skills that made him one of the best Shortstops in the league while he was with the Diamondbacks. Anyone else think that the Twins should go after him? I think they should.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/11/reds-could-trade-zack-cozart-or-didi-gregorius.html I like Cozart - don't know much about Gregorius. And I'm not sure I love the idea of losing Span as a trading chip and not getting back a pitcher. However, I think most agree that the middle infield could use some help. Would a trade centered on Span for SS be acceptable to you? If nothing else, I think it is a good thing to have buzz centered around Span to as many teams as possible. If the Braves/Mariners/whomever think that Span is being discussed with the Reds/other teams, then theoretically, those teams might have to offer more than they would otherwise. Discuss!

This is how we should strive to build our team. Strikeout pitchers up and down the rotation and bullpen and a couple big hitters in the middle with no futility infielders. All we have to do is trade our overrated prospects to cheap teams that want to shed salary. Detroit seems to rob Miami every season. Time for us to find a whipping boy. Hell, let's start with the Marlins!

He was released by the St. Louis Cardinals today. Has a lifetime ERA of 3.69. He did have a down year last year posting a 5.3 ERA but had a little bit of arm/shoulder problems last year. I would not mind signing him on the cheap. Thoughts?

So what would Terry Ryan need to give up to acquire Ricky Nolasco? I am not sure if he makes much sense but since Miami is giving their team away again it might be smart to jump on some of their talent before someone kicks their sorry butts out of MLB for pulling this fire sale crap for the 3rd time.

Hi I'm currently putting together a website cataloging all of the USA’s baseball statues - http://www.sportingstatues.com - as such I was wondering if anyone out there could let me know what the plaque inscription on Kent Hrbek's recent statue says - I can't find a photo of the plaque anywhere. Answers to c.b.stride(at)sheffield.ac.uk please :-) cheers Chris

Still trying to find out the details (while trying to figure out the hurricane issue here and the stuff that comes with it, too) But it looks like this: 3 year deal with option(s) and incentives. Not certain about the total value (heard a couple of things). Will be announced after the World Series is done. So that is that. And you will hear the details from the access folks soon (Giants' helping) If my electric holds Sandy, I might add more. Just wanted you all to know. (and I do not mind this move)

With Rick Anderson being the only Twins coach to retain his 2012 position, I wondered if his retention, aside from being a concession to Gardy, was also intended to make a re-signing with the Twins a decision with less uncertainty for Scott Baker. Thoughts?

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/11/anibal-sanchez-wants-six-year-90mm-contract.html MLBTR thinks the deciding factor could be whether 6th year is guaranteed,

Is it just me or is Terry Ryan confused on his GM responsibilities? I know all teams need depth but enough of trying to turn Rochester into a winner and focus on signing someone with a pulse. Samuel Deduno, Esmerling Vasquez, Tim Wood and Eric Fryer? Maybe his next move will be talking Corey Koskie out of retirement to give Trevor Plouffe someone to challenge him...