Don't Look Now but the Transformation has Begun

[drivlikejehu]

I don't necessarily agree with that. If Deduno continues pitching around a 100 ERA+ clip, he has value. Despite his age, he's still not even arb eligible. Teams won't give up a lot for him but they'll give up something for a 30 year old with a 100 ERA+ making $1m a season and under team control.

 

The Twins got something for Drew Butera. I just mean that Deduno's potential trade value is not something that should really affect how the Twins use him. He's OK and all, but not overly relevant in the scheme of things. I'd just keep him around as a swing guy for the time being, it would be nice to have a spot starter available on staff (especially carrying 12 pitchers).

[slash129]

Now we have a rotation of Hughes, Nolasco, Meyer, May and Gibson which looks promising for the long run.

I agree, but I think Meyer's rumored innings limit is going to put a big damper on him contributing much in the rotation this season. I can see him being called up to let it fly a few innings in the bullpen each week. The team will need Deduno in the rotation. Hopefully, Swarzak can get back on track as a swingman.

[nicksaviking]

You are right. There's a $9 million club option with a $.5 million buyout.

 

Pretty general consensus is that the option won't be exercised.

 

So Span sounds like next year's Kubel/Bartlet/Guerrier. Only he'll still likely get a major league contract.

[twinsguy14]

We should package him with some guys to get a young ace pitcher.

None of the aforementioned players will get you an ace pitcher. Maybe some low A guy with potential. We had to give up Span with his youth and great contract just to get Meyer from a team loaded with arms.

[tobi0040]

So Span sounds like next year's Kubel/Bartlet/Guerrier. Only he'll still likely get a major league contract.

 

I would rather bring back Shane Mack to block Buxton and Gaetti to block Sano. Or we could trade Buxton and Sano for a really good set up guy. Lock down the 7th or 8th inning and help push towards 80 wins this year.

[Brock Beauchamp]

None of the aforementioned players will get you an ace pitcher. Maybe some low A guy with potential. We had to give up Span with his youth and great contract just to get Meyer from a team loaded with arms.

 

It's a running joke. For five years, people have been bundling Duensing into trade packages for good players. It's more than a little absurd.

[twinsguy14]

As ardent Twins fans, we've all been frustrated with our home nine over the last three years and have, understandably, been looking forward to the future when the team would field a lineup of younger, more promising players.

 

Don't look know but its happening. With Plouffe and Dozier establishing themselves as quality MLB players and substantial playing time for Arcia, Pinto, Escobar, Santana, Hicks and Gibson, the Twins core players are now represented by younger, up and coming players.

 

I am guessing this process will accelerate as we get closer to the trade deadline as I anticipate (hope) that Corriea, Guerrier and Burton will all be dealt and replaced with younger players. I will also include Willingham in that group unless the Twins can hang around. Then I think we should keep him for the rest of the season (no extensions, please).

 

 

Yes, finally!! Now dump some more cold bodies (i.e. Kubel, Guerrier) and get some more talent up here. The futures so bright...I hope to wear shades!

[tobi0040]

Yes, finally!! Now dump some more cold bodies (i.e. Kubel, Guerrier) and get some more talent up here. The futures so bright...I hope to wear shades!

 

How did I miss Guerrier! Add him to the list of ridiculous roster blockage. We have 5-6 young AAA relievers with a sub 3.00 ERA.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Why does everyone want to get rid of Guerrier? He's striking out a batter almost once per three innings.

[Mike Sixel]

This season, for me, has reinforced my belief this is not the GM/Manager for a young, rebuilding, team. I am excited to see the future, but it is about as slow at arriving as GRRM is at producing new books.....

[Brock Beauchamp]

This season, for me, has reinforced my belief this is not the GM/Manager for a young, rebuilding, team.

 

Boy, I couldn't disagree more. If Ryan has just one strength, it's acquiring and hoarding young players during a rebuild and showing patience with them as they progress through the system.

 

On the other hand, I question whether he's the right man for the job when a team is actually contending and needs to move prospects for vets and needs to sign free agents to push the organization to the elite echelon of baseball.

[Twins33]

I wouldn't object to a Willingham extension. He is filling a hole in the lineup and Sano and Buxton are not coming up right away next year as we originally planned. 1 year 8 million with 2 million incentives for plate appearances with maybe an option year.

I like Willingham, but with his age and the amount of health issues he has had lately I think giving him a guaranteed 8 would be a waste of money. Plus the fact that he should be a DH, which he doesn't want to be.

[tobi0040]

Boy, I couldn't disagree more. If Ryan has just one strength, it's acquiring and hoarding young players during a rebuild and showing patience with them as they progress through the system.

 

On the other hand, I question whether he's the right man for the job when a team is actually contending and needs to move prospects for vets and needs to sign free agents to push the organization to the elite echelon of baseball.

 

I think Ryan and Gardy are just on different pages. I think Terry does a good job stock piling talent, but he doesn't care to battle it out with Gardy. Gardy is playing for his job and wants to win now, so you see ridiculous things that don't benefit the team long term.

 

So in that sense I don't think Terry is the right guy for the job. Ideally he would be your chief scout, run the drafts, and negotiate trades. But someone should tell Gardy how things will be run.

 

Santana in CF - No.

 

Hicks on the bench - No.

 

Pinto on the bench - No.

 

Guerrier blocking Tonkin, Guerra, etc. - No.

 

Kubel playing every day - No.

 

Still having Bartlett's phone number - No.

 

Any mention of losing your DH - No

[diehardtwinsfan]

Boy, I couldn't disagree more. If Ryan has just one strength, it's acquiring and hoarding young players during a rebuild and showing patience with them as they progress through the system.

 

On the other hand, I question whether he's the right man for the job when a team is actually contending and needs to move prospects for vets and needs to sign free agents to push the organization to the elite echelon of baseball.

 

 

This! I'd add that on the Gardy front, his biggest weakness is (in my opionion) developing young talent. While I think that Ryan is the right guy this year and possibly into next, I'm not as certain once they are in the playoff mix. But with Gardy, I'm not certain he belongs here now.

[tobi0040]

This! I'd add that on the Gardy front, his biggest weakness is (in my opionion) developing young talent. While I think that Ryan is the right guy this year and possibly into next, I'm not as certain once they are in the playoff mix. But with Gardy, I'm not certain he belongs here now.

 

Agreed on Gardy. I am of the belief that in game, a manager in baseball is not all that important. The in game moves that one does are very similar to others. When to pinch hit, put a right handed reliever against a righty, etc.. The things that are important, like platooning, ensuring your moves make long term sense, batting order is constructed in a way that makes sense, etc. Gardy seems behind the curve big time. I am more than worried that the long term development of guys I really care about will be hurt. Will we move Sano to DH after like 10 games because we want to win now? You can't rule it out at this point.

[Dave T]

Santana has no business playing SS at the major league level. Gardy is right about that one. Hicks needs to be sent down to AAA, and my prediction is that's what will happen when Fuld comes off the DL. As for Willingham, he puts fans in the seats and you need ticket sales to finance your payroll. I am really enjoying his recent streak of home runs, and hope it continues.

[ashbury]

Teams can deal with one major hole.

 

Billy Martin and Ty Cobb come to mind.

[sorney]

Why does everyone want to get rid of Guerrier? He's striking out a batter almost once per three innings.

 

Plus, veteran-ie-ness!!!!!!.

[Mike Sixel]

Isn't the GM accountable for Bartlett, Guerrier, Kubel, and sticking with KC? They seem unable to commit to their strategy.

[sorney]

Santana has no business playing SS at the major league level. Gardy is right about that one. Hicks needs to be sent down to AAA, and my prediction is that's what will happen when Fuld comes off the DL. As for Willingham, he puts fans in the seats and you need ticket sales to finance your payroll. I am really enjoying his recent streak of home runs, and hope it continues.

 

Willingham is putting people in seats?!?! Maybe in 2012. I don't think people are checking to see whether the Hammer is playing or not before deciding to come to the games.

[tobi0040]

Isn't the GM accountable for Bartlett, Guerrier, Kubel, and sticking with KC? They seem unable to commit to their strategy.

 

He should, but I think Gardy gets his way. Still Terry's fault

[Mike Sixel]

Boy, I couldn't disagree more. If Ryan has just one strength, it's acquiring and hoarding young players during a rebuild and showing patience with them as they progress through the system.

 

On the other hand, I question whether he's the right man for the job when a team is actually contending and needs to move prospects for vets and needs to sign free agents to push the organization to the elite echelon of baseball.

 

 

You know I agree with the second part......does anyone believe they'd deal a legit prospect for a legit MLB player in the future? I don't.

[cmathewson]

Boy, I couldn't disagree more. If Ryan has just one strength, it's acquiring and hoarding young players during a rebuild and showing patience with them as they progress through the system.

 

On the other hand, I question whether he's the right man for the job when a team is actually contending and needs to move prospects for vets and needs to sign free agents to push the organization to the elite echelon of baseball.

 

I think the manager is not the right guy for prospects. He has too little patience.

[tobi0040]

I think the manager is not the right guy for prospects. He has too little patience.

 

Yup, and he can't stand defensive mistakes, which happen with young players. Danny Santana at SS. Sano at 3B. And god help us when Buxton misses the cut off man.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I think the manager is not the right guy for prospects. He has too little patience.

 

It's possible. I'm mostly indifferent on Gardy. I think he does some things right, others wrong.

[Shane Wahl]

Let's take a step back and remember which club we are talking about. In a season where success is 78 wins, the following things are happening:

 

-A top prospect, CF is sitting on the bench while another potential future starting SS is playing in CF instead of getting reps at SS (where he needs work defensively)

 

-A future catching prospect is playing about twice a week

 

-Kevin C. is blocking Meyer and May

 

-We have a 34 year old, washed up OF with a .622 OPS getting reps daily

 

I agree completely with your sentiment here.

[Shane Wahl]

It doesn't seem to difficult to build an appropriate lineup right now.

 

Dozier 2B

Mauer 1B

Willingham (for now) LF

Arcia RF

Pinto DH/C

Plouffe 3B

Suzuki C/DH

Escobar SS

Hicks CF

 

Send Santana to SS in Rochester. Release Kubel. Fuld returns soon and call up Romero

 

Parmelee (lefty)

Fuld (lefty)

Romero (righty)

Nunez (righty)

 

as the bench

 

This is not, at all, difficult for a manager to see.

[oldguy10]

As I mentioned previously this lineup is perfectly "competent" for an organization that is willing to settle yet one more time for a 90+ loss season, isn't that getting just a tad old?

[Beezer07]

As I mentioned previously this lineup is perfectly "competent" for an organization that is willing to settle yet one more time for a 90+ loss season, isn't that getting just a tad old?

 

I fail to see any alternatives currently available

[Beezer07]

It doesn't seem to difficult to build an appropriate lineup right now.

 

Dozier 2B

Mauer 1B

Willingham (for now) LF

Arcia RF

Pinto DH/C

Plouffe 3B

Suzuki C/DH

Escobar SS

Hicks CF

 

Send Santana to SS in Rochester. Release Kubel. Fuld returns soon and call up Romero

 

Parmelee (lefty)

Fuld (lefty)

Romero (righty)

Nunez (righty)

 

as the bench

 

This is not, at all, difficult for a manager to see.

 

I would be content, given the circumstances, to see this as a lineup every day.