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[stringer bell]

The recall of Herrmann and disabling of Nolasco seem to me to be temporary. There is no verified starter for Friday, the Twins will be playing with NL rules on the weekend, and the All-Star break follows the weekend. Santana is eligible to be reinstated on Sunday and Mauer would be eligible to return on Friday, the first day of action after the break. It seems certain that some moves will be made in the next week. Here is my stab at transactions:

 

I think the Twins will start Kris Johnson on Friday. They have three catchers so they can option Fryer. Next, they can activate Santana on Sunday. The obvious move would be to option Johnson unless he would wow them in Denver (doubtful). Another scenario would be to option Pino after his start on Thursday since he wouldn't be needed until four or five days after the break. The problem with all of this is that there really is no one to call up on the 40-man roster. Pinto is yet another catcher and he hasn't played in about two weeks. The team doesn't need another infielder and the only OFs on the roster are Hicks and Kepler. Kennys Vargas is on the 40-man, but he is tending to the birth of a child, has slumped lately and is in the Future's Game. If Mauer is activated on Friday, the 18th, the club can stand to be a starter short until Tuesday, the 22nd.

 

The timing would be great to claim a player who has been DFAed. The Florimon spot on the 40-man is available for any player who can help the team.

[JB_Iowa]

I agree on Kris Johnson.

 

I don't think the Twins will activate Santana for 1 day before the AS Break. More likely to give that additional 4 days to let the bone bruise completely heal.

 

Due to the lack of options on the 40-man, I think the Twins are in a bit of a holding pattern until after the AS Break.

[drjim]

I suspect they won't activate Santana until after the all star break (he will probably get some rehab games in).

 

I imagine they option Pino after his game and call up Johnson. Times out perfectly.

 

I wouldn't be stunned if there is a trade over the break.

[jokin]

 

The timing would be great to claim a player who has been DFAed. The Florimon spot on the 40-man is available for any player who can help the team.

 

Brad Mills and George Kottaras would be good short-term pick-ups.

[Oxtung]

I think the Twins will move Deduno into the opening starting spot for 3 or 4 turns then re-evaluate. At that point Trevor May could be ready. Deduno hasn't pitched since last Friday. I think they'll call up either Pressly or Tonkin to take his spot in the pen depending on whether they think another long reliever is needed.

[Mike Sixel]

why not just call up Meyer for several starts until May is ready?

[Oxtung]

why not just call up Meyer for several starts until May is ready?

 

He's not on the 40 man and the Twins are big into "consistency".

[gmarais66]

There is no valid reason (other than injury) that Meyer and May should not be in the rotation by the end of the month... They've proven themselves at AAA... What's left? other than a ticket to the show... Pino and Johnson are just fillers, the same AAAA pitchers we've been subjected to for the last three years... They have no future with the team. Any other team in the Twins' position would already have them in the rotation. It's time for them to learn the ropes at the major league level.

[Badsmerf]

He's not on the 40 man and the Twins are big into "consistency".

That is the MO of the Twins and it bugs me. I was going to start a new thread about this, but decided to use this one instead.

 

The Twins blew it with these two. May should have been slotted into the rotation when Pelfrey went down. People didn't mind seeing Deduno at the time, but by now hopefully everyone realizes he is what he is; a AAAA pitcher adding depth to an organization. He shouldn't be getting starts in front of a potential key piece in the rotation as early as next season.

 

Next, they add Pino to the 40 man and promote him in front of Meyer. Are you kidding me? By now they could have been watching May and Meyer get MLB experience but Terry Ryan decided to let guys with no futures get that vital experience.

 

This is how you get to 90 losses, which the Twins are about on track for now. But, they are now in a bind because May is dinged-up and they would have to take someone off the 40 man again to add Meyer. And if we've seen anything from Terry Ryan before, its that no moves is the best move. Not to mention they are spewing BS about Meyer's innings limit and consistency.

[jokin]

From MLB Traderumors:

 

• In yet another reminder of how quickly things can change, the Blue Jays now seem to have a greater need in their lineup than the rotation, writes Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca.
  
• A right-handed hitting second or third baseman,
  
• right-handed outfield bat,
  
• and potentially a catching upgrade all rate as areas to explore....
  
• The team could stand to add a starter if an impact arm could be had for a reasonable price...
  
• and may also look to pick up a righty for the pen.
  

 

The Twins have potentially something to offer at each area of Blue Jays need. (I've mentioned Willingham in the past as of potential interest to Toronto). The Jays are in a position with the AL Eastern Division's usually strong teams being down this year, and are currently seeing their chances for claiming a pennant in 2014 fast slipping away.

 

It sure seems like this would be a team that could quickly convince Ryan to unload some of his expiring contracts, and perhaps come up with an even better blockbuster-type deal- if the Jays are willing to empty their farm system.

 

The Jays have 22 year old RHP Aaron Sanchez (ranked # 23) and 19 year old Roberto Osuna (ranked # 93, but coming off of TJ) who are Top 100 prospects, but currently in down years, but also with high upside projectability. A guy I really would like for the Twins to consider is 21-year old LHP, Daniel Norris. He actually outpitched Berrios in the FSL, and is 6'2", and like Berrios, just called up to AA.

[tobi0040]

He's not on the 40 man and the Twins are big into "consistency".

 

When is the last time the Twins have had more than two consistent starters on their team? 2010?

[tobi0040]

That is the MO of the Twins and it bugs me. I was going to start a new thread about this, but decided to use this one instead.

 

The Twins blew it with these two. May should have been slotted into the rotation when Pelfrey went down. People didn't mind seeing Deduno at the time, but by now hopefully everyone realizes he is what he is; a AAAA pitcher adding depth to an organization. He shouldn't be getting starts in front of a potential key piece in the rotation as early as next season.

 

Next, they add Pino to the 40 man and promote him in front of Meyer. Are you kidding me? By now they could have been watching May and Meyer get MLB experience but Terry Ryan decided to let guys with no futures get that vital experience.

 

This is how you get to 90 losses, which the Twins are about on track for now. But, they are now in a bind because May is dinged-up and they would have to take someone off the 40 man again to add Meyer. And if we've seen anything from Terry Ryan before, its that no moves is the best move. Not to mention they are spewing BS about Meyer's innings limit and consistency.

 

Agreed on all points. This is not the right regime for handling young players.

[oldguy10]

tobi0040 - you have articulated the situation expertly in my mind and I would think almost everyone that comes to this site would agree with you 100%. With the current state of the franchise now more than ever the handling of young players is imperative for the health of the team going forward.

[darin617]

Trade Suzuki and pick up AJ off of waivers.

[Badsmerf]

Trade Suzuki and pick up AJ off of waivers.

Pinto has to show the capacity to take over the job before Suzuki is traded. If he doesn't by the deadline the Twins should try to extend Suzuki. Of course, everyone has their price and if a team is willing to give up a top 75 prospect for him I'd have a hard time saying no. Mauer leaving catcher put this team in a bad spot. Suzuki has played so well that it is overlooked, but long term better hope Pinto develops or Twins are in trouble.

[DaveW]

Trade Suzuki and pick up AJ off of waivers.

 

I can't see that happening, nor do I prefer it. I would prefer they sign him to a 2 year extension (team option on year 3)

[DaveW]

That is the MO of the Twins and it bugs me. I was going to start a new thread about this, but decided to use this one instead.

 

The Twins blew it with these two. May should have been slotted into the rotation when Pelfrey went down. People didn't mind seeing Deduno at the time, but by now hopefully everyone realizes he is what he is; a AAAA pitcher adding depth to an organization. He shouldn't be getting starts in front of a potential key piece in the rotation as early as next season.

 

Next, they add Pino to the 40 man and promote him in front of Meyer. Are you kidding me? By now they could have been watching May and Meyer get MLB experience but Terry Ryan decided to let guys with no futures get that vital experience.

 

This is how you get to 90 losses, which the Twins are about on track for now. But, they are now in a bind because May is dinged-up and they would have to take someone off the 40 man again to add Meyer. And if we've seen anything from Terry Ryan before, its that no moves is the best move. Not to mention they are spewing BS about Meyer's innings limit and consistency.

 

I agree with your main point, however I think calling up Pino was the right thing.

 

In four starts he has had:

2 very good ones.

1 very bad one.

1 medicore one.

 

Hard to argue with the results TBH.

[Badsmerf]

I agree with your main point, however I think calling up Pino was the right thing.

 

In four starts he has had:

2 very good ones.

1 very bad one.

1 medicore one.

 

Hard to argue with the results TBH.

The problem wasn't Pino, the problem was that it was in favor of May and Meyer. If these two weren't ready (like the Twins say) there is no problem. I strongly disagree about the readiness and what more they have to learn in AAA that can't be learned in the MLB.

[jokin]

Another favorite potential trading partner of mine, chock full of pitching prospects, and with specific needs that match with the Twins potential trade subjects:

 

• Implicit in the above notes, I would suggest, is that the Orioles may have an unmatched window to make a run at the division. The Rays and Red Sox probably have too much ground to gain, the Yankees don’t look to have the youth or across-the-board talent, and the Blue Jays have faded quickly of late.
  
• While the loss of Matt Wieters certainly hurts, the Orioles look like they could be the odds-on favorite. Should the club move to bolster its chances with a mid-season addition or two, it could easily achieve bottom-line impact because it has two positions ripe for upgrade in second base and catcher.
  
• Of course, a rotation acquisition may also make sense. While Baltimore will surely be loath to do so, it does have a relative abundance of high-end young pitching to deal from.
  

 

Suzuki, Dozier and possibly Correia (KC's numbers, although admittedly smoke and mirrors, over June and July, are near as good as Baltimore's 3 best SPs and much better than the bottom 3- Ubaldo, Chen, Gonzalez).

 

And if they want to dump Delmon, there's Willingham as a replacement.

[drjim]

No chance the Twins trade Dozier, but I certainly endorse the Suzuki to Baltimore idea.

[jokin]

No chance the Twins trade Dozier, but I certainly endorse the Suzuki to Baltimore idea.

 

You're probably correct on Dozier, but if the right offer came along from either the Jays or the Orioles (ie, Top 100 pitching), the Twins should consider it. They can always trade out of their accumulated pitching depth for, or sign, a top-flite 2nd baseman later.

[drjim]

You're probably correct on Dozier, but if the right offer came along from either the Jays or the Orioles (ie, Top 100 pitching), the Twins should consider it. They can always trade out of their accumulated pitching depth for, or sign, a top-flite 2nd baseman later.

 

I don't understand the reasoning behind trading a 2B to acquire more pitching to later turn around and trade that pitching for a different 2B to replace the one you just traded. And 2B that are as good as Dozier and hit free agency are very rare indeed.

[TwinsTerritory]

This is probably more than a little off topic, but since we're talking trades I just read the following on MLB trade rumors from an interview with Billy Beane. This fact blew me away. Has there ever been a team make enough trades to have this occur?

 

"Asked if this was the best team he’s ever constructed, Beane said he couldn’t judge that at this point and offered praise for his assistant GMs as well. One element of which Beane is very proud is that 23 of the 25 players on the Athletics’ roster were acquired via trade — a very different method of construction from the 2001 “Moneyball” A’s."

[jokin]

I don't understand the reasoning behind trading a 2B to acquire more pitching to later turn around and trade that pitching for a different 2B to replace the one you just traded. And 2B that are as good as Dozier and hit free agency are very rare indeed.

 

You can never have enough pitching. The Twins traded their best CF assets to acquire potential starters just a season ago and we still haven't received any dividends from those acquisitions, with injuries, flame-outs, lag-times, the pipeline must continually be reloaded. An overabundance of quality SP depth allows for the best trading currency with which to fill holes.

 

And there's nothing wrong by looking at signing proven, but relatively inexpensive, major leaguers like Ben Zobrist when they become available, finding FA 2nd basemen is far easier than finding SSs or SPs. And don't forget, Rosario is still in the mix for the job internally, as well as Polanco longer-term.

[DocBauer]

That is the MO of the Twins and it bugs me. I was going to start a new thread about this, but decided to use this one instead.

 

The Twins blew it with these two. May should have been slotted into the rotation when Pelfrey went down. People didn't mind seeing Deduno at the time, but by now hopefully everyone realizes he is what he is; a AAAA pitcher adding depth to an organization. He shouldn't be getting starts in front of a potential key piece in the rotation as early as next season.

 

Next, they add Pino to the 40 man and promote him in front of Meyer. Are you kidding me? By now they could have been watching May and Meyer get MLB experience but Terry Ryan decided to let guys with no futures get that vital experience.

 

This is how you get to 90 losses, which the Twins are about on track for now. But, they are now in a bind because May is dinged-up and they would have to take someone off the 40 man again to add Meyer. And if we've seen anything from Terry Ryan before, its that no moves is the best move. Not to mention they are spewing BS about Meyer's innings limit and consistency.

 

No matter what, they would have had to make a move to bring Meyer up by adding him to the 40 man.

 

Not going to disagree with you Smurf, in theory. I also want to see May and Meyer both up, and part of our future. But a few points for consideration, if you will:

 

1) Before his late season injury, Deduno was looking awfully good. And he had a good enough ST that some were wondering why he was in the pen instead of the rotation? So when Pelfrey went down, we should have promoted a talented kid in the first month plus of AAA over Deduno at that point?

 

2) Later, seemed like May was ready. He was targeted for the futures game, plus another start or two before, THEN Nolasco was put on the DL. But May was put on the DL before Nolasco with his tight/sore calf.

 

3) Granted, we can talk at length about Meyer and limits. But the one thing we can't debate is a shortened 2013. Right or wrong, the Twins view him as a special talent who had a setback, and who they want to bring along this season without overtaxing his arm and shoulder after a short 2013 season. No expert on his rehab or the Twins plan for him this season. Just stating the obvious.

 

We we still have almost a half season to play. And there are several scenarios that can and will stay play out. I believe we'll see May soon. Meyer I'm not as sure about. But I think Pino and Johnson were based on, "what can we do NOW".

[DocBauer]

The recall of Herrmann and disabling of Nolasco seem to me to be temporary. There is no verified starter for Friday, the Twins will be playing with NL rules on the weekend, and the All-Star break follows the weekend. Santana is eligible to be reinstated on Sunday and Mauer would be eligible to return on Friday, the first day of action after the break. It seems certain that some moves will be made in the next week. Here is my stab at transactions:

 

I think the Twins will start Kris Johnson on Friday. They have three catchers so they can option Fryer.

 

Absolutely! Get Mauer and Santana back ASAP, and hope neither has lost the magic they had before the DL. (Crossing my fingers so hard it hurts!)

 

I understand keeping Herrmann over Fryer. But as a Herrmann fan and believer, I kind of hope we send him down, even with Pinto now healthy, just because I'd love to see him play and hit every day for the rest of the season.

[DocBauer]

There is no valid reason (other than injury) that Meyer and May should not be in the rotation by the end of the month... They've proven themselves at AAA... What's left? other than a ticket to the show... Pino and Johnson are just fillers, the same AAAA pitchers we've been subjected to for the last three years... They have no future with the team. Any other team in the Twins' position would already have them in the rotation. It's time for them to learn the ropes at the major league level.

 

Love May and Meyer! Think they both have a chance to be long term fixtures for the Twins. But...they've proven themselves at AAA? I love the idea, but I just don't see it. Meyer has been absolutely outstanding at times, but also inconsistent. May has actually performed better, but like Meyer, is in his very first half season of AAA and is temporarily injured.

[DocBauer]

Dozier isn't going anywhere. He's only in his second season and is not only a potential gold glove contender, but he ranks amongst the league leaders in OB, SB's and R's. Oh, he's also a legit power threat from 2B. OK, he's slumped a bit lately, but this happens. He's also started all but what, one or two games all season? And, of course, no-one is pitching around him with both Santana and Mauer both down. Why would you?

 

The BA will come around. But it's also not a be all, end all stat of production. And maybe Rosario or Polanco could end up even better. Great! But they aren't now.

 

If someone needs a RH power hitter, Willingham might be a quality trade prospect.

 

I think there is little doubt Correia, unless he collapses, will have decent value to a team needing that extra, solid pitcher for depth.

 

Nobody is paying attention, but Buxton is performing very well as of late. He may also have value to a contending team.

 

Thats about it.

 

Im hoping we can aquire a fairly decent CF player buried on another team who needs a breath of fresh air.

 

I doubt Morales has great trade value at this point, maybe late, but might just stick it out with us, with an attempt to re-sign.

 

For the first time in a long time, I'm actually looking forward to September, if not before, where we all get to see some amazing young talents audition.

[jokin]

Dozier isn't going anywhere. He's only in his second season and is not only a potential gold glove contender, but he ranks amongst the league leaders in OB, SB's and R's. Oh, he's also a legit power threat from 2B. OK, he's slumped a bit lately, but this happens. He's also started all but what, one or two games all season? And, of course, no-one is pitching around him with both Santana and Mauer both down. Why would you?

 

The BA will come around. But it's also not a be all, end all stat of production. And maybe Rosario or Polanco could end up even better. Great! But they aren't now.

 

If someone needs a RH power hitter, Willingham might be a quality trade prospect.

 

I think there is little doubt Correia, unless he collapses, will have decent value to a team needing that extra, solid pitcher for depth.

 

Nobody is paying attention, but Buxton is performing very well as of late. He may also have value to a contending team.

 

Thats about it.

 

Im hoping we can aquire a fairly decent CF player buried on another team who needs a breath of fresh air.

 

I doubt Morales has great trade value at this point, maybe late, but might just stick it out with us, with an attempt to re-sign.

 

For the first time in a long time, I'm actually looking forward to September, if not before, where we all get to see some amazing young talents audition.

 

Is there a contending team that wants Buxton enough to put him in CF- in 2014?

[Mike Sixel]

Pretty sure he means Burton....

 

The only way you trade Dozier if you are relatively sure Rosario or Polanco replaces him in the next year or so. Oh, and you get A LOT for him.

 

That would be an A's type move. It would also be a repeat of the CF trades they made.....so if they make a deal, they better be more right about their prospects than they were with Hicks.