Twins Suzuki far apart on extension

[jorgenswest]

Rosenthal reports Orioles are out of Suzuki discussions.

[JB_Iowa]

Jayson Stark via mlbtraderumors:

 

• The Twins are telling inquiring clubs that they have not yet given up on extending Kurt Suzuki, and could keep him past the deadline. If that occurs, the team could still consider August deals, though the waiver process (and Suzuki’s cheap contract) could prove a hindrance.

[James]

 

Jayson Stark via mlbtraderumors:

 

• The Twins are telling inquiring clubs that they have not yet given up on extending Kurt Suzuki, and could keep him past the deadline. If that occurs, the team could still consider August deals, though the waiver process (and Suzuki’s cheap contract) could prove a hindrance.

 

Part of me thinks this is just something that they are saying to try to strengthen the return they will get for him.  I have a hard time thinking a GM would go into a negotiation and tell the other team that there is a 0% chance of an extension.  Seems like you would be giving up all of your leverage.  

[Seth Stohs]

Part of me thinks this is just something that they are saying to try to strengthen the return they will get for him.  I have a hard time thinking a GM would go into a negotiation and tell the other team that there is a 0% chance of an extension.  Seems like you would be giving up all of your leverage.  

 

Most likely.

[jorgenswest]

I am concerned that he a Twins will feel they have to extend Suzuki if they don't trade him. That would be a mistake. If he can't draw a prospect in return by trade, he isn't going to get the 20+ million over three he is seeking. There is something keeping teams from giving up a reasonable prospect for him. Perhaps they don't trust the defense. Perhaps they know that high batting averages fueled by singles is not sustainable in 30+ year old catchers.

[JB_Iowa]

1. Mike Berardino ‏@MikeBerardino 26m

   Just checked again to see if there had been any recent progress in extension talks for Kurt Suzuki. No progress, source said. #MNTwins

[jtkoupal]

Don't get me wrong, I do really like Suzuki. I think he is a good defensive catcher, a good guy, and as we have seen this year, he can be a good hitter. That being said, I see no future for him here. He is 30 years old and is a free agent after this year. I understand that our catching prospects are still at the lower levels, but I think Pinto needs the reps over Suzuki because Pinto is part of the future and Suzuki isn't. Not to mention that Suzuki will want more money than he deserves. Most likely, he will revert to his old form next year and will not warrant whatever he gets paid this offseason. 

[Willihammer]

I am concerned that he a Twins will feel they have to extend Suzuki if they don't trade him. That would be a mistake. If he can't draw a prospect in return by trade, he isn't going to get the 20+ million over three he is seeking. There is something keeping teams from giving up a reasonable prospect for him. Perhaps they don't trust the defense. Perhaps they know that high batting averages fueled by singles is not sustainable in 30+ year old catchers.

The Twins undoubtedly know this too. I believe them when they say they want to extend him. I suspect the Twins are rejecting trade offers (unless someone blows them away) in order to keep Suzuki in the Twins Cities and count on his production tailing off in the last too months, thus bringing his asking price down closer to whatever they're offering and giving them an inside track on re-signing him in the offseason.

[JB_Iowa]

Thought about adding a new thread for this but decided to post it here.

 

Here's Phil Hughes on Suzuki:

 

http://blogs.twincities.com/twins/2014/07/31/postgame-twinsights-i-want-him-here-phil-hughes-says-of-catcher-kurt-suzuki/

 

What role, I wondered, has Suzuki played in Hughes’ personal success this season?

 

“I guess the short answer would be: He’s just a great game caller,” Hughes said. “I think when you ask any pitcher, it’s a lot easier to go through sequences when you know what your catcher wants to do and he knows you so well. There’s not too much second-guessing or shaking off or anything like that. It’s pretty much a nice flow to the game. I think that’s been the biggest impact for me.”

 

Obviously part of being a "great game caller" is experience and Suzuki pretty clearly works hard, studies the opponents and gets to know his pitchers.  He also takes hits well and is apparently a good teammate.

 

He's obviously won over the Twins clubhouse so it'll be interesting to see if they extend or trade.

[ScottyB]

According to Rosenthal extension talks back on with reasonable chance of extending.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/07/twins-suzuki-again-discussing-extension.html

[nicksaviking]

 

He's obviously won over the Twins clubhouse so it'll be interesting to see if they extend or trade.

 

Because players and coaches in a continual cycle of losing who aren't fullfilling their potential should voice their demands so as to keep the status quo.

 

Most of these players and coaches shouldn't be on this team the next two years, why bow to their demands?

[jorgenswest]

Phil Hughes has only had Pinto catch two of his starts. In those starts, he has a better strike out rate, walk rate and ERA than he has had in his starts with Suzuki. Suzuki may not be the only catcher he can pitch to successfully.

[Brandon]

With the quote he wants AJ, Ruiz, or Salty money that's anywhere from 7 to 9 million and 1 to 3 years on those contracts.  I think there can be grounds to find a reasonable contract.  What about a 2 year 14 million with a option year at 7 million or buyout at 1 million?  that would be a solid framework to a deal.  he dollars per season do not bother me as we have lots of available money that wont be spent over the next 2 years with all of the prospects coming up.  Heck we could do a 2 year 16 million contract and so what. We'll still be in the 80 - 85 million payroll range.

 

Raise your hand if you think the Twins have plans to go out and make a big splash in FA next offseason especially since we now have another pitcher for the rotation. At this point at most we sign a Morales on a 1 year 4 million rebound contract or sign a fading Hunter or Cuddyer and that's about it.  I don't really see us doing much at this point in the offseason.