MLBTR is reporting that the Astros are shopping CF Dexter Fowler for bullpen help (Link). I don't know much about him aside from glancing at some stats. Would this be a good pick up if it only cost us a couple of average BP guys?

He's flawed defensively, but overall he'd be a nice upgrade from where they stand now.  He's a FA after 2015, so you wouldn't want to give up much in trade.

 

I remembered how good he looked against the Twins, so I had to look it up-  6/14 with 3BB, 1K. 1 Triple, 1 HR.  .429/.529/.786/1.315

Edited November 24, 201411 yr by jokin

Good get for a year if he doesn't cost a lot.

I am in favor of this. We could give them a bullpen pitcher or two. We have plenty of young guys ready to take some spots in the bullpen.

 

Actually, now that I think about it, would it be possible to tender Duensing and then trade him? Or does that not happen?

He's flawed defensively, but overall he'd be a nice upgrade from where they stand now.  He's a FA after 2015, so you wouldn't want to give up much in trade.

 

I remembered how good he looked against the Twins, so I had to look it up-  6/14 with 3BB, 1K. 1 Triple, 1 HR.  .429/.529/.786/1.315

 

Yes, he was great in the Astros' series at Target Field last summer. Doubt we have bullpen help to send, what with Duensing and Swarzak being non-tender candidates.

Fowler struggles in CF but would probably be elite in the corners - I'd definitely take a gamble on him.

I think the Twins will go to arbitration with Duensing, Swarzak and Nunez and hope they can drive up their value for trade possibilities.

 

They don't need the roster spots. They have Fryer and Colabello floating out there, and can surely find one pitcher between Darnell, Thompson and even Pelfrey if they need a spot. Putting Swarzak or Duensing with, say, Parmelee is a possibility.

 

All three non-tender candidates could find a roster spot next season, really. And although it would cost $5 million to keep them, it's chump change if the Twins aren't spending the money elsewhere. Heck, Plouffe is going to cost them $5 million.

 

My only fear is that they do non-tender the guys, then I get mad that they didn't do something, anything with them before the trade deadline. People are always looking for lefty relievers. And Swarzak was still coming of of last season of greatness before he stumbled bigtime as an end of the season starter.

 

(And while I am at it...WHY did the Twins feel the need to give free agent Jared Burton innings as a closer in September, when he was going to walk. I shake my head at the front office. Left to right.)

(And while I am at it...WHY did the Twins feel the need to give free agent Jared Burton innings as a closer in September, when he was going to walk. I shake my head at the front office. Left to right.)

 

 

They probably did that as a favor to him so he can use the opportunity to build some last minute value for himself.  This is why players go to the Twins when they want to build value.  They know that if they fit with their system they will work with you to help you succeed even when you know you are no longer a part of their future.  Plus who would you have close in September with our closer out and no real replacements here you want to use instead.  You could use Fien but you plan on keeping him and 4-6 September saves could increase his value in arbitration. 

Its looking more and more that Hunter will come back to Minnesota.  I wonder if they are talking about having Hunter coach after his playing days?  Hunter keeps saying that you are supposed to work maybe that's what he is considering becoming a coach when all is said and done.

 

With that being said I would trade Deunsing and Oliveras, or Achter, or Tonkin for Fowler.  I think that would give Houston what they are looking for.  A reliever they can control for 5/6 years with promise and a productive LOOGY they can use now and get results with and possibly get value from in a trade later. 

Edited November 24, 201411 yr by Brandon

Frankly I'd consider shopping Fien for a guy like Fowler or Fowler himself.