Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN posted a new "Scoops" column last night with several interesting tidbits.

 

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Scoops_with_Doogie_Twins_targeting_pitching_as_winter_meetings_near120114

 

A lot of it is just updates on stuff we've heard before (Hunter, Masterson, etc), but one new name is Edinson Volquez, whom Doogie says we should "count the Twins interested in."

 

Volquez had a pretty great year for the Pirates, especially in the second half where he posted a 2.20 ERA to earn a nod as the team's starter in the Wild Card playoff. However, he's been erratic and inconsistent throughout his career, and he'll turn 32 next year.

 

What do you think? Any interest in gambling on the veteran righty?

no

Yes on a short term deal.  Alas, surely he won't be agreeable to one.

 

Doesn't every Twins fan have the illogical worry in the back of their mind that if the Pirates know how to fix Twins pitchers, the reverse process is very possible?

 

Also, I'm not a fan of pitchers who's strikout numbers and walk numbers seem to be so inversely linked.  Seems like they must have a very thin margin of error.

Edited December 2, 201411 yr by nicksaviking

I'd definitely give him a look. If he's not too expensive, he could end up being a bargain.

Though he might be the product of the Pittsburgh pitching staff... and that's why I think the Twins shouldn't touch Liriano.

He is arbitration final year eligible and is dangled out there if a team thinks he is worth THAT much money, before becoming a free agent. Pittsburgh is on the bubble about non-tendering him, although they probably will, but would then like to trade him and use the money elsewhere.

 

If the Twins were desperate for a 4th or 5th starter, I would say "yes" but they have other candidates, for now, and could still find the equivalent as another's team non-tender or even save money on a late winter free agent signing.

 

He walks a lot of batters, throws a lot of pitches.

Rosterman: Volquez is a free agent. Was last winter too.

I know of somebody else who had a "pretty great year for the Pirates" and who has "been erratic and inconsistent throughout his career" and will "turn 32 next year."  

 

I think we should just assume the Pirates are better at this than the Twins are and look for less of a project.

Edited December 2, 201411 yr by JustinCB

Did we all forget that we have a new pitching coach? What happened with Worley and Liriano is irrelevant.

 

It will be interesting to see who the Twins target with Allen on board.

Seems like all our pitching targets are the same.  Guys that are about 30 with two good years, a few awful years, mix in an injury or three.....

No he's terrible still. 

 

We would probably look forward to Nolasco's starts more if we had him. Which explains it.

You can slam the interest in signing Masterson and gripe he's coming off a poor season and a drop in velocity, most if not all might be attributable to a knee issue. But his ML career up until last season makes him look like an iron horse of consistency in comparison to Volquez. He's also been there, done that, more than young and talented enough to do it again. Volquez doesn't belong on the same mound despite his solid season last year.