Article: White Sox Winning Winter Meetings Through Day 1

[Seth Stohs]

The Winter Meetings are always a fun time for baseball fans. If you follow twitter or MLB Trade Rumors, there are constantly updates throughout the week, at all hours of the day. There is no question that the Chicago White Sox won Day 1 of the Winter Meetings. Here is a look at what happened on Day 1 in terms of Twins news. (No, it will not be empty below.)OVERVIEW

 

The Winter Meetings were originally set up as a meeting for all minor league teams. Then major league teams started crashing the party and since then, it has become a media Mecca.

 

Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just a place where GMs meet with agents and other GMs. Front offices of the teams go to have meetings.

That said, of course, all the teams are there. All the GMs are there. All the agents are there. There are meetings.

 

However, how many of the rumors will turn into actual transactions during this week? A few will, and we’ll try to stay on top of everything here at Twins Daily.

 

WHITE SOX ARE BUSY

 

Earlier in the offseason, the White Sox signed 1B Adam LaRoche, and then they signed lefty reliever Zach Duke.

 

Rumors throughout the night were that the White Sox and A’s were in serious discussions about Jeff Samardzija. Sox infielder Marcus Simien, who was a top 100 prospect in Baseball America a year ago, was one name mentioned. It’s hard for me to believe he would be the key piece to such a trade. I think the White Sox would need to give up a higher-ranking prospect to get Samardzija.

Then as midnight approached, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tweeted that the White Sox signed closer David Robertson for four years and $46 million. The long-time set- up man for Mariano Rivera finally got the opportunity to close last year. He turned in a solid season and got his big pay day.

 

There are rumors that the White Sox still could be a player for third baseman Chase Headley.

 

Teaming “Shark” with lefties Chris Sale and Jose Quintana certainly gives the South Siders some quality pitching.

 

COLABELLO CLAIMED BY THE BLUE JAYS

 

Late this morning, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that they had claimed first baseman Chris Colabello. He comes off the Twins 40-man roster, putting the roster at 39. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next couple of days. Were the Twins just trying to clear up a spot for a potential free agent signing? Were they just opening up a roster spot so that they can make a Rule 5 selection on Thursday? Could other players currently be on the waiver wire to create more roster spots so that the Twins could do both?

 

Colabello’s story was (and remains) remarkable. The Twins signed him before the 2012 season out of independent baseball where he spent eight seasons. He made the New Britain roster and raked that whole season. In 2013, he was invited to big league spring training and became a hero for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. He was named the International League Rookie of the Year and MVP for his great play in AAA Rochester. In May, all that time spent culminated with his big league debut. And, of course, he made the Twins opening day roster. He was named the American League co-Player of the Month in April. Unfortunately, he was jammed on a pitch late in the month and had thumb problems that affected him the rest of the season. Even recently, he learned from an MRI that there was still inflammation.

 

It’s a savvy move for the Blue Jays. The powerful Colabello showed that when healthy he can hit and be quite productive in the big leagues. The Blue Jays traded Adam Lind in the offseason to Milwaukee, but then they acquired first baseman Justin Smoak. Colabello could compete with another former Twins player, Danny Valencia, for right-handed platoon at-bats. The other thing is that Colabello still has an option year remaining so he can provide the Jays with powerful depth. Of course, seeing how Toronto has operated the last couple of seasons, it’s also possible that they could now try to sneak Colabello through waivers, too.

 

OLIVA, KAAT FALL SHY OF COOPERSTOWN

 

At 1:00 central time on Monday, the Hall of Fame gathered the media together in San Diego to tell them that the Veteran’s Committee had elected no one to the Hall of Fame. I think a press release might have done the job.

 

For enshrinement, a player would have needed 12 of the 16 Veteran’s Committee members to vote for them. Tony Oliva and Dick Allen both received 11 votes. Jim Kaat received 10 votes.

 

Can you imagine being one vote away from receiving baseball’s ultimate honor? One vote! Now, I have said many times in the past that I don’t think that Oliva or Kaat should be in the Hall of Fame, but whenever they are up for election again, I will hope like crazy that they make it.

 

MASTERSON UPDATE

 

1500 ESPN’s Darren Wolfson posted several tweets yesterday indicating that the Twins have been unable to meet with free agent starter Justin Masterson. It may be that his agent hasn’t been able to work out a time to talk to Terry Ryan. It’s also possible that Masterson just isn’t interested in the Twins.

 

Listen, the reason that Masterson is appealing to many as a potential free agent acquisition is that he was coming off his age-29 season in which he posted a 7-9 record with a 5.88 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP between Cleveland and St. Louis. The thought was that he might want to sign a cheap, one-year deal with someone to regain market value, so why not the Twins?

 

Part of the allure was that he has some upside and typically has eaten a lot of innings. However, since the hot stove league began, it’s been suggested by many that there are a lot of teams, likely well into double-digit teams, who are interested. That creates a bit of a bidding war. Frankly, it’s not a bidding war I would want to get into. His ERA+ in 2013 was 110, in 2012 it was 79, in 2011, it was 122, in 2010 it was 84 and in 2009 it was 94. That’s not the kind of guy you get into a bidding war over.

 

OTHER FREE AGENTS OF NOTE

 

LaVelle E. Neal of the Star Tribune posted throughout the day that the Twins have been quite active talking to agents for some free agent pitchers. That sounds good, but the four pitchers that he is linking the Twins with are Logan Ondrusek, Dustin McGowan, John Axford and Alexi Ogando. All four would be relief pitchers.

None of those names are terribly exciting on a major league contract. I realize that the Twins can improve their bullpen. I just personally prefer going the minor league signing route or using starting pitchers who are not in the starting rotation. Then again, I’m good with anyone on a minor league contract.

 

TERRY RYAN NOTES

 

In his Monday media discussions, Terry Ryan indicated that he had no interest in the Toronto Blue Jays CEO/President position. He said he is from Minnesota, it’s where his family is and will remain. This is no surprise, of course, since Ryan had the opportunity to be the Blue Jays general manager in 2001 when the Twins were on the contraction chopping block. He could have left then but decided that he was staying.

 

He also said that Ron Gardenhire is likely to take the 2015 year off and then determine what he wants to do in 2016. He will continue to have a standing job offer with the Twins.

 

 

COMING SOON: MINNESOTA TWINS PROSPECT HANDBOOK 2015

 

Much more will be coming throughout this week, but this year’s Twins Prospect Handbook will be available within a week, possibly even as early as Friday. Co-Authors Jeremy Nygaard, Cody Christie and I are waiting until after the Rule 5 draft to release the book so that we can add (or subtract) any players affected that day.

 

This year’s Prospect Handbook (my seventh) is huge, and it’s packed with Twins minor league information. There are prospect profiles on approximately 150 Twins minor leaguers. Anyone from the Gulf Coast League through guys whose Rookie of the Year status remain. You’ll find stories on our choices for Starting Pitcher (JO Berrios), Relief Pitcher (Brandon Peterson), Hitter (Mitch Garver) and Manager (Doug Mientkiewicz) of the Year. Jeremy takes a look at the Twins draft in 2014 and looks ahead to the 2015 draft when the Twins have the sixth selection. Cody took a look at the injuries. We also had articles from Steve Buhr, Eric Pleiss and former Twins minor leaguer AJ Pettersen.

 

I’m also excited to say that St. Paul Pioneer Press’s Mike Berardino wrote a terrific foreword for the book. We also want to thank Linwood Ferguson for his pictures of the Ft. Myers players and Steve Buhr for pictures from Cedar Rapids.

As I mentioned, there will be much more information coming in the next few days. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift or stocking stuffer, consider getting a copy of the 2015 Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook.

 

 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON DAY 2?

 

The White Sox won Day 1 of the Winter Meetings in San Diego. What will happen on Day 2? Will the Twins make any news?

 

Click here to view the article

[the_youngster]

For me, it is annoying to see the White Sox sign Robertson as well to be linked to Gregorson. They are two of my favorite relievers. Nonetheless, I am glad Robertson got a good contract. An interesting beginning to the meetings for sure.

[jokin]

 

12:57am: The Athletics’ return includes at least Semien and starting pitcher Chris Bassitt, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets. The Athletics will also likely receive a third player. The 25-year-old Bassitt made his big-league debut in 2014 despite missing much of the year with a broken hand. In four minor-league seasons, Bassitt has a 2.97 ERA, 8.6 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9.

 

Not a great trade for the A's unless that third player has some significant upside.  Bassitt showed some promise + 3 more years getting paid at the ML minimum, but only likely as a #4 or #5 starter.

Edited December 9, 2014 by jokin

[jokin]

OTHER FREE AGENTS OF NOTE

 

LaVelle E. Neal of the Star Tribune posted throughout the day that the Twins have been quite active talking to agents of some free agent pitchers. That sounds good, but the four pitchers that he is linking the Twins with are Logan Ondrusek, Dustin McGowan, John Axford and Alexi Ogando. All four would be relief pitchers.

None of those names are terribly exciting on a Major League contract. I realize that the Twins can improve upon their bullpen. I just personally prefer going the minor league signing route or using starting pitchers who are not in the starting rotation. Then again, I’m good with anyone on a minor league contract.

 

 

It's even worse than you make it sound, Seth.  This is Terry Ryan's quote leading up to the introduction of these names.  Hard to appreciate the bitter irony considering when you juxtapose at how "serious" the White Sox were on Monday, by comparison.  How did LEN3 keep a straight face when he wrote just who the names were?:

 

 

 

``We've had a number of discussions today on trades and free agents,'' Ryan said.  ``We're serious. We're interested in securing some people to help us get better.''

 

Here are four pitchers I was told have attracted the Twins interest. The Twins met with agents for at least two of these four pitchers on Monday.

 

Edited December 9, 2014 by jokin

[minnesota transplant]

My Bro in Minnesnowta is a huge Sox fan, so he is excited.  my thought on the Chisox?  Much like the Twins, the Sox are in a rebuild mode, so why to you go out and get these players especially Robertson to a team that will not contend and needs no expensive closer?  Now  trading for Samarjick as a one year rental also makes no sense.  Thats the Chisox side.  Now the Twins, I truly hope the Twins do nothing in these meetings.  My logic:  As posted a few days earlier, I belive the Inn is full for starters for the Twins, true, some young kids, but we also are rebuilding with some great possibilities on the way.  So why hinder one of our young Starting pitchers progress by signing a so so Free agent?

[JB_Iowa]

For me, it is annoying to see the White Sox sign Robertson as well to be linked to Gregorson. They are two of my favorite relievers. Nonetheless, I am glad Robertson got a good contract. An interesting beginning to the meetings for sure.

 

To me, this is annoying:

 

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN  · 1h1 hour ago 

The Kansas City, Detroit, Cleveland and White Sox games are going to have a whole different feel to them in 2015.

 

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN  · 49m49 minutes ago 

AL Central pitchers include: Kluber, Sale, Price, Samardzija, Sanchez, Verlander, Duffy, Ventura, Quintana, Salazar, Guthrie, Porcello.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Hughes and Perkins are crying for companionship...

[USAFChief]

It's good to know they're serious.

 

Serious enough to meet with the agents of TWO of the four pitchers mentioned. How did Ryan manage to squeeze all that in?

[D. Hocking]

To me, this is annoying:

 

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN  · 1h1 hour ago 

The Kansas City, Detroit, Cleveland and White Sox games are going to have a whole different feel to them in 2015.

 

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN  · 49m49 minutes ago 

AL Central pitchers include: Kluber, Sale, Price, Samardzija, Sanchez, Verlander, Duffy, Ventura, Quintana, Salazar, Guthrie, Porcello.

 

 

 

 

There must have been an earlier tweet where he talks about everything the Twins are doing, which is why they are the only AL central team not mentioned int he first tweet above.

Edited December 9, 2014 by D. Hocking

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

I hope those trades and new contracts cripple the White Sox for years!

 

Sox still need a Catcher, 3rd Base, Left Field and could probably use a bench bat and more help in the bullpen.

 

The Twins, on the other hand, need to improve the rotation, Left Field, Center Field, and could use more help in the bullpen.

 

I don't think that The White Sox have become instant contenders after spending all that $$ - they were terrible enough last year that these changes will make a difference, though probably not as much as they think it will.

 

Cleveland, I think, is the team that should be concerned more so than the Twins. They acquired Brandon Moss to do the 1B/DH/RF shuffle, but other than that they've got a lot of holes to fill.

[jokin]

I hope those trades and new contracts cripple the White Sox for years!

 

Sox still need a Catcher, 3rd Base, Left Field and could probably use a bench bat and more help in the bullpen.

 

The Twins, on the other hand, need to improve the rotation, Left Field, Center Field, and could use more help in the bullpen.

 

I don't think that The White Sox have become instant contenders after spending all that $$ - they were terrible enough last year that these changes will make a difference, though probably not as much as they think it will.

 

Cleveland, I think, is the team that should be concerned more so than the Twins. They acquired Brandon Moss to do the 1B/DH/RF shuffle, but other than that they've got a lot of holes to fill.

 

Two prime bullpen pieces and a near Ace added to Sale, Quintana and possibly Rodon makes for a strong rotation and closing corps, once you've got pitching at that level, anything is possible, depending on how well all of their young players develop.

 

Are you really saying that the Twins don't need an upgrade in the pitching rotation, besides adding at least one of the four non-tender relievers that Terry Ryan is so "serious" about adding?

Edited December 9, 2014 by jokin

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

The first thing I said they need is to upgrade the rotation.

 

The White Sox did not just win the AL Central by signing these guys.

 

The Twins have some ground to make up, but the Sox roster was such a mess that these changes alone are not going to buy them a pennant. The Sox still have a pretty terrible farm system.

[drock2190]

White Sox just got revelant pretty fast. Something the Twins should look to replicate.

 

Last year, they only had Sale and Quintana. Now they got Abreu, Laroche, the Shark, Robertson and Duke. 

 

That rotation is going to be tough to beat especially when Carlos Rondon joins in soon. And even if the Shark does leave they can get a compensation pick, not bad for Siemen or whatever his name is.

[USAFChief]

 

Did the Twins just win the AL Central by NOT making any moves?

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

Did the Twins just win the AL Central by NOT making any moves?

 

Nope.

[jokin]

 

 

The White Sox did not just win the AL Central by signing these guys.

 

The Twins have some ground to make up, but the Sox roster was such a mess that these changes alone are not going to buy them a pennant. The Sox still have a pretty terrible farm system.

 

The Twins missed on Abreu last year. and LaRoche was a better bat addition than the Twins made this year.  The Twins don't have an Ace, the Sox now have an Ace and a Half-  and Quintana in 2014 was pretty close in performance to Sale and Shark.  If Rodon has a big splash debut, they have 4 imposing pieces in the rotation.  The Sox don't have the Twins farm system, but most of their young guys are already on the roster, with a few Top 100 infielders and a few more arms knocking on the door.

Edited December 9, 2014 by jokin

[jokin]

Did the Twins just win the AL Central by NOT making any moves?

 

Decisively and "seriously".

[tobi0040]

It is frustrating to see people within the division being aggressive while the Twins and being linked to guys that will be in Rochester, at best.  But neither one of these moves in isolation worry me too much.  Frankly, I would not be happy if the Twins made either move.

 

They gave up Semien, who is a 24 year old the A's are going to play at SS.  He had an OPS of .881 in AAA last year with 15 HR in just 81 games.    Bassitt has a sub 3.00 ERA in the minors with a k rate of 8.6.   We don't know who the third prospect is yet, guessing it is a top 5 guy.   All for a guy with a career ERA + of 101 on a one year deal.Career ERA of 3.99 almost all in the NL.  He is 30 and will probably be handed an extension in excess of $100M

 

Robertson is a 30 year old closer they just gave $50M to and they also lose a 2nd round pick.

[benji21]

Oh the Twins, (sigh) the AL Central's dorky little brother. Again, a team does not need to be 'right there' in order to acquire good/great players as some here think. Doing so gets you out of the cellar and for a good price as the Sox just did. They will contend much sooner than we will. Good job for them. Terry just doesn't get it.

[jokin]

It is frustrating to see people within the division being aggressive while the Twins and being linked to guys that will be in Rochester, at best.  But neither one of these moves in isolation worry me too much.  Frankly, I would not be happy if the Twins made either move.

 

They gave up Semien, who is a 24 year old the A's are going to play at SS.  He had an OPS of .881 in AAA last year with 15 HR in just 81 games.    Bassitt has a sub 3.00 ERA in the minors with a k rate of 8.6.   We don't know who the third prospect is yet, guessing it is a top 5 guy.   All for a guy with a career ERA + of 101 on a one year deal.Career ERA of 3.99 almost all in the NL.  He is 30 and will probably be handed an extension in excess of $100M

 

Robertson is a 30 year old closer they just gave $50M to.  Those deals rarely make sense.

 

So this makes the Twins glass half full? Shark should be judged on his last 3 years, plus playing for the hapless Cubs in Wrigley.  If you assume the last 3 years are his true performance range, he's practically at 9 in K/9 with a .241 BA, plus you can pencil in 200 innings with a 3.29 FIP

[Seth Stohs]

I think that the White Sox have definitely put themselves on pace with, and if the Tigers don't sign Scherzer, they should be the favorite...

 

Yeah, the Twins are back to being the little engine that could... and as I said coming into the Winter Meetings, that's probably OK. I think they need to let young guys play... I'd just like to see them be competitive in 2015. I'm tired of all the losses. 

[Dr. Evil]

The one move that is the lowest hanging fruit for this team would be to sign/trade for an ace starting pitcher. Having a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation solves a lot of problems and takes pressure off of other areas of the team.. (Viola/Blyleven, Johnson/Schilling.......etc) But, I'm thinking it will probably be another disappointing offseason with some token vanilla moves.

[bird]

Hahn certainly had an impressive off-season last year. Looks like he's going out for an encore.

 

Semien, from what I can tell by reading the reports, is perhaps comparable to Jorge Polanco at best. Bassitt had a very nice AFL, but probably compares to Tonkin, or Zack Jones maybe. Both rank among the Whities top 10 prospects. It's of course impossible to know right now, but given Shark's contract status, this might be a bad trade for both sides.

[bird]

I'm humored by the pre-judging of Ryan after one day of the winter meetings. If one was to put stock in what's been discussed so far, Ryan is clearly not serious. Also, he's talking to all the wrong agents. Besides that, he's pretty much just sitting on his hands while the rest of the division passes him by.

[jokin]

 

 

Sox still need a 3rd Base,

 

 

 

Gilaspie- 27 years old, OPS+ 113 Slash .282/.336/.416/.752 (not even Arb eligible until 2016)

Plouffe-   28 years old  OPS+ 110 Slash .258/.328/.423/.751

[jokin]

I'm humored by the pre-judging of Ryan after one day of the winter meetings. If one was to put stock in what's been discussed so far, Ryan is clearly not serious. Also, he's talking to all the wrong agents. Besides that, he's pretty much just sitting on his hands while the rest of the division passes him by.

 

There's talkin' a good game, and then there's what the Sox are doing.

[jokin]

Hahn certainly had an impressive off-season last year. Looks like he's going out for an encore.

 

Semien, from what I can tell by reading the reports, is perhaps comparable to Jorge Polanco at best. Bassitt had a very nice AFL, but probably compares to Tonkin, or Zack Jones maybe. Both rank among the Whities top 10 prospects. It's of course impossible to know right now, but given Shark's contract status, this might be a bad trade for both sides.

 

Or there's a Third Way-  continually playing for a Tomorrow that never comes  (and along the way, signing some aged "fan favorites" for Fan Mollification purposes)

[tobi0040]

So this makes the Twins glass half full? Shark should be judged on his last 3 years, plus playing for the hapless Cubs in Wrigley.  If you assume the last 3 years are his true performance range, he's practically at 9 in K/9 with a .241 BA, plus you can pencil in 200 innings with a 3.29 FIP

 

I think that is a big assumption.  I guess my point is, why not just sign Lester, Scherzer, or Shields?  All have better career numbers and you keep the prospects.  They either get Jeff S. for one year or they sign him to a deal that is a huge risk IMO.  He has been good for 2-3 years tops.  All in the NL for the most part.  With an ERA + that is 1% better than league average.

 

And we don't know who the other prospect is.  Their system is not ranked that great, but their top five is not shabby.  Rodon is 1.  They have a young SS at 2 that had an OPS over .800 in three league last year (17th pick in 2013).  #3 is a starter that throws 100 and had an ERA of 1.44 last year.  #5 is their first rounder in 2012 with some power. 

[jokin]

I think that the White Sox have definitely put themselves on pace with, and if the Tigers don't sign Scherzer, they should be the favorite...

 

Yeah, the Twins are back to being the little engine that could... and as I said coming into the Winter Meetings, that's probably OK. I think they need to let young guys play... I'd just like to see them be competitive in 2015.

 

I'm tired of all the losses. 

 

As Berardino pointed out, with the 19 game intra-division schedule, over the last two years, the Twins only had a strong and winning record against the Sox, they were the one team in the division which helped mask the Twins overall futility.  With all of these quality Sox upgrade moves, an additional 5-7 Twins losses is not out of the realm of possibilities, either directly against the Sox, or from the spillover attrition effect after playing the Sox in close games that used to be Twins blowouts.

Edited December 9, 2014 by jokin

[jokin]

I think that is a big assumption.  

 

Not assuming anything, but that's exactly what he's done over the last 3 years, mostly with a very, very bad team.

[Seth Stohs]

My assumption is that the White Sox will lock up Samardzija after the trade, or the trade may even be contingent upon letting the Sox and Shark work out a long-term agreement.