Article: Official Winter Meetings Tuesday Thread

[Seth Stohs]

Brian Dozier came to town on Monday. The power-hitting second baseman was in DC at the Winter Meetings for a marketing, promotional event for Under Armour. However, with his name mentioned in all kinds of trade rumors, it certainly brought about reason for more talk.

 

But on Monday it appears it was all talk for the Twins new front office, and throughout baseball. There weren't any major transactions announced on Monday, but there was plenty of talk, and much of it was in the American League Central.

 

As always use this thread to share rumors and transactions throughout the day as you hear new information. Of course, if the Twins do make a transaction, we'll post that in an article as quickly as we can.The Winter Meetings are often a place where there is a lot of talking, but there aren't necessarily a lot of transactions. That was the case Monday, but a lot of the talk centered around the American League Central. Here's the rundown from Monday as we look forward to Tuesday at the Winter Meetings when we expect some of these talks to turn into official transactions.

 

The big talker from Monday was the Chicago White Sox. It appears they are going into full rebuild mold. It looks like they are attempting to follow the plan of the cross-town Cubs. Names like Todd Frazier, Adam Eaton and others could be on the move.

 

However, the Chris Sale rumors really heated up on Monday night. It was reported that the Nationals and White Sox are a long way down the path toward a deal that would involve Chris Sale. The White Sox would likely receive elite pitching prospect Lucas Giolito and top outfield prospect Victor Robles, and maybe more.

 

The Nationals appear resigned to the fact that in two years Bryce Harper will leave for major money as a free agent, so they are going to go for it. A rotation with Max Scherzer, Chris Sale and Stephen Strasburg at the top of it would give the Nationals a real shot.

 

With Mark Melancon signing a four-year, $62 million deal to be the Giants closer on Monday, the market for top closers has been set. Aroldis Chapman is said to be looking for six years (though I can't imagine him getting it). Kenley Jansen is going to also get huge money, likely from either the Marlins or the Dodgers. With that as the backdrop, the White Sox should certainly look to deal their closer, David Robertson. He's signed at a fair price for the next two years, and if the White Sox are selling, they don't really need an elite closer.

 

Also last night, rumors came out that Cleveland was very much in on former Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion. Despite getting to the World Series, Cleveland didn't have many elite hitters. They had several very good hitters, but Encarnacion would give them an elite bat in the middle to team with Francisco Lindor, Jason Kipnis Jose Ramirez and Carlos Santana to give them a very good lineup to go with their very good pitching staff. They would not only be the favorites in the American League Central, but a favorite to return to the World Series.

 

The Royals certainly are making it known that they need to sell off some of their top talent. It appears they are making attempts to deal outfielder Lorenzo Cain. As Brandon Warne often says, Cain can provide young Torii Hunter defense while providing veteran Torii Hunter offensive production. He was hurt some in 2016, and his defense will soon start to go in the other direction so now is the time to deal him.

 

Back to the closer discussion, the Royals are also said to be dangling Wade Davis. Davis was hurt in the second half of 2016, but he could command a huge return. The Cubs are said to be interested. Jorge Soler's name has been mentioned though I would think that the Cubs would have to add at least one, and maybe two, more pieces.

 

DAILY DOZIER UPDATE

 

Dozier appeared on MLB radio, and Derek Falvey was on earlier on Monday. Both were certainly saying the right things, especially when meeting with local Twin Cities media.

 

Dozier made it clear that he would like to be part of the solution in Minnesota. He's invested a lot of time, work and passion into becoming a great player with the Twins. He wants to stay. But at the same time, he is intrigued by the rumors and says he has paid attention. He wants to win. He wants to be loyal. And he understands the business side of the game in which a 100-loss team needs to add as much talent as they can, even if it means difficult decisions.

 

For his part, Falvey is saying the right things too, which isn't easy. He isn't flat-out lying and saying that nothing's going to happen. He talks about the respect that Dozier has earned and deserves, but he does so while clearly getting a lot of interest from teams on the second baseman.

 

There wasn't a lot of new information on Monday. Jon Heyman pointed out that he learned the Yankees have inquired about Dozier. It's good to hear some specific names of other teams, even if just to let the Dodgers think that they need to up their offer if they really want to acquire Dozier.

 

The Yankees added a lot of talent last summer from their trades of Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman. Certainly Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge would likely be unavailable. But would pitching prospects like Luis Severino or lefty Justus Sheffield be available? Sheffield is the brother of Jordan Sheffield whose name has been mentioned as a possible return from the Dodgers. James Kaprelian is another pitching prospect of note.

 

Clint Frazier is their top prospect, according to MLB.com. He came to the Yankees in the Andrew Miller deal and played in AAA the second half of the year. The Twins like their talented outfielders from Georgia high schools! An outfield of Kepler, Buxton and Frazier would sure be fun to watch grow!

 

Gleyber Torres came from the Cubs in the Chapman deal. The shortstop was one of the top prospects in the Arizona Fall League and is a top shortstop prospect in the game, ranking even higher than Nick Gordon. A middle infield down the line of Torres and Gordon would sure be nice. They both would start 2017 in AA Chattanooga. This is likely just wishful thinking as I doubt Torres is be available.

 

Let's be honest. Outside of Brian Dozier talk and rumors, things have been very quiet on the Twins front, as it has been throughout baseball through one official day of Winter Meetings will that change on Tuesday?

 

Here's the question for you to discuss and answer in the comments below - along with discussing other rumors of the day - In your opinion, what are the odds that the Twins trade Brian Dozier a.) before the end of the Winter Meetings on Thursday, or b.) this offseason? Discuss below, and take the Twins Daily Twitter survey by clicking below.

 

 

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[Seth Stohs]

 

On the contrary, the Yankees aren’t involved in the Dozier sweepstakes, general manager Brian Cashman told MLB Network Radio on Monday (Twitter link). “I haven’t had any dialogue with the Twins about Dozier. That’s a false report,” Cashman said.

 

From MLB Trade Rumos this morning... 

[beckmt]

Doubt the Yankees would be in, Dozier would be an upgrade, but not a huge one over Castro.  Expect some of the teams would be like the Pirates, Royals and a few mid market teams.  Dozier's contract is great for those types. 

[Blackjack]

 

What are the odds that the Twins trade Brian Dozier a.) before the end of the Winter Meetings on Thursday, or b.) this off-season?

 

a) 10% chance

60% chance

 

I hope they get a Dozier trade done this off season, he'll never have more value after his 40+ HR season.  

[nytwinsfan]

 

Doubt the Yankees would be in, Dozier would be an upgrade, but not a huge one over Castro.  Expect some of the teams would be like the Pirates, Royals and a few mid market teams.  Dozier's contract is great for those types. 

Starlin Castro 2016 WAR: 1.1 (Fangraphs)

Brian Dozier 2016 WAR: 5.9

 

Starlin Castro 2013-2016 WAR: 4.8 

Brian Dozier 2013-2016 WAR: 16.4

 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[beckmt]

Starlin Castro 2016 WAR: 1.1 (Fangraphs)

Brian Dozier 2016 WAR: 5.9

 

Starlin Castro 2013-2016 WAR: 4.8 

Brian Dozier 2013-2016 WAR: 16.4

 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

Castro Yankee prospect cost 0.

Dozier Yankee prospect cost substantial.

[nicksaviking]

I don't believe Dozier makes as much sense for the Yankees as he does for other teams as they need to use their resources to get starting pitching which isn't available the Old Yankee Way this year, that is big bucks thrown at the free agent market.

 

I also don't believe Brian Cashman when he says he never checked in on the situation.

[Oxtung]

From MLB Trade Rumos this morning...

It's entirely possible, perhaps even probable, that the Yankees aren't in on Dozier given their current duo of MI. However, if I was the Yankees and I knew another team was involved with deep farm system like the Dodgers I'd be denying I was in the market too. All that admitting interest does is create a potential bidding war. They're better off denying it and then trying to sneak in the back door with an offer.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Castro Yankee prospect cost 0. Dozier Yankee prospect cost substantial.

 

Except....the post he was replying to was "Dozier wouldn't be an upgrade"....not the cost of Dozier....

[Seth Stohs]

We have a trade:

 

 

[markos]

 

I don't believe Dozier makes as much sense for the Yankees as he does for other teams as they need to use their resources to get starting pitching which isn't available the Old Yankee Way this year, that is big bucks thrown at the free agent market.

 

I also don't believe Brian Cashman when he says he never checked in on the situation.

I believe Cashman when he said he never checked in on the situation - I'm sure he had one of his assistant GMs make the phone call.

[Loosey]

The Yankees are sort of in a rebuild.  Well, as much of a rebuild as the Yankees the do.  Does 2 years of Dozier get them to where they want to be which is always World Series Champions?  I'd so they are not contenders in 2017 and depending on what offseason moves they make in the next year are probably not in 2018.  So they would be trading their future World Series contending pieces away for a player that will be available in 2019 when they could get him with big $ if they want him then.

 

Teams going for it now are teams I see wanting Dozier.

[Mike Sixel]

 

We have a trade:

 

 

You do know Twitter is blocked for a decent number of people.....for those that are, this is a Brewers' trade, not Twins.....

[Mike Sixel]

 

The Yankees are sort of in a rebuild.  Well, as much of a rebuild as the Yankees the do.  Does 2 years of Dozier get them to where they want to be which is always World Series Champions?  I'd so they are not contenders in 2017 and depending on what offseason moves they make in the next year are probably not in 2018.  So they would be trading their future World Series contending pieces away for a player that will be available in 2019 when they could get him with big $ if they want him then.

 

Teams going for it now are teams I see wanting Dozier.

 

I disagree. They are contenders next year....they won 84 games last year. Add Dozier, add a SP from someplace....that definitely gives them a legit shot at 90 wins, imo.

[Sheeran]

The Twins need to take a page from the White Sox book. Trade away your star player and get back amazing young talent. Trading away Chris Sale is going to be tough for them but it is the right thing to do to jump start their rebuild. It would be the same thing with Brian Dozier. Sell him now because he will never be this high of value again.

[Oxtung]

I disagree. They are contenders next year....they won 84 games last year. Add Dozier, add a SP from someplace....that definitely gives them a legit shot at 90 wins, imo.

Mike the reason the even got to 84 was because of their bullpen and that has now been dismantled. Their starting pitching outside of Tanaka is in shambles and last year their best hitter was Gregorious. I think some of their veterans will bounce back but enough to recover the wins they traded away with Miller and Chapman plus 6 wins to get them to 90? We're talking about an improvement of 10-12 wins just to get the wildcard.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Mike the reason the even got to 84 was because of their bullpen and that has now been dismantled. Their starting pitching outside of Tanaka is in shambles and last year their best hitter was Gregorious. I think some of their veterans will bounce back but enough to recover the wins they traded away with Miller and Chapman plus 6 wins to get them to 90? We're talking about an improvement of 10-12 wins just to get the wildcard.

 

They dismantled the bullpen at the break, and had a higher winning percentage after that....IIRC.

[mazeville]

 

We have a trade:

 

 

Boy, if I had a stud reliever I would seriously consider making a trade if I wasn't in contention.

[Vanimal46]

Our old friend Chris Collabello is now a free agent.... 

Another interesting note I read on MLB Trade Rumors.... 

Ken Rosenthal explained if Jose Bautista signed with a team that had a bottom 10 record, they wouldn't have to give up a 1st round pick. 

I'm back on board to signing Joey Bats... More bat flips please!!

[Baseball Bat]

 

Our old friend Chris Collabello is now a free agent.... 

Another interesting note I read on MLB Trade Rumors.... 

Ken Rosenthal explained if Jose Bautista signed with a team that had a bottom 10 record, they wouldn't have to give up a 1st round pick. 

I'm back on board to signing Joey Bats... More bat flips please!!

Haha me too. Why the heck not? Seems to be no buzz on him anywhere

[Vanimal46]

 

Haha me too. Why the heck not? Seems to be no buzz on him anywhere

Doesn't appear that the contending teams want to give up the 1st round pick to sign him. BUT, a bottom feeding team like the Twins? Why the heck not is right! Even in a down year he still managed a .817 OPS. There's room for him here. 

[Baseball Bat]

On MLB Network they seem to have front office heads from just about every team stop by at some point during the week. Even Terry Ryan stopped by last year to talk about the Twins. Does anyone happen to know if / when either Falvey or Levine will be on?

[Vanimal46]

Also, Jose Bautista related: 

His career numbers at Target Field: 

21 games played, .349/.429/.895 (1.324 OPS!!) 14 HR 23 RBI

It may be a pipe dream, but I'd call him up today to see if he wants to rebuild his value with the Twins.

[darin617]

 

From MLB Trade Rumos this morning... 

 

isn't that what you would call a smoke screen? why would the Yankee's want to tell everyone they are interested and drive up the price if they were "in" on Dozier? If NYY are smart they would say any leaks that we discussed Dozier means they are out.

Is it just me or does this smell of the Yohan Santana trade talks back when we kept hearing all these big names from Boston & the Yankees being tossed around only to walk away and the Mets came in and made a deal.

[Mike Sixel]

I really don't think these GM games of smoke screens and other things actually matter.....but I could be wrong.

[darin617]

 

Our old friend Chris Collabello is now a free agent.... 

Another interesting note I read on MLB Trade Rumors.... 

Ken Rosenthal explained if Jose Bautista signed with a team that had a bottom 10 record, they wouldn't have to give up a 1st round pick. 

I'm back on board to signing Joey Bats... More bat flips please!!

 

NO! The Twins are in no way close to contenting that they would even bother talking to his agent. The Twins are just one of the teams in the AL that have their 1st round pick protected.

[darin617]

 

Also, Jose Bautista related: 

His career numbers at Target Field: 

21 games played, .349/.429/.895 (1.324 OPS!!) 14 HR 23 RBI

It may be a pipe dream, but I'd call him up today to see if he wants to rebuild his value with the Twins.

 

Not to be the dealer of bad news, those stats are against Twins pitching...

[Vanimal46]

 

NO! The Twins are in no way close to contenting that they would even bother talking to his agent. The Twins are just one of the teams in the AL that have their 1st round pick protected.

I wouldn't call signing Joey Bats a contending move... It would be a strategic move for the team if he continues to mash at Target Field, and flip him to a contender in July. 

[zenser]

If we were to sign Bautista, we would lose the 2nd round pick, right?

[Vanimal46]

 

If we were to sign Bautista, we would lose the 2nd round pick, right?

I assume so. Just saw the note this morning that the 1st round pick is protected since the Twins are a bottom 10 team.