Article: Other Offseason Shopping Needs

[Doomtints]

 

really? wow. How is that good for development of pitchers?

 

Or position players for that matter. A cheaper, looser ball probably doesn't carry the same way. 

 

I would think that the economy of scale would render the "cheaper to buy" argument moot pretty fast. The MLB is already making the balls. If they use the same balls, they would become cheaper for everybody.

[d-mac]

 

SS: This could still be solid with a healthy Escobar manning the position full time and reverting back to his 2014-15 form. There is no guarantee he will, but no reason to believe he can't or won't either. But you need SOMEONE to compete, at the very least, and fill the need for a backup position, again, at the very least. Did Drew sign with anyone yet? I confess to not paying enough attention to signings lately. He would be a perfect fit to challenge and rotate in at both 2B and SS with Escobar seeing some time at 3B as well. Akbar would also be an excellent choice.

Late Inning Set Up: How about potential closer? The Storen deal almost makes me ill that it wasn't us. Feliz has been my first choice, however. And I'd gladly do a couple years for him. Once again, he could be a flip candidate, OR, still only 28 a longerror term option. Building a solid bullpen is a GOOD IDEA and helps the team actually win games and helps mitigate questions in the rotation...at least to some degree. Having someone...and there are indeed other options available still...to close games allows Chargois and Pressly to set up, at least initially. Duffey could fit a number of solid roles here if he doesn't step up as a SP option. And there are others. The entire bullpen gets deeper and stronger by bumping everyone down one notch.

Left Handed Reliever: I agree this isn't a NEED spot as Rogers was solid, and should get better. Except for a couple appearances before getting hurt, Boshers was actually very effective and did a great job with SO. (I think some don't like him because of his pedigree from independent ball and the bad games, and not because of his solid results) O'Rourke has a shot if used properly. But I would still absolutely love the FO to find another Akbar, someone coming off injury, or a failed SP prospect to convert. Once again, we could be talking a flip candidate or longer term candidate depending on who and what age.

Outfielder: Please! He doesn't even have to be a true CF option with Rosario able to play there. (Though it would be nice) Give me a quality RH bat to give Rosario and/or Kepler a day off against LH pitching and play solid defense. There IS a spot for Grossman here as a 5th OF who can DH PH and occassionally play the OF.

Starting Pitching: Other than a move for Ross, or a cheap flyer I can't even think of right now, no more mediocre veteran signings. Assuming a Dozier deal takes place, run with what we have and see what develops.

And infielder, potential closer and 4th OF. Get them now! They won't block anyone long term in any way and are a real need to help this team. And there ARE options out there. But please don't ignore the LHRP option.

 

Akbar? I hope it's not a trap. 

[d-mac]

 

Or position players for that matter. A cheaper, looser ball probably doesn't carry the same way. 

 

I would think that the economy of scale would render the "cheaper to buy" argument moot pretty fast. The MLB is already making the balls. If they use the same balls, they would become cheaper for everybody.

 

Which is why I don't buy the "cheaper to make argument." Doesn't make sense from a basic economics standpoint. Why set up multiple processes to make multiple ball types? Streamlined production of one ball should be cheaper. 

[Halsey Hall]

If you look closely at the photo you can see how MLB ball is strung tighter, hence the lower profile. Why they use all these different balls is beyond me.  You'd think the balls would be uniform.

[DocBauer]

I think we all love playing amateur GM. I know I do! LOL The whole point of this is not what moves could the Twins make to be a contending team. That would take some serious lightening! And it's not just about working on the rebuild. It's also about this upcoming season, team needs, and what makes the Twins, overall, a better team to be more competitive and win more games.

 

And that's not just about appeasing us fans or putting butts in the seats. It's about a rebuilding team also learning how to win. You don't want to simply sign mediocre veterans for a few games of improvement. And you don't want to just say, "this guy has talent and potential so we'll just promote him and see if he sinks or swims." There has to be a balance.

 

Do the Twins have a legitimate need for a solid, quality 4th OF? Yes. Does signing one block Granite or Palka? No. Granite has no time above AA and Palka less than half a season. What's smarter, let them play every day for now at AAA or throw them to the ML wolves and spend most of their time on the bench?

 

If Dozier is traded, do the Twins have a need for another solid, quality option in the infield? Yes. Is Gordon ready? No. Despite a great glove and a bit of hitting potential and speed, (remembering he did suffer through a few nagging injuries this past season), mean Vielma is ready to jump from AA? I don't see how. Does signing someone to a 1 or 2 year deal really affect Gordon's or Vielma's arrival or block them? No.

 

Do the Twins have a closer option they can count on to deepen the bullpen and actually help close out and win games? No. Is winning games a good thing? Yes. Despite talent and real potential, are Burdi, Hildenberger, Reed and Melotakis really ready to jump from AA to the majors right now?

 

The whole point is, simply, there are real options out there to actually fill holes, improve the team, get more wins, without really blocking anyone or getting hung up on big or long term contracts. And isn't what we all want a better, more competitive team with more wins?

[TheLeviathan]

 

Which is why I don't buy the "cheaper to make argument." Doesn't make sense from a basic economics standpoint. Why set up multiple processes to make multiple ball types? Streamlined production of one ball should be cheaper. 

 

This thread took a weird turn.

[ThejacKmp]

 

Ehhh.....I'd wait another two seasons.  None of the guys has been consistently productive yet.  Way to early yet to commit big bucks to them IMO.

 

You wait two years and two things:

 

1.) In two years, these guys are way less likely to want to sign, even at a higher price. They can sniff free agency and the risk-reward equation for them changes. They can wait two years and get the huge payday and that's pretty tempting, especially since they can take out insurance policies to guard against injury

 

2) You don't get much of a deal. The Evan Longaria deal was amazing because The Devil Rays gambled and committed assets prior to him getting big. He got the guaranteed payday and they got a chance to have an amazing asset. If you want that amazing asset, you need to make that gamble. IMO, Buxton is a guy who is very much worth that. I'm not sure what the numbers would be but his floor (AKA he hits .225) is still decent CF because of his speed and defense - I'm not sure that anything you signed this offseason would be crippling. I can see arguments against Sano, Kepler and Berrios because that floor is much lower but to me the gamble is worth it. The Twins have budget room they're not likely to spend since they don't have needs easily fixed with free agents. That money should be used to try to hedge future costs if their young guns take off.

 

I'm bad with current contract numbers so someone will likely need to tweak these who pays more attention to that but if you offered Buxton 7 years and $70-$80 million, he'd be a fool not to take it right? He could bust and still cash in. He'd still hit the market at age 29 (so he'd have a chance for another big contract). And for the Twins, it would buy out two years of his free agency and $10 millionish a year is not going to break the bank. If even two out of Buxton, Kepler, Berrios and Sano hit, you've killed it.

 

Hopefully new management is more forward thinking.

Edited January 11, 2017 by ThejacKmp

[Halsey Hall]

The addition of the two pitchers today could help.  Vogelsong wasn't great after coming back from the line drive to the face, but then who would be.  I can see him possibly helping the rotation.

[nicksaviking]

 

http://m.startribune.com/twins-manager-molitor-would-like-to-add-another-veteran/410968995/

 

Per La Velle, Molitor is campaigning for a veteran presence in the clubhouse. La Velle rightfully suggests it likely would have to be an outfielder. He name drops my horse in the race, Ryan Rayburn.

 

But most importantly, and really the only reason I'm posting this is due to this excerpt:

 

--We'll see if Falvine can come up with a player or two for Molitor before camp opens.--

 

Falvine? As in Falvey and Lavine? Seriously, are we really doing this? In the spots section of a major market newspaper no less.

[Deduno Abides]

Would be good to move Polanco to second, which is likely his long-term position. For shortstop, perhaps someone with experience at the position on a reasonable contract who can also provide some pop and clubhouse leadership, like. . . .

 

 

Dozier.

Edited January 19, 2017 by Deduno Abides

[Shaitan]

 

really? wow. How is that good for development of pitchers?

 

It teaches "dealing with change"?

 

(It's probably just branding.)

[beckmt]

Pitchers tend to move up quicker from AA because "stuff" plays.  However do not see more than 1-2 of the current bullpen staff would be on a team that makes a noise in the playoffs.  So signing 1-2 relievers on 1 -2 year deals and letting them battle it out would not hurt this club.  As long as the deals are not big buck(though I would love Holland on a 2 year deal with no opt out), you are not blocking anyone as you can always either flip(if they are doing well and you need the spot), or just cut bait.

[mikelink45]

What we needed, but could not do is get rid of excess, clear the decks, allow the young players to move up and if they are not ready get one year fill ins,  but not more DH/1B, no more catchers.  I would love to see a true 3B and Sano as DH and Mauer on the bench for spot starts, and if it is Vargas or Park at 1B for defensive substitution.  

[davidc3915]

If the twins seek a veteran of Hispanic heritage, and still look to add to the bullpen, may I submit Sergio Romo.  He has plenty of experience as a late inning, high pressure situation reliever.  he certainly has experienced his share of winning, and has been part of a highly regarded clubhouse situation in SF.  He certainly isn't one to shy away from his heritage (he wore a shirt at one of the WS parades that read "I just look illegal", and perhaps could be a veteran influence for the younger Hispanic players.

I realize that he didn't have the best season last year, but that bullpen seemed to just be jinxed or they all had a bad year at the same time.

 

It's something to consider, I'd think....... 

[Mr. Schneebley]

I think making the argument of signing Mike Napoli has a lot of merit. I am on board with rolling with the DH's that we have. However, with Napoli's experience in the league as well as playoffs success, he does play the role of a leader in the clubhouse as well as being a solid contributor in the lineup daily. Leadership has been vacant on this team since Torii has since left us.

 

I also think it is fair to say that with Napoli's playoff success that he would carry more trade value than say a Chris Carter or even Mark Trumbo. There is a reason why no body is signing these guys. They do not have the same value they did even a couple years ago. I understand Nap falls into this category, but its the fact that he has proven and sustained success that separates him from the bunch.

 

A consistent threat in the 4 hole would be a great asset for this team. I don't have a number for a contract to throw out, but I think at this stage of the game your looking at a 1-2 year deal.

 

 

[nicksaviking]

 

It teaches "dealing with change"?

 

(It's probably just branding.)

 

Yeah, and I'm an advocate for societal change and evolutoin. However for some reason I have the hardest time dealing with change in decorum of language and journalism. I don't like how casual it has become, but if that's how it's going to be from here on out, I guess I'll just have to suck it up and go along with it.

[laloesch]

 

If the twins seek a veteran of Hispanic heritage, and still look to add to the bullpen, may I submit Sergio Romo.  He has plenty of experience as a late inning, high pressure situation reliever.  he certainly has experienced his share of winning, and has been part of a highly regarded clubhouse situation in SF.  He certainly isn't one to shy away from his heritage (he wore a shirt at one of the WS parades that read "I just look illegal", and perhaps could be a veteran influence for the younger Hispanic players.

I realize that he didn't have the best season last year, but that bullpen seemed to just be jinxed or they all had a bad year at the same time.

 

It's something to consider, I'd think....... 

 

HUH? ....uh no.   Let's just go get veteran players that provide leadership, have a positive impact in the clubhouse, increase the win total for the team while leaving the race politics and hustling to the slimy politicians.  There's no room for that garbage in the clubhouse.  

Edited January 19, 2017 by laloesch

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

I also think it is fair to say that with Napoli's playoff success that he would carry more trade value than say a Chris Carter or even Mark Trumbo.

Welcome to the board!

 

Napoli looked pretty toasty in the 2016 postseason: .173/.232/.288.  As well as in a tiny sample in the 2015 postseason.

 

And Napoli actually was traded in August 2015 (meaning he cleared waivers), with cash, for a PTBNL or cash.

 

Unless he shows a massive improvement over the 101 OPS+ he's recorded over the last 2 years, he is unlikely to have any meaningful trade value.

Edited January 19, 2017 by spycake

[Physics Guy]

It looks like Feliz is off the board as a possible addition.  Sounds like 5.35M for one year from the Brewers with 1.5M in incentives.  Seems to me the Twins could have afforded that.  Makes me think Twins are going to roll with their internal options, probably across the board.  I am skeptical that they make any more changes.

[Gheggs08]

 

It looks like Feliz is off the board as a possible addition.  Sounds like 5.35M for one year from the Brewers with 1.5M in incentives.  Seems to me the Twins could have afforded that.  Makes me think Twins are going to roll with their internal options, probably across the board.  I am skeptical that they make any more changes.

I surely hope they aren't just rolling with internal options. I think they should sign Romo and Salas to help the bullpen. I wouldn't be opposed to signing a defensive first SS IF they trade Dozier. I would also be happy if they brought in a guy like Rayburn for the OF and to give the young lefties a break against lefties

[Vanimal46]

 

It looks like Feliz is off the board as a possible addition.  Sounds like 5.35M for one year from the Brewers with 1.5M in incentives.  Seems to me the Twins could have afforded that.  Makes me think Twins are going to roll with their internal options, probably across the board.  I am skeptical that they make any more changes.

http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/1a/1af261d875655e0bf82d6d1d48a9a344629ce715e08bb16326f91cdaf76b6e6d.jpg

[Mr. Schneebley]

"Napoli looked pretty toasty in the 2016 postseason: .173/.232/.288.  As well as in a tiny sample in the 2015 postseason.

 

And Napoli actually was traded in August 2015 (meaning he cleared waivers), with cash, for a PTBNL or cash.

 

Unless he shows a massive improvement over the 101 OPS+ he's recorded over the last 2 years, he is unlikely to have any meaningful trade value."

 

Thank you for correcting me with information I wasn't aware of! I guess I am a believer in the fact that he has played on a fair amount of winning teams. I think that being apart of that culture can swing a team a long way. I am not sure what Torii's playoff statistics are like, but kind of that same effect that wherever he went, they won kind of thing.

[drjim]

Still think they need to add a reliever (or two).

 

Looks like Greg Holland, Joe Blanton, Sergio Romo and Fernando Salad are the best options left.

 

Not sexy, but any of those could be worthwhile and potentially an option to flip if they rebuild value.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Still think they need to add a reliever (or two).

Looks like Greg Holland, Joe Blanton, Sergio Romo and Fernando Salad are the best options left.

Not sexy, but any of those could be worthwhile and potentially an option to flip if they rebuild value.

 

either they don't agree with us that good RPs should be signed, or um, I have no idea what is going on, frankly.

[Vanimal46]

Greg Holland is potentially a sexy signing, depending on his recovery from TJ surgery. Guy was a shut down reliever for KC for a few years. As I said on page 1 of this thread, he's high on the priority list to sign. 

And again, a SS and 4th OF would go a long ways in balancing out this roster. As well as removing D Santana / Grossman from the roster. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Looks like Greg Holland, Joe Blanton, Sergio Romo and Fernando Salad are the best options left.

I think having Salad in the clubhouse could also benefit Sano.