Predictions on Casilla's future

[nokomismod]

Where do you think he lands next year? Will he be offered a one year deal with another team? Signed to a minor league contract? Or will the Twins offer him a cheap multi year deal 2 years for 3 million?

[ShaeTwins]

I would be relatively happy with a $3 million deal for Casilla, especially if it's a multiyear one. Ultimately, he's not going to be an offensive juggernaut, but IMO, his defense this year has made up for it somewhat. He's not perfect, but I don't think the Twins can afford to throw away a semi-quality defensive middle infielder considering their other in house options next year are Mastroianni (who should still get a fair shot before the year is out), Nishijokeah, and Carroll (who obviously isn't terrible, but whose range leaves something to be desired).

 

As for what I think will happen? Exactly what you said, the 2 year, give or take $3 million deal. He's probably not worth quite that much, but...so it goes.

[old nurse]

They will probably play Casilla for the next couple of weeks. If they start playing September call ups then you can bet Casilla will be gone.

[stringer bell]

I think Escobar is the wild card in this situation. Florimon is hitting about .250 at Rochester, so he wouldn't project as any improvement over Casilla's offense. Escobar spent the first 2/3 of the season rusting on the bench in Chicago, if he does hit in Rochester and in September, the Twins will probably be tempted to DFA Alexi. If not, I think the Twins would be wise to offer Casilla a lowball offer and he probably would accept it, because I don't see anybody else offering him a major league contract.

[minn55441]

Casilla will be on some other roster next year.

 

I like him as a player. He takes good at bats for the most part, is agressive when he is on bases and is an above average fielder. what's not to like? Viewed as an outsider he should be playing every day, but he is not. That shoud tell us something. Carroll was signed to a two year deal last off season. In my mind he has turned out to be an older version of Casilla. Slower, less range and hits for a worse average. Why did we sign him? Becuase Terry or Gardy made the decision that we couldn't count on Casilla.

 

I have no evidence of this, but I don't think he contributes to a possitive clubhouse. There are cheaper options for a utility infielder, added to the fact that I don't think he is the ideal team mate, that makes him expendable.

 

Just my two cents.

[MidwestMeat]

Somewhat unrelated but...if Rosario wouldn't have ate that grounder this year I wonder if he would have been in the conversation for September.

 

With him coming up (and escobar getting brought in) I'm assuming that's a pretty good hint the Twins don't have much intent for Casilla to be part of the team past this year?

[Ultima Ratio]

I'd prefer the following: Start Casilla every day at second on a 2 year/2.5 million deal. Let Dozier and Escobar compete for SS next year with the other starting in AAA. Carroll is the utility guy, but have him compete against Casilla for starting 2B. Also, see if Mastro can play second this season. If not, keep in as the 4th OF/pinch runner.

[nokomismod]

I don't mind Carrol on this team. His at bats are decent and he comes up with some clutch hits. He's exactly what I was hoping we had last year when the team didn't seem to have anyone who could play shortstop. I like Casilla though too. If Plouffe can continue to develop and produce, I would have no problem with Carrol, Casilla, and Dozier back next year.

[PseudoSABR]

non-tendered

[John Bonnes]

He'll be nontendered. He'll get a 1-year deal with someone as a utility infielder (I think it will be guaranteed, but it might be minor league deal.) He'll compete in spring training for one of the last spots on some team's roster. At some point, he'll get another shot at a starting job and I won't be shocked if he latches on this time. But I'm biased towards him and admit it. He might be my favorite bad Twin of all time. I can't think of a worse player I've liked more.

[zenser]

I hope they keep him around next year. I wouldn't mind giving him a 1-2 year deal. He is currently making about 1.5 million less than what Carroll is making this year. I would prefer him starting at 2B next year over anyone we currently have in the system or that is available as a FA (not including Cano who has a club option). Who do you want to run out there next year? Florimon? Escobar? Look at the possible middle infielders that are going to be FA, unfortunately, I will take Casilla next year.

[gunnarthor]

He'll be nontendered. He'll get a 1-year deal with someone as a utility infielder (I think it will be guaranteed, but it might be minor league deal.) He'll compete in spring training for one of the last spots on some team's roster. At some point, he'll get another shot at a starting job and I won't be shocked if he latches on this time. But I'm biased towards him and admit it. He might be my favorite bad Twin of all time. I can't think of a worse player I've liked more.

 

Yeah, this. The Twins will pinch pennies and save a million + with Escobar instead.

[CDog]

Carroll was signed to a two year deal last off season. In my mind he has turned out to be an older version of Casilla. Slower, less range and hits for a worse average.

 

The part I bolded would be more true if it weren't untrue. In Casilla's second season with more than 10 PA's (2008), he hit .281. Carroll hit .277 that year (albeit with a 22 point advantage in OBP). In every other season, Carroll has hit for higher average than Casilla, usually by a lot. OBP is even a greater advantage to Carroll. And in the most important case--THIS year--Carroll is hitting 29 points higher and OBP'ing 78 points higher.

[Monkeypaws]

Alexi seems to come through in the clutch more than your average .220 hitter. I'm happy keeping him around at the right price.

[nokomismod]

He'll be nontendered. He'll get a 1-year deal with someone as a utility infielder (I think it will be guaranteed, but it might be minor league deal.) He'll compete in spring training for one of the last spots on some team's roster. At some point, he'll get another shot at a starting job and I won't be shocked if he latches on this time. But I'm biased towards him and admit it. He might be my favorite bad Twin of all time. I can't think of a worse player I've liked more.

You aren't alone on that. I want him to succeed too. He seems like a good dude.

[Nick Nelson]

I remember when Casilla was a rookie back in 2007, me and the family were down in Kansas City for a baseball road trip. One evening after a day game, we were walking a strip of stores and restaurants called The Plaza and we came across Casilla along with Luis Castillo and Carlos Silva. My mom called out and waved – the latter two were gruff and unpleasant but Casilla flashed a big smile and waved back wildly, excited to be recognized. He's always had that sort of exuberance and immaturity – endearing but probably a hindrance as it pertains to his ball-playing.

[bird]

Non-tendered is my guess. But NOT to pinch pennies. Eduardo Escobar will be regarded as a better alternative. Now, whether in fact Escobar will be a better alternative?

[powrwrap]

Another vote for non-tendered here.

 

I was at the game last night and Casilla had a couple of lousy at bats and one good one. With runners on 2nd and 3rd he swung at the first pitch and grounded to the right of Prince Fielder. Although Fielder isn't the quickest on his feet, Casilla nonchalantly jogged down to first base. Second at bat he struck out swinging, catcher dropped the ball but Casilla wasn't paying attention. Last at bat he seemed to be concentrating more and he rocketed a line drive off the right field wall. Kind of a microcosm of his career with the Twins--he seems to be tuned in to playing hard about 1/3 of the time.

[Danchat]

Another vote for non-tendered here.

 

I was at the game last night and Casilla had a couple of lousy at bats and one good one. With runners on 2nd and 3rd he swung at the first pitch and grounded to the right of Prince Fielder. Although Fielder isn't the quickest on his feet, Casilla nonchalantly jogged down to first base. Second at bat he struck out swinging, catcher dropped the ball but Casilla wasn't paying attention. Last at bat he seemed to be concentrating more and he rocketed a line drive off the right field wall. Kind of a microcosm of his career with the Twins--he seems to be tuned in to playing hard about 1/3 of the time.

 

But in that same game in another at bat he hit a double and scored a run.

I'll say non-tendered. He can make a major league team elsewhere, like Punto landing in Boston.

[YourHouseIsMyHouse]

Somewhat unrelated but...if Rosario wouldn't have ate that grounder this year I wonder if he would have been in the conversation for September.

 

With him coming up (and escobar getting brought in) I'm assuming that's a pretty good hint the Twins don't have much intent for Casilla to be part of the team past this year?

 

Nah, very unlikely especially when AA players like Arcia and Hicks are question marks. Far too young as he just got out of rookie ball this year. They would have also had to add him to the 40 man roster which wouldn't be good. Like Rosario and he may have been at Ft. Myers if he avoided injury, but not the Twins.

 

As far as Casilla goes, he has really fallen out of favor and I would be shocked if he was back with the Twins next season. Escobar and Florimon may capture his new 'utility role' and Alexi rarely gets PAs now. On the flip side, I wish management had given him more time this season to contribute. Casilla had a fantastic 2011 and 2010 and appears to be a personable guy. Why they gave up on him so early this year as a starter baffles me. I wouldn't mind giving him a one year deal to see what's left/there. 3/6 seasons he's posted a OPS+ of 91 or better which is good for a middle infielder. If you believe in WAR, even in 2012 he's managed to get 1.0 somehow. The glove is a little worrisome, yet much less so at 2B. With so few alternatives and a cheap contract, there isn't much of a gamble. Beware though. When he's off...HE'S OFF!

[James]

As far as Casilla goes, he has really fallen out of favor and I would be shocked if he was back with the Twins next season. Escobar and Florimon may capture his new 'utility role' and Alexi rarely gets PAs now. On the flip side, I wish management had given him more time this season to contribute. Casilla had a fantastic 2011 and 2010 and appears to be a personable guy. Why they gave up on him so early this year as a starter baffles me. I wouldn't mind giving him a one year deal to see what's left/there. 3/6 seasons he's posted a OPS+ of 91 or better which is good for a middle infielder. If you believe in WAR, even in 2012 he's managed to get 1.0 somehow. The glove is a little worrisome, yet much less so at 2B. With so few alternatives and a cheap contract, there isn't much of a gamble. Beware though. When he's off...HE'S OFF!

I'm voting non-tendered as well. There are cheaper options like Escobar and Florimon, like you said.

 

I'm going to have ask for one of those OPS+ years back. In 2010 it was 100, but he only had 170 PA. Who knows if he could have kept that up if he was starter all season with 500+ PA (which he has never done). His career OPS+ is 71, which isn't very good, even for a middle infielder. But like you said, when he's off, is is definitely off.

 

I'm sure he will catch on with some other team. I would guess that it's probably a minor league deal with an invite to make the team out of spring training.

[davidjcampbell]

I'm voting non-tendered like many of the rest of you however I would not be surprised if he is back and the scholarship program continues.

[Wolfy]

Casilla needs to go. He represents part of the problem. He plays way too much, primarily because the middle infield has been in shambles since Gagne and Knoblauch left.

 

No more stop gaps here. No more "2-year, 2-million dollar per, play 2nd, hit second guys". Where is our Robinson Cano?

[nokomismod]

Fair enough Wolfy. I like your taste in 2b. Cano is a special player and I hope that we draft/develop someone like him some day.

[Guest USAFChief]

Hopefully, non tendered. He'll catch on with a minor league contract somewhere, be a AAAA player for a couple more years, and be out of baseball by 2015.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'm voting non-tendered like many of the rest of you however I would not be surprised if he is back and the scholarship program continues.

 

no scholarship program. He's arb eligible, not on a contract. they can dump him whenever.

[Rosterman]

Luis Rivas.......