Article: Twins To Sign Zach Duke, Maintaining Interest In Mike Napoli

[Tom Froemming]

Twins fans are still anxiously awaiting a big splash, but the team has taken another step toward beefing up its bullpen. Late Christmas afternoon, Paul Lambert (aka Meat Sauce) of KFAN reported that the Twins had an agreement to sign veteran left-handed reliever Zach Duke. It was a busy day for Twins rumors, as there were also reports regarding the Twins interest in veteran slugger Mike Napoli.It wasn't too long ago Duke was a hot commodity on the free agent market. In November of 2014, Duke landed a three-year, $15 million deal to pitch for the White Sox. He was eventually traded to the Cardinals in mid-2016.

 

From 2014-16 he was among the more consistently effective relievers in baseball, posting a 2.74 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 10.4 K/9 over 180.1 innings. But after the end of the 2016 season, Duke was forced to undergo not only Tommy John surgery, but also had a flexor muscle repaired at the same time. He was expected to miss all of 2017.

 

Remarkably, Duke made his season debut on July 21. Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote up a great review of the recovery process. He noted that Duke's comeback from Tommy John, just a 287-day process, was the fastest anyone has done it over the past decade.

 

Duke pitched in 27 ballgames for the Cardinals, but the results weren't nearly as good as the previous few years. He had a 3.93 ERA and just 5.9 K/9 over 18.1 innings, but that came with a much more encouraging 1.04 WHIP. The Twins are surely hoping he can regain some of that excellence now that he's more than a full year removed from going under the knife.

 

Along with the impressive recovery, it's interesting to note that Duke was been known to be a guy to throw from multiple release points. Twins fans got accustomed to seeing that from Trevor Hildenberger from time to time, but it's a pretty uncommon practice for the most part. Here's a look at Duke's 2017 release point chart from Baseball Savant.

Download attachment: Duke17Release.png

Details on Duke's contract are not known at this time, but assuming he'll be getting a major league deal, his addition will fill the Twins 40-man roster. The only other southpaw relievers the Twins currently have on the roster are Taylor Rogers, Buddy Boshers and Gabriel Moya.

 

Party at Napoli's?

 

That wasn't the only noteworthy item on the rumor mill Christmas morning. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported that the Twins were in "serious talks" with Mike Napoli. Later in the evening, however, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com pumped the brakes on the Napoli to the Twins steam by reporting "talks aren't intense as being reported. Nothing even close to imminent."

 

On Friday, the Star Tribune duo of La Velle E. Neal III and Phil Miller were first to report the Twins' interest in Napoli. Of course, we also heard his name connected to the Twins throughout most of last offseason as well.

 

It's expected Napoli would take the role of part-time first baseman/designated hitter. Considering how his numbers stack up against the likes of Robbie Grossman and Kennys Vargas, however, it's easy to wonder if that's really a hole that needs to be filled.

 

2016-17

Mike Napoli .219/.314/.449 (.763 OPS), 31.6 K%, 11.2 BB%

Robbie Grossman .262/.372/.409 (.781 OPS), 20.7 K%, 14.4 BB%

Kennys Vargas .244/.322/.466 (.788 OPS), 30.4 K%, 10.0 BB%

 

But we know from the additions last offseason that clubhouse character is an important factor this front office takes into account when considering new additions, and Napoli has long been regarded as a guy who helps keep things loose over the long season.

 

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[darin617]

So is the 40 man roster currently at 40?

[Tom Froemming]

 

So is the 40 man roster currently at 40?

Yes, once the Duke signing becomes official. The Twins can always DFA a player in order to open up another spot if it comes down to it. Just last week, both the Braves (Luke Jackson) and Brewers (Dylan Baker) designated a player. 

 

So the 40-man roster being full is kind of an interesting thing to take note of, but shouldn't prevent the team from making any moves.

[Rosterman]

Duke signing means Boshers is on the bubble more likely. Napoli signing would mean Vargas or Grossman could be on the bubble...probably Vargas sold to Japan.

[D.C Twins]

Dear FO,

 

Um....this isn't my ONLY X-mas present....is it?!

[beckmt]

Seems like this analysis above is correct.  There are plenty of 40 man spots that can be used for a DFA. My best guess is that Vargas will not be here long.

[h2oface]

I guess that instead of a splash, this FO is looking for a ripple, like that which occurs from a perfect entry into the water from a spectacular dive. 

 

If clubhouse chemistry is their reason for signing Napoli, it really, to me, speaks for their lack of respect and confidence in Mauer and Dozier. Personally, I hope they pass on Napoli, and there is a splash coming. Napoli, to me, at this point, is a step backwards.

 

All these end of career options is depressing.

[sploorp]

 

So is the 40 man roster currently at 40?

Well, yeah, technically I guess.  It's not anything they're locked into though, so I don't even keep track.  I'm sure the team will have zero problems clearing a spot if they need to.

[sploorp]

 

Seems like this analysis above is correct.  There are plenty of 40 man spots that can be used for a DFA. My best guess is that Vargas will not be here long.

Let's not forget Pineda will be going on the 60 day DL the second the season starts.  The team could sign a player to a minor league contract with the stipulation that the player will get moved to the 25 man once the season starts.

[mikelink45]

This has become a joke off season.  Players who cannot play next season, players with no resume at all in Rule V, and now players who are more than past their prime.  I am so excited to see these new analytic geniuses really making exciting changes.  

 

If they are desperate to make a new signing how about adding another name to the bloated coaching fraternity and letting our young players carry the load.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Well, yeah, technically I guess. It's not anything they're locked into though, so I don't even keep track. I'm sure the team will have zero problems clearing a spot if they need to.

there must be a min amount of time for players added to the 40, to remain. Otherwise protect them from rule 5 and then take them off the 40.

[AZTwin]

there must be a min amount of time for players added to the 40, to remain. Otherwise protect them from rule 5 and then take them off the 40.

If you take them off the 40 man roster they have to go through waivers

[old nurse]

 

there must be a min amount of time for players added to the 40, to remain. Otherwise protect them from rule 5 and then take them off the 40.

They would be able to designate anyone not named Thorpe, Little, or Gonsalves.  There are more than enough candidates if they sign other players

[old nurse]

Did Thyrlos get his Christmas wish and the Twins will cut Boshers? 

[ashbury]

Seems like this analysis above is correct.  There are plenty of 40 man spots that can be used for a DFA. My best guess is that Vargas will not be here long.

There are 14 hitters on the 40-man. That means, if I did the math right (I could not spare the time to count them all manually), 26 pitchers now. I would not expect Vargas to be the first or even second to go, even if the next add is a hitter.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

If you take them off the 40 man roster they have to go through waivers

i don’t think they can put them through waivers until spring training, or maybe day one of the season.

[snap4birds]

 

i don’t think they can put them through waivers until spring training, or maybe day one of the season.

They are Designated For Assignment.  As Tom Froemming noted, the Braves & Brewers did this in the past week.  They then have 10 days to open up a new spot on the roster and return them to the roster.  Or they can put them on waivers, trade, release or outright them to the minors.  Here is a good description of the possibilities https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_for_assignment

[MidwestTwinsFan15]

Good Signing, Lots of upside with Duke as a LH Relief Pitcher. Solid veteran bullpen arm as well.

 

It has been interesting to read through the comments section of most Twins Daily articles from this off-season and see all of the unimpressed people with the individuals the organization is bringing in. Everyone wants a big flashy free-agent signing, a big name to come join the Twins. That isn't/hasn't been our style, our biggest ever signing was Mauer and that was to an extension to an already internal candidate.

 

Don't get me wrong, i'm all about the hypothetical rumors and throwing around Pohlad's money like we are playing a game of monopoly but people forget that this is a business and a business's goal is to make money. A businesses decision(s) aren't always going to appease the masses either.  

 

Personally, i'm in agreement to the Duke, Pineda and Rodney signings - They are short term and don't tie up too much money. If they work out, the value will be tremendous. If they falter, they won't cost the organization an extended amount of time and money.

[AZTwin]

Good Signing, Lots of upside with Duke as a LH Relief Pitcher. Solid veteran bullpen arm as well.

 

It has been interesting to read through the comments section of most Twins Daily articles from this off-season and see all of the unimpressed people with the individuals the organization is bringing in. Everyone wants a big flashy free-agent signing, a big name to come join the Twins. That isn't/hasn't been our style, our biggest ever signing was Mauer and that was to an extension to an already internal candidate.

 

Don't get me wrong, i'm all about the hypothetical rumors and throwing around Pohlad's money like we are playing a game of monopoly but people forget that this is a business and a business's goal is to make money. A businesses decision(s) aren't always going to appease the masses either.

 

Personally, i'm in agreement to the Duke, Pineda and Rodney signings - They are short term and don't tie up too much money. If they work out, the value will be tremendous. If they falter, they won't cost the organization an extended amount of time and money.

Individually they’re fine. We have too many of these fringe signings. Rodney makes the least amount of sense. Just my opinion

 

So far the front office does way too much hype and then ends up doing nothing. See it in trade department and free agents. So far they have been bad in this department and the rule V draft. They did do an alright job in the rule iV draft though. I give them a B-

[MidwestTwinsFan15]

 

Individually they’re fine. We have too many of these fringe signings. Rodney makes the least amount of sense. Just my opinion

So far the front office does way too much hype and then ends up doing nothing. See it in trade department and free agents. So far they have been bad in this department and the rule V draft. They did do an alright job in the rule iV draft though. I give them a B-

I can agree to the "Too Many" fringe signings - there are a lot of question marks as to health, age and ability to these three individuals. Securing a "more guaranteed" (whatever that means) player would help ease some concerns for me in regards to who can help the squad in 2018.

 

Can't say I agree with the front office giving fans too much hype. Hype comes from the combination of ESPN/Social Media/Local Sports Writers & Insiders. Fans hear a rumor and run with the information, credible or not.  I don't understand our strategy with this year's Rule 5 draft, I thought we had some internal options that could help the Major League Bullpen instead of of drafting one in the Rule 5 but i'm also the one who isn't getting paid the big bucks to make these decisions. 

 

I believe there is a trade in the works, especially since we are currently sitting at 40 on the 40-man roster. Will be interesting to see if my gut is right. 

[DaveW]

Yankees bring in Cole and Stanton, Twins bring in rodney, Duke and maybe Napoli.

 

Glad we are keeping pace with the other playoff teams.

 

Failing to see how the Falvey off seasons are much different then the Ryan off seasons so far. Maybe it’s not a GM problem and an ownership problem?

[Doomtints]

 

Yankees bring in Cole and Stanton, Twins bring in rodney, Duke and maybe Napoli.

Glad we are keeping pace with the other playoff teams.

Failing to see how the Falvey off seasons are much different then the Ryan off seasons so far. Maybe it’s not a GM problem and an ownership problem?

 

As Twins fans we have been fed "too early to tell" and "wait and see" for years, but with a new front office it's the best advice.

 

But yeah, so far there's been no difference. 

[nicksaviking]

 

Yankees bring in Cole and Stanton, Twins bring in rodney, Duke and maybe Napoli.

Glad we are keeping pace with the other playoff teams.

Failing to see how the Falvey off seasons are much different then the Ryan off seasons so far. Maybe it’s not a GM problem and an ownership problem?

 

 

As Twins fans we have been fed "too early to tell" and "wait and see" for years, but with a new front office it's the best advice.

 

But yeah, so far there's been no difference. 

 

Hmm, seems wise to at least wait to make sure they don't end up signing Darvish and Davis before getting out the pitchforks.

 

Not that such signings will happen but it seems odd to me that few seem content to wait to post their criticisms until after we know what will happen this off season. Why is there so much impatience? Venting angst in February is just as cathartic; I'll be there too if the team doesn't put together a rotation to compete with the big boys.

[DaveW]

Hmm, seems wise to at least wait to make sure they don't end up signing Darvish and Davis before getting out the pitchforks.

 

Not that such signings will happen but it seems odd to me that few seem content to wait to post their criticisms until after we know what will happen this off season. Why is there so much impatience? Venting angst in February is just as cathartic; I'll be there too if the team doesn't put together a rotation to compete with the big boys.

I guess you didn’t see the part where I said “so far”

 

I also didn’t realize that it’s not allowed to voice concern about an off-season until the offseason is 100% done.

 

Yes, signing a darvish type would be awesome, but that still didn’t prevent the Twins from bringing in bullpen arms better than Zach Duke or Fernando Rodney thus far.

 

If the plan was to not spend any money on RP and only spend it on Darvish and Davis, then I really hope we end up getting them, because if not this is a massive failure of an off season, since the current rotation and pen still as of today look pretty damn bad.

[Vanimal46]

I guess you didn’t see the part where I said “so far”

 

I also didn’t realize that it’s not allowed to voice concern about an off-season until the offseason is 100% done.

 

Yes, signing a darvish type would be awesome, but that still didn’t prevent the Twins from bringing in bullpen arms better than Zach Duke or Fernando Rodney thus far.

 

If the plan was to not spend any money on RP and only spend it on Darvish and Davis, then I really hope we end up getting them, because if not this is a massive failure of an off season, since the current rotation and pen still as of today look pretty damn bad.

I'm with you being skeptical about the off-season so far. The difference I'm seeing for now is the new regime being more public about who they're "targeting" and interested in. The past regime was a steel trap, and us fans didn't know if they were ever in on free agents until they signed.

 

I guess it's not a bad thing to know who the Twins are trying to sign or trade for. But they'll learn quickly that fans will get sick of it too if the results are the same (not signing them).

[sploorp]

 

I can agree to the "Too Many" fringe signings - there are a lot of question marks as to health, age and ability to these three individuals. Securing a "more guaranteed" (whatever that means) player would help ease some concerns for me in regards to who can help the squad in 2018.

 

Can't say I agree with the front office giving fans too much hype. Hype comes from the combination of ESPN/Social Media/Local Sports Writers & Insiders. Fans hear a rumor and run with the information, credible or not.  I don't understand our strategy with this year's Rule 5 draft, I thought we had some internal options that could help the Major League Bullpen instead of of drafting one in the Rule 5 but i'm also the one who isn't getting paid the big bucks to make these decisions. 

 

I believe there is a trade in the works, especially since we are currently sitting at 40 on the 40-man roster. Will be interesting to see if my gut is right. 

I'm kind of getting that trade gut feeling as well, but I also believe that nothing is locked in stone with the team's 40 man.  The team is still free to add two or three free agents with minimal impact.

[Kwak]

There seems to be a disconnect between the Twins and the rest of MLB in the evaluation of Twins prospects. This makes trades "difficult", though not impossible. The next two months should see if that difference has changed or not. The longer the "top prospects" stay in the minors causes me to conclude posters may be over evaluating them compared to the rest of baseball. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

i don’t think they can put them through waivers until spring training, or maybe day one of the season.

You are partially correct. Players added to the 40-man between August 15th and the Rule 5 draft are called "draft excluded players" and they can't be outrighted off the roster until mid-March, even if they clear waivers.

 

https://www.thecubreporter.com/book/export/html/3520

 

This is to prevent teams from adding a bunch of guys before Rule 5 and then trying to sneak them through waivers afterward.

 

Not a huge deal. The only player in that group that we would even consider dropping this winter is Slegers. The others are Curtiss, Gonsalves, Littell, Moya, and Thorpe.

 

If we want to drop someone, I suspect it would be Boshers. Maybe Chargois due to health? Vargas or Grossman could go in trade, if they were serious about Napoli.

Edited December 26, 2017 by spycake

[Otto von Ballpark]

Somewhat off topic, but is Gimenez likely coming back? Weren't they using him to recruit Darvish? I guess Gimenez could be on a minor league deal again, but he would need a roster spot on opening day (Pineda's?).

[KGB]

Finally a Craig Breslow replacement. Just like the trade deadline and last off-season, a strong effort by the front office to build a playoff team.