Article: BREAKING NEWS: Jason Castro Out for the Year

[h2oface]

Wilson Ramos needs to come home!

[caninatl04]

 

Can we trade Lance Lynn for a catcher?

Would you really want  a catcher equal in value to Lynn on the team?

[Mr. Brooks]

Because he’s an average player making $8M and they’re 8 games out already. They have a top prospect at catcher coming up but admirably probably still a year away. They need a lefty so maybe give them Thorpe and Littell. That’s fair for Grandal. He would give us solid depth for a rent a player

Grandal isn't an average player.

He's on pace for 4+ WAR this year, and had 5.1 WAR over the last 2 years. Average for an MLB starter is 2 WAR, not for all players, just for starting players.

[AZTwin]

 

Grandal isn't an average player.
He's on pace for 4+ WAR this year, and had 5.1 WAR over the last 2 years. Average for an MLB starter is 2 WAR, not for all players, just for starting players.

He has a career .242 Batting average and an OPS under .800.  There's a reason why the Dodgers only gave him a 1 year deal.   At the end of the year, he walks.   They will want something for him.  Littell and Thorpe are good prospects.  It's not like it's giving up chop liver.  Gonsalves is probably a little steep for him as a rental, but I would think about it 1 for 1

[jorgenswest]

Some of us were calling for Realmuto before the season started.... This isn't just reactionary

To advocate it has to include willingness to trade the high upside prospect the Marlins are seeking. The Twins have two of those guys in Lewis and Romero though Graterol may get there by midseason. I think most of us would trade a package of lower ceiling guys like Gordon and Gonsalves. To me, that isn’t calling for a Realmuto trade.

 

Should the Twins have been willing to part with Lewis or Romero? Some team will be willing to trade a prospect with that upside.

[DocBauer]

Overall, I like Castro. For a catcher, OK offensively, good over all defensive skills, and experienced. He's not a star. But how many catchers truly are? It's about game calling and defense first and foremost. I feel he was a nice addition last season and was part of a team that turned things around. I hope he comes back strong and healthy next season.

 

Sort of ironic that the young Garver is suddenly a lightning rod of discussion similar to Mauer, a former Twins catcher.

 

I like Garver's bat a lot. He's shown proven production in the minors. He has a short, quick swing that produces real pop. His arm seems more than strong enough, and had nice CS numbers in the minors. I like that he has caught a few of the best pitching performances we've seen this season. I like that the limited time I've seen him he's blocked quite a few pitches in the dirt.

 

What I don't like is his overall inexperience, and some WP and passed balls you'd expect a better/more experienced catcher to handle.

 

But there is potential there. Do we really run out and make a major trade of 2-3 quality prospects at this point without at least giving him a couple weeks to show his stuff? I know that's debatable, but I say no. Wilson is, by reputation, a good defensive catcher with a light bat, but his defense is why he's still around. Butera comparisons anyone?

 

I think a move of some sort has to be made. A trade for Giminez wouldn't be the worst option. There is virtually zero depth now. But I would Garver at least a few more weeks of steady play to see how he looks. THEN, I'd decide if I need depth or a major move.

[IndianaTwin]

1-For all the “let’s call up the young pitchers and give them a chance” clamoring that goes on on TD, it seems an over-reach to declare Garver a flop at 105 at bats.

 

 

2-If Gimenez indeed has an opt-out on June 1, why trade anything for him on May 16?

[Riverbrian]

Don't trade for a Catcher... The Price will be too high and the return will be underwhelming because you will be paying for position scarcity. The typical catcher typically produces low batting stats so don't over pay for it with a guy who could potentially produce real numbers that could help a team. Like Aaron Hicks for Murphy, let's not make that mistake again. 

 

Keep working with Garver defensively behind the plate and enjoy the bonus of what I assume will be better offensive numbers. 

 

It's Garver's turn. 

 

 

 

 

[jctwins]

 

Wilson Ramos needs to come home!

 

Can we send them Matt Capps in exchange?

[DocBauer]

Don't trade for a Catcher... The Price will be too high and the return will be underwhelming because you will be paying for position scarcity. The typical catcher typically produces low batting stats so don't over pay for it with a guy who could potentially produce real numbers that could help a team. Like Aaron Hicks for Murphy, let's not make that mistake again. 

 

Keep working with Garver defensively behind the plate and enjoy the bonus of what I assume will be better offensive numbers. 

 

It's Garver's turn.

 

Brian, I want to like this post. But I feel it's such a mix of sarcasm and honesty that I don't know what to do with it.

[dougd]

Is there any chance that Brian Navarreto will be able to help back up at some point if necessary? He is hitting better this year at Chattanooga, although that is probably not sustainable. Despite not hitting, he was a Florida State League All-Star last year. The press release noted:

 

Navarreto's assertive defense has propelled him to an All-Star Selection. He has caught 18 of 36 runners to throw out a staggering 50 percent of would-be base-stealers. The backstop has committed just two errors in over 300 innings of catching as well, and has been extremely effective blocking pitches this season.

[Rosterman]

 

Can we trade Lance Lynn for a catcher?

Maybe Kansas City wants to part with Drew Butera. Even up?

 

[Platoon]

1-For all the “let’s call up the young pitchers and give them a chance” clamoring that goes on on TD, it seems an over-reach to declare Garver a flop at 105 at bats.

2-If Gimenez indeed has an opt-out on June 1, why trade anything for him on May 16?

I am not a Garver the Catcher fan, but I don't think he is a flop. He is a hitter who can catch, barely. He is, I think, 27? And still doesn't have the mechanics down on how to block pitches. I do think he can easily hit well enough to be a MLB player. But he is in a premier defensive position, and he would have to hit a lot more to make up for his lack of defense. While I think shifting has somewhat changed the qualities needed in middle IF'ers, there isn't any shifting in the catching spot. You still have to be able to receive, block and throw.

[Doctor Wu]

Obviously, the Twins need to go out and find the best darn pitch-framer who is available for a reasonable price! Then again, we can suffice with Garver and spare parts (Wilson, etc.) until August rolls around and we're still in this  thing or not. If not, no reason to trade good prospects or sign unnecessary scrubs.

[Mike Sixel]

To advocate it has to include willingness to trade the high upside prospect the Marlins are seeking. The Twins have two of those guys in Lewis and Romero though Graterol may get there by midseason. I think most of us would trade a package of lower ceiling guys like Gordon and Gonsalves. To me, that isn’t calling for a Realmuto trade.

 

Should the Twins have been willing to part with Lewis or Romero? Some team will be willing to trade a prospect with that upside.

Gordon is a top fifty prospect on several lists, before this year's start. He's not a mediocre prospect. And, how do you know someone is giving up a top twenty five prospect for him? Maybe they will, but maybe not.

 

I would add Garver and another mid prospect to that offer, like Thorpe. Get a low A guy from Miami with high variance.

[Mike Sixel]

To those not wanting to add a great catcher.... Where do you see the team adding players in the next three years while Sano and Buxton are here? Where do you see them getting better?

 

Realmuto is controlled for two years it this one. He's no rental.

[USAFChief]

 

Obviously, the Twins need to go out and find the best darn pitch-framer who is available for a reasonable price! Then again, we can suffice with Garver and spare parts (Wilson, etc.) until August rolls around and we're still in this  thing or not. If not, no reason to trade good prospects or sign unnecessary scrubs.

perhaps adding players in the meantime will help with being in contention by August.

 

 

[Wookiee of the Year]

 

2-If Gimenez indeed has an opt-out on June 1, why trade anything for him on May 16?

I'm assuming a "Gimenez for cash considerations" type of trade would get it done. If not, I agree, there's no reason to do it.

[Thrylos]

Former Diamondbacks' and Cubs' C, lefty Miguel Montero was DFA'd by the Nationals and is a free agent.  Well worth it upgrade over Bobby don't call me Brian Wilson.  Brings in not only post-season experience (and a ring) that is sorely missing by this team, but a left hand bat as well.  And the price in prospects is right.

[cmoss84]

We have so many young pitchers who are with us now or who are about to be with us in the very near future. Does Garver's (average to just above average?) bat provide more value to us than a veteran catcher who can help groom these young pitchers? Do you guys trust Garver with all of these young pitchers?

[Mike Sixel]

 

We have so many young pitchers who are with us now or who are about to be with us in the very near future. Does Garver's (average to just above average?) bat provide more value to us than a veteran catcher who can help groom these young pitchers? Do you guys trust Garver with all of these young pitchers?

 

Well, he caught Berrios all thru AAA, maybe even AA (can't recall).....I don't think this is an issue at all. Others will not agree with me.

[jorgenswest]

Gordon is a top fifty prospect on several lists, before this year's start. He's not a mediocre prospect. And, how do you know someone is giving up a top twenty five prospect for him? Maybe they will, but maybe not.

I would add Garver and another mid prospect to that offer, like Thorpe. Get a low A guy from Miami with high variance.

I look at the Yelich deal where Brinson was often top 25 plus three others. Catcher is more scarce than centerfield. They have to expect to get better for Realmuto even when comparing 3 years of control against a possible 5 for Yelich.

 

Gordon is seen by many as a 2B which is not a position of high value and Gonsalves as a 4th starter. They are good prospects with a major league future. It will take a great prospect. Is there anyone willing to trade Lewis or Romero for Realmuto.

 

Note. Low ceiling does not equate to mediocre. A likely future starting 2B and 4th starter are not mediocre prospects.

[Mike Sixel]

I look at the Yelich deal where Brinson was often top 25 plus three others. Catcher is more scarce than centerfield. They have to expect to get better for Realmuto even when comparing 3 years of control against a possible 5 for Yelich.

 

Gordon is seen by many as a 2B which is not a position of high value and Gonsalves as a 4th starter. They are good prospects with a major league future. It will take a great prospect. Is there anyone willing to trade Lewis or Romero for Realmuto.

 

Note. Low ceiling does not equate to mediocre. A likely future starting 2B and 4th starter are not mediocre prospects.

I'd trade Lewis if you can control Realmuto for this year, and three more. Yes. You are only losing two years of control, and getting back a young, all Star, catcher. Lewis is in A ball.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

I'd trade Lewis if you can control Realmuto for this year, and three more. Yes. You are only losing two years of control, and getting back a young, all Star, catcher. Lewis is in A ball.

Realmuto has 2+ seasons left before free agency, not 3+ seasons.

 

And the Twins will almost surely get 6+ seasons out of Lewis so you're passing on four seasons of Lewis.

[USAFChief]

 

Realmuto has 2+ seasons left before free agency, not 3+ seasons.

 

And the Twins will almost surely get 6+ seasons out of Lewis so you're passing on four seasons of Lewis.

potentially passing.

 

Lewis hasn't gotten out of A ball yet. 

[TheLeviathan]

I probably wouldn't move Lewis.

 

I'd explore all other avenues first.

[Mike Sixel]

Realmuto has 2+ seasons left before free agency, not 3+ seasons.

 

And the Twins will almost surely get 6+ seasons out of Lewis so you're passing on four seasons of Lewis.

That's what I thought, but someone said it was three plus.

 

I'd have to think harder on Lewis for two plus, given how bad Buxton is and Sano and his health.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Former Diamondbacks' and Cubs' C, lefty Miguel Montero was DFA'd by the Nationals and is a free agent.  Well worth it upgrade over Bobby don't call me Brian Wilson.  Brings in not only post-season experience (and a ring) that is sorely missing by this team, but a left hand bat as well.  And the price in prospects is right.

 

I could get behind this. He was a huge prospect at one point, though likely rushed a bit. Not sure if he will ever meet the hype, but he could be one of those late bloomers, and I'd take him over Wilson any day. 

[beckmt]

Ramos may be available by midseason, and maybe the Twins will not be in the race and won't need the upgrade.  Waiting is my best option, and if the Twins are still in the race a month from now, maybe the Rays won't be and you can get Ramos for a mid level prospect.

[nicksaviking]

 

To those not wanting to add a great catcher.... Where do you see the team adding players in the next three years while Sano and Buxton are here? Where do you see them getting better?

Realmuto is controlled for two years it this one. He's no rental.

 

I guess I don't think Realmuto is a great catcher. He's pretty good, but nowhere near great in my view. I'd say there are only two great catchers in the game and as soon as Posey's inevitable fall off of a cliff occurs, which should be any day now, it will only be Gary Sanchez.

 

I'd trade for Realmuto if it isn't too prohibitive, but I guess I just don't see the urgency now. I was in favor of Garver getting the lion's share of the games behind the plate over Castro to beginning the year. Maybe the idea of the potential of Garver's bat intrigues me more than others.