Front Page: With Donaldson in the Fold, Can the Twins Afford to Wait Until the Deadline to Trade for Starting Pitching?

[hugelycat]

Our window is now. We have a young core under control for a few more years, and some veterans who should be great now but aren't signed past 2020 or 2021. So we should make every move we can now, while it will have the most impact.

That said, availability will be different between the offseason and the trade deadline. For example, from reading trade rumors, the Rockies don't seem like they really want to trade any of their players right now. That could change if they're out of contention by the trade deadline. Right now, the available SPs all seem to be declining pitchers on expensive contracts, which isn't very appealing. Waiting for the trade deadline is higher risk, but also potentially a better return.

[howieramone2]

The Dodgers are one of the best run teams in baseball. At most, there was a whisper of an extension for Ryu. He's the next Titanic.

[Brock Beauchamp]

If there's any possible way to acquire a legit starter without dragging the entire farm system into the mud, it MUST be pursued.

 

If anything, signing Donaldson increases the necessity to go all-in on winning for 2-3 seasons. 

 

I've seen enough half measures, thanks. Time to push the chips into the middle of the table.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Just testing some forum changes, nothing to see here.

[2wins87]

I expect a minor move when Hill goes on the 60 day DL.  Basically a small guarantee to a veteran pitcher, who will compete with Dobnak, Thorpe, Smeltzer, and Graterol during spring training, and may or may not make the 26 man roster when the season starts (and will be able to sign elsewhere if he does not).

 

I think Falvey and Levine are comfortable relying on their development of rookies, though their MO during the last few years has been to add depth as a backup.

[adorduan]

You know what they say when you ASSuME things that you need will be available when you need them...

[Rosterman]

The Twins are getting themselves into a unique position where they now have the infield, catching, and two outfield positions set up for the next four years at least. Now they have to judge those under contract as being with the team for the length of the contract, if they plan on moving any number of players into the fold. Do you need both Kirilloff and Larnach. What about all that infield depth now of Gordon, Lewis, Javier, Keoni amongst others. This is who you trade for extendable rotation arms. 

 

But out of the chute at the beginning of the season, those first 39 games before the return of Pineda are important. Not all will be on a five-man rotation, but the Twins need to ee what arm can carry them until Hill returns. They also have the unique opportunity of winning those games and start running away with the division, carefully crafting the bullpen and making using an opener, four inning arm, etc. etc. Sadly I don't see Odorizzi giving us six innings as often as we would like, to start the season. And, hopefully, no injuries. So, yes, the Twins could use another arm. I have faith in Homer Bailey as a fifth starter, but would like to improve on that sooner rather than later.

[specialiststeve]

I do believe that the FO is still probing for pitching. We have to understand that other than the big boys EVERYONE is looking for pitching. Most of the FA that are reliable are gone. Most of the options are guys that are looking to rebound. 

 

Other teams are not putting their pitching on the block as are in the same boat as we are.... Hold tight.. our studs are right around the corner.  

[Homerhankie]

To hope and wait and pray for Snell is not a winning strategy. Most likely Tampa will be in the hunt. Second I believe a rookie pitcher will step up. If we could acquire a pitcher comp to Odorizie...look out!

[DocBauer]

Repeating myself I know, but the FO is smart and not blind. They know perfectly well the rotation is not set up ideally for the first month and a half.

 

Again, we don't know how much they, and the staff, really like and believe in the kids we are looking at for that time frame. They may be sky high, or guarded optimistic what these guys can do for the start of the season, and their potential going forward.

 

But don't think for a second they aren't making calls and receiving calls. Colorado has been actively shopping their very best player! They are doing that because they think they are going to contend? Arizona, unless they really believe they are ready for a push, was not planning on signing anyone until Bumgarner fell in to their laps on an almost self written deal. Do they have room now to move someone? How crazy and desperate is Boston? Is Miami really going to do anything in 2020?

 

Point is, there is the POTENTIAL for a deal yet to be made. Nobody has turned off the phones. NO, we don't HAVE to make a deal right now. But I think we are open to one if it makes sense. If one of these teams has someone available that the FO feels is a legitimate #2-3 option...#1 options are seldom available, just being honest...without overpaying, we are going to listen.

 

Whether they make the move depends on prospect cost and what they truly feel about what is on hand.

 

Other than another flier, I think we are done for now. Larnach and Gordon, just an example, for Gray or Ray? I think the FO probably pulls the trigger.

[HrbieFan]

Is it me, or has the writing on this site gone to the birds? Every day we have an article that is a major reach on the possible or the impossible. This site used to site facts and prospects, not crap like the competition

[ashbury]

Is it me, or has the writing on this site gone to the birds? Every day we have an article that is a major reach on the possible or the impossible. This site used to site facts and prospects, not crap like the competition

Rebut what you disagree with, citing facts also. Ignore what you feel wasn't worth having read.

 

[IndianaTwin]

Great article on the Donaldson signing: http://www.startribune.com/twins-invitation-to-josh-donaldson-finally-got-a-response-it-s-a-deal/567112922/?refresh=true

 

As to the question, “can they afford to wait,” I’m more concerned about making a smart move than I am with when. In other words, if opportunity arrives now, sure. But if it doesn’t, don’t make a drastic move just for the sake of making a move — wait and see how things play out with what they’ve got, including rookies. But then be aggressive with mid-season trades if the need is still there. 

 

At this point, it seems unlikely that teams will want to trade their “ace.” If it happens before the season, much more likely to me is a low-level-prospect-for-Odorizzi-level trade, and I like the FO’s ability to spot the under-valued. 

 

I would like to see another option or two in the spring training mix, however. We’re at the point where minor league contracts are becoming more prevalent, and I’d like to see them fish in that pond, even if it’s just to have another possibility for eight times through the rotation. Among what’s out there, I’m intrigued by: 

• Taijuan Walker
• Danny Salazar
• Felix Hernandez
• Clay Buchholz

 

[D.C Twins]

I'm worried that Odorizzi is going to have a major regression.... very worried.

 

And we just don't have any buffer worked into our 2 pitcher + prospects plan for our starting rotation breaking out of camp.

 

I just seems like a big risk right now.

 

But, even if the SP rotation implodes, boy o boy o boy that line up will be FUN to watch every-single-night

[dex8425]

 

This. Your ace pitching money is now playing 3rd base. Signing Donaldson is better than no signing but I would have given the money to Ryu

I would most definitely have not. One guy has been a 5 war player 6 of the last 7 years and one has pitched 180 innings only twice in the last 7 years. One plays every day. They're the same age. The cost is similar. One is a competitive veteran clubhouse presence superstar with lots of postseason experience and more swagger than anyone. The other doesn't speak english. 

 

Absolutely no comparison in my eyes. 

[dex8425]

 

 

Great article on the Donaldson signing: http://www.startribune.com/twins-invitation-to-josh-donaldson-finally-got-a-response-it-s-a-deal/567112922/?refresh=true

 

As to the question, “can they afford to wait,” I’m more concerned about making a smart move than I am with when. In other words, if opportunity arrives now, sure. But if it doesn’t, don’t make a drastic move just for the sake of making a move — wait and see how things play out with what they’ve got, including rookies. But then be aggressive with mid-season trades if the need is still there. 

 

At this point, it seems unlikely that teams will want to trade their “ace.” If it happens before the season, much more likely to me is a low-level-prospect-for-Odorizzi-level trade, and I like the FO’s ability to spot the under-valued. 

 

I would like to see another option or two in the spring training mix, however. We’re at the point where minor league contracts are becoming more prevalent, and I’d like to see them fish in that pond, even if it’s just to have another possibility for eight times through the rotation. Among what’s out there, I’m intrigued by: 

• Taijuan Walker
• Danny Salazar
• Felix Hernandez
• Clay Buchholz

 

Walker and Salazar are intriguing to me as well. Salazar is going to be a huge flier but some team will sign him for not that much money, he is not old, and he is not that removed from an all star season. 

[dex8425]

We need to root against the Reds. I want Trevor Bauer on the Twins for half a season. 

[Mr. Brooks]

I would most definitely have not. One guy has been a 5 war player 6 of the last 7 years and one has pitched 180 innings only twice in the last 7 years. One plays every day. They're the same age. The cost is similar. One is a competitive veteran clubhouse presence superstar with lots of postseason experience and more swagger than anyone. The other doesn't speak english.

 

Absolutely no comparison in my eyes.

Not speaking English is a con against acquiring a player?

Or am I misreading that?

[howieramone2]

Only speaking Korean shouldn't be a problem. We have a member on the board that speaks Korean, and there's always Hawkeye and Radar.

[dex8425]

 

Not speaking English is a con against acquiring a player?
Or am I misreading that?

I've had teammates and clients who don't speak english. Nothing against them personally but if you don't speak the same language as someone it's more difficult to build a relationship with them. Speaking through an interpreter is hard sometimes. 

[Mr. Brooks]

I've had teammates and clients who don't speak english. Nothing against them personally but if you don't speak the same language as someone it's more difficult to build a relationship with them. Speaking through an interpreter is hard sometimes.

Well the Twins already have a lot of really good players that don't speak English. What do you propose they do with them?

[dex8425]

 

Well the Twins already have a lot of really good players that don't speak English. What do you propose they do with them?

You're missing my point. My point is that Josh Donaldson does more for clubhouse chemistry, morale and leadership than Hyun Jin Ryu. That's it. 

[Mr. Brooks]

You're missing my point. My point is that Josh Donaldson does more for clubhouse chemistry, morale and leadership than Hyun Jin Ryu. That's it.

You can't possibly know that.

Speaking English isn't a requirement for any of those 3 traits you listed. Not even a little bit.