This isn't going to be popular in Twins Territory but Dan Hayes is reporting that the Twins are shopping Luis Arraez in return for a frontline starter. Is a frontline starter worth losing the reigning AL batting champion?

 

View full rumor

Whoops. Forgot that Rumor is automatically added to the title. 

I'd deal him to Milwaukee, for example. Who else has top tier pitching and needs a 2B? (and yes, Milwaukee needs it, now that they've made that awful deal).

They better not trade him for someone who ends up being two starts from getting TJ surgery. 

This would put them in danger of losing every 5th game 1-0. 

I’m sure we can find an oft injured, not likely to contribute much, and/or likely to deteriorate in performance upon acquisition starter or reliever for Arraez - the AL batting champ, our best situational hitter by a mile, better than average fielding first baseman, capable of playing multiple positions if needed, including 2B, 3B, corner OF and DH, and plays with a huge heart.

No chance I trust this FO not to screw this up after the last several pitching trade disasters. 

2 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

I’m sure we can find an oft injured, not likely to contribute much, and/or likely to deteriorate in performance upon acquisition starter or reliever for Arraez - the AL batting champ, our best situational hitter by a mile, better than average fielding first baseman, capable of playing multiple positions if needed, including 2B, 3B, corner OF and DH, and plays with a huge heart.

No chance I trust this FO not to screw this up after the last several pitching trade disasters. 

Hated that Joe Ryan trade, huh. Or the Gray trade? They've had hits and misses......

23 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Whoops. Forgot that Rumor is automatically added to the title. 

Rumor: Rumor: Rumor: Rumor: RUMOR VAN I SAID RUMOR:

2 minutes ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

Rumor: Rumor: Rumor: Rumor: RUMOR VAN I SAID RUMOR:

I think Arraez' value is at an all-time high. He is under team control for three more years and coming off a year when he won a batting championship and a silver slugger. This is the ideal time to trade him, knowing that he may well win several batting championships in the future. 

We know what he is: a unicorn in several respects--he makes contact, works counts and sprays hits all over the field. He has worked to be a better fielder (and I think he is more than passable at either first or second). His lifetime average over .300 is very rare in this pitcher and power friendly era.

We also know what Arraez is not--he has significant platoon splits, limited power, and less than average running speed. He's dealt with leg injuries the last three seasons and there is some indication that there are chronic problems with his knees. 

A deal would have to bring back quite a bit, but I don't think Luis Arraez is a cornerstone that a team is built around.

Just now, stringer bell said:

I think Arraez' value is at an all-time high. He is under team control for three more years and coming off a year when he won a batting championship and a silver slugger. This is the ideal time to trade him, knowing that he may well win several batting championships in the future. 

We know what he is: a unicorn in several respects--he makes contact, works counts and sprays hits all over the field. He has worked to be a better fielder (and I think he is more than passable at either first or second). His lifetime average over .300 is very rare in this pitcher and power friendly era.

We also know what Arraez is not--he has significant platoon splits, limited power, and less than average running speed. He's dealt with leg injuries the last three seasons and there is some indication that there are chronic problems with his knees. 

A deal would have to bring back quite a bit, but I don't think Luis Arraez is a cornerstone that a team is built around.

This is how I feel for sure. I'd want at least one guy that can play this year, though (unless they get, you know, an insane offer of a top 10 prospect + or so).

Is this the 3rd or 4th straight offseason where this has been rumored? 

But looking at the cost for pitching so far this offseason, might have to do it. 

1 minute ago, Seth Stohs said:

Is this the 3rd or 4th straight offseason where this has been rumored? 

But looking at the cost for pitching so far this offseason, might have to do it. 

there is only 1 ace-type unsigned at this point.......it isn't just the cost, but the availability.

28 minutes ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

Rumor: Rumor: Rumor: Rumor: RUMOR VAN I SAID RUMOR:

Proper English is rumour. Just saying

Just now, Squirrel said:

Proper English is rumour. Just saying

roumourore

I'm going to have to point myself if I keep derailing this thread

I’d do it. For frontline pitching? In a heartbeat. It would be a tough deal but I’d still do it 

Much ado about nothing. The price of pitching is high. The Twins need to be willing to deal anyone in the right trade. Burnes, Woodruff, others are pretty good and keep any team in most every game. Arraez is so much fun to watch hit but a TOR guy can really settle down a rotation just like the biggest of bats, Aaron Judge. One thing is sure, Twins should be actively talking and considering all angles. Jose Miranda had a terrific first year but if he was packaged for the right return, Falvey needs to get it done.

Sign me up. With no power and no glove, his value can rise and fall in the blink of an eye.

I know the draw is that he's a throw back to a time when some of us got more enjoyment out of the game, but the 1982 Cardinals probably lose 100 games if they got transported to 2023.

If the right deal comes along, I think they've got to do it.  They won't be a serious threat to win anything in the playoffs until they can match the frontline pitching being thrown at them.  

And they're kinda in no-man's land with the bats too.  Dealing a productive bat stings, but I have greater hopes that the bats rebound than I do that the pitching drastically improves.

57 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

Proper English is rumour. Just saying

The Fleetwood Mac discussion is in the Sports Bar forum

6 minutes ago, wsnydes said:

I have greater hopes that the bats rebound than I do that the pitching drastically improves.

This is where I'm at with the roster. Deal for Lopez or/and Cabrera from Miami and harass the Brewers to give up Burnes or more realistic, Woddruff.

1 minute ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

The Fleetwood Mac discussion is in the Sports Bar forum

That rumor has passed away. Sadly.

I've advocated a Kepler/ Marquez trade before the off season got started. I'd like if Levine earned his money & call his buddies in CO and sell this trade. I'd rather not use Arraez for front-line pitching right now. IMO pitching isn't close to be our greatest need.

2 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

That rumor has passed away. Sadly.

One of them anyway.

If they trade Arraez, they also need to trade Polanco, Kepler, Gray Maeda, Buxton (if possible) and forget about Correa. Just clear the decks and do a total rebuild.

3 minutes ago, gman said:

If they trade Arraez, they also need to trade Polanco, Kepler, Gray Maeda, Buxton (if possible) and forget about Correa. Just clear the decks and do a total rebuild.

Based on having Polanco at 2nd, and one of Miranda/Kiriloff/Larnach at first, and one of those plus Wallner at DH? No, just no. 

Though I'd deal Kepler to free up money and RF for Wallner. 

1 hour ago, Squirrel said:

Proper English is rumour. Just saying

Rumour is the Queens proper English, like honour, savour, colour etc.

3 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Rumour is the Queens proper English, like honour, savour, colour etc.

roumourore

I'd phrase it as "Is Luis Arraez worth a frontline SP," and not vice versa. If I'm a Brewers fan I wouldn't be thrilled about giving up an elite arm for Arraez. I really enjoy watching the guy play, but his limited defensive ability + health issues are well documented.