Christmas list

[DomeDog]

Given that the Twins said they won't give up a draft pick for a free agent starter out there (nor should they I think), I foresee a trade coming for that second starter acquisition. Here is my wish list I'm sending to Santa and BCCing Terry Ryan.

 

1. Jeff Smardjia (too lazy to look up the spelling - you get the idea)

 

2. Homer Bailey

 

3. Luke Hochevar

 

4. Brett Anderson

 

5. Chad Billingsley

 

Fairly young pitchers with risk (more affordable) and pretty high ceilings.

 

I'm usually skeptical of NL pitchers making the jump to DHland but the above NL pitchers have the stuff and talent to transcend and overcome.

 

I think Rosario is the big bargaining chip, there needs to be more of course but would love to see the Twins sell some of these A ball potential prospects before they fizzle out in AAA like most do. Let them fizzle out in someone else's AAA for a change. Don't make me compile a list please.

[whydidnt]

I guess I missed the story where the Twins said they wouldn't give up a draft pick. I thought earlier in the year Ryan said they would consider it.

 

Of the guys you listed, I think Bailey and Billingsley would be the guys I'd want. Anderson has a ton of talent but is always hurt and don't think he'll be worth the risk. Samardzija seems to be overrated/priced based upon the rumors I've been reading. Hochevar has been pretty awful as a starter for several years now. I just don't see him succeeding in that role after all this time. My preference would still be to sign Garza, E.Santana or Jimenez (in that order) and give up a pick if necessary, though it wouldn't be with Garza. Put it this way, what would you rather have right now - Rosario and other prospects or our 2nd round pick in next years draft? I just can't see valuing that pick more than that sort of package of guys.

[Rick Blaine]

Is anyone concerned that we probably won't have a lefty in the rotation?

[whatever54]

I think it was TR who was at one point quoted as saying they didn't expect/plan to give up a draft choice, never said it wasn't a possibility.

[goulik]

My family always has multiple Christmas presents and we take turns opening them. The last and best present is the Star Present! I hope our star present is Garza and there are 2-3 other presents between the first (Nolasco) and the star present... That gives TR 25 shopping days until Christmas...

[Thrylos]

Is anyone concerned that we probably won't have a lefty in the rotation?

 

There will be a lefty in the rotation... Hopefully they get Kazmir instead of using Diamond or Albers or Johnson

[Reider]

Rome wasn't built in a day and the Twins don't need to pull out all of the stops this off season. They have next off season and probably the one after to have all (or most) of their pieces in place. If the Twins can get Garza and perhaps a 3rd pitcher (e.g. high risk, high reward like Johan Santana or even a back end guy like Pelfrey (*sigh*), just to eat innings), I don't think the Twins will have to trade any of their young prospects away unless they find a deal they really like.

 

And of course if a great deal comes along where they can secure a young starting pitcher with high upside, I hope they seriously consider it. I just don't think they need to do every thing this off season.

[johnnydakota]

Today Baltimore bought Johnny Monell, a left handed hitting catcher from the Giants, the kid has power , anyone know if he has any semblence of defense?

[johnnydakota]

My wish list is Garza,Kazmir, Navarro and Erik Chavez, This would set up our rotation,

tighten up our defense , give us some insurance at 3rd ,and of course give us some trading chips come july...Which is some thing I hope we do this year if we are not in a race

[darin617]

Given that the Twins said they won't give up a draft pick for a free agent starter out there (nor should they I think), I foresee a trade coming for that second starter acquisition. Here is my wish list I'm sending to Santa and BCCing Terry Ryan.

 

1. Jeff Smardjia (too lazy to look up the spelling - you get the idea)

 

2. Homer Bailey

 

3. Luke Hochevar

 

4. Brett Anderson

 

5. Chad Billingsley

 

Fairly young pitchers with risk (more affordable) and pretty high ceilings.

 

I'm usually skeptical of NL pitchers making the jump to DHland but the above NL pitchers have the stuff and talent to transcend and overcome.

 

I think Rosario is the big bargaining chip, there needs to be more of course but would love to see the Twins sell some of these A ball potential prospects before they fizzle out in AAA like most do. Let them fizzle out in someone else's AAA for a change. Don't make me compile a list please.

 

Bailey only has 1 yr left under current contract and will not sign an extension unless he is given at least $13-15M/yr. He is the perfect trade candidate if you can get a 48 hour window to sign an extension or the trade is off. The other pitchers are injury prone and not worth the prospects. Just sign Arroyo and Kasmir and then you finally have a respectable rotation once you outright all the garbage off the 40 man roster.

[darin617]

Is anyone concerned that we probably won't have a lefty in the rotation?

 

That is why you sign Scott Kasmir, problem solved.

[Halsey Hall]

Having signed a couple pitchers with a catcher and probably another pitcher yet to be done, I'd really, really like us to get a 3rd baseman.

[howeda7]

I'd like to see SS addressed. But there are no FA options and the trade options are guys like Ramirez. I guess Bartlett is all we will see in that area.

[kab21]

Is anyone concerned that we probably won't have a lefty in the rotation?

 

I'm not concerned at all about this. As a matter of fact I think this whole lefty/righty rotation is overrated.

 

Looking at the AL Central best lefthanded hitters (the bulk of the games)

White Sox - De Aza and Dunn

Tigers - Avila (VMart is a switch hitter)

Indians - Kipnis, Chisenhall, Bourn and Brantley (Asdrubal, Swisher and Santana are SH)

Royals - Hosmer, Gordon and Mous

 

So the Twins righthanded staff will have a decided advantage against 2 teams, a wash against one and matchup problems against the Injuns. That's not enough of a reason to put an inferior pitcher in the rotation for all of the rest of the games. Although Diamond might make the team. Currently it's a 3 man race for the #4 and #5 spots (with Worley and Deduno).

[kab21]

My Christmas list consists of a veteran catcher and an OF'er. Yes, an OF'er. The Twins had an awful offense last year and it would be nice to add another veteran bat to go with Willy and Mauer to take the pressure off the young guys. I refuse to be concerned about Parmelee (or Doumit) losing playing time.

[Marta Shearing]

Wouldn't be a bit surprised to see a platoon in RF. Plouffe and Presley?

[howeda7]

Wouldn't be a bit surprised to see a platoon in RF. Plouffe and Presley?

 

Arcia better be given every chance in RF. Zero reason for Presley to play there.

[kab21]

Wouldn't be a bit surprised to see a platoon in RF. Plouffe and Presley?

 

I would prefer to start the season with an actual good hitter there especially since part of that platoon will likely start the season at 3B.

 

Corey Hart would be a good match although I'm not sure if he will be a better defender than willy after last year's knee surgeries. But that's why he will be in the Twins price range.