Article: Rumor Mill Round-Up: 12/9

[howeda7]

Buck would be OK, do not view Chris Hermann as a solution. Would like another pitcher, possibly in a trade if price is right. The ones mentioned above would be fine, though not as in on Hellickson as some of the rest.

 

Doumit's agent reiterated that he's fine to catch in 2014. Given that, I don't get the concern for a catcher. If we're going after Rajai Davis, Doumit won't be DH'ing as much. Let Doumit and Pinto split time at catcher with Hermann as the 3rd/bench guy.

[howeda7]

I like this. He hits lefties very well and is a good pinch runner.

 

Perfect 4th outfielder for the right price.

 

Darrin Mastrianni says hi. Davis is more proven, but what Mastro does all of the above for cheaper. I know last year was a wash-out but I think he'll bounce back fine.

[ppearson50]

I think we are probably not doing anything at catcher. If we sign Arroyo for two or three years, I think guys like May and Berrios become trade bait along with Rosario for offensive upgrades. That would leave the final one or two spots in the rotation to be fought out among Meyer, Gibson and eventually Stewart over the next two or three years.

[nicksaviking]

I really thought Mastroianni was near the top of the DFA list if the Twins need to make room for more free agents. The interest in Davis (and the failure to get him) kind of indicates he's safe as the Twins are specifically looking for this type of player.

[Smcginnity]

I love the Rajai Davis signing (if they proceed). I am all for signing Arroyo too. But, then I think we need to make a trade. And, people may not like this but I think if we can flip Kyle Gibson for a viable starting "ace" like Hamels, Homer Bailey, or Brett Anderson, I say do it. That rotation would be playoff competitive then. If you have Correia/Deduno/Worley/Meyer as your number 5 SP, that's how it should be. Hughes as your #4, Arroyo #3, Nolasco #2 and one of the traded pitchers as your #1. Then, you all of a sudden can make the playoffs in a year that it didn't appear possible!

[Mike Sixel]

I agree, Hamels, Nolasco, Hughes, KC, random guy is more than enough to get this team in striking distance of the playoffs....see my recent thread for why I think that.

[Boda]

I love the Rajai Davis signing (if they proceed). I am all for signing Arroyo too. But, then I think we need to make a trade. And, people may not like this but I think if we can flip Kyle Gibson for a viable starting "ace" like Hamels, Homer Bailey, or Brett Anderson, I say do it. That rotation would be playoff competitive then. If you have Correia/Deduno/Worley/Meyer as your number 5 SP, that's how it should be. Hughes as your #4, Arroyo #3, Nolasco #2 and one of the traded pitchers as your #1. Then, you all of a sudden can make the playoffs in a year that it didn't appear possible!

I'm a huge Kyle Gibson fan & I don't want to see him traded because he was the first prospect I was really involved in and loved his game but if it helps land us our ace I'd be all for it. My preference from that list would be Brett Anderson

[YourHouseIsMyHouse]

Over on TT, they mentioned that "According to Stat Corner, John Buck was the worst catcher in all of baseball at framing pitches in 2013, at -20.4 runs above average". So really. this guy is no better than Doumit, even if Doumit were willing to catch. He's just as bad defensively, doesn't have the versatility to play some (poor) outfield, is a year older, and is much worse offensively.

Careers

Buck: .231/.304/.400 20HRs/162

Doumit .268/.329/..438 18HRs/162

 

This doesn't look like a good signing to me at all.

[YourHouseIsMyHouse]

Darrin Mastrianni says hi. Davis is more proven, but what Mastro does all of the above for cheaper. I know last year was a wash-out but I think he'll bounce back fine.

 

I agree with this. Davis is older and no better than Mastroianni nor Presley. I really like Darin and what he did in 2012 and it would be a little unfair to cut loose a player at a position of need who's been successful when healthy. One bad year is nothing. This year will be telling for his future in Minnesota.

[DocBauer]

Always the optimist I guess, but I've been hoping/planning on Mastro and Pressly in LF and batting lead off next season (Hicks in CF) in a sort of start/4th OF platoon. Mastro was a nice surprise in 2012, and his final numbers were actually down a bit at the end from where he was most of the year.

 

Healthy, I think this duo can give us good defense, and at least adequate, overall production in the #1 spot for at least a season. Nothing spectacular, but a mix of decent hitting from both sides, a little extra base power and some speed to work with. I wasn't opposed to a potential Davis signing as insurance, but that ship has sailed. Not sure who else might be available, but wouldn't discount another inexpensive signing still.

[stringer bell]

I'm pretty sure that Mastroanni and Presley start the season as the Twins' center fielders. Hick's play in 2013 has put him in Rochester to start 2014. After the first of May, I can see Hicks in center and "Prestroanni" in left. Doumit and Herrman figure in as well. Hammer and Doumit should be the primary DHs. It is not ideal, but decent production from the veterans, a bounceback from Hicks and an OPS of around 100 from Presley and Mastro would be a nice improvement over last year. Most likely, of the five I've mentioned here, somebody will disappoint and somebody else might step up, but I expect major improvement, both offensively and defensively from center and left and also better production from the Twins' DHs.