Twins Sign Matt Guerrier to Minor League Deal

[Seth Stohs]

The Twins just announced that they have signed 35-year-old former Twins RHP Matt Guerrier to a minor league deal. He will get a spring training invitation.

 

He pitched in 49 games last year for the Cubs/Dodgers before his season ended due to a flexor tendon injury.

[J-Dog Dungan]

What is this, the year the All-American Rejects party comes to Minnesota?

[nicksaviking]

TR: We're putting the band back together.

Johan Santana: Forget it. No way

Gardy: We're on a mission from God.

[ashbury]

What is this, the year the All-American Rejects party comes to Minnesota?

 

Minor league deals don't cost anything. Maybe it's more like, if your career happens to get back on track, why not be wearing a Minnesota uniform?

[twinsfanstl]

unless you're scott baker...

[johnnydakota]

More 3 card monty , Hey folks see we are bringing back former twins...see we are trying,

we will not bring back the ones who want real money or are ANY GOOD, but see we are trying ,

besides we have prospects and the All Star game ...see, look , buy.....whattajoke

[Seth Stohs]

What's the negative??

[twinsfanstl]

isn't one to this signing. personally I like the moves this team is making. I was hoping to get Yoon cheaply and would love to see them go after Diaz and K. Morales. 2 of 3 happen and they will get my vote for a solid offseason

[nicksaviking]

More 3 card monty , Hey folks see we are bringing back former twins...see we are trying,

we will not bring back the ones who want real money or are ANY GOOD, but see we are trying ,

besides we have prospects and the All Star game ...see, look , buy.....whattajoke

 

This seems about par for the course when it comes to off season minor league free agents. The only reason Kubel, Bartlett and Guerrier are different than Brandon Boggs, Kevin Kouzmanoff, and Luis Perdomo is because they used to wear Twins uniforms.

 

Actually I take that back, this isn't par for the course. I'd much rather take a flier on Kubel, Bartlett and Guerrier than Boggs, Kouzmanoff and Perdomo.

[savvyspy]

Coming of of surgery?? CHECK

 

Former Twins player from 3-5 years ago coming off a horrible or mediocre at best year? CHECK

 

Looks like Ryan has nailed down his core competency. No wonder he thinks you can't build a team through free agency.

[cmathewson]

More 3 card monty , Hey folks see we are bringing back former twins...see we are trying,

we will not bring back the ones who want real money or are ANY GOOD, but see we are trying ,

besides we have prospects and the All Star game ...see, look , buy.....whattajoke

 

Minor league contracts have zero downside. There's just no reason to complain about a minor league contract. It says nothing about any other deal they are working on. It comes without a commitment. If the player sucks, see ya later. If the player returns to his former self, it's all upside.

[twinsfanstl]

^^this

[ScrapTheNickname]

As far as reunions go, I think Scott Baker has a big upside and would been the wiser signing. He think he may surprise and give Seattle a solid year. Guerrier, on the other hand, seems past his prime. Yes, a Minor League deal, but still not exciting. Johan Santana, the last of the great Homecoming Kings, would look great in a Twins uniform again and I would give him the benefit of all doubts just to see that.

[jay]

"Huh! Why not!" - my exact reaction

 

I don't expect him to be a top set up guy, but he has shown the ability to put up results below his xFIP throughout his career and wasn't bad with the Dodgers while he was gone. If he's healthy, he provides good depth from the right side. Another nice, no-risk move.

[johnnydakota]

What's the negative??

 

it is nothing more then bringing back a known name in hopes of selling a couple more tickets.

it adds nothing to the future.

[nicksaviking]

it is nothing more then bringing back a known name in hopes of selling a couple more tickets.

it adds nothing to the future.

 

I don't remember this much outrage when they signed Josh Roenicke, Antoan Richardson or Wilken Rameriz last year.

 

So are you saying the Twins should never again sign a player to a minor league deal, or are you saying the Twins should never sign a former Twin to a minor league deal?

[johnnydakota]

Minor league contracts have zero downside. There's just no reason to complain about a minor league contract. It says nothing about any other deal they are working on. It comes without a commitment. If the player sucks, see ya later. If the player returns to his former self, it's all upside.

 

Ok then let me point out the Major leaque contracts....

Nolasco last 4 years has an ERA over 4.50 in 3 of 4 years,career 4.37

Hughes last season 5.19, yes he had an ERA of 4.19 in 2 of the last 4 , but is all HOPE

Pelfrey last season 5.19 ERA, and a career 4.48 ERA

Suzuki .235 AVG. over the last 4 years.....

then lets add former twins who best days are past and who will take minor leaque deals.

and this is what we are suppose to applaud? really REALLY?

[Boom Boom]

it is nothing more then bringing back a known name in hopes of selling a couple more tickets.

it adds nothing to the future.

 

I don't think anyone is going to buy more tickets to Twins games this year to see Matt Guerrier unless they're immediate relatives of his.

[The Wise One]

it is nothing more then bringing back a known name in hopes of selling a couple more tickets.

it adds nothing to the future.

 

Who goes to a game based on who is up to pitch in the bullpen? Plenty of effective relievers well past 34. LaTroy Hawkins is still pitching and signing very nice contracts well after the age of 34. For middle of the bullpen guys the future is the present

[iTwins]

If he's healthy and can contribute - awesome. If he's not healthy or simply isn't better than one of the other bullpen options - oh well. It's a minor league deal, and not at all a risk for the Twins yet it has the potential to be a decent reward. Good move.

[Seth Stohs]

it is nothing more then bringing back a known name in hopes of selling a couple more tickets.

it adds nothing to the future.

 

I sincerely doubt the addition of Matt Guerrier will increase ticket sales.

[cmathewson]

Ok then let me point out the Major leaque contracts....

Nolasco last 4 years has an ERA over 4.50 in 3 of 4 years,career 4.37

Hughes last season 5.19, yes he had an ERA of 4.19 in 2 of the last 4 , but is all HOPE

Pelfrey last season 5.19 ERA, and a career 4.48 ERA

Suzuki .235 AVG. over the last 4 years.....

then lets add former twins who best days are past and who will take minor leaque deals.

and this is what we are suppose to applaud? really REALLY?

 

Well, apparently you know whom to sign instead with the pool of money they had. Or, maybe you would prefer to sign nobody. In the absence of an alternative, it's just whining.

[johnnydakota]

ok so wich reliever do we dump to open a space for Matt?

yes there is nothing wrong with this signing, but its tje combined total signings that make this 1 , a bad deal...it brings nothing to the future...adds no piece to the puzzle of a championship

[johnnydakota]

Well, apparently you know whom to sign instead with the pool of money they had. Or, maybe you would prefer to sign nobody. In the absence of an alternative, it's just whining.

 

I would happily debate you on this , but I would be banned....

[DaveW]

In re: to Baker. I think he has a better shot to crack the Mariners opening day roster then the Twins, who are pretty set at this point with Nolasco, Hughes, Pelfrey, Correia and whoever is out of options.

[twinsfanstl]

it is a thread about signing Matt Guerrier. there is nothing to debate. there is no downside to this signing

[nicksaviking]

ok so wich reliever do we dump to open a space for Matt?

yes there is nothing wrong with this signing, but its tje combined total signings that make this 1 , a bad deal...it brings nothing to the future...adds no piece to the puzzle of a championship

 

You don't have to dump anyone. If he's not good enough he goes to Rochester unless he has some kind of opt out clause in which case he's released, nothing lost.

 

You can't seriously argue that the Twins should never use minor league free agency.

 

Also, Carl Willis didn't prevent the Twins from winning the championship in 1991. He was a pretty solid grab actually.

[JB_Iowa]

This is a minor league deal.

 

It doesn't cost a spot on the 40-man, correct?

 

It's hard to see any harm. Sounds like he has a fair amount of rehab yet to do but you never know when a little depth might come in handy.

[Kwak]

"No downside?" Everybody needs innings to be evaluated and to be prepared for the ensuing season. Innings used on "filler" are not available for those who will be: 1) on the active roster and 2) those who project to be on the active roster in the near future. A concern is when the final cut is made and the decision is between "the old shoe" and promising younger guy--who is selected?

 

I forgot to say: "Is Guerrier the guy that Gardenhire was referring to with 'Wow'?"

[nicksaviking]

"No downside?" Everybody needs innings to be evaluated and to be prepared for the ensuing season. Innings used on "filler" are not available for those who will be: 1) on the active roster and 2) those who project to be on the active roster in the near future. A concern is when the final cut is made and the decision is between "the old shoe" and promising younger guy--who is selected?

 

Almost certainly the guy who will best help the team win. Ask Jacque Jones circa 2010.