Twins Trade Nolasco, Meyer, Cash To Angels For Hector Santiago

Well, it is relevant in any contemplated trades of proven major leaguers (for flyers like Mejia), to put much more thought into the process for developing young SP arms to reach their ceiling as quickly and efficiently as possible (the Twins have a sad history of too many talented guys who waste their best bullets while in their mid-20s in the minors)

Hey, we agree, they messed up in how they used Meyer.....but the question is, on August 1, what should they do with the players they have? Me? I think what they did do worked.

I think Santiago pitches really well here, or is not on the roster next year, and Meija (sp?) is your 5th starter, or some flyer FA. And while that 9MM or whatever doesn't help us, if I'm the owner, I appreciate that 9MM.....

Fair, I'd like May to be a SP.....so that's 1.

 

I don't think any AA starter will be starting for the Twins in April of next year......or May of next year, nor June of next year. After that, maybe.

 

It is also possible Meija is ready early next year (which let's hope he is, as SPs get hurt a lot.....).

Very likely on the AA guys. I do fear that with the Twins might be relying on Mejia coming through and supplanting May from one of the 5 SP spots. There's enough concern about Mejia, both externally and internally (after the Twins "develop" him- anyone remember Deolis Guerra?), that it would be foolish to count on him, at least initially.

If May is the #4 SP and Santiago the #5 SP, (with [current] AA help on the way by the '17 ASG and Duffey/Wheeler a phone call away, I think I could live with that...)

Very likely on the AA guys. I do fear that with the Twins might be relying on Mejia coming through and supplanting May from one of the 5 SP spots. There's enough concern about Mejia, both externally and internally (after the Twins "develop" him- anyone remember Deolis Guerra?), that it would be foolish to count on him, at least initially.

 

If May is the #4 SP and Santiago the #5 SP, (with [current] AA help on the way by the '17 ASG and Duffey/Wheeler a phone call away, I think I could live with that...)

I think that is the plan, right now........but who knows?

Yup.  If Nolasco keeps his current 2016 IP/GS average (which at almost 6 isn't bad), he will finish with 190 IP this year.  Meaning he'd have to basically hit his career high in IP in 2017 (212) to make that a player option.

 

Of course, if he is effective enough to get anywhere near 212 innings next year, or to average 7 IP per start down the stretch this year to get to 200, there is a decent chance the Angels would want him back for 2018 at $13 mil.  Still, it shouldn't be hard to keep it a team option regardless.

And that was my point... as stated previously, Nolasco has averaged ~7 IP/start in his last 4 games. Nolasco is returning home and in a contract year, and the Angels have the payroll available, and might benefit from playing in Anaheim. 400 IP is certainly within the realm of possibility.

I think that is the plan, right now........but who knows?

Not sure what their thoughts are on May. But I do know that this shifting of his roles hasn't been good for his pitching and mental health or his development as an effective major league starter. (I would bet that he's still confused to this day as to why he was placed in purgatory for a month last July 1- when he was arguably the Twins 2nd best SP)

This. Let's please keep it in the realm and intent of this topic. Feel free to start another if you want to discuss Meyer and how the Twins develop pitchers.

"Article: Twins Trade Nolasco, Meyer, Cash To Angels For Hector Santiago"

Actually the Twins do lack #5 pitchers. The rotation depth at the MLB level and in AA/AAA is that bad. 

 

 

But Santiago has performed better than a #5 pitcher.

Agreed. On both counts.

Another look at it:

 http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/instagraphs/twins-and-angels-swap-throwers-meyer-and-busenitz/

Are you kidding? Santiago's ERA is a full run better over his career and more than a full run better in recent seasons.

Hmmm. I'm not a fan of Nolasco, and as I've previously stated many times, it's a great trade to unload that contract that never should have been signed in the first place. Just saying that Santiago is far from a panacea...

Santiago career numbers as a SP: FIP- 4.64 xFIP 4.83

Nolasco career numbers as a SP: FIP- 3.85 xFIP- 3.83

Santiago over recent seasons has been playing for a team in the Top Quintile for team defense.

Nolasco over recent seasons has been playing for a team in the Bottom Quintile for team defense.

Another look at it:

 

 http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/instagraphs/twins-and-angels-swap-throwers-meyer-and-busenitz/

Finally, a neutral look at the prospects involved. 

Actually the Twins do lack #5 pitchers. The rotation depth at the MLB level and in AA/AAA is that bad. 

 

 

But Santiago has performed better than a #5 pitcher.

Let's hope that this continues moving forward. There is evidence there to present caution in making any presumptions. I do hope the Twins have learned from the recent past not to do a Hughes-like extension if his production produces clues that it will be suspect going forward.

Sure it's possible, if Nolasco pitches fantastically.  I'm not sure it really matters at that point, though -- the Angels would probably want him back at that price in 2018 if he pitches fantastically for them.  And Nolasco would probably rather hit the open market after 2017 instead.  I don't see a case where the Angels get locked into 2018 with Nolasco against their will.  Far more likely, Nolasco could get locked into 2018 with the Angels mildly against his will, if he pitches well for them but doesn't quite make 400 IP.

Agreed on all points. I just originally said it was within the realm of possibility... and why it was yet another reason why this was a good trade for the Twins in not having another potential liability overhanging such a bad trade in the first place.

Santiago could be dreadful for all I know. I will still appreciate watching him pitch over Ricky Nolasco any day of the week.