whatever54

How much can the Twins really expect in exchange for the half year rental of Suzuki?

If the Twins had five other starters consistantly doing the same same or better, then there'd be a question as to another start. As it is he stays, he starts.

This is the exact question I had when I first read of Kendrys signing! It's pretty clear to me the FO hasn't written this year off yet.

Having an actual backup CFer would be a nice change, Fuld fits the bill, so I'll be happy to see his return.

We have an emergency catcher, he plays 1st base, no need for backup backup catcher.

Back to the original topic. What happens with Colabello, and the log jam at first base now that he's not going to Korea? As well as the roster spot issue?

I had assumed that this would be the case. Isn't the idea to get the best milage out of your 25? The situation has changed now that Mauer is at first, you no longer have the concussion and lower extremity related health issues, if you're not comfortable going into the season with Pinto/Suzuki then what was the point of signing Suzuki? There's got to be a better use of that third roster spot than yet another catcher, or am I really missing something here?

We'll see how it works out, but what I'd like to see happen is Pinto and Suzuki split catching starts something close to 50-50. Catcher is a tough position and a bit less wear and tear may help keep them healthy. I'm especially concerned about Suzuki wearing down with too many starts, if he can stay healthy, he could really contribute.

I think JB_Iowa's list of Nolasco/Hughes/Pelfrey/ Correia/Worley is as reasonable a prediction as any. With Gibson, K Johnson, Albers in the minors and Deduno on the DL. Not sure where that leaves Diamond, not sure how much I really care.

This I agree with. Pair a solid vet catcher with Pinto, Suzuki is probably the best remaining, especially if he can get over the injury issue and get back to some semblance of his former self.

True, though I certainly don't know just how aggressive they were with FA catchers. My understanding is they put good effort into signing AJ, but had they felt thy absolutely needed to sign an insurance catcher I also think they would have.

You're certainly not going to go out of your way to identify possible issues with your anticipated starter when negotiating with his backup. Most of us wouldn't consider that a very effective negotiating tactic.

With AJ off the market, and Salty being a pretty expensive option, Arencipia looks like he's worth a good look at.

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.

Welcome back Mr. Pelfrey! Ouch!

With our primary catching options now being Doumit, Pinto and maybe Hermann I can't see how you don't at least consider what's on the free agent market. How does Salty's addition subtract from this team? Even if Pinto develops into the catch we're hoping for, adding Salty or even AJ is still a very prudent decision.

Am I missing something? Maybe Hicks playing deep does suggest a lack of confidence, but that's not how I'd be inclined to look at it. It always seemed to me that better athletic ability, accurate judgement of where a ball is going, good running speed and a good arm allow an outfielder the option to play deeper, which is where you want to be so as to keep plays in front of you.

Kind of impossible not to have him penciled in to the '14 rotation, who's the competition, what better 5 are going to put out there?

I'd sure hate to see him traded, I find him a lot more enjoyable to watch than most anyone else on the staff. But no one is sacred, if the right price is offered ya have to at least give it some serious thought. I just hate the thought of having to replace him with yet another "pitch to contact" guy.

Didn't they try that when he was in the Rockies organization?

Generally speaking I have more faith than belief, but I do know I really like to watch Deduno pitch. I'm glad he pitches for the Twins, and am guardedly more optimistic now about his future with the Twins than I was at any time last year. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like he's growing into a major league starter.

No one is surprised by Dozier at 2B, that was the plan all along, the good news is it doesn't sound like a disaster. If Dozier is settling in at 2B then that makes sorting out SS just that much easier, you can spend the better part of March auditioning Florimon, Escobar, Carrol and whomever till you find the starting pair you like the most, then hope they don't imploded sometime after April 1st.

I will admit to being optimistic, maybe foolishly so, but I do think the Twins will be "more" competitive this year than the last two. If for no other reason than the additions of Pelfrey, Worley and Gibson should at least keep us in more games till the bull pen takes over. Meaningful games in August and September, well we'll see.

Thanks for posting the heads up on Pelotero, it's well worth the time and I had not heard of it till your post. I vaguely recall some controversy regarding Sano back when he was signed, but had never really paid that much attention to the situation. That Gayo rep for the Pirates, wow!

How that phrase go? Oh yeah! " This thread is worthless without pics!"