Physics Guy

Who knows, maybe this is his chance like Span got when Gomez couldn't handle the job. At the time people weren't too high on Span.

I know this goes against the prevailing opinion here, but I'd rather see them give a legit chance to Florimon at SS and Dozier at 2B. They will both be 26 this season and if they are ever more than utility players they need to prove it now. Carroll is the perfect utility guy as he can play all three IF spots. Leave Escobar in AAA to play SS.

Agreed that putting Mastro in CF isn't a problem. Leading off is up for debate but I don't see the harm in giving him a shot if Hicks isn't ready (or Benson). When they made the trades I did the same research and didn't think Mastro's numbers were horrible for a lead off, at least short term. He certainly runs the base paths the way Gardy prefers in a lead off guy. Big picture, he probably isn't there for the long haul. As stated earlier, this would be low on the list of "problems" to fix.

Sorry for my last post being off-topic, this is really a Vilanueva thread. I would much rather have Villanueva than Correia. He has shown he can pitch in the AL and would be fine in the bullpen if Gibson and/or Pelfrey are able to move into the rotation (which I think is questionable to start the season).

I see no problem with a "league-average" pitcher taking one of the #3-5 spots in rotation. He would be #1 right now. Even if May, Meyer and Gibson all work out, Worley and Jackson can fill out the rest of the rotation.

Per ESPN: "The Chicago Cubs are moving closer to completion on a four-year, $52 million deal with Edwin Jackson, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Thursday." Being as this offer is pretty close to most of the speculation thus far, I find it hard to believe that Ryan came anywhere near this offer. He either doesn't understand the "going-rate" for starting pitchers (I doubt it) or he is so risk-averse to big contracts for pitchers (more likely). I don't see him coming anywhere near Willingham's total contract for any pitcher this year. I don't see how that gets us a "pretty darn-good" pitcher. I have been happy with most of his moves this year, but I am disappointed with his "quantity over quality" approach to filling out the rotation.

Sounds like Slama. Don't we already have too many guys for the 'pen?

I'm with you on hoping Hendriks is destined for better days. I believe I looked a few weeks back and saw similar numbers to Liam from Frankie V and Milton when they first came up. I just wish Gardy would give him the time that Kelly gave the other two. I'd say he has nothing to lose as most don't expect much from the Twins this year, but another bad season costs Gardy his job. I hope Liam gets out of the gates quickly this year.

That last question was referring to anybody currently on the team receiving a contract approaching $50M in the next three years.

Honest question for you: Do you see Ryan committing those savings to a "front of the rotation" guy? Greinke and maybe Sanchez were the only guys of that type this year and he went nowhere near them. In theory it's a great idea, I just don't think Ryan will ever pony up $50+M for a FA. I REALLY hope I am wrong, but I just don't think it's in his genetics. The only big contracts the offer are to guys already in the system. Do you see any players on the team currently that is going to receive any contract approaching that?

I'll throw my 2 cents (or less). Marcum and Jackson are clearly the two best pitchers left in my opinion. It can be argued that either one is more valuable than the other, depending on what you value. Marcum has better rate stats, but he doesn't have a contract yet due to his injury issues last year. Jackson does not have the rate stats and doesn't have the AL resume that Marcum does, but he did pitch over 180 innings in each of the past 5 years. TR seems to be very leery of a big contract to a pitcher who may not be able to pitch out his contract. If I were to bet on which Ryan values more, I would guess that he prefers Jackson because of his durability. At this point I honestly don't see TR going after either. From Bonnes' interview with TR: JB: It sounds like you’re sitting back and seeing what in the market comes to you, as opposed to aggressively chasing a couple of targets. TR: If I do that, we’ll probably be holding the bag. You know pitching is going to go off the board. We certainly have to be looking at it. That makes it sound an awful lot like he just hasn't liked the numbers and years that have been thrown around thus far. If one of them gets stuck signing a contract like Jackson did last year, then I'd say we have a chance. I'm disappointed because I really thought after reading the interview that he would be willing to sign a #2/#3 pitcher at the going rate, but he's given no indication that he is willing to do that yet. I am resigned to the fact that we MIGHT get Saunders or Myers and that is it.

I'd say Slowey is a good comp: Hendriks through Age 23 in the minors: 482IP, 2.65 ERA, 1.064 WHIP, 7.9/1.6 K9/BB9 Slowey (Age 28) 466.1, 2.45., 0.934, 8.4/1.4 Walters (Age 27 - really, you think he is better Rick?) 760.1, 4.06, 1.349, 8.4/3.1

Who said Diamond was a top of the rotation starter? He's the top of the TWINS rotation at this point by default, but let's not get delusional. I don't think anybody thinks he's more than a #3, nor does Ryan. He was very consistent last year and may regress some, but no reason to think he can't make all his starts next year. I doubt Gibson is in the rotation to start. The Twins are most likely going to limit his innings this year so I don't see how he makes more starts than Diamond. I can see Worley maybe, but the elbow surgery may hamper him some early in the season.

I would be happy with any of those and think they are all reasonable. After last season, I would think Jackson would jump at that. We was hoping for 3/30 last year and settled for 1/10, I think.

Again, this is one man's opinion, but from KLaw's chat this week: "I think they'll end up with at least 7 guys (in his top 100). Rosario was on it last year, Gibson was on before he got hurt but he's actually better now with the new slider." His preseson had Sano (28), Rosario (50), May (76), Hicks (80) and Arcia (85). His midseason added Buxton at 18 and moved Sano and Rosario to 26 and 39. His comments on Gibson will put him up there and I think Meyer has a shot also, although I think May might fall from the top 100. I counted 17 who will no longer be eligible for his list (maybe more). I have to think Kepler may even have a chance. I'd say they have a decent chance to be top 5 for KLaw. The Padres had 6 last year on his preseason to 100 and Grandal and Alonso are no longer prospects (eligible for ROY).

Agreed. 3 yrs for Jackson, 4 for Sanchez - which won't happen.

We need some way to find if people are being sarcastic. Maybe we use some "patron saint of bad ideas" that we could use to let people know. How about, "as reported by Patrick Reusse". Examples: We should have gone to 6 million for Marquis. As Reported by Patrick Reusse. We could get James Shields for Ben Revere and Anthony Slama. As Reported by Patrick Reusse. How's about "as posted by VodkaDave?" Speaking of snark...

Forgot: Scott Erickson Puck played 21 G at AAA in '84 before being called up, skipped AA

In addition: Roger Erickson Knoblauch Radke Milton (AA with Yankees, straight to majors next year) Guzman Mientkiewicz Becker 3 games in majors at 21 before AAA, played 107 G at AAA next two seasons as well as with Twins

Also note that the good part of Hunter's age 22 OPS came from his time in Salt Lake, a place where I think I could OPS at .700. Inflated numbers yes, but small sample size. Less than 100 AB.

velocity on potches Given the choice I'd rather have guys with higher velocity, but Marcum averaged 86.5 mph with his fastball last year and had 7.9 K/9. Slama averages over 10K/9 in the minors. Give him a legit chance and if he doesn't cut it, let him go.

I don't disagree with you, but the bullpen is getting awfully crowded: Perkins, Burton, Duensing, Fien, Burnett, Swarzak, Robertson, Roenicke, DeVries?, Pressly? I guess that doesn't bode well for Slama's chances, not that he had any. This is probably how we keep him.

Great job, Terry Ryan. Glad to have you back running the show. While I will miss watching Revere running around the diamond, I don't see why anybody would cause a fuss about trading him. I honestly think Hicks can equal, if not exceed, Revere's production this year. Revere's minor league slash line: .325/.383/.787 Hicks' minor league slash line: .271/.379/.800 Mastroianni's mi.lg. slash line: .279/.368/.739 If Hicks isn't quite ready, Mastro can keep his place warm for a month or two. As a top of the order guy, isn't OBP the most important? Hicks is already Revere's equal there. He also has substantially more upside, potentially moving to the middle of the order if his power continues to develop. Revere's OPS was inflated by his first two years. Hicks' second best OPS was last year. Revere may cover more ground, but Hicks is no slouch and has an above average/great arm (potential as a P in draft). Something else to ponder: Hunter in his Age 22 year (Mostly AA New Britain, end at AAA Salt Lake): .295/.333/.796 Hicks in his Age 22 year (AA New Britain): .288/.384/.844 Hicks put up similar power numbers, but better OBP.

I'd agree more with Willingham since he is unlikely to increase his value during the season. If Morneau can show health and slight improvement from last year he would certainly gain value and might be a good July trade to a contending team in need of a 1B who at that point is only owed $7M.

Just read a Tweet from Danny Knobler (CBSSports) that said Reds, WhiteSox and Yankees all interested in Hannahan. Still think we can get him for a minor league contract and ST invite?