Thread: Scott Baker - stay or go?

Good discussion - what I hoped for. I agree with those who say it's either pick up the option or wave goodbye - I don't see Baker re-signing for less; he'll get offers from elsewhere (that's how desperate the other 29 clubs are for pitching as well). Someone will take a chance on him.

Does anybody know when the Twins need to make their decision on the option? Is it before or after free agency opens up? Maybe we can see what's out there and what we might be able to get for comparable money, before having to make a decision either way. Without a replacement, though, I don't see how we have a choice other than biting the bullet. If Diamond and Walters continue to shine, and if (miracle of miracles) Liriano and/or Blackburn find their way back, maybe then, but otherwise you need a veteran to anchor this staff and provide stability. Baker can do that (if he's healthy!).

Baker has a solid record with the Twins. You can see his stats here: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/stats/...61/scott-baker

What stands out to me is that over the last 7 years, the only year in which Baker made it to postseason was 2010, and he pitched only 2.1 innings in that postseason game.

I checked Baker's stats to test my gut feeling that he has disappointed me a lot over the years. Baker is solid for part or most of the regular season. But when playoff time comes and we are hoping for a hero to shut out the evil Yankees, Baker is almost never on the mound.

Would the MLB rules allow the following deal???:
-- $1 million base
-- $1 million bonus if completes 100 innings
-- $2 million additional bonus if completes 150 innings (so Twins will be in for a total of $4 million if he can pitch 150 innings)
-- $1 million additional bonus if completes 175 innings.
-- $1 million bonus for each playoff game that he is starter (which could be $6 million of ADDITIONAL dollars if he was Verlandering us into the World Series.

I suspect that the rules stated in MLB's contract with the players' union do not allow this level of incentives. But it seems to me that $1 million is enough if he cannot perform at a decent level for 100 innings. I would also like to see him get $10+ million if he comes back and leads us to a World Series.

Is there some way to capture the essence of this under the MLB/union contract rules?

Reject option and then offer him a 1-2 year contract while simultaneously making offers to Marcum and Edwin Jackson. Sign 2 of the 3 that are deemed the best cost per effectiveness or all 3 if the money is there. We'll have money to spend next year and almost all of it needs to go towards SP and possibly a rightfielder and/or 3B. The bullpen is set for next year even without Capps. Perkins, Burton, Duensing, Burnett, Oliveros, Guerra, Slama, Waldrop, then a long man of Swarzak, Walters, Diamond, Blackburn or whoever might not be in the rotation.