The Return of Kyle Lohse

On Rant Sports, Brad Berreman examines the possibility of bringing back the top remaining FA starting pitcher.

MLB Rumors: Will The Minnesota Twins Add A Familiar Starting Pitcher?

He concludes that the Twins probably won't (and probably shouldn't) but it's a good synopsis of the challenges Lohse faces in dealing with teams, despite a really, really good year in 2012. His last line...

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Unless he can be signed to a one or two-year deal at a reasonable price, the Twins need to stay far away here and let another team overpay for Lohse’s services.

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I'll ask - is there a deal out there that would work for the Twins and Lohse? For instance, would you sign off on a 1 year/$10M deal, knowing it's going to cost the Twins their 2nd round pick. Would having the chance at giving him a qualified offer next year, and potentially regaining that pick, balance it at all?

The only way I would bring back Lohse is if they also signed another pitcher along the lines of Saunders or Marcum. Even at that, I don't know if I would risk it for one year. If the Twins were close to contending then he would be a nice piece. Just adding Lohse himself really doesn't improve the team into contention.

Lohse would technically qualify as the acquisition that actually bolsters the Twins' rotation, but it'd be tough to get excited about giving up a draft pick to sign him in their current state.

I'm not sure giving up an actual high draft pick for the chance you then get a possible draft pick in return down the line is an ideal rebuilding strategy.

Also, Lohse really just wants people to make ****ing plays behind him, you guys.

> would you sign off on a 1 year/$10M deal, knowing it's going to cost the Twins their 2nd round pick.

I, as armchair GM, am gearing for contention starting 2015 and beyond, and have two principles surrounding that: a) don't do things that jeopardize 2015 and beyond, b) try for short term fixes to improve 2013-14. I'm against 3+ year deals, in *this* offseason, because of principle a), since you take on risk in future years with the hope that the first year or two deliver pretty certain value. The above proposal to sign Lohse is intriguing because it seems hard to get quality starters without committing to 3+ years, but also violates principle a) due to the draft pick, and I don't think I'd do it. Second rounders and sandwich picks are hardly slam dunk major-league contributors down the road, but they aren't junk either.

If the Twins are going to sacrafice a draft pick, or make a big splash for a free agent pitcher, it better the hell not be another pitch-to-contact, defense-reliant, soft-tosser who's career looked to be over just two seasons ago.

Absolutely not.

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Originally Posted by nicksaviking

If the Twins are going to sacrafice a draft pick, or make a big splash for a free agent pitcher, it better the hell not be another pitch-to-contact, defense-reliant, soft-tosser who's career looked to be over just two seasons ago.

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Pretty much this. Lohse is not good enough to justify it.

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Originally Posted by Nick Nelson

Lohse would technically qualify as the acquisition that actually bolsters the Twins' rotation, but it'd be tough to get excited about giving up a draft pick to sign him in their current state.

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OK, I'll play Devil's advocate... how would this be "sacrificing" a draft pick? More accurately, it would be POSTPONING a draft pick, would it not?

Not only that, but you're giving up a 2nd round pick (since the Twins 1st round pick is protected) this year (when, from what I keep hearing, the overall level of talent available is poor), in return for what could potentially be a first round pick next year. Of course, you're making an assumption that Lohse will perform well enough that you'll be safe making a qualified offer that he'll once again turn down.

There's also a chance (perhaps a good chance) that you'll be looking at trading Lohse mid season.

If he gets hurt or tanks completely, yes, you're pretty much screwed.

I have to say, though, I wouldn't dismiss a 1 year deal at a reasonable amount as completely out of the question. If you set aside his past history with the Twins, I think more people would be willing to consider it, too. And, to be honest, I think people often put too much stock in the "bad behavior" thing, especially when it involves young players early in their careers.

Dude's soul patch has to be worth 10 mil at least. If he's willing to pay for all repair costs associated with bashing in Gardy's door I'm all for it. He'd be by far the closest thing to a number one this rotation currently has and if his numbers are anywhere near what they have been in St. Louis you move him for some pieces in July, or another draft pick next offseason.

Can the Twins do a sign and trade? or be able to trade him early in the season? I think there is a minimum time a player has to be on the team before he can be dealt without his permission.

To sign a player like this you would want your exit strategy lined up. So Geek whats your exit strategy for Lohse if we sign him? who will trade for him and what prospects can we expect to get. how much better will the prospect be if the Twins include cash and how much do they include? I suspect we would look at National League teams.

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Originally Posted by Jim Crikket

OK, I'll play Devil's advocate... how would this be "sacrificing" a draft pick? More accurately, it would be POSTPONING a draft pick, would it not?

Not only that, but you're giving up a 2nd round pick (since the Twins 1st round pick is protected) this year (when, from what I keep hearing, the overall level of talent available is poor), in return for what could potentially be a first round pick next year. Of course, you're making an assumption that Lohse will perform well enough that you'll be safe making a qualified offer that he'll once again turn down.

There's also a chance (perhaps a good chance) that you'll be looking at trading Lohse mid season.

If he gets hurt or tanks completely, yes, you're pretty much screwed.

I have to say, though, I wouldn't dismiss a 1 year deal at a reasonable amount as completely out of the question. If you set aside his past history with the Twins, I think more people would be willing to consider it, too. And, to be honest, I think people often put too much stock in the "bad behavior" thing, especially when it involves young players early in their careers.

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I absolutely agree. Actually plays to our favor with the chance to get a first rounder next year. However, there is a good chance that they ask that we guarantee not to make him a qualifying offer next year in order to remove the "draft pick" loss for teams next year. If that's the case, he should come at a bargain for us and that might be good enough. At least you give him some fair value incentives. There is downside, Gardy and Lohse weren't exactly best buds. LOL. How's Gardy's door doing?

Breaking the door to Gardy's office didn't help.

http://dubsism.files.wordpress.com/2...door.jpg?w=510

If we sign him, his clubhouse nickname should be "Johnny" as in "Here's Johnny!"

Redrum could work too.

If he were to sign a 1 year /10 million(i think is under by about 4-5 million) Then couldnt we trade him at the break for a couple decent AA prospects? Basically getting to advanced prospects for one 2nd round pick?

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Originally Posted by johnnydakota

If he were to sign a 1 year /10 million(i think is under by about 4-5 million) Then couldnt we trade him at the break for a couple decent AA prospects? Basically getting to advanced prospects for one 2nd round pick?

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A couple of decent AA prospects? I don't think anyone is going to part with that for Lohse, maybe some low A prospect, the plural is pretty hopeful.

Why trade him if he is our best pitcher?

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Originally Posted by johnnydakota

If he were to sign a 1 year /10 million(i think is under by about 4-5 million) Then couldnt we trade him at the break for a couple decent AA prospects? Basically getting to advanced prospects for one 2nd round pick?

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If this math worked, some astute GMs would be bidding up the value of Lohse's services, bigtime.