Thread: Any Chance Dozier Replaces ... Valencia?

Originally Posted by nokomismod

In defense of Casilla on the bunt, he couldn't have gotten to first any faster. Hendricks should have lead him, and I'm sure they will have the pitchers and Casilla work on the play before the game today.

I was listening to the game, not watching it at that point. Gladden was incredulous. Provus said that on the replay, Casilla just stopped a few feet short of the bag, like he lost track of it. But I heard your version from several people. I'd be interested in more detail about what you saw. Because, I gotta say, it's inconceivable to me that a second baseman with Casilla's speed (and who should probably be anticipating a bunt) cannot make it to first base before a batter, even if it is Jennings.

By the way, after that second Casilla miscue in the inning (and the terrible at-bat earlier in the game), I was all about keeping Valencia right where he was and benching Casilla for Dozier. Like immediately. And that's after a very good week for Casilla. Lord, but he was frustrating last night.

I DVR'd and watched the game this AM with the sound off. Had to let others in the household sleep. On the bunt play, my first thought was also what in the world was Casilla doing? While watching the replay I noticed that Casilla was shaded well toward 2b, basically double play position. He seemed to react right away and sprint toward first, however, it looked like he pulled up within about 10 feet of the bag when he realized he was going to get there about the same time as Jennings. Any throw to first would've been perilous at that point. Also, with a right handed pitcher on the mound falling toward first, I was wondering if it wouldn't have been better to keep Parmalee back in that instance??? Regardless, 4 miscues by Casilla in the game. He's got to step it up or I've got to believe we'll be seeing Dozier at SS with Carroll at 2b sometime in May. Carroll at 3b for Valencia? Not a solution. Time to light that fire by playing Burroughs more against righties.

Danny's got a little more time to show he can't perform consistant. When the twins feel that way, they most definately will move him for Dozier or Sano. I don't see that happening soon unless he's a package piece to land pitching prospects and thin the outfield brigade. The good news is if Dozier does become ready this year, the Twins may have a lot of lookers at the deadline. Lariano, Valencia, Plouffe, Casilla/Hughes, Revere/Hicks. If we aren't in the hunt the central, there is some talent for negotiation.

I wonder what the Orioles want for Mark Reynolds (they apparently want to trade him now)? Just wondering what they want. I generally hate the kind of player Reynolds is, but a career .810 OPS interests me. His stats for 2009 are sort of bewildering (44 homers, 24 steals, 223 whiffs).

You guys are nuts. Danny Valencia is a solid MLB third baseman gradually refining his game. At the plate, he flips his wrists and the ball caroms off the wall. Yes, he makes an error now and then, and yes, he's not hitting great...yet. But at the end of the year, when he's got over a hundred RBIs, you'll be wondering what the heck you were thinking replacing him with an unfinished rookie like Dozier.

Few players on this team are shoe-in's to be here next season. Mauer, Morneau, Span. After that, I'd put Valencia, Hendriks...and after that, the possibilities expand a lot. Dozier may replace Carroll or Casilla, but they'll keep both vets because they're each more productive and versatile than Burroughs. If Willingham hits 30+ HRs, he'll be too expensive, so Benson will replace him. An OF of Benson, Span, Thomas would be good defensively...better if corner guys can hit.

The Twins struggled for a decade to find a solid third baseman. Valencia is it, until either Sano or Levi Michael bumps him out.

Originally Posted by jimbo92107

If Willingham hits 30+ HRs, he'll be too expensive

Willingham will be back - he signed a 3-year deal.

They are saying Sano may be too big to play 3B by the time he gets to the bigs. Where does he go? LF might be open by then (3 seasons). Is Michael a 3B? I can see him and Dozier at SS & 2B. Valencia is not arb. eligible until 2014, so he is a cheap option right now. So far this season (early returns) he is slightly below average at the plate but well above average in the field (range factor). If he can stay average in the field and pick it up a little at the plate, he and the team should be fine. Dozier is fine playing everyday at AAA until an everyday spot opens up, and I agree that maybe Casilla should be looking over his shoulder.

Originally Posted by SDsteve

Danny's got a little more time to show he can't perform consistant. When the twins feel that way, they most definately will move him for Dozier or Sano. I don't see that happening soon unless he's a package piece to land pitching prospects and thin the outfield brigade. The good news is if Dozier does become ready this year, the Twins may have a lot of lookers at the deadline. Lariano, Valencia, Plouffe, Casilla/Hughes, Revere/Hicks. If we aren't in the hunt the central, there is some talent for negotiation.

Why in the world would they trade Revere?

Sano may end up at first, but there is no need to move him there until at least AA. I am almost certain that Alexi will be gone at the start of next year if not sooner. Dozier is his replacement. Michael is Carroll's replacement, though Dozier may be at short and Michael at second. Rosario will be a wild card around 2015. I wonder if Rosario might end up taking Sano's spot at 3rd down the road.

Originally Posted by 30whales

Why in the world would they trade Revere?

Revere is the bottom of the prospect totem pole when it comes to talented OF (though Benson is off to a slow start, as is Arcia)

Speaking of, a trade package involving Revere and Valencia might actually bring something of value (pitching) back.

Casilla makes a great play one time then a boneheaded play the next..very frustrating! I also think Valencia will be fine.

Originally Posted by jimbo92107

You guys are nuts. Danny Valencia is a solid MLB third baseman gradually refining his game. At the plate, he flips his wrists and the ball caroms off the wall. Yes, he makes an error now and then, and yes, he's not hitting great...yet. But at the end of the year, when he's got over a hundred RBIs, you'll be wondering what the heck you were thinking replacing him with an unfinished rookie like Dozier.

Few players on this team are shoe-in's to be here next season. Mauer, Morneau, Span. After that, I'd put Valencia, Hendriks...and after that, the possibilities expand a lot. Dozier may replace Carroll or Casilla, but they'll keep both vets because they're each more productive and versatile than Burroughs. If Willingham hits 30+ HRs, he'll be too expensive, so Benson will replace him. An OF of Benson, Span, Thomas would be good defensively...better if corner guys can hit.

The Twins struggled for a decade to find a solid third baseman. Valencia is it, until either Sano or Levi Michael bumps him out.

Are you kidding me? Danny Valencia is a solid MLB third baseman gradually refining his game??????????? He is one of the worst 3B in the AL, let's just say projected 25th by RotoChamp http://rotochamp.com/players/PlayerR...px?Position=3B. He does not fit in any part of what the Twins try and do, he doesn't listen, he doesn't try to refine his game, he doesn't have the power to always pull the ball. He makes bonehead errors in the field. He loses concentration on what he needs to do at the plate. He is not a team player. I would love to give Burroughs a shot, then see if Dozier can make it.

These our best 3B the last 25 years: Gary Gaetti, Corey Koskie, Danny Valencia. Which one doesn't fit?