Article: Report: Twins Agree to Sign Kendrys Morales

[DocBauer]

Love it!

Ecstatic!

 

Doesn't matter, but when I heard there was a "mystery" team dealing on Morales, I just KNEW it was us. All off season and even during ST there were 3 issues I argued the FO to make a move on. One was another CF/OF, which they blew. (Discussed to death here in blogs) and a solid spare part INF who could hopefully hit LH. They were lucky to get Fuld, though it doesn't excuse boneheadedness. We did make a move for Nunez which was solid, got smart to give Escobar his shot, and have gotten a huge surprise and lift from Santana so far. And while I didn't want to give up the second round pick, moot point now, I argued strongly for Morales. Thought it was a perfect fit for the Twins then, just as perfect a fit now.

 

He is only 30, not some aging veteran player on last legs. He provides an OK backup to Mauer. The guy hits from both sides with power and is a proven player. He's also unlikely to break the bank, and the Twins can more than afford him. If he has a solid season, and likes the team and the park, they could be in the driver's seat to re-sign him. Especially with Willingham gone after this season. Productive and only 30, he can very much be a part of this rebuild.

 

Before the arguement even begins, he doesn't block Vargas. No matter how good Vargas might end up being, he's still in AA, for now. And until you prove you can hit at the ML level, you haven't proven that you can hit at the ML level.

 

I don't know where Morales hits. When he's ready, it might take a little juggling to find the ideal lineup. There are arguements for 3,4,5. And there are arguements for Mauer to stay at 2 for now, or slide down. If Mauer can get over whatever hump he's dealing with and can be Mauer again, I still argue the 3 spot is his ideal location for Avg/OB/contact/decent power and the ability to drive runners in as well as start and continue innings. The old "best pure hitter on the team hits third" arguement. But the whole lineup just got deeper and better.

[stringer bell]

The PP article on Morales' signing says that he will go directly to the major league team:

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_25919702/twins-agree-terms-switch-hitting-kendrys-morales-report

 

Here's the part about heading directly to the majors:

According to a person with direct knowledge, the Twins indeed have a deal in place with the switch-hitting Morales and his agent, Scott Boras. That deal would likely bring the Cuban defector straight to the majors, skipping a minor league rehab assignment, despite the fact that he hasn't played since the end of last season.

[DocBauer]

Some additional points that follows along with this thread:

 

1) Over the past 20 plus years, TK and Gardy have done an excellent job mixing and matching overall to get all of the position players time to play. Granted, this was hard to do and with mixed results the past three not so great seasons. But when talent has been actually available, it's been a signature of both managers. It allows everyone to help stay sharp and contribute vs sitting daily and then thrust in to an AB or the lineup cold. Pinto doesn't have to be regulated to a non performer. He can still DH in place of Morales, or Mauer when Morales might play 1B. Further, he can continue to C on a semi-regular basis. Further, if this is done, continued ML experience, while continuing to learn from Suzuki and Steinbach is a good thing. Further along even, who else becomes your other C if not Pinto?

 

2) Barring something nobody can foresee at this moment, Suzuki will be re-signed at some point. This is NOT a bad thing. Even if Pinto, hopefully, begins to take over the position, and even becomes the primary starter in 2015, who is his backup? I still like Herrman as an eventual quality role player and backup C possibly. But is he your guy in 2015? The Twins actually have a few intriguing options in the lower minors, but they aren't close to ready. Even a rebuilding, young, contending team needs a few solid veterans. You don't win with an entire team of rookies and second year players.

 

3) I am sad to say it, but Kubel is toast. He's been a favorite of mine for some time, but he had just enough left for one good April to help the Twins. He's done. And, almost as unfortunate, it appears Parmelee just isn't going to turn the corner. At least not here and now. No matter what the future may hold for him, wish him the best of luck, it just might be time to part ways and let him go elsewhere for a change. If he goes unclaimed, perhaps he can return to Rochester, play every day, grow, and take another shot next season. But these are the two who go in favor of Morales and Fuld when ready.

 

Santana stays.

 

Yes, his playing CF and learning on the fly is rather misguided and stinks. And I understand the idea of him playing SS on a daily basis. Not disagreeing with that thought, in theory. And Escobar, even with some eventual regression, has proven that he can play. And he doesn't deserve to lose his spot as the teams primary SS. He's done nothing but excel. But his versatility also allows the team to play him at various positions occassionaly, as well as sit a day here and there, so Santana can still play SS.

 

Everyone keeps calling for the Twins to promote and play youngsters so they can play, learn, fail at times, learn more, etc. So here you have a dynamic young athlete who is doing that, out performing anything we could have expected, seems to have an attitude and approach that refuses to be intimidated, is providing a real spark, and some want him demoted. I don't get it.

 

4) CF. It's a mess. It's a cluster. I don't have a perfect answer. But barring a trade, (just don't see it for obvious reasons), or another waiver- wire acquisition, it is what it is. Touched on Santana already. At this point, why not run with it? At least a few days a week. Fuld did a really nice job, provided a lift, but even healthy and back again, he is what he is. And that is an experienced professional ball player who can contribute, but is a 4th OF. Hicks is a bizarre, talented enigma, not even of his own making. He's probably not been handled correctly. But the talent and potential is still there. He's attempting now to do the seeming impossible: overcome a rush to the majors and learn to hit exclusively RH at the ML level. What? And yet, despite some shortcomings, he's a solid defensive player. He's now a RH hitter compared to other LH options, he actually gets on base OK, and has actually hit better since the change. What do you do? Do you keep Kubel or Parmelee over Hicks? Or are we, and he, at the point, where you keep him up and continue to work with him and the Twins coaches at the ML level? I actually think the latter might be the prudent move at this point.

 

5) Pitching. Correia will not finish the season with the Twins, rest assured about that. Now 26-21 when Correia doesn't start a game. That's not only significant, but the Twins staff knows it as well. The Twins haven't been shy about making changes this season, a refreshing change over the last three seasons, though some of that in the past was due to limited options. I don't know if that means this week, or July, but mark my words, a change is coming. Don't know if that means May, Meyer, Darnell or Johnson as a fill-in until one of the other three youngsters get a little more time. Bullpen-wise, Tonkin and Achter are too good to ignore. And however it works out, either or both of these kids are going to get a shot before this season is done. Hopefully soon. But the calls to get rid of Duensing are mind-boggling to me. You want to dump a solid LH reliever with some SO ability who has proven to be a solid LH reliever when just given a consistent role? I don't get it. A couple bad outings can inflate a relievers numbers, and the perception of him, but there are a lot of teams that would love to have a solid LH reliever of his quality in their pen.

[jokin]

Love it!

Ecstatic!

 

Doesn't matter, but when I heard there was a "mystery" team dealing on Morales, I just KNEW it was us. All off season and even during ST there were 3 issues I argued the FO to make a move on. One was another CF/OF, which they blew. (Discussed to death here in blogs) and a solid spare part INF who could hopefully hit LH. They were lucky to get Fuld, though it doesn't excuse boneheadedness. We did make a move for Nunez which was solid, got smart to give Escobar his shot, and have gotten a huge surprise and lift from Santana so far. And while I didn't want to give up the second round pick, moot point now, I argued strongly for Morales. Thought it was a perfect fit for the Twins then, just as perfect a fit now.

 

He is only 30, not some aging veteran player on last legs. He provides an OK backup to Mauer. The guy hits from both sides with power and is a proven player. He's also unlikely to break the bank, and the Twins can more than afford him. If he has a solid season, and likes the team and the park, they could be in the driver's seat to re-sign him. Especially with Willingham gone after this season. Productive and only 30, he can very much be a part of this rebuild.

 

Before the arguement even begins, he doesn't block Vargas. No matter how good Vargas might end up being, he's still in AA, for now. And until you prove you can hit at the ML level, you haven't proven that you can hit at the ML level.

 

I don't know where Morales hits. When he's ready, it might take a little juggling to find the ideal lineup. There are arguements for 3,4,5. And there are arguements for Mauer to stay at 2 for now, or slide down. If Mauer can get over whatever hump he's dealing with and can be Mauer again, I still argue the 3 spot is his ideal location for Avg/OB/contact/decent power and the ability to drive runners in as well as start and continue innings. The old "best pure hitter on the team hits third" arguement. But the whole lineup just got deeper and better.

 

 

 

Twins sign Morales. The Red Wings have some really good AAA pitchers. Help is on the way. Twins draft Gordon as the future SS. Burdi can throw serious heat at 103 mph. Gibson just shut out Houston and Santana went 4 for 5. All I can say is..."The years at the spring; And day's at the morn; ... The lark's on his wing; The snail's on the thorn; God's in His heaven; All's right with the world!"

 

Does signing this Cuban veteran possibly open up lines of communication for quickly signing either of the major league ready Cuban defector OFers, Rusney Castillo or Daniel Carbonell?

[Dantes929]

Seems like a good move.

 

If the Twins aren't in contention at the deadline they can try and trade pieces like Willingham and Morales. Or, if Morales plays well but the Twins aren't doing well, I believe they could offer him arbitration and get a pick next year? Not sure how that works under the new rules.

 

I do suspect that the FO thinks that the Tigers are catchable (4.5 back) or the second wild card is (1.5). As the season goes on, the rotation will probably add May and Meyer. I think Correia has one bad start left and then he's moved to the pen or released.

I think if that bad start is his next start you are right but what if he has two quality starts before his next bad one? I am not going to wish he tanks it his next start but that may clear things up if he does. When thinking of Santana keep Valencia in the back of your mind. .276 minor league hitters do not become .378 or even .333 hitters, at least not immediately. Its a nice run but don't write his name in ink for longer range plans. Rosario is probably stop gap solution to Buxton but don't rule Hicks out. His slash lines for the last month are plenty good with shorter term even better. He hasn't gone fishing for the breaking balls against righties like many thought he would. His slash lines against lefties are very good and he still plays good defense. Santana will regress and Hicks may very well get better quickly only hitting from one side. If Morales just gets the at bats Kubel and Parmalee were getting this may be a great move. May in the rotation and signs of life from Mauer would make this team look much more like a contender.

[exrugger9]

YES! We have our center fielder!

Milk... out... nose...... send help....!

[h2oface]

Dude, do you even watch the games? Santana's got 4 rbi today..if he was the DH for every game, he'd be on pace for 648 rbi.

 

..... but it was 5 RBI (4 hits). What does that do to the math? And do you consider he only had 1 RBI playing DH yesterday....... so now that is an average of 3 per game for the 2 total games played at DH........ or do you still just use the 5? It gets fuzzy projecting the future.

[DocBauer]

Sorry I'm going to climb on my soapbox here.

 

I am not climbing on anyone's back or calling anyone out. But I'm really confused about some comments I've read recently.

 

In my opinion, the Twins blew a couple things this offseason. They also went on an unprecedented spending spree to attempt to rectify three disappointing, injury filled and bad years. Hughes was a great signing, Nolasco can still be considered a good signing, though he needs to step up more, and probably will. Suzuki turned out to be a great signing. Pelfrey? Well, at least they had a solid idea.

 

The organization gets blasted for not spending money, but made the mentioned moves, and have now signed Morales to boost the lineup. This is an attempt to actually win. And this is somehow a bad move? I don't get it.

 

There is a call to promote young players, even if they struggle. But the Twins have Pinto and Santana performing well, and Gibson in the lineup and rotation and want to demote a couple of them. Right or wrong, they're trying to work with Hicks, but should demote him. Every situation is different I know. But again, I'm confused.

 

Correia needs to be replaced. And I believe he will sooner than later. I don't know who or when, but we're moving forward.

 

How is signing a still relatively young veteran player to improve our chances of winning a bad move?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

My thought exactly. You can't sign Morales for 2014 and in the same breath claim that Santana needs to play center to gain experience, or that if Willingham stays hot you can move him and be sellers at the deadline, or that... and so on.

 

I'm not opposed to this signing I just don't know if it makes as much sense now, as it did before.

But the line on Santana over Hicks in CF is Santana is a better hitter.

 

My first reaction was "Wait, how is Pinto going to get in the lineup?" Then I remembered that Gardy is the manager so Pinto isn't going to get in the lineup at DH.

 

If there is a silver lining regarding the impact on catcher here, it's officially the death nell of a third catcher.

 

i think this was a great move to solidify the lineup.

 

Now tine to turn attention to pitching.

[DiscGolfer]

Hopefully he can still play some decent 1b and give Mauer a break. Maybe Mauer needs every 5th game off to get back to the way he was hitting when he was catching.

[DuluthFan]

Not to burst everybody's bubble on Pinto, but have you actually looked at what he has been batting recently. While he started off hot (April .246BA 5HR), he has cooled off since (May .208BA 2HR) (June .154BA 0HR).

 

With the upcoming loss of plate appearances due to the Morales signing, now may be the time to send Pinto to AAA to work on his defense, which needs work. He could also work on getting out of his slump.

 

I'm not suggesting this is the move to make room for Morales, but it should be considered as well. The Morales roster move should involve Parmalee as he is the DH/1B/OF player that he would be taking the most playing time from. So once again Parmalee will be exposed to waivers. Had he been left at AAA to begin with, he would at least have had some trade value since he would not be required to remain on the receiving team's 25 man roster.

[PuckettProtector]

Morales also hit 3rd or 4th just about every game he played for the Mariners last year. With Santana leading off and Dozier hitting second, could this bump Mauer back down the lineup?

 

1 - Santana

2 - Dozier

3 - Morales

4 - Willingham

5 - Arcia

6 - Plouffe

7 - Mauer

8 - Suzuki/Pinto

9 - Escobar

 

That is a damn sexy lineup.

 

ALL THE YES. While we're at it, can we put Deduno in the bullpen, cut Correia loose, and bring up May and Meyer?

[B Richard]

Very much hoping that Pinto gets sent to AAA, for his own sake. The additional ABs he gets in Rochester are an investment in his future.

[Top Gun]

Nice to see twins are trying.

[Joe A. Preusser]

ALL THE YES. While we're at it, can we put Deduno in the bullpen, cut Correia loose, and bring up May and Meyer?

 

If you add in Meyer and May with Morales I think the needle tips just over the "more likely than not to make the playoffs" line. It might still only be at 51%, but how cool is that?

[TheLeviathan]

Damn good player they're getting here. Hopefully he can get himself ready fairly quickly.

[jorgenswest]

Some notes...

 

Morales' projections of OPS ranged from 744 (zips) to 795 (steamer) and 0.5 to 1.5 WAR on a full season. Twin DHs have an OPS of 860 this year. Twin first basemen have an OPS of 649.

 

Morales will not be eligible for a qualifying offer at the end of the season. He will be able to seek a multiyear deal without being tied to compensation.

 

Free agents signed in the winter can not be traded until June 15. I don't think there is any other restriction on trading Morales.

[NoCryingInBaseball]

Love the move, a little disappointed that I didn't have access to a computer yesterday to join in on the fun.

Just wonder if there are other moves (beyond simply making roster room) in the works.

[Jerr]

Love the move and it gives more meaning to today's game (which I will be at:)) as the Twins are showing a desire to win.....NOW!!!!

[drivlikejehu]

If you add in Meyer and May with Morales I think the needle tips just over the "more likely than not to make the playoffs" line. It might still only be at 51%, but how cool is that?

 

That might move the needle from 5% to 7%.

[Willihammer]

Awesome. Kudos to the Twins. Hopefully this helps to spark a 2nd half run.

[Beezer07]

That might move the needle from 5% to 7%.

 

It seems as if you don't like the Twins, or their chances to win this season...

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

It seems as if you don't like the Twins, or their chances to win this season...

 

Ok I'll bite. There are apparently very few of us who responded with "meh" to this signing. But we still like the Twins..

 

I like the discussion about Pinto that this signing has generated. I agree that maybe he's on his way back to AAA for a while, and that's probably for the best, but I'm not sure how I feel about that, given the Pinto discussion earlier this spring.

 

I get a sense that the majority of TD posters are just happy because this is an additional signal that the Twins are committed to winning in the present, and enjoying a pennant chase for a while, rather than this being the final move that puts us over the hump. Do I have that right? Or can this signing genuinely move us from 85 to 88 wins? Or given how the standings look as of June 8, is 85 wins enough to make the playoffs? Is there anything else the FO should do to get us there? Anything else the manager can do? The players? Just some more ideas to bring to the table.

[Brandon]

So that takes care of the line up hole now we just need a better starting pitcher and either 1 bullpen arm or one more reliever. Burton had 2 bad outings then 20 great one then a couple of so-so outings and... if he can rebound and continue to be an ok middle reliever then fine. I don't worry about a relievers era as much as how many games they are pitching in without giving up runs or allowing inherited runners to score. I think we are so close to being a contender.

 

I will assay the frustrating thing with Corriea is that he pitches 5 or 6 innings and gives up 3 or 4 runs with the occasional blow out and only 1 really good game (it was against the Yanks so bonus points) but we should expect better production. if Corriea is not going to be at least around .500 with that era then he needs to go. the other pitchers in the minor leagues are more likely to be the same or better.

[cmathewson]

The Twins have apparently signed him. New DH or sign that Arcia's injury is significant?

 

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/06/kendrys-morales-twins-agree-to-terms.html

 

Arcia in the lineup today.

[cmathewson]

Ok I'll bite. There are apparently very few of us who responded with "meh" to this signing. But we still like the Twins..

 

I like the discussion about Pinto that this signing has generated. I agree that maybe he's on his way back to AAA for a while, and that's probably for the best, but I'm not sure how I feel about that, given the Pinto discussion earlier this spring.

 

I get a sense that the majority of TD posters are just happy because this is an additional signal that the Twins are committed to winning in the present, and enjoying a pennant chase for a while, rather than this being the final move that puts us over the hump. Do I have that right? Or can this signing genuinely move us from 85 to 88 wins? Or given how the standings look as of June 8, is 85 wins enough to make the playoffs? Is there anything else the FO should do to get us there? Anything else the manager can do? The players? Just some more ideas to bring to the table.

 

No one is saying this is the final piece. Just a step in the right direction. Incidentally, it also shows a greater willingness to jettison sunk costs. I am sad for Kubel, but he will make $3M to watch from the couch this year. Correia should be on notice.

 

Lost in all this is the man taking the questions at the press conference. Terry Ryan was front and center and appears to be back at the helm. Hopefully this is the first of several moves by the Commodore.

[twinssouth]

Achter sure. But if they're going for it, he's one of many superior options to Burton, if they're really going to be all-in, they should also look to a "limited innings" Meyer in a set-up relief role (Gardy as much as wet his pants in ST over the possibility of using Alex in that role).

 

Awesome idea. After seeing Meyer last night on limited pitch count, I can definitely see this happening later in the year. My Gosh, he'd be lights out and get his feet wet in majors at same time. Great idea jokin

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Morales is active and with the club. Might he pinch hit today?

[Squirrel]

 

Lost in all this is the man taking the questions at the press conference. Terry Ryan was front and center and appears to be back at the helm. Hopefully this is the first of several moves by the Commodore.

 

Ryan also commented that he was at about 80%, and that Morales is probably sooner to be 100% sooner than him. But yes ... he's getting there.

[JB_Iowa]

Incidentally, it also shows a greater willingness to jettison sunk costs.

 

I think a pretty clear directive came down from the Pohlads in the off-season that management had gotten a little too conservative.

 

Not that I ever expect Ryan to be a free spender but I think he did have to adjust to the fact that the budget constraints aren't identical to those in the days of the Dome.