Article: Report: Twins Agree to Sign Kendrys Morales

[DaveW]

Could they outplay the White Sox? Of course. Kansas City? Sure. But then also - New York? Baltimore? Texas? Seattle? Los Angeles? Cleveland? Boston?

 

New York: Yes, New York is old and full of injury risk players.

Baltimore: Prob the best of the bunch of that group, they would be the toughest.

Texas: Not a good team this year, injuries have destroyed them.

Seattle: Yes.

LA: Yes

Clev: Yes

Boston: This will be tough.

[stringer bell]

New York: Yes, New York is old and full of injury risk players.

Baltimore: Prob the best of the bunch of that group, they would be the toughest.

Texas: Not a good team this year, injuries have destroyed them.

Seattle: Yes.

LA: Yes

Clev: Yes

Boston: This will be tough.

While I doubt that the Twins can overtake all of the teams near or ahead of them at this moment, there are about 100 games left and so much can happen in that time. I think it is too early to give up on the season that may be a transition year, may be a building year and if the teams fills an inside straight, may be a contending year. Morales fills a desperate need for a reliable bat in the middle of the order. There is nothing in the minors that projects to anything like what Morales would project to produce and the best in-house option (Pinto) is a rookie who is currently struggling both at the plate and behind it.

[jokin]

I don't agree that the current standings mean nothing. The Twins have to outplay a ton of teams from here on out just to get a wildcard spot.

 

Again, you used the example of the Twins being in "last place", which makes no sense in terms of being only 2 games behind the 2nd place team in the Central Division and especially in terms of the 2 Wild Card slots. There are at least 10 other teams besides the Twins that will have to outplay each other just to get a wildcard spot. right now. There are exactly 2 teams out of 15 playing decent baseball in the AL. The rest are trudging through various forms of mediocrity. The AL Central is dominating the AL East in head-to-head competition, the AL East is besting the West, while the West is doing the same to the Central.

 

Parity is the reality.

 

And Detroit lately is showing no signs of running away with the Central. That's 3 potential openings for the Twins to shoot for.

 

 

 

 

Could they outplay the White Sox? Of course. Kansas City? Sure. But then also - New York? Baltimore? Texas? Seattle? Los Angeles? Cleveland? Boston?

 

You ask: "How?"

 

TR asks: "Why not?"

 

The Twins aren't going to be able to keep pace with or overtake so many clubs. It's not realistic if you look at the rosters of the other teams and compare to the Twins.

 

As the rosters stand right now, you're right, it's a long hill to climb. But it's now become obvious, right now, that comparing current rosters and expecting the Twins roster to remain static is no longer an operative assumption.

[jokin]

New York: Yes, New York is old and full of injury risk players.

Baltimore: Prob the best of the bunch of that group, they would be the toughest.

Texas: Not a good team this year, injuries have destroyed them.

Seattle: Yes.

LA: Yes

Clev: Yes

Boston: This will be tough.

 

By my math, that leaves one wild card spot.

[jokin]

I really like this move as a stand alone, esecially since Kendry is not blocking anyone of value. I just am confused at which direction we are going in. Are we rebuilding, are we contending? Seems kind of half and half to me

 

Since the end of the 2011 season, the term, "rebuilding" has never crossed the Twins' lips, they've been half and half ever since then.

[Otto von Ballpark]

I'm glad the Twins are going for it at this stage, hopefully this allows them eventually to send Pinto down to get some more work defensively so someday he truly can become an everyday catcher, I don't think he will hit enough to work at DH, so I think this is very important.

 

I wouldn't send down Pinto. Even if Suzuki is the starter, he's going to get at least 2 games off out of every 7-- if we hope to stay in the race, might as well have those starts go to a guy who could be a decent hitter and passable defender, rather than punt the spot with Herrmann or Fryer.

 

If we fall out of the race, maybe send Pinto down to play everyday, or better yet, start him at both C and DH a lot more.

[DaveW]

I wouldn't send down Pinto. Even if Suzuki is the starter, he's going to get at least 2 games off out of every 7-- if we hope to stay in the race, might as well have those starts go to a guy who could be a decent hitter and passable defender, rather than punt the spot with Herrmann or Fryer.

 

If we fall out of the race, maybe send Pinto down to play everyday, or better yet, start him at both C and DH a lot more.

 

True, that is a good point. I just hate having him up here to only play 2 days a week if that's the case. Maybe they inch closer towards a 50/50 split at Catcher and utilize him more as a PH as well.

[jokin]

I honestly don't see how anyone can dislike this move.

 

The idea that Willingham/Correia/Suzuki were somehow going to bring back some stud prospects for the future is frankly just incorrect, at best you are looking at some C level prospects who at best would be role players moving forward.

 

I'm glad the Twins are going for it at this stage, hopefully this allows them eventually to send Pinto down to get some more work defensively so someday he truly can become an everyday catcher, I don't think he will hit enough to work at DH, so I think this is very important.

 

Morales is a stud and instantly becomes this lineups best hitter (until Mauer gets it back)

 

The Twins now have 2, and possibly 3 very good potential trade chips, should they drop out of contention. The Moreland injury in Texas illustrates how quickly Morales' value can soar, even before playing one game for the Twins. There are 20 teams within 5 games of a Wild Card- plus the 6 division leaders- that's 25 teams besides the Twins, many are likely to end up needing a hitter, or a Catcher. Morales and Suzuki could easily get something better than a C prospect (have we forgotten the Butera trade already?), while Willingham, if he keeps up some semblance to his current production level, might also yield a decent player.

[tobi0040]

Since the end of the 2011 season, the term, "rebuilding" has never crossed the Twins' lips, they've been half and half ever since then.

 

I completely agree.

 

Now watch May come up first because of the 40 man issue....or Kris Johnson first. Know where you are in your cycle and commit to it. I will never fault this team for trying to make moves to win now and for the future. Morales is not blocking anyone, let's keep moving forward and bring up Meyer.

[jokin]

I completely agree.

 

Now watch May come up first because of the 40 man issue....or Kris Johnson first. Know where you are in your cycle and commit to it. I will never fault this team for trying to make moves to win now and for the future. Morales is not blocking anyone, let's keep moving forward and bring up Meyer.

 

I hope May or Meyer both get the call soon, but Terry Ryan's comments yesterday weren't encouraging. In the 4th inning, the boys were ruminating on the Futures game, and May and Meyer's names were the first 2 that Terry Ryan mentioned for the American team.

[DaveW]

The Twins now have 2, and possibly 3 very good potential trade chips, should they drop out of contention. The Moreland injury in Texas illustrates how quickly Morales' value can soar, even before playing one game for the Twins. There are 20 teams within 5 games of a Wild Card- plus the 6 division leaders- that's 25 teams besides the Twins, many are likely to end up needing a hitter, or a Catcher. Morales and Suzuki could easily get something better than a C prospect (have we forgotten the Butera trade already?), while Willingham, if he keeps up some semblance to his current production level, might also yield a decent player.

 

Yeah, Morales goes without saying, and if the Twins do fall out of it, I think they do end up trading all three. However, if the Twins ultimately are still "in it" at the deadline, and choose to hold steady, I don't think it is going to cost them the future if they don't happen to trade those guys away. I would much rather seem them make a run to the end, and ultimately miss the playoffs by a few games, then be out of it again by July 31st, and add a few extra non top 20 type prospects.

 

The thing is, if Willingham, Morales and Suzuki are all preforming at a level that could bring back a solid trade, chances are that the Twins are right in the thick of the divisional and WC races.

[DaveW]

I hope May or Meyer both get the call soon, but Terry Ryan's comments yesterday weren't encouraging. In the 4th inning, the boys were ruminating on the Futures game, and May and Meyer's names were the first 2 that Terry Ryan mentioned for the American team.

 

At this point, I think Correia is done with one more bad start, then I imagine they would give Johnson a start or two to "earn a shot" before turning to May/Meyer. I would guess that shortly after the all-star break we see both May/Meyer in the rotation at the expense of Correia (DFA) and DeDuno (back to the pen)

[tobi0040]

At this point, I think Correia is done with one more bad start, then I imagine they would give Johnson a start or two to "earn a shot" before turning to May/Meyer. I would guess that shortly after the all-star break we see both May/Meyer in the rotation at the expense of Correia (DFA) and DeDuno (back to the pen)

 

Kris Johnson should not sniff the team. He and May are both on the 40 man, which will unfortunately be a consideration. Meyer should be the guy, here is a few that we could lose on the 40 man, take your pick:

 

Fryer, Ibarra, Johnson, Pelfrey, Colabello/Parmalee. This should not even be part of the discussion about who to bring up

[drivlikejehu]

Since the end of the 2011 season, the term, "rebuilding" has never crossed the Twins' lips, they've been half and half ever since then.

 

That's exactly right, and it's the wrong approach.

 

The Twins make moves erratically. Some are good, some are bad, some are OK. There is no consistent strategy. Organizations that behave that way are rarely successful. If enough prospects develop, it won't matter, but if certain guys don't pan out the Twins will be Kansas City part 2.

 

The Twins were doing well at DH and upgraded there. Yet other key positions remain problematic, as foreseen by everyone. Signing Morales is all well and good, but it just leaves me more confused then ever as to why other positions have been punted in a year management wants to be successful.

[kab21]

I really like this move as a stand alone, esecially since Kendry is not blocking anyone of value. I just am confused at which direction we are going in. Are we rebuilding, are we contending? Seems kind of half and half to me

 

Why does rebuilding mean you have to play bad players instead of getting better ones? If there were good young players to play then it doesn't make sense but Morales is taking AB's away from kind of terrible players. Signing Morales does not affect rebuilding and could give them a trade chip (not as likely as some think).

[DaveW]

 

The Twins were doing well at DH and upgraded there. Yet other key positions remain problematic, as foreseen by everyone. Signing Morales is all well and good, but it just leaves me more confused then ever as to why other positions have been punted in a year management wants to be successful.

 

Who says they "punted" those positions? They were linked to Drew before the season started, and is it really a reach to think that perhaps they were still interested in him on a one year deal once the draft pick compensation would have gone away?

 

CF is obviously an issue, but frankly there aren't any free agents like Morales out there they can just sign and plug in, rumors had them interested in Jay, but do you want them mortgaging the future to bring him in?

 

Additionally Hicks is starting to show some signs of life in CF. So other than CF/SS I'm not sure what other position it is feasible/makes sense to upgrade at this point.

[jokin]

Kris Johnson should not sniff the team. He and May are both on the 40 man, which will unfortunately be a consideration. Meyer should be the guy, here is a few that we could lose on the 40 man, take your pick:

 

Fryer, Ibarra, Johnson, Pelfrey, Colabello/Parmalee. This should not even be part of the discussion about who to bring up

 

Pelfrey should be 60-dayed soon. Parmelee will soon be DFAd once the OF and 1stB situations solidify, along with Correia being gone at any moment. That's 3 spots right there that open up.

 

I can forsee Dave being right, although they might try any one of Johnson, Pino or Darnell (even Gilmartin?), before they finally call up May and then hopefully, Meyer.

 

The Twins have an off day coming up, they can skip Correia's start next Monday in Boston in favor of Hughes. (I hope this happens, I have a feeling that Correia will get shelled both in Toronto and at Fenway).

 

I'd also like to see them give chances to guys like Achter, Pino, Pressly and Tonkin to supplant some of the faltering arms in the pen, especially if they decide to try out Meyer as a starter.

[Otto von Ballpark]

True, that is a good point. I just hate having him up here to only play 2 days a week if that's the case. Maybe they inch closer towards a 50/50 split at Catcher and utilize him more as a PH as well.

 

I'm not crazy about 2 days a week either, but even being a backup C should get Pinto more meaningful playing time compared to backups at other positions.

 

If he continues to struggle at the plate, though, probably best to send him down if they're not going to play him more.

[kab21]

That's exactly right, and it's the wrong approach.

 

The Twins make moves erratically. Some are good, some are bad, some are OK. There is no consistent strategy. Organizations that behave that way are rarely successful. If enough prospects develop, it won't matter, but if certain guys don't pan out the Twins will be Kansas City part 2.

 

The Twins were doing well at DH and upgraded there. Yet other key positions remain problematic, as foreseen by everyone. Signing Morales is all well and good, but it just leaves me more confused then ever as to why other positions have been punted in a year management wants to be successful.

 

The Twins production at DH has been an aberration of good luck. In reality the Twins options at the worst hitter out of DH/RF/LF starters is fairly terrible aside from Pinto who is in a cold streak and wasn't going to get most of the AB's anyway.

[tobi0040]

Why does rebuilding mean you have to play bad players instead of getting better ones? If there were good young players to play then it doesn't make sense but Morales is taking AB's away from kind of terrible players. Signing Morales does not affect rebuilding and could give them a trade chip (not as likely as some think).

 

Rebuilding - Let's let Deduno, Meyer, or May get a shot in the rotation over Kevin C., Mike Pelfrey, Darnell, Johnson, etc. Let's let Danny Santana play short stop instead of CF. Let's let Hicks figure this out versus ride the pine. Let's let Pinto get his feet wet at catcher (more than 1 or 2 x a week)

 

Going for it - Santana in CF. Pinto at DH. Signing Kendry Morales. Bringing in veterans (matt G, Kubel, etc). I am guessing we thought they may outperform the younger options.

[jokin]

Who says they "punted" those positions? They were linked to Drew before the season started, and is it really a reach to think that perhaps they were still interested in him on a one year deal once the draft pick compensation would have gone away?

 

CF is obviously an issue, but frankly there aren't any free agents like Morales out there they can just sign and plug in, rumors had them interested in Jay, but do you want them mortgaging the future to bring him in?

 

Additionally Hicks is starting to show some signs of life in CF. So other than CF/SS I'm not sure what other position it is feasible/makes sense to upgrade at this point.

 

And Rajai Davis, and Ervin Santana.

[DaveW]

Rebuilding - Let's let Deduno, Meyer, or May get a shot in the rotation over Kevin C., Mike Pelfrey, Darnell, Johnson, etc. Let's let Danny Santana play short stop instead of CF. Let's let Hicks figure this out versus ride the pine. Let's let Pinto get his feet wet at catcher (more than 1 or 2 x a week)

 

Going for it - Santana in CF. Pinto at DH. Signing Kendry Morales. Bringing in veterans (matt G, Kubel, etc). I am guessing we thought they may outperform the younger options.

Matt G, Kubel and Morales are literally blocking no one.

 

If Escobar falters, Santana will get plenty of reps at SS, however Escobar is doing a damn fine job at SS in both phases of the game, and isn't exactly 40 years old himself, why on earth would you have moved him off prior?

 

DeDuno has gotten his chances at starting, Meyer and May weren't exactly Major League ready when the season started, the fact is they are now only "knocking on the door" if a guy like Pelfrey/Correia were getting starts over Gibson at the beginning of this season, I could understand it.

 

Hicks additionally isn't exactly "riding the pine" either, he is still getting plenty of playing time.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Who says they "punted" those positions? They were linked to Drew before the season started, and is it really a reach to think that perhaps they were still interested in him on a one year deal once the draft pick compensation would have gone away?

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't recall them really being linked to Drew. It was an obvious match and invited a lot of speculation, but I am not sure if they ever really pursued him.

 

I sorta get drivlikejehu's point. Adding anyone of Morales' caliber right now is exciting to me, but if they are willing to do this now just because they are bringing up the tail end of a bunch of teams clustered around .500 in early June, they probably could have been more aggressive in the offseason. As it was, they really didn't do anything for the offense, and their pitching moves were mostly driven by who was willing to sign here quickly rather than quality/upside.

[DaveW]

Kris Johnson should not sniff the team.

Why is that exactly?

 

I know he doesn't have some crazy upside, but it's really hard to deny the results he has given the Twins in AAA this year. 2.44 ERA, 8.2 K/9. I think he has earned a shot to see if he can stick around as a cheap #5 for a bit, no?

[jokin]

That's exactly right, and it's the wrong approach.

 

The Twins make moves erratically. Some are good, some are bad, some are OK. There is no consistent strategy. Organizations that behave that way are rarely successful. If enough prospects develop, it won't matter, but if certain guys don't pan out the Twins will be Kansas City part 2.

 

The Twins were doing well at DH and upgraded there. Yet other key positions remain problematic, as foreseen by everyone. Signing Morales is all well and good, but it just leaves me more confused then ever as to why other positions have been punted in a year management wants to be successful.

 

What tobi said:

 

Going for it - Santana in CF. Pinto at DH. Signing Kendry Morales. Bringing in veterans (matt G, Kubel, etc). I am guessing we thought they may outperform the younger options.

 

It ain't the way I would have done it, but I still don't see how they are harming the future to the point of your drawing a picture of Apocalypse Now- Kansas City 2.0.

[tobi0040]

Hicks has played 3 full games in the last 8 days.

[DaveW]

Hicks has played 3 full games in the last 8 days.

 

And two full games in the last three!

 

What does this tell us?

Perhaps they were giving him a few days to get used to batting right handed again?

 

They plan on continuing to use Hicks very regularly from here on out.

[tobi0040]

Why is that exactly?

 

I know he doesn't have some crazy upside, but it's really hard to deny the results he has given the Twins in AAA this year. 2.44 ERA, 8.2 K/9. I think he has earned a shot to see if he can stick around as a cheap #5 for a bit, no?

 

Ricky Nolalso, Phil Hughes, Kyle Gibson, Sam Deduno are in the rotation right now. Johnson is not an upgrade over any of them. May and Meyer are way younger and much better, now and in the future.

 

Johnson's ERA is a little better this year, over 60 IP. Johnson is 29 and had a career 4.15 ERA, 6.4 K per 9 in the minors.

[jokin]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't recall them really being linked to Drew. It was an obvious match and invited a lot of speculation, but I am not sure if they ever really pursued him.

 

I sorta get drivlikejehu's point. Adding anyone of Morales' caliber right now is exciting to me, but if they are willing to do this now just because they are bringing up the tail end of a bunch of teams clustered around .500 in early June, they probably could have been more aggressive in the offseason. As it was, they really didn't do anything for the offense, and their pitching moves were mostly driven by who was willing to sign here quickly rather than quality/upside.

 

"Probably"?

 

Hey, no doubt....but better late than never.

[jokin]

 

They plan on continuing to use Hicks very regularly from here on out......

 

....in Rochester.