Ryan Howard

[DaveW]

Saw a couple notes on MLbTR about Howard being a possible fit for the twins. Obviously Phil would pick up 75% of the bill most likely, but would you want him on the twins? Maybe traded for Vargas and a low level prospect in return?

[drivlikejehu]

That would be a horrible move. Howard's recent hot streak doesn't change the fact that he has been mediocre for years. His plate discipline numbers are atrocious, so there is every reason to think he will regress back to his below-replacement level production of 2012 and 2014.

 

It would be especially incomprehensible for the Twins, who have multiple young DH types already. But nothing would make the Phillies happier than finding a sucker to take some of the ~$50 million remaining on his idiotic contract.

 

[nicksaviking]

I'd rather have Vargas on this team than Howard and neither are really a fit with all the corner Infirlders and outfielders close to the MLB. I wouldn't want to give Hiward that DH spot.

[JB_Iowa]

No NO NO  NO   NO

[Craig Arko]

No NO NO  NO   NO

But what do you really think?

[ScottyB]

I also saw these items in MLBTR.  One of them also mentioned Revere AND Howard.  I think it's just Phillie beat writers trying to drum up a place to pawn them off.  Just say NO!

[jorgenswest]

His July-September OPS last year was 647.

 

A pick up like Howard would be done on August 31st similar to picking up Don Baylor in 1987.

[gunnarthor]

The proposal isn't as bad as people here think.  Revere and Howard does make some sense if the Twins are trying to contend this year (and waiting to see if Toronto wants to dump Bautista does too).  This came up in the offseason and Philly would pick up most of the salary, making the Twins pay Howard about 6m this year and another 6m next year.  Revere is still under team control for two more seasons.

 

Howard, when healthy, is certainly a better hitter than Vargas or Pinto.  Revere has always graded out well in the corner OF spots and would be an upgrade over Schafer/Robinson, if nothing else. 

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/05/rosenthals-latest-papelbon-marlins-padres-angels-twins.html

 

Obviously, the Twins aren't going to have to give up their top prospects for those guys.  It would depend on the deal but it's not crazy, esp with the limited production they've gotten so far from DH/1B and CF. I like Hicks' defense in CF but (in 10 games) he's putting up a 34 OPS+.  Until Buxton is up, CF is a black hole for us.  

 

If the deal was some bigger part of the salary, Jake Reed and Hu, I'd probably be ok with it.

[drivlikejehu]

 

If the deal was some bigger part of the salary, Jake Reed and Hu, I'd probably be ok with it.

 

It is hard to put into words how awful and horrifying that thought is. Giving away quality pitchers for replacement level position players that cost more and block top prospects... it's as if, acting on a dare, a GM were to propose the most ludicrous possible trade that would be approved by MLB.

[HitInAPinch]

Only if it bags Cole Hamels as well.  Tossing Ben Revere to make me happy  

[spinowner]

 

No NO NO  NO   NO

It can not be stated any better

[spinowner]

 

 I think it's just Phillie beat writers trying to drum up a place to pawn them off. 

You mean people in the media start self-serving rumors? Just in an attempt to get people interested in the coverage they provide? Say it ain't so!

[spinowner]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: The Twins should trade no prospects this season. None. No matter what. In another year or two after we see how our top prospects are developing, maybe. But not now.

[Winston Smith]

If the Jays want to dump Bautista I could go with that move. Salary isn't that bad and next year is just an option so no long term money tied up.

[gunnarthor]

 

It is hard to put into words how awful and horrifying that thought is. Giving away quality pitchers for replacement level position players that cost more and block top prospects... it's as if, acting on a dare, a GM were to propose the most ludicrous possible trade that would be approved by MLB.

Except neither Revere or Howard are replacement level, neither block top prospects and you are overrating Reed and Hu (and Vargas). 

 

Neither would be that expensive either - Phillies would eat a lot of Howard's salary and Revere is still in arbitration years.

[kab21]

I would be on board with a Jose Bautista move for Adam Walker, Max Kepler, Harrison level prospects.  He is actually good while Howard can't be expected to be better than Vargas or Pinto.  He is really that bad.

[gunnarthor]

 

I would be on board with a Jose Bautista move for Adam Walker, Max Kepler, Harrison level prospects.  He is actually good while Howard can't be expected to be better than Vargas or Pinto.  He is really that bad.

Toronto isn't going to move the face of their franchise for the Twins 12-16 best prospect.  He was a 6 WAR player last year.  If the Twins want him, they'll have to pay real value.

[kab21]

 

Toronto isn't going to move the face of their franchise for the Twins 12-16 best prospect.  He was a 6 WAR player last year.  If the Twins want him, they'll have to pay real value.

I will throw in Duensing.

 

But Howard sucks and Revere becomes irrelevant for the Twins when Buxton is called up.

[Willihammer]

I don't like the idea of taking a career NL guy and sticking him at DH, regardless of the player. Let the White Sox make that kind of move.

[GMinTraining]

Not that bad of a trade.  Howard has the second most home runs in month of May next to Bryce Harper.  He also produces that irrelevant stat (RBIs / 95 last year).  This is Ryan's second full season since his injury shortened seasons (2012 & 2013).  He is a career .881 OPS guy and seems to be back on pace with those numbers again.  He could be the perfect DH for this year.  Plus he is a veteran who has won a championship and understands the path to the playoffs (ala Hunter). The Twins could be a Wild Card contender if the stars continue to sit themselves right.   A veteran bat can not hurt.  Just don't give up too much and limit the salary you are willing to pay.

 

Arcia
Hunter
Hicks
Rosario
Robinson
Shafer
Hermann
Nunez
Escobar
Kepler
Harrison
Walker
Buxton (just because he's better than everyone else and will probably be added)

 

All 13 guys won't make the 40 Man next year.  Why not start getting something for something if you can.   A few years back the Nationals shut down Stephen Straugsburg because they were more concerned about the future and his health.  Probably the right move, however, they have yet to make the World Series and possibly missed that window of opportunity.  Our future looks bright with young talent in the system, but I wouldn't quite give up on this years possibilities.  Especially since health has yet to be an issue for our team (knocking on wood).

 

 

[Hrbowski]

Vargas would be too much, my proposal is that we take on 10 mil and send Danny Ortiz to the Phillies, but I have been in favor of trading for Ryan Braun for awhile.

[Hrbowski]

On another note, Howard has only one guaranteed year left on his contract, so it might not be the worst move, but my guess is that he would end up being a Morales with more power.

 

The Twins also have had scouts at two of Cole Hamels starts this year.

[TKGuy]

So would you give up Hicks for Revere?

[nicksaviking]

Arcia

Hunter

Hicks

Rosario

Robinson

Shafer

Hermann

Nunez

Escobar

Kepler

Harrison

Walker

Buxton (just because he's better than everyone else and will probably be added)

 

All 13 guys won't make the 40 Man next year. Why not start getting something for something if you can.

Adding Howard won't help the logjam, it will only add a guy who should solely be a DH to the problem. The Twins need another lefty who struggles to hit left handed pitching about as much as they need another soft-tosser in the bullpen.

 

I agree, the Twins should trade some of the logjam, but not for a DH. Move those guys for a catcher, young back of the pen arms or for youngsters not yet required to occupy 40-man spots.

[nicksaviking]

So would you give up Hicks for Revere?

Then this team is out of a center fielder again.

[drivlikejehu]

 

Except neither Revere or Howard are replacement level, neither block top prospects and you are overrating Reed and Hu (and Vargas). 

 

Neither would be that expensive either - Phillies would eat a lot of Howard's salary and Revere is still in arbitration years.

 

1. "Neither Revere or [sic] Howard are replacement level"

 

Ryan Howard WAR, 2012 - present: 0.0

 

Revere is slightly above replacement level, true enough.

 

2. "Neither block top prospects"

 

I guess we will just have to disagree regarding the prospect status of players such as Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano.

 

3. "you are overrating Reed and Hu (and Vargas)"

 

I'm not sold on Vargas either. We will just have to disagree on whether Reed and Hu are less valuable than one replacement level player and one 4th outfielder.

[PseudoSABR]

Howard is someone you acquire in August; when it's clear no one in the organization is deserving of DH at bats.  As long as Hicks plays defense well and doesn't make foolish mistakes, the Twins will ride him out until Buxton proves ready; I see no need for Revere given the plethora of youthful options (Rosario, and even Kepler included).

[RedBull34]

Hmmm.....

 

Would I trade potentially good and cheap Howard for declining expensive Howard?

 

Pass.

[formerly33]

 

So would you give up Hicks for Revere?

 

 

No NO NO  NO   NO

 

[gunnarthor]

 

Hmmm.....

 

Would I trade potentially good and cheap Howard for declining expensive Howard?

 

Pass.

Who on earth is our potentially cheap Howard?  Because it would be awesome to have that guy.