Article: They Couldn’t. Could They…?

[Jeremy Nygaard]

The Twins have been having on-and-off conversations with the Padres for the greater part of a week. Various different reports have them linked to a number of different Padres relief pitchers, primarily 38-year-old Joaquin Benoit.During conversations - not just with the Twins - the Padres have tried to package James Shields (and the three years and $63 million left on his contract, plus the rest of this year) into deals. It was a notion that at first I dismissed, figuring the Twins would try again as the deadline came closer and the Padres would back off of such a crazy demand.

 

But the whispers haven’t left.

 

It’s no secret that the A.J. Preller and the Padres are seeking to be very active at the deadline. It’s no secret that the Twins have always had a little man-crush on “Big Game” James Shields. And the Padres have relievers that the Twins would like to add to their bullpen.

 

Are there specifics? No. But are there on-going discussions? Yes. Is a deal going to happen between the Twins and Padres? Maybe.

 

For the Twins to take on such a big contract - an idea I first mentioned on Twitter Monday night - the belief is the Padres would have to either a ) send substantial money with Shields or b ) take on the contract of Ricky Nolasco (which has about $30 million remaining). If you follow Nolasco on social media, you’re well aware of his love for Southern California.

 

There would still be player-cost as well. Everybody around the league is aware of the Twins having Oswaldo Arcia on the block. They are also aware of Arcia’s struggles both defensively and with the making contact offensively. His value is not that of a prime trade-candidate.

 

There are also rumblings that the Twins have made Kohl Stewart available in trades. Though Stewart recently dropped out of Baseball America’s Top 100 Mid-Season Prospect List, he still is considered an asset.

 

It would definitely take a bigger package to net a return of Shields and Benoit.

 

And that’s where the speculation begins. Jorge Polanco? Max Kepler? Eddie Rosario? Alex Meyer? The Twins extra comp B pick?

 

From the Twins perspective, adding Benoit makes a ton of sense. He’s got a team option for next year at $8 million (with a $1.5 million buyout) and could slide right into an 8th inning role he’s held and succeeded in.

 

Adding Shield would likely be met with more skepticism. He’ll cost $63 million for his age-34 through -36 seasons (not to mention the team option for his age-37 season). But he would add a pitcher to the rotation this year who has a lot of postseason experience and would presumably fill the hole that soon-to-be-free agent Mike Pelfrey will open up. It’s hard not to like a potential top four of Hughes, Santana, Shields, Gibson with either Trevor May or Jose Berrios rounding out the rotation.

 

The Padres continue to talk to many teams about moving pieces. Might the Twins be their first deadline dance partner?

 

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[Mike Sixel]

Not a fan. This year is toast, imo.

 

If you are going to use resources, use them to find a C or SS that is legit.

[Mike Sixel]

Plus, if they did take on Shields and didn't flip him, it would almost guarantee we don't see May or Berrios in the rotation soon at all.....

[USAFChief]

Kimbrel instead of Benoit and I listen.

[DaveW]

The Twins are really good at talking around the trade deadline!

[Tibs]

I'm interested, obviously depending on the details. These series after the All Star break have been deflating, but the Twins still hold a wild card spot.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I hate to say it but I'm struggling to give a damn right now.

 

Trade, don't trade. Whatever.

[cmb0252]

Shields? Can't see it. A 37 year old RPer with solid numbers? Definitely seems like someone TR would trade for.

[tobi0040]

Crazy how a guy can go from one of the best SP in free agency.  Get a four year deal that is not really that crazy.  Have an ERA sub 4.00 and now the team has to take back Nolasco to get any prospects for him.

[SouthSuburbsGuy]

Benoit (age 38)? No.  Shields (age 33)? No. Kelley (age 31)? No.

 

 Would like Kimbrel (age 27), but would settle for Maurer (age 25).

[nokomismod]

So trading bad contract for slightly less bad contract. The Twins would be relieved of Nolasco and get Shields for 3 years and $33 million. I'm not sure how the Nolasco's insurance policy would factor in, but Shields should still be an above average SP for the next three years.

 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Crazy how a guy can go from one of the best SP in free agency.  Get a four year deal that is not really that crazy.  Have an ERA sub 4.00 and now the team has to take back Nolasco to get any prospects for him.

 

No kidding! I don't get it. But, the Nolasco deal makes me very much interested. Obviously it does depend on the other pieces too.

[drock2190]

Yeah I'd be interested in a trade that gets rid of Nolasco. 

 

As for the bullpen it needs help but its not like the Twins are going anywhere anyways. The move should have happened already if they were.

[Vanimal46]

The Twins have punted any opportunity to improve so far. Might as well stay consistent with that approach.

[Jham]

I think this deal like this should be taken seriously.  I wouldn't bet money that May or Berrios will be better than Shields over the next three years.  I would bet money that Nolasco would be in the rotation next year regardless of what May and Berrios do in spring training.  Look at the rest of the rotation.  We had sure better be in win-now mode next season.  Hu, Gonsalves, Thorpe, Berrios, Meyer, Jay, Stewart, Rogers, Slegers...  We have arms.  I'm happy to trade some of them to help the team win now and avoid the inevitable TwinsDaily '17 debate about Hu and Jay being blocked by an aging Hughes and Santana.

[HitInAPinch]

I don't know why...........

 

1.  Twins would still be shopping for Benoit from the Padres when Latroy Hawkins could be had pretty cheap from the Blue Jays

2.  Why they would consider adding to a rotation when they're already sticking starting talent in the bullpen.

 

I think this trade talk is nonsense.

[HitInAPinch]

Hey Jeremy!  Where did you read this?

 

"Everybody around the league is aware of the Twins having Oswaldo Arcia on the block. They are also aware of Arcia’s struggles both defensively and with the making contact offensively. His value is not that of a prime trade-candidate."

 

News to me.  But that's nothing new

 

 

[clone52]

Obviously Benoit would be a rental type player, but could be useful this year.  Shields should be decent for 3 years and honestly, spending money on Shields would feel a whole lot better than spending money on Nolasco (although you know he'd probably be lights out in San Diego and finish 5th in the 2016 NL Cy Young voting).

 

How about Benoit/Shields/Norris for Nolasco/whatever other prospects are needed.to get the deal done.  If they could get Norris in return, I think we'd all feel better about the trade.

 

How about Benoit/Shields/Norris for Nolasco/Fryer/Meyer/Stewart/Kepler?  I guess if it were me, I'd go for it, but I'd understand if people didn't want to give up prospects like that.  Would the Padres go for that?  I don't know what positions they are looking for.  I don't think losing Meyer, Stewart and Kepler would be a crippling blow to the future of the organization.

[clone52]

 

I don't know why...........

 

1.  Twins would still be shopping for Benoit from the Padres when Latroy Hawkins could be had pretty cheap from the Blue Jays

2.  Why they would consider adding to a rotation when they're already sticking starting talent in the bullpen.

 

I think this trade talk is nonsense.

 

Why do you think Hawkins would be available cheap from the Jays?  Why would they take him in the Tulo trade unless they wanted to use him to bolster their own bull pen.

[halfchest]

hmm, not sure what to think of this.  Painting it as a 3/33 deal due to offloading Nolascos contract makes it easier to stomach. 

 

However, I'd rather give up a bit more and get a younger bullpen arm that has some control left.  Kimbrel would be spendy both in dollars and prospects I assume. 

 

It's another interesting story line to follow for the next couple of days though.

[lukeduke1980]

If you're dealing with the Padres would it be worth trying to get Justin Upton?  We still need offense too, he's only a rental obviously...

[laloesch]

I'm not a fan of this deal, unless we unload Nolasco and either Milone or Santana freeing up two rotation spots.  Next year the Twins need to have two slots for Berrios and May with Meyer as a distant possibility.  

[HitInAPinch]

 

Why do you think Hawkins would be available cheap from the Jays?  Why would they take him in the Tulo trade unless they wanted to use him to bolster their own bull pen.

Well, the Blue Jays had to designated lefty Felix Doubront for assignment to clear a roster spot for Tulo, but I don't see a corresponding move for Hawkins.  I take that as, Hawkins was added to make the trade balance out somehow.

[tobi0040]

Obviously Benoit would be a rental type player, but could be useful this year. Shields should be decent for 3 years and honestly, spending money on Shields would feel a whole lot better than spending money on Nolasco (although you know he'd probably be lights out in San Diego and finish 5th in the 2016 NL Cy Young voting).

 

How about Benoit/Shields/Norris for Nolasco/whatever other prospects are needed.to get the deal done. If they could get Norris in return, I think we'd all feel better about the trade.

 

How about Benoit/Shields/Norris for Nolasco/Fryer/Meyer/Stewart/Kepler? I guess if it were me, I'd go for it, but I'd understand if people didn't want to give up prospects like that. Would the Padres go for that? I don't know what positions they are looking for. I don't think losing Meyer, Stewart and Kepler would be a crippling blow to the future of the organization.

Benoit is due 8m next year. Actually not terrible if you look at his numbers the last five years.

 

Just view it as 6-7m only, and the right to watch him get holds instead if guys like Boyer and that one guy we got from San Diego blow leads. He Must not have been very memorable.

[nater79a]

If anybody is needing something from "Big Game" James, it's the Twins right now! Searching for a win...any win.

[curt1965]

Sorry, can't get excited about this deal. Can't we, for once, be interested in a player

UNDER 30?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

You sign a guy like James Shields to get the performance at the front of the contract and hope the performance at the back of the contract isn't too painful. Trading for James Shields means you give up assets for a smaller window until you hope he isn't a disaster.

 

He might still be an asset this year and next, but I think the Twins would be better served looking for a Catcher or SS that has a longer horizon and a pile of relievers. C and SA are probably more expensive, but definitely worth it.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

To continue: Shields would be the second best starter on this team, but for how long? Lots of Hughes Santana, Nolasco could all be dead weight in 2017 or 2018, adding a similar situation with Shields

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

What about Shawn Kelley from the Padres? He has a 27% K rate and immediately becomes our best righty by a million miles. He is also pitching for a contract (sounds nicer than saying "rental"). If the Padres want to throw in Shields for Nolasco, all the better.

[DaveW]

Pictured: TR tries to convince the Padres to take Nolasco.

 

http://s3cf.recapguide.com/img/tv/117/10x15/The-Simpsons-Season-10-Episode-15-7-cd42.jpg