Instant Reaction Poll: Rate the Hu for Jepsen Traded

[DaveW]

Vote!

[Brock Beauchamp]

People are going a little nuts over Hu. He's an interesting arm but he's a long way from elite and the list of pitchers who project higher than him are:

 

Berrios

Gonsalves

Thorpe

Jay

Stewart (this one is a bit iffy but I'll still take Kohl)

 

Too much for Jepsen but it's not like the Twins traded the next Koufax.

[Badsmerf]

Meh, I'm pretty low on Hu. He squeezes into my top 20, but that is about it. 

[DaveW]

People are going a little nuts over Hu. He's an interesting arm but he's a long way from elite and the list of pitchers who project higher than him are:

 

Berrios

Gonsalves

Thorpe

Jay

Stewart (this one is a bit iffy but I'll still take Kohl)

 

Too much for Jepsen but it's not like the Twins traded the next Koufax.

A rotation needs 5 guys and a bullpen needs 6-7. There is zero reason to just trade Hu and Tapia, both who strike out almost 9 per 9.

 

Ryan should be ran out of town for this crap and his lack of other action to fix the pen.

[cmb0252]

I'm not as high on Hu as most here. I mostly just don't care for Jespen. If this ends up being a smaller move before a big one I could get behind it.

[amjgt]

I don't want Ryan to make a bigger move. I'm afraid he'd trade Sano for Jay Bruce

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

I'm not as high on Hu as most here. I mostly just don't care for Jespen. If this ends up being a smaller move before a big one I could get behind it.

That's how I feel. I don't particularly like Jepsen but it appears his velo was down earlier in the season before coming back up in the past six weeks. Since June 1st, his k/9 is around 8.5.

 

I don't like giving up Hu but c'mon, it's Hu. If I was Ryan I would have aimed higher but this is hardly the disaster people are making it out to be.

[bulldogguy]

If Ryan doesn't make a trade - FIRE RYAN.  Ryan makes a trade - FIRE RYAN!  Pitchfork nation at its best.  Seriously, HU is not looked at by almost ANYONE as more than a number 5 starting pitcher.  He is in high A ball, and you got a proven MLB relief pitcher.  He might not be the greatest in the entire league, but he is a surefire upgrade over what we are putting out there every night.  We traded for a relief pitcher who will contribute the rest of this season and next and then who knows after that.  Years that we think we can be competing potentially for a playoff spot.  This is not about this year, this is about 2016, 2017.  I don't think HU would be contributing to either of those teams and most likely we will see another pitcher in the farm system that is either there already or yet to be drafted replace his potential upside.  It's not like we gave up an untouchable prospect for a relief pitcher or an already on the Roster MLB OF for a relief pitcher like some on this site wanted to do.  Settle down.  React, talk, but why is this such a travesty?

[bluechipper]

 

If Ryan doesn't make a trade - FIRE RYAN.  Ryan makes a trade - FIRE RYAN!  Pitchfork nation at its best.  Seriously, HU is not looked at by almost ANYONE as more than a number 5 starting pitcher.  He is in high A ball, and you got a proven MLB relief pitcher.  He might not be the greatest in the entire league, but he is a surefire upgrade over what we are putting out there every night.  We traded for a relief pitcher who will contribute the rest of this season and next and then who knows after that.  Years that we think we can be competing potentially for a playoff spot.  This is not about this year, this is about 2016, 2017.  I don't think HU would be contributing to either of those teams and most likely we will see another pitcher in the farm system that is either there already or yet to be drafted replace his potential upside.  It's not like we gave up an untouchable prospect for a relief pitcher or an already on the Roster MLB OF for a relief pitcher like some on this site wanted to do.  Settle down.  React, talk, but why is this such a travesty?

It's because it's the typical Twins trade. They're not acquiring an impact player, but they're still unnecessarily overpaying for that guy.

[DaveW]

If Ryan doesn't make a trade - FIRE RYAN. Ryan makes a trade - FIRE RYAN! Pitchfork nation at its best. Seriously, HU is not looked at by almost ANYONE as more than a number 5 starting pitcher. He is in high A ball, and you got a proven MLB relief pitcher. He might not be the greatest in the entire league, but he is a surefire upgrade over what we are putting out there every night. We traded for a relief pitcher who will contribute the rest of this season and next and then who knows after that. Years that we think we can be competing potentially for a playoff spot. This is not about this year, this is about 2016, 2017. I don't think HU would be contributing to either of those teams and most likely we will see another pitcher in the farm system that is either there already or yet to be drafted replace his potential upside. It's not like we gave up an untouchable prospect for a relief pitcher or an already on the Roster MLB OF for a relief pitcher like some on this site wanted to do. Settle down. React, talk, but why is this such a travesty?

2.31 ERA in 200 IP 8.3 k/9 2.1 bb/9 1.018 WHIP means his upside is a number 5?

 

If the twins traded pelfrey or milone for a guy like Hu people would've jumping for joy.

 

Just a terrible trade all around, Jepsen is the worst RP traded thus far and unlike the others had to be overpaid to acquire him.

 

It's clear that Ryan bundled the deadline from start to finish.

[Mike Sixel]

dude is replacement level......some of us would like the Twins to go get GOOD or better players. Go get GOOD players. I don't get the aversion to young pitchers in the bullpen, but they clearly have one.

[DaveW]

It's because it's the typical Twins trade. They're not acquiring an impact player, but they're still unnecessarily overpaying for that guy.

Like the saying goes:

 

Fool me once, shame on me.

Fool me twice, shame on you.

Fool me every year for the last 17 years: Fire Ryan.

[Rosterman]

An upgrade for now. Hu had possibilities but really, would rather lose him that any numebr of other guys above him? His value may be the highest it will ever be. Yes, we want a guy who strikes people out and WON'T walk someone mroe often than not. For the moment, a decent trade, except who is sent to the minors of released? We need to make 40-man roster space!

[drjim]

 

I'm not as high on Hu as most here. I mostly just don't care for Jespen. If this ends up being a smaller move before a big one I could get behind it.

 

I agree with this completely.

[Mike Sixel]

On the plus side, no more stupid Hu jokes in a week or so.......which is something I demanded a few weeks ago on a Hu thread.

[Primetime82]

I think the worst part of this trade for me is. If you actually signed some reliable guys in free agency, you wouldn't have this problem. Spend the extra money and get the job done from the beginning. Now were trading top 20 farm system players for an aging RP that most likely won't ever be that good again.

 

 

 

 

[jimbo92107]

Prediction: Hu will be pitching for the Rays mlb club by next season. Meanwhile, Jepson will be a slightly better 8th inning guy than Boyer.

 

Crappy trade, they could have done better than Boyer or Jepson by simply promoting Berrios.

[bulldogguy]

 

2.31 ERA in 200 IP 8.3 k/9 2.1 bb/9 1.018 WHIP means his upside is a number 5?

If the twins traded pelfrey or milone for a guy like Hu people would've jumping for joy.

Just a terrible trade all around, Jepsen is the worst RP traded thus far and unlike the others had to be overpaid to acquire him.

It's clear that Ryan bundled the deadline from start to finish.

Seriously...you are quoting numbers for Class A level talent. How many guys have we had at that level that had similar numbers and never, ever really had productive careers.  I will let the Stat Geeks, fill in the blanks, but let's look at totals for people like: Kevin Slowey, Boof Bonser, etc...there is a stadium full of Class A level talent with similar numbers that ended up being crap and couldn't produce at a higher level.  You have to give up something to get something...there are not a lot of even trades in the business.  Usually someone gets a slightly better end of the deal, but if it helps the club for a couple of years than it might be worth it.  Let's talk in three years and see where our boy Hu is at.  Even if he was the worst Relief Pitcher traded, that shouldn't factor into this trade, it can still be a good trade for the Twins because it makes your current roster better.

 

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

Crappy trade, they could have done better than Boyer or Jepson by simply promoting Berrios.

Berrios would probably be better than Boyer. He probably wouldn't be better than Jepsen, at least not immediately (and the Twins need immediately).

 

Nevermind that Jose hasn't pitched an inning of relief since 2012 or so.

 

Jepsen is not an awful reliever, folks. He's a guy with some upside who is having a bit of a down year after a slow start. I don't really like the acquisition but it's definitely not worth the kind of vitriol it's getting right now.

 

As Parker just tweeted:

 

"In last 2 years, Kevin Jepsen's .176 BA vs RHB is 9th-lowest among RH relievers.

RH in Twins pen currently have worst BA vs RHB (.295)"

[cmb0252]

From Parker:

 

In the last 2 years, Kevin jepsen's .176 BA vs RHB is 9th lowest among RH relievers.

 

RH in Twins pen currently have worst BA vs RHB (.295).

[nicksaviking]

I just don't know why you'd bother. Why trade for this guy who hasn't been good this year instead of promoting the young guys? This was just making a trade to make it look like the are trying. No reason for this, bring Duffy or Berrios orTonkin or Wimmers or Achter instead.

[bulldogguy]

 

Berrios would probably be better than Boyer. He probably wouldn't be better than Jepsen, at least not immediately (and the Twins need immediately).

 

Nevermind that Jose hasn't pitched an inning of relief since 2012 or so.

 

Jepsen is not an awful reliever, folks. He's a guy with some upside who is having a bit of a down year after a slow start. I don't really like the acquisition but it's definitely not worth the kind of vitriol it's getting right now.

 

As Parker just tweeted:

 

"In last 2 years, Kevin Jepsen's .176 BA vs RHB is 9th-lowest among RH relievers.

RH in Twins pen currently have worst BA vs RHB (.295)"

I am with you on this deal Brock. I am not saying that the trade is great, I don't love giving up a SP prospect with some upside for a relief pitcher, but good god, this isn't the worst deal ever.  We get a proven RP that makes us better, this year and next.  

[Shane Wahl]

Hu and Tapia are legit prospects. Jepsen isn't a legit reliever, really.

[nicksaviking]

When reports yesterday said the Twins were looking for controllable relief pitchers, I thought that meant a young guy like Jske McGee or Carter Capps. I just didn't think they'd get a 30+ year old journeyman with declining velocity. Why?!

 

Ryan's love of vets only makes me resent them so much more.

[markos]

 

I am with you on this deal Brock. I am not saying that the trade is great, I don't love giving up a SP prospect with some upside for a relief pitcher, but good god, this isn't the worst deal ever.  We get a proven RP that makes us better, this year and next.  

That is the price of a relief pitcher. Clippard, Papelbon, Lowe were all acquired for a SP prospect with some upside. And one could arguably make the case that Hu is the worst prospect to change hands in a RP trade this deadline. 

[boomerb5]

This is really all the more I expected TR to do. Bring in a mid-level quasi-journeyman type player. Might be one more similar deal in the final minutes. Technically it improves the bullpen at a fairly low cost. But it does NOTHING to excite fans or create any sort of buzz. Classic TR.

[DaveW]

Seriously...you are quoting numbers for Class A level talent. How many guys have we had at that level that had similar numbers and never, ever really had productive careers. I will let the Stat Geeks, fill in the blanks, but let's look at totals for people like: Kevin Slowey, Boof Bonser, etc...there is a stadium full of Class A level talent with similar numbers that ended up being crap and couldn't produce at a higher level. You have to give up something to get something...there are not a lot of even trades in the business. Usually someone gets a slightly better end of the deal, but if it helps the club for a couple of years than it might be worth it. Let's talk in three years and see where our boy Hu is at. Even if he was the worst Relief Pitcher traded, that shouldn't factor into this trade, it can still be a good trade for the Twins because it makes your current roster better.

Ah yes the old "a lot of prospects fail" argument. A+ execution.

[whydidnt]

 

I think the worst part of this trade for me is. If you actually signed some reliable guys in free agency, you wouldn't have this problem. Spend the extra money and get the job done from the beginning. Now were trading top 20 farm system players for an aging RP that most likely won't ever be that good again.

My thought exactly. If they would have been aggressive in the off-season, they wouldn't have put themselves in the spot where they had to trade for a middling RP at this point. Heck, even the Twins knew during spring training that the bullpen was a dumpster fire. Instead we get Duensing and Boyer and Thompson and, well, you get the point. 

 

Jepsen is fine "middle reliever" but the Twins really could have used a top setup guy to go with him.

[DaveW]

That is the price of a relief pitcher. Clippard, Papelbon, Lowe were all acquired for a SP prospect with some upside. And one could arguably make the case that Hu is the worst prospect to change hands in a RP trade this deadline.

And one could easily make the case that Jepsen by far is the worst RP traded this deadline.

[spanman2]

"I know they've done a hell of a job of getting to this point and we're in a good position and now it's my responsibility to help the cause," Ryan said on Thursday. "We've struggled here. The last 12 games have been a battle. We have not played good baseball and I'm aware of that. I'm also aware that one correct move by me could help the cause immensely because it could change the attitude in the clubhouse."

 

How much does the trade "help the cause"?