Article: Old Friends: Which Former Twins Could Return In 2016?

[Nick Nelson]

"Getting the band back together" was once a playful phrase that longtime Twins fans would nostalgically utter, with faux hopes of reuniting groups of players that found success together and earned a place in our hearts.

 

But over the last couple years, it's been a very real and pronounced roster-building strategy for the Minnesota front office. So we'd be remiss not to look at this offseason's possibilities.In the past two offseasons alone, the Twins have re-enlisted five former players – Torii Hunter, Jason Kubel, Jason Bartlett, Matt Guerrier, Eddie Guardado (as a coach) – and the club always seems to be tied to a number of familiar old names.

 

So today we'll look at some past team members who will be available in free agency, which officially opens on Saturday morning, and rate the likelihood of a reunion in each case.

 

A.J. Pierzynski - C

Years with Twins: 1998-2003

 

His name was definitely in the mix for the Twins two years ago, before they ended up signing Kurt Suzuki. Pierzynski went to Boston and was traded midway through the season to St. Louis. He finished 2014 with a .625 OPS, the lowest of his career, and it looked like the 37-year-old might be cooked. Then, he signed last offseason with Atlanta and went on to start 104 games behind the plate at age 38 while hitting .300/.339/.430. If he decides to continue his career the Twins will surely have strong interest, because he's a lefty-swinging veteran who would take a one-year deal and could complement Suzuki nicely. He enters this offseason as the odds-on favorite to be the Terry Ryan's pick-up at catcher.

 

How Likely? 60%

 

Joe Nathan - RP

Years with Twins: 2004-2011

 

Nathan underwent his second Tommy John surgery in April, and it was a foregone conclusion that Detroit would decline his $10 million option for 2016 (they did so this week). Despite the fact that he turns 41 in a couple weeks, Nathan has vowed to attempt a comeback rather than retiring. On an incentive-laden deal with minimal guarantees, it would make sense for the Twins to give him that chance. He was well liked here, has tons of late-inning experience, and was still hitting the mid-90s on the gun before his elbow injury. Minnesota needs to keep bolstering the bullpen, but they could undoubtedly find more trustworthy options.

 

How Likely? 30%

 

Denard Span - OF

Years with Twins: 2008-2012

 

Span missed a large chunk of this season due to his problematic left hip, which is a concern heading into free agency after requiring surgery in September, but outside of that he's been very good during his time in Washington, hitting .292/.345/.404 with 62 steals and consistently improving plate discipline. At age 31, he might settle for a one-year deal to eliminate the health questions and build up his value. In that case, it's not unthinkable the Twins could get in the mix. Span succeeding Torii Hunter in the outfield would stir some major deja vu, but he'd provide the steady lead-off presence they currently seem to lack.

 

How Likely? 25%

 

Justin Morneau - 1B

Years with Twins: 2003-2013

 

On the surface, there's no fit here. Joe Mauer is locked in at first base and Miguel Sano was a revelation at DH. However, if the Twins were to trade Trevor Plouffe and move Sano to third, a Morneau reunion suddenly becomes very plausible. He has been a very solid hitter during his two years in Colorado, batting .316 with an .850 OPS. Plugging his veteran lefty bat behind Sano in the middle of the lineup could appeal to the Twins, and relegating Morneau to DH would somewhat downplay the concussion issues, which were frighteningly awakened this year when he dove for a ball in the field. No one would blame the former MVP if he were to hang it up, but if he doesn't, and the cards play out right, a return is conceivable.

 

How Likely? 20%

 

Craig Breslow - RP

Years with Twins: 2008-2009

 

Breslow didn't have nearly the tenure here as others on this list, spending parts of two seasons in Minnesota, but he can't be ignored given the very evident need for an impact left-hander in the bullpen. Breslow was excellent for several years after leaving the Twins, but has really struggled over the past couple in Boston. The Twins could take a low-cost flyer but I'm guessing they'll look elsewhere.

 

How Likely? 15%

 

Johan Santana - SP

Years with Twins: 2000-2007

 

Santana signed an incentive-filled deal with Toronto last February but never made it to the mound this year, announcing in June that he was suspending his comeback attempt until 2016. If he were to give it another go, the Twins would be as likely a destination as any, but he hasn't pitched since 2012 and he'll turn 37 in March. I've got to think this is it.

 

How Likely? 10%

 

Delmon Young - OF

Years with Twins: 2008-2011

 

I believe our free agent blurb in the Offseason Handbook said it best:

 

http://s3.postimg.org/kg7f6xu4j/delmoney.png

 

Click here to view the article

[biscuit]

A J throws worse than Suzuki.

[Platoon]

It's a sad commentary that "getting the band back together" is so etched into the Twins DNA, that there has to be a thread based on the topic. This team does NOT need another old catcher who can't throw, an old relief pitcher off surgery, a 37 yr old who hasn't pitched in 3 yrs, or a DH with two HR's last year. And we do not need another veteran OF to either slow or block the young OF excess we already have. ENOUGH ALREADY!

[nicksaviking]

Kyle Lohse too is available.

 

Just an observation, don't kill the messenger!

[amjgt]

I'd take Nathan on a low-guarantee deal.

 

Pass on the rest.

[Vanimal46]

Pass on all of the above. The Twins can do better than this. 

[Mike Sixel]

AJ is the only one on that list I'd even consider. I can't believe they would consider Nathan. Have they learned nothing from watching how other teams build bullpens?

[Clear Lake Twinsfan]

I realize that this list is only "old friends" who are free agents, but I'd like to throw out the name of another "old friend" for consideration:  Michael Cuddyer.  Cuddyer is under contract with the Mets for one more year at $12.5 million but appears to have been relegated to a bench role with them for next year.  If you believe that Buxton will start the season at AAA and that Arcia will get another shot at right field to start the season, Cuddyer could provide a right handed alternative to Arcia.  He could also back up Mauer at first base, see some time at DH, and serve as a bat off of the bench.  I think that Cuddyer was considered a positive influence in the clubhouse while with the Twins, so he could help to fill the leadership void left by Hunter's retirement (although I don't know how he is as a dancer).  Presumably the Mets would have to be willing to pick up a portion of his contract and not expect much in the way of a prospect in return for this to work.

[Steve Penz]

Concur with Vanimal46.  No to all.  The X factor on Pierzynski is too concerning.  Bonnes quoted Ozzie Guillen the other day on AJ-   "You hate him when he is on the  other team and when he is on your team you hate him a little less."  I don't think he brings enough to the table to risk jacking up good team chemistry.   

[twinsnorth49]

No

No

Maybe, preferably not but maybe

No

No

No

Holy Hell, God No!!

[sane]

David Ortiz?

[Shaitan]

Not an ex-Twin, but an ex-Central player: what about Cliff Lee?

[BK432]

 

I realize that this list is only "old friends" who are free agents, but I'd like to throw out the name of another "old friend" for consideration:  Michael Cuddyer.  Cuddyer is under contract with the Mets for one more year at $12.5 million but appears to have been relegated to a bench role with them for next year.  If you believe that Buxton will start the season at AAA and that Arcia will get another shot at right field to start the season, Cuddyer could provide a right handed alternative to Arcia.  He could also back up Mauer at first base, see some time at DH, and serve as a bat off of the bench.  I think that Cuddyer was considered a positive influence in the clubhouse while with the Twins, so he could help to fill the leadership void left by Hunter's retirement (although I don't know how he is as a dancer).  Presumably the Mets would have to be willing to pick up a portion of his contract and not expect much in the way of a prospect in return for this to work.

 

No. Never. He is a negative value player, replacement level player. The Mets could pay his whole salary, not take a player in return, and I'd still be against this.

[nicksaviking]

I'll take any of them on a minor league deal, just so long as Rob Anthony and Ron Gardenhire aren't making the 25-man decisions this spring.

 

I'd really like to find a fit for Span actually on a short term deal, but I don't think there is one, and I think Span still gets a long(ish) term deal.  This team could really use a guy at the top of the lineup to get on base as Dozier on-base skills aren't ideal for leadoff and Hicks and Buxton still look pretty questionable. 

 

But the Twins need another left handed hitting OF about as much as they need goalie.

[USAFChief]

I'd rather have Cuddyer than Robinson as the extra outfielder.  

[D. Hocking]

I think there is a glaringly obvious exclusion from that list.  Someone who was with the Twins the last time they won a play-off series.  Someone who could bring veteran leadership as well as show an incredible range of skills all around the diamond.  Someone who grew up during a time that he would be able to bring break dance moves to the dance party.  Someone who is really available and ready to get back into the game where he was meant to be.

 

Of those listed above - AJ fills a need, but I would love to find someone other than him.  Is the league that lacking in catcher depth?  It would be nice to have more than a one year band aid who has potential to be a club house distraction.

[Thegrin]

Kubel & Bartlett could un-retire.  That would make fro a wonderful reunion. 

 

Where is Baker, Slowey, Blackburn & Pavano ?  Surely there is something left in those old arms ? 

[BK432]

 

I'd rather have Cuddyer than Robinson as the extra outfielder.  

 

I respectfully disagree. Robinson can at least play defense and run. Cuddyer has no useful skill at this point. He was one of my favorite Twins over the last 15 years, but I personally have no interest in rostering him here anymore.

[Vanimal46]

 

I think there is a glaringly obvious exclusion from that list.  Someone who was with the Twins the last time they won a play-off series.  Someone who could bring veteran leadership as well as show an incredible range of skills all around the diamond.  Someone who grew up during a time that he would be able to bring break dance moves to the dance party.  Someone who is really available and ready to get back into the game where he was meant to be.

 

There's 2 people that come to mind... Denny Hocking is 45 years old these days, but I'm willing to give him a shot on a 1 year deal. The Twins also need someone who can bunt, so Nick Punto may be a dark horse. 

[sane]

 

Where is Baker, Slowey, Blackburn & Pavano ?  Surely there is something left in those old arms ? 

"Something" no longer includes the Ulnar Collateral Ligament.

[sane]

There's 2 people that come to mind... Denny Hocking is 45 years old these days, but I'm willing to give him a shot on a 1 year deal. The Twins also need someone who can bunt, so Nick Punto may be a dark horse.

Hocking and AJ were a great comedy team.

Punto is more like a Shetland Pony than a "dark horse".

[theBOMisthebomb]

Maybe AJ for the fun aspect he would bring now that Torii is gone. Also,agreed that AJ would be a good platoon with Zook. The rest 100 percent no way Jose.

[TheLeviathan]

"Ew" is all I have for this thread.

[Platoon]

"Ew" is all I have for this thread.

I totally agree! I would have been too sheepish to even consider posting this thread.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

No

No

Maybe, preferably not but maybe

No

No

No

Holy Hell, God No!!

Agree

Agree

Agree, mostly

Agree

Agree

Agree

Couldn't agree more

[Thrylos]

Got to add:

 

Andrew Albers, Scott Baker, Grant Balfour, Joe Beimel, Kevin Correia, Deolis Guerra, LaTroy Hawkins, Edgar Ibarra, Garrett Jones, Kyle Lohse, Jason Marquis, Peter Moylan, Steve Pearce, Yohan Pino, Alex Presley, Jason Pridie, Sergio Santos, Jordan Schafer, Tim Stauffer, Anthony Swarzak, Steve Tolleson

 

to the list of former Twins who signed with another team after they left the Twins and are currently free agents...  More (as MiLB FAs will be coming this week...)

[Sarah]

Could we check and see if Scott Klingenbeck is available? 

[D. Hocking]

 

 Denny Hocking is 45 years old these days, but I'm willing to give him a shot on a 1 year deal. 

 

 

I have heard that reading baseball webpages with intelligent baseball analysis and that have thoughtful, compelling discussion makes one about ten to 15 years younger than their chronological age. 

 

[Cap'n Piranha]

I'm fine with Span in CF if ALL of the below conditions are met;

 

1) The Twins are adamant about keeping Buxton in AAA to start the year

2) The other options the Twins are considering to start are Robinson or Cuddyer

3) It's a 1 year deal

4) TR promises not to extend Span, barring a complete meltdown by 2 of the Rosario/Hicks/Buxton/Kepler group.

 

I'm intrigued by Johan as a bullpen guy, especially if he agrees to change his name to Earvin, so the dread-locked one can change his name back to Johan.  Hilarity ensues.

[ScottyB]

If Weiters goes to the Nats as predicted in MLB Trade Rumors, add Ramos as a potential reunion.