Filling the bullpen: Storen? McGee?

[Baseball Bat]

Initially, I was one of the fans who was disappointed that no moves were made by the Twins during the winter meetings. After a second glance, I realized that we are actually pretty set almost every area (Based on Twins 2016 plans).

 

We have:

 

Murphy and Suzuki platooning at catcher until Murphy eventually gets the majority of time.

 

Our infield consists of Mauer, Dozier, Plouffe, and Escobar with Santana and Nunez as utility men and Jorge Polanco as a top 100 prospect that will likely resurface at some point in 2016.

 

Rosario, Buxton, and Sano in the outfield with potentially Arcia as the 4th guy (or Santana) and then Kepler coming in Midseason. 

 

Park as a DH with Vargas hopefully developing and maybe Arcia. 

 

Guess of our likely rotation: Santana, Hughes, Gibson, Duffey, and Milone (Until Berrios comes up in May).

 

Even our bullpen has a decent foundation of May, Jepsen, and Perkins. (Fien is a lock too, unfortunately). 

 

Now there are minor things that still could be done. For example, I think in some ways, the signing of Park signals the end for Oswaldo Arcia. When the Twins signed Park, they moved Sano to the outfield. It is hard for me to imagine them going from a Hicks, Buxton, Rosario potential outfield one season to an outfield where the corners are Arcia and Sano during certain games. Yikes. With Sano playing everyday, Plouffe being the third baseman, Mauer making $23 million a year at first base, and Park DHing, it doesn't seem likely Arcia sees much, if any time with the Twins in 2016. It is also unlikely that Max Kepler is with the team out of Spring Training. So the Twins may look into a 4th outfielder on the free agent market. I don't expect this guy to be great, but more of someone who can step in an be a good defender and have good speed. One interesting way to address this issue in house would be to move Santana back to the outfield full time as a 4th outfielder and then have Polanco as a backup in the infield if the Twins feel he is ready and not too much of a defensive liability.  

 

I was also someone that was (and still is) hellbent on moving Nolasco anywhere possible. This just looks too difficult right now. I don't buy for one second that the Twins "Didn't want to sell low" on Nolasco. Other GM's expressed extreme doubt on the Twins being able to move him and it looks like we are stuck with him. I don't know what role Nolasco has in 2016, but I would hate for him to waste a starting rotation spot.

 

On to the bullpen. This truly looks like the last area that the Twins really need to do anything, specifically obtaining a left handed reliever who can strike guys out. Terry Ryan has been clear about this and he came off with having a weird amount of optimism leaving the Winter Meetings on the progression made in getting something done. With Tony Sipp going back to Houston and reportedly no communication with Antonio Bastardo, I tend to believe that TR is leaning more towards a trade at this point (He is also notoriously angry about the growing price and growing length of relievers contracts). He has also been clear about "not closing an avenue" for minor league relievers coming in. We have good reason to be optimistic about the young relievers in the organization that will be coming in, but that likely won't surface more until 2017. He actually has a very valid point though. In 2 or 3 years, guys like Tyler Jay, Nick Burdi, J.T. Chargois, Jake Reed, Taylor Rogers, Alex Meyer, and others will likely all surface. For now though, there are a few rumors and options that have been thrown around to help bridge the gap in 2016. These rumors / ideas involve two guys in particular, Drew Storen from Washington, and Jake McGee from Tampa Bay. 

 

Both of these guys would dramatically help the Twins in 2016. Storen has been linked to the Twins for a while now and really needs to get out of Washington. He has one year left on his deal for about $9 million. Terry Ryan may not be thrilled about that but he reportedly has inquired about him this offseason according to James Wagner from the Washington Post. Storen has closer experience, and had a 11.0 K/9 last season despite the second half collapse. He has an outstanding track record over the years and clearly just needs a change in scenery. With him, the Twins would have 4 scary late inning options in Perkins, Jepsen, Storen, and May, who all can strike guys out. 

 

Jake McGee has really just been pure speculation for the most part. Brad Berreman from Rantsports.com believes a trade would make sense for both the Rays and the Twins. He would certainly be right about that from the Twins perspective. McGee is a 28 year lefty that had a K/9 of 11.6 last season and a 11.1 K/9 in his 6 year career overall. His ERA is regularly in the 1's and 2's. He would fit the Twins need perfectly. The question is how much it will cost the Twins, certainly more than Jepsen did as McGee is under team control for two more seasons with an estimated salary of under $5 million for 2016. Talks have reportedly picked up a lot for him over the past few days and the Twins are notoriously quiet about these kinds of things (Just maybe there is a chance). The Dodgers are knowingly in on him after the Chapman debacle. This might make it difficult because the Dodgers too have a really good farm system and are a lot more willing to give up prospects than the Twins. 

 

It has been a slow few days since the winter meetings and both these names have been thrown around in some capacity and link to the Twins. Granted, they don't have a relatively strong link right now and they might be unlikely, but are definitely both good options and would significantly improve the Twins bullpen. The problem is likely going to be the asking price. What do you guys think are the chances the Twins are in serious talks for either of the Rays or the Nationals? What do you think it would cost the Twins? 

 

 

 

 

[diehardtwinsfan]

I suspect they are talking.  If trade is the way to go, I think I'd rather have Storen personally.  He should be cheaper due to having 1 year left and being a bit discontented with his current situation.  Not sure I like the idea of giving up a guy like Stewart or Gordon an RP.

[shs_59]

Andrew Miller is another name that has been floated around the league in potential deals as well.

 

But, i'm glad you avoided bringing him up Because with the Tigers recent Acquisition (Cessa) of LHP Justin Wilson {7th inning guy} (great slot reliever)  

 

That almost certainly signals the end of the Yanks' chances of Moving A. Miller in any such deal , at least for now.

 

Btw  A.L. Central off-seasons so far?

 

#1  Detroit  (wow , they've added RHP Jo Zimmerman, LHP Wilson, Closer K-Rod, CF Cam Maybin, C-Jared Saltamachia , 4th or 5th Starter Mike Pelfrey and an 8th inning reliever i think it was Mark Lowe?) + Remember they got Daniel Norris for Price last deadline ....Yikes

 

Detroit is clearly going for the division crown in 2016 and should be the early favorites quite easily actually.

 

#2 Cleveland  (shedding Bourne and Swisher and actually picking up Chris Johnson is nice, also getting LHP Rob Kaminsky for Brandon Moss was even better. They've added a slough of OF'ers to help replace Brantley; Whose lost for half of next yr. -Shane Robinson being one of them.

               ---- Part of why I tend to like they're off-season is just by keeping their young rotation in tact benefits them because by far and away they have the best rotation in our division...Well, at least untill the Tigers had to get Daniel Norris and Zimmerman)

 

#3 Twins  (B-ho Park , J.R. Murphy , a soon to be named reliever, Runzler, Boshers, Palka, John Hicks....ect...)

 

#4 White Sox    (they've added a land-slide of Catchers , and Brett Lawrie, but have lost RHP Jeff Smardjza to the Giants)

 

#5 Royals  (despite winning the World Series, and already retaining Chris Young among a few others and bringing aboard Joakim Soria and Dillon Gee two nice pitchers)  - I still rank them 5th, even with the young core in tact.

Losing Zobrist , Cueto, Holland and Alex Gordon soon is going to hurt.

However, I predict they'll still win the Central in 2016 over Detroit.

 

Ok, now, Continuing a Thought with the OP of this thread, about Oswaldo Arcia.

 

I disagree that the signing of Byung-ho Park signals the end of Arcia as a Twin, Arcia can easily win the other corner OF spot (Sano) with Eddie Rosario winning the CF Job , b/c i think its best for Buxton to be in AAA untill he gets red-hott or flat out earns a promotion.

 

BTW, I would of been for trying to get Either SS-Orlando to Minnesota or OF-Oswaldo to Milwaukee but with the Winter meetings over with, that looks like just a fantasy land idea.

[TwinsTerritory]

An interesting name to me is Mark Melancon.  There has been talk of the Pirates looking to move him to save money.  Adding him to the back end of the bullpen and using Perkins/Jepsen as set-up men would create a pretty strong threesome and may allow the Twins to give May a real chance at the rotation.  The downside is that he would be a one year rental and projects to make $10M in arbitration.  Any guesses on what it would take to rent him for a year?  I'll throw an idea out and let everyone rip on it.

 

Polanco (after trading Neil Walker, they could use a future middle infielder)

Vargas (the Pirates are said to be looking for a part-time first baseman)

Reed (a guy that could fill Melancon's role in a year or two)

 

[Mike Sixel]

while they don't have as many gaping holes.....I'm not sure they are above average many places at the start of the year.

[DaveW]

 

while they don't have as many gaping holes.....I'm not sure they are above average many places at the start of the year.

Yup:

DH-Nope

C- Nope

1B- Nope

2B- Yes (Dozier)

SS- Yes (Escobar)

3B- Nope (Plouffe)

RF- Yes (Sano)

CF- No

LF- No Rosario (not above average yet)

 

SP- Not even close

RP- Not even close

[Rosterman]

Hardly the end of Arcia. The potential of keeping HIM as the fourth outfielder and bench bad is HUGE (Vargas has options), because Santana or even Escobar/Nunez could play the outfield. But Buxton has a bit of a play here.

 

I think the twins have been passive in the movement of Plouffe to keep some established value. Wait to see how spring training pans out. Sano may still end up at third.

 

I do hope they bring the BEST rotation north like last year's threat to put Pelfrey in the bullpen. Nolasco WILL BE in the roster (sans disabled list) and if he needs to be the waaaaaay back in the bullpen guy, so be it. But Duffey could start in the minors, Milone is iffy, and who knows -- someone will open the season on the DL or maybe even be suspended.

 

The Twins need three bodies in the bullpen. They have a bunch of lefties to choose from (I say Abad and Rogers make it) and need one more righty (a long guy, perhaps) and Presssssssssley is the one to beat. But that doesn't mean you can't add someone. Of course, 

 

It is still going to be an interesting spring training. 

 

You also have to look at each and every player and how they play out in the 2017 and 2018 plans and think accordingly. Who has a short leash and can possibly be replaced by mid-season with a prospect. What does it take to create value in a player rather than just release them. How much salary will the Twins be willing to eat if push comes to shove.

 

And ALL eyes are still on Mauer! The Face of the Franchise!

[Linus]

Spend the money to sign Bastardo,move Nolasco to the pen and call it good.

[bluechipper]

 

Andrew Miller is another name that has been floated around the league in potential deals as well.

 

But, i'm glad you avoided bringing him up Because with the Tigers recent Acquisition (Cessa) of LHP Justin Wilson {7th inning guy} (great slot reliever)  

 

That almost certainly signals the end of the Yanks' chances of Moving A. Miller in any such deal , at least for now.

 

Btw  A.L. Central off-seasons so far?

 

#1  Detroit  (wow , they've added RHP Jo Zimmerman, LHP Wilson, Closer K-Rod, CF Cam Maybin, C-Jared Saltamachia , 4th or 5th Starter Mike Pelfrey and an 8th inning reliever i think it was Mark Lowe?) + Remember they got Daniel Norris for Price last deadline ....Yikes

 

Detroit is clearly going for the division crown in 2016 and should be the early favorites quite easily actually.

 

#2 Cleveland  (shedding Bourne and Swisher and actually picking up Chris Johnson is nice, also getting LHP Rob Kaminsky for Brandon Moss was even better. They've added a slough of OF'ers to help replace Brantley; Whose lost for half of next yr. -Shane Robinson being one of them.

               ---- Part of why I tend to like they're off-season is just by keeping their young rotation in tact benefits them because by far and away they have the best rotation in our division...Well, at least untill the Tigers had to get Daniel Norris and Zimmerman)

 

#3 Twins  (B-ho Park , J.R. Murphy , a soon to be named reliever, Runzler, Boshers, Palka, John Hicks....ect...)

 

#4 White Sox    (they've added a land-slide of Catchers , and Brett Lawrie, but have lost RHP Jeff Smardjza to the Giants)

 

#5 Royals  (despite winning the World Series, and already retaining Chris Young among a few others and bringing aboard Joakim Soria and Dillon Gee two nice pitchers)  - I still rank them 5th, even with the young core in tact.

Losing Zobrist , Cueto, Holland and Alex Gordon soon is going to hurt.

However, I predict they'll still win the Central in 2016 over Detroit.

 

Ok, now, Continuing a Thought with the OP of this thread, about Oswaldo Arcia.

 

I disagree that the signing of Byung-ho Park signals the end of Arcia as a Twin, Arcia can easily win the other corner OF spot (Sano) with Eddie Rosario winning the CF Job , b/c i think its best for Buxton to be in AAA untill he gets red-hott or flat out earns a promotion.

 

BTW, I would of been for trying to get Either SS-Orlando to Minnesota or OF-Oswaldo to Milwaukee but with the Winter meetings over with, that looks like just a fantasy land idea.

The Tigers better be going for it this year and next. They are getting old fast.

[tobi0040]

 

The Tigers better be going for it this year and next. They are getting old fast.

 

Said everyone every offseason since 2010.

[diehardtwinsfan]

yeah, Tiger's move seem odd. They really showed their age last year and they are doubling down in hopes that it was an outlier. I suspect that they will likely be a fixture in last place for quite some time to come.

[bluechipper]

 

Said everyone every offseason since 2010.

Even though 2010-2012 was there two best players' primes?

[Mike Sixel]

 

yeah, Tiger's move seem odd. They really showed their age last year and they are doubling down in hopes that it was an outlier. I suspect that they will likely be a fixture in last place for quite some time to come.

 

In an AL with no team like the Dodgers or Cubs.....in a division that could be a toss up....on a team with several great players.....they should do what? Fold? Stand still? Try to win while their owner is alive?

[tobi0040]

 

Even though 2010-2012 was there two best players' primes?

 

I may have gone a little early on the years. 

 

My understanding is they have an old owner that has won a few champoinships  (I think he owns the Red Wings and Pistons) and really wants a ring

[FunnyPenguin]

It seems that nearly every time the bullpen is discussed, Trevor May is never mentioned.  He is a heat throwing guy, and if he isn't destined for the rotation, can be a solid shut down man next to Jepsen and Perkins.

[old nurse]

 

 

.

 

#2 Cleveland  (shedding Bourne and Swisher and actually picking up Chris Johnson is nice, also getting LHP Rob Kaminsky for Brandon Moss was even better. They've added a slough of OF'ers to help replace Brantley; Whose lost for half of next yr. -Shane Robinson being one of them.

               ---- Part of why I tend to like they're off-season is just by keeping their young rotation in tact benefits them because by far and away they have the best rotation in our division...Well, at least untill the Tigers had to get Daniel Norris and Zimmerman)

 

Chris Johnson was designated for assignment. So far no one has claimed him.

[stringer bell]

 

It seems that nearly every time the bullpen is discussed, Trevor May is never mentioned.  He is a heat throwing guy, and if he isn't destined for the rotation, can be a solid shut down man next to Jepsen and Perkins.

Oh, I think May has been discussed plenty. Right now he is the white knight who will be the ace of the staff if only management would let him. The accompanying story is that he would also be a valuable bullpen piece, but that then his innings would be limited to about a third as many as if he were in the rotation.

[Oxtung]

50 pitchers averaged >10 K/9 last season. The Twins had none. Another 30 pitchers had >9 K/9. Still the Twins had none. A bullpen headlined by Perkins, Jepsen and May isn't "good". It's not even "ok". When you compare it to what other teams have in the back end of their bullpens the Twins are quite clearly lacking.

 

The good news is that the Twins could fix this by adding one really good reliever. That would bump everyone down the ladder one rung. All of a sudden, depending on match ups, Perkins, May and Jepsen are pitching the 7th and 8th innings with a lock down guy in the 9th.

 

When our young fireballers are ready at some point in 2016 they can bump Fien out or replace an injured Perkins. We all of a sudden have depth. Next year when Jepsen leaves they can fill the 7/8 inning role and we aren't scrambling trying to find someone.

 

By getting one really good reliever the Twins can hopefully solve their bullpen problems for the next few years with one stroke.

[gopherman23]

50 pitchers averaged >10 K/9 last season. The Twins had none. Another 30 pitchers had >9 K/9. Still the Twins had none. A bullpen headlined by Perkins, Jepsen and May isn't "good". It's not even "ok". When you compare it to what other teams have in the back end of their bullpens the Twins are quite clearly lacking.

 

The good news is that the Twins could fix this by adding one really good reliever. That would bump everyone down the ladder one rung. All of a sudden, depending on match ups, Perkins, May and Jepsen are pitching the 7th and 8th innings with a lock down guy in the 9th.

 

When our young fireballers are ready at some point in 2016 they can bump Fien out or replace an injured Perkins. We all of a sudden have depth. Next year when Jepsen leaves they can fill the 7/8 inning role and we aren't scrambling trying to find someone.

 

By getting one really good reliever the Twins can hopefully solve their bullpen problems for the next few years with one stroke.

May averaged 10.6k's/9 out of the bullpen.

[mikecgrimes]

The bullpen actually looks pretty decent with a full year of Jepsen a full year of May and a healthy Perkins. A lot has to happen for this team to take a big step forward, but that seems more likely then taking a step backwards.  For me this year will come down to how good Berrios is.  I think it's silly to care if your bullpen is better then other teams, it's a matter of being good enough.  If the Royals can throw a near perfect 3 innings at you it's a matter of getting some runs on the board early so our bullpen can give up 1 or 2 runs if need be.

[beckmt]

Twins do not want to sign relievers who will block the prospects coming up.  Believe 1 - 2 will probably be here sometime this year.  Shutdown bullpen is way to go and much cheaper than buying 2- 3 top flight starters.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Twins do not want to sign relievers who will block the prospects coming up.  Believe 1 - 2 will probably be here sometime this year.  Shutdown bullpen is way to go and much cheaper than buying 2- 3 top flight starters.

 

none of whom were even good enough to come up in September for a look see, right? So, when will they be good enough this year? How many bad innings of RP will we get before that? Or maybe they aren't trying to win this year, and it is another development year.

 

I'd be leery of any 3 year deal for a RP. I'd be leery of trading for most any RP. But I think there is a middle ground between the Stauffer experiment and a three year deal for a "proven" closer.

[Oxtung]

May averaged 10.6k's/9 out of the bullpen.

In part time work. Whether that is sustainable is anyone's guess, but for the sake of argument let's say it is. That puts him about 30th in baseball. The Twins have the lowest strikeout rate in baseball, isn't it time to improve that?

[ashbury]

May averaged 10.6k's/9 out of the bullpen.

In part time work. Whether that is sustainable is anyone's guess, but for the sake of argument let's say it is. That puts him about 30th in baseball. The Twins have the lowest strikeout rate in baseball, isn't it time to improve that?

Meanwhile the Yankees ran two guys out there game after game (60 and 74 respectively) with SO/9 above 14, not to mention while maintaining ERA/FIP a lot better than May showed in relief. May's good, no question, and I don't believe for a second that 2015 will turn out to have been his finest year. But the bar, the state of the art, is considerably higher than it once was.