Sign Yu Darvish = Shohei Otani as well

[darin617]

Just driving home today had MLB radio on and on Inside Pitch and they talked quite a bit about how Yu Darvish & Shohei Otani are really good friends and also sound like they want to play together.

 

It would a nice pair of pitchers to bring into 2018.

[DocBauer]

At the end of the day...and no, I didn't hear the report...all offers being equal, more or less, friends or simply countrymen, I'd think if Darvish believed in the Twins team, potential and FO, and signed on, it would have to mean a strong positive to also sign Otani as well.

 

1] The initial contract parameters would be just about equal to anyone else.

2] He'd have said friend/countryman at his side with a GM known.

3] if even half of the recent reports are true that he doesn't care about the big city markets and wants to be on a young and contending team are true...and...

4] he'd like a chance to still hit...and the Twins are an AL team where is far more likely, and without a fixture at DH....

 

All that combined with playing half his games in one of the best parks in MLB, why wouldn't he at least consider the Twins closely?

[gunnarthor]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/yu-darvish-shohei-ohtani-among-priorities-for-twins.html#comments

 

I mean, I have no doubt that this doesn't happen but our GM is talking about it so maybe I'm wrong. Good hot stove if nothing else.

[darin617]

It's nice to see the package deal for Japanese pitchers.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

In fairness to Levine, this is not quite right. Listening to the interview linked on the other thread, what I took away from Levine's comments was that the priority for the Twins right now was putting together the best possible sales pitch for these guys, not necessarily confident they will sign them--though that would be icing in the cake. At least that's how I interpreted it. Thoughts?

[Thrylos]

Got to love this quote from there:

 

“He’s a unique free agent, but we don’t know a lot about him personally yet,” Levine said of Ohtani. “It’s exciting for us because we have a chance to sign a player like him. He’s a top priority for us.”

 

They either need to rethink the ways they assign top priorities (ie. make someone top priority after they know enough about him) or he is just talking...

[Rhino and Compass]

 

In fairness to Levine, this is not quite right. Listening to the interview linked on the other thread, what I took away from Levine's comments was that the priority for the Twins right now was putting together the best possible sales pitch for these guys, not necessarily confident they will sign them--though that would be icing in the cake. At least that's how I interpreted it. Thoughts?

I'm allowing myself to be excited that they are going to try to be players for the bigger names, whether or not they going to be in the ballpark. It's confirmation that the Twins see their window opening and will be aggressive in taking advantage of this opportunity. Bring it on.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I'm allowing myself to be excited that they are going to try to be players for the bigger names, whether or not they going to be in the ballpark. It's confirmation that the Twins see their window opening and will be aggressive in taking advantage of this opportunity. Bring it on.

That's fine, I'm still holding back

 

Just trying to throw some cold water on the "Ohtani or bust!" interpretation of his comments, for my own sanity if nothing else.

[mikelink45]

In a Hot Stove season that has lacked much a match so far this season this gives us something to talk and think about until the actual signing. A good move from PR at least.

[Monkeypaws]

Competitively, the Twins are an attractive landing place for any pitcher - team on the upswing, good pieces in place, solid stream of good prospects, openings, sustainable.

 

I read comments in a thread on MLB trade rumors that said Minnesota is a hard sell compared to NY, La, Seattle, etc. 

 

Not so sure, having been to all the competition. Life is RELATIVELY easy and pretty happening in the Cities, and winter isn't a consideration for baseball player.

[laloesch]

At the end of the day...and no, I didn't hear the report...all offers being equal, more or less, friends or simply countrymen, I'd think if Darvish believed in the Twins team, potential and FO, and signed on, it would have to mean a strong positive to also sign Otani as well.

1] The initial contract parameters would be just about equal to anyone else.

2] He'd have said friend/countryman at his side with a GM known.

3] if even half of the recent reports are true that he doesn't care about the big city markets and wants to be on a young and contending team are true...and...

4] he'd like a chance to still hit...and the Twins are an AL team where is far more likely, and without a fixture at DH....

All that combined with playing half his games in one of the best parks in MLB, why wouldn't he at least consider the Twins closely?

I think the biggest thing is a lack of a permanent established DH for the Twins. I would pitch this to Ohtani right up front. That is a big big deal priority for him.

[RaymondLuxuryYacht]

 

That's fine, I'm still holding back

Just trying to throw some cold water on the "Ohtani or bust!" interpretation of his comments, for my own sanity if nothing else.

Do you go to a bar and "throw cold water" on your hopes of hooking up?  Good thing wont happen with that mindset

[Broker]

With the Twins offense thse 2 guys could win a lot of games next year. Also the lack of a permanent DH gives Ohtani an opportunity to hit the ball.

[PseudoSABR]

 

Got to love this quote from there:

 

“He’s a unique free agent, but we don’t know a lot about him personally yet,” Levine said of Ohtani. “It’s exciting for us because we have a chance to sign a player like him. He’s a top priority for us.”

 

They either need to rethink the ways they assign top priorities (ie. make someone top priority after they know enough about him) or he is just talking...

You're really stretching to find some criticism. 

 

"Personally" is the operative word there, and you're construing the word in a way that makes your criticism make sense (that they've never scouted him, never personally seen video of him, or whatever), rather than making Levine's entire statement make sense (that they haven't personally met the guy, know what his personality is like, etc. but they know his skill level and the potential impact he can have on their team).