General Free Agent Discussion

[nicksaviking]

I'm ready to go hog wild on free agent relievers, there seem to be nearly two dozen that could be back-end guys but I don't know that I have anyone specific that I really want. I want strikeouts and I'd like walks limited. I used to say I wanted velocity but really that's only for the strikeouts, however I think we saw with Reed this year that it's a really thin line.

 

Who else are people looking for? There's only a handful of bats and starters that interest me so I think I'd prefer to try to swing some trades for those spots but I know others will have different opinions. I'm guessing Patrick Corbin will be a popular name. I just looked at him a bit closer and didn't realize he only throws 90-92, I thought he'd throw harder. I'm also not a fan of his high sinker usage, but I am a fan of his obscenely high slider usage. I like me some slider. Where are we at medically these days with high slider usage? It seems to me that it used to be assumed that overuse of the slider was a red flag for future injuries. Is that still a common philosophy or have we moved away from that.

 

Josh Donaldson? I know he's another popular choice, that could be fun.

 

Anyway, just thought people could start tossing out their favorite targets.

[Vanimal46]

Like you I'm intrigued with over a dozen bullpen arms. I hope they invest in at least 2 arms that can be fireman types, and one more flyer.

 

Josh Donaldson makes a lot of sense for 3B/1B, but is a high risk. He could boom or bust at this point in his career.

 

As far as a "6th man" type who rotates all over the field starting wherever someone needs a day off I really like Marwin Gonzalez.

 

And SS I think it's Iglesias or bust as far as FA options.

[Clear]

Ottavino could help this BP

[SF Twins Fan]

 

Like you I'm intrigued with over a dozen bullpen arms. I hope they invest in at least 2 arms that can be fireman types, and one more flyer.

Josh Donaldson makes a lot of sense for 3B/1B, but is a high risk. He could boom or bust at this point in his career.

As far as a "6th man" type who rotates all over the field starting wherever someone needs a day off I really like Marwin Gonzalez.

And SS I think it's Iglesias or bust as far as FA options.

 

This would be my ideal offseason, knowing that the Twins won't get Harper or Machado. The Twins need two good bullpen arms to add to May, Rodgers and Hildenberger. I'd be willing to add Donaldson on a 2 to maybe 3 year deal since he will be 33 in December. Adding Iglesis would allow Polanco to move to 2nd, where he is better suited for and would greatly improve the infield defense.

[Vanimal46]

Another guy I'm interested in is Andrew McCutchen as a RH starting option in the OF. That would also help fulfill my prophecy of trading Kepler + Gordon for starting pitching.

[Major League Ready]

 

Like you I'm intrigued with over a dozen bullpen arms. I hope they invest in at least 2 arms that can be fireman types, and one more flyer.

Josh Donaldson makes a lot of sense for 3B/1B, but is a high risk. He could boom or bust at this point in his career.

As far as a "6th man" type who rotates all over the field starting wherever someone needs a day off I really like Marwin Gonzalez.

And SS I think it's Iglesias or bust as far as FA options.

 

I think signing Iglesias and moving Polanco to 2nd is huge along with a couple BP arms. One or both of them will hopefully be pushed out but that's ideal.

 

Love the Donaldson move to as long as the market factors in the risk.

 

Gonzalez was someone I was thinking of too until Austudillo came along. I know the baseball pundits don't think he belongs on a MLB roster and Gonzalez is a very good utility man but Austidillo was a breath of fresh air and he can BU at catcher. I would sit him down and have a talk about the importance of conditioning and then arm him with the help of a nutritionist and strength coach.

[Vanimal46]

I think signing Iglesias and moving Polanco to 2nd is huge along with a couple BP arms. One or both of them will hopefully be pushed out but that's ideal.

 

Love the Donaldson move to as long as the market factors in the risk.

 

Gonzalez was someone I was thinking of too until Austudillo came along. I know the baseball pundits don't think he belongs on a MLB roster and Gonzalez is a very good utility man but Austidillo was a breath of fresh air and he can BU at catcher. I would sit him down and have a talk about the importance of conditioning and then arm him with the help of a nutritionist and strength coach.

Yeah I think moving Polanco off SS is the highest priority move for the lineup.

 

Frankly I am more comfortable if Astudillo is the first reinforcement from AAA. But I haven't seen him play enough in the field to know if he can play multiple positions well. Or if he's passable, much like Grossman was in the OF.

[TheLeviathan]

SS Iglesias 4/50

3B Escobar 4/50

RP Britton 4/60

RP Capps 3/30

OF Cutch 2/20

 

That's about 60M and would make for the following roster:

 

C - Garver/Austidillo

1B - Austin/Sano/OF

2B - Polanco

SS - Iglesias

3B - Escobar

LF - Rosario

CF - Cutch/Buxton

RF - Kepler

DH - Sano/Austin

Bench: Adrianza/Cave/Cutch

 

SP - Berrios

SP - Gibson

SP - Odorizzi

SP - Romero

SP - ?

 

CL - Britton

RP - Capps, Rogers, Hildy, Reed, May, Moya, Magill/Whomever

 

I'd also be looking to bargain add a SP that someone feels they are paying too much.  Like Grienke.

[Kelly Vance]

 

Another guy I'm interested in is Andrew McCutchen as a RH starting option in the OF. That would also help fulfill my prophecy of trading Kepler + Gordon for starting pitching.

I have always liked Andrew, same as Lo Cain. These are guys I'd just like to see on the team. 

[nicksaviking]

Yeah, so far it seems we're real big on veteran role model types. If that's a thing we're still doing with the new manager McCutchen would be a great addition considering that he's actually a capable player as well. With his reliable on base skills I'd plug him right into the leadoff spot and feel better about starting off the game than I would be with one of the young guys who we're still only projecting. He'd show all the young guys how to use the entire field as well.

[old nurse]

 

SS Iglesias 4/50

3B Escobar 4/50

RP Britton 4/60

RP Capps 3/30

OF Cutch 2/20

 

That's about 60M and would make for the following roster:

 

C - Garver/Austidillo

1B - Austin/Sano/OF

2B - Polanco

SS - Iglesias

3B - Escobar

LF - Rosario

CF - Cutch/Buxton

RF - Kepler

DH - Sano/Austin

Bench: Adrianza/Cave/Cutch

 

SP - Berrios

SP - Gibson

SP - Odorizzi

SP - Romero

SP - ?

 

CL - Britton

RP - Capps, Rogers, Hildy, Reed, May, Moya, Magill/Whomever

 

I'd also be looking to bargain add a SP that someone feels they are paying too much.  Like Grienke.

Matt Capps has not pitched in the majors for 6 years. Carter has not had a full season in over 3 years. His hop step is no longer allowed, he had to relearn how to pitch,Either would be ecstatic over a 3/30 deal. Carter Capps could be had for an incentive laden contract .  More probable is a minor league deal with an invite to camp to preserve 40 man space.

[Linus]

I’m liking these ideas especially Iglesias at short with Polanco to second. I would add 3 BP arms as I don’t trust any of them besides May and Rogers. Third priority would a good right handed hitting outfielder that be acceptable defensively. If this got done I would be happy

[Shaitan]

 

SS Iglesias 4/50

3B Escobar 4/50

RP Britton 4/60

RP Capps 3/30

OF Cutch 2/20

 

That's about 60M and would make for the following roster:

 

C - Garver/Austidillo

1B - Austin/Sano/OF

2B - Polanco

SS - Iglesias

3B - Escobar

LF - Rosario

CF - Cutch/Buxton

RF - Kepler

DH - Sano/Austin

Bench: Adrianza/Cave/Cutch

 

SP - Berrios

SP - Gibson

SP - Odorizzi

SP - Romero

SP - ?

 

CL - Britton

RP - Capps, Rogers, Hildy, Reed, May, Moya, Magill/Whomever

 

I'd also be looking to bargain add a SP that someone feels they are paying too much.  Like Grienke.

No Castro?

[TheLeviathan]

You are correct, I forgot about him. Not sure what to think about Castro.

[TheLeviathan]

Matt Capps has not pitched in the majors for 6 years. Carter has not had a full season in over 3 years. His hop step is no longer allowed, he had to relearn how to pitch,Either would be ecstatic over a 3/30 deal. Carter Capps could be had for an incentive laden contract .  More probable is a minor league deal with an invite to camp to preserve 40 man space.

I disagree Carter Capps is going to be a minor league deal. Maybe I'm too high, but that's way too low.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

 

SS Iglesias 4/50

3B Escobar 4/50

RP Britton 4/60

RP Capps 3/30

OF Cutch 2/20

 

That's about 60M and would make for the following roster:

 

C - Garver/Austidillo

1B - Austin/Sano/OF

2B - Polanco

SS - Iglesias

3B - Escobar

LF - Rosario

CF - Cutch/Buxton

RF - Kepler

DH - Sano/Austin

Bench: Adrianza/Cave/Cutch

 

SP - Berrios

SP - Gibson

SP - Odorizzi

SP - Romero

SP - ?

 

CL - Britton

RP - Capps, Rogers, Hildy, Reed, May, Moya, Magill/Whomever

 

I'd also be looking to bargain add a SP that someone feels they are paying too much.  Like Grienke.

Castro's knee makes me agree with you that he won't be putting on the tools of ignorance in '19. 

[TheLeviathan]

Seems Capps is not a FA, last time I trust sportrac!

[DocBauer]

Really like most of the ideas here and generally agree. Skipping names for the BP as there are a lot of options that will be out there, but 2 for sure.

 

Even though I feel Polanco is OK at SS and improving, he's moving to 2B sooner or later anyway, (Lewis). Iglesius makes perfect sense at SS.

 

I know it's a worn out arguement and not worth discussing directly, but I like a healthy Sano at 3B. But I also love Escobar as a play every day utility who could also end up starting at one position.

 

I am torn about 1 last guy: 1B or OF? Do we trust Austin to be the starter at 1B? Is there a better option that wouldn't be long term with a couple top prospects like Rooker and Khirriloff close? (Kepler could also be a fit). Or do we look for an OF/DH instead who might even hit lead off and be dangerous? Believe McCutcheon was just mentioned.

 

It's the last option that I'm unsure about.

[RatherBeGolfing]

The thing with Donaldson is you'd almost have to plan on him being at 1B/DH, which is fine but actually relying on him to play 3B and stay healthy doing it is wishful thinking

[nicksaviking]

 

I am torn about 1 last guy: 1B or OF? Do we trust Austin to be the starter at 1B? Is there a better option that wouldn't be long term with a couple top prospects like Rooker and Khirriloff close? (Kepler could also be a fit). Or do we look for an OF/DH instead who might even hit lead off and be dangerous? Believe McCutcheon was just mentioned.

It's the last option that I'm unsure about.

 

Unless they find themselves a real thumper at 1B who's going to be a no-doubt difference maker I'd rather play matchups at 1B and rotate Austin, Sano, Garver and Kepler there. 

 

It would be nice if the team made a move right away for a defensively flexible player, say Marwin Gonsalez, so they can make later moves that maybe aren't so driven by specific positions.

 

[Physics Guy]

Here's my take:

 

Donaldson 4yrs/80 M

Iglesias  4yrs/44M

Familia 3yrs/36M

Robertson 3yrs/30M

 

That's 53M for this year, putting us between 100M and 110M with projected arbitration, less Grossman.

 

Roster:

C - Garver, Castro

1B - Donaldson, Austin, Kepler

2B - Polanco, Adrianza

SS - Iglesias, Adrianza

3B - Sano, Donaldson

LF - Rosario, Cave

CF - Buxton, Kepler

RF - Kepler, Cave

 

SP - Berrios, Gibson, Odorizzi  then 2 of:  Romero, Pineda, Stewart, Gonsalves, Littel, Mejia

 

RP - Familia, Robertson, Rogers, May, Hildy, Reed, Magill/Drake/Moya

 

Lineups:

 

Vs RHP:    2B Polanco, 1B Donaldson, LF Rosario, 3B Sano, DH Cave, RF Kepler, C Castro, SS Iglesias, CF Buxton

 

Vs LHP:    2B Polanco, DH Donaldson, 3B Sano, 1B Austin, LF Rosario, C Garver, RF Kepler, SS Iglesias, CF Buxton

 

Donaldson can play 3B 20-25% of the time and allow Sano to DH, Cave and Austin can get occasional starts against same handed P when Donaldson or Sano need to sit or if Cave is outproducing Kepler. I really feel they need to add some additional RH pop into the lineup. These signings give them significant flexibility and protection from issues with Buxton and Sano. 

 

I feel like the Twins have some options for the 4&5 starter that I would like to see rather than a veteran depth signing. I don't see much at the top in the FA pool outside Corbin and Keuchel which I don't think we can win the bidding for. I'd rather they build depth on the back end of the bullpen that would give them a chance in the postseason and one that the manager won't burn out. Oops, I forgot the FO already took care of that.

 

[Twins33]

I haven't looked into it a ton but I'd definitely be fine with Escobar or Gonzalez. I'm warming to Donaldson the more people mention him, but I'd rather have that pipe dream guy. Not sure if mr pipe dream would want to be a 3B though. I'd take him as a SS too. Otherwise, Iglesias would be a top priority to improve SS defense.

 

Signing or trading for a good CF is a must, Buxton insurance. Corbin would be great if he pitches like that again. I'd take that risk. And I haven't looked at RP FA's, but it's a must to sign 2-3 of them.

[TheLeviathan]

I would want absolutely nothing to do with a 4 year contract to Donaldson.

[Mr. Brooks]

Here's my take:

 

Donaldson 4yrs/80 M

Iglesias 4yrs/44M

Familia 3yrs/36M

Robertson 3yrs/30M

 

That's 53M for this year, putting us between 100M and 110M with projected arbitration, less Grossman.

 

Roster:

C - Garver, Castro

1B - Donaldson, Austin, Kepler

2B - Polanco, Adrianza

SS - Iglesias, Adrianza

3B - Sano, Donaldson

LF - Rosario, Cave

CF - Buxton, Kepler

RF - Kepler, Cave

 

SP - Berrios, Gibson, Odorizzi then 2 of: Romero, Pineda, Stewart, Gonsalves, Littel, Mejia

 

RP - Familia, Robertson, Rogers, May, Hildy, Reed, Magill/Drake/Moya

 

Lineups:

 

Vs RHP: 2B Polanco, 1B Donaldson, LF Rosario, 3B Sano, DH Cave, RF Kepler, C Castro, SS Iglesias, CF Buxton

 

Vs LHP: 2B Polanco, DH Donaldson, 3B Sano, 1B Austin, LF Rosario, C Garver, RF Kepler, SS Iglesias, CF Buxton

 

Donaldson can play 3B 20-25% of the time and allow Sano to DH, Cave and Austin can get occasional starts against same handed P when Donaldson or Sano need to sit or if Cave is outproducing Kepler. I really feel they need to add some additional RH pop into the lineup. These signings give them significant flexibility and protection from issues with Buxton and Sano.

 

I feel like the Twins have some options for the 4&5 starter that I would like to see rather than a veteran depth signing. I don't see much at the top in the FA pool outside Corbin and Keuchel which I don't think we can win the bidding for. I'd rather they build depth on the back end of the bullpen that would give them a chance in the postseason and one that the manager won't burn out. Oops, I forgot the FO already took care of that.

That would put them at $118.75 million, going by MLB trade rumors estimates, and excluding Grossman.

I'm not optimistic that they'll spend that much.

[nicksaviking]

 

I would want absolutely nothing to do with a 4 year contract to Donaldson.

 

That does look like trouble defensively. I might still be interested, I really want a big RH bat to work the left field seats like Dozier and Willingham used to.

 

Iglesias is a popular name I see. I don't want him around for four years though either, his bat is just so weak. Would Freddy Galvis come aboard for two years? SS isn't an all-glove position anymore, one of these years I'm going to want someone (through trade, free agency or development) for the long term; someone who isn't going to be an offensive liability and I don't think a four year deal to a stop-gap guy is my cup of tea.

[Badsmerf]

Seriously. Sign Machado for 8 years 300. He will be worth it. Play ss until Lewis is ready (which might be after next year). Let Sano play 3b next year. Find a replacement level player to be a utility inf, and insurance for Sano.

 

Then, upgrade the pitching staff. Help the bullpen, and upgrade the rotation if they price is right.

[nicksaviking]

 

Seriously. Sign Machado for 8 years 300. He will be worth it. Play ss until Lewis is ready (which might be after next year). Let Sano play 3b next year. Find a replacement level player to be a utility inf, and insurance for Sano.

Then, upgrade the pitching staff. Help the bullpen, and upgrade the rotation if they price is right.

 

I'd be in favor, but there's probably at least a half dozen teams that can or would top that. The Yankees being chief among them.

 

Here's the most depressing line from the most depressing article I've read today:

 

"Mere dollar figures might not do justice to how much room the Yankees have to spend this winter, so let’s put it another way: New York could sign Patrick Corbin, Clayton Kershaw, and Manny Machado and still end up spending the same amount on payroll and taxes as they did in the 2015 and -16 seasons."

 

https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-yankees-have-a-lot-of-payroll-to-use/

 

But the good news is the Yankees are loaded in the bullpen so a team like the Twins may not have to compete against them for that particular area of the game.

[tvagle]

I for one have an issue with this guy being added to what could be politely considered a clubhouse with some issues already

 

 

[ashbury]

I for one have an issue with this guy being added to what could be politely considered a clubhouse with some issues already

 

Oh, that's just Dozier and Escobar having some fun with a mock spat, there.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I for one have an issue with this guy being added to what could be politely considered a clubhouse with some issues already

 

 

the motor city kitties lost 98 games. There’s gonna be some of those with that level of ineptitude.