A plea to the front office.

[Tomj14]

 

What about Sergio Romo? Probably someone that could be had quite easily at this point.. he is nothing special and wont blow it by you with an 86 mph fastball but if the Twins front office is going to go cheap then i dont think hes a terrible option...or am i just grasping at straws right now?

I was in on Romo in June or even early July, but now it seems like they need more and better. IMO

[alarp33]

Lots of focus (rightfully so) on the atrocious bullpen, but don't forget the Twins got Gibson an 8-2 lead through 4 innings and he immediately gave up a 3 run home run and couldn't pitch into the 6th. One night after they get Perez a 7-3 lead and he can't get an out in the 5th. 

 

At this point the Twins have 2 starters (Berrios, Odorizzi) they can semi count on to start a playoff game against an offense like the Yankees or Astros and nothing else. 

[Dman]

 

Getting Duran for 2 months of Escobar was a great deal IMO. Reminds me of how we got Escobar for 2 months of Liriano but most called that a bad trade at the time.

Trading Pressly and then doing nothing to bolster the pen has been the most confusing thing the FO has done so far. Outside of giving Matt Freaking Belisle most of last season to embarrass himself.

 

Totally agree.  I I figured they had all off-season to try and replace Pressly with someone at least close to what he gave the team and they got two decent prospects to boot.  They never did hit the market for relievers I guess feeling like they could develop some strong arms from the farm.  Unfortunately Meija, Romero, and Hildenberger were not the answer and while Littel and Stewart have had their moments they certainly aren't a veteran presence I thought they would get to replace Pressly.  

 

Given how it worked out I would have to say I do have Sellers remorse when it comes to the Pressly deal but only because the FO did so little to fill the gap they created when they traded him.

[akmanak]

Not going to happen. I think they would of pulled the trigger already. We have seen this time and time again

[jud6312]

I'm to the point where I'd like three arms.

 

Talk to KC about Kennedy.

 

Talk to Texas about Leclerc and Martin.

 

Talk to Toronto about Giles.

 

Set the market and bring in 2-3 guys that can help.

 

 

[Dman]

 

Again, if the Jays and Royals haven’t decided to sell, their FO can’t read a standings sheet very well.

 

Right but are those the guys they want?  Do they want to be in on Greinke or MadBum or other pitchers on other teams more than what the Jays or Royals have?  They can only make so many deals.  If those are the best available guys then sure go ahead try and pull the trigger.  It also takes two to make a deal.  Those teams might want to wait to ratchet up pressure to get more for those players.  Maybe they think they can get more than what the Twins are willing to offer.  There are more things to consider unless you want to blow your wad this year and then have no farm left.  At this point what is 5 more days?

[terrydactyls]

It takes two teams to make a trade.  Seems like a lot of them are waiting,waiting, waiting.  Maybe has something to do with so many wondering if they should be sellers or buyers.

Your post saved me a lot of typing. So many posters act like a trade is easy. It isn't unless it is 100% lopsided, not in your favor.

[ashbury]

I really do think it has to do with some teams trying to figure out if they are selling. 

"Here's Trevor Larnach. You're a seller."

[ashbury]

 It isn't unless it is 100% lopsided, not in your favor.

Yes. What's your point?

[yarnivek1972]

Right but are those the guys they want? Do they want to be in on Greinke or MadBum or other pitchers on other teams more than what the Jays or Royals have? They can only make so many deals. If those are the best available guys then sure go ahead try and pull the trigger. It also takes two to make a deal. Those teams might want to wait to ratchet up pressure to get more for those players. Maybe they think they can get more than what the Twins are willing to offer. There are more things to consider unless you want to blow your wad this year and then have no farm left. At this point what is 5 more days?

I would argue Stroman is better than Bumgarner. Maybe not Grienke. But Grienke can block a trade to the Twins. Stroman cannot. Giles and Kennedy are two of the most effective closers in MLB in 2019. Those three would make the team substantially better.

[USAFChief]

Your post saved me a lot of typing. So many posters act like a trade is easy. It isn't unless it is 100% lopsided, not in your favor.

When I didn’t pay my electric bill, and I’m freezing to death because I can’t heat my house, i can either pay the exorbitant cost of hooking it back up, or die.

 

I’m going to hook it back up, and maybe make a note to self “lesson learned, fool.” But I’m not going to wait for spring, hoping the prices will drop.

[jokin]

 

I've been told by people I respect that "the market hasn't been established yet." Personally, I think that's pretty generous excuse making, but ok, let's grant that. We have to wait a week, rather than be a leader and actually establish a market for once.

 

So start here: Mr Pohlad has repeatedly said money isn't a problem. Ian Kennedy is in KC with an onorous contract. But he'd be the Twins second best reliever, by a fair margin, IMO. Go get him. Take on a chunk of that contract, say...I don't know, 40 percent. KC will liklely happily accept that offer, for nothing much in terms of prospect(s).

 

He could be here tomorrow, if you wanted to make it happen.

 

This.

 

Exactly what I've been talking about. There are guys like this around the league. And these in these circumstances would be so thrilled to unload an undesirable contract, they'll maybe even throw in a guy- or guys- that will also help. Just sweeten the pot appropriately.

 

And no replies about having to throw in Lewis or Kiriloff as the sweeteners. The overpay value for RPs- rental or extended control- has been pretty well established- by the MN Twins- one year ago this month.

[Number3]

1. Twins can still win the series.

2. Most teams are looking to strengthen their bull pen.

3. These are the Yankees about whom their own manager said are a bunch of savages.

4. Bull pen has had many nice efforts including Monday's game against the same team.

5. Recommending and pleading to get more talent in the bull pen is not exactly a stroke of genius.

6. I have a recommendation. Shake it off and go out tonight and score more runs than the savages do.

[Utah Twins Fan]

Lots of focus (rightfully so) on the atrocious bullpen, but don't forget the Twins got Gibson an 8-2 lead through 4 innings and he immediately gave up a 3 run home run and couldn't pitch into the 6th. One night after they get Perez a 7-3 lead and he can't get an out in the 5th.

 

At this point the Twins have 2 starters (Berrios, Odorizzi) they can semi count on to start a playoff game against an offense like the Yankees or Astros and nothing else.

This is something that needs to be addressed as well. The starters have to have to get into the 7th inning with this bullpen short start by Gibby and others with a lead against good teams can’t happen and will hurt this team moving forward. I was talking to a friend during the game and is it me or is Gibson the most frustrating person to watch pitch?!? Big lead and he’s trying to nibble at the corners instead of just challenging hitters walks kill. This is not was cost them the game just frustrating to watch. IMO

[alarp33]

 

I was talking to a friend during the game and is it me or is Gibson the most frustrating person to watch pitch?!? Big lead and he’s trying to nibble at the corners instead of just challenging hitters walks kill. This is not was cost them the game just frustrating to watch. IMO

 

It is not just you. 

[FLTwinsGuy]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/07/falvey-on-twins-deadline-approach.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

 

What do we think?

[SirLoin]

At this point, see what kind of prospects it would take to get Francisco Liriano and Ian Kennedy.  I'd much rather run one of those two out there than Kohl Stewart.

[Darius]

People can make all of the excuses they want for why a move hasn’t been made. But, that’s all they are. Bad excuses that are bordering on delusion/denial at this point.

 

The lack of attention to the pen during the off-season was a giant mistake. There should be no pass given there. That’s a decision they made. Didn’t the think this team could win? Well, that was an awful evaluation (and why spend the cash on Gonzalez, Cron, etc, then?). Bringing in Blake Parker as a late inning guy after he was cast off by a worse team? Wonderful idea.

 

The market hasn’t been set? Does anyone even know what that means? That is such a Pohlad Pocket Protector-esque meaningless excuse.

 

The market exists while the window is open. It always exists. Nothing has to be “set” by another team in order to make a trade. If the market wasn’t set, how did the Yankees, Athletics, and Red Sox all address needs via trade already? Bunch of hogwash.

 

But, let’s say that excuse holds any water whatsoever. You have to make a trade first in order to set the market. Why is it illegal for the Twins to the pull the trigger first? We must wait until the choice relievers are gone to know what to pay for the leftovers? What does that even mean, “the market isn’t set?” Infuriating excuse.

 

I’m starting to wonder: What good moves has this FO made? Bringing in Cruz? My 4 year old could tell you that Nelson Cruz is a good player and should be signed if affordable (let’s not act like he didn’t fall in their lap, either. If any of about 15-20 other teams wanted him that’s where he’d be). Cron? He came here by default, basically. Nobody wanted him. Anyone else worth a damn is a holdover from the Ryan/Smith regimes. There’s a pretty long list of awful evaluations piling up (Morrison, Lynn, Schoop is awful, Parker, etc.).

 

These guys are given way more credit than they deserve. What good are these numbers they’ve been crunching doing now? They’re watching what is possibly the best chance they’ll have to win a World Series slip away.

[Alex Schieferdecker]

Calm down everybody, goodness.

[Riverbrian]

 

I've been told by people I respect that "the market hasn't been established yet." Personally, I think that's pretty generous excuse making, but ok, let's grant that. We have to wait a week, rather than be a leader and actually establish a market for once.

 

So start here: Mr Pohlad has repeatedly said money isn't a problem. Ian Kennedy is in KC with an onorous contract. But he'd be the Twins second best reliever, by a fair margin, IMO. Go get him. Take on a chunk of that contract, say...I don't know, 40 percent. KC will liklely happily accept that offer, for nothing much in terms of prospect(s).

 

He could be here tomorrow, if you wanted to make it happen.

 

This makes it sound so easy. 

 

Like there is no other possible influences changing the outcome. Just call Kansas City, offer this. Done deal. Kansas City will just say yes because no other team has thought of this.  

 

Do you think the Twins are the only team who has called Kansas City to ask how much money Kansas City will eat for your benefit.   

 

I agree we should have been more Bullpen serious in the off-season and during the season. I've often said that... but that isn't going to change the trade deadline complications of today. The Yankees were very bullpen serious in the off season and they are still most likely also calling Kansas City. Along with the Rays, Red Sox, Indians, Astros, A's, Braves, Phillies, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers and D-Backs and maybe the Giants now. 

 

The Twins will probably have to do some over paying because of the lack of clear cut sellers but there has to be a limit and they have to prioritize the targets they seek. 

 

OK they over pay for Kennedy to establish the market at your request. Now, they just drove the price up on Giles by over paying for Kennedy. 

 

The top of the Twins prioritized list are probably the same players on top of the prioritized list of other teams. After a deep breath and clear mind... everybody should be able to see what kind of complication this creates to making a deal immediately. 

 

Ask yourself who has the leverage with just a couple of clear cut sellers and lots of buyers... the market is going to get established by how much the seller is willing to sell for. If you want the buyer to set the market today... It's Royce Lewis for Matt Capps. 

  

 

[ashbury]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/07/falvey-on-twins-deadline-approach.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

 

What do we think?

"Don't expect much."

[Twinsrule1991]

They don't care. Plain and simple. The Pohlad family does not care about Twins baseball the way the fans do. They have collected their paychecks off this team for years and have every intent of continuing to for as long as they can. We built them a stadium on the promise they would raise payroll and field a competitive team and they have refused to do that. It's not hard to show that you care. Spend money on your team and invest in the product on the field. But they REFUSE to do it. Refuse to ever push the chips in and go for it all. There is a reason we are consistently ****ed by the Yankees. It is because they care about what they put on the field; day in and day out; year in and year out. I hate this ownership group. I hate the culture they have brought to the Twins and I hate that I care so much about a team that doesn't give a **** about how we feel. Say what you want about our other owners in town (Taylor, Leipold, and Ziggy), but at least I have never questioned if they care. And really, that's all I ****ing want from this team.

[rdehring]

I expect we are all frustrated after this past week, I know I am.  Going into tonight, we have played six games against two of the best teams in baseball, two teams that are amongst the hottest teams when coming into Target Field.  The results going into tonight's final is 3-3.  Couple games in there we could'a, should'a won.  Probably a couple of wins we could'a lost.  Had someone told me a week ago we would be 3-3 today, I would have been happy.

 

With that said, I also am frustrated.  Was so beat up that last night I finally said to hell with it and went to bed about 10:15.  Guess I missed a lot of fireworks.  Is pitching a problem, yes.  But the starters haven't gone all that deep into games this past week and the bullpen is getting worn down.  May have something to do with two teams who are amongst the best at working counts, building pitch counts.  

 

Do we need help in the bullpen?  I would agree, we do.  Expect the front office also agrees with that.  Does anyone really think that they are not trying to find an arm or two?  With all the talk about going to KC and getting Kennedy, who says they haven't tried that and been told he isn't available.  Wouldn't surprise me if KC doesn't want to trade him to a divisional rival.  Or KC thinks the market will improve and said, sure, pick up his entire contract and give us Kirilloff and Graterol.  Sounds ridiculous.  Well, none of us know what discussions have been between the Twins FO and any/all GM's.  Maybe the responses until this date have been ridiculous...none of us know.    

 

My advice, let's sit back and enjoy what the Twins are doing and hope they get something done.  And if nothing has happened by Sunday, may be a good idea to catch an early service and pray that something gets done.  To be honest, that's about the only thing I can control in this process.

[USAFChief]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/07/falvey-on-twins-deadline-approach.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

What do we think?

Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

[USAFChief]

This makes it sound so easy. 

 

Like there is no other possible influences changing the outcome. Just call Kansas City, offer this. Done deal. Kansas City will just say yes because no other team has thought of this.  

 

Do you think the Twins are the only team who has called Kansas City to ask how much money Kansas City will eat for your benefit.   

 

I agree we should have been more Bullpen serious in the off-season and during the season. I've often said that... but that isn't going to change the trade deadline complications of today. The Yankees were very bullpen serious in the off season and they are still most likely also calling Kansas City. Along with the Rays, Red Sox, Indians, Astros, A's, Braves, Phillies, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers and D-Backs and maybe the Giants now. 

 

The Twins will probably have to do some over paying because of the lack of clear cut sellers but there has to be a limit and they have to prioritize the targets they seek. 

 

OK they over pay for Kennedy to establish the market at your request. Now, they just drove the price up on Giles by over paying for Kennedy. 

 

The top of the Twins prioritized list are probably the same players on top of the prioritized list of other teams. After a deep breath and clear mind... everybody should be able to see what kind of complication this creates to making a deal immediately. 

 

Ask yourself who has the leverage with just a couple of clear cut sellers and lots of buyers... the market is going to get established by how much the seller is willing to sell for. If you want the buyer to set the market today... It's Royce Lewis for Matt Capps.

 

You make it sound so difficult.

 

It’s really not. It hasn’t been since November.

 

Get. It. Done.

 

There’s an old saying about excuses, someone remind me...what are they like again?

[ashbury]

It was surprisingly late in my career that a boss pointed out to me the important distinction between efficiency and effectiveness. Efficiency is needed and necessary and probably most of the time is the rule to follow. But once in a while, you have to tilt toward effectiveness.

 

The overpay should be in terms of quantity. I know that rival GMs don't want 2-for-1 trades, although that was my lasting memory of Terry Ryan's style when he sold desired pieces in deadline deals and we've seen some during this regime too. So, make them 5-for-1 trades. We have 40-man issues looming for the next several off-seasons, if our prospects are as good as we keep telling ourselves. So, these assets will not all get used by the Twins anyway, like over-ripe tomatos falling off the vine, except when that happens they don't even re-fertilize the soil. So, get something for them now, even if it looks like an overpay via some trade-value calculator - it's a false economy to hoard all these mid-level prospects that we keep accepting in return for our trade chips in years past.

 

This hasn't been my stance during the past several years. The window wasn't open, and it would have been a mistake IMO to have tried to pry it open prematurely. Now, however, it's time.

[Darius]

This makes it sound so easy.

 

Like there is no other possible influences changing the outcome. Just call Kansas City, offer this. Done deal. Kansas City will just say yes because no other team has thought of this.

 

Do you think the Twins are the only team who has called Kansas City to ask how much money Kansas City will eat for your benefit.

 

I agree we should have been more Bullpen serious in the off-season and during the season. I've often said that... but that isn't going to change the trade deadline complications of today. The Yankees were very bullpen serious in the off season and they are still most likely also calling Kansas City. Along with the Rays, Red Sox, Indians, Astros, A's, Braves, Phillies, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers and D-Backs and maybe the Giants now.

 

The Twins will probably have to do some over paying because of the lack of clear cut sellers but there has to be a limit and they have to prioritize the targets they seek.

 

OK they over pay for Kennedy to establish the market at your request. Now, they just drove the price up on Giles by over paying for Kennedy.

 

The top of the Twins prioritized list are probably the same players on top of the prioritized list of other teams. After a deep breath and clear mind... everybody should be able to see what kind of complication this creates to making a deal immediately.

 

Ask yourself who has the leverage with just a couple of clear cut sellers and lots of buyers... the market is going to get established by how much the seller is willing to sell for. If you want the buyer to set the market today... It's Royce Lewis for Matt Capps.

There is nothing accurate about that last paragraph. Besides pointing out that a seller will sell for what they’re willing to sell for. Saying they’d need to trade the equivalent of Royce Lewis for Matt Capps if they wanted to make a trade today is just gross absurd hyperbole.

 

The market is what the market is. It’s economics. Are people suggesting that if we have to pay slightly more than we’d like to, we should just flush this season and try again next year? Because that’s what will happen. The Yankees and Indians can probably afford to stick with their current bullpens. If we do, the season may be over before 2-3 weeks from now.

 

Keep in mind, the opportunity cost is going to be one marginal prospect that likely will never see the majors. The, “it’ll have to be Royce Lewis for Matt Capps,” is just plain absurd and inaccurate.

 

And who cares if we slightly overpay, causing someone else to slightly overpay? And how does anyone know what “overpaying” is anyway? You pay what you pay. Prices of everything from milk, to gasoline, to houses fluctuate all the time based on market conditions. Things are worth what people are willing to pay. If there is a milk shortage, people pay more for milk. It’s not overpaying. It’s paying. Overpaying would be if Kansas City said they’d take Nick Gordon, and we said we’ll give you Nick Gordon and for good measure, we’ll throw in Duran as well.

 

I couldn’t possibly disagree with this excuse any more than I do.

[SpicyGarvSauce]

 

Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

 

If this FO does nothing to improve this team by the deadline and puts them in a position to compete for a World Series, I will never go to Target Field again. And if, for some reason, I get sucked into going via free ticket or open bar tab, I will make sure they hear my voice and constant boos every damn inning.

 

I may be one of thousands in attendance, but still.

[Shaitan]

If you're an opposing team's GM, aren't you going to up your asking price after seeing a game like this?

[SpicyGarvSauce]

 

If you're an opposing team's GM, aren't you going to up your asking price after seeing a game like this?

 

If they are doing it right, yes. Easily.