Article: Twins trade Denard Span for Nationals' 2011 first round pick

[Parker Hageman]

According to Ben Goessling, the Twins have traded Denard Span for pitcher Alex Meyer.

 

The big bodied Meyer, 6'9" and 220, spent last year split between A and High-A, striking out 26.6% of batters faced and walking just 8.6%.

 

Fangraphs.com had an excellent write-up on Meyer, noting that his 97-98 MPH fastball is very impressive in addition to his slider - which Baseball America consider the system's best after the 2011 season. Here's Mike Newman's (Scouting the Sally) scouting report on Meyer's secondary stuff:

 

Meyer mixed in an upper-80′s slider with tight, late break. At its best, his arm action was identical to that of his fastball and it profiled as at least an above-average pitch. However, Meyer’s inconsistent mechanics caused him to intermittently drop his elbow or collapse his back leg leading to at least a handful of “hangers” up in the zone. Repetition and experience may help to iron these issues out, but once again, Meyer’s size and previous track record leaves questions as to how seamless those adjustments will be.

The most surprising aspect of Meyer’s outing was a changeup which was significantly better than expected. At 87-88 MPH, it was a harder change, but his arm action and late drop leaves the projection of an average third pitch — a key for projecting a starting pitcher. Once again, his command was inconsistent causing him to leave the pitch up and out to right-handed hitters too often, but it’s a strong starting point to build from.

 

 

Newman went on to say that the name that popped into his head the most was "Matt Clement" - a promising pitcher who never lived up to the hype.

[Danchat]

Goodbye Denard. Good luck in Washington.

Now, let's see how this kid pitches. Please, this better not be another terrible trade!

[PseudoSABR]

delete

[mikeee]

he's a tall one. 6' 9"

[PseudoSABR]

                                                                                                                                             
W L W-L%  ERA  G GS GF CG SHO SV    IP  H  R ER HR BB IBB  SO HBP BK WP  BF  WHIP H/9 HR/9 BB/9 SO/9 SO/BB
10 6 .625 2.86 25 25  0  1   1  0 129.0 97 44 41  6 45   0 139   5  0  9 521 1.101 6.8  0.4  3.1  9.7  3.09

 

 

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Generated 11/29/2012.

[Brock Beauchamp]

If true, you have to like this move. The market on Denard was unfortunately weak (and for no good reason, really). Receiving a fireballer like Meyer is a huge get.

[minn55441]

Ok, TR made the trade. Not looking at 2013 for a trade for the future.

[Dbohnk]

I like Meyer's potential but I thought the twins were going to go after somebody young who could help the team this year and years to come

[TwinsFanInPhilly]

Good get!!!

[Parker Hageman]

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?1206-Twins-trade-Denard-Span-for-Nationals-2011-first-round-pick

[Cris E]

So we now know we're not building towards 2013. There was always this implied "two good starters and we're in it" vibe and this belies that. As much as that seems obvious, if they'd managed to land, say, Santana, McCarthy *and* Meyers there would have been a real shot at .500. Trading top chip Span for non-2013 talent says not to hold your breath for the others either.

[mikeee]

Payroll went down some more!

[minn55441]

I can live with this. We just have to trust that our scouts did their job and that he has a good chance to continue his progression and quickly move his way through the organization. As usual, only time will tell if this is a good trade.

[Dilligaf69]

Obviously not a suprise...the trade of Span or his destination. Hard thrower with upside which are both needs for this org.. Don't follow the minors enough to know anything about this guy except what i read.

[Boom Boom]

I guess this is the right direction.

 

How many years before Meyer gets a September call-up?

[syves]

A starter with top of the rotation potential who's a year away is better than a number 3 who's ready now. I'm good with this trade. Now sign some pitchers for this year with the money saved!

[SirLoin]

He's definitely not a "pitch to contact" guy. Upper 90's fastball with an upper 80's slider. Let's just hope he doesn't have a history of arm problems.

[DaveW]

I am a huge fan of this move!

[jm3319]

I like it. Trading from a position of excess to fill a void. Makes too much sense not to do it. Here's hoping this guy develops into a Major Leaguer in the next couple years.

[SirLoin]

I've seen him ranked as either the Nats #2 or #3 prospect. On this surface it looks like we got really good value for Span, even if it's a pitcher that won't be ready until 2014. Although I have to wonder if he'll be put on the 40 man, start in AA and be a possibility for a September call up next year.

[SirLoin]

....And we all know that Bill Smith would have traded him for Kurt Suzuki, so I think we did ok here.

[striker_86]

Great move, we have tons of outfielders....

[minn55441]

Span will be missed in 2013, but we are looking to 2014 and beyond with this move.

[jtrinaldi]

Who goes next? Willingham and Morneau at the Winter Meetings?

[AllhopeisgoneMNTWINS]

Love this move. We really did need to add to our pitching prospects due to the fact have 1 or 2 legit pitching prospects right now. I believe this is TR saying we are going to win this year, but we are building to have a good team in 2014/15. A guy who pitches in the high 90s? Get out of town? Crazy they didnt get a guy who throws a 90mph FB and has an average change up and a curve.

[AllhopeisgoneMNTWINS]

Who goes next? Willingham and Morneau at the Winter Meetings?

 

You have to believe so. Willingham is likely at his peak in terms of value and Morneau might not be, but if we are building for 2014/15 you have to believe we will be hear a bunch of rumors/ posts on this website of possible destinations.

[DaveW]

1. Sano

2. Buxton

3. Hicks

4. Meyer

5. Arcia

6. Gibson

7. Rosario

 

Not a bad farm system.

[John Bonnes]

This is the kind of trade with which I trust Terry Ryan. Trading an established guy for a lower level minor league guy with some upside. I don't know if Meyer is more than a "C" prospect at this point, and his real test should come when he gets to AA next year, but that may be why he's available.

 

I am disappointed that the Twins didn't get any pitching or middle infielders to help them next year.

[AllhopeisgoneMNTWINS]

1. Sano

2. Buxton

3. Hicks

4. Meyer

5. Arcia

6. Rosario

7. Gibson

 

Not a bad farm system.

 

Considering our farm system was one of the worst ranked a couple year back it doesnt look to bad at all.

[strumdatjag]

The Twins need some potential elite pitching - and I think 2015 looks more likely for a guy currently in high-A Ball. They have a glut of talent in the outfield. This trade makes uber-sense. Pitchers can blow out their arms, and that may happen with this guy. BUT, that doesn't mean the Twins shouldn't stock up on potentially good and great pitching. An outfield of Parmalee in right, Revere in Center and Willingham in right is not much of a downgrade (especially if Revere's arm continues to show growing strength). Other good (maybe great) outfielders waiting in the wings.