Terry Ryan to be on MLB Network sometime in the next 50 minutes.

[AllhopeisgoneMNTWINS]

Your ****ting me right. He pulls off two huge trades we have all been asking for and in an interview he says one thing about a guy...and we fly off the handle. Who doesnt hope he can come back and be respectable...he is still a good guy. You talk as if he had a homophobic slur written on his eyeblack. All he has ever done is try to find his sinker...and usually give up meatballs. Give the guy a break. So what if he does good and then flops...better than paying him 5 mil to pitch at rochester every 5 days

 

I for one am not s**tting you, Blackburn sucks balls (figuratively , not a homophobic slur).

 

 

 

 

The mere fact we would have to hope he comes back to be respectable, would be proof enough that we're f***ed!

 

Couldnt have said it any better!

[jcphitman]

I'm a bit worried he said sometimes you can't give your money away.

 

Does that mean free agents don't want to play for us? Is that why a Blanton went to the Angels?

 

I know it's been discussed a lot about playing here and what not, but we are viewed as a losing organization for next year. Is makes me wonder do we really have a shot for Marcum or McCarthy? Would we even get a Lannon or Saunders?

 

One of these somewhat average or semi-okay pitchers has to sign with us, correct???

[AllhopeisgoneMNTWINS]

I'm a bit worried he said sometimes you can't give your money away.

 

Does that mean free agents don't want to play for us? Is that why a Blanton went to the Angels?

 

I know it's been discussed a lot about playing here and what not, but we are viewed as a losing organization for next year. Is makes me wonder do we really have a shot for Marcum or McCarthy? Would we even get a Lannon or Saunders?

 

One of these somewhat average or semi-okay pitchers has to sign with us, correct???

 

I have to believe one of them would want to. But...like you said...Minnesota does not look attractive to free agents and would probably only want to play here if they were a little overpaid.

[jokin]

 

I'm a bit worried he said sometimes you can't give your money away.

 

Unrecoverable & sunk costs cause Ryan and Pohlad to lose sleep at night, they simply have to talk up Blackie, to show other teams they think he still has value and to keep their budget numbers intact, as self-delusionary as it is about any hope for a Blackie-Bounceback.

 

Does that mean free agents don't want to play for us?

 

Yes!

 

Is that why a Blanton went to the Angels?

 

Yes. If you had the option of those 2 teams and the Twins offered an extra $1M/yr or so, would it really make you change your mind?

 

I know it's been discussed a lot about playing here and what not, but we are viewed as a losing organization for next year. Is makes me wonder do we really have a shot for Marcum or McCarthy?

 

2 chances- and Slim's face is currently on milk cartons.

 

Would we even get a Lannon or Saunders?

 

Doubtful. Ryan would have to overbid for a #4-5 starter, with arm issues besides. There's a reason guys like Liriano and Correia are being bandied about as possibilities. Moreover, the Twins must not like Lannon or they could have induced the Nats to throw him into the Span/Meyer trade.

 

One of these somewhat average or semi-okay pitchers has to sign with us, correct???

 

It will all depend on what they try to sell us is "semi-okay". It's sad, because a year ago they could have easily acquired Maholm and/or Bedard and they would practically be staff aces now.

 

[twinsnorth49]

Hoping Blackburn "Bounces back" is definitely the "Wing and a Prayer" method to fixing the rotation. Nothing says success like a fly ball inducing sinker baller.

 

 

Yeah... but... You are from Canada. You have a Bear, Loon, Elk and Beaver on your coins and you bring them down to the states and they get mixed in at the convenience store and they end up in my pocket and they don't work in our Soda Machine.

 

That strangely pleases me, consider it my contribution to the fight against obesity in the US.

[DaveW]

If what Ryan said is true (and I'm going from implication here) and they can't "give their money away" - we may not be talking about much in the way of FA signings. The team's awful play may really be dooming their ability to sign FAs. Or I guess that's how I read it.

 

I suppose that could just be cover for the team not wanting to shell out the big bucks when negotiations get competitive.

I think that is reading to much into it, I mean one of the largest free agent pitching signings this year went to the Royals. I think he just meant "we put some legit offers on the table, and those players haven't signed yet" which for the most part is pretty damn true. It was a rather quiet winter meetings when it was all said and down, **** the Twins were probably the biggest "mover and shaker" of the bunch this year!

 

IMO none of the top 7 or so free agent pitchers are even off the board yet (or even close), let's give it a little more time before we declare no decent pitchers want to come to Minnesota (unless you think we truly missed out on the Feldman's etc of the world)

 

On another note not related to your comment: As far as Blackburn goes, jesus people, stop reading to much into his comments. He basically expressed the fact that he would like to see Blackburn succeed again. Multiple other times he said that he needs to go out and sign some more pitchers for 2013, in fact he said basically all the rotation he now has, currently is Diamond and Worley. He isn't counting on Blackburn even closely at this point.

 

With that said, Blackburn has struggled, a ton, but unlike a guy like Chone Figgins who is a clubhouse cancer, the Twins like Blackburn's attitude, which is exactly why instead of cutting him (and eating the contract anyways) they are going to let him pitch in AAA to try to "reprove" himself for the club. I don't see how anyone can really be against this, especially with the supreme lack of SP we have. For as "crappy" as we all think Blackburn is, it should be pointed out that in 3 of the 4 years prior to 2012, Blackburn posted an ERA that was perfectly acceptable for a #4 or #5 in the AL.

 

Criticizing Ryan for "rooting" for Blackburn to succeed this year is pretty petty to be honest. Either way, Ryan doesn't count on him being a solution to the 2013 rotation anyways.

[diehardtwinsfan]

If what Ryan said is true (and I'm going from implication here) and they can't "give their money away" - we may not be talking about much in the way of FA signings. The team's awful play may really be dooming their ability to sign FAs. Or I guess that's how I read it.

 

I suppose that could just be cover for the team not wanting to shell out the big bucks when negotiations get competitive.

I think that is reading to much into it, I mean one of the largest free agent pitching signings this year went to the Royals. I think he just meant "we put some legit offers on the table, and those players haven't signed yet" which for the most part is pretty damn true. It was a rather quiet winter meetings when it was all said and down, **** the Twins were probably the biggest "mover and shaker" of the bunch this year!

 

IMO none of the top 7 or so free agent pitchers are even off the board yet (or even close), let's give it a little more time before we declare no decent pitchers want to come to Minnesota (unless you think we truly missed out on the Feldman's etc of the world)

 

On another note not related to your comment: As far as Blackburn goes, jesus people, stop reading to much into his comments. He basically expressed the fact that he would like to see Blackburn succeed again. Multiple other times he said that he needs to go out and sign some more pitchers for 2013, in fact he said basically all the rotation he now has, currently is Diamond and Worley. He isn't counting on Blackburn even closely at this point.

 

With that said, Blackburn has struggled, a ton, but unlike a guy like Chone Figgins who is a clubhouse cancer, the Twins like Blackburn's attitude, which is exactly why instead of cutting him (and eating the contract anyways) they are going to let him pitch in AAA to try to "reprove" himself for the club. I don't see how anyone can really be against this, especially with the supreme lack of SP we have. For as "crappy" as we all think Blackburn is, it should be pointed out that in 3 of the 4 years prior to 2012, Blackburn posted an ERA that was perfectly acceptable for a #4 or #5 in the AL.

 

Criticizing Ryan for "rooting" for Blackburn to succeed this year is pretty petty to be honest. Either way, Ryan doesn't count on him being a solution to the 2013 rotation anyways.

 

Well said, this idea that "no one will come here" is based on some sort of ridiculous insecurity. If the Twins offer the most money, free agents will come here, especially pitchers who know this won't be their last contract as pitching in TF provides them a boost.

 

And again on BlackBurn. We all HOPE he bounces back. He's not on the 40 man anymore, so he's going to have to earn it if he does bounce back... The reality says that the odds of this happening aren't very good, but none-the-less, we can hope that he returns to the 2008/2009 Nick B... I don't get the angst b/c Ryan said he hopes for Blackburnto bounce back. I'd be worried if he didn't.

[Riverbrian]

If what Ryan said is true (and I'm going from implication here) and they can't "give their money away" - we may not be talking about much in the way of FA signings. The team's awful play may really be dooming their ability to sign FAs. Or I guess that's how I read it.

 

I suppose that could just be cover for the team not wanting to shell out the big bucks when negotiations get competitive.

 

For Context... Terry Ryan said "they can't give their money away" and it was followed by him laughing.

 

I've never seen him laugh before. He didn't look comfortable laughing... It seemed unnatural to me... That in itself made me laugh. Terry Ryan trying to entertain the MLB Crowd. Kinda like Alan Greenspan telling a joke.

 

But I do agree... The 2012 product probably has an effect on 2013 Free Agents. I think the Twins will have to add a little more to the bottom line to sign someone. On top of that the current prices that you said were coming are not helping the situation.

[DaveW]

If what Ryan said is true (and I'm going from implication here) and they can't "give their money away" - we may not be talking about much in the way of FA signings. The team's awful play may really be dooming their ability to sign FAs. Or I guess that's how I read it.

 

I suppose that could just be cover for the team not wanting to shell out the big bucks when negotiations get competitive.

I think that is reading to much into it, I mean one of the largest free agent pitching signings this year went to the Royals. I think he just meant "we put some legit offers on the table, and those players haven't signed yet" which for the most part is pretty damn true. It was a rather quiet winter meetings when it was all said and down, **** the Twins were probably the biggest "mover and shaker" of the bunch this year!

 

IMO none of the top 7 or so free agent pitchers are even off the board yet (or even close), let's give it a little more time before we declare no decent pitchers want to come to Minnesota (unless you think we truly missed out on the Feldman's etc of the world)

 

On another note not related to your comment: As far as Blackburn goes, jesus people, stop reading to much into his comments. He basically expressed the fact that he would like to see Blackburn succeed again. Multiple other times he said that he needs to go out and sign some more pitchers for 2013, in fact he said basically all the rotation he now has, currently is Diamond and Worley. He isn't counting on Blackburn even closely at this point.

 

With that said, Blackburn has struggled, a ton, but unlike a guy like Chone Figgins who is a clubhouse cancer, the Twins like Blackburn's attitude, which is exactly why instead of cutting him (and eating the contract anyways) they are going to let him pitch in AAA to try to "reprove" himself for the club. I don't see how anyone can really be against this, especially with the supreme lack of SP we have. For as "crappy" as we all think Blackburn is, it should be pointed out that in 3 of the 4 years prior to 2012, Blackburn posted an ERA that was perfectly acceptable for a #4 or #5 in the AL.

 

Criticizing Ryan for "rooting" for Blackburn to succeed this year is pretty petty to be honest. Either way, Ryan doesn't count on him being a solution to the 2013 rotation anyways.

 

Well said, this idea that "no one will come here" is based on some sort of ridiculous insecurity. If the Twins offer the most money, free agents will come here, especially pitchers who know this won't be their last contract as pitching in TF provides them a boost.

 

And again on BlackBurn. We all HOPE he bounces back. He's not on the 40 man anymore, so he's going to have to earn it if he does bounce back... The reality says that the odds of this happening aren't very good, but none-the-less, we can hope that he returns to the 2008/2009 Nick B... I don't get the angst b/c Ryan said he hopes for Blackburnto bounce back. I'd be worried if he didn't.

 

I have always thought the whole "players only want to play for a PROVEN WINNER" is a little far fetched as well. If you have the money, they will come. Also it isn't ridiculous to think the Twins can't return to contention within the next 2 years, they have the core pieces, the cash flow and the GM to do it. This isn't exactly the Miami Marlins or Pittsburgh Pirates we are talking about.

[ericchri]

(Not sure if this is behind a paywall or not) http://espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove12/story/_/id/8719272/josh-hamilton-zack-greinke-causing-major-logjam

 

I thought this article was interesting, noting how intertwined Greinke and Hamilton are with most of the other FA (and even trade) possibilities. The whole market is totally bogged down by them and whatever the Texas Rangers end up doing, and until one of them signs, nothing else much is happening (except for centerfielders, anyway). Essentially if you want to sign someone right now, your offer is probably going to have to be ridiculous. Once those guys sign, everything else will probably fall into place fairly quickly, and then we find out if TR can get anyone signed. But panicking before the entire market actually starts taking shape probably isn't really warranted.

[Riverbrian]

On Blackburn... I'm ok with Terry Ryan not closing the door on him. I'm sure expectations are in check for Terry Ryan.

 

Marquis was bad last year as well... Not so Bad with the Padres... Players have bad years and bounce back. It has happened before.

 

I'm not saying that I expect it to happen nor would I count on it. I'm just saying it's happened before and often enough to know it's out there.

 

As for Blackburn being brought up during the interveiw... Unless an interview is pre-scripted... I wouldn't worry too much about the answers you get. At least minor details of the answers you get. Keep in mind that the MLB producers and crew typically have a fairly good idea where the show is going. Rosenthal will know ahead of time that in segment three they are going to talk about the Upton Blockbuster and he has time to prepare what he is going to say. Those papers on the desk are notes and it helps them not make gaffes on the air. Not to mention... Actual Teleprompters that contain scripts. Terry Ryan was called in for an interview and he most likely wasn't there all morning preparing stuff to get loaded into the prompter.

 

Interviewees Like Terry Ryan who don't have that advantage... Will have to field the questions and process them in an instant and answer them. So as Terry Ryan is trying to sound positive that we have some arms to round out a rotation if needed. He started listing names and if Terry Ryan had time to prepare for the question and questions... He probably wouldn't have started listing names off the top of his head and Blackburn wouldn't have came out.

 

He just talked himself into a corner... Happens all the time. I'd give him a break. The Pitching staff is troubling and he said... We need pitching.

[Riverbrian]

If what Ryan said is true (and I'm going from implication here) and they can't "give their money away" - we may not be talking about much in the way of FA signings. The team's awful play may really be dooming their ability to sign FAs. Or I guess that's how I read it.

 

I suppose that could just be cover for the team not wanting to shell out the big bucks when negotiations get competitive.

I think that is reading to much into it, I mean one of the largest free agent pitching signings this year went to the Royals. I think he just meant "we put some legit offers on the table, and those players haven't signed yet" which for the most part is pretty damn true. It was a rather quiet winter meetings when it was all said and down, **** the Twins were probably the biggest "mover and shaker" of the bunch this year!

 

IMO none of the top 7 or so free agent pitchers are even off the board yet (or even close), let's give it a little more time before we declare no decent pitchers want to come to Minnesota (unless you think we truly missed out on the Feldman's etc of the world)

 

On another note not related to your comment: As far as Blackburn goes, jesus people, stop reading to much into his comments. He basically expressed the fact that he would like to see Blackburn succeed again. Multiple other times he said that he needs to go out and sign some more pitchers for 2013, in fact he said basically all the rotation he now has, currently is Diamond and Worley. He isn't counting on Blackburn even closely at this point.

 

With that said, Blackburn has struggled, a ton, but unlike a guy like Chone Figgins who is a clubhouse cancer, the Twins like Blackburn's attitude, which is exactly why instead of cutting him (and eating the contract anyways) they are going to let him pitch in AAA to try to "reprove" himself for the club. I don't see how anyone can really be against this, especially with the supreme lack of SP we have. For as "crappy" as we all think Blackburn is, it should be pointed out that in 3 of the 4 years prior to 2012, Blackburn posted an ERA that was perfectly acceptable for a #4 or #5 in the AL.

 

Criticizing Ryan for "rooting" for Blackburn to succeed this year is pretty petty to be honest. Either way, Ryan doesn't count on him being a solution to the 2013 rotation anyways.

 

Well said, this idea that "no one will come here" is based on some sort of ridiculous insecurity. If the Twins offer the most money, free agents will come here, especially pitchers who know this won't be their last contract as pitching in TF provides them a boost.

 

And again on BlackBurn. We all HOPE he bounces back. He's not on the 40 man anymore, so he's going to have to earn it if he does bounce back... The reality says that the odds of this happening aren't very good, but none-the-less, we can hope that he returns to the 2008/2009 Nick B... I don't get the angst b/c Ryan said he hopes for Blackburnto bounce back. I'd be worried if he didn't.

 

I have always thought the whole "players only want to play for a PROVEN WINNER" is a little far fetched as well. If you have the money, they will come. Also it isn't ridiculous to think the Twins can't return to contention within the next 2 years, they have the core pieces, the cash flow and the GM to do it. This isn't exactly the Miami Marlins or Pittsburgh Pirates we are talking about.

 

I think a majority of players will sign for the most money... However, All things being equal... They will choose a home town team or a better chance to win to break those ties.

[TwinsFanInPhilly]

 

I'm a bit worried he said sometimes you can't give your money away.

 

Unrecoverable & sunk costs cause Ryan and Pohlad to lose sleep at night, they simply have to talk up Blackie, to show other teams they think he still has value and to keep their budget numbers intact, as self-delusionary as it is about any hope for a Blackie-Bounceback.

 

Does that mean free agents don't want to play for us?

 

Yes!

 

Is that why a Blanton went to the Angels?

 

Yes. If you had the option of those 2 teams and the Twins offered an extra $1M/yr or so, would it really make you change your mind?

 

I know it's been discussed a lot about playing here and what not, but we are viewed as a losing organization for next year. Is makes me wonder do we really have a shot for Marcum or McCarthy?

 

2 chances- and Slim's face is currently on milk cartons.

 

Would we even get a Lannon or Saunders?

 

Doubtful. Ryan would have to overbid for a #4-5 starter, with arm issues besides. There's a reason guys like Liriano and Correia are being bandied about as possibilities. Moreover, the Twins must not like Lannon or they could have induced the Nats to throw him into the Span/Meyer trade.

 

One of these somewhat average or semi-okay pitchers has to sign with us, correct???

 

It will all depend on what they try to sell us is "semi-okay". It's sad, because a year ago they could have easily acquired Maholm and/or Bedard and they would practically be staff aces now.

 

 

Sorry ot break your bubble (since you seem to enjoy the negative spin you put on everthing), but when Ryan said he couldn't give his money away he was referring specifically to offers that were made to FA's who wanted to wait for the market to shake out. eg the log-jam begins at the top of the market. Generally, no one who is not the top tier FA wants to sign until those above (eg Greinke) him have signed and set the market. They believe that accepting an offer now would be too early in the process and that they would likely leave money on the table. And the fact that one guy (Blanton) has signed does not change the fact that this is the general strategy of agents and players alike.

[TheLeviathan]

Well said, this idea that "no one will come here" is based on some sort of ridiculous insecurity.

 

I very well may be reading too deeply into it, I didn't see the interview so absolutely a grain of salt on this take. But hearing that made me think Ryan was the one with an insecurity about it. Which is troubling if true.

[rickyriolo]

Twins will need to "look" more competitive on the field/ & on paper before a free agent pitcher signs with us. Seriously, 2 years straight with worst record in the AL. Would you come to MN if you were a free agent??

[SurroundedByTigers]

Everybody - please relax. Ryan is making quality decision,s and undoubtedly, there's more deals / trades to come. Does anybody seriously miss Span or Revere? If Blackburn does something good, it solves a problem. Ryan is loading up with arms, which is what this franchise needs. We're going to see some of these pitchers by midseason 2013. Now if we catch a break and swing a deal for one or two infielders, and some combo of Hicks-Arcia-Benson-Mastro develops into a reliable outfield rotation, Twins could be a surprise. Definitely not a 90-loss team in 2013.

[Willihammer]

What is Jr supposed to say about Blackburn, "he's starting in AAA next year. Instead, we're going to fling another 4-5mil on an identical pitcher in Myers/Correia/Saunders?"

 

Go back and look at John's list. http://twinsdaily.com/entry.php?2239-Shift-In-Free-Agency-Strategy-Doesn-t-Favor-The-Minnesota-Twins

 

There's a very short list of guys left with upside who should be cheap, chiefly, Liriano. There are some guys who might do okay converting to a relief role, and then there are a whole bunch of red flags and over the hill guys, and the 2 or 3 top tier guys.

[jokin]

 

I'm a bit worried he said sometimes you can't give your money away.

 

Unrecoverable & sunk costs cause Ryan and Pohlad to lose sleep at night, they simply have to talk up Blackie, to show other teams they think he still has value and to keep their budget numbers intact, as self-delusionary as it is about any hope for a Blackie-Bounceback.

 

Does that mean free agents don't want to play for us?

 

Yes!

 

Is that why a Blanton went to the Angels?

 

Yes. If you had the option of those 2 teams and the Twins offered an extra $1M/yr or so, would it really make you change your mind?

 

I know it's been discussed a lot about playing here and what not, but we are viewed as a losing organization for next year. Is makes me wonder do we really have a shot for Marcum or McCarthy?

 

2 chances- and Slim's face is currently on milk cartons.

 

Would we even get a Lannon or Saunders?

 

Doubtful. Ryan would have to overbid for a #4-5 starter, with arm issues besides. There's a reason guys like Liriano and Correia are being bandied about as possibilities. Moreover, the Twins must not like Lannon or they could have induced the Nats to throw him into the Span/Meyer trade.

 

One of these somewhat average or semi-okay pitchers has to sign with us, correct???

 

It will all depend on what they try to sell us is "semi-okay". It's sad, because a year ago they could have easily acquired Maholm and/or Bedard and they would practically be staff aces now.

 

 

Sorry ot break your bubble (since you seem to enjoy the negative spin you put on everthing), but when Ryan said he couldn't give his money away he was referring specifically to offers that were made to FA's who wanted to wait for the market to shake out. eg the log-jam begins at the top of the market. Generally, no one who is not the top tier FA wants to sign until those above (eg Greinke) him have signed and set the market. They believe that accepting an offer now would be too early in the process and that they would likely leave money on the table. And the fact that one guy (Blanton) has signed does not change the fact that this is the general strategy of agents and players alike.

 

Scratch McCarthy off the list (who BTW, signed below perceived market value).

 

I'm available for "FA SP scratch" updates.