Is it too early to think trade to improve our BP?

[Doctor Gast]

I don't think so. I'm not really confident with this crew. I've advocated trades during the whole off season and still do to improve the bullpen. One of my favorite teams is the Pirates as far as looking for pitching goes. A couple of months or so ago a TD article "Do the Pirates have any more loot to plunder?" (I'll find the article and post it). The Pirates were unloading any veteran they could. Richard Rodriguez was one who interested me. He has been selected by the Pirates to close some time last season. The Pirates BP has impressed me and they have some excellent prospects like Mears coming up.

Rodriguez's stock has gone up considerably. I don't know how dominant he is but he has some interesting stuff and he hasn't given up a run yet. Although he's been on the trading block they're might be rethinking their position since they are finding some success. It could take 2 low valued players like Cave, Rooker or Gordon.

What do you think? Should we think trade? Who could we target?

[cHawk]

Of course not. They need it at the deadline if they want to be a serious contender.

[Doctor Gast]

I'm sorry, I couldn't find that specific article. So if anyone can that article and post it, I'd appreciate it.

[Danchat]

I would be claiming pitchers on waivers just to see if they could be fixed and put in the bullpen. I would look into making trades, but other teams likely won't be open to it until later in the year. And getting a good reliever or two is not going to turn this team around if they keep playing this poorly.

 

What they really need to do is develop some prospects into dynamite relievers, like how we're seeing other teams doing it (Cleveland and Kansas City come to mind). 

[Vanimal46]

Early season trades are very rare. Teams are built in the offseason and it takes some time to figure out if they’re contending and if their current players will turn it around.

 

If we think the 8-15 Twins are contenders, why wouldn’t the 12-12 Pirates think the same on April 29th?

[Mike Sixel]

 

Early season trades are very rare. Teams are built in the offseason and it takes some time to figure out if they’re contending and if their current players will turn it around.

If we think the 8-15 Twins are contenders, why wouldn’t the 12-12 Pirates think the same on April 29th?

 

A few years ago I did an analysis of trades...and very rare is an understatement. That said, some have already happened, shockingly.

[Shaitan]

It's never too early for a team looking to improve.

 

But it takes two teams for a trade and it may be too early for others who are liquidating.

[Doctor Gast]

It might be difficult but like any trade, is to find someone who need something that we have and willing to give up and we need something they have and willing to give up.

Both teams benefit and improve.

[Cap'n Piranha]

The Twins could make a trade right now, but they'd be doing so at a huge disdavantage, for two reasons;

 

1. Other teams are still looking to evaluate their players/compete.  To get them to forgo that, you'll have to pay a huge premium
2. If you're targeting a reliever or two who's looked good so far, there's always the chance that it's SSS, and come June they'll be at the end of your bullpen.  In that scenario, you'll need to trade again to fix a problem that you paid prospect capital to not solve.

I would be shocked to see the Twins make any kind of move before June, and even a move in June would be pretty surprising.

[Doctor Gast]

I'm a fan of Nash Walker's podcast. This morning I listened and he mentioned that it was good to see some of the Twins clinks early so we can resolve them. He alluded to the problems in the BP and that we could pursue the likes of Braves/ Green or Pirates/ Rodriguez early. Again I don't know if either teams are open for a trade but it doesn't hurt to try.