Relievers moved at the deadline? Where did the Twins miss out?

[jorgenswest]

There are four relievers listed in MLBs top 23 deadline trades. Since they were moved it is fair to believe the Twins could have made a better offer and won the deal. I was interested to know how they were performing with their new clubs as well as what it might take to win the deal.

Jordan Hicks was dealt to Toronto for two minor league pitchers. Robberse is the better of the two and probably slots in between Canterino and Woods-Richardson among Twin minor league pitchers

What would it take? Matt Canterino and Cory Lewis

Hicks with Toronto: 1-2, 3 saves, ERA 4.00

 

Paul Sewald was dealt to the Diamondbacks for a major league utility man an outfield prospect with major league time and an infielder hitting really well at AA.

What would it take? Larnach, Severino, Miller. Larnach is better than Canzone but Severino doesn’t have the value of Bliss. Miller might help put them win it.

Sewald with Arizona: 0-1, 6 saves, 3.38 ERA

 

David Robertson was dealt to the Marlins for a minor league catcher and infielder in their teens. Mets going for upside.

What would it take? Maybe Acuna and Chivilli.  The young players are not a match for Vargas. Salas might be of interest to them here

Robertson with Miami: 0-2, 4 saves, 7.00 ERA

 

Scott Barlow was dealt to the Padres for two minor league pitchers including their #10 prospect. It is a similar package as the Hicks deal though both are young at 21.

What would it take? Woods-Richardson and Hidalgo. Maybe. The Twins don’t have good matches for 21 year old pitchers.

Barlow with San Diego: 0-1, 5.40 ERA

 

Did the Twins miss out here? Should they have jumped at any of these deals? Would you have preferred they stand pat?

[Battle ur tail off]

I'm not sad they didn't mortgage the future for some relief help. My frustration is that they didn't address it at all at the beginning of the season. They also have arms in AAA that could help but refuse to part ways with guys like Sands, Gallo, etc. 

 

[nicksaviking]

Robertson could have been a reasonable target, seems like that was the big miss. Sewald would have been good, but not sure about what it would have taken to get him. Hicks and Barlow have command issues which doesn't seem like it would be a fit for this bullpen.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Obviously the team has staff who scout and advise on personnel in other organizations, but especially after last year, the top two decision-makers seem completely lacking in trust in their staff in identifying potential bargains in other organizations, and lacking in confidence to actually go ahead and authorize a deal. It is a no win situation at this point.

I think their best bet for bullpen help this postseason is to identify which starters will start games, and let them pitch deep, and then determine which of their other starters might be good for the set up role. And then being it is a very small sample, hope to get lucky. 

[LA Vikes Fan]

Looking at the 4 trades and what we would have had to give up, it's hard to get excited about making any of those trades. Hicks and Sewald would have been good gets, but come with hefty price tags. The rest seem pretty meh. We also have to remember that KC was unlikely to trade a longer term asset like Barlow in the division and I question whether Seattle would help out our bullpen since we are likely first round playoff opponents.  

Looking at this, it becomes a little more understandable why we didn't trade for bullpen help at these prices. I also agree with Hosken, the playoff bullpen if we get there will have at least 1 of the current starters and probably 2 if you consider Keuchel a starter. My guess its that Maeda and Kuechel go into the pen, the former as a setup man, the latter as long man or piggyback guy with Ober.  

I'd still like to see them bring up Varland NOW nd see if he can be an effective late inning reliever.  I think he can. 

 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Right, I do think Varland will be on the playoff roster.