What to Know About New Twins First Base Contender Mike Ford

[mrtwinsfan]

Pohlads  PLEEZ   sell  A.S.A.P    Moves like this only hurt  , Larnach or Wallner  one of them need to get a 1b  Glove  and maybe then we can actually get a bit more Athletic in the outfield,   last thing we need is giving Rocco more over the hill veterans to delay finding out what the younger guys can do ,   Foolish signing makes ZERO sense

[D.C Twins]

The Twins Offseason.... sponsored by The Onion....

[D.C Twins]

[D.C Twins]

5 hours ago, MMMordabito said:

This....made...my....day!

[Blyleven2011]

Does any twins fan really believe the twins can finish above 4th this coming year ????  ...

You win with talent , you improve that talent for the major leagues in the major leagues ,

this is not a philosophy of our FO , Rocco and our enormous  amount of coaches , we have gotten worse with more coaches  than when we only had a handful  ...

The twins can't win with hope , they will have a hard time playing better than Cleveland  , Kansas city  and Detroit  

[Greglw3]

One word.

Pathetic.

This is rock bottom for the Twins, who have taken a multi year liking to players with low batting averages. Real low, Larnach lifetime .230s, Kepler lifetime .230s, Cave mostly just below or just above .200, Gallo .177, Vazquez low .200s, now this. 

This guy makes Mickey Gasper look like Rod Carew. I really truly grieve for what my team has become.

The Pohlads show no sign of having any heart. Ebenezer Pohlad. As Boris Karloff sang in the Grinch who stole Christmas:

"Pohlad. There are three words used to describe you and I quote:

'STINK, STANK, STUNK' ".

Give us back our baseball team.

Give us back our Joy! ASAP!

And this is MY team.

And YOUR team, the Pohlads are just caretakers but more like abusers. I was following this team 20 years before these clowns bought the team. It is not theirs. It does not belong to them.

In my judgement, they have run it down so far that when they leave, they owe 10,000x the security deposit when they started their rental.

They could have signed Jurickson Profar, Jesse Winker and Jose Iglesias if they’d followed my plan and come in at 129.xx MM. Instead they’re signing another absurd player. 

I honestly think MLB should step in here and take over the team until a buyer is found and before the incompetent Pohlads totally destroy this franchise.

Yes, the franchise that Carl tried to sell to Major League Baseball so it could be contracted. He tried his damndest along with Selig.

[DocBauer]

Honestly, I don't understand this signing at all, except for some added thump for St Paul. I'd much rather give the younger Severino a shot than Ford. Severino might fall on his face. But he's younger and at least provides the POTENTIAL to MAYBE do something good.

I don't know that Sabato has earned a shot at AAA as poor as his 2024 season was. He probably gets the bump anyway just to see if he can rectify his career. But right now, Severino would be the primary 1B at St Paul, even though he's can play a little 3B, Gasper provides depth if not on the Twins, (shudder), and Keaschall can also help at 1B as well.

The only HOPE I can see from Ford, barring a miraculous turnaround, is a mediocre partial season with Seattle in 2023. Gasper, at the least, is a potential contact switch hitter who will take a BB and can be a #3 catcher in an emergency situation. 

I'd rather see Severino get a real shot instead of a failed ML retread. And I'd rather see BOTH of Helman AND Martin on the roster as younger guys with some speed and position flexibility to offer up potential and hope vs a multi-year journeyman failure getting ST AB. I'm not trying to be mean to Ford or anyone, but when you're a mid market team and you have talent in your system that MIGHT do well, why continue to waste AB...even in ST...on guys that have proven previously they don't have what it takes?

[tony&rodney]

41 minutes ago, Greglw3 said:

One word.

Pathetic.

This is rock bottom for the Twins, who have taken a multi year liking to players with low batting averages. Real low, Larnach lifetime .230s, Kepler lifetime .230s, Cave mostly just below or just above .200, Gallo .177, Vazquez low .200s, now this. 

This guy makes Mickey Gasper look like Rod Carew. I really truly grieve for what my team has become.

The Pohlads show no sign of having any heart. Ebenezer Pohlad. As Boris Karloff sang in the Grinch who stole Christmas:

"Pohlad. There are three words used to describe you and I quote:

'STINK, STANK, STUNK' ".

Give us back our baseball team.

Give us back our Joy! ASAP!

And this is MY team.

And YOUR team, the Pohlads are just caretakers but more like abusers. I was following this team 20 years before these clowns bought the team. It is not theirs. It does not belong to them.

In my judgement, they have run it down so far that when they leave, they owe 10,000x the security deposit when they started their rental.

They could have signed Jurickson Profar, Jesse Winker and Jose Iglesias if they’d followed my plan and come in at 129.xx MM. Instead they’re signing another absurd player. 

I honestly think MLB should step in here and take over the team until a buyer is found and before the incompetent Pohlads totally destroy this franchise.

Yes, the franchise that Carl tried to sell to Major League Baseball so it could be contracted. He tried his damndest along with Selig.

Every single time I mention this I get a pile of thumbs down, but the reality hasn't changed at all and it won't. The Twins have a payroll that is tops in their division and considerably higher than the NL Central division champion Milwaukee Brewers. I would love a payroll at $150-200M. Sure. Why not? Not going to happen.

The Pohlads have never even heard of Mickey Gasper or Mike Ford. They have nothing to do with players added to the roster unless you count the two big contracts of Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. Remember that Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Milwaukee all have a few players with big contracts too. The guys who make the roster decisions are in the front office. They don't have anything to do with ownership. Yes, they have a payroll budget. So does every single team. A new ownership, which we all hope occurrs asap, will also set a payroll ceiling. If one is a diehard fan of the 20 teams that have dollars below the top ten, you depend on the front office for a competitive roster. Hello Cleveland and Tampa Bay. If one wants to see your team sign Juan Soto, become an avid fan of the New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, or Texan teams.

There are opportunities to trade or acquire players. It happens frequently. Last trade deadline, A.J. Puk was obtainable. Last week, Jesus Luzardo was available for a song. I do not criticize the front office for passing on those players if they did not see a fit, which was their choice. I do think there are deals to be made. Hopefully, a few acquisitions are made for players who can improve the Twins roster in 2025.

[Finlander]

Ebenezer strikes again.

A Luke Voit MiLB signing instead may have gotten my attention. Only a little bit more. At least he was the AL homerun champ in 2020. Last I heard, he was playing in Mexico, not sure if he's healthy after foot and back injuries, plus being hit in the face by a pitch.

[tony&rodney]

13 minutes ago, Finlander said:

Ebenezer strikes again.

A Luke Voit MiLB signing instead may have gotten my attention. Only a little bit more. At least he was the AL homerun champ in 2020. Last I heard, he was playing in Mexico, not sure if he's healthy after foot and back injuries, plus being hit in the face by a pitch.

Voit likes Mexico. The weather is better, the food is fresh, and it is generally safer away from the known regions.

[Greglw3]

42 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Every single time I mention this I get a pile of thumbs down, but the reality hasn't changed at all and it won't. The Twins have a payroll that is tops in their division and considerably higher than the NL Central division champion Milwaukee Brewers. I would love a payroll at $150-200M. Sure. Why not? Not going to happen.

The Pohlads have never even heard of Mickey Gasper or Mike Ford. They have nothing to do with players added to the roster unless you count the two big contracts of Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. Remember that Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Milwaukee all have a few players with big contracts too. The guys who make the roster decisions are in the front office. They don't have anything to do with ownership. Yes, they have a payroll budget. So does every single team. A new ownership, which we all hope occurrs asap, will also set a payroll ceiling. If one is a diehard fan of the 20 teams that have dollars below the top ten, you depend on the front office for a competitive roster. Hello Cleveland and Tampa Bay. If one wants to see your team sign Juan Soto, become an avid fan of the New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, or Texan teams.

There are opportunities to trade or acquire players. It happens frequently. Last trade deadline, A.J. Puk was obtainable. Last week, Jesus Luzardo was available for a song. I do not criticize the front office for passing on those players if they did not see a fit, which was their choice. I do think there are deals to be made. Hopefully, a few acquisitions are made for players who can improve the Twins roster in 2025.

The onus is 100% on the Pohlads who pulled bait and switch by green lighting Correa and Lopez only to cut payroll by ~ 30MM for two consecutive years and that -30MM is worse this year due to inflation. 

The argument about the comparative payrolls in the Central is specious because the Twins are spending almost 60MM on 2 players. Only 70MM remaining for all the remaining players.

[cmoss84]

MLB =

College 

DI v D2

D1 v D3

D2 v D3

[tony&rodney]

36 minutes ago, Greglw3 said:

The onus is 100% on the Pohlads who pulled bait and switch by green lighting Correa and Lopez only to cut payroll by ~ 30MM for two consecutive years and that -30MM is worse this year due to inflation. 

The argument about the comparative payrolls in the Central is specious because the Twins are spending almost 60MM on 2 players. Only 70MM remaining for all the remaining players.

Nobody is a fan of the payroll cuts. Nobody. At least not the fans ... us. 

Go to BaseballProspectus or other sites and you will see the Twins have the same amount of money or more than their division foes or Milwaukee after subtracting the two highest paid players. My point is that the front office is playing on the same or better level than their immediate competition. The Twins will never match the big boys in spending. The roster configuration is up to the front office and their ability to do so matches half the teams easily. It isn't about the owners unless that is the bone a person must gnaw away on. 

You can check it below. This is not a defense of ownership but merely stating a reality, the rosters are put together by the front office. 

 

[Doctor Wu]

16 hours ago, wavedog said:

If he was good defensively I would like it a more. 

That was my first thought/hope ... but then I read the rest of the article! Oh well, no gold glove contender but I suppose it's some sort of fallback plan, as desperate as it seems. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

On 1/2/2025 at 3:37 PM, old nurse said:

The Ford signing means they do ot like the potential of any of the 1b/dh that could hit well in AAA. Why Severinio and Williams would want to stay in the organization is a bit baffling. They aren’t even giving them a chance 

I read this signing as fungible, a guy that isn’t on the 40, but if he gets added they can DFA when they need the roster spot and not feel bad about.

as to why Severino and Williams “want” to be in the org, I don’t think that’s relevant. They’re both under contract.

[twinfan]

Ford will most likely DH if he makes the team. It's probably 50-50 for him to make it and it's a cheap chance for lightening in a bottle. He can hit 15 homers and bat .230 if he gets 300 at bats but I don't expect much more if even that much.  I don't know anything about Gasper, don't expect much out of Julian and, though I like Miranda, he could be decent or drop down to a .250 hitter. Outside of his great streak last year he didn't seem to do that much.

[MinnInPa]

Just fix Julien ..get him  to swing the bat.. he obviously guesses a lot ...maybe too much "Analytics" in his head ???

[TheLeviathan]

Cue MikeFordDaily until the next AAA move.....

[Finlander]

Maybe these 1B candidates are meant to push Miranda. I'd wager that Miranda wins the position. He has the bat and the build for it. He needs reps with footwork and with scooping the one-hop throws. And I'm not sure what the platooning discussions are about, given that he hits righties just fine. Health is key - just as it is with all of the other players.

Ford is motivation for Miranda, but ultimately depth/DFA candidate in my opinion.

[LambchoP]

Minor league deals usually aren't ever a bad idea, unless the team is planning on using that guy as an everyday starter! If we're not going to trade for any real first baseman, instead of signing a bunch of minor league nobodies, why net let our own prospects fight it out in spring training for starting positions. For first base we've got Severino, Keaschal, maybe Eeles or Mccusker. The fourth OF spot we can handle with Keirsey and Martin. At least until Rosario and Rodriguez are ready. First base, and a LHRP are the spots we need to address first and foremost. Catcher also, if we trade Vasquez.

[saviking]

Ford's defensive metrics are pedestrian and he's about as slow as they come

[GNess]

21 hours ago, 1985Fan said:

Typical FO move to bring in a has-been player hoping they hit the jackpot. If the FO wants a LH 1B with power, why not give Larnach or Wallner a shot at 1B? This is not a terrible deal since it’s a MiLB signing, unless he makes the MLB team and they let him play too long before pulling the plug. I’m not sure why Severino is not given a chance either. If he’s so terrible, they need to release him so he can sign with a different organization. 

The Twins don't seem to have much faith in their own minor leaguers performing at AAA like Severino and/or Camargo, which I don't get especially when they add players such as Gasper or Ford. who they will likely give more chances to succeed at the MLB level.

[Greglw3]

13 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Nobody is a fan of the payroll cuts. Nobody. At least not the fans ... us. 

Go to BaseballProspectus or other sites and you will see the Twins have the same amount of money or more than their division foes or Milwaukee after subtracting the two highest paid players. My point is that the front office is playing on the same or better level than their immediate competition. The Twins will never match the big boys in spending. The roster configuration is up to the front office and their ability to do so matches half the teams easily. It isn't about the owners unless that is the bone a person must gnaw away on. 

You can check it below. This is not a defense of ownership but merely stating a reality, the rosters are put together by the front office. 

 

FWIW, I’m not a fan of ownership or Falvey but I’m possibly generously giving Falvey a bit of a pass due to the unfair financial dictates placed on him by Pohlad, although I think he could have done much better so far.

It’s a systemic illness and the only real solution IMO is new ownership (Ishbias?) and firing Falvey and Baldelli and probably Moll. Get a real GM in here who isn’t interfered with by a Falvey type. Keep only Sean Johnson and his staff who recruit so well.

[bean5302]

6 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

I read this signing as fungible, a guy that isn’t on the 40, but big he gets added they can DFA when they need the roster spot and not feel bad about.

as to why Severino and Williams “want” to be in the org, I don’t think that’s relevant. They’re both under contract.

Chris Williams (assuming the guy being talked about) is not under contract with the Twins. The Twins non-tendered him, he elected MiLB free agency and signed with the Mets.

[Jacksson]

Due to the Twins' budget restrictions the team was unable to afford to sign a Lincoln or Mercury so they settled for a FORD !!

[Five minute major]

The Pohlads cannot sell this team fast enough.   

[RpR]

8 hours ago, MinnInPa said:

Just fix Julien ..get him  to swing the bat.. he obviously guesses a lot ...maybe too much "Analytics" in his head ???

Just DFA Julien, some where else.

[Greglw3]

20 hours ago, Greglw3 said:

The onus is 100% on the Pohlads who pulled bait and switch by green lighting Correa and Lopez only to cut payroll by ~ 30MM for two consecutive years and that -30MM is worse this year due to inflation. 

The argument about the comparative payrolls in the Central is specious because the Twins are spending almost 60MM on 2 players. Only 70MM remaining for all the remaining players.

Salary differential between 2023-2024    

   White Sox − $142,995,900   -21.07%

   Twins − $124,077,590           -19.22%

    Royals − $115,257,261          +24.65%

   Tigers − $103,834,833          -15.05%

   Guardians − $93,333,629     +4.37

[stringer bell]

4 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Chris Williams (assuming the guy being talked about) is not under contract with the Twins. The Twins non-tendered him, he elected MiLB free agency and signed with the Mets.

Not a non-tender. He was a minor league free agent and chose the Mets after being in the Twins organization since he was drafted. 

[twinfan]

On 1/2/2025 at 8:00 PM, Blyleven2011 said:

Does any twins fan really believe the twins can finish above 4th this coming year ????  ...

You win with talent , you improve that talent for the major leagues in the major leagues ,

this is not a philosophy of our FO , Rocco and our enormous  amount of coaches , we have gotten worse with more coaches  than when we only had a handful  ...

The twins can't win with hope , they will have a hard time playing better than Cleveland  , Kansas city  and Detroit  

I don't believe KC will repeat last season's success. I'm not even crazy about Cleveland except they have Classe. Detroit is the only team that will definitely finish ahead of the Twins. Everyone seems to forget how decent we were until August when our pitching stayed ok despite losing Ryan but our offense went south. I can see us finishing second but maybe not have enough wins to make the wild card. Last year was a fluke with 3 Central teams making the playoffs.