Article: Trade Talk: The Atlanta Braves

[Riverbrian]

To me this is one of the most overused phrases on this site. Despite John Bonnes' article last year, I will never believe it when used in general with regard to an AL Central team.

 

This current Twins team just doesn't have the pitching horses to do anything against teams with winning records.

 

And, unfortunately, I believe that being in the AL Central has been a dis-incentive to the Twins to do what they need to do to get to that championship caliber point (and I mean champion of something beyond the AL Central). It gives a false sense of security -- why take risks if you are going to rake in money and make the playoffs? There is no incentive to be better than "just good enough" to win the AL Central.

 

And to see the possibility raised of not pursuing trades this year because they might somehow squeak into the playoffs makes my blood boil.

 

Not accepting a trade because you are not offered enough is one thing. Not accepting a trade at this point because somehow the other teams in your division may be bad enough to lose to you and somehow miraculously let you squeak in to the playoffs is another. The Twins have been there, done that. It isn't enough for me anymore. Despite the pain of the last 2 1/2 years, at least it was SO bad that it gave hope that the Twins might have to do something different. I do not want to see them sacrifice the possibility of long-term gains for some miraculous playoff run this season.

 

The Phrase is overused because many of us believe it.

 

Personally, I agree with you... Your Pitching staff will carry you along way in the playoffs and I don't see a current Twins pitching staff that will be able to compete and having guys like Verlander and Kershaw is an enormous advantage to the team that has Deduno and Correia.

 

But... I still firmly believe that once the playoffs start... Anything can happen.

 

I think I've seen more teams come out of nowhere to win in it all...

 

Than I've seen teams favored to win it all... actually win it all.

 

I know 87 was a long time ago but since we all saw it... Viola... Plus... 4.00 ERA old Guy Bert Blyleven and Les Straker won the World Series...

 

The 2006 Cardinals won the World Series 4 games to 1 with starters named Anthony Reyes, Jeff Suppan and Jeff Weaver joining Carpenter. Reyes and Weaver both had ERA's plus 5 during the season.

 

I respect your right to hate the statement "that anything can happen". However... in my memory... Anything has happened already and I assume that anything will happen again.

[Thegrin]

We should not trade unless we get a value prospect or a better shortstop than Florimon. If the Braves want Duensing or Thielbar and want to give us something we need, then fine, make a trade.

If you have been following baseball for any length of time, you know that players hitting usually reverts to their norm. This means that we should look for a marked improvement from Morneau, Willingham and Doumit. We don't need to dump salary. Anything is possible, and I will be happy to watch this team play to a .500 record.

[Kwak]

Those who fantasize about the Twins making a run for 1st place this year should be advised that DET's remaining schedule is very weak. 49 games (all 19 vs CWS!) against the ALC, and only 18 games against opponents that are actually challengers for a playoff spot. I expect that they finish this season like they did last season. The Twins are rebuilding.

[Snortwood]

the Twins should only sell Perkins for a massive overpay like Bogaerts. However I massively doubt that will happen.

Closers are plentiful and an unneeded luxury for a 90 loss squad. Get me a premier shortstop and we're in business. Heck, there's another Zoilo in the league now, it's long past due the Twins should have an All-Star at short. If it costs Perkins you make that deal. Maybe if the Red Sox get close and must have a power lefty out of the bullpen. Maybe, but not likely. TBD.