What Next?

[Reider]

In terms of what is next for the Twins, I can see them going after another starting pitcher and / or a position player. They definitely aren't done yet.

 

Defensively, the Twins should be rock solid up the middle. Florimon and Dozier will build upon what they had last year and Mauer will definitely hold it down at first. 3rd base on the other hand should be the same old song and dance unless the Twins find someone else who is better defensively. It looks like Plouffe will be given another opportunity though. If he starts cranking home runs again, there won't be too many people complaining about his defense.

 

It's really hard to say what's going to happen with the outfield. The Twins could cover a lot of ground out there if they used Hicks, Mastro, and Pressly, but I don't think that's how it will unfold. Willingham, Arcia, Parmelee, and Doumit etc.. will be utilized I'm sure.

 

Speaking of Hicks, I don't think anybody should be giving up on him at all. He wasn't very consistent last year, but you could tell just by watching him play that he has all of the tools to be a very well rounded MLB outfielder. It'll probably just take some time, then hopefully one day it will all just click, similarly to the way it did with Ben Revere.

[iTwins]

I think the Twins have one signing up their sleeve and maybe a trade as well. I'll stay optimistic and say they sign Arroyo and make a trade for Brett Anderson. (Although signing Pelfrey and trading for Burch Smith would be a good "consolation")

 

A 2014 rotation of:

1. Nolasco

2. Arroyo

3. Anderson

4. Hughes

5. Deduno

 

Looks mighty fine to me. I'd also like to see them pick up a veteran catcher (via trade - I'm not enamored with Buck). Otherwise I think the Twins are in decent shape heading into 2014. Will they contend? Who knows, but they'll certainly be more watchable - and that's all I'm asking for from this offseason.

[Dman]

I don't think TR is interested in trading Perkins. Perkins signed his contract with a hometown discount based on staying in Minnesota. I think there is an under the table agreement there that they wouldn't trade him based on that deal. Maybe if the right deal came around and TR got the OK from Glenn they would do a deal but I don't see the honor bound TR trading him. Granted they did it to Span but I think there is something different about Perkins since he grew up and lives in Minnesota. I would be very surprised if they traded him.

[gunnarthor]

Due to his shoulder problems or lack of talent? It would be a shame if he goes from arguably the best pitcher on the team to not being good enough to pitch in the major leagues over the off season, unless it's due to health reasons.

 

Diamond did that the year before. I don't think Deduno is good enough to make 20+ starts. I hope I'm wrong.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think the Twins have one signing up their sleeve and maybe a trade as well. I'll stay optimistic and say they sign Arroyo and make a trade for Brett Anderson. (Although signing Pelfrey and trading for Burch Smith would be a good "consolation")

 

A 2014 rotation of:

1. Nolasco

2. Arroyo

3. Anderson

4. Hughes

5. Deduno

 

Looks mighty fine to me. I'd also like to see them pick up a veteran catcher (via trade - I'm not enamored with Buck). Otherwise I think the Twins are in decent shape heading into 2014. Will they contend? Who knows, but they'll certainly be more watchable - and that's all I'm asking for from this offseason.

 

That rotation would definitely be an improvement, but I just cannot see Deduno getting the nod over Gibson, nor do I see the Twins eating the 5M they gave KC to pitch this year. For that reason, I doubt they sign Arroyo. I could still see a trade for Anderson if Beane does indeed want to sell low, but I think the rotation will be:

 

Nolasco

Hughes

KC

Gibson

Deduno/Worley/Darnell/Diamond

[diehardtwinsfan]

I don't think TR is interested in trading Perkins. Perkins signed his contract with a hometown discount based on staying in Minnesota. I think there is an under the table agreement there that they wouldn't trade him based on that deal. Maybe if the right deal came around and TR got the OK from Glenn they would do a deal but I don't see the honor bound TR trading him. Granted they did it to Span but I think there is something different about Perkins since he grew up and lives in Minnesota. I would be very surprised if they traded him.

 

Perkins wasn't the closer when he signed that contract, though if I remember right, the option was there. It was good value as a reliever, but hardly a steal. I tend to think that you trade Perkins if you get good value. If Boston offered Rayunado or Webster for him, I'd do it in a heart beat.

 

Closers can be replaced much easer than top of the rotation starting talent can be found.