Twins going too far this off-season?

[ND-Fan]

I think Terry Ryan will add some offensive talent before season opens. The Twins offense I think will get better even with whats in place now. Moving Mauer to 1st is going to add offense for the Twins immediately his bat going in lineup for full season and I willing to bet his batting average and power improves this coming year he won't be so beat up and can play a few more games. Willingham should be healthy for coming year and if he is should add another 10 to 15 home runs for a season. Arcia should be better this year after having year up in majors. I believe center field position should be more productive too the Twins are going to have better hitting from that position than they received from Hicks and Clete Thomas. Sano could improve 3rd base production sometime this coming year. Like I said I think twins will look for offensive help in Outfield and DH but some of this could be solved on how they play some of players they have now in platoon system. Also if pitching is better Twin won't need to carry 13 pitchers so having another bat available should help them offensively. I think Twins are going to trade a few people before they open the season. If I was betting man Parmelee, Plouffe,, and Doumit could be on trading block or will be tried to see if they can clear waivers. Also Duensing or Diamond could be on trade block as well as Worley if they can get decent return by trading them and would free up money and spots for players working there way up system. I think the Twins are not so willing to carry some of these prospects and keeping a spot on the roster hoping they will start live up to what they thought when they acquired these players.

[TD Mac]

The first time they block a starter in AAA who is truly ready because they want more starts out of Corriea/Pelfrey, I'll worry. There's one spot open now. There will be another by June 1st. Everyone who's deserving will still get their shot.

 

And as for leaving no money for a bat, the current payroll is ~$83 million. Exactly the same as last year and $20-$25 million less than 2011. If we're out of money to spend, Jim Pohlad should be ashamed of himself.

 

Serious question - who was the last pitcher "truly ready" who was "blocked" so remained at AAA?

 

We've become so desperate for pitchers to step up that we'd rather give starts to a guy with a 4+ era at AA just because he offers upside potential than to a veteran with a career era in the low 4s in the majors.

 

I'm as excited as anyone about the prospects coming up thru the system, but just because I hope they'll be part of the solution and want them to succeed doesn't mean that they will. We've held open tryouts for two years. I'm ready to watch the occasional major league pitcher. When Gibson, Meyer, May, etc are ready, I guarantee the twins will move the bigger salaries out to accommodate. To me that's best case scenario and brings in a return that continues to supply prospects.

[johnnydakota]

The first time they block a starter in AAA who is truly ready because they want more starts out of Corriea/Pelfrey, I'll worry. There's one spot open now. There will be another by June 1st. Everyone who's deserving will still get their shot.

 

And as for leaving no money for a bat, the current payroll is ~$83 million. Exactly the same as last year and $20-$25 million less than 2011. If we're out of money to spend, Jim Pohlad should be ashamed of himself.

 

2011 payroll 113.5 million so 30 million less

[Guest USAFChief]

I am disappoint.

 

I clicked into this thread expecting to learn of some "inappropriate for work" craze by siblings born at the same time sweeping the nation.

[Gene Larkin Fan Club]

If the club is fairly certain that Diamond and Worley are unlikely to click as starters, I hope they are exploring interest from other clubs. Neither is too far removed from very solid seasons. There may be a team or two that would be willing to flip a reasonable prospect or even a legitimate player who could compete for time on our roster. Wouldn't mind if they found a third baseman that can make contact vs. righties, a veteran catcher and/or an upgrade at shortstop. I'd hate to DFA them if there was a chance to use them to improve elsewhere.

[halfchest]

I think the only worry and it's a small one is that we lose a guy like Worley, Diamond or Deduno for nothing. Especially when I question how much of a step up is a guy like Pelfrey or Correia?

 

In the end though really not a big deal. If they show up in Spring training and those guys are looking good the Twins will find a spot for them or be able to trade them. I guess I was hoping if we signed a 3rd pitcher it would be Garza because he is a clear upgrade on any of those guys. The one I would most like to see get another extended look is Worley. He did it in Philly for multiple seasons and even with last seasons debacle he owns a 4.05 career ERA. That and he's only 25. Really like his chances to rebound and be a part of this rotation for the next few years.

[johnnydakota]

If the club is fairly certain that Diamond and Worley are unlikely to click as starters, I hope they are exploring interest from other clubs. Neither is too far removed from very solid seasons. There may be a team or two that would be willing to flip a reasonable prospect or even a legitimate player who could compete for time on our roster. Wouldn't mind if they found a third baseman that can make contact vs. righties, a veteran catcher and/or an upgrade at shortstop. I'd hate to DFA them if there was a chance to use them to improve elsewhere.

 

You could even package them with a prospect or 2 who isnt revelant to the Twins future ,

or include Trevor Plouffe in the package

[Gene Larkin Fan Club]

Perhaps a veteran back-up catcher is an even bigger priority now with Doumit gone and Pinto's shoulder being a bit of an uncertainty. Any ideas who may be available (other than Lobaton)? Looks like we have some depth to spare with back end of the rotation types. It would be nice to fill in some gaps in other spots.

[JB_Iowa]

• Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 3m
  Part of reason Twins clearing money is to add another starting pitcher (Bronson Arroyo?)
   
  12:42 PM - 18 Dec 13
   
   
  I still have trouble with that idea (adding Arroyo) but I do question how much these columnists know vs how much they just keep speculating.
   
  I see the Doumit deal as clearing a 40 man space and hopefully making it more likely that the Twins sign a catcher.
   
  Bronson Arroyo? mmmm, no. Not after signing Nolasco, Hughes & Pelfrey.
   
   
  

[johnnydakota]

• Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 3m
  Part of reason Twins clearing money is to add another starting pitcher (Bronson Arroyo?)
   
  12:42 PM - 18 Dec 13
   
   
  I still have trouble with that idea (adding Arroyo) but I do question how much these columnists know vs how much they just keep speculating.
   
  I see the Doumit deal as clearing a 40 man space and hopefully making it more likely that the Twins sign a catcher.
   
  Bronson Arroyo? mmmm, no. Not after signing Nolasco, Hughes & Pelfrey.
  

 

I agree , It make no sense to add Bronson ,When Garza is still out there,

If the sticking point is the 4th year, why not just offer up more money, and front load it

Give him 51 million over 3 years and pay him 26 million for 2014, then 13/12 the last 2.

Unless his arm falls off we have a Prime trading chip in 2015 or 16

[mikecgrimes]

If they sign one to many starters, you just throw someone in the bullpen, and come June or July your in a good position to make a trade. As long as we're not spending 10 million plus on 4 different guys who cares how many we sign. If someone like Garza were to sign with us at this point they know what there getting into, and as long as that doesn't push Hughes or Nalasco out who cares about everyone else, it's there job to earn a spot.

[specialiststeve]

Disagree with your take on Pelfrey, generally the second year back from TJ surgery the pitcher gets back his "feel". He was throwing 95 by the end of the year with very good movement. Just could not locate. If he gets the location back .... well worth the 2 year deal. Look at what is out there for 5-6 mil per... not anything with Pelfrey's potential. Low risk - high return potential.

[Trevor0333]

I like the moves to stabilize the team & want to keep payroll available for next year after seeing what holes left don't fill themselves.

 

It sounds like the Drew & Morales markets may not be what they hoped with so much concentrated on pitching. Say the market for them really is down.

 

If you could sign both for 3/25 deals giving up a 2nd & 3rd in the draft, wouldja?

[howieramone1406390264]

I like the moves to stabilize the team & want to keep payroll available for next year after seeing what holes left don't fill themselves.

 

It sounds like the Drew & Morales markets may not be what they hoped with so much concentrated on pitching. Say the market for them really is down.

 

If you could sign both for 3/25 deals giving up a 2nd & 3rd in the draft, wouldja?

 

I would. I'm guessing Ryan wants to permanently fix the blackhole at SS before he rides off into the sunset, but at that price three years works just fine. IMO Morales at DH is a great move for a team dreaming about October baseball, but once again at that price I would buy.

[mako83]

The answer is no, having depth has no bearing on prospect development. These guys could be effective in the bullpen. If they hit a snag were covered. I still think another starter is a must. Why is talent more important then consistency. I would love to have another Strasburg but I don't see one in our organization.

[kab21]

I would sign both of them for those prices and the cost of a 2nd/3rd rd pick. It would give the Twins a legitimate offense vs what is most likely a bottom 10 (possibly bottom 5 offense). People talk about this mythical concern of blocking prospects but the guys blocked (removed from the lineup) are the likes of Parmelee/Kubel/Colabello and Florimon/Santana. I won't lose any sleep over blocking them.