Twins Sign Matt Guerrier to Minor League Deal

[johnnydakota]

In re: to Baker. I think he has a better shot to crack the Mariners opening day roster then the Twins, who are pretty set at this point with Nolasco, Hughes, Pelfrey, Correia and whoever is out of options.

 

63-48 4.14 ERA better career numbers then the 4 pitchers you are touting

[minn55441]

it is a thread about signing Matt Guerrier. there is nothing to debate. there is no downside to this signing

 

It's depth. The only thing it costs is money and I don't think anyone is against Terry spending more of the Pohlad's Money. You can't argue against a move like this. If he pitches well, he may contribute. If he pitches poorly, he is sent to Rochester or released. In the case of an injury or someone else just doesn't preform you can't ever have too many arms heading into the season.

 

Some may not like the other signings, but there is nothing to argue here.

[johnnydakota]

In re: to Baker. I think he has a better shot to crack the Mariners opening day roster then the Twins, who are pretty set at this point with Nolasco, Hughes, Pelfrey, Correia and whoever is out of options.

 

Fangraph has the Twins rotation listed as the 28th of 30 rotations...

I would gladly take Seattle rotation over our current rotation any day, and if your honest, most here would also

[cmathewson]

"No downside?" Everybody needs innings to be evaluated and to be prepared for the ensuing season. Innings used on "filler" are not available for those who will be: 1) on the active roster and 2) those who project to be on the active roster in the near future. A concern is when the final cut is made and the decision is between "the old shoe" and promising younger guy--who is selected?

 

I forgot to say: "Is Guerrier the guy that Gardenhire was referring to with 'Wow'?"

 

If the old shoe is a 35 year old reliever with a career ERA+ of 120, and he is healthy, he could beat out the 25 year old with the career ERA+ of 98.

 

I don't think Guerrier or Santana are the "wow" impending signings. I think we are talking about one of the guys who requires draft compensation. That's why they opened up a spot on the 40 man roster, by moving Albers to Korea.

[Craig Arko]

I sincerely doubt the addition of Matt Guerrier will increase ticket sales.

 

Wow! Where do I sign up?

 

/irony

 

I would actually pay real money to see Johan one more time, even if he gets shelled.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Almost certainly the guy who will best help the team win. Ask Jacque Jones circa 2010.

 

Hey is Jacque available for a minor league deal?

 

True there's no downside for the Twins by this. And I trust Terry Ryan as a scout. But collectively, there's something a little off key about bringing back all these former Twins from the glory years. Don't people have that sense or am I imagining things? I will count Pelfrey in that group-I am happy to have him back but he was practically begging on hands and knees to come back here. Why?

 

I can't exactly put my finger on why these ex Twin deals are starting to feel redundant or desperate or whatever, but I will back johnnyd on this! If a couple of these guys perform and help us get back to winning, I will be happy to eat my words.

[twinsnorth49]

it is nothing more then bringing back a known name in hopes of selling a couple more tickets.

it adds nothing to the future.

 

It's nothing more than looking at every possible way to improve your team, with virtually zero cost and no impact to your 40 man roster.

 

Complain about the major league signings all you like, but this? Pick your battles, this is just completely misplaced outrage.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Wow! Where do I sign up?

 

/irony

 

I would actually pay real money to see Johan one more time, even if he gets shelled.

 

Actually I would too.

[cmathewson]

True there's no downside for the Twins by this...., but I will back johnnyd on this!

 

True snow is white, but snow is also black.

[minn55441]

Not sure there is much too it, but Gardy did mention in one of this interviews around Twinsfest, something to the effect of wanting to change the attitude of the club. I think he said "bring in winners" or "bring in guys that know what it is like to win". Most of these former Twins were part of a number of winning seasons. The same can't be said about most of the roster that has been turned over since 2010.

 

We did lose some vocal clubhouse guys in Cuddy, Punto and Nathan. Perhaps they are trying to change the attitude and know what they are getting in some of these older but known commodities. They don't have to make the 40 man roster to have an impact on the roster and the approach the young guys have to the game.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Not sure there is much too it, but Gardy did mention in one of this interviews around Twinsfest, something to the effect of wanting to change the attitude of the club. I think he said "bring in winners" or "bring in guys that know what it is like to win". Most of these former Twins were part of a number of winning seasons. The same can't be said about most of the roster that has been turned over since 2010.

 

We did lose some vocal clubhouse guys in Cuddy, Punto and Nathan. Perhaps they are trying to change the attitude and know what they are getting in some of these older but known commodities. They don't have to make the 40 man roster to have an impact on the roster and the approach the young guys have to the game.

 

I can get on board with this explanation. Gardenhire shouldn't be shy about drawing on his own experience of winning, however (or Mauer for that matter).

[diehardtwinsfan]

63-48 4.14 ERA better career numbers then the 4 pitchers you are touting

 

And he's spent the last 2+ seasons on the DL. Baker knew full well he was going to get a minor league contract. He knew full well that he was going to need to sign a 1 year deal with a team that is going to give him a realistic shot to start... so it isn't going to be with his former team who has already signed 3 FA SPs and have a 4th under contract. The Twins options were to not sign one of the other three or give Baker a major league contract. Would you be applauding them for doing either? I think there would be a lot more people upset here... and for good reason. No one wants to see the return of PJ Walters, and very few people would have been happy had Baker been considered a FA signing.

[Mike Sixel]

Mediocre old guy, or young guy with upside who still has to learn....which would you rather watch in MN or Rochester? If he's mediocre/bad, and goes to Rochester, does a young guy stay in AA that could move up? Does that delay his appearance in MN when he's needed? Those are the possible downsides, imo. Not sure any of them come to fruition, but to imply there is no downside to filling AAA with old guys, as opposed to younger players with upside, well, that seems off to me. There is always downside risk in any move or non-move.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Honestly, if this was anyone else, this is no news. I don't see what the problem is here. Minor league signings happen every year. Every team does them. The fact that we go with a guy with upside that we know doesn't bother me at all.

[old nurse]

Baker signed with Seattle. Can't bring back that winner.

[TheLeviathan]

Matty Guerrier...for whatever reason....was always I guy I felt trust with when he came to the mound. Probably one of my favorites from that bullpen group - glad to see him in the mix.

[old nurse]

Mediocre old guy, or young guy with upside who still has to learn....which would you rather watch in MN or Rochester? If he's mediocre/bad, and goes to Rochester, does a young guy stay in AA that could move up? Does that delay his appearance in MN when he's needed? Those are the possible downsides, imo. Not sure any of them come to fruition, but to imply there is no downside to filling AAA with old guys, as opposed to younger players with upside, well, that seems off to me. There is always downside risk in any move or non-move.

 

If Guerrier ends up organizational filler see Brandon Boggs. Minor league contracts are no guarantee of staying with the team. There still is no downside. If you were confident everyone was stepping up you wouldn't sign him. If Guerrier steps up great, if he doesn't AAA. Nobody steps up from AA, you have your hole filled. If someone does, there is no cost to cut.

[notoriousgod71]

Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN talked with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire yesterday and was told the team is circling back with one more notable free agent. "[Assistant GM] Rob [Antony] just called me the other day and told me they were gonna make another run at a guy, and I'm like, 'Wow that's pretty good,'" said Gardenhire.

 

I certainly hope Guerrier isn't the guy to make Gardenhire this excited.

[Mike Sixel]

IF they cut him.....or do they keep a guy around that is ok, because they young guy "still has to earn his way".....I mean, should they fill all of AAA with AAAA guys, because then Rochester is better, or should it also have some guys that are maybe AA right now, but will be AAA and then MLB?

 

Again, I'm not saying it will happen, but to say "no possible downside", that's not how the world works, imo.

[notoriousgod71]

TR: We're putting the band back together.

Johan Santana: Forget it. No way

Gardy: We're on a mission from God.

 

There was an article yesterday about Bartlett and Kubel's return and Bartlett said, "Tyner called me up the other day and asked if there was an old-timer's game. Where do I sign up?"

[JB_Iowa]

Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN talked with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire yesterday and was told the team is circling back with one more notable free agent. "[Assistant GM] Rob [Antony] just called me the other day and told me they were gonna make another run at a guy, and I'm like, 'Wow that's pretty good,'" said Gardenhire.

 

I certainly hope Guerrier isn't the guy to make Gardenhire this excited.

 

I just hope its not Arroyo.

[johnnydakota]

And he's spent the last 2+ seasons on the DL. Baker knew full well he was going to get a minor league contract. He knew full well that he was going to need to sign a 1 year deal with a team that is going to give him a realistic shot to start... so it isn't going to be with his former team who has already signed 3 FA SPs and have a 4th under contract. The Twins options were to not sign one of the other three or give Baker a major league contract. Would you be applauding them for doing either? I think there would be a lot more people upset here... and for good reason. No one wants to see the return of PJ Walters, and very few people would have been happy had Baker been considered a FA signing.

 

I take Baker over Pelfrey..yup, at least we dont wait 4.37 minutes between pitches, even if we only get 27 starts instead of 32

[AlwaysinModeration]

it is nothing more then bringing back a known name in hopes of selling a couple more tickets.

it adds nothing to the future.

 

I'm trying to envision a scenario in which the Matt Guerrier signing leads to increased ticket sales. Friends and family members?

[cmathewson]

I'm trying to envision a scenario in which the Matt Guerrier signing leads to increased ticket sales. Friends and family members?

 

The Matt Guerrier fan club, all of four members, two of whom are just radio listeners since they went into the home.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Downside would be something like Mike Trombley circa 2002.

[notoriousgod71]

Downside would be something like Mike Trombley circa 2002.

 

YES! That is exactly what I thought when I heard the news. Or Guardado 2008.

[DuluthFan]

Not every signing has to fill a future need. Sometimes you have to fill needs in the present. Most people here would like to see the Twins do better. I would like to see them do better sooner rather than later. If there is a hole in the Twins bullpen this year and Guerrier can fill it, so be it. If it doesn't that's ok as well.

Look at the big picture. If Deduno, Worley and Diamond don't make the 25 man roster as starters OR relievers and they are waived and claimed, there will be openings in the organization at the AAA level for major league experienced pitchers to fill in for injuries. The Twins are only doing their due diligence and planning for the loss of experienced pitchers. They appear to have enough potential high level starters, they also need high level experienced relievers.

If he pitches well, but doesn't make the team, he would also make a good tradable asset. If they could get something for Butera, they could get something for Guerrier.

[cmathewson]

IF they cut him.....or do they keep a guy around that is ok, because they young guy "still has to earn his way".....I mean, should they fill all of AAA with AAAA guys, because then Rochester is better, or should it also have some guys that are maybe AA right now, but will be AAA and then MLB?

 

Again, I'm not saying it will happen, but to say "no possible downside", that's not how the world works, imo.

 

OK, there are always risks. But the risk is about the same as the risk of not signing him. What if we don't sign him? Well, then it's possible injuries at AAA will force us to move an arm up who isn't ready and it practically wrecks his career. If the risk of signing him is the same as the risk of not signing him, for all intents and purposes, there's no risk.

 

Now, please don't get me started on the risk of failing to not sign him.

[Thrylos]

Pat Neshek is a free agent too

[Linus]

Good Lord - this is the kind of stuff that drives people away from TD. There is no downside to this in any way, shape or form. They can cut the guy tomorrow if they want. Opposition to signings like this are petulant potshots at TR.