Twins Trade Nick Gordon to Marlins for Left-Handed Reliever Steven Okert

I like how one of his player comps on baseball ref is Danny coulombe, who we previously released. Now we trade an actual player for him (not that I'm a Gordon fan at all).

That said, okert should be a nice addition to the bullpen. I certainly feel better about him as LHP 2 instead of funderburk.

Now all the offseason machinations finally make sense!  It was hard to see it at times, but now that we have the complete picture, it all makes sense. 

LOL,  for a team that has just kind of thrown a bullpen together,  we seem to want to try to build an elite bullpen by accumulating as many options as possible.  Not sure how we can carry them all.  

That settles the Gordon/Castro debate many have been involved in...

I think we need more depth for left handed relief. But more importantly we need to pave a way for a player like Austin Martin who I think offers more upside than Nick Gordon. I've never seen Okert play ever but the numbers aren't bad and he is a veteran arm at a position that we lacked depth. No complaints here. Wish Nick Gordon all the best in Miami. 

11 minutes ago, notoriousgod71 said:

Now we trade an actual player for him (not that I'm a Gordon fan at all).

I don't mind this fix to the Coulumbe mistake. Gordon was obviously not in the plans for opening day anyway. 

4 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

His numbers do look solid. Is this going to come down to he vs Thielbar? Or instead, is he the 2nd lefty in the bullpen over Funderburk? Lots of guys do have options

2nd lefty over Funderburk. An injury could even mean three lefties at times. 

4 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

Many who?

You're right, it was probably more of a Gordon/Martin argument.... Castro was gonna play no matter what.

Glad to see the utility player pool scaled back, with an MLB arm in return. Not flashy, but necessary. I'm curious what, if anything, this does for our OF back-ups. I'm still hoping for that right handed bat.

If you look at the organization the Twins need another LH relief pitcher more than they need another lefthanded outfielder. Okert is slightly above average and that's pretty good for a 2nd lefty reliever.

This frees up a spot on the roster for Larnach or Martin or a different free agent addition.

Good luck to Nick Gordon in Miami. 

Right handed outfield bat incoming.

Shrewd move. Trading redundancy for a need.  Good luck Nick!! 

As a personal note, post here if you see Gordon jerseys or shirseys on clearance at the pro shops. I have relatives with that last name who would probably want a Gordon Twins jersey at a discount.

Good trade !!  More depth in the bullpen and a lefty with an excellent K rate to boot.  Good luck Nick Gordon.  

8 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

Wow. I saw Gordon getting moved, but this actually more than I expected. Okert has a great career BA/against, great WHIP, and over 10 K per IP. Over 50 IP each of the last two years.

Love the pen depth. Best opening day pen and  best depth I can remember in years!

This team is starting to come together. And the depth most everywhere is excellent.

I fully agree.  I think the front office saw how beneficial it was to have the great depth by SP and Hitters last year.  Quality MLB players make a huge difference on winning games.  

Bullpen - Duran, Thielbar, Jax, Stewart, Topa, Jackson, Okert,   

Then Staumont (possible 60 day) Alcala,  Funderburk plus the options we have in AAA and I will be curious if we are able to pass through a couple more options throw waivers tomorrow in possibly Duarte, (soon to be) Weiss and Balazovic to add to Jensen, Bowman.  

Pretty Clear Varland will remain a starter option.  

7 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I hope not. Unless they're also trading Kepler.

They won't be signing or trading for a GOOD right handed outfield bat, they'd only be getting one as a 4th OF. This team can't suffer more roster filler or just like last year they'll end up throwing games away early in the year while they let the aging vet bats stink up the joint while the more talented players are being wasted in St. Paul.

Adam Duvall or MAT don't have a place on this team as a part time options? Isn't there TV money incoming?

Yeah, no thanks to Kyle Garlick or Jake Cave. 

43 minutes ago, mnfireman said:

That settles the Gordon/Castro debate many have been involved in...

Castro still should not be the primary center fielder for the 100+ games we'll need someone out there.

I wouldn't be surprised if one of those relief arms is included in a trade for a right-handed Outfield bat

8 minutes ago, PseudoSABR said:

Adam Duvall or MAT don't have a place on this team as a part time options? Isn't there TV money incoming?

Yeah, no thanks to Kyle Garlick or Jake Cave. 

Not sure who "MAT" is but Duvall SUCKS... no thanks.  Much rather have Martin get a shot. 

Unless we get a quality level OF'r back in a deal there is no point. Spending 5 mil for a Mendosa line OF would be stupid spending.