Wolfson: Twins Have Real Interest In Marcus Semien

I think there is a lot of buyer beware with him. Hopefully he wouldn’t cost much and we could spend elsewhere than

I think a lot of FA will be signing 1 to 2 year deals.  They may not want to but will need to settle for it. For him he will may want to sign the 1 year deal try to have another good offensive season away from Oakland and then try to get long term deal when fans can sit in seats again. 

This actually would bode well for Twins if they think Lewis can be long term SS.  They have buy low short term deal with little risk.  If he crushes they throw the QO on him get a pick, if he is ehhh they let him walk.  If he is below mehh, depending on other moves they fill his spot internally.  

I can see him being the shortstop, but if Donaldson goes down, maybe Polanco goes back to short and Semein to 3B. I think he might be a better fit at 3B than Polanco.

I'm interested in this, but i need to have an idea how much better Semien is at SS than Polanco defensively.  I KNOW Andrelton Simmons is superior, how much better is Semien than Polanco.  

Jorge's future with the twins or any other team that acquires him as their SS for 2021 is either at 2B or as a "super utility" with an above average bat.  

But with the exception of Donaldson, the Twins are distinctly "below average" on defense in the infield.

This needs to improve.  

I think Simmons is the better option depending on price

Do I think that Polanco should start at SS?                 NO.

Do I think that Polanco should be the utility?               NO.

Do I think that Polanco should start at 2B?                  Yes

Do I think that the Twins should sign Semien?             Dunno?

I believe that the Twins are looking for a SS & they've stopped in to let Semien know   that they are interested & if he would accept $xxxxxxxxx/ year, they are just kicking the tires. I believe Semien wants much more than the FO is offering. As far as FAs go I'm more interested in Hernandez because as a utility player he'll be much cheaper. He be the full time SS and is available to help out CF. He's motivated to prove that he can start full time + he has fire, which Twins need. He's also a clutch hitter w/ a lot of PS experience

Would definitely be interesting... I would be good with Polanco going to utility guy... his health continues to hold him back. If he could play 4-5 days a week I think his production would improve. 

I can see him being the shortstop, but if Donaldson goes down, maybe Polanco goes back to short and Semein to 3B. I think he might be a better fit at 3B than Polanco.

If Donaldson goes down I'd rather keep Semien at SS & transition Sano back to  3B. Hopefully Sano could be comfortable enough at 1B to be able to make that transition back & forth. I'd then like to  play Arraez at 1B  in that situation. I`d prefer Sano/ Semien  combo than a Semien/ Polanco.

Is Semien at least average defensively?

Much, much, much better.

For sure his glove is NOT much better.   I would say their gloves are comparable.

I don't understand the seeming interest in 'moving on' from Arraez at second base. At 22/23 years old, he has a combined 438 at bats and has hit .331 with an .819 OPS. He's always a tough out, and, major or minor leagues, he's always been a .300+ hitter. Granted, not much power and not great defensively, but Jorge hasn't exactly lit it up in either category of late either. Plus Arraez has longer control/lower salary. I know people say trade him for a pitcher, but I'd rather have him as a table setter playing every day.

Especially since they spent two years telling us he was basically Rod Carew.

I have no interest in Semien. Thus far, he appears to be like every other Twins where his career year was joke of a 2019 season where pitching was dreadful.

For the glove alone, I'd take Semien. He can hit .220 for all I care. I want a SS that makes plays in the field. Polanco's arm will always put the Twins at risk in tight games. Polanco can be a DH and a backup at first it second. Arraez can play 3rd if Donaldson goes down. His arm is much better than Polanco's.

With 3 good FA SS's on the market - Didi, Simmons and Semien - this seems like a potential upgrade for the team.  My initial preference was for Didi because of his consistent offense over the years and a supposed upgrade over Polanco's defense.  But reviewing the defensive stats, the Twins would be better off with one of the others.  Simmons has never shown much offense and for that reason, Semien probably makes the most sense, although a clear risk that he was a one season wonder.

Where I differ from most on this post, is what such a signing would allow the Twins to do, which is enhance their chances for bringing in a top rated starter.  Using one of Arraez or Polanco as a utility infielder undervalues their worth on the market.  We can easily fill that slot with someone like Kiki, Profar or LaStella.  So if we made either Arraez or Polanco as a centerpiece in a trade for one of the top starters reportedly available - Castillo, Gray or Darvish - this combination of moves would greatly strengthen the team, both on offense and pitching.  We know the Reds are in the market for a SS and that the Cubs are in need of a 2B.  We have enough in the way of prospects to consummate a trade with one of these clubs or even Colorado or Pittsburgh.  Castillo would be most desirable but hardest to get, which is why a regular position player would be a valuable trade piece.

Sure, I'd hate to lose Arraez as his high OBP provides exactly what this team lacks, but to land another top pitcher would greatly enhance our playoff chances.  Of course, this assumes resigning of Cruz(or equivalent), as well as adding two competent relievers, but at this point why not dream a little?

I like Semien. He is a significant defensive upgrade in the middle and has flashed decent BB and K rates, extra base talent (whether from his swing or his legs), and positional flexibility. I remember him playing 3 or 4 positions while with the White Sox. Anyone's 2019 stats should be regarded skeptically, as the baseball really seemed to behave differently that year for both hitters and pitchers.

I am also in the "keep Arraez" camp. Bats and discipline like that are special, and he is young. I wouldn't call him a gold glover at 2B, but I think his metrics would improve with a better defensive SS. Polanco would be very good as a Marwin supersub replacement, and perhaps mid-season trade chip for stretch run relief pitching when Royce is ready. Whichever way the Twins proceed, defensive and health improvements are needed across the whole infield. Doing this might help make MN an even more attractive destination for pitchers.

Excellent starting pitching is the boss, that's for sure. Tough decisions ...

The Padres just handed off a couple of decent prospects and are pushing to add Darvish as well. The Cubs could use help at 2B, OF, and pitching. What is the trade?

Castillo and Gray might be available if a team takes Castillanos. The Twins feel close.

Or do they wait and hope for big contributions this coming summer from their youth?