Twins GFP

RE: Top Gun I feel sorry for you that the best you could come up with was abusive language for your comment.

At the end of 2011, the Twins had some choices to make on a handful of players. Some they released, others the chose not to sign, others they did resign. Lets take a look at how those decisions have fared out so far, along with the players brought in to replace those that left: Michael Cuddyer - left via free agency Replaced by Josh Willingham [TABLE=width: 844] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Willingham[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]28[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]114[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]96[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]16[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]22[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].313[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].421[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].646[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.067[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]193[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Cuddyer[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]121[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]109[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]31[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]19[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]26[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].284[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].347[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].468[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].815[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]108[/TD] [/TABLE] The signing at the time revolved around 2 primary issues: Cuddyer's ability to play multiple positions, and the dollar differences in the contract (Cuddyer signed for 3 yrs/$33 mil, Willingham for 3 yrs/$21 mil). I don't believe the Twins were worried about losing the Cuddyer flexibility with Mauer getting more reps at 1B. Their greater concern was making sure they had an effective right-handed bat in the outfield. Cuddyer has been decent for the Rockies, but Willingham has been everything and then some for the Twins. He is out pacing Cuddyer in virtually every category, while providing outfield defense that is no worse than what Cuddyer brought to the table. Willingham is one of the few bright spots for the the team thus far. Factor in the contract and it looks even better. Good decision? Yes Joe Nathan - Left via free agency Twins chose to resign Matt Capps [TABLE=width: 844] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]W[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]L[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ERA[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]GF[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SV[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]IP[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ER[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ERA+[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]WHIP[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Capps[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4.09[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]102[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0.909[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7.4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0.8[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4.9[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Nathan[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2.84[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12.2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]157[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.105[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]8.5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9.9[/TD] [/TABLE] Joe Nathan never gave the Twins the chance to resign him, taking a 3 yr/#23 mil contract from Texas without giving the Twins a chance to reply. The Capps signing (1 yr/$4.5 mil with $6 mill TO) was not met well in Twins land and Capps' performance thus far has not merited a change in that opinion. Nathan had a bad outing early, but has been very strong for the Rangers as of late. While the Twins would love to have Nathan back, the contract dollars for a closer coming off surgery were not merited from a last-place team. Capps has been barely tolerable, but the signing will look worse if they pick up the option. Good decision? Yes (but only because the Twins are not currently a winning team) Jason Kubel - Left via free agency Twins signed Ryan Doumit [TABLE=width: 846] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Doumit[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]27[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]101[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]92[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]10[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]22[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]17[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].239[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].277[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].424[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].701[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]93[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Kubel[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]29[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]119[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]105[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]29[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]31[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].276[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].361[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].419[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].780[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]112[/TD] [/TABLE] Kubel signed a 3 yr/$25 M contract with Arizona. The Twins never really made a run at him, choosing instead to sign Doumit to a 1 yr/$3 mil contract. Doumit's ability to play catcher was a big reason in this decision, with Kubel essentially being a DH with some outfield capabilities. While Kubel has been slightly better offensively, his price tag never fit in with the Twins immediate future. Doumit has produced as expected, and has allowed Mauer to play some extended 1B. Doumit could be considered a candidate to be a part of this team for the future. Good decision? Yes Matt Tolbert left via free agency Twins replaced with Jamey Carroll [TABLE=width: 846] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Carroll[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]127[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]110[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]24[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].218[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].312[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].264[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].576[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]64[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Tolbert[/TD] [TD=class: xl71, bgcolor: transparent, colspan: 3]No major league stats[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [/TABLE] Matt Tolbert was allowed to leave, after which he signed a minor league contract with the Cubs. Nothing missed with Tolbert leaving. Carroll signed a 2 yr/$6.5 mil contract to become the Twins full time shortstop. While maybe not quite an apples-to-apples comparison, Carroll seems to be a better fit as the UI, than a full-time SS. Offensively his numbers are down so far, but he has been better than advertised defensively. Carroll's ability to play multiple infield positions while bringing some veteran leadership to the infield makes this signing look good so far. Good decision? Yes Kevin Slowey was traded to the Colorado Rockies in December after the Twins decided they did not want to pay Slowey in arbitration. Slowey was subsequently traded to the Indians, where he was unable to make their roster out of spring training. His current ERA or 5.89, along with a WHIP of 1.49, at AAA is making this trade look pretty good about now considering the Slowey's 2012 salary is $2.75 mil. Good decision? Yes Considering the current state of the Twins, it's hard to say that the Twins made shrewd moves during the off-season. Their pitching staff is in shambles, and they are coming off a historic string of offensive ineptitude. But on a case by case basis, they Twins made decisions that are currently showing to be improvements over last year. That being said, they still have many holes to fill for the future and these small upgrades, while helpful and necessary, will not vault them back to respectability

At the end of 2011, the Twins had some choices to make on a handful of players. Some they released, others the chose not to sign, others they did resign. Lets take a look at how those decisions have fared out so far, along with the players brought in to replace those that left: Michael Cuddyer - left via free agency Replaced by Josh Willingham [TABLE=width: 844] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Willingham[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]28[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]114[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]96[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]16[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]22[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].313[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].421[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].646[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.067[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]193[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Cuddyer[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]121[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]109[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]31[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]19[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]26[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].284[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].347[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].468[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].815[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]108[/TD] [/TABLE] The signing at the time revolved around 2 primary issues: Cuddyer's ability to play multiple positions, and the dollar differences in the contract (Cuddyer signed for 3 yrs/$33 mil, Willingham for 3 yrs/$21 mil). I don't believe the Twins were worried about losing the Cuddyer flexibility with Mauer getting more reps at 1B. Their greater concern was making sure they had an effective right-handed bat in the outfield. Cuddyer has been decent for the Rockies, but Willingham has been everything and then some for the Twins. He is out pacing Cuddyer in virtually every category, while providing outfield defense that is no worse than what Cuddyer brought to the table. Willingham is one of the few bright spots for the the team thus far. Factor in the contract and it looks even better. Good decision? Yes Joe Nathan - Left via free agency Twins chose to resign Matt Capps [TABLE=width: 844] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]W[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]L[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ERA[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]GF[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SV[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]IP[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ER[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ERA+[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]WHIP[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Capps[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4.09[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]102[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0.909[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7.4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0.8[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4.9[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Nathan[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2.84[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12.2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]157[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.105[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]8.5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9.9[/TD] [/TABLE] Joe Nathan never gave the Twins the chance to resign him, taking a 3 yr/#23 mil contract from Texas without giving the Twins a chance to reply. The Capps signing (1 yr/$4.5 mil with $6 mill TO) was not met well in Twins land and Capps' performance thus far has not merited a change in that opinion. Nathan had a bad outing early, but has been very strong for the Rangers as of late. While the Twins would love to have Nathan back, the contract dollars for a closer coming off surgery were not merited from a last-place team. Capps has been barely tolerable, but the signing will look worse if they pick up the option. Good decision? Yes (but only because the Twins are not currently a winning team) Jason Kubel - Left via free agency Twins signed Ryan Doumit [TABLE=width: 846] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Doumit[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]27[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]101[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]92[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]10[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]22[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]17[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].239[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].277[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].424[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].701[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]93[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Kubel[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]29[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]119[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]105[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]29[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]31[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].276[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].361[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].419[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].780[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]112[/TD] [/TABLE] Kubel signed a 3 yr/$25 M contract with Arizona. The Twins never really made a run at him, choosing instead to sign Doumit to a 1 yr/$3 mil contract. Doumit's ability to play catcher was a big reason in this decision, with Kubel essentially being a DH with some outfield capabilities. While Kubel has been slightly better offensively, his price tag never fit in with the Twins immediate future. Doumit has produced as expected, and has allowed Mauer to play some extended 1B. Doumit could be considered a candidate to be a part of this team for the future. Good decision? Yes Matt Tolbert left via free agency Twins replaced with Jamey Carroll [TABLE=width: 846] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Carroll[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]127[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]110[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]24[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].218[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].312[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].264[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].576[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]64[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Tolbert[/TD] [TD=class: xl71, bgcolor: transparent, colspan: 3]No major league stats[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [/TABLE] Matt Tolbert was allowed to leave, after which he signed a minor league contract with the Cubs. Nothing missed with Tolbert leaving. Carroll signed a 2 yr/$6.5 mil contract to become the Twins full time shortstop. While maybe not quite an apples-to-apples comparison, Carroll seems to be a better fit as the UI, than a full-time SS. Offensively his numbers are down so far, but he has been better than advertised defensively. Carroll's ability to play multiple infield positions while bringing some veteran leadership to the infield makes this signing look good so far. Good decision? Yes Kevin Slowey was traded to the Colorado Rockies in December after the Twins decided they did not want to pay Slowey in arbitration. Slowey was subsequently traded to the Indians, where he was unable to make their roster out of spring training. His current ERA or 5.89, along with a WHIP of 1.49, at AAA is making this trade look pretty good about now considering the Slowey's 2012 salary is $2.75 mil. Good decision? Yes Considering the current state of the Twins, it's hard to say that the Twins made shrewd moves during the off-season. Their pitching staff is in shambles, and they are coming off a historic string of offensive ineptitude. But on a case by case basis, they Twins made decisions that are currently showing to be improvements over last year. That being said, they still have many holes to fill for the future and these small upgrades, while helpful and necessary, will not vault them back to respectability

There is virtually no chance Gardy gets fired this year. The injuries, lack of depth in the system, and bad direction from upstairs has more to do with our current situation then what Gardy is doing right now. In a more global discussion, if we continue to see massive underperformances like we are seeing now, with no steps in the right direction, there would probably more internal support for this move next year.

How many other offensive catagories would Drew Butera be "worst" in?

Drew Butera - A+ He has been up for 2 whole games and has yet to get an at-bat Scott Baker - B Managed to get Twins fans hopes up for yet another year, only to dash them on the DL rocks. You have to admire the consistency. Matt Capps - A Anybody who could convince a team to pay him $4 million after last year deserves an A in my book Kevin Slowey and Luke Hughes - D How dare they prove the Twins brass correct in letting them go. We wouldn't to give the fans anything positive to say about the GM right now, would we? Delmon Young - A The plan to send him to an intra-divisional team to watch him explode worked like a charm (insert devious laughter here).

I would hope that all of the fans screaming for Ryan to be fired are reading the comments here and understanding that any GM working for the Pohlads will be working with the same restraints we have now. Most people don't realize how lucky we are he came back.

I wonder if the Yankee's request had a check attached to it...

Moving Capps anytime this year would be as much to save dollars as anything

You know it's bad when your pitcher of the week only throws 2 innings

Lets take a look at the stats for 3 utility infielders during the first 3 years of their career: [TABLE=width: 625] [TD=class: xl65, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player A[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]117[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]363[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]57[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]78[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]20[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]39[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]32[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]91[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].215[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].283[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].366[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].649[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]106[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]317[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]32[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]69[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]8[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]33[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]24[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]92[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].218[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].277[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].361[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].609[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player C[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]211[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]665[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]57[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]146[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]19[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]37[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]37[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]128[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].220[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].264[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].269[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].533[/TD] [/TABLE] All of these players provide relatively comparable offensive skills. Players A and B give you a little more power, but give up speed to player C. All three have been described as "gamers" and "gritty". Players A and B have played for the Twins the past few years. Player C never played for the Twins, but is definitely more well known. Think you got it? The first two you should have figured out to be Trevor Plouffe (Player A) and Luke Hughes (Player . Player C, well lets give you a little more information on him. After three years of baseball, he left to play another professional sport. While not a superstar, he became a starter on a team that won two championships, and two other teams that were the runner-up. Not there yet? One more hint: at the time of his retirement he was one of two NBA players to have over 900 made 3-pointers. The answer? Danny Ainge. Ainge was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977. He played 3 seasons with the Blue Jays before being drafted by the Boston Celtics. He quit baseball to play basketball. He went on to win championships with the likes of Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. He was known in the NBA for being aggressive, fiery, and hard-nosed. If Ainge was in the Twins organization today, you know he would be a lifer. One more fact about Ainge: He was the only person to be a High School All-American in sports: Baseball, Football, and Basketball. Bo Jackson, eat your heart out.

Lets take a look at the stats for 3 utility infielders during the first 3 years of their career: [TABLE=width: 625] [TD=class: xl65, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player A[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]117[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]363[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]57[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]78[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]20[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]39[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]32[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]91[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].215[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].283[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].366[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].649[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]106[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]317[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]32[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]69[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]8[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]33[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]24[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]92[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].218[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].277[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].361[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].609[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player C[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]211[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]665[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]57[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]146[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]19[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]37[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]37[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]128[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].220[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].264[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].269[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].533[/TD] [/TABLE] All of these players provide relatively comparable offensive skills. Players A and B give you a little more power, but give up speed to player C. All three have been described as "gamers" and "gritty". Players A and B have played for the Twins the past few years. Player C never played for the Twins, but is definitely more well known. Think you got it? The first two you should have figured out to be Trevor Plouffe (Player A) and Luke Hughes (Player . Player C, well lets give you a little more information on him. After three years of baseball, he left to play another professional sport. While not a superstar, he became a starter on a team that won two championships, and two other teams that were the runner-up. Not there yet? One more hint: at the time of his retirement he was one of two NBA players to have over 900 made 3-pointers. The answer? Danny Ainge. Ainge was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977. He played 3 seasons with the Blue Jays before being drafted by the Boston Celtics. He quit baseball to play basketball. He went on to win championships with the likes of Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. He was known in the NBA for being aggressive, fiery, and hard-nosed. If Ainge was in the Twins organization today, you know he would be a lifer. One more fact about Ainge: He was the only person to be a High School All-American in sports: Baseball, Football, and Basketball. Bo Jackson, eat your heart out.

Bad enough they are losing, but do we really have to go looking for salt in the wound? We don't know the context of the statement (it wasn't given in the article). On top of that, he was pretty much stating the facts. Go find one of the other 100 things going wrong to rip on.

Interesting how everybody says they cant compete. If they win 75 games this year, it would be competing and a dramatic improvement over last year. Ruoghly .500 ball the rest of the way? That is definitely in reach.

Sorry, you lost all credibility by using Souhan as a reference point

Considering the Twins record this year, I too believe it is time for the fans to revolt. I think that a 6-16 record after a 99 loss season is reprehensible, and should in no way be tolerated in the state of Minnesota. I mean who do the Pohlads think we are? The Pirates? The Royals? That being said I have created a step-by-step guide in exactly how we should respond to our current situation. 1) The Twins fans need to form a PAC for the exclusive purpose of throwing out of office all of the lawmakers that voted for a new stadium. Seriously, after pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into this stadium, we have the right to expect this team to be in first place every year. Our lawmakers should know this and have now given up their right to represent us. 2) Fans should march on Target field and demand ticket refunds, along with an hourly wage, for the time spent watching every Twins home loss. Seriously. Watching this team lose is hard work. We deserve to get paid for that time. 3) We need to file a class-action lawsuit again the Pohlad family for ruining this storied franchise. Who do they think they are, running this team as a business, and not an all consuming hobby like George Steinbrenner or Mark Cuban. It is the right of every fan to expect their owner to put the fans needs in front of their own, and dump tens of millions of dollars into the team every year in an effort to win now. The lawsuit will demand that they sell the team through the form of an election, similar to a political election. The sales price will be set, and prospective owners will have to campaign and be voted in by the fans in the state of Minnesota. 4) New guidelines will have to be set for the new owner. These guidelines will include the following: - The owner shall not have a payroll of less than $120 million dollars, with a minimum of 5% increase annually. - Ticket price changes will be based on the number of wins the previous year. If the Twins win 90 games, than the ticket prices will be 90% of this year's price next year. Ticket prices can only go up if the team exceeds 100 wins. The exception to this rule being if the Twins win the World Series, ticket prices will not be lowered for the following year. - The Twins need to go to the World Series no less than 3 times in any 5 year window. - The team is required to win no less than 89 games every year. If any of these guidelines is not met, the owner will be required to sell the team to somebody who can meet these criteria. 5) The new owner will implement the following rules for players and the coaching staff going forward: - Injuries and days off will not be tolerated. Any player getting injured or needing a day off will be subject to a fine, with the proceeds going to the ticket holders for the games that individual missed. - Any player not providing at least a +1.0 WAR every year is subject to forfeiture of their entire salary, and agrees to be sent to AAA until the team sees fit to recall them or release them with no financial obligations whatsoever. - The manager and coaches will no longer be able to use the following words in describing their players: gritty, gamer, hustle(s), workhorse, or any other adjective along those lines. - The manager and coaches will no longer be able to add the following suffixes to names to create nicknames for the players (for example: Blacky, Nicky, Matty). We fans need to stand up for our rights. This poor showing will no longer be tolerated. We need to act now!!

Considering the Twins record this year, I too believe it is time for the fans to revolt. I think that a 6-16 record after a 99 loss season is reprehensible, and should in no way be tolerated in the state of Minnesota. I mean who do the Pohlads think we are? The Pirates? The Royals? That being said I have created a step-by-step guide in exactly how we should respond to our current situation. 1) The Twins fans need to form a PAC for the exclusive purpose of throwing out of office all of the lawmakers that voted for a new stadium. Seriously, after pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into this stadium, we have the right to expect this team to be in first place every year. Our lawmakers should know this and have now given up their right to represent us. 2) Fans should march on Target field and demand ticket refunds, along with an hourly wage, for the time spent watching every Twins home loss. Seriously. Watching this team lose is hard work. We deserve to get paid for that time. 3) We need to file a class-action lawsuit again the Pohlad family for ruining this storied franchise. Who do they think they are, running this team as a business, and not an all consuming hobby like George Steinbrenner or Mark Cuban. It is the right of every fan to expect their owner to put the fans needs in front of their own, and dump tens of millions of dollars into the team every year in an effort to win now. The lawsuit will demand that they sell the team through the form of an election, similar to a political election. The sales price will be set, and prospective owners will have to campaign and be voted in by the fans in the state of Minnesota. 4) New guidelines will have to be set for the new owner. These guidelines will include the following: - The owner shall not have a payroll of less than $120 million dollars, with a minimum of 5% increase annually. - Ticket price changes will be based on the number of wins the previous year. If the Twins win 90 games, than the ticket prices will be 90% of this year's price next year. Ticket prices can only go up if the team exceeds 100 wins. The exception to this rule being if the Twins win the World Series, ticket prices will not be lowered for the following year. - The Twins need to go to the World Series no less than 3 times in any 5 year window. - The team is required to win no less than 89 games every year. If any of these guidelines is not met, the owner will be required to sell the team to somebody who can meet these criteria. 5) The new owner will implement the following rules for players and the coaching staff going forward: - Injuries and days off will not be tolerated. Any player getting injured or needing a day off will be subject to a fine, with the proceeds going to the ticket holders for the games that individual missed. - Any player not providing at least a +1.0 WAR every year is subject to forfeiture of their entire salary, and agrees to be sent to AAA until the team sees fit to recall them or release them with no financial obligations whatsoever. - The manager and coaches will no longer be able to use the following words in describing their players: gritty, gamer, hustle(s), workhorse, or any other adjective along those lines. - The manager and coaches will no longer be able to add the following suffixes to names to create nicknames for the players (for example: Blacky, Nicky, Matty). We fans need to stand up for our rights. This poor showing will no longer be tolerated. We need to act now!!

Losing Morneau will not be good. I bet dollars to doughnuts he is out for a while. Gardenhire likes to play all of his backups regularly, so if Butera is indeed called up, prepare to see him more than once per week. Gardenhire's job is not in jeopardy now, nor will it be regardless of how the team performs this year

I'm waiting for all of the people who screamed bloody murder when Hughes was relased from the Twins to provide some insight on this transaction...

Looking at the bottom half of this list, I find it hard to believe those names will stay down there for long.

The Yankees would never trade for Morneau. They are set at 1B and are specifically keeping the DH open for resting their senior citizens.

I'm not sure if he joined the mascot HR derby from second base he could hit it out of the park. Definitely inside the park

After today, Matt Capps has now given up runs in 4 of his 8 outings. Comparing this to other pitchers High Leverage: Jared Burton - 2 of 10 Glen Perkins - 3 of 9 Low Leverage: Jeff Gray - 2 of 10 Alex Burnett - 2 of 9 Brian Duensing - 2 of 10 Looks like that $4.5 million was well spent. And I don't want to hear about sample size...

After today, Matt Capps has now given up runs in 4 of his 8 outings. Comparing this to other pitchers High Leverage: Jared Burton - 2 of 10 Glen Perkins - 3 of 9 Low Leverage: Jeff Gray - 2 of 10 Alex Burnett - 2 of 9 Brian Duensing - 2 of 10 Looks like that $4.5 million was well spent. And I don't want to hear about sample size...

Let's see, as a team they are currently: - Tied for the worst record in baseball - Have the worst ERA by .20 runs - Teams are hitting .291 against them, worst in baseball - They have 3 quality starts, again worst in baseball - They are giving up the worst OPS (.833) in all of baseball Yuck. Offensively, they are in the middle third of most categories. Same with defense. Pretty easy to see where the problems are. Hard to be real optimistic when the pitching is bad now and will still be bad tomorrow.