YourHouseIsMyHouse

Overall I'm happy with what happened except for the Bartlett over Presley decision. I'm pretty glad that no one claimed Diamond. Diamond is a bad starter and was never going to make this rotation, but remember that he was generally VERY good through the first 3 or 4 first innings (till the meltdown) in most of his starts. He could be a great reliever if Thielbar comes back into orbit.

Good news for Caleb Thielbar

Aaron Hicks' inability to be a leadoff hitter for the Twins depends on Aaron Hicks, not anybody else. I think Buxton will be more of a 2/3 hitter anyway if his power comes along like it should. 2016 seems a little late too, but these are all of my opinion anyway. I think Hicks will be more similar to Denard Span, but with more pop and less contact. Ceiling though? It's way up there. All things considered, he still is a 5 tool prospect which is a very rare commodity.

Gibson ain't no spring chicken either. He's pretty old and despite his limited opportunities, his window is closing soon too. Anyway last spot between Deduno, Diamond, and Gibson. Diamond has been awful and Gibson has an option I believe. It's Deduno's (who's been fantastic in ST) to lose.

Robb and Burris aren't anything special. I'd really love to see Slegers work into a starting role though.

I'm a big fan of Franklin and I think he's going to be a great shortstop of the future. He had a pretty good year for a 22 year old rookie and was a top 100 prospect for two years. I'd like to see the Twins enter the mix since he is being shopped around. I imagine the Mariners would want some outfield prospects in return. Maybe you start with Kepler and Berrios?

He's 24 years old, wasn't challenged in AA or AAA, and doesn't have any legitimate players blocking him on a rebuilding team. In a word, yes. When it comes to cheap, gritty veterans, the Twins can't help themselves and have to start them regardless of all other factors.

Presley is a below replacement level centerfielder and Mastroianni has never had more than 200 PAs in a season. De Aza has had 2 good seasons out of 3 and has looked good this spring if that means anything. Alejandro is also able to OPS above .700. If we can get rid of one of the many excess pitchers currently in the logjam, it makes a lot of sense.

I couldn't tell you, but again I can't imagine much. Clearly they think they are okay with the outfield, so possibly some infielders to compliment 1B Jose Abreu or starting pitching. Another reason they are trading him would have to be because they aren't comfortable paying 4.25 million for a bench player. If we could exchange Diamond, Worley, or Deduno that would be great.

The Twins are interested in White Sox outfielder Alejandro De Aza and I think it makes a great deal of sense for them. The organization lacks any immediate help in centerfield and it would be great to grab a player who's had some success starting there. 2013 was a down year for De Aza, and with his stock lower and shrunken role in Chicago (due to Adam Eaton's acquisition), the Twins can get a decent player for cheap. Logically speaking, a move like this would end both Darin Mastroianni's and Wilkin Ramirez's chances of making the 25 man roster. The outfield depth would theoretically be more balanced between corner guys and centers. Would likely result in a group of De Aza, CF Presley, Parmelee, Arcia, Willingham, (and possibly Kubel). Sourced from HBT's Bill Baer http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/09/twins-showing-interest-in-white-sox-outfielder-alejandro-de-aza/

In 2 years you have a rotation that could look like this 1. Meyer 2. Santana 3. Nolasco 4. Berrios 5. Hughes/May

Arcia has had two AAA stints already, Gibson has been in AAA forever, and Pinto was destructive in the IL and performed much better than Fryer did there. A bottom of the barrel catcher like Suzuki shouldn't block a 24 year old with some all around potential. With Hicks, I can see why, but I feel like as old as he is that he should have his 2nd go soon. I wasn't largely in favor of sending him down to begin with and let's not forget that a lot of poor umpiring gave him a much bigger strike zone than he was used to.

With Johan Santana signed, the Orioles again continued their obvious pattern. I want to create a list of the past 2-3 years, with the expectation that my fellow posters contribute ones I miss. Should be fun and won't be long before we have a full 25 man roster! Danny Valencia Alexi Casilla JJ Hardy Grant Balfour Jason Pridie Lew Ford Brendan Harris Alex Burnett Johan Santana

Kubel should not be given any more than 270 ABs in all likelihood. He's back in the AL, but unfortunately in an unfavorable environment for lefties (Target). I feel like he needs all the stars to align for a bounce-back, but my expectations are still about a .780 OPS if he wants to stay with the big club.

Smith wouldn't have been as bad a GM if we'd have cut his phone line. His international scouting was brilliant and he was willing to take risks. A number of poor trades, inheritance of a doomed club, coaching, small payroll, and bad drafts are a variety of causes to his failure...you know, besides his incompetence.