TopGunn#22

Can't really disagree with your assessment jrod23.

I'm not high on a Kluber move. I'd rather go after Paxton and at 1.5-2.0 million I'd take another chance on Rich Hill.

I written several posts on TD where I point out what a great fit Ketel Marte would be. We need to go get him. He's 26-years old and is a very solid hitter. He would be in our lineup EVERY DAY. What makes him SO valuable to the Twins is WHERE he can play defensively. And at a high level. He's VERY good at 2B. He can fill in capably at SS, 3B, and CF. I'm sure he could play a corner outfield spot at a high level as well I have made this trade and it was accepted by baseballtradevalues: Twins Get Ketel Marte 61.40 value D-Backs Get Arraez 43.40 Dobnak 10.00 Cavaco 7.60 61.00 value I HATE to give up Arraez, but he is light years behind Marte at 2B. Marte will hit for a lower average and maybe get on base at a lesser clip, but the HR's, 3B's and 2B's will come at a much greater clip. And Marte, while I would play him in LF primarily (unless I swung a trade that involved Polanco--then I'd play Marte primarily at 2B) could still cover CF when Buxton misses time, 3B when Donaldson misses time or DH's. It's that versatility that makes Marte SO attractive. And he's 26 years old and under team control for several more seasons. He just plugs a LOT of holes. I still think the Twins need one more "solid" starting pitcher. That could be James Paxton--we need a LHP, Odo, Sonny, Gray, Jon Gray etc... I'd like to see the Twins sign Mike Foltyniewicz. He's worth a gamble. They should bring in a FA SS. Semien or Simmons would work. Didi Gregorious is probably the safest. If they signed Ozuna he would probably play LF much of the time and there would be no Nellie Cruz. There are SO MANY directions the Twins could go. But I think one direction they really need to explore is Ketel Marte.

Sometimes WAR is such a difficult "measurement" or "projection" to understand. Arraez and Madrigal are very similar players. Arraez has a full season more of "accomplishment" yet he is 1.0 less than Madrigal. Abreau is a year older, yes, but coming off an A.L. MVP season. Sano failed miserably last year to build on his 2019 success, yet Sano is a 2.0 WAR and Abreu is 1.6. I agree, the Twins need to start making some significant moves, and that would somewhat change the projection. But I'm left shaking my head at some of these WAR projections.

The reason I make a trade for Story is that i think he's head and shoulders better than Baez, Semien and Simmons. I'd rather trade for Story over Baez (even with the "connection" between Baez and Berrios) because he's right there with Baez defensively and he's just flat out a better hitter. I'd rather "SIGN" the SS (Semien, Simmons) from a standpoint of saving assets to improve other weak links on the roster. Simmons is who I prefer because he's THE most elite defender at SS in baseball. He's also the most injury prone and while not an offensive liability is a #8, #9 hitter on the Twins.

I've been a Cruz guy all off season I usually say something like "He's our BEST hitter, and it's not even close." However... As the cold winter dims my memory of Cruz Bombas or clutch 2-out RBI's I've had to reconsider. Steamer's projections certainly look realistic I can see those stats more than a .290-.300 BA and .500 Slugging Percentage. One question though: I don't claim to understand all the metrics of "Steamers" projections, but if Trevor Story has a higher batting average, OBP and Slugging Percentage than Cruz and his speed on the bases would allow him to score from 2nd on singles and from 1st on doubles---how can his wRC+ be LESS than Nellie's ??? Improving our defense at SS is a PLUS. Getting Younger is a PLUS. Getting more speed on the basepaths is a PLUS. Adding a better Starting Pitcher to the rotation is a PLUS. Adding another GOOD arm to the BP (Hand, Bradley, Hendricks) is a PLUS. Adding someone like Ketel Marte would be a PLUS. (this would necessitate a trade of Polanco or Arraez for further improvements). SP ?? I hate to say it but the well thought out articles about moving on from Nellie are changing my mind. And yes. I could see the White Sox gobble Cruz up if we move in a different direction. THAT would be hard to swallow but still probably the right thing to do.

The gap between what Garver did in 2019 vs what he did in 2020 is HUGE. Which player is he ?? I think 2021 will answer that question, and as it is answered, the Twins will find out what they have in the way of "catching capital." If Garver is even 75% of what he was in 2019, the Twins have a VERY big trade chip in either Garver or Jeffers. Catching talent is always at a premium and I think Rortvedt is close to making it to the big leagues. Jeffers is going to have a solid career so whoever the Twins would trade, they would still be O.K. So assuming Garver bounces back. The Trade deadline is approaching. The Reds still have Luis Castillo. Garver, Larnach and a little something else for Castillo ? Who knows? But I think this might be the year the Twins finally make a big move at the Trade Deadline. Their entire history is to do nothing of significance at the Trade Deadline. When Don Baylor is your claim to fame, that ain't much. Cooper is right to leave SS/2B open because it sure looks like SOMETHING is cooking at SS and whatever happens there will affect who ends up at 2B. Cooper, you've laid it out pretty well. Now the Twins have to start filling in the blanks.

Nash, I'm on the same page page with tony&rodney, I'd like to kick the tires on a Ketel Marte trade if possible. He's a solid bat and he fills so many possible holes for the Twins. He can play CF, 2B, SS some 3B and I'm sure a corner outfield spot if needed. He would be a regular player, in the lineup every day at a myriad of positions. I'm also in agreement with Dr. Gast. I like Polanco, but I would like an upgrade defensively at SS. Baez, Story and Simmons are not just better defensively than Polanco they are all elite. Story and Baez are elite offensively as well. Simmons is not bad with the bat, just not in Story or Baez company. So this is where it gets interesting. I am a big fan of both Polanco and Nelson Cruz. I agree if we acquired Story, that it would be a stretch to keep Cruz AND solidify the rotation and bullpen. Baez can be had more cheaply in a trade but is a step below Story offensively. IF the Twins acquired Ketel Marte (and of course depending what they had to give up) as well as let's say Baez, then something would need to be done about Polanco/Arraez. I value Arraez highly. He should be our everyday, table-setting leadoff hitter. But one of Polanco or Arraez would need to be traded. One stays and plays 2B.

Always been a Twins fan FIRST but a Dodger fan second (it goes back to 1965 and Sandy Koufax). Tommy Lasorda was one in a million. Baseball has never had a better ambassador. He was a darn good manager too.

Not sure why the Cleveland Baseball Club couldn't find a better deal with the Dodgers, but this just goes to show why refusing to deal a player "within your own division" is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. The Twins could have offered Polanco, Dhuran/Balazovic and Rooker which probably would have easily out-done the Mets trade. To me, there is no doubt Steve Cohen and his Billions will sign Lindor to a lucrative extension. That's the part of the equation that is always a question for the Twins. You don't give up a package like the Twins could have without knowing you've got Lindor for several more years.

Thanks Nash, I needed this dose of Twins Medicine. Watching the Padres and White Sox fire volley after volley while Twins fans duck for cover had left me shell shocked. I'm better now.

Folty represents a tremendous opportunity for the Twins. Much better than Chacin was last year. If they can get him on a minor league contract and he works out, it would be the kind of low risk, high reward move every team needs. DO IT.

I've looked at a trade for Marquez on baseballtrades.com and he's incredibly expensive. Still, I've been pushing for the Twins to get him for awhile. maybe a blockbuster involving Story AND Marquez.

Bingo ! Just what i was going to suggest as well Seansy. In another thread, I just pointed out how well positioned the Twins are to go ahead and make a COUPLE of splash moves this off-season based on where the payroll commitments are now and where the young "affordable" talent is at on the payroll spectrum.

Good article Schwerz, well stated. The Twins have won the last 2 Division Titles but the Indi...the Cleveland Baseball Team always pitches well and the Chi-Sox are on a mission. The Twins have LOTS of young and affordable players making it reasonable to expect some moves for veteran talent. Arraez, Garver, Jeffers, Polanco, Kepler, Buxton, Kiriloff, Larnach, Rooker, everybody not named Taylor Rogers in the BP are all at affordable levels. Lewis should be on the team soon. Balazovic and Dhuran not far behind. Enlow, Chalmers and others too. Sano at $11 million is not a death blow, but to trade him would be wonderful. Maeda, Berrios and Pineda aren't breaking the bank. The only "heavy" salary they have is Donaldson and we should expect more out of him in 2021. Maybe Cruz for one more year. The teams willing to stretch a little now will be well set up to compete in 2021-2022. The Twins NEED to make some major moves to remain competitive with the hard charging White Sox. The Twins are uniquely positioned to make some splash moves with talent on hand and talent set to arrive SOON and a payroll that is certainly manageable. YES ! They can afford Bauer. YES ! They need to determine which tradeable assets are key to future success and which should be moved to acquire major league talent for 2021 and beyond. Whether that talent is a Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray, German Marquez, Jon Gray, or a Paxton, Castellanos, Hendricks, Hand, Story, Semien, Simmons, Didi Gregorious, Ketel Marte, Archie Bradley, Kiki Hernandez ETC.... They need to figure that out FAST. Before the padres or White Sox acquire EVERYBODY.

I agree to a degree jkcarew. We shouldn't have to wait until Lewis is 25 years old to see if he can play in the big leagues. Get him up THIS year as the super-utility. That allows you to devote $$$ to signing a difference maker like Bauer. I have no problem considering a Baez trade. But as was previously stated 2 guys between 5-15 as prospects should be the price. What I LIKE about Baez is that he's tremendous defensively. He's also durable---which is why I slightly prefer him over Simmons but still think Simmons is a better move than Semien. If you could get the Cubs to take Polanco and 10-15 prospect I'm willing. Until Polanco stops stepping in the bucket so bad, left-handed I'm not sure he gets back to his offensive level. But he's wholly inadequate defensively. Arraez is our 2B-man. He's good with the bat, below average on "D." We need better infield "D."

I think you right Mike. The only other move that would really move the needle is a trade that brings Luis Castillo to the Twins. The only way we can do that is by taking Castellanos in the deal. And it would still be expensive and probably mean no Nellie Cruz. But we need a stud added to our rotation that makes a difference. Paxton or Odorizzi would be helpful, but not difference makers in the post-season. Only Bauer or Castillo do that. And I think after the moves the Padres made, the Dodgers might feel the need to do something BIG.

tony&rodney, I looked at a Castillo trade and he's incredibly valuable. Few are close to his value. The Twins would have to take on Castellanos (which wouldn't be horrible except that would be the end of Cruz in a Twins uniform). But they would probably have to include someone like Larnach and MORE to come close. I'm going to go to baseballtradevalues.com and come up with something specific to get Castillo.

I think Robles is worth the gamble for $2 million. All of the incentives are for Games Finished. Hello Taylor Rogers. Are you paying attention ??

You guys are spot on. MLB is dawdling on this for no good reason. DH or no DH ?? Make a decision ! Inaction helps NO ONE !!!

Frustrating as a Twins fan to see all this activity and nothing much yet from the Twins. It LOOKS like the Padres got a LOT of talent for none of their BEST prospects. On the surface, they're the clear winners. But they've just unloaded a LOT of depth from their farm system. One draft isn't going to replace it all. If the object is to win a World Series the Padres are doing everything possible. I like Paxton as a target (we need a LH in the rotation) but he's always had injury issues. And I actually like Sugano. With Maeda here, we could be a good fit for him.

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 your priorities are right Tony&Rodney. But if we have to choose between Hernandez and Profar it's clear to me that Hernandez is the much better fit. Tom Kelly always had a philosophy that he wanted his bench players to be able to play defense. Hernandez is head and shoulders better than Profar and he's very strong in areas we would need him most: CF, SS & 2B. Hernandez also has better power and an abundance of post season experience. I'd rather trade for Ketel Marte and have a "regular" player with the ability to play CF, 2B, SS & 3B (and I'll bet he could play a corner outfield as well). But Hernandez is clearly their best bet for "Super Utility." That said, I'd like to see a better defensive SS and either move Polanco to 2B and Arraez to super utility (or trade Arraez---he's in HIGH demand for good reason). OR, trade Polanco. With a $4.33 million dollar salary for 2021 and an affordable contract going forward, Polanco would have trade interest as well.

O.K. Ash, I downloaded baseballtradevalues.com and here's what I came up with. Boy, you weren't kidding about that Castillo/Castellanos trade. Castillo would require A LOT. By the way, I must correct: It was NOT Rosenthal who mentioned the Reds possibly moving Castillo or Gray, possibly with Castellanos as a salary to take back. Maybe it was Skol North with Doogie, maybe I saw it somewhere else. Suffice it to say that Castillo's value is enormus. Reds Get: Dobnak, Gordon, Smeltzer. Twins Get: Gray, Castellanos, Amir Garrett and Lorenzen. You could do the deal just Dobnak and Gorden for Gray, Castellanos and Garrett if you want. Negative: Twins take on Castellanos contract and probably say goodbye to Cruz. Positive: Add a solid rotation piece in Gray who we would have for a couple of years and add a solid bat like Castellanos. Deepen the BP with a LH (Garrett) and a RH Lorenzen who help the Twins not have to depend so much on young, relatively unproven arms. Not sure how much salary we take back. We send out only $1.8 million or so, which is why the Reds do this. We could get German Marquez for Sano. But only if we included Kiriloff and Lewis. Not happening. Reality check complete for me.

No offense taken Ash, this is very helpful. I'll look into the baseballtradevalues.com site but I can't disagree with your assessment of Sano. It's why I've been so strong in pushing for a trade. I think our lineup would miss the occasional 3-run bomb, but not the strikeouts and not the 3-pitch, rally killer strikeouts. I see a team like Colorado having interest because they have no "real" 1B guy on their roster right now and Sano's power potential in Colorado could be intriguing to them. The Rosenthal stuff came up in the Athletic (which I don't get either) and was mentioned earlier in the Reds thread about being willing to look at dealing Castillo and Gray. MERRY CHRISTMAS !!