Seth Stohs

In what was a shock to me, Yahoo's Tim Brown reported that the A's had signed Cuban OF Yoenis Cespedes. Minutes later, A's beat reporter Susan Slusser announced that the deal would pay him $36 million over 4 years. I thought he would go to the Nationals or the Marlins, or maybe a high-profile team. I never would have guessed the A's.

Kind of like last year's schedule. I remember that we all just kind of hoped the Twins could be close to .500 through April. And to John's point on the AL Central games around the trade deadline, I think it was the same last year. Didn't they have like 16 against the AL Central (four four game series with each of the other teams).

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php?199-Should-Twins-Acquire-AJ

No, I do not think that the Twins should consider a trade to bring back former catcher AJ Pierzynski. I’m talking about whether or not the Twins should consider working on a trade with the Yankees to acquire RHP AJ Burnett. When asked about that idea weeks ago, my immediate response was “No, thank you!” But upon further review, I think it’s a valid question to ask. Burnett has been pretty bad the last two seasons. In 2010, he was 10-15 with a 5.26 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. In 2011, he was 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP. He is also owed $33 million over the next two seasons. He turned 35 years old in January. All those reasons mean that the answer probably should be “No, thank you!” But maybe it isn’t and shouldn’t be that simple. It appears that a deal between the Yankees and the Pittsburgh Pirates is likely, but here are a few reasons that the Twins should at least make a quick phone call to Brian Cashman: The first assumption would have to be that the Yankees will cover $20-25 million of the $33 million remaining on Burnett’s contract. If that can’t be agreed upon, then there is zero reason to continue discussion. The second assumption is that the Yankees are not looking for a top prospect in return. Of course, if they’re going to hand over that much money, they will want something of quality too. If they think they’re going to get Miguel Sano, then the discussion can end too. He has made 32 or more starts each of the past four seasons. He has thrown more than 186 innings each of those seasons. Getting out of New York can be a good thing for many pitchers, especially after a bad year or two. Think anyone understands that better than Carl Pavano. The two were teammates with the Marlins from 2002 through 2004. Could playing in Minnesota and with an old teammate help Burnett reach his potential again? Burnett may be a big of an enigma, but he’s an enigma who throws really hard and has a really nasty slider and as recently as three years ago, he struck out more than a batter per inning. A rotation of Burnett, Liriano, Baker and Pavano is a pretty good start. Burnett has the stuff, like Liriano, to be a top of the rotation guy. Baker is a very good #2. Burnett has playoff experience and success. The case can also be made that he, like Liriano, may be a bit of a head case. We don’t know if he will improve by being out of New York. We don’t know that he will continue to be healthy. We don’t know what the Twins advanced scouts think of what he has left. It won’t happen, and it probably shouldn’t happen. At the end of the day, I probably would still say “No, Thank you!” The discussion is certainly worthwhile, and I have to assume that it was discussed at least to some level in the Twins front offices. Any thoughts? Please feel free to use the Comments Section!

No, I do not think that the Twins should consider a trade to bring back former catcher AJ Pierzynski. I’m talking about whether or not the Twins should consider working on a trade with the Yankees to acquire RHP AJ Burnett. When asked about that idea weeks ago, my immediate response was “No, thank you!” But upon further review, I think it’s a valid question to ask. Burnett has been pretty bad the last two seasons. In 2010, he was 10-15 with a 5.26 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. In 2011, he was 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP. He is also owed $33 million over the next two seasons. He turned 35 years old in January. All those reasons mean that the answer probably should be “No, thank you!” But maybe it isn’t and shouldn’t be that simple. It appears that a deal between the Yankees and the Pittsburgh Pirates is likely, but here are a few reasons that the Twins should at least make a quick phone call to Brian Cashman: The first assumption would have to be that the Yankees will cover $20-25 million of the $33 million remaining on Burnett’s contract. If that can’t be agreed upon, then there is zero reason to continue discussion. The second assumption is that the Yankees are not looking for a top prospect in return. Of course, if they’re going to hand over that much money, they will want something of quality too. If they think they’re going to get Miguel Sano, then the discussion can end too. He has made 32 or more starts each of the past four seasons. He has thrown more than 186 innings each of those seasons. Getting out of New York can be a good thing for many pitchers, especially after a bad year or two. Think anyone understands that better than Carl Pavano. The two were teammates with the Marlins from 2002 through 2004. Could playing in Minnesota and with an old teammate help Burnett reach his potential again? Burnett may be a big of an enigma, but he’s an enigma who throws really hard and has a really nasty slider and as recently as three years ago, he struck out more than a batter per inning. A rotation of Burnett, Liriano, Baker and Pavano is a pretty good start. Burnett has the stuff, like Liriano, to be a top of the rotation guy. Baker is a very good #2. Burnett has playoff experience and success. The case can also be made that he, like Liriano, may be a bit of a head case. We don’t know if he will improve by being out of New York. We don’t know that he will continue to be healthy. We don’t know what the Twins advanced scouts think of what he has left. It won’t happen, and it probably shouldn’t happen. At the end of the day, I probably would still say “No, Thank you!” The discussion is certainly worthwhile, and I have to assume that it was discussed at least to some level in the Twins front offices. Any thoughts? Please feel free to use the Comments Section!

Travis, saying that there is a strong chance that Morneau doesn't return to his 2006 or 2008 form doesn't in any way say that people have forgotten what he did. As I've written above, I think he should start the season hitting 4th or 5th. The question was... if he's hitting .180/.250/.300 in mid-June, will Gardy be willing to drop him in the order, and the answer to that has to be "I hope so." Willingham is a pretty good on-base guy and a power hitter. Even if Morneau was coming off of a 100% healthy season, it's fair to ask if they should hit 4th and 5th.

Geek, I would assume that they will (and they should) give Morneau 200-250 plate appearances to get back. He deserves that. He's got the history. It would be great to see him at 100% and just see what happens. I think that Gardy would be willing to flip Morneau and Willingham between 4 and 5 based on matchup. Travis, I think each and every one of us who have commented hope like crazy that you are right.

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In the next couple of days, the Alexi Casilla arbitration situation will be over. Arbitration hearings are to be complete by February 15th. The sides are not to discuss when a hearing is scheduled, so we don’t know when the Twins and Casilla would have a hearing in front of an arbiter. Of course, it is also possible that the two sides will come to an agreement before going to arbitration. This is Casilla’s second year of arbitration. Last year, he signed before a hearing and played the 2011 season making $865,000. 2011 was a strange season for Casilla. He began the season as the Twins starting shortstop. In April, he hit .167/.227/.200 in 22 games. Trevor Plouffe was called up and got almost a dozen games at shortstop. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, who was rehabbing his broken leg, was being moved to shortstop. Casilla was really bad. However, once you get past April, Casilla had a very solid season. Check out his monthly splits: April - .167/.227/.200 May - .288/.351/.424 June - .274/.349/.400 July - .283/.333/.404 Season - .260/.322/.368 in 97 games. Unfortunately, he played just one game in August and September combined due to an injury. If you recall, he came back for one game and was immediately placed on the disabled list again afterward. Casilla’s 97 games played in 2011 was on less than his career-high of 98 games played as a 23 year old in 2008. He will go into the 2012 season as the Twins starting second baseman, but frankly, many question if he isn’t best as a utility middle infielder. Casilla and his representation is asking for $1.75 million. The Twins offer was $1.065 million. The midpoint is $1.407 million. Here are some comparables: Robert Andino (Orioles) – Settled for $1.3 million Mike Aviles (Red Sox) – Settled for $1.2 million Jeff Baker (Cubs) – Settled for $1.375 million Emilio Bonifacio (Marlins) – WON at $2.2 million Mike Fontenot (Giants) – Settled at $1.05 million Chris Getz (Royals) – Settled for $968,000 Jed Lowrie (Astros) – Settled for $1.15 million After reviewing this list and doing some comparison, I don’t think that Casilla is wrong in asking for $1.7 million. I personally think that the midpoint of $1.407 million seems fair. Obviously the Twins biggest case is that he hasn’t ever played in 100 games, so I don’t blame them for coming in low. My guess: Right before it would go to an arbitration hearing, they’ll agree to a one year, $1.4 million salary. I think that if it does go to arbitration, Casilla would likely win. Did You Know? It was on this day (February 11) in 1974 that this whole arbitration system was established? According to JJ Swol of Twins Trivia, 48 players invoked their new arbitration rights including Twins pitcher Dick Woodson. Woodson was seeking $30,000 and the Twins were offering $23,000. My how things have changed in nearly 40 years. Woodson won, by the way. Any thoughts? Please feel free to use the Comments Section!

In the next couple of days, the Alexi Casilla arbitration situation will be over. Arbitration hearings are to be complete by February 15th. The sides are not to discuss when a hearing is scheduled, so we don’t know when the Twins and Casilla would have a hearing in front of an arbiter. Of course, it is also possible that the two sides will come to an agreement before going to arbitration. This is Casilla’s second year of arbitration. Last year, he signed before a hearing and played the 2011 season making $865,000. 2011 was a strange season for Casilla. He began the season as the Twins starting shortstop. In April, he hit .167/.227/.200 in 22 games. Trevor Plouffe was called up and got almost a dozen games at shortstop. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, who was rehabbing his broken leg, was being moved to shortstop. Casilla was really bad. However, once you get past April, Casilla had a very solid season. Check out his monthly splits: April - .167/.227/.200 May - .288/.351/.424 June - .274/.349/.400 July - .283/.333/.404 Season - .260/.322/.368 in 97 games. Unfortunately, he played just one game in August and September combined due to an injury. If you recall, he came back for one game and was immediately placed on the disabled list again afterward. Casilla’s 97 games played in 2011 was on less than his career-high of 98 games played as a 23 year old in 2008. He will go into the 2012 season as the Twins starting second baseman, but frankly, many question if he isn’t best as a utility middle infielder. Casilla and his representation is asking for $1.75 million. The Twins offer was $1.065 million. The midpoint is $1.407 million. Here are some comparables: Robert Andino (Orioles) – Settled for $1.3 million Mike Aviles (Red Sox) – Settled for $1.2 million Jeff Baker (Cubs) – Settled for $1.375 million Emilio Bonifacio (Marlins) – WON at $2.2 million Mike Fontenot (Giants) – Settled at $1.05 million Chris Getz (Royals) – Settled for $968,000 Jed Lowrie (Astros) – Settled for $1.15 million After reviewing this list and doing some comparison, I don’t think that Casilla is wrong in asking for $1.7 million. I personally think that the midpoint of $1.407 million seems fair. Obviously the Twins biggest case is that he hasn’t ever played in 100 games, so I don’t blame them for coming in low. My guess: Right before it would go to an arbitration hearing, they’ll agree to a one year, $1.4 million salary. I think that if it does go to arbitration, Casilla would likely win. Did You Know? It was on this day (February 11) in 1974 that this whole arbitration system was established? According to JJ Swol of Twins Trivia, 48 players invoked their new arbitration rights including Twins pitcher Dick Woodson. Woodson was seeking $30,000 and the Twins were offering $23,000. My how things have changed in nearly 40 years. Woodson won, by the way. Any thoughts? Please feel free to use the Comments Section!

I'm pretty sure Gonzalez wasn't in my Top 30 either... I do think that they have several guys who could step up to the Twins if needed. Parmelee (Nick may disagree, but I'll continue to say he) can be adequate for a number of years with some more potential to improve. Pearce and Bates can be short-term options (although Hughes/Plouffe may be just as good). But you're right, there aren't a lot of good 1B prospects in the minors... although some say Sano will eventually be a 1B.

Someone blogged the Twins organizational depth at every position over the last three weeks. I'd have to look back at that to see where the prospects are.

I think that they will want Benson and Tosoni to play every day. If there were an OF need early in the year, I think Mastrioanni would be the guy called up so Benson and Tosoni can play. Mastrioanni looks like the Repko replacement to me. He could potentially push Plouffe as 4th OF. Just seems like good depth with good OBP.

I don't think 'adequate' is exactly a glowing endorsement. And on Hendriks, I think I actually menat to put "could be" instead of "will". I agree with the immediacy thing. That seems to be waht people worry about. I guess my point is that there are guys who could come up and not hurt them. I mean, Brian Buscher came up a couple of years and surrounded by a good core, was a decent contributor at times. I'd put guys like Dozier, Parmelee, Benson, Tosoni, and a few others at that category with potential for more.

John, The Twins don't have an international academy in Venezuela anymore. They haven't had a team there in Venezuela (or the academy) since 2007 or so.

No, these stories don't typically wind up with a big league promotion, and I'm sure this signing isn't done with the intent of him getting to play in Target Field... A certain Phillies catcher got to the big leagues after spending 5-6 years in independent ball. As for the 1B depth, I don't know that is says anything about that. With the Twins, you've got Morneau (and Hughes can play there). You've go Parmelee waiting in the wings with Aaron Bates and Steve Pearce there as well. At AA, right now the only guy is Nate Hanson, unless they were to move an Oswaldo Arcia or someone there part-time. So, he just kind of fits in there as a 1B/DH. Also, I would assume that at least Pearce may have an opt-out in his minor league deal, so there could be another opening on June 1 or whatever.

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php?195-Guest-Filled-Twins-Podcast-is-a-Success

Last night’s 90-minute SethSpeaks.net Weekly Minnesota Twins podcast was a lot of fun! We talked to Kyle Waldrop about what it was like to finally getting his first big league opportunity after spending eight seasons in the Twins system. He discussed what he did in the offseason to improve and what he’s looking to show in spring training. Then Alex Margulies joined us to talk about how big league spring training affects the Ft. Myers Miracle front office. We also discussed how the Miracle has been ahead of the game in terms of technology. We also discussed Aaron Hicks, Alex Wimmers, Oswaldo Arcia and several other Twins prospects that spent time with the Miracle last year. It was treat to be joined by the new Voice of the Twins Cory Provus who has jumped headfirst into his new job. He’s spent time on the Twins Caravan, and he’s dug into the history of the Minnesota Twins. He’s learned a lot from Bob Uecker and Ron Santo, and although he’s just 31-32 years old, he’s worked in many jobs and many sports. You’ll enjoy this interview. Jeff Manship called in next to talk about his frustrating 2011 season and how he is working and preparing for the 2012 season. He’ll begin his trek to Ft. Myers today. It will be interesting to see how his spring training goes. Will he start or work out of the bullpen? Finally, Dan Rohlfing called into the podcast. He is a non-roster invite to big league camp as a catcher. For the first time in his career, he got a chance to play nearly every day. Like Chris Herrmann, Rohlfing is a great athlete and when he didn’t catch, he was playing in the outfield. He was entertaining as well. It was a fun show for me. I definitely enjoy chatting with players and other Twins personnel, especially as spring training is coming quickly. However, I do want your thoughts, your opinions or suggestions. Any feedback on the podcasts is very welcome, so please feel free to e-mail me at sethspeaksnet@hotmail.com or leave your questions, comments and ideas in the Comments Section!

Last night’s 90-minute SethSpeaks.net Weekly Minnesota Twins podcast was a lot of fun! We talked to Kyle Waldrop about what it was like to finally getting his first big league opportunity after spending eight seasons in the Twins system. He discussed what he did in the offseason to improve and what he’s looking to show in spring training. Then Alex Margulies joined us to talk about how big league spring training affects the Ft. Myers Miracle front office. We also discussed how the Miracle has been ahead of the game in terms of technology. We also discussed Aaron Hicks, Alex Wimmers, Oswaldo Arcia and several other Twins prospects that spent time with the Miracle last year. It was treat to be joined by the new Voice of the Twins Cory Provus who has jumped headfirst into his new job. He’s spent time on the Twins Caravan, and he’s dug into the history of the Minnesota Twins. He’s learned a lot from Bob Uecker and Ron Santo, and although he’s just 31-32 years old, he’s worked in many jobs and many sports. You’ll enjoy this interview. Jeff Manship called in next to talk about his frustrating 2011 season and how he is working and preparing for the 2012 season. He’ll begin his trek to Ft. Myers today. It will be interesting to see how his spring training goes. Will he start or work out of the bullpen? Finally, Dan Rohlfing called into the podcast. He is a non-roster invite to big league camp as a catcher. For the first time in his career, he got a chance to play nearly every day. Like Chris Herrmann, Rohlfing is a great athlete and when he didn’t catch, he was playing in the outfield. He was entertaining as well. It was a fun show for me. I definitely enjoy chatting with players and other Twins personnel, especially as spring training is coming quickly. However, I do want your thoughts, your opinions or suggestions. Any feedback on the podcasts is very welcome, so please feel free to e-mail me at sethspeaksnet@hotmail.com or leave your questions, comments and ideas in the Comments Section!

And it doesn't include pitchers, and Hendriks, Gibson, Wimmers, Stuifbergen and Darnell could all make a case to be in the starting rotation in 2013. (not that they all would, but they'll all be knocking at the door)

I've been saying it all along. There is some really good high-end talent in this list. Consider that this list doesn't include Parmelee, who we all think can be an adequate big league 1B. It doesn't include Hendriks, who most people think will at least be a solid #3 starter. Same thing with Adrian Salcedo. My point has always been that a minor league system can't only be about developing All-Stars, but it also has to be about developing solid regulars to compliment the all-Stars. And with all the power arms they drafted in 2011 (Boyd, Boer, Summers, Williams, Burris, Higginbotham) and 5 top 100 picks in the upcoming draft, I'm optimistic. I also think we were spoiled from 2004-2006 when we saw Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, Liriano, Garza all come up and be pretty good.

The Twins designated RHP Esmerling Vazquez from the 40 man roster to make room for Mastroianni. The Twins had claimed Vazquez off of waivers from the Diamondbacks the second-to-last day of the 2011 season.