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Kwak

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Everything posted by Kwak

  1. Kwak
    We don't need three years of statistics to conclude that the Twins OF is poor by ML standards--eyeballs will suffice.
  2. Kwak
    Defense has another effect on the game--psychology. The positive effect when a player makes a really difficult play (by ML standards) or fails to make a play (especially in a crucial situation). Emotion is part of the game. A missed play in the field (the "extra" out) can result in several extra runs for the opponents--not just those that scored on that specific play. A close game can result in a blow-out.
  3. Kwak
    I think people are looking too closely at the trees and ignoring the forest that they represent. The article isn't about statistics it is about the Twins overall problems (poor team defense and "hit bats" philosophy) and what the Twins did (so far) to address said problems. The thrust of the article is that a lot of money was committed but that we shouldn't expect much (if any) improvement in team defense, and by extension runs allowed, given the expenditure.
  4. Kwak
    The Dodgers had (arguably) the best pitcher in BB and they didn't make the WS either. Are you implying that having "an Ace " is a mistake? Consider, that many teams have one (or more) of these "Aces"--yet there will be only one champion. Logically, teams should strive to have the best players in order to maximize the probability of success--but in the end there is only one winner.
  5. Kwak
    So true (except for the '06 season). The Twins benefitted from the dismembership of Cleveland, KC's perpetual malaise, Detroit was simply terrible until the owner demanded (and funded) success leaving only one viable opponent--CWS. Things have changed--Detroit might be Cleveland of 15 years ago, but Cleveland, KC, and Chicago are committed to being a winning team. But the Twins? IMO their committment borders between KC of 15 years ago to hoping to become an 80-win team--but with a very controlled payroll.
  6. Kwak
    Promoting the "marginal" player to the majors (especially on a bad team like the Twins) makes a statement to said "marginal players": "sign a contract with us and you'll get a crack at 'the show'." Admittedly, the probability that said player will make an impact is low, but there are some 1/2-season wonders (Diamond) who just might make a difference.
  7. Kwak
    ...and for those of you who complained that going from AA to the majors was terrible... At what level is the Korean League? Spending a ton of money for a SS? The Twins are up to their eyebrows with SS prospects--just none that fit the prototype for HOF SS. PASS on Kang.
  8. Kwak
    Considering that the futures of Scherzer/Detroit and Shields/KC are the two biggest impacts it's too early to make a sound judgement. CHI undoubtably helped themselves more than any any of the rest. I must disagree with the analysis of the Twins. Corriera had already been replaced (internally)--and there were/are several backup options already in-place. Santana is basically a security blankee for the team. Hunter is for selling tickets--not winning more games. The other three did make improvements to their teams, but the impact of Scherzer and Shields contract decision(s) is so large that final grades for DET and KC must wait. Speculating on future player performances--is just that, and concluding that someone will regress simply because they had a solid year is nothing more than guessing. Sadly, it appears that out favorite team is destined for 5th place unless some of the "prospects" are promoted to the Twins and significantly outperform the incumbent veterans. I'm not holding my breath that the FO will make that leap this season.
  9. Kwak
    I am puzzled by the attacks on the WS. They spent to add major leaguers to a 4th place team that was struggling in ticket sales (and likely media ratings) to provide more entertainment to their fans--with the expectation that "they will return to the fold." Is the carping due to the lame effort by the Twins FO to improve their product?--and thus plain jealousy? Because whatever amount of money the WS spend is irrelevant to Twins fans. As an aside I wonder how much the WS activity since the Winter Meetings affected the Twins decision to sign Santana? I'm thinking the effect on the FO was large.
  10. Kwak
    As a fan, (especially those who are WS fans-not me!--whether they spent $40 MM or whatever or these guys is irrelevant. What really matters is will the WS fans be better entertained for what they spend for entertainment? The $40MM is the owner's money and not the fan's money.
  11. Kwak
    Milhone will battle Duening for a spot--one stays the other goes.
  12. Kwak
    If he makes the Twins, he gets $522K--virtually the same as the minimum salary! Money isn't a problem, playing in the minors wouldn't be a problem, and if he somehow makes the Twins we have no reason to think there is a problem. What's the discussion point?
  13. Kwak
    "Are the Twins spending enough money"? In order to answer that, I need to know what result is planned for said spending. I believe the Hunter contract was simply a marketing promotion to sell more season tickets. But the Santana signing was done "to keep up with the Joneses"--the others in the division were making moves to actually improve their team with the intent of winning more games. The FO had to react--they actually had to spend to improve the on-field product. The Twins were (and still are) a last-place team in a division that is not dominated by one (or two) major revenue producers that could overwhelm the rest in spending if they chose. If the FO "stood-pat" they run the risk of being buried competitively and becoming little more than a "feeder team" to the res of MLB. So, I say "good or them", the FO recognizd the situation and (re)acted. How well will it work out? IDK, we will have to wait and see.
  14. Kwak
    Except that if their pitch-count is "under control" said pitcher will be in the bullpen (much lower salary) or out of a job entirely. "PtoC" may have been removed from the Twins' lexicon--but it is still practiced.
  15. Kwak
    Judging from reading the reaction of the StarTribune (Dec. 3), I infer this decision to sign Hunter came from the top--DSP/Pohlad. The Twins' "spin machine" went into overdrive and produced an over-the-top, gushing endorsement of this signing. The constant "talk" of "mentoring", teaching, leading, etc. transforms Hunter into some sort of Marvel super-hero character who will spin straw into gold. But, this "trick" was tried before: the 90's, Winfield, Molior, it didn't work then--and won't work now. Hiring Molitor as manager was simply part of the marketing "trick" rather than a move in a different direction with a familiar face. Bring back Hunter is simply a continuation of the same misdirection hoping to convince fans to care (and spend) in hope that old and familiar faces is the path to entertaining baseball.
  16. Kwak
    The Twins are 20 years behind the time. Signing Hunter is another lame marketing ploy. I have no interest in watching washed-up, over-the-hill players. I am insulted that players with some sort of Minnesota connection are what I want to see on the field. Salary--irrelevant a complet bore.
  17. Kwak
    "Insanely stupid contract"... Accepting a "Twins Friendly" contract rather than the Angels offer--would have been "Insanely Stupid". Tossing aside that 3yrs and $45MM by itself is stupid money--the Angels were (and still are) a stronger, more vibrant, and better franchise than the Twins. An equal time/money offer with the ANgels would have been a better offer than the Twins. But, of course, the Twins weren't the only competitor to the Angels for Hunter's services--else their offer would have been substantially less the the actual offer. The Twins simply threw out a low-ball offer for CYA purposes. Teams and players must "Say Good-Bye" sometime and sadly that time was after the 2006 season. Ryan misjudged and picked-up the option year on Hunter's contract--and kept him in 2007--the rest is history.
  18. Kwak
    Given that the total payroll is limited to ~$95 MM this is the type of move that is permissible. The Twins need to bilge some (though they are stuck with Pelfrey's salary), before anything more can be done. As posted earlier, I wouldn't be surprised that all shopping will be done by Christmas.
  19. Kwak
    It would be a mistake to sign Hunter as a player. The Twins need players not marketing gimmicks. If anyone is added, it should be for 4+ years--or don't bother.
  20. Kwak
    The premise of signing Masterson is: He will have a bounce-back season. What? Are the Twins suddenly contenders for the World Series--or even the playoffs? No. If the Twins truly wanted to sign a free agent pitcher--sign somebody who is already good enough to keep 4+ years. Signing one-year deals with the hope that he will improve dramatically is a losing strategy until the team has four dependable, solid starters and need one guy to "put them at the top". Twins aren't there. Play what is in-house. Let's see if gutting CF for (how many years?) was worth it with respect to the rotation.
  21. Kwak
    Amen--to that. I can't answer whether to trade Plouffe until I see the offer.
  22. Kwak
    At some point the Twins need to put up (promote and play the top minor leaguers) or shut-up ("we got the best ..."). That time is now. It is counterproductive to sign placeholder-quality players. Sign a top player--the type wanted for 4+ years--or don't bother. Masterson is a thrower, not a pitcher. Pelfrey fits the mold of thrower quite well--if that's what Ryan wants to play one of those guys. Pelfrey was signed to do that and he will be paid in any case, so Pass on Masterson.
  23. Kwak
    The Marlins step-up! Considering how quickly they improved from terrible to simply below average this move is justified--the Marlins have lots of room in their budget to pay Stanton! This level of committment will show others that the Marlins are playing to win and not just lining their pockets with easy profit. The path to the top of the NL East isn't blocked by Washington others can win there consistently--if they set their focus.
  24. Kwak
    Several responses needed: 1) There should be younger players. There aren't because of a chronic failure in the system and the Ryan "Rule" requiring mastery at a level before promotion to a higher level; 2) Ryan like "lots of options"--if they are "cheap" options. Patch-over a broken-down franchise and wait enough years for adequate quality to be acquired and developed; 3) FA minor-leaguers know there is a "good chance" to crack the Twins Active Roster given 1) and 2), so they sign a contract with the Twins--they are running out of time to "make it".
  25. Kwak
    One very hoped-for star, a few suspects, some "Chris Colabello"-es from other lands, and lots of filler. I'm sorry there isn't a pair of rose-colored glasses strong enough to sing praises of this group. I recommend signing the best FA OF possible and for multiple years (4-5).
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