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Kwak

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Everything posted by Kwak

  1. Kwak
    +1. Succintly put.
  2. Kwak
    Hicks will start in Rochester this Spring. Parmelee? A big ? mark. Escobar is the "unfortunate one". He is blocked by Dozier at 2B (Rosario too?); Plouffe has been blessed from above, and will have a job, someplace, though he will hold 3B for Sano; Florimon seems to be annointed also. Escobar will need a strong ST or he will be forgotten. I doubt Ryan can craft a trade bundling Parmelee, an IF, and a P for a sizeable upgrade at any position--but I think it's the best thing for the Twins and those players.
  3. Kwak
    So which of the AAA "pitchers" are you suggesting replace him? Pelfrey is better than the junk shuttling between Rochester and Minneapolis.
  4. Kwak
    Maybe the Twins should just pitch all of those "high-upside" guys from AA and AAA next year?
  5. Kwak
    I posted almost exactly the same. Plouffe gets a juicy raise and is the starting 3B as the season begins. Sano will didplace him mid season, but Plouffe stays as a reserve/insurance policy against a Sano failure. Plouffe will be tradeable, so a non-tender would be a mistake.
  6. Kwak
    Apologies, S.A.C.D.. "When you have eliminated the probable, the possible, the improbable, and the impossible--you are left with the obvious". When a precipitous drop in payroll over multiple years why is it assumed that said reduction wasn't planned? Several ex-Twins were named attached with the claim that so-and-so wasn't worth keeping--OK. But the payroll "saved by not extending so-and-so" could go into improving the team elsewhere--but it didn't. There will be another large payroll reduction between 2013 and 2014 due to Morneau, Carroll, and Blackburn contracts not renewed. Ryan (when exonerating Gardenhire for this year's disappointment) stated that there wasn't enough talent. However, there has been no statement about rectifying the talent shortage this offseason. Why? Has the talent shotage been fixed?--No. It is clear that payroll reduction was the prime directive and that rebuilding will be done in the same manner as in the 1990's--despite the public subsidy provided.
  7. Kwak
    Maybe Plouffe has read this thread?
  8. Kwak
    Amen. If Pelf has a solid Setember his asking price will be $10MM/season and multi-years. I do not see Ryan chasing to that level. Ryan might go as far as a "Pavano contract" for Pelfrey, but not $10MM a season.
  9. Kwak
    I cite his career prior to his "breakout period" of ~20 HR in 5 weeks. Consider: his '11 tryout was disappointing; his '12 Spring training was lacklustre; another SS attempt at the start of '12 didn't work out--but RF was made available to him despite the Twins actually having trained OFers; his RF experience ended with a BAVG about .120-.130, but when the Twins had enough of Valencia (which was warranted!), wait-for-it--yes give Plouffe a shot at 3B. BTW, Luke Hughes who sizzled in Spring training was quickly dismissed when he didn't hit in April--but Plouffe gets chance after chance. To me, that meets the definition of "golden boy"--opportunity after opportunity after every failure. It's was great he had that "breakout", but in no way could that have been predicted. Yet still today he is fully expected to get a line-up spot next season with a juicy raise.
  10. Kwak
    Plouffe doesn't inspire confidence. However, the Twins are slow to give-up on a "golden-boy". I am absolutely convinced that he is the starting 3B next Spring, and will be on the bench as insurance when Sano is promoted to the Twins. I couldn't guess who gets "written-off" to make way for Sano [to retain Plouffe], maybe it will come after a July trade or something. I'll just cross my fingers and hope that Sano succeeds both as a hitter and as a 3B man.
  11. Kwak
    Starting with the theme of the thread--Rotation out of Whack--it has been out of whack for awhile. The Twins haven't had anyone who could be classified as a #1 since the emergence of Santana. After he left it was a series of journeymen with the hope that someone would "jump-up" to the upper-tier, but mostly just to dominate lesser teams/pitchers with a good-hitting line-up. This line-up doesn't produce 800+ runs and the rotation has fallen below the level of journeymen by the use of a very flawed philosophy. Much fanfare was made last year by the promise of three new pitchers. I have yet to read any statement by the Twins committing to any improvement over the 2013 staff. Ryan has stated that Gardenhire shouldn't be blamed because he wasn't provided enough talent--but there has been only silence with regard to providing a significant upgrade over the present talent level. At best we are told that the minor leaguers are praise worthy though the most recent promotions have done little to justify that claim. The most praised MiLers are position players--so how does the rotation improve? Wishin' and hopin' to steal another Johan Santana is not a viable option.
  12. Kwak
    I suggest that you pay close attention to Houston's players/team and project what the Twins would be with just 19-22 yr olds. As bad as the Twins have been the last three seasons--HOUS has been worse! I honestly can't project them out of their malaise for at least three more years. The Twins--yes I do think they will be relevant three years from now--though not much more than that.
  13. Kwak
    "Better prospect"? I strongly suspect that was an "untouchable" list for PITT and that $2MM wouldn't be anywhere near enough. I think Ryan made a good deal for the Twins--especially given the Twins' priorities. Consider the following rewards: 1) others will play 1B this September, giving a "longer look" at said players; 2) Clete Thomas will rarely play; 3) Presley might actually be good enough not only for next year but to trade (pehaps in a package) to acquire more useful talent; 4) the hope that the PTBNL actually makes meaningful contributions for the Twins in the future. All in all, pretty good.
  14. Kwak
    Is it really losing if losing some games in 2013 lead to winning more games in the future? I don't think so at all. Therefore, I have rooting for the Twins to lose so next June the Twins can select earlier in the Rule 4 draft--hopefully selecting a player or two that they would not otherwise be able to select--and win more games in future seasons. I especially want the twins to lose to AL contenders to block the Yankees from the post-season. The ---- with NY!
  15. Kwak
    I think Hicks's goose is cooked. He has until July to show he has a future with the Twins before Buxton is promoted to rochester and made the everyday CF. Presley will wear a Ryan-granted Halo at least through September. If his September is solid said halo will carryover to Spring training. Either Mastroianni or Thomas will be a backup CF. There are way too many options for corner OF to mention starters and bench. Hicks is relegated to Rochester--and his Spring had better be strong! I expect that Hicks or Presley will be traded by the end of July. I also think it would be better for Hicks's career to be the player traded.
  16. Kwak
    The true nature of "the Morneau trade has been determined"--reduce salary, maintain a "tough negotiator" image, and last obtain someone who might be useful. Absolutely, Ryan asked for better talent--but that's part of a negotiation--ask a lot, and then reduce to an acceptable level to make a deal happen. I didn't read any Ryan comments about what a great trade he made or how glad the Twins are because (so-and-so) is now a Minnesota Twin. Thus, it is very easy to conclude that salary reduction was preeminent. Is Presley supposed to be the CF of the future? Hell NO! Buxton is supposed to be the CF of the future. Presley is simply in the mix to be 2014's CF and then be trade bait (`ala` Revere and Span) for another cog in the machine. The Twins will become a very lean payroll team--even with Mauer! If Joe wants to go--well some crocodile tears would be shed but he would be gladly traded. Mauer merchandise, you say? After 10 years there aren't many left who don't own a Mauer jersey who would buy one. However, there is a "new wave" coming and no one owns a Sano or a Buxton Twins jersey (yet)--so Joe won't be a marketing essential after next year.
  17. Kwak
    The Twins won't be making any major FA signings--it's not the plan. They are returning to the late 90's and hoping that they can get lucky again and build a winning team. Time is on their side because the stadium is force-feeding them cash from their loyal, patient fans and the rest of their division have money limits. They will likely run budgets in the 60-70MM range. If/when a consistent winner as experienced like last decade is built, we will have to wait and see if the payroll expands back to 100+MM--there is no guarantee that it will! I wouldn't be surprised if the next wave of stars opts to sign elsewhere--or the Twins simply trade the top players before free-agency for a handful of "prospects" for each trade. What I don't understand is why "fans" are worried that the Twins will "overspend" on free-agants either now or in the future--it isn't their money that would be spent.
  18. Kwak
    I can't see Hendriks salvaging a career with the Twins. He clearly has relegated himself to AAA for next year and there are just too many on their way up. I guess we have to wait a month until we hear Ryan proclaim "I'll get ___ pitchers for 2014!" But any FA signed have an automatic position in the rotation. There has to be at least one lefty, Deduno (barring injury) is a lock, Pelfrey is likely extended given his recent performances (and health!), and a full handful of minor leaguers (plus Swarzak?) vieing for maybe one spot. Sorry Liam, it's not looking good for you.
  19. Kwak
    Same Hendricks.
  20. Kwak
    I was watching on TV and DickBert were railing on CLEV for the attempted steal of 3B--then the Twins try it (and Fail of course!). Gardy is a great manager. Extend him for three more years!
  21. Kwak
    I want Mauer to catch. There, now you have the start of the torrent. If you ask the average fan, I'm confident they would prefer Mauer at catcher too. Oh, and then there's the plethora of good hitters in the minors would need a place to play--and some of them are trained at 1B.
  22. Kwak
    Mauer to 1B--to deflect the negative press when Morneau leaves. Curious we didn't hear the "we need a third catcher refrain". Every time Joe gets an oowie the "move Mauer" birds start to chirp. They quiet down when he's back at catcher and things are "Jake".
  23. Kwak
    I too think "it's time". Example: last night Corriera pitches into the 7th [1-0], gets the first two out, yields two baserunners, and remains in the game to pitch to the next batter (Hunter). OK, this isn't unusual in MLB, even today. But, KC isn't some stud and the Twins have 8 relief pitchers! Corriera's job is safe for next year--he doesn't need to "prove himself". But,still, I'm OK with KC pitching to Hunter (only a little bit OK). Today's game: Albers leading 6-2, 6th inning. First two batters--out; then next two reach base. Gardy replaces Albers! Why? Albers needs to be tested (and PASS!) in order to justify a spot in the 2014 rotation! Even if he yields a HR--then Twins would still have the lead. But no, this time in comes a relief pitcher. The point? Where is the logic, consistency, and purpose to Gardenhire's management? I see very little except pitch count (Albers was still under 100 pitches btw). Seat-of-the pants, whim, and hunch is all I see. If you want another point--Herrmann's sacrifice bunt in the fist game vs. Detroit. Porcello was reeling into the ropes ( Detroit does have a high-scoring line-up) and Herrmann needs to demonstrate that he will be a contributor next year--he should be trying to hit, not sacrifice.
  24. Kwak
    The only "evidence" presented was his struggle. Hicks was never "disciplined" as a "distraction" which indicates that his character was strong enough to withstand failure, I find it "this evidence of entitlement" to be completely without merit. Maybe Hicks just isn't skilled enough for the majors instead of "having a poor work ethic". Buxton's image doesn't need the smear of Hicks--his image stands on its own. "...[the Twins don't tout] Buxton's abilities enough"? !! What?! Just because they haven't placed 50 life-size statutes of him around the Twin Cities doesn't mean Buxton wasn't hyped. Buxton's "hype" is included in the "we have the best minor league system" tome because the Twins are trying to reassure their fanbase that the FO is doing a good job and better things are just around the corner.
  25. Kwak
    Kevin West, 2004. I have never heard his name, ever. It seems he would have had a callup sometime--what happened to him?
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