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RJA

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Everything posted by RJA

  1. RJA
    I think Correa could be the straw that stirs the drink in Minnesota (to use the old Reggie comment). His energy and push to win will elevate everyone. He and Buxton could be an incredible pair this year. Pray for health.
  2. RJA
    No big surprises here. Balazovic and Sands need some AAA experience and were never likely to make the roster. Likewise, Strotman didn't show that well last year, so we knew he was headed to AAA. Henriquez is being presented with a AAA challenge, so they obviously think he has potential and could move up quickly. Vallimont and Enlow were never in the picture this year. I think they threw Strotman and Sands into games early in ST as they wanted them to get their feet wet, but knew they were destined for St. Paul. No reason to be down on any of these guys. They will get more opportunities.
  3. RJA
    I agree it should be a strong defense. Actually, on those days when Kirilloff is at first and Urshela at third, with Buxton, Kepler and whomever in left, the whole defense should be solid. Actually, the defense and offense look very good. The pitching is another matter, but hopefully more is to come.
  4. RJA
    I am a retired guy. I need my rest, so I didn't find out until morning. It was a huge shock, but a wonderful one. I just hope we trade for one excellent arm. Then I will be VERY happy. He will be gone after this year--I know that--but if we could add Montas or another quality starter, we could have a Cinderella type year. Wouldn't that be a hoot?
  5. RJA
    I can't disagree with the 5 listed, but I am curioius how you viewed Varland's fastball. I know it has been rated a 55, but boy now that he is hitting a 100 on the gun at times, it must be better than that. How close was he to making the list?
  6. RJA
    I agree that the FO is showing flexibility, and signing Correa was an incredible move. Kudos to them. My wish, however, is that they combine in the box thinking (nabbing a quality starter out of the best free agent pitching class in memory) with out of the box thinking like jumping quickly on opportunities that are presented to them like signing Correa.
  7. RJA
    I think who gets traded will depend upon how the braintrust feels about them long term--do they like Martin more than Lewis, Lewis more than Miranda, etc. I am in the camp that says don't overpay for Montas, but I think that by signing Correa, the FO has determined they are going to make a run for it. Getting Montas may be important enough to them to do a bit of an overpay, as Correa will be gone next year so they have a one year window. Or, they may turn their attention to Manaea as he has only one year of control and will cost less. Gosh, I wish they would have added one pitcher last fall. We would be in great shape if that was the case (yes I know it would have pushed the budget but only for one year as Correa will likely be gone).
  8. RJA
    Thanks for the update, Jamie. I agree with Dman. The Twins will pick a bat, although now that they have traded Petty, the chance that they pick Lesko if he is available have gone up some. Boy, isn't IMG a factory for prospects? I still love watching Joyce. What an arm.
  9. RJA
    Great comments, thanks. Yes, it does appear strange given where the Nationals are right now, but his numbers last year were impressive. It might be they see something they can improve upon with his slider. It will be interesting to follow.
  10. RJA
    He does look like a good prospect. IF they are close on a trade for pitching, it is possible that a couple spots on the 40 man will open up as it would likely be 3 or 4 prospects traded for Montas, or Means, or whomever they target. What is Enlow's status?
  11. RJA
    Yes, I agree their fans deserve that. I think Beane is a marvelous judge of young talent--much like the Rays FO. He has brought success to the the A's under severe budget limitations and with a lousy ballpark by developing young players. You have to pull for the guy.
  12. RJA
    Go ahead, Cody, ruin our euphoria over the signing ;)! Actually, there is a higher than average injury risk with him based on his past history. That is probably one big factor Boras considered when locking in a 3 year contract. But, as mikelink noted, I will gladly trade a Donaldson risk of injury for a Correa risk of injury.
  13. RJA
    I think the A's have set a huge price on these two and are not in a hurry to finalize a deal as there are a number of suitors already and someone else might jump in if a frontline pitcher develops arm issues. I think they are waiting for one of the suitors to get desperate and pay their price. If that doesn't happen in the next week or so, then I suspect negotiations will heat up and the A's will lower their asking price and they will be moved.
  14. RJA
    I agree with your take. We know the Marlins are looking for a centerfielder and bats so Kepler plus prospects might work depending on who we target, but two of their guys have injury concerns so that hurts. The Marlins don't like spending money, so Kepler's contract and the prospects might appeal to them more than free agents. Baltimore could be a partner with Means but that would come with a stiff price.
  15. RJA
    I like this signing, Seth--experienced guy who was much better after joining Seattle last year. As he sat out a year, I think his performance with the Astros probably demonstrated some rust. He is not a closer type but I think he is a useful piece at this price. I think the bullpen may be a little better than people give it credit for--Rogers, Alcala, Duffey, Thielbar, Jax, Smith, Moran and possibly Duran, Stashak, and Cotton, assuming of course that Rogers is ok. Plus, picking up bullpen pieces at the trade deadline is not difficult, and there are some up and comers in the minors.
  16. RJA
    Cody, do you have a life outside of writing articles? Awesome production, my friend. Depending on future trades, we have Urshela, Correa, Polanco, and Sano in the infield, with Kirilloff, Buxton and Kepler in the outfield, and Jeffers behind the plate. For DH, we have Arraez, Sanchez, and a fourth outfielder to rotate, along with Sano when Kirilloff plays first, or Urshela/Polanco when Arraez is in the field. If Larnach is the fourth outfielder, or if Miranda comes up in June, that is ok by me.
  17. RJA
    I am happy to enjoy the year and not worry about next year quite yet. Lewis or Martin may develop, or next year Trea Turner, Swanson and Bogaerts (maybe) will be free agents, as well as Correa. If the FO adds pitching, this will be a fun year.
  18. RJA
    I agree 100% on pushing the chips in to get Montas and Manaea. I think the A's will push for one of the top 3 plus some young pitchers and maybe Larnach. If they are looking for a huge return, I hope the FO talks to the Marlins about their pitching surplus and Baltimore about Means. I think Oakland thinks it has the corner on the trade market, but I suspect other teams may be willing to trade as the Twins have some attractive chips. The point is--let's go for it.
  19. RJA
    As of now, outfield of Kirilloff, Buxton, and Kepler. Infield of Urshela, Correa, Polanco, and Sano with Jeffers behind the plate and Sanchez, Arraez and a fourth outfielder rotating through the lineup and as DH. Lots of POTENTIAL 30 homer guys in that lineup.
  20. RJA
    I am greatly surprised, greatly impressed, and extremely excited. Even if the season goes south, the Twins have the ability to trade him this summer for what should be a great prospect, assuming of course, that he plans to opt out after year one which is a given. Now they should really stun us and strike a trade for BOTH Montas and Manaea. That would cost a number of our top prospects and some young talent like Arraez or Larnach, but boy if Ryan is our fourth starter, watch out Central Division. More realistically, even adding Montas would be huge. I could also see them checking with the Marlins about their young pitchers and the Astros about Odo. I suspect more fun is yet to come.
  21. RJA
    As much as this FO likes spin rates, they always seem to be behind the curve. IF they had acted last fall to sign a top pitcher, Ray just as an example, we would now have two top pitchers in Ray and Gray, to pair with Ryan and Ober. So, if they were to add Montas, the rotation would be in excellent shape and maybe even better if a couple of young guys proved themselves. And, you would have the top 3 pitchers for two years and Ray for more. But, they wouldn't move until they unloaded Donaldson's contract, and now it is too late to sign anyone. If they assumed a little more financial risk, we could have an excellent starting rotation, Donaldson, Kiner-Falefa, Polanco and Sano/Kirilloff in the infield with Arraez filling in, and Jeffers and Rortvedt at catcher. We could have rotated at DH between Sano, Arraez, Donaldson, Miranda, and others, had Buxton, Kepler and Kirilloff, in the outfield, with a fourth outfielder to found internally or in free agency. Even if we were to add Story, I would prefer that lineup to what we will be fielding.
  22. RJA
    Dman is right--it does hit a little too close to home. I think the thing is with the Twins, I am never convinced that they are really willing to spend what is necessary to get the team over the hump. They were loaded two and three years ago and added Happ and Shoemaker instead of a real difference maker. At least with the Vikings, Wild and Wolves, their failures are not due to looking to maintain a tight budget. It is almost like they want to win more than the Twins.
  23. RJA
    I agree with what others have said. Shortstop and catcher (along with CF) are the most crucial defensive spots on the field and the Twins are currently, pending further trades, without a major league shortstop and without any depth at catcher. Plus, Jeffers is relatively inexperienced as catchers go. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but unless the FO is confident that they will sign Story or make another trade for a shortstop, I am at a loss figuring out what they are doing.
  24. RJA
    Great movie :). I, too, have the "Irish blood coursing through" my veins. As an Irish salute I will say to you what I say when entering the pub, "God Bless All Here." Happy St. Paddy's Day.
  25. RJA
    The Twins have much bigger issues now than a third string catcher--like who is going to play short and who is going to be in the starting rotation and bullpen. Rortvedt is gone so the Twins need a third catcher, probably more than most in case Sanchez proves incapable of duty a couple times a week and becomes a designated hitter. It seems to me they picked up somebody who can fill that spot. In my humble opinion, Rortvedt is probably a better defensive catcher, but I am not sure he has a much upside offensively, so Godoy may be on par or slightly better offensively. But, it is what it is. The Twins didn't have the opportunity to pick up Rortvedt, so they got the best they could off the wire.
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