SB Nation - Jason Pridie

Twins Non-Tender Candidates

Jesse — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:15:37 -0000

Are there really any surprises? We'll throw in some other candidates who, while not technically non-tender candates, are still players whose rosters spots are in doubt.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Brendan Harris	123	414	44	108	22	1	6	37	29	78	0	2	.261	.310	.362

Brendan's offensive projections coming into 2009 weren't unreasonable. In fact, five of the more popular oracles all had his OPS coming in between .715 and .750, and those all seemed about right considering the last couple of years he's had. Instead he turned in a .672 performance, his lowest since his rookie season in 2004. In general he walked less, hit fewer line drives and his plate discipline fell off as well. In the field, his ability to play multiple positions aside, there's no advantage to be found.

All of Minnesota's middle infielders struggled this season, but with Harris A) not under contract for 2010, B) due a significant raise in aribitration and C) with less expensive options available to fill his shoes, Brendan's future with the Twins isn't guaranteed.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Brian Buscher	61	136	14	32	3	1	2	12	24	35	0	0	.235	.360	.316

Buscher's fate could be tied to any number of things, but largely his future with the Twins will boil down to what the organization wants to do with other players. If the Twins feel Luke Hughes or Daniel Valencia are ready to step in it will depend on whether they'll be happy with an inexperienced but familiar backup who can hit right-handers. In spite of the fact that he'll be due less money than Harris in 2010, their fates could be tied to each other if Minnesota brings in a veteran third baseman.

The only way both of these players return, and feel free to point out how wrong I am if I'm missing something, is if the Twins believe that a Harris/Buscher platoon at the hot corner is their best option going forward. But between the trade market for third baseman, the free agent market for third basemen and a pair of decent third base prospects due to break into the majors at any time, I have to believe their days in Minnesota are numbered.

Boof Bonser

#26 / Pitcher / Minnesota Twins

Height: 6-4

Weight: 245

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Oct 14, 1981

He still has the best name on the roster, and personally I'd be surprised if he wasn't tendered a contract this winter, but you can certainly make a case that his status could be in doubt.

Bonser will be due arbitration in 2010.
Put that extra money on top of disappointing '07 and '08 campaigns, and a completely missed '09, and you could argue that the money going to Bonser would constitute an uneccessary risk.
The Twins have a lot of young, pre-arbitration starters available.

A lot of how you view this decision depends on your faith in Bonser's abilities going forward. He did pitch better than his numbers might indicate in '07 and especially '08, but can he consistently use his fastball/curveball combination effectively for a full season as a starter?

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Philip Humber	0-0	8	0	0	0	0	0	9.0	17	8	8	1	9	9	8.00	2.89

Unless this organization is seeing something I'm not seeing, I don't see a reason to hang onto Humber at this point. The fact that he's not currently on the 40-man roster works to his advantage, because it does mean that if the Twins want to keep him in Rochester next season as a little insurance they can without using up a roster spot. But for a guy who will be 27 next season, who is essentially a two-pitch pitcher and who's really struggled with his command as a general rule in the majors, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get the axe.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Delmon Young	108	395	50	112	16	2	12	60	12	92	2	5	.284	.308	.425

No, no, no, no, no. A thousand times, no. I know he hasn't panned out so far but he'll still be just 24 in 2010, and maybe the Twins need to get inside his head a bit. Every morning tell him it's September. I don't know, but especially with nobody to push him next season coming up through the system there's is absolutely zero reason to even consider this.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Jesse Crain	7-4	56	0	0	0	0	0	51.2	48	28	27	3	27	43	4.70	1.45

A solid end to the season hasn't stopped speculation from some that, due to the kind of money he'll get through arbitration this year, he should be considered a non-tender candidate. The bullpen is already considered to be a position of strength for the Twins in '10, with Matt Guerrier, Jon Rauch and Jose Mijares all performing well this season, Pat Neshek due to be back and ready to pitch and, of course, Joe Nathan at the end of it all.

Is $2,000,000+ too much to pay for a relief pitcher who isn't a closer? You could argue it's too much to pay a closer. But with Nathan, Guerrier and Rauch all making millions in the 'pen, is it a wise decision for this organization to spend so much in an area typically manned by less expensive players? There are options, internally as well as externally.

Personally I'm optimistic about the relief corps next season, but I still think Crain needs to stick around. If he's part of a trade, okay, I get it, but with the troubles this team had with the 'pen for most of the season I'm not above thinking that depth isn't a bad thing to had. Especially considering how Jesse pitched down the stretch. If we want the bullpen to really be a strength for the Twins in 2010, Crain should be a part of it.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Glen Perkins	6-7	18	17	0	0	0	0	96.1	120	64	63	13	23	45	5.89	1.48

There's been a lot of publicized stress between Perkins and the organization over the last few months. No matter who you think is right, if anyone really is, there is strain on the relationship. If both sides decide to work through it, good for them, but I'm not sure that can happen.

Around the site it's been discussed that Perk could be part of a trade package. I think that's more likely than a non-tender, but you never know. This one is a tricky call, and a lot of it depends more on whether the two sides can kiss and make up, rather than anything financial or roster space related.

Drew Butera

#71 / Catcher / Minnesota Twins

Height: 6-1

Weight: 210

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Aug 09, 1983

This is a reality, although it may surprise some. There are a lot of good catchers in this system, with Joe Mauer and Jose Morales sitting right at the top. Wilson Ramos is already on the 40-man roster. With Drew there's a real possibility of the Twins being able to slip him through waivers and re-sign him off the 40-man, but if the organization wants a little flexibility with their roster (which they do need) Butera might be one of the odd men out.

Jason Pridie

#11 / Center Field / Minnesota Twins

Height: 6-1

Weight: 205

Bats: L

Throws: R

Born: Oct 09, 1983

I think that facial hair is reason enough, but realistically there isn't much more you can expect from Pridie going forward. It's looking more and more like his triple-A campaign for the Rays in 2007 was indeed a fluke, as he continues to strike out without walking or really making good, consistent contact. And with younger, better performing outfielders like Rene Tosoni on their way up and deserving playing time, it would surprise me to see Pridie back in Rochester in 2010.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Justin Huber	1	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.500	.500	.500

Justin had a fine season in Rochester, and while he's getting on a bit in age it's interesting that both Randy Ruiz and Garrett Jones (players of a similar makeup) went on to have career years with the Blue Jays and Pirates respectively. Huber is capable of that kind of production if we're looking at his minor league numbers. But it's unlikely a player of his limited defensive skills would be able to find regular playing time with the Twins, and no doubt a guy like Erik Lis is due a promotion to Rochester.

There is space in the majors for players like Huber, but it has to be with the right club who can afford him a roster spot. He's not a bad insurance policy, the kind of guy you can look at and say "okay, maybe", but I'm not sure this is the right organization for him.

What are your thoughts?

Jason Pridie Returns to the Bigs

Jesse — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:57:30 -0000

The question becomes: what are we expecting?

Back on January 3, 2008, I asked a serious question in the wake of Torii Hunter's departure: Is Jason Pridie an option in center field? It wasn't a question which, at the time, could be answered with a simple yes or no...if only because we didn't really know who he was. Fast-forward 18 months, and we have a much better idea.

Pridie is still just 25, which surprises me for some reason. He spent part of '07, most of '08 and all of '09 (so far) in triple-A, and the biggest problem is that he's not getting any better. For years the problem hasn't just been the strikeouts, it's been contact, period. It's been like a crap shoot. Because if Pridie does make contact, he does it pretty well and hits his share of line drives (at least since 2007). Those line drives have, from '07 through '08, translated into solid BABIP numbers, and his triple slash lines have reaped the benefits. But when Pridie doesn't make contact, which is often, all those hard-hit balls are forgotten in one quick glance at a disappointing batting average. Add in his being allergic to walks, and what we're left with is a toolsy outfielder whose moderate potential has never been reached.

He's done better in June, hitting .297/.338/.422; if that was his line on the season, it wouldn't be a bad contribution from a center fielder who can also play in the corners. And to be fair, 50 percent of his balls in play were line drives in April, and yet his BABIP was simply above average at .317 instead of the outlandish number the statistical means insist it could have been.

Additionally, Pridie has cut down on his strikeouts a little bit this season, ending just 14.5% of his plate appearances with that result as opposed to the cringe-worthy 25.2% from last summer. But he still doesn't walk. And the power potential he flashed in '07 in Durham, and in parts last year with Rochester, has simply vanished. And really, if the choice is between a .737 OPS ('08) and a .616 OPS ('09), then I'll gladly take all those hilarious K's.

It's hard to know what to say about Jason, other than what's been said by every other baseball nerd to who cares to look at advanced metrics. Scouts have always said he has the talent, and at times he's shown it; he's just undisciplined. And if higher-ceiling and talent guys like Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young are struggling with discipline at a tougher level, then how should we be judging Jason?

The single biggest advantage to calling up Pridie, as opposed to Luke Hughes or Casilla (again) or better hitting Red Wings outfielders like David Winfree or Dustin Martin, is that Jason can play all three outfield positions. This means there's someone to spell Gomez over the next few days if he needs it, and in late-game situations there's a mobile defender to put in place of Young or Jason Kubel. Pridie's expected value and contributions will stem from those two points.

Anything else should be gravy.

Better Know a White Sox Division Rival: Minnesota Twins

larry — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:45:10 -0000

This is the second in a series about AL Central rivals and the race to be the tallest midget.

Offseason Comings and Goings

I don’t think any team had a quieter offseason than the Twins. While reporters wishcasted various free agent courtings – Orlando Cabrera, Ivan Rodriguez, Juan Cruz, to name a few – the Twins waited until February to make their one "major" move: Joe Crede. I don’t need to go into Crede’s strengths and weaknesses here but, suffice to say, this looks like an upgrade at a low price. Whether his back holds up, especially on the turf, is an open question. They also brought in reliever Luis Ayala. And that’s about it.

The departures list is neither much longer nor more impressive. Cheap, oft-injured defensive maven (sound familiar?) Adam Everett is gone, as are relievers Eddie Guardado and Dennys Reyes.

The Twins didn’t do anything bad this offseason but, considering the young core their team has, it’s sort of sad that the ownership is wasting Mauer’s and Morneau’s prime years by failing to surround them with a more potent offense. The Twins will tell you that they have depth and young talent all around – pretty much true – but there were clear upgrades available at cheap prices this offseason and management failed to execute. A couple moves could have put the Twins in the driver’s seat in this tight division. Of course, ownership will probably tell you that's the price of being a small market team.

Offense

A projected lineup: Denard Span RF, Alexi Casilla 2B, Joe Mauer C, Justin Morneau 1B, Jason Kubel DH, Delmon Young LF, Joe Crede 3B, Nick Punto SS, Carlos Gomez CF

Bench and Spare Parts: Michael Cuddyer OF, Brendan Harris INF, Mike Redmond C, Brian Buscher INF, Jose Morales C, Jason Pridie OF, Matt Tolbert INF

This lineup features two legitimate stars, Mauer and Morneau, and then a bunch of average to less players. This lineup hasn’t and won’t hit a lot of home runs but it will make up for that a bit with doubles and triples. They’ll also get on base okay. Last season, they thrived on hitting with runners in scoring position; that is unlikely to be replicated.

The big story, however, is Mauer. After offseason kidney surgery, he’s been slowed this spring by inflammation in his low back. It is now doubtful that he’ll be ready opening day. This is a massive blow to a team that really can’t afford one (not that any team could absorb a hit like this). Mauer is worth a lot. And his backups, as they are wont to be, aren’t impressive. Neither Mike Redmond nor Jose Morales are likely to be much more than replacement level, if that. Any extended absence from the lineup would likely sink their season.

Span was supposed to be the heir to Torii Hunter in center but he never developed as the Twins expected. So they traded for Carlos Gomez. And Span decided to have a breakout season and force his way into a crowded outfield. While Span may have experienced the Lasik SLG bump, it’s hard to buy a repeat of last season based upon his track record. Gomez is not a good offensive player. But he’s probably one of the best, if not the best, defensive players in baseball and some minor improvements in his offense, which perhaps should be expected based on his age, would make him very valuable. Young is in a make or break year as he’s been barely replacement level so far in his 1/1 draft pick career – still just 23, the tools are there for a breakout - but the Twins' crowded outfield means Gardenhire is unlikely to be very patient. Kubel is a rather unimpressive use of a DH spot and guys like Cuddyer (who, like Kubel, will play both LF and RF, as well) won’t make it better.

Pitching

Rotation: Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn, Glen Perkins

Bullpen and Spare Parts: Joe Nathan, Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier, Craig Breslow, Luis Ayala, Jose Mijares, Brian Duensing, Philip Humber, R.A. Dickey, Anthony Swarzak, Jason Jones

Kenny Williams says he likes to build his staff with a bunch of #2 pitchers. Well, that could be another case of Twin envy. 1-5 this is the best rotation in the division and there’s no real weak point. In Liriano, they have a potential ace and, another year removed from Tommy John surgery, the lefty should be fully recovered. The rest of the staff is similar in that they throw strikes and limit walks. Baker and Slowey are a step above the other two in that they also get a good amount of strikeouts.

The bullpen has long been a Twin strength and any bullpen that has Nathan at the end of it is going to be in decent shape. Their depth was weakend by the loss of Pat Neshek and Boof Bonser to injury but the Twins have arms to spare. Mijares burst onto the scene late in the season and should be a primary lefty (though he's had a rough spring), along with the smartest man in baseball, Craig Breslow - though Brian Duensing is pushing for shot and may also be in the mix for long relief. Crain, Ayala and Guerrier are likely to be primary righty set-up men. Humber is out of options and likely to take the swingman role. However, as with any Twin bullpen, expect significant shuffling during the season and the unearthing of some diamond.

Farm

Like with the Royals, most of the Twins’ prospects are a few years away. However, a couple guys are worth a mention.

Kevin Mulvey is a 24 year old right-hander who came over from the Mets in the Santana trade. He doesn’t need much more seasoning in AAA but there isn’t a spot in the rotation for him, either. He could eventually end up in the bullpen but the Twins will likely send him back to Rochester as rotation insurance. He has four average pitches – 90 MPH fastball, slider, curve and change – and that usually means backend innings eater.

Danny Valencia is a 24 year old 3B (huh, wonder why a guy who plays there would be mentioned...). The rap on Valencia has been a poor glove; however, he has improved in that area and he can hit. His strikeout rate jumped dramatically on his promotion to AA midseason but his history suggests that is likely just a temporary issue as he adjusts to higher levels. Expect a return to New Britain to see if the plate discipline issues are ironed out before a promotion to AAA. While the Twins have some stopgap options for when Crede inevitably misses games, Valencia could be pushing for a look in the second half of the season.

Outlook

The height of this midget will depend upon the health of Mauer. If he’s healthy, the upside of the young core may make them a very slight favorite.

Up next: Cleveland Indians

Previously: Kansas City Royals