SB Nation User Blog: 33MorneauMVP

The Target and Future Start Today!

33MorneauMVP — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:07:23 -0000

"You hear about the future, the future. I don't know who gets to decide when that is or when they think that is...You have a core of a lineup that can compete with anyone in the league. One of the best closers in the game. Young starting pitching that might be missing one veteran guy to show them the way...It makes a difference to have someone like that.'' - Justin Morneau

Is this the year the Twins will act, and attempt to improve their club in the offseason? I certainly hope so, and it looks as though the Twins have taken the first few steps in their attempt to improve the ballclub and give Minnesota, yet another October, but hopefully, this one will be longer.

The Twins recently traded Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers for SS J.J. Hardy. This step improved the infield defense and the production from SS, however, it decreased the outfield's defense with a pitching staff that induces a lot of fly balls.

Do I like this trade? Yes, I do. However, with Gomez gone, this leaves Young in LF, Span in CF, and Cuddyer in RF. Young is terrible in LF, CF is Span's worst position of the three outfield spots, and Cuddyer is getting older and he was never very good in RF to begin with.

However, the infield defense improves enormously. Hardy provides a gold glove presence at SS, which has been lacking since Gagne manned that position in the early 80s - 90s. The infield saw a flux of players through 2B and SS. Last season, Tolbert, Punto, Harris and Cabrera all played at SS. Cabrera has seen his defense steadily decline, as good be seen while playing for the Twins. With Hardy, the Twins are assured of an excellent, gold glove caliber, defensive SS.

The Twins picked up Michael Cuddyer's option. Cuddyer had a career year in 2009 and there is some discussion and arguement about whether the Twins should have picked up Cuddy's option.

My views on this subject are pretty neutral actually. I can see both sides of the issue created on previous boards here. Yes, Cuddyer had a career year last year when he hit 32 homers while maintaining a decent average. Yet, Cuddyer has been injury riddled in his previous seasons with the Twins, and he is only getting older. Is Cuddyer worth the $10 million option that could have been used toward a free agent? In my opinion, I think he is. Cuddyer adds that extra year for Revere to polish himself in the minor leagues. The side I do not like of the $10 million is the fact that the $10 million owed to Cuddyer could have been used on Mauer's extension or getting a productive 2B or pitcher.

The Twins are now in discussions with Joe Mauer over a possible extension. Mauer's contract will be up in 2010, leaving him wide-open to the gold mines of the east, New York and Boston, to sign. What will it take to negotiate a contract with Mauer?

In my opinion, I think Mauer would like a 5 year deal worth $95-100 million dollars. This contract would allow the Twins some breathing room to go out and sign a veteran pitcher to a contract for the next year or two. One consideration with Mauer is that Mauer would like to win, he wants the team to improve. Will Mauer take a cut in salary in order that the Twins might obtain the pieces of the puzzle that will almost ensure a trip to the World Series? I believe he will. Mauer wants to win more than anything else, but he also wants to stay in Minnesota. However, he will not if the Twins just continue to use players such as Matt Tolbert and Nick Punto for 2B and 3B. I am sure that Mauer would be willing to take a cut in salary, as long as the Twins vow to improve their team by signing some quality players.

What are the Twins needs as of this point?

* I believe 2B to be top priority. The Reds are supposedly willing to deal Brandon Phillips in order to cut some salary. If this is true, the Twins should trade for Phillips. Phillips would provide the Twins with great defense up the middle (complementing Hardy nicely) and would provide a power bat for the middle of their order. What would the Reds be looking for in return? Well, certainly, if the Reds want to cut Phillips 6.75 Million dollar contract this year, they will be look for a return of players with sub 6 million dollar contracts. What do I believe will get the Twins Phillips? The Reds want promising players in return with some decent potential. Perkins/Liriano, Delaney, and Casilla could be traded to Cincinnati for Phillips. Perkins/Liriano both have potential, though both have dealt with injury problems in the past. However, a change of scenery and a change to the NL might just improve these players (i.e. Kyle Loshe). Casilla still has tons of potential, although it may be hard for Twins fans to realize this. However, a change to the NL might just help Perkins/Liriano and Casilla improve and reach their potential.

* Obtaining a Starting Pitcher should be the next priority. Harden and Bedard will probably demand some egregious contracts despite their injury history. Does this mean that the Twins should not look at obtaining them? Absolutely not, however I would be very cautious based upon their injury history. That said, I believe the Twins should offer a contract to Ben Sheets, who has seen his share of arm troubles in the past. If the Twins could offer a contract similar to Crede's, I would be overjoyed! Twins should offer Sheets $3 million guaranteed with incentives of $500,000 for every 100, 150, 175, and 200 innings pitched with a $5 million option for 2011. This could potentially mean that the Twins offer Sheets $10 million over two years - a risk well worth the potential reward.

* Finally, I think that the Twins final priority should be 3B. With Valencia in AAA, the Twins shouldn't go out and sign a big name (i.e. Beltre) to a three year contract. Valencia is the Twins 3B of the future. I believe the Twins should offer a similar contract once again to Crede. In the days when Crede cannot play, Punto could play at 3B. In order to provide more relief to Crede's back, the Twins could play Punto everyday from the 8th inning on. This would give playing time to Punto, which is something Gardy wishes to do, yet at the same time, providing a great defensive 3B for the first 7 innings, 3 days a week. If Crede ever goes down with an injury, Valencia is ready to step in. I believe Valencia should be given a shot by August (at the latest). If indeed Valencia is our 3B of the future, the Twins should get him as much playing time in the majors as possible.

Phillips - 2B (6.75 Million contract for 2010)
Sheets - SP (3 Million guaranteed)
Crede - 3B (1 Million guaranteed)

This make a potential 10 Million dollars wrapped up for 2010 in the areas the Twins must address most. Phillips is a proven 2B, Sheets is a low risk - high reward pitcher, and Crede is a premier defender. 10 Million dollars does not seem too much to spend on fixes to the Twins roster. With Morneau, Phillips, Hardy, and Crede, the Twins would have one of the best infields, both offensively and defensively, in the entire league with a rotation that featured a strong ace (Sheets) with 4 young and proven pitchers.

Twins lineup (with Punto):

Span - CF
Punto - 3B
Mauer - C
Morneau - 1B
Cuddyer - RF
Kubel - DH
Phillips - 2B
Hardy - SS
Young - LF

Twins lineup (without Punto):

Span - CF
Hardy - SS
Mauer - C
Morneau - 1B
Cuddyer - RF
Kubel - DH
Phillips - 2B
Crede - 3B
Young - LF

Rotation:

Sheets
Baker
Slowey
Blackburn
Duensing/Swarzak

Poll

If you are Bill Smith, what do you do?

Rays close to dealing Akinori Iwamura

33MorneauMVP — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:55:43 -0000

Rays close to dealing Akinori Iwamura

Could this unnamed team possibly be the Twins? I certainly hope so...

Twins Outright Brian Buscher

33MorneauMVP — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:32:31 -0000

Twins Outright Brian Buscher

The Twins have outrighted Brian Buscher to Triple-A Rochester this afternoon. He can become a minor league free agent 15 days after the conclusion of the World Series. Do not expect Buscher to remain with the Twins.

Target Offseason

33MorneauMVP — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:56:32 -0000

With the Twins headed to Target Field in 2010, they should focus on fixing and filling the glaring holes that they have on their team. With the burden of the dome off their backs, Target Field will bring in additional revenue for the Twins to use in the upcoming years, but for this offseason, why not spend a little more then your payroll? The Twins managed to sneak away with the Central Division in Game 163, but they lacked fire power in the NY series (again!), going 3 and out. The Twins must fix their needs this offseason in order to bring October Baseball into Target Field in its opening year.

The Twins need quite a number of factors to fit in with their already strongly built foundation. All of these factors may not have to be filled this offseason, but certainly I expect and hope for a few of them to be filled.

Twins Needs: SP (Ace type), 2B, SS, 3B, RP

Twins Excess: LF/RF, Utility, 2B, Minor League (AAAA)

Starting Pitchers: Before the Trade Deadline, the Twins acquired Carl Pavano, who did quite well for the Twins down the stretch in helping securing a post season berth. I would not at all be averse to the Twins bringing back Pavs for another season, but I would like them to look at a few names before deciding to bring him back.

Erik Bedard, Ben Sheets, Rich Harden, Chris Capuano, Doug Davis, Justin Duchscherer, Jon Garland, Brandon Webb, Jarrod Washburn, Brad Penny...

All of the above pitchers have their ups and downs, but all are pitchers who I would approve in a Twins uniform. Of the above pitchers that I see joining the Twins, Doug Davis, Jon Garland and Jarrod Washburn are the only pitchers that I can reasonably see in the Twins uniform for the right money.

Pretend for a minute that the Twins did sign Doug Davis. The Twins starting rotation would then look like this: Baker, Slowey, Duensing, Blackburn, and Davis.

Seth Stoh's presents an argument for the Twins to attempt to sign Florida Marlins ace Josh Johnson. Do I think that this is a good idea? For the right money, I do. If the Twins could get Josh Johnson for Delmon Young + Philip Humber + Tolbert/Casilla/Buscher, I would think that it was a very good deal for the Twins.

Second Base: At second base this year, the Twins ran into multiple problems. Casilla started off the year at 2B, batting second in the order. Due to mental issues on defense, and his inability to advance Span or be the second leadoff hitter, Casilla was quickly demoted. Then, Gardenhire tried Tolbert, whose first round with the Twins was a disaster. Then, Gardy stuck Punto there, who he seemed to like in that spot, and Punto held 2B for the remainder of the year, despite hitting .212 prior to September.

The Twins must find a way to finally solve the roller coaster ride at 2B. Since Luis Castillo, the Twins have had troubles finding the perfect 2B - a high OBP, low SLG, above average defender. Who is available for the Twins on the FA market?

Akinori Iwamura, Orlando Hudson, Felipe Lopez, Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco

Those are the 2B that I could stomach seeing in the blue and red of the Minnesota uniform next season. Polanco is a Type A, Central Division foe, 2B. Twins are leery of offering deals to type A players, let alone from the Central Division. An exemption to that was made this past season when the Twins obtained Joe Crede from the White Sox. However, would the Twins be willing to give up a draft pick to the Tigers for Polanco? I do not think so. Polanco certainly fits the Twins idea of a 2B and Gardy would love his production in the lineup. However, his type A status especially, will be the downfall of Polanco.

I personally would like to see Akinori Iwamura (only because Hudson will most probably be out of our price range). Iwamura is the prototypical Twins 2B and would fit nicely in the 2/8 spot in the order. Iwamura provides solid defense and a steady bat and would be a great addition for the Twins at 2 years/8 million (Punto money).

Shortstop: While the Twins went out at the Trade Deadline and signed Orlando Cabrera, who helped the Twins win the Central Division, I do not believe that he will be back in the Twins uniform. Cabrera certainly helped develop some of the young latin Twins players and provided his normal last minute heroics in game 163. Shorstop has been another gaping hole for the Twins since they traded away Bartlett, but especially moreso since the days of Cristian Guzman. Gardy has tried Punto, Harris, Tolbert, Castro, and others at SS but has found nobody (at least to Twins fans liking) in any of his experiments.

Once again, this roller coaster must be solved quickly as Twins fans get impatient for the coming of a new SS with no prospects on the immediate horizon. Who is available?

Orlando Cabrera, Marco Scutaro, Miguel Tejada, John McDonald, and J.J. Hardy (via trade)

The Twins could always bring back Cabrera, but I hope they do not try him out again unless they sign a decent 2B. Scutaro and Tejada will be out of the Twins price range. McDonald is a Punto type player but with better defense; if he can be had for 1 year/2 million, I would like him over Punto at SS, but again this must come with the condition of a decent 2B, as I would not like a middle infield of Punto/McDonald - entire defense, zip for offense.

Personally, I would love it if the Twins would chase and obtain J.J. Hardy from the Brewers. Hardy had a bad season in 2009, and was sent down in August to AAA, while Escobar was brought up. The Brewers appear set to trade Hardy as the management really likes Escobar's potential. With Hardy's bad season and his demotion, the common idea is that Hardy could be had for a middle rotation pitcher plus a low ball prospect. A trade that I would propose to the Brewers would be Perkins plus Bromberg. Bromberg is high on the Twins list, but a low ball pitcher and certainly with the Twins ability to gauge players potential, they will quickly be able to fill in his vacancy.'

If Perkins plus Bromberg, or Perkins + McCardell/Fox/Mullins/Waldrop, I would hope that the Twins would obtain Hardy. With the addition of Hardy, they would solidify SS for a couple years and possibly more, if the Hardy is open to an extension.

Third Base: The Twins signed Joe Crede for 3B in 2009 and Crede did an admirable job in his year. Would the Twins possibly be open to bringing Crede back for another year while Valencia develops some more in the minors? Maybe, and Crede looks to be the only option on the market.

Personally, I see the Twins standing pat at 3B this offseason, or possibly bringing back Crede, again on an incentive based contract. I see the Twins starting the year with Crede or Harris/Tolbert/Punto at 3B, then bringing Valencia up at the end of May/beginning of June. The Twins appear comfortable with Valencia, and I do not see any reason to cheat Valencia of his opportunity to prove his worth.

Relief Pitchers: Twins management signed Jon Rauch and Ron Mahay in August to complete their midseason trades. Twins bullpen improved greatly with these signings and I see no reason for the Twins not to bring these pitchers back this next year. Still, its always good to see what is available among the RP FA Market.

The only names I am really interested in on the free agent market are Chad Cordero and Brandon Lyon, and I see the Twins bringing back Ron Mahay, who will also be in his FA year. Lyon is a type B, former Detroit Tiger. I see the Twins pursuing Lyon, though with several pitchers coming off the DL in 2010, I cannot see an aggressive pursuit of the Lyon. Twins will have Pat Neshek and Boof Bonser back in 2010. Neshek and Bonser provide the Twins with two missing pieces and allow the Twins to cut some fat (i.e. Bobby Keppel).

If the Twins go with their traditional 12 man staff, 7 of which will be relief pitchers, here is who I envision in the Twins bullpen in 2010.

Nathan - CL
Rauch - SU
Mijares - SU
Guerrier - SU
Neshek - MR
Mahay - LOOGY
Bonser/Liriano - LR

Who do I hope to see out of Minnesota come 2010?:

Delmon Young, Matt Tolbert/Alexi Casilla, Brian Buscher, Bobby Keppel, Glen Perkins, Jesse Crain

Of all the above positions that I have outlined, who do I want the most from every position?:

Doug Davis/Josh Johnson - SP, Akinori Iwamuri - 2B, J.J. Hardy - SS, Joe Crede - 3B, Brandon Lyon - RP

In the above Q&A, Who do I see in a Twins uniform next season?

Doug Davis, J.J. Hardy

Ideal Twins Staff:

Johnson - SP
Baker - SP
Slowey - SP
Blackburn - SP
Duensing - SP

Span - LF
Hardy - SS
Mauer - C
Morneau - 1B
Kubel - DH
Cuddyer - RF
Crede - 3B
Iwamura - 2B
Gomez - CF

Redmond/Morales - backup C
Tolbert - Utility
Valencia - 3B
Strong Bench Bat

Nathan - CL
Rauch - SU
Guerrier - SU
Mijares - SU
Lyon - SU
Mahay - LOOGY
Bonser/Liriano - LR

Realistic 2010 Twins Staff:

Baker - SP
Slowey - SP
Davis - SP
Blackburn - SP
Duensing - SP

Span - LF
Hardy - SS
Mauer - C
Morneau - 1B
Kubel - DH
Cuddyer - RF
Valencia - 3B
Punto - 2B
Gomez - CF

Morales/Redmond - backup C
Tolbert - Utility
Harris - backup 3B
???/Huber - strong bench bat

Nathan - CL
Rauch - SU
Mijares - SU
Guerrier - SU
Neshek - MR
Mahay - LOOGY
Bonser/Liriano - LR

Even those two changes has really given the Twins a new look. I would be perfectly content with only those two players on our beloved Twins. I think they would provide significant improvements to an already strong core unit.

Poll

What is the important position/s to fill?

SP

92 votes

2B

53 votes

3B

46 votes

SS

90 votes

RP

7 votes

For Positions - please comment

2 votes

290 votes | Poll has closed

And THAT Happened!

33MorneauMVP — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:58:12 -0000

And THAT Happened!

Chip Carey and Ron Darling should team up with this guy to become the most annoying/hilarious baseball team announcers of all time!

Mauer Fists the ball! And THAT Happened! Did you know that Mauer is only 6 years older than Rick Porcello?

Game 162 Tigers vs. White Sox Game Thread

33MorneauMVP — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:37:22 -0000

It is the middle of the sixth inning in Motown and the Tigers still lead the White Sox 4-0! For the first time in my life, I am cheering for the White Sox...lets go Sox!!!

Pitchers:

Verlander DET

Danks CHW

Hudson CHW

Scoring Summary:

Bot 1: C. Guillen walked, R. Raburn scored, M. Ordonez to third, M. Cabrera to second

Bot 2: R. Raburn homered to deep left, G. Laird scored

Bot 5: M. Ordonez homered to deep left

Span's Positional Numbers

33MorneauMVP — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:38:54 -0000

I am the moderator over at Twins Territory, now A Voice From Twins Territory, and I realized that this blog, which is well put together with great content, does not get very many views from Twins fans. So, fulfilling my duties as moderator in trying to promote this blog, which has run for quite a while, I thought I would bring to light something TT wrote about Span's positional numbers:

While Minnesota Twins' outfielder Denard Span has found his spot in the team's lineup as the leadoff hitter, his true position in the team's outfield has remained a question in his first full season as a major league player.

After making his debut last season as a replacement for then injured right fielder Michael Cuddyer, Span consistently took the field in right. In a total of 104 defensive games last season, Span was in right field for 85 of them and in centerfield for the other 19.

This season that consistency has been unfound. With four outfielders, including one whose primary position iscenterfield, Span has found himself hitting leadoff everyday and playing musical chairs in the field.

So far this season, Span has been the starter in left field 39 times, centerfield 42 times, and right field only 12 times. For now, Span will play anywhere so long as it's a starting role. In time however, even as soon as next season, Span will be looking to remain in one full time location.

What position Span will field is still in question, but there is one of the three that Span fields best, and it just might work perfectly. According to the numbers, Span's best defensive position is left field; with 23-year old Carlos Gomez the hopeful future in centerfield and Michael Cuddyer currently a mainstay in right, the question may answer itself.

via voicefromtwinsterritory.mlblogs.com

The UZR takes into account several different factors including a fielder's range. Each player has a positive or negative number which shows how many runs above or below average a fielder is at a given position.

This season Span has a UZR of 7.0 in left field, -3.5 in centerfield, and -1.2 in right field. With only 12 starts in right this season, his right field statistic may not be accurate (he had a rating of 7.1 in right field last season), but his numbers in center and left have a much larger sampling.

Span's UZR/150 for left field, which shows how many runs a fielder saves or costs his team over 150 defensive games, is 17.6 -- seventh best among players with at least 350 innings.

Span has been greatly valued this season as a leadoff hitter and table-setter for All-Stars Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. He's found his position in the lineup, and finally maybe, in the field as well.

If you enjoy reading blogs, I honestly urge you to go on over to A Voice From Twins Territory and comment on several of his other posts. TT is having trouble getting consistent views and comments on his blog, and so, if Twins Territory is Twins territory and all Twins fans have each others backs, please go on over and help TT out!

Poll

In 2010, where would you prefer to see Span playing? Who will be alongside him in the outfield?

LF - Span/Gomez/Cuddyer

181 votes

CF - Young/Span/Cuddyer

33 votes

RF - Young/Gomez/Span

51 votes

Other Outfield Arrangement (please comment)

25 votes

290 votes | Poll has closed

Crede Best Defensive American League 3B?

33MorneauMVP — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:05:21 -0000

When the Twins signed Crede in the spring of 2009, they hoped and expected Crede to provide some power to the middle of the order and flawless defense at 3B. Well, despite a low average and OBP, Crede has helped the Twins lineup with 14 HR and 40 RBI, but how has his defense been?

Joe Crede leads the american league in FPCT and errors (not made). However, while these are not stats that many put much faith in, they are a stat which tell a great deal about Crede's value. However, a newer stat, one now used by the voters in determining the ultimate winner of the Gold Glove, has come out. The UZR, Ultimate Zone Rating, a method of determining a players arm and range, ranks Crede at the top of the league among all 3B.

Crede has been very valuable to this team, not only because he has provided some power at 3B (something lacking in the Twins lineup since the days of Corey Koskie), but because he has been golden at 3B (possibly a career year at 3B).

The UZR/150 is the average number of runs saved over the course of 150 defensive games. As can be seen, Crede sits between 25-30 runs saved per 150 defensive games. The next highest run saver, Adrian Beltre, is between 15-20 runs saved per 150 games. Thus, Crede saves about 10 runs more per 150 games than Beltre, one of the premier defensive 3B in baseball.

via voicefromtwinsterritory.mlblogs.com

This raises the question: Are we, as bloggers, taking Crede's defense for granted? Do we realize just how valuable Joe Crede is to this team?

In conclusion, Crede has benefited this team in so many ways:

Crede has provided power in 14 HR to the middle-bottom of the order...
Crede has the highest fielding percentage in the american league (.985) with only 3 errors committed.
Crede ranks at the top of all third baseman in UZR and UZR/150 saving an average of 25-30 runs

Should Crede win a Gold Glove in 2009?

In my opinion, yes, hands down. Unfortunately, the writers who vote for the Gold Glove, do not vote for the best defensive player in baseball, as it should be, but the best overall (fielding and hitting: OBP, SLG, AVG) player in baseball at their respective positions. This would explain why Castillo was never awarded a Gold Glove while with the Twins, despite being the best defensive second baseman in the american league. This would explain why Morneau has not won a Gold Glove, though he has won silver sluggers and an MVP award. This would explain why Mauer lost out on the Gold Glove for Pudge Rodriguez, despite Mauer being the better defender. The Gold Glove voters are biased, as are the All-Star voters. This would also explain why Carlos Gomez did not win a Gold Glove last year, despite being the best defensive CF in the Major League Baseball - along with Grady Sizemore.

*My thanks to Twins Territory who inspired me with this story. He wrote up his own version, which can be viewed here.

Poll

Does Crede deserve more recognition and a Gold Glove?

Yes; No

57 votes

No; Yes

18 votes

Yes; Yes

100 votes

No; No

28 votes

203 votes | Poll has closed

Deadline Passes - Offseason Trades

33MorneauMVP — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:56:19 -0000

At 3 PM today, the trade deadline passed, much to the chagrin of Bill Smith and the Twins front office, who were in the midst of serious discussions with the Padres Heath Bell, Arizona's Jon Rauch, and Oakland Athletic's Mike Wuertz. The Twins did manage to land a middle infielder though in Orlando Cabrera. However, no starting or bullpen pitching was acquired prior to the non waiver trade deadline.

What should be the Twins focus going into the offseason?

The Twins will most probably go after some more middle infield help, but is that going to be their main problem come 2010? With AL Central teams around the league loading up with starting pitching (Cleveland - Masterson, Detroit - Washburn, Chicago - Peavy), the Twins should certainly look in that direction.

Detroit: Verlander, Jackson, Washburn - that makes a pretty nice 1-2-3 combo, and while Washburn is a free agent at the end of the season, we have to guess that Detroit will make an offer.

Chicago: Peavy, Buerle, Danks - here is yet another nice 1-2-3 combo for Chicago, who has Peavy under control till 2012, with a vesting option for 2013. Peavy has always been an ace, and that threesome can cause heartaches for the MN Twins.

Twins: Baker, Slowey, Blackburn - not nearly as impressive as Detroit or Chicago, who have one to two potential aces in their staffs. While all of our starting pitchers are young, none of them are proven aces.

Should starting pitching be the focus for the Twins in the offseason?

I say, yes. In the offseason of 2009-2010, there will be two specific free agent aces: Erik Bedard and Ben Sheets. Both of these pitchers have battled injuries in their past, but both are proven aces and when their game is on, it is on! Other starting pitchers that will be available as free agents will be: Chris Capuano, Rich Harden, Brad Penny, Josh Beckett ($12 million option), and Cliff Lee ($8 million option).

I think the Twins should make a play for one of Bedard/Sheets and probably propose a deal to Capuano/Harden. One of Bedard/Sheets would take care of the Twins ace problem, a problem they have had since Santana asked for a trade and Radke retired. This would give the Twins the following rotation:

Bedard/Sheets
Kevin Slowey
Scott Baker
Nick Blackburn
Liriano/Perkins/Swarzak

Of course, there are holes in the infield the Twins must solve, namely at 2B and SS. The hope around Twins Territory, is that the Twins will make a major play for a SS this offseason. Steve Tolleson, originally a 2B, could always play 2B if the Twins do not make a move in that direction. Lets take a look at some of the free agent 2B/SS:

Orlando Hudson - 2B, Mark DeRosa - 2B, Akinori Iwamura - 2B ($4.25 million option), Felipe Lopez - 2B, Marco Scutaro - 2B/SS, Miguel Tejada - SS

There seem to be better free agent 2B than SS and more of them. It is highly unlikely that Tampa Bay picks up Iwamura option, given the fact that Zobrist and Brignac are waiting. So Iwamura is an option; however, I would prefer the Twins to push for Orlando Hudson. Hudson has always been one of my favorite second baseman and he features a high avg/obp with a solid glove (a combo that Twins fans are unused too).

The SS market is a little bit more scarce, but with several SS names being banded around in June/July, there appears to be hope of a deal being worked out in the offseason. The Braves may listen to offers on Yunel Escobar, one of the best fielding SS in the buisness who also carries a high OBP. Also, the Brewers may be interested in moving J.J. Hardy as their SS prospect, Alcides Escobar, draws near to breaking into the majors. Either one of these SS would be a huge pickup for the Twins. The Braves are looking for some outfield depth while the Brewers look to improve their rotation and pen. The Twins can offer both: Dustin Martin, Jason Pridie, Delmon Young, Steve Tolleson, Angel Morales, Ben Revere...Glen Perkins, Kevin Mulvey, Kyle Waldrop, Francisco Liriano, Brian Duensing, Jeff Manship.

As Morneau said (roughly), "We are always saying that we are building for the future, but when is the future?" If the Twins want to go into the new stadium and hoping for lots of revenue, then they had better shift some trades in the offseason, not only for the fans, but also for the players: Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan, Kevin Slowey, and Jason Kubel, who are all wasting their careers playing for a team that hardly can get to the playoffs.

It is time for the Twins to make a real splash in the offseason, just prior to entering their new stadium. I, for one, would be overjoyed if the Twins should be able to address all of their needs heading into 2010 and also cut some of the fat that sits on their bench.

Who do I hope the Twins trade/sign? J.J. Hardy, Orlando Hudson, and Erik Bedard/Ben Sheets. How likely is this going to happen? Not very likely.

Rotation: Ben Sheets/Erik Bedard, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn, Anthony Swarzak/Francisco Liriano/Glen Perkins

Infielders: Justin Morneau, Orlando Hudson, J.J. Hardy, Danny Valencia, Joe Mauer, Jose Morales, Brendan Harris

Outfielders: Carlos Gomez, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Denard Span

Bullpen: Joe Nathan, Jose Mijares, Matt Guerrier, Rob Delaney, Anthony Slama, Pat Neshek, Boof Bonser

Poll

Who Would You Rather Have?

Ace: Erik Bedard/Ben Sheets

30 votes

2B: Orlando Hudson/Akinori Iwamura

10 votes

SS: J.J. Hardy/Yunel Escobar

25 votes

Other (name in comments)

0 votes

65 votes | Poll has closed

Twins - cleaning house

33MorneauMVP — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:01:10 -0000

We, as fans, have put up with some pretty nasty performances from the Twins players the last few...months. With the trade deadline fast approaching (tomorrow at 3 PM), the Twins need to clear house.

1. Nick Punto - SS/2B: Yet again, Twins fans have had to put up with a below replacement level player for yet another year. In the offseason, Punto was signed to, not a one year, but two year deal worth $8 million. Not only is Punto futile with the bat, but even his defense, which in the past has made up for his non existent bat, has faded into oblivion. Hopefully, we manage to shift some trades in the next 15 hours that will relugate Punto into his former futility, I mean utility, role or maybe even to another team.

2. Alexi Casilla - 2B: Last year, after being sent down early in spring training, Casilla came up and wow'd the Twins staff with his consistent play in the field and at the plate. Casilla experienced a power surge and a great ability to turn in excellent plate appearances hitting in front of Mauer and Morneau. This year however, Casilla has come back down to earth and has gone into h... Casilla is hitting around .175 and has made mulitiple boneheaded plays in the field. Casilla's time in a Twins uniform is numbered.

3. Brian Buscher - 3B/1B: After battling with various opponents the past few years for priority of the 3B position. However, with the signing of Joe Crede, Buscher was relugated to the bench. As a result, Buscher has rarely gotten any plate appearances and in the few appearances that he has had, it has not been pretty. With Crede and Harris able to play 3B this season, and with Valencia waiting to be the starting 3B in 2010, Buscher is the odd man out and should be traded to make the most of his career.

4. Brian Duensing - RP/SP: Duensing has not had a great major league career so far, costing many games for the Twins. With the talent in the minors, what with Delany and Slama, Duensings only use is in the rotation. However, we have Baker/Slowey/Blackburn/Swarzak/Perkins/Liriano. Of course, with the recent "inflammation" to Liriano's elbow, Duensing has slid into a starting role. Maybe he should stay put but I would rather package him off.

5. Nick Blackburn - SP: Yes, I do believe Blackburn should be traded. In my mind, he is a younger version of Carlos Silva. Lots of ground balls, not many walks, lots of hits, not many strikeouts...this line just cannot last, and I believe that his recent two games is just the beginning of the arrival to earth for Blackburn. We all have seen what has happened to Carlos Silva, we saw Silva when he was with the Twins too. Its time to package Blackburn while he still has some trade value. If the Twins are really going to follow up Morneau's statements about the future being now, then this is what they should do to bring in players.

6. Jesse Crain - RP: I will make this short and sweet...Jesse Crain's days are over.

Edit (Friday): 7. Delmon Young - OF: Delmon has high potential just not with the Twins. DY refuses to listen to the coaches and persists of being a sullen egomaniac. Delmon could have a nice career, but with Gomez/Span/Cuddyer/Kubel + Hicks/Revere/Morales in the wings, Delmon has no future with this ballclub.

The Twins are currently looking at Adam Kennedy, David Eckstein, Marco Scutaro, and a few pitchers, both starters and relievers, though mostly relievers. However, in order to free up roster space, the Twins have to clean house before they can bring in any of those players...

Ideally, the Twins get Scutaro and Downs from the Blue Jays and Adam Kennedy from the A's. They also manage to put together a deal for a reliable starting pitcher. Then, they bring up Mark Grudzielanek as a bench player, replacing Punto/Casilla/Buscher.