http://www.sbnation.com/users/twinstalker Posts made by twinstalker on SB Nation http://www.minorleagueball.com/2007/4/15/192745/991 twinstalker Sun, 15 Apr 2007 23:27:45 -0000 <p>I was an Adam Dunn fan as soon as it was fashionable (his final minor league year) and a Justin Morneau fan from rookie ball (Twins fan here). &nbsp;I always believed Morneau was a .300 hitter based on his minor league numbers. &nbsp;Now, watching him everyday, it's very obvious that he is a .300 hitter. &nbsp;I can explain why I know he is now, but I choose to not bias my question.</p><p>I didn't watch Dunn from rookie ball on, but given John's recent retro, my memory is that Dunn and Morneau were very, very similar. &nbsp;Assuming for their primes that Morneau is a .300+ hitter and Dunn is a .255 hitter, what foretold the difference?</p> http://www.twinkietown.com/2006/12/5/45628/2197 twinstalker Tue, 05 Dec 2006 09:56:28 -0000 <p>The money being given to mediocre pitching is overwhelming. &nbsp;And the good ones, like Zito, could get close to $20 mil/yr for many years. &nbsp;The Twins have the absolute best starter getting near his prime, and they have arguably the games best closer, and both become free agents after 2008.</p><p>In 2007 Santana makes 12 mil and Nathan a little over 5 mil. &nbsp;I think we should enjoy them while we can because, well, just imagine what they'll be worth in 2009. &nbsp;Santana could conceivably command $25-$30 million a season by then (just add 7 mil to whatever Zito gets now). &nbsp;Nathan (see BJ Ryan) could get $12-$15 million. &nbsp;And then multiply those contracts by six years or so.</p><p>If Ryan is smart, he may have to trade Santana and maybe Nathan in or after 2007. &nbsp;The haul for Nathan may be no more than the Twins could get mid-year 2008, so it might not make sense to deal him after next year.</p><p>If Santana is dealt after this year, the Twins will need to make a sure-firing killing...not a cross-your-fingers Nathan/Bonser/Liriano killing. &nbsp;Not sure how many people know that by winning the Cy Young, Santana has a no-trade clause to really muck things up.</p><p>I'll hate to see him go, but I'm just being realistic here. &nbsp;It will be interesting to see if, after 2007, the Twins approach Santana with an extension in hopes they can lock him up for $20 mil/yr. &nbsp;What are your realistic thoughts here?</p>