2008 Minnesota Twins

by Flip27 on Sep 20, 2007 5:59 PM EDT

With all this recent talk about Gardenhire's remarks that he's leaning towards Punto at 2B to begin 2008, I thought it might be fun to take an early look the possibilities for the 25-man roster come April. The way I see it, there are 17 players on the current active roster that are virtual locks (unless they get traded). Here they are:

Pitchers (8):
Johan Santana [SP]
Matt Garza [SP]
Scott Baker [SP]
Boof Bonser [SP]
Juan Rincon [MR]
Matt Guerrier [SU]
Pat Neshek [SU]
Joe Nathan [CL]

Position Players (9):
Joe Mauer [C]
Mike Redmond [C]
Justin Morneau [1B]
Nick Punto [2B/IF]
Alexi Casilla [2B/IF]
Jason Bartlett [SS]
Jason Tyner [OF]
Jason Kubel [LF]
Michael Cuddyer [RF]

That leaves a number of uncertain roster spots...

The 5th starter spot should be easy enough to fill with any of several young pitchers including Slowey, Perkins, and Blackburn. The Twins may also re-sign Carlos Silva, but I think this is less likely due to the large number of young, talented starting pitchers. There's also some guy named Francisco Liriano who, if healthy, is most likely to end up in the rotation. However, the Twins may begin him in the bullpen to ease him back, and that would open the door for someone else. It is very unlikely that the Twins will go outside the organization to sign or trade for starting pitcher.

The bullpen seems to have several spots open. If you figure for a 12-man pitching staff, that leaves 3 holes to fill. Jesse Crain will likely take 1 of those spots if he retuns healthy. The Twins will want at least 1 lefty and a long reliever. If Liriano begins the season in the pen, he'll satisfy the need for a south paw. The Twins maight even decide to re-sign Dennys Reyes at a LOOGY, but this seems less likely. Another left-hander who probably has the inside track at the long relief role is Glen Perkins. The Twins might also give guys like Cali and DePaula a shot at making the roster. It is unlikely the Twins will trade for or sign a reliever from outside the organization unless it's a situational lefty.

The biggest holes that need filling are unfortunately in the starting lineup. Obviously, there's the question of who will be playing at second base. This has been a hot topic as of late because of Gardenhire's comments about Punto having the inside track. Either Punto or Casilla will be starting at second base, and the other will be a utility infielder. So the spot is currently filled. Sort of.

The other big hole in the infield is third base. Right now, it looks like the Twins are leaning towards Brian Buscher (or at least giving him a long look). Still, Bill Smith might well look to sign someone like Mike Lowell to play third for the Twins on an everyday basis in '08. There could also be a trade for a third baseman; the Twins have a number of starting pitchers they could deal. The most likely to be delt would probably be Bonser. The Twins might also give Watkins a look at third or maybe even Punto again (gasp!), but both seem highly unlikely.

There is also possible a need for another back-up infielder. Luis Rodriguez is likely gone, so that leaves Watkins, Buscher (if not the 3B), and Alejandro Machado (if he's healthy). The Twins seem unlikely to look elsewhere for a utility infielder due to the fact that they're drowning in the. Some are even in the starting lineup.

The Twins could solve a lot of their lineup problems by re-signing Hunter. However, if they don't, they'll have to sign someone else to play center. Jason Tyner is not an everyday player. Other free agent center fielders include Aaron Rowand, Andruw Jones, and Mike Cameron. You might prefer Rowand or Jones if Hunter leaves, but let's face it, the most likely player for the Twins to sign there is Cameron. The possibility of trading for a center fielder is far less likely because of the large market for them this offseason.

With CF solved by signing (or re-signing) someone, that still leaves a 5th outfielder or DH. I really think that could be Garrett Jones. He's shown a lot of power in the minors, and he can play the corner outfield and first base (to back-up Morneau). Ron DL is going to be gone, maybe even from the majors. Other options for another outfielder are Lew Ford and Josh Rabe, but they are not ideal. There is also the possibility that the Twins could sign or trade for a bat simply to DH. In my opinion, Mike Piazza would be a good choice except for his injury risk. He could help Gardy get over his nervious 3rd catcher twitch as well. The options for signing/acquiring a DH are really wide open, though. So hopefully the Twins can find one.

At the end of all this, there's a 25-man, opening day roster in there somewhere. There will probably be only a handful of new faces to Twins fans, but let's hope they are the right new faces.

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Comments

Reyes is under contract...

...for $1M next year.

by ubelmann on Sep 20, 2007 6:03 PM EDT reply actions

Garrett Jones...

I'm not really sure why anyone would want Jones around. He offers the exact same package as Tony Batista did for the Twins--negative defensive value, makes a lot of outs, not good on the base paths, occasionally hits a HR.

He struck out more than three times as often as he walked in the minors. In 2005, he had a .742 OPS and the league OPS was .762. In 2006, he had a .732 OPS and the league OPS was .715. Jones' higher OPS this year is almost entirely driven by some extra singles that he won't continue to get because hitting for average just isn't one of his tools. Even then, he's only managed a .807 OPS to the league's .727 OPS in his third trip around the league. Garrett Jones isn't even a good AAA hitter and won't be a productive major league hitter.

by ubelmann on Sep 20, 2007 6:14 PM EDT reply actions

Indeed

I could not possibly agree more with this. Jones is one of the most over-talked "power" hitters I have ever seen in this organization. But hey, he's tall and looks powerful! That's enough for Dick n Bert.

Replace Nick Punto.

by rayken on Sep 20, 2007 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions

tried...

Garrett Atkins, too late now.
We need to try and find an AAAA prospect.
Outside our organization.

by MagikLair on Sep 20, 2007 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

Rincon

Am I the only one who wouldn't be shocked if the Twins nontender Rincon? I don't know that it's worth risking $2 million (or whatever he'd get in arbitration) to see if he can recapture his pre-2007 form. I'm guessing Neshek and Guerrier will stick in their 7th-8th inning slots even if Rincon comes back decent, and it seems to me that it would be a better use of the limited payroll to keep a minimum-salary guy (either one of the bullpen prospects or a sixth starter) around to pitch those lower-leverage innings.

by BeefMaster on Sep 20, 2007 11:44 PM EDT reply actions

They were willling to risk...

...$4M on renovating Silva this year--I'd bet they'll be willing to renovate Rincon next year.

by ubelmann on Sep 21, 2007 4:17 AM EDT up reply actions

I think

that Rincon needs more than a stash of B12 to get back to his previous form.

by Neil on Sep 21, 2007 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I think they should look at a trade...

with AZ for Quentin and Tracy, if possible. Perhaps a Rincon/one of Blackburn or Duensing/one other prospect package would do it? I don't know. But it's a thought. It seems like they're going to start the year with Punto at 2b, and then there's Machado back too. I'm hoping Punto will be treated like Castro and dealt fairly soon when they feel Casilla "takes charge" ala Bartlett. Ideally, I'd like to see this roster, judging by the above. Or some semblance of this:

Bartlett-SS
Kubel-LF/some DH
Mauer-C
Hunter-CF
Morneau-1b
Cuddyer-RF
Tracy-3b
Quentin-DH/some LF
Punto (if we must-I'd rather see a Tolbert/Casilla platoon)-2b
Bench: Redmond, Machado, Buscher, Tyner, bench bat with pop like Sweeney (Machado can play some OF)
Ideally Punto is at LEAST treated like Castro and when Casilla "takes charge" he comes up and takes over at 2b, with Punto being dealt for next to nothing.

Santana, Baker, Liriano, Garza, Slowey
Pen: Nathan, Neshek, Boof, Perkins, Guerrier, Reyes, with Crain being eased in also.

I could get jiggy with that team in a hurry. That's one HELL of a staff. And really that lineup 1-6 could be among the best in baseball. I think both Cuddyer and Mauer will bounce back from injuries this year with good years, and then Bartlett/Kubel should both emerge there. Coupled with a better Morneau (hopefully) as well.

by djskilbr on Sep 21, 2007 1:49 AM EDT reply actions

AZ Diamondbacks

I agree - they would make great trading partners. Quentin seems like he could be league-average young/cheap OF and he doesn't have a spot on the ML roster, plus they have Mark Reynolds and Chad Tracy at 3B. Either one would be a huge upgrade. And MN could give Blackburn and Duensing and still not lose any ML talent or their top minor league pitchers (Manship and Swarzak). Even if they had to give up only Manship or only Swarzak, I'd do it.

by Diggity Dino on Sep 21, 2007 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions

No love for LNP

Trade Punto for next to nothing? Look, he may not be an everyday player, but he could be a top utility guy. Trading him for scrap would be a mistake. He's a Gold Glove calibur infielder who can switch hit (ok, bat) and steal bases.

-Flip

by Flip27 on Sep 21, 2007 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Punto

But at $2.4 million, if the Twins could get somebody to take his contract, they may be able to save $2 million, which could be the difference in adding a 1-year big bat - the difference between having 6-8 million to spend and 8-10 million to spend is pretty large, while the difference between Punto's defense from a utility infielder to a Machado-type defense is virtually negligible.

by Diggity Dino on Sep 21, 2007 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions

The LNP problem

As long as Gardenhoser is the manager, he'll find a way to get Punto 500 PAs next year. The only way to kep LNP out of the everyday line-up is to trade him.

Ryan did similar things with Mientkievicz, Romero, Castro, Lohse, Batista, Ponson and Ortiz. This manager will mindlessly play his veterans and make rookies sit unless you get rid of the veterans.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Sep 21, 2007 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

His owed 2+ million

What team is going to pick that up? I don't even think that the Reds management brain trust would do that.

by JS22 on Sep 21, 2007 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions

It is actually...

...$2,400,000. Ugh!

If he would only learn to do the little things a player like him has to do very well. SAC bunt is first and foremost. Steal bases very well, not be brain dead and make the 1st out at third, etc. If he took a few more walks, got most of the SAC bunts down, etc., he might get his average up to .250 or so and be a total pest when he played. Do those things and play defense like he can and he is a valuable player to have on this team...getting 300-400 at bats.

by roger @ Twinkie Town on Sep 21, 2007 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly

And I would throw in hitting the ball the other way and not hitting so many fly balls. He definitely has the talent to be an everyday player, but he learned how to play in some alternative universe where you unlearn everything we learned in little league.

What gets me is nobody in the organization has bothered to try to correct him. Since TK came into power, every little mistake has been blown out of proportion to help teach these guys to play the game the right way, except when they're made by Nick Punto.

Punto makes these kinds of errors in almost every game and he gets a free pass on that. Gardy even calls his reckless play "exciting". I just don't get it.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Sep 21, 2007 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

It will still be difficult to prove...

that LNP has gained any of these skills during the off-season, hence he'll be playing for the Twins next year sans a DFA, and lets be honest that won't happen.

by JS22 on Sep 21, 2007 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions

2008

I was surprised that the Twins didn't bring Boof into the Slowey game the other night. Let's see if this guy can be light's out dominant for 2-3 innings. Maybe Boof could also be a closer candidate? He must condition himself, though, if he wishes to remain a starter.

Yes, we can all agree that the Twins have holes at DH, 3B and CF. More than likely they will have to go outside th organization to fill these posts.

I really don't see anyone major making the job from AAA as a position player. But he see plenty of emerging talnet/backups for injury reasons. We will have Garrett Guzman and Denard Span as 4th outfield wings. We will have Buscher, Tolbert, Peterson as infield call-ups. Not sure if Plouffe will go all the way to AAA. Is he the shortstop of the future when Bartlett reaches arbitration Year Two?

I'm hoping Punto is the reserve infielder, which means the fight for the other spot will be between Watkins, Machado and Rodriguez. I really don't see why the Twins kept Machado around for all of 2007. There's also Basak and Mecri.

Of course, Morales is in the wings as the Redmond replacement.

Will be interesting to see if the Twins kee[p Josh Rabe or Chris Heintz as minor league free agents.

There's so much pitching. Is Perkins a starter or reliever? Will Duensing make his premiere in 2008? Are there a couple more fast track guys who will also see action in '08 (Manship perhaps, Tyler Robertson longshot).

Yes, Reyes is signed for '08, but the Twins need another lefty and I do see Perkins doomed to that role, sadly.

Will the Twins tender Rincon a contract, hopefully for around $2, and if they don't have room for him market him rather than someone else? Of course, will Crain comeback strong (this guy had closer possibilities written all over him). I'm worried deeply about Neshek. I hope is arm heals. I hate to see him go the way of folks like Frank Eufemia, German Gonzalez or, waaaay back, Bill Dailey. I want him to be a Twin for a decade, eventually a closer stopgap before settling into dependable situational arm.

I'm also wodnering if there might be any coaching changes afoot. Is Joe Vavra on-the-line? Can Scott Ullger find a job elsewhere? Is Stele ready to retire? What does a bench coach do? Would the Twins be served to have a Molitor or Carew fulltime with the team?

check out Twinkies autograph collection at www.TwinsCards.com

by twintown on Sep 21, 2007 1:13 PM EDT reply actions

Boof in the pen

I have never thought of that, but it could be genius. Work him in as a 7th inning guy to lead up to Neshek and Nathan. If we lose Nathan the year after that, he could be a perfect fit to set up Neshek.

Remember what Boof's curve looked like last September when he wasn't fatigued? Man, it'd be nice to see him having the confidence to break those off for an inning a night.

Plus, we could start calling it "The Boof-pen."

by Neil on Sep 21, 2007 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Pen

Boof seems like a pretty good pen option. High Ks type pitcher with a few pretty good pitches.

by Diggity Dino on Sep 21, 2007 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

2008 and Punto

With the number of aquisitions we need in the FA market, I'm guessing that 3B can be left alone to Buscher, Marci, and Watkins (though signing an AAAA minor leaguer like Joe Dillon would make a lot of sense as well). DH and CF should be where they spend their money. Retaining Hunter makes sense if he can be had for 3 years or maybe 4. I'd be worried about more. Spend 6M and get a decent DH... That will leave us with a decent average

2b -- below average (possibly league average)
SS -- league average (maybe better)
3b -- leage average
1b -- above average
LF -- league average (maybe better)
CF -- above average
RF -- league average
C -- well above average

If you can't find a partner to take Punto, DFA him. The bottom line is that as long as Punto is in this organization, Gardy will play him over someone. He's valuabe as a utility guy, but worthless if Gardy plays him as a regular for any other reason than a massive amount of injuries.

by diehardtwinsfan on Sep 21, 2007 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

A couple thoughts...

The market's just REALLY week this year in FA. To get a DH or 3b, we probably need to trade for them. Lowell's not going to sign cheaply, and outside of that there's noone really worth having. For a DH, the only real candidate might be Piazza and he seemingly doesn't want to play here.
A number of us have been saying for about a year now that Boof might end up best in the pen, and even could close eventually. I still really believe (as I mention in the post above) that a pen of Nathan/Neshek/Boof/Perkins/Guerrier/Reyes (Rincon dealt) with Crain getting worked in could be absolutely filthy.
Lastly, CMath nailed it on trading Punto. It's not that Punto doesn't have value as a good utility player; he does. The problem is that as long as he's on the roster, he won't be utilized as such. You have to take the toy away from Gardy so he is forced to play with the real toys.

by djskilbr on Sep 21, 2007 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Which utility fielders

cost their team 2.4 million a year?

This seems to be the point that no one is addressing. Every team has a farm system that has AAAA players who know how to bunt, don't slide into first leading with their head, don't get thrown out on the basepaths regularly, play decent D, and most importantly don't cost 2.4 million dollars next year.

This is a big problem because the Twins save no money paying another team to let him play, and we score no runs allowing him 500 PA.

by JS22 on Sep 21, 2007 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Very true...

that is the other tough part.

by djskilbr on Sep 22, 2007 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Sunk cost

Punto's contract next year is pretty much a sunk cost. We're out 2.4 million and just move on. There's absolutely no reason to be out 2.4 million AND lose games due to giving Nicky 500 PAs. We can't change the money, but we can change the affect he has on the team.

Replace Nick Punto.

by rayken on Sep 22, 2007 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

true...

But it will probably happen. I.e. 500 plate appearances by NP. MR. .212
I expect him to do better .235-.247
But that doesn't mean I want to see him.

by MagikLair on Sep 22, 2007 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

not a utility role

2.4 M is not so much to pay for a starting 2nd baseman, right?

by ms23 on Sep 23, 2007 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions

2nd Base

Terry Ryan was on the radio before Sunday's game and threw the name Matt Tolbert into the second base mix.

Yes, he will ge a look, loooooong, in spring training (along with Machado). I just can't figure out why he didn't get a quick look this September in the Metrodome.

check out Twinkies autograph collection at www.TwinsCards.com

by twintown on Sep 23, 2007 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions

C.R.A.P.

New metric - contract repalcement and probablity

I think that LNP has a -230 CRAP value. worst in the league.

by JS22 on Sep 23, 2007 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions

sunk cost is exactly right

anything less than $2.4M that you have to drop for not having him in the lineup is gravy.

"I don't care about feelings." - Lou Piniella

by natetheskate on Sep 23, 2007 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Machado

If you look at the minor league numbers, Machado is likely to be much better than Punto with the bat, at least his equal with the glove, and will cost $2 million less than Punto. I wouldn't expect any team to take Punto on individually, but if the Twins could throw him into a bigger trade just to get rid of him, it would help them a lot in the offseason. Hunter could probably be had for $2 million more in 2008 than he is is being paid in 2008 for example,

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Sep 21, 2007 10:46 PM EDT reply actions

I agree...

Machado could be a very good utility guy if the reports are true, plus he can play OF in a pinch, thus negating the need for another one of those on the roster. We could really just go with Tyner and Machado as reserve "outfielders" with a DH that can also play OF (see Quentin/Gomes). That would also free us up to get more of a 1b/DH type bopper off the bench, ala Mike Sweeney.

Punto HAS to be gone; he just has to. Sadly, I'm not sure that will happen. I'm hoping Bill Smith puts Gardy in his place though and proves me wrong.

by djskilbr on Sep 22, 2007 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions

How about another Jones in CF

I don't know if this would stand a snowballs chance in hell but any chance the Twins would consider a return of Jacque Jones to the Twins to play CF?

by caluofmn on Sep 22, 2007 12:53 PM EDT reply actions

it might make sense

except that the Twins don't need another left-handed bat, especially one that is completely inept versus left handers.

P.S. if Kelly Theiser reports again that a pitcher had a bad start because he didn't keep the ball down, I might have to kill myself.

by caseintheface on Sep 22, 2007 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Please say no...

if I have to watch another season of JJ at bats, in addition to Punto, I'll surely be dead before the year's over.

by djskilbr on Sep 22, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply actions

Fun suggestions:

I'm kinda serious (at least worth consideration), but I recognize that this won't happen.

Hunter leaves, sign Bonds. Bonds will probably demand about $12million, same as Hunter this year, cheaper than Hunter next year. This would allow us to put Tyner in CF, which would be an offensive improvement from our CF/DH combo last year, at less $$.

Trade Joe Nathan for Edwin Encarnacion - and prospect(s)? - saving us money and improving our offense. Maybe there are other 3B's we could get for Nathan, that was the one that came to mind.

Trade Santana to the Yankees for Cabrera, Cano, $$, and prospects. I don't know what their farm system has to offer, but I'm sure they have a couple of prospects worth taking. Realistically, it probably won't be worth it for us to sign Santana after next year, so we need to either get him for a REASONABLE ($15m/yr not more than 4 more years) price this year, or get something back.

For our bullpen, keep Neshek, Guerrier (hopefully Crain) as our 8th/9th inning guys. Take a new approach to the rest of the pitching. We have a lot of good young pitchers, so a lot of are starters are going to need to be pulled after 5 or 6 innings. Pick your 5 man rotation (maybe Liriano, Garza, Baker, Bonser, Silva), and expect them to pitch 5-6 innings. Keep 4 more good young pitchers in the bullpen and expect them to pitch 2-3 innings (Blackburn, Perkins, Slowey, still need one more). This allows us to use our talent the best, by having our young pitchers getting experience and we still have a couple of solid 8th/9th inning pitchers when we need them. As the young pitchers look better/worse, we can move them to/from rotation.

I think this lineup would be cheaper than the one we have today, and would probably be better. The loss of Santana would be significant, but realistically, we should be able to field 5 good starters that give us the proverbial "chance to win", and our improved lineup should be able to take advantage of that chance better than this year.

So, the roster I see:

1.Mauer - C
2.Cano - 2B
3.Morneau - 1B
4.Bonds - DH
5.Cuddyer - RF
6.Kubel - LF
7.Cabrera - CF
8.Bartlett - SS
9.Encaracion - 3B

Bench
10.Punto (IF)
11.Tyner (OF)
12.Redmond (C)
13.Brian Buscher (Corner IF)

Pitchers
14.Liriano
15.Garza
16.Baker
17.Bonser
18.Silva

19.Blackburn
20.Perkins
21.Slowey
22.Guerrier
23.Crain
24.Neshek
25.Korecky/Duensing/Free Agent/Whomever

Obviously I don't expect this to happen, but I think this would be a much better team than we have right now.

by snolls on Sep 23, 2007 6:34 PM EDT reply actions

Bonds = Yes

I am a big proponent of the Twins signing Bonds if they don't re-sign Hunter. Another plus to Bonds is that you can probably get him with a 1-year contract, keeping some payroll flexibility for 2008 to re-sign Santana.

Assuming Smith isn't Bizzaro Ryan, there's pretty much zero chance that he will go into 2008 with that young a starting rotation, but I can definitely see some merit in your ideas.

by BeefMaster on Sep 24, 2007 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions

If Bonds is signed

I will revoke my season tickets.

by Neil on Sep 24, 2007 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Understood

I understand your position, but I'm guessing you're in the minority - I'd wager that Bonds would bring in a lot more attendance than he'd cost. The Giants are one of the highest-drawing road teams in MLB this year.

by BeefMaster on Sep 24, 2007 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions

If

If we singed Bonds to DH, I'd be stoked as shit. i don't even like Bonds at all, but damn, would that be a turnaround at the DH spot. He could play everyday there too.

Baseball is great because you cant take a knee or kill the clock. You gotta put the ball over the plate and give the other guy his damn shot E Weaver abridged

by AdamOnFirst on Sep 24, 2007 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

And won't it be great

To have reporters all over the team when Bonds fails his first blood test for HGH next year. That will be excellent. Whee, what fun.

Pardon my sarcastic tone. I know Barry's not the only one who's used performance enhancers, and I know the Twins have/had employed players who do/have. But let's be honest. The man brings negativity and scandal every single year he plays the game. Plus, he's going to demand (and most likely get from someone) upwards of 10 million for next year alone. Do we really want to bring that circus to the team AND eat up that much budget? To me, the positives do not outweigh the negatives.

by Neil on Sep 25, 2007 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

That's the same reason I don't want Milton Bradley

... but to a lesser extent. It doesn't matter anymore, though. Bradley will now miss all of next season with a torn ACL after he was injured by his manager who was trying to stop him from going after an umpire. What a head-case. Then, after the incident, Milton blamed the ump for his injury. Nice.

-Flip

by Flip27 on Sep 25, 2007 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Starters......

Santana will more than likely start the season with the Twins. If he isn't resigned, the Twins will move him before the trading deadline and he will get them better than nothing.

Garza, Baker and Boof can all be considered vets of sort. Boof is kinda on the bubble. Baker, if he keeps the ball low, will be considered the secondary vet.

Of course, there is the Liriano factor.

I think Kevin Slowey will definitely be a part of the picture, making some expendable.

If the Twins add a vet, then two of the above names become expendable. I would ratehr see the money spent on offense and be happy you can start the season with a Garza or Slowey in the minors if need be, or Liriano in the minors before coming north.

Perkins will no doubt be considered the long-lefty, although he can move into the ortation sometime in the future.

The Twins have to be thinking totally offense. You have Silva's $5 million, Rondell White and Castillo who made $7 between them. You should be able to get a couple of fine players for those $$$.

You have minimum guys filling in a few of the wholes, including the starting staff and bullpen.

Might be enough to resign Hunter. And, hey, if the Twins pull up lame again in 2008, Hunter and Johann will be more than happy to waive their no-trade clause to go to a winner, especially if the season is half-over and the chance is better than 50% that the team you go to has a chance to make (and win) the playoffs. That's sometimes a big plus. Know one can truly predict who will win it all in January. Really.

check out Twinkies autograph collection at www.TwinsCards.com

by twintown on Sep 24, 2007 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Koskie

Could this be an opportunity to invite Koskie to spring training?

Snolls, you present an interesting option for the Twins. Bonds as a DH would be a huge improvment and allow a less bat more glove CF with Hunter probably gone. Question is would Twins fans welcome Bonds and would the Twins be willing to put up with all the baggage that comes with Baroid?

by caluofmn on Sep 23, 2007 10:11 PM EDT reply actions

Koskie

First off, I think he's done. Second, I still think he ahs another year under contract with the Brewers.

Looking back, I always thought the Twins should've signed Koskie for whatever it took, with the thoughts of moving him into a DH who can also play third role around this time in his career.

Hummmmm..the return of Jacque Jones, as someone mentioned, to centerfield. Would rather have a Matt Murton or someone of that ilk.

Of course, Milton Bradley might be available.

And as for Santana, if Liriano comes abck, we might actually forget about Johann and his millions for a couple of years. Would Bsoton be a taker...giving us Coco Crisp, for example, amongst others.

Yes, Johann would make their starting five virtually invincible,,,but be gald they play in the East.

check out Twinkies autograph collection at www.TwinsCards.com

by twintown on Sep 23, 2007 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions