Doing it the Twins Way or Bust

by caluofmn on Feb 6, 2009 8:19 PM EST Comment 9 comments

Well, another winter is ending and another spring is about to start. I don't know why but it seems the older I get the faster the dead days btwn seasons feel shorter.

Anyway, it's been another quiet offseason for the Twins. Feels more like the typical offseason for the Twins instead what Mr. Smith did last year. In comparison to most offseasons, last offseason felt like a drunken night on the town. One of the things I'm looking forward to finding out is whether young Mr. Young will bounce back or still look like a bad circus act in LF.

There is a part of me that feels fine w/ the Twins not signing Blake, or Crede, or Gagne. I like that the team feels that they have what they need already up or ready to come up this season. Afterall, I seem to remember the Twins doing the same when they had the UN infield and Radke, Milton, and Mays on the mound. Yes, I know they didn't win any rings then but they were fun to watch. I don't know if this batch of players matches up to those teams but once again the Twins seem to want to win on their terms or not at all. Avoiding injury I think the Twins will give us fans another fun season to follow.

They might be following this philosophy to a fault, afterall, wasn't there better arms for the 8th inning than what we got? but I'm not surprised by the quiet winter. Seems to me that, that is the norm and I've grown fine w/ that. I think the Rays showed MLB that a young team can compete for a WS title. I guess it is ok that the Twins want to win their way b/c if they do it will be that much sweetier.

Looking forward to another season,

Cal

0 recs | Comment 9 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

it is still not confirmed

if the Twins are not going to sign Crede. All writers have put the Twins as front runners on the Crede signing so something will be happening soon. Also, there are indications that Young will get traded as the Twins are actively shopping him. Maybe that will die down now as the Twins sign Ayala. But look for Crede at 3B in the spring and Young out of the cities. They will still do something so its not over and it probably could turn into something big…winter is not yet over and the spring also brings new players into light. Think of this: Manny Ramirez – unsigned, Bobby Abreu- unsigned, Griffey Jr. – unsigned, Frank Thomas – unsigned, Ben Sheets – unsigned, Juan Cruz – unsigned, and Dennys Reyes – unsigned…with that FA pool, I dont think we should blame the Twins for not signing Crede or not making a “big splash” when the NY Yankees, Boston Red Sox, NY Mets, and Cubs have not picked up any of these big FA names!

by 33MorneauMVP on Feb 6, 2009 8:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

cost analysis

I don’t know if the Twins will decide the Crede is that much better than a platoon of Harris and Buscher. Of course I don’t know how Joe looked for his workouts but I think the Twins will stand pat b/c that is what they always do.

Also, who goes if you sign Crede? You can’t keep everyone if the Twins do sign him. If Crede comes to the Twins it would be great to see him hit 22-25 HRs and bat around .270 but I don’t think you will see anything better than that.

It’s been an odd winter when it comes to FAs. Sheets looks like he might need elbow work. Abreu, Dunn, Thomas, and Manny all would be fun to see as a DH but again I just don’t see the Twins pulling the trigger. I mean Shannon Stewart was the last time I saw the Twins get someone from the outside and have it really pay off.

I won’t blame the Twins if they don’t sign anyone, like I said I feel like that is just what the Twins have always do so why worry about it. The only spot is that 8th inning pen guy but we’ll see.

It’s just fun talking baseball again.

by caluofmn on Feb 6, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Crede

When asked, Jim Pohlad said he would sign Joe Crede. Dave St. Peter, who was in the room, interrupted to say, “it’s a process.” To me, that means they’re negotiating. I don’t know what the odds are of coming to an agreement with Boras. But when I look at Crede’s other options, I have to think they’re better than 50-50 with the Twins. To my knowledge, Crede is not seriously negotiating with anyone else. The Giants and Rangers have been mentioned, but the Giants already signed Juan Uribe and the Rangers are moving Michael Young to third base.

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

by cmathewson on Feb 6, 2009 8:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I can't see the Rangers getting in on Crede.

I guess they have a hot prospect for SS so Young goes to 3B. Could they move Young and get Crede?

I have no problem admitting I’m wrong if it happens but getting Crede just doesn’t seem like a move that is in the Twins DNA.

by caluofmn on Feb 6, 2009 9:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see the Rangers having any interest in Crede.

Fully intent on moving Young to third, and 20 year old prospect Elvis Andrus playing short, in late January the signed FA Omar Vizquel as insurance at short in case the youngster isn’t ready. Andrus has never played above AA.
With Vizquel on board, they appear set on the left side of the infield.

by BAIT on Feb 7, 2009 8:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yes, that's my point

Crede’s name has been linked to three teams and only one makes any sense. I don’t see a lot of options for him. When his agent realizes that and stops playing games, the Twins will sign him.

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

by cmathewson on Feb 7, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs