No Freddy Sanchez for Twins?

LEN III, putting two and two together when the Twin recalled Alexi Casilla yesterday, said this:

Indications are the Twins will be unable to swing a deal for Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez. So on Sunday they called up Alexi Casilla to give him another chance to turn his season around.

With more access than we have, I'm not sure what Neal means by "indications". If I wrote it, my "indications" would be that the organization refuses to acknowledge any connection to any rumors whatsoever. It's the MO, with the front office playing everything close to the vest.

over 2 years ago Jesse 7 comments 0 recs |

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Well, we'll see.

I said that I would wait until the trading deadline to really rip the organization, but if they fail to do anything significant by then, I think Smith et. al. will deserve a ripping.

by Eric in Madison on Jul 13, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

And another thing

I’d like to point out as we are at the all-star break:

Ignoring pitchers, the Twins have given roughy 29% of their plate appearances to players currently with OPS+ of 75 or lower. That, my friends, is not pretty. (Not that they are alone in this, by the way, but it’s a pretty high number).

Ultimately, though Gardenhire sometimes irritates me, I’m not sure how much of that can be blamed on him. I think it will be a mistake for him to get much time in front of Harris coming out of the break, but realistically, up to now, what could he have done?

Casilla earned his demotions, Tolbert has been awful, and somebody has to play second base. Harris has played about as much as your realistically would want him to—more in actuality. He just looks like an all-star because he’s surrounded by the likes of Tolbert and Punto.

One of Gomez or Young has to play every day—you gotta have 3 OFs and a DH every day too. Exacerbated by Span’s unfortunate ear problem.

Crede has to get some days off regularly based on his physical state. (Though Buscher actually isn’t in the count above, since his OPS+ is over 75).

Maybe he could have gotten Morales a few more PAs at the expense of Redmond, but that’s pretty small beer compared to the middle infield/3rd outfielder situation.

by Eric in Madison on Jul 13, 2009 12:36 PM EDT reply actions

+1

As far as the offense, and position players go, Gardenhire didn’t have a whole lot to work with.

by montanatwinsfan on Jul 13, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I disagree with Mr. LE3

Personally I think this is Casillas shot to prove himself at 2B but I think the timing is because they if he doesn’t show something these next 2 weeks then they start pursuing a 2B. I still think Casilla has a chance to be the guy for us and really this is his chance to show he’s more than the next Punto.

Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?

by halfchest on Jul 13, 2009 12:57 PM EDT reply actions

2 weeks?

I think if they wait until the end of two weeks they will have missed their opportunity.

by montanatwinsfan on Jul 13, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Could be a bluff

Pitt wants too much so they call up Casilla and say “you saw our best offer, we’ll just go with Casilla”. This front office hasn’t operated that way before. The only thing that seems strange to me is deciding to call him up before the break. Why not wait until Thursday?

by DJL44 on Jul 13, 2009 5:45 PM EDT reply actions

Leverage

If LENII wants to read something into the Casilla promotion, it should be this: We are not forced to acquire Sanchez. Maybe Smith just wants the Pirates to drop their price a little. It helps if your second baseman isn’t either Punto or Tolbert, in which case you are desperate.

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

by cmathewson on Jul 13, 2009 5:59 PM EDT reply actions