Seth Stohs reports: Twins sign Mark Grudzielanek

Words fail me.

over 2 years ago Jon Marthaler 32 comments 0 recs |

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Ha!

Amazing…both this signing and the face we both posted it at pretty much the exact same time.

by Jesse on Jul 19, 2009 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

According to my screen, I beat you by about 60 seconds.

Is it the other way around on your screen?

by Jon Marthaler on Jul 19, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Nope, you beat me.

I am the defeated.

by Jesse on Jul 19, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I wonder if they are doing this

in the event that they cannot shift a trade for a 2B/SS by the trade deadline. I am certain, even without half a year of playing that he will do well (by which I mean better than Casilla/Punto/Tolbert).

Unfortunately, once Grud comes up, Gardy will move Punto back to SS long term and Harris will be out of a job.

by BCTwins on Jul 19, 2009 2:21 PM EDT reply actions

Why?

Why does Gardy give the job to Punto and not Harris? Punto is slugging .231! Harris is slugging .388. What is the reason for Gardy’s insane love-affair with Nicky?

Mauer for Governor.

by Kaine on Jul 19, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

because it is Gardy

why do you think Punto has started all the games at SS since Casilla has returned? Its because Gardy loves Punto and would put him (Punto) in the game despite his low OBP, OPS, SLG, AVG, K/BB, whatever, to Harris everytime. Punto gets dirty on every play; Harris doesnt get dirty as much.

Go ask Gardy about his love affair with Punto. I cant believe that Gardy’s wife has not taken him to court over this.

by BCTwins on Jul 19, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Punto's OBP is .400 this month.

I’ll take that for the time being.

by Jesse on Jul 19, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions

What's Grudz been up to?

I don’t see him playing in the major or minors this season. He’d have to go to Rochester first. Presumably he’d had to show he was in shape there before we’d call him up.

Call me an optimist, but I’m almost thinking this might be to fill organizational depth in the minors… or they are grooming Grudz to be a coach.

by DavidRF on Jul 19, 2009 2:50 PM EDT reply actions

Grudz was a FA.

It’s a minor league contract, so he’ll start in Rochester.

by Jesse on Jul 19, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

he will start in Fort Myers

and presumably be with the club next week sometime.

by BCTwins on Jul 19, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

He has to earn his way on

Joe C said he’ll start at the GCL Twins to get in shape and then join “one of the minor league teams.”There’s no guarantee he’ll end up with the Twins this season.

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

by cmathewson on Jul 19, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

by presumably

I meant if all goes well. As I said earlier, I think this might be a backup plan in case the Twins cant get Sanchez or other.

by BCTwins on Jul 19, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, if this is their "move"

I can’t say I’ll be happy.

by Eric in Madison on Jul 19, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions

League-average production

is an upgrade over Casilla and Harris, on both sides of the coin. He might still be able to do that.

That’s what I’m hoping for, anyway.

by Jesse on Jul 19, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Stay optimistic, Jesse

I have trouble seeing a 39 year old who hasn’t played all season providing league average production.

by Eric in Madison on Jul 19, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

He hit .299 last year, something Punto does only in his dreams.

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by Andersklasen on Jul 19, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh snap!

by Jesse on Jul 19, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Why now?

I could see bringing him in on a minor league deal in spring training and making him beat out Casilla for the job or you cut him loose. But why in the middle of the season? This is right up there with Brett Boone and Phil Nevin.

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

by cmathewson on Jul 19, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

How is it a bad move though?

If you’re having problems with a position, why not try something that’s more or less risk less. Okay, so what if he does terrible in the minors and the Twins have to cut him. Oh well, good idea though. What if he hits the minors well, and comes up and hits exactly 299/349/399 with above average defense at second. How at all would you be upset with that?

by CARXRiedmann on Jul 19, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Here's what I'm confused about:

Okay, Grudzielanek has major-league credentials, but you can’t convince me that a 39-year-old guy who hasn’t played all year would be any better than not only our current middle-infield options, but our current middle infielders at Triple-A.

by Jon Marthaler on Jul 19, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

Sanchez rejects extension

now Pittsburg wants to trade him. If the Twins cannot get him, I assume they bring up Grudz for a short term, low risk option. With the offense Grudz has put up before, I assume he will be better than Casilla/Punto/Tolbert (anything is better than that trio).

We have Grudz for half a season, that is it! This gives Tolleson a chance to gain some experience down at AAA without having to rush him and thus stunt his growth. I do think I see where Bill Smith is going with this.

Either we get Sanchez now or we dont. Either way, it is no big deal, cause the starting 2B in 2010 will probably be Tolleson. Grudz = low risk, high reward for 1/2 year. Sanchez = high reward, lots of prospects for 1.5 years.

by BCTwins on Jul 19, 2009 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

Gruz

That’s what I say. Low risk, potential high reward. Little Sacrificed. I hope this isn’t it though. They should still go after Sanchez

by WITwinsfan on Jul 19, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions

How is it remotely high reward?

It’s low risk, low reward.

by Eric in Madison on Jul 19, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Low Reward?

Even hoping for his 2008 season would be high reward. .300/.350/.400? That’s far better than anything else we’ve got to offer…

Sure, I’ve got my doubts along with everybody else. Do I think Grudz can repeat 2008? Most likely not, but the “upside” (funny word for a 39-year old) is better than anything we’ve thrown out there this year.

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by Andersklasen on Jul 19, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

My thoughts, (originally posted on Seth's site, I'm not feeling original today)

Totally fine with this move. As long as Smith has something else up his sleeve (hopefully beginning in San- and ending in -chez) this move is perfect. No risk, and the possible reward is average offense and above-average defense. Not bad.

I have my doubts about whether a 39-year old male who hasn’t played professional baseball all year can repeat his 2008 "success," but I’m remaining optimistic.

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by Andersklasen on Jul 19, 2009 4:55 PM EDT reply actions

Worst case scenario: Bret Boone

He plays two weeks, hits .170, shows he’s really done and we cut him.

by DavidRF on Jul 19, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

If this happens, it means it's already too late to try anything else.

By the time he’ll be ready to be called up, we’ll be into the last half of August. If he gets called up, it means the Twins didn’t make another move at second base, and if Grudz does go down like Boone then we’re sunk anyway and might as well just play it out with Casilla.

I’m still holding out hope for Sanchez. If not that, then I hope Grudz can come up, play a decent two-bag and hit .300.

by Jesse on Jul 19, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Best-best case scenario:

Twins trade for Sanchez well before the July 31 deadline. Sanchez performs great. Grudz lives up to expectations as well and is one of the best bench options in the league.

Sigh.

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by Andersklasen on Jul 19, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh

His glove is going to be at best league average, he’s going to be rusty at first and there aren’t many games to waste. One upside though:

.395 .459 .523

That’s his 2008 platoon split v. LHP. I think he could be the other half of a 2B platoon with Punto.

I wanted Grudzielanek on the team 7 years ago when we were dealing with Rivas. That, and I have always wanted to see a Pierzynski to Grudzielanek to Mientkiewicz 1-4-3 double play.

I have a feeling that Grudz on the team means no Buscher. They’re pretty redundant defensively except Grudz is better and can play 2B. Only plus is they’re complementary on the platoon split.

by DJL44 on Jul 19, 2009 5:47 PM EDT reply actions