Twins Infield Set?
by Jesse on Jan 31, 2010 2:50 PM EST
in News
65 comments
It's February tomorrow. For teams who are still waiting to fill holes, it's crunch time. But it's been a busy weekend for the Twins, if only because more potential free agents have fallen by the wayside.
A couple of telling Tweets from Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune yesterday indicated that Minnesota probably won't be bringing back Joe Crede, even at a discounted price. The Twins "would rather give those ABs to [Brendan] Harris and eventually [Danny] Valencia", which indicates one of two things to me. Either A) the Twins feel like Valencia is knocking on the doorstep and will actually take over third base at some point this summer or B) being able to bank on health and consistency is more valuable than hoping that Crede's gold glove could stay on the field.
In addition to Crede not coming back, Orlando Cabrera has agreed to a one-year contract with the Reds worth $4 million ($3 million for 2010 plus a $1 million buyout of the 2011 option). One of the reasons he chose the Reds was because he wasn't willing to shift to second base, which is what Ron Gardenhire proposed last year and what, apparently, the Rockies wanted him to do. For a lot of Twins fans this means we're breathing a sigh of relief.
Melvin Mora agreed to sign with the Rockies, Orlando Hudson apparently would rather play for the Nationals than a contender (even though they're only offering a third of his asking price), and Felipe Lopez...well, the only thing that's been mentioned about Lopez is that SI's Jon Heyman thinks he'll wind up with the Cardinals.
The bottom line, at least right now, is that even if the Twins are comfortable standing pat with who they have to man the hot corner, it's still a buyer's market if you're a team looking for a second baseman. With both Hudson and Lopez still hanging around, with guys like Adam Kennedy (free agent) and Jose "that OTHER" Lopez (apparently available from the Mariners) around to water down any bidding wars, conditions are ripe for somebody to reap some financial benefits.
Yet the Twins have kept things pretty close to the vest, and we're all aware of the organization's confidence of the guys already on the roster. If someone doesn't fall into their lap at this point, the smart money would be on Minnesota going forward with what they already have.
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Lopez
Didn’t we hear from La Velle or somebody that the Twins aren’t interested and think he has a “bad” glove?
http://twikipedium.wordpress.com
Yeah, that came up a couple of weeks ago.
But at such a discount, considering the lack of jobs and apparent lack of interest in him, I’d reconsider. Sadly, that’s just me.
Yes, it is just you
Dave Cameron has been trying to pawn him off on us just like he tried to pawn off Bentancourt. If Dave doesn’t like him, there’s a pretty good chance we won’t either.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
No, not THAT Lopez.
The OTHER Lopez. We were talking about Felipe.
Good god, no, I don’t want Jose Lopez.
Oh, OK. Well F. Lopez would be an upgrade at second, no doubt
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Hudson price drop
http://www.federalbaseball.com/2010/1/30/1285212/washington-nationals-orlando
“The Nationals are looking to pay around $3 million,” and with good reason as they’ve cited (through the media) the $3.25 million dollar, one-year deal free agent infielder Juan Uribe signed with the Giants as the standard for an infielder this winter…not to mention that Hudson himself signed a one-year deal for $3.38 million last season with LA…"
If the price is really falling this low, could it fall all the way into the Twins range? Hudson would offer a huge upgrade for $4 million, and wouldn’t he rather play for a contender?
With Harris and Punto juggled between third and utility, their infield defense would be pretty impressive on the days Punto played third.
Sounds great to me in theory.
The problem with saying Uribe “set the market” is that he’s just one piece of that market, considering high-profile guys (much like Hudson) signed for a LOT more money. Figgins, Beltre, DeRosa, these guys are probably more comparible…the only difference was when they were able to leverage a deal. I don’t argue that Hudson will get more than Uribe, but that the reasoning is more about the timing than about Uribe “setting the market”.
But yeah, Hudson would be a massive upgread for $4 million. You’d think that would get it done.
Lowball
If I’m Hudson I wouldn’t sign with a team that compared me to Jose Uribe. Just out of principle. Doesn’t hurt that the Nationals suck. If the Twins get within $200k I think he’s in MN.
Erm, Juan Uribe
Point still stands, Hudson should tell them to shove it.
Jose
I was thinking about this yesterday. Twins really want to trade Perkins and Casilla. I am thinking that they are possibly talking to the Mariners about Jose Lopez, willing to trade Perkins and Casilla for Lopez +.
As said, I would rather have Hudson, but any improvement (however slight) over a Punto – 2B, Harris – 3B – is an improvement. This would put Punto/Harris in a platoon at 3B, with Lopez taking 2B. Its a thought.
I of course would take Hudson 9x out of 10 before Lopez, but if there is really no interest in the free agent 2B, the Twins should unload Perkins for Lopez for the minor improvement.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
I don't think Lopez is an upgrade over Punto
but Punto is an upgrade overTolbert/Casilla as a utility guy. So overall, yes, it would be an upgrade. I’m just not sure they’d go there, considering they weren’t willing to do more than Perkins for Kouzmanoff, a superior player.
by Steven Ellingson on Jan 31, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
well
if this is really going on, talks should certainly not be going on the “I’ll give you Perkins and Casilla if you give me Lopez” line. That is too much talent to give up for a minor improvement.
Twins should be demanding a fairly solid prospect to go with Lopez. The Twins should not be in a hurry to trade away two players – who seem to have bright futures ahead – for a mediocre player. A mediocre plus a good prospect, yes…but not just a mediocre.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
by 33MorneauMVP on Jan 31, 2010 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
On the other hand,
a 2-for-1 trade opens up a roster spot so you can sign Thome. I think it’s all about the big picture, and if the team is in a better position in the big picture then getting slightly less value in a trade is acceptable. Of course, this is all theoretical, as I’m basically saying Perk/Alexi for Lopez would be fine with me, because we need to find a place for Jim anyway.
25 HR's and 42 Doubles
I think he’s quite an improvement, obviously offensively he smokes Punto. How awful is his fielding though? It would have to be pretty bad to offset that production to the point where he’s not an improvement over Punto.
His OBP is ugly at only .300 but he slugged .463 last year. Not too bad for a 2B. Sounds like a poor mans Uggla.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
I thought his
fielding was better than Felipe’s. I could be wrong on that, but I believe he is an adequate defender.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
by 33MorneauMVP on Jan 31, 2010 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
no he isn't
I dont care what UZR 150 says
Jose Lopez has much less range than he should for a 2B, Felipe is the better defender
despite what last years numbers may have said.
I’d take F. Lopez if we get him at a huge discount, but I’m a NO on Jose unless he plays 3B, but I still say a likely no.
How do I tell my kid brother about Desmond Jennings? (he loves the Rays)
"He's a cross between Carl Crawford and Justin Upton with B.J. Upton's upside"
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 31, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
I just don't understand why
I honestly don’t know much about J. Lopez and I’m not saying he’s my first pick by any means. However, I think he’d be a considerable upgrade over anything we have at this time. I’m not an expert at deciphering defensive stats by any means but just a cursory glance and he appears to be much better than Uggla who many were clamoring for. He gives similar power to that of Uggla with a higher batting average. He has a much worse OBP which is why Uggla is so much better and so much better paid but Jose Lopez could be a great addition to this team. Talk about a powerful lineup. Morneau, Mauer, Cuddy, Kubel, Thome, Hardy, Lopez, and even Young and Span have 10-15 homerun power. That’s a damn murderers row.
However, I do agree I’d take the better defenders/OBP guys like Felipe or Hudson first. However if it’s Jose Lopez vs. current 2B/3B I take Lopez anyday.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
J-Lo
would not be my first pick either. I prefer Hudson, or even F-Lo – whose OBP is much higher; yet, the Twins want to unload both Casilla and Perkins – if there is a match there, it should be struck.
SteveHoffmanSlowey – I would go back and look at the stats and not just at UZR 150. For the most part, they all favor J-Lo’s fielding as an average to slightly above average 2B.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
well the stats say Lopez's range is pretty good
except in 2008. I think Casilla could do what he does given a full season’s worth of at bats though.
Beadlemaniacs - Award winning* college basketball blog
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Seriously
If the Twins don’t sign either Felipe or Hudson, I will be massively disappointed. There are more options for second base out there than there are teams with a hole at second, so the Twins should be able to get one of them at a bargain price.
I would prefer Hudson, because I think he fills that 2-hole in the batting lineup perfectly, but I would take either.
4 million + some incentives is a pretty small price to pay for the upgrade that either of theses players would provide.
I honestly think the biggest thing stopping the Twins from pursuing them at this point would be the roster decision. Maybe they are trying to complete a trade for Perk and/or Casilla before making a deal?
projections
Is there any way we could get projections on how the Twins will fare with their current roster vs. how they would with either Hudson or F-Lopez?
I'm working on updating my WAR projections with Thome
and I’ll work two what-ifs: Felipe Lopez and Orlando Hudson.
by Adam Peterson on Jan 31, 2010 6:52 PM EST up reply actions
Why not figure in Jose Lopez?
People may not like him but, CHONE has him at a 2.6 WAR. Higher than either Hudson or F. Lopez.
by Michael in N.Cali on Jan 31, 2010 7:16 PM EST up reply actions
"the smart money would be on Minnesota going forward with what they already have"
LNP GET MONEY GET PAID
by RandBall's Stu on Jan 31, 2010 4:17 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Confused on the contract amount
I noticed the posting stated one year and $4million but, according to ESPN and Circling the Bases the contract is for $3million. MLB Trade Rumors has it at $4million though. Anyone know the true amount?
by Michael in N.Cali on Jan 31, 2010 6:56 PM EST reply actions
1 year $3M with team option for $3M in 2011 with $1M buyout
So 1 year $4M guaranteed is correct, but he’ll only make $3M in 2010.
by Jon Kammerer on Jan 31, 2010 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
Jose Lopez
He’s really not that bad of an option. He’d be really nice if he took a few more walks and could get the average up, but with 20 plus home runs at a key position, it would be the type of upgrade we need. I don’t know what the defense is, but unless he’s a butcher he’s a huge upgrade over Punto, and Punto as a utility guy is a huge upgrade over Casilla/Tolbert. I agree that Perkins/Casilla is a hefty price to pay for a guy whose contract expires at the end of 2010, but I don’t think we should be balking at getting him.
by diehardtwinsfan on Jan 31, 2010 7:48 PM EST reply actions
Not that bad, but not that good either
20+ homeruns doesn’t do much for me when his OBP is sitting around .300. About average, perhaps slightly below with a wOBA of .325-.328 the last couple years. Defensively, he’s been about average as well. Overall for a 2B, that comes out to about 2.5 WAR. In other words, nothing to sneeze at.
Here’s the problem with Jose Lopez versus Hudson or Felipe Lopez. He’s due to make $2.3M this year, with a $4.5M club option for 2010 ($0.25M buyout). He would cost whatever we give up in trade, plus the salary. Hudson, on the other hand, grades out better offensively and perhaps a shade behind Lopez defensively. I’d project Hudson a bit higher than Lopez, in line with his 2009 value of 2.9 WAR. What’s the better option? $5M for Orlando Hudson, or $2.3M + traded player(s) for Jose Lopez? Not a slam dunk either way, IMO, especially when you consider we’d have to lose a player off the 40 man in order to sign Hudson anyway…
by Adam Peterson on Jan 31, 2010 8:46 PM EST up reply actions
I guess
right now, its in Hudson’s court. He has offers out there, although the Twins have yet to make one, but if he wants a $4-5 million contract, and the Nats are only offering a $3 million, then the ball comes into the Twins court.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
by 33MorneauMVP on Jan 31, 2010 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
Twins.....
Casilla is out of options. They lose him of keep him.
But, come 2011, they are back in the “need a second baseman” mode. So if they don’t sign someone good for, supposedly, more than one year…the Twins have no one at second come 2011.
Unless it’s Harris, assuming that Valencia develops into the third baseman they need.
Bill Smith talking at Twinsfest still ahs high hopes for Pluffe, who will probably see more time at 2nd or 3rd this eyar at Rochester.
Casilla stays (and on the roster) if the Twins need someone for second in 2011. If they can sign a free agent, they can risk losing Casilla…but still have that hole come 2011 (Punto should be gone…or considerably cheaper, then).
I would, as someone said, like to see anyone else at second. Then it makes the Twins much stronger having Punto as a super sub rather than a starter. That’s a truism. Punto, Tolbert, Morales, Thome…I can live with that bench.
Perkins the Twins can still send to Rochester (or Duensing). So, he’s still a cheap and valuable chip down the line. His value is pretty nill right now (teams need to see him pitch). So doubt that he’s going anywhere.
And the talk of the Twins having 8 people for starting jobs, they actually have 9 if you put Manship in the mix.
Jaarod Washburn anyone?
Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!
Does Perkins have an option left?
We definitely optioned him in 2007 and 2009. In 2008, he started six games in AAA. Was this an injury rehab assignment or an option? If an option, then Perkins is out of options as well.
by Adam Peterson on Jan 31, 2010 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
Jaarod Washburn anyone?
Hell no
Beadlemaniacs - Award winning* college basketball blog
You know you like college hockey
come on its not like it'd be a horrible move
If we’re going to give him 5 M or more well I’m in agreement with you
But I’d gladly take Washburn at 3 or 4 M if it means keeping Brian Duensing in AAA untill he gets really hot
I’m not sold On Carl Pavano or Francisco Liriano either pitching well and pitching all year or just not injurying themselves….
How do I tell my kid brother about Desmond Jennings? (he loves the Rays)
"He's a cross between Carl Crawford and Justin Upton with B.J. Upton's upside"
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 31, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
It would be a horrible move
He’d be the fourth-best pitcher competing for the fifth starter spot. And he’d win it by default because of his contract.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
The value of getting a second baseman
is that it not only improves second base (comparing to Punto), as well as the infield bench (Punto is an upgrade over Casilla/Tolbert), but it also gives us insurance for 3B. Who knows if Brendan Harris will thrive as an every day third baseman. I could very well envision a scenario in which Harris starts off poorly, Valencia doesn’t appear ready yet, and we see Tolbert as the every day 3B come May. I’d rather be in a situation where Punto moves over to third because we have a decent second baseman.
Disappointed to see Crede probably not coming back
I was hoping his back would be better by spring.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"All morons hate it when you call them a moron." -Holden Caufield
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jan 31, 2010 10:22 PM EST reply actions
Yeah, an incentive-laden contract with him was sounding pretty good, considering who will most likely start/play 3B this year.
RonGarde: Target Field is going to be exactly like Progressive Field, except you'll have a chance to die of frostbite in the middle of July
by fischean on Jan 31, 2010 11:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I said it once in a different post
I think the Thome signing really makes it hard to put Crede on the roster with how oft injured he is. Thome will be a great asset but he limits us from taking a guy who has major injury concerns that will need multiple days off. It would just be a pain in the butt to have Thome and Crede on the bench together all the time.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
True.
Though according to Crede’s agent, his back is much better. Then again…his agent said that. :\ I get what you’re saying, though.
RonGarde: Target Field is going to be exactly like Progressive Field, except you'll have a chance to die of frostbite in the middle of July
Crede will likely still be available in May
Assuming he keeps in shape, he’ll still be an option in the unlikely event that both Harris and Valencia fail.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
So Frustrating
Being a fellow small-market overachiever, I cheer for good things to happen for the Twins. Which is why I am so frustrated with what is happening right now with you guys. You have some exceptional pieces in place, which are the most difficult to obtain and retain in today’s MLB. The easy thing is supposed to be getting solid pieces around those amazing pieces. For the Twins, they lack solid pieces in the infield, outside of Morneau. There are a glut of cheap and solid hitting guys out there, including Hudson, Kennedy and Lopez. Hudson would be especially fitting. Guys like Nick Punto shoot this offense in the foot, and there are too many rally-killers here. You have good enough pitching that if you could just get rid of the rally killers, you could compete with anyone, as long as Maur, Morny, Kubel, Cuddy and company are healthy.
+1
Welcome to Minnesota, pal. Where almost all of Mauer’s awesomeness is cancelled out by playing the worst-hitting players in teh league at second and short, when a few million more would fill in the potholes at the bottom of the order. To be fair they did something about short. But third, second, and LF could still be their downfall. Very frustrating when it’s a buyer’s market at 2B and they won’t fill an obvious need.
Jose Lopez scouting report from a Mariner fan.
Hi there twins fans, thought I would stop by. It seems this is a possible destination for Jose Lopez. I thought I would add my scouting report on him from a Seattle Mariners fan perspective.
He is pretty much average when it comes to defense, possibly make some arguements about him being slightly above average if you take FP into account which I know isnt very popular with SABR fans. I really don’t know what Punto’s defensive stats look like but from what I am reading here it sounds like even that is an upgrade at 2B.
As far as offense is concerned. Lopez can potentially be a 3-4 WAR players for you guys. I am not sure about what the dimensions of your new ballpark is going to be like but I think your going to still play in the Metrodome this coming year, is that correct? And if memory serves me correct the Metrodome is a hitter friendly park. Well Lopez needs to be away from Safeco field because that is where RH power hitters go to do kill their careers. Lopez had a .641/.883 OPS home/road split last year. Here is a link for you guys to check out his complete home/road splits from last year:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7392/splits
You will notice that he does MUCH better away from Safeco. Although looking at how he did in 7 games at the Metrodome probably won’t excite many of you either. But 7 games is a pretty small sample size to judge how he will do in the Metrodome. He is also the most clutch hitter on the Mariners squad last year. If I remember correctly he had the most walk off hits last year on the squad.
The biggest knocks on Lopez is that he is not a patient hitter at all. He is a free swinger, much like Vlad except he is not as good of a contact hitter as Vlad is. I am sure you guys are fully aware of his pedestrian low OBP. Also, he does have the occassional fielding misshap where you have to just think WTF is this guy doing out there, does he know what he is doing?
Lopie is not a bad or a mediocre player at all. He is only a few years off from his all-star season so you know this kid has plenty of upside. He looks like the perfect fit for your club, he will be cheap this coming year and next year under contract for reasonable $$$.
If you guys are wondering why we are shopping him you need to look no further from his home/road split stats to get an idea of why he is going to be gone after this year no matter what. He just does not fit well into Jack Z’s plans for the Mariners. Right handed power hitters come to kill their career at Safeco (see Richie Sexon, and Adrian Beltre). Also Jack Z wants premier defenders especially when it comes to the middle infield which Jose doesn’t really fit. If you look at our projected starting roster you will see that Lopez is a boy amost men when it comes to infield defense. Lastly we have our 2B of the future ready to hit the minors this year. We are projecting him to take over 2B at 2011, or 2012 at the latest. He was the 2nd pick of last years draft, Dustin Ackley who looks to be even more of a stud than Lopez, which makes Lopie expendable unfortunately.
I have never heard of a trade propsition of Lopez for Perkins and Casilla. I don’t know if that is something you the fans are thinking might happen or if that is a new rumor. If that where to go down, trust me it’s not you guys getting the short end of the stick there. Those guys are young, but have yet to prove ANYTHING in the bigs yet. The rumors we are hearing over in Seattle is Liriano for Lopez straight up, or possibly us throwing in a lower tier minor leaguer to complete the deal.
Anyways hope this helps.
Nice comment
First off, I agree that a Casilla + Perkins for Lopez trade would never ever happen. Hopefully Liriano for Lopez won’t either. I think Casilla if he has a good year could replicate what Lopez does,
Secondly, regardless of what some other people on here say about Punto, he’s a very good defender, although perhaps best in a role where he plays 5 times per week but at 3 different positions.
Beadlemaniacs - Award winning* college basketball blog
You know you like college hockey
Yea we have our own homer fans on our fansites. You would just about crack up with some of the trade scenrios people come up with. Once of the worst I ever saw was 4 Tier 2-3 minor leaguers to try and land AGon, CRAZY stuff.
I can understand the hesitancy for trying to trade Liriano, he does have ace type upside. I bet you guys where banking on him to returning to form when Santana left. If Lopie gets moved before spring training expect us to pry away a #3 or #4 pitcher or a RH 1B/DH who can platoon with Kotchman. More than likely a SP, ala Liriano.
I think Casilla if he has a good year could replicate what Lopez does,
I disagree, I’ve somewhat lost hope on Casilla, he definitely can be ok but he’s never going to hit 25 dingers. He’s hit 16 in his entire professional career minors and majors combined. Defensively, he’s got a shot I’ve seen him make some amazing plays it’s just he needs to get much better at making the regular defensive plays consistently. The only encouraging thing about Casilla is his minor league OBP and hoping that will eventually translate to the majors. Maybe he can do as well as he did for that stretch in 08. I just wouldn’t bank on Casilla to be our answer and would never expect him to have a season as good as Jose Lopez’s last two years.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Alexi Casilla = Luis Rivas
FACT
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Thank you Dwight
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
not power wise
don’t get me wrong I don’t think he’ll ever do that, but his bat can be in the -1 range and with enough playing time I think his glove can be a little bit better than Lopez’s, thus making him equal
Beadlemaniacs - Award winning* college basketball blog
You know you like college hockey
It would depend more on Casilla's OBP
than about anything else, IMO. If Casilla can get his OBP up above the .350 range, as we saw early on in the minors, that would probably balance out Lopez’ power advantage. But Casilla has a long way to go to improve his OBP, sporting a career .301 mark.
by Adam Peterson on Feb 1, 2010 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting note
The home/road splits has me thinking a bit more, but it makes a lot more sense if true. We could use a decent RH bat anyways, especially if Crede isn’t coming back. I wouldn’t mind sending Perkins/Casilla over for him. Most seem to think that’s too much to ask, but if he’s quite capable of putting up a .800 plus OPS and play average defense, I’m not sure what the big deal is.
No way I’d trade Liriano though, unless the Front office knows something else about him that we dont…
by diehardtwinsfan on Feb 1, 2010 9:02 AM EST up reply actions
Target Field
I am not sure about what the dimensions of your new ballpark is going to be like but I think your going to still play in the Metrodome this coming year, is that correct?
No, this is the debut year for Target Field, which will have similar dimensions to the Metrodome but should play a little longer to right field because the prevailing winds blow that way and the wall will be a couple of feet shorter than the baggie.
I do think J-Lo would be an upgrade over Punto and Casilla. And a trade could be an option in spring training. According to people knowledgeable of the situation, teams have interest in Perkins, but want to wait until spring training. My guess is the Twins are looking for a young complement to Hardy. J-Lo would be OK, but I personally would prefer The Red Sox Lowrie.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I wouldn't be opposed to taking a flyer on Lowrie.
I just haven’t read anything about him being available. Not that that means anything.
Yeah, I just don't see any room for him on their roster
Whereas, they can always use another lefty reliever, which is Perkins’ long-term role, imo.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Thanks, Mariner's fan
I root for the M’s (and A’s) against the Angels every year — go get ’em!
I can see why M’s fans would speculate about getting Liriano after his disastrous year last year. But Twins fans are all atwitter about his total domination of the Dominican winter league. He won’t be going anywhere this spring until the rumors of his return to 2006 form have been totally debunked. Apparently his slider is back.
Solid insight
I really appreciate the first hand observations of Jose Lopez. I consider him a decent, but not great trade option, but I’d frankly rather sign Orlando Hudson or Felipe Lopez to $4-5M than trade for Jose. Similar to Kouzmanoff or Beltre, I think Lopez will improve away from Safeco, and I’d accept his around league average defense.
It would depend a lot on the cost. You say Perkins + Casilla is not enough. I understand that, we Twins fans tend to overvalue our own guys. But I would in no way trade Liriano to get Jose. I’m open to trading Liriano at some point, preferably not trade low like it would be this offseason, but I’d want a Yunel Escobar foundation type in exchange for Cisco. Otherwise, I roll the dice that he can regain 2006 or 2008 form.
by Adam Peterson on Feb 1, 2010 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Twins are well set up to keep Liriano
They have good depth at starting pitching with Duensing, Swarzak, Manship, and currently Perkins so the Twins will have a solid backup plan if Liriano is 09 Liriano.
Speaking of overvaluing though, I think the Braves would have to be crazy to give us Yunel Escobar for Liriano. I can see Perkins, Casilla, and a prospect or just Perkins + a better prospect to get J-Lo. Giving them Casilla makes sense in that he has a bit of upside and can fill 2B until their 2B of the future is up, plus he would have no place on the Twins with 2 of Tolbert/Harris/Punto being on our bench.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
I agree, Braves would be crazy
wouldn’t be one on one, but any package including Liriano needs to get us a foundation player.
by Adam Peterson on Feb 1, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
Hard Effort won't cut it this year
If the twins want to stop being a playoff pushover, then they need to replace guys like Nick “I don’t hold at 3rd base and then get caught in a rundown in a critical playoff game vs the Yankees P.S. I slide headfirst into first base” Punto. Anyone is better than punto in my eye. The guy can easily go .201 again like a he did a few years ago.
by cdubs on Feb 1, 2010 10:14 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
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