Welcome to Twins Arbitration Thursday

by Jesse on Dec 2, 2010 7:57 AM EST in News

Just a brief run-down so we all know where we're at.

Definite Non-Tender

Clay Condrey: Picked up prior to the 2010 season in order to bring some veteran help to the bullpen. Turns out he'd be hurt all year, and turns out we didn't miss him. The biggets shock that could happen today would be for Condrey to have a contract offered to him.

Ton-Tender Candidates

Pat Neshek: I love Neshek. But we all know about the communication issues, and he wasn't quite ready to contribute this year. With another full winter under his belt I'm positive that he could come back and contribute in a big way to the Twins bullpen next summer, but does the front office agree?

Glen Perkins: The issues around Perkins go back to 2009, because unless I've forgotten something I think he just kept his head down and did his job this year. Still, he'll be due a raise, and unless the Twins like him as a long reilever or a spot starter I'm not sure how he fits in. Of course I'm wrong quite frequently, and if I had to make a call I'd actually say he'll be tendered. It's just me that doesn't know how he fits.

There's No Reason to Not Tender Candidates

Francisco Liriano: He'll be tendered a contract, hopefully as a pre-cursor to a multi-year deal. Because the closer this guy gets to free agency, the closer he is to kissing the Twin Cities aloha.

Delmon Young: DH-playing-outfield had his best offensive season to date, and as a right-handed bat with potential we need him in the lineup.

Alexi Casilla: This will be his first arbitration year, and because of his play he's not going to get such a big raise that he'd be worth considering as a non-tender. Major League experience and some tools, that's just find for a backup infielder.

Kevin Slowey: I think a lot of people will peg Slowey for a better year in 2011. With Pavano on his way out and no attractive free agent starters available (see: affordable/good investments), it's best to keep everyone on board.

Locks for Tender

Matt Capps: Because Bill Smith said so.

J.J. Hardy: Because he's too good to non-tender, and right now there are a lot of teams (San Francisco, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Baltimore) are searching for a shortstop. I want Hardy in a Twins uniform next year, and I think most fans do. But if someone bowls over the front office with an offer, you have to listen.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

liriano, young and slowey

should be under the locks section, hardy should be under no reason not to. Hardy’s the one we’re so uncertain of, even though he should be under locked

by Cody_3_twins on Dec 2, 2010 11:13 AM EST reply actions

Probably right on Lizzy, Demon and K-Slo.

But Hardy is a lock. It’s what happens after he’s tendered that’s up in the air.

by Jesse on Dec 2, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

uh that's true

scary thought…

by Cody_3_twins on Dec 3, 2010 2:17 AM EST up reply actions

Condrey

I wrote today that I don’t know why Condrey is such a lock to be non-tendered. Yes, he was hurt last year and didn’t pitch at all, but that doesn’t mean that signing him at $900,000 wasn’t a good idea, or that signing a good, veteran, ground ball pitcher with playoff and World Series experience to a $750,000 or so contract is a bad idea. Twins may need all the bullpen help that they can get.

by SethSpeaks on Dec 2, 2010 11:58 AM EST reply actions

Maybe.

I agree that signing him wasn’t a bad idea, but this kind of thing can sour a team on a player. It’s like hiring a guy to do a job and then he’s sick for the first month and can’t come in. Not his fault, but you’re probably going to find someone else to do the job.

If the Twins want a warm body, sure, they could go with him just as easily as they could go with anyone else. But if they want Condrey back I doubt it will be through arbitration. They’ll non-tender him and sign him to a minor league deal or small contact if they’re really wanting him back.

by Jesse on Dec 2, 2010 12:03 PM EST up reply actions