Twins Trade Rumors Roundup, Thursday
I know that not much happens around this time of year, generally. Hell, it was six years between Shannon Stewart and Orlado Cabrera-Carl Pavano-Jon Rauch. But you never know, and that's why I love speculation...
- Ted Lilly has the Minnesota Twins on his no-trade list. Just like everyone else, for some bizarre reason, because apparently they don't like playing in new ballparks on a team full of young talent...but I digress. This hasn't stopped the Twins front office from not just inquiring on Lilly, but apparently pressing the issue (at least a little bit), judging from what came out yesterday afternoon.
- My offer for Ted Lilly.
- Last night, Jon Paul Morosi reported that the Twins had assigned a scout to watch Toronto's relievers. That's not just due dilligence. A scout has been assigned. Which is interesting. Obviously the two main targets here are Scott Downs and Jason Frasor. Frasor looks like he'd be easier to acquire, since the Blue Jays are currently asking for a "top prospect" in return for Downs.
- This backs up a Tom Pelissero (of ESPN Twin Cities) report from Monday that said the Twins were closing in on a deal with the Jays.
- Tim Kurkjian reported on Tuesday that the Twins had interest in Nationals' closer Matt Capps. It's been quiet on that front ever since.
- Another one from ESPN Twin Cities, this one from one of my favorites, Phil Mackey. He lists and discusses what he believes to be Minnesota's top three priorities heading into the deadline: reliever, starter, right-handed bat off the bench. He makes some compelling points, particularly about Capps and Rauch. He also lists Kevin Gregg and Javier Lopez as potential bullpen targets, both of whom I've heard little about. All I know is that I definitely don't want Gregg; I haven't looked into Lopez.
- Finally, in a sort-of-but-not-really related piece of news, it sounds like the Astros and Phillies are waiting for Roy Oswalt to approve a deal to Philadelphia.
If anything comes up during the day, you can be sure we'll be talking about it here.
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I am becoming more and more afraid of nothingness
It has been pretty easy to criticize the moves the Twins have made at the trade deadline in the past, but last year was almost a banner year. Going through the excellent recaps posted last week, it is evident that the trades they made were impactful and have also had a positive effect this season. The only thing the Twins missed on last year was another starting pitcher, which, if rumors are to be belived, they had a trade virtually locked for (it was either Ted Lilly or Rich Harden, someone please remember for me) with the Cubs before Chicago decided they still had a shot and backed out at the last second.
I feel like this year, the only thing the Twins needs to have a shot in October is a #1 or 2 type starting pitcher. While Luke In MN made some great points in his post last week, I am not convinced the Twins can win a five game series against the Yankees trotting out Pavano, Liriano and one (or two) of Baker/Dunsing/Slowey. Now, you lineup Pavano, Liriano and Lilly or Oswalt plus the best of the other three, that is a rotation I can get behind.
I know the stats say that any move the Twins make will have a 1 or 2 game impact on the standing, but if last year the Twins had won 1 more game, 163 wouldn’t have happened, and I am convinced the Twins would have given the Yankees a 5 game series to remember.
That being said, the Twins have already lost out on Lee and Haren, reports also seem to indicate they have lost out on Oswalt, leaving Ted Lilly as the best left on the market. Ted Lilly will not be a cheap aquisition, and I hope the front office doesn’t look at the past week and convince themselves they can stand pat and stil make a run in October. Beating Baltimore and KC in July is not the same thing as the Yankees and Rangers in October. Please don’t forget that.
Lilly shouldn't cost too much.
He’s not THAT great. And honestly, I’d rather pitch Baker in a three-man rotation than Lilly. Going forward, he’s the guy I have the most faith in. Where Lilly has value, to me, is at the back of the rotation as a number 5 guys with a track record who can munch innings.
Last August the Twins put a waiver claim on Rich Harden, but the Cubs pulled him back. I think that’s what you’re remembering.
Lilly isn't going to strike any fear into the Yankees or Rangers
He gives you one more mid-rotation quality guy, and then you can boot Duesning back to the bullpen which improves the bullpen. So I wouldn’t hate getting him, assuming a reasonable price tag, but I’m also not sure he’d be our 3rd-best starter if we got him.
Couldn't agree with you more Ranger Bob.
A couple of extra wins during the season could very well be the difference in just getting to the postseason. We have been in a damn playoff game 2 years in a row. While all the other teams are resting and we fighting for our lives just to get there. It screws up your pitching rotation for the postseason also. You know we would be pitching Pavano or Liriano in game 163. Pitching is our biggest need. If not a starter at least get a bullpen upgrade.
I'd be with you if we could still get Lee, Oswalt, or Haren
IDK about Lilly
I hope we don't trade a "top prospect" for a reliever
Relievers always seem so overvalued in trades.
Souhan in Chinese! : "一會兒,德爾蒙楊想與他無關的隊友。不想讓他們打他。難道不希望他們偷了他的頭盔。不希望他們成為他的Facebook的朋友。"
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jul 29, 2010 8:58 AM EDT reply actions
You're right, it doesn't seem like a move the Twins would make
I only thought about it because of the Matt Capps and Scott Downs rumors. But we always seem to value our prospects enough that it seems unlikely we’d trade anyone we value too highly for an RP.
Souhan in Chinese! : "一會兒,德爾蒙楊想與他無關的隊友。不想讓他們打他。難道不希望他們偷了他的頭盔。不希望他們成為他的Facebook的朋友。"
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jul 29, 2010 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Hear, hear
I would guess that the number of reliever acquisitions that won pennants (Rauch is literally the only one I can think of right now) is dwarfed by the number that are horribly regretted later (e.g. Heathcliff Slocumb, Larry Andersen).
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Resign punto quick!!!!!!
Mark Simon of espn just said on the baseball tonight podcast that LNP is having a similar season to Jeter.
by Coolio12 on Jul 29, 2010 8:59 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
It's just like Bert said - Chase Utley is only "Punto with power"
Souhan in Chinese! : "一會兒,德爾蒙楊想與他無關的隊友。不想讓他們打他。難道不希望他們偷了他的頭盔。不希望他們成為他的Facebook的朋友。"
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jul 29, 2010 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions
He rides unicorns anyway

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
He has two
paintings of himself as a unicorn right in his bedroom.
They don't let you own them
They must be free. But they only let free spirits ride them. And they will send any rider sliding head first into a patch of gritty dirt just for kicks.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Really?
I know Jeter has slipped a bit. But I didn’t know he had fallen below replacement level.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
He's not... and neither is Punto
According to FanGraphs, Jeter’s put up 1.7 WAR this year, with Punto at 1.6. Punto’s only about a half-win above replacement level offensively, but he’s got an 11.2 UZR, while Jeter’s at -2.5. Punto’s actually got a better WAR/game rate, as he’s played in almost 20 fewer games than Jeter and had only about 2/3 as many plate appearances.
Jeter is struggling this year at the plate, worse than I’d realized – his BA is down 20 points from his previous career low. His OBP is only nine points better than Punto’s, and he’s slugging under.400.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Punto's also put up sparkling defensive numbers at 3 different positions
He’s been a strong player this year. Let’s just hope the Twins don’t look at Jeter’s contract extension with the Yankees as a precedent for Punto :)
I know, I was just being cheeky
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
but: how much do you want to bet he still wins a gold glove?
hardy better get that one. his UZR/150 (with 25 over a. ramirez with 15) leads all shortstops – only he doesnt appear on fangraphs because he has low innings
by twinscrazy_german on Jul 29, 2010 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
"The Yankee Captain" is beginning to show his age
Wonder how long they’ll keep him at short. I get the impression that Jeter is stubborn and will remain at short until he’s 45, no matter the detriment to the team.
I can’t see Jeter playing anywhere else….1B? Not with Tex. 3B? Forget about it? DH? “The Yankee Captain” would never stoop so low.
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on Jul 29, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
The Royals also somehow pulled off a trade for Scott Podsednik yesterday.
Got a AAA catcher and a Low A RHP from the Dodgers. Good for the Royals, I guess.
Souhan in Chinese! : "一會兒,德爾蒙楊想與他無關的隊友。不想讓他們打他。難道不希望他們偷了他的頭盔。不希望他們成為他的Facebook的朋友。"
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jul 29, 2010 9:16 AM EDT reply actions
Perhaps
That’s like saying “Best Paris Hilton movie evah”
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
You can both keep pretending like you don't know what it is.
We’ll all play along.
"All I want to do is beat the hair mannequin [Anthony LaPanta] this year"-Souhan
HA!
that’s rich coming from the person who sent me the link… I’m still scrubbing my computer and brain from that email… you got some odd fetish!
who would’ve thought someone would be into Twins/White Sox porn…
You can put’em on the booooooooaaaaaaaarrrrrrrd…..YES! YES!
haha…
no, really nothing sexy about nightvision porn
It looks like the Twins won't be trading Wilson Ramos (+ other players) to the Royals for Zack Greinke or Joakim Soria now.
t-shirt
I once saw a White Sox fan after their WS win with a t-shirt that said “I’d go gay for Scotty Pods.” That guy must be very secure with his sexuality.
BTW, Scotty Pods married the Saint Pauli girl.
http://www.wagrankings.com/lisa-dergan/
She likes him because he's a slap hitter
I’m here through the weekend. Remember to tip your waitresses.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
He swings a big bat for such a small guy
rimshot
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Lilly, Gregg
Jesse’s definitely right about one thing: the last thing the Twins need is Kevin Gregg. He’s a disaster.
Maybe we’re all just being overly provincial or something, but I too am baffled whenever I see the Twins show up on anyone’s no-trade list. Let’s see: perennial playoff contender, two of the best young stars in the game (one of whom is a catcher, which makes it even more baffling that a pitcher would list us), brand-spankin’ new, universally acclaimed ballpark, thriving city, front office praised throughout the league, excellent fan base. What’s not to love? You don’t have to live here all winter, you know.
I think my personal no-trade list these days would look like: K.C., Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Houston, Florida, Arizona, Cleveland, Mets. Crappy teams/crappy towns/crappy management.
People do it for negotiating leverage sometimes
So they pick teams that actually might be interested in trading for their services. Twins are often contenders but they are also cheap (relatively speaking), so teams might be concerned that the Twins will be interested in trading for them and have no interest in extending them. The no-trade gives them leverage to negotiate an extension. Or it just means they won’t be playing baseball in MN in October. :)
Reasons for having the Twins on your no-trade
- Weather – you’ll be playing in October
- Hassle of moving again – the Twins aren’t likely to re-sign an impending free agent that they acquire, so the player knows he’ll be looking for a new employer in another few months
- American League – for pitchers, at least, this will always be a negative
- Money – similar to what dctwin mentioned below, many players who are dealt under a no-trade clause have the clause bought out, so they make some immediate money on the deal
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Perhaps Twins were on no-trade lists before the move to Target Field?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t most of these contracts have been signed well before the Twins’ move to Target Field this year? If a contract was signed 3 years ago, I wouldn’t blame them for putting the Twins on their no-trade clause – who would have wanted to play in that crappy dome!??
I’m guessing now that Target field is open complete with state of the art training facilities, a solid young core of players, and of course the Twins being one of the better run organizations in the league, there won’t be too many people putting the Twins on their no trade list.
I'm not 100% on this
but when you sign a contract with a limited no-trade clause, you are only allowed to have up to a certain number of teams on it. Teams can be added or taken off of it at any time. Again, I’m not 100% sure
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backward in a mirror" ~George Carlin
by thewild_viking_twins on Jul 29, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I think you're usually allowed to switch the list once a year
It would depend on the individual contract, though.
Any updates on Morneau?
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on Jul 29, 2010 11:02 AM EDT reply actions
Last I heard he could be back for the weekend.
But I’m sure even that will be a game-time decision. Hopefully he’s ready to go and healthy when he does come back.
FWIW
Dierkes from MLBTR thinks the Twins are one of “the most motivated buyers” at the deadline, along with the Rays and Phillies. Sounds like the Phillies have their solution lined up already…Rays and Twins going to get in on the action?
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/quiet-deadline-possible.html
I'm a little surprised....
that it seems everyone is comfortable with the current Twins bullpen. I wouldn’t sell the farm, but I think that it would make sense to at least look at a pitcher to help out in the last couple of innings. The White Sox are able to bring in basically three closers for the last 3 innings…Thornton, Putz, Jenks not to mention Santos and Linebrink. (OK I mentioned them). The Twins are making a 9 inning game go 9 innings. The White Sox just want a lead after 6. Seems like a place we could use some help.
+1
I agree that the bullpen should get a tweak or two. And maybe the Waldrop internal upgrade?
If Slama fails and they don't get Capps or Downs
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
September Call-up
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backward in a mirror" ~George Carlin
by thewild_viking_twins on Jul 29, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah...
As far as I can tell, Jenks is the closer because he’s a big guy who has ridiculous facial hair.
For kicks, though, I looked up his FIP/xFIP on FanGraphs, and he’s actually getting his butt kicked by BABIP (.401!) – his FIP and xFIP are both under 3, despite his near-5 ERA. I’m not sure how unlucky he’s been, though. His ground ball rate is great, and his fly ball rate is ridiculously low, but according to their batted ball data, he hasn’t forced a single infield popup, and his opponents’ line drive rate is the same as Joe Mauer’s. It seems to me like he’s doing a good job keeping the ball down, but it’s getting hit really hard.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
You should light his face on fire instead
That bale of straw on his chin is probably pretty flammable.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
I Don't Want Jenks
I was trying to point out the depth of their bullpen, and, that I think Twins could use another arm. Hopefully one that could strike somebody out once in a while.
Don’t want goatface.
Just say "No" to Goatboy!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
Minnesota Twins 2010: GAME 163 OR BUST!!!
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 29, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Does Bill Smith wait until after August 1st again?
…and is there another Carl Pavano out there who will be a free agent? Maybe there is someone they can pick up for Perkins or Swarzak. Then again, maybe it is time to bring Perkins back up and he could be our go to guy for the last eight weeks.
Perk could be our lightning in a bottle?
I’d love it. I don’t see it happening, but it’d be awesome if it did.
He started out with 3 great starts last year:
VS Sea: 8 IP, 4 K, 2 BB, 5 H, 1 R
VS Tor: 8 IP, 4 K, 1 BB, 7 H, 2 R
VS Laa: 8 IP, 4 K, 1 BB, 4 H, 1 R
But it pretty much ended there.
Perkins
If he comes up anytime before September, he guarantees an arbitration salary of at least $750-800,000 for the next season, and the Twins would have to keep him on the major league roster or lose him fer sure.
Does a September call-up count towards major league time?
Frankly, I could see the Twins keeping him off the major league roster period this season.
Remember, the Twins cal still call up Manship, Swarzak, Burnett, Neshek. They could take a September looksee at Delaney, even Van Mil if he remains healthy. What would prevent them from bring in Guerra to work some September bullpen innings?
Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!
I think he'll do something before and after
I think the Twins will be very active. I wouldn’t be surprised if they get both a veteran reliever (Capps?) and a right-handed bench bat (Wiggington?).
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
who goes?
we don’t have room to carry all of Repko, Valencia, Casilla as it is when everyone’s healthy. Casilla and Repko would have to go through waivers and Valencia has been too good to send down.
by Jon Kammerer on Jul 29, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha...I'd keep Punto on the DL.
Seriously, if this happened, I’d try passing Casilla through waivers.
Wait......
Wasn’t part of the deal calling up Repko was to keep him from going elsewhere. Most minor league vets have that opt-out in their contracts if not called up to the bigs soemtime during the season.
Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!
Repko didn't
They called him up because he can play CF and pinch-run. And is right-handed.
Wise move
To recall Repko. He has some defensive skills, speed and has so far hit a little bit. I would hope that when a couple more guys are on the team that they would be free to use him as a defensive replacement late in games. Delmon, Kubel and Cuddyer are suspect on the corners.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Jul 29, 2010 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
He had a clause in his contract
Promote me by July 1 or I walk. It’s common for guys with major league experience.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I have a feeling Casilla is playing for a starting job...
…at second base next year. I don’t see them resigning Hudson. Do they bring Punto back? Even if they do, there will be another player in the hunt for the second base job and right now Casilla is the leading candidate in the organizaiton.
Working hard with Cubs on something (who could it be other than Lilly?)
From a #Cubs contact: Smith/Antony continuing talks w/ Hendry/Randy Bush. #Twins are working hard to make a move.
Can we still get Milton Bradley?
What you just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your entire rambling incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
by Percy Harvin My Fav! on Jul 29, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Good point
I like him as a cheap(er) alternative to Lilly.
Aramis Ramirez?
Trade high on Valencia!? (that’s wild and unconsidered speculation btw)
left-handed reliever
id maybe make a move for a left-handed reliever with only mahay and mijares available right now since duensing is in the rotation.
check out http://www.twinsbaseballlove.blogspot.com/ for more twins talk!
by MNTicketKingIntern on Jul 29, 2010 2:54 PM EDT reply actions
Twins on Lilly's no-trade list too.
Apparently, we are the brown M&Ms of baseball contract riders.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
Minnesota Twins 2010: GAME 163 OR BUST!!!
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 29, 2010 3:33 PM EDT reply actions
The Oswalt Trade
So they included 11 million and Oswalt is upped to a full 2 million buy out for 2012.
He’s owed roughly 5 million this year and 15 next and 2 in 2012 for the buyout if the Phils choose to do so.
so really they’re only paying him 11 million for this year an next. I think the Twins could have fit that in if they had wanted to.
Who would we have had to trade though? The Phils gave up J.A. Happ, Jonathan Villar, and Anthony Gose
Happ is a lefty starter who did very well last year, I assume he’s had injury problems this year as he’s only pitched about 50 innings between the minors and majors. He did however hold it down with a sub 3.00 ERA last year. Would Slowey be our closest equivalent? A guy who showed tons of promise but has had injury issues at times and may still be recovering from his most recent injury.
Villar is a SS prospect in A ball at age 19 and appears to be holding his own but not doing anything overwhelming. Gose is similar only playing CF.
I don’t see any of those guys being too hard to match. If we had gotten Oswalt letting go one of our current starters would be fine and the Twins could’ve possibly even afforded to pick up Oswalts 2012 option with Nathan, Cuddy, and Kubel all coming off the books that year.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Something like Duensing, Morales, Benson would be close
by Jon Kammerer on Jul 29, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I must be over-prone to see upside in prospects and downsides in veterans,
because that just seems like an insane amount to give up for Oswalt.
I'm assuming this is a typo....
….but Rosenthal says Lee blocked a trade to the Twins, but Lilly wouldn’t necessarily be opposed. It has to be a typo, because otherwise it would make zero sense.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/MLB-latest-news-from-July-070110
I hope he meant to say Angels
and that Morneau will be fine.
by NYCisTwinsTerritory on Jul 29, 2010 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions
getting a 1B makes no sense to me
even if morneau would be out longer than expected, we fill that hole pretty well with cuddy
by twinscrazy_german on Jul 29, 2010 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
That doesnt make sense to me either
Why would derek lee refuse a trade to the angels? They have some good players and a more “better” climate. Maybe he drives a vehicle with aftermarket exhaust or needs to conceal carry…
Saw his comments re: rejecting trade to the Angels
Said he likes Chicago, thinks it is better for his family to stay put, yada yada yada. And to be fair, the Angels aren’t exactly a post-season lock this year, either.
His Daughter?
It’s been said he has a daughter with some health issues. Could be a part of the decision.
Tigers Fan
Since our season is over, will your team please pass the White Sox?
Regards,
Tigers Fan
We'd love to!
Our pleasure. Do Tigers fans hate them as much as we do? I’d pick the Tigers to win over the Sox 10 times out of 10.
As lifelong Twins fan I've never hated the Tigers
In fact, Jim Leyland is my favorite manager.
Your season IS finished though.
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on Jul 29, 2010 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
JjimLeyland during the whole Lebron shenanigans said “I could care less where he goes, I’m more concerned about where Shaq goes” with a straight face
oh yeah
The White Sox are my most hated team out of any sport – most probably dont feel that strongly but majority of Tigers fans hate the sox. Their announcers make me hate the team even more.
We really don't care
"it’s over, tdogg.
no. it’s not unlike me. when i make an unqualified statement, it means i’m sure i’m right" Larry
you troll the Twins site to tell a Tiger fan you don't care?
No wonder everyone hates the Sox
by NYCisTwinsTerritory on Jul 29, 2010 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I troll to get Twin insight
I responded to the Tiger fan
"it’s over, tdogg.
no. it’s not unlike me. when i make an unqualified statement, it means i’m sure i’m right" Larry
And we dont care if everyone hates us
its fun.
"it’s over, tdogg.
no. it’s not unlike me. when i make an unqualified statement, it means i’m sure i’m right" Larry
It's actually pretty fun for us, too.
Win-win.
"All I want to do is beat the hair mannequin [Anthony LaPanta] this year"-Souhan
And yet you feel the need to comment? ;)
Should be another good race though. If the division is won by more than 4 games I’d be surprised.
So...Lance Berkman to the Twins?
I kid, I kid! But, man, I’m itching to get in on the trade action. It is such a good thing that I am not a GM. I would have given up half of our farm system already just for the adrenaline rush.
Ummmm...
Ramos was removed from the game and Twins are in heavy talks with Capps. Unless this is for someone else, I think this is a mistake.
Baseball reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.-Terence Mann/James Earl Jones in FoD
well..not with Capps, but you get what I mean.
Baseball reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.-Terence Mann/James Earl Jones in FoD
No way would they do Ramos for Capps.
…right?!
"All I want to do is beat the hair mannequin [Anthony LaPanta] this year"-Souhan
I seriously hope not. I'm extremely nervous right now.
Baseball reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.-Terence Mann/James Earl Jones in FoD
Yeah, it's semi-being reported in a lot of places
Some are just saying from “good sources,” but no one has said official yet. I did hear about the Sox broadcast too.
Baseball reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.-Terence Mann/James Earl Jones in FoD
WTF?!!
That’s my reaction. I know ramos is overvalued by the twins. But really??!! For a reliever? We miss out on lee, haren AND oswalt and we flip our best trade piece for a F*****g reliever? While capps is all fine and good, our bullpen isn’t our biggest problem. We NEED a starter. A 2nd tier closer isn’t going to help us win the division abd especially not in the playoffs.
by d-mac on Jul 29, 2010 10:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And why would the nationals need a catcher?
Don’t they have some good catching prospects already? And didn’t they just draft that Bryce Harper kid?
by d-mac on Jul 29, 2010 10:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Harper
Is apparently changing positions, to avoid wear and tear, lengthen career, etc …. That’s the talk out here in DC anyway ….
Maroon and Gold Headquarters: The Daily Gopher
Yeah, he's going to RF
They don’t want the catcher wear and tear on him at all.
Baseball reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.-Terence Mann/James Earl Jones in FoD
Apparently
Bill Smith apparently believes in giving away from a position of strength.
Maroon and Gold Headquarters: The Daily Gopher
That can't be it
There has to be a PTBNL or something along with Capps.
Doesn't seem that way yet
but the whole deal is supposedly going to be explained in full tomorrow. There has to be another piece. Ugh.
"All I want to do is beat the hair mannequin [Anthony LaPanta] this year"-Souhan
i think the other part of it was "hey, bend over."
Baseball reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.-Terence Mann/James Earl Jones in FoD
.... And Joe testa?!
Double fail. This is pathetic.
by d-mac on Jul 29, 2010 10:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wow.
That is a wonderfully typical blog over reaction.
Absolutely
We traded a 23 yo catcher with an OPS under 650 this year for an all-star reliever who is relatively cheap, under team control for next year, and has had an ERA+ over 140 3 out of the last 4 years.
Fire PJS!
I have no problem with this trade
A .240 AAA catcher for a 26 year old all star closer?
Rauch is on the brink of an epic implosion and there are no guarantees that Nathan will ever return.
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on Jul 29, 2010 10:43 PM EDT reply actions
Capps is a second tier closer .... For a elite catching prospect?
We also, btw, have on of the leagues best bullpens. We trade our best asset for a run of the mill closer?
Maroon and Gold Headquarters: The Daily Gopher
Not overreacing
In the offseason, Ramos was worth way more than Capps. But:
- Capps has had a career year
- Joe Nathan got hurt in spring training and is out for the year
- Jon Rauch did yeoman’s service as his replacement of most of the first half but is seriously flagging
- The Twins are at least one reliever short in the bullpen
- Capps makes the whole bullpen better, not just the closer role
- Ramos has had an up-and-down year following an inconsistent career
This is a good trade for both teams. The Twins are short in the bullpen. Capps is the best arm available. And Ramos is no sure thing. But, if Ramos fulfills his promise, the Nationals will get more value out of this trade. That is as it should be.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
by cmathewson on Jul 29, 2010 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
How much did the 2nd best arm available cost?
I think that’s the problem. They got Rauch for a middling prospect, it seems like a huge overpay in comparison.
The Rauch deal was a steal
As was the Pavano deal. That should not be typical. Typically, teams overpay on value because of immediate need. This is a more typical deal.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
What was the 2nd best offer for Capps?
Who were they outbidding?

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