Twins 2012 Fifth Starter - Who Ya Got?
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 8:00 AM EST
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PrintRegardless of your political persuasion, one could probably be forgiven if they felt like the remaining competitors among free agent starters mirror the Republican field for president in 2012. Not exactly awe-inspiring, but maybe a sleeper in there that could get the job done until a more viable contender comes along.
So grab a cup of joe and open up those peepers as we take an early-morning peek at some of those options, and handicap the fifth starter’s role a bit (percentages completely arbitrary and off the top of my head).
Pineiro would appear to be the quintessential Twins pitcher. He doesn’t fan a ton of batters (5.4 K/9 career mark), rolls his fair share of wormburners (49.2 percent), and should come at a relatively low price.The problem with Pineiro likely stems from why he’s likely not to command too much money; he missed time early last season with shoulder issues, and didn’t really get on track when he was healthy. Pineiro’s K/9 rate tumbled to a sub-Pavanian 3.8 mark, and his 5.13 ERA was more than a full run worse than either of his previous two marks. It’s probably not unfair to ask if Pineiro, who is entering his age-33 season, will ever see better days. Still, on a one-year, relatively-cheap deal, he could be worth the risk. His BABIP was .324 last season (.298 career), and his 4.38 xFIP doesn’t look all that bad at the end of a rotation. Ideally, he could fill the role of Carl Pavano more cheaply, but even that seems too risky. (Chances: 35 percent)
When it comes down to philosophy, there’s what Jackson does, what the Twins preach, and a gap the size of Springfield gorge in between. Jackson has alternated hot and cold more often than a female 40-something ever since making his debut as a fresh-faced 19-year-old in 2003. In that time, Jackson has posted the following seasonal whiff rates: 7.8 (2x), 7.2, 6.8, 6.7 (2x), 5.8, 5.3, and 4.1. Similarly, he’s posted the following walk rates: 6.2, 5.3, 4.9, 4.5, 4.0, 3.8, 3.4, 2.9, and 2.8. Those whiff rates are troubling for a hurler who AVERAGES 94.2 miles-per-hour on his heater -- and the walk rates are troubling for, well, anyone. Add to it a terrific power slider, a passable curveball, and a show-me changeup, and it’s hard to see how he isn’t much closer to fanning a guy an inning. Face it, the Twins have a left-handed version already in tow, so they’re not going to spend the going rate on a Liriano clone. (Chances: <5 percent)
Roy Oswalt
Oswalt is by far the most established starter left on the market, and if this conversation were taking place a year ago, he’d have set the market rather than waited for it. Unfortunately, Oswalt’s free agent foray takes place on the heels of a season in which he only tossed 139 innings, only fanned 6 batters per nine, and posted the second-worst xFIP of his storied 11-season career. Entering his age-34 season, is Oswalt the same pitcher he was just last year in Houston? Probably not. But he’s still likely to be able to post a sub-4.00 ERA -- at least if he stays in the National League -- and should be able to make good on a one-year deal, which recent reports suggest he’s willing to sign. Of course, this is probably with the notion of rebuilding value. This is definitely a wise move for Oswalt and agent Barry Meister, because Roy will still only be 35 at the end of next season, and could still effectively cash in on a moderately long deal to wind down his under-the-radar career. (Chances: 15 percent)
Predictably, some of the first interest that sprung up in Mr. Francis was by your local nine. Indeed, the Twins have shown some interest in the glacier-balling lefty, and it should come as no surprise. Francis, who at one time was a hot-shot Rockies prospect with an 88-mile-per-hour heater, has fallen on a bit of hard times. For one, he played for the Royals last season, and all he had to show for it was a 6-16 record, 4.82 ERA, and career-low 4.5 K/9. It’s probably fair to blame it on his
Jon Garland
Ahh yes, the face that launched a thousand barbs. I had an infamous message board battle with another fellow over Mr. Garland. The opposing fellow argued with me over my choice of free agent rotation candidates, and simply stated that Garland would be better for the Twins than the guy I favored. To my opponent’s favor, Garland went on to superficially succeed in San Diego -- what starter doesn’t -- while my guy’s season was marred with injuries and inconsistency. Injuries and inconsistency only ‘dodged’ Garland for that season, however, as he missed much of 2011 with the Dodgers due to a rotator cuff injury that can be all sorts of debilitating to pitchers of any ilk, let alone a groundballer like Garland. Nonetheless Garland, when healthy, is your run-of-the-mill 45 percent groundballer who typically FIPs in the 4.50s and will win double-digits worth of games by virtue of his durability (nine-straight 190-plus IP campaigns before 2011). One, does this sound like someone else you know -- See: Blackburn, N -- and two, if he’s not guaranteed that glorious durability, is that really someone you want to have around? I’ll give Garland this: Target Field can play a lot like Petco, and that should mean that he could be sneaky good in such a ballpark. However, I just think there are plenty better options to consider. He may not even be ready for spring training, anyway. (Chances: 10 percent)
Rich Harden
Harden was the second guy in the Garland controversy. I’ve long been a Harden fan -- what can I say, I love me some strikeouts -- and I’ve always thought he could be had for a reasonable deal because his durability tends to scare away more suitors than it attracts. Sure, Harden has taken his lumps over the past three seasons (4.79 ERA, 1.46 WHIP), but he’s also fanned 9.6 per nine over that time frame, and would give the Twins a different look on the right-handed side. Let’s face it: He’s a much cheaper version of Jackson. On a one-year, incentive-based deal, he’d make a ton of sense as a guy whose contract wouldn’t be prohibitive if a move to the bullpen was necessitated. Again, I’ve debated at length that this is the best thing for him, because if he’s likely to only toss 90-100 innings, why not have them be the innings of your choosing rather than 20 five-inning starts? Nonetheless, I’m not holding out hope, but I still would think the Twins would do well to add a fireballer of Harden’s ilk. (Chances: 30 percent)
The rest of ‘em (ranked by IP in 2011): Javier Vazquez*, Brad Penny, Paul Maholm, Jason Marquis, and Zach Duke.
*Unofficially retired
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Oswald, harden, Jackson
In that order And none of the others. We need help in the front of the rotation.
...
I’d probably tend to agree. I think Harden is the only one who really fits the budget, which is OK because he’s also a good buy-low candidate with a higher ceiling than a lot of the guys.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
Make a trade...
We would be better off addressing our pitching needs for multiple years versus just a one year rental. If we could trade for a #2 type picture with Houston for either Brett Myers or Wandy Rodriguez. Give some prospects like Joe Benson, Alex Burnett and a picture like Jacobsen who we got from Baltimore.
by Iowatwinswin on Dec 21, 2011 9:12 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
you think myers or wandy...
is a #2 pitcher in the AL though?
I’d take either, but I think they’re more #3’s in the varsity league.
I agree with your general premise though; this staff has ONE established good starter (Baker) under team control for 2013; we need guys for a longer term. We need to be extending Liriano now and signing a guy like Jackson.
Myers
Isn’t Myers a reliever now? For Wandy, it wouldn’t take that much.
And you can’t trade Joe Benson in a deal like that. He’s the only OF prospect who is close to ready, projects as an every day guy, and can help much this year. He’s going to be super good.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
Hey Spend some freakin money
Oswaldt AND Maholm and send Blakburn to the pen / AAA.
Twins lost three long term players and they need a splash. Oswaldt would make the fanbase excited and Maholm has passable
Year three of a new stadium is not the year to sladh payroll.
by clutterheart on Dec 21, 2011 9:19 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Maholm
On board with Oswalt but Maholm just doesn’t inspire much confidence. Another guile guy with little stuff. Twins have too many of those already.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yeah but they drafted him once, long ago out of H.S. but elected to go to college.
ALSO he’s a nice #4-#3 type of starter and is every bit as good as Duensing was in 2009 , and early 2010. (if not better altogether)
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Dec 22, 2011 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
Iwakuma?
How about the Jaoanese starter they bid on last year that the As couldn’t sign? I think there is something to be said for getting a second Japanese player, might help Nishi, who could provide at least SOME value over the next two years.
Here is my rotation options ranking:
1-Liriano
2-Baker
3-Oswalt
4-Harden
5-Pavano
6-Hendriks
7-Iwakuma
8-Maholm/Saunders/Francis
9-Blackburn
by AM. on Dec 21, 2011 9:21 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Iwakuma...
supposedly has had some major injury question marks this year and a major dip in velocity; I think it’s the main reason you haven’t seen much action on him yet.
Iwakuma
If everything were to fall through and he could get a “show-me” type deal (like maybe Colby Lewis got in Texas), I’d probably be amenable to that.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
Here's mine
I’ll leave out Baker, Liriano and Pavano since they’re clearly in the rotation
Edwin Jackson (pipe dream)
Oswalt (Bedard would have slotted here also)
Harden
Saunders/Maholm
Javier Vazquez
Iwakuma
Blackburn
Hendriks (He’s the 6th starter)
Francis
Swarzak
I think the bargain bin is going to be full of relievers this year.
I would put Blackburn at the bottom of the list
He is done. If his elbow makes it through spring training, I’ll be surprised.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
+1 on Blackburn being done...
as for the list, I’d put Vazquez actually #2 (right behind Jackson) and maybe even above him, but that may be a pipedream as well.
and no offense...
but you’re an idiot.
see, did you take offense to that?
i'm not sure what i've said that's a "pipedream"...
sign Jackson? the twins have supposedly been IN on him. all i’ve said is that they should seriously look at him; he’s the best guy left on this market.
should re-sign kubel or sign lee or beltran? don’t see what’s “pipedream” about any of that.
+1 + +1 = +2
My list is short… Vazquez (1) and Jackson (1). This discussion is built for pipedreaming so I say sign one of these AND swing a trade for Wandy Rodriguez.
Vazquez
I love the idea of picking up Vazquez. Can you say most underrated Hall of Famer of all-time? Love that guy.
by originaltwinsfan on Dec 21, 2011 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
My memory of him does not match his numbers
I remember him (with fondness) in a White Sox uniform, when he just couldn’t get out of the sixth inning to save his life.
But he’s done great in the NL. His numbers are the best of any free agent pitcher besides Oswalt. They both have question marks about whether their stuff translates to the AL. But we know Vazquez is a work horse. With our bullpen, that’s what we need the most, imo.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Javier Vazquez
You may or may not be surprised to know that he is #1 on the active strikeout list. And amazingly, he is only 34. And he has 380 more strikeouts than #2 on the active list, the 44 year old Tim Wakefield. These are some amazing numbers. Man, I hope he doesn’t retire. He should have plenty left in the tank. Think of what a legacy he can leave behind if he pitches until he’s 40? One of the greats of all-time.
by originaltwinsfan on Dec 22, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah why we dumped Slowey and not Blackburn bothers me to no end
Damn Jim Souhan
Get a Clue.
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Dec 22, 2011 12:58 AM EST up reply actions
We dumped Slowey because we could
Blackburn’s contract makes him undumpable. So he will go into spring training penciled in as the fifth starter (assuming an acquisition), blow out his elbow a week before the end of spring training, and give way to Swarzak, who will give way to Hendriks in the middle of the year.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wish for anybody to get injured. I just know that his elbow is hanging by a thread after the medical staff refused to remove bone chips and let him pitch with them for a year, slowly fraying the ligament until he just couldn’t throw a slider anymore because it hurt too bad. Characteristically, they’ve been having him rehab. But he’s one sharp slider away from a total tear. Those things tend to happen in spring training, when the arm isn’t in midseason form yet.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Sounds like they need to get 2 starting pitchers this offseason then
A rotation with Duensing and Swarzak will not be very good.
Yes
Marquis and ….?
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Probably not
But I’m not as down on Swarzak as you are. He held his own last year despite not missing many bats.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Wold losing Blackburn
To injury be a positive or negative?
by AM. on Dec 22, 2011 1:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If Blackburn is hurt he's useless and needs to be replaced
When healthy Blackburn can hold his own as the last guy in the rotation.
Maholm > Marquis
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Dec 22, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
He has pitched hurt the last two years...
…doing more damage to the team than he has benefited the team in the process. But his contract keeps him on the mound. For his sake and for the team’s the best thing is to acknowledge his injury and get it fixed imho. But this medical staff will only cut a guy if he has a total tear, unless, like Gibson, he gets a second opinion.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
sp
How bout Oswalt for the rotation and Harden for the pen. If Harden really wants to cash in on his career at this point, he should pull an Eckersly and go to the pen and dominate there.
Though my bet is a trade for Brett Myers and cash. Houston wants prospects and payroll relief. we have several OF prospects which houston traded their 2 best OF’s last year. We match up too well for this not to happen. It all depends on how Myers pitches at spring training I am guessing.
Doofenschmirtz Evil, INC.
Phineas and Ferb
Not happening.
It’s a nice theory, but you have to look at logistics. Harden isn’t the type of guy who’ll just bend over and go to the pen. No matter how banged up he is, he has a starter’s mentality. Our bullpen needs work, but I’d rather see Oswalt and Harden in the rotation with Blackburn and Duensing in the bullpen than Harden in the pen and one of the others throwing four innings a game.
Either makes sense
If Harden’s agent was smart, he’d say “hey, look at what Papelbon has done.” Gone are the days where the pen sort of sucks to move to. Now you see relievers like Brandon Lyon making big bucks.
All you really have to do is have one good season — looking at you, J. Benoit — and if you’re out of your pre-arb years, you can strike it Rich (pun intended).
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
Would rather have Wandy Rodriguez
A trade of Blackburn and a couple lesser prospects (Kepler? Gutierrez?) for Wandy Rodriguez would be a terrific fit. Rodriguez is a solid #2/3 guy in the American League.
Wandy
I think can be had for even less than that. Maybe a pair of B/C prospects if you take on the whole contract.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
They're asking a lot right now
I think the asking price will go down as we get into February. The Astros have made it clear they want more than just a salary dump.
FRANCIS
I can’t think of Jeff Francis without saying “Francith” like Pee Wee Herman from his big movie, BTW.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 9:50 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Francis makes some sense
He’ll be 31 next year and can eat some innings. Doesn’t walk many and doesn’t give up home runs. Assuming one more year back from injury, he could really help the pen by throwing 200 or so innings. Seems like a typical Ryan signing.
Problem
I worry a lot about that decline in velocity. That’s a thing to consider though, because if he’s likely to gain any velocity, there’s a good chance he’s learned a lot about pitching to get by with a sub 85 MPH heater.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks
Sometimes the blind squirrel finds a nut, and that was definitely me on that one.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Based on my previous conjectures about the Twins FO and players names starting with "J"
We have Joel Pineiro, Jeff Francis, Jon Garland, perhaps Edwin Jackson but really I think they pull off a trade for Jair Jurrjens. THREE J’s in the name!
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
It's really a shame...
That Jose Mijares and Jason Kubel are no longer around…
NOT ENOUGH J NAMES!
by spanspanspan on Dec 21, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
But with the addition of J. Marquis...
They’ve brought the number of players with initials J.M. back up.
I guess I have to like that signing, then.
by spanspanspan on Dec 22, 2011 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
I esspecially hated the JJ trade
That was like losing two Js at once.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Adding any of these guys is like the "Jump to Conclusions Map"
Samir said it best, “Yes, this is horrible, this idea.”
The reason any of these guys are still available is they all have giant question marks.
Edwin Jackson would be a nightmare ~ he is like Pavano without any control.
We have 3 Jeff Francis’ in this organization already (Duensing, Maloney, Diamond).
Harden? Remember, tick, tick, tick? Arm explodes.
Pinero=finished (don’t hold me to that, but come on… )
Garland~If you can find WS Champion, 2005 Garland I am on board… otherwise, pass.
Oswalt would be great but he is only going to go to a contender on a 1 year deal which eliminates the Twins.
We are stuck with what we have. Hopefully they all have great years and we look back at ourselves with our panicked faces and laugh.
twitter@al_damlo
True
More or less this is true. But unless one is confident in Liam Hendriks — and I like him more than most — it’s likely the Twins will look to the outside here.
I’d almost rather nab Coco Crisp.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Not sure what you think about this...
But if the Twins actually had a game plan for this season it looks like they were really, really counting on Kyle Gibson being in the middle of this rotation.
That may be a giant leap to think that Billy Smith had some sort of game plan but when a list like this gets put out there it sure looks like a plan b (or c or d) to me.
twitter@al_damlo
I have no doubt that they planned on Gibson in 2012
But, injuries happen. That’s why you need plan b and c.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Bill Smith was just awful at Plan B and C
Joe Mauer has offseason surgery – let’s carry Drew Butera as our only healthy catcher!
Casilla and Nishioka as our starting infield – Matt Tolbert is our only other option!
Joe Nathan is coming off surgery – overpay Matt Capps!
This
Right after the trade, he actually said he would not have done the Capps trade as a rent-a-player. Plan A was to tender him a contract and pay him $7 million as a back-up closer.
If he had only trusted his first instinct and not done that deal, we probably would not have won the division in 2010, but we would certainly not have lost 99 games in 2011. Not having Capps and having Ramos, Hardy, and Crain would have made the team respectable anyway. Oh well…
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Hmm.
We would have had Ramos but Hardy was sure to go. I think the Twins saw him injured again and never thought he’d fully recover let alone hit 30 bombs in a season.
In hind-sight having Ramos when Mauer went down would have been great but we still would have lost Crain and Guerrier (we didn’t want to hand out 3 year contracts) not to mention Crain wanted a chance to close and he knew that wasn’t going to happen with Nathan/Capps around.
In honesty, had we not signed Capps and given Crain closing duties… we probably would be in better shape. :(
That's what I'm suggesting
Not sure on Hardy. They seemed against him for no good reason (other than the field staff wanting more speed). But part of that was budget-related. That $7 million contract for Capps gave us almost no flexibility.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Nick's Twins blog
suggested trying to trade for LHP Jon Neise of the Mets. Interesting idea – he’s entering his arbitration years so starting to get expensive. His bWAR, ERA+, whip etc were horrible in the NL – his babip is something like .337 for his career, but fWAR and FIP think highly of him. Fastball averages 90 but he throws a lot of offspeed stuff with it. Gets lots of groundballs. Will be 26 next season.
Interesting...
I read an article by Steve Adams that said that the Mets would have to be blown away by an offer to include Niese in any trade… not a good sign. Especially for a guy that doesn’t blow me away when I watch him. Nice pitcher, would do very well here, just too big of pricetag it sounds like.
twitter@al_damlo
Mets
Wonder if they’d be enticed by a package of Carlos Go….Philip Hu….Deolis Gu…..Kevin Mu…..
DOH’K
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
Better Options
They’d probably be more interested in Lester, Crisp, and Lowrie or maybe Ellsbury, Masterson, and Lowrie.
Oh what could have been…
Two positives
Two things going for an Oswalt signing…Twins clearly have a rotation spot to offer, and coming to TF would be good for an “reestablish his value” contract.
by AM. on Dec 21, 2011 12:32 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I hope he does consider us.
Also, Gardy is ultra-protective of his starters going too long (probably to a fault) so Oswalt wouldn’t be overworked…
TF would give him a very friendly park for sure.
I just don’t think we are anywhere near being on his short list.
twitter@al_damlo
Hard to say
…this team is closer to being good than I think a lot of pundits will give credit for. I don’t know what the perception is league-wide among agents and players — though based on Cuddyer and Kubel, I have a pretty good idea — but this should be a pretty good Twins team that has a lot to offer a guy like Oswalt.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
Cuddy left for more money
Kubel left for a better park. Target Field is particularly ill suited to his swing.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
6 of one, 1/2 dozen....
Kubes certainly had to figure money in. Twins probably wisely only offered him something like 2/10-12.
Thanks for reading.
by brandonwarne52 on Dec 21, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
Javier Vazquez*
I am curious as to just how “retired” he is. This guy had a great July, August, and September. He gave up a total of three runs in his last 6 starts while averaging more than 7 innings per. Why retire now?
Roy - freaking - Oswalt
We should hire him for a year as a stop gap for 2013 when guys like Scott Diamond, Kyle Gibson and Liam Hendriks will be “better” and more suited for the Majors.
There’s really only upside for both sides.
We are only on the hook for a year at 8 or 9 mil (which is a lot) BUT we get an excellent pitcher.
Oswalt would surely look awesome at Target Field given how pitcher friendly it is (to this point) and how great our defense can potentially be. And after the season is over he’s upped his stock.
And we get 2 draft picks?
Plus I would think playing with Mauer and Morneau is a draw. In fact Harden, a fellow Canuck, should come play on a team with Justin.
Roy and Rich would need to change their names to John and James, though.
Come to think of it, Bill Smith must have been fired for getting rid of JJ. Now that was a good J name!
by AM. on Dec 21, 2011 3:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
OT but not really worthy of a fanpost
SSS stays on the dark side of the Force, let’s the hate flow through them. A story about the state of the Twins/Sox rivalry really gets the comments going over there. My favorite:
I hate EVERYTHING about the state of MinnesotaI was going to reply, “Geez, I miss Nick Punto” but I was afraid they would see it as a trolling attempt.
I hate the Viqueens, the Wild, but most importantly I hate the Twins. In fact, I hate them more than anything in sports. I hate Justin Morneau for being Canadian, and for the infamous "Anyone but Chicago comment." I hate him more than any athlete on the planet. I hate Joe Mauer’s sideburns. I hate Pavano’s porn stache. I hate any fan base that openly embraces Nick Punto. I even hate their name. If the Twins never won another game again, I’d be happier than a pig in shit.
by Sox2727 on Dec 21, 2011 6:34 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
I can’t see how anyone can hate the Twins, but 10 years of hovering in the top 3 of the AL Central, we must have been doing something right. Hopefully we can get out of this tailspin and give them many more years to hate us.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Tell Gardy there's nobody around to protect him now." Ozzie Guillen
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Dec 21, 2011 6:23 PM EST reply actions
Sox fans are great
whitesoxinteractive.com used to be great for stuff like this but then they closed their gameday threads to only members and casually banned Twins fans after an epic Thome blast in 2010.
I voted for Garland.
I think the Twins could offer him a 1-yr deal without paying too much, and get 190+ innings if he’s healthy.
Hopefully, Hendriks, Gibson, Bromberg, Wimmers, or Stuifbergen will be MLB-ready for 2013.
Garland isn't healthy
I think he’s coming off shoulder surgery
NOooooooooooooooooo
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Dec 22, 2011 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
Ugh
Shoulda kept Slowey if that was the move they were planning on making.
Slowey > Marquis
ESPECIALLy in Darn Fricken TARGET FIELD
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Dec 22, 2011 12:57 AM EST up reply actions
Part of Marquis's value is his ability to hit (for a pitcher).
I don’t know why he wants to play in the AL. I guess he wasn’t getting many offers.
Maybe butera
Will caddy for Marquis and Marquis will bat?
by AM. on Dec 22, 2011 1:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hitting stats comparison
Career AVG/OBP/SLG
Butera .178/.220/.261
Marquis .197/.216/.283
I’d say you would have to consider the pitcher. Butera bats RH and Marquis LH. It makes strategic sense to DH for Butera unless there is a lefty pitching against the Twins. You can always pinch-hit for Marquis late in the game and put in another pitcher.
Marquis
Well maybe Marquis pitches better in a Pitchers ballpark or maybe he’ll have an angel; pitching with him or something, I don’t know. But as long as it’s on the cheap I guess it’s better than having duensing in the rotation since I think he’s better suited for the bullpen. I though think he’ll be better than Slowey on the fact alone that he’ll have a better attitude and opinion of the organization where as Slowey was not too happy with what had been happening to him with him being sent to the Pen and so on.
I've got Paul Maholm
who i like, people say he is iffy and another one of the many, “soft tossing 87-88 MPH lefties”
I strongly disagree , he much like Scott Baker was very good in 2011 and probably his best year was 2008, much like Baker.
Maholm is a #3 starter who is a really great fit at #4 for any team, most of the other options are guys like Marquis, Francis, Saunders ect. who are nothing more than 5th Starters (WE ALREADY have that in Nick Blackburn)
Plz twins get Maholm (at least) otherwise, Oswalt, Kuroda, Edwn Jckson or a handy little trade would suffice.
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Dec 22, 2011 12:53 AM EST reply actions
Ridiculous!
Why wouldn’t anybody want to sign with the Twins? Just because we were in last place? We have nothing but potential!
We have a brand new stadium too!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Tell Gardy there's nobody around to protect him now." Ozzie Guillen
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Dec 22, 2011 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
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