And Then There Were Five: Twins Sign Jason Marquis to Round Out Rotation

by Jesse on Dec 22, 2011 6:03 PM EST in News

Minnesota has been attached to a number of starting pitchers over the last few weeks, but Jason Marquis is a new one. That doesn't mean he's any different than the others (at least, any of the other realistic targets). Let's take a quick look to see how our new starter stacks up against those other rumored targets.

Pitcher	'11 Age	ERA	FIP	xFIP	WHIP	K%	BB%	GB%
Jason Marquis	32	4.43	4.05	4.02	1.49	13.0	7.3	55.1
Joel Pineiro	32	5.13	4.43	4.38	1.51	9.8	6.0	48.3
Jeff Francis	30	4.82	4.10	4.29	1.44	11.3	4.9	47.1
Edwin Jackson	27	3.79	3.55	3.73	1.44	17.2	7.2	43.8
Jon Garland	31	4.33	4.66	4.86	1.39	12.2	8.7	39.1

Jackson, of course, doesn't quite fit the mold set by Marquis, Pineiro, Francis and Garland. But he was never really within the Twins' budget.

Analysis after the jump.

Looking across the numbers, it's easy to find the silver lining here. Not ony is the one-year, $3 million dollar contract very team-friendly (if Marquis accumulates one win above replacement, he'll have been more than worth his wages), but he's the best non-Jackson pitcher among free agent starters who crossed the Twins' crosshairs. He's also become the biggest ground ball pitcher in the rotation.

None of this means he's the pitcher the Twins actually needed. Minnesota wanted a number five, and they got one, but with limited resources (we're back to talking about a reduced payroll) Terry Ryan was handcuffed in terms of what kind of hurlers he was able to pick from. He was forced to choose from marginal, veteran pitchers whose upside is a number five starter, instead of being allowed to search for the number two or three guy who could have also been a realistic option.

Having Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano at the front of the rotation isn't a bad thing. They both come with risks but are also each capable of striking hitters out and being strong performers.

It's still the bottom half of the rotation that's an issue. Carl Pavano, Nick Blackburn and Marquis are classic Twins "pitchability" types; guys about who front office executives might say "they know how to pitch" in an effort to spin something positive.

Marquis might be better than Brian Duensing or Anthony Swarzak, and he saves the Twins from having to take their long man and lefty specialist and put them in the rotation, but it's important to recognize this move for what it is: a holding pattern. He doesn't make the Twins contenders, but he may make them slightly less worse off. He allows Liam Hendriks to at least start the season in Rochester. And come October, whether he stuck all year or not, he'll enter the free agent market once again.

Signing Marquis isn't a move Twins fans should be mystified or upset about. As Aaron Gleeman stated a couple of hours ago, they should be more upset about what seems to be a $15 million slash in payroll. For the money, Marquis will be just fine.

He just wasn't what this team needed.

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Comments

This answers one question

What is the Twins’ 2011 budget? $100 million.

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

by cmathewson on Dec 22, 2011 6:25 PM EST reply actions

Year three

Of a publically funded stadium and they slash by 15%???

Can we stop cheerleading affordable deals now?

by clutterheart on Dec 22, 2011 7:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

85% season ticket renewal rate so far

As reported in today’s Pipress. There’s no excuse for cutting payroll. If they spent the same amount they could build a contender.

by DJL44 on Dec 22, 2011 8:12 PM EST up reply actions

I hope I am proven wrong

But it looks like the Pohlads will have a very Merry Christmas by using tax money to line their pockets.

I wish they would sell the team to someone who will actually use the profits of a new stadium in fielding a professional pitching staff

Wankers.

by clutterheart on Dec 22, 2011 8:58 PM EST up reply actions

Prrrrrrretty sure all that tax money will be right back in the pockets of Minnesota in due time.

I'm still a Minnesotan at heart...

by urluckyday on Dec 22, 2011 10:01 PM EST up reply actions

1-2 million left for a reliever now

hopefully a right hander maybe that can even fill a set up role Zumaya, Harden, Qualls, Wuertz, Cruz, Wheeler, Macdougal, Rodney there are still some interesting guys available.

first-worst-first?

by holymackerel on Dec 22, 2011 6:33 PM EST reply actions

For the love of my sanity

I hope the Twins don’t pursue MacDougal or Rodney.

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller.

by Andrew Bryz-Gornia on Dec 22, 2011 8:36 PM EST up reply actions

Yay

You sir, are a mouthful.

by Att. Bob Loblaw on Dec 22, 2011 6:40 PM EST reply actions

Since they seem to be doing a re-enactment of the team moving from Washington:

Why not make a trade for John Lannan? He’s been pretty effective and would fill out the rotation a little more healthily. He can’t be very expensive yet and the Nats have quite a few starters now. They’re considering playing Jayson Werth in CF. I think there’s a match there.

by matt.saari on Dec 22, 2011 6:55 PM EST reply actions

I think Parker Hageman mentioned on twitter last night

That in the past 3 years, Lannan has the lowest K/BB ratio in baseball, with Marquis being third on the list. No thanks.

"I learned something yesterday. No use in having rules if there's no punishment for breaking them. You'll be fine if you bite down on the trigger. Enjoy your breakfast."

by John_Locke on Dec 22, 2011 7:14 PM EST up reply actions

Crash Davis said

Strike outs are fascist. Maybe pitching in DC has conditioned Lannan to be more democratic?

by matt.saari on Dec 22, 2011 7:22 PM EST up reply actions

I may be the only one

but I like Marquis, especially for 1yr/$3 mil. The Twins aren’t as bad off as people think. The big thing limiting them this year will be injury recovery.

by Caleb A on Dec 22, 2011 6:56 PM EST reply actions

Not the only one.

This is all sideshow until we get a real feel for the health and effectiveness of Mauer and Morneau. If those two are their old selves, there are no two players on any AL Central team to match them. That’s the big if, though. Particularly for 33.

The Marquis deal is a good one, just not a splashy, sexy one.

by matt.saari on Dec 22, 2011 7:01 PM EST up reply actions

Verlander and Cabrera

by DJL44 on Dec 22, 2011 8:15 PM EST up reply actions

I had no idea Verlander swung a bat that well.

"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 8:21 PM EST up reply actions

twss

I don't know, but I've been told it's hard to run with the weight of gold,
'the other hand, I've heard it said, it's just as hard with the weight of lead.

by montanatwinsfan on Dec 22, 2011 8:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Well

He will have to make a start or two in a National League ballpark.

I'm a proud fan of the Minnesota Twins and Dallas Cowboys!
"Life is precious and time is a key element. Let’s make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own." – Harmon Killebrew
I would like to see Dallas vs the Giants on Thanksgiving, Make it happen NFL!

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by Jessy S on Dec 22, 2011 9:55 PM EST up reply actions

Nobody said anything about swinging a bat

Verlander and Cabrera are every bit as valuable as Mauer and Morneau. Perhaps moreso.

by DJL44 on Dec 22, 2011 11:02 PM EST up reply actions

Not much of a "match" for M&M though.

But I guess if you’re going to pick random, valuable, AL Central players then, sure.

"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 11:17 PM EST up reply actions

But VC or CV

is not as cool as M&M

by caluofmn on Dec 23, 2011 8:41 PM EST up reply actions

I think it's a big if for #7 also

by caluofmn on Dec 23, 2011 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

Im fine with it

would rather have got a top of the rotation guy but if a 5th starter was all they could afford this is a decent move even if he is only a placeholder for half a season while Hendriks gets ready.

first-worst-first?

by holymackerel on Dec 22, 2011 7:08 PM EST up reply actions

no

they can afford more

they refuse not to

by clutterheart on Dec 22, 2011 9:00 PM EST up reply actions

The big thing limiting them will be pitching

The rotation is not good. Capps is one of the worst closers in the league. The back end of the bullpen is terrible.

by DJL44 on Dec 22, 2011 8:14 PM EST up reply actions

I'm ok with it too

Given the big questions marks with the health of key players, this is an odd year for the Twins. I’m guessing that Ryan is doing what he can to remain competitive, with hopes that if things fall right, he can be in a position to wheel and deal their way to elite status mid season. If things don’t come together, he hasn’t blown the Pohlad’s wad and we’ll have a good core coming up for 2013.

by gbg on Dec 22, 2011 9:26 PM EST up reply actions

As usual, nice analysis Jesse.

You’re a true Minnesotan at heart. Nice stoic analysis, not too excited, not too upset. And this signing by Terry Ryan exemplifies that philosophy.

No fancy loop de loops or dangerous suspension bridges hanging out over the cellar door for this model train fanatic franchise and fanbase – just a good solid, safe oval.

I don't know, but I've been told it's hard to run with the weight of gold,
'the other hand, I've heard it said, it's just as hard with the weight of lead.

by montanatwinsfan on Dec 22, 2011 8:29 PM EST reply actions

I guess I don't hate the move

If he eats the innings he’s capable of eating, it will take some of the pressure off the bullpen. And with Carroll at SS instead of Nishi and Plouffy some of these ground balls might actually end up as outs. I guess that’s not bad.

The beard abides.

by Jason Kubel's Beard on Dec 22, 2011 9:03 PM EST reply actions

MMMMMM...Innings...

I'm still a Minnesotan at heart...

by urluckyday on Dec 22, 2011 10:05 PM EST up reply actions

win

Twitter
Buried Treasure - #16 Pirates Prospect - Zack Dodson
Buried Treasure - Reaction: Cardinals sign Carlos Beltran

by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 23, 2011 12:46 AM EST up reply actions

I still prefer...

… always having (at least) 2 lefties in a rotation, but what can you do? : ?

by MoonlitKnight on Dec 22, 2011 9:30 PM EST reply actions

I'm having weirdly wild hopes

What if Ryan is thinking of adding one more top-line starter? Wouldn’t this be a great last piece before he did? The move is yours. Checkmate, Terry Ryan?

That's absurd!

by Devereaux on Dec 22, 2011 9:42 PM EST reply actions

Well

You can’t go wrong with Jon Garland.

Check out my eBay items.

by Jessy S on Dec 22, 2011 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed.

But if we truly only have $1-2 million left to spend like ESPN reported, I’d take Zumaya or Wuertz in a heartbeat. I trust our lefty relievers in Perks and Duensing; not sold on our righties.

by JRuet32 on Dec 22, 2011 10:26 PM EST up reply actions

One thing with Aaron Gleeman's tweet.

I am guessing the Twins found out that the Timberwolves own the rights to the parking garages. They were there before the ballpark was built. As a result, the Twins might have to pay rent for extra upkeep and maintenance. However that situation can be solved easily with the Polhads taking over the NBA team.

I worked out at the Bismarck Airport in the parking business and let me tell you this, the reason why parking prices are so high is because the city of Bismarck takes 70% off the top. The rest goes for maintaining the entry gates, the spitters, lot maintenance which was basically cleaning up the lot after snow, and maintaining one person at the exit gate at all times. Finally, since we were an airport operation, somebody had to go out and do a daily inventory of all the cars on the lot and do that in the dead of night.

In the case of the Minnesota Twins, the ballclub has to pay a fee for parking access. That is why the Minnesota Twins are asking fans to use the light rail from the Mall of America.

Check out my eBay items.

by Jessy S on Dec 22, 2011 10:27 PM EST reply actions

that explains it

nice analysis

Do you want to know the terrifying truth, or do you want to see me sock a few dingers?

by natetheskate on Dec 23, 2011 1:57 PM EST up reply actions

If the Twins don't own the Ramps

Why do they have to pay for upkeep / maintenance? Was it part of building the stadium there? And if that’s the case why wouldn’t they have known who owned them and what they would have to pay when construction started?

by TBird41 on Dec 23, 2011 7:43 PM EST up reply actions

irrelephant

Do you want to know the terrifying truth, or do you want to see me sock a few dingers?

by natetheskate on Dec 24, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

I think this is absurd

First of all, the county owns the ramps. It was part of the 394 Corridor project. The county uses the money it receives from commuters using those ramps to help pay back the loan the state gave it for the corridor.

The Twins and Wolves have similar arrangements for event parking. The Twins don’t make much money on event parking, but it’s better than the Strib getting all the revenue, as they own all the lots between the Strib offices and the Dome.

Secondly, if the Twins are responsible for maintenance for those dates where they get event parking revenue, it would cost the same when the ramps fill up as when they don’t. So there’s no incentive for the Twins to promote light rail, beyond wanting their fans to have a better experience.

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

by cmathewson on Dec 24, 2011 2:05 PM EST up reply actions

I listened to a little of Marquis' interview

He’s got attitude – I like it.

CLUBHOUSE LEADER!!!

The beard abides.

by Jason Kubel's Beard on Dec 22, 2011 11:13 PM EST reply actions

then there's this

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=18026113&c_id=mlb

The beard abides.

by Jason Kubel's Beard on Dec 22, 2011 11:17 PM EST up reply actions

The Jason Marquis De Sade inflicts pain on others, but also on himself.

"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 11:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

At least he plays fair

If you’re going to hit a batter, might as well break your leg to even things out

The beard abides.

by Jason Kubel's Beard on Dec 22, 2011 11:36 PM EST up reply actions

Now that's Grit!

Check out my eBay items.

by Jessy S on Dec 23, 2011 4:53 AM EST up reply actions

Maybe his full name

Is Jason Marquis De Sade-Masoque.

Too bad we didn’t get a pitcher with the German-sounding name “Streich” or a hitter with the Spanish-sounding “Jomeron.” Although I heard there’s a reliever called “Guerrier” whose name, in French, translates to something like “warrior.” Or “train station afficionado.” Depends on spelling . . .

Steve Goodman lives.

by twinsbrewer on Dec 23, 2011 1:45 AM EST up reply actions

Winner!

on his new nickname…

by caluofmn on Dec 23, 2011 8:44 PM EST up reply actions

I am not contributing to this sham!

If the Twins do not want to spend money, neither do I. At least I won’t have to worry about spending 3 plus hours on-line trying to purchase tickets this year. I will treat the Twins the same way they treat the fans by reducing my spending on games.

by e5ducky on Dec 22, 2011 11:55 PM EST reply actions

Reality

Reality is that the Twins know there will be a lot fewer season tickets sold and a lot more empty seats this year which is most likely why the payroll is slated to decline. I know of quite a few people who didn’t renew season tickets. Their plan to spend 50% of revenue on payroll is still in place but unfortunately revenue is going to decline substantially. They only have themselves to blame for blowing their small window of opportunity with spending $40M (and sending most of it to Joe).

Visit my Dakota County Real Estate blog - http://www.dakotacountyproperties.com

by FishingMN on Dec 23, 2011 7:56 AM EST up reply actions

85% renewal rate thus far - reported by the Pioneer Press

There is a waiting list for season tickets and Twinsfest hasn’t even happened yet. They’ll sell almost as many season tickets this year. I cannot take seriously the assertion that stadium revenue is decreasing by $30M year on year.

by DJL44 on Dec 23, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions

Revenue sharing

The Twins went from a team receiving significant funds from league revenue sharing to a team that doesn’t. That was explained a year ago when they said that the $115M payroll they were going to was not something they could sustain indefinitely. They also know that they will need to spend some decent dollars in the June draft with the #2 pick and all the supplemental picks we have received. If the Twins are in the playoff race in July, I would assume the front office would be willing to increase payroll for the remainder of the year, as well.

by stymietime on Dec 23, 2011 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

True

And there is the parking issue as explained above.

However the revenue sharing that the team is getting will increase somewhat due to high spending by other teams.

Check out my eBay items.

by Jessy S on Dec 23, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions

I think it really comes down to one thing: parking

Do you want to know the terrifying truth, or do you want to see me sock a few dingers?

by natetheskate on Dec 23, 2011 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs

If the payroll really has ANYTHING to do with parking, than this team is in more trouble then the Dodgers.

by Brady Eyestone on Dec 24, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

thanks for breaking the parking story

wouldn’t have known about this HUGE issue if it weren’t for you

Do you want to know the terrifying truth, or do you want to see me sock a few dingers?

by natetheskate on Dec 24, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

There are potentially MILLIONS OF DOLLARS at stake here.

Don’t be so dismissive!

ok ok, obligatory /sarcasm.

by spanspanspan on Dec 25, 2011 1:34 AM EST up reply actions

In reality, the Twins will get what they exected to get for parking

And they will pay what they expected to pay. The whole Jessy S. rant is a bunch of made-up hooey.

Parking doesn’t amount to much, but it’s more than they got in the Dome, which was 0. And they do get concession money and all ticket revenue, contrary to their Dome lease, where they got minimal concession revenue and only got ticket revenue for the seats. For some inexplicable reason, the VIkings got all suite revenue (technically 3/4 with Mike Lynn getting 1/4 for life).

They are not cutting payroll because of parking. They are cutting payroll because they anticipate lower ticket and concession revenue. In case people around here didn’t notice, they didn’t draw all that well in August and September last year. Assuming they get that kind of walk-up, they can’t have a payroll nearly as high as last year, when they anticipated 81 sell outs.

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

by cmathewson on Dec 27, 2011 5:11 PM EST up reply actions

"The whole Jessy S. rant is a bunch of made-up hooey."

You don’t say

by DJL44 on Dec 27, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

So you're going to spend 87% as much as you did last year?

by matt.saari on Dec 23, 2011 12:06 AM EST reply actions

A nice club-friendly deal

At 3m for 1 year the Twins get a solid, cliche “Twins pitcher”.

I view it as a stop-gap deal. The Twins had no definite number 5 on the roster. Marquis effectively fills that role.

"Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona." ~George F. Will

by SooFoo Fan on Dec 23, 2011 1:10 AM EST reply actions

They have no definite #1 or #4 either

by DJL44 on Dec 23, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions

+1

by mr mpls on Dec 23, 2011 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

This is getting insane. . .

Well, welcome to Mid 90’s Twins Baseball. Another character guy who “knows how to pitch,” but forgets to strike anyone out.

For those Twins fans out there that want to like a look into the crystal ball, I highly suggest reviewing how our minor league players did this past season in Rochester, New Britain, Beloit, and Fort Myers. There is not a whole lot of “hope” in the pipeline, with the exception of a few guys. The rest of the talent is buried down too far to have any impact in 2012. I still think we shouldn’t have signed someone so close to retirement to play shortstop, but rather give Dozier a chance (the Twins only successful player in the Arizona Fall League, but is 24). It’s gonna be a rough patch, and if they don’t figure out a way to keep the M & M boys on the field (easy, Justin at DH, Joe at 1st), will be another long season.

by DBPanterA on Dec 23, 2011 5:24 AM EST reply actions

We get rid of Slowey and Mijares

for nothing and Sign Capps for 4.5M, Marquis for 3M and a 38yr old SS. Is Smith still in charge? This is why I would like to see the Rookies play. I’m sick of paying for cast-offs.

by b1 on Dec 23, 2011 8:07 AM EST up reply actions

Again, "the Rookies" played all of 2011

You should have watched. Personally, I got tired of watching the Red Wings in Twins uniforms trying to play Major League baseball.

"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 23, 2011 8:16 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Could not agree more with this.

Watching this team at the end of last year was incredibly painful. I for one am glad for some of these stop-gap style players, if that means less Tolbert and Butera and Tosoni and Burnett and so forth. In our division, being competent may actually be enough.

Let loose the hogs of war!
Dogs of war..
Whatever farm animal of war, Lana...

by darren004 on Dec 23, 2011 9:12 AM EST up reply actions

So Capps resign

Marquis and a 38year old SS is going to make the difference??? Plus the loss of Cuddyer, Kubel, and Nathen. Last year suck not because of Rookies, it was the loss of the #3 and #4 hitter. My point is, I think Hendrick,Diamon, Dozier, Parmelee and Benson could do no worst then our pick-ups. The Key to the team winning is M&M not the young kids.

by b1 on Dec 23, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions

+Liriano

I agree. If they’re going to win the division it’s because they received MVP years from Mauer and Morneau and a CYA year from Liriano.

by DJL44 on Dec 23, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions

Uh

Yeah they could.

by amiller92 on Dec 23, 2011 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

Dozier will see the field

It’s hard to keep 37 year old players healthy for a full season.

by DJL44 on Dec 23, 2011 9:25 AM EST up reply actions

With a groundball rate like his

He should be memed the Marquis de Sod.

by Han Joelo on Dec 23, 2011 9:05 AM EST reply actions 16 recs

Hah, +1

The sod! Make it green!

by spanspanspan on Dec 23, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions

It's been rec'd the maximum number of times

You sir, get a candy cane dipped in a truffle martini.

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

by cmathewson on Dec 23, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

Merry Christmas to all!

God bless ye Twinkietown.

by Han Joelo on Dec 25, 2011 8:01 AM EST up reply actions

The Twins payroll will be very close to $110mm this year...

…you must add to the $100mm, the $2mm they had to pay Joe Nathan and another $7-8mm they will pay to the #2 pick. Lets be fair, those dollars have to come from someplace! Thus, I look at it as a reduction of $5mm from a year we all knew was higher than they had budgeted!

by roger13 on Dec 23, 2011 11:02 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

COuldn't agree more with your point here.

I am sure that they had never planned on having to pay a draft pick 7-8 million 3 years into Target Field’s existence, but that’s the reality.

by tc_brent on Dec 23, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions

Doubtful

We’re talking about an extra $5M in the amateur budget tops. They knew they would get first round draft picks in the future. They have always separated payroll from the draft budget. They signed Gibson and Sano despite having a $115M payroll.

by DJL44 on Dec 23, 2011 11:45 AM EST up reply actions

Am i the only one

that thinks Marquis has an amazing pirate face going on in the picture on the front page?

by Josiah Allen on Dec 23, 2011 11:41 AM EST reply actions

Arrgh!!!!!!

by b1 on Dec 23, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

Another awesome signing Mr.Ryan

Reminds me when he signed sean bergman and butch husky in 2000 and sidney ponson and a stable of others.tony batista might of been the funniest of all signings.until signing Matty crapps.when no other team in baseball was intrested in giving him a 1 way major leauge contract.Atta boy terry ryan keep up the good work!!

by mr mpls on Dec 23, 2011 4:12 PM EST reply actions

I'll give Ryan a pass on some

of those signings because they were before the new Stadium and the team pay total being at about 65-75M. I won’t give him much of a pass now, at 100M. We could ask Joe to kick some back to sign a real starter for about 7M.

by b1 on Dec 24, 2011 8:36 AM EST reply actions

I like it

I think it’s good deal, at that price, and improves the team. The only reason to be upset is if you think they ALSO need another front line starter.

In the last few tears the payroll really exploded. It’s very possible they had already stretched to try to “go for it” and can’t afford that level long term.

Plus, their fate rests more with their current players health and performance. If M&M, liriano, span, Blackburn, don’t recover, even signing pujols wasn’t going to save this team.

That said, they might still have room for one or two more smallish pieces.

by snolls on Dec 24, 2011 10:14 AM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs

This isn’t a terrible signing, but grabbing someone to be your #5 starter isn’t exactly shooting for the stars. Marquis could probably still be considered a gamble even with such minimal expectations.

But why not gamble on someone like Roy Oswalt instead? He won’t be commanding much salary as most clubs have inexplicably written him off. And why not invite Brandon Webb to spring training to see if he is ready to play again yet?

by Boot on Dec 24, 2011 2:26 PM EST reply actions

We still have room

Are you saying you wouldn’t sign another pitcher now?

Marquis, at $3m would still be a good deal even if we also signed Harden or Oswalt. We have plenty of potential holes. If they have the money, they’ll probably still look at others, and we’ll see if there is a financial fit.

by snolls on Dec 25, 2011 9:51 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

They have been saying $100 M

Right now, they are at around 97-98. There isn’t much room left except for a RP or something.

"I learned something yesterday. No use in having rules if there's no punishment for breaking them. You'll be fine if you bite down on the trigger. Enjoy your breakfast."

by John_Locke on Dec 25, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

agreed

They probably didn’t have enough money to get a top-notch player anyway.

Basically, I think that no matter how much money they had to play with, Marquis was a good use of $3m of it. If they had some flexibility, then he was worth going $3m EXTRA for, but even if there wasn’t flexibility, I don’t see the $3m spent as being the decision that crowds out another difference maker.

It’s hard to find a competent pitcher at that price. I’ll take it.

by snolls on Dec 26, 2011 11:44 AM EST up reply actions

Wonderful...he chose us.

Got a kick out of his interview on mlb.com. He says he sat down with his agent and picked the teams that would be the best fit for him. He chose the Twins. Which means he knows our starting rotation is so mediocre that even he could be guaranteed a rotation slot.

by originaltwinsfan on Dec 24, 2011 2:37 PM EST reply actions