Twins sign Zumaya
Not yet confirmed. But it looks like a done deal. Hopefully, the Twins can keep him healthier than the Tigers could. When healthy, he can dominate.
4 months ago
cmathewson
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I love this deal
Zumaya when healthy is very good, twins bullpen is going to bounce back big time with him,Burton and Duensing all in the new pen
by RaysOfHope on Jan 15, 2012 2:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I understand that everyone is really excited, but I’m having trouble being happy about a reliever who hasn’t pitched 40 innings since 2006.
He could be like Beniot was to my Rays 2 years ago
At least I believe so
by RaysOfHope on Jan 15, 2012 3:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The excitment shows
Just how bad of an pitching staff the Twins have.
by clutterheart on Jan 15, 2012 5:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Low Risk, Medium-High Reward.
This is a cheap deal. If he spends most of the season on the DL, the Twins don’t lose much. On the other hand, if he regains even a decent level of his previous form, he can be a reliable middle reliever who can fan a lot of hitters.
There are few things in life I love more than baseball and roller derby.
Leyland was really hard on him
The hope is they manage his workload better. But I hear ya. After last year, how could anyone have faith in the medical staff?
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
They seem to have an issue with the "workload" part at BYB
"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 Jan 15, 2012 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
Clueless
The day he broke his elbow, he was pitching in his third inning for no apparent reason. It’s tough to get beyond 40 innings when the manager lets you throw until you literally break your elbow.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
My bad, it was from the year before
Looking at the game logs, my memory was from the previous year, when Leyland let him throw 51 pitches in one outing and 53 pitches in another outing against the Twins. Shortly after the second one, he got hurt.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Who do you guys think has a better chance to bounce back Fernando Rodney or Joel Zumaya?
by RaysOfHope on Jan 15, 2012 3:30 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I'm surprised he didn't get a minor lg. deal w/ somebody
But for less tham 1 Million i can live with this, you cut him if he’s hurt/ unproductive and if he’s ok …. he’s probably our 3rd best reliver in our sad relief corps.
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 15, 2012 4:05 PM EST reply actions
Wait this guy doesn't pitch to contact...
Seriously, I like this. Low Risk, high upside. This is one of those moves that either solidifies (at least helps out) a need in the bullpen, does well, or turns out to be a bust and we are out ~$1M…
I like the risk. Nicely done Terry Ryan, nicely done.
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
They pay for what they get
If he stinks, it’s $800,000. If he excels, it’s $1.5 m. Can’t argue with that.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Exactly.
With a team like the Twins were last year a few risks need to be made, this is one that could be good. Roy Oswalt next please.
That late January hopefulness is starting to creep back in….
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
Tons of guys that could be in the Pen
I’m okay with that, as long as they aren’t scared to shuffle guys back and forth. Last year the seemed to get stuck to long with some weak guys. I don’t know who makes that choice but you can give a weak guy many chances. (Hoey)
by b1 on Jan 15, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
Also, Zumaya fills the vacant tattoo hole left by Rauch in the Bullpen
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
All he needs is a neck tattoo.
He still won’t look as terrifying as Rauch but it’ll be a good start.
OT:
Who is scarier? In a dark alleyway you bumb into :
Joel Zumaya
Jon Rauch
Justin Morneau’s bearded stubble (hasn’t played hasnt’ shaved in forev)
Joe Mauer’s newlywed wife?
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 16, 2012 5:50 AM EST up reply actions
Seriously
were you drunk when you wrote this?
by That'sWhatSheSaid on Jan 16, 2012 8:31 AM EST up reply actions
Look at the time stamp.
"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 Jan 16, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
Zumaya/Hoey
I have more confidence in Zumaya making a comeback than last years player (Hoey) that they thought would be the flamethrower of the bullpen. We still need to sign Rich Harden and try to make him into a one inning reliever, or some rh reliever that can be counted on for tough outs.
Definitely worth taking a risk on Zumaya...
The other teams could make trouble for us if they win. — Yogi Berra
I like the move
Hopefully he can stay healthy and hasnt lost too much off his fastball but even if he falls through there isnt much lost. So the pen now is
C – Capps
Su – Perk
Su – Zumaya
M – Duensing
Long – Swarzak
and then a battle for the last two spots between Bulger, Barton, Burnett, Oliveros, Vasquez, Doyle, Waldrop, Guiterrez
first-worst-first?
And Robertson
He’s the only hard-throwing lefty with a shot.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
He needs a half year at AAA
Twins don’t ever leave Florida with many Rookies.
by b1 on Jan 15, 2012 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
same goes for Gut.
could be the first call up. The Twins seem to let the older guys start the year, suck by the end of May and then start the call-ups.
by b1 on Jan 15, 2012 7:47 PM EST up reply actions
The Twins don't hesitate to promote relievers from AA
Burnett and Mijares are the most recent examples.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I'd guess Doyle and 1 otherl take the last two spots...
The Twins won’t want to lose Doyle for nothing. So it’s a 5-6 pitcher battle for one spot now IMO.
Doyle is a starter
we’ll trade for him and send him to AAA in Gibson’s place.
by b1 on Jan 15, 2012 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
And Jeff Gray, Matt Wise
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 15, 2012 6:44 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know given the severity of the situation i view it more as....
CL – Capps
SU – Perkins
SU – NA / remaining FATop Middle Reliever : Duensing
MR – Swarzak
MR – Zumaya
LR – Doyle, Diamond, Maloney, Gray, Burton, Vazquez, Bulger, Wise, Walters, Waldrop, Gutierrez, Burnett, Slama, Robertson, Manship, DeVries (what the hell give everyone a shot , 1st two weeks of April goes to Doyle, if he fails next 2 weeks goes to Diamond and so on and so forth)
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 15, 2012 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
Should read: Duensing comes in at 4th, hopefully unsigned guy, Qualls, Wuertz, Coffey? comes in 3rd
Top middle reliever should be spaced down 1 row.
Yoenis Cespedes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW9ge8l3jY8
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 15, 2012 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
I like this
If healthy he can take over for Capps by June. Now sign Oswald for 6-7 million with incentives!
by clutterheart on Jan 15, 2012 5:06 PM EST via mobile reply actions
You mean this Oswald?
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
by Go Twins! on Jan 15, 2012 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Don't give Randball any Ideas.
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!
Very smart signing if Guitar Hero can stay healthy
Otherwise it’ll be money down the toilet if he blows out his elbow again breaks a finger from playing too much “Assassin’s Creed.”
I believe if you look up the definition of "Money down the Toilet" you'll find a picture of Matt Capps
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
Oh look, Mauer hate.
How original.
"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 Jan 15, 2012 10:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm torn on this one...
love the low-risk gamble, but I just have ZERO confidence in Zumaya’s ability to stay healthy. So if this signing precludes us from signing a Wuertz or Wheeler as well (and I think it does) then it probably won’t work out for us. IMO.
I don’t mean to be pessimistic, but I just can’t see this guy giving us more than 20-30 innings max. His medicals are a trainwreck.
I didn't see a Wuertz or a Wheeler getting signed anyways I guess.
I think the Twins needed to take a couple of low risk/high reward type players in the Bullpen and go after another starter if they want to stay within range of the salary cap they were looking at. Until proven otherwise I am going to trust Terry Ryan’s judgement on these type of players.
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
But if he pitches great for 30 innings...
It’s worth the 800 grand, regardless.
by tobynotjason on Jan 15, 2012 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
Ya, I guess...
I guess I’d take a reliever that can do similar damage but is much less of risk of pitching less than 70 innings or so. And I think both Wuertz and Wheeler fit that mold, and think they’ll get comparable contracts. Heck, Zumaya’s max potential contract is $1.7M. Takashi Saito signed for $1.75M. I’d much rather have Saito risk/reward wise.
and to be clear; it's not like I "hate" this move or anything...
normally I’d love this move. I just think ideally we’d do this AND a Dan Wheeler or Michael Wuertz signing. But I don’t think we will.
Mackey said he doubts the Twins are definitely out on Wheeler after this.
by tobynotjason on Jan 16, 2012 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
We'll have to ban Guitar Hero from the clubhouse.
FREE AIRWOLF!
ROHLFING!!!!!
by d-mac on Jan 15, 2012 5:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Ha ha, I wonder how much he still has to hear about that
He must be so sick of it. But it’s still funny for the rest of us.
When I was a kid, I would cover a blue futon with a white blanket, prop it up with a fan set on high, and pretend it was the Metrodome. That should tell you a lot.
by MarshalltheIrish on Jan 15, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
It will never get old.
FREE AIRWOLF!
ROHLFING!!!!!
by d-mac on Jan 15, 2012 8:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
This improves the bullpen
but by how much? Like everyone else, I’m good with the pay but can this clown stay healthy??
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on Jan 15, 2012 6:12 PM EST reply actions
That's the risk
Could be a lot, or could be zero. It is a gamble.
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
Excellent move
Obviously there’s a health risk, but it’s a fairly big name and really fortifies the bullpen.
When I was a kid, I would cover a blue futon with a white blanket, prop it up with a fan set on high, and pretend it was the Metrodome. That should tell you a lot.
by MarshalltheIrish on Jan 15, 2012 6:34 PM EST reply actions
At least, fortifies it compared to how bad everyone else is.
When I was a kid, I would cover a blue futon with a white blanket, prop it up with a fan set on high, and pretend it was the Metrodome. That should tell you a lot.
by MarshalltheIrish on Jan 15, 2012 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
Money Well Spent
This makes the Twins a better team. I don’t have confidence in the other right handed relievers. If the Twins are competitive this year, they will have to win a bunch of low scoring games. They need someone who can come in and strike out a big right handed bat like Cabrera. Zumaya (if he is healthy) will be able to do that.
I am probably overly excited about this, but I feel like Zumaya over Alex Burnett is good for an extra 3 to 5 wins. If true, this will be money very well spent.
that keg is full of milk, it's one of Mauer's parties
"Nobody wants to hear me rap." - Joe Mauer
"The more toppings a man has on his pizza, I believe the more manly he is." - Herman Cain
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jan 15, 2012 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
No
It is steel. Looks like the same as the side of the keg. However there isn’t enough beer in there to waste the Red Sox pitching staff.
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!
Dude. Get a cup. Gross!
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
What a pro.
Look at that form!
FREE AIRWOLF!
ROHLFING!!!!!
by d-mac on Jan 16, 2012 12:36 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'd pay the guy 800K to have him show Mauer how to do Kegstands
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
We should have seen this signing a mile away
His first name is Joel.
Jamey, Josh, Jason, Joel.
Very pleased with this signing. If we can get Oswalt, I would also approve. If they want my approval, that is. Even if his first name starts with an R.
by AM. on Jan 15, 2012 9:58 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Here it is again
Video of Zumaya blowing his elbow out against the Twins.
"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 Jan 15, 2012 10:09 PM EST reply actions
Here's the video from the Tigers' telecast
The look on Delmon Young’s face says it all:
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=9468883&c_id=mlb
The ad I got before that clip was Blue Cross "Health is Everything Commercial"
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
Oh the irony.
FREE AIRWOLF!
ROHLFING!!!!!
by d-mac on Jan 16, 2012 12:33 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I got a sports-centric realty show on ABC
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!
Optimist seeing positives
20 teams took the time to watch him pitch. Joe C. says he “easily hit mid-90s” with the fastball. Three other teams made offers. He’s not afraid to come back to the mound where he broke his elbow. The guy has to have guts, period, to ever throw a pitch after that one! I would lob underhand to my kids for the rest of my life after an injury like that.
"I ain't never thrown an illegal pitch, trouble is, sometimes I throw a pitch never seen before by this generation." Satchel Paige
by intheseatsjoe on Jan 16, 2012 12:02 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Oh yeah, add this
Who offered him deals? Red Sox, Rangers, Yankees!!!!!!! When’s the last time you saw the Twins going after the same guy as those teams and inking the deal? I know there are serious health questions, but, come on: his talent level and the possible returns have been recognized by some of the best clubs around.
"I ain't never thrown an illegal pitch, trouble is, sometimes I throw a pitch never seen before by this generation." Satchel Paige
good points...
but you’re leaving out that they all offered him only minor league deals. ie they couldn’t have been that confident in his ability to pitch much this year.
I can dream can't I?
Shoot man, we haven’t even reported to camp yet. Last year’s realities were so depressing I find myself indulging in dream-like fantasies more than usual this off-season. Wait…that didn’t come out right!
"I ain't never thrown an illegal pitch, trouble is, sometimes I throw a pitch never seen before by this generation." Satchel Paige
by intheseatsjoe on Jan 16, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
haha, fair enough...
carry on then. i want to believe too!
Total amount spent on Jason Marquis, Joel Zumaya and Matt Capps
8.75 Million dollars + a 1st round draft pick comp. selection.
Cost of Ryan Madson? 8.5 Million dollars
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER Meeeee
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 16, 2012 5:52 AM EST reply actions
So you're saying Madson is better than the other three put together?
I seriously doubt that. One word: Innings.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I will say this
Seeing Madson signed for 1 year, I’m thinking a 3-4 year deal could have been done for closer to 7 per year. I’m not for overspending on a closer but that might actually have been a decent deal if he was willing to do that. Maybe he signed the one year deal hoping to get a long term deal for closer to 10 million per year next year.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
I don't agree on Madson signing a 3-4 year deal for that...
He knows he was the best CL on this market this year but the market was flooded and the big market teams got guys quick. After seeing that, Boras had him do a 1-year deal so he can dominate this year (and he will, again) and go on the market next year still young and primed to cash in. I would have loved Madson too (again, he’s EASILY the best CL on this FA market all things considering) but no way he would have signed a 3-4 year deal for money that low IMO.
+1
He’s probably looking to use this year to gain a market for a 3-year deal at about $32 million. It makes no sense for him to sell his services low at this point.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I get your point but...
…have you seen Matt Capps pitch?
by z-squad on Jan 16, 2012 11:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I loath Matt Capps
I just don’t think closer is the most important role for a team like the Twins. Marquis is the most important pitcher we’ve signed so far. If you don’t have starters consistently getting you into the seventh inning, you rarely can effectively bridge to the closer.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Yes i will say that C-Math
I’d rather have Madson alone
than ALL of Capps, Marquis, and Zumaya
you can even throw in Blackburn to the mix.
Madson’s chaneup is a lethal weapon, and he can miss bats A LOT something NONE of the others can do except for Joel but I’m going to guarantee right now Joel is in the Minnesota Bullpen for less than 75 games.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 16, 2012 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
If you mean he is available for less than 75 games
I almost guarantee it. Gardy hardly ever allows pitchers to go two days in a row even if they are healthy. I imagine he’ll be even more careful with JZ. Perhaps saying he is available for less than 75 innings would be a better guess/hypothesis.
Remember, remember the seventh of November.
He doesn't like to overuse guys
But he’s been forced to, especially last year.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I think he means physically sitting in the bullpen
Available 75 games out of 162 in other words.
While i like you're innings argument
Out of Diamond, Maloney, Bromberg, Gutierrez, Burton, Gray and Hendriks late in the season
we’ll find 2-3 of those guys that will pitch quality innings for us throughout the year, it may not quite match the total innings that Marquis, Capps, Zumaya will pitch but probably close and the quality won’t be far behind either
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/photo-logan-morrison-bryan-petersen-share-tub-drink-043548597.html
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Jan 16, 2012 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
Your scenario is what we tried last year
The problem is, the churn of using the season as a tryout for unproven arms results in a horrible bullpen, where even the guys who are good don’t pitch well because their roles are always evolving. The best bullpens are deep and have clearly defined roles. Trusting in unproven arms for a lot of innings is a recipe for disaster.
If you sign Madson for this team, without filling other holes in the staff, he’ll have a whole season like Nathan had in the second half last year. That’s just a waste of money. Besides, like Nathan, he’s not going to sign at a place where he is not likely to get a lot of save opportunities. This is his contract to get a big payout next year. He’s going to the team that has the best chance of giving him that.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
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