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Today's sound track is Queens of the Stone age with their fun video for Go With the Flow.
Press play, and let's move on.
Twins haven't called on Cuban prospect Aledmys Diaz
@aaronhavis Told they have expressed zero interest in Diaz up to this point.
— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) February 5, 2014
Minnesota was scouting Diaz last season and could still check in, as Wolfson notes, but his asking price was too high last winter. It's not clear whether his asking price has changed, but the shortstop turns 24 in two days. That's not old, but teams will be less willing to invest significant resources into a player reaching his mid-20s who hasn't gone through the process of proving themselves through their minor league system. There are always exceptions, like Yeonis Cespedes, but his four-year, $37 million contract seems too high to be a comparison for the offers Diaz could expect.
There are still teams interested, though. If he drops his asking price he could significantly raise his chances of signing with a Major League team this year.
Bronson Arroyo's search near completion?
Three teams have emerged as finalists for Ironman Bronson Arroyo's services: the @Dbacks. @Dodgers and @Orioles, w Dbacks slight favorites.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 5, 2014
You'll notice that none of those teams are the Twins. That's a good thing. The last thing this rotation and this team needs is another multi-year contract to a free agent pitcher, especially one whose playing days may not last the length of his contract.
In an alternate universe, the Twins signed Matt Garza, Ricky Nolasco, and Arroyo this winter. Just food for thought.
Twins to attend Ryan Madson's showcase
The #MNTwins are expected to be among the teams at pitcher Ryan Madson's showcase on Friday, per a contact directly involved.
— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) February 4, 2014
From 2007 through 2011, Madsen averaged 62 appearances, 66 innings, a 2.89 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a 3.2-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Then injuries. The last two seasons he hasn't appeared in the Major Leagues, but the Reds and the Dodgers have combined to pay him $9.25 million nevertheless. He's on track for a minor league offer from somebody, and probably an invitation to spring training, but at 33 and just one minor league inning to his credit the last two years it's difficult to believe he could make an impact anywhere.
But that's what minor league deals are for when it comes to veterans. Would you take a risk on Madsen?
Suk-Min Yoon wants two years
Yoon continues to have his name bandied about, but much like free agents with draft pick compensation attached it doesn't feel like anything is particularly close to happening. I continue to believe that with the arms available in the bullpen for the Twins, at a league minimum salary, it's hard to see the advantage of paying for Yoon's services over one year much less two. There are many teams around baseball with a greater need for a reliever than Minnesota.
On the other hand, Minnesota does have the luxury of available payroll and, frankly, not too many solid choices for players on whom they could spend. Are there any circumstances under which you'd be willing to see Yoon in a Twins uniform?
