Casilla says he’s done for the season; team not sure
Posted on July 30th, 2008 – 4:29 PMBy Joe Christensen
Twins second baseman Alexi Casilla said he will have surgery on his right thumb and miss the rest of the season.
Update (4:45 p.m.):
The Twins, however, stressed that it hasn’t been decided whether he will have surgery. His appointment with hand specialist Dr. Tom Varecka was postponed until Thursday, and the official decision about surgery won’t be made until then.
Casilla’s injury is actually a torn ligament, not a torn tendon.
“I’m going to do surgery for sure,” he said.
He said he hopes to return for winter ball in the Dominican Republic.
“I’m sad because I was just starting to have fun,” Casilla said.
202 Responses to "Casilla says he’s done for the season; team not sure"
Best of luck to Casilla, hopefully he continues his success into winter ball and spring training
Bill Smith continues to sit on his fat ass and do nothing.
Pathetic.
Crap. I think the Twins HAVE to do something now. We can have one marginal position, 3B, but not two in the same infield.
Evan:
Are you privy to any conversations or trade discussions that are going on in the FO?
Wow, this really sucks. I guess my fiancee was wrong when she said “just throw some dirt on it” when Lexi got hurt.
Ouch.
Batting second….Number 8….
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Evan:
Are you privy to any conversations or trade discussions that are going on in the FO?
——
There arent any going on. Your a Twins fan. Bill Smith learned from the Terry Ryan “JUST SAY NO” philosophy. I hope Smith loves hoarding all his prospect when this team free falls in the division for the last two months.
This is Dick Bremer’s fault. He mocked the injury initially and jinxed us by saying “well it’s nice to see the Twins finally have a finger injury that doesn’t require an MRI”
Shaun,
maybe Casilla didn’t try throwing dirt on it? 
Anybody know when Tolbert will be back?
reported the rangers have asked about boof, but twins bloggers want young or kinsler in return!
young & kinsler!
Want me to come in and teach these guys how to slide correctly?
Geez guys, figure it out.
I still think we should convince the Royals to give us Grudz for a decent A baller.
Maybe we can pull a Terry Ryan and trade one of our qualified infielders, like Morneau, to the Mets for a bag of peanuts and Santana’s signed jersey
Does this mean Everett does come up after all, with Punto moving to 2nd?
Maybe we should get Luis Castillo back at the deadline to reverse last year.
That might indicate to the plyers that the Twins are serious about………I can’t go on!
there was a report the the rangers would consider trading young, would liriano (we don’t need him we have livan) boof, and a top prospect or 2 maybe manship+ be enough?
Everett was recalled last night.
I learned not to slide head first in about 5th grade. Why can’t these guys learn.
How many hand injuries are these guys going to get when sliding head first? The coaches have to crack down on this, because it seems inevitable that injuries of this nature are bound to happen. Slide feet first, guys!
Casilla was playing great and was one of the reasons they’ve done as well as they have…
As Oddball would say in “Kelly’s Heroes,” there are way too many neg-a-tive waves here. “Stop with those neg-a-tive waves, Morarity.” Woof, woof. Keep the faith, gang!
Everett and Punto as the double play combo? They will combine for 2 HR the entire season? We need some help in the infield badly. Grundelanek will not provide enough of a spark offensively.
Could we actually talk about SERIOUS trade possibilities today on this blog? Just once, please? No talk about trading our 23-25th men on our rosters. I mean serious talk about trading top prospects for real major league players that might be available? Anyone?
I’d love to trade Boof for Grudzielanek. If KC would do it, of course. How about Felipe Lopez of the Nats? He’s a FA at the end of the season. He’s nothing special, but might do okay with a change of scenery.
Macleod, that’s already happened.
Evan, if you’d read earlier reports here, it’d be clear to you that Smith, et al, are currently doing the exact opposite of which you state. Additionally, it’s clear they discussed Beltre with the M’s and, I think all parties agree, the price they asked was ridiculous and not worth a moment’s consideration. Casilla’s injury doesn’t even change that equation.
Sucks about Blalock back on the DL. He’d have been great and likely undervalued…
Hey all you little league sliding experts, Casilla was trying to break up a double play when he got hurt. He slid feet first, NOT head first. Do you people even watch the games?
Wow. I’m out of the loop for a few days and all h*** breaks loose. This is a bum deal for the Twins. If Tolbert isnt ready, then they need to sniff out a trade. How about Canu? NYY are in good shape after ripping off everyone else with the Pudge deal. Canu should be a spare part by now. Texas has a good 2B. Really good. Might even cost us Boof! But if NYY can get Pudge for Farnsworth, Boof for Kinsler would be about right. Or maybe Punto and Everett for ARod…that would solve 3B for a bit of time. If they really want Tolbert, throw him in too!
Really, it’s a bad day for the Twins, and bad timing too. I hope they can find someone to help.
Has anyone heard any VALID reports about M. Young from the Rangers coming here? I bet Kinsler would be off limits, but a .300 hitting SS would be nice…he’s got a nice glove too. Then Harris v. Lefties and Buscher v. righties. I could deal with that.
Another guy might be Mark Ellis of the Athletics (available if Billy Beane-o decides they are out of the race with the CalAnaLA Angels picking up Texiera).
Horrible news.. What a downer after the high of winning last night. Don’t get excited because Bill Smith will do nothing per the direction of the Pohlad’s. Our only hope is that the Twins pickup pickup a Denny Hocking off the waiver wire hitting .220 or a Juan Rincon with an ERA of 5.47. Wouldn’t it be fun to expect the team to go out and fill needs like the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Mets, and huh hmmm… The Milwaukee Brewers! Go Twins!
At least Casilla got injured now instead of next week. Now we can still make a great trade to replace him. (yes, I’m weeping as I type this)
I agree about Ellis, but some have suggested he’s not 100% healthy.
I have followed the twins for 30 years. They remind us every year that baseball in Minnesota is a business. Bottom line profitability (or lack of) is the only thing that matters. They have never signed a big name in any year by the trade deadline. I don’t think - at the end of the day - that the team really believes it can win this year. Bill Smith doesn’t have the bagoona’s to stand up, shake the establishment and make a trade in the next 48 hours that will improve this team.
Jayson Stark is blogging:
We haven’t heard much from the Twins this week. But clubs that have spoken with them report that Minnesota has been talking to the Giants about Rich Aurilia for a middle-tier prospect — and they’ve been dangling Boof Bonser for a right-handed bat or middle-infield depth.
we aren’t trading Liriano… where did you hear the report for Young???
I find reading this blog to be both informational and depressing. I have now come to the dark side and expect the Twins to not make any move at all. Now, if it does happen I will be so surprised I will be happy with anybody!
We won’t get Kinsler or Michael Young. Kinsler is signed through 2012 (with a 2013 club option) and Young through 2013. So neither of those will happen. The Twinks would look at free agents at the end of the year because Casilla will be starting at 2B next year. They only need a rental.
This injury may force the Twins to make a deal. Before, they could rationalize that we could still win the division with what we have. Now there is no way they can pull off that rhetoric. How are they going to state that we can make a run with a guy (Everett) we were just about to cut?
MLB Trade Rumors reports Twins are offering Boof for Aurila. Hmmm……..Boof going back to the Bay? I dont know about that. He’d be better in the NL though, no doubt about it. Aurila seems more than a little beyond his prime….might be the best they can do though.
Lets get Aubrey Huff. That would be sweet.
gobbledygookguy says:
July 30th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
reported the rangers have asked about boof, but twins bloggers want young or kinsler in return!
Seriously people….there is no chance the Twins will do anything. Other than a Shannon Stewart trade, the Twins HAVE NEVER been buyers - so quit dreaming and realize that the roster you see today is what will be tomorrow. The Pohlads arent going to spend any money - its not up to Bill Smith - its up to the Pohlads.
The ever-omniscient reporting presence known as Twins Fan bloggers!!!
I presume Aurilia would play 3B because he hasn’t played any meaningful time (>10 games) at 2B since 2005.
seems to me it’s up to Smith when the Pohlad’s placed a budget that we are 25 million under!
Grudz talk is heating up… I’m listening to the royals feed and they made mention to it…
“expect the Twins to not make any move at all. Now, if it does happen I will be so surprised I will be happy with anybody!”
That’s directly from my book “The Power of Negative Thinking”!
Expect the worst!
That way, any surprise will be a pleasant surprise!
expect the worst… so… basically Terry Ryan’s move last year at the deadline?
Jeff B says:
July 30th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Grudz talk is heating up… I’m listening to the royals feed and they made mention to it…
————
To the Twins specifically or just trade talk in general?
“Other than a Shannon Stewart trade, the Twins HAVE NEVER been buyers”
Two words:
CHILI DAVIS
Aurilia sucks. Harris and Buscher are better. If we get Aurilia, I will be pissed.
So what if Young is signed through 2013. How about something like this line-up for the new stadium?
Span RF
Casilla 2B
Mauer C
M Young SS
Morneau 1B
D Young LF
DH
Buscher 3B
Gomez CF
Let’s not forget that the Twins weren’t expected to be in the pennant race this year. They’re still building for 2009-2011, the years surrounding the move to Land O Lakes ballpark.
Bad news. I contacted DirecTV to cancel my MLB package for the rest of the year. They said I had already paid in full and wouldn’t issue me a refund. Now my choices are to watch the Twins go in the tank or play with my kids. Will the bad news ever stop?
CHILI DAVIS? PLEASE!!! Get with the current times, not 15 years ago! Plus, If I remember right, Chili was picked up during the off season, not at the trade deadline. Different scenario all together.
Hey, I heard the Twins just got Adrian Belte and a minor leauge infielder for Hernandez, Bonser, Punto, and Cuddyer. That should really help the team. Finally, the Twins appear to have made a good trade.
How many more hand injuries?? Can’t these guys learn to slide feet first?
yah! we get to see Nick Punto in the line up everyday because you know they won’t make a deal.
“How many more hand injuries?? Can’t these guys learn to slide feet first?”
Wow. Just…wow.
Try watching the game. Or reading the posts before you say something. If you had, you would have noticed that - many times - it has been pointed out that Casilla DID slide feet first. But hey, that’s ok. Don’t worry about it.
Just post some inane trade like Bonser and Livan for Beltre, complain that Pohlad is cheap, and claim that Bill Smith will never make a deal, and you’ll fit right in.
The Twins’ 2009 spring training conditioning regiment better include 200 fingertip push-ups a day. These finger injuries are ridiculous.
Chili was signed in the off season….
we did trade for Don Baylor only 21 July’s ago.
I’d have no problem with Young at SS. None at all. But Texas would want a king’s ransom in return and we wouldn’t want to pay someone who would make more than the M&M brothers (Young is $5 mil this year, $16 mil/year in 2009-13). Plus, Young has a no-trade clause that extends through 2009. So it ain’t happenin’, at least not in this universe.
the royals feed mentioned The twins as a “suiter” due to the injury of Casilla.
For the last time people. Casilla was NOT sliding head first.
Yankees:
Posada needs surgery - trade for Pudge
Twins:
Casilla needs surgery - play Nick Punto
LOL @ Shawn in Binghamton….
fingertip pushups? Didn’t Tenacious D have a song about some kind of pushup? was it finger?
So, Pudge is a Yankee? Their response to the loss of an aging catcher’s season ending surgery is to aquire an aging catcher?
Oh well, at least it’ll sell some jersey’s.
I can’t figure out if this means the Tigers are buyers or sellers…
herby, either cite your source or stop being an idiot
was it finger?
It was A finger…just not THOSE fingers.
good try herby
[…] signed beyond this year because I like to think that Alexi Casilla will be back next year (Joe C just wrote that Casilla will have season-ending thumb surgery). We haven’t heard anything really on […]
Baylor was traded to the Twins September 1, 1987. He didn’t hit his first Minny homer until the World Series.
sweet, someone knew what song i referenced.
i don’t think 1 a day would be enough for the Twins fingers though
Oh,Yeah,
Don Baylor, not Chili Davis.
I’m not gonna let the facts prevent me from making a point…….whatever the hell that point was!
I repeat from before…it’s a miracle this team is doing anything successful.
Not only are they fighting against their own front office and coaching staff…but they’re fighting against 22 of the 25 men on the roster (anybody not named Baker, Morneau or Span)
Winning despite themselves. Those JERKS!
STILL CHEAP AFTER ALL THESE YEARS.
BILL POLAD IS ACTUALLY CHEAPER THAN DAD
oops sorry Jimmy, it was a later trade… still hope for an august trade then
I’m not gonna let the facts prevent me from making a point……
sane…they’ve turned you!
Aurilia vs. lefties - .294
Harris vs. lefties - .223
Buscher vs. lefties - .136
I’m literally crying because the blog is talking about Don Baylor and Chili Davis. There is no hope. I think I am going to go slide head first into traffic.
In order to get a difference-maker player, we will have to give someone up. What about Kubel and Boof for Michael Young? The Marlins also are looking for an outfielder — Kubel for Cantu? Kubel has a lot of potential but he has really never been an everyday player for whatever reason. I would really hate to see him go, but I think Young or Cantu would help the team more.
We don’t need no stinking trade!!
My sources tell me MLB is about to take a vote to contract the Twins. Something about all the head first sliding is embarrassing the league.
Kubel and Boof for M. Young? SOLD!! I’m thinking we might have to throw in a pitching prospect also, however. And still SOLD!! I might be dead next year. I want to go for it now!!!
Without Casilla the Twins do need to make a trade now… Well they do if they want to win the Division. And Rich Aureilla sucks. Basically Mike Lamb version 2.0 - If he could put up the numbers he has in the NL or AAAA ball he would be hands down better than Buscher but that’s a big if. And getting rid of Bonser would be great because that means an improvement with anybody they bring up to replace him so thats something…
Without Casilla the Twins do need to make a trade now…
With…who?
Okay…this Manny crap is getting annoying. If Manny starts dogging it for the Red Sox, don’t they have ANY means of contesting this with the league?
It’s a riddiculous that a player can force a team’s hand like Manny is trying to do. If I’m Boston, I keep him. If he dogs it, I file a complaint with the league. If players can contest they’re being held back (Liriano) a team should be able to file a similiar grieveance.
For those wondering about a trade, there aint a whole lot of quality out there at second base. The orioles pulled Roberts off the market, you don’t want the guy in Seattle. I say the go get Beltre. With Beltre at third, you can absorb the loss with his run production. Move Go-Go back to the top and put Span in the 2-hole. Everett can be a back up for Harris at short. Punto is fine defensively at second.
I HATE PUNTO. If the Twins don’t get someone and I have to stare at that that piece of **** walk from the dugout up to home plate back to the dugout after every K, then I am quitting life.
T:
If Kyle Farnsworth (dog) will get you Ivan Rodriguez, then the Rangers will give up who for Boof (woof)?
Bill Smith can’t GM this franchise.He inherited a good team and all his moves suck. Giving Cuddyer almost 10% of the teams payroll was a joke taking on Delmon Young and giving away Garza and Bartlett, now scared to make a deal. i can’t stand
Bill smith!!!
John, I’m thinking Gomez would be better in the 1 spot. Span gets on base, at least Gomez can try to bunt him around (unless these last few games have been a sign that his bat is back)
Gomez/Span 1/2 would work either way depending on who’s bat is going to be more consistent.
Though, Gomez has more potential for pop than Span. 
———-
Also, why hasn’t Chicago done anything yet? They’ve got needs in the pen just as much a the Twins do…don’t they?
The Tigers trade confuses me more than anything. Sorta reminds me of when the Sox and Yanks swapped Contreras and Loaiza.
Let’s face it..the Twins need offensive players. Punto is NOT an offensive player. He should be starting about 1/2 the time. When Tolbert returns this should be a no-brainer. I still say move Kubel in a trade and trade for Adam Dunn.
Can we get a legit GM, let Jim Pohlad ran the team, at least he can be accountable!! This a good team Smith inherited and he is making bad moves that could screw this franchise…
Mom:
I told you to quit posting on my blog. Now go back to your casino where you belong.
There is always a trade that can be done…for example, did ANYONE think that Pudge would go to the yankees? It just shows that if you want/need a trade to happen, you find a seller! Problem is that the Twinkies dont operate that way and we should all know this by now….
the twins trying to contradict casilla by saying “we’re not sure if it requires surgery” and delaying is appointment until Thursday is just a lame way for smith/ryan to have excuses for not making a trade before tomorrow’s deadline. the twins delaying his appointment until Thursday (which is right on top of the trade deadline) with hand specialist Dr. Tom Varecka and not making the official decision about surgery until then instead of doing it today seems like an odd decision.
Good job Bill smith replacing the injured Pat Neshak NOT Good Job signing Cuddyer NOT good trade giving away Garza NOT good job replacing Casilla NOT good job putting a bat behind Morneau NOT. you suck man your in over your head, but im sure Carl Pohlad likes you saving him money…you kiss AZZ
After Hernandez sucks a fat one tonight and gets rolled, the twins will be on the phones all night looking for anyone to take him off our hands. Hernandez will be dealt(if someones is dumb enough to take him) and Boof will be gone as well making room for Liriano and hopefully we can bring in some kind of infield bat.
How many gold glove plays and hits does Punto need for you to stop hating him? I seriously must know! Is it because all you can remember is the bad season he had last year? It can’t be because of his very good 2006 season. It sure can’t be because of his fielding in ANY season. It can’t be because of his hustle! Is it because he is only batting .295 this year? Or is it simply because you have talked yourself into hating Punto for so long now that you simply can’t remember why you hate him? I HAVE TO KNOW!!!!!!!
Very true statement by oh bill, billy, billy….
Isnt it ironic how the twins maneuver themselves out of potential deals, when other clubs LOOK for ways to make improvements….
Bill Smith isn’t going to make any of those moves he is afriad, gunshy.like in the winter meetings gunshy to make a Santanna trade. he is in over his head!!!
I have no problem with punto playing…but the twins will quickly fade with everett back at shortstop.
Bill Smith was so afraid to trade Santanna he waited so long his value deminished, he can only have this job by kissing carls butt, if he wouldn’t have signed Cuddyer the Twins payroll would be under 50 million?lol Bill smith is clueless
It’s not too late to hire a legit GM.
for example, did ANYONE think that Pudge would go to the yankees?
Yankees were looking for a catcher, Tigers were looking for relief help.
We knew the Tigers needed relief. But I don’t think many outside of New York knew that they were looking for catching.
BILL SMITH SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Punto is not clutch. He’ll scatter a hit here and there but when its crunch time, his tail is between his legs, much like Delmon’s
Bill smith has to go, this team cannot play w/ the elite on the road, no bat behind Morneau is embaressing..
Casilla is a big loss: good defense, good hitting, speed and hustle. Until Tolbert is ready, we have at least the Everett/Punto good defense/poor hitting combo - better than nothing (Macri is another option). In my opinion, it is more important to bring up Liriano NOW, demote someone to the bullpen, and shore up the relief pitching.
I find it hilarious people are using the Pudge trade as an example that Smith and co aren’t looking hard enough.
How exactly does one look for rumors regarding a sudden and surprising trade such as this?
I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BASHING SMITH SAY!
I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BASHING SMITH SAY!
I guess Bill Smith should of foreseen Cuddyer, Casilla, Tolbert, and Everett getting injured. What an idiot! And why would he trade an unproven commodity like Garza for a rookie of the year runner up that is only hitting .291 this year? And why would he not sign Hunter to a ridiculous 6 year contract? And why would he trade Santana instead of signing him to the richest contract in baseball history so Santana could be pitching just above .500 ball for us? After all, Bill Smith has only been doing this line of work for his whole life when the rest of us have been sitting at our computers. Bill Smith Sucks! Delmon Young, Carlos Gomez, Bill Smith: what do they all have in common? They have taken less than one year to ruin this whole franchise!!
Your forgetting that Smith was too dumb to realize that Silva would be a far greater impact on this team than that slouch Silva.
They need to do something. Detroit has given up obviously. Chicago will make a trade yet. They need to get Adrian beltre to play third, punto at short and harris at second.
Kubel, Boof, Humber, Mulvey and Everett for Michael Young and Eddie Guardado.
Why is everyone ripping Bill Smith I think he done very well so far. It does take 2 teams to make a trade, and none of us know who the Twins have had talks with. Should the Twins make a trade yes should they give away the farm for a rental no. I think they should try to get Grudz from KC he would be a perfect #2 hitter for us. I would love Beltre but if all the reports are correct on what they want for him, than the price is to High. Atkins is also going to cost to much and not sure if Rocks want to move him. I would call the Reds about Encarnasio(spelling error) and see what it would cost to get him.
Hard to make a trade when GM’s are demanding two top prospects for high priced mediocre talent.
Bill Smith Sucks!
Well duh. Bill Smith sucks because we’re not hearing EVERY SINGLE RUMOR AND RUMBLING coming out of the front desk.
Personally I like the idea of the Twins trade search being broadcast to the entire world. It’d be great for all the other teams in baseball to know that a certain player the Twins are looking for may be available after all.
Do you think Pudge/Farnsworth happens if it got out ahead of time Pudge was on the market? Or do you think he winds up elsewhere for possibly a better pitcher?
they wont trade mulvey and humber both. no way.
none of us know who the Twins have had talks with.
But look at New York! They swapped Pudge and Farnsworth without anybody knowing it. How come we haven’t heard anything about a potential super secret trade?
Macleod! Are you, me, and a handful of others the only sane people on here? Keep up the good work.
and they will not get michael young. they will get aurilla. when is the last time the twins made a big splash? they don’t
So. Anybody else notice that there is now only one person with ANY catching experience on the Tigers’ active roster? and that the only other catcher on the 40-man is on the 15-day disabled list. It looks like there are more trades to come or the Tigers have packed it in.
I am currently trying to get grudz from KC.
Dear Mom, nobody has ever stated Punto is a clutch hitter. However, hating him is a far cry from “clutch”. There are very few clutch hitters in baseball. And no team has 9 clutch hitters starting for them. And Punto does bat 9th most of the time. I will say Morneau is our one true clutch hitter. We have more problems at hand rather than Punto. We are very lucky to have Punto. If we had released him outright like many have wanted to do, where would this team be today? Who would be starting in the infield? While I do not ask to see Punto at the plate with the bases loaded and down by 2 runs, I love to see him in the infield with the bases load and up by two runs. And I’ll take his sporatic hitting, runs, and rbi as a bonus.
I can’t believe some of the people on this site. Seriously, if we win tonight, we’ll be in first place. I know Casilla’s injury will hurt the team, but I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody stepped up and started performing, just like Casilla did. Take a step back for a second and look at where the Twins are. I’m pretty sure a lot of the people on here predicted 85 wins for the Twins at the beginning of the year and said they would have been happy with it.
We need the Mariners fire sale to kick into high gear, since we play them 9 times this month
good point tomjh
I know Gardy thinks Cuddy is best suited for right field, but we have 4 outfielders when Cuddy comes back, and with the loss of Casilla’s bat, we need them all playing. Some may disagree, but lets put Cuddy back at second base…
If this would’ve happened a week or so earlier, the Twins could’ve got Durham from the Giants and not have to give up a heck of alot.
My agent is letting me know that the Twins are in serious discussions with the Royals about me playing with the Twins
Cuddyer played third base, not second. But if he could do it, I’d love to see him play there again. Then again, he underperformed until he moved to right field.
Saw some rumors that the Mets may have interest in Livan since John Maine has shoulder problems. If he has a good performance tonight, do we flip him?
Michael Cuddyer played second and third
Cuddyer is still underperforming
I just traded boof and a couple boxes of baseball cards for Josh Hamilton and Michael Young. Man, you guys are right, this trading stuff is so easy. Those other teams are such idiots. I didnt have to give up anything to get these guys.
i hope he gets traded to the mets cuz then it is liriano time!!
I am fat and am going to retire
I think the evidence of Detroit gearing up for future seasons is a great compliment to the Twins. The Twins are the most consistent team in the division. We do not go through the ups and downs, bad streaks to good streaks, that every other team goes through. The Twins were the last team this year to have a 3 game losing streak. Slow and steady wins the race. Casilla’s injury definitely hurts the slow and steady plan, but as many people have stated, it takes two teams to make a trade. Do you not think the other teams haven’t seen Casilla is injured? It’s like blood in the water. Other teams will try and fleece us, but perhaps in those talks a decent trade may come about. I don’t expect any blockbuster moves, they rarely happen, but perhaps something reasonable to assist the infield a little could happen. While I would like to see us “go for it” this year, there is not a guarantee any move will win it all. The reason the Twins don’t make blockbuster trades is because our farm system is the best in baseball and we bring up our own players. Personally, I don’t care how much money the Pohlad’s spend, but it is ridiculous the amount of money the Yankees spend to “not” win the World Series year after year.
Re: Cuddyer,
in the minors, he played:
223 games 3B
93 games OF
64 games 1B
in the majors, he played:
410 games RF
157 games 3B
60 games 2B
46 games 1B
9 games LF
1 game CF
I love playing on turf
!!
Baseball Prospectus is reporting that Manny to Marlins is about done deal…
Yankees = Overpaid and underplayed.
Great. Now on top of Pudge we’ll have to live with “Why didn’t the Twins get MAAAANYYYYY!” cries.
You’re right, Grudz. Cuddyer played 2B and 3B last in 2005 (95 at 3B, but only 11 at 2B). He did well at 2B (.985 in 60 games) but lousy at 3B (.941 in 157 games).
I think we should all be rooting for Livan to do well tonight. If he gives up less than 4 runs and gets a W, someone will want him tomorrow morning. Just like TK says, the Mets are desperate for pitching with the injury to Maine. It’s addition by subtraction, getting Franchise in the rotation (hopefully)
I’m thinking a dose of Manny “clubhouse cancer” wouldn’t put this team over the hump. But it sure as well would make the blogs spice up!
If Livan can get through the first two innings unscathed, he should be alright.
Totally agree with the Span Man. As much as I hate to say it, go Livan.
With the unfortunate injury to Casilla, the Twins DO NOT need to panic and make a silly trade. Cuddyer can play the infield and this will allow Span and his speed to stay in the line-up. Also, the Twins can use Cuddyer’s RBI ability and power as long as he is actually healthy. I love the way Casilla was playing, but this could end up a blessing in disguise.
Michael Young.
His contract (from the Twins perspective) may negate this, but I would think a Liriano for Michael Young would be a pretty fair trade for both sides. Young is only 31, a career .302 hitter, has 90+ RBI’s in each of the last four seasons and is a gamer (see him playing last night, after it was announced he’d be out 5-7 days with his hand injury.
I like Liriano, but we don’t know what we’ll get. His value, it seems is pretty decent right now. I suppose other teams would say the same thing - we don’t know what we’re getting.
Just pondering…
Let’s grab FIRST PLACE tonight!!!
wouldn’t put this team over the hump. But it sure as well would make the blogs spice up!
If the Twins aquired Manny…the blog would erupt in praise of Smith.
Until Manny loafed his first ball in the OF. Then he’d be on the same s**t list as Young, Punto, Gardy….etc.
There is absolutely no way we trade Liriano by noon tomorrow…NO CHANCE
Big Jimmy,
‘He did well at 2B (.985 in 60 games) but lousy at 3B (.941 in 157 games).”
If you are going to compare his FA at 3B with his FA at 2B, why don’t you look at his FA at 1B?
That will prove TO YOU he was a great 1B.
In real life, those numbers can’t be compared. First basemen have more easy chances than do second basemen who have more easy chances than do first basemen.
Actually FA is crap and comparing between positions is even more crap.
should say:
In real life, those numbers can’t be compared. First basemen have more easy chances than do second basemen who have more easy chances than do THIRD basemen.
As much as I hate to say it, go Livan.
It must be REALLY hard to cheer for a player on your team.
What a complete lack of leadership from the field manager on up. One of our prime players gets hurt during the division chase, and what does leadership do? Get a bad case of denial. SHI#. Should I see if I can get the rest of my flex-40 plan refunded, because of this bullshi#? The Twins front office has to realize they are a major league ball club. This putting a “Punto” Band-Aid on every injury that happens to the Twins is getting a little old. here are high quality 2nd basemen out there, but the Twins have o be willing to pay more than two bits a freaking hour! Watch now — the Twins bring Tommy Herr out of retirement…
Wow, that day’s posts might just put me off this site completely. The hatred is astounding. I love the passion, but hating Punto and Smith-wow.
It is too early to judge Smith. He’s had less than 1 year on the job. While I don’t like many of his moves, most were defensible decisions. I’d say they should give him another year, at least. Also, even if he is bad at his job, I could never hate someone for not being a good baseball GM.
Nick Punto has proven he should not be an every day player (though some will disagree). But, hating him for playing? Wow, just, wow. I’d like to see him in the bench role, where they have a legit PHer, and then Punto goes in and takes the defensive spot just PH for. But I’m not going to hate him for playing.
Why are people all over the Pudge trade like the Twins missed out on somthing he’s been the league 17 years and is making over 12 million this year, granted the tigers have paid most of the 12 mil. But once again the Yankees pay for an old high priced player when they could have gotten alot younger catchers, hell they may have been able to get Redman for Farnsworth. I should not have printed that part since now everyone will be on Bill Smith for not trading Red Dog to the Yankees.
Dear lack:
I’m sure the Twins will be more than happy to refund your money if you can finally settle down on a personality so they know where to send it.
Or can you not remember which one of you sent it in? Try asking Herb.
It’s July 30th, does anyone really believe Smith is going to bring in a power hitting 3rd baseman, a strong middle reliever or a top notch replacement for Casilla in the next 24 hours? I remember the great additions this orginization has added at this time of the year before the trade deadline in 07, 06, 05, 04 etc… Yep your right it does take 2 teams to make a trade. In this case one has to be cheap (see Poorlads) and the other dumber than a sack full of doorknobs and I’m not sure who that is.
here are high quality 2nd basemen out there
Such as….?
wow, that Manny comment is true! He may be a fish before long. WOW
It sounds like if Manny goes to Florida it’d take a Mr. Hermeida? to get him.
I would wager that if the Sox are giving up their starting LFer they’re going to need a starter in return.
I’d also wager that’d mean the Twins would have to give up somebody like…oh…Span.
BUT HE’S UNTOUCHABLE
There are plenty of middle relievers out there, but are they any better than what we have? As for 3B and 2B, the cupboard is bare, and you have to overpay to get overpriced “talent”
I never said anything about Cuddy at 1B. He does just fine there. I was only talking about how unsettled he was at the hot corner - he never felt comfortable and was not very good defensively. His offensive numbers improved considerably after he moved to RF. He still occasionally plays 1B. But again, I said JACK SQUAT about his play at 1B. Read a post completely before complaining.
The rumor was that the Marlins were going to give up 3 young players perhaps some that were about to be eligible for arbitration. That way the Marlins don’t have to pay them in the near future. I also heard their payroll is $20 million! Unbelievable!
Michael Young is NOT becoming a Twin. Period. Unless he waives his no-trade clause which continues through the 2009 season. End of discussion.
It’s easy to trade. You just call up the other team and tell them what you want and what you’ll give.
They say yes, and problem solved. DUH!
It’s THAT easy.
some of you people who always come back and basically say: “well who would have thought we would be this close to first place at this point of the season, let’s just be happy with what we have done” are a joke! seriously what kind of attitude is that?! the whole purpose of professional sports is to win, win, win. this attitude by some of you of let’s just be happy with what we have done and make due the rest of the season when we are so close to taking over the division is pathetic. a franchise who really considers themselves a top 1/3 team in MLB figures out a way to get a deal done in the next day for a third baseman & a middle reliever so we can win THIS YEAR and not just try to “maintain” for the next couple years so we can hang onto a bunch of farm prospects who might never pan out. get your heads out of the sand!
Unless he waives his no-trade clause which continues through the 2009 season.
*pfft* You just call him and ask nicely. It’s THAT easy.
See, trades are easy. NTC? Hah.
For those who rip the Twins for not making a trade, you probably all love Tommy Herr. What makes you think that every trade works out? You are the best GM in your fantasy league, so quit your day job and go work in baseball and in a few years you can be a GM for a real team. I know that Gardy knows his players better than I do and knows who to put in the lineup. Billy Smith knows what he is doing and will make a good personnel decision if he can, otherwise the Twins will stay pat.
Dear Bill and Gardy,
I know this won’t mean anything to you, but if Adam Everett somehow sees playing time alongside Nick Punto and Mike Lamb in the infield, I will toss it all in right then and there. Seriously, make a trade for an infielder and cut your ties with Lamb and Everett. It didn’t take you this long to figure it out in ‘06 with Batista and look what happened after that! Get rid of Boof while your at it.
don’t even get us started on Gardy’s competency when it comes to putting a lineup together, BIG HARV…
“The Red Sox don’t deserve me.” - Manny Rameriez.
Apparently Manny admires Mr. Favre.
It is kind of interesting that if you take into account the increases that Mauer, Morneau, and Cuddy will get next year and add Beltre’s contract you will be about in the same position of total payroll that you were at last year. That is assuming you take Livan’s $5 million off. I realize there are a lot of other players but you are in the ballpark!
I find ESPN timing Manny’s runs to 1B fun. But boy, if they can prove he’s dogging it…where in God’s name is the commish.
Not saying it is happening or even being discussed but if you were Young wouldn’t you waive your no-trade clause to get out of Texas?
whattodo, you also have to factor in that the Twins will also be looking to offer contracts to some of these young guys we’ve got now.
but if you were Young wouldn’t you waive your no-trade clause to get out of Texas?
You’d think so…but how often do players do what we think would make sense?
who are these people?
I understand that but the point I was trying to make is that we have spent that much before why not now? Beltre would only be a Twin for 2 years if it happened.
Anybody not watching ESPN right now is missing out.
Philips is CONVINCED that a dogging Manny would be easily coached back into being a force for the Sox. Gammons all but called him a moron.
This is riddiculous.
Who are what people?
I also heard the Rays were in deep discussions with the Pirates on Jason Bay. Are the Sox feeling some heat to make a move? They have had a tough week! Breaks my heart:)!
For all the complaints people about Gardy - I’ll let his track record speak for itself. Nearly every big game he starts Red Dog in, I find myself cussing & swearing Gardy.. up until the point Redmond gets that big hit to short-right field that starts a rally, or finishes one. He struck out in a big spot on Monday, and I was shocked.
Punto - dude has made some of the best defensive plays I’ve ever seen - the superman pick & throw on a bunt as a 3B… the jump in the air, barehand the ball, and throw to first from DEEP behind 2B, all in one motion.. A lot of people were okay with the Neverhit signing because we thought we’d have more productive power hitters. Punto is essentially Neverhit, except an upgrade on offense and defense. Yes, I said it, an upgrade on defense. I followed the Astros closely for many years (Luke Scott, current LF for BAL, former HOU LF, is friend of family), and was depressed to see Everett coming, but excited to see lamb play every day (he was real solid for HOU). Punto > Everett, by far. To say he’s not clutch… why do you think he was the centerpiece of the Piranha’s? Remember Smell ‘em?
Trades…how many articles has ESPN run in the last 5-6 years about “deadline deals gone bad” - they just highlighted a new article today about that. If the Twins are always one player away from WS consideration, adding one player during the deadline probably isn’t the solution. Addressing needs in the draft and developing those needs is the solution, especially if you can’t go out and sign an all-star or former all-star for all 9 positions. The Angels, another team frequently berated for not pulling the trigger on a deadline deal - they did it right this year. When they were the best team in baseball, they went out and made the move to put them over the hump. If you’re 2, 3, 4 guys away from being a true contender, trading 2 or 3 prospects (or a guy like span) is NOT the solution. The solution is to figure out which of your players are legit, and perhaps get lucky enough to ride them into the playoffs (see Marlins ‘03, Rockies ‘07).
*steps down from soap box*
First Favre is able to get the commish to force the Pack to trade him if need be.
Then Liriano’s agent tries to force the Twins to call him up.
Now Manny is going to force the Sox to trade him. (Or else he’ll dog it)
What the hell happened to sports? What let players get bigger than the game?
What’s funniest, remember about a month ago when “Manny being Manny” was a great thing and all kinds of entertainment?
Philips accused Francona of being an “enabler” for Manny. Yeah…right. How about you review tapes of BB2N. Then we’ll see who the enablers really are in all of this.
ESPN: “We create monsters.”
ESPN: “We made David Ortiz the celebrity he is.”
Come to think of it I always kind of thought that David Ortiz dogged it when he was with the Twins! Just my opinion!
T,
this is nothing new. John Elway forcinging the Colts to trade him in 83. Bet there are instances even further back.
A SEVERE Livan Warning remains in effect until around 9:30 P.M. inside the Metro Dome ….
Everyone sitting on the third base line and left field seats should take cover, this includes deep left field… Major League Baseball dopler radar continued to
indicate slow fastballs and pitches with no movement from Livan for the past two months. Livan should be located on the pitching mound
and will be stationary with rapidly moving team mates running for cover.
The safest place to be during a troll warning is in a yard with a Fresca. Get under a
awning or other piece of lawn furniture and relax. If no yard is
available… seek shelter in the nearest hotel in an
interior pool or living room. Use blankets or pillows to
smother the troll and always stay away from harsh conversations.
forcinging is a sweet word
“I’m sad because I was just starting to have fun.” Yeah baby. That is SO cool and hip. Let me clue you in, dude. There’s also this thing called a team. What I wish (stupid wish) is that just once some of these incredibly rich sports guys (the owner of the Vikings, the second baseman of the Twins, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc., etc.,) would, at least for the sake of public relations, think of themselves third, and the team first, and the fans second.
forcinging is a sweet word
Hahahahaha. That was hysterical.
Shawn - how much I’m laughing at that, still, is probably a strong indicator that I need a nap. Here’s to Livan keeping me up late by keeping the twins in the game.
I don’t think Manny has been traded yet, looks like he’s still in the game against the Angels
Michael Young would fit in good with the Twins, he is not playing tonight because of a finger problem. Sure, trade for him, he’s “broken” in already.
At the beginning of the season, if I had told you all our “preferred” lineup, with Lexi at 2nd, would be:
1. Denard Span, RF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brian Buscher, 3B
8. Brendan Harris, SS
9. Carlos Gomez, CF
You’d all have called me nuts.Span? Buscher? Casilla? Hahahahaha. That’s why I’m not too worried about this ballclub.
On a sour note, HR #1 of 6 for the White Sox.
