Monday update: Orioles claim Gabino, Morillo added to 40-man, Huber clears waivers
Posted on November 9th, 2009 – 1:34 PMBy Joe Christensen
CHICAGO — A few bits of Twins news today from the GM Meetings:
(*) The Orioles claimed righthanded pitcher Armando Gabino on waivers. Gabino made one start for the Twins this season and one relief appearance, posting a 17.18 ERA. He went 6-4 with a 2.94 ERA in 38 games for Class AAA Rochester.
(*) The Twins have selected the contract of reliever Juan Morillo, putting him back on their 40-man roster. Morillo, a hard-throwing righthander claimed off waivers from the Rockies, posted a 22.50 ERA in three appearances for the Twins and went 6-6 with a 3.90 ERA in 46 games for Rochester, notching 87 strikeouts in 67 innings.
(*) 1B Justin Huber cleared waivers and was outrighted to Class AAA Rochester. Huber batted .273 with 22 home runs and 76 RBI for the Red Wings this season and went 1-for-2 for the Twins.
131 Responses to "Monday update: Orioles claim Gabino, Morillo added to 40-man, Huber clears waivers"
Will Huber be the next Garrett Jones?
More importantly Joe, how many walks did Morillo have at Rochester in his 67 innings?
“More importantly Joe, how many walks did Morillo have at Rochester in his 67 innings?”
51 walks
I am sure the Twins brain trust putas the right players on their 40 man roster.
Morrilo throws heat and his walks ratio is getting under control.
can”t give up on a guy who throws gas of 98-99..
Huber is just outrighted, unless choses free agency.
Win Twins!
WOW. A 22.50 ERA. Sounds like the kind of player the Twins need and then put him back on the 40 man? Go figure.
I would hardly call 51 walks in 67 innings, “under control.”
maybe others see somethign we don’t? Gardy got 2nd in manager of the year award.
JC Smith,
Morillo only pitched 2 innings.
Alexi’s off to a good start in the DWL: .125/.125/.250
“maybe others see somethign we don’t? Gardy got 2nd in manager of the year award.”
Massive understatement.
“maybe others see somethign we don’t?”
Or maybe we saw something that the others didn’t.
For example, the first five months, when Morneau was healthy, but the team was a cluster-f@#$k.
The “others” didn’t pay attention until the Morneau-less (and Slowey-less, Perkins-less and Liriano-less) Twins made a September rush to the pennant.
I sure wish Alexi would just once and for all lock into the exciting, talented, energizer bunny leaping and diving defensive whiz, slap-hitting with doubles power high on-base annoyance at the plate permanent second baseman for the Twins…..
But then again I can fruitlessly wish for a lot of things I suppose.
How does everyone feel about this:
Glen Perkins for Jorge Cantu
Personally I don’t like the name “Jorge”.
“How does everyone feel about this:
Glen Perkins for Jorge Cantu”
I think any trade that starts off Glen Perkins for… is a good one.
True, ES16, but this particular trade would be a really good one. Maybe too good. The Marlins might expect a bit more. They’re so cheap, who knows?
Morillo has a lot of potential and I am happy the Twins were able to retain him. He may never get enough command to pitch for the Twins, but the reward is huge if he gets it. Risk/Reward factor= very good for Twins, imo.
Cody
The marlins are a well run organization, so i don’t think they will trade their good player for our bad one. honestly, where do some of these trade ideas come from? Are you really Corky, from “life goes on”, in disguise? Obla di, obla da…
where would you put cantu? absolultey hurrendous outside of 1B. and we have a couple guys who can play there…
My guess would be 3B, medschool.
You’ve got to be kidding me,
To be fair, you would have said the exact same thing about Gomez for J.J. Hardy. Most people on this blog thought that was an outrageous trade before it actually happened. Most of the “experts” around here through it would require good young pitching and some prospects.
Boneyard - he has a FP in recent years of just over 91% at 3B. not sure about that one.
Whoa, the trade wasn’t my brainchild. Cody, I believe, is thinking pop in the lineup and to heck with the rest of it. I don’t think the Twins are that deperate for power.
yes I agree, just showing some stats that will deter the FO accordingly.
how about liriano and casilla for uggla? he would fit our 2 big fielding needs much better he has played 3b and 2b, punto plays the other. liriano needs a change south florida would be like home to him.
Glen Perkins for Jorge Cantu? That’s the best you can come up with?
How about Matt Macri for Albert Pujols and $20M cash?
Take that.
All that being said, with Hardy on board, should the club fill another IF spot or try and land a starter first? If you think they should find another IF, do you look of a 2B or 3B? If you think a starter, which one?
starter should be #1. definitely woudl be open to Pavano back, if he can be signed for 1 year at 5 mill (maybe with a team option for a second year). I think Josh Johnson can be had for the right price. give them a starter with some upside still - Liriano? - along with some guys in the system - maybe Dustin Martin and Plouffe - and that could possibly do it, mainly because of how cheap they are and they might not get a long-term deal done with him.
I like Beltre, but a) he’s a Boras client b) this team has power (yes he’s right handed but still), c) he’s on the downslope and d) there are guys I’d prefer to see at a better price most likely - Polanco is one. he’s got strong glove still, can go right to that 2 spot and get on base for the heart of the order.
So many of these middle infielders can execute either 2nd or 3rd well. Not all, but certainly Uggla, De Rosa and some others. Cabrera, too, probably.
I like shoring up the IF.
I also think the team should take a flier on Ben Sheets. they can offer just as much in terms of money as the Rangers can, and this team can definitely raise pitching - Andy could help him out to see if he’s ready.
Phillies are not bringing Pedro Feliz back as their third baseman. I hope the Twins do not have interest in Feliz.
Alexi’s off to a good start in the DWL: .125/.125/.250
He hit over .340 there last year, over .300 in spring training after a good 2008 campaign. I believe there is some talent there also but think both he and Liriano could do with a few months off to get a fresh start. Reps are important but burnout is a factor also and as far as I can tell, Casilla has had no time off for a couple of years.
I just bet a friend that Punto would bat .270 this year. I don’t necessarily beleive in the every other year thing but believe that when his sole purpose is to get on base he does all right. When he deludes himself into thinking he has some power he is terrible. I still think they should fine and suspend him if he ever hits another homerun. I pray that he finally realizes that batting .280 with no home runs is worlds better than .210 and 2 homers.
ESPN suggests the Twins have interest in Rich Harden as a FA.
And how about Mark DeRosa at third? He is a Type B [no draft pick] FA.
he doesn’t get to slide into first on a homerun either!!
Phillies or Cards might make a better offer for DeRosa. but Beltre is a Boras client..annoying isn’t it?
“batting .280 with no home runs is worlds better than .210 and 2 homers.”
truer words are hard to find.
I would like Derosa for his veteran presence. and he doesn’t disappear in the playoffs on offense either.
lol, liriano and casilla for uggla. it just keeps gertting better and better. Are you guys 10?
Seems to me there are a lot of interesting Type B’s this year: Harden, Bedard, DeRosa, maybe Felipe Lopez.
Randy Winn is a solid veteran who was just released- he can play all 3 OF positions..
Not sure it he would accept the back up roll - good insurance in case Delmon starts out like Delmon again.
Never fails. Any time anyone ever makes a trade suggestion, there are 10 people to tell him what the Twins would offer is not nearly enough. I recall when I suggested Gomez for Hardy, people said I needed to throw in Perkins and Casilla for the Brewers to even consider such a trade. The truth is, no one knows how other teams evaluate players. Don’t act like you know.
Where did you find Twins after Harden on espn?
Espn Rumor Central on Twitter:
J.J. Hardy, the Twins news shortstop, may be getting a new double-play partner in Minnesota #twins #freeagents #trades http://bit.ly/yv1LN
anyone have espn insider care to lelt us know what is on there about the Twins?
Calling up Morillo doesn’t mean anything this early in the game. With how “sudden” Hardy/Gomez happened, it’s entirely possible that Morillo could be gone just as quick if the Twins find something better.
just read this off of Olney’s chat:
“Word is that they are aggressively pushing their arbitration-eligible guys in the trade market, so in light of that… no, I think they’re going to have a tough time hanging with the Phillies, because of the lack of comparable depth. They’ll compete, but it’s hard to see them prevailing”
maybe its uggla the Twins are going after? he’s a tad expensive but he would fit great in the middle of that lineup…
I think Morillo stays. he has the stuff to be a closer if he can fix his control.
what olney chat? some chats are saying the twins might be on to a blockbuster.. they think uggla too, but in addition with josh johnson… seems to be pure speculation so far though..
“anyone have espn insider care to lelt us know what is on there about the Twins?”
It actually doesn’t say much of anything. Just that the Twins may look to fill either 2nd base or 3rd base over the offseason, and that they aren’t against bringing OCab back if he’ll switch positions.
Also says that Bill Smith is looking for a veteran starter, and that Harden is ‘believed to be on the Twins’ radar.’
LOL. It the Marlins Olney is talking about:
Manhart (Miami)
Do the Marlins have a shot at competing in the NL East next season?
Buster Olney
Word is that they are aggressively pushing their arbitration-eligible guys in the trade market, so in light of that… no, I think they’re going to have a tough time hanging with the Phillies, because of the lack of comparable depth. They’ll compete, but it’s hard to see them prevailing.
wow
you guys made my night with that Harden news.
Thanks
Thanks Pete for the fill-in. My subscription ended, and no money due to bills! Thanks again!
for third base i nominate:
1) Miguel Tejada
2) Derosa
bad ideas??
My pleasure.
I’d be happy w/Crede back in a platoon w/ Valencia and one good pitcher or two good pitchers with past injury issues (think Ben Sheets). I’m curious who the back up CF is going to be now? Coco Crisp?
This off-season is shaping up to be fabulous for the Twins, in contrast to last year’s debacle. Getting an everyday SS was the number one priority in my view.
Uggla AND Johnson? That’d probably take revere/high prospect, and at least another top prospect, plus an arm (Liriano?), and probably something else thats ML ready, probaly some combinatino of Harris/Casilla with some better AAA prospects like martin or tolleson or something like that.
Don’t worry about 2nd base
Punto is a baseball player.
3rd could be mix and match if need be, BUT Top notch pitching is the utmost
priority.
Great to get Hardy, but now with the team as it is, pitching is the area that needs rhe most upgrading.
Good pitching beats good hitting. Very old axiom, but still true.
Should be fun to see how things play out, because to sign Joe to a long term (which is a must), management knows that he wants to see commitment to building a team that would have a legit shot at a world series championship.
Oh Yaa, a World Series Championship.
HAVE FUN !!! GO TWINS !!!
Don’t want Punto at 3B because his arm isn’t as strong as it once was. He’d probably develop a shoulder problem as full-out has he plays.
And, I wasn’t aware Polanco was good on D. Had the impression he was average or below because of his age.
“This off-season is shaping up to be fabulous for the Twins…”
Whoa, bop. Just one trade.
And if the Twins have serious designs on a Harden or Washburn, etc., they’d better act quickly. The Angels are hungry for one more good starting pitcher. And I presume they have the $$$ to get him.
add a front-line starter, sign mauer and add one extra piece (maybe 3b, maybe a second good arm) — that, and presuming the ss works out, would make for a good winter.
I trade 2 days after the Phillies won the WS?!? This is unheard of in these parts. Nice BS!!! Many of us kept saying last year: Go Get J.J.!!!
Didn’t get a chance to chime in on the trade, but (like most of you), I love it. 110% love. Gomez was fun…but not very good. He MIGHT get better, but Hardy is better…at least he’s done it before, AND he’s not one of those 40 year olds that Used to be good, he’s 27 and used to be good. Still somewhat miss ya Go-Go. See ya on the nightly Web Gem segment.
Someone said that he willn’t hit 25 HR’s this season. That’s hardly a guarentee for anyone, but even if he hits 11, how many he hit last year, it’ll still be more than we’ve had from a SS in a VERY long time. Not sure where to bat him though…
I would’ve traded Cuddyer, but I knew the Twins wouldn’t. I think he’ll be good, but not as good as last year.
Number 1 priority, even though I like the offensive trade, is still pitching (starting). Offense was Not the problem last year.
Someone mentioned that DY is going to have a breakout year next year…
Didn’t we hear that last year?
<__>
Hey!, not that anyone cares, but I’m back (for the offseason).
Lastly: I hate them. A lot. Like you wouldn’t even belive. Like I wouldn’t even believe. I refuse to acknowlage them. I have total, complete, utter comtempt for them through and through. Eternally burn. Until the end of time.
…You know of Whom I speak- and don’t say it.
Oh yeah. Trade Joe Nathan.
Starting pitching! They scored the 5th most runs in the majors last year, added Hardy (and for all of you Young fans, he’ll get more at bats). The O should not be a concern right now. The terrible starting pitching and OF D should be their concern right now. I suppose they could add another bat, but that just makes them the TX Rangers, doesn’t it?
Pavano, even taking out his terrible first start, had the highest ERA of AL pitchers that qualified last year. If you drop it to 150 innings pitched, he had one of the highest ERAs in all of the AL last year. If you drop it to 100 innings pitched, he’s on page two on Fangraphs for AL ERA. How is $6MM for one of the 5-10 worst ERAs in the league better than $400K for an ERA half a run higher a good idea? Unless you think Pavano will get better (which is certainly possible), paying that much money for that high of an ERA makes little sense. Investing in “veteran presence” in mulitiple bad to mediocre veterans? I’d rather they had no Punto and no Pavano and put that $10MM in one very good player, and filled the hole with a minimum salary rookie.
I’m told Pavano’s more predictive stats indicate that his ERA is likely to be lower next year (by .3 runs or so?). If so, he might be worth it. His outcomes weren’t great, but maybe that was bad luck this year. It’s hard to tell what his real ability is right now, given his rich history of injury lately.
“So many of these middle infielders can execute either 2nd or 3rd well. Not all, but certainly Uggla, De Rosa and some others.”
Uggla has played 611 games at 2B, 2 at DH, and zero at 3B. Yeah, let’s stick him at 3B.
uggla played 200+ innings at 3b in the minors and they moved him to 2b because they had cabrera at 3b. could he still play 3b, maybe. there have been reports the marlins would move him back because they have a young 2b but who knows for sure? they’d still need to make the trade to consider it, which isn’t likely.
however, in the winter we live on uniformed speculation, so no need to get real excited!
Another every other year thing. 2 years ago the rotation was considered a severe weakness and ended up being a strength. One year ago the rotation was considered the strength of the team and ended up being a weakness. I recall people being mad Liriano wasn’t the opening day starter, that Perkins was the ace of the staff because he pitched inside, and that Baker was worthless. Maybe this is the year they are a strength again
Only thing I am certain of is that some of the guys you think are great will disappoint and that some of the guys you think suck will be good. Maybe Mauer only hits .290 this year with 5 homers but Young breaks out big. Maybe Baker and Blackburn get 8 wins each but Liriano, Slowey and Bonser all win 18. Its really not so farfetched.
If I understand this:
The current 40-man roster has 36 players including 60-day DL returnees (Slowey, Neshek and Bonser)
If all five Free Agents (Red-Dog, Pavano, Cabrera, Mahay and Crede) receive and accept arbitration offers on 12-7, the Twins roster would go back to 41, so the Twins either don’t offer arbitration to someone or hope someone refuses it.
If four of the five Free Agents receive and accept arbitration offers on 12-7, the Twins roster will be back to 40 and they won’t participate in Rule V draft (unless someone is DFA’d).
“receive and accept arbitration offers on 12-7″
That should read “are offered and accept arbitration” not “receive and accept arbitration offers”
I think Gabino’s only start was against the Orioles. I guess they liked what they saw.
sane, gardy has said he’d like cabrera back and move him to 2b. how hard would that be sense he hasn’t played 2b in 10 years and then only a handful of games?
is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks?
gobbledygookguy,
I wouldn’t put a lot of stock in that one, considering it came from Sid.
I think this #1 starter(ace) thing is overblown.How many true ace’s are out there?On most teams,the hot starter at the time becomes the ace.Give me 4#2’s any day of the week!
I think this #1 starter(ace) thing is overblown.How many true ace’s are out there?On most teams,the hot starter at the time becomes the ace.Give me 4#2’s any day of the week!
Even though “it came from Sid,” it’s conceivable O-Cab could play 2B. I’d rather spend that money and any money earmarked for Pavano on one of those intriguing Type B’s out there like Bedard, Harden, or De Rosa.
GENO, I don’t think Viola’s or Morris’s worth to the Twins in ‘87 and ‘91 can be overstated. Or Sabathia’s to the Yanks this year. Or Beckett’s to the Fish and Sox. Hamels to the Phils last year and Lee this year. Or Schilling/Johnson for the D’backs in ‘01. The list goes on.
ugglas defense is just that…uggla –we would be screaming for punto after just two games watching this guy with a brick for a glove….yes he hits homeruns, but he is a mess in the field….he would not fit in the twins scheme ….now polanco, thats another story…thats a perfect fit and would be the absolute #2 hitter in this lineup, so if i may suggest signing polanco and while your at it, might as well sign beltre to play 3rd and that will round out the infield as punto can spell all of them and play 4-5 times a week in a good rotation and resting everyone…..what a lineup that would make…..wow…..
span cf
polanco 2b
mauer c
morneau 1b
cuddyer rf
kubel/beltre dh
beltre 3b
young lf
hardy ss
that would be a dream lineup, but not impossible if the f.o. goes for it….i also believe we have a trading chip in nathan that should be cashed in this offseason and could be a big help in putting a lineup like this together, and we also need to get a couple of solid arms for the pen, as i believe we have closer candidates in the minors and maybe even neshek could roll into that position….what an exciting off season this could be…..lets hope….
Sane,
Arbitration to Free Agents.
First, the Twins would only offer arbitration to players that are Type-A or Type-B Free Agents. I don’t know if Crede or Mahay qualify, but we are contractually obligated to not offer arbitration to Cabrera (Type-A) and Redmond doesn’t qualify so it won’t be offered.
Also, I believe that Pavano, Mahay and Crede would all refuse it if offered.
“gardy has said he’d like cabrera back and move him to 2b. how hard would that be sense he hasn’t played 2b in 10 years and then only a handful of games?”
Except for a few plays, (ie.;DP-pivot and making topped ball throw under left armpit), positions are similar and many aging SS have become 2B, rather than becoming unemployed.
BTW, it was printed in Sid’s column, but it was a direct quote from Gardy.
Sid didn’t make THIS one up.
SweetOne,
Do you know when the FA’s who can’t be offered arbitration come off the 40-man-roster?
Does that happen when they first file for FA?
mj1 I think you’re on the right track about getting Polanco for 2nd base - the guy can just flat out play 2nd base and his bat is better than any guy we’ve played at 2nd base in 15 years. I don’t know about Beltre as far as money goes but wouldn’t be disappointed to have either Cabrera or DeRosa in that spot. I think this will be an exciting off season for the Twins and look forward to getting another starter to add to our young rotation. Maybe BS can pull a rabbit out of his hat and get Josh Johnson from the Fish - think he would fit in very well!
I bet Pavano is offered arbitration. he’s type B. if he then refuses and signs with another team (which I hope happens, because we can use the money we’d spend on him in the FA market or for a trade of another pitchter), we get that sandwick pick.
OCab isn’t coming back. he might, but it would have to be at the right price and only if the twins don’t make a play for a 2B in FA or via trade, and that its at the end of the FA period…just like last year. and even then, you’ve got a 4 mill guy in Punto who would give you a better glove and just might rebound offensively with an even year coming…
this team really needs one starter, MAYBE 2. not sure if you guys noticed how solid Duensing was down the stretch. he shut down just about everyone except the yankees in the playoffs. several teams would love him as a fifth starter. and he’s a starter, so if he has to go to the BP, we have better options - so he should be the projected fifth starter.
Looking at johnson from florida more and more, I really think we can make it happen. he’s young enough where he’s not a proven guy like Halliday so they can’t command a TON of talent, and at the same time he’s going to get paid soon, so Florida might be willing. Perkins and/or Liriano, plus throw in a couple top prospects (Revere? Bromberg? Tonsoni? Angel Morales?) and i think that might get it done. he’s got Ace written all over him. that puts Baker at #2 (he’s a very good 2, decent 1), Blackburn or Slowey and 3/4 (again, very good 3’s and 4’s in this league, and very few 3’s and 4’s pitch like Blackie does in big games) and Duensing at 5. thats a stud rotation.
Sane,
I don’t know for sure but I think that it goes like this:
Players that have filed for FA will come off the 40-man once the full FA period starts on 11/20.
Right now we have exclusive rights to negotiate with our 5 FAs.
Per MLBtraderumors.com:
“Olney wouldn’t be surprised to see Mark DeRosa field two and three year offers. The versatile 34-year-old is a Type B free agent, so teams won’t have to give up a top pick to sign him.”
I think our FO should make a play for DeRosa.
“where he’s not a proven guy like Halliday so they can’t command a TON of talent”
They can demand a little more than the best previous offer.
SweetOne,
That makes sense.
Thanks.
ok, what was the previous best offer for him? the Marlins tend to give up stars for prospects.
“ok, what was the previous best offer for him?”
No idea, but if they ask for a Hanley Ramirez, we don’t have one.
no, but we do have JJ Hardy…(feels good to type that).
No idea, but if they ask for a Hanley Ramirez, we don’t have one.
Actually, we have 2. Their names are Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer.
“Actually, we have 2. Their names are Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer.”
Actually, the Marlins asked for (and received) Hanley Ramirez before he became Hanley Ramirez and at that time was much cheaper than M&M are now (or will be in 2011).
Do any of you guys have a take on Troy Glaus? I know he can hit for power but i can’t recall how well he played defensively.
My #1 goal would be Rich Harden. He is bound to log at least one season ~ 200 innings. I say we take a gamble on him.
“Do any of you guys have a take on Troy Glaus? I know he can hit for power but i can’t recall how well he played defensively.”
Chronically injured.
Latest injury required shoulder surgery.
Makes Joe Crede seem durable.
Glaus would make Glen Perkin’s look like an ironman
Actually, the Marlins asked for (and received) Hanley Ramirez before he became Hanley Ramirez
If that’s the criteria how do you know we don’t have any?
I imagine we have a lot of guys who we don’t know until we find out who they are.
Someone might refer to Aaron Hicks someday as Aaron Hicks before he became Aaron Hicks.
so what you’re really saying is Aaron Hicks isn’t the true Aaron Hicks? just the Aaron Hicks that Aaron Hicks is about to become?
Glaus was decent on D. He started out as a SS.
Of course so did Cuddyer.
OK I guess the Twins dont need that roller coaster ride again but if healthy he would be a nice addition.
“If that’s the criteria how do you know we don’t have any?
I imagine we have a lot of guys who we don’t know until we find out who they are.”
Because the Marlins (and nearly every MLB team) already knew that Hanley Ramirez was extra special.
That is why the Marlins gave up Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell and Guillermo Mota for him (and other prospects).
Hicks doesn’t have the prospect value that Hanley Ramirez had.
BTW, I see Hicks a couple times a week at our HS workouts.
If the Twins had Crede, Glaus and Punto as their 3B, IMO Punto would have to play 120 games there to fill-in for Crede/Glaus injuries.
sane
from seeing Hicks, who in the ML would you compare to what Hicks could become?
Please don’t say Gomez.
Paul - my guess is Hicks ‘baseball IQ’ is a ‘tad’ higher than that of Gomez…
Actually I think Gomez is allstar level in a few years.
I think a lot of the batboys gottem beat there.
I do think he’ll do fine once some one is able to explain what pitchers are tryin to do to him. And he starts lookin for zones.
“who in the ML would you compare to what Hicks could become?
Jeff Francoeur or Ichiro Suzuki IF HIS HITTING DEVELOPS to their level.
Huge IF
His throwing arm is off the charts.
“If the Twins had Crede, Glaus and Punto as their 3B, IMO Punto would have to play 120 games there to fill-in for Crede/Glaus injuries.”
If the Twins had A-rod and Punto Gardy would still find a way to play Punto 120 games there.
All of these dream scenarios are so salivating. But be sure to leave a couple spots on the bench for the bungleboobs to fill out the lineup on Sundays, or Gardy will lose his mind.
BC of ND - he’d DH most likely…
“my guess is Hicks ‘baseball IQ’ is a ‘tad’ higher than that of Gomez”
My Estimate of Baserunning IQ’s:
Gomez - 60.
Hicks - 140.
Sane,
Maybe Sano (any relation) would fit the description then.
Did the Twins make the right call with Hicks position wise? I remember he was a pretty good pitcher.
sane,
Some would say that’s moron / genius.
“Jeff Francoeur or Ichiro Suzuki IF HIS HITTING DEVELOPS to their level.”
if he develops into jeff francoeur most of us will be real unhappy.
“Did the Twins make the right call with Hicks position wise? I remember he was a pretty good pitcher.”
It is TOTALLY dependent on his hitting development.
IMO, it was the correct decision at the time. (partly because Hicks would not have signed to be a pitcher-only…he would have gone to Arizona State)
Ultimately, if the hitting fails, he will become a pitcher, ala Joe Nathan and Jesse Crain.
baseball referance has similar batters for francouer and #1 on the list is ron coomer! thanks sane that made my day!
“if he develops into jeff francoeur most of us will be real unhappy”
Francoeur’s hitting development got him to the Big Leagues.
Hicks has been to Beloit, so far.
If Hicks can run and throw like Hicks can;
and hit like Coomer could, its OK.
Now, if he runs like Coomer and hits like Hicks (currently) can……….
sane,
Your comparison makes me think of the killer bees. They mated real mean, aggressive, high honey producing bees with mild mannered low producers.
Ended up with mean bees and little honey.
coomer was essentially a .270/.350/.475 type hitter that hit aobut 12-15 HR’s a year. that isn’t so bad…
If they had mated Coomer with a thoroughbed, they would have produced a (Special Ed?) mule.
Paul,
“sane,
Your comparison makes me think of the killer bees. They mated real mean, aggressive, high honey producing bees with mild mannered low producers.
Ended up with mean bees and little honey.”
I have yet to stop laughing…
“coomer was essentially a .270/.350/.475 type hitter that hit aobut 12-15 HR’s a year. that isn’t so bad…”
With Hicks’ speed, add about 40 points to BA, OBP and OPS.
You guys are cracking me up today.
“mj1 I think you’re on the right track about getting Polanco for 2nd base - the guy can just flat out play 2nd base and his bat is better than any guy we’ve played at 2nd base in 15 years.”
Actually, Alexi Casilla had a higher OPS+ last year than what Polanco did this year.
Luis Castillo had a higher OPS+ two years ago and three years ago than Polanco did this year.
Polanco was a fine player - but he’s going to be 34 next season, and is probably on the downside of his career. His offensive numbers have declined the past two seasons, and I don’t know why we should expect them to bounce back at all. We already have a light hitting, good gloved second baseman signed for next season. No real reason to bring in another.
sane how would hicks compare to a kenny lofton/johnny damon type player?
I thought Hicks was being compared to Daryll Strawberry when he was drafted.
Why all the love for Polanco? He’s a 34 year-old Type A; not worth giving up both the bucks and the draft pick for. Type B’s include Felipe Lopez (much younger) and Mark De Rosa.
“how would hicks compare to a kenny lofton/johnny damon type player?”
Hicks throwing is much,much,much better than Damon and better than Lofton
He is athletic like Lofton.
His running is long-striding like Lofton.
His throwing is like (and I think better than) Strawberry.
The others became very good hitters…Hicks is TBD.
If Hicks blasts completely through his ceiling, he would be like Roberto Clemente.
Only his arm and base-running instincts are at all similar at this point.
I think regardless of what we do with Pavano, the Twins have to SIGN (not just be interested in) a high-upside pitcher this year like Bedard or Harden. We have a chance to win it all next year and high-upside guys at the front of the rotation are exactly what is needed.
