Tracking the Twins’ payroll, depth chart; 40-man updates
Posted on November 20th, 2009 – 8:26 AMBy Joe Christensen
Today’s story on the free agent market opening includes a payroll update, now that J.J. Hardy is in the mix. After spending $65 million on last year’s Opening Day 25-man roster, the Twins are currently projected to spend $83 million, just with the players in-house. I did this at season’s end, trying to give readers a look at what a potential 25-man roster would look like if the season started that day.
(Note, as written before, this is not a suggested Opening Day roster or lineup. It’s more like a current depth chart. I originally had 3B Danny Valencia in the projected starting lineup. Since most indications we’ve gotten are that he’ll need more seasoning at Class AAA Rochester, I’ve inserted Brendan Harris at 3B.)
Update: The Twins added six prospects to their 40-man roster today, protecting these players for the Dec. 10 Rule 5 draft. They added Valencia, SS Estarlin De Los Santos, RHP Deolis Guerra, RHP Alex Burnett, RHP Loek Van Mil and RHP Rob Delaney. They also trimmed one player from the 40-man, outrighting 3B Deibinson Romero to Class AAA Rochester. These changes are noted below:
STARTING LINEUP
1. CF — Denard Span: $450,000 (estimate)
2. SS — J.J. Hardy: $6,000,000 (arbitration estimate)
3. C — Joe Mauer: $12,500,000
4. 1B — Justin Morneau: $15,000,000
5. DH — Jason Kubel: $4,100,000
6. RF — Michael Cuddyer: $9,417,000
7. LF — Delmon Young: $2,000,000 (arb. estimate)
8. 3B — Brendan Harris: $1,000,000 (arb. estimate)
9. 2B — Nick Punto: $4,000,000
—————————————————-
Total (9 starters): $54,467,000
BENCH
C — Jose Morales: $410,000 (estimate)
INF — Matt Tolbert: $415,000 (estimate)
INF — Alexi Casilla: $440,000 (estimate)
OF — Jason Pridie: $400,000 (estimate)
C — Drew Butera: $400,000 (estimate)
—————————————————
Total (5 bench players): $2,065,000
ROTATION
1. Scott Baker: $3,000,000
2: Nick Blackburn: $450,000 (estimate)
3. Kevin Slowey: $450,000 (estimate)
4. Brian Duensing: $410,000 (estimate)
5. Francisco Liriano: $1,000,000 (estimate)
————————————-
Total (5 starters): $5,310,000
BULLPEN
Joe Nathan: $11,250,000
Jon Rauch: $2,900,000
Matt Guerrier: $3,000,000 (arb. estimate)
Jose Mijares: $420,000 (estimate)
Jesse Crain: $3,000,000 (arb. estimate)
Pat Neshek: $800,000 (arb. estimate)
——————————————
Total (6 relievers): $21,370,000
Projected 25-man total: $83,212,000
(Rotation depth)
LH — Glen Perkins: $460,000 (estimate)
RH — Anthony Swarzak: $410,000 (estimate)
RH — Jeff Manship: $410,000 (estimate)
RH — Deolis Guerra: $400,000 (estimate)
(Bullpen depth)
RH — Boof Bonser: $800,000 (estimate)
RH — Bobby Keppel: $410,000 (estimate)
RH — Rob Delaney: $400,000 (estimate)
RH — Anthony Slama: $400,000 (estimate)
RH — Alex Burnett: $400,000 (estimate)
RH — Loek Van Mil: $400,000 (estimate)
(Position depth)
C — Wilson Ramos: $400,000 (estimate)
INF — Luke Hughes: $400,000 (estimate)
INF — Trevor Plouffe: $400,000 (estimate)
INF — Estarlin De Los Santos: $400,000 (estimate)
INF — Steven Tolleson: $400,000 (estimate)
(Twins free agents)
Carl Pavano: $7,000,000 (estimate)
Orlando Cabrera: $5,000,000 (estimate)
Joe Crede: $2,500,000 (estimate)
Mike Redmond: $1,000,000 (estimate)
Ron Mahay: $1,500,000 (estimate)
107 Responses to "Tracking the Twins’ payroll, depth chart; 40-man updates"
Armando Gabino is gone.
I’d like to add Dan Uggla to that roster at 2B. Put Nicky back in the superutility role where he belongs.
Looking at the bench, it really shows this team’s lack of depth offensively. The Twins really NEED (not just hope) to sign (or trade for) a third baseman or second baseman and a veteran bat (to take up Butera’s spot). They cannot have a bench where only one guy hits over .225 (Morales).
On the other hand, the bullpen depth looks good with a couple solid minor leaguers hopefully going to be ready to contribute (Especially Slama and Delaney). They will need to have a long reliever though who would probably take either Crain’s spot (if he isn’t offered arb) or Butera’s spot if the Twins decide to go with 12 pitchers.
Perry, I agree that Punto needs to be a utility player, but Bill Smith already was quoted as saying that Gardy will find a spot in the lineup for him. If the Twins sign/trade for a second baseman, then Punto will start the season as the team’s third baseman.
I think one of the things you have to keep in mind when you read what “Bill Smith said” is that SOME of what he says (and doesn’t say) is to avoid weakening the team’s negotiating position with various agents/players.
Of course he’s going to “say” that Punto will play 2B or 3B, so the Twins only really “need” to fill one of those positions. If he says the team “needs” to fill both, that gets picked up on by the players’ agents and they use that admitted “need” to get more money out of the team.
Likewise, of course he’s going to say the Twins are in a position to fill their rotation from within. Why publicly state you “need” a veteran arm?
This is a critical negotiating period right now and the first rule of negotiation is that you never let the other side know just how badly you want/need what they have to offer.
Just saying I wouldn’t put a LOT of stock in anything Smith, any other GM, or any agent, for that matter, say publicly right now. Whatever they say publicly is primarily what they want the “other side” to hear.
Adding even a couple middle of the road guys and a veteran starter will push the payroll past 90 million this year. The really have dumped a ton of money into the bullpen so it’ll be interesting to see what’s left in the checkbook.
On a bench note, there is no way the Twins can go into the season the a bench resembling the mess listed there. They need at least 1 guy with some experience to be a late innings options.
Oh what a mashing lineup that would be to insert Uggla at 2B. Love it. Any suggestions on how we swing that one?
Despite Smith’s posturing, I believe the Twins will add another $10 million in veteran contracts this off season. Some of that may be in “incentives”, especially if they do a deal with Crede.
1/4 their payroll in the bullpen. Talk about a mis-allocation of limited resources.
Would that be the worst bench in all of baseball? Not one guy that can hit for power (even doubles), and 2-3 that are pretty much automatic outs (and Casilla isn’t all that good on D - why is he on the roster?). There is just no reason to have both Butera and Morales on the roster, unless Mauer is going to DH A LOT more.
I’d suggest the combination of Crain and Punto money could be better allocated to a real 3B or a real 2B. I can’t see how this team can afford that much money tied up in the bullpen.
The lineup is pretty good as it stands (though I’m not thrilled with the D). The starters really need to be bolstered with one more legit starter, as I don’t know how you can trust Liriano, Duensing and Slowey (health on the latter) to be 60% of your rotation next year and think you are WS contenders. The bullpen should be strong, but I think it is strong even if one of the high priced guys is gone.
They have upped the payroll some since 2007 (after being under it for two years, but I’m sure all that saved money will be re-invested in players….). But, the allocation seems a bit off to me.
Whatever they say publicly is primarily what they want the “other side” to hear.
So very true. And for people who think Gardy would actually put together a lineup that includes Punto if Smith aquires both a 2B and a 3B, you’ve already forgotten how 2008 kicked off (Morneau/Harris/Everett/Lamb infield)
If Smith gives Gardy a new 3B, Punto will likely play 2B. But I could see Punto on the bench if a 2B is aquired.
I agree, T. And it would be nice to have a little competition in Spring Training.
I could, however, see them going after one infielder and one SP now… then waiting until closer to ST to see who’s still on the market at the other IF position. If this off season runs anything like last year, there could still be some interesting late options.
I rarely agree with T, but I agree with his 9:28 post for sure.
One possible name to strengthen our bench…Robb Quinlan. He’d be a backup corner infielder, our 4th outfielder, and a pinch hitter. And you know how the Twins love bringing back the homegrown talent. Boring, yes. But that’s the Twins way.
it will be hard $$ wise to add a player at both 2b and 3b. if they sign a pitcher it will be even harder. probably the main reason to shop nathan, which isn’t going to happen with his injury and the glut of cheaper closers on the market, is his salary is very big for a team that’s watching pennies. i mentioned it yesterday that andruw jones could be cheap around 1m, an extra of/rh dh, pinch hitter veterean on the bench and could play a few games in cf if needed. our bench needs something other than skippy and dippy, imo.
Jones was terrible last year, wasn’t he (frankly, I don’t know how it went after his predictably terrible 2008)? I just don’t want terrible has beens. I’d much rather have minimum salary never was players (like Pridie).
Man that is a lot of cash tied up in the bullpen! I have seen some chatter mentioning Crain as a non-tender candidate(although I view it as very unlikely). The bench is also brutal…I strongly believe we also need a strong defensive 4th outfielder that can play all 3 positions very well. I think this is very important and hope it is addressed, not sure if Pirdie fits that bill or not (I believe he does play some CF).
Too bad Bill Smith didn’t pull the trigger in the Valencia for Freddy Sanchez deal. That would be nice to have an all-star second baseman hitting in front of Mauer.
Jones actually hit pretty well (at least compared to his miserable effort as a Dodger) last year for Texas in part time duty. Of course, pretty much everyone hits better as a Ranger than they do anywhere else because of the hitter-friendly Ballpark at Arlington.
For now, I think you just wait to see what Smith picks up for additional infielders and then see what other roster moves that causes. You have to figure that Harris or Punto (and possibly both) could be bench players by the time the season opens. I’ll be more concerned about the bench when March rolls around.
mike, jones didn’t hit for ave. but had 17 hr, .323 obp, .782 ops and 100 ops+. pridie in aaa in about twice the ab’s 9hr, .295 obp, .677 ops. i guess if you are happy with no bench.
seth has a good update on roster changes!!
The Twins really could use a RH pinch-hitting option that isn’t their backup catcher.
Sucky line-up, again for 2010……..
Good luck with that.
ggg: what were his numbers outside TX? If he had an OPS+ of 100 outside TX, then he’s a better hitter than Pridie for sure. How was his D? That, to me, is the key for the next OF. With Young and Cuddy, they’ll need some occassional D out there…
“Too bad Bill Smith didn’t pull the trigger in the Valencia for Freddy Sanchez deal. That would be nice to have an all-star second baseman hitting in front of Mauer.”
Especially when that all-star second basemen hit .284/.295/.324 while playing in only 25 games due to injury after he was acquired!
The Twins really could have used that production instead of the .261/.372/.326 they got out of their actual second baseman after the trade deadline.
Sucky line-up, again for 2010……..
Span, Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer, Kubel, Young… Yeah. What a bunch of garbage.
Exactly, Pete D. Let’s also not forget that Sanchez costs $12 million over the next 2 years. Er, thanks, but no thanks.
You forgot Hardy, T. Even if he doesn’t get all the way back to ‘-7 and ‘08, he’s still a big upgrade for the team. Oh, what the heck, it’s just easier to say they suck.
Some people just have a sucky attitude toward life in general.
Good luck with THAT.
I would love to have Uggla but the player we should trade for is Brandon Phillips from the Reds. Look him up, he is fantastic. He would look great in that lineup. Also I wouldn’t be shocked if the Twins try to trade Nathan.
Phillips is pretty good, but he also costs $19 million over the next 2 years. Even if the Reds decide to deal him, my guess is the Twins won’t get him for Casilla and Bonser. Nope, they’ll want something of value in return. I just don’t see it happening.
I’m just happy we’re finally done talking about clothing for a while. Ooh, Ahh, I like the gentle gray with the slight off-tone blue trim. Jeesh.
I suppose we could combine the topics, heetcpa…
I predict the Twins will only sign Washburn if he promises to choose to wear the pixie vests at least every other home start.
Trade Joe Nathan and Matty G. That is $15,000,000 of our money right there. Bring in a cheap set-up man and go Rafeal Soriano, 102 K in 79 innings with an ERA under 3 with almost 30 saves. You wil get some value for Nathan obviously!
Nice JimC.
The market this year is flooded with closers. Completely the wrong time to even try to trade Nathan. If someone approaches you with an offer you cant refuse, fine… but dont hold your breath waiting for that to happen.
I’m still not sure why people are still so concerned with the payroll. I suppose it comes from so many years (decades) of that being such an issue for the Twins. I just don’t see it this year. If ever there was a year when the Twins could afford to “over pay” for their bullpen, this is it. I just dont see a need to prematurely dump anyone, just because they’re going to get an arbitration bump.
The Twins obviously aren’t going to spend money carelessly, but they finally are in a position where they don’t have to make roster decisions based on whether they can “afford” to keep someone. They can.
Five…four…three…two…one…
Should be somebody that freaks out about even mentioning the “T” word with Joe Nathan’s name in the same sentence. Honestly, I have no idea what kind of value they could get for him, and I have no idea where the team salary will end up next year. BUT, if we could only afford a solid starter by trading Nathan, then I’d be for trading him. $11+ Million is a lot to pay a guy who pitches 1 inning, every couple of days, often with a 2-3 run lead. Just sayin’…
I am so sick of the Twins and their talk of we have the players within our 40 man roster now to win with. Wasn’t the idea of the stadium to increase payroll so they could compete with the east coast teams? Paying a guy like Punto 4 mill to be a utility player because Gardy couldn’t live without him was a waste and his money would have helped towards a decent 2nd or 3rd basemen.
sucky lineup again? They scored the 5th most runs in all of MLB last year. I hope they suck that much again….
They sure can afford to keep the players they have, the problem is that they can’t afford to sign anyone that is going to improve them from a team that hasn’t even made a playoff series interesting.
One reason for that: Joe Nathan.
Career Playoff Line:
0-2 ERA- 7.88 Saves 1-3 IP-8.0 ER-7 Walks-7 Strikeouts- 10
Flooded with closers? Name someone even remotely close to the status of Joe?
Trading away nathans $12 and signing Soriano for $4 gives you an extra $8 million and you could try to swing a trade for philips or uggla and also go out and sign a rich harden, washburn, or pavano. hopefully two of them.
They also need a good bench player, Nomar, Garrett Anderson, Thome, Gurerro are all out there looking for bench roles, These guys have been there and won the big one.
With the way the Twins pitching coaches have handled the closers over the years what makes everyone think that Joe is worth the money? Trade him and take a guy at 1/3rd the value and improve the team in other area’s. It is crazy to have 1/4th of the payroll in the bullpen, with have of that going to one person!
15 million for Morneau?
I’d like to see him earn it.
The silver lining in having a weak bench is that Gardenhire may actually be forced to put his best nine players out there on a regular basis.
Stephen, are you sure Soria will only go for $4 million?
I think the Twins would be fine with Punto or Casilla or Tolbert at 2B. Just please, please, PLEASE do not bat them second in the lineup. A number nine hitter that provides good defense is acceptable.
Also, I’m not categorically opposed to trading Nathan, but I do wonder (aside from who would close for the Twins) who would be interested and have the cash and the players to make a deal happen? Philly? The Angels? Not much of a market, particularly given the fact that the likes of Soria and Wagner can be had as FA.
It seems to me that there is precious little fat to be trimmed from the Twins’s payroll. Having Crain, Guerrier, and Rausch all at or near the $3 million mark seems a bit excessive and Punto’s $4 million contact is simply a waste. The club is stuck with Punto, but could conceivabley move Crain or Guerrier. Outside of that, I’m not sure what trimming could, or should, be done.
Bottom line is, at the risk of being ridiculed by JC Smith, I like this club. If the Twins somehow land one of Sheets, Bedard, Harden, or Duchscherer, then I really, really like this club.
How many teams have gone deep into the playoffs when their starting pitchers combined salaries are 1/4 of the bullpens combined salaries?
My guess is that BS is going to hit the FA market and sign a #1 starter or make a trade for a #1 with one or more of our current starters.
It might be time for the “Franchise” to have change of scenery…
To trade Nathon the Twins would almost have to sign Soria 1st and convince him that they are trading Nathon….might be tough to do. I could see Nathon being traded to the Cubs or D-Backs but what could the Twins get back from either of those teams.
Nathan isn’t going anywhere.
If our 7th & 8th inning bully wasn’t so weak last year, he wouldn’t have been called into as many games in the 9th, and would have been fresher at the end of the season.
One last Nathan point.
How did A-Rod’s & Tex’s season end?
I like Harden or Sheets as a FA signing…..I would be fine with bringing back Pavono as well. If the Twins are able to sign a 3rd baseman or trade for a 2nd basemane that we would be fine with a combination of Harris/Punto at the other position. I agree we have to much money tied up in the bull pen, and way to much tied up in Punto.
“and Punto’s $4 million contact is simply a waste.”
Man, I really hate this thinking. I don’t know how much stock in FanGraphs.com or how they value players, but they had Punto valued at $5.8MM last year. Punto may hit poorly, but he plays very good defense at 3 infield positions, and that certainly has value.
The real wastes last year were Tolbert, Harris, Young, and Casilla who came in with ‘values’ of -$1MM, -$1.1MM, -$5.8MM, and -$6.2MM respectively. Those were wastes. Punto at least brings his glove with him to the park. These four guys brought very little last year.
Pete D, don’t go thinking I’m on the “Punto is to blame for everything” bandwagon. I know what FanGraph’s has him valued at, but that isn’t necessarily the be all and end all. It may be a good rule of thumb, but, well, they had him valued at $11.2 million for ‘08.
In any event, imo, Punto is simply not a very good option to start at the major league level and on a club that counts every penny, that 2 year $8.5 million deal was not a good one. That’s not to say Punto’s versatility and energy don’t make him a good bench player. Just not one worth $4 million per.
All the talk about Nathan and Punto being paid too much is pointless.
Absolutely no team is going to take either player in a trade at their current salary level and send anything of value back in return. It’s not like the Yankees and Red Sox are looking for expensive closers/utility infielders to fill needs.
Complain about their salary levels if you feel you must, but both guys will be Twins on Opening Day.
I have no point to this, but giving credit where credit is due:
For a 2-3 week period during the stretch run after Crede went down for good, Tolbert was on FIRE defensively at third base. He had o/s range - a diving machine, a strong accurate arm, he made every play and then some. Then Gardy sat Tolbert for Harris one game. The next day Tolbert woke up from his dream and botched a couple routine at’em balls.
I don’t know if he could ever maintain that over a season, and I certainly don’t believe in his bat, but he showed some serious potenial on D.
Wow, I just noticed that if you removed all the names from this story, one would swear I was talking about Punto, lol.
For a 2-3 week period during the stretch run after Crede went down for good, Tolbert was on FIRE defensively at third base. He had o/s range - a diving machine, a strong accurate arm, he made every play and then some. Then Gardy sat Tolbert for Harris one game. The next day Tolbert woke up from his dream and botched a couple routine at’em balls.
He did the same thing to Morales. Just had to have Buscher DH on game. Morales never had the same spark the rest of the season.
3 Million estimate for Crain, wow. Please non tender the guy.
Joe’s Depth Chart only has 11 pitchers. The bullpen doesn’t have a long reliever. Id say add Bonser or Perkins to the pen is the likely scenario, and then drop either Casilla or the 3rd C. Personally, I think this team needs to carry 3 catchers, but I’d like the 3rd to be somebody who can give them something else besides defense - RH PH, or at least capable of playing some 1B or corner OF or something. The guy I keep coming back to is Chris Coste, but there must be others out there like him.
“Then Gardy sat Tolbert for Harris one game. The next day Tolbert woke up from his dream and botched a couple routine at’em balls.”
“He did the same thing to Morales. Just had to have Buscher DH on game. Morales never had the same spark the rest of the season.”
Heart removal surgery performed by Dr. Gardenhire………STAT!!!!!!!
Gardy’s choices were to either:
1)play Red-Dog and Buscher;
or
2) Drink alone for the rest of the year.
KIDDING!
me thinks you were only half kidding sane!
The Twins got by on the cheap last year at $65M. They should transfer those savings to this year’s payroll.
One can play with the numbers, but I assume they saved at least $10M, as they should have normally been around $75 — after which, they would hypothetically (using the business model) be at $78M this year anyway. Add the $10M savings, and you get $88M automatically.
They could easily meet or slightly exceed this amount if they jack up Mauer’s pay this year.
So, if they really want to give it a strong run this year, they’ll have to go to the mid-90’s in payroll to get a Washburn and/or Pavano and a Crede, etc. Trading a few players (Harris, Liriano, Keppel, etc.) for minor leaguers could temper this increase by $3M, but you could end up with a payroll over $95M.
You’d end up with a very strong MLB team and a strong AAA team — a good way to start the Target Field era.
They want their player to “get after it”. Let’s see if the FO leads the way and gets after it.
I want some of what Bill Smith is drinking or smoking. Boof Bonsor, really? C’Mon Billy, even an idiot like myself knows that Boof Bonsor is not a MLB Pitcher. Perkins? I thought he built his own doghouse late in the season for criticizing the organization for leaving him out of the mix for a post season roster spot.
“There’s some choices [on the free agent market], and we have choices internally,” Smith said. “The best thing we can do is get [Kevin] Slowey, [Boof] Bonser and [Pat] Neshek back healthy. Those three plus [Glen] Perkins. If we can get those four back healthy, that’s as good as any trade we can make, or any signing we can make.”
I think Robb Quinlan would be a good pickup as he can play infield, outfield and pinch hit off the bench. He could spell Justin at first base once in awhile as well. Plus he is a hometown boy.
Crain should not be tendered. they have TONS of arms in the pen next year, and one is bound to provide us something similar in production at a cheaper price. that extra 2+ mill they save could be spent on another player.
no to Quinlan - Tolbert offers similar production and versatility and is already on the roster at a reasonable price.
any truth to this rumor by Thry with Uggla and Nolasco?
When I look back at what the bullpen was like in July, I’m hesitant to summarily toss away any remotely competent arm. I’d be fine with seeing how ST progresses. It’s not like they can’t afford to offer Crain and Guerrier arbitration.
having extra arms is never bad and if a team has a few injuries they can be worth a lot.
If you’re going to go after a pitcher why not go hard after Lackey or Halladay? If you can’t get either then you start looking at Harden, Sheets, Pavano or Washburn. And why sell yourself short, go after Soriano or Mike Gonzalez to set up Nathan. While your at it, what will it take to get Jason Bay? He’s no worse defensively then Delmon but is a much better hitter. If the Twins did that, I’d settle for Punto at 2B. 
JimC
thats fair; Guerrier is coming back, but Crain is due to make the same amount - is he worth what Guerrier is? no way. without Crain, the bullpen has Nathan, Rauch, Guerrier, Mijares, Liriano/Perkins (if not traded), Neshek, Bonser, etc etc.
So, John Castino, if you’re in the market for a new car, why don’t you buy Petter’s Bentley, and if you can’t get it, then you start looking at Hecker’s garage. While you’re at it, what will it take to get the Lake Minnetonka mansion?
Sheesh.
Mr. Castino must be new in town.
I’d project Crain closer to $2-2.2 million. I think you have to bring him back and let there be depth.
You forgot Hardy, T.
I left Hardy out because he’s a “new face” this year so people will only go by his crappy 09 comparred to the rest of his career.
Interesting that they outrighted him to Rochester considering he didn’t play above A ball last year. The reason? To protect him from the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft.
BoP - I’m sure the Pohlads when they buy there suits they aren’t buying off the rack at JC Penny’s, and we all know how much they like to spend on their political party, so why are they not investing in the team like Wilf does with the Vikings. We taxpayers In Hennipen County are paying for their stadium. Why not show a little love and give back to the community that’s providing them with additional income?
And no, I’m not new in town, I get a little tired of the Billy Smith’s and Terry Ryan’s spewing BS to the fan base who know a little something about baseball talent. As I mentioned, Bonsor…really?! And we have as good of talent internally then there is in the FA market. Really?! Now that sounds like Billy Smith was not so successful Used Car Salesman.
if he can be had at 2 mill, then do it; I just think him being paid the same as Rauch and Guerrier is a bit excessive.
Beltre makes more sense. great glove and great hitting away from his field. why must he be a boras client?
“I left Hardy out because he’s a “new face” this year so people will only go by his crappy 09 comparred to the rest of his career.”
Unfortunately, your reasoning makes a lot of sense.
I’d love Beltre.
How about Florida’s Johnson in a trade? Too pie-in-the-sky I suppose.
unfortunatly it seems he’d command a king’s ransom for a trade in prospects. offering revere, another top prospect, liriano/perkins, another everyday type player, MIGHT get them talking but problem is if he’s availalbe the sox or yankees will swoop in and offer whatever great prospects they have and grab him.
I’m still amazed Punto is a $4m man.
How sick is it that Punto makes more than Harris, Delmon, BAKER (wow), blackburn, slowey, Rauch, and Neshek?!!!
Seeing these numbers is so weird when you know the true current value of the players.
I am very excited to see Deolis Guero (sp) and loek van mill. Big tall strong intimadating guys.
Phewww! I darn near had a heet-attack! I saw the ESPN headline that said the WhiteSox were about to sign Vazquez. Then I looked closer and saw it said Vizquel.
I’ sign Quinlan if we nontender Harris. I’d rather have the more versatile Quinlan, all things considered.
If thry is right on his rumor about the Twins trying for Uggla and Nolasco, I would be the happiest Twins fan alive. Nolasco even though he struggled at the beginning of last year is a guy who can strike out 8 to 10 guys every start and would be a stud at the top of our rotation and he is only in the second year of arbitration I believe so he would not be that expensive.
…Where is this Uggla/Nolasco rumor coming from? I can’t find it…anywhere.
***
Trade Joe Nathan.
I’m not saying getting Uggla would be bad, but for those of you who complain about the lack of defense on the Current roster, should be wary of acquiring this man.
Does offense make up for poor defense? If the offense is great enough I suppose, but pitching and defense win championships.
In an unrelated story, Jason Bay might be available. Here’s hope…wish…dreaming. I know he’s OF, but the Twins could find room for a guy of that calibur. Just not room on their payroll.
All that said, The Number 1 priority is to sign somewhere between a solid to great Starting Pitcher. Especially with the acquisition of Hardy, offense should be second on the priority list.
…Sorry for bouncing around on that one. I’ll take a Sid Hartman and call this post: Opionionated Jottings.
***
Trade Joe Nathan.
Last thing, I promise.
Anyone think we should take a flier on Melvin Mora for 3B?
^if they are going to go ‘old and cheap’ on 3B and hope Valencia is ready, I’d rather have Crede back. Jason Bay is a bit overrated. you get a big bat with little defense. wouldn’t mind having him around though.
this is opening year of Target Field. This was supposed to mean a bigger payroll. I want a 100 million dollar payroll. (yea, yea, I know, spent wisely, not jut 100 mill to spend a 100 mill). No more excuses for the cheap Pohlads
I thikn we need one very high profile acquisition. First, to help the team, hopefully at 3B. But second, they need to show Mauer they are serious. The word I hear on sports radio now (for whatever that is worth) Mauer is in no rush to sign a contract, and wont until he sees how serious the Twins will be about fielding a competitive team, not a patchwork of retreads. And who can blame him? That is exactly what I would expect the soon to be named MVP to do.
I would say that the twins have a few decent choices at sp to choose from: harden, wolf, washburn, pavano,etc. we need to sign at least one of those guys.
notice i left out lackey, i think he is looking for his version of a c.c. deal.
Maybe add Bedard to that list.
Regarding Punto. He is being paid more than those youngsters mentioned because he was a free agent and not just at the mercy of the team. I would imagine Baker and Slowey could get quite a bit more if they were free agents. Just like a lot of other professions. You put your time in and get rewarded.
Also, I am pretty sure just about every team in the league has a guy like Punto who fans think are overpaid. Heck, the Yankees paid Pavano 40 mil for almost nothing. Punto is a starter, like it or not, and will get less than 1/20 of the team payroll. If he hits .280 again with a bunch of walks and good D, he will be well worth it. He is far from the worst deal in baseball.
And we have as good of talent internally then there is in the FA market. Really?! Now that sounds like Billy Smith was not so successful Used Car Salesman.
If he has you believing the Twins will stand pat with their current pitching…then either he’s a damn fine salesmen or you are a damn fool.
Part of negotiations is making the other party believe that at any point you are willing to get up from the table and leave.
If the Twins come out and say “We desperately need pitching”, then those pitchers out there now have all the leverage.
Have the Twins evaluate the top 5 starting pitchers. Offer them all low contracts with huge incentives and sign the first 2 that accept. Hopefully, at least one pans out.
T says:
“If he has you believing the Twins will stand pat with their current pitching…then either he’s a damn fine salesmen or you are a damn fool.”
And if he means that, then HE is a damn fool. Let’s just hope not.
The Sporting News says Carl Pavano ends up with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rich Harden with the Twins and Orlando Cabrera with the Cincinnati Reds.
Although, I am not sure why Torre would want Pavano back on his team after the NYY debacle.
^predictions based on what exactly?
I think a 6 pack and a need for a story.
^I was thinkint he same 
Harden is being looked at by the Red Sox. odds are, they’ll throw enough money for the Twins to be out.
And if he means that, then HE is a damn fool. Let’s just hope not.
Think of it this way. If he was genuinely okay with his current staff, he wouldn’t still be in talks with Pavano and wouldn’t be in the mix for guys like Harden or Sheets.
He wants to bring in some new pitching, but the trick will be finding pitching without having to give up too much of the rest of the team.
MSM:
Although if the Red Sox end up landing Lackey it is feasible that Harden could get passed over.
yes, but don’t forget the Mets, Yankees, Giants, Angels (if they lose Lackey) etc etc…
on another note, it gets irritating reading some threads on mlbtraderumors of yankees fans saying things like ‘well why would we bother trading for halliday now when we’ll just sign him next offseason after we sign Lackey this offseason?’
sad thing is, its not too farfetched that that happens.
What do you guys think about Jose Lopez. I keep reading more and more rumors and blogs that sound like he will be moved. They like him but his numbers at Safeco arent great and his road numbers are a lot better, so they feel like he would probably be a better fit for another team. Plus they are talking about switching Ackley to 2B.
Lopez would give us a young second basemen under contract for the next two seasons at about 2.5-2.75 per.
Just a thought, for me I would rather see them try and find a longer term solution like this then a 1 or 2 year fill in and then be in the same position next year or the year after.
^my guess is he is arb eligible and he’ll be getting al ot more than that. last year was an up year for him with home runs and he seems to hit right around .303 for his obp which is rather crede-like. seems to play average to above-average defense.
really depends on what we’d have to give up for him.
If the Twins come out and say “We desperately need pitching”, then those pitchers out there now have all the leverage.
I never tire of seeing versions of this fantasy posted on the STrib boards.
“Hi Mr Player Agent. I’m Bill Smith, and I’d like to talk to you about signing your client, “Pitcher X.” But let’s be clear about this, my team DOESN’T need pitching, so don’t think you have any leverage or anything.”
If you and I can look at the Twins roster and say, “gee, the Twins could really stand to add a starter,” what makes you think players and/or their agents would somehow be surprised by that fact?
A simple question with a non-simple answer: How close, Really, are the Twins?
Do any of the names being talked about, Harden, Pavano, Washburn, etc., push them over the top? Or do they NEED something more? Can they win it all with the roster they have, plus one of those pitchers?
If yes, then great. Sign 1 (or 2) of them, and some stop gap 3B/2B and go play.
If no, then…why are we targeting these players? Maybe not through Free Agency, but what about a blockbuster trade, at least to people around here, for a true, bonafide ace?…or a 3rd baseman, except I think we need pitching worse.
Or the 3rd option is to go with plan A, sign Pavano, etc., and then in the middle of the season acquire that true ace and/or slugger.
Should the Twins, being the 1st year in a new ballpark and all, Go For It all this year?
It’s your opionion I suppose, but I think that they’re close as is. They still need someone else though. Someone to put them over the top. Trade for that ace in the rotation. Get a decent 3rd/2nd baseman and see what happens.
(And yes, I think Joe Nathan being dealt would, in the long run, help. But I already know it isn’t going to happen, so don’t complain).
***
Trade Joe Nathan
TK2, I’m personally a proponent of option #3.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Lackey. I’d like to see him with the Twins. But let’s be honest, the Twins aren’t going to get in a bidding war for him and even if they did, they wouldn’t have a chance of winning that war. Likewise, Halladay is not going to sign off on any trade to Minn even if the Twins put together a package the Jays would like. Not happening.
So you pick up a Pavano/Washburn type and roll the dice.
Then, at mid season, you look around and see who’s actually having a strong season (as opposed to who you THINK MIGHT have one now) for a team that’s out of contention and looking to cut payroll. You go after that hired gun that you only have to pay half a year’s salary to.
Frankly even if the Twins COULD get a known ace right now, it would run their payroll up pretty much to their max and then if he, or someone else, goes down early with an injury, you’ve got no money to go get a replacement. I always like to have a few million of cushion available to spend in July/August.
