Twins could play a role in the Jake Peavy sweepstakes
Posted on December 10th, 2008 – 9:38 AMBy La Velle
Two persons with knowledge of negotiations said the Twins and Cubs talked yesterday about a deal for infielder Mark DeRosa - a potential move that would get the Twins involved in the most talked-about trade of the offseason.
The Cubs have been looking for teams to bring into the Jake Peavy deal because they don’t have enough pitching to send the Padres in return for the 2007 Cy Young Award winner. The Twins have young pitching. The question: Who are the Twins be willing to give up for DeRosa, who’s free agent after the season and is expected to test the market then.
Indications are that the Cubs will present the Twins a list of pitchers they would want in the deal - a list that likely would be influenced by the Padres.
DeRosa, who turns 34 in February, will make $5.5 million next season. He batted .285 last season with career highs of 21 homers and 87 RBI.
I took it for granted that the Twins would play DeRosa at third base because that’s all the Twins have talked about this offseason. But, while talking about Alexi Casilla yesterday, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire raised the possibility about moving Casilla back to short next season - where many believed his best position was before an opening at second popped up last season.
“If we were to lose (Nick Punto) or something like that, I’m not afraid to take a look to see a Tolbert at second base or something,” Gardenhire said. “I’m not afraid to do any of that. You can mix-and-match all you want.
“I like the way it was going along when we had Casilla playing healthy at second base. That was a pretty good infield and we were playing pretty good baseball. We had lead-off guys and guys that would take pitches and bunters and the whole package, and it was fun baseball to watch. If we can get back to that, that was okay. Nothing wrong with that infield at all. ”
DeRosa played 95 games at second base last season and 22 at third.
The Peavy trade has had several moving parts to it throughout the offseason, so expect the Cubs to keep looking for a third team to help out until they can find the right pitching to spin off to the Padres.
In other news:
Punto update: I’m not sure if the DeRosa talks affect this or not but there’s a belief that if the Twins are to keep Punto, a deal could be done very soon. Punto is shopping around for offers but is expected to come back to the Twins to give them the final decision.
Kevin Kouzmanoff: The Twins are interested in the Padres third baseman and could call the Padres about him if the DeRosa talks don’t pan out. Kouzmanoff doesn’t walk much but has the power the Twins are looking for. He’s considered a shaky defensive player, but one person who has watched him pointed out that he works hard at getting better with the glove and has a chance to improve.
Other third basemen: The Twins don’t appear to be too fired up about Jorge Cantu. They still like Ty Wigginton, referring to him as a, `gamer.’
Other stuff: The Twins don’t appear to be interested in Texas’ Michael Young, who has been mentioned as trade bait recently….
252 Responses to "Twins could play a role in the Jake Peavy sweepstakes"
I’ve been wondering why the Twins wouldn’t be a natural fit as a potential “3rd team” in the Peavy deal, since it’s young pitching the Pads want, but I just didn’t see much on the Cubs roster worth giving up anything of value for.
Since DeRosa is another guy that you’re likely to have for only 1 year, this would still come down to what that list of pitchers it would take to get him looks like.
I think Derosa would be a great fit. He may not exactly fit the bill of middle fo the order bat that the Twins seem to crave, but he is solid 2nd baseman and a pretty good hitter and would provide a lot of depth to both the infield as well as the lineup.
I’ve said previously that the twins should be the team making the peavy deal alone. I know peavy would not agree, but why not try to schmooze him in Vegas. Our pitching coach is one hell of a good reason to come. Its wishful thinking, but we could offer a deal that brings Kouz and peavy while shipping one major league pitcher, young or span and two minor league studs. It makes sense and all that is needed is a sales job to peavy to approve. Two aces and an upgrade in the infield is worth the effort. Get to it boys!
UGHHH. No thanks, Mark DeRosa is not worth a single decent pitching prospect. Stay out of this one Bill. He’s a contact hitter who K’s twice as often as he BB’s. At age 34, NOT INTERESTED.
It would be interesting to see what it would take to get DeRosa and Kouzmanoff in any 3-way deal. An infield with DeRosa at 2nd, Casilla at SS and Kouz at 3B would certainly be an offensive upgrade over last year. I’m not sure about Kouzmanoff at 3B on plasti-grass for a year and I have no clue what kind of defense DeRosa plays (though I’m sure our experts here will enlighten us shortly).
I have a baaaaad feeling Punto might sign with the Twins, since Gardy publicly already said he would be our starting shortstop.
La Velle, is there any indication that the Twins have talked to Seattle about Beltre at all?
Contact hitter with an OPS of over .850. HUH?!?!?!? Morneau was only .019 higher! Is he a contact hitter? He may have struck out over 100 times, but he still walked almost 70 times by no means and out machine! Good overall hitter and would BS would be wise to take a look at him.
Someone needs to step up and offer Punto more than the Twins can match. Gardy said yesterday the he believes Punto should be the starting SS.
La Velle,
Would it be possible to get Kouz in this deal as well or is that too far fetched?
How about Kubel, Blackburn or Perkins, and another minor league pitcher (Mulvey, Duensing, etc) for DeRosa and Samardja? We’d fill our SS or 3B need (SS would be filled if Casilla moved over for DeRosa at 2B) and reliever need, while the Cubs get the left handed hitting outfielder they want (which would allow Young/Cuddyer to rotate at DH/RF and have Pridie as the 5th outfielder), and give the Cubs two young pitchers to include in a package to trade for Peavy.
Dear La Velle, You obviously have not seen Kouzmanoff play in the last two years. My prediction is Kouz will be the gold glove winner soon. He is the best. No body is better on bunt plays or in the hole. You need to check out film on Kouz. Hope you get it correct in your next article.
DeRosa? …need to look at his numbers more than just last year, the guy is 34 yrs old and at $5.5M, seems a tad steep, especially if we are sending out a top pitching prospect or worse, a starter.
I agree that the Twins should be in the hunt for Peavey. Bringing in an ace like Peavey would stabilize the rotation and give you a front line pitcher with experience. It also would give the team some room to fill in the bullpen from within the organization, depending on what you give up for Peavey. If you do a deal for Peavey and Kouz, I think you’ve solved the infield and possibly the bullpen problems with one deal. Move Blackburn or Perkins to the bullpen. It all depends on how much you have to give up for Peavey. And if he is willing to come here, how much salary he gets now, what he wants long-term, etc….And of course we know the Twins won’t make a deal if they have to give up anyone or anything…
Samardja has a no trade clause. Plus I just don’t see them even considering the idea of trading him.
Mark DeRosa Would be a nice pickup, as 1 piece of any 3 way deal. For Kouzmanoff and derosa, i would give; 1)your choice of perkins or blackburn, and; 2)your choice of 1 of these guys. swarzack, mulvey, deunsing, pridie, humber, bonser.
LaVelle, could the Peavy trade be expanded to where the Twins get DeRosa from the Cubs to fill 2B and get Kouz from the Padres to fill 3B–all the while sending a starter and prospects to the Padres? That would meet both needs, in addition to making me very, very happy.
Oh, and buscher to the padres, to help out at third, if they don’t move headly there.
I’m getting an uneasy feeling that Punto is going to be back in a Twins uniform next year as our starting shortstop - please say it ain’t so! I like the idea of looking at DeRosa and having Kouz at 3rd base would be good too. It will be interesting to see what they want in this package - I sure wouldn’t make it easy on the Padres or Cubs; maybe that’s why nobody wants to deal with the Twins since they think they’re going to come out on the short end of the stick. Think we will have to remind them of last year’s trade with the Rays. Go Twins
“DeRosa? …need to look at his numbers more than just last year”
Last 3 Years:
2006 40 2Bs, 13 HRS, 74 RBI, .296 avg., .357 obp
2007 28 2Bs, 10 HRs, 72 RBI, .293 avg., .371 obp
2008 30 2Bs, 21 HRs, 87 RBI, .285 avg., .376 obp
Not too bad
Thanks La Velle. I would be thrilled beyond belief if the Twins could land Michael Young from Texas. In my opinion, he’s among the best all-around shortstop in the American League. I know he’s on the decline, but he would be a major upgrade if the Twins could get him cheap. Any reason why the Twins are interested? Asking price too high?
We have the assets. The only reason no-one mentions the deal is the peavy no trade clause. You have to convince him. Getting him would be a huge game changer. His contract is very reasonable compared to Sabathia and Santana and yet he pitches as well or darn near close to it. Sell him on the new stadium and our mild winters!
Get her done Anthony!
dont think 5.5 mil is “steep” for a guy that can play at least 5 positions and still manages to hit .290, this year with 21 HRs and 85+ RBIs…Seems pretty cheap really…
oh and relax on nicky P. if we have Peavy and Kouz, punto as a starting (throw up in my mouth) is ok.
I guess the thing you have to ask yourself is this… if the Twins have a pitcher available that the Padres want, would you prefer to get DeRosa for him (as part of this 3-way) or get Kouz for him in a direct deal with the Padres?
If we’re talking about the same (or a similar) list of pitchers in each case, I’d just as soon have Kouzmanoff.
If DeRosa comes over in return for a lesser prospect than what Kouzmanoff would command, that’s a different story.
Now, if there’s a way to get both without mortgaging the future, maybe you go for it.
[…] according to La Velle Neal, the Twins are asking about DeRosa. The Cubs will give the Twins a list of pitchers they’d […]
A three way deal involving Tampa and the Rockies makes some sense. Delmon back to the Rays to play right field. Twins receive Atkins from Colorado and ss Reid Brignac. Rockies receive SP Jackson from Rays and a propect from the Twins. Twins lineup: Span(lf),Casilla(2b),Mauer(c),Morneau(1b),Atkins(3b),Kuble(dh),Cuddyer(rf),Brignac(ss),Gomez(cf).Rserves-Redmund,Tolbert,Harris,Buscher. Starting Pitchers remain intact.
Matt, maybe he’s “not too bad”, but he only projects to 13HRs over 162 games and is 34 yrs old in Feb… not to mention he is a FA after this season…
If the Twins didn’t sign Blake for 2 yrs at $7M, why go back and sign DeRosa for the same?
Tolbert could fill in fine at 2B, which I’ve been saying for 3 days now.
DeRosa will not hit 20+ HRs with 80+ RBIs again. Seeing how he is 34, and has NEVER done it prior to last year, it is not realistic to expect it again. I would offer Humber/Mulvey, tops. NO Perkins/Black/etc.
From mlb trade rumors: “By Tim Dierkes [December 10 at 9:23am CST]
According to Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press, “the Tigers’ interest in acquiring closer J.J. Putz from Seattle appears stronger than ever.” Morosi says the Mariners insist the Tigers include Jeff Larish and Matt Joyce in a deal. If the Ms acquire Larish and are convinced he can play third base, they may be motivated to shop Adrian Beltre. Morosi adds that Brewers and Cardinals have also inquired on Putz.”
If the Ms get Larish, perhaps a reasonable deal for Beltre could be arranged. That said, getting DeRosa AND Kouz would make me happy.
Just say “no” to Punto.
Derosa is not an upgrade from what we have. Deal direct with the padres and give peavy the $20 million you saved from last year to convince him. Pitching wins period. How cool to move to the stadium with two stud aces and two other headline starters. Add in the speed lineup with baby jesus and you are set for five years!
Get her done!
Dumb……….
Have the Twins considered a deal w/Wash for Zimmerman? He’s entering his arbitration years and they need pitching, badly.
thank you powerslave, someone gets it.
Everyone seems a tad caught up in just getting someone to fill a hole, not realizing we have comparable players to all of these guys and wouldn’t have to fork over millions or lose valuable younger players by NOT trading for or signing these OLD high priced players.
DeRosa is a fine player, but I hope they don’t give up one of the 5 starters for a one year rental. If they could get DeRosa extended at a reasonable salary he might be worth one of the 5 but that doesn’t seem likely.
Lavelle … Any glaring reason the Twins would not look into the Yankees’ Cano? His value, after last season, can’t be the same as it was a year ago? The guy is still young, and he does have tools. Move Casilla to SS and play Cano at 2b. The guy had been touted as a potential batting champ. Did he go so sour in one season? Maybe a change of scenery would help. If we had to trade Delmon, this would be one deal I’d be willing to make (unless you know something about Cano that says otherwise). Thanks.
the Twins are not going to get Jake Peavy, nor will they even try. You’d be fooling yourself to think otherwise. To play a part in that deal and come out of it with Mark DeRosa and Kevin Kouzmanoff for Perk/Blackburn and 1 or 2 of the prospects i mentioned above, I think would make most reasonable people happy.
and it would make the padres and cubs happy. Cubs get DeRosa off the books and a prospect, and Padres get a MLB starting pitcher and a prospect.
I am a reasonable person. Such a deal would make me very happy.
Getting Kouz and Derosa would be excellent. Just Kouz would be fine. Just Derosa I would be happy to see something done but not crazy about it. I just really hope Gardy is the only one that thinks Punto should start at short next year.
Sure…Boof and a prospect for DeRosa.
http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/playerrankings/regularseason/3B
Kouz ranked ahead of Beltre
Why don’t the twins go after Joe Crede? He wouldn’t cost them much and he’s always been a twins killer…
Oh good. Trade two of your young starting pitchers AND prosepects(!) for a 34 year old that won’t be around after next season and a 3B that would be with his 3rd team and still looking to find himself. Wow! Great move, for the other team(s). Did anyone see the game Blackburn pitched against the Whitesox in the playoffs? I want him on my roster. MAYBE … trade a decent prospect for DeRosa. The guy can flat out hit.
I believe those player rankings are for fantasy, so not what the FO would or should be looking at when making decisions.
Thanks for the updates today LaVelle, seems that Gleeman is sleeping in today or else there really isn’t taht much going on today
“The rankings are a total player-rating system based on various offensive and defensive statistics. Players increase their scores with every contribution they make to the game — batting, slugging, baserunning and defense.”
- Not fantasy rankings
According to the Chicago Tribune, it looks like the Phillies are in on it and awaiting the Cubs OK.
“Hendry declined to comment on talk that Mark DeRosa was headed to Philadelphia for pitching prospects that would be sent to San Diego to complete a potential Peavy deal, but Phillies sources insisted a deal was in place and ready to go if the Cubs decide to pull the trigger with the Padres.”
I’m not sure I would get my player rankings from CBS sportsline… but to each it’s own..
Again, the guy is 34.
thank you Philly… now just sign Punto already!
If the Twins become the third team in this deal, they must insist on a prospect-only deal; unless Boof Bonser intrigues them. The Padres, after all, have Jake Peavy, but what they don’t have is leverage. They were arguably the worst team in baseball in 2008 and will obviously remain so in 2009. A rebuilding club should WANT prospects, so if they come asking for Slowey, Perkins, or Blackburn, the Twins should nix the deal.
I wish everybody would drop the lie that the Twins saved $20M last year.
While the team salary was down, the money went to the signing bonuses for Morneau, Nathan and Cuddyer.
Funny, according to baseball reference the #1 “most simular batter” for DeRosa is:
Mike Lamb.
I laughed when I saw that. In reality, I think DeRosa is a much better player.
[…] Cubs have discussed trading infielder Mark De Rosa to the Twins, reports the Star Tribune, most likely in an effort to cut payroll in advance of acquiring Jake Peavy from the […]
I think the Twins surely need to sure up the left side of the infielder. Aside from Jason Bartlett in the 07 season and prior, the Twins have been unable to acquire or produce internally an everyday defensive wizard AND power/contact hitter. I believe with the Minnesota coaching staff, Kouzmanoff would fit well at third base for maybe to mid level pitching prospects and getting involved in the Peavy trade by a potential DeRosa/Blackburn direct trade would easily sure up the defensive points and the hitting the Twins need with Mauer, Morneau and a resurgent Kubel in the lineup. I hope eventually Carlos Gomez will come into his own as an everyday contact/defensive/speedy CF.
baseballbob says:
December 10th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Oh good. Trade two of your young starting pitchers AND prosepects(!) for a 34 year old that won’t be around after next season and a 3B that would be with his 3rd team and still looking to find himself. Wow! Great move, for the other team(s). Did anyone see the game Blackburn pitched against the Whitesox in the playoffs? I want him on my roster. MAYBE … trade a decent prospect for DeRosa. The guy can flat out hit.
um… I was suggesting trading one (1) starting pitcher, and perhaps two(2) prespects. To get value, you have to give value.
If the twins are part of the Peavy deal and aquire DeRosa and Kouz, DeRosa could then be traded to the Phillies in exchange for Jason Donald. The Phillies want DeRosa and the Twins have mentioned Donald in a Delmon exchange. The Twins would get Donald, keep Delmond and not take on DeRosa’s salary for his one year remaining on his contract.
Okay, I stand corrected. I still wouldn’t rely on any system that ranked Kouz and Atkins ahead of Longoria.
you guys have been brainwashed by old man pohlad. there is a way to get peavey. It is called cash and prospects. He has a horrible contract as compared to other aces. the old man and his new stadium can afford to pay a front line ace. Ok, so the $20 million was paid in bonuses, but this club still makes a ton of money - don’t kid yourself and fall for the lies from ownership. They owe us a deal that surprises. Being players with Peavy is a great back door below the radar kind of move that would make us not just competitive in the division but also competitive for the series. Think about it. Why just play to win the stinkin division when you have to deal with yankees, red sox, angels and now the devil rays. Play to win the whole damn thing and not just the division please!
Get her done. It is possible and I am a reasonable person!
Just say no to trading young pitchers for old fielders.
The Phillies would not trade top prospect Jason Donald for pending free agent Mark DeRosa. They are not stupid.
well, it’s giving more credit to the fact that they didn’t miss as many games as Longoria, but still… you would want Atkins instead of Longoria? YEAH RIGHT.
No point in going after Peavy. This would be like another team targeting Liriano, they would foolish to trade away good talent for a power pitcher with such a violent delivery. The shelf life on Peavy is short even though he’s still young,
“I still wouldn’t rely on any system that ranked Kouz and Atkins ahead of Longoria.”
I agree that Longoria is better than both of those players, but last season Longoria missed 1/4 of the season, so that is why he is not ranked higher.
DEL-MON! DEL-MON! DEL-MON! DeRosa is a major upgrade over Young on this team…..
I would not pay Jake Peavy $15M a year when we didn’t even pay that to Santana, who is WAY better… Peavy is set to earn $8M this year and then $15M, $16M, $17M, and then $22M… yeah, and the full no-trade clause could prevent anything from happening, even if we were dumb enough to dump prospects and pay that kind of money… reasonable? hardly.
jama you are crazy. May as well say that about any pitcher. Pitching wins. Just look at the crazy yankees and sabathatia. Or if you just like those plucky little piranhas coming close every year, knock yourself out!
I want a game changer in exchange for the higher taxes I pay for old man’s stadium!
MarkW says:
December 10th, 2008 at 10:55 am
well, it’s giving more credit to the fact that they didn’t miss as many games as Longoria, but still… you would want Atkins instead of Longoria? YEAH RIGHT.
I only partially agree with you. At this point it is all about consistancy. As of right now, due to Atkins being on contract for another 2-3 years, is the better catch, he can play a backup or starting 1B and an easily great starting 3B. Longoria defensively is and will be somewhat of a wizard, but has not proved himself at the plate (minus the playoffs that was just amazing), but throughout the season had up and down periods with plenty of strikeouts. Atkins has shown consistancy so for 2009 I would take Atkins, but in say 2010/11 and beyond Longoria should be groomed as one of the top 3 3B’s in baseball.
I know it always come down to money, but the Twins should be very interested in Michael Young of the Rangers.
Am I missing something here. Ah, Peavy is going to the Chicago Cubs, we get Derosa and San Diego gets our young pitching.
We are participating in the deal to bring Peavy to Chicago…right?
If the Phils become the 3rd team and obtain DeRosa that leads to a DY for Donald + trade.
If the Twins are the third team DeRosa and Kouz are possible.
I think the Peavy trade could be Win Win for Minnesota Twins
Josh B, well, you can have Atkins to build your squad, I’ll take Longoria any day of the week… he’s probably the 2nd best 3B today, behind A-rod.
DeRosa, I like this talk. We couldn’t give up too much for him since he’s a one year rental, but maybe a Duensing, Manship, or Swarzak. None of our current starters… unless we get Kouzmanoff from the Padres in the same deal.
Peavy/Manship to the Cubs
Perkins/Gallagher/Vitters to the Padres
DeRosa/Kouzmanoff to the Twins
Please, no “gamers”! That’s just double speak for a subpar talent who has a good work ethic. NO to Wiggington!
MarkW says:
December 10th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Josh B, well, you can have Atkins to build your squad, I’ll take Longoria any day of the week… he’s probably the 2nd best 3B today, behind A-rod.
I just want to see Longoria’s sophomore year. Ryan Zimmerman emerged as one of the top 3B’s back in 2006, in fact the top 3 due to defense and hitting (power and contact). But in 2007 his numbers declined gradually and injuries hampered him. I just want to see how Longoria turns out. By the way I bet he will be better than A-Rod in a year or 2 if he continues.
only Cuddy and MVP got signing bonuses, totaling 8.75 mil, and according to Cot’s and everywhere else I’ve read they prorated them across the deals.
# Opening Day payrolls for 25-man roster
(salaries plus pro-rated signing bonuses):
* 2008: $ 56,932,766
so yeah, they saved a whole lot last year without switching to Geico
I would be happy if we could swing a 3 way deal that would lead us to get Derosa and Kouz. Kouz offense is better than Buscher or buscher/harris combo. Derosa can play so many positions which makes him a good pickup but mainly he would stick in the infield: 2nd or 3b
infield: 1st:morneau, 2nd:Derosa, SS:casilla, 3b: Kouz > 1st:morneau, 2nd:casilla, SS: Harris,punto, 3b: buscher,Harris
I like Derosa, but no Kouzmanoff for me. The kouz has some power in his bat, but he is a terrible fielding third baseman and has to low of an OBP for my tastes.
Patrick:
I think we might have to throw in more on that deal. I dont think we could get even just Kouz for Perkins and Manship, let alone Kouz and Derosa.
What about Beltre or Blalock? Are you hearing anything on these two players?
If DeRosa has a similar season to the one he had either last season or the 2007 season, he will be a type A free agent next offseason(http://www.sportscity.com/MLB/Elias-MLB-Rankings-2B-3B-SS/), so if the Twins only have him for a one year rental they would still get 2 high draft picks for him as well.
Josh B, fair enough… you always hope for the healthy part, but this guy is uber talented and yes, i have no doubt he’ll be better than Arod in a couple years, especially with Arod aging…
Lars: Wasn’t Blalock hurt late last year? Or was the Grudzy?
Sneaking DeRosa OR Kouz (both would be a miracle) out of the Cubs/Pads trade would be a great situation (all while not helping any AL team get better)
But what would it take to get BOTH players here in Minny?
Did anyone see the game Blackburn pitched against the White Sox in the playoffs? I want him on my roster.
Me, too, and for exactly that reason. That may have been the best pitching performance of the season and it was in a high-pressure situation in a hostile environment.
I should add that bringing both a new 2B and 3B would open up guys like Harris/Buscher/Tolbret/Macri for trade (not all of course, but it’d open up several more options)
I was wondering last year when the Yanks were wondering aloud about making room for Santana’s salary why the Twins weren’t offering to find a third team to perhaps take somebody off the Yankees…
Kouz and Derosa would give the twins two established bats to put in the lineup. Kouz is NOT as bad as advertised at 3rd. Plus a very ranged Casilla could help make up the lack of range. But adding a 25 to 30 homer 3b and a 15 to 20 homer 2b into that lineup would give the twins a very good balance of players getting on bas and players to knock them in. Something they have had nothing of lately. BALANCE.
GCO: You’re likely right. Twins would probably have to give up a current lineup guy at some point in there. I wouldn’t be surprised if the name Span or Young came up in order to pull off Kouz/DeRosa.
[…] Twins Insider – […]
[…] http://www.startribune.com – […]
I think Blalock is always hurt.
No thanks on Derosa. Just can’t see a 34 year old guy continue to hit like that. I mean if you didn’t want the Twins to get Blake, I can’t see the logic in wanting Derosa.
Why do I get the feeling that the Twins won’t get anything done at the meetings?
GCOkemos-
You’re probably right.
Peavy/Manship to Cubs
Perkins/GUTIERREZ/Gallagher/Vitters to the Padres
DeRosa/Kouz to the Twins
T-
Yeah, I was trying to avoid giving up Young or Span. I guess we’d probably have to.
Maybe not give up young or span, but just drop cuddy’s contract off on the cubs? they are looking for a right fielder… just a thought. they throw in another prospect to the pads for cuddy and we get kouz and derosa.
kirby lives says:
December 10th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I want a game changer in exchange for the higher taxes I pay for old man’s stadium!
You hear that, Bill Smith and Carl Pohlad? By the power vested in him by his paying $10 more per year in sales tax, kirby lives demands that you trade for a ridiculously expensive pitcher! Woe unto you, if you do not listen to him! Dammit, if he personally is paying for a stadium, HE SHOULD HAVE INPUT ON HOW THE TEAM IS RUN!!!
I’d hate to do it, but Kubel is exactly what the Cubs are looking for…a LH hitting corner outfielder. Is there a way to make everybody happy? Peavy and Kubel to the Cubs, DeRosa and Kouz here. What does that leave the Padres getting is the ?
OMG- I just checked DeRosa on Baseball Reference.com. His number one most comparable player is…. Mike Lamb!
Drewski
The cubs are looking to unload salary to make room for peavy. they would have little interest in cuddyer.
FCMlefty that would allow us to dh cuddy and move young to right. keep possible talent on the team (young) keep cuddy healthy. I actually like the sound of it.
Forget DeRosa, the real question is, why wouldn’t we at least TALK to the Rangers about Michael Young? He’s s stud, and they have a great prospect coming up behind him, so may actually be looking to move him to free up salary. If that’s the case, I would think he could be had for a couple prospects, and they’d pay part of his salary as well…
Can someone explain why we are not even considering using Buscher more as an everyday third baseman. He’s young, hits for power and can get a walk in there too for good average. I understand he’s a little shaky with the glove, and I think thats the issue, but I aslo understand that he worked and improved a good deal in that area over the last year. I think we ought to give the kid a shot.
ChrisWild-
I think you’re undervaluing Young. Unless the couple of prospects we sent them were named Hicks and Revere, I doubt we’d be able to pull that off. The Rangers would want pitching and they’d want at least one current starter. No thanks.
kidding me,
good humor, but don’t be a dope. Peavy is damn cheap relative to the quality. Twins front office would win accolades for making it happen period end of story. You obv don’t know baseball or contracts and obv love the piranha approach. Getting a peavy would make you a playa not a playa hater. Did you see the sabathia deal? Grow up man.
If we need to give up Young to get Kouz and Derosa I would be fine with that.
SS, did you say Butcher hits for power. good sir. you need to start watching games. He is an hitter for average, not power.
I would think we would probably have to give up more than Perkins and Manship to get DeRosa and Kouzmanoff.
But I think that it would take at least one more prospect from us if not two.
to get M.Young from the Rangers would take a lot, and with 5 years and at least 60 million left on his contract depending on the numbers… I don’t see the Twins wanting to bring him in at the cost of prospects and cash.
You’re kidding right? M. Young just turned 32, he’s got several good years left. Look at his numbers…he had a “down” year last year by only hitting .285 (and still had a .346 OBP), the first time in the past 6 seasons he hasn’t hit .300 or better. He’ll get you double digit homers, double digit steals, and a .300 average most years. Plus, play pretty good defense. I’d gladly give up a starter for a guy who can help this team on a daily basis. It’s not like we don’t have some great young pitching on the way…
The Twins would really have to be stupid go give up young pitching for a 34 year old third baseman who will be a free agent after one year. The fact that they are entertaining such a move should tell the fans the Twins front office is mentally challenged.
People PITCHING wins! Get Peavy Now!
I don’t think the Cubs would want Cuddy. I mean look at the last time they got a RF who played for the Twins 
Perkins/Manship + another lower level position prospect for JJ Hardy. Milwaukee will need the starters badly.
“The Twins would really have to be stupid go give up young pitching for a 34 year old third baseman who will be a free agent after one year.”
If the Twins did make this trade, think of it as the Twins getting DeRosa and 2 first round draft picks for two of the pitchers on San Diego’s list.
If we didn’t want Blake because of his age and contract status we will be getting ourselves into the same boat with DeRosa
Drewski: It opens up tons of positional flexibility. Leaves the DH spot open for Mauer or Morneau to use occasionally. Buscher could get AB’s there too.
DeRosa would most likely be the solution at second, where he has played more. Why do you think we’ve been talking Kouz as well?
I think if we get Kouz and DeRosa
And only give up
Kuebel, Perk and Manship, its a win/win
with adding kuebel it allows Young to be in RF, better using his talents, and allows cuddy to stay healthy while dh’ing.
Then we only need BP help and i think we could handle that in house.
Something is wrong with the page guys.
My boxes keep clearing, and last time it had Shawn’s information in the box.
sorry Shaun’s info
Did the same thing to me BC
This is BC Beneke… now it’s under Paul’s name.
What the heck?
DeRosa would be playing for the Twins at 34 years old and probably not any longer whereas Blake would be playing for them at 35/36 years old plus two more years (The Twins didn’t want to sign Blake to play for them when he was 37/38 years, but tried to sign him for 2 years). - not the same boat
LaVelle and company…
please have someone look at this. our emails are not supposed to be published, and I have Paul’s and Shaun’s popping up on my screen here.
I did not write them down, and I have no short term memory, lol so they don’t have to worry about me.
Derosa for one year and control of kouz would be okay cause that would give Tolbert another year to mature into 2b, and give tolleson, hughes, and valencia another year to get closer.
it sounds like a pure win/win
The errors are getting more than annoying.
Are you ever going to fix your title and links?? Twins helps??? Your Derosa link is a link to Peavy btw too. You’re the Punto of journalism.
Funny thing BC is your info was showing on my screen before my last post.
My info is faux so please no one try to e-mail me
yeah this error in the blog is getting to be annoying enough to wait until something ACTUALLY happens to post. 
FWIW, listening to XM yesterday and Dibble, Kennedy & Buck Martinez were talking about the Cubs and them giving up DeRosa. Buck hated the idea of them giving up DeRosa because of the value he brings everyday to the team and the locker room. He would be a gamer and get after it every day for Gardy.
Along with RedDog, his presence in the locker room would help out with the maturation of the young guys. Would the Twins be happy with him hitting .275 with a dozen dingers?
I think the Twins should bring up the talented third baseman Dan Valencia and put him in the cleaup spot in the batting order. 1. Span RF 2. Casill SS
3. Mauer C 4. Valencia 3B 5. Morneau 1B 6. Huges 2B 7. Kubel DH 8. Young LF 8. Gomez CF
Span
Casilla
Mauer
Morneau
DeRosa
Kubel
Cuddyer
Kouzmanoff
Gomez
That is a lineup with some potential pop in it,a nd still enough speed at the top and bottom to drive pitchers and catchers crazy.
DeRosa’s numbers actually average around .285, 13hr, 70rbi
And those were as a super utility type guy. You give him the second base job, and with how Casilla, Span and Mauer get on base and he could very easily have a career year. DeRosa fits the Twins type of game. And who knows, if he really likes it up here, he might resign. I doubt it, but another good year and hes a type A, we offer arb, he rejects and we get Kouz and 2 1st rounders. not a bad deal.
BC where is DY in that lineup
Does anyone else think that the three-way with ChC & SdP is a little lopsided? Unless we are only giving up prospects, we would be getting by far the worst player in the deal. DeRosa for any of our young starters is horse crap. I’d like to see us dangle Perkins to the Astros for Wiggington. That guy is solid, and he’s only 31.
BC Beneke how would this look instead
Span
Casilla
Mauer
Morneau
DeRosa
Kubel
Young
Kouzmanoff
Gomez
Span
Mauer
Morneau
Cuddyer
Kubel
DeRosa
Young
Kouzmanoff
Casilla
if they keep Delmon Young
The talk of 2B-Derosa, SS-Casilla, and 3B-Kouz is very interesting. But, I am concerned about the drop in defense. Casilla has tremendous potential but the SS position has to “quarterback” the infield. Based on observing him so far, he seems to drift mentally a little too much. Or maybe it’s just a lack of confidence or certainty about what he’s doing. I’m sure with more experience this will improve, but is he ready now?
Sorry DeRosa is too old. Since it would likely be a one year deal it’s just not worth it. Older players are too likely to get hurt or just not pan out. NONE of the older players the Twins have gotten over the past few years have been worth squat. I hope they don’t give up a young starter for him. Ugh.
Jimmybee…
I like yours better, but I don’t see us getting rid of Cuddyer. Gardy loves him, and at 8 million not even the Cubs are stupid enough to take him…
BC, Delmon is too much to give up to get them along with a starter. I think Kuebel becomes the one to go. My projection for the lineup would be this.
Lf Span
SS Casilla
C Mauer
3b Kouzmanoff
1b Morneau
Rf Young
Dh Cuddyer
2b DeRosa
Cf Gomez
Kouz is a cleanup hitter type, plus splitting up the M&M boys would be good.
Span (R), Casilla(S), Mauer(L), Kouz(R), Morneau(L), Young(R), Cuddy(R), DeRosa(R), Gomez(R)…
Talk about messing some bullpens up.
Span
Casilla
Mauer
Morneau
Kouz
Kubel
Young/Cuddy
DeRosa
Gomez
Peavy/Manship to Cubs
Perkins/Guttierrez/Gallagher/Vitters to the Padres
DeRosa/Kouz to the Twins
Yes it’s a trade off with defense. You don’t want to give too much away. I think Alexi can handle short and is playing with more confidence. My theory is that he has ADD. Some of the things that have happened with him (forgetting # of outs, being late to meetings) is just classic ADD. The busier an ADD person is the better. Short is way busy so I think he’ll be even better at short.
I would like someone to tell me why the Twins are always a day late and a dollar short? They want a good player but don’t want to pay him. They could have had Blake but no. But yet they would be willing to pay for DeRosa.
Why? Same age but Blake is a proven player. Trade one of the young pitchers like Perkins and get someone who can play 3rd base. Get some bullpen help and maybe sign Punto for shortstop.
In case anyone missed this delightful Gardy quote today:
“If we sign Nick Punto, he would be my starting shortstop, and I think that’s what he’s looking for,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “I like him and I think he’s a gamer….
The Twins are continuing to negotiate with Punto. The belief in the hotel is that it will take at least $4 million a year to sign him.”
Talk about over-paying. $4 mil for 28 RBI’s/year? Pretty please will someone else sign him, please?
C’mon BS, swing a deal for Kouz and De Rosa.
Actually:
Span
DeRosa
Mauer
Morneau
Kouz
Kubel
Young/Cuddy
Casilla
Gomez
And getting DeRosa for one year wouldn’t be bad if a) he produces at the same rate as last year and b) if he does, being a type A FA, we get 2 draft picks.
Paul and Laura,
DeRosa’s age isn’t a question because he’s only 34. People are making that seem like he’s ancient. When a player is 38 get worried, when a pitcher is 36 get worried. He’s a one and done which isn’t a problem as long as we get Kouzmanoff in the deal somehow as well. Kouz is what 24 and has a great work ethic, and plus level power.
I think that Kouz will work hard, and he already had a Gold Glove winning 1st baseman in SD, and now he’s going to a GG calibur 1st baseman in Morneau… I think he will be fine. DeRosa isn’t a huge upgrade over Harris defensively, but he has some serious pop in his bat, and that puts Harris, Buscher, and Tolbert fighting for 2 spots. My guess is that Harris and Tolbert win, and Buscher is sent to AAA.
Kay,
I almost puked reading that. Please Philadelphia bring LNP home! Show him the money!
Thanks for ruining my morning, Kay.
That’s just depressing.
Sorry. Misery loves company.
i predict that they will re sign punto so gardy doesn’t start crying. young will sit on the bench maybe dh against lh until he gets a bad attitude from sitting and they will trade him mid season for next to nothing. imho!
Kay… I like your style!
I don’t understand the love Gardy has for either Gardy or Punto? Punto is a nice utility player but how many utility players does this team need? The Twins need to try and get Kouz from SD and not DeRosa from Chicago.
Funny thing is most other websites don’t list the Twins as one of three or even 4 temas involved in that trade. Most refer to Phils, Pads, Cubs and Orioles
Bob.
If you are comment that mark DeRosa is not a proven player, then you need to turnon your tv more man. The proof is in the versatility, and the BAvg he provides.
Last 3 years:
2006: 136 games, .296, 13hr, 74 rbi, 78R
2007: 149 games, .293, 10hr, 72 rbi, 64R
2008: 149 games, .285, 21hr, 87 rbi,103R
The only difference is that he was able to stay in one spot last year. Utility players have to concentrate on fielding multiple positions, but you stick him at second and he doesnt have to worry about that. Unproven? I would <3 to have DeRosa at 2nd.
patrick - I really do like that last lineup that would provide a great top of the order lineup. If Span can keep the obp up, DeRosa is a pretty good contact hitter, and then having mauer. That would be a great set up for morneau with kouzmanoff, kubel, and young/cuddyer behind him. Then you have speed at the bottom.
Does anyone remember that Gardy himself was a utility fringe style player. He has a deep love for the guys that work hard but don’t have the big boy talent… Punto is a hard worker… with no talent so Gardy sees himself in him. Probably a little bit in Harris and Tolbert as well…
Im telling you in order to get this deal it will not be a Perk plus trade, a Rf would have to be thrown in for the cubs.
I see maybe Perk, Kuebel and Mulvey
For
DeRosa and Kouz coming back.
$4 f’ing million dollars for Nick f’n Punto?!?!?!?!?!?!? This has to be a joke, right?!?!? If the Twins give him $4 mil they will be the laughing stock of MLB…
The Phils are planning on giving him 4 mill a year. Something in the range of a 2yr 8 mill deal.
The twins don’t have K pitchers. Why would they go after cement gloves? Derosa played in Wrigley Field, a bandbox. His numbers are inflated and he isn’t worth 5-6 mil a year, particularly in today’s market.
The Twins will be paying Cuddy almost $6M in 2008 for averaging the past 5 years 423AB’s 13 HR and 63 RBI.
Think about the players they’ve signed over the past few years. RonDL White, Craig Monroe, Tony Batista, Livan Hernandez, Ramon Ortiz, Sydney Ponson. The Twins haven’t really had a great ROI on their investments.
Drewski-
I disagree. The meat of this trade for the Cubs is Peavy. They are pursuing FA RF’s, namely Bradley and Ibanez. We’d only be part of a three team trade for the Padres sake. They want our pitching. The Cubs would not need an OF from us.
Thanks BC.
Do it Philly! Do it!! Please?
Yay - if BS matches 4 mill for Punto but can’t sign a guy like Blake, something is wrong.
DeRosa is looking better by the day. He moves in to 2B for a year to let guys like Tolbert develop. Casilla slides over to SS (his natural position anyway) and we go and pick up someone for 3B - I am not sold on Kouz or some of the others. If he can be had for a non-starter, DeRosa is worth it and here is why:
If BS and co were willing to give Blake 7 mill, they could afford 5-6 mill for DeRosa and I am sure he’d take less than a 3 year deal (especially if he ended up liking it here; why wouldn’t you after being with the Cubs?). He is a utility guy, but is a stud 2B. His versatility is something this team would love. Then he’s got some pop, and the BIGGEST number that people don’t see are his Run totals - 100 runs! (thats like 1/7th what we scored as a TEAM last year). Sure he upped his power numbers, but he scored 40 more runs! He gets on base, that is what we need. To be frank, he is the only name I have really liked besides Hardy; his only downsides are that he is 34 and we might lose him at the end of the year. But he is cheaper in a trade, has at least as good (I’d argue better) glove and is a vet for the youngsters. If they’d take someone like Mulvey or Swarzak, I’d jump it.
3B? No idea. Not really impressed with Kouz, Atkins, etc that have been thrown out. I’d rather give Buscher one more year to get his act together with his glove and to try and figure out right handers. HE and Harris have solid bats and Harris has a good glove. We’ll see what happens
I was wrong with Sabbathia. He sold out to the Yankees afterall.
When K-Rod fails for the Mets this year remember I’ve been saying it for weeks. He’s at the end of his dominance… his numbers were all down except for his saves, and after a year like that there is nowhere to go but down… just ask Bobby Thigpen.
Manny will go to the Yankees next leaving Abreu out of Yankees, and probably moving next door to the Mets, or possibly to the Rangers.
Kerry Wood to the Indians just signed a 2 year deal.
Get Peavy Now!
If the Cubs and Padres have started talks about dealing Peavy, I doubt the Twins are going to be able to step in with anything that could suddenly make them the front runner.
Keep in mind teams right now are looking for YOUNG talent that is AFFORDABLE. And the last thing the Twins want to do now is start losing too many good young players for ONE guy.
Twins have a pretty strong roster right now, and have several players on it that are still under contract for a while…so there’s plenty of time to plan out who gets contracts when.
Twins should be looking to deal minor leaguers in positions that are “blocked” by guys like Young, Morneau, Mauer, Casilla, Span, and Gomez.
I’d be less inclined to deal too many top shelf pitchers, since the Twins have big ?s in the pen (less so in the rotation)
The Twins resigned Punto?
How long should we wait on Derosa though, from every website you look into it sounds like this Peavey deal could be delayed quite a while, also as I said earlier most other websites don’t mention the Twins as team involved in that trade. I would much rather see them work on Milwaukke for Hardy. Milwaukee is going to need pitchers becasue I am guessing they will loose Sheets too.
Sabathia to Yanks was pretty much a given once Brewers made it clear they didn’t care if they kept him or not.
Yanks were one of the few teams able to pick up that kind of contract without balking, and the rest are pretty much set rotation wise.
I’ve only read the first 10 or 20 comments or so, I found this site through a rumor site as I follow the Peavy rumors as a Cubs fan. I noticed right away a few people bashing on Mark DeRosa. Let me just tell you, you are way off target. The guy isn’t gonna put up the most astonishing numbers you’ll ever see, but the guy was our most consistent contributor for the last two years, in everything pretty much, and he is the most versatile player in the MLB given his offensive value. When we got him, I didn’t really think much of it. Now that he could be going, I’m sorely disappointed. I’ve been having conversations with other cubs fans, and the sentiment is the same, almost to the point of we’d rather the cubs go in to the season with their current rotation with derosa on the team, instead of having peavy minus derosa. That may sound crazy, but you must realize how valuable this guy really is. You don’t get to see the other things you see on a day to day basis, like his leadership and clubhouse presence (not to mention the guy is a great interview every time). He is class and one of the best all around players in the league. You’d be foolish to not want him on your team.
Sheets should be their main concern. Sabbathia was going to get that 7 year 161million (wth?) from the Yankees.
Would the Brewers be willing to trade Hardy for pitching now that CC Sabathia signed with the Yankees???
Hardy over DeRo? For real? Would you like to have a guy who can hit homers like crazy for two weeks of the year and be horrendous the rest or someone who puts up real solid numbers all year long? Come on people.
I dont mind having 5 players to fill the 3 OF spots and a DH spot. Injuries happen, and it is quite possible that Span or Gomez slump. Keep the depth, deal some of our blocked pitching.
SGZ: It depends. I’m pretty sure the Brewers never intended on keeping Sabathia, so they may have a plan already in place.
Thanks, Grant. It’s always interesting to hear the take from a different fan base. Most of us would love to have DeRosa. Pay no attention to the trolls.
It depends whether or not they lose Sheets; if they keep him, they’ll be in less dire need for pitching but it makes for a double-edged sword. THey’ll still want pitching to replace CC’s output, but might want less in a trade, but be willing to give up less. On the other hand, they lose Sheets, they are willing to give up more in a trade but would expect moer (ie one of our top guys). They seem like a crazy trading partner right now and I’d rather wait. I forsee them going after a pedro martinez/randy johson type. I think the twins should go after one of these 2 and trade someone like perk while his value is pretty good for a player. Having one of those 2 guys will give a younger guy the time to develop (ie Hernandez giving Liriano time to dominate AAA).
How about this:
– Peavy to the Cubs
– Cubs send DeRosa to the Twins
– Padres send K to the Twins
– Cubs send a top AAA pitcher and a top SS/2B/3B prospect to the Padres.
– Twins send Young and Humber or Boof or Blackburn to the Padres.
Cubs get their top of the rotation starter to go along with Z, Dempster and Harden. WOW
Padres get 3/4 players. LF starter, infield starter or prospect, a starting pitcher and SP prospect.
Twins get their starter at 3rd and 2nd. Casilla moves to short with Punto backing up all 3 spots and spot starting.
Grant - read my post; I didn’t even read your stuff before what I said. Now that i’ve read your info, I want him on this team for sure. Get the deal done BS
Personally I would have rather had Blake, but I guess the 3rd year threw that out the window. Right now I don’t think the twins are going to make a deal! If they were to sign anybody it would probably be a guy like Eckstein!
What do the Cubs have at AAA to fill your scenario mlemke? If they had a ‘top’ AAA talent like you say, they wouldnt need to go through us to get Peavy, at least thats how i see it.
as far as free agents go, the only interesting ones can’t play a position of need. and there are very few (if any) relief pitchers that can beat our up and coming youngsters. The only FA’s out there I’d even look at are DH types (Dunn, Burrel) and starting pitcher types (martinez, randy johnson, wolf).
Furcal is still out there, and he definately plays a position of need.
Of course, it’s not going to happen. I’m just sayin’.
What part of a cheap contract do you people not understand. Peavy is a huge value. All you need to do is convince him to come. You can do that with cash and our cute little winning ways. Oh and the new stadium. My god they should do everything they can to get in the game. I know a steal when I see one and we have the assets to make it happen. Pitching wins. Forget about all this other infield nonsense. Even if we have to suffer with punto starting at short this lineup would rock and might even manage to win in the playoffs. Now what a concept:
Span
casilla
Mauer
cuddy
morneua
kubel
kouz
punto
gogo
Peavy liriano slowey perk deunsig/humber/whatever
Now that is a winner. Go get her done! Write the damn check to the Peavy foundation if you have to!
Grudz plays a position of need after Casilla is moved to SS.
I would guess the Brewers will be a little more desperate now that they have lost CC and will probably lose out on Sheets as well. Melvin said as much at mlbtraderumors.com. Something to the effect that they “will scramble for pitching”. That’s got to be good for the Twins if BS is willing to step up and offer something to fill the Brewers needs. Who knows, JJ Hardy may be had after all.
I haven’t heard of anybody discussing Pat Burell in a Twins uniform. Why not? He’s s good right-handed bat and he could be good for a couple of years. Twins wouldn’t have to give up any prospects for him, he could DH, play left field, and free up the Twins to use one of the outfielders for 3rd baseman/ss/bullpen help.
Sign Crede and trade for Castillo from the Mets to be our 2b again. I bet we could get 50 games out of both before they ended up on the d.l. The Mets would probably pay Castillo’s salary to get rid of him.
Gleeman’s blog at Roto:
‘They (Gardy and BS) were less than impressed with his first year here’
what more do they want? they put him in a position he’s never played at before at the major league level, and nearly all his numbers (save a handful of HR’s and RBI’s, which can be attributed to him being on a new team in a new league at a new position having a slow start and being behind RBI machine Morneau…see a pattern here?). he’s shown a willingness to work, he batted nearly .300, had some key at bats and was a rock all year (Even when he was injured they had to drag him out of the lineup).
They just dont want to admit Cuddy isnt as good as Young is. I love Cuddy, but a guy that a) is no better in RF than Young, b) costs a crazy amount more, c) injury prone - even crybaby injuries keep him out for long periods, d) has shown only a bit more power with a lot less average
see a pattern? they are clearly playing favorites, not what is best for the team overall.
T- I had a feeling that one of the West Coast teams would step up on Sabbathia.
Just kidding. That would definetly be a bad idea. Crede is at least an interesting option, though. He has power and a good glove.
The Cubs selected the contracts of right-handed pitchers Mitch Atkins, Justin Berg and Marcos Mateo and added them to the 40-man roster.
Atkins, 23, earned 2008 Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors after combining to go 17-7 with a 4.00 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 28 starts between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. He began the year with Tennessee and went 9-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 18 starts and posted an 8-1 record with a 4.47 ERA in 10 starts for Iowa.
This is their top prospect. 23 yrs old.
Berg was also at AAA, but didn’t put up as sparkling of numbers. 24 yrs. old.
Mateo was at A ball and put up OK numbers. 24 yrs. old.
Not sure they would give up Atkins, but all were just added to their 40-man roster.
What is Kubel’s contract status?
mlemke63,
They were added to the roster to protect them from Rule V draft tomorrow.
they added an A ball guy with ‘ok’ numbers to the 40 man? really? I am impressed with Atkins, I’ll give them that. but that is it. so if they dont give up a talent like Atkins, they essentially get Peavy for DeRosa (with guys with ‘ok’ numbers as you say at the minor league level). Wowzers. Go Cubs eh?
Kubel is arbiration eligible for the first time this year
Why does everyone keep talking about Peavy??? Enough already it isn’t going to happen. We have our starters and if we deal one, then we have more to step in. We need infield help and bullpen help…NOT ANOTHER STARTER. Peavy is damn good, but not as good away from Petco. Kouz would be solid, if we could swing a deal with no Cubs involved that would be great. But we need to focus on the bullpen more than anything. And to all you Punto haters out there…get over it. Sign Punto!!!
medschool-
They have Josh Vitters who is a top tier prospect. The Friars want pitching though and I think the Cubs have said they’re not trading Smardzjia.. or however the F you spell his name.
Thank you
Pat - I am pretty sure the Padres would love Vitters, but the Cubs seem relunctant to give him up as well and like you said, they want pitching. Why don’t we just deal with them directly to get Peavy (talk to him darn it, he’d like it here) and Kouz
Something like Perkins, one of Swarzak/Mulvey/Duensing, one of Bonser/Humber, Martin and Buscher.
That’d be fair.
Vitters, Gallagher from the Cubs
Delmon Young, Manship, Swarzack from the Twins to the Padres
Kevin Kouzmanoff from the Padres and Mark DeRosa from the Cubs to the Twins
Peavy goes to the Cubs.
OKK DY can stay but if he isn’t gay he has got to go cause if my brother Bart finds out I am in deep water kids. Now it’s off to thee Regal Begal for me. Oh wait there’s Lana
medschoolmatt…
Your ideas are half-baked. Just stop your embarrassing yourself and giving blogging a bad wrap!
I’m sure that the Padres want all our crap for two of their best!!
BC Beneke…
Swap Cuddyer for Young and that would make us on a level with playing field with any team even the Red sox and Rays.
To get Peavy we’d have to give up AT LEAST Hicks and Liriano, plus other prospects.
two 2008 stat lines for comparison:
Player 1) 385 ab, 58 r, 22 xbh, 50 rbi, 31 bb, 45 k, 7 sb, .281/.333/.374
Player 2) 338 ab, 43 r, 25 xbh, 28 rbi, 32 bb, 57 k, 15 sb, .284/.344/.382
One of these players hit in front of the inconsistent (at best) and erratic Carlos Gomez, while the other sat hit in front of the American League batting champ. One of these players made 12 errors at 2b, while the other made 10 errors on the season at a much more demanding SS position. Add the fact that Punto (player 1) is a “gamer” or a “spark” and he is definitely worth the money. (player 2 is Alexi Casilla)
…my bad, Punto is “Player 2″, Casilla is “Player 1.”
Burrell would be a great addition to this team and then we wouldn’t have to worry about right-handed pop!
Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves… I like DeRosa, but he really is not the hitter he showed statistically last year. He is a 6-10 HR hitter that would drive in 60-70 runs, batting .270 at the top of our lineup…
WE ALREADY HAVE BRENDAN HARRIS!!!
If we make this move we will not re-sign him after we realize what he brings to the table.
Unless something else comes our way in this deal or we trade a 2nd or 3rd tier minor leaguer for this guy, we should not even consider this move.
yes jama, all the guys i mentioned are ‘crap’
Perkins - legit starter, just needs some finetuning. will be a good starter in this league (and he’s a lefty which is always good)
Martin - solid OF prospect with a good bat
Buscher - needs work on his glove, but a good bat, hits over .300 RISP, etc. he’d be a fine, young replacement for Kouz
Humber/Bonser - both have upside; both can (moreso Humber) continue to get better.
Mulvey/Swarzak/Duensing - some of the best pitching prospects around.
yah, terrible terrible players there >_<
medschoolmatt Don’t get into it with jama he is just an angry blogger. Now kids I am off to throw on a scarf and it’s off to the regal beagle for me.
“Buscher - needs work on his glove, but a good bat, hits over .300 RISP, etc. he’d be a fine, young replacement for Kouz”
Buscher is older than Kouzmanoff
How bout DY for Kouz
matt - he’s been in the league less time, thus is less worn down. but yah, should have double checked the ages (thanks for that); 27 is still good in this league
Kouz and Derosa would be huge upgrades. Morneau, Derosa, Casilla and Kouz with Punto spelling all three and getting into about 60 games. Make it happen Bill Smith!
Boof, Cuddyer, Blackburn, another prospect allows SD to get some pitching and some hitting and gives the Cubs Peavy.
It is awfully clear here in San Diego that Peavy is staying in the National League. If he was willing to go to the American League, the Yankees or Angels (Peavy loves the West Coast) would outbid the Twins. Peavy has full trade veto power.
jama,
“stop giving blogging a bad wrap”
That’s like giving porn a bad wrap.
That boat has sailed!
Hey kids! The Pad’s don’t want Cuddy and his cruddy contract. Boof you couldn’t give away and Blackburn is good. Regal beagle time for me to pick up on some chicks
A fat check, blackie, dy or span, mulvey and another minor piece gets the deal done.
Go do it!
The Twins need to stop searching high and low for their type of player becuase the cupboard is drying up in a hurry.
I would take a chance on a player like Tejada or maybe even a Pat Burrell and see what kind of numbers they could put up sandwiched between Mauer and Morneau. We need to start thinking offense our pitching is fine.
and don’t even think of trading Delmon Young, this situation reminds me way too much of Big Papi.
Keep Punto. I don’t understand why some of you want to run him out of town.
Are you guys (certain bloggers) on dumb drugs! Why on earth would you accept a trade of Manship, and Perkins for any of the names being thrown around. Manship is incredible–check him, and his stats out before you include him. Kouz, Derosa?? They would help, but not for what you guys want to give up. atkins is legit–but only if you get him for 2 minor league players or an OF, and a minore league pitching prospect.
In addition : Pohlad, stop being so damn cheap–we need to sign a few legit players, and save our young players for ourselves!
Manship and Perkins would be a steal for the Twins to get Derosa and Kouz “Big Daddy”. I would be shocked if that would be all it took to take those two. I would make that move quicker than I would change your sign in name for this blog.
O and yes were on “dumb” drugs. What in the hell does that mean,… “big daddy”…
Baseball winter meetings are like a bunch of girls gossiping in high school, can’t believe half of the crap that is put out there
LaVelle - Wasn’t that you playing Beer Pong at O’Sheas on Sunday night … and winning? Nice job!
Tyler, if it was obvious that those players are so good, why are other teams not vying for this upper echelon of talent?? 100 + strikeouts a year, and an average infielder, sounds more like your wife than an infielder, except change it to put outs instead of strikeouts. If you have a problem w/ “Big Daddy”, it’s your your issue, not mine
Is this a better sign in??
ugh, my buddies friend is a scout for the Twins. He claims Punto will be our shortstop next year, with Harris/Buscher at 3rd.
This same guy told me about the DY deal the morning before it was made public so…..
Well, I guess it’s time to hope they can perform as well as last year! At least road trips this year include Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis.. Rah!
You’ve gotta love ineptness of this new front office. We’re not going to offer a productive, consistent 3B who will be 35 most of next season, Casey Blake, a third year option for $3.5 million, but we’re ready to trade away one of our young starters for a SS we’ll turn into a 3B, a guy that will be 34 next year, had a career year last year that looked much like Blake’s average year, and will be a free agent in 2010? I hope this is just an uneducated rumor, because if it ends up happening, Billy Boy needs to be fired on the spot.
Seriously Twins you do NOT want Beltre. Trust me on this one! Seattle signed him to a huge contract after he had one good year and hasn’t done anything since this past year. Sure he is a Gold Glove third but his power is grossly overrated. He has warning track power at best. As for Derosa please don’t give any youth for him. He would be a rent a player for one year that will produce 15 HR and 70 RBI’s at best… and thats if he STAY’s healthy. Atkins from Colorado or Zimmerman in Washington are the two best options out there right now. I just don’t want the Twins to make the same mistake Seattle did.
God bless Punto, the man has a glove like Gaetti, but bats like Willy Mays Hays. I definately like the DeRosa and Kouzy angle, however I would hope the Twins keep an eye open for Beltre and even Tejada.
Seeing as Delmon Young, as it would seem, has a Chili Davis syndrome (unable to field or run at all but has power and potential) we should make him the DH against lefties, and Kubel the DH against righties, alternating days off. Lets face it some dudes are just born Designated Hitters, and Delmon - ye of the losing line drives in the light - should just be one with the bat.
Why don’t we sign LNP and get either one of 3 players
1. Kouz
2. Hardy
3. Atkins
I like Jim Cricketts comments. A deal involving Kouzmanoff and DeRosa would be interesting. While Garret Atkins is tops on my list his price tag may be too high and you may be able to upgrade 3 positions really by trading for Kouzmanoff and DeRosa. You trade for Kouz for an upgrade at third, DeRosa for second and you move Casilla to short so that is really an upgrade there as well, by moving a current player to their better position. Plus what we would have to give up, might be comparible to what Atkins asking price would be as the Rockies highly value Atkins and are asking for a lot in return for him. I’ve heard they want Liriano,Slowey and Ben Revere, ah how about no!
kirby lives-
Seriously, stop talking about Peavy. It’s actually starting to anger me that you think that is even remotely possible.
With Hicks and Revere rising fast through the system, I could see a trade of Span or Gomez happening before the Twins would trade the power potential of Young. Everyone knows that run producers are hard to come by. There is a lot of smoke and mirrors being played right now among baseball officals and more than likely Gardy’s recent comments about Delmon were more of a motivational tool to light a fire. With regards to DeRosa, this move sounds a lot like another Mike Lamb type signing. I wish Carl Pohlad would just give the greenlight to sign or trade for a legit bat to follow Morneau in the lineup, I think that alone might put us over the top.
The DeRosa love is so unfounded. It took the guy until the age of 30 to get 500 ABs. His numbers during his 20’s are incredibly uninspiring. There is no reason to expect him to continue is past three year average of roughly .290, 14 HRs, 76 RBIs. At 34, expect .270, 10 HRs, 65 RBIs, depending on where he bats in the lineup. Give 28 year old Harris the same ABs, and you can expect .270/12/60, at the price of zero prospects. DeRosa does not make sense and is not a significant upgrade!!
Can anyone provide a convincing argument how DeRosa would be $5 mill/yr and a Starting Pitcher better than Harris? Doubtful.
Kouzmanoff on the surface looks okay. Nothing great, aside from the fact that he’s got a low salary right now. However, if you look at his splits, he had FAR better numbers on the road than he had at Petco Park last season. FAR better, as in a .292 average vs. about .226 at home. More hits, fewer Ks, far better OPS…all in a similar number of at bats.
If the Twins can convince him that the Metrodome ISN’T Petco Park, then he could be a sweet addition to the club for next season.
IF Kouz would come with Derosa then I’d do it. Derosa at 2nd, move Casilla back to SS and Kouz at 3B??? Not bad! Let Punto walk and Tolbert is your utility guy. Who would the Padres want for Kouz is the question because the Cubs are only getting Peavy and would essentially be giving us Derosa just for jumping in to satisfy the Padres asking price of young pitching. Any two of Blackburn/ Bonser/ Mulvey/Humber??? The Cubs would probably have to give something else to SD also.
DeRosa would be a great upgrade for our infield. The guy is good for a.290 batting average and a .360-.370 OBP while hitting a lot of doubles and playing good defense. Put him at 2B, move Casilla back to SS and keep looking for a 3B (Beltre!).
I’m not a fan of Kouz, but his home/road splits can be explained because he plays in a bad ballpark to hit in.
The Phillies are looking at DeRosa as a back up, so there’s no way the Twins should give up anything for him; he’s a 34 YO who’ll be a FA after the season. For gosh sakes, keep Blackburn; has everyone forgotten his performance in Chicago? Try for Kouz, but don’t offer any Twins starter other than Perkins.
And yes, keep Punto and DY; geez, this may be a good year to sit pat.
Why not this framework: (I apologize if someone said this already but there are too many posts to read them all) The Padres trade Peavy to the Cubs, the Cubs send Derosa to the Phillies, the Phillies send Jason Donald to the Twins, who send Perkins, Blackburn, Mulvey, or Humber (whoever they’d like) to the Padres. I’d prefer to keep Blackburn, but its not like he was an all-star. He had a good year, but he’s by no means a “sure thing” at this point besides, you have to give something to get something. You’d have to fill in the blanks with prospects I’m sure but at least you know the major players involved.
And for pete’s sake, why would we want Tejada? He’s more washed up (and expensive) than anyone brought up. That’d be a DUMB idea.
I just hope one thing happens. NO MORE PUNTO!!! I am effin sick of him. He might not have started on my college team.
Don’t even bother with DeRosa; he’s only hit as well as he has because he’s in the Cubs powerful lineup. But he’s nothing special.
Kouzmanoff, on the other hand, could be a mainstay at 3B for the Twins for several years. That would be fantastic.
[…] all started when the Twins expressed interest in Mark DeRosa, a veteran infielder with some power. Gardy told everyone earlier that Casilla could […]
How about this: Twins sign Orlando Hudson from D-Backs, move Alexi to SS.
Middle infield problem solved. Trade with TX for Hank Blaylock or CO Garrett Atkins for 3B. Power hitters at the corners. Sign Punto as an utility man. Versatility in the infield. Now your infield would ave .280 - .285 1st to 3rd, with power at 1st and 3rd, plus good defense.
Grant,
Orlando Hudson plays a crappy second base and wants $10MM or more per season. Not worth it.
Blalock is so broken down that he can’t even play third. He hasn’t been healthy since 2005, and he hasn’t been GOOD since 2003.
Garrett Atkins can’t hit away from Coors Field. He’s also a poor defender.
If we signed Punto, Gardy would start him. No matter what. Some way, somehow, Punto would start.
We’d have terrible defense with overpaid players and underwhelming production, most likely.
Why fix what isn’t broken? If we got 91 RBI out of the 3B position, why change it for an aging 1-year guy? And especially why bring in yet another strikeout artist (Gomez being the first) who has “shaky defense” to play the hot corner? We should make an effort to get JJ Hardy and then stand pat the rest of the off-season.
Don’t give up Span at any cost!! Waaayyy to valuable to this team and lineup. What is the latest on the possibility of landing Hardy from the Brewers?
