World Baseball Classic and the Twins
Posted on December 30th, 2008 – 4:05 PMBy La Velle
Note: There doesn’t appear to be anything heating up on the acquisition front right now. Some people have scattered for the holidays. One agent of a player the Twins are interested in is out of the country. Twins GM Bill Smith has been attending family functions. And the Twins’ section of the StarTribune parking lot was empty when I pulled in today. It’s the holiday season, so it’s expected.
Meanwhile, we give you alternative programming….
Sometime next month, provisional rosters for the 2009 World Baseball Classic will be released. And Twins players will be sprinkled over a few of them.
Twins closer Joe Nathan spoke with WBC officials during the winter meetings earlier this month and said it’s a foregone conclusion that he will be named to the team.
“I told them that I enjoyed playing the last time and that it fits my schedule perfectly,” Nathan said Monday night.
Nathan already is playing catch and warming up his arm in advance of spring training and the WBC. It’s easy for relievers to get ready because they only have to build up to 30 pitches or so.
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, responding to an e-mail, sounded fired up to play for Canada again. Canada, if you’ve forgotten, beat Team USA 8-6 in 2006.
“I have officially committed to play for team Canada,” Morneau said. “I look forward to representing my country once again. There is a lot of pride involved in a tournament like this and we look forward to hopefully improving on our last performance.
I’ve heard from other people that Twins catcher Joe Mauer will play in the 2009 Classic (I haven’t confirmed that with him yet). He was asked to play in the 2006 event but declined. He had just completed his first year after knee surgery in 2004 ruined his season and didn’t want to push it.
Francisco Liriano is expected to pitch for the Dominican Republic. He made four starts for Escogido of the Dominican winter league, going 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA. Carlos Gomez, who might make the team, went .243/.351/.364 for Escogido, which failed to make the playoffs.
A few Australians, including Twins prospect Luke Hughes, could make its national team.
But 7-1 right-handed pitcher Loek Van Mil isn’t expected to make the Netherlands roster. Van Mil strained an elbow ligament during the season and won’t be ready to get back on a mound until March.
Clubs have been asked to not interfere with players who want to take part in the WBC. It would be understandable if the Twins wanted someone like Liriano to save all his bullets for the Major League season. But the Twins have no problem with players who want to participate in the WBC.
“We have always been supportive of winter ball and it’s a pretty good honor for players to be selected to play on national teams.” Twins GM Bill Smith said. “Although it is inconvenient it is a good event and good for growing the game.”
246 Responses to "World Baseball Classic and the Twins"
Thanks, La Velle for the updates during this sloooow off-season! Happy New Year!
“One agent of a player the Twins are interested in is out of the country.”
Well at least some hope remains that the Twins are interested in a real live baseball player not named Nick Punto…
Thanks for the update LeVelle, hopefully stuff starts happening in 2009. Not just with the Twins but with all of baseball. Have a Happy New Year.
well, at least we have LPN. one of the best gloves in the Biz,,
joedude,
I guess even Eddie Guardado’s agent gets a vacation!
Twins have a LPN playing baseball? Is he a good nurse?
There’s a “Twins’ section of the Star Tribune parking lot?”
theres a star tribune parking lot?
Nick Punto’s fielding is highly overrated.
Especially on routine plays.
we can hope for the best but it is probably an odl pitcher that they are looking to add we all know it aint a big name free agent so sick if this crap that they say they are still looking harris busher will be our 3rd baseman in 09
La Velle,
Nick Punto will participate in the Italy team.
Here is the link for Punto in the Italian WBC team:
With LNP, the Italians are a cinch to win the WBC.
Thanks for the update, LEN. I only wish I could believe the agent who is out of the country represents a player who could actually help the club rather than someone who is probably close to qualifying for Social Security benefits and who has a lifetime ERA of over 5.00.
MLB Network 1/1/09, can’t wait!
Seems to me that the most important issue the Twins need to address right now is an extension for Joe Mauer. He’s the best catcher in baseball and has only two years remaining on his contract. Let’s stop whining about Nick Punto and start hoping that we don’t get into another Santana situation this time next year with Mauer.
Instead of worrying about the addition of a decent player who might help the team, let’s concentrate on keeping the really good ones we already have.
49 days to go!
Anybody going to Ft Myers in March?
Randy, I agree keeping Mauer is important and that a Santana situation should be avoided. However, that will cost money and, well, you know the drill.
This team wasn’t good enough to win what turned out to be a mediocre division, let alone seriously challenge for a World Series title. The team needs to improve if it is going to seriously contend.
Besides, who’s whining about Punto? He’s a great ballplayer, a future HOFer. I only wish we could have given him more money and years on his contract.
Thrylos,
That tainted the old boot country for me. I may have to rethink my hopes of retiring to Italy. The thought of Punto representing my 2nd favorite country is almost as disgusting as seeing him representing my favorite MLB team.
Hey la velle do you know how hard liriano is throwing now?
I think you people are Koolaiding it again…
Baby Jesus will never leave Minnesota, or Sid and the rest of his “faithful” singles hitting disciples will crusify him.
He’s an all star, but at this point he’s nothing more than Bill Madlock with the hopes of becoming Wade Boggs…
Before you jump down my throat… Madlock won 4 batting titles, but certainly isn’t a hall of famer, nor was he or Boggs a 3rd hitter in the lineup for the most part.
Gomez had a .351 OBP in the Dominican league? That’s got to be a typo.
La Velle, do the Twins have any interest in Juan Cruz?
oh my god, I just realized with Sid and Rosan being Jewish that might make me look like I was being racists/prejudice… and it was not meant that way at all… I’m a christian of jewish decent… so please realize… it was just a rip on Mauer for being a weak sister singles hitter in the wrong spot in the lineup, and not anything against Jewishish people… wow… that one scared me for a second.
jewish
BC, I think your comparisons between Mauer and Boggs/Matlock are valid. I’m not oging to jump down your throat for that. Mauer is a good hitter, just not a no. 3. However, I do think there is a decent chance that the annointed one would leave Minnesota for Boston (or another big market team) if the club allows him to hit the free agent market or insults him with a low ball offer. Also, keep in mind the club failed to sign Punto long term and his contract is also up in 2 years. The club may have to choose . . .
Josh,
No they have no iterested in Juan Cruz. He is a type A free agent, and he is asking for between 5-7 million, and for a 3 year deal according to a buddy of mine in AZ. They want him back badly, but not at that kind of money.
Boneyard…
A twins team without Mauer or Punto?
Say it isn’t so!
I mean my god… who would I bitch about?
Oh wait, Bill Smith will find a way to screw something up, or do absolutely nothing… that will be enough to get my dandruff up.
I think I’ll be ok now. I was frothing at the mouth pre-seizure there for a second…
I’m just waiting for that one moment where someone does something I like so I can say something nice… and shock the world!
By 2011 the Twins won’t need Mauer - they’ll have Toby Gardenhire batting 3rd behind Punto.
My spelling is terrible today. Sorry about that. Wow…
I’m glad no actual seizure ocurred, BC.
That means Bill Smith is actually good for something, though, doesn’t it?
Boneyard, this is my first time on the site. I didn’t realize it was Comedy Central. Nick Punto sucked in 2007, but then so did everybody else on the team. As far as the “drill” you refer to, I’m still thrilled the Twins got Morneau For six years 80 million. One hell of a bargain compared to Texiera.
And as far as 2008 went: the Twins were picked to finish no better than 4th. Some picked them last. Not too shabby.
Bill Matlock? I know you didn’t suggest the comparison to Joe Mauer Boneyard, but you did agree to it. I don’t remember Matlock being a very
good catcher. Or were you and BC referring to the TV show with Andy Griffith?
I just heard the latest—A bomb landed on Italy—–[It slid off] ararar
Why does the new Italian Navy have glass bottom boats? So they can see the old Italian Navy. arararar
Sorry-Things have been kinda slow lately.
Randy Erickson.
Madlock won 4 batting titles, and was a weak 20 doubles 8-12 home run hitting 3rd baseman for the Pirates, and a few other teams at the end of his career… The Dodgers and Tigers I believe?
He’s not a catcher, nor is he in the hall of fame. He is one of the best hitters in baseball to not be in the hall of fame if you go by the Twins fans love of our opposite field slapper in a pink slipper Joe Mauer.
My disgust of Nick Punto as a baseball player isn’t a joke. It’s real. But I try to have fun with it. The man is a 25th player on the Royals, and here he is stuck as our starter… It pisses me off to no end, but I’m trying to let it get to me now that I can bitch about Kevin McHale every day… it’s like a release… a calming soothing… blind rage and hatred of mediocrity, and under talented over-achievers… But the McHale venom… that’s pure my friend…
But I do try to keep that light hearted as well… I call him McFailedabortion as I’m sure his mom and dad do as well.
Boneyard…
That is the heads and tales of it isn’t it? If these people upset me… then I suppose they are good for something as I do tend to enjoy to get the blood pumping over trivial things, but some of the people here miss my sense of humor about things…
Erickson got it to a point, but I want to make sure that he realizes that I truly think that Little Nicky Punterrible is the worst player in MLB, and 8.5 million is enough for me to not want to go to a game until he’s off the team.
Lartwinfan…
It is comedy hour here…
I have a few that people might like, but I have to watch myself… can’t warp the minds of children I didn’t father.
BC B,
apples and oranges:
Maddog’s career numbers: .305/.365/.442
Mauer’s career numbers: .317/.399/.457
(and Mauer is just reaching his prime)
for comparison,
Boggs’ career numbers: .328/.415/.443
Carew’s career numbers: .328/.393/.429
arguably, Mauer is closer to those two than Madlock…
I think I (as well as every baseball fan in America) will be crossing their fingers that their team’s best players don’t get hurt playing in this meaningless exhibition.
I think I (as well as every baseball fan in America) will also be laughing our asses off when the last few games of the World Series are delayed into mid-November.
Thrylos…
Madlock played in an era with better pitchers, bigger ball parks.
Mauer has 2 batting titles compared to Madlock’s 4… which I think is the most of anyone not in the hall of fame.
Mauer has played for only a few seasons… there is no way in hell I would put him with Boggs or Carew for another 4-5 years.
You are comparing apples to oranges my friend…
You look at stats as the be all and end all of the game. Think of the era, think of the career.
I am saying that if you are to measure hitters… Mauer at this point in time in his career is with Madlock… he needs 4-5 more years of great hitting to be beyond that.
And for him to be half as good as the average Twins DieHard thinks of him as… he’d need to hit 35 homers and drive in 150 RBI. He will never be as good as he’s given credit for here in Minnesota because for some sad reason they look at him like he’s a GOD.
T…
Just an idea…
What if we played the WBC in November, and bumped up Spring Training 2 weeks, and cut a week off of it?
[…] Twins Insider – […]
Randy E, it is a little comedic around here today because we’ve got to do simething to amuse ourselves with the hot stove being as cold as it is. And yes, I do think the comparison BC made is valid due to the high avg./low power nature of the hitters being discussed, not because of position played. Come back and blog with us (I mean it, no joking).
Er. that should have been “something” instead of “simething.” Fat fingers, I tell you . . .
Boneyard…
amen.
Last offseason was at least intense… this is death by boredom, last offseason was stressful… it was great.
BC, I know Matlock wasn’t a catcher and he wasn’t Andy Griffith either. What I’m getting at is Mauer is the complete package no matter where he hits in the lineup. He’s got million dollar talent and a million dollar head. The two go together.
As far as Nick Punto goes: you couldn’t carry his jock strap, but I really think you’d like to. Get a life. Randy Erickson
Gardy hates the WBC. He doesn’t like his players messed with. Of course MLB sent their thugs to shut him up a couple years back. Remember that, La Velle? Who were those sinister types anyway? We never got a report with the names of those hoodlums. All Gardy would say is that he never realized those people were even involved in baseball. Why can’t we find out who paid Gardy a visit?
The WBC is a cash cow for MLB. Steinbrenner fought WBC and MLB a little bit for using his players, but few have had the courage to stand up. MLB flexes it’s muscle through ugly intimidation. It forces docile acceptance and submission. Real aggressive and nasty people.
It all revolves around money. Big money for the baseball syndicate. Enormous amounts of money. MLB is a criminal enterprise. For the most part, it always has been.
Nice to have the opportunity to delve into the dark side of professional baseball once in awhile.
Thanks for the article, but don’t give us another WBC report. Unless, of course, you dig beneath the surface.
As far as Nick Punto goes: you couldn’t carry his jock strap, but I really think you’d like to. Get a life. Randy Erickson
Did you just sign your own name wrong?
Randy Eckstein
It’s MADLOCK! Matlock was a terrible pitcher for the Rangers, and an even worse tv show.
Mauer is just a singles hitter that belongs in the 1-2 spot in a lineup not a 3rd hitter.
As for your comment about Punto’s Jock… I think you need to really check yourself. Just because I’m not a major league player doesn’t mean that he should be either.
When the Orioles get Izturus for 2 years and 5 million (a man with a truly great glove, and a guy who knows how to steal bases when he gets on base)… compared to Punterrible’s 8.5 million…
And then talk about how the Twins were a couple million too cheap to get Casey Blake…
Please excuse me if I tell you that you need to get your head out of your pants, and take a breath. Punto is mediocrity at his very best. On his best days he is a 25th man.
So please don’t try and intimidate me with your latent homosexual mumbo jumbo… Punto’s probably a great guy. Hope he’s a good husband and father (god I hope he hasn’t reproduced, but still)…
The fact is that by MLB standards… he is sub par.
T.
I think I offended him by accidently calling him Erickson instead of Eckstein…
He has potential to be fun though… Gotta love when they have a little fight to them. The passion just needs to be re-directed.
Attacking me is about as pointless as it gets. I don’t make a lot of direct attacks on other people in these blogs so I don’t get it.
If he was offended I am sorry. IT was a mistake to say the least. I already appologized for not spelling correctly today.
Oh well, I’m almost out of here tonight so things can calm down. Car’s warming up… I have a 50 mile jaunt in this beautiful weather…
Did not Gardy complain all year that the decline of Carlos Silva as a MLB ace was due to being used in relief in the last WBC?
Now the Twins don’t have a problem with it?
Glad to see Gomez tearing up he Winter League.
I think it’s disgraceful for guys to NOT represent their own country. It’s gutless and shameful when Mark Texeira opts to not play for team USA. As was the case in 2005, the U.S. has very little chance of winning the tournament because our best players refuse to suit up. I guess that’s indicative of the lax American work ethic that is driving our country into the ground.
Based on what I saw last time, they should expand the rosters to 28-30 players for the first 15 games or so of the season as this WBC sets some players back a bit in preparing for a full season.
“Instead of worrying about the addition of a decent player who might help the team, let’s concentrate on keeping the really good ones we already have.”
You say that like there’s some reason the Twins can’t do both.
Whether it is more correct to say that I CANNOT or WILL NOT, I do not plan on carrying Punto’s jock anywhere.
Sure wish the Twins would sign an infielder with some pop. Punto & Casilla are not going to scare many teams. It will be an interesting season…
Kudos to Italy. Nick punto will dominate the WBC like his fellow italian cristofer columbus dominated the indigenous people of the new americas.Nick punto is the next coming of the italian stallion. instead of chanting Rocko!!!! They will be chanting PUNTO!!!! Instead of worring about the future of the beloved Joe Mauer, a.k.a. Baby Jesus, lets focus on the players that will actually consistantly produce for us and win us championships………Nick Punto. How does 15 straight penants sound to anyone? Sounds pretty good to me….lets offer NP 15 year/900 million dollar contract. To accomplish this great feat we must get rid of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan, Carlos Gomez, Rod Carew, Ron Gardenhire, Anthony Lapantes, and Dick Bremer, Francisco Lariano, Glen Perkins, Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey, Juan Rincon, Matt Guerrer, Pat Neshak, Alexi Cassila, Matt Tolbert, and most of all Mike Redmond. This would give us the opportunity to lock up this future HOF’er for the rest of his career. In this contract we should put a clause into it stating that he will manage the ball club immediately after his playing days are over and if he feels up to it, dh himself only against the top competition in the AL Central and/or New York Yankees. One time at a Twins charity football game, I saw Nick Punto throw a 99 1/3 yard perfect spiral pass and catch it himself in the end zone for the winning TD. I’m not supposed to tell anyone about this, but another time when I was on a carnival cruise ship I saw Nick Punto save the lives of a team of 19 drowning US Navy Seals in shark infested waters. These Navy Seals also had their wives and children with them. Really, I’m not kidding…..ask Boof Bonser. Of course NP being NP, he didn’t ask for congratulations or a congressional medal of honor, but only a free meal for Boof. Needless to say…Boof was a happy man the rest of the cruise. GO PUNTO!!!!!!
Did not Gardy complain all year that the decline of Carlos Silva as a MLB ace was due to being used in relief in the last WBC?
The only thing Carlos aced was the post-game spread.
nice blog puntolover.it’s about time that someone give the well earned respect of fantastic players like nick punto and boof bonser. Boof will be the twins ace when the new ballpark opens just you wait and see.
La Velle, So who was the agent that is out of the country representing that the Twins are allegedly interested in?
Unlike the Yankees and Boston, who tend to make their negotiations as much a spectacle as possible (including getting a full 24 hrs of coverage for NOT signing a guy…*coughbostontexcough*), most teams would rather not make it too well known who they are going after.
Because the more people know that so and so is talking with a team or player, the more likely other teams are going to want to try and get in on that action.
Think of Young/Garza, and how that essentially came outta left field when the story broke. The goal was to get both the trade worked out without other teams in the league getting too much info regarding Garza and Young “being available”.
Jeff, and others-
Just a guess, but it’s probably a guy like Brandon Lyon. No one really exciting.
T,
So you’re saying we’re still in the hunt for JJ and on the verge of signing Pat the Bat and Wiggy? Nice! Appreciate the update. I’ll be here everyday now waiting for those stories to come out of Left Field.
You fell for the ole’ “the agent is out of the country” line from Billy Boy and Co.?? Oldest trick in the book for front office types pretending to improve sports teams.
Mark: I specifically avoided naming any players. But if you look at this year, I believe the Yankees pulled that move with Tex, and the Angels last year did the same with Hunter.
The Mets also (to a lesser extent) snuck into the Santana sweeps.
Thrylos98 provided a link to the Italian WBC team story. Anyone know if the pitcher listed is our old friend Tony FIORE. His 2002 season as a Twin was a career year at 10-3 and 3.16 ERA. I recall that he threw a fit when not named to the playoff roster and refused to even travel with the team. Needless to say, this me-first display set the stage for his exit from Minnesota shortly thereafter…..and MLB not long after that . Good thinkin’, Tony!!
T: You’re telling me Bill Smith traded Matt Garza, WITHOUT letting every team in MLB know he was available?
You’re telling me he called Tampa, workied out a trade, and didn’t even investigate what some other team might offer for Garza?
I agree such negotiations are often kept out of the newspapers, but if you’re telling me Billy Smith traded Matt Garza after contacting only one team, then either you’re an idiot for thinking such or Bill Smith is an idiot for doing such.
Which is it?
Well, there goes Chief…not reading everything again. It’s fun when I can basically respond to you by copy pasting previous comments (sometimes even the same ones your respond to)
The goal was to get both the trade worked out without other teams in the league getting too much info regarding Garza and Young “being available”.
Of course Smith had teams other than Tampa that he contacted while he was thinking about trading Garza. Just like Tampa had a few other teams that they wanted to know Young was an option.
However, like I said in the that same post:
“most teams would rather not make it too well known who they are going after.”
Do you think the Twins wanted the entire league to know that Young could be “had” for something equivalent to Garza?
Do you think the Rays wanted the entire league to know that Garza could be “had” for something equivalent to Young?
Next time you want to respond, take a second to read past the “____ says” part.
Brad: There were a few Twins pitchers who I recall “popping up” somewhat randomly with other teams.
Fiore was one, then there was also Jack Cressend…what ever happened to him?
Yes, T, I would hope that Bill Smith, before he traded former first round pick and prized prospect Matt Garza, investigated just exactly what he could get for him, and then took the best deal. That would NECESSARILY involve letting all, or at least most, of the other teams in MLB know the Twins were looking for a bat, and were willing to trade pitching.
To do otherwise would be idiotic.
Which answers the original question about who’s the idiot, you or him.
Or did you misquote yourself when you said, “…the goal was to get both (sic) the trade worked out without other teams in the league getting too much info about Garza and Young ‘being available’.”
I still hope Smith isn’t letting the whole league know right now that he wants JJ bad..and wants to sign Pat the Bat..and Wiggy..cause I’m lookin for that out of left field thing soon for all 3!
“Tender Loving Craig”
Craig is back???
Chief: If you want people to treat your opinions with any kind of respect, you should probably avoid ad hominem attacks. Say what you will about the arguments themselves…but typically it’s tough to get any kind of headway in a discussion with trollish attacks on other comments.
But to get back on subject:
You’re an MLB GM. You’ve got a player that could be available for the right price. You’ve contact a few teams who have what you’re looking for and have heard a handful of names that spark your interest.
Then you pick one of those teams, and start negotiating the details. This would include who else would be in the package, and perhaps if any additional cash considerations are required.
While this is going on, do you want other teams in the league to know the player you’re after is now available? Or what price you’re paying?
Of course you don’t.
Why?
Because let’s say I’m a rival GM looking for something similar to what you are. I catch wind of your negotiations, and now I know there’s a specific player that’s available….AND I know exactly what it’s going to take to get him.
Do you think I would just sit back and let you finish your deal?
Of course not.
If I want that player you’re chasing, I’m going to shove my nose right into the middle of those talks. I’m going to put together a slightly better package and call up the other GM.
“Hey, I’ve heard that ____ is available. Would you be interested if I offered you this?”
And what would happen? If it’s a better package, the GM you’ve been working with all this time might say “Sure!” and now you’ve either got to improve YOUR deal or lose out on the player.
And if you lose out on the player…guess what happens. It’s one less team on the market for what you’re offering, and one less team on the market with what you need.
This drives the price of the player you’re looking for up, and drives the value of the player you’re offering down.
I know you’ve got some kind of blind hatred for me, but seriously. Really do try to read my comments more than just a brief skim for chances to call me an idiot.
T do you think that the Twins could have acquired Russell Martin for Garza? Or do you think that is an untouchable player.
I still hope Smith isn’t letting the whole league know right now that he wants JJ bad..
Boy…people sure do love to miss the point.
jb: Why would the Twins need a catcher?
Probably nothing new:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/10/scott-boras-cli.html
I wonder how many MLB GM’s have this page bookmarked. 
T because Mauer may be very expensive in a no pun intended way
Bill Smith very likely asked about WHICH Rays outfielder might be available from an obviously overstocked position.
The Rays told him that Delmon and Elijah Dukes were available at the right price.
The Twins needed hitting at that time, so Delmon was targeted.
The Garza-Bartlett for Young-Harris deal was PROBABLY made, without alerting other teams, because both teams felt they were getting a good deal which which would satisfy glaring needs.
You don’t check with other teams for a “better deal”, unless you have already decided to unload a player.
I don’t think the Twins went into that deal to “unload” Garza or Bartlett.
They found out Young was available, and then gave up what they had to give up to make the deal work.
sane is Martin as popular in LA right now as Paul Lo Duca or Piazza were
T,
Toby Gardenhire is missing from the Boras’ clients list.
Fiore and Cressend hanged them up 3-4 years ago.
So thrylos: If Toby’s one of Boras’s boys…does that mean he’s going to be good (A-Rod, Tex, Ordonez) or does that mean he’s going to be overrated (Lohse, Zito).
Or does that mean he’s just going to be a giant d***he (Rameriez)…
Since first arriving in the Twin Cities what position do the Twins value the most? I think it is first base and pitching.
sane: I remember reading that originally the Twins were hoping for Garza/Young straight up…but the Rays refused to do that.
Which lead to Bartlett being added (since the Rays liked him) and inevitably Harris, Pridie, and Rincon/Morlan to balance out the package.
jb: You may be right about 1B. From my memory the Twins have usually been pretty well off there. Even Dougie did a pretty good job (despite lacking some power) in his time there.
Phillies sign Terry Tiffee to a minor league contract.
“The switch-hitting Tiffee batted .378/.416/.561 last season, missing by one point winning the minor league batting title”
Ben Revere hit .379 to win the minor league batting title.
T,
the comment about Toby was sarcastic.
sane I don’t know if a persons name can cost them there job but I think that good old Terry’s did.
thry: My comment still stands.
Wouldn’t that theory work in reverse, as well, T? Why would it only hurt the Twins?
Couldn’t another GM say, “Hey, Matt Garza is available, and I can offer more than Delmon Young,” thereby forcing Tampa to up their offer, if they really wanted Garza?
I stand by my opinion that no GM trades a valuable chip without trying to get max return, and that means all 29 other GM’s know, at a minimum, that ________ is available for the right price.
Regardless whether it appears in the newspaper or not.
I see the level of civility and intelligence around here has reached mid-season form. Nothing but trashing Punto and one another.
Wouldn’t that theory work in reverse, as well, T?
That’s what I keep saying.
The Twins didn’t want other teams to stick their noses in and steal Young away, and the Rays didn’t want other teams to stick their noses in and steal Garza away.
To put it this way Chief:
Usually when you see a trade rumor? What is it?
“Team A says they have Player X at Position 1 available for a player at Position 2.”
Meanwhile:
“Team B says they have Player Y at Position 2 available for a player at Position 1.”
Then the media goes:
“Team A needs Player Y and Team B needs Player X. Maybe there’s a pairing in the works.”
Meanwhile, both sides will tapdance around just what exactly is available.
Case in point, the Santana trade. We know what the Twins wanted from the Yankees or Boston and we saw some of what the Yanks and Boston were willing to offer.
But we never really heard the “final” deal save for the fact that for SURE Ellsbury/Lester would not be bundled together and for SURE that Kennedy/Hughes would not be together.
jb: It’s pretty hard to think of a guy with a name like “TEEEFEEEE!” to be much of a power threat.
Kinda like a pitcher named “Ball-Four” or a hitter named “Swisher”
No, T, what you’re actually saying is the Rays didn’t want to get max value for Young, and the Twins didn’t want to get max value for Garza.
That’s what you’re saying.
Off Baseball for a second. Did anyone notice the trade rumor of McCants and Telfair for Stephon Marbury
Taking one team’s offer, and then shopping around for “the best possible offer” can lose a team the original offer.
Both scenario’s exist.
1) Public Auction like the Santana Sweepstakes.
and
2) The more frequent one-on-one semi-private negotiations leading to a deal WITHOUT both teams making 28 subsequent phone calls in search of “the best possible” deal.
“Taking one team’s offer, and then shopping around for “the best possible offer” can lose a team the original offer.”
Ala way back machine back, back, back back ce. Santana and the Yankee’s
“When the Orioles get Izturus for 2 years and 5 million (a man with a truly great glove, and a guy who knows how to steal bases when he gets on base)… compared to Punterrible’s 8.5 million…”
Cesar Izturis is TERRIBLE at the plate. FAR worse than Nick Punto. For example, Nick Punto’s career OPS+ is a 74. That includes one of the worst offensive years ever by a position player. Izturis has had ONE season with an OPS+ higher than that. The only reason that Nick Punto’s 2007 season wasn’t the worst offensive season in recent memory is because of Cesar Izturis’ 2002 season. Izturis is TERRIBLE with a bat in his hands. I really hope you understand that. HORRIBLE.
And as for the ‘knows how to steal bases’ comment, you should know that, again, Nick Punto is BETTER than Cesar Izturis at that as well. Izturis gets a stolen base once every 39.6 plate appearances, and steals at a 66.7% clip. Nick Punto gets a stolen base once every 30.3 plate appearances, and steals at a 72.6% clip.
In summary - Izturis is worse at the offensive side of baseball than Nick Punto is. While his defense may be better, and is probably the only thing keeping him in the league, it isn’t so much better that he deserves to make as much, or more, than Punto. You can hate Punto all you want, but you probably shouldn’t use Cesar Izturis’ contract as a reason to do so.
jimmybee,
That was no rumor.
That was a joke.
I doubt that Marbury’s salary is tradeable for Telfair-McCants’ salaries.
Curt Flood ruined Baseball
Baseball isn’t ruined.
Check the attendance.
sane did you know on the Kurt Rambis official website that there is a tab bar that says Anti-McHale and when you double click on it there is a pic of McHale mugging Rambis. No joke it got me laughing pretty good
I don’t want Starburried back.
Chief, you’re seriously missing the point. Like, seriously.
Obbvious Statement 1
Duh. Both teams want to maximize the return while minimizing the payout.
Obvious Statement 2
No team wants to give the other an edge in negotiations.
Obvious Statement 3
Team A doesn’t want Team B to broadcast what Team A is giving up, because it may lead to Team C butting in and driving up prices for Team A.
Converse Statment
Team B doesn’t want Team A to broadcast what Team B is giving up, because it may lead to Team C butting in and driving up prices for Team B.
Obvious Statement 4
This means if Team A’s local paper is trying to get information…Team A is going to be less likely to talk about what they’re giving up, and Team B isn’t going to talk about they are offering.
This is why rumors regarding a team usually start on the OTHER side of the trade talks, since both sides are going to try and leak the info that drives up THEIR side of the bargain.
Snoooooooooring over here for a story regarding the Twins either acquiring a catcher. Signing Mauer to a 50 year extension or getting a 3rd Baseman
Santana and the Yankee’s
I think the Santana sweepstakes was more a result that the Yankees were one of the few teams that could take him on financially, with Boston doing the obvious Boston thing and moving to block.
Ultimately, that’s why a deal with Boston was viewed as so risky. Until much later on, it was never clear if any of Boston’s talks were sincere, or just them getting in the Yankees way.
As long as the illusion that Boston wanted to make a deal was there, it was keeping the value somewhat higher for other teams. If Boston were to “trade” for him and then let contract talks break down (thus cancelling the trade), it drops Santana’s value as there’s one less team in the market.
And based on the performance of Hughes, Kennedy, and Cabrera in 2008….is anybody else in hindsight rather glad that Smith didn’t jump at that offer?
“is anybody else in hindsight rather glad that Smith didn’t jump at that offer?”
I was thinking the exact same thing at the end of the season
Here’s another question: Would Santana have saved the Yankees in 2008? Considering he would’ve taken over for either Hughes or Kennedy (who were shelled early in the season).
I guess it’s also fair to ask if Hughes or Kennedy would’ve struggled as much as they did in the Twins rotation. And who would’ve been pushed out had the new guy stuck.
Hughes or Kennedy would have done exceptionally well with Anderson coaching them. Anderson is a miracle worker with young pitchers. I think that being a young pitcher and playing at Yankee stadium with the East Coast media tearing at a young player would be very difficult. Antother thing if you are a young player would be the players surrounding you may be cold and non inviting.
this is funny stuff wow for you people who think the m&m boys and all of the other people who are actually worth watching on this team will stay here when there contracts are up your nut’s. who the hell would wanna play for a team that there front office does nothing every year.
Antother thing if you are a young player would be the players surrounding you may be cold and non inviting.
I meant to say
Antother thing if you are a young player with the Yankees the players surrounding you may be cold and non inviting.
who the hell would wanna play for a team that there front office does nothing every year.
Funny thing to say, considering Nathan was supposedly one of “those guys” who were very upset about the Castillo trade, yet signed an extension in the same season that the Twins dealt Santana and let Hunter walk (after both of those I may add)
“who the hell would wanna play for a team that there front office does nothing every year.”
Ask Ozzie Guilllen?
“this is funny stuff wow for you people who think the m&m boys and all of the other people who are actually worth watching on this team will stay here when there contracts are up your nut’s. who the hell would wanna play for a team that there front office does nothing every year.”
Does anyone have a decoder ring I could use to figure out what ryan just said?
“Curt Flood ruined Baseball”
oh, yes, things would be so much better if the owners still hoarded ALL the money.
Pete D: I have the feeling ryan is of the same ilk as herb/tom/dick/harry
I’m missing the point?
You’re talking in circles, and I’m missing the point?
You’re forgetting (or ignoring) that one of ‘team A’ or ‘team B’ would be thrilled if ‘team C’ came in and offered more than was being discussed.
And the GM of both ‘team A’ and ‘team B’ would be guilty of malfeasance at worst, or incompetence at best, if they traded an asset without exploring what ‘team C’ was willing to give up. How’d you like to trade Garza for Young only to find out later (extreme example) Cleveland was willing to trade Grady Sizemore for Garza?
That doesn’t have to be done through the newspapers, or through MLBtraderumors.com, but it’s silly to think GM’s make major trades without exploring the market.
On BOTH sides.
Curt Flood ruined Baseball and fraa agency and the Yankees paying over inflated salaries will eventually ruin baseball
free
Can anyone blogging here tell me if Mauer is being offered contracts in the neighborhood of 25 mill + a year how we (the Twins) will be able to retain his services. I would just like peoples opinions on the matter. I am trying not to use the Che** word
As for Santana, the relevant question isn’t “what if Santana went to the Yankees,” it’s “what if the Twins kept Santana.”
I’m amazed that so many people perceive the FO as having made zero improvements from year to year. Think back to last year on this date. We had question marks at five starting spots in the rotation, and at all but perhaps three positions in the field and in the lineup. People were pretty negative on this blog as I recall. In retrospect, the team improved at about 20 of 25 roster spots, and still we have daily comments about how inept the FO is, how cheap the owner is, ad nauseum. This does not compute….
How’d you like to trade Garza for Young only to find out later (extreme example) Cleveland was willing to trade Grady Sizemore for Garza?
Poor example, as the Indians would likely be opposed to passing the Twins a guy that could come back and kick their ass 19 times a year.
And Chief, care to let us in on why you’re ignoring sane’s comments? He’s done a fine job of simplifying the whole explanation in terms even you could understand.
You’re talking in circles, and I’m missing the point?
I’m not the one who took a simple comment and turned into the debate of hte decade.
True or False: It would be against their own best interests for the Twins to make it known that they were able to get Tampa Bay to consider trading Delmon Young.
True or False: It would be against their own best interests for the Rays to make it known that they were able to get the Twins to considering trading Matt Garza.
T, I can honestly say I don’t need hindsight to be glad the trigger wasn’t pulled on a deal with the Yanks for Santana. Hughes was the only guy in the discussions I ever liked. I really dreaded the thought of Melky because he is not good. As for your other question, I don’t think Santana alone would have gotten the Yankees to the playoffs. He could have kept them within striking distance, though. That double digit defecit was just too much.
T, I can honestly say I don’t need hindsight to be glad the trigger wasn’t pulled on a deal with the Yanks for Santana.
I had to add “hindsight” because I was one of those people that would’ve been happy with Kennedy or Hughes (mostly Hughes) and Cabrera. (Plus whatever prospects were also in the talks)
I was also one of those “those” that was wondering “who” when the deal with the Mets finally went down.
I was also one of “those” that doubted the legitimacy of the Red Sox offers.
Is LNP really playing in the WBC
Is LNP the equivalent of Mickey Hatcher?
“True or False: It would be against their own best interests for the Twins to make it known that they were able to get Tampa Bay to consider trading Delmon Young.
True or False: It would be against their own best interests for the Rays to make it known that they were able to get the Twins to considering trading Matt Garza.”
It would be against both teams’ best interests to let it be known that they were going to turn every negotiation into a bidding war. Since they both thought they were getting fair value it made senes to proceed with the trade. Delmon Young was exactly the type of player the Twins wanted: young, lots of potential, cheap.
Why complicate this?
True or False: It would be against the Twins own best interests to trade Matt Garza without finding out what they could get in return.
“Poor example.”
As usual, you missed the point. Insert any outfielder you wish, from any team, who you consider to be better than Delmon Young. Now, consider the question.
As for Sane, the 28 ’semi-private phone calls’ come BEFORE more serious negotiations start with the one, two, or ten teams that express interest.
Is Dougie M as good as Wally Joyner and what ever happened to Chris Sabo
Santana might very easily have won 25 games with the Yanks if things fell right. 08 ERA was 2.53, 34 starts, led league with 234 IP.
Hughes was: 6.62 ERA, 8 starts, 34 IP.
Moose was: 3.37 ERA, 34 starts, 200 IP.
“As for Sane, the 28 ’semi-private phone calls’ come BEFORE more serious negotiations start with the one, two, or ten teams that express interest.”
And what if those negotiations with ten teams end up going nowhere and in the meantime the Rays have either changed their minds or traded Young to someone else? The Twins weren’t shopping Garza, they wanted Young.
Who thinks that the Twins asked the Rays regarding DY? Who thinks that the Rays contacted the Twins regarding Garza? Who contacted whom first?
Regarding the Young/Garza trade talks, or trade talks in general, I think your approach depends on the situation. There’s validity to both approaches, IMO. If you have a player like Santana, you advertise like you have prime beach front property in hopes of driving the price up. If you’re trying to acquire a specific player (e.g., Young), you keep things quiet. The Twins weren’t trying to trade Garza per se. They were trying to acquire a bat; Garza just happened to tbe the price. Had the club just wanted to get rid of Garza for the highest return, whatever that might have been, by all means, go public.
Adding to the above question who has the upper hand the caller or the recipient of the call
who has the upper hand the caller or the recipient of the call
Depends on what’s dangled and how badly somebody wants it…
Indians Close To Deal For DeRosa?
By Tim Dierkes [December 31 at 11:27am CST]
According to Bruce Levine of ESPN Radio, the Indians are getting close to a deal for Mark DeRosa that would send two or three young pitchers to the Cubs. At least, that statement was attributed to him in the station’s recent SportsCenter update. Levine recently scooped the Cubs’ signing of Aaron Miles.
In his blog, Levine suggests a DeRosa match with Cleveland but does not say a deal is close. Levine considers the Cubs’ Milton Bradley signing “a done deal” and says they’ve back in the mix for Jake Peavy.
Boneyard,
” If you have a player like Santana, you advertise like you have prime beach front property in hopes of driving the price up. If you’re trying to acquire a specific player (e.g., Young), you keep things quiet. The Twins weren’t trying to trade Garza per se. They were trying to acquire a bat; Garza just happened to tbe the price. Had the club just wanted to get rid of Garza for the highest return, whatever that might have been, by all means, go public.”
Exactly!
Precisely!
Perfectly summarized!
The advantage doesn’t hinge on who calls , but rather who has the leverage, which is dependent entirely on the individual circumstances.
Someone else moving getting DeRosa really doesn’t surprise me.
Awww, sane, you old flatterer you.
What’s everyone think of DeRosa to the Indians, if it pans out? Thanks for the update, btw, jimmy bee.
I keep seeing other teams around the leagues picking up players and it would take a bit of persuasion to change my mind regarding the Twins actually getting a 3rd baseman or an impact player.
Exactly!
Precisely!
Perfectly summarized!
Now tell that to Chief.
The advantage doesn’t hinge on who calls , but rather who has the leverage
Yep, which is exactly what made it tougher for Minnesota than some people will ever realize.
They had about zero leverage, as Santana had made it clear he would not approve a trade midseason.
Twins unfortunately had an excellent trading chip, but little power to tell a team to blow off.
Leverage is also why the Twins (or anybody) is going to be hard pressed to pry Hardy away. The Brewers simply have no motivation to move him at the moment.
I don’t understand the man-love for a 34 year old with career .279/.348/.422, who started hitting when moved to Wrigley field. For comparison, Harris, who is 6 years younger, has a career .269/.330/.408; they both have a career .949 FP at 3B.
Angels have now signed Brian Fuentes. Maybe this means a price is set and some of the “lesser” Free Agent relievers will start finding homes.
Everyone don’t forget though we did get BP help. We got Dickey.
Per Olney, Indians get DeRosa for 3 players to be named
Interesting, that probably means three prospects.
Wouldn’t the Indians be looking to build from the ground up instead of dealing youth for “vets”?
T, Janet,
they are not PTBNL they are 3 players whose identities have yet to be disclosed… I wouldn’t think impossible some of them being turned into Peavy for the Cubs.
thrylos
Don’t forget that Harris is platooned with Butcher. The way the Twins use Harris has to be taken into account when assessing his value. As for DeRosa, I did like him as an option to play 2b with Casilla moving to short, depending on cost, of course. Once the Twins signed Punto I no longer saw him as a good fit.
thry: I think the desire for DeRosa would be to put him at 2B so Casilla slides over to SS (thus putting Punto on the bench)
It has been said the Twins were interested in DeRosa, I don’t think it is a big deal they missed out on him. I wouldn’t want to give up a bunch of prospects for a 1 year rental. However are the Twins FO even working. Seems every other FO is open for business, ie Angels, Rockies, Cubs, Indians.
I wouldn’t think impossible some of them being turned into Peavy for the Cubs.
So you think that the Padres may have a ear into these negotiations at the moment?
T, I would think the Indians would be building from the ground up, too. They must be thinking they have a good shot at taking the division this year.
While we’re discussing Young/Garza, the Rays have signed Nelson to a 1 yr 1.3M deal. Any Nelson fans disappointed we didn’t go after him? Maybe he wanted to stay in FLA.
Janet, I dunno if the Rox are open. They’ve lost Willy Tavares and Brian Fuentes already to FA.
Boneyard: When the supposed “top team” from last year falls on its face and follows it up by signing Adam Everett…I suppose that may be the case.
It definately looks like the Peavy Deal is back on. Too bad DeRosa was traded within the Division
The Padres could very well “have an ear” in the negotiations. Still, the Cubs want LH OF, so Peavy may not figure into this trade at all.
I think the desire for DeRosa would be to put him at 2B so Casilla slides over to SS (thus putting Punto on the bench)
not with Gardy as the manager… Punto is his starting SS, remember?
Willy Tavares was cut by the Rockies. I would bet that the Padres are part of the discussions…
T,
Sounds like the got Lois A. Gonzalez signed 
and ….Marquis
T,
Sorry I meant “they” (Rox)
Still, the Cubs want LH OF
Given that Sizemore is not part of this, I think that the only fit there would be Shin-Soo Choo and I am sure that the Indians are not stupid enough to give him up for DeRosa…
I guess DeRosa’s agent wasn’t out of the country and that the Indians parking lot wasn’t empty.
I’m sure DeRosa will now do some damage against the Twins when they play each other. But I would rather see the Indians get DeRosa than Wigginton. Whatever happened to that Wigginton guy? Is his agent in the country?
Punto is his starting SS, remember?
Well Casilla can’t play 2B and SS at the same time.
The Cubs have a Deal done with Bradley, it just has not been made official.
Sounds like the got Lois A. Gonzalez signed
Is that the same Gonzalez that made his name with the D-Backs so many years ago?
Whatever happened to that Wigginton guy?
I’m surprised another team hasn’t leaped at him now that the Twins appear to be “disinterested”. Though it could be that there are a number of teams holding out in hopes of driving his asking price down.
jkucenic,
LOL
The Gonzalez that played for the Twins
Janet, you are probably right, but as the Furcal incident illustrated, nobody can really count on anything until the contract is actually signed.
After looking at the Indians squad on paper, I give them credit. I fully expect them to bounce back and continue what they did in the second half last year.
Their bullpen is now the best in the division (unless the Twins bring back Guardado again, of course) and they got good young pitchers ready to emerge for both the pen and rotation.
Excellent observation, jkucenic.
Is that the same Gonzalez that made his name with the D-Backs so many years ago?
nope. This one is a former Rockies 2B who has been in Japan the last 2 years. The other one was with the Marlins last year and on line for his social security check this year.
Janet: You might be mistaking Luis Gonzalez for Luis Rodriquez.
http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=mlb&playerID=430840
Doesn’t look like he ever played eleswhere.
oops Good call T
Speaking of L-Rod, he will be that starting SS for the Padres next season
Well that’ll cover up the loss of Peavy. At least offensively.
From mlbtraderumors:
12:44pm: Levine says the three minor league pitchers coming to Chicago are Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer, and John Gobb.
Can somebody with better MiLB knowledge come up with Twins minor league equivalents?
You know, this trade might actually be a good thing for the Twins.
Now, they can convince the Indians to relay DeRosa in a “DeRosa for Buescher” swap. They had first-hand experience watching Buescher try and throw a baseball to first base against them several times last year, and are likely salivating.
Gotta right where we want ‘em.
Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer, and John Gobb.
Jeff Stevens is a stud. He is probably higher than Swarzak and he is MLB-ready (The Twins do not have such a pitching prospect…) Chris Archer is a young strikeout pitcher with no control playing A ball and I never heard of John Gobb…
Who needs DeRosa and his lousy 21 HR’s that can play multiple infield positions. HA!! Indians got swindled! We got Punto and Dickey!!! We’re comin’….we’re comin’….!!!!!
thry: If Stevens is MLB ready, then it probably is likely that Peavy will be over in Cubs ville shortly.
What else goes with Stevens though, I’m guessing it won’t be a straight swing of those three pitchers for Peavy.
Jeff Stevens is a 24 yr old RHer drafted out of college in the 6th rnd in 2005. He reached AAA last year, MiLB career 3.52 ERA in 312 IP with 344 Ks. Used exclusively out of the pen the last 2 years.
Archer was a 5th rnd pick in 2005, RH, pitched in A ball in the Sally League last year, MiLB career 5.06 ERA in 192 IP, used primarily as a starter.
John Gaub is a lefty, reached A ball last season in the Sally League, (second year in the minors), threw 64 innings w/ 100 K’s. (wow). Interesting sidenote: U of Minnesota alum, originally drafted by the Twins in 2003. Didn’t sign.
The big question is how far can DeRosa hit one of Dickey’s stagnant knuckleballs????
Looks like the Indians went into the off season bent on improving there team! If Hafner regains his health I am sure that the Indians will be right in the thick of things. Apparently the Indians front office is working hard during the holidays and I am sure there fans appreciate there efforts. Unlike some teams in the Central Division.
Hmmm:
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/yankees/Teixeira_is_ace_in_Yanks_hole.html
Can anybody see the Yankees letting Jeter go only one year into their brand new super stadium?
Can you imagine how quickly Jeter would fall off the face of the Earth once he put on something other than pinstripes?
Unlike some teams in the Central Division.
You’re right, I can’t imagine the Tigers faithful are too happy with the big aquisition of Adam Everett.
T,
It’s John Gaub not John Gobb
John Gaub is a reliever a lot like Slama (both old for their leagues) but with better control… 100 K and 32 BB in 64 IP.
If you want an equivalent for those 3 for Twins’ prospects, I’d say something like:
Swarzak, Slama and Kirwan (or something)
The Cubs got the best of this and I would bet that Stevens will be a Padre soon
What aren’t you people getting?? We may not get Punto….we GOT Punto!!! His web-gem ability stats/head-first sliding stats/good clubhouse guy stats are 1.000/1.000/1.000.
It’s all about stats, baby!!!
Thry: “Gobb” was the C/P error straight from mlbtraderumors. Thanks for the heads up.
“The big question is how far can DeRosa hit one of Dickey’s stagnant knuckleballs????”
Not as far as Hafner.
MLB Players acquired from other organizations and signed to MLB contracts.
Tigers - Adam Everett
Twins - Diddly Squat
Chief also for catching the typo.
Tigers - Adam Everett
Twins - Diddly Squat
Are you suggesting we should be envious of the Tigers because they signed a guy the Twins let go?
I still am not sure that the Indians have the starting pitching to run away with the division (Lee will not repeat 2008), Carmona and Sauers had a horrid season and the rest are question marks. As far as their pen goes, Wood is good but fragile and the rest of the pen was bad.
I heard that Punto’ new contract requires him to run and head first slide into what ever Gardy desires. Fences, players, bases, dugouts on the way in or out of. It is secret weapon Punto. Wait till we get the new open air stadium and it starts raining. That is when LNP is at his best running and sliding on the tarmacks
Thry: “Gobb”
Name sounds like Ty Cobb
The Twins signed Nick Punto, R.A. Dickey, and some warm bodies for Rochester. There are still 3 months left before the first pitch and about a third of the teams have been as active as the Twins this off-season… plenty of time.
Yes!
An ex-Twin who was a great defensive shortstop before his arm injury is better than Joe Nada, Zeke Zippo or Ned Nill.
Don’t be too cavelier about ‘a guy the Twins let go.’
Casey Blake, Grant Balfour, and David Ortiz fall into that category, too.
Little Nicky slider night coming to an open air stadium near u
Meanwhile:
” Twins GM Bill Smith has been attending family functions. And the Twins’ section of the StarTribune parking lot was empty when I pulled in today. It’s the holiday season, so it’s expected”
QED!
USAFChief So do Latroy Hawkins, Terry Tiffee and Koskie
Are Koskie and Tiffee examples of guys we should have kept?
I don’t think so.
Where’s all the love for Terry Tiffee at
or LaTroy for 2/$7.5 M as a set up man for that matter…
The Twin’s front office alway’s say the other team’s are asking for too much but other team’s seem to get trades done like to today cleveland get derosa we get harris! Way too go front office
Satire my fair gentlemen
I guess the “holiday season” doesn’t extend outside of Minnesota.
i thought there would be more outrage here from y’all. DeRosa was practically given to the Indians, Nelson was signed cheaply with the Rays. We were led to believe the Cubs were asking too much for DeRosa. Lies!
Does anone know if JC Romero has 2 WS rings now? 1 with Philly and 1 with Boston
If a club asked for Boof Bonser in a trade that would outrage the Twins FO
“Does anone know if JC Romero has 2 WS rings now? 1 with Philly and 1 with Boston”
Only if Boston gave him one for pitching part of the season with them in 2007. He finished 2007 with the Phillies.
Good day to you all.
Beneke what about those McHales last night. Loving it. I heard a rumor regarding Stephon trade for McCants and Telfair what do you think of the chances
J-Sin,
It is pretty ridiculous how we were told all along that the Derosa’s asking price. It sure looks like the Twins could have easily had the assets to trade for him.
Pete D The World Series ring is the second for Romero, as he also received a ring from the Boston Red Sox after their 2007 championship.
Plenty of time to upgrade the team, someone says? Well, I’ve been waiting patiently since 2002.
The Twins FO has been lying to the fans all along saying they want to improve the Bull Pen and Improve the left side of the infield. They have done nothing but blow smoke. They have the lowest payroll in the division but the wealthiest owner and a new stadium that we are paying for. Do you really think the Pohlads and Billy Smith shop at Sears for their suits? Do they buy their vehicles from a used car salesman? I highly doubt it, so why are they so cheap when it comes to this team?
LaVelle you might as well go for a vacation out of the country too because I don’t see anything brewing around here until we pick up Nick Punto’s boy for the new “gamer” batboy.
I don’t know that DeRosa was “given” to the Indians. Stevens is a legit prospect, close to major league ready, and Gaub is an intriguing low minors arm, left handed to boot.
The price was fairly steep, IMO. Not outrageous, but steep, for a 34 yr old coming off a career year.
Milton Bradley will soon be a Cub.
You can’t honestly tell me that there are people jealous of the Tigers for signing Adam “I can barely get a ball to 1B” Everett…
Jimmy Bee… I posted this on the Wolves blog…
NBA Trade rumor…
Telfair and McCants to the Knicks for Marbury.
First of all… how the heck does that work with Marbury’s contract?
second of all, if we have Marbury back here with McHale I think that is a great sign that we all need to start going to religious centers because it’s the end of times!
I would rather die than ever see Marbury in a Timberwolves uniform ever again. Ricky Davis is Ricky Cancer, but there is only one Idiotbury… the worst A$$hole that has ever been in the NBA. The fact that he’s even considered an NBA baller at this point in time disgusts me far more than McHale, Wittless, Glen Failure…
But putting them all together and I stop caring about the NBA.
Marbury would be a death nail!
Not jealous, T, but if his shoulder is healthy he’s probably a better shortstop than Punto.
Prospect is the key word. Steven’s and Gaub are only prospects who haven’t proven anything at the major league level. Every player in the minors is a prospect. Some kids that weren’t considered major league talent end up being solid players in the league for years, and then there are guys who are considered excellent prospects, 5 tool players and never really develop.
Beneke What about JR Ryder? He has to be a close second to Starbury
Michigan State 70, Minnesota 58
So back to baseball…
Twins - have not improved themselves, and have a 50/50 chance of improving or regressing because the team is so young.
Detroit - 3 steps back (1 for being old, 1 for not improving, 1 for signing Adam Everett)
Whitesox - 1 step back, they dropped a ton of deadweight salaries, but the moves they have made haven’t really helped the team. They are old, but they also have a good pitching staff, a great young talent, and a ton of power.
The Indians have taken about 5 steps up. Wood as a closer is a huge upgrade. DeRosa in that infield is an upgrade. Hafner starting the season healthy is a huge plus… not a lot of wasted contract space (like Punto), another plus.
The Royals… are the reason that no matter what the Twins do we can stay out of last place forever. Ownership is kind of odd, management is handicapped by the market, and the coaching staff is inept.
I still think that Kaufman is the best stadium is the 3rd best stadium in the American League (Fenway and Camden)… I am sure that Yankees Stadium is going to be disgustingly amazing as well, but let’s face it… the Kansas City is not a great location in the summer, the fan base is weak, and it’s an endless circle of negativity.
3rd, Seattle’s Safeco Field
Jimmy Bee…
I would much rather than JR Rider. Marbury has made every team he’s been on worse. His attitude is cancerous. His effort is questionable, his ability is now suspect, and his contract is as disgusting as Tom Peters.
Marbury is my least favorite person in professional sports history. I have more respect for Ty Cobb who hated black people and jewish people, and pistol whipped a man to death (and my great grandmother was jewish, and my son is african american!) than I do for Marbury.
Chief, you’re right. Not a giveaway, but definitely within our means. We’ve got tons of MLB-ready arms, some of them running out of options.
Janet. I am going to take your word for it right now. I’ve only gotten to see it on TV.
I keep wanting to go out to Seattle, but I want to try and match it up with a Mark Lanegan or Pearl Jam concert in Seattle as well, and so far it just hasn’t worked out.
j-sin.
If you compare the pitchers the Indians gave up for DeRosa compared to the prospects we have (and Bonser and Humber who are MLB pitchers already)…
How did we not get DeRosa?
I love Camden Yards, I could argue that no. 1, without Fenway’s history.
I like Pac Bell Parks location of the new stadiums. Why diidn’t we put Target Field on a river or Lake. They have a few of these lakes and rivers around these parts
Janet.
On that one I will agree with you 100% on, but history is kind of what baseball is all about.
When you think that from 1938 to 2008 the Red Sox had the greatest LF spot in history. The only other spot in history that could come close is putting DiMaggio, Mantle, and Bernie Williams in CF for the Yankees…
But Ted Williams - Yaz - Jim Rice (should be in the hall of fame) - Mike Greenwell - Manny Ramierez.
I mean that’s pretty damn impressive. They have had other guys play a few games here and there in LF, but for the most part those are the guys that covered the Green Monster in 70 years.
I do remember watching Yaz and Rice, they were fantastic. Who can forget the allstar game honoring Ted Williams.
I wish I had the honor to watch him play. Best hitter of all time.
The beautiful cities of Boston, Baltimore and Seattle certainly enhance the experience.
Janet Who do you think is a better hitter Williams or Gwynn
Williams hands down.
Not jealous, T, but if his shoulder is healthy he’s probably a better shortstop than Punto.
Defensively sure…but I dunno if his bat is really anything to write home about.
But if I suppose if any lineup could absorb that it’s Detroit.
BC,
I agree with your assessment of the Twins. I think standing pat and hoping for improvement is miss guided thinking, and just is more Spin City from the FO. I think they will regress if no more additions are made.
LAst year the Twins overachieved but what if we underachieve next season.
Angels have signed Fuentes, 2yrs, $17.5M, with a vesting option for 2011.
Another team not “closed” for New Years.
С Рождеством Христовым вас!!!
Поздравляю С Рождеством! Пусть в следующем году вы всегда будете радовать нас качественным материалом!
Ну что ж, все праздники позади, пора бы и поработать! Ждем новых постов!
Умные стремятся владеть информацией, мудрые - результатом ее обработки…
Быть вторым означает быть основным блюдом.
