Crede deal could be announced tomorrow; Twins make play for Cruz
Posted on February 20th, 2009 – 10:27 PMBy La Velle
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Joe Crede has agreed to a deal with the Twins.
I’ve been told by a good source that the deal could be done as soon as today.
Either way, you might want to start to ordering No. 24 Twins jerseys.
Expect Crede to sign for less than the $7 million base that has been reported in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see which Twin is affected the most by his arrival - but Twins manager Ron Gardenhire surprisingly spoke on Friday about carrying 11 pitchers on Opening Day. That would allow space for Crede without sending someone like Brian Buscher down.
Check the paper for more details in the morning.
Also heard tonight that the Twins have made an offer to free agent reliever Juan Cruz as part of a sign-and-trade deal with Arizona. If the offer is accepted, the Twins and D-Backs would have 48 hours to work out a trade, or the contract would be null and void.
Busy night…Busy night.
270 Responses to "Crede deal could be announced tomorrow; Twins make play for Cruz"
I’m dying to know what the Twins are offering the D’Backs for Cruz.
Busy night? Check the paper tomorrow?
Um…thanks…
Wow, what a night.
Hey Ben, check the paper tomorrow. Or, I suggest checking the Chicago Tribune website. Apparently they are actually watching and announcing what the Twins are doing.
The Chicago Tribune knows more about the Twins than the Strib does it would seem.
I cannot imagine that they would deal Delmon for Cruz would they?? That would be a terrible mistake as then they should just give up the number one pick instead.
crazy
Either way, you might want to start to ordering No. 24 Twins jerseys.
How about spray painting those RonDL (or Lamb) jerseys?
Interesting timing with the Dbacks potential trade… I hope that it involves a couple players in the 40 man roster on of whom is Humber.
give up whatever the 23rd pick would be worth. can’t see them giving up much more than humber and a lower prospect otherwise just give up the pick. glad to see len 3 still at work.
What to say?
La Velle, you just simply took my breathe away with the Cruz news.
If you can comment: So the MLB will allow this sign and trade? Does it chance Ayala?
How one night can change everything.
You guys do realize that Crede played for the White Sox meaning the Chicago Tribune likely has sources close to Crede and may be in a better position to break the story than reporters whose main sources are the team who are more likely to be tight lipped about it right?
trading away doomsday for cruz would negate the crede signing. maybe cuddy for cruz…
La Velle,
Cmon here… You got to have some idea what the guarantee is and how much the incentives are right?? A poster on here is saying that there is a second year option for $5 million with a $500,000 buy out. Your making people go on the Chicago Tribune website here.
There still my be a platoon between Crede and Buscher until crede is at full speed. Maybe some limits on games played on the turf back to back or long home stands.
BS waited & waited until the pressure of ST starting got to the players he really wanted & then he pounced! Awesome….. maybe. 
No way they deal Delmon for Cruz.
Again I agree with thrylos.
Thrylos,
I agree……. That would be just terrible!!
yeah, i highly doubt Gardy et al now expect 162 out of Crede. Without innury, how many games you think he plays, according to their plan?
cuddy for cruz and let delmon slip into right field
Jeff in So Cal,
Quit being such a baby. Either that or go with your tail between your legs to the Chicago site. La Velle’s busting his ass down there, quit whining.
I think it’d be a prospect for Cruz.
If Cruz agrees to a deal, which I think he would because A)I’m guessing they didn’t low-ball him, and B)He wants to be somewhere, then I’d think the D-Backs would be somewhat lenient on the return.
I’ve seen rumors that Cruz would sit out until after the draft if he isn’t signed soon. So it’s better for Arizona to get something instead of nothing.
Somebody talk about Juan Cruz so I don’t have to look it up.
i say 140-144
is the 11 pitchers a sign that they aren’t 100% confident that he is healthy?
Well one player you can be sure won’t be traded anytime soon is Bonser. Maybe a Dustin Martin, Humber deal for Cruz.
man wit(with) da(the) plan, stop sucking up to lavelle
It would make sense to trade a pitcher and/or an infielder to free up space for Cruz and Crede.
Cruz career ERA is 4.00. He is streaky ethier really good or really bad.
Juan Cruz:
** Type-A free agent which is the only reason he is on the market. A first-rounder for a reliever is tough for a lot of teams.
** 2.61 ERA in 57 innings last year.
** 71 Ks in those 57 innings.
I think LaVelle needs to have his balls busted a little. All he had to do was monitor his own threads and he would have seen a long time ago that the Chicago Tribune was announcing the deal.
If he was monitoring he could have at least posted he was looking into the rumor and cannot confirm the deal as of yet.
Get an iPhone and you can keep your own threads up at all times. Nobody expects LaVelle to get every scoop, but waiting hours before acknowledging the biggest deal of the off season? I’d be more than a little embarrassed.
What about this:
Matt Macri for Juan Cruz? It’s likely that he’ll be the odd man out if Crede news is true. Why not get Cruz out of him?
Yeah, trying a few more website is such hard work!
Its much harder than LaVelle making phone calls to Twins FO people who wouldn’t say sh-t if they had a mouthful.
“Somebody talk about Juan Cruz so I don’t have to look it up.”
Lots of strikeouts, lots of walks.
Man with what plan ??
Since this is the first post that you have written on here tonight that I can recall I will be polite. There are a vast majority of us on here that have been waiting hours for an update from our own Twins Insider. I am a great fan of his work typically but tonight was far and away the busiest of the offseason for the Twins and Twins fans. There is just some frustration that we had to hear it from a few different sources other then the Twins beat writers.
Some people need to settle down here. La Velle is doing some hard work.
It’s not as easy as making one call to get the complete story. It’s easier for him to call all his people before telling the story here. We’re lucky they even do this…
do the dbacks need a right fielder? would they take cuddy instead of a first round draft pick?
D’Backs have depth in the outfield. I would guess infield and/or pitching.
Check Cruz’ walk per inning. His control is lacking.
D backs have Justin Upton in right, he is a young stud.
Macri will definitely be the guy out if Crede is signed, I would think. But remember that the D-Backs wouldn’t just get the traded player, but also take the Twins first round pick.
Are we that desperate for a reliever that we would give up a first round pick, pay him too much and give up a player or three?
In the past two seasons, Cruz has pitched over 100 innings, and under 3 ERA. He also struck out 158, while only walking 63. In 2006 and 2007, Pat Neshek had similar numbers: under 3 ERA, over 100 innings, 130 strike outs, 33 walks. They both only gave up 13 HRs in that two year span. Cruz is also 10-1 in the past two seasons. Cruz also has a WHIP around 1.2. Cruz would make an awesome addition to the bullpen.
Twins Territory,
the Dback will lose one 1st round and one sandwich pick. So it has to be 2 players. The Twins do have some leverage (but their pen is crowded as is). The Dbacks need relievers. The Twins need 2 spots off their 40 man roster for Crede and Cruz. I think that Humber + Crain might be it. It might hurt, but it makes sense for both teams.
Seth,
they will not get any picks from the Twins… They will sign him and get players from the Twins for letting go of the picks. It is a straight trade…
“If he was monitoring he could have at least posted he was looking into the rumor and cannot confirm the deal as of yet.”
Jeeeze! What I would have given for that information!
Would you people please un-sh*t your pants!
If you don’t like the service, just ask for your money back!
Oh, yeah.
Wouldn’t the Twins keep the pick in a trade? I thought the trade was to save the pick?
I see no way it’d be someone like Young/Cuddyer. Not for a year of Cruz.
y’all… did you ever hear before that the Twins actually have an offer on the table for Cruz? A guy can do so many things in so much time… just appreciate what you got
What did I tell you? Gardenhire will do anything to keep Buscher on the big club even if it means hamstringing the bullpen with only six relievers.
Cut him some slack? We’re lucky they do this?
Every paper and team do this! And tonight, the other guys did it better.
If you get the scoop, you get the props and you can brag. If you blow it, like tonight, you gotta sack up and admit it.
SethSpeaks…I would have to say yes.
I mean, come on, Boof already has shoulder issues. Crain is inconsistent and could be at risk to be inherently injured. We only have a small sample size for Mijares. And Ayala is a question mark.
So, I guess the question comes down to how bad this team wants to try and win a divsion that could be had with the right pieces put into place.
I told ya 6 hours before this deal with Crede was done and no one believed me. Also told ya about another deal, but I don’t think the Cruz deal is the end of it.
Also, La Velle needed to write the actual article before the blog post. He has a deadline.
By the way, that article is up…
Seth, that’s the idea of the sign-and-trade - if the D’Backs sign Cruz and then trade him, the Twins (or whomever) wouldn’t have to give up a pick.
the twins can afford to give up veryu good prospects right now for cruz if needed…we have alot of young outfielders for sure - that obviously not all of them will ever make it to the big club in the next few years-so give one up if thats what it takes to land cruz, but dont trade a guy like delmon or even cuddy….we have an outstanding outfield situation now…actually have depth and decent depth, meaning bench strength - so say goodbye to a benson, or revere or whomever-there are others also
If I am the D’back, I ask about Tolbert or Tolleson and I agree with T-98, on Humber or Crain
This is quality entertainment.
Hey, I’m not chained to my laptop. I met a friend for a dinner when I got a text that said go to DEFCON 5.
Then the Tribune writer called and told me his sourcing for his story. His source is closer to the source than my source.
The delay was the time it took me to drive home, where there’s internet.
This just reminds me that this is a thankless job. But what an exciting night! The Twins are about to sign a quality third baseman - provided he’s healthy - and have offered the best relever on the market a contract. Some people wou;d argue that fixing the bullpen is more important than third base.
Can’t wait for tomorrow for the Crede thing to be wrapped up….
Pete,
You got some staying power dude.
wait wait wait: i thought the deal was get cruz, give him money, and give AZ a first round draft pick OR, get cruz, give him money, and give AZ some players; i nominate cuddy to take one for the team and head to arizona, we need space in outfield and i like the outfield prospects we have
LaVelle. You are doing a great job. Any idea what the Twins could offer in trade to the Dbacks?
Thanks, LaVelle. Who ever would think you’d have a life . All of these folks on the board here, naturally, work at their jobs 24/7 without a break.
Next question, if we sign Crede and Cruz, what happens to the whole story line here about how Smith didn’t do anything this offseason? Especially since the offseason isn’t over yet?
You’re right thrylos. I appreciate the Chicago Tribune letting me know about the Crede signing.
La Valle owes me lunch… LOL
La Velle,
I am sure that most everyone on here truly appreciates all the work you do! Can you tell us a little more about the Cruz deal as in is it a sign and trade or are we just looking to sign the guy and give up the draft pick?
LaVelle…I’m not hating on you. Believe me, I appreciate what you do. Keep it up.
crede healthy, cruz in the pen, starters continue to progress, all other things remain equal = no team has a better shot at the world series this year than the twins.
Most of us do appreciate what you do LEN! Thanks for keeping us informed.
I’m happy with the signing of Crede especially if it’s not a lot guaranteed. He’s just not worth more than what healthy guys are getting which is 3-5 million right now.
I don’t see the Cruz thing happening because the Twins can’t be the only team with an offer on the table. I’m sure other teams have more/better to give.
Macleod — doesn’t the Chicago Tribune article quote the Strib as a source?
La Velle,
some of us are thankful. Believe me.
as for the
Every paper and team do this! And tonight, the other guys did it better.
just try to go to any other paper and look to see if you can post on their blogs without moderation. Good luck. We have a space here were we can open our mouths and yack without any sort of interference by any big brother. And yes the Chicago guy got the story before (La Velle and Phil Miller and Kelly Thesier) but La Velle got the Cruz bit…
gee.
LaVelle, You do a terrific job, keep it up.
I’m guessing trade players to the Backs since it he mentioned we’d have a time period to work something out.
Otherwise we wouldn’t deal with the D-Backs period. We’d just sign him.
Are we serious here? We’re ripping on our favorite Wobble because he wasn’t the first guy getting the scoop for once? Get real, folks. Keep up the good work, LaVelle!
And pretty interesting news on the baseball front. This season just got a whole lot interesting. Anybody else thinking that the Twins just moved into the favorite’s chair in the AL Central?
Ha, yeah, LaVelle, you’re not allowed to have a life. Well here’s a Thank You for a thankless job. Enjoy your updates all off-season and on-season. Let’s hope this Crede thing works out.
and frankly I would have not believed the story, until La Velle confirmed it.
The New York fans loved their formerly hopeless - then Miracle Mets.
Chicago fans love their loveable losers - the crummy Cubs.
Boston fans stayed loyal to the rotten Red Sox since 1916.
But, Twins fans whine and bitch about their team “just being competitive”.
What a bunch of…….
Is thrylos from down south y’all???
There is another deal coming that I mentioned earlier. I’ll probably beat La Velle on that one too. LOL
i think cleveland is still a force to reckoned with if this is all really going down. the final piece to the puzzle would be cuddy for their 1st round draft pick back.
If they could land Cruz that would be a nice little offseason and maybe some of the complaining would end. Then again some are complaining about La Velle not getting the post up within 6.3 seconds of the news breaking so that is probably wishful thinking.
Anybody else thinking that the Twins just moved into the favorite’s chair in the AL Central
Closer. The off-season this year is still young. The Indians (albeit with a crippled rotation) scare me a bit. We’ll see what happens.
At least it’s a Friday night and sadly, we’re all here checking for roster news.. *laugh*
I wonder what time constitutes “morning” for LEN?
Commenters on this video called me an idiot and a blasphemer! But I was right, check it out, Crede looks good in a Twin’s uniform:
They’ll move someone from the 25 instead of cutting him. But they have a bit of leverage if they just tell AZ they’re walking away. It’d be interesting to see if maybe Boof gets sent.
You are the man Lavelle… Jeff in so call is a bitch
Yo Lavelle, the natives are getting restless. You better call Christensen in from diaper duty for backup! Thanks for the update!
SethSpeaks says:
February 20th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Macri will definitely be the guy out if Crede is signed, I would think. But remember that the D-Backs wouldn’t just get the traded player, but also take the Twins first round pick.
Are we that desperate for a reliever that we would give up a first round pick, pay him too much and give up a player or three?
what are you smoking? share with the rest of us.
the reason for the sign and trade is they don’t have to give up the 1st round pick because there is exactly 0 teams in baseball willing to give up their first to sign Cruz, although they are all fools for not doing it.
Pete,
Did you bring your girlfriend home now or did she drive you to Manny’s?? Get that girl on the phone will ya?? ha ha ha
thrylos98 - You can thank me now for the next deal going down and stop kissing La Velle’s butt. He’s a big guy and can handle this blog and a little ribbing…
Lavelle, I apologize for breaking your back without also giving you the props you deserve for the Cruz teaser. If I’m going to give it to ya for not being on top of one story, I should give ya praise for getting a scoop on another.
Now, get a damn iPhone and monitor that crap while you’re vacationing down in Florida! LOL.
at least nobody is over reacting!
The Cruz deal would be a sign and trade.
Two things I’ve heard:
1. There’s a dispute about how many teams are actually interested in him.
2. Cruz is willing to sit out until after the draft and screw the D-Backs out of any compensation. So they know they need to get something for him.
3. I’m tired. Good night. Clubhouse opens in seven hours….
For some reason I think that Nathan in the 9th, Cruz in the 8th, Ayala/Mijares in the 7th, Bonser, Breslow and Guerrier filling in when needed could really shorten games out…
Lavelle was told in college that being a sports writer would be nothing but praise and thanks. Oops.
I’m as happy as a little girl!
Crede and Cruz I think all you Bill Smith haters should back off a little.
pete,
“There is another deal coming that I mentioned earlier. I’ll probably beat La Velle on that one too. LOL”
Not if your girlfriend gives up more to a sportswriter ,than she would give up to you!
If both deals go down, this will be the biggest offseason the Twins have probably ever had. No re-treads, no journeyman. Two all-star potential players. I’ve got shivers down my spine!
Seriously I think we can run with the big boys with Crede and Cruz added to this roster.
sheesh–only place boof is going is into the mri tube
Well, if Lavelle is going to bed early, I’m sure not staying up. I can check the Chicago Tribune in the morning. I mean STAR Tribune…STAR Tribune…
Sorry Jon, I am holding the rock (Diamond ) to her dreams. More info will be coming… LOL
Macloed,
And don’t come back!
Hey now Jake. It’s not like we signed Manny Ramirez to bat clean up. Lay off the sauce man!
If the Twins were to sign Crede AND Cruz I would give their offseason an 8-9 out of ten for the offseason with reasonable expectaions. The only thing I have a gripe with this season is how much the Twins overpaid for Punto when they could have gotten Hudson for cheaper and better production. I am not a punto hater like some, but punto is not a million dollars better than Hudson that is for sure.
thrylos98 - You can thank me now for the next deal going down and stop kissing La Velle’s butt.
Pete,
ask La Velle whether I am kissing his butt or not (or look at the Gardy extension posts of his). I appreciate what La Velle does as a beat reporter. I don’t agree with everything he does (esp. being soft with Gardy and the front office) but I give credit when credit is due.
If the Twins were to sign Crede AND Cruz I would give their offseason an 8-9 out of ten for the offseason with reasonable expectaions. The only thing I have a gripe with this season is how much the Twins overpaid for Punto when they could have gotten Hudson for cheaper and better production. I am not a punto hater like some, but punto is not a million dollars better than Hudson that is for sure
Name one other offseason where we have signed two WORTHWHILE players???
Is the deal for Crede done? My wife was watching the news and said he is signing with the Twins. But LaVelle is saying to check the paper tomorrow.
Anyways, this is a good move, Crede will add to the Twins Win Value with his glove alone. I expect he will be a league average hitter. If were real lucky and he hits like he did in 2006, that would make him above league average.
At worst, we have Harris and Buscher to back him up if he is unable to maintain his health.
If they can get Cruz I think the Twins will be in good shape heading into the season.
I definitely think the Twins would not trade D. Young or Cuddyer for a relief pitcher. I could be wrong, but I just don’t think they would do that.
By the way, I know some here are down on Cuddyer, IMO I think he is going to bounce back this year. If healthy, his splits are one of the more balanced on the team and he should produce around 2+ Win Value which is about a league average player. That would be 2 Win Values more than D. Young produced last year.
Jon, what are you, Lavelle’s brother? Lavelle doesn’t need you guys sticking up for him. I’m sure he can handle some kicks to the shorts from complete strangers on a website.
Especially when he dropped the ball!!
Pete,
If the sportswriter has a bigger rock, then you may be wearing your rock on your finger, while she is looking for bigger rocks.
I love the “Defcon 5″ bit . . .
I also love how its a Friday night in February and there are a bunch of guys sitting around at computers posting on a Twins blog! (I’m not knockin’ it — after the first hint of Crede I started coming back regularly too). Twins fever has arrived!
Name one other offseason where we have signed two WORTHWHILE players???
1991
I didn’t read all the comments, but I’m assuming the people that have been calling BS an idiot,fat,lazy, etc. all off-season have repeated their comments up there, right?
What will the Twins do w/ Ayala or whatever the hell his name is if they sign Cruz?
Hey Pete,
What you had talked about earlier did not involve Cruz at all?? So you think there is still something else going down too? How much excitement can a Twins fan take for an off season let alone one night??
Macleod,
No I am just a guy who is grateful when someone works hard to give him a free service
I’m not LaVelle’s brother, nor am I a whiney, ungrateful, bitching complainer.
thrylos-
I was 9…so that means it’s been a LONG TIME and this is something definitely worth being excited about!!!
Anyone else think that Humber or Bonser is definitely going to be involved in the Cruz deal?
In 1991 we signed Chili and Morris right Thrylos??
Jake, you said this will be the biggest off season the Twins have probably EVER had. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited now. Certainly much more than I was yesterday. But I have to call you out when you use the word EVER. How about, this is probably the biggest off season the Twins have had in a long time for signing new players.
I think it’s tough to include Bonser in any deal when his fat arm just fell off. Not literally, but he’s having shoulder issues…
crede still will have to pass a physical and nothing is done on cruz so just settle down. we could be back to square one by monday.
Deiter,
I would seriously doubt that Bonser is being included in anything right now. We don’t even know if he will start the season on the DL or not.
KB
I think the Twins FO may have dodged a bullet if they sign Cruz with the new “sign and trade rule”… (which does not cost the Twins a draft pick as some have mentioned). I would charge the Twins (Smith) with sitting on his hands if all he got for bullpen help is Ayala.
I do give him credit where credit is due for waiting for crede and not overpaying for blake and getting wiggington
“What will the Twins do w/ Ayala or whatever the hell his name is if they sign Cruz?”
Keep him because he has a good MLB career, before last year.
IMO, the Twins would release Jason Jones or RA Dickey, if necessary, in order to keep Ayala and Cruz.
Deiter, I’m not sure that Bonser is good trade material at this point until they figure out if there is or what is wrong with his shoulder.
Humber I think is a possibility but if we add Crede and Boof is headed for a stint on the DL, we don’t have extra pitchers REALLY to do the trade issue so my guess is that it would be a position player.
I don’t know that I can say Macri is for sure but I think his and a few other names have to be considered possibilities.
Sane
Who do you think they will cut if they have Ayala and Cruz? I am w/ you though, I think he could be pretty good next year if he rebounds, but who do you cut?
You would think Boof or Humber would have to be involved in a deal for Cruz.
Fine, call me a whiner. You see, unlike you defending Lavelle, it doesn’t bother me when a stranger calls me out on something.
But, stop with the “great work” Lavelle on the Crede thing, when he clearly got scooped. And hey, it happens all the time! Lavelle did great work on busting a rumor about Cruz. Great job on that ONE.
Now then, I just want to say, before tonight, Bill Smith was a idiot, fat, lazy, etc. Oh, and I’m looking forward to the season starting. And I’m looking forward to tomorrow, where Lavelle can start a new day and save some face. LOL.
Tyler,
From the 40-man roster or the 25-man roster?
25
macleod: take out your aggression elsewhere. quit being a d-bag.
All right, all right, calm down everybody!
Crede is one unusual twist to field a ground ball away from being the second coming of Lamb, Batista, etc. And if that happens, many of the enthusiasts will return to their previous status as critics.
Here’s to some cautious optimism and a reminder that the game is played on the field and not on paper.
Who is this Macleod character? I have never seen him on here before. He’s got everybody up in arms and he is really determined to bust Lavelle’s chops about this Crede thing. Maybe he’s been on here and just had nothing worthwhile to say so I never noticed him before.
If Bill Smith signs Crede and obtains Cruz then he played this off season perfectly. I see Humber moving to Arizona and dumping Jones off the 40 man. Bonser will go on the DL to start the year. The pen will be Nathan, Crain, Gueirre, Breslow, Cruz, Ayala with the G-man being in long relief. That would shorten the game and help the young starters. Harris will take over for Punto once Punto blows out his thumb diving into first after the second week of the season.
Sorry for my recent comments, I showed my comments on this blog. I just had a heart to heart with myself and realized I was gay. Sorry
Tyler, IF the Twins got Cruz (which I would still classify as a big IF) I’m thinking this signals Mijares to Rochester for at least a little bit. And I agree that it is likely that may Humber could be involved in the deal.
MacLeod,
I didn’t call you a whiner.
I just said “nor am I a whiney, ungrateful, bitching complainer”
Just speaking about myself.
no mirajles?
thanks LaVelle for what you do and joe
All you people who think there’s a log jam with all of our OF. If there were a rotation of every fifth day one of the five out fielders sat then they would all still play in 129 games! There is no jam! We are blessed with a sh*t ton of talent.
When Gomez sits Span plays center.
When Span sits Gomez leads off.
When Cuddy sits Young, Span, or Kubel can play RF.
When Young sits things will be as we expect for opening day.
When Kubel sits Young can DH.
I am totally amused by the fact that all the commentary is now centering on who gets sent to AZ for Cruz…
LEN has effectively reduced Crede to “old news” even before he’s officially news by throwing in the Cruz possibility.
Yep, I’m the d-bag. But I tell you what, I have never signed in as somebody elses name and given a personal insult like the person did at 11:30 post.
How about you pansy asses stop talking about me and get back to talking baseball. You know I’m only going on and on because I keep responding to your posts about me. And, quite frankly, it’s fun.
Wikipedia says that Crede plays for the mn twins so it must be true.
I think the Twins like Jones. What they may do is see if they can make a deal with the Yankees to be allowed to keep him rather than return him. I would imagine the Yankees would be reasonable… he obviously doesn’t figure in their plans.
The imposter at 11:35 is pissing me of
Boof?? Humber?? If these are the names involved in a deal involving Cruz, then yes, for the love of god, yes…
ok, if the trolling and cloning has begun, real baseball news is over so I’ll come back in the morning to see what LEN says. Night y’all
JC,
“I think the Twins like Jones. What they may do is see if they can make a deal with the Yankees to be allowed to keep him rather than return him.”
Dead-on!
Che4ck back with me. I’ll have an answer before La Velle will… LOL
wow, i was going to call macleod a whiner just because, but then i read his post and he’s not so much a whiner as lavelle is someone who fell victim to the brutal reality of a 24-7 news cycle.
TWINS ARE THE BEST TEAM EVER!
Whoever said D-Bag was right on.
Tom. Nobody cares what you think.
is a cuddy for cruz deal out of the question? i’m looking at those who are more saavy than i in the value of players trade.
Pete,
I’ll check back with your (my) girlfriend.
I have her on speed-dial.
Hey Pete,
So the deal you were talking about earlier had nothing to do with the Cruz deal??
haha, wow, i was trying to give macleod a compliment and he slams me, harsh
Deiter says:
February 20th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
I’m as happy as a little girl!
Crede and Cruz I think all you Bill Smith haters should back off a little.
Why?? Punto is still at short is he not? Casilla is still at 2nd is he not? Cuddyer is still on the roster is he not? Gomez isn’t in AAA is he? Blackburn and Perkins are still in the rotation are they not?
This is a minor step in the right direction, but the Twins still have a long long way to go to even think about competing for a championship. If they get lucky and win the Central, cool, but they will be dumped quick in the playoffs if they make it.
Crede WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
LOL. I like Tom. Let it be declared: Lavelle is a victim! But don’t tell Lavelle, he may not want to know.
And please people, if you are going to post as me, at least spell correctly and proofread your posts. If nothing else, I do feel my spelling, grammar, and punctuation are exceptional while I am making everyone hate me.
Nobody is going to take on Cuddy’s crappy contract, so I’m guessing we can stop talking about him in a trade for Cruz.
hockeygurdan you suck
If you read Macleod’s 11:44 post, think of him saying it with a lisp.
D’backs are still trying to payoff the 2001 Championship payroll that had a boat load of deferred payments. Their payroll is simular to the Twins and is tapped out. As I said before they have a young stud in J-Up in right.
Here is what I would do for the 25 man roster:
The Starters (9): C- Joe Mauer, 1B-Justin Morneau, 2B-Alexi Casilla, SS-Nick Punto, 3B-Joe Crede, LF-Denard Span,
CF-Carlos Gomez, RF- Michael Cuddyer, DH-Kubel
The Bench (4): C-Mike Redmond, IF- Harris/Tolbert/Buscher (see who is better at SP), OF-Delmon Young, IF-Harris/Tolbert/Buscher
Starting Pitchers (5): Scott Baker, Fransisco Liriano, Kevin Slowely, Nick Blackburn, Glen Perkins
Bull Pen (7): Joe Nathan, Juan Cruz, Mirajles, Ayala, Crain, Guerrier, Breslow,
macleod is obviously smarter than i me; i can’t tell when he is making fun of me. and if i could, i still wouldn’t let him know.
Good one Jake. LMAO. Zing!!
And thanks for posting under your own name!
If we get both these guys it would be a MAJOR improvement. They are great additions to weak areas. Mu fingers are crossed.
Wobble got scooped tonite. Hope this isn’t a sign of things to come. Musta been out wining and dining some babe at Blu Sushi or Cru….
Hockey Guru: We’re talking about the Nick Punto who hit .284 last season, with defensive numbers at short that dwarfed what was done by the league leaders, right?
We’re talking about the Nick Blackburn who posted an ERA just above four while pitching nearly 200 innings in his rookie season, right? A guy who went 11-11 and had a respectable 1.36 WHIP?
The Michael Cuddyer who put up back-to-back respectable seasons before suffering through injuries all of last year?
And while Casilla and Perkins weren’t exactly superstars, Casilla went .281/.333, a decent average and an OBP that’s not going to kill you, while Perkins went 12-4, pitched 150 innings, and had an ERA around 4.50 and a WHIP under 1.50.
Ok, fine, I’ll give you Carlos Gomez.
Yeah, I think I’ll take Bill Smith over you as the GM any day.
Wow, Bill Smith must have eaten his Wheaties this morning.
We got Crede; this is great news. One of the best defenders in the league, in the same infield as Punto… great news. As long as the deal is less than $7 million, I’ll be happy.
I highly doubt we’ll be able to land Cruz. Like previous comments said, there are probably many teams after him. If a player like Cuddyer or Young were offered, though, Arizona would have to pay attention.
With those two players, though, the Twins would vault to the top of the AL Central. I can see another division title from here!
And for the shameless self-promotion, I have much more analysis in my blog, TwinsFix.com. Check it out if you are interested.
Tyler-
Looks great, except the outfield should be Cuddy LF, Span CF, Delmon “Bubba Gump” Young RF. Tolbert is probably going to have to be sent down if he still has options because we need a left handed bat off the bench (Butcher).
I’m pretty sure that if Cruz does accept the Twins offer that Humber would be one of the players traded. I’m not sure about the other though. How are the D’backs fixed for catchers?
No offense, but why do people care how much crede signs for? If it is only for one year who cares if he signs for 10 mil?
Probably sent D-backs some of the excess
pitchers from the Santana trade. Hope it goes through.
Tyler, if the Twins overpay for Crede that means they’ll have less money throughout the season. If they get to the trade deadline and are competitive, wouldn’t it be better for the Twins to have driven a hard bargain on Crede and so have that money available to spend? Is this really such a difficult concept? Good for Smith on setting a max (we presume, anyway) and being unwilling to go beyond it. I realize that fiscal discipline has been a bit out of fashion over the last few decades, but c’mon.
How about Kubel for Cruz?
Buscher-Cuddy platoon at DH?
Span-Gomez-Young in OF with Cuddy as a backup?
D’Backs just signed Snyder to an extension, they have Miguero, who is an offensive left hitting catcher, was rumored as trade bait to the Red Sox, and claimed Slelton in the Rule V draft.
Tyler, if you’d like to read about 100+ posts, go to the last thread for an answer on your question. I brought up the same type of question and almost got killed for it. Short story; people are thinking if the Twins save money now they will have all this extra cash to get somebody else at the trade deadline. When I pointed out that the Twins did nothing at last years deadline, even though they were in contention, the comments got ugly toward me.
Kubel for span???? NO WAY, that would be a horrible trade
I love the people expecting 24-hour news coverage of a signing. I mean, it’s not like there’s anything else to report probably at this point. Most of the people involved in the deal will be going to bed soon if they haven’t already. Get a grip. You can wait till morning to find out more about the signing of the mediocre Crede.
[…] This comes courtesy of LEN 3 at the Star Tribune. […]
D’Backs have Jackson, Young and Upton set for the outfield and Eric Byrnes who they would love to get rid of because they owe him 20 million over the next 2 years.
D-backs will not get a starter back for Cruz. Most likely minor leaguers. After June they would get nothing. Too much bad blood for Cruz to stay a D-back. He would sit until June then no compensation.
Told ya Tyler. People are very sensitive tonight when you try and spend the Pohlad’s money, or talk about a certain beat writer.
Hey strider, maybe you could help me out. I’m having a difficult time with the concept of spending less than the Royals when you are getting a new stadium next year. I’ve been told the Twins are “saving up” for when their current players reach arbitration. So is THAT when the Twins will start spending a little bit of that newfound revenue from the new stadium?
“Told ya Tyler”
Who asked ya?
Tyler says:
February 21st, 2009 at 12:02 am
No offense, but why do people care how much crede signs for? If it is only for one year who cares if he signs for 10 mil?
tyler says:
February 21st, 2009 at 12:13 am
“Told ya Tyler”
Who asked ya?
Um…you asked. Isn’t that you asking right there?
Thanks alot Jake, now every post I’m reading has a lisp. Oh yeah,and they’re all just thilly. On a seperate subject. Thanks to Pete, and Lavelle tonight.
Brainfreeze,
That’s “on a theparate thubject”
Glad I could entertain you guys. I’ll try and keep you busy while Lavelle gets a good nights sleep from a hard evening at dinner, I mean at work.
“Why do people care how much Crede signs for?”
I think part of it is bragging rights. As much as Twins fans like to bash the FO for not spending money, I think they like it even more when the team beats up on teams spending much more money.
There are also A LOT people in rotisserie baseball leagues on here. Since each team in a rotisserie league is allotted the same budget to put together a team, winning is all about avoiding the overpaid busts and picking up on the undervalued bargains everybody else misses.
Thorry. Okay I’m done.
No way they give up Delmon for Cruz. Nobody wants to sign him and give up that draft pick for him. La Velle said that he has already told the D-Backs that he would sit out until June so Arizona has to trade him now or they would get nothing in return.
Macleod,
Adding payroll solely for the sake of adding payroll doesn’t make much sense. Again, I don’t understand why you would prefer the Twins spent money on Crede that they apparently didn’t have to spend in order to get him. Would it have been worth it in your mind to spend a couple million extra in guaranteed cash a couple of weeks ago for Crede just so you and the other “spend spend spend or your not doing your job!” folks could have had some piece of mind?
I saw something mentioned above about trading the pick for Cruz, and it’s not possible. MLB does not allow draft picks to be traded. So the only way that the pick would change hands is if Cruz was signed as a free agent.
William Smith,
Your right and the only way this deal gets done is a sign and trade only. No draft picks at all.
“Arizona has to trade him now or they would get nothing in return.”
1) They have until June to trade him.
2) They don’t have to trade him to the Twins.
3) #1 and #2 shrink the Twins’ leverage.
The trade package (Delmon?) must be less valuable than a #1 draft choice, or the Twins would just sign Cruz and forfeit the draft choice.
So you are right, unless the Twins value the draft choice more than they value Delmon.
Sid,
They have to sign him first before they can trade him. From everything that has been written there is hard feelings between the D-Backs and Cruz so I have to believe that the only way he will sign with them is when a trade has already been consumated. The “trading” team will probably be the one negotiating his contract basically. Apparently the rules of free agents are being rewritten this year because of this problem. If he would have been classified as a type B free agent he would have been signed a long time ago. I am not so sure that Arizona would have until June to trade him. I have not read that anywhere.
Delmon should be starting, and if you actually look at his numbers last year, they aren’t nearly as bad as you think, only his home run total was a bit low.
Strider, I would love to get all the free agents for cheap, just because I know that is the only way the Twins would get the best ones. But I am a fan first, and I did want to sign Crede last week. The Twins are obviously getting him at a better price, and I commend them. I will admit I was in panic mode since they had signed no-one until Crede. But at least meet me part of the way here. Doesn’t it bother you that the Twins haven’t bothered to sign free agents while their payroll stayed below lowly Kansas City? I’m not talking about just spending money to spend money. I’m talking about spending money to get quality free agents. Until they start giving them away, the Twins will have to spend SOME money.
BTW, just the signing of Crede alone will make me call DirecTV back and reorder my baseball package that I had cancelled.
Like I said .. No way do they trade a guy like Delmon Young for Cruz…
Don’t know if anyone has said this, but let’s trade cuddy. Great guy, but we have to keep DY.
stridersaysso says:
February 20th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Hockey Guru: We’re talking about the Nick Punto who hit .284 last season, with defensive numbers at short that dwarfed what was done by the league leaders, right?
We’re talking about the Nick Blackburn who posted an ERA just above four while pitching nearly 200 innings in his rookie season, right? A guy who went 11-11 and had a respectable 1.36 WHIP?
The Michael Cuddyer who put up back-to-back respectable seasons before suffering through injuries all of last year?
And while Casilla and Perkins weren’t exactly superstars, Casilla went .281/.333, a decent average and an OBP that’s not going to kill you, while Perkins went 12-4, pitched 150 innings, and had an ERA around 4.50 and a WHIP under 1.50.
Ok, fine, I’ll give you Carlos Gomez.
Yeah, I think I’ll take Bill Smith over you as the GM any day.
Punto very likely won’t hit that again, and if you actually studied Punto’s numbers you would see that he and Denny Hocking have roughly the same stats across the board. You wouldn’t start Denny everyday would you???
Blackburn’s year was quite fluky and has little chance of repeating it. Quite frankly, most everything about last year was fluky, and a 1.36 whip, when the Twins stress pounding the strike zone, isn’t good at all.
Perkins is just gawd awful. Cuddyer had 1 decent season and the rest weren’t any better then what Delmon did last year and yet everyone is hating on Delmon. What a bunch of frauds the majority of Twins “fans” are. Casilla is terrible in the field, he spaces out too much, and last year at the plate was an anomaly, not matter of fact. He will be very hard pressed to repeat what he did.
La Velle - The vast majority of us appreciate your reporting AND your insights. Thank you.
sane - What happened to you? You been drinking? Your comments have been funny all day. I’ve come to expect careful, reasoned, thoughtful insights from you. And smart*ss comments, too? A bonus!
This Crede thing is exciting. I’m not even that high on Crede, but if he stays healthy the upside could be amazing.
And Cruz? Wow. Very fun stuff.
If the Twins get Cruz I hope it’s for a while. 4 years, 20 million would be about right.
I said it before and I’ll say it again, Crede and Cruz would mean a World Series for Twins…a healthy Crede, of course
crede and cruz? I gave that an A offseason by twins standards.
and anyone thinking of young leaving for cruz needs to wake up. this organization is way to talent conservative to give up up on young after 1 season that he hit near .300. being a type A the D-backs should be greatful to get anything for him. I think they get an Humber or a dickey for cruz in a sign and trade.
Just thought I’d give my perspective as a Dbacks fan who also follows the Twins:
The Dbacks aren’t looking for an outfielder, unless they are planning on turning around and making another deal. So I guess that could happen, but a guy like Delmon or Cuddy would be overpaying on the Twins’ part in my opinion. Besides, the Dbacks are stretched pretty tight financially and wouldn’t be able to afford someone like that anyway.
The Dbacks do seem to have an obsession with young pitching, and last I heard the Twins have plenty to go around. I doubt it would take an upper-tier prospect, but one decent young pitcher and another throw-in prospect would likely get a deal done.
For what it’s worth, Cruz was always one of my favorite relievers. He could get out of any jam with his strikout stuff. I usually make it to The Dome for a game or two each summer, and I wouldn’t mind seeing Cruz pitch up there this year. Let’s all hope something gets done, it would be good for both teams.
I think one thing to consider with the money angle, I don’t think people realize how much of an effect the economy is going to have on baseball this season. Its not the average Joe who cuts back on the games he goes to, its the big companies like Bank of America, that arent going to be spending a million dollars on suites, and there are going to be a lot more teams losing money than there have been in the past, I think when the trade deadline approaches there are going to be a lot of teams looking to shed good contracts not just the Jarrod Washburn oops contracts. I really think the Twins are going to add a veteran pitcher if they are in the mix, looking at 1991 and 1987 the Twins went out and got Blyleven and Morris, I could see Glavine, or Pedro, or that type of pitcher as a target at the deadline. AS far as Crede, I didn’t think it was absolutely necessary, but definately an improvement, I actually liked the idea of hudson better, but I’m glad we improved the team.
La Velle - I want breaking news all day!!! Make it up if you have to.
Nickmlps, MLB makes so much money, with mlb.com and direct tv. they will be fine. Veteran pitcher? Why? We have 5 SP’s.
Not going to lie, I am really excited.
“1) They have until June to trade him.
2) They don’t have to trade him to the Twins.
3) #1 and #2 shrink the Twins’ leverage.”
None of that is exactly true …
1) Yes, they have to complete a deal before June if they want compensation for losing him, but this isn’t a luxury for Arizona, it’s actually more of a deadline. Since Cruz is perfectly willing to wait out the deadline, it actually reduces their leverage.
2) If the Twins and Cruz reach an agreement, they won’t be able to trade him to anybody else - unless, of course, another team approaches Cruz with a better offer and he reconsiders. Arizona has no say where Cruz goes.
3) The Twins leverage is only affected by what other teams are offering Cruz.
I’ve been reading a lot of misconceptions about what the sign and trade actually is. The language is misleading, so it’s understandable. Sign and trade isn’t the deal itself, it’s the final step once a deal has been agreed to by the interested team with the player and his former team.
The deal should really be called an “in lieu” of deal, as in: if the Twins sign Cruz, they would trade players from their current roster and/or farm teams “in lieu” of giving up their first round pick. To complete the deal, the players union has agreed to allow teams to sign their Type A free agent to the deal the interested team has negotiated, then trade him to that team for whatever players they can get in return.
If the Twins are going that route with Cruz, chances are they have been negotiating with Cruz and Arizona at the same time. In fact, I would imagine they already have a trade in place with Arizona since the players the Twins have to give up would affect the offer they would make to Cruz.
Arizona has very little leverage to make huge demands with. If Cruz decides the Twins are the team for him, they can do a trade or Cruz can simply wait until June and do the deal then.
It’s not a total wash for Arizona though. Draft picks are never sure things and there are also signing bonuses to consider as well. And for a cash strapped team like Arizona, that has got to be a factor (money is also the main reason they let Cruz walk in the first place). The players they get won’t be total studs, but they should be able to get a player or two with a good chance of at least filling a role someday.
If this comes true I’m going to sh*t!
I LOVE THE TWINS !!
\/
Hello Mr. Crede.
Welcome to the club.
I have assembled a care package for you, its contents include: 16 bottles of Aleve, a gallon bucket of icey hot, a newer, bigger wallet, my old parking spot at the metrodome, a handkerchief to give to Brian Buscher, tickets to a St. Paul Saints game and Kent Hrbeks phone number.
You’ll do well here, although you won’t quite give us 1987 Gary Gaetti type numbers, you’ll still sell a lot of jerseys.
As for Juan Cruz, I picked him in one of the last rounds of my fantasy baseball draft last year.
Hot stuff coming through.
Mijares will land as the 7th inning guy by mid-May; Juan Cruz would be that 12-pitch inning guy in the 8th inning and of course there is always Mt. Nathan to close out the bit (unless we’re playing Seattle).
Luis Ayala Ayala Ayala Ayala-love that guy will be the right handed specialist actually used in the role he’s meant to perform in. I’m thinking Ayala can make an impact if given a fair take.
I’m not just drinking the hope juice; I got a big vat of it in the garage.
I have nothing to back this up (except for the couple 3,4 stellas I’ve had to drink tonight) but I think Macri and/or Humber better start packing some extra shorts and suntan lotion, because Arizona’s calling and its sure as hell not snowing there right now.
So I wonder what got into Bill Smith today, probably went to happy hour at 11 AM and decided to play shirtless ‘let’s make a deal.’
Well Bill, if what you’ve thrown at the wall today actually sticks, I commend you, dog.
[…] According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins made an offer to reliever Juan Cruz tonight as part of a possible sign-and-trade with the Diamondbacks. If Cruz accepts the offer, Neal says the teams would then have 48 hours to work out a trade. […]
I see this great news that the Twins are on the verge of getting Crede and Cruz and scroll down to read what people think about how they will fit in, what it means for the Twins’ chances this year, and maybe Bill Smith is a lot smarter then I thought he is. To my surprise, at least half the comments are about how long it took LaVelle to get the story. Can we please have a little perspective here? What difference does it make that you heard the news an hour later than you would have? Give LaVelle a break. He does a great job. Let’s appreciate the fact that we have this forum to discuss
our Twins. This is the most excited I have been about their chances in a long time. They could be really really good this year!
I don’t think that anyone has pointed out that the fact that if the Twins have made an offer to Cruz, which LEN has reported, this must mean that they have confirmation from the league that the sign-and-trade can happen. So, it’s a matter of who gets Cruz, not if someone will get him without losing a draft pick.
The Twins seem to be “in front” for Cruz, (no other team has been as active as the Twins on Cruz–checking with MLB, making an offer, pulling out of the Gagne deal, etc) but if AZ signs Cruz to a MN-offer, and has 48 hours to trade him, it wouldn’t only be the Twins submitting a trade offer to AZ, presumably. Let’s hope the Twins make the best offer (and I assume it would be primarily mid-level prospects and/or an out of options pitcher.)
I saw the Crede news last night on MLB and :-)!
As for the Cruz thing, I can only assume it’s due to Bonser being hurt. Bonser reminds me of an Eddie G project for today. I never got why the Twins kept Eddie around, and for that matter Bonser. I know that sounds harsh and maybe it is. But the Twins are trying to put the best team possible out there right? (I have nothing against either as a person, just not the best option/s at the time/s)
I’m not against the Cruz deal if the Twins don’t give much up to get him. Otherwise I still think Mijares will be just fine out there in the 8th
Great news to get Crede and Cruz. This makes the twins world series contenders ok.
The only bad news about all of this is that they HAVEN’T ACTULLY HAPPENED YET. Don’t forget that. I feel 130% more confident on the Crede move than the Cruz move right now…
Good news, IF they happen.
For those with doubts about the Crede deal, Jon “Boras” Heyman is reporting that it’s close. That’s the equivalent of Boras saying it himself, so there you go.
ESPN just called it, 1 year deal reported in the Tribune.
I can feel LENIII furiously gathering facts and making phonecalls…
This “sign and trade” thing is just plain wrong. I know Twins’ fan want the guy for the most part. But changing the rules in mid-stream isn’t fair to the rest of the players and teams that abided by the rules in place up to this point. Making this change now just because Juan Cruz got caught up in a tough market isn’t right. The Twins don’t deserve to play less than what they were supposed to get him. Or if the compensation swings the other way the D-Backs don’t deserve to get more than they were supposed to under the rules. Its also not fair for Cruz to get special dispensation while other free agents signed deals w/o extra help.
If the Cruz Case needed fixing then all sides could have fixed it prior to next off-season and then everyone could have the same chances from the get-go.
Finally, we get a legit 3B. if he stays healthy, this team is going places
I would have to say Macri gets optioned out, and Buscher goes back to AAA. This team needs 12 pitchers as the staff is still too young.
If the team adds Cruz, the bullpen goes from laughingstock to middle of the pack to contender within a year.
Fred
in a crap market, a team should not have to pay a lot for a reliever AND give up a 1st rounder.
you should complain more about the draft pick compensation than the changing of the rules.
i had a dream last night that we signed crede to a 3 year, $18.1 deal. twins fans were furious, boras was… boras.
yes, this was all in my dream. weird.
Sorry Medskool…the rules are in place. Every player and club has abided by them. Now they want to change them after so many other moves have been made around the game. That isn’t right. If the want to assure that a set-up guy like Cruz doesn’t become a Type A free agent then they can work to change that next year and start over when the playing field is level. Cruz has other options right now beside circumvention of the rules to get a deal done. This isn’t right.
For Cruz they could trade Humber, Harris, or Bonser. Keep Buscher’s left handed bat. Have Tolbert or Plouffe as your utility infielder. Now with the possibility of Crede in the middle of the line-up, move Cuddy down in the order and bury Young at the bottom and what you get is what you get.
i wouldnt give up on bonser yet. hes got stuff, he just needs to slide into a set-up role. he could dominate there.
Good morning clones…
Hopefully I will be able to beat La Velle today on this signing like I did Crede. I think Cruz would be a very good addition.
Cruz, earned more than $1.9 million last season while going 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 57 appearances with Arizona.
They changed the rule for all Type A free agents as far as I know. It’s not just in this case.
Hey Pete,
I take it that this Cruz deal is not the same deal you were first talking about last night. The deal you were talking about you said included Young and a couple of others?? Where are you taking the GF out tonight to???
Terry S….even if that’s the case its not fair to the all the Type A’s that signed already before the rules changed. But thanks for pointing that out if indeed its a sweeping change now in mid-stream. The system has worked for years….one tough year on the market shouldn’t cause them to shred the rules on the fly.
wouldn’t the dbacks want some young pitching? I could see a humber and swarzak for cruz and a low prospect
Jeff, Don’t give her any ideas… LOL. I think Young is a different deal. I am being blackmailed for a rock on that one…
[…] if the Twins are going to be able to make a deal for reliever Juan Cruz, as La Velle blogged last […]
It’s going to be VERY interesting to see the feedback from certain commenters if the Twins suddenly swoop up both Crede AND Cruz.
I just pray that they didn’t cave to that overall 11 mil figure. I’m more concerned about the precident that would set with the other guys…
Would a Cruz signing mean the end for Ayala?
I don’t think you have to worry about the Twins over paying Joe Crede. I’m not even going to tell you what me and Pnto had to do to get our contracts, but it’s nothing a self respecting all-star like Crede would do.
I think Ayala will be here. It might mean Mijares in AAA, and Humber somewhere else though.
the Tribune source might have been Crede himself b/c he’s a career white sox? also, Lavelle broke the Cruz story.
Actually the pen (and 25 man roster) situation probably got more interesting:
Gardy (in a great move that makes absolute sense; hey! praise where it is due 
), said that he wants to go north with 6 relievers and 4 bench players.
Nathan
Cruz
Ayala
Crain
Breslow
are close to locks if not traded (and if Cruz signs).
Guerrier, Bonser, Humber, will probably have to fight for the long man spot
Mijares will probably start at Rochester
Harris/the 4th OF/Redmond are locks and based on Gardy saying that he would like a backup fist baseman, expect some sort of a battle between Buscher/Hughes/Brock Peterson for that spot and one between Tolbert/Tolleson/Machado/Plouffe for the second utility infielder spot.
On the other hand, apparently the off-season is still young, and I would love the Twins to sign Garciaparra for the back up 1B job and as a utility. There is probably nobody else I would like to see as a PH for Punto late in close games.
I think Guerrier would make it unless he was terrible. Humber might be part of the trade for Cruz, and maybe Bonser would start on the DL.
I’d be a little disappointed about Mijares in AAA. I was looking forward to him in the ‘pen.
Guerrier just signed a one year deal though; he’s not going anywhere. Plus I highly doubt that they’ll let Boof go either.
MLB and the players union are allowing sign and trades so that players that are ridiculously overpriced as far as compensation to the other team goes can find a job. No way should Juan Cruz be a Type A free agent. The compensation system is flawed.
They won’t just let Boof go, it’d have to be a trade. What if his shoulder is worse than people think?
I expect some trades to get pitchers off the 40 man roster…. Rincon signed an one year deal (for double Guerrier’s $) and was horrid in ST and unfortunately was taken North to mess up games before released. I hope that the Twins learned their lesson and get the 6 best pitchers up north.
So when is this deal going to be announced? We were told to check back tomorrow, well it’s tomorrow…ANYTHING??
Someone from the 40-man should be involved in the Cruz trade if it gets to that. Otherwise we’d still need to clear a spot after the trade to get him on there.
Sign and trade
While I want Cruz, allowing sign and trade is bad long term for Twins and other non-major market teams.
Generally, aspects of the collective bargaining agreement that tilt toward the players work against the non-NY/Boston/LA/Cubs teams. Compensation for free agent losses works in favor of other teams.
If the CBA is amended in Cruz’s favor the owners should get a concession.
That being said, gimme Cruz!
I think maybe later today. They might wait again, like they did with Ayala, until a spot is cleared.
BTW, I wasn’t aware that allowing sign-and-trade was a done deal. Has the issue been decided?
I don’t know much about Humber (besides 1. he was part of the Johan trade; 2. I BELIEVE he was once thought of a top prospect for the Mets org; 3. I remember him being fairly nondescript as a pitcher…i.e he wasn’t “lights out.”)
Is that an accurate assessment? My point: he could be the odd man out IF we’re breaking from camp with 11 pitchers.
The Twins were expected to hear about that late this past week. They must have been given the ‘ok’ by the league.
The Twins could probably float Bonser through waivers now. I believe that Bonser has a lot to offer, and I don’t want to lose him, but who’s going to pick up a guy whoa has limited success and a bum shoulder?
That would buy a roster spot for the short term.
From ESPN.com:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3923604
Third baseman Joe Crede is reportedly staying in the AL Central for the 2009 season, but leaving the division champions for the runners-up.
The Chicago Tribune, citing an unnamed source, reported that Crede agreed to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Crede played in just 97 games last season for the Chicago White Sox because of back injuries, hitting .248 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs. He was named to the 2008 All-Star team before injuries derailed his season for a second consecutive year.
In 798 career games, Crede has 125 home runs — including a career-high 30 in 2006. He is known for being an above-average defensive third baseman.
I would throw either Bonser or Humber to AZ in the deal for Cruz. From their perspective, you get a serviceable bullpen arm right now instead of a 1st round pick that you hope becomes a major leaguer at some point.
I think ESPN.com is going soley off the Chicago Tribune report. I hope we see some more info soon.
I say we do Humber and Macri for Cruz and see if we can make a deal. Macri will be the guy out for Crede anyways, and Humber clears a spot for Cruz on the 40-man.
Will team’s want Bonser with injury questions?
Right, and I read that article in the Chicago Tribune via mlbtraderumors.com…
Does anyone think AZ would take Bonser or Humber? Seriously…come on.
IDK. I think Arizona needs to make a deal or they’ll get nothing. Cruz said if they mess around he’ll sit out until after the draft and then they’d get no picks or players.
I hate to be the “Debbie-downer” here, but you all are running under the assumption that the Twins will, in fact, acquire Cruz.
I see this as a very remote possibility.
LaValle < Russo
Seriously Lovul…you should spend less time “experiencing” south Florida and more time actually blogging/reporting on the team!
Sorry man, but this is just plain lazy. Act like your employer is fighting to stay alive and you want to create “value” for yourself and for your followers.
As a previous reader stated…take a lesson from Russo, a post stating, “I don’t know yet but I’m working on it” is a helluva lot better than many hours/days of silence.
From LEN’s story, it sounds a little more likely than what you’re saying, ew. Based on what I read, LEN made it sound like a deal has been consummated, or close to it; but again, that’s just the way I interpreted it.
edgewild, I hope you’re not as clueless about everything else in your life as you are about journalism and baseball. What time did YOU get up?
[…] Twins have reportedly made an offer to reliever Juan Cruz. The Twins and Diamondbacks would have to work out some sort of trade if the deal is actually in […]
I think they will trade Humber and a low level prospect for him. Perhaps Macri, but I don’t see it. I think they will keep Bonser until they can see if he can handle a full season as a middle innings eater/reliever. I think he does have value if he can understand that he isn’t a great starting pitcher. He has wonderful stuff for 2-3-4 innings and would be a nice piece of that pitching staff. He has great stuff…but not enough to continue being a starter. At least not for this team. If he does prove healthy, I could see them moving him for some positional depth in the minors…to a team with a deep system (Brewers or Reds?)
They put Neshek on the 60 Day DL to make room for Crede.
[…] on the Twins front, according to the Star Tribune, the Twins have made an offer to free agent relief pitcher Juan Cruz. This would be a NBA-esque […]
[…] on the Twins front, according to the Star Tribune, the Twins have made an offer to free agent relief pitcher Juan Cruz. This would be a NBA-esque […]
