Update: The Twins will receive cash considerations as well
Posted on July 31st, 2009 – 1:19 PMBy La Velle
Ladendorf was a second round pick in 2008 after a prolific junior college run. Struggled with wood bats his first year in pro ball but hit .410 in 17 games with E-Town before a promotion to Beloit this year Hitting just .233 at Beloit.
There’s a good chance he’ll fill out and become a third baseman.
There are indications the Twins were reluctant to let Ladendorf go. I say big deal, sign Miguel Angel Sano.
Cabrera will try to get to Minnesota in time for tonight’s game against the Angels.
Update: Now I’m hearing that he won’t get here until an hour before game time, and that’s not counting travel time from MSP. The Twins might not add him to the roster until Saturday. It will be interesting to see who comes off for him.
When I crashed last night, the Twins didn’t sound optimistic about a deal. Obviously, that changed either late late last night or early this morning. Wish I could have had more of the blow-by-blow for ya.
Anyway, is this the right deal? Freddy Sanchez was a better fit. Marco Scutaro would be a better fit. And I’m worried that Cabrera is going to bat second in the lineup when he should be seventh. And it’s taken one hot month for him to get his numbers past Brendan Harris.
But he’s been in the playoffs and might be energized to be in a postseason race. We’ll see…
Update: Reports in the last hour have the Twins in on San Diego’s Heath Bell, Oakland’s Michael Wuertz and Arizona’s Jon Rauch.
261 Responses to "Update: The Twins will receive cash considerations as well"
Any word on who we will send down to make room for Cabrera?
who gets sent down wobble?
Red Sox are going to get Victor Martinez.
u said they were weeling and dealin is there still the possibility of more moves?
La Velle do you get the real sense that Billy is trying to make more trades or is this it? and who goes from Buscher,Casilla off the big club?
Any chance Casilla, Delmon Young, Perkins/Liriano and Revere get Hallday? Throw in one more good AA player?
well that makes the deal sweeter….hopefully this assuages the fans and the m&m boys who were pining for o-cab
http://dctwins.wordpress.com
LOL looks like we all are wanting the same questions answered!
If Boston gets VicMart are they out of the Mauer sweepstakes?
well that makes the deal sweeter….hopefully this assuages the fans and the m&m boys who were pining for o-cab
GCOkemos - I don’t think this takes them out of the Mauer sweepstakes. I think V-Mart will end up being their 1st baseman. Youk will move back to 3rd and Lowell will probably be gone after this year.
IN fact, I would give the Blue Jays their choice of Baker, Blackburn, Perkins, or Swarzak. They’re all the same type of pitcher with average stuff, only Perkins is left-handed. If the Jays think like the Twins, Baker would be appealling since he is signed relatively cheap for even an average major league pitcher.
v-mart can backup mauer, play 1b, and dh. ortiz is done after this season.
harris will get dfa’d to make room for carera so gardy can get rid of another player he doesn’t like. casilla will be next when grudzie comes up.
One of the happiest guys at hearing this news is probably Grudzy. Picking up a SS means there’s still a spot for him at 2B if he shows he can still hit.
He and Cabrera in the middle with Harris and Punto sharing backup roles at all 3 IF positions could work.
Problem is, Harris is a better offensive player than Punto, plays the same positions adequately on defense, and costs about $3.5 million less.
He’s about the same in every category as Cabrera, but earns $450K v. the $8 million O-Cab is making.
Not a great move unless maybe Gardy has some love for a guy who’s decent but can’t find a home anywhere…makes you wonder if there’s going to be a clash of personalities a’la Bartlett/Harris?
How is this not a good trade? Because Ladendorf MIGHT be a good major leaguer in 5 years? You get a shortstop hitting .280 TODAY. Sometimes it is about today, and not what a prospect might produce in years to come. And just because the Twins haven’t improved the starting rotation or bullpen does not mean this will not improve the team. Does this not show Management is finally doing something? Even if it was “for show”, it is the first show the Twins have done in years and years. And that, in and of itself, is good reason to make this move.
harris have to clear waivers to get sent down?
Scratch that…Cabrera’s making the same as Punto. Still, I don’t see LNP getting waived or losing much playing time.
miemke
Absolutely no chance the Jays would make that trade. They’ve already turned down much better options than that. 2 of the players you mentioned have virtually no value.
I’m with ya’ Macleod. Not one of the guys we thought we would give up are gone, so the cupboard still has something juicy in it. Let’s go get a starter…
Pardon my ignorance on this whole trading frenzy, but I thought Halladay has a no-trade clause and that the Twins were on the list of team he would not want to be traded to? If ESPN is rerpoting that the Jays want to “be blown away” with an offer, then I don’t see the Twins winning that one. Why cant’ we make a push for Clay Bucholz?
Mac,
It’s not a good trade because you’re trading a career .322 OBP for either a .324 (Harris) or a .319 (Punto). We needed a hitter for the 2-hole and missed him in Sanchez. This wasn’t the best deal for us, but apparently the only one we could make.
MaCleod, you think acquiring a guy in his 30’s, that has the same stats as Harris, that they only have for two months, shows that they’ve somehow changed their stripes? Isn’t this like getting Guardado last year?
How come nobody is talking about sending Casilla down? Why all the Punto and Harris bashing? Casilla is batting .171 for gods sake! I’ll take Cabrera at SS and Punto/Harris at 2B every game for the rest of the year. How is that not an improvement over what the Twins had as of yesterday? We go from no number 2 hitter to a guy hitting .280. Baby steps, baby steps. We are 2 games back to a team that is not lighting it up. We didn’t get Sanchez, who was batting .300. But we didn’t give up a top prospect either. And I refuse to talk salaries. That is for Bill Smith. My “job” is to care about who is on the field, not how much they are making.
If the Twins were serious about winning they would make this trade: Halladay and Vernon Wells(Jays trying to get rid of his salary) for Young,Cuddyer,Perkins,Revere, and Guerra. Throw in Delaney if that is not enough. Twins would have to add salary which they never do, but a clear #1 and a solid OF would clearly prove to Mauer/Morneau that they are serious
An interesting note:
Five years ago today, in a four-team deal, Boston sent Nomar Garciaparra to the Cubs. The Expos sent Orlando Cabrera to the Red Sox (to replace Nomar) and the Cubs sent Brendan Harris to the Montreal (to replace Cabrera). The Twins received Justin Jones from Chicago and sent Doug Mientkiewicz to Boston to make room for Justin Morneau. July 31, 2004.
Anyone making up fantasy trades for Halladay is the REAL FRAUD!
Mike Wants Wins makes the correct point.
You don’t think that deal still would’ve been there at 2:45? Why not wait and see what the Jays so with Halladay? If he gets moved then we have a shot at Scutaro and his .385 on base percentage, better fielder and, at least this year, just what we need in the #2 hole?
“Why cant’ we make a push for Clay Bucholz?”
Because the Sox aren’t trying to trade him and the Twins don’t have anything that would change their mind.
This move makes the Twins better because of Nick Punto. Gardy refuses to not play Punto. With Cabrera at SS at least Punto can go to 2b and be an upgrade over Casilla. Harris can be a spell for Crede and Buscher or Casilla goes down.
Cabrera > Punto
Punto > Casilla
Harris > Buscher
should be worth a win.
Hopefully this means Busch-man is on a (slow) bus back to Rochester. Casilla should probably have his bags packed in the event that Grudzy can pull it back together. One not-great-but-reliable starter could make a big difference in this team, taking more of the pressure off the ‘pen.
Hmmmmm. Here I thought the Twins needed pitching help… SILLY ME!! They actually needed a SS all along so they can try to outscore better teams like the Yanks…… Duh…..Oh well maybe they can trade for another old man to fill the gap/s in the pen and rotation
I agree with Macleod……this is an upgrade…….Cabrera is a solid, proven vet. I like Harris a lot…..but he isn’t a Cabrera, period.
Oh, forgive me people. I forgot for a second that this blog was full of GM’s that could somehow get Halladay and the like for Punto, Casilla, Crain, and Buscher. I was thinking that what the Twins acquired was a guy that might help them make up the two game deficit for this year. I forgot that Bill Smith should be making trade deals that will build a dynasty, while not giving up anything in return. Once again, my apologies. I am so short sighted. Plus, I must have missed the update that showed Harris is no longer playing on the team and the trade deal was a swap of Harris for Cabrera.
And sorry about the updates. The blog crashed right after Noon today. What timing….
This isn’t a “great” trade, but Cabrera is a bit of an upgrade. Nothing to get excited about. What starter is available for the Twins to go get? Nobody (Halladay doesn’t count because it appears he is not available to the Twins even if the club had the pieces to go get him). I think this is it, but I hope I’m surprised.
Cabrera has hit over .280 each of the past four seasons. I’m guessing that the Twins asked Joe Crede about Cabrera’s character as a teammate.
Shawn,
That’s a good point.
Mac,
You should be talking salaries…it’s the impetus for every move this ownership/fo makes.
Your point about forgetting to include Casilla in the equation is a good one.
Lavelle will he be here in time to play tonight?
I don’t see how it makes sense to keep Casilla around on the bench. He can’t hit and isn’t much of a defensive replacement.
There’s some rumbling about dangling F. Hernandez on the Seattle Blogs……..would love to have him lead our staff, but I’m thinking no way we would give up enough.
Yawn. The Twins made a deal. Yippee. Can you hear my enthusiasm? They traded for a 34 yr old who is poor defensively. He’s a minor upgrade for what we have now. If he had signed before spring training, would you have been excited? I’m guessing the reaction would have been something like that of a Boone/Bautista signing.
In my opinion, the only reason BS made the trade was to show the players he actually did something. That’s it. Adding OC doesn’t change my view of this team. We’re still going to struggle to win the Central and I don’t think we’ve got a chance in the ALDS.
I’ll be the first to admit I’m wrong if he lights it up and sparks the team.
By the way, LaVelle, why are the Twins trading away middle infielders if they’ve said that it’s a major weak spot in the minors? Oakland wouldn’t have taken pitching or an outfielder?
Jono…….read update above
One thing in the back of my mind is that this didn’t cost much money and that means the Twins still are one of a few teams that have some room to take on salary (side note: can you believe the Yankees were asking the Royals to pay part of Bannister’s salary if they made a deal for him?).
To me, that means when teams start sending almost their entire rosters through waivers after today, the Twins would have some money to claim a pitcher who other teams might not be willing to claim for financial reasons.
Olney at ESPN says the Twins are still after a reliever. Any truth?
I’m not going to be able to defend Punto on this blog, but he is the 3rd worst hitter on the team, behind Buscher and Casilla. So I will take Punto as the full time 2B as of today over Casilla. And that’s for defense and offense. And, even though I was sarcastic on my last post, people really need to judge each trade on its own, rather than comparing getting Cabrera to not getting Halladay. And if I must consider salary, then I must consider prospects. And the Twins did not give up a top level prospect. It’s a minor gamble and short term fix. And the next two months are short term. The off season is where long term fixes can happen. I’m very comfortable if the Twins are only focusing on the rest of this year, because the Twins focus on the long term has often hurt the current year.
What am I missing here?
How can anyone even suggest sending down anyone other than Buscher?
Olney saying the Twins are hot after Wuertz and Bell.
McLeod,
You are absolutely right about people unrealistically wanting the Twins to send their dregs to another team for their superstars. Most of the proposed deals have no chance of ever happening.
My problem with this deal is that it doesn’t solve three of the biggest problems the team has (RP, SP, 2B) and I don’t think it makes them any more of a contender to reach the playoffs - or to compete there if they do reach the playoffs.
And if that’s the case it’s a bad deal, in my opinion, because they will have traded a prospect for a one-year rental that they probably won’t re-sign in a year where he does little to help their chances on the field.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not at all against trading prospects for established players. I wish the Twins would do that - not every year, but in years where they have a chance to contend or, in the case of this year, where there are opportunities to better themselves for a couple years down the line.
I would give up a couple of the top prospects in the system for a guy like Sanchez or, if he were willing to come here, three or four of the best prospects for a guy like Halladay, because bringing those guys in with a couple years left on their contracts not only helps them truly get better this year (a season I think has already passed them by) but also helps them going into the new ballpark with a team of guys heading into their prime next year.
That’s why, unless there are more moves to come, I don’t believe this Cabrera trade is anything more than the front office doing something so they can say they tried.
Sorry about the long post.
Reading that Eric Karabell thought the Twins would bat Cabrera low in the order (where he belongs)
crikket what is more likely they will spend money on players or put it in the bank or into other pohlad investments?
Why was Sanchez or Scuturo a better fit? The Twins finally make a great deal (after the Star Tribune was ready to unload on Billy Smith if he didn’t make so deal) and now people are bummed about it. The Twins only gave up a Class-A prospect. You’ll never hear about Ladendorf again, just like Kielty in 2003. The Blue Jays and the Pirates wanted Valencia, or the Twins #1 prospect Hicks. Thank goodness the Twins didn’t send Valencia, because we’ll need him next season and Hicks wasn’t worth giving up yet.
Let’s compare:
Scuturo is 33 years old; .266/.335/.386 with a .982 fielding %
Sanchez is 31 years old; .300/.336/.421 with a .987 fielding %
Cabrera is 34 years old; .274/.322/.397
with a .978 fielding %
Harris is 28 years old; .268/.324/.400 with a .974 fielding %
But, Cabrera has batted .280 or better in the last 4 years; Harris is under .270 the past two seasons. None of these guys are power hitters. Cabrera can steal 20 bases. All the others under 10 (Sanchez with 0 to two seasons prior to this season).
Great deal, Billy Smith. Now, if only Grudzielanki could get healthy and come up, last year he was .299/.345/.399.
John - Where are you seeing that?
I think a LOT of people need to eat some crow today. The Twins managed to snag something that a lot of us felt they should’ve made a play for at the beginning of the season.
Only took a minor league prospect (instead of a draft pick) and the Twins are going to GET cash too? Nice.
And yes, I know there will be protests when Cabrera and Punto appear in the MIF for the first time together, but Cabrera batting 7/8 with the remaining member of Casilla/Punto at 2B is already a big step up.
Send down Casilla or cut Punto for Cabrera. Keep Buscher just a bit longer (so we have a 1B/3B back up in case Harris is starting for Crede more frequently).
Barring any more aquisitions, you then send Buscher back down once Grudzy is healthy and go with Morneau/Grudz/Cabrera/Crede.
Frankly, I’m pumped at this aquistion. I know there’s mumblings about Cabrera’s attitude, but I’m hoping that with his former Sox pal Crede just 45 feet away from him he’ll be able to turn that energy into a good influence.
Span
Mauer
Morneau
Kubel/Cuddyer
Cuddyer/Kubel
Crede
Young/Gomez
Cabrera
Punto/Casilla/Harris
Seriously, that lineup looks LOADS better already.
Mac, that’s good point about the club’s attention being on the short term in this deal. They were definitely not building for the future that never gets here with this deal.
well put, victor, well put.
The ONLY way this is a good deal is if Mauer thinks, “man, this team made a deal, maybe they are changing, and I should stay here”. Otherwise, it doesn’t do much.
As much as I disagree with MaCleod in general, I will say he is right on one thing: O Cab puts Punto at 2B, meaning Casilla isn’t playing. That is an upgrade. Of course, they could have had that same upgrade by playing Harris at SS, and Punto at 2B, but Gardy doesn’t want to do that.
here’s the deal harris and young for heath bell. casilla down gets all gardy’s dog house guys off the team.
big happy family again!
Came across this on ESPN:
Minnesota Twins
OLNEY: Twins on Wuertz and Bell
The Twins are working hard in their effort to land a reliever as the deadline nears, reports ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Olney.
They have been talking with the Padres about Heath Bell and Oakland about Mike Wuertz.
Cabrera was a good pick-up for the Red Sox, in their 2004 year. And I don’t see a lot of slippage. If I remember correctly, he clearly picked it up for them, once he had some incentive to play, unlike slogging along for last place Montreal. So I hope he can turn it on here, too, versus his play for the last place A’s.
I think the organization, with or without Gardy’s enthusiastic support, decided to give Casilla some time (from the time of his call up to the time Grudzielanek is ready to be called up) to claim the 2B and #2 spots. If that’s the case, I expect him to remain the primary 2B even after Cabrera is in uniform for the Twins.
Casilla has put up decent numbers for the past week. Is that, given the small sample size, enough to keep him in the line up a few more days? Guess we’ll find out tomorrow.
crikket what is more likely they will spend money on players or put it in the bank or into other pohlad investments?
With the Twins FO actually making a key midseason aquistion, fans immediately switch to their backup whine.
Buscher is the odd man out. Punto and Harris can both play third if Crede gets hurt again. Cuddyer can fill in for Morneau once a month at first.
Still need a starting pitcher.
But Jim, isn’t that why the Twins don’t claim or go after players? Financial reasons.
This move doesn’t do much in my opinion….. Detoilet got Washburn who is pitching well this year…Now that helps them
Buster Olney just reported Twins have interest in Bell and Whuertz YEAH BS if you get this done without giving to much u have given us the best chance to win the AL central and more.
3 team deal that lands us Bell and Wuertz anyone?!
hip hip hooray do it do it do it
Go Twins!
T, I agree with your 2:15 post in general, but I’m not so sure Cabrera is a “key acquisition.” I hope you’re 100% right, though.
i just don’t see them ever giving up what it would take to get bell.
Looks like Halladay may not be traded after all, well the Jays most likely wanted the moon from any team.
Another thing people need to consider.
One of Casilla/Buscher/Punto will likely be removed to make room for Cabrera.
So even if Cabrera plays equal to what Harris has already given, you’re STILL upgrading because you’ve now essentially put Harris/Cabrera in the everyday lineup and also have the other one in the bench.
If we can get Harris in the lineup with Cabrera for now, that’s the optimal lineup, but the team is still stronger with this aquisition.
i sure hope cabrera doesn’t go 0-for-4 with an error in his first game as a twin. these blogs would explode.
This is a good deal..period. Cabrera is batting .377 this month and has been to the playoffs the past 4 years. How many months has Harris even batted over .300??? Anyone. Playoffs??? And this all but assures we won’t have to see Alexi at the plate looking like a mid level T-ball prospect. AND, ESPN is reporting that Oakland is paying his salary for us. We still need pitching, no doubt, but this was a no-brainer for what we had to give up.
If Victor Martinez goes to the BoSox, maybe they won’t be bidding on Mauer at contract’s end.
Hey LaVelle - Buster Olney is reporting that the Twins are going hard after Heath Bell of the Padres and Mike Wuertz of the A’s to bolster the bullpen. Either of these guys would be a great upgrade to the pen. Are you hearing anything that lends support to that report?
Can somebody remind me how the deadline works?
Any deals have to be completed BEFORE the deadline, but they have to be “approved” or something right?
So there’s time after the deadline where other deals trickle out as they gain approval I think.
ggg: crikket what is more likely they will spend money on players or put it in the bank or into other pohlad investments?
CMStupid: But Jim, isn’t that why the Twins don’t claim or go after players? Financial reasons.
Both are legitimate questions in MOST years. I think this season is different.
Remember, what happens is teams send almost their entire roster through waivers, hoping they all clear so that they have flexibility to trade those guys in August/September. If someone they don’t really want to just waive gets claimed, they can pull him back… once. Or they can call that team and work out a trade.
The reason most teams DON’T claim guys is that the waiving team MIGHT just say, “fine… take him and pay him his salary.”
The Twins have the salary room to take that risk on a guy or two this season. Most seasons, they haven’t had that luxury. And since most decent players who get waived wouldn’t be allowed to go without being pulled back, it probably wouldn’t end up costing them the money anyway. So they can still BE “cheap” as long as they’re willing to take a little risk with that extra payroll room.
i sure hope cabrera doesn’t go 0-for-4 with an error in his first game as a twin
That pretty much is exactly what happened to Stewart in his first game. 0-4 in a victory. And I think Kielty had a Grand Slam for Toronto that same night.
That was the ONLY day where people were questioning the trade. 
sane: Isn’t Mauer one of those players that you go get even if you’ve already got a starting catcher (provided you can afford it)
How about Delmon Young, Brian Buscher/Alexi Casilla, plus Mulvey/Humber/Fox/Duensing for Heath Bell.
Then trade Alexi Casilla/Brian Buscher, Fox/Mulvey/Humber/Duensing for Mike Wuertz?
T-
Great points. The team is better off if for no other reason than increasing the bench depth. And, you never know, maybe O-Cab will be excited about playing with the Twins and go off.
If BS can manage another addition before the deadline, color me excited….
i sure hope cabrera doesn’t go 0-for-4 with an error in his first game as a twin. these blogs would explode.
How true.
Since we most likely can’t get Halladay, how about either Wuertz or Bell, then Doug Davis?
Poor Andy LaRoche. Gets traded to the BoSox and then gets traded to Braves a few days later.
I would not be surprised if the Twins send Delmon somewhere in the last hour here.
Mike Wuertz…hell yes!!
I bet Beane wants valencia and gutierrez…steep price but bring the hometwon wuertz to Minn!!
V. Martinez to BoSox is a done deal.
Nice move, it should make Mauer and Morneau happy, he’s the guy they wanted. Hopefully they can get a pitcher as well. Could the Twins have offered anything close to what Detroit gave up for Washburn?
One of Casilla/Buscher/Punto will likely be removed to make room for Cabrera
what about harris??
Well, that sounds great except for the fact that Young, Buscher, Casilla, Mulvey, and Humber likely have virtually no value on the trade market.
Harris will only be “removed” if he’s traded.
crikket i hope you are correct in your thinking, however, it hasn’t been what the twins have done in the past. maybe this year is a new beginning and this key aquistion will make for a long playoff run. i’ll happily trade being wrong for wins!
haha that was funny. Lets trade all our trash for two all star closers. Don’t get your hopes up christian
I believe Delmon has some trade value…not what it was a couple years ago…but he is still a talented young hitter with experience in the league.
I think Buscher is the odd man out. I think he is the type of player who needs to play every day in order to succeed. He is a better player than he has shown this year. But really he does not have any trade value. If he is out of options he should be released or traded for a prospect. After September 1 when rosters expand, Twins will want to take a look at Valencia so Buscher would lose out on playing time then too.
humber has absolutely no value. he had to clear waivers to be sent down, and no one claimed him. that’s gotta be a bad feeling.
T,
Adam not Andy
And it just gets worse for Adam…
2:38pm: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says LaRoche could be swapped for Casey Kotchman.
Talk about an identity crisis.
Wouldn’t getting Wuertz been easier and more attainable with a packaged deal including Cabrera in the mix? I just see us making two separate trades with the same team on the same day.
Plus, Heath Bell is going at a high ransom…
I don’t mean to be Debbie Downer, but I just don’t see these panning out in our favor…especially with other teams with more assets are in the mix as well.
Ok everybody, you’re now a GM of a team. I am the GM of the Twins. I would like to offer you Buscher and Casilla for a player on your team. Hey, together they are batting almost .340! What do you say?
Now, everybody say that out loud. No, yell it out the window six times. Now how does it sound? Ludicrous? So, next time you are about to type something so ridiculous, go to the window and yell out your idea six times. If it still sounds good you may resume typing.
Funny thing is Adam went from Atlanta to Pittsburgh in 2007, now he is back in Atlanta.
Olney/ESPN reporting the Twins “have interest” in Wuertz and Bell.
He could just as accurately report that JimCrikket “has interest” in Angelina Jolie.
Don’t bet the rent money on either “interest” resulting in anything getting consummated in the next 17 minutes, however.
Twins have acquired reliever Mike Wuertz for 3 players: 3b Valencia, SP Mulvey, and SP Gutierrez
according to olney on ESPN
Christian,
Why don’t you want to keep Delmon, Casilla or Buscher?
Your answer will be the same answer of why other teams wouldn’t want him.
crikket do you really want all those kids running around?
Why does everyone keep spouting that we NEED Valencia next year. Is there some sort of rule preventing them from re-signing Crede? The situation next year won’t be that different from this. Nathan, Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, etc. will still here. The only difference is the Twins will have even more $ because us sheep will all be packing Target field. Sanchez was a better fit because he’s a second basemen and a better hitter AND a team option exists for next year. Water under the bridge now, but the argument that we can’t trade a questionable third base prospect because we need him next year doesn’t make any sense.
Crikket, if you need an introduction to Angelina, I can help. True, it won’t be in the next 17 minutes . . .
if that trade is true that would be a rather steep price imo. seems odd to make 2 trades with the same club within hours.
Crikket, I think you’ve got a shot with Angelina Jolie. Really, I do.
Coyote -
I dont want them not because I dont believe they cant perform, but because we already have a glut of players…and players waiting in the wings.
I am certain that Delmon, Casilla and Buscher could be good ballplayers, but not with the Twins. Buscher needs to play everyday to succeed, as does Delmon. Casilla still has high potential.
ggg-
I agree, pretty steep. And why would BS be willing to offer a former untouchable (Valencia) so suddenly?
Oh well, we’ll see how it all pans out.
per nightengale. the twins are in talks with the diamondbacks for reliever john rauch and are out of the Bell sweepstakes.
seems odd to make 2 trades with the same club within hours.
IF that trade is true (and I’ve yet to see ANY confirmation anywhere), the goal could’ve been to make sure the search for a reliever didn’t impede the search for a MIF (and vice versa)
The Twins wanted both, but wanted to make sure to get at least ONE. Hence they agreed to the Cabrera trade and then kept pushing for a second trade.
But again, I have not seen ANYTHING confirming this ANYWHERE.
ggg, I can put up with a little whining and crying.
After all, I’ve been hanging around these blogs, haven’t I? And for a lot less beneficial return than Angelina could provide. 
Christian’s arguement:
I don’t want these players because they need to play everyday to be good. And they aren’t good enough to crack my line-up, but they would be good enough to crack your line-up. Speaking of crack; this cracks me up and/or Christian is on crack.
I don’t recall Billy Smith ever saying Valencia was untouchable. It was primarily conjencture on the part of the media that it was the case.
Twins have acquired reliever Mike Wuertz for 3 players: 3b Valencia, SP Mulvey, and SP Gutierrez
serious?
I’m not buying what TwinsFan says above. Seems far too steep a price.
We need a STARTER.
TwinsFan: Could you provide a link to that item? I see no confirmation — much like others on here.
No, that Wuertz thing isn’t true.
They’ve ended their pursuit of Bell saying the price is too high. Yuck on Rauch. Not much of an upgrade in the bullpen.
no f’in way
If twinsfan isn’t joking, that might be one of the worst trades I’ve ever seen. Three legit prospects for relief pitcher? That would be utterly bizarre.
Cabrera is not significantly better than Harris at short. This just adds another marginal player to the mix…nothing more, nothing less
“Twins have acquired reliever Mike Wuertz for 3 players: 3b Valencia, SP Mulvey, and SP Gutierrez”
I call Bull Sh-t!
The Twins would not trade two good prospects for a RP, IMO.
I could see another team taking Young or Casilla, but only in return for a(nother) minor player.
Twins need a starter and a reliever or two.
love the deal. we didn’t sign him in the offseason, big deal…it bypasses those bad months at the beginning of the season. rumors show the twins involved in talks with SD about Bell. go do it Billy!
Twins have acquired reliever Mike Wuertz for 3 players: 3b Valencia, SP Mulvey, and SP Gutierrez”
just a post by some little kid trying to make a funny
This is yet another nothing move. You slide a guy into the 2-hole that has an OBP of exactly that of Nikki P. Wow. Glad I can watch this team from a distance and not get too worked up over a GM that seems over his head. It’s sad that at one point this team had on it’s roster at the same time a Cy Young winner; MVP, batting champion, gold-glove CF and arguably the best reliver in the game yet couldn’t put the pieces around that core to do anything. Ish.
Why do people even believe him? They wouldn’t trade Valencia for Cabrera, they won’t trade him and two other top prospects for a reliever. Especially when that might be a contending deal for Heath Bell.
My spin: Good approach.
Langendorf is a solid prospect. He very well could turn out to be something. But you’ve got to be willing to give up something other than crap to get something of value. You don’t always have to pull one over on the other guy. The last time we did something like this was Travis Bowyer for Castillo.
I don’t expect to part with a Valencia or a Hicks. But a willingness to upgrade at the expense of a legitimate, but uncertain, prospect can be a tool in a GM’s arsenal.
Maybe this can be a comfort zone for Billy S. And, if Langendorf turns out to be an Alexei or a Bartlett, so be it. We traded some potential, but not a near-sure thing (Valencia) or a player with super-star upside (Hicks),to upgrade for a pennant race.
Time’s Up!
Rumor has it Billy Smith still thinks he has another hour to make a trade. He didn’t realize what the ET after 4:00 meant.
“Twins have acquired reliever Mike Wuertz for 3 players: 3b Valencia, SP Mulvey, and SP Gutierrez”
The donkey who posted that, was too stupid to make that phony trade realistic.
So far I have heard nothing and read nothing on sports radio or sports websites that have ripped the Twins for the Cabrera deal. But then again, those are just guys that cover baseball for a living, not a bunch of people at other jobs blogging on the Twins website.
Gotta love this stuff.
At 2:37 FOX reported the Marlins were no longer pursuing Nick Johnson.
By 3:00 FOX reported they got him and the money to pay his salary for a AA pitcher.
This has been the most interesting trading deadline I remember in a very long time, with or without the Twins’ involvement.
the ET stands for End Trading.
Trades are often announced after the deadline. Word is that Halladay may be going to the Angels…
Come on bill! This is not the time to remind your wife to put the potroast in the oven soon.
The Twins could not have done any Wuertz
by landing Rauch and Bell…
Chad: the ET means that after 4:00 p.m., MLB teams are only allowed to trade with Extra Terrestrials.
ESPN is reporting that the Twins are considering moving Alexi Casilla and Kevin Mulvey to the Klingons in return for Commander Worf.
LOL Macleod…you make me feel very insecure about myself after posting that…
JoeC reporting the Twins are done.
That said, I still think if some decent pitchers (maybe even the guys they tried to get at the deadline) are sent through waivers, something could still get done in the next week or so.
Haven’t seen the Halladay thing confirmed. Probably not true…
“So far I have heard nothing and read nothing on sports radio or sports websites that have ripped the Twins for the Cabrera deal.
Nobody gets ripped for trading no-name minor leaguer(s) for a proven MLB player.
Not until the minor leaguer succeeds in MLB.
So let me get this straight.
The Twins could have had Orlando Cabrera for the full 2009 season, at the cost of the number 22 pick in this year’s draft, and half the cost of Nick Punto’s salary.
Instead, they get him for 2 months at the cost of last year’s number 60 pick…and still owe Nick Punto almost $6M bucks. And they can’t offer Cabrera arb so will get no draft pick in return.
Bill Smith is in over his head, it’s more and more obvious every day.
Yep, three people saying the Twins are done and Smith will talk at 4 CT.
Chief,
But this way, we get Nick Punto for two years.
He walks and we get a draft pick. (or two)
Where are people seeing that the twins are done. Twitter?
And we don’t pay ANYTHING for Cabrera’s salary.
Chief -
We get Cabrera at the beginning of the season, we lose Kyle Gibson, one of the best pitching prospects in this years draft, to the hated White Sox. Now what would you rather have done.
You would have been ripping into BS when Cabrera had his .176 line or whatever in the first few months. Apparently, Bill Smith just cannot win…
There will be NO draft picks for Cabrera when he leaves via FA. His agent worked that into the deal.
chief this has been reported to be a key acquisition. you are being overly critical of the front office.
If the Twins are indeed done today, there will be plenty of waiver wire action between now and Sept. 1
There are quite a few teams that are in the hunt now, but will not be by months end. Some of these teams will want to dump contracts before the offseason.
Jake Peavy has been traded to the White Sox. No word if he has approved it this time (hopefully not).
I don’t agree with your analysis, USAChief. I’d rather have kept the number 1 pick than signed Ocab. Plus, at the time, who thought Casilla would be this bad? I don’t blame them for not signing a 34 year old SS that wasn’t that good, when they had Harris and Casilla.
As for the over his head part, we need 1 more offseason to see that. It’s only been 18 months. And everyone’s favorite GM left the cubboard pretty barren, apparently….
Tonight’s lineup:
Buscher 3B
Harris SS
Casilla 2b
Four at-bats each.
Loser leaves town.
Let’s see who can play under pressure!
Peavy to White Sox again? LOL, did he change his mind this time?
sane what kind of draft picks would you think they’ll get for nicky?
Christian,
If Cabera was hitting in the 2 hole for the Twins all year I highly doubt that he ever hits .176…
You will have a better point, Christian, when/if the Twins actually sign Gibson.
In any case I pointed out in my first post that it would’ve cost the #22 pick.
But you’re forgetting this trade cost last year’s #60 pick, who is already IN the Twins minor league system, and plays a position of immense need.
It’s also ironic that you point out Cabrera’s ‘.176 line or whatever’ in the same post you’re defending the trade.
ggg,
“what kind of draft picks would you think they’ll get for nicky?”
What do you get for a type-D free agent?
chinmusic
The problem is one of those teams out of the hunt by Sept.1st could be the Twins.Cabrera was a decent pick up,but I would have loved to see the pitching staff helped.
If the Peavy trade is true,and he agrees,the Tigers and the White Sox may have left the Twins in the dust.Both of those revamped rotations put the Twins current rotation to shame.
What is Epstein doing with the Red Sox?
Here is their depth chart?:
3B
Lowell
Youkalis
1B
Youkalis
Laroche
Martinez
C
Martinez
Varitek
Appartently Youkalis was already pissed for about reduced playing time with laroche.
Freddy Sanchez may have been a better “fit” but he was sitting on the Pirates bench with a sore knee and now he’s sitting on the Giants bench. Better fits don’t help if they’re not playing.
Washburn to the Tiggers and Peavy to the Sux. Franchise better pick it up or all the Twins fans will just get Deunsced…
last i heard it was 2 40th round picks in the North St Paul pee wee draft.
“You will have a better point, Christian, when/if the Twins actually sign Gibson”
If they don’t sign him, I believe they regain a #1 supplemental for next year.
I did not think you could trade a player on the DL, so how could Peavey go to the White Sox and he still has to approve the trade.
I’m worried about Peavy leaving this time. Things look bleak, to say the least. In yesterday’s SD lineup, the pitcher had the third best BA at .250. [As I typed this, mlb.com is reporting that it is now a done deal.]
The Peavy deal is official. Clayton Richard and three minor league prospects going to San Diego.
sane i think they only get a new pick if it’s a top 10 pick that doesn’t sign.
I’m worried about Peavy leaving this time. Things look bleak in SD, to say the least. In yesterday’s SD lineup, the pitcher had the third best BA at .250. [As I typed this, mlb.com is reporting that it is now a done deal.]
cc in StCloud, BoSox traded LaRoche to the Braves. Youk will be just fine w/ that
You didn’t sign Orlando Cabrera at the begining of the year because…he’s Orlando Cabrera.
You trade for him now becuase he has been playing way over his head lately.
If Gilbson doesn’t sign, the Twins will get the #23 pick in next year’s draft.
If you fail to sign a 1st roudn pick, you get the pick after the original pick. If the Nats don’t sign Strasburg, they’ll get the #2 overall pick next year.
Yep, Peavy approves the deal…
Peavy hasn’t pitched since June 8 because of a torn ankle tendon that he is still rehabbing, and he makes $11 million this year.
That ought to help the Sox as much as the Griffey Jr. move last year.
Peavy would get lit up in the AL.
That’s why he’s not here already.
If the Sux made him an offer earlier this year and he said “no thanks”, it makes no sense for him to agree now.
Its nice to see that we have 12 games left against the tribe. That should be an easy 12-0, throw in another 12 against KC, and things are looking pretty good.
“You didn’t sign Orlando Cabrera at the begining of the year because…he’s Orlando Cabrera.”
If only Smith had used that logic with Punto.
Peavy and Washburn are in the AL Central??? Awesome!
Oh, wait, they are on the White Sox and Tigers….
Yikes.
thanks for clearing that up jeremy. i thought it was only a top 10 pick.
i doubt that peavey and washburn will offset us picking up cabrera.
I don’t see the Peavy trade will impact this years race. Peavy is on the DL and no one is sure when he will be able to pitch again. They trade one of their guys in their rotation that has been decent this year, so if Peavy can’t pitch soon, the Sox actually put themselves in a hole for this years race.
The Twins can take the salary saved from Oakland’s payment of Cabrera’s salary, and use it to sign Gibson.
Peavy might not pitch again this season they say. He’s on the DL and isn’t expected back until September at the earliest. Could be gone for the year.
They do have him through 2012 and possibly 2013. His ERA is right at 4.00 this year in the NL.
Griffey did help the Sox last year. He gunned down Cuddy at the plate in game 163.
KFAN reporting that Peavy accepts the deal.
Washburn is gone after this season though. Peavy won’t pitch this year possibly, and while he will be in the division for the future, is he getting worse and can he pitch as well in the AL?
The White Sox can have Peavy and the $56 million he is owed through 2012.
cc,
This current version of the Twins has done a remarkable job of playing down to the competition (see A’s & M’s).
Remember what KC did to them in a series that determined whether or not they won the Central last sept…
Peavy is signed for some serious cash. This may actually hurt the Sox because of how much payroll he ties up.
Hopefully, Peavy will tie up enough White Sox payroll to paralyze them a little.
Sorry, saam.
You were first.
Okay, Peavy might not pitch again until next year.
It still is the type of move that would have made sense for the Twins. He might help the Sox this year. But he’s locked up for two or three more years. And when he’s healthy he teams with Buehrle to make a pretty solid top of the rotation combo.
I like that move better than the Cabrera acquisition.
“I like that move better than the Cabrera acquisition”
That’s because you didn’t have to pay for it.
sane, I feel so much smarter knowing that you agree with me.
The Twins are going to need the $56 million in Peavy money to re-sign Mauer.
Keep in mind the White Sox have Dye and Thome’s contracts able to come off the books after this season, which is around $25 million. Plus Jose Contreras makes just under $10 million per year and he can walk as well.
Sane: one game playoff between Casilla, Buscher, and Harris? Do you have a tie breaker on an 0-12 night? And you better have a second tie breaker on the strike outs.
The Twins payroll is $15m-$20m lower now than it was when they let Hunter go and traded Santana.
They’re moving into a new ballpark that reportedly will bring in an equal amount more in revenue each year.
The Twins can cry small market, blah, blah, blah, all they want. It’s a a cop out for not going out and making the impact type moves that are available on the market to truly contend for a championship once in awhile.
Shaun, that means they are trading 1 player for 3 players spots on the roster.
getting cabrera sends a strong message to mauer and i wouldn’t be surprised to see him sign an extension within the next week.
Cabrera: 400 ab, ~35 K’s. Harris: 300 AB, 62 K’s. There is your upgrade right there. How many times has Harris stood there and taken strike 3, when we just needed a ball in play to get a guy in from 3rd, or move a runner?
LOL: people complaining about giving up a low A player; yesterday people wanted us to give up perhpas our best AAA player for Sanchez, who has never been on a winning team.
Last thought: Harris will be the primary back-up at third, I hope, with Buscher going away. That means on days when Crede is out, that we can have Cabrera at short, Harris at third, and only have to see one of the Punto/Casilla combination at 2nd. And that leaves Punto/Casilla available for pinch running, or defense.
Macleod,
“Do you have a tie breaker on an 0-12 night?”
How about the player with the highest rectal thermometer reading during his final at-bat, gets cut?
where is dr don when you need him sane?
ggg,
“where is dr don when you need him?”
We can settle for highest pulse rate.
i think the peavy deal hurts the mighty whiteys more than it helps them, especially this year. They traded a guy in their starting rotation for a guy that may not pitch again this year, and even if he does, probably won’t be very effective. And, after he gets healthy in the offseason, he’s no longer pitching in petco park, and has to face a full time dh. And the Royals OWN him, lol.
David,
No doubt, plus the Sox have seen a much more noticeable decrease in their attendance this year. If Peavy ever gets seriously hurt that contract will weigh heavy.
But that’s Kenny Williams for ya. He just goes for it.
honestly, if Peavy pitches 30 innings for the Sox w/o getting injured, i’ll be shocked…I thought the twinks had this dynamite scouting department and outstanding coaching up and down their minor league system? ONe example, why has Shooter Hunt walked everyone he’s faced? Is Chris Parmalee still considered a prospect? Why is the cupboard so bare that we can’t get 2 or 3 marginal MLB vets in hear to help out?
And, i forgot to mention the obvious money he ties up. sure, dye and thome come off the books, but thats good, they are known twins killers.
What are the Sox doing trading for a guy that may not pitch again this year?
How doe that help them THIS SEASON when they’re still within a shot of the division?
Peavy is on the DL right now but he might help put the Sox over the top even if he only pitches in September.
Sane: if any of the three has a reading on your thermometer, I would keep that player. Because none of the three appear to show a pulse or has any fire in their belly!
any update on wuertz or bell?
How well will he pitch off injury if he does come back in September? He has a 4.00 ERA this season before the injury.
Plus, it’s been mentioned that rushing him back could hurt him down the road and they have quite a bit of $$ invested in him.
I also like it for the flexibility: Assuming we send down Buscher (not a sure thing, I guess), then we have Crede, Harris and Punto who can play third, Cabrera, Harris and Punto who can play short, and Harris, Punto, and Casilla, to play second. That should allow for more liberal pinch-hitting/running. Buscher can’t run and can only play third. It makes it easier to pinch hit Young or Kubel or whoever for Punto or Casilla in a key spot.
You didn’t sign Orlando Cabrera at the begining of the year because…he’s Orlando Cabrera.
You trade for him now becuase he has been playing way over his head lately.
That’s some nice logic.
Cabrera sucks, so you don’t sign him.
But he had a hot month, so you trade for him.
That logic train is how you end up with Alexi Casilla as your primary option at 2nd base, and helped a great deal in putting you IN this situation in the first place.
Shawn from Chicago,
Griffey was the only outfielder in the league (besides Johnny Damon) who they would have sent Cuddy on that short of a fly ball. Griffey was (and is) washed up.
So who do you guys think is going to play second? That was the main problem to begin with. Cabrera is a solid player and a fine addition to the team, but there’s not a ton of value in swapping out Harris and platooning him at third. Harris is a strong player and should be starting somewhere. It seems logical that Buscher, Punto or Casilla will have to go.
That’s some nice logic.
It’s no better than yours. But honestly, I’ve come to expect you to find ways to keep yourself being miserable.
It’s become somewhat amusing really.
Griffey is still good for at least 1 HR each series he faces the Twins though
“Griffey was (and is) washed up.”
Someone should have reminded him before he lit up Liriano on Opening Day at the Dome.
woot!…grudzy is hitting .333 in A rookie ball….woot!
How much cash did we get? Ladendorf got $700,000 to sign. We won’t get anything for Cabrera when he signs with someone else next year.
I would have much preferred Sanchez or Washburn or even slightly preferred Scutaro but think that Cabrera can help. I sure wish they could get a big arm for the BP though.
It’s no better than yours. But honestly, I’ve come to expect you to find ways to keep yourself being miserable.
It’s become somewhat amusing really.
Nice of you to drop by and offer some insightful analysis, T, rather than just ignore the actual issue and attack the poster instead.
Well said.
Grudz’s AA debut in New Britain tonight is postponed. (rain)
Grudz can be a very good #2 hitter…I hope he can get ready soon. He and Cabrera will be upgrades for sure.
If Grudzy is so good shouldn’t he be hitting .450 in the rookie league? How much can a 39 year old help anyway?
“If Grudzy is so good shouldn’t he be hitting .450 in the rookie league? How much can a 39 year old help anyway?”
1)He is just starting to face pitchers who are trying to get him out.
Batting Practice pitching isn’t the same.
2) He did fine all of the last six years and btw he was 38 last year.
3) Omar Vizquel is doing fine for the Rangers at 42.
You ever look at the stats of players from the bigs who are rehabbing? Most of them do not have great averages at all. They are just getting their stroke down and working on other things. Grudz. is basically rehabbing. Hey, he may have lost it but maybe not. Worth a try. As for being 39, there have been many players of tht age or older who have contributed to teams in the past.
I was referring to their minor league stats by the way.
Very, very nice signing. Surprised at how skeptical people are. If he bats .250, he’ll be a significant upgrade.
Nice job BS. Filled 1 gaping hole. Too bad more wasn’t done.
This WILL energize the club. Trust me.
Cabrera has won two gloves, too (2001 and as recently as 2007). Not always the most accurate measure of defensive ability (see Nate Mclouth), but would anybody ever seriously even think that Harris would get a single vote for that honor?
two outs and Blackburn losses that bear-down-on-every-pitch focus. many of the Twins’ SPs have this problem.
that s/b loses
why not bring in Mijares to pitch to Abreau?
It shure would have been nice to have 1 more pitching option for the 7th. The biggest need for this team wasn’t addressed, pitching.. i love the prospects we won’t see for 4-5 years though.
Crain is useless. Gardy continues to put him in important games. He is last option at best.
Apparently this team doesn’t need any pitching help, lol.. Bill Smith you’re the greatest. At least we won’t have to see Harris try and play short anymore. This game was pathetic.
Crain is why it was imperative to get bullpen help. Crain needs to go!
I wonder if those prospects could be any worse then Crain right now.
Still no outs. pathetic
Wow. They are going to have to get a different pitcher in just to get an out it seems.
Majares should have pitched the 7th, but for some reason Gardie thought Blackie could pitch 7. It was a horrible move on the managers part and Crain is here because the Twinks have no options, Bill Smith is a fathead.
What about Keppel? Twins had a day off yesterday
Crain is done, because of the one good outing against the Sox Smith got dizzy. Crain, Keppel, Dickie its all minor league talent. Teams win with pitching and this one is short of it. Matty made one bad pitch, but the loss was in the 7th, not a good move Gardie.
Crain has two pitches and he throws fastballs with no movemente 80% of the time.
6 freakin’ runs in an inning. How is the bullpen not top priority during the trade deadline. Offense is not going to help if they give up this many runs.
Exactly Nora, I wish the M&M boys would walk onto the field and point at Smith’s press box.
Things like this have to happen for Smithy to realize that Crain is a bum. Maybe at some point it will get through his fathead.
How can you complain the bullpen is being used too much and when Gardy gives the starter a chance to go deeper in the game and fails you complain about not going to the bullpen????
Gardie has to realize his starters can’t go more than six innings. Most of the time they breakdown in the fifth, once in awhile someone goes 8 or 9 and give hope that they are legit but its no more than a mirage. In reality they are #3 and 4 type starters up and down the rotation. Blackie gave up a ton of hits last night and should have been taken out in the 7th.
I am glad the Twins did not mortgage the farm to get Peavy/Halliday/Washburn. Over the last few years, the ChiSox, Indians and Detroit seemed to have dealt for players before the trade deadline. The results since 2002:
Twins = 4 playoff appearences
ChiSox = 2
Indians = 1
Detroit = 1
KC = 0
The Twins have the correct formula. Hold onto prospects, and be competitive consistently. As a fan, I would hate for the Twins not be competitive 2 years from now because of one of the aforementioned pitcher. My 2 cents.
The Twins front office continues to bend us fans over the table and ram us in the behind with no moves to improve this club year after year! Cabera is the typical move they always make, signing or trading for someone who is past their prime and over the hill. EVERYONE knows this bullpen has sucked most of this year and what does this frickin team do, get a position player and not address the real need on this team which is the bullpen. Crain is horrible, Dickie is below average, Keppel has had a few bad outings as of late. They lose Slowey to injury for the year and they don’t try to get a starter from another team. This team never wants to part with prospects and improve this team and it’s getting really old. To get something, you have to give something and Bill Smith doesn’t seem to realize that. Even with a new stadium next year, we all can expect the same old moves from the same old Twins front office!
Offense is not going to help if they give up this many runs.
Didn’t you post this already elsewhere? Oh well, I’ll post the same reply I did there here.
A stronger offense can pick up a weaker bullpen by hopefully giving it more runs to work with.
Just like a stronger bullpen can pick up a weaker offense by hopefully being able to hold the leads its given.
You wonder if the real reason the Twins did not do any major deals and add to the
payroll is preparing for the next Joe Mauer contract.
I think that they will have a hard time getting Mauer signed to a new deal if are only willing to spend money on him, and not try to build a World Series capable team.
To me, the move that was made yesterday shows that the team is only willing to go part of the way in achieving that goal.
I like the Cabrera move, and maybe Grudzielanek will prove to still have something left in the tank, but to go after relievers like Bell and Weurtz you should already have an idea about what you’re going to have to give up in the first place. Not just say that you went after them and say that they wanted too much in return.
“The Twins front office continues to bend us fans over the table and ram us in the behind with no moves to improve this club year after year!”
Ha! Just a hunch, but you may be taking this far too personally.
But, can Cabrera pitch?????
