Morning update
Posted on December 9th, 2009 – 9:56 AMBy La Velle
The Twins met yesterday with the agent for Mark DeRosa and definitely are exploring ways to land the versatile player. DeRosa is 34 but still hit 23 homers and 78 RBI last year in stints with Cleveland and St. Louis (batted .250 but, IIRC, has an injury with the Cards). He could be the best thing the Twins have as a No. 2 hitter in front of Joe Mauer.
There are several third baseman available, and the buyer’s market could grow after Saturday, when some arbitration-eligible players aren’t tendered contracts. For instance, there’s a lot of speculation that Colorado will non-tender Garrett Atkins. That could drive down prices.
There have been rumors that DeRosa is seeking a three-year, $27 million deal, but the market could force him to settle for less. The indications I received last night (early this morning) were that the Twins would find ways to make a two and, possibly, a three-year deal work.
So don’t expect anything to go down this week. Teams will wait until after the tender deadline on Saturday to survey the market and plan accordingly.
I know there’s a report of the Twins having interest in Adrian Beltre, Pedro Feliz and Juan Uribe. The agents for Feliz have not heard from the Twins. I have not heard anything about Beltre - although the Twins have spoken with his agent, Scott Boras, about Joe Crede and might have asked about Beltre too. And the Uribe link….I just don’t believe it.
Ran into an agent with the same agency that represents Rich Harden. The Twins have not been in contact recently and it sounded like the Mariners had a good shot to land him.
There continues to be mutual interest between the Twins and former Gopher Robb Quinlan, but nothing is close. And I sense that the Twins view Quinlan as a minor league sign with an invite to camp, while Quinlan is looking for a major league deal.
Update: I forgot to mention that the Twins tried to sign Boof Bonser to a one-year deal in recent weeks but were rebuffed. If he had signed, he probably wouldn’t have been desginated for assignment on Tuesday. It was risky for Bonser, who is coming off of shoulder surgery to turn down a deal. Now, he’s expected to become a free agent on Saturday when the Twins release him.
BTW, I met former Twins Bill Singer and Mike Cubbage at breakfast this morning. Their claim to fame is that they arrived with Jim Gideon, Roy Smalley and $250,000 from Texas in 1976 in exchange for Bert Blyleven and Danny Thompson.
Singer is a scout with Washington. Cubbage is with the Rays.
Singer couldn’t believe Sid Hartman still works. He’s not the only one. (rim shot)
143 Responses to "Morning update"
Is O-Cab totally out of the Twins picture?
What’s the news on Kouz? How about a left side of J.J. and K.K.?
I wouldn’t call what Sid does “working.”
Its more like “This person who was in MN for 5 minutes recently spoke at a dinner in Helena, Montana”.
Great Sid.
Sid’s been trumpeting Robb Quinlan for years.
I hope his poor old heart can take it when the Twins trade Perkins.
Mauer will be dealt, good chance of it by spring training, so DeRosa will have to settle for batting in front of Morneau? or Kubel?
I don’t think DeRosa has a catchy nickname, so the Twins are better off with the Crushin’ Russian at third.
I really have a hard time believing DeRosa would get $9 mil a year after Figgins just signed for $9 mil a year (granted it was a 4 year deal, not a 3 year deal).
I still think Felipe Lopez or Orlando Hudson would be better fits and have Punto play 3rd (The only reason I say Punto at 3rd is that Bill Smith said that Gardy will find a spot for Punto). Lopez or Hudson have very solid OBPs and would fit nicely hitting in front of Mauer.
What is the Twins interest in Felipe Lopez and Orlando Hudson?
Why would they give DeRosa a three year deal if they would’t for Casey Blake last year? Same situation I would think.
It seems as though the Twins are looking to do something at third and not second. I too would like Hudson or Lopez, but third seems to be the area of interest.
They may already see Punto as the starting second basemen.
The best thing about DeRosa is that he is versatile. He could play third until Valencia is ready and then move over to second and replace Punto.
Likewise, if the Twins need him in the outfield one day he could play LF or RF and Harris or Tolbert could play third.
The big thing is money. I don’t think he’s worth $9 million and several teams might overbid.
derosa has about the same stike out ratio and obp as delmon does, why would you want him to bat 2nd when there are guys out there like lopez and hudson? even make a trade and bring back casillo he’d be a great #2 hitter and seems to be healthy again.
ggg: I’m not sure the Twins’ care about OBP. The number two hitter needs to be:
1. a middle infielder that doesn’t hit HRs.
2. scrappy.
3. “fast”.
Other than that, I’m not sure what the Twins look for in a number two hitter.
You all keep saying these guys aren’t worth the money they are getting, but they keep getting it. So, if you want them to get one of these guys, they’ll have to “overpay” in your eyes. Or, they can wait until February and see which injured/old/less expensive guy is available.
before I forget: that last post was not serious. Not all posts are serious posts by me. Sorry.
Ha! The Twins were “rebuffed” by Boof. Nice bit of alliteration, La Velle. Good luck in the cruel world, Bonser.
maybe they were reboofed?
mike i think you forgot #4 can’t bunt.
They may already see Punto as the starting second basemen.
I haven’t heard anything regarding Cabrera and connections to ANY team…which is very unusual.
mike i think you forgot #4 can’t bunt.
You don’t pay your former MVP and first guy to hit 30 HRs in however many years to bunt guys over.
Tell me this isn’t true. A guy who hits a few bombs and plays below average 3b, 2b, and OF, is possibly gonna get a 3 year deal from the twins? I think great points are made about Blake last year, and also on Hudson and Lopez. Lopez had a .385 on base percentage last year!
It’s like they are becoming so infatuated with the home run that they are forgetting you need guys on base for M, M, and K. Plus we have bad defense in the OF overall now, average defense at SS, and then add below average defense at 3b? Is it just me or does this just not make sense?
Is it also me, or does it seem like 2b is not even being looked at, based on a 3 week run by LNP?
I think the can’t bunt thing referred to the Twins checklist of a perfect #2 hitter, not Morneau.
t we were talking about the #2 spot unless you have inside info that morneau is being moved there?
T,
I think #4 refers to Mikes list of 3, rather than to our cleanup hitter.
My guess: The Twins brass is playing the annual ‘walk the dog’ game. They trot around sniffing at every fire hydrant, but in the end decide they don’t need to pee on any of them, except for a small tinkle next to the dying brown weed as they go back inside the front door.
I cannot see the Twins adding a $8-10M per year guy with a several year commitment unless:
1) They intend to also find some current roster $ dumpage. (The guys everyone want to unload are not the $ guys - except Nathan)
2) They have no intention to pursue the re-signing of one Joe Mauer.
3) The Twins are no longer the Twins, but rather some new entity that no Twins fan has ever seen or heard of before.
Maybe we can still get Sidney Ponson and Mike Lamb.
btw, scrappy included “gets after it”…I should have made that more clear.
For the serious part, my wish would be for a great OBP guy in the two hole over a guy that might hit 20-25 HRs but not get on base 32% of the time. Mauer, Morneau and Kubel could pad their RBI stats like crazy, and I think they’d win more too, than if they get another #7 hitter….
Move Kubel to the 2 hole if you want someone who hits for power and average. Only issues is you would have 4 lefties in a row.
scrappy also includes really being able to “pick it”
“I think they’d win more too, than if they get another #7 hitter….”
Delmon is our #7 hitter and he is only 18?…..20?…….22?……24?….I forget now….years-old.
Did you just write “reboofed”?
“It’s like they are becoming so infatuated with the home run that they are forgetting you need guys on base for M, M, and K.”
~ The Twins are trying to become more like the WhiteSox, and the WhiteSox are trying to become more like the Twins.
sane - I think he’s 23.
DeRosa would not be the #2 hitter. Hardy woudl get that shot before him, and DeRosa would then fight Young for the 7th spot and Punto bats ninth.
The guy is a great clubhouse guy. no way anyone gives him 9 mill, esp on a multi-year deal. I think something similar to what Blake got last year is what he’ll get.
sorry sane, I meant a guy that is like a number 7 hitter, not replacing Delmon. Kouz is like that, low OBP, but with some pop. Classic #7 type, as opposed to a high OBP type, like should be hitting 2nd.
I massively agree with MWW’s 11:20. Two hole on base. That’s it! Can you imagine how many runs we forfeited last year just from the pathetic two hole.
I agree with the desire for some OBP in the number two hitter. If you have Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, and Cuddyer coming up, the only job is to not make outs, either at the plate or on the basepaths.
“a guy that might hit 20-25 HRs but not get on base 32% of the time.”
This is the guy that I want. 20-25 HRs? .680 OBP? Yessir.
Does anyone else see shades of Mike Lamb in the DeRosa situation? A guy who played multiple postions, but didn’t play any of them particularly well. And only put up decent numbers in the National League.
I could maybe see going up to $6 million a year for two years. Anything above that; forget it.
I’m not sure why the organization is so down on Valencia at the moment. He should be give a chance to win the job.
“a guy that might hit 20-25 HRs but not get on base 32% of the time.”
This is the guy that I want. 20-25 HRs? .680 OBP? Yessir.
Isn’t that Joe Mauer?
Williams has the record for career OBP at .481. I think Bonds has single season record slightly over .600.
Matt has a point with regards to DeRosa.DeRosa is a better hitter than Lamb was,but is only servicable in the field and at 34 I wouldn’t want to see the Twins give him the three year deal he wants.And not 9 million for even a year.If they are willing to spend that kind of money,go get another starting pitcher IMO.
I hope they kick the tires around the Kouzmanoff talks a bit more.He’s alot younger,and I think,a better thirdbaseman.
by the way heetcpa gets my vote for post of the day.The “walk the dog”,”fire Hydrant” analogy was spot on and had me practically spitting up my coffee!
What would be the issue with having Mauer in the number two spot with Cuddyer or Morneau (or Kubel)behind him. You know Joe gets on base on a regular basis.
Bonds could probably still hit 20-25…
And probably match DY in LF…
Matt, that’s a good one; “Lamb-Shades”.
and yes i do. Gunna be sick…
Any GM that gives DeRosa a 3yr $27M contract should be sentenced to managing a soccer team. For life.
Boof turned down a 1 year deal to stay with an organization he is comfortable with. Good luck Boof…Your going to need it.
I hope they don’t shine the spotlight on DeRosa, he’s too likely to dim down like a Lamb-Shade.
AM,
Bonds might be a good get IF he came to the park just before gametime dressed and ready to go. And left right after the game and showered at home.
“Any GM that gives DeRosa a 3yr $27M contract should be sentenced to managing a soccer team. For life.”
~Or go to work for the Mariners.
Put down the coffee, Dover. It’s noon.
Paul, great job dissecting my sloppy english. I should really re-read my posts before hitting submit.
Agreed, I’d love a guy that got on base 68% of the time!
I second the Pro From Dover on his appreciation of heetcpa’s “walk the dog” analogy. The perfectly sums the Twins’ frony office up. Please prove us wrong this year. Pretty please?
mike,
Sorry dude. I’m not normally quite so pissy. I’ve got a customer I’m dealin with. I’ve been consistantly saying the same thing to them for years. I find out today that they never understood what I was saying. Missed out on a lotta $$$ here.
Paul - No, I liked it! It was funny.
And, there is nothing worse in sales than losing a sale. been there, done that - couldn’t survive sales. I admire anyone that can survive in sales - it’s harder than hitting a baseball percentage wise.
“Delmon is our #7 hitter and he is only 18?…..20?…….22?……24?….I forget now….years-old.”
danny valencia is 25 and would be 26 in sept. has 1/2 season in aaa that was nothing special but somehow he is the next great one? it seems like a player is what he is going to be by this age and the chances of him turning the corner after 25 aren’t that good, however, not unheard of. lets hope.
Regarding the “Walk the Dog” post. I should mention that the dying brown weed is third base. And the last fire hydrant to get, well, nevermind…was Cory Koskie.
“The Twins are trying to become more like the WhiteSox, and the WhiteSox are trying to become more like the Twins.”
And now Ozzie Guillen wants Mike Redmond to back up AJ Pierzynski
I find it amusing that last year the Twins were morons for not getting DeRosa when the Tribe did…and now they’d be morons for getting DeRosa.
Grass is always greener I guess.
mike,
Sales is just part of what I do. I couldn’t survive in sales either.
@#$%&%$# idiot customers!!!
What do you guys think of either Kendrick or Izturis. It sounds like one will be traded. Either would solve our 2b/no. 2 hitter issues. I like Kendrick just becasue he is younger and Izturis is a free agent next year.
“Grass is always greener I guess.”
~Not if you re-read the dog story, lol.
heetcpa
There is another old saying along your line of thinking.
“If you want to run with the Big Dogs you have to learn how to pee in the Tall Grass”. The Twins need to learn to lift their legs a little higher IMO!
birdofprey
Relax it was DeCaf !!
Too bad the Twins couldn’t have waited to offer arb to Carl Pavano. They could have traded for Kevin Correia from the Padres for pretty cheap.
“Too bad the Twins couldn’t have waited to offer arb to Carl Pavano. They could have traded for Kevin Correia from the Padres for pretty cheap.”
According to MLBTRADERUMORS, Correia will be non-tendered.
No reason to trade for him.
Using Strib logic, Correia must suck because he’s being potentially going to be dumped from his old team.
So that means he wouldn’t help at all right?
If they would have traded for him they could have offered him arbitration and/or been able to offer him a contract. Now I’m sure there will be multiple teams going after him and he likely will not be as cheap.
I think Correia would have been cheaper and better in this rotation than Pavano will be.
DeRosa and Quinlan? Is this supposed to stiffen us up?
Come on. What’s with this franchise?! Why are we always looking to be “almost good.”
We won but 86 games last year, in a week division. (Not including the extra game.) With this core, are we not looking to improve right now? Are we not looking to build a team that can win 100 games in a pathetic division and get past the Yankees to the 2010 World Series?
Take a look at this core. It’s there. It’s on par with anything around. Take a look at this team’s REAL finances, not the BS they purport to the media year in year out. They CAN afford a $110 million payroll!!
Get a real second baseman, a real third baseman (even Crede), and go get an ace. I mean, all these pitching “prospects” aren’t worth anything if they can’t be traded here and there. Really, they have no “real” value at this point.
“If they would have traded for him they could have offered him arbitration and/or been able to offer him a contract. Now I’m sure there will be multiple teams going after him”
If he were available for trade, the same teams would (probably) be our competition in the trade offers.
Looks like Hawkins will be pitching for the Brwers next season, got a nice $7.5M deal for two years. Given your choice would it be Crain or Hawkins?
“Using Strib logic”
how much stock can you put in a newspaper that is bankrupt and losing membership daily
Neither, not if you have Nathan, Rauch, Guerrer, Mijares. I want neither Crain or Hawkins for that much money if I already have those four.
“how much stock can you put in a newspaper that is bankrupt and losing membership daily”
Isn’t that EVERY newspaper, though?
heetcpa is having a great day. Nice to see his biorhythms converging on a day when the Good Lord’s are not.
FIRE,
“how much stock can you put in a newspaper that is bankrupt and losing membership daily”
I think that description fits every newspaper that is still in business.
Second!!!
Sorry, Paul.
“Given your choice would it be Crain or Hawkins?”
~My choice would be Hawkins, but only because I could designate a fresh wall in my home for him. The Crain wall has zero room for fresh punch holes.
exactly Pete exactly..
heetcpa, that’s a good one. BTW, you can go ahead and repair the one you had designated for Boof, that must have been a BIG fat wall! Yep, it is “been there, done that with Hawkins”
Sorry again.
I can’t tell Peter from Paul.
FIRE,
You expect the Twins to win the WS, and you expect your newspaper to NOT lose membership or go bankrupt?
You need to lower your expectations.
Speaking of that, how are you and your ninth wife getting along?
KIDDING!!!!!!!
sane i know you were down with the rain but we had 6″ of blowing snow last night 35 mph winds and wind chill at noon of -17. that should make you feel better!!
ggg,
It is actually cold out here, but if I told you the actual temperature, you would laugh at me.
So please, just accept my sympathy and remember…….somewhere out there a billion mosquitoes are freezing to death.
sane, always the eternal optimist!
From trade rumors: “Kelsie Smith of the (other newspaper) spoke to DeRosa’s agent Keith Grunewald, who said talks with the Twins (have been nothing more than preliminary) is like watching a dog sniff fire hydrants”
In case you missed it earlier, I had to run the A/C in my car at 7:30 this morning. I was starting to sweat thru my cotton dress shirt.
“talks with the Twins (have been nothing more than preliminary) is like watching a dog sniff fire hydrants”
Here’s hoping DeRosa’s agent is about to raise his leg and p#$$ at the Twins best offer.
So as not to be interpreted too graphically, I was trying to say “Here’s hoping DeRosa’s agent is about to raise his leg and PASS on the Twins’ best offer”
“Speaking of that, how are you and your ninth wife getting along?”
sane I and my ONLY wife for life are close to celebrating 11 years of marriage
sane is tiger woods?
Harden is on the verge of an agreement with an unknown team. Mariners the front runner?
Nobody answered my morning question about if O - Cab is totally out of the picture. I know JJ Hardy is in town but couldn’t Cabrera play 2nd or 3rd. We need his fire and leadership. Who else has any?
i’d be willing to bet it’s not the twins!
lots of news out of the twins scribs today maybe a hot deal is in the works and they are busy working on the scoop?
Tweet via B. Olney.
The Twins and Padres have had several discussions about Kevin Kouzmanoff, perhaps a better (cheaper) fit for Twins than other 3B options.
‘We need his fire and leadership. Who else has any?’
More important than fire and leadership is baseball ability. And Cabrera probably doesn’t have as much as other players still available. Playing Cabrera out of position should be one of the last resorts for the Twins.
Looks like Rich Harden is heading to the Mariners. 7.5 mil. Their GM is really trying to strengthen that club. Too bad Buffet Bill is asleep.
Report is that Rich Harden has signed with an “unknown” team for $7.5 million and an option for a second year at just over $11 million.
The Mariners had been talking with him today but the team currently is unknown.
Sounds like it may be with the Rangers…
I realize that Harden is a risk because of injury, but in reality so is Pavano. If Harden does sign for $7.5 for this coming season, it’s too bad the Twins didn’t try to get Harden instead of Pavano because Harden has ace type stuff when he is fully healthy.
NBCSports.com reports that Harden is going to Texas.
2009 Harden : 141 IP, 1.340 WHIP, 2.55 SO/BB ratio, 4.35 FIP
2009 Pavano : 199 IP, 1.375 WHIP, 3.77 SO/BB ratio, 4.00 FIP
Pavano has stuff that is probably just as good as Harden, pitched last year in the American League, and threw nearly 60 more innings than Harden. I think that it’s a toss up which guy is more valuable next year - I’d guess Harden might pitch a little better, but fewer innings than Pavano - and they should probably be worth the same.
The difference between Harden and Pavano, is that Harden can carry a staff and be an ace type pitcher for stretches, where Pavano is more of an innings eater who is a little more consistent. Barring injury, the Twins have 3 pitchers who are innings eaters (Baker, Blackburn, Slowey) and none of which have ever really been considered an ace (Baker and Slowey maybe, but still haven’t proved to be). In order for the Twins to make the next step (if they ever do) they need to develop or acquire a pitcher who is considered an ace to pitch game one in a playoff series.
I don’t get the “ace” fixation. Do you think the Twins should acquire an ace that will be better than the other team’s ace so they can win game one of a playoff series? So, let’s see, he’ll have to be better than CC Sabathia, Burnett, Lackey…
Career #’s:
Harden - 3.39 ERA, 9.35 K/9, 1.24 WHIP
Pavano - 4.44 ERA, 5.89 K/9, 1.36 WHIP
I’d take Harden at $7.5 million over Pavano at $7 million. Harden is clearly the more injury prone pitcher though.
Any “average” pitcher will have days when everything (control, “feel”, fastball, breaking ball & change of speeds) is working. An “ace” will also have days when everything is working & his “stuff” is probably better. The difference is that an ace may have a higher percentage of “good” days. An ace can lose to an average pitcher SOMETIMES but will usually win. Depth of rotation is the next best thing to an ace lead rotation. Hopefully the Twins can add good depth to their starting rotation because I really don’t see them adding an ace. Let’s all hope the Twin’s keep adding quality to their roster in as many ways as possible.
“Harden is clearly the more injury prone pitcher though.”
Between ‘05 and ‘08 Pavano made a total of 26 starts for the Yankees. And made a cool $40M. How is Harden more injury prone?
Harden is also almost 6 years younger and less likely than Pavano to regress into Livan Hernandez this year.
Pavano’s career was obviously derailed by injury while with the Yankees, but he was a horse this year. Harden has never shown he can pitch an entire season. IMO Pavano is more likely to pitch 200+ innings, I guess I should have clarified. With that said, I’d still rather take the chance on Harden.
Poor LaVelle. Must be a quiet day. Haven’t heard from him since 9:56 a.m. this morning. I got to believe there is some tidbit he could pass on to us. Hearing nothing is frustratinmg.
SD Twins Fan…Lavelle passes things on when he gets them. Would you rather he make up rumors and start them?
The Twins have always prided themselves on team chemistry. In most respects, Harden and Pavano seem relativeliy similar. The biggest difference though, is that Pavano has already played with the Twins. He’s familiar with the organization, and by all accounts was a good addition to the clubhouse. That counts for a lot. He also has already proven that he can work well with Mauer. Mauer may be our catcher and the heart of our ball team for another decade, and if so the chemistry between him and the pitching staff is going to be crucial to keeping the team happy and successful. Pavano has already demonstrated that he has good chemistry with Mauer.
Why I have I heard from the fan about DeRosa (I believe it was Gardy speaking), and Peter Gammons about Kouzmanoff..? I don’t even care if Lavelle found out that some other team is considering Boof… Just give us something.
I would love him to star rumors. That would be fun!
The decision to offer Pavano arbitration was stupid.
Want proof?
If Harden indeed signs for $7.5M, there’s your proof.
I said it the other day, I’ll say it again. Pavano isn’t very likely to be better than starters already on the roster. Harden at least has a chance to be very, very good. If you’re going to gamble $7M, at least gamble it on something with a worthwhile payoff.
Jason Stark of ESPN at 6:08:
Hearing that Padres offered Kouzmanoff to Giants for Fred Lewis & Kevin Fransden. Asked Twins for Glen Perkins & 2nd player.
DrDon,
No, I don’t want fiction. How about a little bit of honesty. If there’s no news, tell us that. If there is something to pass on, like you say he already does, then pass it on. If that happened, then you and I wouldn’t be having this discussion. I find it hard to believe that “something” couldn’t have been passed on in the last 8 hours.
Well said Chief.
SD Twin fan….trust me- theres room for alot of improvement with mr beat writer, but dont hold your breath…youd swear lavelle has it tougher than anyone, when actually most would kill to have the job he does– i think joe c has it all over lavelle, but what can you do…..hope for the best–sometimes he does a great job but????…………..
“If there’s no news, tell us that.”
He did, when he said nothing.
He said nothing, because there was no news to tell us.
If he has news, he tells us.
If he has no news, he tells us nothing, so we know that he has no news.
That’s the secret code.
Don’t tell anybody, because I promised not to tell anybody, but I just cannot keep a secret.
If you’re going to gamble $7M, at least gamble it on something with a worthwhile payoff.
I’d rather gamble with something with a payoff I’m familiar with. But I understand, now that the Twins are starting to pay to keep players you have to change your tune about what to whine about.
If there’s no news, tell us that.
“Now, here’s my ‘Everything’s O.K.’ alarm! This will sound every three seconds, unless something isn’t okay!” - Homer Simpson
I think LEN3 and JC’s time is better spent out there researching leads and looking for stories, something that would be tough to do if they have to keep running back here to tell us nothing’s changed…
“I find it hard to believe that “something” couldn’t have been passed on in the last 8 hours.”
I think you need to blame BS, SD Twins Fan. So here goes.
It’s not over, but it appears BS wants to stay on the sidelines again. I have to be pessimistic/realistic about it all. The Twins will never sign a quality FA. It’s sickening.
sy,
why did i have to hear from the fan about DeRosa talks, and Jason Starks about Kouzmanoff talks. If they are talking, that’s what we want to know. Sure, I found out, but I’d expect someone from the Trib to give us our local stuff.
I’d rather gamble with something with a payoff I’m familiar with
Given the level of baseball knowledge you regularly put on display here, I have no doubt you prefer a 5-ish ERA and mediocre stuff.
Two years ago, LaVelle went back to his hotel room to write a blog story about how there was no news to report.
While he was writing that story in his room, the Twins traded Johan Santana to the Mets.
Now, LaVelle never writes blog updates about the lack of news.
Instead, he prowls hotel lobbies and hotel bars.
It doesn’t do the Twins any good to leak to their press who they are talking to…since that would potentially draw attention from other teams.
It does however benefit the opposing side of negotiations for other teams to know their now in talks.
The Twins will never sign a quality FA. It’s sickening.
Joe Friggin’ Crede and Carl Friggin’ Pavano. *eyeroll*
As far as Perkins for Kouz, sounds like a kickoff point for further negotiations. As I doubt the Twins would’ve expected to get a much needed 3B for a spare young pitcher. The Pads aren’t dumb, they know how bad the Twins want a long term answer there.
Given the level of baseball knowledge you regularly put on display here…
There goes Chief, insulting users instead of discussing baseball. Thank god you haven’t lost your form in the offseason.
Two years ago, LaVelle went back to his hotel room to write a blog story about how there was no news to report.
While he was writing that story in his room, the Twins traded Johan Santana to the Mets.
I think I remember that.
“why did i have to hear from the fan about DeRosa talks, and Jason Starks about Kouzmanoff talks.”
Why do you care about WHO you hear it from?
That is why there are hundreds of websites and twitterers on the internet.
That is why there are hundreds of websites and twitterers on the internet.
I would also guess that ESPN has tendrils that go deeper into the agents/player sources than local reporters.
At least in regards to OTHER teams. Though it was cool to see either LEN3 or JC was actually texting back and forth with Mauer regarding the supposed deadline a while back.
It’s always funny to hear about stuff like that (like when Favre was supposedly texting back and forth with Childress)
There goes Chief, insulting users
There goes T, starting something (6:45) and immediately blaming someone else.
“If you’re going to gamble $7M, at least gamble it on something with a worthwhile payoff.”
Like the lottery?
T, I guess it now comes down to what your definition of “quality” is. We know what the Yankees’ definition is.
And I think we know that by most everyone’s definition that Joe Crede and Carl Pavano are medium-quality players.
And I’m sure it won’t surprise you that when I said quality player that I wasn’t thinking about medium-quality.
What’s that Chief? I’m too busy talking baseball with other Twins fans.
If you’d like to continue this assault on a fellow Twins fan, feel free to start your own blog. 
T, I guess it now comes down to what your definition of “quality” is. We know what the Yankees’ definition is.
This reminds me of last season when people said that Nathan wasn’t an elite closer because he wasn’t as good as Rivera.
If you only consider the top-top-tier of players “quality” there is not a lot of quality players out there.
When, pray tell, did the Twins sign free agent Carl Pavano?
The fact that someone thinks Pavano is just as good as Harden makes me giggle. The fact that he came at the same price, and we didn’t get him… ugh
PS, Kouzmanoff, I believe, has only 1 year left before he’s on the market.
When, pray tell, did the Twins sign free agent Carl Pavano?
You’re right. He wouldn’t have been a Free Agent. So really it was foolish of the Twins to give him any sort of money this offseason since he would’ve been with the team next year already.
It’s all semantics.
If the Twins signed Mauer for 20 mil a year for 6 years tomorrow you could still say they’d never paid for top tier talent on the market.
LENIII has evening up date on his blog. Nothing new, it appears.
“When, pray tell, did the Twins sign free agent Carl Pavano?”
Not yet, but they will soon.
sane or LEN3-Does Figgins signing with the M’s change Boras bargaining position in regards to Beltre coming here?
“Does Figgins signing with the M’s change Boras bargaining position in regards to Beltre coming here?”
I would say “not much” because Figgins is a multiple position player, and Beltre could return to the Mariners, if they want him back.
I do not now what this Kouzmanoff talk is all about,Gardy stated that he wants a glove at third.Anyway,Sid could never spell his name!
SANE-Do you think the mental light will ever be turned on again for Lexi like it was two years ago for both he and Span?The only problem is,it stayed on for Span and now he is considered a future all-star.Gardy loves the way he turns the 6-4-3 and he has 30SB potential.imo,he would be better in the two hole than JJ.
“Do you think the mental light will ever be turned on again for Lexi like it was two years ago for both he and Span?”
Possibly, if and when Lexi matures and becomes a tough SOB, instead of the immature over-emotional player that he has been.
It will help if he is playing for a manager at that time, who recognizes his maturation.
Could that possibly be Gardy?
Maybe not.
