It's not too early . . .
brianj
Cabrerra are all free agents. Rauch is signed through 2010. Redmond
and Crede are FA's as well. Joe Mauer is signed through 2010, but
something needs to be done about him, sooner than later.
So who is on your wish list from this group?
I'll start. And I'll start by saying I am ambivalent about many or
most of these players.
I didn't really see much that I loved about Ron Mahay, but if he is
relatively cheap, I think he might be OK.
Cabrerra I like. I know, Alan, that his defensive miscues can be
frustrating, but I think he sometimes makes great plays, and his
offense is really solid and he seems to have a positive effect on the
team.
Pavano I am not sure about. I think he's for real. I liked what he
brought to the team, and his performance on Sunday night was pretty
great. I am trying not to be too swayed by that one appearance. He
was, of course, highly motivated that night. In all, I think I would
try to keep him.
Crede, I think I am ready to give up on. The only reason for this is
his health. I like every other thing he brings. On one hand, I think
a lot of people were ready to throw Cuddyer under the bus after last
year's disaster, and look how he bounced back. I guess if the only
alternative to Crede is a Harris/Buscher platoon, maybe they should
keep him around, but it would be nice to look elsewhere for a 3B.
Redmond. I can't really see where he fits in next year. Morales'
offense was horrific at the end, but he knows how to hit. He is not
the greatest catcher, but I think if the Twins are going to make him a
catcher, then it is time for that to happen. What does another year
of Redmond get us? If Gardy still wants to run with 3 catchers, and
if Red is cheap, then he might be OK, but I can't really see it, much
as I like him.
The Twins will sign Mauer at whatever it costs. If they don't they
have shot themselves, not in the foot, but right between the eyes.
This whole Target field thing will be seen as a fraud if it doesn't
allow them to sign Mauer. They have to. And they probably should do
it before opening day 2010. Alan, I know you have said it might cost
$20-22 million. I don't know. Maybe. But I really believe that what
he wants is a chance to play on a championship team (I know that is
what J. Santana said too. I haven't checked to see how that is
working out for him.) With that in mind, the Twins' other moves may
be as important as what they are willing to pay Joe. I don't know.
Anyway, we will have a lot to talk about over the winter. And even
though Sunday night was tough, it was a pretty fun season to be a
Twins fan.
brianj
powrwrap
> . . .to talk about this year's free agents. Mahay, Pavano, and
> Cabrerra are all free agents. Rauch is signed through 2010. Redmond
> and Crede are FA's as well. Joe Mauer is signed through 2010, but
> something needs to be done about him, sooner than later.
>
> So who is on your wish list from this group?
>
>
> brianj
I think the Twins would be well served by Pavano. Other than that, I
don't like any of the other guys. Cabrera would be acceptable but only
if the Twins fail to get someone else, like free agent Marco Scutaro.
Cabrera's defense is a huge liability and it's going to get worse
outside on grass. While Cabrera had a hot bat down the stretch don't
get used to that output from him. I'd take Mahay too, but I think his
role will be given to Liriano. Remember the Twins also have Neshek and
Bonser returning next year.
I would take Pavano, but at starting pitcher there some noteworthy
free agents. Skipping the obviously unattainable--Josh Beckett, Cliff
Lee, Brandon Webb, John Lackey--there are guys like Jason Marquis,
Rich Harden, Joel Pineiro, Braden Looper.
At third base there is Adrian Beltre (too old?), Juan Uribe (could
play SS or 3B), and Mark DeRosa. I'd be tempted to be ready to give
the job to Danny Valencia, if he does well in spring training, or else
have the Harris/Buscher platoon instead.
I've already posted the idea in a thread awhile back, but look for the
idea of trading Joe Nathan to gather steam. I'd be OK with that, but
not a cheerleader for the idea, not yet.
Matt
> relatively cheap, I think he might be OK.
I like Mahay. Seems like a better situational lefty than Mijares. He
should be inexpensive, and I think serves a valuable bullpen role. I
vote yes on Mahay.
> Cabrerra I like. I know, Alan, that his defensive miscues can be
> frustrating, but I think he sometimes makes great plays, and his
> offense is really solid and he seems to have a positive effect on the
> team.
I'm on the fence with Cabrerra. I give him a soft yes just because
there doesn't seem to be a lot of better options. They can't afford to
break the bank for a 35-year-old SS who has an OBP not so dissimilar
to Punto, though.
>
> Pavano I am not sure about. I think he's for real. I liked what he
> brought to the team, and his performance on Sunday night was pretty
> great. I am trying not to be too swayed by that one appearance. He
> was, of course, highly motivated that night. In all, I think I would
> try to keep him.
I'm with you 100%. What he did Sunday tipped me toward wanting him
back. Maybe that's reactionary. I'm not sure. His numbers for the
season were underwhelming.
> Crede, I think I am ready to give up on. The only reason for this is
> his health. I like every other thing he brings.
Agreed 100%. Crede's time is up. Time to give Danny Valencia a shot.
> Redmond. I can't really see where he fits in next year. Morales'
> offense was horrific at the end, but he knows how to hit. He is not
> the greatest catcher, but I think if the Twins are going to make him a
> catcher, then it is time for that to happen. What does another year
> of Redmond get us? If Gardy still wants to run with 3 catchers, and
> if Red is cheap, then he might be OK, but I can't really see it, much
> as I like him.
Yeah, I think Redmond's time is up. I was much more excited about the
swtich to Morales as the backup catcher about a month ago, however.
Morales was stone-cold awful late.
Matt
kap...@example.com
Pretty well agree across the board on player moves you suggest. Crede
was certainly a waste.