Twins Offseason Retooling

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DanLandherr	Twins Offseason Retooling	Lead	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 2699 (10/01/08 12:30 PM) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : None I thought we could use a new thread to discuss remaking this team into a contender. I didn't think the Twins in 09 thread was quite the right place. Anyway, here's what I'd like to see done. Leave well enough alone: Mauer C, Morneau 1B, Casilla 2B, Nathan RP, Neshek RP, Breslow RP, Crain RP, Liriano SP, Baker SP, Slowey SP, Kubel DH, Tolbert UT I would consider offering long-term deals to Mauer (2 year extension), Baker (buy out 1 year of FA) and Kubel (buy out arb, option for FA year) with Baker as the top priority. Shuffle the deck: Span LF, Gomez CF, D Young RF, Cuddyer ?? I think this is the best defensive alignment and potentially the best offense leaving Cuddyer out as trade bait. Kubel is the reserve OF and Pridie could be the backup 5th outfielder at all positions. I would consider dealing Span or Gomez for a legitimately talented 3B or SS prospect (Stewart, Vitters, Wood) who could play as soon as next season. Plug the holes: I'd keep Buscher as a LHB and platoon guy at 3B but I'd love to see the Twins acquire a legit 3B who can provide some right-handed power. Possibilities include Casey Blake, Adrian Beltre, Garrett Atkins and Melvin Mora. Brendan Harris is a gap filler, someone who can keep a position warm without sacrificing much, but he's not a player that can push you to a championship. Luke Hughes is an intriguing prospect and obviously the Twins know more about him than I do. Matt Macri can't stay healthy enough to make progress in the minors. If the Twins decide to mix and match because they believe in Luke Hughes, then I can see focusing on other areas. Shortstop is a different area entirely. The Twins should not count on Punto, Harris, Tolbert or Everett or top prospect Plouffe for next season which means going to free agency, trade, or getting creative with the roster. The only potential creativity I can see is moving Casilla from 2B over to SS. That shifts the hole to 2B but it is quite a bit easier to find a 2B than it is to find a decent major league SS. The free agent market has one difference maker (Rafael Furcal) along with one average starter (Cabrera) and a whole lot of stopgaps. In trade there's not much either (Jack Wilson?). I still wouldn't recommend re-signing Punto to more than a 1 year deal. His bat is not going to improve and will probably decline, he gets hurt too often to count on him for a whole season and he's just not worth $3M in outlay. This will be the most difficult hole to fill. I think the bullpen should be filled primarily by internal candidates. Nathan, Breslow, Crain and Neshek should be back though Neshek may require some rehab. Mijares made a strong bid but Reusse made a good point on the radio with a Rich Garces comparison. Guerrier, Bonser and Humber may all end up in the bullpen since they're all cheap and out of options but they certainly only need one of them to fill the long relief role. There are other possibilities in the high minors also - Duensing, Korecky (not impressive), Delaney. The team needs to sort through these guys and make decisions but it's pretty certain that Guardado and Reyes won't return. Spending big bucks on a free agent reliever rarely makes sense but I could see a veteran signed if he's cheap enough. A trade for a bullpen arm could be a possiblity but they shouldn't give up anything useful. The rotation seems set except I wouldn't recommend going all-in on Blackburn or Perkins. Blackburn could slip a little and be demoted just like Boof and Perkins doesn't seem to have enough stamina to last a season. Overall though I think the rotation is a strength. Depth is the main concern.
DefensiveIndifference	This offseason	#1	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 1376 (10/01/08 3:17 PM) Hall of Famer More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Good thoughts. I think there are a couple of issues to keep in mind going into this offseason. 1: The Twins should have a bunch of money to spend if they want to. $25+ million for next year, after letting free agents go and arbitration raises. They really cut payroll last year, and they should be able to bounce back up next year. That might not mean they can offer a lot of long term free agent deals, but they can offer short deals for good money. Or they could front load some contracts for younger players, but I don't see that much in the way of good fits for that. 2: The Twins need to get better if they want to compete. Detroit collapsed, the Indians collapsed and Chicago practically gave them the division title and the Twins still didn't take it. All of those teams have their weaknesses, but I don't see those stars all aligning again next year. They really need to improve if they want to compete in 2009. Most of the team will be back. There are too many relievers and minor league pitchers who are out of options. Even after Reyes leaves, they still should make some more room out there. The starting rotation is fine. There are some question marks, but they're still better bets overall than most teams' starting five. And whoever remains of Boof, Humber, Mulvey, Duensing, and Swarzak have a decent chance of surviving if they are needed in the rotation. I'm not sold on Harris, Casilla, Punto, Tolbert or Buscher. I wouldn't complain if any of them are traded (or let go, Punto's case), but any of them could be potentially useful parts of the team next year as well. Nothing to get excited about either way, unless 3 of them are starting everyday. The left side of the infield is the only obvious spot for an upgrade, and there are a lot of plausible options. I have a feeling that they will try to trade for Beltre and Washburn from Seattle (for something like Blackburn, Harris & another pitcher). Considering that they claimed both players this year, and the money works, it makes some sense, but I'm not wild about it. I also think they would talk to San Diego, who may be shopping Kouzmanoff and Greene. If Greene can rebound, he'd be nice pickup for a year, and Kouzmanoff fits as a young right handed hitting third baseman with a little power. A deal centered around Span or Gomez would make sense. The Twins tend to like trades rather than signings, so I kind of doubt they'd make a splash free agent signing. I'd mention Crede, Renteria, and Eckstein as a couple more free agent targets, if the stars align themselves. And I think there is going to be a glut of DHs in the free agent market (Ibanez, Bradley, Giambi, Griffey, Thomas, Floyd, etc). If the Twins trade away an outfielder, or just want some more depth, they could get some affordable impact there. Every year I think the Twins needs more OF/DH depth, and only Span's miraculous development saved them this year. If I had to make a gameplan for the offseason, my best thought would be trading for Kouzmanoff and Greene (for Gomez and a younger pitcher or something like that) and signing Bradley to DH (2 yr deal) and rotating Kubel, Young and Cuddyer through the OF until there is an injury (which might not take long). Harris would be the utility guy and Greene insurance, I guess. I'd dump Guerrier and Reyes and let the rest of the bullpen shake out however it shakes out. I'd probably tell Tolbert to spend a lot of time trying to pick up some CF skills, but I'd tell that to all the utility guys in the organization. I kind of like the looks of that team. The offense looks like it could be pretty dynamic. The pitching staff doesn't change much. The defense is still ok. There should still be some money left to front load a few extentions of the younger players or make moves during the year. They haven't tied themselves to any long term deals that will kill them in the future. They'd be gambling on Bradley and Greene, but they seem like reasonable gambles. The Twins would lose some talent to acquire Kouzmanoff and Greene, but it seems like a reasonably fair deal could be worked out there. Gomez in SD's CF makes a lot of sense for them, and I think they'll be looking to get out from Greene's contract.
murraygd13		#2	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 1485 (10/01/08 5:10 PM) 5-Tool Player More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I'll post more when I have some more time to think about it. Out of the outfielders I think I'd trade Delmon, he might develop power but for a big guy he hits alot of ground balls and swings and misses alot.
DanLandherr	Khalil Greene	#3	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 2700 (10/01/08 5:29 PM) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I think you can get Khalil Greene cheaper than trading Carlos Gomez. Greene currently has negative value if you consider his contract (owed $6.5M in 2009). You might be able to get Greene or Kouzmanoff for Guerrier and Boof. San Diego is a great target for trades mainly because they're looking to dump payroll. Unfortunately most of their players suck.
murraygd13		#4	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 1486 (10/01/08 5:43 PM) 5-Tool Player More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Had some time to think about it and what about Delmon Young and Perkins for Michael Young? Probably some other names would have to be tossed in there but Texas has Joaqin Arias and Elvis Andrus upcoming at SS and besides Hamilton they could use another OF, and they could always use pitching. Hrm maybe not looks like Young is starting to decline already. Most likely 3B and/or SS are the only spots to really upgrade the team (possibly 2B if they move Casilla). In the outfield Cuddyer would be nice to trade but he wont have as much value as Delmon Young would I dont think. Go with Span LF, Gomez CF, Cuddyer RF and move Kubel into left and flip Span to CF against some tough pitchers to give GoGo a rest. Last Edited By: murraygd13 10/01/08 5:50 PM. Edited 1 times.
twinsoholic	This Offseason	#5	[-]
5-Tool Player Posts: 918 (10/01/08 6:00 PM) 5-Tool Player More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The Twins have done well in the past finding a pitcher who has had some down time (Greg Swindell but more recently Dennis Reyes) and raising his fortunes in the pen. So, I expect Smith will sign a couple of guys who he hopes might win pen jobs in spring training. For the pen, I would not count on Neshek being that great next year--he might look more like Crain has looked. With that in mind, I see a 7 man pen along the following lines: Nathan, Mijares, Humber, Breslow, Swindell-like free agent/trade pick up, Crain, Gomez/Barrett from AAA or Rule 5 guy or 2nd Swindell-like free agent/trade pick up. Starting Rotation: Baker, Liriano, Slowey, Perkins, and, perhaps, Bonser or Swarzak as the 5th starter. I see Smith trading either Blackburn or Perkins (assuming none of the other starters are hurt over the winter and in Spring Training). Blackburn could be used for a short stop. How about a deal with the Brewers for someone like Hardy? Or, as has been suggested, Blackburn as part of a Beltre deal. The outfield should be Gomez in center (batting 9th), and Span (left or right and batting lead off), and Young (he'll continue to improve). If Cuddyer is healthy and has a good spring training, then trade him if someone will take his contract. He is not a better outfielder than Span or Young. He can throw better than Span (I guess), but he can not cover as much ground or bat lead off. If he cannot be traded, then thread him in and out of outfield and DH slot occasionally (someone will want a right fielder eventually next season). DH: Kubel and Ruiz. Gardy should have used Ruiz more towards the end of the season. The idea of going with Cuddyer because he is a veteran is a suspect strategy. I can't think of too many instances where it paid off here at the end of the Twins' recent run at the division title. If the Twins get lucky and can find an accomplished DH to pair with Kubel, then that's great, but if they cannot, then give Ruiz a chance to complement Kubel at DH. The Twins should be able to hit 25-30 homers at the DH spot next season. Infield: Morneau and Casilla (2nd or short). Get a shortstop or third baseman for Blackburn. Let Punto be a true utility player. Keep playing for speed. Harris is a backup, so is Buscher (nice role players), and Tolbert with his speed and agility has the chance to be a very helpful player on the team. The Twins have every reason to believe that they will be better next season. They could keep their rotation intact, but trading Blackburn or Perkins (if the other 4 are healthy means you are looking for a #5 starter and that you have the chance to get better through the trade at either SS or 3rd base).
Samyell		#6	[-]
Utility Player Posts: 4 (10/01/08 8:20 PM) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	i think that we should trade one of perkins, or blackburn, with a package to get better on the left side of our infield. We have guys who can step up and fill in the rotation, such as humber, swarzak, or mulvey, or even bonser. i think also of our outfeilders that we need to get ride of is kubel. i like him but i like gomez, span, and young better, i would prolly trade cuddyer, but his value is not high right now.
jrwilkens		#7	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 8179 (10/01/08 10:29 PM) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	My initial thoughts: 1. I like the idea of Young to right and Span to left as long as they start that in spring training to get used to it again. 2. I don't see Twins trading either Gomez or Young. Gomez, at least, seems to have a higher perceived value by scouts than Span though I think we tend to see them equally (or are suspect about Go-Go). But Gomez clearly showed some improvement this year. I don't think you let go of a 22 yo guy after trading a lot for him after just one year, esp. when he has improved. Similarly Young looked better by end of season (though his fielding drives me a bit crazy). I think most did not expect either of our big offseason trades to show big dividend after just one year. I think you stick with these youngsters for a bit longer. 3. Clearly the left side infield is one area of need. For the infielder, I would put most of my effort at a third base man who can hit with some power and who can play average to above average defense. For third base man I like Beltre over Kouzmanoff, but depends of length of deal. Although not ideal, I'd settle for Punto at short because of his defense and okay hitting, gambling that he'd hit about as well as this year. Of course if a better option presents itself he can be let go or go back to utility role. Tolbert would be my first choice for utility role. I hope we can settle on DP combo in spring training so they can get used to each other. I expect Casilla to have first dibs at second though he may have to show interest and effort in spring training. His efforts seemed to be less fiery after his return from injury this year. 4. Bullpen help is other major area of need. I'd like a middling expensive rightie to back up our internal options. I agree that there's no guarantee that Neshek will be as good post surgery. Mijares and Breslow have earned another chance from left side. Crain and possibly Bonser/Humber from right side. Guerrier may need a new environment but I actually expect him to pitch better next year also. 5. Our major coin will be one of our starting pitchers all of whom I otherwise expect to return to that position. Baker, Slowey, Liriano are fairly sure bets (which also means they will the most sought after). Blackburn, Perkins will certainly be given good chance. 6. I expect some efforts to extend contract for Mauer before 2010. Morneau needs 5-10 days off next year. 7. Redmond is still signed for 2009? I like him around. 8. Given the rest of our outfield defensively, I expect both Kubel and Cuddyer to return to significant but perhaps not everyday roles. Conceivably one or other could be traded. Or of course Span as I don't expect either Gomez or Young to go. Edited to add: I also agree that the division will be more competitive next year. I'm mostly worried about Cleveland who seemed to find themselves late. You'd think Detroit just about has to be better though I think they've got a lot of bad contracts to deal with. Chicago will be older and I expect to be middling. Royals will be the Royals....except in April and September! Twins have to play smarter, better defense, maintain adequate offense and good pitching to survive. But I am very hopeful for a more productive year. I think they will be better with further development of their youthful talent and be more consistent with their experience this year. I also think they will be hungrier. ------------------- "I can't be upset about what happens," he said. "It's baseball." - Radke Last Edited By: jrwilkens 10/01/08 10:40 PM. Edited 1 times.
jianfu		#8	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 1156 (10/01/08 10:40 PM) Hall of Famer More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I'm expecting a relatively quiet offseason. Although Cesar Izturis is available. C'mon. Don't Cesar Izturis and the Twins seem like a match made in heaven? Maybe they'll move an outfielder, as that has become a bit of a situation. Who knows? I just hope Wild Bill doesn't get his head out over his skis. If he trades Baker for a young shortstop with more hype than substance, or Span for a setup guy, then all bets are off. Darkhorse target: The Twins have been rumored to have interest in Hank Blalock on more than a couple occasions in the past. Blalock has a club option for next year. If he's bought out, maybe they'd try to go after him. I don't think he's what they need, but... ================== Nobody knows nothing. --Joe Posnanski
DefensiveIndifference		#9	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 1377 (10/01/08 11:12 PM) Hall of Famer More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	"I think you can get Khalil Greene cheaper than trading Carlos Gomez." I agree. I would think of that trade more as Gomez for Kouzmanoff straight up and Greene for some random Minor League pitcher (or someone like Boof and Humber that they might lose anyway). Gomez for Kouzmanoff seems like a pretty good match to me. They've got a roughly similar amount of experience, are both cheap yet, both seem like they have some talent, but are a long way from certain stardom. Kouzmanoff has only hit .264/.311/.442 for his career, but he's hit .282/.330/.488 on the road. Maybe that's a little inflated because of Coors, BOB, etc, but that looks like a pretty solid young third basemen in exchange for a pretty solid young centerfielder. Last Edited By: DefensiveIndifference 10/02/08 10:49 AM. Edited 2 times.
DanLandherr		#10	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 2701 (10/02/08 9:05 AM) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Strib's take: http://www.startribune.co.../30068739.html?page=2&c=y At this time next year, Scott Baker, Francisco Liriano and Glen Perkins could all qualify for salary arbitration. It might save the Twins big bucks down the road if they sign those pitchers long-term this offseason. "It depends on what the players and their agents are looking for," Antony said. "There's some give and take on both sides, but we're willing to explore those things." ---- Next year, they'll spend $41 million on Mauer, Morneau, Nathan and Michael Cuddyer. But with about 18 others -- including Denard Span, Alexi Casilla and Kevin Slowey -- making close to the major league minimum ($400,000), there's room to add talent from the free-agent or trade market. The Twins have had internal talks about White Sox shortstop Orlando Cabrera, a pending free agent. And maybe it'll be easier to pry Beltre away from the Mariners when Seattle hires a new GM. The Twins have an outfield surplus with Cuddyer, Span, Gomez, Kubel and Delmon Young, so perhaps they'll dangle one on the trade market. Those talks probably won't get going until after the GM meetings in early November. For now, the Twins will focus on taking care of their own.
heinemanush	Shooter Re: Delmon	#11	[-]
Utility Player Posts: 26 (10/02/08 10:09 AM) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Today Shooter said that Delmon was the only guy who didn't fit the Twins personality. Any thoughts about just why or how he doesn't fit in? Stubbornness? Me first attitude? Work ethic? -------------------- "Often is a word I seldom use..."
drfoss		#12	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 2997 (10/02/08 10:28 AM) Hall of Famer More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Wow, lots of great analysis here. I agree that we have too many outfielders. Span & Gomez are redundant. Cuddyer would seem to be paid too much to be a reserve. If we can't find a regular role for him, we should see if there are any takers for him. I'm worried he might become the new Shannon Stewart... overpaid now for what he did before. As for loyalty to Gomez or Young, at this point should it matter how they got on the roster? Previous year's trades are water under the bridge no? I certainly wouldn't "dump" them, but if the best offer to clear up the OF logjam includes one of them, I would take it. But yes, they should both improve at least incrementally next year due to natural development.
golfboy10		#13	[-]
5-Tool Player Posts: 364 (10/02/08 11:38 AM) 5-Tool Player More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I have an idea for Cuddyer. I agree that we have too many outfielders. Span & Gomez are redundant. Cuddyer would seem to be paid too much to be a reserve. Make him a 3rd baseman. I know, he "failed" at 3rd previously but things are different now. Back then, he was a struggling young player just trying to survive at the ML level. Now, he is established, has a big contract & doesn't need to worry about being sent to the minors. I never thought he was that bad at 3rd. He made some tenative misatakes but he also made some great plays. He originally played SS in the minors so I don't think 3rd is a position he couldn't handle. I don't see him being worse than Buscher. Cuddyer is an average RF (except for his arm) & with age & injuries he will regress. Moving him to 3rd solves several problems. It gives us a RH power hitter @ 3rd & clears up the logjam in the OF. He's already being paid very well so I think his trade value is limited. If they made the decision now he would be able to work on it over the winter & in ST. I think it's a good idea but I doubt it will happen.
DanLandherr	Pat Borzi's opinion from MinnPost (and my response)	#14	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 2702 (10/02/08 12:22 PM) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Key decisions ahead for offseason Though Buscher improved defensively, he lacks the pop to be a long-range answer. So the Twins go into this offseason still needing an everyday shortstop and third baseman. The Twins may again pursue Hank Blalock if he's healthy and available (the Rangers hold a $6.2 million option for 2009) or perhaps San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff, since the Padres need a center fielder. Matt Tolbert may factor in at short, too. If nothing else, he's a cheaper utility alternative to Nick Punto. It will also be interesting to see what the Twins do in the outfield, provided a healthy Cuddyer returns to right field. Denard Span deserves a shot to unseat Gomez in center field. Don't be surprised if the Twins try to package Delmon Young and a pitcher for a quality third baseman with power, and move Gomez to left. I'm not sure Gomez will ever be a disciplined hitter, but I can't see the Twins giving up on him yet. One thing the defensive-minded Twins can't afford, though, are two error-prone outfielders; Gomez and Young each had eight. Look for an overhaul in the bullpen, too. Jose Mijares was a find, but the Twins should not expect Pat Neshek to return from a serious elbow injury and immediately solve their problems. The Mets, Brewers, White Sox and Twins all learned down the stretch that bullpen effectiveness can be fleeting. Remember: One fewer bullpen meltdown on that 14-game road trip, and the Twins, not the White Sox, are playing Tampa Bay on Thursday. ----------------- I would be shocked if Carlos Gomez played anywhere other than CF. His glove is one of the best in the majors. However, his bat doesn't play anywhere yet. If you're moving him to LF than most of his value is tossed out the window and he's actually hurting your team. It's ridiculous to think moving Carlos Gomez out of CF would improve the defense. I think Delmon got significantly better in all aspects as the season played out. I'm not on the "dump Delmon" bandwagon but if someone else likes him more than they should you can take advantage of that. I also don't think Buscher noticeably improved defensively. I think Buscher has enough pop but is clearly a platoon player. The other guy in the platoon needs a good glove to go with a RH stick. Cuddyer's not moving back to 3B. His hearing makes him uneasy playing the position (deaf ear to the rest of the infield and the runners).
schoenke		#15	[-]
5-Tool Player Posts: 705 (10/02/08 12:28 PM) 5-Tool Player More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The BEST thing about this offseason is that it's going to be hard for the Twins to make a poor free agent mistake like they have in the past with T. Batista and Livan Hernandez. There's not a spot on the roster, SS and 3B included, that's such hole that they may feel the need to gamble on a veteran on the cheap. The Twins like their options at 3B and SS probably more than we do, so they're likely to just go with Tolbert or Buscher again rather than bring in a Batista-like player if there's not a deal for a major improvement. Not bringing in those dead weight players that take 3-5 months to get rid of could really be key to 2009. Think about how much better the last few seasons would have been had the Twins not made those mistakes. Visit http://www.rotowire.com for the best fantasy baseball info!
Franorama		#16	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 5626 (10/02/08 1:33 PM) Moderator More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	There's not a spot on the roster, SS and 3B included, that's such hole that they may feel the need to gamble on a veteran on the cheap. What about starting pitcher? Especially if one of the 2008 starters is moved to the pen, or traded in an attempt to get help somewhere else, or if there is an injury. Hopefully, Baker (or Slowey or Liriano) will be established and confident and healthy enough to anchor the staff, but I still expect the Twins to look for a veteran arm for at least a spring training audition. And I doubt it will be anyone who doesn't come on the (relative) cheap. As an aside, I don't think the Twins regard Livan as a mistake and certainly not on the TBat level. He won 10 games (and pitched well/legitimately deserved to win at least seven or eight of those) and was a bridge to Liriano. He served his purpose. "What most persons consider as virtue, after the age of 40 is simply a loss of energy." -- Voltaire
drivlikejehu		#17	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 1837 (10/02/08 3:47 PM) Hall of Famer More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The problem I see is that the Twins, thanks to their fluky performance with runners on base, will overestimate their offense and consequently fail to make necessary changes. Smith's early moves certainly haven't turned out so well to date, so it will be interesting to see if he can right the ship. A Young/Gomez/Span outfield just doesn't produce enough offense. Is Cuddyer done? That's a question the Twins will have to consider. Either way, they need more production from the corner OF spots. The infield could use a little more stability... there are a host of options and its just a question of how aggressive the Twins will be (guess: not very). The Twins #1 need has to be a power-hitter from the right side. That can come from a 3rd baseman or corner outfielder (or DH, with Kubel moving to the OF) but it has to come from somewhere. My #2 priority would be improved defense... someone like Hudson or Beltre would help on that front, while also providing offense. I think most observers will expect the Twins pitching to be better and I see it that way too. However, there isn't really that much rotation depth at the back end... I don't think any starters will be dealt.
DanLandherr	Free agents	#18	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 2704 (10/02/08 4:51 PM) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Dennys Reyes profiles as a type B (http://tigers-thoughts.bl...ected-elias-rankings.html) but none of the other Twins free-agents-to-be would merit compensation. I think they have to offer him arbitration to try to get the sandwich draft pick.
murraygd13		#19	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 1487 (10/02/08 5:09 PM) 5-Tool Player More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I'd be in favor of dealing Gomez for Kouzmanoff. Id get the Padres to add another player since Gomez is 5 years younger than Kouzmanoff. Not sure who but maybe a bullpen arm like Cla Meredith or Heath Bell. They could also toss in a prospect maybe, not sure who though as their farm system isnt real great. I'd spend some money and get Orlando Hudson to play 2B and move Alexi to SS. I'd let Punto go, someone might give him a shot at being a starting shortstop and pay him like one so I would just let him go. I'd also let Reyes go as Mijares and Breslow can do his job cheaper. C: Mauer, Redmond INF: Morneau, Hudson, Casilla, Kouzmanoff, Tolbert, Harris OF: Young, Span, Cuddyer, Pridie, Kubel SP: Baker, Liriano, Slowey, Perkins, Blackburn RP: Bonser, Crain, Nathan, Breslow, Mijares, Neshek, Humber
murraygd13		#20	[-]
Hall of Famer Posts: 1488 (10/02/08 5:11 PM) 5-Tool Player More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Maybe we could trade with the Rays again and get Longoria, jeez is that guy good or what. Another third baseman I've read rumors of being available is Ryan Zimmerman, I'd see what it would take to get him.

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Twins Offseason Retooling

Twins Offseason Retooling