Really? These guys are who we're targeting? I mean I know they're not going to go after Lester or Scherzer, but why not take a stab at Zimmerman, or Porcello, or Fister (wouldn't we have fun with that name). Or even Samardzija? Instead we target a 37 year old 3-4 starter and a 26 year old injury risk?
I don't really have a problem with pursuing Anderson with two caveats:
1. You don't expect him to throw more than 50-100 innings. If you're expecting him to be a contributor to the rotation, you need your head examined. As a low-risk reclamation project he's probably a better pitcher than Pelfrey ever could dream of being.
2. You don't give him more than you're paying Duensing. Anderson's 50 innings are going to be much better, but paying much more than a couple million for them is ridiculous.
Of course, we know how the Twins signing Anderson will likely wind up: he'll get hurt but won't be put on the DL right away because the Twins' training staff thinks he just needs some extra tub time to fix a UCL or some such.
Signing Vogelsong would be the Terry Ryan-est move and simply more evidence this front office is out of touch.
If those are the names being talked about, I say lose a draft pick and sign Liriano.
Go for Lester! He won't cost a draft pick either. Of course they would have to beat Boston's deal by a significant amount to succeed.
It would be like they finally got Lester for Johan!
With Lester and Hughes, It'll be like they traded Johan to the Yanqmes and the BoSox!
Mind. Blown.
I like Zim, but he'll be a FA after next year, so I'm unsure what the comp should be for a trade. Around here it seems like the Nats are asking a lot.
I don't like Porcello or Fister as much and would be happier taking a flyer on Anderson.
In addition Medlen/Morrow could be something
Might as well bring back Correia instead of Vogelsong. Correia is younger and has a better career ERA+. Plus, Vogelsong's entire career has been in the NL. Anderson would be good because we've got some young arms that would hopefully be ready if/when he gets hurt. Anyways, the Twins already have Hughes, Gibson, Nolasco, Milone and May/Meyer for their rotation. I don't see Vogelsong or his ilk being an improvement over any of those. If you're going to sign a starter, make it a Liriano or someone like that. I would prefer the Twins to sink their money into the bullpen. Get a lights out bullpen to go with a pretty good lineup and then you just hope to get mediocre production from the starters. If a couple of May, Meyer and Berrios blossom into quality MLB starters this year, watch out.
Samardzija is 3rd-year Arb eligible and made $5.345M last year as a 29-year old. What can a 30-year old who produced 3.7 rWAR/4.1 fWAR last year expect to pull down in salary arbitration? Rumor is that Billy has been shopping him. Steamer projects him at 3.50 FIP and 2.9 fWAR. Surely he's got to be expecting something in the low $teens??
Third year of arbitration, ignoring the intricacies of the process itself, is estimated at 80% of free agent value. The second year is estimated at 60%. Building off just his 2014 salary, that would be low $7 million.
So... I think the theme for this year's Twins needs to be Glory Days by Springsteen
Kudos to Doc for the corn-coconut chowder recipe, which has been a huge hit at Chez Hayes. I've got a bowl of it lurking in the office fridge for lunch.
I've got a pear & almond dessert for the Nation's appetites I'm going to try to write up this week.
hey! I made that (the corn chowder) last night as well. Glad you enjoyed it, and looking forward to the pear & almond dessert post!
I really need to make it. I bookmarked that page to remind me.
Can you please repost the link? - I will definately try.
Today is Sour Cream's class play, The Littlest Christmas Tree, where Sour Cream was chosen to be The Littlest Christmas Tree and is the only one with a solo. SC is very talented and is thus far 3-for-3 in being chosen to be the lead in every performance her class has done. So far, she's very level-headed about it. Because of my own general arrogance, I've tried to instill a strong culture of appreciation and humility in my house so they don't isolate themselves with the same self-aggrandizing behavior that I displayed in all those years; so far, so good. Hopefully nurture can defeat nature.
A good joke, but I'm just not that cynical anymore.
I have developed a super power of basically not hearing (most of) the bad performances at kids' concerts over the years. So, yea. Go with the flow and have fun.
Just got back. I was an absolute puddle when Miette finished, to the point where surrounding moms were taking pictures of me because they thought it was so adorable.
Miette can sing. I knew this, but learned today that the entire 150+ kid class had auditions for the solo and she was the "obvious standout." Oy...condemned to a life in the arts. I'll try to prepare her for a destitute existence.
Next up: a turn as Cosette?
Brandon Moss to Indians for...a 24-year old, AA 2b (292/357/471 in 3 minor league seasons at Rk, A-, A+ and AA).
Moss is 2nd-year Arb-eligible and made $4.1M last year while hitting 234/334/438 in 580 PA as a lefty platoon player at 1b, DH and LF. He's entering his age-31 season and has had three consecutive 2+ rWAR seasons with the A's, despite their cavernous home field.
I suspect that Billy got the best of Moss and that this is as much about payroll management as it is any potential that Joey Wendle will provide a return at 2b. But Oakland's 2b's were awful offensively last year (233/297/282) without being superior glove guys. So maybe the kid will get a shot to win the job. He might get some competition from former Twins farmhand Tyler Ladendorf.
I still watch, though I don't put too much effort or emphasis into doing so. Old habits are hard to break. That, and Fantasy interest.
Eh, I've boycotted nothing.
That said, St. Louis wins the day for that.
I'm not boycotting the NFL. I'm not spending all of Sunday watching, but I still enjoy watching when I can. If that makes me a bad person, well, I guess that's the way it goes.
eez joak, peoples. I'm still one of the Sheeple.
Heh, no worries. I'm just being contrary because it feels like one of those days.
It's been a pretty crappy Monday. I am looking forward to watch the Packers game tonight, even though I will hate basically everything but the actual football.
This was hilarious when the local news teams were discussing the Washington Nationals Football Club.
Great as Tony O was, he was the fourth-best player on this ballot for me. There is absolutely no reason Dick Allen and Ken Boyer should have been passed over this year, and Tony's fellow countryman Minnie Miñoso probably deserves election based on time he lost to both the color barrier and unnecessary time stashed at Triple-A.
both Dick Allen and Richie Allen probably rank ahead of Tony O.
One could make a case for Gil Hodges too.
rWAR says Oliva and Hodges are pretty close - close enough to be essentially equal. I don't quite see it that way as far as a HoF ballot goes, though I understand folks will approach the question differently.
The NL averaged around 4.21 runs/game over Hodges' career; the AL averaged only 3.97 over Tony O's. Tony O was clearly the superior hitter even playing in a tougher era, and I'm not inclined to split too many hairs between a corner outfielder/DH and a career first baseman. Hodges was basically replacement level after 1959, while Tony O. had his career cut short by injuries. Hodges lost two years to military service, while Tony O. probably could started in the majors as early as 1962. Basically it's a peak vs. duration question, but I think the difference in eras favors Tony O.
IMHO, Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva are the deal. Carew, Puckett next.
The whole point of having a Golden Era Committee is to choose people who've been overlooked in the past. If there's no one worthy of enshrinement, why have a committee at all?
To get together and drink too much, I suppose.
I was just coming here to post the same thing.
I'm pretty sure there are some citizens who are TMBG fans. Well I'm hearing an April show at First Avenue. Look for announcement soon with ticket sale info.
Tickets on sale Friday, Check First Avenue website if interested.
Dustin Morse @Twins_morsecode ·
The Blue Jays have claimed Chris Colabello off waivers. The #MNTwins roster is now at 39.
I hope he does well north of the border.
Now that the Twins have a roster spot open, what is stopping them from signing Lester!
Add two more names to the list of pitchers the Twins are interested in.
One is Logan Ondrusek, a righthander who was non-tendered by the Reds after posting a 5.49 ERA in 40 appearances last season.
The other is righthander Dustin McGowan, who was 5-3, 4.17 in 53 games (eight starts) with the Blue Jays last season.
Get. It. Done. Billy Smith!
Ondrusek is an interesting name. 9.2 K/9
He had a 3.91 FIP last season, but the Twins don't exactly see like the kind of team positioned to take advantage of that, at least as they are currently constructed.
Watching the Wolves these days is definitely an ordeal.
I dont know what is worse, these days or the days of Kurt Rambis patrolling the sidelines.
Is Ricky back?
Whoa, so the Pale Hose traded for Samardja and signed David Robertson
The Twins are kicking the tires on Ryan Voglesong.
That's what makes it so hard to be a Twins fan these days. We see other teams in the division doing things, moving forward, getting better, and the Twins don't even seem to be trying.
I'm starting to wonder if TR prefers building through the draft over any other type roster-improvement strategy - so much so that's he forgotten he can make offers to actual MLB-level baseball players on the right side of 30.
Buxton, Sano, etc., had better pan out, because there doesn't seem to be a Plan B.
Twins intersted in Vogelsong and Brett Anderson
Really? These guys are who we're targeting? I mean I know they're not going to go after Lester or Scherzer, but why not take a stab at Zimmerman, or Porcello, or Fister (wouldn't we have fun with that name). Or even Samardzija? Instead we target a 37 year old 3-4 starter and a 26 year old injury risk?
I don't really have a problem with pursuing Anderson with two caveats:
1. You don't expect him to throw more than 50-100 innings. If you're expecting him to be a contributor to the rotation, you need your head examined. As a low-risk reclamation project he's probably a better pitcher than Pelfrey ever could dream of being.
2. You don't give him more than you're paying Duensing. Anderson's 50 innings are going to be much better, but paying much more than a couple million for them is ridiculous.
Of course, we know how the Twins signing Anderson will likely wind up: he'll get hurt but won't be put on the DL right away because the Twins' training staff thinks he just needs some extra tub time to fix a UCL or some such.
Signing Vogelsong would be the Terry Ryan-est move and simply more evidence this front office is out of touch.
If those are the names being talked about, I say lose a draft pick and sign Liriano.
Go for Lester! He won't cost a draft pick either. Of course they would have to beat Boston's deal by a significant amount to succeed.
It would be like they finally got Lester for Johan!
With Lester and Hughes, It'll be like they traded Johan to the Yanqmes and the BoSox!
Mind. Blown.
I like Zim, but he'll be a FA after next year, so I'm unsure what the comp should be for a trade. Around here it seems like the Nats are asking a lot.
I don't like Porcello or Fister as much and would be happier taking a flyer on Anderson.
In addition Medlen/Morrow could be something
Might as well bring back Correia instead of Vogelsong. Correia is younger and has a better career ERA+. Plus, Vogelsong's entire career has been in the NL. Anderson would be good because we've got some young arms that would hopefully be ready if/when he gets hurt. Anyways, the Twins already have Hughes, Gibson, Nolasco, Milone and May/Meyer for their rotation. I don't see Vogelsong or his ilk being an improvement over any of those. If you're going to sign a starter, make it a Liriano or someone like that. I would prefer the Twins to sink their money into the bullpen. Get a lights out bullpen to go with a pretty good lineup and then you just hope to get mediocre production from the starters. If a couple of May, Meyer and Berrios blossom into quality MLB starters this year, watch out.
Samardzija is 3rd-year Arb eligible and made $5.345M last year as a 29-year old. What can a 30-year old who produced 3.7 rWAR/4.1 fWAR last year expect to pull down in salary arbitration? Rumor is that Billy has been shopping him. Steamer projects him at 3.50 FIP and 2.9 fWAR. Surely he's got to be expecting something in the low $teens??
Third year of arbitration, ignoring the intricacies of the process itself, is estimated at 80% of free agent value. The second year is estimated at 60%. Building off just his 2014 salary, that would be low $7 million.
Someone who actually knows what he's doing estimates $9.5 million.
So... I think the theme for this year's Twins needs to be Glory Days by Springsteen
Kudos to Doc for the corn-coconut chowder recipe, which has been a huge hit at Chez Hayes. I've got a bowl of it lurking in the office fridge for lunch.
I've got a pear & almond dessert for the Nation's appetites I'm going to try to write up this week.
hey! I made that (the corn chowder) last night as well. Glad you enjoyed it, and looking forward to the pear & almond dessert post!
I really need to make it. I bookmarked that page to remind me.
Can you please repost the link? - I will definately try.
Today is Sour Cream's class play, The Littlest Christmas Tree, where Sour Cream was chosen to be The Littlest Christmas Tree and is the only one with a solo. SC is very talented and is thus far 3-for-3 in being chosen to be the lead in every performance her class has done. So far, she's very level-headed about it. Because of my own general arrogance, I've tried to instill a strong culture of appreciation and humility in my house so they don't isolate themselves with the same self-aggrandizing behavior that I displayed in all those years; so far, so good. Hopefully nurture can defeat nature.
“There’s no more joyful feeling in the human experience than when a child’s play is over,"
A good joke, but I'm just not that cynical anymore.
I have developed a super power of basically not hearing (most of) the bad performances at kids' concerts over the years. So, yea. Go with the flow and have fun.
Just got back. I was an absolute puddle when Miette finished, to the point where surrounding moms were taking pictures of me because they thought it was so adorable.
Miette can sing. I knew this, but learned today that the entire 150+ kid class had auditions for the solo and she was the "obvious standout." Oy...condemned to a life in the arts. I'll try to prepare her for a destitute existence.
Next up: a turn as Cosette?
Brandon Moss to Indians for...a 24-year old, AA 2b (292/357/471 in 3 minor league seasons at Rk, A-, A+ and AA).
Moss is 2nd-year Arb-eligible and made $4.1M last year while hitting 234/334/438 in 580 PA as a lefty platoon player at 1b, DH and LF. He's entering his age-31 season and has had three consecutive 2+ rWAR seasons with the A's, despite their cavernous home field.
I suspect that Billy got the best of Moss and that this is as much about payroll management as it is any potential that Joey Wendle will provide a return at 2b. But Oakland's 2b's were awful offensively last year (233/297/282) without being superior glove guys. So maybe the kid will get a shot to win the job. He might get some competition from former Twins farmhand Tyler Ladendorf.
Ok, I know we're boycotting the eneffel and all, but this is pretty funny.
I still watch, though I don't put too much effort or emphasis into doing so. Old habits are hard to break. That, and Fantasy interest.
Eh, I've boycotted nothing.
That said, St. Louis wins the day for that.
I'm not boycotting the NFL. I'm not spending all of Sunday watching, but I still enjoy watching when I can. If that makes me a bad person, well, I guess that's the way it goes.
eez joak, peoples. I'm still one of the Sheeple.
Heh, no worries. I'm just being contrary because it feels like one of those days.
It's been a pretty crappy Monday. I am looking forward to watch the Packers game tonight, even though I will hate basically everything but the actual football.
This was hilarious when the local news teams were discussing the Washington Nationals Football Club.
Minneapolis proves once again that it is on the cutting (carving?) edge of the culinary arts.
J read about this over the weekend and is over the moon.
apparently Whole Paycheck Foods is now carrying two very credible brands of vegan cheese as well.
The Hall's Golden Era Committee, taking its cue from the writers, decides to elect no one.
Great as Tony O was, he was the fourth-best player on this ballot for me. There is absolutely no reason Dick Allen and Ken Boyer should have been passed over this year, and Tony's fellow countryman Minnie Miñoso probably deserves election based on time he lost to both the color barrier and unnecessary time stashed at Triple-A.
both Dick Allen and Richie Allen probably rank ahead of Tony O.
One could make a case for Gil Hodges too.
rWAR says Oliva and Hodges are pretty close - close enough to be essentially equal. I don't quite see it that way as far as a HoF ballot goes, though I understand folks will approach the question differently.
The NL averaged around 4.21 runs/game over Hodges' career; the AL averaged only 3.97 over Tony O's. Tony O was clearly the superior hitter even playing in a tougher era, and I'm not inclined to split too many hairs between a corner outfielder/DH and a career first baseman. Hodges was basically replacement level after 1959, while Tony O. had his career cut short by injuries. Hodges lost two years to military service, while Tony O. probably could started in the majors as early as 1962. Basically it's a peak vs. duration question, but I think the difference in eras favors Tony O.
IMHO, Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva are the deal. Carew, Puckett next.
The whole point of having a Golden Era Committee is to choose people who've been overlooked in the past. If there's no one worthy of enshrinement, why have a committee at all?
To get together and drink too much, I suppose.
I was just coming here to post the same thing.
I'm pretty sure there are some citizens who are TMBG fans. Well I'm hearing an April show at First Avenue. Look for announcement soon with ticket sale info.
Tickets on sale Friday, Check First Avenue website if interested.
I hope he does well north of the border.
Now that the Twins have a roster spot open, what is stopping them from signing Lester!
Who needs Lester?
Get. It. Done. Billy Smith!
Ondrusek is an interesting name. 9.2 K/9
He had a 3.91 FIP last season, but the Twins don't exactly see like the kind of team positioned to take advantage of that, at least as they are currently constructed.
Watching the Wolves these days is definitely an ordeal.
I dont know what is worse, these days or the days of Kurt Rambis patrolling the sidelines.
Is Ricky back?
Whoa, so the Pale Hose traded for Samardja and signed David Robertson
The Twins are kicking the tires on Ryan Voglesong.
That's what makes it so hard to be a Twins fan these days. We see other teams in the division doing things, moving forward, getting better, and the Twins don't even seem to be trying.
I'm starting to wonder if TR prefers building through the draft over any other type roster-improvement strategy - so much so that's he forgotten he can make offers to actual MLB-level baseball players on the right side of 30.
Buxton, Sano, etc., had better pan out, because there doesn't seem to be a Plan B.
Plan B: Next set of draft picks!