Trade Deadline

[Jester1534]

Well we're getting to the point of trade deadline and I've seen some rumblings that the twins might be players on Tulo.

http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/twins-rockies-talk-tulowitzki-r3952

I would give up Berrios Arcia May Kelper to get him. If I had to throw a 5 guy it would be Polanco, that's more than enough fire power to get this done. Keep in mind Tulo is controlled through 2020 I believe and the Rockies probably would eat 1/4-1/2 of his contract. By the time his contract ends hopefully Gordon would be ready to take over SS

Just saying your projected line up is in my opinion

Dozier
Mauer
Tulo
Sano
Plouffe
Hunter
Rosario
Hicks
Suzuki

I would also try to get LaTroy Hawkins as a throw in the trade as well.

I'm just speculating but if we wanted to make impactful moves I would either trade for Tulo or Johnathan Lucroy. I would or sacrifice Buxton or Sano though. There's no reason to mortgage the future for a wild card spot.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, jester...I'm not on board with giving up Berrios. He's only 21 and already at AAA, and even though his first 2 starts at Rochester were rocky, his last one was solid. And he has 21 K's in 17 2/3 innings since he was promoted. I think he is very likely to come up in September to help in the bullpen. Very mature for a 21 year old, and great stuff.

All that said, Santana is killing us offensively and defensively and we don't have any other legitimate options at SS, and Tulo is the kind of guy who might just ensure playoffs this year. I know there will be a lot of interest in Tulo, but the Twins have as much to offer as anyone...it just can't include Buxton, Sano or Berrios. I might be talked into letting Alex Meyer go, but would probably lead with an offer of Arcia, Kepler, Polanco and May to see if the Rockies were interested. Those are 4 pretty solid prospects.

The Twins have a legit shot at the playoffs this year, but there are problems with relief pitching, SS and C...in that order. I think they will make a move to shore up at least one of those deficiencies.

[Jester1534]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, jester...I'm not on board with giving up Berrios. He's only 21 and already at AAA, and even though his first 2 starts at Rochester were rocky, his last one was solid. And he has 21 K's in 17 2/3 innings since he was promoted. I think he is very likely to come up in September to help in the bullpen. Very mature for a 21 year old, and great stuff.

All that said, Santana is killing us offensively and defensively and we don't have any other legitimate options at SS, and Tulo is the kind of guy who might just ensure playoffs this year. I know there will be a lot of interest in Tulo, but the Twins have as much to offer as anyone...it just can't include Buxton, Sano or Berrios. I might be talked into letting Alex Meyer go, but would probably lead with an offer of Arcia, Kepler, Polanco and May to see if the Rockies were interested. Those are 4 pretty solid prospects.

The Twins have a legit shot at the playoffs this year, but there are problems with relief pitching, SS and C...in that order. I think they will make a move to shore up at least one of those deficiencies.

I know your Berrios guy LST but you have to give up something to get something is the way I look at it. If they go for those 4 I would do in a heart beat but I just don't see them trading Tulo without a top of line prospect. Keith Law moved up Berrios to number 19 on his big board for prospects.

I love Berrios too but For once in the twins life they've too much starting pitching and I'm willing to sacrafice a young talent to get a guy like Tulo who knows how to win in the playoffs and is a leader. I also think we could get Hawkins and axford as throw ins in the trade.

If they go for a Meyer Arcia Kelper Polanco trade I'll pull the trigger in a second. There's No room in our outfield right now for Arcia and Kelper, Tulo replaces Polanco till Gordon is ready In 4-5 years. I've the same feelings as J ack Morris about Meyer there's no such thing as a 27 year old prospect.

My question is who are willing to replace with Berrios? kohl Stewart or May or Gonsalves? Because I don't think you can replace him with Meyer.

I see the untradeables as Sano, Buxton, Rosario, Gibson and Gonsalves

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Actually our departed friend Cam was Berrios' biggest fan. I was late to the party because of his short stature, but he has really grown on me.

No way do I throw Gonsalves in there, but I would consider Stewart. And since Stewart was a top 5 pick, and Gonsalves dropped to the second round, Colorado might prefer him. If a top 5 guy was in the deal, we wouldn't have to give up both Arcia and Kepler. I might include Polanco though...he's never going to be a SS, and Dozier is going to be at second for a long time. Not to mention Rosario, who can also play 2nd if needed. I think Stewart, Arcia, Polanco and May would be enough to get it done, especially if Jim Pohlad didn't make Colorado pick up any of Tulo's contract. And it wouldn't break my heart to let those guy go...even though they have all been considered top prospects at one time or another. It's nice to have a loaded farm system when you're a buyer at the deadline.

[Jester1534]

Actually our departed friend Cam was Berrios' biggest fan. I was late to the party because of his short stature, but he has really grown on me.

No way do I throw Gonsalves in there, but I would consider Stewart. And since Stewart was a top 5 pick, and Gonsalves dropped to the second round, Colorado might prefer him. If a top 5 guy was in the deal, we wouldn't have to give up both Arcia and Kepler. I might include Polanco though...he's never going to be a SS, and Dozier is going to be at second for a long time. Not to mention Rosario, who can also play 2nd if needed. I think Stewart, Arcia, Polanco and May would be enough to get it done, especially if Jim Pohlad didn't make Colorado pick up any of Tulo's contract. And it wouldn't break my heart to let those guy go...even though they have all been considered top prospects at one time or another. It's nice to have a loaded farm system when you're a buyer at the deadline.

Do you think instead of picking up Tulo contract we trade them Nolasco? They need a lot of starting pitching.

Btw thank you basketball board for running off one of the four Twins posters lol

[TheFuture]

Sano, Buxton, Rosario, Gibson, Gonsalves, Berrios have to stay.

I offer 3 or 4 of Santana, Hicks, May, Arcia, Kepler, Polanco, Meyers. 3 with us picking up the whole contract, 4 with Colorado picking up 1/4-1/2. Keep in mind we would be doing them a huge favor taking on that contract, or most of that contract, and they would be receiving prospects (which they want). There is no reason for us to hand over any of our top pitching prospects in Berrios, Gonsalves, Burdi, Thorpe, or Stewart. I am even tentative on giving up Meyer, as he looks like he could be a good piece for the bullpen beginning next year. I offer him as the 4th piece and only to get the Rockies to cover 1/4-1/2 of Tulo's contract. If they want Nolasco, hell i'll trade them 4 of the above + Nolasco and take on Tulo's contract. Nolasco always did better in the NL, maybe that is our only possibly selling point there?

I also want Molitor to configure a lineup in any form that allows Dozier to bat 2nd or 3rd. His power is wasted at lead-off. Let Hicks, Rosario, hell even Mauer hit lead-off (until buxton gets back!). Even if it's just a chance that they reach base that is still our best chance of getting a 2 run jump on a team where currently Dozier is our best chance of getting a 1 run jump. Take the damn risk!

[Jester1534]

Just wanted to post this about how much Kurt is killing us behind the plate

Suzuki has been the team's primary catcher over the past two seasons. He is a proven veteran (this is his ninth year in the majors), is an above-average pitch-blocker and was productive offensively in 2014.

Worst Framing Catchers (2011-2015)
PLAYER STRIKE ZONE RUNS SAVED
Kurt Suzuki -48
Carlos Santan.-38
Ryan Doumit -35
Chris Iannetta -29
Nick Hundley -27


For all his positives, Suzuki's biggest negative is one with an enormous impact on the team's run prevention: He's a poor pitch-framer. Since 2011, Suzuki has cost his teams a total of 48 runs because of poor framing. That's the worst in baseball over that span.

While many teams, such as the Pirates and Rays, have clearly bought into the value of pitch-framing based on their moves in recent seasons, that acceptance is not universal. As such, the Twins probably could make a significant upgrade in run prevention without breaking the bank. We know just the guy ...

[Jester1534]

Sano, Buxton, Rosario, Gibson, Gonsalves, Berrios have to stay.

I offer 3 or 4 of Santana, Hicks, May, Arcia, Kepler, Polanco, Meyers. 3 with us picking up the whole contract, 4 with Colorado picking up 1/4-1/2. Keep in mind we would be doing them a huge favor taking on that contract, or most of that contract, and they would be receiving prospects (which they want). There is no reason for us to hand over any of our top pitching prospects in Berrios, Gonsalves, Burdi, Thorpe, or Stewart. I am even tentative on giving up Meyer, as he looks like he could be a good piece for the bullpen beginning next year. I offer him as the 4th piece and only to get the Rockies to cover 1/4-1/2 of Tulo's contract. If they want Nolasco, hell i'll trade them 4 of the above + Nolasco and take on Tulo's contract. Nolasco always did better in the NL, maybe that is our only possibly selling point there?

I also want Molitor to configure a lineup in any form that allows Dozier to bat 2nd or 3rd. His power is wasted at lead-off. Let Hicks, Rosario, hell even Mauer hit lead-off (until buxton gets back!). Even if it's just a chance that they reach base that is still our best chance of getting a 2 run jump on a team where currently Dozier is our best chance of getting a 1 run jump. Take the damn risk!

Basically the reason for Nolasco would be to swap the salary with Tulo and the fact that there in rebuild mode and need starting pitching.

I forgot to add to my list Adam Brett Walker big man has 25 home runs already in Chattanooga.

[Monster]

Just wanted to post this about how much Kurt is killing us behind the plate

Suzuki has been the team's primary catcher over the past two seasons. He is a proven veteran (this is his ninth year in the majors), is an above-average pitch-blocker and was productive offensively in 2014.

Worst Framing Catchers (2011-2015)
PLAYER STRIKE ZONE RUNS SAVED
Kurt Suzuki -48
Carlos Santan.-38
Ryan Doumit -35
Chris Iannetta -29
Nick Hundley -27


For all his positives, Suzuki's biggest negative is one with an enormous impact on the team's run prevention: He's a poor pitch-framer. Since 2011, Suzuki has cost his teams a total of 48 runs because of poor framing. That's the worst in baseball over that span.

While many teams, such as the Pirates and Rays, have clearly bought into the value of pitch-framing based on their moves in recent seasons, that acceptance is not universal. As such, the Twins probably could make a significant upgrade in run prevention without breaking the bank. We know just the guy ...

The pitch framing is something to consider but I am not going to worry that much about it either. WARP Suzuki is at the bottom of the catchers with 150 PAs or better but people talk about how bad he is hitting and I see its been bad but he is still around the middle or top of the bottom third of catchers in alot of offensive categories. My point is people always want some guy thats going to be an upgrade to Suzuki and yet I think people need to have reasonable expectations there. Its not a deep position and remember Suzuki was traded like every trade deadline for a few years because teams wanted him. He is on pace for one of his worst seasons at the plate right now but its also possible he regresses back towards his mean of his career hitting numbers which would be much more decent. I have no problem upgrading Suzuki I just think its not as simple as just getting any guy will be better, Sorry for the rant I don't know why I stick up for Kurt so much, lol

[Monster]

I am not sure how much I would give up for Tulo but he would look great in teh lineup. Both defensively and offensively SS has been a big problem for the Twins basically since Guzman moved on. Baseball is so weird (compared to say basketball or football) since it has all these prospects you give up for a guy. I would think the Twins can put together a nice package without giving up anything too crazy, but what do I know?