When I sat down to my MLB.tv earlier tonight to watch the Twins do battle with the Red Sox, I knew it was baseball season. After watching the first three innings, though, I knew we had a way to go.

Pridie in centerfield. Redmond catching. Nathan pitching the fourth inning. Some things (the realistic ones) will have to wait for another month. For now, though, Spring Training should be appreciated for exactly what its name implies – a practice.

The rosters are not Opening Day rosters. The decisions are made based on who needs more at-bats and pitches, not on game strategy. From reading some comments at various places across the Web, you’d think that Gardy deserves to be yelled at already. Hardly.

It was hard to watch the whole game from start to finish, so I did a little jumping around on the archived version of the game I watched. Here are some random thoughts I had during the game:

-I was forced to watch the game with Boston commentators. That could have been the worst part. Absolutely no mention of the Twins, except to compliment them on how they always seem to be in the think of things. I should have listened to the game with KFAN in the other ear.

-I watched Cuddyer with particular interest tonight. I am curious as to how he will view this “last-man-standing” outfield battle. There is no doubt that his defense is the worst of the four vying for the job, so will he focus on that aspect of his game the most? He had a great relay throw to Buscher at third to keep the speedy Pedroia on second base in the second inning; that much was impressive. There were other instances, however, that gave me my doubts.

-Red Sox hurler Tim Wakefield and his deadly knuckleball weren’t at their best form tonight. Did that have more to do with him not being in top form, or the Twins’ knowing how to handle pitches like those after the acquisition of R.A. Dickey. At the very least, I would hope that every batter has had the chance to chat it up with Dickey and ask him how to hit his pitches.

-The game consisted of the usual rustiness one would expect after months without a real game.

-The Red Sox had just finished an exhibition with Boston College a few hours earlier, so you could tell how important this game was.

-Spring Training is a disease; it gives you enough of a taste for baseball that you keep coming back.

Bad news on the Boof front today. According to LEN III, he will miss the entire 2009 season . If you would have told me in the middle of last year that both Bonser and Neshek would miss 2009, I would’ve probably thought that the Twins wouldn’t have had a chance.

With the addition of Ayala, however, and the progression of the rest of the bullpen, I think the Twins are in fine shape. A Cruz addition would be super, but LEN III also believes that the Twins will pull out of that sweepstakes and look to other options.

Baseball has started. Be sure to keep coming back to TwinsFix, as I’ll have much more on the Bonser situation and the start of Spring Training in the days and weeks ahead. Stay tuned.

Posted in Uncategorized 6 Comments

Joe Nathan

Not everyone deserves a second chance. Just look at Brad Childress. He has been a crucial element in the perpetual choking of the Vikings, and most fans would like to see him replaced as soon as possible.

In other cases, such as Michael Vick’s, a chance at redemption is due him. He has served the time, and will be a football player once again.

There is a third scenario, however, that I wonder how we got in to. After reading a few omments from the Strib, I have been led to believe that some people don’t trust Joe Nathan.

What has he done to earn a spot in your doghouse?

Joe Nathan is an elite closer in the league. He isn’t recognized for his true value outside of (and sometimes, it seems inside) the Land ‘O Lakes area. Nathan could be argued as the best closer in the game, and he is certainly on the same level as Francisco Rodriguez and Jonathan Papelbon.

I wouldn’t substitute Nathan for anyone.

Historically speaking, Nathan has been one of the most reliable and consistent closers in history. Last year, with the exception of five games in late August and early September, that held true.

During that “poor” stretch of six days Nathan blew two saves, and lost two games. Certainly not what Nathan usually does, but he bounced back accordingly.

To say that you don’t trust Nathan, after one stretch where he pitched like like a mere mortal, is ridiculous.

If you think that Gardy will limit Nathan’s ninth inning appearances because of a lack of trust, you are dead wrong. If you think that Nathan should be limited, you are dead wrong.

Nathan deserves as much trust and respect as he received for the majority of last year. He is one of the most accomplished closers in baseball, and he should be treated as such.

</rant>

Posted in Uncategorized No Comments Tags: Joe Nathan

Just hours remain before the first pitch of Spring Training, which means that Opening Day is closing in fast. Before all the action begins, I would like to make three bold predictions for this upcoming season.

1. Joe Crede will remain healthy for the entire year.

Most people doubt this is possible, but I think Crede will prove them wrong. There are plenty of nay-sayers out there saying that this move is a waste of $2.5 million, but I still view it as a low-risk move. As evidenced by players like CC Sabathia and Albert Haynesworth, a single-season performance can be greatly influenced by whether or not that player is in a contract year.

Crede, if he intends to play beyond 2009, will look at this season as a chance to hit a payday in 2010.

2. Francisco Liriano will have an ERA under 3.25.

The Liriano of 2006 will not be completely back, but he will regain status as one of the best young pitchers in the game. Liriano sported an ERA of 3.91 last year; not very attractive at all. He only pitcher 76 innings, however, and will (hopefully) receive far more than this year.

There will be a friendly mini-rivalry between Baker and Liriano as to who deserves the title of “ace” of the rotation, and many are conceding that to Baker. Liriano will have a great season and re-establish himself in the major leagues.

3. Carlos Gomez will swing at only 25 percent of balls out of the strike zone.

Gomez, who is not known for his patience at the plate, swung at around 40 percent of pitches that were out of the strike zone last year. This year, scouts and team personnel are saying that Gomez’s swing has matured by at least five years. He remains the Club Clown, but his attitude has also matured beyond his years.

He, along with Delmon Young, will have great success at the plate this year. We all know Gomez’s defense is not under suspicion.

Here are some other notes and observations from around the team and from around the league:

• Josh Johnson from Josh’s Thoughts has a great post up regarding Jason Kubel, the most likely candidate for the designated hitter position in 2009. Could he be the next David Ortiz?
• LEN III, the busy beat writer from the Strib, is reporting that Bonser will be forced to undergo surgery and will miss Opening Day. While he will be missed, this will give a guy like Philip Humber a chance to assert himself in the bullpen. I was really hoping to see Bonser get as much action as possible, though.
• Seth Stohs, from Seth Speaks, has a Q&A with Jonathan Waltenbury up on his site. Be sure to check that out!
• Nick Nelson, from Nick & Nick’s Twins Blog, has his response to the Crede signing. Let’s just say that I’m more optimistic than he.
• TwinsTerritory has a response to the Crede signing as well. His view is more in line with how I feel about it; “A Worthwhile Risk.”
• Brandon Erickson, from Bleacher Report, has a great piece up comparing the 2009 Twins with the ‘89 team of old. Here’s hoping to a similar ending.

Posted in Uncategorized 5 Comments Tags: Carlos Gomez, Francisco Liriano, Joe Crede

Joe Crede - Almost Officially A Twin

My, my, my… what a busy day.

Just a few short hours ago I was complaining about another Twins’ offseason spent sitting on their hands.

Now I’m trying to sort everything out.

These two things I know for sure:

1. The Twins Have Agreed To Terms With Joe Crede

This comes via the Chicago Tribune.

The terms of the deal have not been announced, but we can assume that it is less than the $7 million Scott Boras wanted. The Giants claimed to be out of the race, so Crede’s options were Minnesota or a long summer spent on a beach.

This move, as I said before, better have been laden with incentives. What better way to guarantee the health of Crede’s back than to give him additional money if he plays to expectations?

With Crede as an additional power hitter in the middle of the lineup, and with a spectacular glove at third base, the Twins find themselves in a very favorable situation. If Crede, heaven forbid, goes down to injury at any point this season, a guy like Brian Buscher will be ready and willing to step in. (Crede, being 30 years of age, certainly won’t play the full 162 games. Buscher will be a prized possession in those situations.)

And, according to the ever-diligent Le Velle E. Neal, Gardy is considering starting the season with eleven pitchers on his 25-man roster; which would leave room for Buscher.

All-in-all, I am very happy with this move. As long as the deal doesn’t exceed $7 million guaranteed, I’m glad the Twins stood up to Scott Boras. I’ll have some lineup analysis up later. For now, I’m just savoring the fact that the Twins did something.

UPDATE: According to LEN III at the Strib, the one-year deal has a base salary of $2.5 million with up to $7 million in incentives. I couldn’t have asked for a better deal. If Crede plays outstanding, we pay him what he is worth, and then pick up a comp pick when he leaves for free agency. If Crede is horrible, we don’t play him much, which equals us not paying him much, and he leaves after one year.

Perfect. Way to go Bill Smith!

2. The Twins Have Offered A Deal To Juan Cruz  

Juan Cruz

This comes courtesy of LEN 3 at the Star Tribune.

Juan Cruz, the best reliever on the free agent market, has yet to find a team for 2009. The Twins offered him a deal that would involve him signing with the Diamondbacks, who would in turn trade him to the Twins. There is no idea what the Twins have offered to either Arizona or Cruz, but there have been rumblings regarding Delmon Young, Michael Cuddyer, various prospects, and even draft picks.

Of the two players mentioned, I would be very hesitant to give either away. Delmon Young has too much upside to be traded for a 29-year old reliever. Granted, Cruz is extremely good right now, and Young could very possibly be a bust, but I would hate for Young to be the next David Ortiz.

As to Michael Cuddyer, I think he will return to his 2006 form in 2009. Cuddyer provides a very efficient outfielder and a mid- to late-order bat.

If either of Young or Cuddyer is traded, much of the lineup impact the Crede signing provided will be negated. But we could clear up that logjam in the outfield, we would be getting rid of a good problem; but a problem nonetheless.

As to prospects, the general consensus is that Matt Macri would be/is the odd man out after a Crede signing. Instead of creating a problem in Rochester, why not simply package him with some other minor league relievers to satisfy Arizona?

For the record, it will be very hard to acquire Cruz. There are doubtless many teams after him, and Bill Smith has yet to impress upon me the fact that he is a hardball negotiator. That’s not saying he isn’t though…

If the Twins can manage to garner both Crede and Cruz within 24 hours without giving up much, I will be a very happy man. Indeed, this news can mean the difference between a 75-80 win season and a 90-95 win season. Although the Indians and White Sox will put up some hearty competition, an AL Central division is in our sights.

Posted in Uncategorized 2 Comments Tags: Free Agency, Joe Crede, Juan Cruz, Matt Macri

According to La Velle E. Neal of the Star Tribune, and Jon Heyman of Si.com, the Twins are very close to finalizing a deal with Joe Crede.

Crede, who hit .248 with 17 home runs last year, dealt with a back injury for the majority of the season. He made the AL All-Star team, but teams after the 30-year old free agent are still questioning his ability.

If Crede is really past his back issues, I’m all for signing him to a multi-year deal. The ideal situation, in my mind, would be two years with a base salary of $3 million a year, with another couple of million in incentives. If Crede and his agent, the formidable Scott Boras, can’t agree to a deal like that, they are either morons (if Crede doesn’t sign with Minnesota he won’t sign with anyone) or are hiding the fact that Crede’s back isn’t perfect.

I am simply glad that the Twins are no longer sitting on their hands. If nothing results of this discussion, I will trust that Boras’ demands were too much for Bill Smith and the Twins, and I will leave the matter at that.

With Crede in the lineup, a considerable “pop” is added. While I wouldn’t be at all opposed to going “platoon-style” at third base for 2009, Crede would work out just fine.

As long as the Twins don’t pay an arm and a leg to get him.

Posted in Uncategorized No Comments Tags: Free Agency, Joe Crede, Third base

Jose Mijares – A critical aspect to the bullpen 

Perhaps the most important aspect of a successful sporting team is how they perform late in the game. For a football team, this is the quarterback. For basketball, coaching and leadership are the most vital facets.

For baseball, the bullpen dictates the success of the team.

Last year, the Twins had a poor bullpen. They were just one game away from the Playoffs, however, and that was evidence to great starting pitching and offensive run support. With a superb bullpen in 2008, the Twins would have gone deep into postseason play.

From last year to now, virtually nothing has changed on the Minnesota roster. The only major “facelift” the Twins received was the exchange of Dennys Reyes for Luis Ayala. This was simply one veteran reliever for another, and from simply looking at the stats, this move was not smart at all. Let’s look at Reyes’ and Ayala’s 2008 lines:

The addition of 31-year old Ayala won’t have the biggest impact on the Twins, simply because he hopefully won’t be called upon too often. We have other options for the set-up hole that Neshek left empty. For one, Jose Mijares.

Mijares was a wonder in the ten games he appeared in, hurling a beautiful ERA of 0.87. He gave up three hits and just one run in the 10.3 innings he pitched. Although his stat line has “small sample size” written all over it, Mijares should be one of the most dominating pitchers in the Twins’ bullpen in 2009. He is just 23 years old, and should have a great career.

Another option the Twins have is Craig Breslow. Dan Wade of Bleacher Report has a fine post regarding Breslow, and I would encourage you to read it. His closing line was my favorite, so I’ll steal it here. “Perhaps the dominant set-up man the Twins spent the offseason looking for was under their nose the entire time.”

Breslow didn’t pitch up to par in Cleveland, so the Indians released him. A few days later, the Twins were very proud of their new acquisition. In the 42 games Breslow appeared with a Twins jersey, he posted an ERA of just 1.63. He walked 14 and struck out 32; a very impressive ratio. Breslow, at just 27 years old, could theoretically give Neshek a challenge for the set-up spot when he returns.

There is no denying how successful our starting rotation will be next year; if all goes according to plan, Liriano and Baker will be the co-aces of that rotation. With a supporting cast including Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn, and Glen Perkins, the Twins find themselves having one of the best young rotations in the league.

With a solid rotation, and no change at all in our lineup, the Twins should improve on the record they turned in last year.

The question remains, though: What of the rest of the division?

Posted in Uncategorized 3 Comments Tags: Bullpen, Craig Breslow, Dennys Reyes, Jose Mijares, Luis Ayala

My absence this offseason cannot be fully explained, but I am sorry. Now that football is over, and the Vikings have toyed with my heart once more, I am ready to turn almost all attention back to baseball.

Over the next few months before the regular season starts, you will see many different things here. A season preview, some more interviews, and many more surprises await just around the corner!

Living now just south of Tucson, Arizona, I will have the privilege of keeping tabs on the teams that hold their Spring Training down here. Sadly, the White Sox have left, but there are the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks. The rest of the Cactus League teams are just a short two-hour hop away.

Anyway, be sure to stick around for some great pre-season coverage at TwinsFix.com. You won’t be disappointed.

Posted in Uncategorized No Comments Tags: preseason, Spring Training