Twins and DeRosa

The Twins haven't lost hope of prying infielder Mark DeRosa from the Cubs, but they have hit dead ends in their pursuit of Colorado's Garrett Atkins and Seattle's Adrian Beltre

Thought it was an interesting comment and article on the Twins. Doesn't mean we will trade DeRosa, but sure makes it sound like all their other options of upgrading are at dead ends. Just an interesting blurb, tis all.

10 months ago toonsterwu 38 comments 0 recs |

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Thanks...

and thanks for using a FanShot to post this info :) Al would be proud!

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Dec 17, 2008 11:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I am!

I’m not sure how the Twins could get DeRo — what would we want? Kubel?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 17, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kubel and a prospect

The Twins have some pitching prospects, too. Perhaps Kubel and one of those for DeRosa?

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Dec 17, 2008 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I love DeRo and his contributions.

But that might work.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 17, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DeRosa's unselfishness is great

but I think I can live with trading him for Kubel and a prospect – here’s Minor League Ball’s Top 20 Twins prospects.

FWIW, Bill James projects Kubel for 517 AB, 33 2B, 22 HR, 52 BB, 90 K, .282 BA, .348 OBP, .489 SLG

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Dec 17, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's a damn impressive line.

James’ predictions don’t always work, of course, and Kubel does have injury risk.

Might be worth it, though

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 17, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Right, and some projections on Kubel are lower

If Kubel can stay healthy (and I think the Cubs could facilitate that with their glut of OFs), he can be an offensive force.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Dec 17, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

James' predictions

are notoriously higher than any others. He is always a bit too optimistic when it comes to younger players.

by dakoose on Dec 17, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't take anything less than

either Kevin Slowey or Scott Baker.

by dakoose on Dec 17, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

my problem wiht kubel

is that i’m not sold he’s a regular. i still think he’s more of a platoon guy who is an average, at best, fielder. i can live with an iffy glove for the right offensive piece, so if the cubs are sold he’s a regular, then fine. but if he’s a platoon guy, i think we can find cheaper platoon mixes.

To be honest, I’m not sure there’s a fit here. A DeRosa-Twins move made more sense in a 3 way (cut costs and find assets to flip). I don’t love the match. They aren’t going to move their better SP, and the system is a bit thin at the top. Gomez is not likely to be moved. Young is, but he doesn’t really fill a need, and I’m still not sold that they will rashly move Young, whose slugging did go up in the 2nd half of the year.

Speaking theoretically, I’d want Young or Span and another piece. But if you buy Kubel, then Kubel and another piece makes some sense. As a secondary piece, I’d target a guy like Craig Breslow to fill a pen need.

by toonsterwu on Dec 17, 2008 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Minnesota could use a 3B

and while they’re investigating Wigginton and some others, DeRosa could slide in to that spot.

Breslow would be a nice pickup for the pen to add some needed left-handed pitching, too.

What are your thoughts on Mulvey?

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Dec 17, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Minnestoa, Mulvey

Yes, I know DeRosa could slide into the spot. DeRosa makes sense for them. I don’t see a match that makes a lot of sense for us right now. The only one that I like would be intrigued with would be to try and net Span and then sign an OF. It would leave Fukudome as a very expensive backup, along with Reed, but it could give us a leadoff hitter and a middle of the order bat within our budget. That said, their willingness to move Span is unknown outside of an article, I think, in the Star-Trib awhile ago (or maybe it was a blog post).

Mulvey’s a nice mid-end of the rotation arm. Nothing special. A notch above Atkins probably.

by toonsterwu on Dec 17, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gotcha.

Span would be interesting, and solve a few needs at the top of the order, but I wonder about Minnesota’s willingness to trade him. His stock may not be higher than it is right now, though.

Hendry did indicate he had some trade options should the Cubs not sign Bradley, so maybe they’re targeting Span or Kubel via trade.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Dec 17, 2008 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately

They are not going to give us Span, Baker, or Slowey. LIving here, it is apparent that the club is absolutely infatuated with Span, he will not be going anywhere. They had been grooming him forever it seems like to be Torii’s successor, and now that he is finally showing progress they will hold on to him.

by jbertram on Dec 17, 2008 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think we'll get Span

I think Kubel and Breslow/Name a Prospect for DeRosa is the most likely scenario.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Dec 17, 2008 4:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Mark

would bring in a boatload in return, or at least he should. He is coming off of a year in which he was not only great offensively, but according to UZR, displayed average or above average defense at all the positions which he was asked to play. Per Sky Kalkman’s ratings he was the seventh best second baseman last year, and he wasn’t even the full time second baseman. Add in that he is very affordable and that he will most likely be worth 2 draft picks after next year and we have ourselves a big-time trade chip. I hope Hendry looks at DeRo this way.

by dakoose on Dec 17, 2008 11:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think many people

don’t realize how solid Mark was at each position defensively. Mark’s biggest issue, from a public standpoint, was that he made some big gaffes at wrong times, but overall, he’s a real solid defensive player across the board.

I’d rather keep him, but if the right deal comes along, I pull the trigger. You can find 2nd basemen, and that’s one of the deeper spots in our system.

by toonsterwu on Dec 17, 2008 12:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fanshots

Are really useful, and I’m personally gonna make a better effort to check this section instead of just the fanposts.

I hope the Cubs keep DeRosa. Not only is he multi-dimensional, but seems to not might moving around the field, or doing whatever will help the team succeed. Not enough of these guys around.

If Hendry does deal him, he better get a heck of a lot in return!

Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 17, 2008 11:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yea, I saw this place because of Blog a Bull

and over there it’s like a science as to, what goes where. And I have to say, it helps a lot in determining what you’re reading. I’d say 75% of the stuff people put in the fanPOST on BCB should be put in the fanSHOT section. Everyone of those breaking stories and rumors are perfect for Fanshots.

by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 17, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it's a shame

that the formatting couldn’t put the fanshots on oneside and the fanposts on the other. I think part of the reason everything is done in fanposts is because, well, it’s more visible.

by toonsterwu on Dec 17, 2008 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I could move the FanShots higher.

Would that help?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 17, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd put it right under Fanposts

and above Recent Posts, personally.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Dec 17, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Done.

I’m going to make a front page FanShot announcing this.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 17, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice. Yea, I think it'll make the site that much better.

by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 17, 2008 6:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

Always willing to try new stuff to make the site better.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 17, 2008 7:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh, didn't know you could

it might, dunno, it was just my guess as to why fanposts are used more often.

by toonsterwu on Dec 17, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

absolutely

I usually go to fanposts… don’t always scan down to fan shots. I, like others, assumed this was also for personal pics, videos, etc but have now realized differently.

by dmlichte on Dec 17, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe the Twins just...

…want Twin-City eyecandy, you know with Mr. DeRosa’s partner being considering beautiful and all? – TL

[In 2008] Kila Ka’aihue had the best on-base percentage of any hitter in the minor leagues. - Joe Posnanski, 11/9/2008 ... Ergo, let's give him a shot at first base in KC in 2009.

by timlacy on Dec 17, 2008 1:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not gonna happen

The Twins don’t have the pieces for him. However, I still believe Jason Marquis will end up there somehow.
Greetings from sunny, warm Mexico City.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Dec 17, 2008 1:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They definitely have the pieces...

they just aren’t going to give them up for 1 year of DeRosa.

by jbertram on Dec 17, 2008 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm

Could we use a guy named Carlos Gomez anyone?? Not a lefty, but really good defensively.

by chrisw95 on Dec 17, 2008 1:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

he's untouchable supposedly

for understandable reasons, but they love his upside and glove in CF. I think Young is the one they are shopping, although they may listen on Span (just my hunch).

by toonsterwu on Dec 17, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Possibly

But I really doubt anyone is untouchable if they really want DeRo.
We coudl give up Pie as a replacement for Gomez. He may work out better for them with more reps there. But Spann isn’t a bad haul either. Of course, I would require more for DeRo than just Spann.
But if Gomez was available, his tremendous upside would make it hard to pass up.

by chrisw95 on Dec 17, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

More than Span...

for one year of DeRo?…Look the Twins don’t spend money, otherwise they would just grab wiggington and not have to worry about losing anyone. They are not going to pony up the promise of Span for a wham bam thank you ma’am with DeRo.

Now Kubel and a prospect I could see happening.

by jbertram on Dec 17, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Somewhat responding to both of your posts

CF is Gomez’s for the near future. Thus, Span is “stuck” in a corner OF role. For an AL team, that isn’t the worst thing if you have enough power elsewhere … but the Twins don’t have enough. We’re talking a platoon player in Kubel as arguably their 3rd biggest power source. In regards to Span, there’s also a strong possibility that he overachieved last year.

In saying all this, I’ve only seen a couple places that have suggested that Span might be moved (will try to dig it up at some point). They seem focused on dealing Young, if possible, as he is cost-controlled, but they’d have to get back a good enough return as he showed the flashes late last year of perhaps being the player people thought he’d be (Young that is).

The Twins pitching also potentially overachieved a tiny bit. The problem they face is how do they improve their offense while their pitching is young, while they have Nathan anchoring the back, and while the M and M boys are in their best years. Arguably, Mauer is in his prime right now because of position. I think they’ll make a move, as they’ve got way too many OF’s (Cuddyer/Gomez/Span/Young/Kubel). It might not be Span, but one thing to keep in mind – DeRosa likely nets two picks. Add in that OF talent is their strong point in the minors right now (relatively speaking – Revere and Hicks), and dealing Span wouldn’t be the worst idea.

by toonsterwu on Dec 17, 2008 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The question from there is..

Who has the most upside that we coudl truly get. Gomez would be a dream to have patrolling CF at Wrigley, but its very doubtful DeRo alone, or DeRo and Pie would net Gomez.
So which OF would be the best fit for the Cubs?
Span, Revere, or Hicks, and this is all speculation, but I can see the Twins having something of interest for the Cubs to look into.

by chrisw95 on Dec 17, 2008 7:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why o' why are the masses around here trying to trade Mark DeRosa?

The same DeRosa who has been like the team MVP the past two seasons. The same DeRosa who is class professional and well respected by his manager and fellow teammates. The guy who unselfishly also helps this team out at 3rd base, 1st base, left field and right field in addition to the quality job he does at 2nd base.

And we’re going to trade him for Jason Friggin Kubel??? A guy who is a DH and has had not one but two major knee reconstructions? Good grief.

by BLou on Dec 17, 2008 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I too want to keep DeRo.

I have said before that many a team has made it to the World Series with an average fielding first baseman and in that regard I would see what I get for Derrek Lee (trade-wise) and move DeRosa to first.

I think DLee’s power fades down the stretch and his trade value will decline in the years ahead. This may be our best chance to get great value for DLee.

If I was Hendry, I would keep DeRo and his leadership and move DLee. Time to shake up the #3 spot in the order…adios!

"When you are in a hole, stop digging." - anon.

by LAcarl519 on Dec 17, 2008 11:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs