Trade Deadline Preview: Minnesota Twins
Jun 1, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) is congratulated by Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) as he walks off the mound after the eighth inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The Twins defeated the Yankees 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
An anemic offense and an inconsistent pitching staff have the Minnesota Twins sitting at the bottom of the AL Central, nine games out of first place entering play on Sunday in a division that has yet to see anyone distance themselves from the pack. The team’s focus last offseason was on upgrading their starting pitching, but little attention was paid to the offensive side of things and the lack of additions seems to be plaguing the team midway through the season.
Minnesota’s offensive efforts have been a mixed bag of results. Phil Hughes has proven to be a worthwhile addition, giving the team an ace atop the rotation with his unexpected performance. The other arms brought in (Ricky Nolasco and Mike Pelfrey) have largely failed to live up to expectations. Health has been a positive, however, as the team has four starters who’ve each made 15+ starts so far in Hughes, Nolasco, Kevin Correia, and Kyle Gibson.
At the plate it’s been a different story. Brian Dozier has emerged as a prime building block, leading the team in home runs and stolen bases despite an underwhelming batting line. Kurt Suzuki has been better than expected behind the plate. Joe Mauer hasn’t quite been himself, but has hardly been a liability.
Beyond that the team has seen few consistent contributors and appears to have multiple holes that will need to be addressed in the coming months.
Jun 22, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Eduardo Escobar (5) throws to first at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Needs to be addressed:
1. Shortstop
Eduardo Escobar, Danny Santana, Eduardo Nunez, and Pedro Florimon have all seen time at short this season for the Twins and none have done enough to win the job on a regular basis. Santana and Nunez now sit on the disabled list, leaving the team to go with Jorge Polanco as an option despite the fact that he’s yet to play at Double-A or Triple-A. This team needs to find a solution at the position, otherwise they are facing a prolonged period of poor production – both offensively and defensively – at a key position. With Dozier emerging at second base and the team still hoping that they have an answer at third base long term in Miguel Sano finding a solution to the other key piece of their infield could be a significant step.
2. Outfield
Minnesota’s focus should be on acquiring at least one outfielder. They could use a reliable center fielder now, but if they believe that Byron Buxton can eventually fill that role (instead of remaining in one of the corners) that could shift the team’s focus slightly. Aaron Hicks has shown some flashes of talent on the defensive side, but at the plate he’s been a train wreck (batting .198/.338/.262). Oswaldo Arcia hasn’t fared much better (.208/.275/.392). They remain the team’s most likely existing options moving forward and neither presents much reason for the Twins to be optimistic moving forward.
3. Bullpen
Glen Perkins continues to be reliable at the back of the Twins’ bullpen. Casey Fien and Brian Duensing have also pitched well at times. Beyond that, there doesn’t appear to be much depth for the Twins. The team has enjoyed the health of their starting pitchers, but with that group largely unable to pitch deep into games while holding a lead it’s become more important for this team to find a mix of arms that can help them win games out of the bullpen. Some of this was addressed by the team’s actions in the draft, but none of the arms taken (save for Nick Burdi) appear likely to be on the fast track to the major leagues.
Jun 15, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Josh Willingham (16) hits an RBI double in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be moved:
1. Kevin Correia
A league average starter who’ll be a free agent at season’s end, there’s little reason for the club to keep Correia around if they have an opportunity to move him. The trouble is finding someone interested in taking him on. Correia leads the AL in losses with nine, has an ERA of 5.08, and doesn’t strike out many batters (just 4.5 K/9). He is, however, arguably the most cost affordable starter that the team could look to move in order to make room in the rotation for either Trevor May or Alex Meyer. While there might be some interest in moving Nolasco, his contract will make that next to impossible.
Another player looking at free agency at season’s end, Willingham’s tenure in Minnesota is all but coming to an end. He’s 35, has dealt with injury concerns this season, and doesn’t seem to figure prominently in the team’s plans moving forward unless he’s willing to re-sign at a below market value rate. Willingham has seemed to find his power production again, with seven home runs already in just 35 games played, and he’s getting on base at a .396 clip. For a team looking at a playoff run he could be an attractive option to bolster one of the corner outfield spots and he just might bring the Twins back a decent return.
3. Fien/Duensing
Relatively consistent relievers are always on the move at the deadline and the Twins could potentially move one of the pair, despite the lack of depth to step in and replace them. Minnesota’s reasons for moving either of them are also the same reasons for keeping them. Fien is not yet arbitration eligible but is out of options at this point in his career. Duensing has another year of eligibility before he’ll be able to test the free agent market. Each is in the midst of a career year, with ERAs below 3.00 and a WHIP below 1.27.
May 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Jose Tabata (31) hits a double in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be targeted:
1. Jon Jay
As much as Jay could bring some value to the table for many organizations, he doesn’t seem to have a role – let alone a future – in St. Louis. The Cardinals were believed to be shopping him at one point earlier in the season and the Twins were rumored to have interest at that time, so could the two sides engage in talks? It wouldn’t be out of the question. Jay can handle any of the three outfield positions defensively, he’s just 29, has at least two years of team control remaining, and can get on base. He won’t offer much power, but he would be an upgrade over the team’s in-house outfield options.
2. Jose Tabata
It’s a bit outside the box, but could Tabata make sense for the Twins now that he clearly doesn’t figure into the Pirates’ plans? The cost to acquire him likely won’t be significant. It’ll be even less if the Twins are willing to take on the remaining salary that he’s owed. Tabata won’t offer much power production, but he swings a decent bat and can handle any of the outfield positions. It’s still unclear what exactly prompted the Pirates to outright him off their 40-man roster (some sort of clubhouse issue, perhaps?) but it’d be a low risk pickup with a potentially solid reward that may benefit the Twins.
The Braves acquired Walden with the intent of installing him towards the back of their bullpen, but he’s spent more time in a middle relief role. He’s missed some time with injury but is back and throwing the ball well again. The Braves have multiple other options in their bullpen, however, which means that someone like Walden could be expendable in the right move. All he cost Atlanta was a struggling Tommy Hanson, but he’s likely bring back something of more value should the team make him available now. With his arbitration years ahead of him, he could appeal to a team looking ahead to next year like the Twins.