MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger covered a few hot stove topics in his recent Twins mailbag piece, and here are some of the highlights….
- GM Bill Smith "has indicated the club is going to try to sign at least one of" free agents Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel. The latest Elias rankings show Cuddyer is a Type A free agent and Kubel is a Type B, so Cuddyer could net the Twins an extra draft pick if they let him walk.
- There has been no talk of reducing the Twins' $113MM payroll from last season. In his look at the team's arbitration-eligible players, MLBTR's Tim Dierkes speculated that Minnesota could have up to $30MM to spend this winter if it planned to stay at the $113MM figure. That would be more than enough to sign both Kubel and Cuddyer if the team so desired.
- That money could also be spent on a high-profile free agent, though Bollinger notes that isn't the Twins' style. He believes that besides Kubel or Cuddyer, the club will focus on infield depth and rebuilding the bullpen.
- Joe Nathan "has expressed a willingness to remain with the organization" and we heard last week that the Twins were also interested in keeping Nathan in the fold. This would likely require signing Nathan to a new free agent contract, since the Twins will almost surely decline Nathan's $12MM option for 2012.
- Minnesota will probably keep Tsuyoshi Nishioka and have him compete with Trevor Plouffe for the shortstop job next season. Bollinger notes that Nishioka's experience at both short and second base would make him a good candidate as a utilityman.
Just cut your losses with Nishioka. He is nothing more than a waste of a roster spot. Plus, this can’t be fun for him. From Japanese All-Star to a guy who can’t even contribute. Maybe there’s a way he can be sold back to a Japanese Club and we can save $1 Million or 2.
Bill Smith, please don’t go explore expensive free agents. You are an AWFUL GM. Just sign the safe bets (Cuddyer and Kubel). You know what they’re all about. If Smith can’t find a decent to average middle reliever, just imagine what he’ll do with $30 Million.
I don’t think Nishioka is as bad as he’s been this year. He may not be the next Ichiro, but I think he can be at least serviceable as a shortstop.
Remember, he came to the Twins and to a new country and immediately broke his leg which took him out of action for almost three months I believe. From that point he was basically playing catch up with the rest of the league. They have him on payroll for next year; might as well see if this is the real Nishioka. The market for SS is weak, so they won’t be picking up someone who will blow Nishi out of the water.
At least that’s the way I see it.
You get an extra pick for a Type B too.
Pretty sure they meant an extra draft pick over Kubel.
I think it’s time for the Twins to change their ways. For the past decade they have been a very good team and great organization. However, they have not been a “Great” team. Instead of keeping those “B” level guys (Cuddyer, Kubel) they should try and replace with an A-level guy not necessarily a superstar just someone that brings more to them than just being some well-rounded guys
I think it’s time for the Twins to change their ways. For the past decade they have been a very good team and great organization. However, they have not been a “Great” team. Instead of keeping those “B” level guys (Cuddyer, Kubel) they should try and replace with an A-level guy not necessarily a superstar just someone that brings more to them than just being some well-rounded guys
What is the deal with Morneau? Is he done?
Are the Twins counting on him coming back strong in 2012 or is it time to move on?
Bill Smith’s plan, as always, is to hope that everyone comes back healthy and has a career year. So yes. Smith plans on having Morneau back and putting up MVP numbers. If Morneau doesn’t, then Bill blames it on that and keeps his job. Same old story.
If by “utility man” you mean he can fix the water, heat, or electricity in the clubhouse…
Cuddyer is the captain, the ambassador for the team, and also an excellent player… compared to the REST OF THE TEAM, he is not affraid to get dirty, his glove always hits the ground, he runs through bases, he hits the ball with skill and wisdom, he plays every position and is willing to go the extra 10 miles. Type A OMG sorry for a perfect player and perfcet FIT on OUR TEAM the TWINS. This is a communities team and I think we have all spoken how much Cuddy is our favorite player for every reason. So lets stop gambling with OUR money and keep what is NOT broken, get rid of what is, and build a good team with the Type A’s that can bring it… seriously what gives? This is not rocket science~ when it is staring you in the face. Resign CUddy or provide us all with new jerseys…where ever he is signed. Last time I held a $100 bill I made sure I didnt lose it by misplacing it. Spend the money.. Cuddy is an Ace in the hole stop the crap and sign him, he has never let you or us down,,,, ahem other players who have not played the game like they love it.