The Twins avoided arbitration with outfielder Jason Repko, tweets SI's Jon Heyman, agreeing to a $600K contract for 2011. Repko gets a $100K raise after hitting .228/.324/.346 in 146 plate appearances for the Twins. The former first-round pick played all three outfield positions in 2010.
Minnesota also reached a deal with reliever Pat Neshek for $625K, tweets John Shipley of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Neshek, 30, had Tommy John surgery two years ago and also dealt with a finger injury early this year. He spent most of the year at Triple-A, posting a 3.89 ERA, 5.7 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, and 0.9 HR/9 in 39 1/3 innings. He had the same $625K salary in 2010.
UGH. Why?
I know the guy is a great defender, but there are plenty of good defensive options for our fourth OF who carry more than a wiffle ball bat to the plate.
I know it’s only $600K, but this also means they’re likely set on using him as their fourth outfielder in 2011 and we won’t be acquiring another option this offseason, and that’s just not smart in my mind.
I dont mind it he may not be the best player available, but we as fans don’t get to see everything and he does seem like a hard worker and good clubhouse guy and I value that more than finding the best guy as a bench player.
I’d rather see a good defender with some offensive upside. I know Jason can run and field, and this hardly a move worth panning very much, but it just seems irresponsible of the Twins to not explore the market. There will probably be a dozen non-tenders out there. Why not see who’s available?
Worst-case scenario is you non-tender Repko and sign a slightly worse OF to replace him. Best-case scenario is you get a guy who can field and has some real offensive upside to him that can make your team better.
I’d have much preferred a bat like Scott Hairston or something. He may cost a little more, but he’s shown good power in the past and solid defense throughout his career. At the very least he’s abused lefties in his career (.498 SLG) and he can be used late in the game if the team brings on a LHP to face Kubel.
Just doesn’t make sense to me to settle for Repko so early on.
Lil’ Repko’s just a gamer, he hustles real hard out there.
I’m actually pleased as a Twins fan that we got Repko back. He is a good defensive replacement for DY and Kubel in the field and he is also a good pinch runner. Not to mention the game-saving catches in the OF he had for us last year. I like Repko and the fact that he is an extremely hard worker and he never takes a play off.
Also, I really hope this is Neshek’s year. We will have a depleted bullpen and we’ll need Neshek and Slama to step up for us in 2011. He was a very affective reliever in his rookie campaign and I hope he can find his old form.
As much as I’d like to see Neshek step up this year, I don’t see it happening… In the couple of times I saw him in the Bigs last year he looked UGLY. Doesn’t seem like he’s fooling anyone anymore…
He had a clear loss of velocity due to his injuries and rehab. Give him time. His delivery is one of the most unique deliveries of all time and he was set-up/closer worthy during his all-star season.
He had some big hits for the Twins. Maybe he can come through next year in a more stable role.
Sucks to be Brandon Roberts.
I think the TYPE of problems Neshek had last year are concerning. Most Tommy John patients come back strong and a little wild then gradually regain control, but it wasn’t command that bothered him, it was velocity that was at issue. I think the $0.6m is more of a lotto ticket than a move to bolster the pen, and I don’t expect it to work out.