The Twins have signed Jamey Carroll to a two-year deal to be their everyday shortstop. The team announced the deal today. Carroll's contract will guarantee him $6.75MM and includes a $2MM mutual option for 2014. The option vests if Carroll makes 401 plate appearances in 2013, though he can choose to turn it down. SI's Jon Heyman has further contract details. The Millenium Sports Management client drew interest from multiple teams this offseason before signing with the Twins, who are operating under interim GM Terry Ryan.
The 37-year-old infielder played shortstop and second base for the Dodgers in 2011, posting a .290/.359/.347 line in 510 plate appearances. He hasn't posted an on-base percentage below .355 in any of the past four seasons and he has a career mark of .356 after a decade in the Major Leagues. Carroll, who also has experience at third base and in the outfield, stole ten bases without getting caught this past season. He is not a ranked free agent and won't cost his new team a draft pick.
Carroll spoke with MLBTR's Tim Dierkes in June and you can check out the interview here.
ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported the deal, with Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, SI's Jon Heyman, La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports adding details. Photo courtesy of Icon SMI.
This puts them over the top clearly..
Ya. If only the mariners had signed him. World Series!
Carroll = Counsell without the ring.
Congrats Minnesota, you made Philly look smart compared to you.
Nailed it!
Giving a multi-year contract to a 38-year old with no power
Clearly, this solves the Twins offensive problems
Does it matter if you have power and you play in Target Field?
It matters to Joe Mauer
Carroll is just another “scrappy” yes men Gardenhire can throw out there.
Yawn
I don’t see what Mauer has to do with this.
But if Carroll has an OBP similar to the last 4 years, you are correct. He will help with the Twins offensive problems.
While I agree COMPLETELY with the underlying message of your post, this might be a scrappy MI who can actually GET ON BASE now and then.
That said, I’m not too keen on him being the everyday SS. The infield D stays weak, the hitting gets slightly better. But 7 mil, guh
you take off the s you get crappy
do you like your grapes sour??
like the twins have ever had a power shortstop in the last 5 years. hes better than Punto or Everett and he gets on base alot
At least they paid him $4m too much…
Cool.
What does theis mean for Nishioka?
Backup infielder, Bench player, or traded/released. Or they can just send him to the minor leagues. I just don’t want to see him starting.
Was he (Nishioka) really that bad? Sure his numbers weren’t good in the end, but the broken fibula and transition to the U.S. shouldn’t affect him this year. I doubt he’ll be a star, but he at least deserves a chance still.
He looked like he’d never played baseball in his life, especially defensively
Fair enough, I’ll defer to you since you probably watched more Twins games than I did and UZR isn’t reliable enough for such a small sample size.
Though from the games I watched, Casilla looked lost, as well.
Yeah, Casilla wasn’t great either except for a stretch of games (can’t remember how long). Just imagine Casilla being about three times worse than he was, because that would equal how bad Nishioka was.
Casilla’s WAR last year was 1.4, while Nishioka’s was -1.4. ‘Nuff said.
Also, twins33 is right, Nishioka looked like he had never played baseball before. If anyone looked lost, it was him.
Fair enough, I’ll defer to you since you probably watched more Twins games than I did and UZR isn’t reliable enough for such a small sample size.
Though from the games I watched, Casilla looked lost, as well.
He looked like he’d never played baseball in his life, especially defensively
He was a poor defender, and he looked lost when he was as hitting. Not exactly the next Ichiro.
Yes, he really was that bad! Can’t bunt, can’t drive the ball, no power and excels only at hitting 2-hoppers to the SS or 2B – when he makes contact at all. Defensively: can’t backhand balls, limited range because he has a painfully slow first step and a mediocre arm. The broken leg healed just fine by August but he was dreadful. Maybe a couple of years at AAA would help but right now, he isn’t close to being an MLB player.
Yes, he really was that bad! Can’t bunt, can’t drive the ball, no power and excels only at hitting 2-hoppers to the SS or 2B – when he makes contact at all. Defensively: can’t backhand balls, limited range because he has a painfully slow first step and a mediocre arm. The broken leg healed just fine by August but he was dreadful. Maybe a couple of years at AAA would help but right now, he isn’t close to being an MLB player.
Backup/competing for a spot…
I wish he was just gone completely
Personally I hope it means a trip to Rochester.
Keep Hughes on the big league roster.
I agree. Hughes is the better player, and some team will take a chance on him if he is sent through waivers.
Personally I hope it means a trip to Rochester.
Keep Hughes on the big league roster.
What does this mean for Nishioka, you ask?
Nishioka will be a middle infield backup who plays infrequntly but will have regular daily responsiblities for the newly insituted post-game clubhouse sushi buffet
twins fans will love Jamey Carroll. I know I loved him as a Dodger. peace Jamey
No doubt. I was not happy about the Dodgers signing him originally, but he grows on you quickly. He’s awesome.
Solid Sign.
going to miss him on the doyers, but wouldn’t want him as an everyday SS – especially on a team that could be playoff caliber team. interesting signing by the twins.
Definitely not a playoff caliber team…
Your talking about the Twins right? Please. I want to believe.
Haha, yes, I was
I don’t know. For some reason this whole thing reminds me of when they signed Mike Lamb.
why?? Lamb had no track record of ML success, Carroll does. This isn’t anything like that.
Its a little like that. The Twins are basically signing a veteran who never really was an everyday player to be an everyday player. Just like Lamb was when he was in Houston.
Its not a bad thing for now because it takes care of one of the Twins problems for the time being at a decent price. But will we be saying the same thing during the 2012 season?
No it’s not. Lamb was terrible in all facets – bad D and shaky with the bat. He was only good at hitting right handers. Just compare the amount of AB’s each player had before being signed. Carroll had 500 at bats last year and hit .290. That’s hardly a fill in player. At 2/7 how can you possibly say this is a bad sign? Bad comparison, do some research.
I get the sense that you are not reading my comments fully.
First off, its not a bad sign for now. It just has the POTENTIAL to end up like the Mike Lamb signing. Remember, a lot of people liked the Lamb signing at first, but he just could not adjust and ultimately failed.
Jamey Caroll can only be considered an everyday player in two seasons of his career. I doubt that he will be able to handle being an everyday shortstop. He does have one thing going for him that Lamb didn’t though. He has experience in the AL Central. But it ultimately would not surprise me if they turn to Casilla or Plouffe later in the season because Carroll couldn’t cut it.
I can read, I’m telling you the comparison is not apt.
I can read, I’m telling you the comparison is not apt.
To me Jamey Carroll is a better hitting Nick Punto type player. If Nick Punto hit like Jamey Carroll he would have started for the Twins – agree? I think the Twins are just trying to find a stabilizing infield veteren presence and Jamey Carroll is that to a T. If Nishioka and Casilla can put together a full year of solid steady production then Carroll can easily spell almost anyone on any given day as a super utility role a la Nick Punto. To immediately compare him to one of the worst most regrettable reach signs in Mike Lamb is simply not fair – they aren’t the same type of player. I get the whole, utility into a starter thing but do they really compare in any other way?? No. So that said, bad comparison – Jamey Carroll will be just fine for the Twins.
To me Jamey Carroll is a better hitting Nick Punto type player. If Nick Punto hit like Jamey Carroll he would have started for the Twins – agree? I think the Twins are just trying to find a stabilizing infield veteren presence and Jamey Carroll is that to a T. If Nishioka and Casilla can put together a full year of solid steady production then Carroll can easily spell almost anyone on any given day as a super utility role a la Nick Punto. To immediately compare him to one of the worst most regrettable reach signs in Mike Lamb is simply not fair – they aren’t the same type of player. I get the whole, utility into a starter thing but do they really compare in any other way?? No. So that said, bad comparison – Jamey Carroll will be just fine for the Twins.
i agree, it did remind me of the lamb signing right away.
No it’s not. Lamb was terrible in all facets – bad D and shaky with the bat. He was only good at hitting right handers. Just compare the amount of AB’s each player had before being signed. Carroll had 500 at bats last year and hit .290. That’s hardly a fill in player. At 2/7 how can you possibly say this is a bad sign? Bad comparison, do some research.
Carroll isn’t an everyday player. It seems like after last season, with a move like this, The Twins are already giving up.
you should give up commenting.
You should give up your feeble attempt at sarcasm and humour.
He played in 146 games for LA last year. That’s pretty darn near every day. He’s already proved that he can be a front line player, even at his age, but I can see why the Dodgers weren’t going to get him back if the Twins wanted him for a starting role.
You are correct. His 146 games played last year is deceiving. He started 111. In fact he’s never started more than 111 in one season. To think he’s suddenly at 38 going to be physically able to play everyday and still be as productive is wishful thinking on the Twins part.
They better have somebody else ready to start 50 or 60 games.
Over 500 PAs. Very deceiving, because half of them were actually his twin brother, Lewis.
he was signed as a backup on a team that had the oft injured rafael furcal…so he played a lot because of injuries to furcal (ss) and also uribe (2b). it’s not like he was unable to play for stretches and needed rest.
With no Casey Blake at third base it would seem the dodgers could have re-signed him and give him almost full time play like he got from the injuries–i guess it depends on whether one sees a younger mark ellis for a few million more as an upgrade over an aging carroll…which is definitely debatable.
Typical Tigers fan.
Get one playoff appearance in 5 years and you think you run the division for good.
Well the Sox fans thought the same thing after 05 and look what happened there.
Sorry that was meant for Conebone.
Lousy Disqus.
Difference between the Twins and the White Sox, Tigers and Indians is that Minnesota’s only objective is to win the division.
Thus, why they have continued to flame out in the postseason year after year after year
Instead of flaming out in the playoffs once every 5 years, like Detroit? Your rebuttal was very solid.
I wouldn’t call winning one playoff round(at least) “flaming out”
“Flaming Out” would be the Twins postseason record since 2003.
I wouldn’t call winning one playoff round(at least) “flaming out”
“Flaming Out” would be the Twins postseason record since 2003.
Admittedly, the Twins have had more success over the last 10 years than the Tigers.
Twins recent playoff history:
2002: Defeated A’s first round (3-2), lost to A’s second round (1-4)
2003: First round loss to Yankees (1-3)
2004: First round loss to Yankees (1-3)
2006: First round sweep by the A’s (0-3)
2009: First round sweep by Yankees (0-3)
2010: First round sweep by Yankees (0-3)
Tigers lost to the Cardinals in the World Series in ’06 and lost in the ALCS in ’11. I commend the Twins for repeatedly winning the division all those years, but saying the Tigers “flamed out” in the playoffs is laughable.
You are correct. “Flamed Out” is a bit over dramatic. And I actually respect the Tigers, but I don’t think Tigers fans have that much to brag about either.
No team in the AL Central has much to brag about. It’s been a competitive, cyclical division since ’98, except for the Royals.
You are correct. “Flamed Out” is a bit over dramatic. And I actually respect the Tigers, but I don’t think Tigers fans have that much to brag about either.
So you’re saying the Twins both defeated and lost to the Oakland A’s in 2002 playoffs? Interesting trick. Joe Buck would have gotten this right.
Yeah because as a Tigers fan, you know all too well what another team’s objective is.
And I am sure you will look on that beating by the Rangers fondly when the Tigers next make the playoffs in 2016.
Tough words for a team that finished 32 games back.
No, tough words for a team that has won 6 division titles in ten years.
If you want to talk about teams with bad finishes, lets talk about the 2003 Tigers, shall we? 47 games. Wow.
The Tigers were horrible in 2003, and just about every year for the 15 years prior to that.
I said above that the Twins have been a much better team recently and have shown the ability to have continued success. I hope the Tigers can have 6 division titles in 10 years. But Jelly bean makes no sense. No Tigers fan thinks we own the division. I don’t know where that claim came from.
Twins fan talking smack about the Tigers is absolutely hilarious. The Tigers could sign zero Free Agents this offseason and still have a team that will finish 20 games better than the Twinkies in 2012.
God help you if something happens to Verlander though. Then your first place Tigers probably become third place Tigers.
How does it feel knowing it only cost $115 Mil per year to erase the stench of 2003?
Same could be said for any team if you take away their best player.
Also, I enjoyed having the third highest opening day payroll in the division and winning it by 15 games. Also helps when you are able to shed non-factor players like Ordonez and Guillen while re-investing that money in keeping guys like Verlander.
You’re right same could be said about any team losing their best player.
Sort of like how you could say the same for the Twins losing Joe Mauer for most of a season, like last season, right?
Mauer was out half of the season. Also, I wasn’t aware he also pitched.
I believe your quote was “best player” not “best pitcher”.
And last I checked, not every team’s best player is a starting pitcher.
Now apologize for your stupidity.
My point was that the Twins had the 2nd worst pitching staff in all of MLB. To say they sucked because Mauer was out half of the season is absurd. Their problems go way beyond him
I believe your quote was “best player” not “best pitcher”.
And last I checked, not every team’s best player is a starting pitcher.
Now apologize for your stupidity.
Many Tigers players exceeded expectations last year, while the Twins and White Sox fell off the map. I expect all three teams to regress toward the mean and we’ll see another competitive 3 team race like 2008-2010.
Not sure what you mean though by $115M…
Twins fan talking smack about the Tigers is absolutely hilarious. The Tigers could sign zero Free Agents this offseason and still have a team that will finish 20 games better than the Twinkies in 2012.
It’s a nice signing (depending on terms of the contract). The Twins had no middle infield this last year so this will help. Gives them a little time to determine the long term fix.
Wish the Jays got him, good for the Twins
I like the sign, but hate the price.
cuz you’d like it to be more money then??
Should be less. Maybe 5 million tops.
wrong.
Such a strong, fact based answer you gave there….
He’s 38, he’s going to decline eventually. Carroll has made 11 million in his entire career and we just added 7 more to that. Plus, he’s a much better second baseman than he is a SS. Upgrade for sure, in either spot, but that’s how sad the Twins have become.
Nothing he has done has said that he should earn over half of what he has already made in his entire career…in two years. Not smart.
wrong again.
cuz you’d like it to be more money then??
2 yrs 7 is too high.
And 0-2….dang I suck!
Me too! *High-five
Me too! *High-five
0-3 when you take into account Ryan Madson probably isn’t going back to Philly.
Well that’s okay, I picked Madson to the Red Sox. Hopefully Cherrington doesn’t see Bard as a legitimate closing option and just swaps closers with the Phil’s. But now that I think about it, I don’t really see that happening.
Multi-year deal and a good fit for a quality player. Well done by his agent. If a top shortstop falls in their lap within the next two years, he makes an excellent utility player. Nice work.
Jose Reyes will fall into their lap — waiting —
reyes? bwahahahaha. sorry but the twins will not get a big name player on that team until mauer’s contract is up. or mauer decides to call it quits. they messed up signing him to that big contract.
there it is, found someone who doesn’t get sarcasm.
I don’t get it . The guy is a utility player who is 37 years old. Do the Twins really think this is going to make a difference? I would have thought after last year they would be looking to fill holes with players with a future, not journeymen.
He’s a solid stopgap in the infield, but a two year deal at the price is just too much.
I thought the same thing about 2 years for Pavano, but he did what was expected of him in 2011. He threw 200 innings of quality pitching and should do the same in 2012.
If Carroll can hold down a .350 OBP and play solid defense it is definitely worth it.
compared to guys like Bloomquist this is a better use of money, but right now everybody is getting overpaid.
compared to guys like Bloomquist this is a better use of money, but right now everybody is getting overpaid.
I thought the same thing about 2 years for Pavano, but he did what was expected of him in 2011. He threw 200 innings of quality pitching and should do the same in 2012.
If Carroll can hold down a .350 OBP and play solid defense it is definitely worth it.
Agree. 1 year at about $2.5M may have been right. Also, they could have gone after someone younger like Clint Barmes or Ronny Cedeno who have much more range as shortstops as a stopgap.
You can even add Ramon Santiago to that mix.
This is not a slap at Carroll but at his stage, he is better suited for 2B.
The twins shot them selves in the foot and ruined the team for years with the big contract they gave to mauer. the guy sits on the couch more then he plays, and he has the last laugh because he has 180 million dollars lol.
You should be thankful the Twins didn’t sign Yuniesky Betancourt.
actually Betancourt has always been aTwins killer would’ve loved to seen him as utility guy for us.
So it wasn’t any of like 10 teams MLBTR guessed at before they got it? Nice call(s) guys…
They weren’t guessing… They were reporting what they heard from journalists, which happened to simply be the teams that weren’t going to get him.
They weren’t guessing… They were reporting what they heard from journalists, which happened to simply be the teams that weren’t going to get him.
$7M?!?!?!
YES!!!!!
We got a draft pick for losing Barajas but not Carroll?
Barajas was a Type B??
Yeah. Free draft pick!!!!
Hell yea! Good thing he signed early. Don’t know if Ned would’ve offered arb. I don’t understand how Carroll wasn’t ranked though. Home Runs and RBI’s must mean even more than I thought, since he doesn’t do anything in those categories.
The Dodgers had already hionted that they would not have offered arbitration so that Pirates signing of Barajas was the Dodgers best move of the off-seasion. Surely better than signing Juan Rivera, I would rather have gambled on one last year with Loney than signed Rivera at a comparable cost. Carroll will do fine as a starting shortstop, and I would expect him to hit .290-2-30-11. I would have offered Carroll, three million for the first year and 2.5 million for a second year, so I think they slightly overpaid. I hope that Jamey Carroll eventually becomes a minor league coach because he has a great attitude and plays 100% every time.
Hell yea! Good thing he signed early. Don’t know if Ned would’ve offered arb. I don’t understand how Carroll wasn’t ranked though. Home Runs and RBI’s must mean even more than I thought, since he doesn’t do anything in those categories.
Surely these ratings are compiled by the same Mensanomiacs that invented the BCS.
Surely these ratings are compiled by the same Mensanomiacs that invented the BCS.
Barajas was a Type B??
Ok, that is a pretty good deal. While Jamey is not gonna light the world on fire, he is a definite upgrade and a decent to above average defender at short. Perfect for the Twins.
Nice to see a REASONABLE contract be done today. Well done, Minnesota.
-_________________-
Good for Jamey Carroll, a dependable class act on a despondent Dodger team the last couple years. Twins fans should be happy with the signing. Probably good news for Aaron Miles too, should he accept, a Dodger job is waiting.
Geez, I hope not, unless Aaron is willing to take the league minimum.
I was down on the Miles signing from Spring Training until I gave up on him flaming out around August. He’s what he is… a decent veteran guy off the bench, not quite as versatile as Carroll (not a viable SS option) but played well over his head. Lasik, FTW.
But he really didn’t. He had about one good month, but otherwise was about as cr@ppy as usual.
But he really didn’t. He had about one good month, but otherwise was about as cr@ppy as usual.
Actually a bit below his career line straight across the board, but okay. I’ll take Miles as a utility guy though I’d rather have Carroll.
I will certainly digress with the playing over his head part of statement to add “what I expected” 😉
I will certainly digress with the playing over his head part of statement to add “what I expected” 😉
I was down on the Miles signing from Spring Training until I gave up on him flaming out around August. He’s what he is… a decent veteran guy off the bench, not quite as versatile as Carroll (not a viable SS option) but played well over his head. Lasik, FTW.
I just hope this doesn’t put them off Barmes
I hope it does, he is not a Twins type player
Sure about that? Barmes is awesome with the glove, has some pop in his bat and plays hard. Seems like the twins way to me.
Sure about that? Barmes is awesome with the glove, has some pop in his bat and plays hard. Seems like the twins way to me.
Agreed! I hope they sign Barmes for everyday SS and have Carroll to play the “Super-Utility” role and get a start 4 out of 5 days around the diamond giving a day off to Casilla, Barmes and Valencia.
Barmes is going another direction. Carroll is the everyday SS. Twins fans will see him score 100 runs and have an OBP of .360 plus in front of Mauer and Morneau. Barmes wanted more $ and his OBP is about .315. He is more a 2B than a SS when you scout him. Carroll’s range factor at SS the last two years was in the top 25% of MLB.
Old and even though not too much $$, they could’ve gotten a similar player in Willie Bloomquist if they wanted.
Sure they could but Carroll is a better player than Wilson Bloomquist.
Sure they could but Carroll is a better player than Wilson Bloomquist.
The whole point of signing Carroll is that he gets on base and plays solid (though not terrific) defense. Neither of those things is true of Willie Bloomquist.
Old and even though not too much $$, they could’ve gotten a similar player in Willie Bloomquist if they wanted.
I guess this means no Yuniesky Betancourt in Minnesota
(not sarcasm)
I really hope your not a Twins fan then..
I don’t see how that sentence can be said without sarcasm.
Edit: Meant to be in response to D.J. Wilson.
I don’t see how that sentence can be said without sarcasm.
Edit: Meant to be in response to D.J. Wilson.
I’m not a Twins fan, I’m a Royals fan but Yuni is my favorite player. I wanted him to come back to the AL Central
Listen if you really really want to buy a Twins jersey with the name Betancourt on the back, I know a guy.
I am that guy. I can make my own jerseys thank you very much
Oh no you di’int!
and he would also be a great fit
Listen if you really really want to buy a Twins jersey with the name Betancourt on the back, I know a guy.
I guess this means no Yuniesky Betancourt in Minnesota
(not sarcasm)
I’m happy. If you look back at when the Twins re-signed Punto, he got more money than what Carroll is making in this deal. Using that as a comparison, this is a fantastic signing.
This is a happy place, please don’t talk about Punto
This is a happy place, please don’t talk about Punto
Carroll is very comparable to Punto but he can do something Nick cannot – consistently hit and get on base which is kind of a big deal.
Carroll is very comparable to Punto but he can do something Nick cannot – consistently hit and get on base which is kind of a big deal.
He’s also getting less money than Barry Zito.
Phew, I thought Braves were going to pick himup.
Phew, I thought Braves were going to pick himup.
I believe he’s a hell of a lot better than Nishi was and Carrol can play solid D. 2/7 isn’t terribly bad and if we do end up bringing people like Hughes up on our 25 man he can be a solid veteran presence in the clubhouse to help Hughes and whoever else needs it. He’s versatile and I’m looking forward to seeing him in a Twins Jersey come April.
I believe he’s a hell of a lot better than Nishi was and Carrol can play solid D. 2/7 isn’t terribly bad and if we do end up bringing people like Hughes up on our 25 man he can be a solid veteran presence in the clubhouse to help Hughes and whoever else needs it. He’s versatile and I’m looking forward to seeing him in a Twins Jersey come April.
Carroll may not be the answer, but it’s funny to see people complain about 2 yr/$7MM like it’ll cripple the payroll. You’d think they just overpaid for Papelbon or something…
I don’t think it cripples the payroll, but it’s an overpay. Twins have to be wise with money since they may be cutting 15 million out from last year. They have to spend wisely (which they should do no matter what anyway)
Sure no team should piss away a few million dollars just because. I guess it all depends how all these other fringe 2B/SS back-up/utility guys end up signing for.
Sure no team should piss away a few million dollars just because. I guess it all depends how all these other fringe 2B/SS back-up/utility guys end up signing for.
3.5 million a year for a guy who might start at SS everyday and at the worst is a really good 2B/SS/3B utility guy? That is a steal at today’s Free Agent prices.
Jamey Carroll for 3.5 next year or 5 Papelbons for same amount, I’d take Carroll. Oh I and I know they don’t play the same position but I’d put Carroll on the mound before allowing Papelbon to blow game after game for me.
over or under on carrol making it to the warning track 5 times at target field??
Under and he shouldn’t even try. If you think he was signed for his power you’re wrong and ridiculous.
Do people need to hold up a sarcasm sign or something when they post on the same thread as you?
maybe they should have not paid mauer all that money and they could afford someone like reyes lol.
ATTENTION TWINS FANS allow me to summarize who Jamey Carroll is in terms you can understand. Jamey Carroll is a much better hitting Nick Punto! Quality clubhouse guy, extremely hard working, a wizard with the glove and consistently gets on base! Great addition to the Twins.
But can he swim like a piranha? Course without Ozzie its time for a new name and new beginning for Twinkie singles hitters.
haha – it’s funny that Guillen is now the manager of the fish now. He’s got his own piranha’s now.
But can he swim like a piranha? Course without Ozzie its time for a new name and new beginning for Twinkie singles hitters.
As much as I love Carroll, he is not a wizard with a glove, especially not when compared to Punto.
Agreed. Also he is not being brought in to save the organization. He is filling a void for a reasonable price.
Fogot to mention he is 37 years old.
STOP with the “good clubhouse guy” crap, it’s so annoying. You know a player is washed up/overpaid/useless/offers little else when the “Good/Great clubhouse guy” gets thrown out when describing his “qualities.”
You’re annoying Frank, You’re annoying…chew on that!
You aren’t much of a clubhouse guy.
He’s a right handed batter that will fit nicely into the 2 spot in the batting order, splitting up lefties Span, Mauer, and Morneau.
I like the signing, but the price is a little high.
plus he can actually bunt well, NishiJoka was the worst bunter in the majors last season
Despite wht TLR would tell you the # 2 spot in the bagging order really shouldn’t be reserved for someone to bunt au every plate appearance
Despite wht TLR would tell you the # 2 spot in the bagging order really shouldn’t be reserved for someone to bunt au every plate appearance
He’s a right handed batter that will fit nicely into the 2 spot in the batting order, splitting up lefties Span, Mauer, and Morneau.
I like the signing, but the price is a little high.
Well I guess they had to do something, but who would you rather have Carroll/Nishioka or JJ Hardy for 7M a year. I can see why B Smith got fired after the Hardy screw-up. Maybe we can trade Carroll/Nishioka for Hardy. I hope T Ryan doesn’t waste his money on Cuddyer. Cuddyer is way over-rated and old. Ryan needs to spend on area’s to help the team not give another player way to much money for what he’s worth. Plus the draft choice will help. B Smith should have un-loaded Cuddyer when he could have.
Cuddyer was the best most consistent hitter for the Twins last season. Honestly, who would replace him??
I agree with that. But the Twins can’t afford Cuddyer if they want to improve the team in other area’s. If you want to spend 4yr/50m contract on Cuddyer whats left? I’d rather offer J Rollins 4yr/50M than Cuddyer. If they are smart they will sign Nathan and whoever else they deem necessary with that money.
Um, he’s about 5 years younger than Carroll. Just sayin.
I like this signing a lot, but don’t have him play shortstop too much. Great number #2 hitter and splits up the lefties like Overcast said. Still need an ace and a complete overhaul of the bullpen and either resign or replace Kubel and Cuddyer. So there is still a lot of work to be done.
Nats want in on Prince so they can probably trade Morse & Storen to us in Span deal – we can then let Cuddy walk for too much money – sign Kubel for about 7/8mil/yr- 3yr deal, sign Coco Crisp or David DeJesus for 2yrs-2.5/mil yr., sign Michael Weurtz to MiLB deal, sign John Grabow to 2 yrs/1.5/yr, trade Kevin Slowey and/or Blackburn to Colorado for Rafael Betancourt or Rex Brothers. Sign Ryan Doumit for 3 yrs/2.5mil/yr. Sign Aaron Harang 2 yrs/6/mil/yr. Total cost just under 22 million more. This gives us:
Crisp CF
Carroll SS
Mauer C
Morneau DH
Kubel RF
Morse 1B
Valencia 3B
Casilla 2B
Revere LF
Bench:
Plouffe
Hughes
Doumit
Tosoni
Parmalee
Starters:
Pavano
Liriano
Baker
Harang
Swarzak/Blackburn
Bullpen:
Storen
Perkins
Betancourt
Grabow
Weurtz
Duensing
Coco Crisp should never, ever wear a Twins uniform unless it is for the major league minimum as strictly a back-up and even then it would be too much money.
I hate to see Swarzak as a number 5 starting option.
I would rather see Willingham in left instead of Revere- put on bench
I would also like to see the Twins sign Joe Nathan.
I would take Span over Coco Crisp.
Not a bad overall job though.
Also- I consider Baker a number 2, Liriano either 3 or 4 in the rotation
Well 1 for 2 so far…nailed Papelbon to the Phils…I had Carroll going to the Nats as insurance for their inconsistent middle infield.
Bet they’re really regretting that JJ Hardy trade now
Even if you argue that the Twins couldn’t re-sign him, they got hosed in that trade. Hoey and Jacobson? Enjoy.
Two important things about this signing.
1. Carroll is just keeping the glove warm for Levi, in two years he “should” be ready.
2. Bill Smith didn’t sign him, otherwise it would have been three for thirty and back to nap time for little Bill.
It is a little early to crown Levi Michael the “SS of the future.” The same was said about Trevor Plouffe and look where that went… I have heard Michael will probably end up at 2B. If he makes the cut at SS, then great!
Not sure about the contract, not sure about Carroll being an everyday shortstop, but he was definitely a worthwhile contributor for the Dodgers. He seemed like a great guy and great teammate. Twins fans should be happy to have him. He’s versatile and his OBP is always respectable.
He is a good player but why an option for 2014? He is older than dirt, it better be an option to be part of the coaching staff…
Carroll is an absolute perfect Twin.
don’t like this deal one bit. Don’t get me wrong, Carroll is an good piece to have around, on the bench. But is he really an every day ss? come on, he’s 37, not a good fielder, and puts up a very empty .290
Was Terry Ryan the Twins GM when they gave Nick Punto a similar ridiculous contract?
Why all of the hatred for Nick Punto? In the 2 year deal that was 8.5 million Punto provided WARs of 1.8 and 1.3 while having ridiculously good defense at 2B, SS and 3B. That is pretty good return. The only problem was Gardenhire continuing to think LNP was a #2 hitter.
Does LNP stand for “Little Nick Punto” if so, amazing – that’ll catch on!
“Little Nicky Punto” had been used by Twins fans for years. I always liked the guy when he was a Twin. It was just frustrating seeing him in the #2 spot in the lineup everyday.
It seems the Tigers have built a pitching staff that will keep them on top of the central for a few years. The Twins made a big mistake with Target Field, they should have built a dome!
The Twins need to adjust to Target Field and focus on improving the outfield defense to benefit the pitchers and focus on hitting to the gaps to benefit the offense.
Improve the outfield defense?? Seriously? I think Span, Revere and plug in a 3rd (Cuddyer?) can cover most of minnetonka! They improved the Defense by dumping Delmon Young.
deleted.
This site is very annoying sometimes. Response to djkruse about the contract:
Like I said, I don’t think it cripples the payroll. I just don’t believe the guy is worth 7. Five should have been good enough. Still have about six spots to fill (SP, at least one BP, RF, 2B, backup catcher, DH) and possibly only 15 million to spend. They’ll probably give Casilla 2B, though they shouldn’t.
and I give up..
Here is a different perspective…
Player A
2010
2.7 WAR, 270/340/370, below average fielding stats
2011
2.3 WAR, 297/355/388, below average fielding stats
Player B
2010
2.5 WAR, 291/379/339, average fielding stats
2011
2.2 WAR, 290/359/347, average fielding stats
Both of these players are middle infielders going into there age 38 season and are considered great “clubhouse guys.” Player A hits for better power, but Player B has an edge in OBP and fielding. Player A will earn 33mil over the next two seasons. Player B will earn 7 million over the next two seasons.
Player A: Derek Jeter, Player B: Jamey Carroll. I would take the 26 million discount for Carroll.
This is a good signing for the Twins. He wasn’t a starter for the Dodgers last season, yet still had over 400 at bats. If he continues to stay healthy and maintains a descent batting average while playing solid defense for the Twins in 2012 he will be well worth the 2 year 7 million dollar contract the Twins gave him.
COME ON CARROLL!!!!! THE TWINS????? GIVE ME A BREAK
hahaha good luck not winning the AL central anymore.
I understand why they don’t go after someone like Reyes, 2/3 of their payroll is dedicated to Mauer. And he is benched every half season.
This was the worst signing ever he is an old player and could not hit last tear he can bunt very well but he is slow
For this reason alone Ned Colletti should be drawn & quartered.
Ned signed a guy less than half as good Offensively and not as good defensively
for more money. Ned “off with your head!”
Sadly, I’m a sucker for those scrappy players (mostly because they’re my only hope), but he gets on base at a high clip, hits for a decent average, and he can play up the middle. He was pretty much the only bright spot on the Dodgers in 2010, and he played really well in 2011 too. I just like him I guess, he’s not the greatest player out there, and he’s probably not a starting shortstop, but he plays hard and he’s a solid bench player.
he plays hard every play, runs every ball, great club house guy, mentors players, never complains, and just loves the game of baseball!! i loved having him on the dodgers!!
he’s a scrappy player who is actually pretty good.
he gives his all every single play. i just really respect him. great approach at the plate. every dodger game i went to, he was the 1st dodger on the field warming up. i loved it.
he seriously never took a play off. he’s what a pro ball player should act like. not the most talented, but if he didnt get to a ball at 2nd or short, i was never mad.
im gonna miss him for sure
If that’s true, Gardy will love this guy.
Great thoughts! Ask the Giants of 2010 if improving at every position with offseason signs improves an offense!? They literally had no hitting superstars, just solid workman players at every position that flat out got the job done. With their pitching, that’s all they needed. Now Twins has some serious rotational issues to be addressed, after Baker which starter can we really depend on??