In the wake of the Nationals’ dramatic NLDS victory over the Dodgers last night, it is perhaps fitting that October 10 marks another red-letter day in Washington baseball history….not to mention Minnesota baseball history. It was on this day back in 1924 that the Twins won their first World Series, though they were still several decades away from becoming the Twins, as the franchise played in D.C. as the Washington Senators from 1901-1960. The Senators beat the New York Giants in a dramatic Game Seven that lasted 12 innings, with the legendary Walter Johnson earning the win after tossing four shutout innings in relief. 1924 marked the franchise’s only Series title in Washington, as the Senators/Twins wouldn’t again win it all until 1987.
Some items from around the AL Central…
- Though Alex Colome is projected to earn $10.3MM in salary next year, the Athletic’s James Fegan (subscription required) doesn’t think the high arbitration price tag will prevent the White Sox from bringing the closer back in 2020. GM Rick Hahn indicated after the season that the performances of Colome and Aaron Bummer as Chicago’s late-game duo “makes you feel real good about their spot going forward,” and Fegan notes that the Sox likely wouldn’t have acquired Colome from the Mariners last winter if they were worried about paying him in 2020, given how save totals predictably lead to big raises for closers in the arbitration process. Both advanced metrics (.215 BABIP, and a 2.64 wOBA that was far below his .324 xwOBA) and ERA predictors (4.08 FIP, 4.61 xFIP, 4.38 SIERA) indicated that Colome was rather fortunate to post his 2.80 ERA over 61 innings last season, so a non-tender or a trade is perhaps feasible if the White Sox felt a bigger course correction was on the way next year.
- Jose Ramirez is open to playing either second base or third base next season, though he has told Indians management that he doesn’t want to shift between the two positions, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes. Ramirez played exclusively at third base in 2019 and spent most of his time at the hot corner in 2018, though he moved over to second base late in the year to accommodate the Tribe’s acquisition of Josh Donaldson. Ramirez also more or less split time between third (736 2/3 innings) and second (577 1/3 innings) in 2017 due to an injury to regular second baseman Jason Kipnis. Over the last three seasons in question, Ramirez has been an above-average defender at third base as per the UZR/150 and Defensive Runs Saved metrics, while UZR/150 has been a bit less impressed with his work as a second baseman, though the 27-year-old is still overall pretty solid at the keystone. “I think we’re comfortable that Jose can play both at a premium defensive quality,” manager Terry Francona said. “I agree with him, going back and forth is hard, especially at this point in his career.” Ramirez’s ability to handle either infield role gives Cleveland some flexibility in pursuing infield help this winter, assuming the team doesn’t rely on some combination of Yu Chang, Mike Freeman, Christian Arroyo, or Andrew Velazquez to handle the other position in 2020.
- The Twins are already planning to chase some front-of-the-rotation pitchers this offseason, and Jim Souhan of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune opines that outfielder Eddie Rosario could be “the logical trading chip” to try and land an arm. Rosario hit .276/.300/.500 with 32 homers over 590 PA for Minnesota last season, and he has 83 total home runs over the last three seasons. After posting a decent .326 OBP in 2017-18, however, Rosario had much more difficult getting on base this past year, and he also didn’t have a good defensive year as a left fielder (though he did fare much better defensively in 2018). Trading Rosario would result in a projected starting outfield of Max Kepler, Byron Buxton, and Marwin Gonzalez, with top prospects Royce Lewis, Alex Kirilloff and Trevor Larnach all potentially available as late-season call-ups. More veteran outfield depth could also be added at a lower price than Rosario, who is projected to earn a hefty arbitration raise to $8.9MM, up significantly from his $4.19MM salary in 2019.
Dodgers could use one shut down closer, Sox are in an enviable position.
one off year and suddenly Jansen is chopped liver?
8 blown saves this year plus. He’s not dominant anymore. And don’t forget the Friedman’s failure to address the pen. They lack quality guys who can work high leverage situations. They just proved that.
you’re telling me Kershaw doesnt have closer in his future?
Kershaw fastball is now about 90 mph not enough contrast to his breaking pitches. Dodgers helped by being in a weak division.
Kershaw put up a 3.03 ERA and suddenly hes bad
One pretty lousy year…have to assume it’s going to continue…not sure Colome is a huge upgrade
if every player was given up on after one lousy year, a lot of hall of famers would have never gotten very far. my point is i doubt he’s headed back to pre-2019 form, but its not that simple to find a 9th inning replacement just lying around. just as Boston, Minnesota, and Chicago among others this year alone.
A lousy year complicated by a medical condition without Friedman thinking about how to put less pressure on him by bringing in a quality pen guy. Real genius. How can Friedman put together such a good every day squad and be such an idiot about the pen?
Yes he is
No. He’s not.
ERA is a meaningless stat for a relief pitcher.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see Rick try to make a couple of splashes this winter with Moncada / Jimenez / Anderson / Giolito breaking out this year. There contending window has just started!
I guess we’ll see if there’s any sense of urgency to win from the owner. They should be in on one of Cole/Madbum, and possibly one of Keuchel/Wheeler/Odorizzi. If they’re not aggressive this offseason, forget about them winning a championship. They’ll be the Atlanta Braves 2.0.
Fun to see both Chicago teams being competitive right?!
Sox aren’t competitive yet. Most teams in their position and market would make a move or two to create some excitement for a lukewarm fanbase. Frankly, I’m tired of the “one move away from contention” state this team finds itself in every decade. As a “woke” White Sox fan, I’m not interested in being teased. I expect Reinsdorf to deliver. If things don’t work out, I would give him credit for making the effort.
Not really interested in a Ricketts related team finding success especially this crop of whiny little babies.
The owner is a snake and the team has never promised to spend. Team is stuck with those 2 for 20-30 years
Ouch. Please don’t compare us to Atlanta.
Id bet the Sox are serious players for Cole after last offseason’s failures with the big two and their need at SP.
I look at it now as 2 bullets dodged!
You are DREAMING! Reinsdorf will NEVER agree to pay the money Cole wants. He doesn’t believe in giving pitchers long term deals.
Let’s hope things have changed. You could say much worse about the cubs organization before the Ricketts took ownership. The cubs were the cheapest team in the league for decades.
Yep. Because Edwin Jackson and Chatwood were such AWESOME moves, right?!!!! Your team has it all figured out, right? AaaaHaaaaaHaaa!
How many long-term deals for pitchers have ended well? Heck, how many long-term deals for ANY player have ended well? I think you could easily argue his position on signing players to mega-deals is the smart one…
That being said, I really want Cole pitching on the South Side next year.
Rosario for Syndergaard
LOL
Just what the Mets need…..another LH hitting corner OF.
They only have 5….with 2 RH COF’s as well.
Rosario for Robbie Ray
Rosario for Rosario
Washington Senators or Washington Nationals?
If it was the Twins former franchise, then Senators
the article was really stretching it. The Senators have no association with the Nats.
Who are now the Twins were officially the Nationals for many years, Senators wasn’t their official name until the 50s. I mostly just commented because I recently found out about this: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Twins#Team_nicknam…
Minneapolis Expos
of the Twins are down on Rosario id say there are about 29 teams that would be interested in making a move for him at the right price.
LOL
Don’t think they are down on him at all. This is just Souhan writing an article with no tips from FO insiders. Rosario is loved in MN by fans and front office alike. While he is streaky, I don’t think they are looking to get rid of him but he could be a potential trade piece to land an arm.
After locking up Kepler, and having Buxton. Plus the prospects. Something needs to give. Cave can be another option until one of the prospects is ready, but Rosario should be moved for an arm.
Colome will once again outpreform his FIP this year and will be worth it, and once again people will say “oh, but he’ll regress EVENTUALLY.” again, ill believe it when i see it. 4 years now of comfortably outperforming his FIP. 10 million is plenty resonable for Colome, but of no one wants to trade for him, why bother?
Did you not watch any games after the AS break?
As a Sox fan I was worried. We needed at least a 2 run lead because he seemed like he was going to let a run score
What team willing to deal even a mid rotation starter says… Yes, Eddie Rosario is our guy. The chip for a frontline starter if via trade is one of the top prospects or depth. If the Twins wanted to go Bold, Max Kepler on that contract could acquire almost any starter in baseball.
Twins will do their patient ‘We don’t feel comfortable going that many years’ and miss on the top FA starters. Probably end up being the one team that’ll go big money on 3 Yrs for Jin-Ryu.
Rosario to the Indians for Clevinger…big inter-division trade.
Nope. Kepler may do the trick though
Clevinger is much more valuable than Rosario. Dream on!
Big, dumb trade proposal. Clevinger is far and away more valuable.
Clevenger probably not welcome in the Twins clubhouse after his comments about Polanco…..
Rosario for Mike Trout.
Nah…..
Only if the Angels throw in Ohtoni, and pay 70% of those two players salaries for the remainder of their contracts.
Hollywood Cole is coming to the Chi. Book it!
I honestly think there is more of a chance he goes to the Cubs than the Sox. The Sox won’t pay him. But he’s probably going to The Angels
The Sox are looking up but still plenty of holes. They aren’t one big move away, yet. Not Cole time. How about RF, DH, 2 starters, 2 arms in pen, and can’t assume BOTH Roberts and Madrigal will be immediate studs.
The Sox are closer than you think. They’ve hit on enough positional talent in short order. Giolito and Kopech look elite. Cease has potential, albeit as an elite closer. Picking up another elite pitcher with experience to lead the rotation could speed up the rebuild by two or three years. Depth of talent on the southside would rival any team in the league. The Sox would still have the financial flexibility to add role players. It would really be hard to screw this up for the Sox. They’re set up nicely.
They’re a 70 win team with a mid-tier farm.
If they aren’t winning in two to three years, the rebuild has failed. It doesn’t take seven plus seasons to build a winner.
What do you call Minnesota and Atlanta? Or Detroit?
They’re a 70 win team right now without Kopech, Robert, Madrigal, Rondon, and a free agent or two. Learn to extrapolate.
Exactly. The rebuild period is over.
If they still aren’t competitive next year, and in contention in two years, despite having all of their key components on the roster, and free agent additions, this is a bust.
The Twins have made the playoffs two of the last three seasons after losing 100 games, and the Braves rebuild began one year before the White Sox started. They have made the playoffs two straight seasons.
Next year should be a strong move toward competitiveness, followed by a legitimate playoff season.
Kopech, Robert and Madrigal are included in that mid-tier farm
They cut Rondon last season.
Learn the roster.
I think they mean Carlos Rodon.
I know the freaking roster. Apparently you don’t think the lousy pitching staff behind Giolito mattered all that much. They had two starters out for the season due to injuries, and below average players filling holes in the roster. Somehow, the Sox will win the same or less games next year, according to your logic. You’re a joke.
Ramirez info is about a week old.
White Sox’ ignorance of advanced metrics, causing them to trust Colome with the Closer job in ’20, could cost them a wild card spot.
Wait. I thought they were a 70 win team with a mid-tier farm? How are they all of a sudden in the hunt for a Wild Card spot? Make up your mind.
Meaning best hope without some serious player development is an outside shot at a WC. And a very short window of contention.
You’re hopeless dude.
Good luck Twins getting anyone to sign there. Beautiful City but don’t see any decent pitcher signing there.
101 wins and a bright future ahead? Someone that wants to win should be seriously considering that team.
There. We go stupid twins ownership already talking about trading our good players instead of signing free agents and spend a little money they do it every year spend some dam money open up your pocket books you have the dam cap space use it don’t be so dam cheap isn’t that what you claimed you would do when tax payers voted on a new stadium you said you needed to be competitive how’s that going work if you trade our good players instead spend to add more to the team and as far as people saying why would free agents sign here how about to win a championship go to a contender that should be enough right there to interest any free agents not to mention go to a team has one the best offenses in all of baseball all dam pieces are there if stupid owners stop trying be so cheap an wanna trade Our best players away not to mention Eddie is a fan favorite you don’t hear Eddie Eddie change when he comes to bat it be like trading Puckett away almost you trade Eddie your going piss off a lot of fans just saying fans that come to ballpark buy tickets and merchandise if you don’t wanna spend lil money to have a winner sell the team to some one who will just my thoughts
You guys complained here all off-season.
Then the Twins signed some free agents, won over 100 games, and finished 1st in the ALC.
Tough crowd.
29 out of 30 teams in baseball want to win a World Series. The Twins want to maybe win the division. Thad Levine made it clear, when the window was open, that was when the Twins would open up their pocket books. But they didn’t, as per standard.
Fans like myself would like the Twins ownership and front office to align with that of every other team in baseball.
Would the Twins have beaten the Yankees had they secured Stroman and Syndergaard? We’ll never know.
You thought the window was open last offseason? You’re probably one of five people in the world who thought so if that’s the case. They looked like an 84ish win team before the season started. The pitching ended up better than expected and the offense that was going to be top 10 was even better than that. They could have used a starter at the deadline but getting Romo was a good move and Dyson could have been a good move if not for damaged goods.
I strongly believe Syndergaard was not available anymore once they traded for Stroman. It only made sense for them to go for it then. And it almost paid off (3 GB in the WC).
The window is open now. Will they get Cole? No, they’re the Twins. We know how that goes. I sure would love him though.
Once someone says “salary cap” or “cap space” when referring to MLB I instantly stop reading!
Eddie Rosario may be a fan favorite, but it doesn’t matter. The years after Puckett retired actually had an increase in attendance, for example. Fans attend games for the team, not the specific player.
Aside from that, unless the coaches can get Rosario to actually take his hitting seriously and drop the immense ego, he’ll never be all that good. I’m actually skeptical the Twins will trade Rosario this year because I don’t think anybody else in baseball is going to give much for him.
If you’re trying to compare Rosario to the best and most loved player in Twins history you’re already doing something wrong. Puckett was A. an all around better player than Rosario is and B. is also responsible for half of the biggest moments in Twins history, which including winning the only two championships in Twins (not in Wash.) history. If the Twins (not saying this is would actually happen) traded Rosario for someone like Sydergaard and he came here and was like his old self almost nobody would care, they would be thrilled we have a front line starter.
WHOOSH!!!! as the point flies past you.
If Kirby Puckett leaving the team… or even if Justin Morneau, Joe Nathan, Johan Santana, Joe Mauer or Michael Cuddyer leaving didn’t impact attendance, Eddie Rosario surely won’t. The point is the number of tickets sold will not be impacted by Rosario being on the roster, even if he is a “fan favorite” which I’m not sure he truly is anyway.
Rosario just put together another campaign of poor defense in part due to due to conditioning and he added to it a very mediocre year at the plate because he refuses to stop swinging at garbage even if he knows it’s garbage. Rosario’s mental lapses and disinterest in working hard and being a professional have seen his value crater. The idea he’s going to be the centerpiece of any major deal seems far fetched.
That was literally my point, that fans won’t care if they trade Rosario as long as they win.
This^^ was a painfully long sentence.. But I agree. I spend NO money on Ti’ns until we have serious ownership. Which we have NEVER had.
The White Sox will be players for Cole! The money is available for Cole but there will be a war with the years with other teams in need of his services for 2020 and beyond. The Sox will be smart with going after Bumgarner or Wheeler to give them room for other pieces.
Uh, no. Money spent on any Ace is money well spent. Settling for less talented free agents all the time is what got the Sox into rebuilding mode to begin with. Houston has a chance at back-to-back WS appearances with Verlander, Cole, Greinke. The Nats could get there with Scherzer, Strasburgh. You need Aces, not “smart cheap” pitchers. Which is better, Wheeler for six years, MadBum for six years, or Cole for seven years. Cole for seven years!
Sometimes I am realist with how the market plays out when it comes to free agents! The White Sox have the capital to spend the money on Cole. We all know the White Sox have a tendency with that team option in a contact. We have to wonder if Cole will consider a contract with a team option or just go for that guaranteed money, especially if he wins the World Series this year with the Astros?
Hate to rain on the parade here, but I don’t think I can do 2 months of “We’re getting Cole” posts from White Sox fans. Here’s an L ticket, just go to Wrigley already.
We will have plenty of pitching options available at the July deadline when our record is somewhere around 12 games over .500
So other than pitching what are some players y’all see the White Sox going after. Not much talk about the outfield or 2nd base. Me personally I wouldn’t mind seeing Josh Harrison sign a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. I know he struggled last year but his major league experience and ability to play 2nd base and right field would be a nice addition.
The Sox don’t need Josh Harrison. They need a TOR pitcher and a big league bat in RF. I guess Puig could be the way to go on a short term contract, provided he doesn’t act like a donkey and embarrass the team. The Sox have an opportunity to build a winning culture with so many young players on the roster. They need the right veteran player to do that.
There is no point for the White Sox to spend on a second baseman with Madigral is the future second baseman for them. Right field is position the White Sox need to address this off-season either via trade or free agency. Steele Walker needs another a year or two and he can be the White Sox so it be smart for them to trade for a right fielder rather than paying for a guy like Ozuna or Puig.
If the White Sox can acquire a player like Rendon, you move Moncada back to second and trade Madrigal.
I like Madrigal but people need to be realistic about the type of player he’s going to be. He will likely fall in the middle for OPS for 2b every year. He’s Placido Polanco.
Interesting comparison, though Madrigal’s strike zone is closer to Altuve’s. You’re right though, he’s not built for any foreseeable power. But that’s not why we drafted him.
Placido Polanco played 15 seasons at the MLB level. Rendon will be lucky to reach 12. Polanco has a career BA of .297 (My goodness)!! Rendon has .290 career BA which is awesome. I hope it holds, I really do.
Pardon me, 16 years
If healthy, Dickerson probably makes the most sense based on what’s available (not including trades).
Mendick and Dickerson?
How about we get serious, for once.
Look it didn’t fly past me I think my point flew past some of you guys lol my point is every time they get some good players instead of keeping some pieces together and open up the old pocket book to add a few more pieces to have a contender they wanna trade them away instead add some good free agents to what we have like Dozier Escobar and others last year I’m almost 60 years old I was at the dome in 87 when twins beat the tigers to get into the world series was a time I’ll never forget I remember people high fiving and hugging complete strangers remember wading through trash past my waist just to get into the dome then we did it again in 91 if you remember it takes a couple years of adding the pieces to make a championship contender it gets dam frustrating to sit year after year watching cheap owner ship trade our valuable players instead of keeping them and adding the pieces to have a contender it’s like they happy to be mediocre instead of going for it he this year we got hell of an offense and now same thing starting instead saying sign free agents pitching Wich they have 70 or 80 million worth of cap space it’s right back to same thing let’s start trading off some of our quality players and I’ll get you anything it be low budget pitching instead of top quality that they need same be they been doing the last 20 years get by cheap as we can and get rid of our good players idea of this stadium was so they could compete and put a quality team on the feild so let’s start doing that and stop being cheap that’s my point
Eddie Rosario is the HEART and SOUL of the Minnesota Twins. The LOCKER ROOM LEADER. The glue that holds the team together. Why trade your HEART and SOUL? Go after Free Agents Jake Odorizzi, who wants to return to the Twins. Sign Madison Baumgartner, Gerrit Cole and Zach Wheeler. If you can pick up Michael Pineda at a bargain rate for rotation depth or the bullpen, all the better. With Byron Buxton’s failure to stay healthy. Kepler’s own health problems, and Marwin Gonzalez only signed through 2020, there is no reason to RIP OUT the HEART and SOUL of the Twins team. The owners have the money. BUY a starting rotation from the Free Agent market.