Twins Trade Brewing?
Some message boards are abuzz with the possibility of a significant Twins trade on the horizon. I’ve tried to dig up something concrete for you, but I’ve come up empty so far.
I do know that Terry Ryan has hinted recently that a deal is possible but wouldn’t elaborate. Speculation is that the Twins would try to shore up the left side of their infield, possibly by dealing from their starting pitching surplus. Julio Lugo, Mike Lowell, Hank Blalock, and Melvin Mora could all be targets. If the Twins want one of the bigger dogs out there they’ll probably have to part with Scott Baker or Glen Perkins.
Angels Interested In Ruben Sierra
Hold on to your hats, kids – the Angels almost acquired Ruben Sierra the other day. The L.A. Times has made it known that the Halos need a lefty bat off the bench and are willing to part with Esteban Yan or Kevin Gregg. Apparently one of those two intrigues the Twins enough to toss Sierra their way.
That plan may have been dashed by Sierra’s strained hamstring, however. At this point it’s possible that the Twinkies release him and give his spot to Jason Kubel (fantasy leaguers, take note). If Sierra isn’t released, he’ll start the season on the DL. So the Angels may have to look for another trading partner for their swap.
Halos Heaven also indicates that Tampa Bay could make a play for one of the relievers. Yan was decent for the D-Rays back in 2001-02, and the loss of Shinji Mori creates a need.
In addition, the Angels plan to trade Chris Bootcheck early in the season for whatever needs arise. The 27 year-old righty has only seen 29 innings of Major League action. The former college pick has been a disappointment thus far, posting a 5.42 ERA in his fourth try at Triple A.
Twins Buzz: Mueller, Marte, Lowell
It’s well known that the Twins lineup at present is woefully devoid of power hitters. While noted Twins blogger Aaron Gleeman seems very receptive to a second baseman who can actually get on base, he acknowledges Luis Castillo‘s complete lack of punch.
So who’s on the radar? Well, you can cross Bill Mueller off the list. He’s planning on signing with either the Dodgers or Pirates. Mueller is a nice player, but he’s exactly what the Twins don’t need at third. Mueller is a fragile on-base machine. Sure, the team could use more players who take walks, but A)they don’t have the depth to back up Mueller if/when he gets hurt and B)he doesn’t produce the power they need. The average AL third baseman slugged .428 this season, and Mueller’s career SLG is .430. The Twins need above average power at the hot corner.
The Twins have long been interested in Mike Lowell, but he no longer has the power they’re looking for. There’s no use acquiring him on the off chance he recaptures his swing in Minnesota. The Twins already tried that with Bret Boone, and it was a waste of 53 at-bats. (Of course, "many insiders believe the three-time All-Star Lowell will bounce back." Curious that all of these insiders chose to remain anonymous.)
Hank Blalock could be had, and he’s still good for 20 HR without Ameriquest Field. Given that it could take a Francisco Liriano or Scott Baker to convince Jon Daniels to part with Blalock, the deal is better left alone. A lot of third basemen can hit .260 with 20 HR.
For example, Andy Marte would probably hit .260 with 20 HR (or better) if he was given 550 at-bats at third base for the Twins. As mentioned yesterday, the Braves might part with Marte for Jesse Crain, Kyle Lohse, and prospects. Crain was the author of a bizarre plumetting strikeout rate once he reached the Majors, but he still posted a 2.53 ERA in 106 career innings. In that Hardball Times article, Gleeman mentions how Crain’s success is likely not sustainable. Wonder if John Schuerholz learned his lesson with Dan Kolb? Lohse is the definition of average, and his ERA could top 5 next season.
While Marte is the perfect fit for Minnesota, it seems they’d have to pony up a lot more than Crain and Lohse. If they really want Marte, it will probably require Francisco Liriano or Scott Baker.
Torii Hunter To The Yankees
The Yankees’ need for a center fielder is well known. The latest rumor making the rounds is that GM Brian Cashman will make a play to acquire Torii Hunter from the Twins.
Although his glovework hasn’t been anything special since 2001, the Yankees are after Hunter mainly to solidify their outfield defense. The 30 year-old Hunter never really developed plate discipline, but he’d still be worth a couple of wins compared to the current shell of Bernie Williams.
Hunter is under contract for 2006 at $10.75MM, and the Twins would love to get that money off the books to pursue a slugger. His 2007 club option for $12MM could be picked up by the Yanks if Hunter can remain a four win player in ’06. With his defense slipping, Hunter may try to reinvent himself as a patient slugger like Moises Alou did in 1997.
The Yankees won’t give up Robinson Cano to acquire Hunter, and Eric Duncan is out of the question. Instead, the Twins might take Andy Phillips and try him at third base. A promising young starter like Matt DeSalvo (3.02 ERA at Double A Trenton in 2005) would also be necessary. The Twins’ bounty may be less than impressive as they’re eager to shed Hunter’s salary.