New-look Twins

Here's my projected 2008 batting order, lineup and pitching rotation for the Twins right now as it stands. I still believe all the rumblings I'm hearing that the Twins will deal Johan Santana soon. For now, let's play with him in the Twins uniform:

Lineup
1. Brendan Harris, 2B
2. Craig Monroe, CF
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Delmon Young, LF
5. Justin Morneau, 1B
6. Michael Cuddyer, RF
7. Jason Kubel, DH
8. Mike Lamb, 3B
9. Adam Everett, SS

Bench
Alexi Casilla, INF
Mike Redmond, C
Nick Punto, INF
Brian Buscher, 3B

Pitching rotation
1. Johan Santana, LH
2. Scott Baker, RH
3. Kevin Slowey, RH
4. Boof Bonser, RH
5. Matt Guerrier, RH

Bullpen
Joe Nathan, RH
Jesse Crain, RH
Dennys Reyes, LH
Juan Rincon, RH
Pat Neshek, RH
Francisco Liriano, LH
Carmen Cali, LH

That's my guess on the 25-man rotation as it stands today. A few things need to be pointed out, however: Liriano may begin in Class AAA to check out his arm. I figure the Twins will want him in the bullpen to work his way up to starting. Because of that, Guerrier is a simple stop-gap in the rotation for now. Guerrier has always wanted to start and, frankly, there's no one else available. Glen Perkins, LH, would be a good bet to push these guys, but he's coming off a major arm injury.

I'm figuring the Twins will put Monroe in center. It makes no sense that they even have him if they aren't going to do that with him. I see him as Rondell White Jr. out there. The Twins must think if they get former Tigers after they've sucked, they can get them back to their original playing form.

The heart of that lineup looks pretty formidable with the left, right, left, right kind of mixture. If I were managing, I think I'd try batting Mauer No. 2 and move the rest of the lineup accordingly, but Gardenhire seems fixed on him at 3, so we'll assume that continues.

Bottom line: the rotation doesn't look great with or without Santana. It's nice for 2009, but if this is what we get, we'd better hope for a strong bullpen to carry the defense.

Silva Next To Leave

Spittin' Carlos Saliva is being courted by the Seattle Mariners for a whopping $11 million per year (reportedly a four-year deal is being shopped to him) and Fox Sports online is claiming he's the top free agent pitcher on the market right now.

Folks, that's a poor free agent market.

Silva, who is 28 and never passed on a buffet, averages near 200 innings per year and that's got to be what's getting the Mariners all wound up. It's quite the raise for Silva, who made $4.3 million last year.

If you're wondering: No, the Pohlad family won't be shelling out $11 million per to hang on to Johan Santana's fellow Venezuelan.

To put Silva's possible new contract in perspective, Santana made $13 million in 2007 and $8.75 million in 2006. Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia made $8.75 million last year. Arizona's Brandon Webb made $4.5 million. Detroit's Justin Verlander made just $1 million last year.

I guess you can't fault a guy for making as much money as he can, but those are some tough numbers to believe on a right-handed pitcher -- especially one who 55-46 career with a 4.39 ERA.

(Photo: City Pages blogs)

Santana trade or no-trade will benefit Twins

By Bullpen Catcher

Reports today say the Yankees are back in on talks for lefty Johan Santana. Is this really news? Steinbrenner Jr. gave the media an ultimatum for the Twins during the Winter Meetings, but who in their right mind really thought the deadline was anything but grandstanding?

My guess all along has been that Santana would be traded for a pile of folks before 2008. Keeping him is by no means a poor choice: if the team is in the Central Division race at the trade deadline, the Twins could keep him for a World Series run; if they are out of it, a deadline trade could yield a ton of return from an AL East suitor.

A trade between now and Spring Training (February) won't be depleated of talent, either.

My prediction here is the Yankees come in with chunky centerfielder Melky Cabrera, young right-handed pitcher Phil Hughes and give in (take that Hank Steinbrenner, you big dink) and throw in TWO more players -- one a minor leaguer no one has heard of and the other a big shot like super chunky right-hander Joba Chamberlain . The Chamberlain part of the trade is the part the Yankees claim to be avoiding (it's supposed to be a Twins demand the Yankees add him or pitcher Ian Kennedy).

Two reasons tell me this will happen very, very soon:

First, the Yankees are itching to make a deal. Why else would they open these talks? Boston is still lurking in the wings with an offer the Twins seem enamored with and New York can't let the Red Sox dominate them again in 2008.

Second, the Yankees are the center of the George Mitchell Steriod Report. Much of the report's controversial content is based on testimony from a former Yankee batboy turned trainer. Plus, the biggest name in the report is former (and in May probably current) Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens. Also named are Yankee left-hander Andy Pettitte and first baseman Jason Giambi. In all, 18 current and former Yankees are named in the report.

Um, that's pretty damn damning of the team.

Trading for Santana would be the perfect spin for the Yankees. Getting the town talking about a trade rather than steriods and HGH would benefit the team's PR and interviewing Santana about wearing pinstripes plays better in the tabloid New York press than Pettitte claiming he only used HGH two days (yeah, right Andy).

Heck, I wouldn't even be surprised if the Mets tried a similar tactic. They've got a snitch in the report and 12 former and current players in the report. My only hope is Billy Smith is slick enough to gobble up a real third baseman in the mix.



(Top photo: Joba Chamberlain, from Fantasy Baseball Talk; Bottom photo: Phil Hughes, from New York Newsday)

Terry Ryan gone just in time

Terry Ryan's sudden resignation may be a good indication of what the Pohlad family is cooking up for support of the 2008 season. Ryan stepping down indicates what will become obvious when the 2007 season officially ends: the Pohlads will stick to their money-pinching ways and force a change in the Twins roster.

Consider again:

1. Torii Hunter is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He will be very, very expensive;
2. Johan Santana is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2008 season. He will command insane free agent numbers and it would be wise for the Twins to give him crazy money this winter to keep him happy;
3. Michael Cuddyer is at the end of a one-year contract he signed just before heading to arbitration, so he'll be a free agent;
4. Justin Morneau is at the end of a one-year contract and is arbitration-eligible this season;
5. Joe Nathan, is wrapping up his two-year contract that the Twins have an option to extend one more year;
6. Carlos Silva, is ending his one-year contract.

There are more decisions to be made as well, but these kinds of contract conundrums would force any front office person to the "consultant" position. It appears as if the Pohlads are setting a team salary limit similar to the almost $72 million they spent this season (19th highest in the Major Leagues). Terry Ryan is no idiot. He can add. Someone has to go. I'm guessing the owners said they are to keep someone important and drop someone important. Terry Ryan just didn't want to be the one holding the pen on that one.

Rotation time

By Bullpen Catcher

With Scott Baker toying with perfect games and Johan thinking about setting a game record in strikeouts of late, perhaps it's time to start looking at the future of the Twins rotation.

• The top spot is set with Johan Santana. From there, who will be on the team, who will fill the next slots and who will step up garners some intrigue.
• There's Baker (126 innings pitched this season, 8-6 record, 85 strikeouts and a 4.09 ERA), suddenly a solid piece of the Twins rotation.
• Boof is slipping as fast as Baker is coming on. Bonser's stats look more like the big fat Sidney Ponson's of late (Boof: 160 IP, 6-12 record, 125 SO, 4.95 ERA).
• Matt Garza's stats are outstanding, sans the phenomenal shellings he occasionally takes (56 IP, 3-5, 47 SO, 3.49 ERA).
• What is going to come of Spittin' Carlos Silva? What pitcher is he, for real? Awkward stats again (174.3 IP, 11-13, 76 SO, 4.34 ERA).
• Can the Twins truly count on bionic armed Francisco Liriano next year? Really? Come on. He had his arm reconstructed because he ruined it throwing that nasty shit he threw last year. If he even comes up with Boof numbers the lefty might give the team something it needs.
• Kevin Slowey (37 IP, 3-0, 19 SO, 5.85 ERA) reminded me a lot of Garza last year (so perhaps 2008 will show another turnaround like Garza's).
• Glen Perkins can hope at best to turn up as the next Mark Guthrie and probably nothing more considering his shoulder issues.

So what will become of this staff? Starting pitching will decide next year if the Twins bounce back and become contenders again. My feeling is the rotation will go something like:

1) Santana

2) Garza

3) Baker

4) Bonser

5) Slowey

Silva will either stay with the team for one more year (clearly as a way to appease his friend Santana and for no other reason) or head for free agency. I'm banking on free agency.

Baker deserves to be called Kevin Tapani more than my initial reaction to call Slowey Tap. Garza will be outstanding next year -- contending for the Cy Young with Santana.

Liriano will pitch out of the bullpen. I say this because the Twins are the most cautious team in the history of baseball in regard to moving players off the DL. Will he pitch as he did last year? Not a chance -- maybe forever. Don't expect anything from him for real until 2009.

It's not a bad rotation. All of them are in their mid-20s and are improving. The only wild card here involves a scenario where the team trades for a veteran pitcher or signs him as a free agent.

For now, though, we'll enjoy our Scott Baker near-no-hitter moments.

Mauer to stop catching? Ugh.

More calls for Mauer to move
Each injury has same result: Position change

By Bullpen Catcher

Joey Mauer's latest leg injury (this one a hamstring issue) has everyone coming out of the woodwork to tell us Mauer needs to switch to third base. Even the honorable Jim Souhan shot this out today.

Most of these folks argue Mauer's bat is too potent to miss from the lineup due to the horrors of playing catcher. Some talk of Mauer's now 6-foot-6 frame being way to lanky to bend down. There are arguments the Twins need a solid third baseman more than they need a solid catcher.

They're wrong. For now.

What indication does anyone have that Mauer would be any good at third? Third base, from experience, is probably the toughest position next to catcher on the field. But it's different from catching. Third basemen are constantly throwing from odd angles and deep spots, the throw is a long one and an overly zealous arm can give up more bases quickly. The balls coming off bats when Boofie is pitching can be near deadly. It's not a paradise. It's not simple. Plus, guess what you need to do at third? That's right, crouch and bend down.

If Mauer were to move, third is not the place. Think about how crappy Michael Cuddyer fared at the plate when he tried to play there. He obviously was all messed up, because the bottom line is he's been consistent at the plate for the Twins. The Nina, The Punto and The Santa Maria played well at third, but he is one of the best fielders in the American League. Problem with Punto: he hits like my niece.

Is Mauer going to be another Punto? There's no sign of that in him. Would he be another Cuddyer (or, for a further statement of such difficulties, another Alex Rodriguez -- look at his stats the first year he played third)? Most likely.

Oh, I forgot. Who will play catcher for this team if Mauer moves to third? Redmond? Um, folks, he's nearing 40. He's been a backup for years because that's his role (see Punto, Nick, for further evidence of a fill-in player at full time).

I'll give you this: Mauer can't catch forever. The knee surgery and the other leg injuries and just being too darn tall will take its toll. He's not a third baseman, though. He has three options in my mind: first base, right field and left field. Of those, right field seems most agreeable. Good right fielders don't need to be too mobile, they should have cannons for arms, they typically are the better hitters in the lineup. Cuddyer has been in the outfield -- and done well for the Twins -- and should be able to adjust to left field. First base is just too much Justin Morneau's for Mauer to consider, but maybe Mauer could take a few ground balls there later.

Jason Kubel, the consummate left fielder of the future for the Twins, would fetch a nice player in return if traded. This leaves the Twins looking for a catcher and third baseman in free agency.

Typical

Twins streak again
This one kicks off a two-game losing streak

By Bullpen Catcher

The Twins' loss to Cleveland Tuesday night signals the official end to post-season talk for this team. It also shows exactly why the Twins were never a true contender this season: Lack of any consistency at all.

The Twins go five straight to pull within 5.5 games of Cleveland, then, facing the Indians and playoff destiny in their own hands, puke up two straight losses. The season has been full of streaks like this.

Heck, they may even come back to within 5 games next week when they face the Indians again, but that's as close as they'll get.

It's difficult when Boof has been so bad on the mound. He simply can't cut it. It may be time to think about him in a trade package over the winter. What is his upside for this team? I see very little. The rest of the rotation has an upside: Garza has a live arm. Liriano has the possibility of being Liriano again. Baker looks like most fifth starters in the league. Santana is the best pitcher in the American League. Slowey is young enough to still be a prospect (think a young Kevin Tapani). Heck, there's even hope for Perkins if his arm could heal (think a young Mark Guthrie).

But Boofie? You can have him.

Should He Stay Or Should He Go Now?

"Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
An’ if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know!
Should I stay or should I go?"
- The Clash
By Bullpen Catcher

Joe Strummer could just as well be singing his classic lyrics to Twins management.

Should Torii stay or should he go?
Should Johan stay or should he go?
Should Joe Nathan stay or should he go?
Should Terry Ryan stay or should he go?

The answers are as simple as the tune by The Clash: If any of them go it may be trouble; if they stay it may be double.

Longtime Star Tribune fossil/grump Sid Hartman made up something the other day (as is his usual wont), telling the WCCO-AM radio crowd Torii Hunter is for sure to be a Twin next year. He claims the Twins are readying money and lining up an offer for the Gold Glove centerfielder and put him under the TC lid for the rest of his career. Facts have never been Sid's best friend. Neither have common sense. If Hunter goes, sure there'll be trouble (ticket sales, jersey sales, center field defense, good quote), but if he stays it could be double. Double in the sense that it will cost the team from bringing whatever money they would dole out for Hunter to such better investments as Johan Santana and Justin Morneau.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Wednesday there are absolutely zero talks between Hunter's agent and Twins GM Terry Ryan. A Chicago Tribune story yesterday claims the White Sox's top free agent pursuit of the offseason will be to re-tool center field with Hunter. The Dallas Morning News had a story claiming the Rangers' top need of centerfield will be addressed this winter with Aaron Rowand, Andruw Jones or Hunter being their top picks.

There are six weeks left in the 2007 season. The Twins pulled to within six games back in the Central. As Tom Powers adequately pointed out, the season is all but over for this team.

As Hunter's stock rises for offseason bidders, Johan Santana's takes exponential leaps. Santana becomes a free agent at the end of the 2008 season. I believe, as several Hall of Famer's claim, Santana is the best pitcher in the Major League right now. Every day the Twins don't lock Santana up to a long-term contract costs them money -- or Santana. The two-time Cy Young Award winner could fetch upwards of $20 million per season for a five-year contract.

Should they stay or should they go now? Heck, with decisions like this Terry Ryan might be thinking about leaving as fast as his hair.

(Torii Hunter photo courtesy of http://www.mlb.com)

Time To Think Positive About 2008

Next Year's Team Can Be Now
By Bullpen Catcher

The Catcher has returned to the Bullpen after a well-earned vacation.

As the Twins continue to play mediocre baseball, it's time to look ahead rather than dwell on the negatives that so easily abound right now.

Good moves by the Twins of late: Luis Rodriguez is now playing in the minor leagues with Lew Ford. This rightly allows youngsters Garrett Jones, Brian Buscher, Alexi Casilla and Tommy Watkins a chance to prepare for next season.

As duly pointed out in a nice column last week, it's time to ready everyone for next year. Even if the Tigers and Indians falter at an historic rate the rest of the season and the Twins get in the playoffs, they will be promptly disposed of by the likes of the Red Sox or Mariners.

In regards to the Times article: I agree it's time to let the youngsters play. But Mauer at leadoff? At first it seems an odd proposition. He's the Twins best hitter, but tends to be dismal with runners in scoring position. I would have suggested he'd fare better as a No. 2 hitter, but maybe leadoff isn't a bad idea. Heck, Barry Bonds used to lead off for the Pirates.

Anything different would be better. Morneau isn't himself. Cuddyer is playing as could be expected (last year was obviously a career year). Torii Hunter is back to being Torii Hunter.

Soon it will be time for the Bullpen Catcher to unveil some deeper thoughts on next year, but for now I've got a few bags to unpack ...

10-1 loss to Angels ... Ugh

Twins love the
binary system
Crappy offense yields nothing. Nothing.

By Bullpen Catcher

Homer: [on phone] Yeah, Moe, that team sure did
suck last night. They just plain sucked! I've seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked.

The Twins dropped yet another game last night, this time their offensive eruption wasn't enough to hold of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California Which Is Located In The United States Of America Baseball Team. The Minnesotans exploded for one run.

There's something wrong here. Binary system wrong. All 1's and zeros.

How's this for outbusts of offense? The Twins wasted a bunch of runs on the Omaha/Kansas City Royals on August 8 (11), but otherwise have nubbed out run totals of 1, 1, 1, 0, and 1 dating back to last weekend. Previous to that the Twins went on a 3, 2, 3, 5, 3 tear. Those numbers aren't going to cut anything, let alone with Scott Baker and Boof Bonser in the rotation.

It's gotten so bad even More-yes is in a hitting slump and not even hitting dingers to keep me interested. Did you notice John Mauer is hitting under .300. I guess it's time for everyone to start talking about moving him to shortstop or something.

When the moon hits your eye like a big Piazza pie ..

Amore?

Piazza isn't the answer

By Bullpen Catcher (photo from CNN.com)

Rumors of Tommy Lasorda's little pal landing on the Twins' roster this season seem absurd. Twelve-time All-Star Mike Piazza isn't leaving the Oakland A's for the Twin Cities and anyone who thinks his arrival would change anything for the local team needs to stop picking up packages labeled BALCO at the mailbox.

Piazza cleared waivers and can be traded to any team willing to pick up $2.6 million in salary for the rest of the season.

Piazza is my age. He was also a catcher. That being said, he's probably about done with his stellar career. This season, he's appeared in 43 games with the A's, mostly as the cleanup hitting DH. He has three home runs and 22 RBI, but is hitting .297.

Shooter wrote in his column this week that Piazza has a "gentleman's agreement" with A's GM Billy Beane that allows Piazza to veto any trade despite the fact he doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract. But the A's look ready to unload for next year -- they are 12.5 back in the lowly AL West and reportedly passed CF Shannon Stewart through waivers today, when he was picked up by the Chicago Cubs. Piazza apparently has no desire to play in the Twin Cities.

My sources said the Twins pursued Piazza after last season, hoping to make him a power right-handed bat in the DH slot. That pursuit went much the way of the Frank Thomas attempt following the 2005 season: nowhere because the team wouldn't pony up money set aside for Rondell White's doctors.

Besides, Piazza is built for the coasts ... hell his wife is a former Playboy Playmate. He doesn't want to be batting in a Twins lineup that can't score runs and can't/won't pay players.

Lew Ford sent to minors where he belongs

No More Leewwwww!
Here's something to cheer about

By Bullpen Catcher

The Twins finally sent OF Lew Ford to the minors this week. It's the one move the team has made recently that makes any sense. Ford was horrible the past few years and really only had one season worth calling him a major leaguer.

Since the Twins can't hit or score any runs, maybe it's time for people to stop being teased by the "we're still in it" talk and realize it's time for more dredge to get released or sent to the minors (If Lew Ford is gone, then why in the world is Luis Rodriguez still with the team?). Time to call up some guys to work on next year.

Glavine's 300th win says a lot about Bert

Biggest Hall Of Fame Atrocity?

Time for Bert Blyleven to enter Cooperstown

By Bullpen Catcher

Tom Glavine earned his 300th win Sunday and sent sports talk radio hosts into a tizzy with them making predictions like we won't see another 300-win pitcher in our lifetime.

There's enough talk generated by Glavine that Kelly Thesier and others got into the act in newspapers and online publications. The discussion is who is next to 300? Is it Johan Santana (89 wins at age 28) or Mark Buehrle of the White Sox (103 wins at 28)? Randy Johnson is having surgery on his arm in Arizona, but sits 16 short of 300 at age 43 (he turns 44 Sept. 10).

I'll say someone will break 300 in my lifetime again. I'd also say Santana has a horrible shot at it. He's left-handed for one thing (only six lefties in the Hall). He also could be on his way to a bad case of Blylevenitis.

Blylevenitis is named for the most famous person to have suffered through the condition that haunts him to this day. Symptoms include being a great pitcher for many, many years; playing for several mediocre teams; not playing for any New York, Chicago or Boston team; and, I believe, for having red hair, a beard and being from Holland.

So Glavine won his 300th game and that "automatically" puts him in the Hall of Fame in the future. Great. I'm happy for you. But is 300 the only measure? Ask yourself if Randy Johnson is a Hall of Fame pitcher. Is he? C'mon, think hard.

I'll help: Johnson is pitching in his 20th season. His career stats sit at 3.81 ERA, 284-150 record, 3,855 IP (566 games played), 4,616 strikeouts, 3,065 hits allowed, 98 complete games, 37 shutouts, 368 HR allowed.

Blyeven: 22 seasons, 3.90 ERA, 287-250 record, 4,970 IP (692 games played), 3,701 strikeouts, 4,632 hits allowed, 242 complete games (!), 60 shutouts, 430 home runs allowed.

Blyleven didn't do this playing with Ken Griffey Jr., Jay Buhner and Alex Rodriguez (Seattle) or Curt Schilling, Luis Gonzalez (Arizona) or Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and company (Yankees). Nope, Bert sludged alongside teammates in such hallowed 1970s and '80s powerhouses as the Twins (1970-76, 85-88), Texas Rangers (76-77), Pittsburgh Pirates (78-80), Cleveland Indians (81-85), and California Angels (89-92). He was a part of World Series champions in 1979 and 1987, but often his work went without much bat help.

Glavine's 300 wins is nothing short of fantastic. I'm not belittling the feat at all. But if you ask yourself if Randy Johnson (next on the active wins list) retired today, would he be in Cooperstown and you say yes -- then you must also say the same for Bert.

Cirillo gone, Santana unhappy, Twins losing

Recent moves puzzling
Cirillo latest to go; Twins lose ground

By Bullpen Catcher
Utility player/ponderer of retirement Jeff Cirillo was claimed by Arizona and let go with no compensation. It was another in a series of near dumbfounding moves by the Twins:

1) Trade leadoff hitter/second baseman Luis Castillo for two low-level minor leaguers (one a catcher);
2) Made no trade of any significance to upgrade the team at the trade deadline;
3) Made no trade of any significance to get rid of contracts that were expiring and pick up prospects;
4) Letting Jeff Cirillo go at a time when the team talks about veteran leadership and needs hitting.

I'm not sure what's going through the heads of those at 34 Puckett Place, but it sure isn't looking like things are getting better. The Star-Tribune's story about Johan Santana's unhappiness may be a portent of what is going on in the team's clubhouse.

Santana's right. When does the rebuilding end? When do fans decidedly stop accepting being "that plucky lil' team that almost was contracted" and demand Carl Pohlad and Terry Ryan put together a team that lasts longer than one year?

The time for revolt is upon us. Fans heard a song-and-dance from Twins management that is much like the Scarecrow's song from Wizard of Oz: "If I only had a stadium ..." Well Carl, you got the taxpayer's money and construction has begun.

Pay up.

Time for the Twins to ADD to the team and pay the big players (Santana, Nathan, Hunter, Morneau, Cuddyer) and keep Joe Mauer happy. Add one more veteran pitcher to settle the Kids Rotation of next year down and kick ass for a few years.

So tired of celebrating "being in the wildcard race". So tired.

Bridge Collapse

Bullpen Catcher and friends and family have all been accounted for since the collapse of the I-35W bridge Wednesday night. Spud was 300 feet short of the bridge on the south side (just past Washington Ave.) when it fell. He said he felt the ground shake and everyone all of a sudden started backing up quickly. He backed up to the Washington Ave. exit and got off the interstate and drove through the Cedar area south and didn't see anything else.

Thank God this didn't grow to a larger tragedy. God bless those who died or were injured in any way (physical or psychologically). It sure is hard to drive over a bridge now without worry, isn't it? I think my favorite quote thus far came from Sen. Amy Klobuchar who said something to the effect of: "Bridges in America just shouldn't fall down."

Photo courtesy of Minnesota Twins (http://www.mntwins.com); video courtesty of YouTube.

The Trade Deadline Passes

Thoughts on the Trade Deadline
Bullpen Catcher Will Now Take the Podium

By Bullpen Catcher

The 2007 non-waiver trade deadline passed earlier today and Terry Ryan sat on his phone while across town Kevin McHale was making headlines with his.

No Kevin Garnett for the (rest of the) Boston Celtics trade here folks.

Let me get this correct: The Twins, straddling the line between possible contender and a team set to unload for next year, made one deal. One damn deal. Not to get a power hitter. Not to add a bullpen arm. Not to move big money outfielder Torii Hunter nor Spittin' Carlos Silva. Heck, the Twins didn't even dump Lew Ford for a player to be named nor did they gamble by giving up Joe Nathan (thank goodness!) for prospects.

All Mr. Ryan did was hand off the team's most consistent hitter in a team filled with inconsistent hitters. And what in return? Um, some kids named Drew Butera and Dustin Martin. I know I'm not head of scouting for the big league club, but somehow I doubt this is going in the same category as other Ryan trades of the past. Most notably of those was A.J. Pierzynsky being moved so a kid named Mauer could catch -- in return the Twins got away with robbery (Nathan, Boof Bonser and Francisco Liriano). Remember when Rusty Kielty was sent to Toronto for Shannon Stewart? Those deals looked like they had reason and purpose.

What's the purpose here? Does this signify the Twins need another catcher because perhaps Mauer is moving positions soon? Is Morneau headed for an offseason trade because T.R. didn't lock him into a contract before the season? Is Mauer the new first baseman rather than the new third baseman?

Something smells like a conspiracy theory here. Get the Warren Commission together.

Other thoughts...

• Morgan Ensberg was reported to be persued by the Twins by Bullpen Catcher, and while there were discussions, San Diego won out on picking up the worry-free contract (zero dollars) for the rest of the season.
• The New York Mets sealed the National League East title with the Castillo trade. Castillo is a phenomenal fielder -- steady and fundamentally sound -- as well as a great leadoff hitter with speed. What did anyone else in the tightly contested East do? Atlanta made a lot of noise picking up Mark Teixeira and Octavio Dotal in separate trades, but being 4.5 back in the division is a lot to make up when the Phillies and the Mets are ahead of you. The Phillies? They may have crapped out on the trade deadline worse than the Twins. They "bolstered" their rotation with Kyle "Loser" Lohse, picked up 2B Tadahito Iguchi and the "where did he disappear to?" Julio Mateo. Ugh. In Philadelphia, the P.A. announcer can now officially begin each game with: "Gentlemen, start your booing."
• The Twins are done. They'll play scrappy as usual for a bit, gain a game or two on the big boys and drop out of sight for the last time in 2007. Torii Hunter's playing to see how high bidding can get between the Yankees and Red Sox and the rest will be wondering who Spendthrift Carl Pohlad will let go in his prime next.
• Ryan should send a thank-you note to the Timberwolves for putting the Garnett trade on the front page of the paper and top of the broadcast tonight. Instead, it would have been non-stop: "What the hell is going on with the Twins?" coverage.

Slap 'N Go has Slapped and Gone

Castillo dealt for sludge
Twins quit on season

By Bullpen Catcher
Luis Castillo's trade for two minor leaguers signifies the end of the Twins run for the American League playoffs and may trigger another deal before today's trading deadline.

Slappy not only gave the Twins their only possible legitimate leadoff hitter, but was nearly flawless as a second baseman. The Nina, The Punto and The Santa Maria are all that's left to field next to President Jed Bartlett.

Twins General Manager Terry Ryan is telling local news stations and papers this doesn't mean the team is throwing up a white flag.

He's lying.

What's left to do now? Find a solid DH for the middle of the lineup? Get a strong third baseman to pull the infield together and offer some pop? Oh, that's right, the team doesn't have a leadoff hitter now. Forget all of that.

Sal Butera himself coming to the Twins in his prime was a better trade.

Back to rooting for Justin Morneau to hit a lot of home runs and for Matt Garza to get better for next year's rotation, I guess. Ugh.

Ensberg update

By Bullpen Catcher

As talks continue between the Twins and Astros regarding 3B Morgan Ensberg, here's a tidbit from CBS Sportsline on the former All-Star:

"Ensberg was never the same after tearing a tendon in his right shoulder diving for a foul ball on June 9, 2006. He spent a month on the disabled list, then came back in August and finished the season with a career-low .235 average and only 58 RBI.

Houston is responsible for the remainder of Ensberg's $4.35 million salary this season. "

Ensberg a Twin?

Former All-Star Available

Can Twins Be Next Stop?

By Bullpen Catcher

The Minnesota Twins are back shopping.

It all became possible as the Houston Astros designated 3B Morgan Ensberg for assignment today and have 10 days to either trade him or offer him a demotion to the minor leagues. If Ensberg refuses the demotion, he becomes a free agent.

Astros front office personnel are saying they are doing everything they can to trade Ensberg rather than have him fall to the minors/release route.

My sources say the Twins are interested in Ensberg and are working to piece together the right minor league prospects for a deal. Most likely, a source close to the Twins says, Minnesota will offer one or two Class AA or A players who are years away from the majors.

Ensberg may be a good fit for the Twins, who are looking for some pop in the lineup, need a third baseman, and are tentative making a big deal when their playoff outlook is bleak. The Twins are 7.5 games back in the AL Central and would also need to catch the Cleveland Indians (6.5 games ahead of the Twins) for a wildcard berth.

Ensberg's best season was 2005, when he hit .283 with 36 home runs and 101 RBI. He's appeared in 85 games this season, hitting just .232 with 8 HR and 31 RBI.

Ensberg, 31, was a National League All-Star in 2005 and is a career .266 hitter.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.astroasylum.com)

Sunday Jersey Talk

DYK: Twins Have 6 Jersey Combinations?

Roll Out My Favorites

By Bullpen Catcher

A recent check of press releases put out by the Minnesota Twins indicates the boys can wear six possible combinations of jerseys, pants and hats. There are the two traditional jersey pants combinations (white at home, gray pinstripes on the road), the navy blue "alternate" jersey additions (both home and road), the hideous red jerseys and the sleeveless home white jerseys.

Plus, there are two batting practice official jerseys.

Whew.

Sunday usually results in goofy jerseys. Frankly, if I never see the blue alternate tops with white pants again, I'm happier than Boof at a buffet. Where did the Twins' best alternate uniform go? I loved the sleeveless white with blue undershirt. They're classy and, from my playing days, extremely comfortable. Come on Twins (or, I guess it's the starting pitchers who get to choose the uniform style the day they pitch), roll out the sleeveless jobs. Heck, if you think there's something superstitious about using them, then it can't hurt -- the team's been pathetic lately.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.aarongleeman.com)

Deal, Or No Deal?

Wigginton to Astros
Twins Miss Out On Trade For D-Rays 3B

By Bullpen Catcher
Despite Jason Tyner's recent power surge (he hit his first Major League home run in 1221 at bats Saturday), the Twins have been in desperate need for a bat in the middle of the lineup. Names listed in the trade rumors have been eclectic: Fat Dmitri Young (Nationals), Ty Wigginton (Devil Rays), Dan Johnson (A's), Sammy Sosa (Rangers), Matt Stairs (Blue Jays), and Jermaine Dye (White Sox).

But it seems obvious the Twins are getting ready to unload some players rather than pick them up. A recent report says the Mets are interested in Luis Castillo, Torii Hunter is a possible trade by Tuesday night, and Carlos "Saliva" Silva might take his home run pitch elsewhere.

Plus, the picture for the Twins' intentions seems to be clearing up as 3B Wigginton was traded to Houston today for crappy reliever Dan Wheeler . What happened there? We couldn't part with the likes of Juan Rincon or Ramon Ortiz? Gosh, what could we get for someone like Matt Guerrier?

Another indication the Twins are out of bids for help was when Fat Young signed a two-year deal with Washington to effectively keep him off the trade market.

Personally, if there was a single player I'd like the Twins to get, it would be Troy Glaus of the Blue Jays. He would fill a lot of voids. Alas, that won't be happening. Terry Ryan will soon be pulling in young talent instead of putting this team in a position to compete.

Another Sweep, More Mediocrity

Twins lose 13-1 Wednesday
BP Catcher Declares Post-Season Chances Done

By Bullpen Catcher

The most absurd thing to happen in Wednesday's 13-1 drubbing at Toronto wasn't Carlos Silva's attempt at pitching. It wasn't the Twins paltry offense (again). It wasn't the sweep.

It was John Gordon's voice on the radio claiming -- in the ninth inning no doubt -- that the Twins could still put together a nice run of wins ("...like winning 14 out of 18 or something to that effect ...") and get back in the AL Central race.

Huh?

Gordo, the Twins are done. Wake up and smell your Grecian Hair Dye!

Fortunately for the radio crew, Danny Gladden was there to correctly point out the Twins have shown nothing of a team that can put together three or four wins, let alone a run like Gordo aspires for them. Gladden had to point this out three times in the waning moments of the latest embarassment.

Any Twins fan who thinks this team is going anywhere this season is wrong. They needed to win at least two on this trip to give any semblance of hope. The Twins are playing .505 baseball (51-50) and are 8 back in the wild card.

In the words of a former Pioneer Press colleague: "It's over!"

Shut Out Again

Twins futility at the plate painful
Minnesota leads American League in being shut out

By The Bullpen Catcher
You can't ask much more of your fifth starter than what Scott Baker gave the Twins Tuesday night in Toronto. Let's be clear about it, Baker isn't exactly Jim Kaat in his prime, but he has worked himself into a doable fifth man in a wobbly rotation.

Baker was OK for a little over six innings, allowing just four runs in seven innings of work. He held a solid Blue Jay lineup at bay (three runs) until he would have normally given way to the bullpen. But, alas, the Twins bullpen is a geldingpen these days.

It's enough to have Paul Simon singing: "Where have you gone Ed-die Guar-dado? Everyday Eddie's arm is blown away. Hey, Hey Hey ..."

The bullpen is left to Matt G-R-R-R and Spaz Neshek. Guerrier is the typical journeyman long reliever and Spaz looks like he has a tired arm finally (wonder how that could happen with such good mechanics?). Last year, The Big Fat Dennys Reyes, Steriods Rincon and Billy Goat Crain would have stopped those Canadian bats and held Baker's ERA a little lower than his 5.30 showing. I'm not Baker's biggest fan by any means, but six hits, one walk and five strikeouts against the likes of Kelly Gruber Jr. (Troy Glaus), Lawrence Taylor (Big Hurt), Boomer Wells, and Grand Rios should make Ron Gardenhire happy.

The biggest problem wasn't the geldingpen. It sure wasn't Torii Hunter's idiot baserunning. It wasn't Baker.

It's the problem that should have Terry Ryan now in trade-for-the-future mode. The time to trade back into any race is over for 2007. Why? The offense.

The Twins offense has been as anemic and tempermental as a high school girl the week of prom.

Where are the runs? Justin Morneau can only hit so many homeruns to get this team to within four of the other team. Joe Mauer is the best bases-empty, down by five hitter in baseball and Torii defines sporatic at the plate. The Twins lead the American League by being shutout nine times this season. Time to get some middle relievers for next year and maybe someone to hit in that lineup for Gardy's boys.

Cue-Ball Isn't A Total Scratch

Kubel Not As Bad As His Rap
Twins OF/DH is pretty average for 4th OF

By The Bullpen Catcher
Jason Kubel (photo courtesy of http://www.boston.com/), the Twins scruffy left-handed outfielder/designated hitter, is the latest in a series of Minnesota players to have the tag of "we're waiting for him to play to his potential."

Sure Kubel destroyed his knee in Arizona Fall League in 2004, and sure he was a hell of a prospect then, but let's face it -- he is what he is. The tired mantra associated with Kubel (when he gets healthy, just you wait) has to go. He simply isn't the same kid who hit .347 between Class AA New Britain, AAA Rochester and the Twins in 2004 (24 HR, 107 RBI). That knee ain't gettin' any newer.

That said, let's assume he is who he is. Put away the what-ifs. Trash the potential. Look at the facts. Kubel's played 80 games so far this year -- the most in a single season during his short major league career -- and his hitting about .250 with 17 2B, 8 HR, and 40 RBI.

While not exactly A-Rod numbers, those aren't too bad to stomach, are they? Consider again that he is the fourth outfielder (Twins top three should be Hunter, Cuddyer and Rondie White) and a second-year player on a Major League roster, these aren't bad numbers. He's played 13 games as a DH, and it's safe to say he's not cut out for that role. But as someone making the Major League minimum ($387,500) he's sufficient. Frankly, we cheered these stats from fourth outfielders Bobby Kielty and Dustan Mohr. Remember when Mohr/Kielty were the ballyhooed platoon in right during the 2002-2003 seasons?

Mohr averaged 120 games, 366 AB, 95 H, .260 BA, 23 2B, 11 HR, and 41 RBI.

Rusty Kielty over the same two seasons averaged 125 G (62 with Toronto after the trade for Shannon Stewart), 358 AB, 94 H, .263 BA, 20 2B, 13 HR, and 52 RBI.

The problem simply isn't Kubel. The problem is Rondell White. The problem with Rondell White is he doesn't play -- ever. The knock on Rondie when he came to the Twins was he was oft-injured. Guess what? They were right. Kubel's doing his job. The potential may still be there for Kubel, but I don't want to hear it anymore. He's doing his job at this time. Now it's time for another outfielder to allow him to play his role and grow.