2007 Minnesota Twins

[schwang17]

News from enemy camp.

Buerhle and Garland were really bad in their first outings.

Pain in Jenks' shoulder as well.

I've talked to a few White Sox fans this off-season, and they have pretty much surmised that the Central is theirs for the taking. Not sure where this notion comes from, but honestly I am a lot more worried about the Indians and Tigers than I am the White Sox.

Guillen does an awful job of using that staff and managing the bullpen. Countless times he has left his starters out to dry, ran their pitch count way up and dug his team a hole because he refuses to use the bullpen in situational roles. Buehrle was awful last year, and even when he was solid he wasn't really an ace. Garland had one good year, and every other one he has been mired in mediocrity. Jenks walks every other hitter he faces. Their best hitter is 38 and has chronic back problems, and their other elite hitters are about to exit their prime and slowly regress. I'd pick the Sox to finish 4th in the AL Central, they just don't scare me all that much.

I just accepted a job in Chicago, I leave next Saturday. I have a few friends down there(I lived down there for a few years already) that are Cubs and White Sox fans, one that I'll be sharing a pad with. Honestly I think the Tigers are the team we need to worry about, more so than the Indians and Sox. Jermaine Dye had an absolute out-of-this-world year last year and it's not likely to happen again. Their pitching isn't as good as advertised as others have noted. The Indians lost a ton of games last year because of their defense and bullpen issues and haven't done much to improve either. Martinez is still their catcher, and Borowski and the rest of their pen really can't be counted on closing out games. I think the Twinkies finish either 1 or 2 and the Indians and Sox fight it out for 3rd. If you guys get a msg-board-crew-at-the-Dome-day going, I'll be more than happy to take the 7 hour trip up north to share in the festivities! I'll be wearing my Twins gear with pride in enemy territory!

I agree with the sentiments on Kauffman Stadium also. Too bad they don't have a team worthy of playing in that ballpark. It's 1 of the best to see a game in. Wrigley is the best I've been to, but that may change this summer as I'm going out East to see Yankees Stadium, Fenway, and Camden Yards. Should make for a good road trip.

[Blue Breeze]

I just accepted a job in Chicago, I leave next Saturday. I have a few friends down there(I lived down there for a few years already) that are Cubs and White Sox fans, one that I'll be sharing a pad with. Honestly I think the Tigers are the team we need to worry about, more so than the Indians and Sox. Jermaine Dye had an absolute out-of-this-world year last year and it's not likely to happen again. Their pitching isn't as good as advertised as others have noted. The Indians lost a ton of games last year because of their defense and bullpen issues and haven't done much to improve either. Martinez is still their catcher, and Borowski and the rest of their pen really can't be counted on closing out games. I think the Twinkies finish either 1 or 2 and the Indians and Sox fight it out for 3rd. If you guys get a msg-board-crew-at-the-Dome-day going, I'll be more than happy to take the 7 hour trip up north to share in the festivities! I'll be
wearing my Twins gear with pride in enemy territory!

I agree with the sentiments on Kauffman Stadium also. Too bad they don't have a team worthy of playing in that ballpark. It's 1 of the best to see a game in. Wrigley is the best I've been to, but that may change this summer as I'm going out East to see Yankees Stadium, Fenway, and Camden Yards. Should make for a good road trip.

First of all, congrats on the new job and good luck. Chicago is a great town with lots to do and see, but I'm sure you realize that having already lived down there.

Your criticisms on the Indians are definitely true. Their bullpen was terrible last year and on paper certainly doesn't look like much this year at all. But I still think they're a team to watch. They were very competitive last year, but it seemed every other game Carmona was giving up a 3-run homer to blow the lead. Take away their late inning blowups and they're approaching at least 85 wins and would be in the mix. Roberto Hernandez is still an effective set-up man and Borowski is at least serviceable.

Their rotation isn't bad at all. Sabathia is a legitimate ace when healthy, and Jeremy Sowers was very good last year and should only get better in his 2nd season. Byrd, Lee, Westbrook round out the rotation as a solid if unspectacular back end.

They have the AL's best CF in Sizemore, one of the most feared hitters in Hafner, and Victor Martinez is a .300 hitter with good pop. Throw in a bounceback from Peralta, and the heart of their order is one of the best in the league.

I for one am actually pretty scared by them. I feel like Hafner is going to hit a blast every time he's at the dish.

Twins on today at noon on FSN, I'm excited to see them in action.

[Irishmans Shanty]

I feel like Hafner is going to hit a blast every time he's at the dish.

Yes, Hafner makes me itchy every AB. So does Thome and Sheffield. Great, all three now in the Central at the same time.

[State Champ 97]

Good luck in Chicago Schwang. Don't be a stranger to the "bored"

[schwang17]

Appreciate the support fellas. All this job stuff has happened within a few days and I'm really overwhelmed. I was telling SC that I was maybe planning on moving to the Cities, but that plan got x'neyed in a hurry. Who knows how it'll all go, but I have my fingers crossed. If not for some old friends down in Chicago, there'd be no way I could accept this job as they're giving me a place to stay til I get settled. I'll still have my computer and hope to keep in touch.

As far as the Division goes, it's as deep as I ever remember it with the exception of KC. The Indians and Tigers both are very high powered teams and should give us a lot to contend with. I agree that Peralta is in for a big year for Cleveland this year, too. Watch out for him in your drafts. Sheffield is 1 of my faves and will definitely be a factor for Detroit. I still think whoever plays the best defense and pitches the best from top to bottom takes it down. I just don't see Cleveland or the White Sox being that team.

Take care of yourselves, gentlemen.

P.S. BB, I believe Coach Lindquist shops at Herberger's for those studly sweaters he wears if you're interested. I still have to give him the business for not wearing 1 for their FSN game vs. Eastview.

[Wild4hockey]

Santana has issued the Twins a subtle ultimatum. Sign me now, or lose me later http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring200 ... id=2787719

What do you guys think it will take to keep him in a Twins uniform? My guess is something around 6 years for 120 mil. I don't know if the twins can offer him something like that. Basically he is going to want around 20 mil a year.

My guess is, if the Twins are not in the hunt at the trading deadline, Santana will be dealt. Think of what we could get in return. I hope we can pay him what he deserves but I don't forsee it happening.

[Govs93]

Santana has issued the Twins a subtle ultimatum. Sign me now, or lose me later http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring200 ... id=2787719

What do you guys think it will take to keep him in a Twins uniform? My guess is something around 6 years for 120 mil. I don't know if the twins can offer him something like that. Basically he is going to want around 20 mil a year.

My guess is, if the Twins are not in the hunt at the trading deadline, Santana will be dealt. Think of what we could get in return. I hope we can pay him what he deserves but I don't forsee it happening.

I read that article yesterday, and the headline they used (Santana Tells Twins: Sign Me Now or Lose Me Later) was little excessive. If you read his quotes within the article, he's not giving an ultimatum at all. He's saying the longer the Twins wait to sign him, the harder it will become... well no kidding! That's pretty common knowledge for all contract negotiations isn't it?! Santana's absolutely right, I'm sure he was asked a question regarding his contract, and he gave an honest (and stock) answer. So what?

I'm sure Terry Ryan knows exactly what he's doing, and he'll do whatever Carl will allow him to. He still has to deal with Morneau as well, so he'll be working his way around the roster.

[packerboy]

I wonder why Santana said that?

[State Champ 97]

I wonder why Santana said that?

To get the contract crap out of the way.

[packerboy]

But Champ, the contract crap wasnt in the way. He is signed for 2 more years. He is putting the contract crap in the way, which is why I ask the question.

I hope these guys dont start thinkin about contract instead of baseball.

The Twins have a history of taking care of their top players. They signed ChrisK's hero Radke to a long term deal. I think they will make a reasonable effort to keep Johan when they think the time is right.

[Govs93]

I'm sure he was asked a question about his contract, and that came up. I seriously doubt he'd just start yammering about his contract without being prompted. I really think this whole thing is a non-story. It's east coast biased reporting.

If it comes down to where Santana does get too expensive for the Twins, who's going to come knocking? The Royals? Rockies? Reds? No, of course not. It's going to be the Yankees, Mets and/or Red Sox... and wouldn't ESPN (and MLB) love that?

[packerboy]

If he was asked about his contract, youd think his response would be " I am not thinking about that right now, its a ways off, if they want to talk, I have an agent."

Instead he goes on a little rant about how "its now of maybe never"


Thats tells me he'd like to get something done here with this team right now. Maybe Ryan should "take advantage "of that.

[Govs93]

If he was asked about his contract, youd think his response would be " I am not thinking about that right now, its a ways off, if they want to talk, I have an agent."

Instead he goes on a little rant about how "its now of maybe never"


Thats tells me he'd like to get something done here with this team right now. Maybe Ryan should "take advantage "of that.

I don't know. I guess I can see that, but from my point of view, I'm glad he didn't really start spewing the usual cliches and was actually honest about it.

I still think that if he had been talking to somebody like LaVelle E. Neal instead of ESPN, it would have been buried somewhere in the middle of the "Notes" section of an article, rather than splashed across the front page of a national website.

Then again, I've always been cynical of those friggin' people on the east coast!

[ChrisK]

Another spring training loss for the Twins yesterday with Baker getting spanked for five runs in two innings. Last year Kyle Lohse had a good spring and we all saw what he didn't do in the regular season so it is too early to start frothing at the mouth but they aren't doing much to allay my nagging concerns about the pitching. Packerboy might feel fine but there won't be any Liriano to rescue them this year.

Kansas City has a real nice ballpark, probably the only one put up in the '70s that's still standing. And there are no parking conundrums, it's all right there. Bryant's is awesome, pick up some sauce for me.

[packerboy]

Well ChrisK, I am surprised you didnt post something like " Without Radke, this franchise might as well contract".

They have enough pitching. They have at least as much as anyone else in the division.

Get some people in here who can hit the ball.

[Govs93]

Kansas City has a real nice ballpark, probably the only one put up in the '70s that's still standing. And there are no parking conundrums, it's all right there. Bryant's is awesome, pick up some sauce for me.

They really haven't changed much of the 70's vibe either, which is cool. Yeah, they changed the seats from red to blue, and the field from turf to grass (thank god), but the interior of the park is still all exposed concrete and whatever is painted, is painted dark blue, so it feels really small. The other thing they do is show 70's highlights with 70's music on the scoreboard between innings, which always cracks me up (love watching Hal McRae crash into walls).

As for Arthur Bryant's, I think I'm going to give the "Sweet Heat" sauce a try this year... didn't get to try it last year. I had a brisket sandwich with their original sauce last year that took me 2 damn days to eat! Best $7 I ever spent. I'll be sure post my review April 23!

[Irishmans Shanty]

Santana floating the idea of wanting a new contract now isn't dumb if your him or in his camp. Santana's value right now is so high that maybe it can't increase anymore. Two Cy's in three years, low ERA, healthy, left handed, incredible SO to BB ratio, velocity in it's prime, the list goes on.

Santana is like Brady Quinn or Jamarcus Russell right now. Hide in a closet until draft day because there are million things to lower your value and very litte that can improve it.

[Blue Breeze]

P.S. BB, I believe Coach Lindquist shops at Herberger's for those studly sweaters he wears if you're interested. I still have to give him the business for not wearing 1 for their FSN game vs. Eastview.

I knew you'd break sooner or later. And like the others I implore to hang around the "bored". I like hearing your two cents.


As for the Santana thing, it's basically the same thing he has been saying for months now. If the Twins act swiftly with his negotiations, it will come cheaper than if he waits. I could see him settling for a deal in the 7 year, 105 million variety. It would be well below market value, but we did give him his shot after plucking him the Rule 5 draft and I think he would take somewhat of a discount, especially after the Twins have been so accommodating to his efforts in Venezuela as well.

[ChrisK]

Well ChrisK, I am surprised you didnt post something like " Without Radke, this franchise might as well contract".

They have enough pitching. They have at least as much as anyone else in the division.

Get some people in here who can hit the ball.

Radke will be throwing out the first pitch at the opener. You can't get away from him packerboy! Ortiz should fill the role Radke had last year less the grit, guile and arm in danger of flying off.

They've got Cy Santana but the rest of the rotation remains a conundrum. The lineup boasts the batting champ and MVP, plus a good veteran leadoff hitter in Castillo (when healthy), a solid slugger in Cuddyer, Bartlett who hit .309 last year and Rondell White, who should have a better season this year. They led the league in batting average last year. The hitting will be fine, get some guys who can throw strikes.

[packerboy]

If they could do it at 105 million for 7, they should jump on it. If the finances arent there later , then trade him.

But thats "only" 15 mil a year.

I doubt they could get him for that.

[schwang17]

I knew you'd break sooner or later.

[schwang17]

ESPN is famous for turning stories into soap operas(TO, Bobby Knight, etc.) or making more out of something than is really there. Johan could have got "market value" and tested free agency the last time we went through this, but he was loyal enough to stick around here. I assume that'll be the case again. I really don't put anything into this story. I personally think Terry Ryan is a bit overrated, but I have faith he'll be able to keep him around here for a while.

[Govs93]

3/6/2006

[State Champ 97]

3/6/2006

RIP

[Govs93]

Good outing for Ramon Ortiz today... 3 innings, 1 hit, K, 0 BB.

Combine that with Silva's 3 innings, 1 hit, 3 k, 0 BB from yesterday, and a couple of the club's question marks put up 2 pretty good performances back-to-back. Let's hope it becomes a trend.