Note: If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it here. Comments deleted on a whim.
Excellent work as always Aaron. I agree with you completely that the Twins made out really well here. If Stewart can get back some of what he lost last year then the Twins should have plenty of men on base for Mauer, Morneau, and Hunter to drive in.
Actually, if it were my choice, I would lead off Castillo and bat Lew Ford 2nd--but either way I'm sure the Twins offense will be better in 2006.
What has gotten into La Velle E. Neal?
He writes:
> The Twins and Rangers have talked
> about third baseman Hank Blalock,
> left, but things grounded to a halt
> when Texas asked for left-handed
> phenom Francisco Liriano. He will
> not be traded. But what about
> Romero and Lohse for Blalock? Or
> Romero and Scott Baker for Blalock?
> Or even Romero, Lohse and Baker
> for Blalock? Blalock might struggle
> against lefties and isn't as lethal on
> the road, but he has pop, has
> experience batting cleanup and can
> pick it a little at third base. A better
> fit than Mueller.
Baker for Blalock straight-up would be pushing it, in my opinion...
Nice article...but advanced, that is PBP-based, defensive metrics aren't as sanguine about Castillo as Gassko's. For example, Chris Dial's ZR-based metric puts him at +4, UZR puts him at +5.
Or are you unconvinced of the merit of PBP-based defensive ratings?
Later,
Roy
The fact that Gassko's system rates him second-best while Dial's and UZR both rate him as above average is very good news and plenty sanguine to me. I used Gassko's ranking because I knew where to find the numbers quickly and because he/we published all of the rankings for every player at every position.
I'm glad the Twins did not give up ON Bonser and Durbin. Bowyer imploded in teh 2nd half of last season. I think the Marlins saw he was named relief pithcer of the year and thought they'd be getting a top notch prospect. He's good, but not THAT good.
"The Braves' search for a closer could lead them to pursue deals with the Twins, Astros and other teams with deep bullpens. Potential targets would include Astros right-hander Chad Qualls and Twins right-hander Jesse Crain, both of whom could be converted into closers."
via Ken Rosenthal at foxsports.com
Any thoughts on trading Crain? I'm not sure what the Twins would be looking at getting from the Braves in such a deal (Betemit, maybe?) but I doubt TR is really looking to trade Crain. Too cheap and too effective last year.
The Braves seem ready to trade Andy Marte. I would love if Terry Ryan would get in on this action. I just don't know what we have to offer that the Braves want. The Braves need a SS unless they go with Betemit full time.
Strike one!
We've got pitching depth, but so do they. Plus, the Braves are likely trying to win now rather than build for the future.
Strike two!
They could definately use some bullpen arms, namely a closer. It's doubtful Nathan would be part of the deal, but maybe Crain. However, Tampa seems ready to send Lugo/Baez to Atlanta, which meets both SS and bullpen needs.
Strike three!
I can't figure out a way to bring Marte to MN, but hopefully TR can.
Fantastic overview Aaron. I now feel like I've been paying attention to Castillo for years! I can't wait to see him play next year, a 4:1 G/F ratio is going to be fun to watch.
Did your research note if he's ever tried hitting exclusively from the Right side? It would seem like something to at least try given his huge split - although I suppose he might not want to mess with his swing at this point in his career.
I think dealing Crain would be a good idea given that fact that his strikeout rate has fallen off a cliff. Don't know what we'd get in return though.
Take it for what it's worth, but MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that he has a source that tells him the Twins have offered Crain, Lohse, and an unknown prospect for Andy Marte.
Depending on who that prospect is, I'm all for it.
I wonder if the prospect is Durbin? I know Mazzone is gone, but in the past they've been great at turning good arms into good pitchers. You'd think they'd keep the same drills/philosophy/etc.
Even if it is Durbin, kind of a hard deal not to take huh? A big risk, with serious potential.
I'd think the Braves need to get better players than Lohse and Crain back for Marte. TB is rumored to have offered Lugo and Baez.
I hope TR can find a way to get Marte...that would be Grrrrrrrrreat, but I'm not holding my breath.
Maybe TR would have a better chance if it were a 3 way. I think the Braves top priority is to get a SS, and last time I checked, the Twins are in no position to deal anyone (decent) at SS.
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