I agree that a high risk, high reward move is ideal for the twins. If it works we have an ace or #2, if not Perkins, Liriano, Manship, and Boof are all available and have had reasonable success in the past.
On a side note, I think Pavano is likely gone if he declines arbitration. The twins are unlikely to give up the sandwich pick they'd receive if he signs elsewhere as a type B free agent.
Nice - write up Great job
Hmm... Tim Hudson may be another option, however he may have already re-upped with the Bravos.... In fact if Hudson is still available I think he would be the best option because he wouldn't be that expensive....
Lackey, Bedard, Harden I feel are all too much money
So I say we target Washburn, Sheets, Pavano or maybe Duscherer or someone like that if they show us they're healthy...
maybe make a play with the Blue Jays
they're loaded with starting caliber arms besides Doc Halladay
Rezypnski - my ideal trade target
Marcum - back off of injury
McGowan - same as Marcum
Litch
Cecil
Romero
a few others.....
Nice aricle as always Josh but there is one thing I need to pick apart. The club's defence this year was horrible. We ranked 3rd to last in UZR this year. I fell that some of the "bad pitching" has to do with the defence being unable to get key outs in a game. I remember numerous times when an out was missed which would have ended the inning but instead the other team ended up scoring runs. While I do think there are bad pitching this past year, I also fell the pitching was the only problem.
The FA's you mentioned could be on our radar this off season. I would like the FO to give Sheets a shot after an injury held me out last year. He may come as one of the cheaper options on the market. If you would to give him a 4mil base laced with insentives and a mutual option for next year, there is a high chace he would take it. Harden and Bedard may get longer and higher priced offers for larger market teams pushing them out of the Twins price range.
All in all, I would prefer the FO not resign Pavano JUST because he is a "good vetern player". We have better internal options for a back end starter.
Thoughts?
What are your thoughts on the Twins aquiring JJ Hardy from the Brew Crew?
@SteveH
I agree that Tim Hudson would be a great addition, but I didn't mention him because it's been widely speculated that he and the Braves are very (very) close to an extension.
@SotaFAn
I agree. This year's defense was atrocious. That's why I'd advocate replacing Cabrera with a guy like JJ Hardy or Jack Wilson. The Twins need to sure-up the shortstop position by not just getting a guy who can hit, but that can field the position well.
I know some think the Twins would be better off going after a second baseman and just moving Punto over to shortstop, but I like the way Punto plays 2nd and I hope they keep him there.
But to answer your question, I'd love for JJ Hardy to be with the Twins next season.
What do you think the Brew Crew would need in return for Hardy? They are in need of quailty starting pitching. I would consider trading Perkins, Swarzak and possibly a AA prospect for Hardy and mabye low 2B prospect. Do you think that would be a fair enough deal or do you think it would take more seeing as they have a major league SS ready in the wings plus they sent Hardy to AAA?
I'm guessing Perkins and Swarzak would be a good start. Add in a guy like Brian Dinkelman or Evan Bigley and I'm sure that'd be pretty close.
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