Thursday
December 18, 2003
THIS NEEDS A TITLE
I don’t know what to title a page like today where there isn’t a real ‘Main’ subject. I mean, yesterday’s posting “Conspiracy Theory” made sense. The “Bang for the Buck” title just made sense based on the content. Check the Archives, I’ve got a lot of titles that make what the lead story is pretty obvious. But today, I’ve got five parts, none really related and all important in ways, but not enough so to earn the lead story/title status. So, let me know what you think. I think today’s entry is pretty interesting, so I hope you enjoy it. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know. Also, let me know if you have any thoughts on the new format of the page. Send me an e-mail.
1.) The Twins acquired left-handed pitcher Dave Gassner from the Toronto Blue Jays to complete the trade in which the Twins acquired Shannon Stewart in exchange for Bobby Kielty on July 16.
I analyzed Gassner on Tuesday. Here is a little more.
Gassner spent four years pitching at Purdue. While there, he had a record of 17-19 with a 5.00 ERA. He averaged three walks and seven strikeouts per nine innings. That got him drafted in the 24th round of the 2001 draft by the Jays. In 2002, Gassner pitched at three levels. In 2003, he pitched primarily in AA and compiled a record of 10-4 with a 2.79 ERA. He pitched in 35 games, starting 19. In 400 career minor league innings, he is averaging just 1.7 walks and 6.0 strikeouts per nine innings.
Future - it appears that Gassner’s future lies more as a left-handed middle reliever. Although, he has done enough starting that he could eventually battle for a spot in the rotation. For 2004, my guess is that he would be invited to spring training for a spot at a lefty reliever position, but more likely just to be seen by the coaches. His low walk totals are surely impressive to the Twins staff. If added to the 40 man roster, it is possible we will see him with the Twins in 2004, but more likely, in 2005.
Analysis - The Twins did quite well in getting Shannon Stewart, and now that Kielty has been sent to Oakland again, the Twins probably couldn’t have expected to receive too much in this player. That said, I think they did quite well with Gassner. I think he does have a chance to contribute to the Twins in the next couple of years.
2.) Right-handed pitcher Bobby Korecky was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies to complete the trade in which the Twins acquired Carlos Silva and Nick Punto in exchange for Eric Milton on December 3.
24 year old Bobby Korecky was a 19th round pick by the Phillies in 2002 out of the University of Michigan. In his four years there, Korecky split time between starting and relieving compiled a record of 17-18 with a 4.35 ERA. He averaged 2.78 walks and 5.14 strikeouts per 9 innings. Following the draft, he spend a brief time in the Rookie League before moving up to the low-Class A team. In 2003, Korecky spent the year at the Phils Hi-Class A affiliate, Clearwater. He went to the bullpen full-time in 2003 and performed quite well. In 49 games, he was 5-4 with a 2.26 ERA. For his year and a half professional career, Korecky is 9-8 with a 2.45 ERA. He remains a great control, few strikeout pitcher, averaging just 1.3 walks and 6.4 strikeouts per 9 innings.
Future - Looks like a bullpen guy from here on out. The low strikeout numbers are alarming, meaning he will never really be a big-time bullpen pitcher. But with his control and lack of walks, he could eventually fit in as a Tony Fiore type. Earliest estimate for major league arrival would be 2006.
Analysis - Obviously, the Milton trade was completely a salary dump, and with the inability to sign Hawkins or Guardado, it hurts even more. Silva will contribute, and Punto will probably make the team in a utility capacity. Bobby Korecky could contribute to the Twins minor league system for awhile.
3.) Lefthanded pitcher J.T. Thomas was acquired from the San Francisco Giants to complete the trade in which the Twins sent Dustan Mohr to San Francisco on December 15.
JT (John) Thomas was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1999 draft out of a California high school. He did not make his professional debut until 2001. He has spent 2002 and 2003 at Class A San Jose. His record in those two seasons is 6-17. In 2003, he went 5-12, but this is where Terry Ryan’s scouting comes in. There is a reason Thomas was taken in the second round, and in order to maybe understand it, you have to look past his record. This year, in 125 1/3 innings pitched, he had a 3.45 ERA. Thomas walked just 35 while striking out 104 batters. Again, another low walk guy, with a little more strikeout opportunity.
Future - It will probably be a couple of years before we would see Thomas in the big leagues, if we ever do. Injuries and playing on bad teams have probably hurt his prospect status. In 35 games this season, he started 19 games, but he also finished 8, recording 3 saves. So, at this point, he can either start or relieve. But, if that’s being done already, he probably will end up in the bullpen more down the line.
Analysis - We were all hoping that the Twins would be able to acquire someone to be their backup catcher for Dustan Mohr. Well, we shouldn’t at all be surprised that instead the Twins got a toolsy, young pitching prospect. That was actually more what I would have expected. Had they acquired either Alberto Castillo or Yorvit Torrealba for Mohr, it would have been a coup for Terry Ryan. This isn’t a bad trade though. The Twins still have at least seven major league outfielders who will vie for the RF position.
I know it is really getting old, but it is so fascinating and really changing frequently. So, I apologize. Yesterday, A-Rod, his agent and others met with the player’s union to discuss their plan to restructure Rodriguez’s contract to make it work for A-Rod and the Red Sox. He wants to defer money. He actually wants to make less money. But, of course, baseball’s union is stronger than any other professional sports union (and that’s a good thing), so they realized that a member of theirs would be making less. If a player’s contract is restructured, that player has to receive something additional, and money can not be taken away.
This is a pretty special case though. We’re talking about a lot of money and an extenuating situation. The player (A-Rod) wants to restructure the contract, and he wouldn’t have brought it to the union if he wasn’t OK with it. This is a case where the union is actually going against the wishes of one of its own. That is the only negative.
Rodriguez wants to go to the Red Sox. Manny, I’m sure, wants the situation done. Nomar has to be sick of all the rumors surrounding him. Bud Selig has set a deadline of 5:00 p.m. today for this situation to be resolved either way.
I think the trade will happen, and yesterday the big trade picture got even more interesting! After A-Rod becomes a Red Sox and Manny goes to Texas, Nomar Garciaparra will be traded (with Scott Williamson and probably more) to the Chicago White Sox, with the Red Sox receiving Magglio Ordonez. Garciaparra would then be traded to the LA Dodgers for pitching, probably still including Odalis Perez. Clear, right?
But, if you look at it like this, the Red Sox are coming out well ahead. When they were essentially trading Nomar and Manny for A-Rod, they were probably getting the better of the deal.
Now, they’re essentially trading Nomar and Manny for A-Rod and Magglio Ordonez. So, they’re really getting two of baseball’s Top 6-8 hitters in the game for a top 3 hitter (and headcase) and a better than average shortstop. If this series of trades go through, the Red Sox and their fans should be thrilled.
I guess we’ll find out more today, huh??
If you are looking for a great update of which player went to which team and how each team is starting to come together, be sure to check out this great post Wagons East by Ben Jacobs. Clearly by the title, you can tell that it discusses the talent shift toward the east coast teams, primarily the Yankees, Red Sox and Orioles. You should see his thoughts on the Twins though. Very enlightening, including this tidbit on how well the Twins will do:
I'd still say the Twins are the favorites to win the AL Central, but I don't think they're a good bet to improve upon their 90-win 2003 season. I simply think 85-87 wins may be enough to take the division.
For another exceptional look at the goings on in baseball this offseason, check out Bryan Smith’s Wait Til Next Year posting. He discusses the Twins possible 2004 lineup, starters and bullpen. He discusses things the team should do and gives three very interesting examples:
In a perfect world, Twins fans would have read this during the Winter Meetings:
- Twins trade Boof Bonser and Christian Guzman to Expos for Orlando Cabrera
- Twins trade Jacque Jones, Doug Mientkiewicz to Angels for Troy Percival
- Twins sign Ismael ValdesSETH’S RESPONSE
Guzman and Bonser for Orlanda Cabrera- Are you kidding? If I’m Terry Ryan and this opportunity made itself available, I would say yes instantly. For about the same amount of money (Cabrera made $3.3 million last season), the Twins would be getting a far better offensive threat who is a better defensive shortstop too. All this said, there is no way that Expos GM Omar Minaya would agree to this deal, so I’m afraid it is wishful thinking. But I have no problem with that!
Jacque Jones and Doug Mientkiewicz for Troy Percival - As much as I like the idea of Troy Percival becoming a Twin, giving up both Jones and Mientkiewicz would be far too much. I’ve said before I wouldn’t want to trade either of these two players for a one year guy, as Percival would be. Jones and Mientkiewicz could both have serious value to a number of major league teams. I would think that each player could bring a major league caliber player plus at least one good prospect.
Twins sign Ismael Valdes - Now this, as much as Valdes has never been a great pitcher, he has never been terrible. Spending a number of years pitching for Texas will hurt anyone’s numbers. He would be a cheap, viable risk as the Twins #4 pitcher. Is he better than JD Durbin? Probably not, but why rush Durbin, at least at the beginning of the season?
Chris Coste’s stats playing down in Mexico for Obregon. Others playing for that team include the Orioles Geronimo Gil, former A’s pitcher Ariel Prieto, former Twin Jason Maxwell and the Anaheim Angels Alfredo Amezaga.
|
|
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
SO |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
|
Chris Coste |
54 |
200 |
19 |
52 |
10 |
1 |
5 |
26 |
14 |
31 |
0.260 |
0.315 |
0.395 |
Speaking of Winter Baseball Leagues, Juan Rincon is pitching really well in Venezuela. So far, he has made 4 starts and is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA. He has pitched 16 innings, striking out 16 hitters while walking just 1!!! Very impressive, and maybe such a performance gives the Twins the idea to use him as a 4th starter? He is probably a better option than a lot of guys the Twins could go after in free agency. They would then have to work to improve the bullpen, but that’s manageable. There are a number of quality relievers that could be available for cheap. So, if the Twins could use Juan Rincon as their 4th starter, it would save them a lot of money, maybe to get a guy like Arthur Rhodes, along with two or three relievers set to make $500,000 or less.
From yesterday’s posting, I found that it created some e-mailing discussion for me. I thought I would include a couple of them.
First, regarding the “Conspiracy Theory” involving the Twins:
From Anthony Fox, The Bad Twin:Seth,
I really liked your refutation of the Conspiracy Theorists. I don't think there's a conspiracy either. But I think you missed a main point - the TV station is a real gamble. If they can't get the cable companies to pick it up, then they'll lose money hand over fist in the creation of the company. Since none have signed on yet, it's not looking great. So, instead of being able to put on salary or keep it at $56 million, they've got to wait for at least ONE cable company to bite before they can really make offers to raise payroll. That'd be my theory on, "Where did all that money go?" Also, Mays not getting insured ties up money... although I'm pretty sure that they probably will collect, it may not be anytime this season.
What're your thoughts on that?
AnthonySETH’S THOUGHTS
The TV Station Victory Sports is definitely a gamble for Carl Pohlad and all involved with it. My thought is that at some point, most of the cable companies (cable and satellite) will give in to the price that Victory is requesting. If not, hopefully Victory Sports will be willing to come down in their asking price so that we can see it.
I know that I am willing to pay $2 more on my cable bill each month in order to ensure that I will get to watch the Twins in 2004. But what can we as fans do to help that happen? We can call or e-mail our local providers and request that they pick up Victory. I would like to get a list of cable companies and give out their phone numbers and encourage you to call them and NICELY ask that they negotiate with Victory.
Do I think that the inability, so far, of Victory to be picked up throughout the region is affecting the Twins negotiations? I really don’t think so. I would hope that, although the Twins and Victory are under the same ownership umbrella, they are both separate entities and would be budgeted individually.
I do think that not receiving insurance money for Joe Mays injury does affect the Twins. That’s a lot of money for someone who isn’t even going to play. With the insurance they received last year for Eric Milton, they were able to sign Kenny Rogers. But because of Mays earlier injury history, the insurance feels it doesn’t need to insure Mays Tommy John surgery.
From a loyal reader “Pat”:
The stuff about Victory Sports that you talked about is really important and I am glad you addressed it. As I told you previously I have contacted our cable company to no avail. I wonder if others are having the same problem. Your writing on this subject more than anything points out why you should be receiving more "hits" among Twins' fans…
But please do continue in your efforts to ensure that we will be able to get Victory Sports and Twins baseball this coming summer.
Pat, I would love to think that in some small way this web site could help get Victory Sports into more Twins fans households. I wish I had some idea of how I can help out. Would getting the list of cable companies I mentioned above be feasible? (Here is a link to the phone numbers of the larger Twin Cities cable companies, so those that live in those areas and have their cable or satellite through those companies, be sure to call.) Would it be legal? Is there a better, more efficient way to ensure we will be able to see the Twins games (and the Gophers basketball games!!!)? If anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear from you. I currently live in an area that an area that does not carry Victory sports, as I know many in the Twins region don’t. What do you think? Please e-mail me. I may post more e-mails on the subject, just to get the opinions out there. I know I want to watch the Twins on TV. I just don’t want to have to resort to listening to Herb Carneal and John Gordon any more!! Thanks!
Secondly, I also wrote my thoughts on the post-touchdown cell phone actions of Joe Horn and the subsequent $30,000 fine that was levied upon him. My basic thoughts are that it is fun, it’s not showing up the opponent and should not have carried such a large fine. No wonder the NFL sometimes is called the “No Fun League!” Here are a couple of thoughts:
First from Kirk Beller:
i differ from you a bit on the celebrations. first off, i'm a bit old fashioned on that sort of thing, so i'm already going to sound like a grumpy old man about it. i guess i don't mind a bit of celebration--spike the ball, dunk it over the uprights, slap your buddies on the helmet, whatever. my problem with the cell phone thing and the sharpie thing is that there is so much premeditation to the celebration. i think when you're planning out ahead of the game how you're going to show off in the end zone, you're automatically lame. the other thing is that you're not putting anything on the line when you do that. apparently, you're awesome when you get in the end zone and pull out your sharpie, but what if you don't score that night? do you tell everyone about the stunt you were going to pull? yeah, it's really sweet when you carry a sharpie with you for weeks for one stinking moment in front of the cameras and a mention on espn. LAME.
i love players like the ones you mentioned. there is something so much more inspiring (to me at least) about a guy that doesn't need to convince himself or anyone else that he's a great player. when you saw barry sanders go into the end zone and get up and off the field immediately with maybe a helmet slap for someone, that showed such class. you didn't need him to point it out, or the announcers to say "barry sanders is pretty good". you just sat there watching and thinking "man". seems to me that if you need to show off to convince someone that you're great, it's probably because you're pretty insignificant.
i know the arguments against my point of view, and some of them are pretty legit. honestly, i would think that the NFL would encourage excessive celebration since they've been willing to manipulate the sport to be more about entertainment dollars than about the game. if it gets a buzz going, good or bad, and no one is being killed or beaten or driving drunk, then it's good for the NFL.
i have the same problem in baseball too. my big beef against barry bonds is that he watches every home run leave the park. every time i see that, there's a part of me that wants to see him take a pitch in the earhole. At least in his case, he backs it up by being one of the best players ever. I know you like the guy, but when i see weasel bret boone doing the same, i just sit there wishing for someone to teach him a lesson. i admire the players that hit the ball and run hard. it's what i always liked about hrbek and puckett. they didn't seem to feel the need to put on the "I am so awesome" show.
exceptions to this: huge moments. would i deny kirk gibson pumping his fist as he rounds the bases? no. chubby puckett throwing his hands in the air and screaming as he hits that one in game 6? no way. mcgwire missing 1st after hitting 62? you gotta be kidding. there are moments that call for it. when you're up 9-2 in the 8th in a regular game on june 2nd? not so much.
if i had to sum it up in one statement: i don't like it when athletes put on the appearance that they're bigger than the game. the game should be respected. opponents should be respected. fans should be respected. it's not that hard to do all of that, and still have a good time and display your excitement on the field.
like i said, i'm a cranky old man when it comes to this sort of thing. Feel free to tear that apart.From “Todd”:
Oh, I get it. You’re playing devil’s advocate right. I say that because no true football fan would celebrate or even condone Joe Horn “expressing himself” with the post touchdown cell phone thing. A $30,000.00 fine won’t hurt Joe Horn and it won’t stop others from coming up with more original ideas. Horn’s coach appeared angry but I’d like to see him prove it by suspending Horn to show everyone that one player is not above the team. What makes this worse than what Terrell Owens has pulled in the past is that the NFL issued an edict banning such celebrations after Owens’ sharpie incident. The truth is these actions bore me. Bring back the old fashioned football of the 60’s and 70’s when it was a team game with very little showboating. When after scoring a touchdown a running back would pat his left guard on the back for throwing the block that sprung him. Or when a receiver would point at his quarterback and say nice pass. We need more of Barry Sanders and Robert Smith and less of Joe Horn and Terrell Owens. The NFL hasn’t been the same since Billy “White Shoes” Johnson was allowed to do his dance and that’s too bad. This isn’t the Arena Football League. Leave these shenanigans to “He Hate Me”.
SETH’S RESPONSE
Have you seen He Hate Me’s touchdown celebration? It’s pretty cool. He has at least two return touchdowns this year, and when he crosses the goal line, he has this ferocious, gorilla, chest thumping thing. I like it. (Note - He Hate Me (Rod Smart) is a RB/KR for the Carolina Panthers) I guess I don’t take this kind of stuff as seriously as some. I agree with the commentators that say “if you don’t want them to do something, don’t let them score.”
I too enjoy the players mentioned above (and others) who simply give the ball to the official and head off the field. But that said, the NFL needs some color, some fun. Was the Sharpie incident really that offensive? Was his cheering with the cheerleader’s pom poms a big deal? Was the cell phone thing infuriating and worth the amount of attention it has received? I certainly don’t think so. It’s fun. But then again, the NFL has proved time and time again that they don’t want any fun.
But, answer me this… why is it ok for a defensive player who gets a sack to dance all over the quarterback? To me, that’s far more offensive and disrespectful than any of these particular examples.
I’m totally against the Booney Bat Flip. I think that is totally disrespectful. I actually wrote that in one of my very first postings back in May.
1.) Does Bret Boone have the worst, most conceited follow-through to a swing in baseball today? I know that Jacque Jones gets some trouble for being a bat-flipper. AJ Pierzynski is, by far, the worst bat flipper on the Twins team, but neither really compare to the follow through of Bret Boone. However, even Boone doesn’t compare to what Dante Bichette used to do!!! That would actually upset me to watch!
But, Barry Bonds taking a second to admire one of his shots doesn’t bother me. To see Sammy Sosa hop, doesn’t bother me. I’m also all for the inside pitch to back off a hot hitter, or a hitter who did something offensive in a previous at bat.
Sports are games. Sports are business. But it’s also important to remember that Sports are now entertainment. Can the games live without the flashy characters? Maybe. But, every sport needs guys like Joe Horn and Terrell Owens to make us appreciate the Barry Sanders, Marvin Harrison’s and Robert Smiths.
Thanks again for all of the great responses I have received. I hope you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read. If you have any questions or comments, please be sure to send me an e-mail.