Twins 2012
It is time to write off the 2011 Minnesota Twins, who are clearly the worst team in baseball as they have the worst record, worst offense and worst defense. Perhaps Twins management knew this going in. The two top players-- Mauer and Morneau are recovering from medical issues more severe than most people understand. Joe Nathan is not quite back from injury.
Middle relief is what a team worries about last. So, it makes sense that the team would try pitchers like Kevin Slowey and Glen Perkins in middle relief. Their odds of doing well were good, as Slowey was a proven starter and Perkins was serviceable. But, a team that thinks it is going to win does not let players like Guerrier, Neshek and Crain go at the same time.
Likewise, Nishioka may turn out to be a good middle infielder. But, a team that thinks it is going to win does not rely on Casilla and Tolbert. Plouffe and Hughes may actually be able to contribute offensively, but if the team does not trust them on defense, then letting go of both Hardy and Hudson indicates there was no plan to win going in.
Letting both back up catchers, Jose Morales and Wilson Ramos, go at the same team when Joe Mauer's health was not assured is another indicator that the team was writing off 2011.
Re-signing Jim Thome was a nice pr move, and I could see fans coming to games to watch him hit his 600th. But, this is the type of move that the Twins of the under-performing 1990's made when they signed Paul Molitor prior to his 3,000th hit. Despite Thome's excellent 2010, solid production and consistent playing time could not be expected from a hitter who turns 41 this season.
Liriano's struggles certainly hurt as the season started, and this should turn around as a no hitter is already under his belt. Carl Pavano is as unlucky this year as he was lucky last year, so he should also turn it around somewhat, hopefully as a number three. A new ace, Kyle Gibson, is supposed to be hitting the bigs.
Delmon Young may or may not have another big season in him-- I view him as a 1B/DH, similar to his older brother Dmitri. I'm not sure why we haven't seen him at first base. Morneau and Cuddyer must block him. Michael Cuddyer is a 32 year old over-achiever that the team likes to keep around, but his best days are behind him.
Perhaps, some of the risks taken in 2011 actually pan out with viable pieces at MI, MR, or elsewhere. But, it appears, despite the face that Twins management wears, 2011 is a lost cause and they knew that going in. A fully healthy Mauer, Morneau and Nathan change everything for 2012.
Middle relief is what a team worries about last. So, it makes sense that the team would try pitchers like Kevin Slowey and Glen Perkins in middle relief. Their odds of doing well were good, as Slowey was a proven starter and Perkins was serviceable. But, a team that thinks it is going to win does not let players like Guerrier, Neshek and Crain go at the same time.
Likewise, Nishioka may turn out to be a good middle infielder. But, a team that thinks it is going to win does not rely on Casilla and Tolbert. Plouffe and Hughes may actually be able to contribute offensively, but if the team does not trust them on defense, then letting go of both Hardy and Hudson indicates there was no plan to win going in.
Letting both back up catchers, Jose Morales and Wilson Ramos, go at the same team when Joe Mauer's health was not assured is another indicator that the team was writing off 2011.
Re-signing Jim Thome was a nice pr move, and I could see fans coming to games to watch him hit his 600th. But, this is the type of move that the Twins of the under-performing 1990's made when they signed Paul Molitor prior to his 3,000th hit. Despite Thome's excellent 2010, solid production and consistent playing time could not be expected from a hitter who turns 41 this season.
Liriano's struggles certainly hurt as the season started, and this should turn around as a no hitter is already under his belt. Carl Pavano is as unlucky this year as he was lucky last year, so he should also turn it around somewhat, hopefully as a number three. A new ace, Kyle Gibson, is supposed to be hitting the bigs.
Delmon Young may or may not have another big season in him-- I view him as a 1B/DH, similar to his older brother Dmitri. I'm not sure why we haven't seen him at first base. Morneau and Cuddyer must block him. Michael Cuddyer is a 32 year old over-achiever that the team likes to keep around, but his best days are behind him.
Perhaps, some of the risks taken in 2011 actually pan out with viable pieces at MI, MR, or elsewhere. But, it appears, despite the face that Twins management wears, 2011 is a lost cause and they knew that going in. A fully healthy Mauer, Morneau and Nathan change everything for 2012.
Labels: baseball
posted by David Rasmussen at 11:18 AM
<< Home