Twins Breakdown: Grading Offseason Acquisitions

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The Minnesota Twins lost 90 games once again in 2014 and set up their offseason by needing to address some key deficiencies throughout the organization. With pitching once again failing at the major league level, and outfield defense being a key, the Twins set sights on addressing their issues.

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Knowing that some of the organization’s top prospects were nearing a debut at the major league level, it became time to spend this offseason. Minnesota would need to supplement the young internal talent, with key offseason acquisitions. Going out on the free agent market and bringing in talent that can provide depth as well as immediate impact was a focus of the Twins.

Now with the second highest payroll in club history (just under $106 million), the Twins have addressed plenty of problem areas. The question in, how does each signing look in the context of the organization as a whole?

Sep 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ervin Santana (30) pitches during the first inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Ervin Santana (4 years/$55 million)

After having to settle for a second one year deal in 2014 with Atlanta, Ervin Santana turned a strong season into a paycheck. Turning in nearly 200 innings, 179 strikeouts, and a 3.95 ERA got him paid by the Twins. Minnesota was interested a season ago in the right-hander, and now they finally land their man.

In Santana, the Twins get a quality top-end starter. With Phil Hughes preparing to be the ace of the staff, Santana slots in nicely behind him, and should be reliable every time out. Santana paired with Hughes, Nolasco, Gibson, and a 5th starter make for a quality rotation. The Twins have not had that much talent in five starters since they were consistently winning the AL Central.

A big contract, the biggest free agent deal handed out in Twins history to be exact, Santana looks to prove his worth. By all indicators, this is a very good get for the Twins.

Grade: A

Sep 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) hits a home run in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Tigers won 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Torii Hunter (1 year/$10.5 million)

After a two-year stint with the AL Central rival Detroit Tigers, Torii Hunter heads back to his roots in Minnesota. Looking to finish his career with the Twins, Hunter signed a one-year deal but left the door open depending on production.

For the Twins, Minnesota was thought to be looking for defensive help in left field. The large outfield at Target Field proved to be a detriment to fly ball pitchers, especially with lackluster fielding behind them. Hunter slots into right field, moving Oswaldo Arcia to left field. His defensive ability has since waned as he has aged, and the Twins outfield as a whole may have gotten worse with the signing.

On the flip side, Hunter’s bat is an obvious addition to an already capable lineup. The fact that Torii brings a veteran leadership to a clubhouse so badly desiring that, is another plus as well. Look for Byron Buxton to latch himself to Hunter’s routine. The Twins probably got a bit teary-eyed in Hunter, and potentially paid more than market value, but he still should benefit the club in certain aspects.

Grade: B-

Jun 8, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres reliever Tim Stauffer (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park. The Nationals defeated the Padres 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Stauffer (1 year/$2.2 million)

After nine major league seasons in the National League with the San Diego Padres, it became time for Stauffer to flip-flop leagues. Minnesota scooped up the reliever on a one year deal. Although he has pitched out of the rotation as well, it appears that Stauffer is best suited for the Twins bullpen.

Entering his age 33 season, Stauffer has pitched well the past two seasons. His 3.63 ERA across 87 games (and three starts), is backed by an 8.8 K/9 as well as a 2.9 BB/9 ratio. While he isn’t going to come out of the bullpen and blow the ball by hitters, Stauffer appears to be a capable long relief man, and should be an asset to the Twins.

After the Twins allowed Anthony Swarzak to walk this offseason, his former role out of the pen was left vacant. Stauffer appears to fit the bill perfectly, and is an upgrade over a guy who threw to the tune of a 4.60 ERA for the Twins a season ago.

Grade: B+

Aug 2, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Blaine Boyer (58) leans on the dugout railing before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Blaine Boyer (minor league/Spring Training invite)

Following in the footsteps of his Padres teammate, Boyer also joins the Twins organization. Offered a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite, Boyer provides organization depth with an outside chance to make the Twins Opening Day bullpen.

Last season, Boyer compiled a 3.57 ERA with the Padres across 32 games. He held a 6.5 K/9 with a solid 1.8 BB/9 ratio. Boyer has never pitched in the American League over the course of his eight year career, so the AL Central will be new territory for him.

The Twins took a flier on a low risk signing in Blaine Boyer. If he performs, Boyer is an asset out of the bullpen. Should he struggle early on, Boyer allows the Twins to add to their relief depth, and could be called upon down the road.

Grade: C

Sep 24, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Shane Robinson (43) catches a fly ball hit by Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. St. Louis defeated Washington 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Robinson (minor league/Spring Training invite)

As it stands currently, Aaron Hicks appears to be entrenched as the opening day centerfielder. Jordan Schafer is slated to be the fourth outfielder, and is the only player on the 25 man roster that profiles as capable in center field. Shane Robinson is looking to play himself into that mix.

With Hicks yet to put it together at the major league level, and Schafer being at or below replacement level on his own, there is room for Robinson. A five-year major leaguer, Robinson owns a .231/.303/.308 slash line but has been nine runs saved above average over the course of his career.

Minnesota is waiting on the emergence of Byron Buxton to take over their starting centerfield position, but depth has been an issue in recent year. Whether Robinson plays himself into the rotation out of Spring Training or not, he should see time at some point with the Twins. Organizational outfield depth is also a plus.

Grade: C

Feb 24, 2014; Lake Buena Vistas, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher J.R. Graham (72) poses for a picture at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

J.R. Graham (Rule 5 Draft Pick)

The Twins selected Graham with the 5th pick in the Rule 5 Draft from the Atlanta Braves. After being selected in the 4th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Braves, Graham was highly regarded as a prospect. A hard thrower that could get batters out, injuries derailed Graham’s career.

Now 25, Graham has pitched in just 35 games over the past two season. Although his 5.58 ERA in 27 games in 2014 was not impressive, the belief is that the high upside could make him an asset out of the bullpen.

For the Twins, Graham heads into Spring Training with an inside shot at making the Opening Day roster. Should he not be on the 25 man, he would be returned to the Braves. With the Twins selecting him so high in the Rule 5 Draft, the expectation would be that he sticks. Minnesota will be hoping that Graham can return to the 2.26 ERA that he compiled over his first two professional seasons.

Grade: C+

Although the big splash came in the form of two players, the Twins addressed their biggest needs this offseason. With a handful of prospects looking to spill over into the major leagues, it appears that the Twins are in the best position they have been in years.

Next: Twins Highlight MLB Top Prospects Lists

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