Minnesota Twins Mailbox: Is David Price an option?
OK, will the Twins be looking for a frontline pitcher this offseason. With their improvement in the last year, can they attract and afford someone like a David Price? David, Tuscon, Ariz.
You’d be hard pressed to find a free agent not attracted by the prospects of Miguel Sano and Bryon Buxton on the same field. The Minnesota Twins have a top-5 farm system, with names like Nick Gordon, Kohl Stewart and Jose Berrios who haven’t reached Minnesota yet.
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Pippen Ain't Easy
That said, they can’t afford Price. Not with the Cubs, Red Sox and Giants among the favorites to land him. Jordan Zimmermann is really their best top-of-the-rotation option. They can afford him if they can stretch the budget. Make an early offer and hope the Cubs (another Zimmermann-rumored team) land Price. Beyond him, I’m not high on Mike Leake or Scott Kazmir, and Johnny Cueto is said to be the Yankees’ primary target this winter.
Will the centerfield renovations bring in significant revenue? Alan, St. Cloud
We’re not talking the Fenway Park or Wrigley Field renovations, how’s that? It was a wise business decision and an opportunity to bring in more sponsorship and advertising revenue. But the renovation is decidedly not enough to go on a free agent shopping spree.
What’s the starting outfield look like next year? Lisa, East Grand Forks
Torii Hunter retiring likely nixed Aaron Hicks trade talks. He still needs to prove himself a consistent everyday player, but he has a spot to lose now.
Eddie Rosario will be in left. Hicks in right or center. I think Buxton and Max Kepler open in Triple-A. Oswaldo Arcia and Danny Santana are out of minor league options and will be competing for spots if not traded or picked up on waivers. Eduardo Escobar could also see time if the Twins upgrade at shortstop, which I think is unlikely.
I can see the Minnesota exploring the free agent market or getting trade return on a fourth outfielder who can start in the instance Buxton proves not ready for Opening Day, which is why cutting Shane Robinson was a little surprising.
Does Justin Morneau come back in Minnesota? Mark, St. Paul
Jun 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau (33) hits a home run during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field. The Rockies won 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
First off, I don’t see a logical fit for him yet. Trevor Plouffe, Sano and Joe Mauer are clogging the playing time at DH and the corner positions. Kennys Vargas is still around, too. Unless Plouffe is out of the playing time mix, the only fit is to go Morneau over Varags off the bench, which isn’t a bad trade off.
That said, Morneau played in just 49 games after another severe concussion. His 2014 season in Colorado was amazing, but he’s becoming a liability more than viable option. I feel horrible writing that because I really like Morneau, but, honestly, he may be too close to a forced retirement for me to feel comfortable signing him.
Should the Twins go after Matt Wieters instead of AJ? Dan, Fargo, N.D.
Not a chance. Wieters is likely to get a qualifying offer from Baltimore, meaning they could get a draft pick in return if he signs elsewhere. The Twins don’t have a protected pick, and Wieters comes with his own share of concerns.
Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?
For one, his size is similar to Mauer’s, meaning you can expect chronic back and knee issues at some point. He’s also recovering from Tommy John surgery and played in fewer than 100 games between 2014-15. At the cost of a first-round pick? Go with A.J. Pierzynski as a platoon play.