Writers Note: A weekly review of the Minnesota Twins offseason transactions, including reaction and opinions from fans and myself. Look for future polls on my Twitter account to share your opinions.
More from Puckett's Pond
- Minnesota Twins: 2022 Year in Review for Twins Baseball
- Minnesota Twins: Making the Case for the Current 2023 Rotation
- Minnesota Twins: Does the MLB or the Twins have a Spending Problem?
- Minnesota Twins: 2 Possible Free Agent Reunions for 2023
- Minnesota Twins: Holiday Wish List for the rest of the Offseason
Last week I wrote about Miguel Sano and his contract status four to five years from now, and the current state of the bullpen.
This week, aside from a few minor-league pitchers, the Minnesota Twins offseason has produced nothing since announcing the list of Spring Training invites two weeks ago. I repeat, nothing.
For many in Twins Territory, the last couple weeks have been frustrating. The Twins could be content with what it has and continue do nothing the rest of the offseason. Seems like the most likely course of action. As this weeks Twitter poll shows, fans are not in favor of that plan.
Are you fine with the Twins making no more transactions the rest of the offseason? #Twins
— Martin Schlegel (@mschlegel34) January 3, 2016
For those that voted yes, I find it difficult to understand the logic. Usually, I pride myself on being able to see both sides of a debate before making a decision or forming an opinion. Not the case here.
The yes voters are fine with the Twins bullpen looking like it is half-finished. They are fine with the Twins not hazarding an attempt at a second-tier free agent reliever. When put like this, I wonder if the yes voters reconsider their vote.
I also asked on Twitter, if voting no, what moves should the Twins make. One response came from fellow Puckett’s Pond writer Jamie Cameron.
@mschlegel34 lefty reliever, Bastardo/McGee type, Abad isn't cutting it
— JD Cameron (@J_D_Cameron) January 3, 2016
Cameron posted earlier that Twins could be moving away from improving the bullpen. In his piece, Cameron highlights the bold moves during the first few weeks of the offseason and the last few weeks of silent nights.
Overall, the Twins seem fine with standing still till Spring Training. The bullpen, currently, scares me. Worst of all, the Twins have not signed any relievers involved in the team rumor mill. Joakim Soria, Tony Sipp, Ryan Madson and more have slipped by with the Twins seemingly showing little effort to sign them. Rumors have the Twins connected with Antonio Bastardo, but nothing more.
If the Twins stand by and do nothing, the pressure will be high on Fernando Abad to step up as the go to lefty reliever. Could Ryan Pressly be a sneaky option in the late innings? Trevor May and Kevin Jepsen would be relied on heavily. Dangerous, if the Twins like playing with fire. As it stands, the Twins must attempt to do something before Spring Training. I am not convinced any of the prospects or minor league signings will work in the Twins favor.
Available Relievers
The Twins indicated Brain Duensing and Blaine Boyer would not be pursued. At this point, the team might want to reconsider. Both pitchers remain unsigned. Former Twins closer Joe Nathan is still available.
A while back, I labeled Shawn Kelley, Tony Sipp, Vinnie Pestano and Sam LeCure as relievers the Twins should sign. Kelley is with the Washington Nationals, Sipp is with the Houston Astros and Pestano signed a minor-league contract with the New York Yankees. LeCure is the only one of the four that remains.
Next: Moving On From Bullpen Upgrades?
Neal Cotts, an August acquisition from the Milwaukee Brewers, is also available.