With all the recent rumors of the Twins looking at the Bronson Arroyo's of the world, it's obvious again that if the Twins are to add an arm that fans can get somewhat excited about it will be via trade and here are a few possibilites:
Twins send OF/DH Josh Willingham, OF/1B Chris Parmelee, RP Michael Tonkin, and 5 million dollars to Tampa Bay Rays for SS Tim Beckham and SP Jesse Hahn.
Tim Beckham had just 7 at bats in the majors this year, but played well in AAA this season. He can come in and challenge Florimon for the starting position and maybe even platoon with him. He looks like he will end up being a better hitter than Florimon, but not sure how long it'll take him to do so. Jesse Hahn is the key piece to this trade and had the Twins not sent 5 million to pay for over 70% of Willingham's salary he wouldn't be in this deal. Hahn is a tall power right hander who looks to be ready for the majors around 2015, the ideal time for the Twins. This deal would not be ideal for Twins fans because an impact arm for 2014 isn't in this deal, but it would be very good in the long run for the franchise.
Twins send OF Aaron Hicks, RP Michael Tonkin, RP Caleb Thielbar, and C Chris Herrmann to Chicago Cubs for SP Jeff Samardzija (pictured above).
This may look like way too much at first glance, but here is why it isn't, Hicks with all the potential is still an unknown commodity and still has plenty of value. Tonkin and Thielbar both can be easily replaced by Welker and Ibarra. Herrmann can be moved if the Twins bring in a veteran catcher via free agency. They would get back someone who can strike people out and be a good 2 or 3 for a contending team without giving up a can't miss prospect. Yeah, Tonkin would be missed, but his void can be filled.
Twins send 2B Brian Dozier to Oakland Athletics for SP Brett Anderson.
Twins have super prospect Eddie Rosario just a couple month in AAA away from the majors and with all the work he has put in at 2nd base it would be pointless to move him back to the outfield, where his bat doesn't have as much value. So it only makes sense that either he or Dozier moves this offseason. The Twins get a guy who has had health issues recently but when healthy would easily be their best starter. Ideally, I'd rather the Twins add A.J. Griffin instead of Anderson, but because Anderson will cost the A's at least 8 million dollars more than Griffin, we would have to settle for Anderson.
Now for 2 possible trades with the Tigers, the more likely one and the dream one:
Realistic: Twins send RP Brian Duensing, RP Jared Burton, IF Eduardo Escobar, and a pitching prospect to Detroit Tigers for SP Rick Porcello.
Tigers sure up their bullpen and infield defense while Twins get a solid starter in Porcello.
Unrealistic: Twins send RP Glen Perkins, 2B Eddie Rosario, RP Michael Tonkin, OF Max Kepler, SP Jose Berrios to Detroit Tigers for SP Max Scherzer.
There has been talk that Scherzer could be moved and this deal would be great for both sides, but it is unlikely to happen. Twins get the front line starter they need and Tigers get closer they need. Tigers also fill their hole at 2nd base with Rosario, Tonkin helps solidify bullpen and Max Kepler, Jose Berrios give them high upside prospects as well.
All in all, if the Twins are going to add a good starting pitcher this offseason it be via trade and not free agency, no matter how many Twins front office guys say we are going to spend money via free agency. That's just not the "Twins Way" and until they prove us otherwise, why should we believe they are going to change?
Written by Nick Calo, follow me on Twitter for more updates and sports thoughts @PRH1987
Twins send OF/DH Josh Willingham, OF/1B Chris Parmelee, RP Michael Tonkin, and 5 million dollars to Tampa Bay Rays for SS Tim Beckham and SP Jesse Hahn.
Tim Beckham had just 7 at bats in the majors this year, but played well in AAA this season. He can come in and challenge Florimon for the starting position and maybe even platoon with him. He looks like he will end up being a better hitter than Florimon, but not sure how long it'll take him to do so. Jesse Hahn is the key piece to this trade and had the Twins not sent 5 million to pay for over 70% of Willingham's salary he wouldn't be in this deal. Hahn is a tall power right hander who looks to be ready for the majors around 2015, the ideal time for the Twins. This deal would not be ideal for Twins fans because an impact arm for 2014 isn't in this deal, but it would be very good in the long run for the franchise.
Twins send OF Aaron Hicks, RP Michael Tonkin, RP Caleb Thielbar, and C Chris Herrmann to Chicago Cubs for SP Jeff Samardzija (pictured above).
This may look like way too much at first glance, but here is why it isn't, Hicks with all the potential is still an unknown commodity and still has plenty of value. Tonkin and Thielbar both can be easily replaced by Welker and Ibarra. Herrmann can be moved if the Twins bring in a veteran catcher via free agency. They would get back someone who can strike people out and be a good 2 or 3 for a contending team without giving up a can't miss prospect. Yeah, Tonkin would be missed, but his void can be filled.
Twins send 2B Brian Dozier to Oakland Athletics for SP Brett Anderson.
Twins have super prospect Eddie Rosario just a couple month in AAA away from the majors and with all the work he has put in at 2nd base it would be pointless to move him back to the outfield, where his bat doesn't have as much value. So it only makes sense that either he or Dozier moves this offseason. The Twins get a guy who has had health issues recently but when healthy would easily be their best starter. Ideally, I'd rather the Twins add A.J. Griffin instead of Anderson, but because Anderson will cost the A's at least 8 million dollars more than Griffin, we would have to settle for Anderson.
Now for 2 possible trades with the Tigers, the more likely one and the dream one:
Realistic: Twins send RP Brian Duensing, RP Jared Burton, IF Eduardo Escobar, and a pitching prospect to Detroit Tigers for SP Rick Porcello.
Tigers sure up their bullpen and infield defense while Twins get a solid starter in Porcello.
Unrealistic: Twins send RP Glen Perkins, 2B Eddie Rosario, RP Michael Tonkin, OF Max Kepler, SP Jose Berrios to Detroit Tigers for SP Max Scherzer.
There has been talk that Scherzer could be moved and this deal would be great for both sides, but it is unlikely to happen. Twins get the front line starter they need and Tigers get closer they need. Tigers also fill their hole at 2nd base with Rosario, Tonkin helps solidify bullpen and Max Kepler, Jose Berrios give them high upside prospects as well.
All in all, if the Twins are going to add a good starting pitcher this offseason it be via trade and not free agency, no matter how many Twins front office guys say we are going to spend money via free agency. That's just not the "Twins Way" and until they prove us otherwise, why should we believe they are going to change?
Written by Nick Calo, follow me on Twitter for more updates and sports thoughts @PRH1987