August 31, 2011
“Gleeman and The Geek” #3: Losing Morneau … and Cuddyer?
This week's episode of "Gleeman and The Geek" was recorded at the Big Ten Restaurant and Bar in Hopkins and my beer of choice was Fat Tire.
Topics included Justin Morneau's latest setback, package kicking, possible free agent targets, Anthony Swarzak's future role, next season's middle infield, disabled list shenanigans, Brian Dozier's moment in the sun, Danny Valencia's view from the doghouse, what John ate at the state fair, more possible free agent targets, botching Occam's razor, speaking directly to Seth Stohs, betting on Nick Blackburn, my basketball career, and a whole bunch of other stuff.
Gleeman and The Geek: Episode 3
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I think a target for the Twins this offseason should be Clint Barmes. He plays 2B, is right handed, a veteran, can hit 10-15HRs a year, plays decent defense, hits around .250, and is payroll efficient (around 4 mil/yr.). His base stealing is a little below average but he does steal a few bags a season. The biggest roadblock is that Gardy wants a “speedy” infield. Casilla/Barmes improves the middle infield by quite a bit. Plouffe could then rotate in occasionally in outfield and infield.
Comment by Damien — August 31, 2011 @ 1:03 pm
Damien – You’re right; Barmes would probably be an improvement over the alternatives, and would add much-needed balance to the lineup.
But to what end? He’ll be 33 next year, and somebody (other than the Twins, hopefully) will probably give him more than a one or two year deal.
If the Twins were able to revamp their mediocre rotation, shore up the ‘pen, find a real shortstop, keep Cuddy/Kuby or get worthwhile replacements, and get healthy, productive seasons from Morneau, Mauer, and Span, then Barmes would be worth pursuing for 2012.
If not, why bother? They’re one of the worst teams in baseball this season, and without some key fixes and a sudden, organization-wide ability to stay healthy, Barmes is a drop in the bucket next year. And what’s he going to be worth when his 3 year deal winds down?
Comment by LaBombo — August 31, 2011 @ 2:47 pm
Okay, these podcasts are good. Thanks for providing another sports radio alternative.
Comment by Ted — August 31, 2011 @ 9:17 pm
Better this week because it was longer. An hour is a good length.
What about some kind of trade for Ty Wigginton? I know he is, well what he is, but he could nearly replicate Thome’s power numbers while also playing the 4 corners (and being RH). He is set to make $4 million next year, roughly 1/3 of Cuddyer’s likely take (and at 1 year vs. 3ish). Wouldn’t a sign and trade with Cuddyer for Wiggington plus a B level prospect be worth it? This way the Twins are not merely adding a DH or RF for one year as a replacement, but a back up for all four corner positions and a platoon DH (great against lefties).
Also, Brian Dozier’s walk rate is not as low as depicted. He has a great BB/K rate and has had good walk numbers pre-AA. I don’t see him as a mere utility infielder nor do I think that the fact that he is 24 and at AA means anything because everyone knows that he should be at AAA right now.
Comment by Shane — August 31, 2011 @ 11:13 pm
The front office is inevitably going to overpay for a proven closer. Is there any guy out there you’d rather have them overpay than Nathan?
I don’t see the Christopher Walken comparison. Michael Rappaport is pretty apt, though.
Comment by neckrolls — August 31, 2011 @ 11:46 pm