September 17, 2012

“Gleeman and The Geek” #59: Buying Starting Pitching

Topics for this week's episode of Gleeman and The Geek included breaking down the upcoming free agent starting pitchers available to the Twins, Chris Herrmann's sooner-than-expected arrival, my "healthy" new look, Pedro Florimon and next year's middle infield options, Scott Diamond turning back into a pumpkin, Cole De Vries' season-ending injury, and how listeners can get a free audiobook just for supporting to the podcast.

Gleeman and The Geek: Episode 59

In addition to the direct download link above you can also subscribe to the podcast via iTunes.

And here's a behind-the-scenes view of what this week's podcast recording looked like:

This week's blog content is sponsored by Sky Spinner Press and EmilyMeier.com. Please support them for supporting AG.com.

3 Comments »

  1. Geek is right; you look kind of skeletal.

    I’m loving the return to the old podcast format of yore.

    Cheers.

    Comment by neil — September 17, 2012 @ 11:12 pm

  2. What do the Twin have to do to make the playoff next year? I think they need more team speed.

    Comment by Todd L — September 18, 2012 @ 12:16 pm

  3. Hey Aaron& John, greatly enjoy your podcasts and this segment. Keep up the good work. A couple of things for your consideration. Given the dearth of high ceiling minor league starting pitchers in the Twins system (only 18yo JS Berrios looking like a #1 starter and it is waaaayyy too early to project him at that spot let alone the rotation before 2016), Gibson a possible #3 off of TJ surgery, ditto Wimmers, etc., why wouldn’t it be a sound strategy to sign a #1-2 MLB caliber pitcher for multiple years? I do not think that a trade that the Twins would make (Span, Morneau, Willingham) would yield a 1-2 MLB starter. If this is not an option, the Twins will not compete. Period. So it seems that FA is the way to go- with a trade chaser for additional SPs if the Twins want to compete in the foreseeable future 2013 -17. Similarly, why not consider more than a 1-2 year deal for a FA SP given the chronic lack of MLB ready/near ready quality starting pitching in the minors? If not, I agree with Aaron. Time to blow it up and build for 2015 with Hicks, Sano, Rosario, Arcia, etc.

    Lastly, at times you both vacillate between what the Twins should do and what they will do. But in all instances, you both impose Twins budget methodologies (budget equals 51% revenues). In this segment, it was focus on Terry Ryan dumpster dive specials. Should this methodology be challenged (e.g. prospect of large cable contract spurred Pujols deal)? I am sure that Twins fans hoped that this plan went the way of the Metrodome. As you have discussed, if the Twins continue to lose and attendance declines, it feels like a downward spiral with no end in sight. Then the Twins become the Cubs of the AL- great park and mgmt worries more about keeping fans in the stand than building a champion. This cycle again points to a full-on rebuild. Again, if not, this team looks remarkably similar to the Twins of the mid-90s. A few stars. Few legit mlb starters, ton of dreck, and a healthy dose of wishcasting. Thoughts? Thanks again.

    Comment by Williesworld24 — September 19, 2012 @ 12:23 am

Leave a comment