Comments on: Offseason outlook: Josh Willingham

By: BR

BR — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:49:16 +0000

Mauer’s making $23M/year. For 6 more years, during which time he’ll stop being a catcher and become low power, John Olerud-type 1Bman.

As a hometown boy, face-of-the-franchise guy, he has some extra value to the Twins. But no one’s giving them proven and can’t miss prospects for him, unless they’re subsidizing the move, which they won’t do.

Back to Willingham. When you’re rebuilding, virtually every veteran has to be available, for the right price. I doubt the Twins will see that price (think top 20 MLB prospect) in a trade offer any time soon. As AG points out, the power’s legit, but so are the high K numbers and lousy defense.

Long story short: He probably has move value to the Twins as a line-up anchor, helping them break in younger bats in lower leverage line-up spots over the next 2 years, than he would fetch in a trade, even in a deadline deal.

By: Dave T

Dave T — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:01:01 +0000

Argh. I hate dilemmas like this. Willingham is a perfect fit for the Twins’ current lineup, and all we need to make our offense better is some league-average infielders. But that pitching staff won’t be fixed this year or next. Serviceable, yes. Contender, no. Still, if I were going to blow this team up, the guy I’d trade would be Mauer. I love Mauer to death, but he’ll hit .400 for the Red Sox, so if they can give us the right mix of proven and can’t miss prospects, I’d do a deal with them.

By: birdwatcher

birdwatcher — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:28:56 +0000

Does Willingham fetch less during the off-season than from an over-eager contender at the trade deadline? That’s the gamble I’d take, allowing Hicks/Arcia/Benson/Tosoni to soak in another half-year of minor league action.

By: T. Watts

T. Watts — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:36:18 +0000

What if the Twins were to trade Willingham while his value is highest and then sign Delmon Young to play left field again? He’s still only 20 something years old and maybe he’ll develop into a power hitter.

By: mariettamouthpiece

mariettamouthpiece — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:41:34 +0000

As always, almost all articles about Twins power hitting begins and ends with Harmon. RIP, Mr. Killebrew.