Post by The Vermont Bombers on Jul 27, 2016 10:06:27 GMT -5
TWINS TO MAKE MOVES?
By Steve Anderson: June 2, 1971
In a season that has been disappointing by any standard, the 27-24 third place Twins needs to make some adjustments. With a team that is a mixture of solid young talent and veterans who they'd be better off finding new homes for, the former World Champions look like a shadow of that Championship team. Twins ownership and Management is aware of this and recently showed their eye to the future by extending 27 year old gold glove caliber Center Fielder Merv Rettenmund for 3 years and 9.6 million dollars. This comes on the heels of last seasons 5 year, 25.05 million dollar extension to durable and speedy Second Baseman Rod Carew. With the addition of young left-handed Starting Pitcher Gil Blanco (currently on the DL with a pulled triceps muscle) and the impending arrivals of left handed Starting Pitcher Paul Splitorff and Relief Pitcher/Closer Tom House, there's more talent on the way.
Even with this in mind, the Twins are reported to be making calls and discussing possible moves. When asked, GM Adam Costa replied with the following:
"We're aware that we need to patch a few holes. We also need to restock our farm system and infuse the team with more youth. We're open to multiple options in this regard."
Here are a few rumors coming out of Minnesota. None have been confirmed as of this point:
- Minnesota is close to re-signing staff Ace Milt Pappas and veteran Starting Pitcher Jim Donohue. Pappas extension is thought to be between 4 and 5 years and 5 to six million dollars per year. Donohue's is thought to be for a similar amount of time at between 1 and 2 million per year. Both contracts would extend the respective pitchers through their age 37 seasons.
- Minnesota is in talks with an unspecified number of teams at the moment. Their objectives are thought to be to exchange contracts in order to free up budgetary space and to add younger, cheaper talent to both the Major League club and the farm system. The team's primary players to move are 1B Don Gile and SP/MR Juan Pizarro. Pizarro is a pending Free Agent. The team would be willing to sign and trade the pitcher.
- The team is not expected to call up top prospect Paul Splitorff or top offensive prospect, Catcher Orlando Gomez. The team is thought to be willing to move both players, but only if the return is large enough.
- Extension talks with LF Joe Pepitone don't appear to be progressing and the team has let it be known that he is available. They could consider a "sign and trade" with any interested team.
- The team is willing to listen to offers for Relief Pitchers Joe Verbanic, Tony Cloninger, Cecil Butler and Triple A Relief Pitcher Dale Willis.
- The team is known to be seeking an upgrade in Right Field. Although the team really likes the defensive prowess of current Right Fielder Ken Berry, his lack of offensive development is a cause of concern. They are willing to trade for an upgrade or sign one in the off season.
By Steve Anderson: June 2, 1971
In a season that has been disappointing by any standard, the 27-24 third place Twins needs to make some adjustments. With a team that is a mixture of solid young talent and veterans who they'd be better off finding new homes for, the former World Champions look like a shadow of that Championship team. Twins ownership and Management is aware of this and recently showed their eye to the future by extending 27 year old gold glove caliber Center Fielder Merv Rettenmund for 3 years and 9.6 million dollars. This comes on the heels of last seasons 5 year, 25.05 million dollar extension to durable and speedy Second Baseman Rod Carew. With the addition of young left-handed Starting Pitcher Gil Blanco (currently on the DL with a pulled triceps muscle) and the impending arrivals of left handed Starting Pitcher Paul Splitorff and Relief Pitcher/Closer Tom House, there's more talent on the way.
Even with this in mind, the Twins are reported to be making calls and discussing possible moves. When asked, GM Adam Costa replied with the following:
"We're aware that we need to patch a few holes. We also need to restock our farm system and infuse the team with more youth. We're open to multiple options in this regard."
Here are a few rumors coming out of Minnesota. None have been confirmed as of this point:
- Minnesota is close to re-signing staff Ace Milt Pappas and veteran Starting Pitcher Jim Donohue. Pappas extension is thought to be between 4 and 5 years and 5 to six million dollars per year. Donohue's is thought to be for a similar amount of time at between 1 and 2 million per year. Both contracts would extend the respective pitchers through their age 37 seasons.
- Minnesota is in talks with an unspecified number of teams at the moment. Their objectives are thought to be to exchange contracts in order to free up budgetary space and to add younger, cheaper talent to both the Major League club and the farm system. The team's primary players to move are 1B Don Gile and SP/MR Juan Pizarro. Pizarro is a pending Free Agent. The team would be willing to sign and trade the pitcher.
- The team is not expected to call up top prospect Paul Splitorff or top offensive prospect, Catcher Orlando Gomez. The team is thought to be willing to move both players, but only if the return is large enough.
- Extension talks with LF Joe Pepitone don't appear to be progressing and the team has let it be known that he is available. They could consider a "sign and trade" with any interested team.
- The team is willing to listen to offers for Relief Pitchers Joe Verbanic, Tony Cloninger, Cecil Butler and Triple A Relief Pitcher Dale Willis.
- The team is known to be seeking an upgrade in Right Field. Although the team really likes the defensive prowess of current Right Fielder Ken Berry, his lack of offensive development is a cause of concern. They are willing to trade for an upgrade or sign one in the off season.
