I have decided to help Jim Souhan out with his post from the Start Tribune, in which he tried to tell us all how he would fix the team. Of course, his ideas were a complete disaster. Let me straighten him out with 6 better ideas.
1. Blame the manager
It’s pretty clear that the Twins are going to re-up with Ron Gardenhire. If they are going to do that, then the caveat has to be that the Twins now demand results from him. He is the lone constant in a recent history of ineptitude in the postseason, and he needs to be reminded of that. Hold him accountable for something. The front office put together one hell of a team this year, and he failed to get them ready for the postseason again. Don’t let it happen again.
2. Acquire a power arm
I agree with Souhan in this regard, but not the manner he suggests. The Twins are looking to trim payroll a tick this year. Some of that will come from free agents like Orlando Hudson and Carl Pavano leaving, but there is also a good chance that a high priced player will have to be dealt. Who are the high priced players that aren’t free agents? Morneau, Cuddyer and by the way, Jason Kubel makes twice as much as Delmon Young. I say those three are candidates to be foisted upon someone else. Cuddyer is the least likely to be dealt, because his salary is way too high for his production, particularly given his pending knee surgery. Morneau’s salary may also be restrictive, and there is some concern he may never be back if his concussion syndrome is particularly severe. That leaves Kubel, who is still affordable and a redundantly left handed hitter in a park that is not favorable to lefties. The Red Sox, always willing to trade, could use a big left handed bat with David Ortiz’s tenure coming to a close. The Sox also have numerous pitching prospects that could be included in a deal for Kubel. And prospects would have to be dealt if the Kubel money will be saved. On top of that, Kyle Gibson will be up next year and looks like a legit prospect.
3. Stay healthy
Do you know how you stay healthy? Try to protect your players (don’t burn out your bullpen) and yes, get younger, especially in highly intensive positions, like the infield. This has already started. Danny Valencia will be the everyday 3b. Don’t be surprised if he isn’t as successful as he was this year, but be patient. Nick Punto should be gone, with his option not being picked up. JJ Hardy, is a quality, affordable short stop, no matter what you want to believe. He should be kept, especially since there aren’t any SS coming up in the system. There is a metric buttload of middle infield prospects that could filter their way into 2b however. Then just hope Morneau can stay healthy, if he plays.
4. Don’t resign any of your free agents
…unless they beg to come back. Don’t overpay players coming out of the bullpen, and definitely don’t pay too much for Jim Thome, who is exactly like Brett Favre. 40 years old, having an unlikely resurgence that may very well not be duplicated next year. Hey, if Jesse Crain wants to come back on the cheap, sure, why not? But don’t get into a bidding war on any of those guys.
5. Don’t expect much from Joe Nathan.
Poor guy. When adding bullpen help on the cheap, make sure you take into account the fact that Nathan likely won’t be the same.
6. Play Mauer at first
It has to happen some day. With Jose Morales ready for a full season, and Morneau, as mentioned, dealing with health issues, this is the perfect opportunity to begin the transition to Mauer at first.
If we go with the moves (and only the moves I have mentioned… there will be more) this is how part of the roster shakes out:
C Mauer
1b Morneau
2b
3b Valencia
SS Hardy
LF Young
CF Span
RF Cuddyer
DH
SP Liriano
SP Slowey
SP Baker
SP Blackburn
SP Duensing
SP Gibson
CL Capps
RP Nathan
RP Mijares
RP Neshek
RP
RP
Not flashy, but the youth infusion is what the team has to do. But this is certainly still a capable team, one that should win the division. Hell, we’ve got the manager of the year on our team.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
