Ryan Doumit, Twins back up catcher and owner of some creepy ass eyes was expected to be a chip to be moved in trade. Instead, the Twins have opted to extend him for two more years. Last year, I was apoplectic that the teams didn’t move two guys, Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer, but they are older and were going to make way too much money. Signing Doumit, though, is a much better move for a handful of reasons.
First, the fact that he is so inexpensive while being a fairly reliable bat and able to play multiple positions is a huge plus. He is making half of what Kubel is making and 10 million a year less than Cuddyer. From a financial standpoint, it’s a no brainer.
Second, how far off are the Twins, really? They are playing in a terrible division. The Twins are only 10 games out, and more than anything, the problem is starting pitching. Assuming of health from the batters next year, the offense won’t be horrifying (especially if the team can avoid an April like they saw this year). When the team is that close, what is the point of dismantling?
Last, and along those same lines, what do the Twins expect to get for Doumit? He isn’t making enough for the Twins to need to lose his payroll. Conversely, with the Twins not as far off as they should be, the need is more immediate for pitchers. Nobody is going to trade a useful pitcher to the Twins for Doumit. That’s just not the way it works.
In my mind, resigning Doumit was a winner. It shows that the Twins care about winning, and recognize who can help them going forward. You can certainly expect some moves at the deadline, but if this move is any indication, it may be quieter in Minnesota than anyone anticipated.
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