Mailbag: Trade talks pick up
11/07/2005
I've heard all of the trade rumors regarding Torii Hunter and that the Yankees would really like to get their pinstripes on him. What are the chances of Torii leaving Minnesota for the Yankees? Please say it ain't so! -- Lance F., Pine Bluff, Ark.
Since you're a resident of Hunter's hometown, I can understand your interest. I honestly do not know what will become of him this winter, and after speaking to Torii last week upon his winning another AL Gold Glove Award, he doesn't know his fate, either.
A lot of rumors have a way of starting in the New York media, and many are often found to be baseless. For the sake of conversation, Hunter will be making $10.75 million next year and could net two quality $5 million players if he were dealt. But who do the Yankees have that the Twins might need besides second baseman Robinson Cano? New York has a depleted farm system and a lot of overpaid veterans. It would take more than Cano and some prospects, I'd think, to make that trade happen.
Also, if right fielder Jacque Jones departed as a free agent like many expect, trading Hunter would only create another hole. Lew Ford may be a pretty good player, but he's not the best defensive center fielder in the game, like Hunter is. This is a pitching staff that relies heavily on Hunter's game-saving plays and they would suffer from his absence. I also think it would be a big PR problem for the club if its most popular, and most marketable, player were traded. But that's just my opinion.
Would the Twins be interested in Jim Thome during the offseason? He would make a great DH with good power and he would be great clubhouse guy. -- Cody R., Alexandria, Minn.
I'm sure the Twins would be interested in the idea of having Thome tattoo long home runs off the Metrodome curtain for them next season. A lot would have to happen to make that reality.
Thome's contract with the Phillies has three guaranteed years remaining for approximately $45 million, which is well out of the Twins' economic range. But if Philadelphia were willing to work out a blockbuster trade in which it would pay at least half of that money owed, a deal might be possible. With young power hitter Ryan Howard ready to play every day at first base, the Phillies might be looking to move Thome. There is risk for any takers, however. Back and elbow problems limited the veteran to 59 games in 2005, while he batted .207. He will also be turning 36 in August.
Any chance of the Twins bringing back Doug Mientkiewicz this winter? Rumor has it that he wants to return. I think most of us fans would love to have "Mient" back! -- Adam B., Superior, Wis.
I grew up in the New York area when Billy Martin managed the Yankees five different times, so it's not impossible to wonder if Mientkiewicz could play for the Twins twice. I also read his comments last month, when he said he'd welcome a return to the Twins. That being said, I think it's unlikely to happen.
Remember, it was only a season and a half ago when Mientkiewicz requested a trade out of Minnesota once he was told he was going to be a part-time player and that Justin Morneau taking over at first base. There was a messy ending on his way out the door, and I think it could still be too soon to think about bringing him back even if he made amends. Even though his playing time has been reduced elsewhere already, he'd have to accept being a part-time player here. Then, he'd have to be willing to fit into what's become an almost entirely different clubhouse. He's also had tumultuous exits from his last two clubs, the Red Sox and Mets, and his offensive statistics since departing haven't been all that exciting.
Even if Mientkiewicz was never brought back, I do think the Twins should look into bringing in a vocal veteran who plays his heart out, who's able to confront those not pulling their weight and is willing to help younger players. We all know Mientkiewicz wasn't afraid to speak his mind, and that was not always a bad thing.
Is there any chance that we could see the Twins invite Bret Boone back to Spring Training and give him another chance at second base? If not, who do you feel would make our best second baseman now that Luis Rivas is gone? -- Eric K., Rochester, Minn.
Surprisingly, this wasn't the only Boone question received this week. I think everyone saw enough of him for the three weeks he lasted in Minnesota that he won't be given a return engagement. "The Boone" struggled in every facet of the game -- his swing was a mess and his renowned defensive skills and range appeared in decline -- and he'll be 37 at the start of next season. Although the trade cost the Twins little and you couldn't blame them for trying something, it was not a successful deal.
If no moves are made this winter to address second base from outside of the organization, I envision Nick Punto and Michael Cuddyer as the two leading candidates to battle for the starting spot.
What chance do you think Glenn Williams has of being in the lineup or on the team next year? In the little time he was in Minnesota, he played very well, and it looked like he was going to have the starting role at third base. It seems like he deserves at least a spot at Spring Training. -- Xanthi G., Menomonie, Wis.
Williams, who collected at least one hit in all 13 games he played before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, did provide results in his brief chance. But, he was removed from the 40-man roster last month and, as of now, is not a member of the Twins. The club held out the possibility that Williams, who recently had surgery to fix his right shoulder, could be given an invitation to camp in 2006.
Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/
I've heard all of the trade rumors regarding Torii Hunter and that the Yankees would really like to get their pinstripes on him. What are the chances of Torii leaving Minnesota for the Yankees? Please say it ain't so! -- Lance F., Pine Bluff, Ark.
Since you're a resident of Hunter's hometown, I can understand your interest. I honestly do not know what will become of him this winter, and after speaking to Torii last week upon his winning another AL Gold Glove Award, he doesn't know his fate, either.
A lot of rumors have a way of starting in the New York media, and many are often found to be baseless. For the sake of conversation, Hunter will be making $10.75 million next year and could net two quality $5 million players if he were dealt. But who do the Yankees have that the Twins might need besides second baseman Robinson Cano? New York has a depleted farm system and a lot of overpaid veterans. It would take more than Cano and some prospects, I'd think, to make that trade happen.
Also, if right fielder Jacque Jones departed as a free agent like many expect, trading Hunter would only create another hole. Lew Ford may be a pretty good player, but he's not the best defensive center fielder in the game, like Hunter is. This is a pitching staff that relies heavily on Hunter's game-saving plays and they would suffer from his absence. I also think it would be a big PR problem for the club if its most popular, and most marketable, player were traded. But that's just my opinion.
Would the Twins be interested in Jim Thome during the offseason? He would make a great DH with good power and he would be great clubhouse guy. -- Cody R., Alexandria, Minn.
I'm sure the Twins would be interested in the idea of having Thome tattoo long home runs off the Metrodome curtain for them next season. A lot would have to happen to make that reality.
Thome's contract with the Phillies has three guaranteed years remaining for approximately $45 million, which is well out of the Twins' economic range. But if Philadelphia were willing to work out a blockbuster trade in which it would pay at least half of that money owed, a deal might be possible. With young power hitter Ryan Howard ready to play every day at first base, the Phillies might be looking to move Thome. There is risk for any takers, however. Back and elbow problems limited the veteran to 59 games in 2005, while he batted .207. He will also be turning 36 in August.
Any chance of the Twins bringing back Doug Mientkiewicz this winter? Rumor has it that he wants to return. I think most of us fans would love to have "Mient" back! -- Adam B., Superior, Wis.
I grew up in the New York area when Billy Martin managed the Yankees five different times, so it's not impossible to wonder if Mientkiewicz could play for the Twins twice. I also read his comments last month, when he said he'd welcome a return to the Twins. That being said, I think it's unlikely to happen.
Remember, it was only a season and a half ago when Mientkiewicz requested a trade out of Minnesota once he was told he was going to be a part-time player and that Justin Morneau taking over at first base. There was a messy ending on his way out the door, and I think it could still be too soon to think about bringing him back even if he made amends. Even though his playing time has been reduced elsewhere already, he'd have to accept being a part-time player here. Then, he'd have to be willing to fit into what's become an almost entirely different clubhouse. He's also had tumultuous exits from his last two clubs, the Red Sox and Mets, and his offensive statistics since departing haven't been all that exciting.
Even if Mientkiewicz was never brought back, I do think the Twins should look into bringing in a vocal veteran who plays his heart out, who's able to confront those not pulling their weight and is willing to help younger players. We all know Mientkiewicz wasn't afraid to speak his mind, and that was not always a bad thing.
Is there any chance that we could see the Twins invite Bret Boone back to Spring Training and give him another chance at second base? If not, who do you feel would make our best second baseman now that Luis Rivas is gone? -- Eric K., Rochester, Minn.
Surprisingly, this wasn't the only Boone question received this week. I think everyone saw enough of him for the three weeks he lasted in Minnesota that he won't be given a return engagement. "The Boone" struggled in every facet of the game -- his swing was a mess and his renowned defensive skills and range appeared in decline -- and he'll be 37 at the start of next season. Although the trade cost the Twins little and you couldn't blame them for trying something, it was not a successful deal.
If no moves are made this winter to address second base from outside of the organization, I envision Nick Punto and Michael Cuddyer as the two leading candidates to battle for the starting spot.
What chance do you think Glenn Williams has of being in the lineup or on the team next year? In the little time he was in Minnesota, he played very well, and it looked like he was going to have the starting role at third base. It seems like he deserves at least a spot at Spring Training. -- Xanthi G., Menomonie, Wis.
Williams, who collected at least one hit in all 13 games he played before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, did provide results in his brief chance. But, he was removed from the 40-man roster last month and, as of now, is not a member of the Twins. The club held out the possibility that Williams, who recently had surgery to fix his right shoulder, could be given an invitation to camp in 2006.
Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/
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