Post by Ex-Minnesota Twins GM on Jan 22, 2009 18:44:18 GMT -5
After the last few years of being a legit playoff contender, including an AL Central Championship in 2000, the Twins look to be building for the future.
The first step was the trade David Ortiz to the Reds for starting pitcher Scott Baker and 2B Brandon Phillips. Ortiz was a canidate for AL MVP the last few years, but with Travis Hafner ready to be the power hitting, sub-par defensive 1B, it was time to let Ortiz and his salary go.
The Twins have fallen into the basement of the entire Major League. They have lost 17 of their last 20 games, and are dealing with some injuries again this year. With this season already lost, look for the Twins to try to move some of their players who are due to be free agents before the trade deadline.
A few of the Twins players that could be on the way out the door are:
CF Jacque Jones - Jones is due to be paid this offseason and the Twins won't be writing his checks. With Grady Sizemore waiting in the wings, it doesn't make sense for the Twin's to resign him.
SP Brad Radke - It would hard to see Radke in something other than a Twins uniform, but that could be the case in the future. Radke has been struggling with some major injuries the last couple of years and missed a good chunk of time. Look for the Twins to try work something out, but you never know.
LF Richard Hidalgo - Another Twins OF who is due for a big raise. Hidalgo is really the Twins only suitable LF, so look for the Twins to sign him to a long-term contract unless they trade for a LF replacement.
With some young players getting a taste of the MLB world, look for this team to be back in the AL Central hunt in the next couple of years. As far as this season goes, those young players should be able gain a some much needed experience. Let's just hope we can work our way up the power rankings. At number 30, there is no other way to go!