Offseason Updates

The Twins made their first moves of the offseason on Wednesday by cutting free a few players from the 40 man roster. The group of players included: Jeff Manship, Luis Perdomo, Esmerling Vasquez, Kyle Waldrop, PJ Walters and Matt Carson. The Twins also declined the option of Matt Capps, making him a free agent and removing him from the 40 man as well.

Of the above list, only Kyle Waldrop comes up as a surprise. He managed a respectable 2.53 ERA in 21 1/3 innings in 2012 and looked like a candidate to become a starter or long reliever. There was some question about sample size with Waldrop, however, and obviously the Twins thought his small sample size of success was not indicative of future output.

Manship was ineffective as a reliever and bounced between the majors and minors a few times in 2012. His removal gives the Twins room to pick up another reliever. Vasquez and Walters had a shot to earn 2013 roster spots, but largely were ineffective in their chances. Perdomo can’t hit the strike zone if it was twice as large and was justifiably sent away.

Some fans were surprised about Matt Carson being let go as he played very solidly in the outfield over the last half of the season and demonstrated a great arm in the outfield. The Twins, however, are loaded with outfield prospects Oswaldo Arcia, Aaron Hicks, Joe Benson, Darin Mastroianni, Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton and others are likely candidates to move into full time roles within the next season or two. At 31, Carson is an established veteran who is better suited for a team looking to contend right away. Giving Carson any playing time would take away opportunities from Arcia, Hicks, Benson and Mastroianni.

One last thought on Capps, some fans are praising the end of the Matt Capps era, using his as the greatest person of blame for the team’s recent struggles (sort of a symbolic image of failure). I won’t go as far as to say this is the end of Capps, in fact, I could see the Twins resigning the reliever to a much friendlier contract and using him more in middle relief. The closer role belongs to Glen Perkins, but you can never turn down quality bullpen arms, especially when you’re in need of talent like the Twins are.

Obvious Statements

I generally enjoy the content posted on Twinsdaily.com – they have a plethora of insightful Twins writers and cover a wide range of topics. This week, however, they featured a story so painfully obvious I’m wondering if they’re running out of offseason content.

The story, in a nutshell, proposed the grand idea that the Twins should trade Justin Morneau with the end result simply being clearing $14 million off the payroll.

Um…duh?

Of course the perfect start to this offseason for the Twins centers around moving Morneau. If the team can package the first baseman to a contender and get salary relief in return it sets up a few key moves. First and foremost, Chris Parmelee can take over full time duties at first base, which is his natural position. Secondly, that $14 million can be turned into a quality free agent pitcher. Everyone except the cream of the crop (Hint: his initials are ZG) should be attainable for the $14 million figure. So, yes – obviously it’s in the Twins best interest to flip Morneau for salary relief, shift Parmelee to first and use Justin’s money to acquire a pitcher. I’m not arguing the idea, I’m just pointing out the absurdity of calling out this idea likes it’s new or novel when most Twins fans have been saying this since June.

Interesting Rumor Of The Week

Tim Lincecum to Minnesota for Denard Span.

The Giants aren’t comfortable shifting Lincecum back to a starter’s role and he’s due for a big payday after next season. The Giants outfield, while effective this fall, is largely composed of below average players (Blanco & Pagan) and could use the boost of a true outfield blue chipper – like Denard Span.

Minnesota’s need for a true ace is obvious, and any form of Lincecum would fit that mold perfectly.

Lincecum is a San Francisco favorite, and his playoff revival may give the Giants pause when considering any trade. That being said, on the surface this deal makes sense for both sides. Like most offseason rumors, there’s likely nothing here, but it’s a story worth following as the winter months progress.