Arguing AGAINST Some Trade Ideas

The trade deadline is approaching and the Twins are projected to be sellers. We’ve already beaten the trade chips and rumors surrounding the team into the ground, so I don’t feel the need to delve any further into the trade deadline today…

Okay, that’s not true. There are two things worth mentioning concerning the Twins and the Trade deadline. The Braves are reportedly very interested in the Twins’ left handed veteran relievers. Glen Perkins is obviously the most popular target, but the rumors of the Twins effectively saying “not for sale” on Perkins are still out there, meaning the Braves have turned their attention to the other veteran lefty in the Twins ‘pen; Brian Duensing.

Duensing has settled into his lefty specialist role nicely with the Twins this season, and has posted respectable numbers (4.58 ERA, 1.670 WHIP, 90 ERA +) he’s not been lights out by any stretch, but he’s been solid and he’s a lefty – and in baseball, that gives him value.

The return for Duensing wouldn’t be overwhelming, the Twins would likely be looking at a ‘C’ caliber prospect (someone in the 200-300 range on most prospect lists) and the player could effectively be considered organizational depth.

The Twins would have to evaluate if this prospect would add more value to the 2014, 2015, 2016 Twins than Duensing (who is under contract during that span) would. Odds are, the answer to that question is no, unless the Twins are able to drive up the market price for Duensing and pick up a AAAA caliber player (not necessarily a prospect) I would prefer the Twins hold Duensing and either use him for the next 3 years or package him with another (future) trade to achieve a greater return. Packaging Duensing and Jared Burton would be an interesting concept, as both guys are projected to get a prospect in the 200-300 range, and combined the Twins could arguably bump that prospect up to a 100-150 range.

Another quick note, the Twins have reportedly been connected to Astros starter Bud Norris. To which I say “Don’t do it!” Norris would be an improvement over what the team is throwing out there right now, that much is certain, but Norris isn’t exactly the pitcher you want to part with upper tier prospects to acquire (the Astros are looking for a top 100 prospect in addition to a 200-250 range prospect). Norris’ K/9 has been falling, his BABIP is a little lower than it has been and his WHIP and ERA + aren’t exactly anything to write home about. If it’s a matter of trading someone like Chris Parmelee (young, but effectively a bench bat) I’d say go for it, but if the price is DJ Hicks, JO Berrios, Adam Brett Walker, Max Kepler or the like, I’d hope the Twins will take a pass.