Odds & Ends: 03-12-2010
March 12, 2010
The anticipated loss of Joe Nathan for the year has been stressful for club and caused a lot of speculation in what is turning out to be a productive preseason. The club has sent the MRI and CT scans of Nathan’s injured elbow to other experts in the field for a second opinion. Until then, Nathan has been working out to stay in shape and is trying to strengthen the elbow without aggravating the injury further.
Although the chances of Nathan pitching this year are slim to none, Gardenhire is supporting Nathan by insisting that Nathan is still the clubs closer until he learns differently.
The Twins have some good internal candidates for Nathans position with Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier and Jose Mijares leading the short list. Rauch would be a good fit, as he has the experience and mental state of mind to do the job. Moving Guerrier to the role would be another good option, but would create another gap in the bullpen for middle/long relief. Mijares has the skill set to fill the role as well, but this option raises some questions with his ability to deal with the stress of a closing situation.
The Twins have been exploring bringing a closer from outside the organization, but have little room to spend more money with all of the recent signings this off season. Our hopes are they at least try the internal candidates to start the year and if they are not working for the club, look for another closer before the All-Star break.
Perkins gets scouted?
La Velle E. Neal III reported a few days ago, that there were several scouts in attendance (including Blue Jays, Rockies and Pirates) as Glen Perkins took the mound in Florida on Tuesday. The lefthanded Perkins ended up giving up two hits (although according to most accounts one of them should have been an out) and a walk in the seventh. Perkins was able to salvage the inning without giving up any runs.
The fact that the scouts were there to watch Perkins pitch is rather surprising as he doesn’t seem to be a good fit for any of the clubs mentioned. The Twins made it known in the off season that they were shopping the young pitcher, but no suiters were found.
The Twins organization should keep a high price tag on the Minnesota native. At age 27 the left hander has a modest 4.73 ERA and some moments of outstanding work on the mound. Last year he struggled in his sophomore year in the starting rotation, but is looking to start fresh with the club after last years grievance with the Twins was settled.
Jim Souhan
Jim Souhan wrote an article suggesting the Twins might have to consider trading Joe Mauer as talks have yet to yield a contract extension.
Souhan must be trying rial his readers up, as any talks about trading the best catcher in baseball right now is extremely premature. Anyone who is familiar with Mauer’s agent Ron Shapiro knows he likes to keep negotiations quiet and out of the media. The fact that most fans and media talk about a “hometown” discount is ridiculous and would not win Mauer and Shapiro any friend with the Players Association.
Shapiro’s list of clients included Cal Ripken, Jr., Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Kirby Puckett, and Eddie Murray. All those players (with the exception of Murray) played their entire careers with the clubs they started with.
Shapiro is regarded as one of baseball’s most respected agents and will take his time to do what is best for his client. At this point, it comes down to one of two issues. Either the Twins will not want to pay Joe Mauer his fair market value (which will be very high) or Joe Mauer wants to try and play for another organization. Our best guess is that the two parties are close to a deal and are working out the details on how it will be structured.
Everyday Eddie
The Washington Nationals released 39-year-old reliever Eddie Guardado on Wednesday. Guardado had been considering retiring after last year because of problems with his knee. Guardado felt the Nationals were seriously interested in the him and decided he could handle one more season. Guardado had a horrible showing for the Nats, giving up seven hits in two innings pitched. As for now Guardado will be rejoining a long list of free agent lefty relievers unless he retires.
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