Former MVP Justin Morneau will be the only hitter that does not return to the Twins' lineup in 2014 which creates a hole in the right side of the infield, and also slightly decreases the available power in the lineup. The void at first base, and the appropriate way to fill the position is a conversation all on its own, and one that I look forward to covering in the future. However, regardless of how the team addresses the first base issue, a number of small, offensive improvements could be made in 2014.
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A lot of the Twins poor performance at the plate last season could be chalked up to inexperience. The team roughly consists of young, inexperienced, "prospect-like" players focused around a few veterans like Joe Mauer, Josh Willingham, and Ryan Doumit. Oswaldo Arcia, Brian Dozier, Pedro Florimon, Aaron Hicks, and even Chris Parmalee are all still in the early stages of their careers, and will continue to improve their performance over the next several seasons. If things go as planned, by the time these young players are reaching their full potential they'll be matched up with the likes of prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano. The team's inexperience has much more upside than not. In this sense, a number of problems in the lineup will begin to fix themselves through player growth in upcoming seasons.
Outside of inexperience, the veteran guys and main-clogs in the middle of the lineup have been lacking consistency, and are vastly underperforming. Before Justin Morneau was traded to Pittsburgh, he was far from the type of hitter he was prior to his 2010 concussion, and its beginning to seem like he may never be that type of dominant hitter again. Doumit has produced decent numbers but his .247 average last season was down almost 30 points from the season before. and Josh Willingham is coming off a huge disappointment for a season, batting only .208 in 2013! Mauer has been Joe Mauer; consistently awesome at the plate, but was forced to miss nearly half the season due to nagging injuries (this is becoming a trend for the 30 year old catcher).
Outside of inexperience, the veteran guys and main-clogs in the middle of the lineup have been lacking consistency, and are vastly underperforming. Before Justin Morneau was traded to Pittsburgh, he was far from the type of hitter he was prior to his 2010 concussion, and its beginning to seem like he may never be that type of dominant hitter again. Doumit has produced decent numbers but his .247 average last season was down almost 30 points from the season before. and Josh Willingham is coming off a huge disappointment for a season, batting only .208 in 2013! Mauer has been Joe Mauer; consistently awesome at the plate, but was forced to miss nearly half the season due to nagging injuries (this is becoming a trend for the 30 year old catcher).
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Improving the teams pitching staff, specifically the starting rotation, is obviously priority number one. However, with plenty of payroll to spare(even considering potential pitching signings) the organization could also look to throw a few solid bats under its free agent radar this offseason. Now, I'm obviously not saying the team should throw multiple years and $100 million plus at a top 10 free agent hitter like Robinson Cano. However, there are some "middle of the road" type options that could potentially fit very well into Minnesota's current situation. Such as...
1.) James Loney
Loney could likely be a serious contender for filling the Twin's void at first base. Arguably the most underrated and one of the most valuable free agents on this offseason's market, Loney hit .299 last season and logged 158 games at first base for the Rays. When looking at the 29 year-old's career numbers, you'll quickly discover that Loney is as consistent as a big leaguer can be, and consistently solid. By signing Loney, you'll sleep tight knowing exactly what you've got at first base game in and game out. He hasn't played fewer than 144 games since his rookie season 7 years ago, hasn't experienced any sort of injury history in the past, and is very solid defensively, as a true first basemen. Offensively Loney will hit roughly .285, hit 12-15 Homers, and drive in 75-90 runs. And, he only cost Tampa Bay $3 million last season. His price will obviously be up a bit this offseason, but will be well within Minnesota's reach.
2.) Justin Morneau
Sometimes it's just hard to let go. Everybody knows Morneau's story. One of the greatest and most popular Twins of all-time, Justin won the 2006 AL MVP, finished 2nd in the MVP voting in in 2008, and through 81 games of the 2010 season (just 3 years ago!) was well on his way to another MVP season, batting .345 with 18 Homers and 56 RBI (also had a .437 On-Base percentage and a .618 Slugging percentage!). July 7, 2010, Morneau took a knee to the helmet while sliding into 2nd base, trying to break up a double play and suffered a concussion. He didn't play another game in 2010, and since that point has shown only a very small glimmer of the player he once was. Since his return in 2011, Morneau has hit only .256, has an On-Base percentage of only .319, and has hit only 40 Homers in 3 seasons. Last season his long tenure at first base in Minnesota came to an end when he was traded to Pittsburgh during the last year of his contract. He continued his decline and failed to provide much offensive support in Pittsburgh's playoff run in 2013, and the team has shown no interest in resigning Morneau this offseason. Being born in 1990, I spent my teenage years loving Justin, watching him repeatedly dominate opposing hitters, and seeing him traded away was as hard on me as it was anybody. But, I do believe the time had come. Morneau makes this list for only 3 reasons. Reason one: everything I just said. Pre-concussion, Justin was one of the top 5 players in the league at any position. Reason two: 2013 was Morneau's first full season since his injury, meaning he is finally healthy again. Perhaps now that he is again at full strength, he could actually start re-perfecting his game and get back to a shell of his former self. Reason three: Justin will not be a top commodity this offseason. A multi-year contract deal is out of the question, and the best offer Morneau is likely to see is a one or two year deal, worth 7 to 8 million per year. At that price, I could stand giving an old hero one last chance.
3.) Corey Hart
2013 was a completely lost season for Hart, who didn't play a single game due to knee surgeries. The 31 year old has since expressed his strong interest in returning to the Brewers in 2014, and even though Milwaukee didn't extend a qualifying offer Hart's way, they too have expressed an interest in working out a deal with the 2 time all star later this offseason. Signing Hart could, due to this information, become pretty difficult, as well as pretty expensive. But, for what it's worth, Hart could be a good fit with the Minnesota Twins. Hart has experience playing first base and could fill that currently empty position in Minnesota. And, assuming he hasn't lost too much of his old self coming off of injury, he could add a big time bat to the middle of a Twins lineup in need of some power. Hart has been extremely consistent over the course of his 9 year career, where he has hit .276, reached base at a rate of .334, and slugged just under .500. He also has registered more than 25 Homers in each of his last 3 seasons in the big leagues, including 31 in 2010, and 30 the last time he played in 2012.
4.) Kendrys Morales
Morales is one of the most intriguing power bats that the free agent market offers to American League teams. A switch hitter who can hit for average and power and could potentially play an extended role at first base. His offensive numbers are very similar to the aforementioned Corey Hart, however Morales offers more value by being a switch hitter, being a year younger, and by not carrying a looming "I had multiple knee surgeries and haven't played in a full year" sign around. He has spent the majority of his recent career in the DH slot, but has also spent a decent amount of time at first base. The Mariners offered Morales a $14.1 million, one year qualifying offer on Monday, but it is expected to be declined. The former Angel has expressed interest in testing the free agent market, and will likely look for a multi-year deal worth quite a bit of cheddar. The price could be hefty, but Morales could make an instant impact on a number of team's lineups in 2014, including the Twins.
5.) Kevin Youkilis
Youk had a pretty disappointing 2013 campaign, playing only 28 games for the Yankees after back surgery on a herniated disc ended his season. He has reportedly not experienced any setbacks since, and is expected to be ready well by spring training. Youk made $12 million last season, but shouldn't be in line to make nearly that much from potential suitors in 2014, and might not even be considered a legitimate starting option by the majority of clubs. His value has decreased as his offensive statistics have steadily declined over the last 5 years, and decreased even further now because of injury concerns. However, I don't think Youk's career is over just yet. He obviously isn't quite the player he used to be, but the present day "Greek God of Walks" could still bring a lot of value with him to the right ball club. He has the experience, and the ability to play both third or first base, as well as DH. With this, he could fit well into a Minnesota system that likes to platoon Joe Mauer, Chris Parmalee, and even others in and out of first base. Though it isn't quite at the rate it used to be, Youk still gets on base an awful lot. He's been hit by a pitch double digit times in his last 7 full seasons, including 17 times in 2012, and has a career On-Base percentage of .382. A solid veteran presence at 34 years old, Youkilis is still very capable of hitting around .250, slugging over .400, and will jack 20 or more Homers a season with consistency.
1.) James Loney
Loney could likely be a serious contender for filling the Twin's void at first base. Arguably the most underrated and one of the most valuable free agents on this offseason's market, Loney hit .299 last season and logged 158 games at first base for the Rays. When looking at the 29 year-old's career numbers, you'll quickly discover that Loney is as consistent as a big leaguer can be, and consistently solid. By signing Loney, you'll sleep tight knowing exactly what you've got at first base game in and game out. He hasn't played fewer than 144 games since his rookie season 7 years ago, hasn't experienced any sort of injury history in the past, and is very solid defensively, as a true first basemen. Offensively Loney will hit roughly .285, hit 12-15 Homers, and drive in 75-90 runs. And, he only cost Tampa Bay $3 million last season. His price will obviously be up a bit this offseason, but will be well within Minnesota's reach.
2.) Justin Morneau
Sometimes it's just hard to let go. Everybody knows Morneau's story. One of the greatest and most popular Twins of all-time, Justin won the 2006 AL MVP, finished 2nd in the MVP voting in in 2008, and through 81 games of the 2010 season (just 3 years ago!) was well on his way to another MVP season, batting .345 with 18 Homers and 56 RBI (also had a .437 On-Base percentage and a .618 Slugging percentage!). July 7, 2010, Morneau took a knee to the helmet while sliding into 2nd base, trying to break up a double play and suffered a concussion. He didn't play another game in 2010, and since that point has shown only a very small glimmer of the player he once was. Since his return in 2011, Morneau has hit only .256, has an On-Base percentage of only .319, and has hit only 40 Homers in 3 seasons. Last season his long tenure at first base in Minnesota came to an end when he was traded to Pittsburgh during the last year of his contract. He continued his decline and failed to provide much offensive support in Pittsburgh's playoff run in 2013, and the team has shown no interest in resigning Morneau this offseason. Being born in 1990, I spent my teenage years loving Justin, watching him repeatedly dominate opposing hitters, and seeing him traded away was as hard on me as it was anybody. But, I do believe the time had come. Morneau makes this list for only 3 reasons. Reason one: everything I just said. Pre-concussion, Justin was one of the top 5 players in the league at any position. Reason two: 2013 was Morneau's first full season since his injury, meaning he is finally healthy again. Perhaps now that he is again at full strength, he could actually start re-perfecting his game and get back to a shell of his former self. Reason three: Justin will not be a top commodity this offseason. A multi-year contract deal is out of the question, and the best offer Morneau is likely to see is a one or two year deal, worth 7 to 8 million per year. At that price, I could stand giving an old hero one last chance.
3.) Corey Hart
2013 was a completely lost season for Hart, who didn't play a single game due to knee surgeries. The 31 year old has since expressed his strong interest in returning to the Brewers in 2014, and even though Milwaukee didn't extend a qualifying offer Hart's way, they too have expressed an interest in working out a deal with the 2 time all star later this offseason. Signing Hart could, due to this information, become pretty difficult, as well as pretty expensive. But, for what it's worth, Hart could be a good fit with the Minnesota Twins. Hart has experience playing first base and could fill that currently empty position in Minnesota. And, assuming he hasn't lost too much of his old self coming off of injury, he could add a big time bat to the middle of a Twins lineup in need of some power. Hart has been extremely consistent over the course of his 9 year career, where he has hit .276, reached base at a rate of .334, and slugged just under .500. He also has registered more than 25 Homers in each of his last 3 seasons in the big leagues, including 31 in 2010, and 30 the last time he played in 2012.
4.) Kendrys Morales
Morales is one of the most intriguing power bats that the free agent market offers to American League teams. A switch hitter who can hit for average and power and could potentially play an extended role at first base. His offensive numbers are very similar to the aforementioned Corey Hart, however Morales offers more value by being a switch hitter, being a year younger, and by not carrying a looming "I had multiple knee surgeries and haven't played in a full year" sign around. He has spent the majority of his recent career in the DH slot, but has also spent a decent amount of time at first base. The Mariners offered Morales a $14.1 million, one year qualifying offer on Monday, but it is expected to be declined. The former Angel has expressed interest in testing the free agent market, and will likely look for a multi-year deal worth quite a bit of cheddar. The price could be hefty, but Morales could make an instant impact on a number of team's lineups in 2014, including the Twins.
5.) Kevin Youkilis
Youk had a pretty disappointing 2013 campaign, playing only 28 games for the Yankees after back surgery on a herniated disc ended his season. He has reportedly not experienced any setbacks since, and is expected to be ready well by spring training. Youk made $12 million last season, but shouldn't be in line to make nearly that much from potential suitors in 2014, and might not even be considered a legitimate starting option by the majority of clubs. His value has decreased as his offensive statistics have steadily declined over the last 5 years, and decreased even further now because of injury concerns. However, I don't think Youk's career is over just yet. He obviously isn't quite the player he used to be, but the present day "Greek God of Walks" could still bring a lot of value with him to the right ball club. He has the experience, and the ability to play both third or first base, as well as DH. With this, he could fit well into a Minnesota system that likes to platoon Joe Mauer, Chris Parmalee, and even others in and out of first base. Though it isn't quite at the rate it used to be, Youk still gets on base an awful lot. He's been hit by a pitch double digit times in his last 7 full seasons, including 17 times in 2012, and has a career On-Base percentage of .382. A solid veteran presence at 34 years old, Youkilis is still very capable of hitting around .250, slugging over .400, and will jack 20 or more Homers a season with consistency.
I LOVE James Loney. He would be awesome as a Twin. Could you imagine the splash the Twins would make if they'd sign Ervin Santana, Phil Hughes, Johan, and James Loney?!?
ReplyDeleteI loved Loney when he was a Dodger. I thought between him and Kemp that had two bright stars. He's an athlete and he's durable. I would be pursuing him almost as hard as I would be pursuing starting pitching. Morales and Hart are intriguing as well, probably even cheaper.
The Royals and the Indians really helped a team like the Twins out last season, by showing that with a few key (expensive) components, you can go from bottom of the barrel to playoff bound quickly. The Twins have a beautiful ballpark. A stocked farm system. Some decent talent currently. And some tradition on their side. There's no reason they shouldn't be able to lure some quality names and become competitive again. You can't do it dumpster diving. I have faith that Ryan has learned that now.
Or, he just wants everyone to think he has, and his big free agent acquisitions will be Mike Pelfrey and Justin Morneau.
Well nevermind! 1B solved! #Mauer
ReplyDelete