Because the baseball embers continue to burn throughout the dark and cold winter, that’s why we at TwinsCentric have compiled the well-received Offseason GM Handbook. As one front office official told me, the hot stove is when all the action happens. From every possible angle, John Bonnes, Nick Nelson, Seth Stohs and myself have created a comprehensive guide for baseball’s second season.
Here are some of the topics we will tackle that is facing the organization right now:
(1) What will the Twins do with all of those impending free agents?
Carl Pavano, Jim Thome, Orlando Hudson, Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier, Brian Fuentes, Randy Flores. Which ones SHOULD the Twins attempt to retain and why. (A1: Not Randy Flores. A2: Because.)
(2) What about those arbitration eligibles, how much will they ask for and what is a fair offer from the front office?
There is a plethora of players in line for raises, including Francisco Liriano and Delmon Young. Certainly, after their 2010 seasons both players are looking for a raise. What should the Twins offer them?
(3) What is the future of the payroll?
No one concerns themselves more over the finances of the club than John Bonnes and he once again provides us with an accurate budget to operate with. Understanding these confines and parameters provides perspective. For example, knowing the current contractual obligations allows us to recognize that signing Cliff Lee is a pipedream.
(4) What do the Twins need?
A right-handed bat might be on the top of the list, where might they find that? There will be a surplus of those types of bats entering free agency, will there a bargain like Jim Thome available who swings from the opposite side of the plate? How about a backup catcher that isn’t an obscene downgrade offensively in the event Joe Mauer misses several games on end? A power pitcher? A two-hitter? A second baseman?
(5) How is the organization looking below the surface?
Seth Stohs knows more about the farm system and he outlines the depth by position in the organization and will predict who will be the next Danny Valencia for the team.
(6) What does the free agent landscape look like?
Last year, there was an abundance of left-handed designated hitters and second basemen. Because of that, the Twins wound up getting Thome and Hudson at a TJ Maxx price. What does the market have an abundance of and can the Twins improve from that?
(7) Do the Twins have tradeable commodities that they should use to acquire other talent?
In 2009, the Twins shipped Carlos Gomez, a talented yet maligned outfielder, to Milwaukee for J.J. Hardy in hopes of solidifying the shortstop spot. This trade was able to happen because the team had numerous outfielders. With Delmon Young, Denard Span, Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel, it appears that the Twins might have the opportunity to move one for help in another area.
We address all of these topics and more, offering thousands words on the issues and keys to team building that you crave. The TwinsCentric Offseason GM Handbook 2010-2011 is now available for pre-sale orders. Those that get in early, will have the opportunity to purchase the eBook at the low $4.95 rate -- half the regular price. Grab one now and get ready to join one of the greatest conversations.
(1) What will the Twins do with all of those impending free agents?
Carl Pavano, Jim Thome, Orlando Hudson, Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier, Brian Fuentes, Randy Flores. Which ones SHOULD the Twins attempt to retain and why. (A1: Not Randy Flores. A2: Because.)
(2) What about those arbitration eligibles, how much will they ask for and what is a fair offer from the front office?
There is a plethora of players in line for raises, including Francisco Liriano and Delmon Young. Certainly, after their 2010 seasons both players are looking for a raise. What should the Twins offer them?
(3) What is the future of the payroll?
No one concerns themselves more over the finances of the club than John Bonnes and he once again provides us with an accurate budget to operate with. Understanding these confines and parameters provides perspective. For example, knowing the current contractual obligations allows us to recognize that signing Cliff Lee is a pipedream.
(4) What do the Twins need?
A right-handed bat might be on the top of the list, where might they find that? There will be a surplus of those types of bats entering free agency, will there a bargain like Jim Thome available who swings from the opposite side of the plate? How about a backup catcher that isn’t an obscene downgrade offensively in the event Joe Mauer misses several games on end? A power pitcher? A two-hitter? A second baseman?
(5) How is the organization looking below the surface?
Seth Stohs knows more about the farm system and he outlines the depth by position in the organization and will predict who will be the next Danny Valencia for the team.
(6) What does the free agent landscape look like?
Last year, there was an abundance of left-handed designated hitters and second basemen. Because of that, the Twins wound up getting Thome and Hudson at a TJ Maxx price. What does the market have an abundance of and can the Twins improve from that?
(7) Do the Twins have tradeable commodities that they should use to acquire other talent?
In 2009, the Twins shipped Carlos Gomez, a talented yet maligned outfielder, to Milwaukee for J.J. Hardy in hopes of solidifying the shortstop spot. This trade was able to happen because the team had numerous outfielders. With Delmon Young, Denard Span, Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel, it appears that the Twins might have the opportunity to move one for help in another area.
We address all of these topics and more, offering thousands words on the issues and keys to team building that you crave. The TwinsCentric Offseason GM Handbook 2010-2011 is now available for pre-sale orders. Those that get in early, will have the opportunity to purchase the eBook at the low $4.95 rate -- half the regular price. Grab one now and get ready to join one of the greatest conversations.
