Looking into a crystal ball, the Twins have $30 million to spend in 2013, and will have Justin Morneau’s $14 million come off the books in 2014. Aside from relievers, Glen Perkins and Jared Burton, they don’t have any other players expecting big pay raises in 2014.
That means, for the immediate future, there is rare money to spend in Minnesota.
Although top starting pitcher, Zack Greinke, is likely too risky and overpriced for the Twins, I would bet that the team has at least made him an offer worth considering. The Rangers, Dodgers, Angels and Royals are all in a bidding war for his services, but if the introverted Greinke wanted a smaller-profile team, the Twins would likely offer the best contract amongst other low-market suitors, such as the Royals.
Look for Greinke to sign a 5-year contract for between $100-125 million. The Twins may consider a 4-year contract at around $70 million, to put things in perspective. If Josh Hamilton signs with the Rangers and Greinke doesn’t want to pitch in Los Angeles.. there’s a slim chance the Twins may have a chance. Albeit, very slim.
Twins fans should rejoice knowing that Joe Blanton has signed with the Angels, which means the Angels may drop out of the starting pitching market. It also means that the Twins won’t sign Blanton, who is very much on the Jason Marquis level and wouldn’t be a huge upgrade to the staff.
Back to the crystal ball, look for the Twins to sign at least one of the following:
1.) Anibal Sanchez, 3 years, $33-36 million
2.) Edwin Jackson, 2 years, $20-28 million
3.) Ryan Dempster, 1 year, $8-13 million (with similar club option)
4.) Carlos Villanueva, 2 years, $8-12 million
5.) John Lannon, 2 years, $6-10 million
6.) Kevin Correia, 2 years, $10-16 million
7.) Joe Saunders, 1-2 years, $8-22 million
8.) Francisco Liriano, 1 year, $8-11 million (with $12 million club option)
9.) Brett Myers, 2 years, $16-22 million
10.) Brandon McCarthy, 2-3 years, $15-30 million
Given the fact that the Twins are more realistically hoping to compete for the division and a playoff birth in 2014, look for them to sign any quality pitcher to at least a two-year contract. They certainly may go bargain shopping for an older veteran on a one-year deal, but that type of signing would typically be closer to spring training.
Whomever they sign will likely depend more on the player than the team. The player will be someone who wants a guaranteed starting spot, with a chance to be ace of the staff. This comes in contrast to being in the back end of the rotation with a team that had more success in 2012.
No comments:
Post a Comment