Trade Deadline Dead

Posted by John on July 30, 2009 under John | 6 Comments to Read

After arguably the hardest week of the season out on the west coast, the Twins rebounded with a much needed sweep of the Chicago White Sox that moved our boys into second place in the AL Central. These three wins not only allowed the Twins to leapfrog the Sox but also come within two games of the division leading Detroit Tigers.

I should probably be focusing my attention on the fact the Twins just played three solid games of baseball against a division rival; however, I’m more upset by the fact that we are roughly 36 hours away from the MLB Trade Deadline and GM Bill Smith has no sign of improving this ballclub. To be honest after last week I thought this team looked more like a seller than a buyer. Then of course the Twins pulled their typical, “We’re back at the Metrodome where we can beat anyone and actually play inspired baseball.”

It’s no surprise that the Twins need to upgrade in the middle infield and the bullpen. In the span of the last two days the Pittsburgh Pirates traded their entire middle infield, with Jack Wilson headed to Seattle and Freddy Sanchez off to San Francisco. I really thought Sanchez could have been a good fit for the Twins, but that ship has sailed. Other middle infield options include Marco Scutaro and Orlando Cabrera. I’d be happy with a Scutaro acquisition, but am not thrilled in anyway to bring Cabrera to Minneapolis.

The bullpen was an issue last season, an issue this past offseason, and has been an issue this season, yet Bill Smith continues to try Band-Aid solutions with no real thought of finding a true 8th inning setup guy. This gaping hole certainly cost the Twins a playoff spot in 2008 and could very well do the same here in 2009.

Overall, as a baseball fan I’ve felt like this year’s trade deadline has been quite boring. Yes, the most exciting hours still remain, but things seem awfully quiet. Attribute this to the economic climate that many teams to have the payroll to bring on money, or perhaps there just isn’t a lot of talent out there. Either way, Cliff Lee has been dealt to the Phillies, Matt Holiday to the Cardinals, and I’ll be shocked to see Roy Halladay leave Toronto.

If not Bill Smith, hopefully some GM can make this dead trade deadline a little more exciting!

Tags: Bill Smith, trade deadline

Kyle said,

I agree with bullpen help, but how can you say we have no 8th inning setup guy? Look at Guerrier’s stats this year:
ERA 1.99, with an opponent AVE of .183 and leading the league in holds.
Twins MVB said,

Valid point Kyle. I agree, Guerrier has been quite solid this year. However, he’s pitched in 51 games this year which puts him 2nd in the AL behind Craig Breslow in fact. I worry about him wearing down. But more importantly, we need someone to bridge that gap from starter to back end of the bullpen. Way to stand up for Guerrier though. I’m often too hard on him.
Matt Taylor said,

John, what are your opinions on Bobby Keppel? He has looked like the set up man of the future, but also has looked like every other twins reliever coughing up leads. Just wanted to know your thoughts.
Andrew said,

Keppel is a band-aid fix to the Twins disaster of a bullpen (minus Matt, Joe, and R.A.). Also, if I have to watch Alexi Casilla start another game I may throw up in my mouth. Aside from that, based on recent comments from Mauer and Morneau I sure hope the Twins do something before tromorrow’s deadline. If not, Billy better not be shocked when Joe decides to move to greener pastures after playing only one year in Target Field.

Good Luck Billy!
twinsmvb said,

I guess I agree that Keppel is just temporary. I was surprised when he was called up because he isn’t even the best reliever in the minors. I was expecting Anthony Slama or Rob Delaney to get called up. Nonetheless, Keppel is already 27 years old so he could be around another year, but I don’t see him in the Twins longterm plans.
Matt Taylor said,

I couldn’t agree with you more Andrew. I have no idea why we are starting Casilla. Over the past 10 games he is batting .153. He’s been getting steals but thats about it. Now that Crede’s back we can start him, Punto, and Harris. Maybe if we actually make a good trade and get a middle infielder Gardy won’t be tempted to start Casilla because there are no other options.