Trade Rumors
for Free Agent
Ramon Santiago
Major League Starting Infielder
Pirates Pluck Clint Barmes, Thin Middle Infield Market
Once you get past Jose Reyes, the marquee value drops off, but middle infielders are becoming an intriguing and portion of the free-agent market.
Clint Barmes, starting shortstop for the Houston Astros last season, confirmed Monday that he has agreed to a two-year, $10.5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, taking another possibility out of circulation.
Barmes hit just .244 in 446 plate appearances for the Astros, but he says the Pirates told him he was atop a wish list they planned to quickly work through in search of an upgrade over Ronny Cedeno, who hit .249 in 454 plate appearances.
Those are unimposing numbers, but such is the case among available shortstops and second basemen. At each position, at least one-third of major league teams either have an opening or are in a position to consider improving their current situation.
Filling those holes is another story.
Barmes ranked fifth among major league shortstops last season in Fangraphs' Ultimate Zone Rating defensive metric -- and first among those on the free-agent market. His 7.9 rating also was better than any available second basemen.
After the prolific Reyes and his National League batting title, out of reach of many of the teams looking to upgrade, finding offense is at best a gamble. Only two other middle infielders on the market topped both 500 plate appearances and Barmes' batting average -- shortstops Jimmy Rollins (.268) and Yuniesky Betancourt (.252). And Betancourt ranked 20th in UZR among the 22 everyday shortstops.
That's why Boston was quick to re-sign shortstop Marco Scutaro and Arizona did likewise with second baseman Aaron Hill, why Jamey Carroll becomes Minnesota's shortstop and Mark Ellis replaces him at second base for the Dodgers.
After Reyes, Rollins has the best career credentials. If he's to become a victim of the Phillies trying to balance allegiance to a longtime key performer and clubhouse leader against a growing and aging payroll, he should be popular among the likes of Milwaukee, San Francisco and Atlanta, among others.
Rollins hardly is ancient, turning 33 next Sunday, and this year he reversed two years of decline with his best offensive performance since 2008.
More than 20 bonafide major league shortstops and second basemen remain on the market, ranging from experienced shortstops Rafael Furcal and Alex Gonzalez to solid, unspectacular but versatile types such as Ramon Santiago and Nick Punto.
From here, though, almost any move is a gamble, so the market could move quickly.
Pirates sign shortstop Barmes to 2-year deal
The Pirates offered shortstop Clint Barmes the opportunity to play for his former manager at his position of choice, and the terms of the contract didn't hurt, either.
The free-agent infielder signed a two-year, $10.5 million deal Monday with the Pirates, making him the team's starting shortstop after they declined to pick up Ronny Cedeno's $3 million option for 2012.
The Middle Infield Market is Going Insane
BY CHRIS QUICK, ON NOVEMBER 18TH, 2011 BAYCITYBALL.COM
The deals that have already been made:
* Willie Bloomquist: two years, $3.8M, signed with Arizona Diamondbacks
* Mark Ellis: two years, $8.75M, signed with Los Angeles Dodgers
* Jamey Carroll: two years, $6.75M, signed with Minnesota Twins
Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins are obviously still the top free agents to get if you need help at shortstop, but even third level guys like Bloomquist are getting paid. Heck, even Mark Ellis secured a two year deal and $8.75M from the Dodgers. You might say, “LOL Dodgers” and I wouldn’t disagree with you (thanks, secret agent Ned), but the point is clear: anyone that can play the middle infield is getting paid right now.
Guys that would normally settle for a one year deal (Ellis, Carroll) are getting two years; guys that would normally be Spring Training invites (Bloomquist) are getting secured contracts to play baseball; and, guys like Clint Barmes and Rafael Furcal – the somewhat interesting, slightly injured, stopgap-ish, warty options – are looking like sure bets to get two years.
We know for a fact that shortstop was a huge problem for the 2011 Giants team. Giants’ shortstops hit nearly 40% worse than league average, they played terrible defense (not you, Brandon), and were depressingly awful as a collective. I’m still skeptical of Brandon Crawford’s ability to hit, but every passing day that we see middle infielders get secured two year deals, I start to warm up to the idea of him starting the year at short. Call it perspective if you will.
I can honestly say that I don’t envy Brian Sabean’s job right now. And as much as I’d love to dream about Jose Reyes in San Francisco, it’s just not going to happen. Whether or not it should is a topic for another post.
Dodgers get help at 2B with Mark Ellis
The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their signing of free-agent second baseman Mark Ellis to a two-year, $8.75 million contract with a $5.75 million club option for 2014 after Ellis passed a physical exam.
Ellis, who will take over as the Dodgers' everyday second baseman, will receive base salaries of $2.5 million in 2012 and $5.25 million in 2013. Each year, he also will receive $25,000 for each of 500, 525, 550, 575 and 600 plate appearances. The $8.75 total guarantee on the deal includes a $1 million buyout on the option year if the Dodgers decline to exercise it.
Jamey Carroll signs with Twins
MINNEAPOLIS -- There is much to fix before the Minnesota Twins can climb back into contention. Terry Ryan knew right where he wanted to start when he resumed his role as general manager.
Veteran infielder Jamey Carroll signed a two-year contract with the Twins worth at least $6.5 million, a deal announced Wednesday that includes a mutual option for the 2014 season.
Carroll will turn 38 before spring training begins, but that didn't scare away the Twins, who've had four opening day shortstops in the last four years -- plus five other players who've started several games at one of the sport's most important positions.
Smart Move: Utilityman Willie Bloomquist Re-Signed by Arizona Diamondbacks | Bleacher Report
As the Arizona Diamondbacks prepare for a repeat of their remarkable 2011 performance, GM Kevin Towers completed a key step by re-signing free agent Willie Bloomquist to a $3.8 million, two-year contract.
Reds exercise Brandon Phillips' option
CINCINNATI -- The Reds exercised second baseman Brandon Phillips' contract option for 2012 on Monday, but declined a $12 million option to keep closer Francisco Cordero for one more season.
The Reds also lost left-hander Matt Maloney, who was claimed off waivers by Minnesota on Monday.
Phillips batted .300 with 18 homers, 82 RBIs and six errors last season, when he became an All-Star for the second time. The two-time Gold Glove winner finished second to Pittsburgh's Neil Walker in fielding percentage by a second baseman. Cincinnati picked up his $12 million option and is trying to negotiate a multiyear deal.
NL Central Hot Stove Preview
Cliff Corcoran>INSIDE BASEBALL: SI.com
Pittsburgh Pirates
Ramon Santiago could be a good shortstop option for several NL Central teams, including the Brewers, Cardinals and Pirates.
2011 Results: 72-90, 4th place
Runs Scored/Runs Allowed: 610/712
Pythagorean Record: 70-92
Pending Free Agents: 1B Derrek Lee, OF Ryan Ludwick, SS Rony Cedeño, C Chris Snyder, C Ryan Doumit, SP Paul Mahokm
Prospects on the Verge: CF Starling Marte, SP Jeff Locke
Building For: To prove the first-half of 2011 wasn't a fluke (even though it was)
Strengths: Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez's potential, the element of surprise
Biggest Holes: Shortstop, catcher, run scoring, run prevention
Targets: SS Ramon Santiago, C Rod Barajas
On July 19, 95 games into their 2011 season, the Pirates had a .537 winning percentage and a half-game lead in the NL Central. From that point on, they went 21-46 (.313) and fell 24 games behind the eventual division champion Brewers. The difference between the two performances was run prevention. In those first 95 games, the Pirates allowed 3.8 runs per game. In the last 67, they allowed 5.3. So which performance was real? As always, the answer lies somewhere in the middle, but the Pirates' pitching staff doesn't inspire much confidence in proving it was the former.
Their best starter in 2011 was Jeff Karstens, a 28-year-old righty with a strikeout rate of 5.3 men per nine innings and a career ERA entering the year of 5.07. Looking to 2012, their best starter is likely to be James McDonald, who was a nice pickup for the unnecessary Octavio Dotel at the 2010 trading deadline, but will be 27 in the coming season and would likely be no more than a mid-rotation starter on any other team. The Pirates' bullpen this year was overly reliant on veteran retreads such as Jose Veras, Chris Resop and Jason Grilli. Meanwhile, their offense, which showed some promise coming into the year with young talent such as third baseman Pedro Alvarez joining 2010 Rookie of the Year runners up Neil Walker and Jose Tabata and burgeoning star Andrew McCutchen, flatlined, outscoring only the inept Padres, Giants and Mariners despite a strong showing from McCutchen.
So, while the Pirates may have been buyers at last July's trading deadline, adding Derrek Lee and Ryan Ludwick, both now free agents, an aggressive approach to this offseason is likely misguided, though certainly they should be able to do better than last year's "big" winter additions of Lyle Overbay and Kevin Correia. Ramon Santiago could be an asset on both sides of the ball at shortstop, while Rod Barajas could be a quality stop-gap behind the plate while the organization waits to see if prospect Tony Sanchez's bat is going to come back to life this season. Meanwhile, until someone other than McCutchen emerges as a meaningfully above-average player, there's not much sense in the Pirates trying to win-now with a team that's not ready to win now.
Ramon Santiago the Kind of Role Player Teams Need
by Kurt Mensching on Nov 14, 2011 12:26 PM EST
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Kevork Djansezian - Getty Images
Ramon Santiago #39 of the Detroit Tigers throws to first base for an out on a ground ball from Michael Young #10 of the Texas Rangers in the second inning of Game Four of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park on October 12, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Just like last year, we'll be grading all the Tigers who contributed significant playing time over the course of the season, starting with the position players, then doing the rotation members, and finally finishing up with the bullpen and writing profiles for players without enough playing time to earn a grade. Each list will run in alphabetical order. These reviews will occasionally dip into sabermetrics so we can get a better idea why things happened, but I'll try to explain as we go through things.
Ramon Santiago
Every year, Ramon Santiago does what he's asked to. He's far from the star. He's not even a full-time starter. Yet he's a good step above the 25th man on the roster. He'd the kind of dependable player every successful team needs. In 2011, he came through in the clutch a couple of times, he gave the Tigers a dependable fielder in the middle infield and he really should have started a few more games at second base.
But I think the people who see Santiago as a solution for everyday starter at second base are mistaken in his abilities. What makes Santiago a good and useful player isn't that he starts every day, it's that he starts on the right days. Even then, his batting numbers are not exactly pretty even compared to the average second baseman, let alone average starting second baseman. But I guess when you look at his competition in Detroit, I can see their point.
This might be the last time Santiago is given a grade in the Tigers' uniform. He's a free agent, and the Pirates are showing interest. So I'll make it a good one.
C.
At the plate:
Santiago actually had his lowest average (.260) and on-base percentage (.311) since 2006. He did, however, show a rebound in his power, with a .124 ISO (and .384 slugging average). So when you add it up, his OPS was actually .033 higher this season, finishing at .695.
For the second year in a row, Santiago kept his line drive rate in the low-20% range. That's a good spot to be. However, he saw a drop in his BABIP as he hit fewer ground balls and more fly balls. Couple that with a higher home run per fly ball rate and you understand where the power gain came from.
He walked less (5.8%) but he struck out less as well (12.9%). He continued to offer at about the same amount of pitches inside and outside of the zone, but made ever-so-slightly better contact.
Getting a bit more sabermetric on you, this marks the third season in a row his wOBA was in the low 300s. At .305, it found the middle ground between 2009 and 2010. His weighted runs created came in at a below-average 88 (on a 100 scale), but it continued to trend up from an 82 in 2009.
His base running, too ,showed a game, to 1.4 runs above average.
In the field
Santiago spent most of his time in the middle infield, and earned most of his innings as a second baseman. This is exactly opposite the norm for Santiago, which was backing up shortstop with some time spent at second. He also spend a couple innings at third base, but really too few to think about.
The advanced stats still show Santiago to be average or a bit above average, but compared to 2010 his numbers were down a bit. Variation is to be expected in advanced stats even if play remains consistent. So Santiago's defensive runs saved was 0 at second base and 2 at shortstop. His UZR/150 games was 3.8 at second base and 10.4 at shortstop.
Fans gave him a 65 score (50 is average). Good range, average hands, good throwing accuracy, average strength. The grade was up slightly from last year, but the same strengths were highlighted.
In 2012:
At his age, I wouldn't expect any big changes in his game. You might even expect a bit less power next year.
I would still be opposed to giving Santiago a starting job at second base. I like him in the role the Tigers have carved out for him and hope they can find a way to bring in an every day second baseman from another organization. But if not, well, he's better than the other options Detroit has, right? However, as it stands, Santiago might not even be in Detroit next year.
Poll
Ramon Santiago gets a grade __
11%
A
60 votes
64%
B
343 votes
23%
C
126 votes
0%
D
4 votes
0%
E
1 votes
534 votes
MLB Free Agency:
The Top 50 Free Agent Position Players
36. Ramon Santiago
Ramon Santiago Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Position: 2B, SS, 3
Age: 32
2011 Statistics: .260/.311/.384
.996 fielding percentage at Second Base
Santiago has become a reliable utility infielder for the Detroit Tigers. His 2011 statistics are in line with the rest of his career, so new teams have a pretty good idea of the performance he will offer in 2012. He will look for an opportunity to start, but is probably best suited in a utility role.
Possibilities: Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals
11/11/11 6:45 PM EST
Inbox: What's next for Giants after the trade?
Beat reporter Chris Haft answers fans' questions
Though I dream of the Giants signing free agents like Prince Fielder and Reyes, every year such dreams have proven unrealistic. Now I am trying to think in Sabean mode. I vote for Ramon Santiago, the middle infielder formerly of Detroit. Santiago is a switch-hitter, can handle the bat and can flat-out pick it with the glove. His arm strength doesn't appear great, but in all other areas he seems like a solid Major Leaguer. Santiago could complement Brandon Crawford at shortstop, and he'd be a defensive equal to Freddy Sanchez at second base. Santiago was also a favorite of manager Jim Leyland in the postseason, often batting second in the lineup. Any word on such second- and third-tier free agents? Who are your sleepers?
-- Christian B., San Francisco
The players I'm about to mention are all Type A or B free agents that would require any team signing them to relinquish Draft picks. So I don't know whether they qualify as "second- or third-tier" free agents. But in this market, anybody not named Fielder, Reyes or Albert Pujols seems to be flying under the proverbial radar, at least in the public eye. Infielders such as Clint Barmes, Yuniesky Betancourt, Aaron Hill and Kelly Johnson seem capable of intriguing the Giants, as well as outfielders David DeJesus and Josh Willingham. But nothing suggests that the Giants are wooing any of these performers.
Why Do the Pirates Like Ramon Santiago Over Ronny Cedeno? Author: Tom Smith
The Pirates appear to be moving toward a decision for their 2012 starting shortstop
Yesterday, in discussions with a big Tigers fan, a solid rumor was shared with us that the Pittsburgh Pirates had a deal done with Ramon Santiago. The deal was pending a couple things, but they thought it would be wrapped up quickly. And they were sad about Detroit losing Santiago.
It puzzled us, since we’re not that crazy about Santiago. We thought, maybe – just maybe – we were missing something on this Santiago guy.
Well, about 24 hours have passed since that discussion. So, why the delay? Perhaps the Bucs are playing hardball because a rumor came out about the always penny pinching Pirates looking at re-working a deal for Ronny Cedeno.
Perhaps it was a ploy to get Team Santiago moving toward finding a pen to ink the deal. Perhaps the Pirates are serious about bringing back “Stay Thirsty” Cedeno. Maybe Santiago got a better deal with middle infielders signing contracts at a brisk rate this year in free agency?
Who knows?
Ramon Santiago is 32 years old. Ronny Cedeno has some time before he even reaches 30. [Advantage 1-0 Cedeno] We know that much.
According to our Usual Suspects photoshop the other day, 32 years is the magic number for failed Pittsburgh Pirates’ free agent signings. Maybe the age sent some buyers remorse through Kyle Stark and the gang? Maybe it was the two shoulder surgeries Santiago has had?
But other than Santiago’s age, we don’t know very much about the guy. We do remember when he didn’t get a bunt down in October against the Yankees. He then lashed an RBI single off CC Sabathia in a Tigers win that put the Yanks on the brink of elimination.
But that isn’t enough, so we dug a bit deeper for you. In looking at some of the production with Detroit, it appears Santiago is used in sacrifice situations regularly.
In case you were imprisoned last season, you know that Clint Hurdle loves players that can bunt. Ronny Cedeno sucked at bunting. [Advantage tied 1-1]
When comparing the players directly, Santiago has the better numbers. Last year Santiago:
struck out less than Cedeno
walked more than Cedeno
had more power* than Cedeno. [Advantage 4-1 Santiago]
Of course, there is another thing Hurdle likes in his players. Yeah, you know what we are thinking, right? This might be the ultimate advantage for the talented infielder from the Dominican Republic.
Santiago loves God.
Santiago loves playing defense.
Santiago has played in the majors since he was 22 years old. He spent some time with the Mariners after being traded from the Tigers in 2003, but came back to Detroit in 2006 after being released by the M’s. He has played 438 games at shortstop, 217 at second base and 14 at third base-including five games last year.
The Tigers veterans and young guys have much respect for the veteran in the clubhouse. The Detroit Free Press ran a solid article in October on Santiago.
Clipped from: www.freep.com (share this clip)
“He’s one of the most popular players on the team, to be honest with you — maybe the most popular,” Leyland said. “He’s a great guy. He just mixes in with everybody. He means a lot to us — switch-hitter, can hit from both sides; he makes plays at short or second. Those guys are hard to find. If he could run, he’d be a regular.”
We have no idea what Leyland means when he says, “if he could run,” but it has to scare the shit out of someone. At least we hope it does. His baserunning metrics show him to be a solid base runner.
If you check out Santiago’s BB-REF page, it states his batting skills are most similar to ten players. The third most similar was…. Ronny Cedeno. In the past two years, Santiago is a 3.9 WAR. Cedeno checked in with a 2.6 WAR.
Santiago’s production last year was the worst since 2006 in two categories–hitting and OBP. The power in his bat picked up a notch with a .124 ISO as he started hitting more fly balls as his BABIP took a dip to .286.
He walked about six percent of the time and struck out at a 13% clip, compared to Cedeno’s 20% K rate. Santiago also can run the bases well from the numbers we checked out, so we have no idea what Leyland meant by this… maybe you know something about this? Please leave it in the comments below if you do.
So, in conclusion, Santiago has played for a winning organization and has playoff experience. He has a solid glove. Not a solid bat, but he can bunt from either side of the plate, which has to make Hurdle erect. He is 32. He loves God. And if there was an election for “most popular,” Santiago would probably win.
Shit, maybe he can run for President of the United States?
At his age, we aren’t convinced any of his numbers will improve, which has to tip the scales back toward Cedeno a bit. Ronny has potential; Huntington gushed on our podcast about how well he hits in winter ball, but how he can’t make that approach stick in Pittsburgh. Cedeno’s streakiness only heightens the frustration we have heard in discussions regarding the talented shortstop.
We have to think Clint Hurdle would rather have a player like Santiago, if the Pirates can land him within their strict budget from the Dollar General. We aren’t convinced Santiago can be an everyday player, but that’s us. Some players are perfect role players, Santiago seems to be that guy.
Of course, there is always the conspiracy theory that Santiago is a solid insurance policy. A guy with more position flexibility than Cedeno. Let’s stir the pot and say Santiago starts at shortstop and plays well defensively, but hits like shit. Meanwhile, one the young prospects takes a step forward.
Could Santiago move to second and have Neil Walker slide to third should Pedro Alvarez flop? That theory is beloved by a few people–we think it’s idiotic, but heh, just saying.
Could Santiago move to third? He could, but if this happens, we are shutting down RumBunter.
Santiago could keep the position warm until one of the many questionable options at short is ready. Players like Pedro Ciriaco, Chase d’Arnaud, and eventually the man with the most current upside–Jordy Mercer seem likely to be playing shortstop in Pittsburgh at some point in 2012. Whether they earn the spot, or are thrust into it is the big question mark.
It’s something to consider and we think Santiago is viewed by the Pirates as the preferred option to Cedeno. On paper, we think the Pirates must feel that Santiago’s advantages outweigh what Cedeno can bring moving forward.
All of it makes sense on paper. Kinda. So perhaps the Pirates will hit it right. (Hold it back) Maybe it won’t be a poor signing of a 32-year old offensively declining player by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Heh - we heard that Clint Hurdle told some people that he fixed the pitching this year and is committed to fixing the Pirates’ offense in 2012. (Hold it back)
If Hurdle is serious about the offense, Santiago isn’t going to improve dramatically with more playing time. Cedeno should be one of his first projects. There is no reason to think that Cedeno shouldn’t hit 15 homers a season. None.
Anyway, who knows what the Bucs will do – but at least we have this comment from one of the guys we love to follow: JP Bucco, who said this on twitter:
“It won’t be the worst Santiago the Pirates have ever signed.”
Brewers Have Options at Shortstop By Greg Matzek CREATED Nov. 1, 2011
On Sunday, the Milwaukee Brewers chose not to pick up the contract option for veteran shortstop, Yuniesky Bettancourt. After an up-and-down season, Bettancourt was due $6 million next season if his option would have been picked up.
Deductive reasoning would tell you that the Brewers are done with the much maligned shortstop. They could technically bring him back at a reduced cost, but I can't see the need for an undisciplined hitter with poor range as a backup. He would be unreliable as a pinch hitter, and no where near the level of quality required of a defensive replacement.
The good news for the Brewers is that the free agent pool for shortstops appears to be one of depth this off-season. How the Brewers handle filling the position largely depends on what free agent first baseman Prince Fielder decides to do. They could shoot for a stop-gap value veteran, roll the dice on a higher priced veteran with a couple good years left, or go all-in.
The value players: Ramon Santiago (Detroit Tigers), Jamey Carroll (LA Dodgers), Orlando Cabrera (SF Giants).
Of the value players, Santiago is the best fielder and may come with the smallest price tag at perhaps $2-3 million per season. Carroll and Cabrera are veterans of 10+ years who may not be able to last a full season as a starter without wearing down. All three are versatile defenders but lack offensive punch...especially Carroll and Santiago. Unlike Bettancourt, however, all three know how to get on base and are not considered a liability in the field.
MLB Rumors: Ramon Santiago Could Be Attractive For Pirates
by Charlie Wilmoth • Nov 12, 2011 7:01 AM EST
The Pirates could pursue free agent infielder Ramon Santiago to fill their open shortstop spot, FOX Sports reports.
Santiago maintained a .685 OPS for the Detroit Tigers over the past three seasons while averaging roughly 100 games played per year. He’s regarded as a sure-handed defender at second base and shortstop. The 32-year-old has become immensely popular with his teammates in Detroit because of his leadership and confident, easygoing demeanor.
The Pirates declined their very reasonable option on Ronny Cedeno's services for next year. While Cedeno wasn't anyone's favorite player, he has enough value that it's fair to wonder why the Pirates would drop him for $2.8 million, especially given their usual troubles convincing free agents to come to Pittsburgh. However, Santiago might work well as a replacement - he's older than Cedeno, which is too bad, but he's arguably better both offensively and defensively, and he might be convinced to come to Pittsburgh because the Pirates can promise him a starting job.
The Bucs' top options at shortstop right now are Chase D'Arnaud and Jordy Mercer, neither of whom look ready to be big-league regulars.
http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-pirates/2011/11/12/2556287/mlb-rumors-ramon-santiago-pirates
Jonathan Papelbon To The Phillies And Ramon Santiago To The Pirates, And Other Engrossing Hot Stove News
Your roundup of all the hottest hot-stove items of the day (and whatever sxxx Ken Rosenthal is throwing against the wall). This is ... HOT xxxxxxx STOVE!!!!
• Jonathan Papelbon is on the Phillies, apparently. Four years, and 50 million mistakes dollars. Papelbon's status as a Type A free agent will force Philadelphia to hand over a first-round pick as compensation. A candlelight vigil will be held in its honor. [MLB.com]
• The Pirates need a shortstop. Naturally, in keeping with their 20-year rebuilding project, their first inclination has pointed them toward the 32-year-old Ramon Santiago. [MLB Trade Rumors]
http://deadspin.com/5858859/jonathan-papelbon-to-the-phillies-and-ramon-santiago-to-the-pirates-and-other-engrossing-hot-stove-news
Twins Interested In Tigers' Ramon Santiago And Alex Gonzalez For Shortstop
by Brian Packey • Oct 22, 2011 9:33 PM CDT
We're still a few games away from the baseball offseason, but what better time to start talking about it than right in the middle of Game 3 of the World Series? None, of course.
Even if some of the fans need time to regroup, the Twins organization is definitely already assessing their needs and wants to make next season a more enjoyable one. One of the major positions they'll be looking to fill this offseason is shortstop, where they had trouble penciling in a single name, let alone ever an effective one. Four different names -- Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Alexi Casilla, Trevor Plouffe, and Matt Tolbert -- made up for most of the 162 games at short this year and none exactly impressed.
While there's plenty of speculation that shortstop Jose Reyes will bolt on the Mets, the Twins -- like they've always shrewdly done -- are looking toward a couple cheaper commodities that can potentially help [via Twins Insider]:
The Twins discussed a lot of their offseason wants, needs and hopes, They examined the free agent market, particularly for starting pitchers and shortstops. They are determined to find a reliable shortstop this offseason and players like Ramon Santiago and Alex Gonzalez could be on their radar.
If by reliable they mean a plus 30-year-old that can probably play over 100 games in a season, they may have their guy, but that's about it. Razor Ramon Santiago is a glorified utility man and Alex Gonzalez will be 35-years-old, coming off of his worst defensive season.
http://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-twins/2011/10/22/2507639/twins-offseason-plans-shortstop
Other rumors in the air.......Dodgers, Padres, Giants.....it’s free agency....you never know!