The Week That Was 7/23 – 7/29

• It was a busy week for the Wolves as the front office made five roster moves. President of Basketball Operations David Kahn started the flurry of moves on Tuesday night by shipping guard Wayne Ellington off to the Memphis Grizzlies in return for forward Dante Cunningham. The next day, the Boston Celtics rescinded a qualifying offer to Greg Stiemsma, making him an unrestricted free agent and allowing him to sign with the Wolves. On that same day, the Timberwolves announced that the team had signed Russian guard Alexey Shved. Friday afternoon the Wolves announced they completed a three-team trade that sent Wes Johnson and a future lottery protected first-round pick to the Phoenix Suns, the Suns sent Robin Lopez and Hakim Warrick to the New Orleans Hornets, the Hornets sent Brad Miller to Phoenix, and three future second-round picks to Minnesota. The trade freed up cap space for the Wolves as they announced later that day that they had signed former Utah Jazz and New Jersey Nets forward Andrei Kirilenko. Kirilenko and the Wolves agreed on a two-year deal worth $20 million, with a player option in the second year of the deal.
  
• The Twins opened up this week in Chicago as they took on the White Sox. Franscico Liriano’s performance on Monday night would be a sign of things to come for the Twins. Liriano pitched two and 2/3 innings giving up seven earned runs on seven hits, including three home runs, one walk and two strikeouts. The south-siders outscored the Twins in the three-game series 26-10. Friday the Twins began a six-game home-stand as they took on the Indians. Scott Diamond’s performance Friday night was the exact opposite of Liriano’s on Monday night. Diamond threw a complete game shutout, scattering three hits and striking out six. It was the first complete game of Diamond’s career and the first shutout for the Twins this season. The Twins swept the tribe out of Minnesota, outscoring Cleveland 28-6 during the three-game set. The Twins begin a three-game series with the White Sox on Monday night.
• Following Saturday night’s 12-5 win over the Cleveland Indians, the Twins announced that they had traded Franscico Liriano to the Chicago White Sox. It appeared Liriano’s trade value wasn’t as high as many thought it was as the Twins received infielder Eduardo Escobar and pitcher Pedro Hernandez, which many considered to be C-level prospects. Escobar played 36 games for Chicago this year — mostly played at third base — hitting just .207/.281/.276. Per BaseballAmerica.com, Esobar’s glove will, “buy him at-bats for the rebuilding Twins.” Hernandez owns a 3.42 career ERA and a 1.24 career WHIP in five-plus minor league seasons. Hernandez, who has a “plus changeup and plus control,” according to BaseballAmerica.com, projects to be a back of the rotation pitcher.
• Remember Lew Ford? The former Twin made his return to the big leagues in nearly five years today with the Baltimore Orioles. The left fielder went 0-3 in his debut with the O’s, but rather than making the highlight reels with his bat, Ford made them with his arm today when he threw out speedy Oakland Athletics center fielder Yoenis Cespedes trying to stretch a single into a double. In five seasons with the Twins, Ford hit .272/.349/.402. Baltimore called him up after he hit .331/.390/.550 in Triple-A this year.
• The Vikings finally signed first round draft pick Matt Kalil on Thursday morning. At the time of the signing, Kalil was the highest draft selection — fourth overall — to not be signed to a deal. Kalil’s deal will be a four-year deal worth upwards of $19.7 million. The deal, which is fully guaranteed, includes a signing bonus of $12.8 million.

The Week That Was 7/16 – 7/22

• The Nicolas Batum dream died earlier this week when the Portland Trail Blazers matched the Timberwolves 4-year, $46.5 million offer to the French forward. During the 72-hour period of time Portland had to match Minnesota’s offer, the Wolves also lost out on free agent guard O.J. Mayo as he signed a 2-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. A few days later the Wolves lost out on another potential perimeter player when the Houston Rockets signed-and-traded guard Courtney Lee to the Boston Celtics. However, the Wolves were able to land some front court depth. Celtics restricted free agent big man Greg Stiemsma reached an agreement on an offer sheet with Wolves on Saturday.  It’s believed to be a one-year deal worth about $3 million per A. Sherrod Blakley. Last Season, Stiemsma averaged 13.9 minutes per game, averaging 2.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.  The Celtics will have 72-hours to match the deal, although it’s believed that they will let Stiemsma walk.
  
• The Twins capped off a 4-3 week by beating the Kansas City Royals 7-5 this afternoon. Starting pitcher Francisco Liriano was stellar again on Wednesday night.  Liriano went 6 innings, scattering four hits, walked three, and had 10 punch-outs against the Baltimore Orioles.  Since returning to the starting rotation on May 30th, the left-hander is 3-4 and holds a 2.84 ERA with 77 strikeouts and 28 walks in 63 1/3 innings.  The Twins will hand Frankie the ball on Monday as they will be hosted by the Chicago White Sox for a three-game series.
• Vikings wide receiver Michael Jenkins could be in danger of losing his job. Tom Pelissero of AM 1500 ESPN writes that fourth-round pick Greg Childs could end up taking the declining receiver’s job. With the Vikings adding receivers this offseason like Childs, Jarius Wright, and Jerome Simpson, suggests that Jenkins may have to fight for his playing time, as well as his roster spot.

The Week That Was 7/9 – 7/15

• Fresh off their All-Star break, the Twins stumbled out of the gate and fell flat on their face this weekend as they were swept by the Oakland Athletics.  The A’s, whose inept offense looked like 1927 New York Yankees “Murders Row”, outscored the hometown nine 24-10 in this weekend’s three-game series at Target Field.  The one bright spot for the Twinkies was pitcher Francisco Liriano’s performance on Friday night.  Frankie threw eight innings, scattering just four hits, walking one batter, and fanning 15 A’s. Liriano made one mistake when he gave up a grand slam to A’s left fielder Jonny Gomes, which would be all the A’s would need Friday night.  The Twins open up a four game series against the Baltimore Orioles at home on Monday night.  Scott Diamond is set to take the bump for the Twins. 
• It was a busy week down on 600 1st Avenue. NBA free agency began Tuesday night and since then Timberwolves General Manager David Kahn has already made a few moves to open up even more cap space to sign Portland Trail Blazer restricted free agent forward Nicolas Batum.  The Wolves amnestied Serbian big man Darko Milicic, waved forward Martell Webster, and traded the remaining year of retired center Brad Miller’s contract to the New Orleans Hornets for a conditional second round draft pick. The Wolves front office was trying to orchestrate a sign-and-trade with the Trail Blazers for Batum, but both sides could not come to an agreement. According to ESPN’s Ric Bucher, the Wolves offered three future 1st round draft picks and dangled forward Derrick Williams, the number two overall pick in the 2011 draft.  Once Webster cleared waivers Sunday night the Wolves signed Batum to an offer sheet which is said to be a four-year deal at $46.4 million, with bonuses that could bring the contract to $50 million.  Since Batum is a restricted free agent, Portland has 72 hours to match the Wolves offer sheet to retain the free agent. Portland has said all along that they  intend to match the Wolves offer to keep Batum. The deadline for the Blazers to match the offer sheet is Wednesday at 10:59 p.m.

Likely Twins To Be Dealt At Deadline

Heading into tonight’s series opener game against the Cincinnati Reds, the Twins hold a record of 27-41 which qualifies them as the worst team in the American League. The Twins are 9 games behind the division leading Cleveland Indians.  For recent Twins clubs of the past, 9 games back in the middle of June wasn’t that big a hole to dig themselves out of.  This Twins squad is a different story though. Outside of the stretch a few weeks ago were the Twins won four consecutive series, they have shown little signs that they, like in years past, can dig themselves out of this hole. We are a little over five weeks away from the July 31st trade deadline and the Twins will almost certainly be sellers.  Since they’re basically in rebuilding mode, the Twins have a handful of guys who can better the future of organization.

Francisco Liriano

Frankie’s first stint as a starter this season was putrid.  Liriano posted a record of 0-5 with a 9.45 ERA, 21/19 K/BB ratio in 26.2 innings pitched.  Liriano then had a brief stint in the bullpen in the month of May.  Since returning to the starting rotation, Liriano looks like a new pitcher. In his last five starts, Liriano has posted a 1-2 record with a 2.67 ERA, 35/12 K/BB ratio in 30.1 innings pitched. This is the highest his value has been since his 2010 season. Liriano is showing signs he has turned the corner and now is the time to capitalize on his market value.

Denard Span

Span has been one of the few bright spots for the Twins this season.  Denard has rebound nicely this season after coming off an injury plagued 2011 season. Span has been, to this point of the season, one of the top leadoff hitter in all of baseball. Thru 71 games this season, Span has a posted a slash line of .284/.350/.393 with 3 home runs, 18 RBI, 34 runs scored, and 7 steals. To go along with his productive bat, Span is also a very solid center fielder. His great speed gives him above average range in the outfield, and to this point of the season, Span has a fielding percentage of .994, only committing one error.  Span, who has a very payroll friendly contract, is owed $4.75 million in 2013, $6.5 million in 2014, and has a $9 million team option in 2015. This is the highest Span’s trade value has ever been and with the emergence of Ben Revere, it’s time to move Span for some pitching to replenish the farm system.

Justin Morneau

After a season full of injuries, it finally appears Justin Morneau is past his concussion issues that riddled his 2011 campaign.  Morneau will more than likely never be the MVP caliber player he was in 2010 before a concussion ended his season. From a games played stand point, Morneau has had a relatively successful season.  As far as numbers go, Morneau has put together a serviceable season thus far.  At this junction in the season, he is hitting .234/.304/.458 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI.  Left handed pitching has been Morneau’s kryptonite.  In 70 plate appearances this season against lefties, he is hitting an abysmal .091/.129/.197 with 2 home runs and 8 RBI.  If Morneau can figure out a way to solve his left-handed pitching woes in the weeks leading to the trade deadline, his value will increase immensely.  One thing however that is hurting his value on the trade market is his contract.  Morneau is owed $14 million for next season. The question for the Twins is, will they be able to make a deal with a team for B-level prospect with Morneau’s health concerns and contract?

Matt Capps

Believe it or not, but Matt Capps has been another one of the few bright spots for the Twins this season.  After a horrible 2011 season, Capps has compiled a solid 2012 season thus far. With a 1-4 record, Capps has converted 14 out of 16 save opportunities and owns a 3.55 ERA and 15/3 K/BB ratio over 25.1 innings of work as the closer this year.  Teams are always looking to add arms to their bullpens at the deadline.  While Capps probably won’t be a closer where ever he lands due to his low strikeout rate (5.3 K/9), he still has some value as a 7th or 8th inning guy out of the bullpen.

Ryan Doumit

About the only value Doumit has on the trade market is his bat.  He is hitting .253/.314/.409 with 6 home runs and 30 RBI so far this season. The Twins can’t expect to get much in return for a back-up catcher/DH, but Doumit is a free agent after this year.  The Twins would love to get something for Doumit rather than risk letting him walk after this year.

Josh Willingham

Josh Willingham has the most value of any player on the Twins roster.  In the midst of a career year, Willingham is hitting .277/.386/.545 with 14 home runs, 46 RBI, and 39 runs scored. While his defense in left field is suspect, the power he can provide in the middle of a batting order is enough to cover up his poor defense. Owed $7 million for 2013 and 2014 seasons, Willingham’s contract is also payroll friendly to a club. According to reports, the Twins have already been getting calls from other teams on Willingham’s availability. The Twins have said he isn’t available, but I would think that would change as the deadline approaches. Willingham’s value is high enough that the Twins could expect to get a top-tier prospect and a couple of second tier prospects in return for him.

Valencia to Triple-A, Liriano to Bullpen

Twins third baseman Danny Valencia

It’s official, the Minnesota Twins are the laughing-stock of Major League Baseball.  The Twins, who have lost 13 of their last 16 games, hold a Major League-worst 8-22 record.  After being no hit a week ago by Jered Weaver and nearly no hit again a few days later by Felix Hernandez, it appears the Twins have hit rock bottom.

Following Wednesday’s 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Twins GM Terry Ryan and Manager Ron Gardenhire decided to shake the roster up.  Third baseman Danny Valencia was optioned to Triple-A Rochester,  reliever Matt Maloney was designated for assignment, and starter Francisco Liriano will be moved to the bullpen.  Valencia, in the midst of an 0-21 slump, is batting .198/.212/.302 (batting average/on-base/slugging) with one home run and 10 RBI in 99 plate appearances this season.  Twins beat writer John Shipley (@Shipleykid) of the St. Paul Pioneer Press tweeted Valencia’s response on being sent down to the minors.

“It’s hard not to say I didn’t see it coming because I haven’t been hitting very well.”

On Liriano, Gardenhire says the plan is to get him some confidence in the bullpen and ultimately moving him back into the starting rotation.  Francisco Liriano is 0-5 with 9.45 ERA, 2.10 WHIP and 21/19 K/BB ratio in 26.2 innings pitched this season. John Shipley also tweeted Gardy’s response on moving Liriano to the bullpen.

“We’ve just got to get him right.”

With Valencia and Maloney being taken off the 25 man roster, corresponding moves were made to fill their roster spots.  Twins call up OF/2B Darin Mastroianni and starting pitcher P.J. Walters from Triple-A Rochester.  Mastroianni is batting .365/.405/.446 with no home runs, 10 stolen bases and 11 RBI in 80 plate appearances at Rochester.  Walters does have some big league experience .   While pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays, Walters in 20 appearances is 2-0 with a whopping 7.24 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 40/22 K/BB ratio in 51 innings pitched at the major league level, as Bert Blyleven would put it.  While at Rochester, Walters posted 3-1 record with a 2.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 25/6 K/BB ratio in 33.1 innings pitched.  Walters will take Liriano’s spot in the rotation and will start Saturday against the Blue Jays.  Associated Press sports writer Jon Krawczynki (@APkrawczynski) tweeted Ron Gardenhire on Liriano’s move to the bullpen and his thoughts on the two other roster moves.

“We need to make some changes. We need some hits. We need some new life in here, the whole package.”

The Twins hold a league worst 5.48 ERA as a pitching staff and have a team batting average of .238 that ranks near the bottom in Major League Baseball.