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.