Alright Hamilton MailBag: Offseason Questions

The offseason is officially underway and things are already getting interesting. The Twins have picked up Jason Kubel's option and declined Nick Punto's, but they're far from done. Here are some letters I've received wondering about the direction the ballclub will take this winter.

Q:   I know the Twins have a lot of guys who aren't under contract for next season. Who is coming back and who isn't? I really hope we bring back Brian Buscher!
- Mrs. Buscher, Jacksonville, FL

A:   Alright, maybe I'm not ready to answer these kinds of questions. Why does the cold beginning have to happen so soon after the bitter end? It's a serious swing in expectation levels. It was just one month ago that the Twins were in the playoffs. I was in Target Field, watching Michael Cuddyer hit a home run off C.C. Sabathia. I swear it happened. It was the peak of a years worth of excitement and hope. It was the best Twins team on paper in recent history in the first year of a grand new ballpark.

And now we're starting over again, just like it never happened? Well, I don't know if I can do it. Everyone is telling me not to be satisfied when the Twins win the division. I'm supposed to ask for more. I'm supposed to expect more. I'm supposed to will that notion upon the Twins management and players.

That 'World Series or Bust' mentality, when coupled with the soul-crushing Yankees looming around every corner, creates a neat little bumper-car complex inside the head of the average Twins fan. I mean, how can we look at anything they do, on or off the field, without our subconscious saying, "So what? How will this help them beat the Yankees?" And I'll guarantee the media, the players, the coaches and the front office have that question in the back of their mind too.

Q:   Will the Twins be active on the free agent market this year? It would be nice to get Cliff Lee!
 - Leo Spaghetti, Pine Trees, MN


A:   Maybe I'm overreacting. I've always thought that being a baseball fan is different because relaxing actually increases the enjoyment. If LaTroy Hawkins starts walking guys while the Twins are down by five in the 7th inning, just relax and get another coke with those ice cubes that are the size of jelly beans.

So that's what I'll do during the season - relax and enjoy the ride. Even though they serve regular, boring ice cubes now.

Q:   What's your favorite Mick Jagger movie role? 
 - Janice Rhinestones, Muckluck, WI 

Twins Inbox: Decent Questions, Dumb Answers

The Twins Mailbag, a longtime staple of the official Twins website, was recently renamed The Twins Inbox.

Now that the questions are emailed, it's filtered out some of the nutball cabin dweller shut-ins from up north who pace around muttering, "why don't they sign Barry Bonds."

Let's take a look at some Very Important Questions that were recently fielded by MLB writer Kelly Thesier.

I was wondering what the progress is on Boof Bonser and Pat Neshek? Any hopes that they'll be ready to pitch in the 2010 season?
-- Conni C., Ramsey, Minn

Let me answer your question with another question: Any hopes that they'll be ready to play shortstop in the 2009 season?


With the difficulties the bullpen has seen and with our young staff, would a six-man starting rotation help the Twins to give everyone rest rather than moving Anthony Swarzak to the 'pen? I think it would allow our starters to throw more pitches and possibly take a bit of load off the 'pen. What do you think?
-- David C., Minneapolis

Wow. Revolutionary. Better forward this one straight to Gardy. Apply the same idea to beer and start making 7-packs. Actually, that's not a bad idea. You should email Budweiser.

Why has Joe Mauer been hitting so many more home runs this year?
-- Tyler T., Minneapolis

Robby Incmikoski.

Will the Twins ever use Joe Nathan in a more extensive pitching role? There have been games when it is tied in the eighth inning, and the bullpen comes in and loses the game for us. I'm curious as to the logic behind saving Nathan only for save situations.
-- Shannon S., Minneapolis

Maybe he should start some games. The Twins could go to a 7-man pitching rotation, which would really take some stress off of our 'pen and young rotation.

Each starter could pitch on their favorite day of the week, adding comfort and stability. Like a mattress.

Do you think the Twins will re-sign Mauer, and if they do, will it be a long-term contract or a short-term contract?
-- Danny V., Lake City, Minn

Mauer's contract is up after the 2010 season. The Twins will have to weigh their options carefully. If the Twins explore the trade market, it's possible they could receive a nice package from another team. Remember, they've had great success trading talent to larger markets, acquiring impact players like Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez. If they were in a position to trade Mauer, they could scoff at some decent offers, get lowballed, then forced to make a trade for some bad prospects and one major leaguer who isn't even their top prospect and will under acheive, well, they'd certainly take a look.

When is Gardy going to abandon the 100-pitch count?
-- Bill M., Bismarck, N.D.

When he adopts the six-man pitching rotation.

Mid-Season Questions and Answers

I was going to pretend that we had a bunch of questions from our loyal readership but it was just too unbelievable to even write it down. Obviously, no one has (or will) ever ask us questions when there are way more qualified Twins resources out there. But it's fun to dream and make up questions that you think you can answer. It's fun, you should try it. Seriously, do it in the comments, ask a question and answer it yourself. It's great. Here goes.


"What are the chances the Twins make the playoffs?" M.H., Minneapolis, MN

Well the PECOTA adjusted playoff odds at Baseball Prospectus puts the Twins at about 12.7% chance of making the playoffs. Based on my feelings (and that's what you were asking anyways, right?) I think the Twins chances are slightly better than that. I'd say somewhere in the 30-35% chance. I actually think the Twins have a better chance of winning the AL central than they do the Wild card. The Red Sox, Yankees and Rays are all pretty intimidating, while the White Sox and Detroit, not so much.

"Do you think Liriano will be up in the rotation soon?" M. Haas, Minneapolis, MN

If you (the imaginary person) would have asked me a week ago after Liriano had a great game against Lehigh Valley, with 7 innings, 9 SO and only 1 BB. I would have predicted that Livan would have been hit hard on the 4th and that the Twins would need to start to think about brining him up. But without Livan having a major melt down, I don't see any other starter in fear of losing their spot. In a perfect world, BS and RG would trade Livan away while he is doing alright and make room for the young Liriano. Which brings me to the next question.

"Will the Twins make a move before the deadline?" Mike H., Minneapolis, MN

It's not looking good. Bill Smith has said "you don't want to tinker too much with something that's not broken." While I agree the Twins aren't "broken" you can't be totally mesmerized my the recent success the Twins have had. Almost all those games were at home and with this upcoming road trip, things could turn around in a hurry. I don't see the Twins making a move by the 31st and that makes me a bit sad.

"Will Morneau participate in the Home Run Derby?" Michael Haas, Minneapolis, MN

Since he hasn't been asked yet, and with only 3 spots left, it's not looking good. Not that I really believe that it can fuck up your swing, I won't be sad if he doesn't participate. I just don't want to hear about how he is from Canada, played hockey growing up, is good friends with the other part of the M&M duo and all the other shit national commentators talk about constantly.

"Did Gardy make a mistake last night when he put Bass in?" Haasertime, Minneapolis, MN

Last night's game has brought about a lot of talk concerning Gardy's decision to choose Bass over well, just about anyone else in the Twins bullpen in the 8th. I think it was a mistake to not only bring him in, but to have him pitch to Manny. I was hoping, Bass would have at least walked Manny and brought Crain in to get Lowell to hit into a double play. I know, I know, it's easy to make these decisions after the fact, but I bet at least 90% of the Twins fans watching, put their palm to their face when you saw Bass walking to the mound. I thought it should have been Neshek (joking).

That's about it for my answers, please feel free to tell me how I am a complete moron in the comments section.

More Dumb Twins Mailbag Questions, Answers

We'll try it again. Over at the Twins official website, beat writer Kelly Thesier periodically fields questions from the fans. It can make for some informative baseball talk, but it's not exactly groundbreaking stuff. You see, Ms. Thesier works for the Twins, so she is required to tow the company line and remain optimistic about things. So I'm going to answer dumb fans questions from the biased, negative fans view. Click here to see the original Q and A.

Q: Why were the Twins willing to invest big money into Joe Nathan while letting Torii Hunter walk via free agency?
-- Maximilian S

A: Ugh, we've been over this. Torii wanted years. Many years, for lots of money. Now if you want to talk about the true value of a closer (vs a centerfielder), that is debatable. Here's a question for you: what kind of name is Maximillion?

Here's a quick question I missed from last time. I'm not even going to answer it, because the question is hilarious in and of itself.

Q: What are the chances that the Twins could get Barry Bonds? It seems not many teams are interested in him, and I think he'd fit good as another veteran in the Twins young lineup.
-- Donald W

Nice fucking grammar, Don.


Q: I was wondering if Carlos Gomez is still eligible for Rookie of the Year and if not, what is the cut off point?
-- Michael P

A: Ok, this isn't such a dumb question, although you could just as easily google it. I think Michael P just wants to see his name on the internets. Cool man. Gomez is not eligible for rookie of the year, MICHAEL P.


Q: Did the Twins front office ever think about giving an extension to Delmon Young while he is still inexpensive? Or is that on next offseason's agenda?
-- Anthony H

A: I don't understand how anyone could get that excited for Delmon freakin Young to actually suggest that he deserves an extension. Someone has been drinking the Delmon kool-aid. That's just disgusting.

Q: Is there a possibility that we may see Nick Punto demoted to Triple-A Rochester with his continuing struggles at the plate and no signs of any improvement? Could he possibly be traded during the year?
-- Scott B

A: Yeah, that's a good idea Scott. If the Twins sent down Punto, he could work..on...his...hitting. hahahaha, and uh, become a b- better hitter. HAHHAHAHAHHA. Okay, can't type that with a straight face. Insert your own joke about his... trade...value.
Wow.