| Carl Setterlund. 26th December, 2005 - 9:04 pm
 Minnesota Twins GM Terry Ryan went into the offseason with a clear goal, to improve what was a dismal offense in 2005. It became almost painful last year watching a lineup that at points featured Terry Tiffee as the cleanup hitter. In what was already a weak free agent class, the Ryan was looking to sign a hidden gem or two under the radar for a bargain price. However, once the market price was established it became clear that the Twins would not be able to compete financially with the contracts other teams were offering. In a day and age when borderline stars like Johnny Damon and Rafael Furcal are worth $13 million a year, a safe dependable free agent was not going to waltz in at $3 million a year.
With this in mind Ryan had to search out bargains while realizing that he would not be able to retain right fielder Jacque Jones who recently signed with the Chicago Cubs for three years, $16 million. Jones of course, earned this contract after posting a career low .249 batting average. His replacement would appear to be Lew Ford who will make a fraction of what Jones makes.
First, Ryan took advantage of the opportunity to deal for a player from the Florida Marlins who were in the process of strip-mining the team. He seized the chance to deal for second baseman Luis Castillo, for a couple borderline prospects. What Castillo lacks in power he makes up for in plate discipline, fielding and base running. Last year he posted a .301 BA and a .391 on-base percentage while at the same time earning his third gold glove with just seven errors. The Twins will pay Castillo a reasonable $5 million next year to be their leadoff hitter.
Next the Twins front office sought a third baseman. Ryan first turned his attention to Bill Mueller, a quiet, aging, but stable and consistent player who played a key role on the Red Sox 2004 World Series squad. After giving up hope on Mueller, Ryan decided to settle on thirty-two year old Tony Batista who has hit 26 or more home runs five times in his career but who also comes with a .251 career batting average. Batista is fresh off a year of play with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of the Japanese Pacific League. The price? Batista was given a one year non-guaranteed deal worth $1.25 million.
Lastly Minnesota signed Rondell White, a former all-star who has scarcely played a full season in his twelve year career. For $3.25 million the Twins hope to use White as a middle of the lineup hitter who will bring both power and close to a .300 BA. While he is a risk, the Twins hope to reduce White?s injuries by turning him into a designated hitter.
Terry Ryan has replaced Jacque Jones and his $5 million salary with Luis Castillo. He then committed a total of $4.5 million on free agents, part of which isn?t guaranteed. Overall, the Twins have accomplished the task of improving their lineup to the level of respectability. They now have a top of the lineup hitter and two decent power bats to take the pressure off of Shannon Stewart and Torii Hunter who had down years last year. Furthermore, they?ve taken pressure of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau as they continue to mature. Most importantly, Twins fans will no longer have to watch Terry Tiffee attempt to be a cleanup hitter.
Hitting has not been the strength of the Twins organization for years now. The pitching staff is one of the strongest in the American League with two ace caliber pitchers in Johan Santana and Brad Radke and good middle rotation starters like Carlos Silva and Kyle Lohse. With middle relievers Juan Rincon and Jesse Crain and top closer Joe Nathan, the Twins? bullpen is just as strong as its rotation. With the acquisition of Luis Castillo, they ensure not losing anything from their usual high quality defense. These are the Twins true strengths.
With limited financial backing this offseason, Terry Ryan worked his magic once again. Making a couple shrewd moves and taking a few calculated risks, the Twins look to have a competitive offense once more next year and to be in the hunt for a playoff berth. Just a small market team making small market moves. |
