The positive of the Silva signing is the Twins are stockpiling arms, not sure what kind of arms, but they are planning for a future w/o Liriano.
The key to Liriano is to keep him in the country and moving toward recovery. The last thing the Twins need is him dissappearing in the D. Republic for a few months so he can run around with Juan Uribe types shooting the working class peasants or empty Red Stripes with pellet guns.
I also think Silva would have been let go if not for Liriano's elbow and it's starting to sound an awful lot like Liriano is done for next year though I'm not so sure how ethical it is to go in and get Tommy John surgery done when they can't actually find a problem. As much as it pains me I'm starting to agree with Sid on this one; the problem is more mental than physical, there's a reason the Giants let him go for a song.
They've got Hunter for 1 more year and assuming Liriano is done, do the Twins go after Radke and try to convince him to stay 1 more year? He was set to announce his retirement at the end of the season, then after the World series, now it's sounding like the end of the month at best, think the time table being pushed back is a coincedence considering they haven't figured out what to do about Liriano yet?
When you look at the free agent pitchers out there it's pretty obvious the Twins won't go in that direction do to money.
For example, Tommy John surgery has a history of making players throw harder.
But just going by context, isn't it kinda the same as steroids? It helps players get back from an injury faster and they can perform better?
What if they come out with a surgery that can make you jump higher by tweaking your Achilles? Or removing part of your hamstring? Is surgery unethical in anyway?
Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 Girls
Goldy.... I have to give you credit, you are certainly a gentleman of higher moral standing than myself when it comes to the Twins.
I am a fan, I have the luxury of being unethical. My opinions on the Twins stem from a very self centered perspective. I want wins and championships. Now I'm not so unethical to look the other direction all the time. The Vikings for me have been unwatchable in recent years and it had nothing to do with losses. A healthy Liriano makes the Twins better, and I want whatever it takes to get him better.
I don't think Liriano's health has anything to do with a Radke return. If Radke is delaying the press conference because of 2nd thoughts about another year its because he thinks he can do it physically. At this point it isn't money or the Twins begging him for a return.
Well ER , I am not a MD but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night so...
I dont think these surgeries are an enhancement. If they start putting in bionoc elbows we could have an issue. So long as they are just using flesh and bone to restore function,I dont see an ehics issue.
Liriano may have some head issues but I find it hard to beleive the pain is all in his head. I also dont understand why this is such a Boofin mystery.
He has no tear that can be seen on an MRI. He has tendonitis in the elbow. If it cant be controled with medication, its chronic and wont go away and he needs a new tendon if he is going to pitch.
I have had elbow problems from pitching BP, tennis elbow and golfers elbow. Its very annoying but it goes away with rest and anti inflamatory pills. If it doesnt, get the knife.
I think that Mauer and Morneau are priorities but not #1. Get a hitter for 2007 and win the World Series. Thats job #1.
It is assumed that Radke will make his retirement official by the end of the month. I think Santana, and Boof are rather proven atleast. Garza WILL be good someday.
According to reports out of Motown, Detroit is mulling the pros and cons of dealing Bonderman, saying that the Tigers, who are seeking a first baseman with power, a young catcher to eventually succeed Pudge Rodriguez, and infield help in return for their talented hurler.
What do you guys think of this? I'm not implying the Twins take a run at him because I highly doubt that would happen, but what does this do to the shakeup of the Central? They have been rumored to have turned down Adam Dunn, Jason LaRue & Brandon Phillips from the Reds. Looking for Texiera or something of that caliber. Thoughts?
Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 Girls
The Sheffield deal today quickly got me thinking hardball again.
My local keeps listing every team's free agents. It lists Rondell under the Twins, I thought the Twins signed him to a 2 year deal last year.
In the event Rondell/Tyner/Kubel are not seen as the answer for LF or DH by management. Do any of these guys interest you, and furthermore, who would the Twins be willing to purchase?
Leftfield Candidates
Todd Hollandsworth
Gabe Kapler
Trot Nixon
Frank Catalanatto
Luis Gonzalez
Brian Jordan
Preston Wilson
Jay Payton
Dave Roberts
Jeromy Burnitz
DH Candidates
Kevin Millar
Matt Stairs
Bernie Williams
Mike Piazza
Todd Walker
Jose Valentin
Scott Speizio
Moises Alou
The team has an option on Rondell for next year, so I assume the paper is exploring the possibility the team doesn't pick it up.
Trot Nixon intrigues. He is a hard-nosed player with some pop, but the fact that he is left-handed doesn't help his cause as we are already loaded with lefties.
Much to packerboy's dismay, I agree with ER that we need a SP first, somebody to help stabilize the rotation. TwinsNation agrees with me as well, 71% on the Twins website believe a starting pitcher is our biggest need.