Should the sox get in the bidding on Radke? The Twins reportedly offered Radke a 2 yr, $14 mill deal. The St. Paul Pioneer Press said that it would likely take a 2 yr, $17 mill. deal [with Seattle, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Dodgers the teams after him]. It's hard to see the Twins putting in another $3 mill+ or more. With LA and Phi. after him, the price could even go up a little.

 

Would Radke be worth $17 mill for 2 yrs? At least he wouldn't have a long term contract. I'd certainly try to trade with the A's for one of their big 3 over Radke, or go for Randy Johnson. Yet making sure Radke was away from the Twins would be an even bigger blow to them.

To me, Radke it worth 6-7 mil a year, and getting him off of the Twins is worth the extra couple million a year. We can't forget the robbing the Twins factor when looking at the worth of Radke.

To me, Radke it worth 6-7 mil a year, and getting him off of the Twins is worth the extra couple million a year.  We can't forget the robbing the Twins factor when looking at the worth of Radke.

I'm sure other teams like Sea, Phi, or LA would pay more than the Twins. It's also pretty likely Radke would sign early [he's only looking for a 2 yr deal, most FA's would want 3+ yrs, he should be one of the first SP's to sign], before the Sox could explore trading for an ace.

 

Yet Radke would be a nice backup plan if things fell through elsewhere. If the Twins don't sign Radke, that would leave them w/ a huge hole in their rotation. They'd basically only have Santana and Silva.

To me, Radke it worth 6-7 mil a year, and getting him off of the Twins is worth the extra couple million a year.  We can't forget the robbing the Twins factor when looking at the worth of Radke.

But if we take him away from the Twins they'll just go after someone else in the fa market. If we pay more than Radke's value, and they pick up someone else at fair value, I'll think they beat us on that deal. I'd rather we ignore the fact that he's a Twin and just try to find the best fa deals, whoever they are. And that price sounds steep to me, although I'm willing to be convinced that he's worth it.

But if we take him away from the Twins they'll just go after someone else in the fa market.  If we pay more than Radke's value, and they pick up someone else at fair value, I'll think they beat us on that deal.  I'd rather we ignore the fact that he's a Twin and just try to find the best fa deals, whoever they are.  And that price sounds steep to me, although I'm willing to be convinced that he's worth it.

When was the last time the Twins signed a FA pitcher!? Mulholland for $1. Kenny Rogers for $1 mill. The Twins will likely trade a guy like Jones for a SP, let rookies pitch, or go with cheap FA's [less than $1 mill]. If Minn loses Radke, likely to one of the other teams, they'll be in trouble.

 

Sea, Phi, and LA all seem willing to pay $17 mill for Radke. He's probably worth it [due to his control and ability to eat innings], but not more than that.

When was the last time the Twins signed a FA pitcher!? Mulholland for $1. Kenny Rogers for $1 mill. The Twins will likely trade a guy like Jones for a SP, let rookies pitch, or go with cheap FA's [less than $1 mill]. If Minn loses Radke, likely to one of the other teams, they'll be in trouble.

 

Sea, Phi, and LA all seem willing to pay $17 mill for Radke. He's probably worth it [due to his control and ability to eat innings], but not more than that.

Just b/c they haven't done so in the past doesn't mean they won't do so now. I don't doubt that they'll pick up a cheaper option, too. (Can you imagine Loaiza on the Twins?) But you're right -- there's not much there besides Santana and Silva, plus some prayers for Kyle Lohse (we've all got our Garlands). At that point, I can't imagine a team that wouldn't say to itself that it needs another bona fide starter. And obviously, they have the budget to pick up someone, since they're offering Radke decent money. The Twins desperately need a good staff, b/c that offense (while decent) cannot carry a team. So I'm guessing need trumps tradition.

Just b/c they haven't done so in the past doesn't mean they won't do so now.  I don't doubt that they'll pick up a cheaper option, too.  (Can you imagine Loaiza on the Twins?)  But you're right -- there's not much there besides Santana and Silva, plus some prayers for Kyle Lohse (we've all got our Garlands).  At that point, I can't imagine a team that wouldn't say to itself that it needs another bona fide starter.  And obviously, they have the budget to pick up someone, since they're offering Radke decent money.  The Twins desperately need a good staff, b/c that offense (while decent) cannot carry a team.  So I'm guessing need trumps tradition.

Don't forget who owns this team...Pohlad has had the Twins on the block for what 5 years? Each year they get into the playoffs. That's more money in his pocket. Normally, that would lead to an increased payroll. Pohlad is trying to make the Twins look financially viable. I agree with beck...no big FA signings for the Twins.

Just b/c they haven't done so in the past doesn't mean they won't do so now.  I don't doubt that they'll pick up a cheaper option, too.  (Can you imagine Loaiza on the Twins?)  But you're right -- there's not much there besides Santana and Silva, plus some prayers for Kyle Lohse (we've all got our Garlands).  At that point, I can't imagine a team that wouldn't say to itself that it needs another bona fide starter.  And obviously, they have the budget to pick up someone, since they're offering Radke decent money.  The Twins desperately need a good staff, b/c that offense (while decent) cannot carry a team.  So I'm guessing need trumps tradition.

The Twins will likely try and strike gold in a young pitcher [ala Silva from Phi. last year]. then try to sign a big FA SP. If they refuse to pay their own long time players like Radke, Koskie and Milton, I can't see them shelling out big bucks for an odalis Perez or Matt Clement. They're just too cheap.

The Twins will likely try and strike gold in a young pitcher [ala Silva from Phi. last year]. then try to sign a big FA SP. If they refuse to pay their own long time players like Radke, Koskie and Milton, I can't see them shelling out big bucks for an odalis Perez or Matt Clement. They're just too cheap.

And it doesn't fit their pattern at all. They will try to wrap up Radke first no doubt, but then they will try to catch lightning in a bottle like they always do.

Everything I've read has said the Twins continue to make Radke their number one priority. I invison them re-signing Radke and calling it an off-season. It will be a "one and done" kind of free agency for the Twinks.

Everything I've read has said the Twins continue to make Radke their number one priority.  I invison them re-signing Radke and calling it an off-season.  It will be a "one and done" kind of free agency for the Twinks.

I keep reading that also, but since he wants a contract in the 2 years 17-19 million dollar range i find it hard to believe he will take that much less to stay with them. Remember theres hardly any loyalty is sports now a days.

Do not be surprised if they trade Hunter. He'll make probably around $10 mill next year, and they have replacements for him(be it Ford or Jones). They are not nearly as good defensively, but offensively, they are solid enough that they can replace the production Hunter gives them.

 

I couldn't give you exact teams that would have interest in Hunter, but there would be teams that would. Who wouldn't like a 29 year old GG CFer who will give you .270 25 90 20 .800? His contract is a little high, but you can work around that, due to his capabilities in CF.

 

Radke is priority #1...they do not want to lose Radke.

I keep reading that also, but since he wants a contract in the 2 years 17-19 million dollar range i find it hard to believe he will take that much less to stay with them. Remember theres hardly any loyalty is sports now a days.

I read that Cleveland would offer him a 2 year deal that would pay him $9M next season.

I read that Cleveland would offer him a 2 year deal that would pay him $9M next season.

Holy s***, that would be no good. I would be happy with Minny losing him, but Cleveland getting him doesnt help us a hell of a lot.

I read that Cleveland would offer him a 2 year deal that would pay him $9M next season.

If they add radke, another decent starter, and get a couple more bullpen arms they will win the division next year imo. Hell, at least it wouldn't be the twins again.

I keep reading that also, but since he wants a contract in the 2 years 17-19 million dollar range i find it hard to believe he will take that much less to stay with them. Remember theres hardly any loyalty is sports now a days.

I don't think he would take the pay cut to remain with them either. What I do think, however, is that the Twins would pony-up and sign him to the contract that he is looking for...and then call it quits. Sign the occassional "project player," or trade do free up some dough.

Do yourself a favor and look at Radke's era over the last 6-7 years with that very good defense behind him. I would like to have him but I feel the premium placed on him will make him a bad sign for a moderate-budget team like us.

Do yourself a favor and look at Radke's era over the last 6-7 years with that very good defense behind him. I would like to have him but I feel the premium placed on him will make him a bad sign for a moderate-budget team like us.

Anyways, he is due for a couple bad years after a good year, that is his trend anyway.

Do yourself a favor and look at Radke's era over the last 6-7 years with that very good defense behind him. I would like to have him but I feel the premium placed on him will make him a bad sign for a moderate-budget team like us.

I'd agree with you if he wasn't on a division rival, If he was a pitcher from the NL Centra, but he's not. He's on the three time defending division champion Minnesota Twins.