Re-living the trade deadline: Did Twins play it right?
Remember that July 31 trading deadline? The Minnesota Twins were buyers for the first time in a while and there was call from some fans to make a move for a big-name player.
The Twins did make one deal before Aug. 31, but those big names went elsewhere or weren't dealt at all. Should Minnesota have made more trades? Here's a look at how things have gone since the deadline.
Bullpen
A number of relievers were available and Minnesota did make a trade to bolster its pen, acquiring Kevin Jepsen from Tampa Bay. How has it worked out? Pretty darn well as Jepsen has definitely helped on the back end and more recently has taken over as closer with Glen Perkins sidelined.
Here's how Jepsen compares with some other relievers dealt at the deadline:
Kevin Jepsen, Twins: 20 games, 1.45 ERA, 7 saves, 0.857 WHIP, 4.3 H/9, 8.7 K/9
Jonathan Broxton, Cardinals: 16 games, 1.80 ERA, 1.267 WHIP, 6.0 H/9, 11.4 K/9
Steve Cishek, Cardinals: 18 games, 1.72 ERA, 1.021 WHIP, 6.3H/9, 5.7 K/9
Tyler Clippard, Mets: 23 games, 1.54 ERA, 2 saves, 0.900 WHIP, 5.4 H/9, 1.2 HR/9, 6.6 K/9
LaTroy Hawkins, Blue Jays: 13 games, 1.46 ERA, 1 save, 1.622 WHIP, 12.4 H/9, 8.0 K/9
Tommy Hunter, Cubs: 15 games, 5.84 ERA, 1 save, 1.541 WHIP, 11.7 H/9, 2.2 HR/9, 8.8 K/9
Jonathan Papelbon, Nationals: 16 games, 2.50 ERA, 6 saves, 0.944 WHIP, 8.0 H/9, 5.5 K/9
Joakim Soria, Pirates: 17 games, 3.60 ERA, 1 save, 1.267 WHIP, 7.8 H/9, 8.4 K/9
Catcher
Catcher was a presumed position needing of an upgrade and former Twin A.J. Pierzynski was a heavily rumored name to be traded, however he never left Atlanta. Here's how Pierzynski and Minnesota's Kurt Suzuki compare since Aug. 1:
Pierzynski: 26 games, 298/347/372, 13 RBI, 4 2b, 1 HR
Suzuki: 29 games, 281/324/385, 14 RBI, 4 2b, 2 HR
Outfield
A right-handed power bat was said to be of use for Minnesota and someone who could play left field. Cincinnati's Jay Bruce was one of the bigger names mentioned as a possibility. Instead, the Twins stuck to their youth and have rolled out rookie Eddie Rosario since the deadline. Here's how Bruce, still with the Reds, and Rosario compare since Aug. 1:
Bruce: 37 games, 176/213/317, 16 RBI, 9 2b, 1 3b, 3 HR, 35 K in 150 PA
Rosario: 35 games, 216/236/403, 15 RBI, 3 2b, 5 3b, 4 HR, 43 K in 140 PA
Shortstop
Ah yes, shortstop. That black hole of a position all year for the Twins. Fans were frothing at the mouth with the possibility of perhaps acquiring Colorado superstar Troy Tulowitzki. Those dreams were dashed quickly as Tulo was one of the first to be traded and while he did go north, it was north of the border to Toronto. Minnesota, meanwhile, finally established Eduardo Escobar as its starter at short. Seems like this was a good decision (or two) by the Twins. Here's how Tulowitzki and Escobar compare since July 29 (Tulo's first game with the Blue Jays):
Tulowitzki: 37 games, 228/314/369, 16 RBI, 6 2b, 5 HR, 40 K in 169 PA
Escobar: 37 games, 294/356/529, 17 RBI, 13 2b, 5 HR, 22 K in 132 PA
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