The Twins have made a series of unproductive personnel moves that are troubling, dating back to the trade of power pitcher Johan Santana to the Mets in 2008. From the Santana deal to the maneuverings that sent shortstop J.J. Hardy away for failed relief pitcher Jim Hoey, to the signing of Japanese shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka—the most expensive franchise bust within memory— it’s evident the front office has struggled multiple times to improve the ballclub.
In fairness, though, the Twins have made some productive personnel moves in recent years. Heading the list are the acquisitions of pitcher Carl Pavano and slugger Jim Thome. In past seasons the Twins’ success was aided by the acquisitions of Orlando Cabrera and Orlando Hudson, both starting infielders.
The organization’s evaluators are on the spot not just for the big league team, but the minor leagues, too. The farm system isn’t exactly dazzling and has been of minimal help to the Twins this season trying to plug holes. Power hitting, a priority need on the big league club, seems to be missing in the farm system. Power arms—candidates to become the team’s No. 1 starter—seem to be on the same missing-in-action list.
The players on the big league club need to do their own self-audits with analysis that includes how can they best condition themselves, and also define their roles to help the team. It wouldn’t be surprising, for example, if catcher Joe Mauer accepts part-time assignment next season in the outfield and at first base.
The fans have embraced the ballclub and the new ballpark, a public-private partnership partially funded by Hennepin County taxpayers. With that relationship and ticket prices that only a few years ago were seen at Vikings games—not at Twins games—the Twins’ bosses owe the public and themselves a thorough offseason evaluation of the business.