sports
Michael Rand started RandBall with hopes that he could keep lies from conquering the minds of the weak. So far, he's only succeeded in using the word "redacted" a lot. He welcomes suggestions, news tips, links of pure genius, and pictures of pets in Halloween costumes here, though he already knows he will regret that last part.
Follow Randball on Twitter
Wednesday (Denard Span's value) edition: Wha' Happened?
Posted by: Michael Rand under Twins fans Updated: September 26, 2012 - 9:35 AM
But if you are a big believer in WAR (Wins Above Replacement), you are confronted with this: Span is the Twins' MVP this year. How can you trade away an MVP? (If you believe more in WAR, what is it good for, here you go).
We're not talking in the short-term, based on Span's excellent at-bat that produced the crucial runs in last night's victory over the Yankees, though that was a good example of the type of professional at-bat he often delivers. Rather, we are talking about the yearly sum of his offensive and defensive contributions. According to Baseball Reference, Span has the highest WAR on the Twins. Higher than Joe Mauer and Josh Willingham, primarily because he gains "wins" on defense while Joe and Josh have lost "wins" on D this season. Span is good for 4.7 wins this year above what an entry-level prospect would provide the team. Mauer is next at 4.0. Willingham is at 3.1. Then it's Jamey Carroll and Ben Revere.
Outfield depth is an organizational strength. Revere is an above-average defensive player who only figures to get better at the plate. And yet Span -- with his reasonable contract, don't forget -- would be mighty tough to trade.
ADVERTISEMENT
recent posts
- TFD: Report -- Massive layoffs at ESPN
- RandBall: Gardenhire on Deduno vs. Gibson
- Tuesday (A classic Joe Mauer letter) edition: Wha' Happened?
- RandBall: Are Buxton and Sano the next Mike Trout and Bryce Harper?
- RandBall: Tom Brady's son wearing a Gophers sweatshirt. Class of 2026?
- Monday (The end of Joe Mauer's remarkable streak) edition: Wha' Happened?
- Weekend Links with Jon Marthaler: In-season cup competition in college baskeball? Brilliant!
- RandBall: Catching up with Squints, Ham and the director of 'The Sandlot'
- Video: Inside-the-park home run with a flip over the catcher? Sure
- Saban disappointed that ex-Gophers coach called him 'the devil himself'
- RandBall: We're learning what Pitino wants from his Gophers
- RandBall: Former Gophers coach calls Nick Saban "the devil himself"
- Stu's Hunt Down: Former Twins player Jeff Cirillo
- RandBall: Will Favre and the Packers settle their differences?
- TFD: Vikings VP Lester Bagley: Vikings 'very interested' in MLS, but it is 'on the backburner'
- Major League Soccer official: "No question" Vikings stadium is suitable for MLS
- RandBall: Retroactively, U officially didn't lose money on beer sales
- Wednesday (The Derrick Rose situation) edition: Wha' Happened?
- TFD: Michigan State recruit gives up football for rap career
Post By Category
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside the StarTribune
-
425 Portland Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
(612) 673-4000
- Company
- Subscriber Services
- Website
- Buy Ads
- Store
- Connect with Us
© 2013 StarTribune. All rights reserved.
StarTribune.com is powered by Limelight Networks
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters