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 (Report: Twins going after Joe Saunders) edition: Wha' Happened?

Posted by: Michael Rand under Twins fans Updated: January 16, 2013 - 9:42 AM
  • share

    email

 

Those up in arms about the Twins' offseason moves and potential payroll can, at least for the moment, put the pitchforks down. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reported this morning via Twitter that the Twins are pursuing veteran left-hander Joe Saunders.

 

Pursuing and landing are two different things, as we know, but this late in the free agency game Saunders might be fetched for a reasonable price. While hardly an ace, he's not quite fifth-starter fodder either. His career line, most of it in the AL: 78-65, 4.15 ERA. He doesn't strike out a lot of batters (5.1 per 9 innings in his career). His best year was 2008, when he won 17 games and was an All-Star with the Angels.

One thing certainly working in the favor of Saunders, who is still only 31 years old: durability. He has made at least 28 starts and pitched at least 174 innings each of the past five seasons.

In other words, he's the kind of bridge pitcher who could help get the Twins back toward respectability, though probably not contention. Still, respectability in 2013 would be a step up from 2011 and 2012.

We'll see, as always, where this goes. Your thoughts in the comments.

  • 39
  • Comments

  • share

    email

Final123456789RHE
Minnesota000001002390
Atlanta «10250000X8101
@theBallpark
Preview | Matchup | Lineup | Log | Wrap | Box | TV: FSN-N, SPSO
W:P.Maholm(6-4) L:V.Worley(1-5)
HR: MIN- A.Hicks (4), O.Arcia (4) ATL- B.Upton (4), R.Pena (2), E.Gattis (10)

ADVERTISEMENT

Minnesota - LP: V. Worley 3 FINAL
Atlanta - WP: P. Maholm 8
Cincinnati - WP: A. Simon 7 FINAL
NY Mets - LP: B. Parnell 4
Los Angeles - WP: H. Ryu 9 FINAL
Milwaukee - LP: W. Peralta 2
Oakland - LP: J. Parker 1 FINAL
Texas - WP: R. Wolf 3
Arizona - LP: T. Cahill 1 FINAL
Colorado - WP: J. De La Rosa 4
Washington 1 Bottom 9th Inning
San Francisco 1
Tampa Bay 2 Top 9th Inning
Toronto 2
Chicago Cubs - J. Samardzija 6:05 PM
Pittsburgh - F. Liriano
Detroit - J. Verlander 6:05 PM
Cleveland - U. Jimenez
NY Yankees - H. Kuroda 6:05 PM
Baltimore - J. Hammel
Seattle - B. Maurer 6:05 PM
LA Angels - J. Williams
Philadelphia - C. Lee 6:10 PM
Miami - K. Slowey
Boston - C. Buchholz 7:10 PM
Chicago WSox - H. Santiago
Kansas City - J. Shields 7:10 PM
Houston - J. Lyles
St. Louis - T. Lyons 9:10 PM
San Diego - B. Smith
Indiana 7:30 PM
Miami
Pittsburgh 6:30 PM
Ottawa
Connect with twitterConnect with facebookConnect with Google+Connect with PinterestConnect with PinterestConnect with RssfeedConnect with email newsletters

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

question of the day

Poll: Where will the Twins finish in the AL Central this season?

Weekly Question

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT