Friday December 19, 2003
 

VIKINGS THOUGHTS

NFL “EXPERT” PICKS

WOLVES ON A ROLL

BILL WALTON ON RASHEED WALLACE

ONE MORE THOUGHT
 

NON-ROSTER INVITEES

Yesterday, the Twins finally signed their backup catcher. The Twins agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Henry Blanco. Most people think of Blanco as the personal catcher for Greg Maddux for his years in Atlanta.  The team also announced which players not on their 40 man roster would be invited to Spring Training camp, which will start on February 23 down in Ft. Myers.

Today, I’m going to take a look at Henry Blanco and those Non-Roster Invitees and give you a feel for who they are, where they came from and what they can do for the Twins.

How about a little trivia to start out with? Which Twins non-roster invitee has been involved in a No-Hitter? In the major leagues? The answer will be down further on this page.

HENRY BLANCO

Henry Blanco made his major league debut in 1997 with the Dodgers. He has been in the major leagues since 1999 with the Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers before spending the past two seasons with the Atlanta Braves. The 32 year old catcher has not been a full-time #1 catcher in his career. He did catch in 104 games for the 2001 Brewers. His career hitting numbers are nothing to write home about (and probably nothing to write in a baseball blog about either, but I have to bring it up!). In just over 1,200 career at bats, Blanco is a career .219/.295/.353 hitter with 71 doubles and 27 home runs.

ANALYSIS - First, I need to point out that Henry Blanco may be the only player in Major League Baseball that I could beat in a 40 yard dash! (for those that know me, Seriously!! He is that slow!! I’m not saying that I’d beat him by a lot, but I would beat him!) The Twins wanted a catcher who has been in the league for a number of years to provide a mentor for youngster Joe Mauer, to teach him how to learn pitchers and opposing hitters. Blanco’s defense, although not perfect, has always been thought of well. They wanted a catcher who would be willing to be a backup because, assuming Mauer is the regular catcher, Blanco probably won’t play in more than 50 games in 2004. Another thing that Blanco has going for him is the fact that he is from Caracas, Venezuela, from the same country as pitchers Johan Santana and Juan Rincon. This might seem minute, but it could be important at times throughout a long season. Of course, this is the Twins, so clearly the catcher needed to come to Minnesota cheap. Now, we don’t know the terms of the contract, other than it is for one year, with an option for a second. I would hope the Twins didn’t pay more than about $600,000 for Blanco. But, big picture (assuming a low salary), I really like this signing for the Twins.

JOE MAUER, C and JESSE CRAIN, RP

I’m really thinking that I won’t be writing a lot on these two. If you go back in my Archives, you will find a LOT of postings that involve them, but here are two; my 2003 Twins Minor Leaguers Review and the Team USA Roster.

ANALYSIS - Joe Mauer, the #1 overall pick in the 2001 draft, will be the Twins regular catcher starting on opening day and hopefully will be in the same role for the Twins for the next ten to twelve years, maybe longer! Some predict a Hall of Fame career from Mauer. That’s pretty high and maybe unfair expectations to have for a 20 year old, but it is exciting to see him being given this opportunity.

Jesse Crain had an unbelievable 2003, just a year after being drafted out of  the University of Houston in the 2^nd round of the 2002 draft. Crain will probably start the season back at AAA Rochester, but could factor into the Twins bullpen by season’s end. He throws hard and he throws strikes, I think he is the Twins closer of the future. I would have no problem with him being the closer in 2004. However, it would probably be more ideal to prepare him for that role as the Yankees did with Mariano Rivera. Rivera came up in 1996 and set up Yankees closer John Wettleland for a season before becoming their closer.

Both players were not put on the 40 man roster despite their chances of making the team. The reason, they didn’t have to be. So, the Twins protected other players that would have been subject to the Rule V Draft had they been left off. When these players make the Twins roster, they will then be added to the 40 man roster, and others will be dropped.

2004 PROJECTIONS - Joe Mauer will be the Twins #1 catcher. He will do well with the pitchers, and I would predict that he will hit .270/.355/.370, and I think that will be a very good rookie season for him. Jesse Crain will probably start the season at AAA Rochester, but I would not be surprised if he is that last pitcher sent down from Spring Training and the first called up when needed.

JAKE MAUER, IF

I started with the infielders invited to camp because they are the more familiar names to Twins fans. And, St. Thomas grad, Jake Mauer has become a known Twins minor leaguer. The 24 year old (who turns 25 tomorrow!) Jake Mauer was known as being the brother of Joe Mauer. However, I believe that Jake Mauer has made a name for himself in the Twins organization with a solid season in Ft. Myers and a very quality performance in the Arizona Fall League. Granted, I don’t think that he will ever become a star. I just think that he has proven that he can play three defensive positions, and when he is at the plate, he puts the ball in play.

2004 PROJECTION - I think that Jake Mauer will spend the entire season at AA New Britain, probably playing all three infield positions. If he were to ever make the major league roster, it would not happen until the end of the 2005 season.

ALEX PRIETO, IF

Alex Prieto made his major league debut for the Twins in 2003 at the age of 27. He was originally signed in 1992 by the Kansas City out of Caracas, Venezuela at the age of 16. He came to the Twins organization in 2002 and played the next two seasons in AAA where he hit .264 followed by .265 last year. He was called up to the Twins in September. He did not get to play a lot, getting into just eight games. In 11 at bats, he did collect his only major league hit.

2004 PROJECTION - Prieto was taken off the 40 man roster after last season, but I think that Ron Gardenhire really likes his versatility. However, with the signing of Augie Ojeda from the Cubs and the trade that brought in Nick Punto from the Phillies, they probably are the two utility infielders with Prieto set to spend his fifth season in AAA. If there are any injuries, Prieto could be brought up at some point.

LUIS RODRIGUEZ, 2B

Rodriguez is another example of the Twins scouting well in Venezuela. He was signed by the team in 1997. He has progressed nicely through the system. He has moved up one level each of the past four seasons. Last year, at AAA Rochester, Rodriguez hit .295 with 35 doubles, a homer and 44 RBI. Something that I think the Twins organization really likes is that last season Rodriguez walked and struck out 46 times. In his minor league career, he has walked 304 times while striking out just 227 times in 2,392 at bats.

2004 PROJECTION - I really think that he will be given a long look at 2B out of spring training. It will be interesting to see if the Twins offer arbitration to Luis Rivas, who is still just 24. If they don’t, and don’t make a trade, look for Luis Rodriguez to be the Twins 2B. I think the Twins brass would prefer to let him get one more season in Rochester before taking that step.

BRANDON MARSTERS, C

Brandon Marsters was drafted out of the University of Florida in the 9^th round of the 1996 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He spend the first three seasons of his professional career with the Phillies before coming to the Twins organization in 1999. He spent two seasons at Fort Myers, two years at New Britan and the past two seasons for the Twins AAA Affiliate (Edmonton in 2002, Rochester in 2003). Marsters was actually the primary catcher for Rochester last season, at the age of 28, catching 103 games when he hit .242 with 10 home runs. In his seven minor league seasons, Marsters has hit .248 and averaged just over 6 home runs per season.

2004 PROJECTION - Another full season of AAA baseball for Marsters. You think Rob Bowen is in an unenviable situation, Brandon Marsters ranks just below Bowen on the Twins depth chart. I certainly don’t think he’d be a good major league catcher. His hope at this time would be to get a shot as a #2 catcher somewhere.

Gabby Torres, C

Torres is another catcher (with so many pitchers needing to throw in Spring Training, it is important to have plenty of catchers too!). The 25 year old catcher was signed by the Twins in 1995 from, you guessed it, Venezuela. He actually spent his first four seasons with the Twins short-season rookie league teams before spending a couple of seasons in Fort Myers. He spent time from 2001-2003 at AA New Britain and has really hit pretty well at that level. He was brought up to AAA when Joe Mauer was brought up to AA last summer. In his minor league career, he is a career .270 hitter with just 19 homers. However, looking at his numbers, he has clearly improved each year.

2004 PROJECTION - Well, with Rob Bowen and Brandon Marsters probably at Rochester, I think that Torres will spend another season in New Britain.

CHRIS HEINTZ, C

New to the Twins organization, Heintz was the 19^th round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox in 1996 out of the University of South Florida. The 29 year old catcher was with the Sox organization through the 2001 season. He spent 2002 with the AA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He spent 2003 with the AA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his 8 year minor league career, he has hit .283 with just 33 home runs. He must have a good glove.

2004 PROJECTION - Based on his age, it appears he would back up Gabby Torres in New Britain this year.

JEROMY PALKI, RHP

Palki was drafted in the 47^th round of the 1995 draft by the Seattle Mariners out of high school. The Twins acquired him in 1997 in a trade with Seattle, then lost him, then reacquired him in 2001 in the Rule V draft. He split 2001 between Fort Myers and New Britain. He split 2002 between New Britain and Edmonton. Then he spent all of 2003 with Rochester. The 27 year old went 7-6 with a 4.10 ERA last year. He started just 7 of the 47 games in which he appeared. In 101 innings, he walked 31 and struck out 91, a pretty good split.

2004 PROJECTION - Another season at Rochester. It appears his chance to make the Twins roster at any point in the season depends on what kind of help Terry Ryan is able to get from the free agent market.

SETH GREISINGER, RHP

Greisinger was the first-round pick (6^th overall) of the Detroit Tigers in the 1996 draft out of the University of Virginia. In 1997, he made 28 starts for the Tigers AA affiliate in Jacksonville. He was 10-6 with a 5.20 ERA. He began the 1998 season at AAA Toledo where he started out 3-4, but with a 2.91 ERA. That earned him a call up to Detroit at the age of 23. He made 21 starts in the big leagues and compiled a 6-9 record with a 5.12 ERA in 130 innings. However, arm troubles befell Greisinger the next season. He pitched just 12 innings before he had season, and almost career, ending surgery. After missing the entire 2000 and 2001 seasons, he made it back to pro ball in 2002 at age 27. He pitched four games in AA and 3 games at AAA before being brought up to the Tigers where he made 8 starts. He had a 2-2 record, but a 6.21 ERA. He spent the entire 2003 season in AAA Toledo and was 6-9 with a 3.97 ERA. But he spent the season injury free.

2004 PROJECTION - I think that the idea with Greisinger is for him to start for Rochester this year, and maybe be some depth for the Twins should they have injuries with their starters in 2004. I think it’s a good minor league signing. Clearly, Greisinger had the stuff to be drafted so high and to get to the big leagues so quickly. If he can somehow find that again, which seems unlikely, he could really be a great surprise for the Twins.

JOE ROA, RHP -

Roa is a very veteran minor leaguer. At 32 years of age, Roa has had his time in the majors. As a matter of fact, he played for three major league teams in 2003 alone. Roa was drafted in the 18^th round of the 1989 draft by the Atlanta Braves out of his Michigan high school. He steadily progressed through the minors, always putting up good numbers, but switching teams three times in five seasons. I assume it was because he wasn’t a ‘toolsy’ player, he doesn’t strikeout a lot of hitters. But he has good records and good ERAs. In 1995, he started the season 17-3 for the Indians AAA team which earned him one start for the Cleveland Indians where he gave up 4 runs in 6 innings. In 1996, he was 11-8 for that AAA team, which got him one relief appearance for the Indians in September. I think it is safe to said that he was just in the wrong organization at that time. So, in 1997, he went to the Giants organization. He started in AAA and in 6 games, he was 3-1, so he was called up to the Giants and pitched in 28 games (25 out of the bullpen), and went 2-5 with a 5.25 ERA. He then spent 1998 with the Giants AAA club before being out for the 1999 season. He made a comeback with the Indians AA Akron team in 2000. He pitched for the Marlins AA and then AAA affiliates in 2001. In 2002, he started the season 14-0 for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team (AAA for the Phillies) which earned him another shot at the big leagues. He went 4-4 with a 4.04 ERA in 14 games (11 starts). He started the 2003 season with the Brewers AAA affiliate. Then he was called up by the Colorado Rockies and pitched four games out of their bullpen. Next, he pitched 6 games (3 starts) for the Phillies and was 0-2. Finally, he ended the season with the San Diego Padres where he was 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in 18 games. His career minor league numbers are 121-66 with a 3.47 ERA. But as we’ve discussed before, it is important to the Twins not to walk batters. In 1,688 innings, he walked just 322 (striking out 931).

2004 PROJECTION - I think that the Twins respect players like this; guys who have battled in their careers and really have to work hard to make it to the major leagues. I believe that Joe Roa could make the team as a 5^th starter or a long reliever type. But odds are, he will be a member of the Rochester pitching staff.

PETER MUNRO, RHP

Pete Munro had a memorable moment in 2003 that he will never forget. Do you remember what it was? Keep reading to find out.

The 28 year old Munro was drafted in the 6^th round of the 1993 draft by the Boston Red Sox. He was primarily a starter his first four minor league seasons. In 1999 at the age of 24, he started the season 6-1 at Syracuse before getting called up to the Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched in 31 games (2 starts) and had an 0-2 record with a 6.02 ERA. In 2000, he started 18 games at three minor league levels before being called up by the Jays again. This time, in 9 games (3 starts), Munro went 1-1 with a 5.96 ERA. In 2002, he went to the Houston Astros organization where he again split time starting and relieving. After starting the season 7-1 with a 2.39 ERA, Munro made 19 appearances (14 starts) for the Astros and went 5-5 with a 3.57 ERA. In 2003, he split time between AAA and the Astos. While with the Astros, he pitched in 40 games (2 starts) and was 3-4 with a 4.67 ERA.

2004 PROJECTION - Like Roa and Greisinger, Munro will be given a shot to make the Twins roster out of Spring Training. Munro probably has the best shot of the three to make the team first. However, having these three pitchers gives the Twins some pitching versatility either with the Twins or at Rochester.

OH, and what was Pete Munro’s memorable moment of 2003? On June 11, Munro was one of six Houston pitchers to No-Hit the Yankees in Yankee Stadium. It was the first time that many pitchers combined for a No-Hitter. It was the first No-Hitter thrown against the Yankees since 1958. Munro came into the game in the 2^nd inning after starter Roy Oswalt pulled his groin. He pitched 2 2/3 innings, striking out two and walking three.
 

VIKINGS THOUGHTS

Four Vikings made the Pro Bowl this season. Randy Moss was an obvious choice, as was Daunte Culpepper. Matt Birk made it again after missing last year’s game. Corey Chavous will be making his first Pro Bowl appearance. It is a great honor for these players to be named to the team, even if the game itself means very little.

The Vikings play the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday at 4 p.m. I will be in attendance at the Metrodome. I have to admit, I’m kind of excited to go to the game. Generally speaking, I prefer to watch the Vikings and the NFL on TV, but I will be at the game thanks to Mike Brasel. He was able to get us a couple of tickets. So, thanks Mike!

But I look forward to seeing a shootout. First, I would love to see the Vikings pull off the upset and beat the Chiefs. I think if that would somehow happen, the Vikings would win the division and have the #3 seed for the playoffs, meaning a first-round bye. If they don’t win, they’re probably looking at the #6 seed. But that’s why they play the games. The Vikings offense can put up big numbers against a very mediocre Chiefs defense. The Chiefs offense should have no problem putting up points against the Vikings defense. So, I really hope to see a high scoring game!

If you see me at the game, or outside tailgating, be sure to stop by and say hello!

Prediction (unfortunately): Vikings 31, Chiefs 48.

Thoughts on the Vikings? E-mail me.
 

NFL “EXPERT” PICKS

Week 16. Just two weeks to go. Aaron Gleeman has opened up a two game lead over Ben Jacobs, and they have 3  different picks, so this could be a huge weekend for both of them. Be sure to check out the FB Picks page to see the bios of all of our panelists as well as the standings. Be sure also to read Ben’s fantasy football article today in the Rochester (NY) Democrat and Chronicle. He discusses the Top 20 players to have if you’re in a keeper league.

SUMMARY:

·          Atlanta @ Tampa Bay - Buccs 8-1

·          Kansas City @ Minnesota - Chiefs 7-2

·          New England @ NY Jets - Patriots 9-0

·          Cincinatti @ St. Louis - Rams 9-0

·          Miami @ Buffalo - Dolphins 5-4

·          Washington @ Chicago - Bears 8-1

·          Baltimore @ Cleveland - Ravens 9-0

·          NY Giants @ Dallas - Cowboys 9-0

·          Detroit @ Carolina - Panthers 8-1

·          New Orleans @ Jacksonville - Saints 7-2

·          Tennessee @ Houston - Titans 9-0

·          San Diego @ Pittsburgh - Steelers 8-1

·          Arizona @ Seattle - Seahawks 9-0

·          San Francisco @ Philadelphia - Eagles 9-0

·          Denver @ Indianapolis - Colts 9-0

·         Green Bay @ Oakland - Packers 7-2
 

WOLVES ON A ROLL!

Last night, at home, on national television, the Minnesota Timberwolves came out and played perhaps their best game of the season. It took all of that to defeat a very strong, very talented Dallas Mavericks team. Final Score: Wolves 114, Mavs 109.

I almost hate to write this every game, but Kevin Garnett again led the Wolves, recording his first triple-double of the season with 35 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in 41 minutes. If Kevin Garnett isn’t the best overall player in the NBA, then, well, something just isn’t right. I used to think that it was OK for people to say that Tim Duncan was right there with him. No! There is little comparison between the two. Kevin Garnett is head and shoulders the best player in the NBA.

But, to beat a team like the Mavs, everyone needed to play well, and they did. Sam Cassell added 26 points, including some big shots down the stretch. Gary Trent was huge in his first start of the season, scoring 18 points (on 7-7 from the field) with 12 rebounds. Trenton Hassell chipped in with 14 points and 9 rebounds. As the game was winding down, Hassell got every important rebound.

Ever since that Wolves unlikely overtime win at Sacramento, they have been playing terrific basketball. They are 7-1 in December. It sounds like Troy Hudson could be back in a week. The bad news is that Wally Szczerbiak is likely out another six weeks with his foot injury.

Saturday night, the Wolves host the Indiana Pacers in what should be another great game. The Wolves are now 16-9. The Pacers are 19-7 and leading the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. Maybe I’ll convince some people to go to that game too!!!

Any thoughts on the Wolves? E-mail me.
 

BILL WALTON ON RASHEED WALLACE

Have you seen the recent Bill Walton rant against Portland Trailblazer power forward Rasheed Wallace on ESPN.com? First, let me say this; Rasheed Wallace has issues, and some of Mr. Walton’s comments are true. But, when you read this, don’t forget that Bill Walton is an arrogant jerk who seems to think he knows everything about everything, from the beauty of the pick-and-roll, to the issues in Washington’s political arena. So, I take everything he writes or says with a grain of salt. Bill Walton was not half the NBA player that some make him out to be. His injuries may have hurt him, but the fact that he was stoned through most of his career, couldn’t have helped either.

So, why would I encourage you to read his rant then? Well, it’s funny. Here are just a couple of excerpts from it:

“Wallace is a chronic underachiever, a malcontent, a disruptive force, a negative personality -- and that does not even begin to address his selfishness, emotional immaturity, bitterness and endless anger. I have also personally found him to be a boor and a bully. Those of us with the misfortune of ever having anything to do with this lost soul had to unfortunately accept the lunacy and obnoxious behavior of this sad and pathetic individual.”

“Wallace's recent comments are not something that are new or representative of a changing man spiraling ever downward into the depths of psychosis.“

“Wallace is an embarrassment and a disgrace. I have waited for nine long years for him to change his evil ways. I have grown old, tired and exasperated -- eventually losing faith and patience. Now, I have lost all hope.”
 

MORE BASKETBALL

Kobe Bryant will probably be spending all day in court today. But, I want to end on a positive note this week. Today, Alonzo Mourning will be having kidney transplant surgery. He was able to get a kidney donor from a member of his family. It was about a month ago when Alonzo Mourning was forced to retire from the NBA with this condition. Doctors told him that if he had played even just one more game, he could have faced very serious health risks, including a heart attack. So, this is certainly a good story. Hopefully the procedure will go well!

Well, on that note, I’m going to call it a week! Enjoy the Vikings! Enjoy the Wolves! Enjoy the Wild! Let’s see if the Twins make any moves this weekend! And, in case you still haven’t finished your Christmas shopping, check out this post. As always, if you have any questions or comments on anything, please be sure to e-mail me.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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