Rumor Stew

The Minnesota Twins have been blessed with a plethora of outfield talent for several years. Even with the annual surplus of outfielders, Our Beloved Twins traded Bobby Keilty for Shannon Stewart in 2003. You all know the story; Stewart appeared to save the season (although a marked imporvement in pitching for the second half is equally responsible.) Everything was fantastic. He was such a hit that TR even re-signed him in the offseason.

Stew has been a fan favorite since.

As of today 8/3/2005 Our Beloved Twins are going into the offseason with Jaque Jones probabally leaving, Hunter comming off an injury, Lew Ford "hitting," at a .252 clip, Kubel our best prospect comming off a surgery and Ryan hasn't been an everyday-type player.

Alot will depend on if Jaque stays or goes. It has been excepted as fact that he would leave but then the Hunter injury happened. It isn't impossible that TR wouldn't keep him but I still say it' not likely. All I am saying now is that it isn't as universally understood as it was two weeks ago.

With the infield looking like it will set up with Morneau 1b, Cuddyer 2b or 3b, Bartlett ss and Punto in there some where, that should still prove to be a soft hitting infield. There are a few x-factors like Brent Abernathy and Glen Williams who could make a splash in the spring but I doubt any huge impact would be made on the offense as a whole.

If Jaque goes we have Hunter who is tied to a big contract and a fan favorite. Lew is young and cheap and I gotta believe he's got better years ahead. Ryan is Ryan and Kubel is gonna be a rookie. If the Twins can't move some pitching for a bat this winter they are essentially screwed right? Maybe not...

Shannon Stewarts numbers this year are low. Very low bye his career line and certainly lower than the guy we thought we'd have traded Kielty for.

Stewart Last year:
304/.380/.447

Stewart this year:
279/.331/.399

Stewart isnt hitting the extra base hits like he did in previous years. Through 92 games last year (compared to 101 right now) Stewart walked 19 more times than he has this year. If his 730 OPS holds up it will be the lowest OPS he has posted since 1996. He hasnt had a double digit stolen base season since '02. What is really killing us is that OBP. For a team that relies on hit and run, stealing bases and "making things happen," .331 obp from the lead off guy aint gonna cut it.

The signs of rust are there. But I want to know "what is he worth?" It could be he's having a bad year and we could convince another team of that. Maybe there are teams who feel they could use him...But are those teams into making this kind of move in the winter? I doubt it. I think Stewarts value was to a team in the hunt right now. But maybe he could be packaged with our pitching for a great hitting prospect or a big(ish) bat. I will look into this more as the season winds down to see who might need a deal like this. I suspect we'd still be looking at Florida, Tampa or Texas.

My flavor is this: TR couldnt find a deal to improve us. I accept that as a done issue. But I wonder how aggressive he will be this winter. Prying Shannon Stewart from Toronto for Bobby Kielty was one of the proudest moments in Terry Ryans career. I wonder if TR can part with him for the right deal. Would TR take a risk on a prospect or two?

The right deal may help our overall offense especially if it were for 3b, 2b, outfield or DH. Bartlett or perhaps Rodriguez could take Lead off or even Lew Ford if he has a renaissance. The mantra into the offseason should be the same as it was about two weeks ago "nobody is off limits." I hope the Twins are aggressive in persuing help for next year. Even if it would cost them their most prized steal.

Im curious to hear what you thing about Stewarts tradability on this team. Do you feel he is untouchable? Maybe a better question: DO you think he is replaceable?