Effectively Wild Episode 2129: Season Preview Series: Twins and Tigers
Feb 24, 2024
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Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley discuss the Boras Four negotiations, Hyun Jin Ryu's unique contract, the impact of umpire complaints, and an inaccurate Greg Maddux fun fact. They preview the 2024 seasons for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, focusing on player health, roster changes, and season outlooks.
Twins make significant payroll cutbacks due to TV deal expiration and revenue cuts, shifting to broader downsizing approach.
Twins lack frontline playoff-caliber starter, challenges starting pitching depth, while boasting a strong bullpen.
Health concerns plague key players like Buxton, Lewis, and Correa, impacting team dynamics and potential outcomes.
Tigers' rotation shows potential with experienced arms and promising young pitchers, aiming for balance.
Tigers' bullpen recognized as a strength with added depth for matchup scenarios, offering flexibility in managing pitching staff.
Deep dives
Payroll Cutbacks and TV Deal
The Minnesota Twins have made significant payroll cutbacks for the upcoming season, marking their lowest payroll since the final season at the Metrodome in 2009. The reduction in payroll was initially attributed to the TV deal expiring and assumptions of reduced revenue. However, with a new one-year deal in place with Ballet Sports North, the reasoning behind the cutbacks has evolved to a broader downsizing approach to the business.
Starting Rotation and Depth
The Twins' starting rotation has seen key departures like Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda, with Anthony DeSclafani among the new additions. Depth remains a concern, with young pitchers like Louis Thorpe and David Festa waiting in the wings. The lack of a frontline playoff-caliber starter stands out as a major gap in the rotation, challenging the team's starting pitching depth.
Strong Bullpen
Despite rotation uncertainties, the Twins boast a strong bullpen, projected to be one of the top in baseball and the best in the American League. Key relievers like Taylor Rogers, Hansel Robles, and prospects add depth and reliability to the bullpen. The Twins' bullpen strength serves as a notable asset amidst other pitching concerns.
Health Challenges in Lineup
Injuries and health concerns linger over key players in the Twins' lineup. Byron Buxton faces ongoing health issues following knee surgeries, while Royce Lewis' return from various lower body injuries brings optimism and skepticism. Similarly, Carlos Correa's recovery from plantar fasciitis raises questions about his performance and durability for the season.
Impact Players' Health Outlook
Key players like Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, and Carlos Correa hold significant importance for the Twins' lineup. Their health and performance outcomes are crucial to the team's success this season, with injury concerns and recovery trajectories shaping the roster's dynamics and potential outcomes.
Rotation Strength
The Tigers' rotation contains potential with pitchers like Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty. There are young talents like Casey Mize and prospects like Jackson Job providing depth. The Tigers aim to balance experienced arms with promising young pitchers.
Bullpen Depth
The Tigers bullpen is seen as a strength with relievers like Alex Lang and Fulmer. The addition of Shelby Miller adds experience, providing the needed depth for matchup scenarios. The potential tandem starts offer flexibility in managing pitching staff.
Infield Mix-Up
The signing of Gio or Shelly adds stability to the third base position, potentially affecting prospects like JC Young's timeline. The Tigers face decisions on balancing playing time and development for their emerging infield talent.
Ownership's Payroll Approach
Chris Illich's payroll strategy remains conservative, unlikely to match past spending under his father's tenure. While payroll is low, potential future payroll increases could align with competitive aims, balancing fiscal constraints with team development.
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the Boras Four behind the scenes, Hyun Jin Ryu’s salary-cap-skirting KBO contract, and a study on the effectiveness of complaining about umps, plus a Stat Blast (22:51) about an inaccurate, unkillable Greg Maddux fun fact and more musings (34:52) on transparent pants. Then they preview the 2024 Minnesota […]
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