Twin Cities Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts by tag - Kurt Suzukihttps://www.minnesotaconnected.com/blog/Copyright MinnesotaConnected.com2022-10-28T07:16:45-07:00tag:minnesotaconnected.com,2012-09-20:14813Twins Active at Trading Deadline<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/3673658493_bd08476e8d_z.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-274548 aligncenter" alt="Jon Lester traded" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/3673658493_bd08476e8d_z.jpg" width="570" height="325" /></a>
The Minnesota Twins were active at the trading deadline this year, but not in the ways most felt they would be -- thoughts of Correia, Willingham, Suzuki, and Plouffe being traded were mentioned. Rather none of those players were traded and instead Sam Fuld was jettisoned to the Oakland A’s for 27-year-old starting pitcher Tommy Milone. It was a trade that happened in the aftermath of Oakland’s Billy Beane trading his cleanup hitter Yoenis Cespedes to the Red Sox for Jon Lester and perianal playoff contestant Jonny Gomes.
Billy Beane may have been overexcited about dumping the overhyped Cespedes for two golden tickets to the World Series. Beane saw the tear Sam Fuld has been on recently and bit -- he has been terrific, but playing well above his head as his numbers the past four weeks indicate (BA/OBP/SLG) .351/.479/.421. Left hander Tommy Milone has 78 career big league starts behind him, but currently Oakland’s starting rotation is stacked and Milone was disgruntled while pitching down in AAA. The Twins’ Terry Ryan made the swap and Milone is coming to the Twins. (He’s been assigned to AAA, but all expect him in Minnesota soon.)
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/9282029292_8ebf1f62d3_z.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-274549 aligncenter" alt="Tommy Milone - traded - twins" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/9282029292_8ebf1f62d3_z.jpg" width="570" height="426" /></a>
The numbers on Milone are favorable. He has a career ERA of 3.84 with a 1.26 WHIP... very good. His career ERA+ is 100 which is average, we’ll take it. There are a couple red flags however. The Twins will be his third team since 2011 and his fastball is clocked at 86 mph (ugh). The Twins love the soft tossers. They embrace them like they are providing a community service to those unfortunate souls who struggle getting their fastball above that 93 mph barrier. Regardless, the Twins did well in this deal. Sam Fuld is 32-years-old and wasn’t going to help the Twins beyond this season. Milone is a soft tosser, but he has a stable track record of success and I fully expect him to be in the Twins rotation next year.
With the departure of Sam Fuld, a vacancy was left on the 25 man roster and the Twins called up Kennys Vargas from AA. Vargas participated in the <a href="http://minnesotaconnected.com/arts-entertainment/sports/all-star-weekend-plays-host-to-plenty-of-fun-and-excitement_274188/" target="_blank">Futures Game at Target Field</a> during All-Star Week and is a hulking individual. His body type reminds many of David Ortiz, but Vargas shouldn’t have those lofty expectations placed on his already enormous shoulders. Vargas is simply a power hitter who gets on base. In 1,592 minor league plate appearances, he’s hit .288/.367/.486. He went through a dreadful 5 for 65 slump earlier this season and impressed the coaching staff with how he handled such adversity. Mr. Vargas will turn 24-years-old tomorrow and plays 1B or DH. His place on the team may be in question when Joe Mauer returns.
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Kurt-Suzuki.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-274319 aligncenter" alt="Kurt Suzuki" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Kurt-Suzuki.jpg" width="570" height="426" /></a>
As the 3 o’clock deadline neared Thursday, fans were wondering the fate of Kurt Suzuki. They soon found out he signed a contract extension of two years with a third year vesting option. He will be paid $6 million a year in 2015 and 2016. With no acceptable options really on the free agent market after this season and no realistic catching options in house, signing Suzuki was a priority. Some felt signing a 30-year-old catcher when he was at his peak value was another blunder by the Twins. Actually signing Suzuki isn’t the mistake. Creating the situation that forced the Twins to sign him is. Josmil Pinto, remember that guy? He’s that lumbering catcher who can hit a baseball with authority. He has been deemed so poor defensively at catcher he’s unusable, thus his powerful bat is stuck at AAA. The disappointing fact is the Twins allowed this to happen. His defensive liabilities weren’t an issue until he was called up last September and in spring training this year. When a bat is as good as Pinto’s, an organization needs to get the defensive aspects of his game to a level that is acceptable. That didn’t happen and the Twins have the fine, professional Kurt Suzuki as their catcher.
He will help develop a young Twins staff starting next year.
Photos by: Keith Allison -- Natalie Litz -- Keith Allison
2014-07-30T22:00:00-07:002022-10-28T07:12:12-07:00Jeff Schwenntag:minnesotaconnected.com,2012-09-20:14840Second Half of the Season Begins For the Minnesota Twins<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/13843235633_dbcd55cb05_z.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-274317 aligncenter" alt="target field - by Matthew Deery " src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/13843235633_dbcd55cb05_z.jpg" width="570" height="404" /></a>
The second half of the season begins for the Minnesota Twins with as many questions as there were on Opening Day. What the Twins want in the present and in the future seems murky -- of course they want more victories, but winning at the same time as they build toward a future of even more winning is not feasible unless you’re the Yankees or some other high rolling ball club. The Houston Astros have shirts they wear before games that simply say “Process.” What is the Twins’ current process toward future success?
It seems to be an undefined objective. Win more games is too simplistic when winning more games involves undoing an organizational system that hasn’t been successful in many years. One playoff series has been won since 1991 and that was 12 years ago. Here are a few items that should take place in the second half to move the Minnesota Twins slowly forward toward a future World Series (Yes, that’s the ultimate goal).
Kevin Correia must be traded. His value will never be higher than it is currently. He is the definition of pitching guile and could go backwards at anytime, especially considering he’s 34. He is not part of the future.
Ricky Nolasco must be further examined to see the extent of his arm problems. He’s pitched the worst ball of his life for a reason, don’t rush him back. It that means he’s done for the season, fine. I want a healthy Nolasco starting next year. He’s a big part of the future.
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Trevor-Plouffe.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-274318 aligncenter" alt="Trevor Plouffe" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Trevor-Plouffe.jpg" width="570" height="444" /></a>
Trevor Plouffe must be traded, especially if he comes out of the break on any sort of hot streak. He’s hitting .208 since May 1st and that won’t cut it at 3B. Miguel Sano should be elevated to third next year. The Eduardos, Nunez and Escobar, have proven to be better at the plate anyway and can man third quite capably in the second half.
Brian Dozier must show he can rise above being a .240 hitter. He gets on base, but hits bring in runs and the Twins need more of them. If he can elevate himself to a .275 hitter, in addition to the all-around excellent game he already has, he becomes the most valuable member of the Minnesota Twins.
Kendrys Morales is 31 years-old and is nothing more than a hitter -- he’s the type of bat a contending team would love to have down the stretch. Trade him for future value.
<img class=" wp-image-274319 aligncenter" alt="Kurt Suzuki" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Kurt-Suzuki.jpg" width="570" height="426" />
Kurt Suzuki: this is tough.. .being a fine catcher and excellent hitter this year propelled him to the All-Star Game for the first time. In games the Twins win he’s hit an amazing .409/.467/.515 -- when they lose he’s just a .219 hitter. This is the best he’s ever played and his trade value is as high as it ever will be. If the Twins can get a highly thought of prospect for him, he needs to be moved. Josmil Pinto is the catcher of the future/now. If Pinto is not that good at catching, teach him, instruct him, coach him. His defensive development is of vital importance to the future of the Twins. Pinto’s bat has thunder in it and must be in the lineup everyday.
Alex Meyer and Trevor May must be brought up from AAA. There are always reasons for not bringing up a player, but Meyer is 24 years-old and has struckout out 10+ batters per 9 innings this year. May is nearly 25 years-old and has K’d 9+ batters per 9 innings this season. These are power arms that aren’t perfect, but are very important to moving the Twins franchise from malaiseville to playoff winner. In 1990, Kevin Tapani and Scott Erickson were brought from the minors to the big leagues and started a combined 45 games for the last place Twins (and look at their significance in the following, World Champion season). I see this as roughly the same situation. Experience means making mistakes and adjusting for the next situation. Let the M & M boys make their mistakes at Target Field in 2014 and develop into major league pitchers, ready to excel in 2015.
Make Byron Buxton a September call up. He’s recovered from injury and is finally playing everyday in the minors. His hitting is beginning to show signs of knocking the rust off. The Twins centerfield position has been embarrassing for far too long. Byron Buxton is going to be their center fielder for years to come -- that assignment for him should start in September.
The Minnesota Twins aren’t going to be a playoff team this year or the next. Talk of them being buyers at this year’s trade deadline is silly. Hopefully they see what the Astros saw a few years ago, rebuilding toward a winning future is a process.
Photos via: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthew-deery/" target="_blank">Matthew Deery</a> -- <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/keithallison/8629088117/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Keith Allison</a> -- <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/begreen90/13553682314/in/photolist-9DtMyb-9EBCfk-e2Jqvg-e2UEXj-mDGaxQ-9DqTNn-kcQV8V-6xrYyM-4Gs5Aq-9ZJUvS-bwZFdx-4zNduC-daHxCB-8J6Prs-54jGf1-9EBJdV-kog3fw-kbWMgq-4UB6e4-6F5G8i-54fsRP-4UFjmu-4UFjqu-kcQ8bK-mSutx4-kcPQww-7V7MPH-kcMFpP-7Z1Hgy-dFjiqi-cFqH4E-9RrQoc-5g8fzv-4GnRuZ-9RuJb7-aeoCis-awYxio-6EDn9U-bRbTcr-5kEoaE-e2Q6Rs-e2Jq1Z-e2UFBL-e2Q4rf-e2P2zZ-e31Yib-e2JswK-e2P2f2-e2UEDf-e2Q4Qo" target="_blank">BeGreen90</a>
2014-07-18T22:00:00-07:002022-10-28T07:12:23-07:00Jeff Schwenntag:minnesotaconnected.com,2012-09-20:14983Kurt Suzuki’s Career is Defined by Hard Work<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Kurt-suzuki-oakland.png"><img class=" wp-image-261937 aligncenter" alt="Kurt suzuki - oakland" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Kurt-suzuki-oakland.png" width="433" height="357" /></a>
An unnamed American League umpire remarked a few months ago the Minnesota Twins signing of Kurt Suzuki was their best free agent signing in several years. This umpire also indicated Suzuki is the best defensive catcher in the American League. After 46 games, neither can be questioned -- Kurt Suzuki has performed beyond what the front office or anybody expected. What fans are seeing is what many scouts felt Kurt Suzuki would become when the Oakland Athletics drafted him in the second round of the 2004 amateur draft.
Growing up in Wailuku, Hawaii, did not provide Kurt Suzuki many competitive opportunities -- with only five local baseball teams, scouts didn’t feel the desire to venture off the mainland to see him. Instead he walked on the Cal State Fullerton baseball team and hit .392 with a .523 on base percentage as an 18 year old.
Suzuki excelled during his three years at Cal State Fullerton hitting .390/.491/.599 and became the Titans team leader earning the nickname “Kurt Klutch.” The pinnacle was 2004 when Suzuki and the Titans won the College World Series. His college coach George Horton says Kurt Suzuki’s unfailing work ethic at Cal State Fullerton was responsible for him winning the 2004 Johnny Bench Award which is awarded to the most outstanding collegiate catcher each season.
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Kurt-Suzuki.jpg"><img class="wp-image-274321 aligncenter" alt="Kurt Suzuki" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Kurt-Suzuki.jpg" width="570" height="426" /></a>
Fast forward ten years and Kurt Suzuki’s presence on the Minnesota Twins has transformed a pitching staff from middling to professional. But Suzuki’s bat has been the biggest surprise of the 2014 season for the Twins. His .301/.368/.419 hitting this season has produced a 121 OPS+ (21% better than an average player) and his 27 RBIs are more than any other catcher in baseball.
In addition, his eye at the plate has been exceptional this season. He strikes out just 7% of the time -- only Victor Martinez of the Tigers K’s less. More remarkable is when Kurt Suzuki swings the bat in 2014, he swings and misses only 2.6% of the time, the best in baseball by nearly a full percent. For a Twins team that K’d in record numbers last season, this may be the most under appreciated aspect to Suzuki’s game.
Twins management hopes Suzuki’s consistent hard work makes an impression on catcher-in-training Josmil Pinto. Twins Pioneer Press beat writer Mike Berardino quoted Phil Hughes on Suzuki’s work ethic:
“He asks (pitching coach Rick Anderson), ‘Who’s coming in?’ He’s constantly worried about handling the staff, handling the pitchers. He sits through every single pitchers meeting, and the pre-start starter meetings. He’s been great.”
Hopefully Pinto is taking notes.
The Twins deserve credit for signing Kurt Suzuki to a one year deal totaling just $2,75 million when many fans felt the catching reigns should’ve been turned over to Josmil Pinto (<a href="http://minnesotaconnected.com/arts-entertainment/sports/catchers-of-the-present-and-the-future-kurt-suzuki-and-josmil-pinto_201221/" target="_blank">myself included</a>). Despite Suzuki turning 31 in October, now fans in Twins Territory wouldn’t mind seeing a two year extension offered. Kurt Suzuki’s leadership is needed in the Twins clubhouse and for a still developing pitching staff beyond 2014.
Photos via: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/keithallison/5813317847/" target="_blank">Keith Allison</a> -- <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/begreen90/" target="_blank">BeGreen90</a><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=kurt+suzuki&es_sm=91&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=7dmEU92eNsmHyAT294DwDQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg&biw=1280&bih=640&dpr=1#q=kurt+suzuki+cal+state+fullerton&tbm=isch&tbs=sur:fc&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=gwG_eWIX8CavSM%253A%3BIRV5d-EAqbsR2M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fstmedia.startribune.com%252Fimages%252Fows_139632177653888.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.startribune.com%252Fsports%252Ftwins%252F253282531.html%3B2000%3B1926" target="_blank">
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2014-05-26T22:00:00-07:002022-10-28T07:13:22-07:00Jeff Schwenntag:minnesotaconnected.com,2012-09-20:15191Catchers of the Present and the Future: Kurt Suzuki and Josmil PintoWhen Joe Mauer was declared the starting first baseman this offseason, the next step seemed to be inserting Josmil Pinto into the starting catcher role. That notion took a serious hit when the Twins <a href="http://bit.ly/1i8KyvY" target="_blank">signed</a> veteran free agent catcher Kurt Suzuki lauding his experience behind the plate. Now Josmil Pinto and the phrase "He's a work in progress" are mentioned together by the Twins. This is disappointing since in 2013 the Twins averaged 3.8 runs a game, second worst in the American League (White Sox were at 3.7), and Pinto's potent bat would be a welcome addition in 2014.
Kurt Suzuki is an above average catcher, but a middling hitter. His average OPS+ over the past three years was 76 (100 is league average), making him 24% below the average hitter during those seasons. Surprisingly, Suzuki does have value at the plate. He rarely strikes out, in fact Suzuki's K% over his career is 11.9%. Compare that to Joe Mauer's 11.1% and you can see he makes contact with the ball, which has become a lost art for the Minnesota Twins. As a team they K'd 33% of the time last year, which is an extraordinary amount of non-productive outs.
This brings us back to Pinto. He may be a work in progress behind the plate, but he can hit, and not the lazy singles Twins fans have become accustomed to from the catcher position. Pinto can drive the ball to all parts of the ballpark. An old adage in baseball says if a player has more extra base hits and walks than strikeouts you have a potential major league hitter who can develop power. Look at Josmil Pinto's numbers -- at nearly every minor league level his extra base hits and walks outnumber his strikeouts.
In addition, his September call up last year resulted in an impressive .342/.398/.566 batting line. So the Twins have a catcher who can't hit and a catcher who can't catch. Solution: Let Suzuki catch and bat second… remember he makes contact 88% of the time. Pinto's bat may be the most powerful bat on the team and it has to be in the lineup as DH when he's not catching. Josmil Pinto will be the Twins' eventual catcher, so reps at the spot would help his development -- on top of that, scoring 3.8 runs a game again isn't an option.
Let Pinto play.
2014-03-27T22:00:00-07:002022-10-28T07:14:49-07:00Jeff Schwenntag:minnesotaconnected.com,2012-09-20:15474Twins Free Agent Moves Continue -- Suzuki on Board <a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2013-12-20-at-6.49.27-PM.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-127162 aligncenter" alt="Kurt Suzuki - Twins - Acquire - Oakland - Washington" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2013-12-20-at-6.49.27-PM.png" width="570" height="386" /></a>
The Minnesota Twins have been quite active in the free agent market to improve their 2014 roster -- while none of the additions have been splashy, say, a ludicrous <a href="http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/10089241/robinson-cano-agrees-deal-seattle-mariners" target="_blank">$240 million</a> for Robinson Cano, the Twins have made some quality additions to the team. Aside from some much needed pitching help in Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes (some would argue neither will offer much help), the Twins most recent acquisition is former Washington Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki.
Suzuki signed a one year, $2.75 million dollar contract to replace Joe Mauer behind home plate in the upcoming year. Many will remember Mauer will now take over first base since Morneau's services are <a href="http://bit.ly/1hxiJ05" target="_blank">no longer</a> available. The move to first was made to keep Mauer healthy and away from the spoils of catching in Major League Baseball. With the Twins losing their seasoned catcher who has been behind the plate since 2004, naturally they would look for a veteran to fill his position.
<a href="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2013-12-20-at-6.50.16-PM.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-127163 aligncenter" alt="Joe Mauer - Twins - Minnesota - First Base - 2014" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Screen-Shot-2013-12-20-at-6.50.16-PM.png" width="570" height="394" /></a>
Suzuki is no where near the caliber of Mauer, neither defensively nor offensively, but he should act as a good mentor for the Twins young prospect Josmil Pinto. The young Venezuelan catcher showed he belonged in the big leagues filling in for Mauer at the end of last season, batting .342 with four home runs in 21 games -- but he has a long road ahead defensively to be ready to call ball games and manage a pitching staff. Suzuki should help with that, a tested catcher who has had a relatively successful six year career. Though, Suzuki only batted .232 last season with non-existent power numbers -- he also only threw out 12% of base stealers last year.
But his value should be marked in innings caught and grooming a youngster for the long haul in the majors. And maybe Suzuki will make a splash and return to his successes earlier in his career with the Oakland Athletics.
Photos via: Google
<a href="http://bit.ly/1b8wz7a" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone wp-image-4297" alt="FOLLOW MATTHEW DEERY" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/693/image/minnesotaconnected/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/FOLLOWMATTHEW1.jpg" width="570" height="163" /></a>2013-12-20T23:00:00-07:002022-10-28T07:16:45-07:00Matthew Deery