Twins could get hurt and lose Romero & Lohse

[Providence A's]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....ck=1&cset=true

White Sox fans still may see Frank Thomas at U.S. Cellular Field in 2006.

But they might watch him only nine times—wearing a Twins uniform.

The Twins, who won the American League Central three consecutive years before the Sox dethroned them in 2005, are monitoring Thomas closely, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

After finishing third in the division, the Twins are examining Thomas as well as fellow free-agent slugger Mike Piazza in an effort to bolster an offense that finished 13th in the league with a .259 batting average and was 12th in home runs and last in runs scored.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/5760096.html

Exactly how much cash the Twins have left to spend on a third baseman and/or a designated hitter is not known. Twins President Dave St. Peter said late in the season that Ryan would have flexibility to improve the roster.

That flexibility would increase if the Twins trade lefthander J.C. Romero, who will make $2.2 million next season, and righthander Kyle Lohse, who is arbitration eligible and will earn at least $4 million next season. Both pitchers are believed to have been offered to Texas for third baseman Hank Blalock, but the Rangers want lefthander Francisco Liriano, who won't be dealt.

[Lynch]

Dumping Lohse can't hurt this club.

[Providence A's]

I read that they haven't even talked to Frank Thomas...and don't plan on it.

[Providence A's]

Romero's gone, seems Thomas is about to sign with the A's, and apparently, the Twins still want Blalock:

http://www.startribune.com/stories/507/5775476.html

Don't give up on the Twins making a deal for Texas third baseman Hank Blalock. Terry Ryan is still talking to the Rangers.

[Lynch]

Strange link, considering it's about the VIkings.

This link might work better: http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/5773924.html

[Lynch]

Ok, I don't get this:

"When you feel disrespected, and feel you can't do anything about it, that's when you get frustrated," Romero said. "You have to move on. If you don't move on, you're going to be a mediocre pitcher and a mediocre person."

Gardenhire scoffed at Romero's claim that he was disrespected.

"That's bull," Gardenhire said. "If he wasn't being respected how did he get a two-year contract? Give me a break. Those are the things that get to you.

"I like J.C., but his mannerisms on the mound never changed. J.C. helped us get through a lot of things, but it is time for a change here. If he feels like he didn't get respect here then he should move on."

WTF is JC talking about? Where didn't he get respect?

[Providence A's]

Strange link, considering it's about the VIkings.

This link might work better: http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/5773924.html

The blurb I quoted was from my link...it's just toward the bottom and kinda just thrown in there, but yes, most of it was about the Vikings.

[Providence A's]

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twinci...l/13418614.htm

Ryan said he remains committed to finding a DH and still is interested in Piazza and Thomas. However, he said, talks are on hold until free-agent right fielder Jacque Jones informs the Twins whether he will accept or reject the team's salary arbitration offer. Monday is the deadline to inform the club, and Jones is expected to reject the offer. If the Twins have to retain Jones, who made $5 million last season, they couldn't afford to sign a high-profile DH — or possibly anyone at all.

The Twins' 2006 payroll stands at an estimated $56 million to $58 million (without Jones), and the team has indicated it could slightly exceed $60 million.

"There's still some room," Ryan said.

Thomas still hasn't signed with the A's, which had been reported to be soon, but nothing...this says the Twins won't do anything until Jones signs somewhere.

[Lynch]

I say the Twins should release/trade Hunter, resign Jones and still go after the big name, big bat DH!

[love_that_reefer]

Why should the Twins get rid of Hunter just to get a DH? DH's are a dime a dozen. I don't see why they can't retain Jones and get a DH too.