After the Twins won the posting for Korean first baseman Byung Ho Park, we wondered how the Twins would rectify their potential logjam at the corner infield and outfield positions.
While no solution has even been broached yet, and hell, won’t be broached until the Twins actually sign Park, one possibility was the trade of third baseman Trevor Plouffe. And if Plouffe is put on the trade market, one team that could be interested is a club whose third baseman is a free agent this winter – the Angels.
Expect Twins to make Trevor Plouffe available if they sign Korean IB Byung Ho Park. Angels would be interested, if hole still unfilled
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) November 10, 2015
Anaheim would be a perfect fit for Plouffe, given that they haven’t really had a franchise third baseman since Troy Glaus left town following the 2004 season.
Seven different third basemen have started on Opening Day for the Angels over the 11 seasons since Glaus signed with the Diamondbacks, including the departing David Freese, prospect bust Brandon Wood, the defensively deficient Mark Trumbo, and utilitymen Alberto Callaspo, Chone Figgins (in three different seasons), Maicer Izturis, and Robb Quinlan.
And what would the Twins want in return? Relievers. Dammit Twins…
@Cody_Wainscott I'm told Twins would want power RPs, like Cam Bedrosian. Obviously more than just him, though.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) November 10, 2015
Bedrosian is just 24, and showed flashes of brilliance in the majors over the last two seasons. His career ERA is 5.81 and he walked 31 hitters in 52 2/3 innings, but Bedrosian *has* struck out 54 and has a fastball sitting at 94. The potential is enticing.
Another possibility might be Trevor Gott, a 23-year old who came over last summer from the Padres in the Huston Street trade. Gott made his major league debut in 2015, and though he struck out 27 and walked 16 in 47 2/3 innings, his fastball sat at 96 and his ground ball rate was north of 57%.
Plouffe would be a much better fit for the Angels than Freese – he’s younger, has more power, is a better defender, and will come at a similar price to what the team paid for Freese in 2014-15. If the Twins want to move Plouffe, Anaheim would be the best place for them to start.
