2062.12 Minhas Open to Return

[ae37jr]

Minhas Open to Return

Niaz Minhas inclusion in the Felix Ramos trade last season was a bit peculiar. From San Fernando's side, it made perfect sense. They could help trim some salary while facilitating the deal. For the River Monsters though, why would they want an over paid, past his prime, ex Bluebird.

The quick answer is that they didn't want him. Well, at least not his salary. However, they did like the player... and still do despite a career low year statistically.

"We're not in the business of collecting the highest "POT" players we can find. We build baseball teams. Minhas is a baseball player. He plays defense, runs the bases, the fans love him. When looking for a utility infielder, that is what we value. We don't care if you go 4-4 in your 1-2 starts per week. We want you to grind. Be a defensive sub, be able to play all over the diamond, pinch run. Things that help you win."

Despite the teams affection for Minhas, they would have to be complete idiots to pick up his $12.5 million team option for 2063. It was pretty much assumed that this would be a one and done situation. Minhas poor performance in 2062 may have changed that though. Recently team brass checked in on the 34 year old infielder. Minhas said that he loved his time here and is seeking a $2.6 million extension.

Now, the team can not accept that deal until after they decline his team option following the last out of the Brewster. So this is all strictly hypothetical at this point. But $2.6 million isn't terrible for a backup infielder. Twin Cities does have cheaper in house options such as Jorge Reyes, Pat Currie, Eduardo Galvan, Juan Martinez, Dan Rivard, Andrew Baldwin, and others. They are all flawed as backup infielders are. Each has their own pros and cons.

But are they really cheaper? Minhas is a Popular fan favorite. Not signing him will cause them to lose fan interest, signing him will gain some. Is that worth the $2.1 mil difference? Maybe. What about depth? Resigning Minhas keeps another layer of depth. Of the aforementioned players, only Galvan will be out of options. So I guess the decision really comes down to Minhas VS Galvan. On paper, Minhas is slightly better, but not rostering Galvan would cause the team to likely lose a 24 year old asset.

That is where things stand right now. There is no clear cut answer. And with the trade deadline right around the corner, there could be some more twists and turns ahead. But what we do know now is that the door is not completely shut on Minhas.

[Dington]

Ex-Bluebird? You mean ex-winner.

[Knucklehead254]

This is the guy I traded Essam bin Eisa and Raul Pena for, then dropped him after Reynaldo Serrano took the job lol

[BaseClogger]

Is Antonio Garcia going to end up being the best player in that trade? I viewed him as a throw in.