Thread: Twins just claimed Clete Thomas

I guess he takes Baker's 40-man spot. Either Revere to AAA or Burroughs waived

Does anybody know how Clete's defense is? Does he fit best in RF? I see he's not much of a hitter...

Twins drafted him yaers ago... they sure like bringing back guys they've drafted previously!

Originally Posted by DaTwins

Does anybody know how Clete's defense is? Does he fit best in RF? I see he's not much of a hitter...

Very good defense. Strong arm with some wheels. Hitting... He has some pop... Can take a base but the contact has been a struggle.

Im not sure that I see the need here but Ryan must like him.

Originally Posted by Seth Stohs

Twins drafted him yaers ago... they sure like bringing back guys they've drafted previously!

The Twins drafted him in the 5th round in 2002 and he did not sign. He was drafted by Detroit in 2005 in the 6th round and signed.

I like it. Go Clete!

Originally Posted by Riverbrian

Very good defense. Strong arm with some wheels.

Nice, the Twins could definitely use some outfield defense help.

I would think it gives Revere a chance to play everyday in AAA. Clete Thomas is probably comparable to Jason Repko. Some defense and speed in the outfield. Played mostly RF in majors but was a CF early in the minors and split time in RF and CF last year. Questionable bat. Little upside at 28 years old. Still hope they claim Rich Thompson.

I like it only if Revere gets sent down to play everyday. He could use time to develop more. Doumit and Parmelee can cover right everyday but who will relieve Span in center?

I'm happy if Revere is going to get to play everyday someplace else. It's been an absolute waste of his time for him to be with the Twins.

Originally Posted by JasonDRuiz

I like it only if Revere gets sent down to play everyday. He could use time to develop more. Doumit and Parmelee can cover right everyday but who will relieve Span in center?

Most of Thomas' time in the minors he played CF.

I assume Thomas is out of options and that's why he was available, right? That would mean the Twins entire bench is out of options.

Yeah... I'm a Ben Revere fan but if he is going to be the 4th. Might as well.

Im a little sad about it. Please say nice things about Ben for a little while. Thanks.

Clete Thomas is 28, bats left-handed, and had the majority of his playing time in the minors as a center fielder. He initially projected as a possible lead off hitter, but his stats in the minors suggest a fourth outfielder is more likely. Last year, he hit 12 home runs in AAA, but he's only hit 41 in his seven year minor career. In 440 plate appearances in the majors, he hit .253 with a .336 OBP and just a .391 SLG. He's a decent pickup, maybe even an above average fourth outfielder who has the versatility to cover center field. He's also battled some injuries, including Tommy John a few years ago.

Left-handed Jason Repko with a bit more slugging potential.

Defense is SORELY needed! The Twins defense is even worse than the Tigers. And not to mention, with Revere gone, the Twins have the most unathletic team in the league. I hope Gardy uses this guy frequently in late inning situations to sub out Doumit and Willingham who are terrible in the field.

The Twins have too many DH types!

A good move if Revere goes to AAA. Benson, Revere, Tosoni will be a very good AAA outfield.

Waive Burroughs. That guy can't hit and is not a good pinch hitting option as he has yet to get a hit in that job. Why even claim Thomas? What purpose does he serve?

Originally Posted by tcarlic

Why even claim Thomas? What purpose does he serve?

If I were TR and asked that question, my response would sound something like this:

We only have two guys on our roster that can play CF. What's best for Ben Revere is to play every day. As long as Denard is healthy, Revere won't be playing every day up here. Thomas gives us a guy that can play all three positions solidly and allow us to send Revere down to further his development.

...or something like that.

Originally Posted by jnygaard

If I were TR and asked that question, my response would sound something like this:

We only have two guys on our roster that can play CF. What's best for Ben Revere is to play every day. As long as Denard is healthy, Revere won't be playing every day up here. Thomas gives us a guy that can play all three positions solidly and allow us to send Revere down to further his development.

...or something like that.

As I read your post... I imagined TR's voice. You know the kinda scratchy grandpa voice that he has.

It fit like a glove. I could hear TR saying exactly that. That was a TR statement to the bone.