Article: Roster Shuffle: Twins Add Guerrier, What's Next?

[Riverbrian]

I understand both points of view, but the "CEO of baseball decisions" or each team's GM, is not involved in these unimportant tasks, such as diamond dust. Each minor league affiliate is independently owned and operated. The Twins organization does nothing but send players to the affiliates. The GM's job is all about the personnel. Yes, he needs to manage a budget and the like, but his ultimate job is building rosters. He constructs (not by himself, but it is ultimately his decision) and manages rosters at all levels. Whether it is the draft, FA, international scouting, waivers, Rule 5, etc, any way to acquire players is on the GM. This is not over-simplifying, this IS his duty. He constructs and manages the rosters. Again, he surely has people that help and advise him (more eyes, the better), but this is his job.

 

The Twins scout very well, but roster construction at the MLB level has been a chronic problem.

 

I probably typed that wrong... Yes... Roster Construction is probably his most important gig. But I doubt that his entire day is filled up with roster construction.

 

With Diamond Dust... My point is that there are things on his plate that we haven't thought of and it's all important to the overall strength of the organization.

 

I'd like people to consider the possibility that it's quite possible that the GM hadn't seen Brian Buchanan before acquiring him in a deal... I think it's possible that someone else had and recommended him.

 

The GM is ultimately responsible but he's got a crew of people working for him and advising him.

[DocBauer]

1) very much disagree with Gardy not liking Santana. He gave the kid strong props in ST for ability and potential. He's also stuck him in the lineup while he's been up which I honestly had real doubts would happen. And the only negative he's stated recently was a simple matter of fact that the kid is still raw and needs more development. How is that not liking the young man?

 

2) going back over several posts now, rehashing some of the same old arguments, despite some good moves made, the FO blew the OF picture. I am going to disagree that the Twins should have "planned" to lose their entire starting OF in the first month, or that they had plent of time between injuries to act and figure it out. There is not a team out there, I'd wager an adult beverage or 2 or even 6, that starts the season by saying: "Ok, how do we look a month in if our 1B and entire OF all are hurt at once?

 

That being said, I will repeat the Twins FO blew the OF situation this off season. Don't know now, didnt know then, what Hicks was going to bring to the table other than lots of talent and hope and a reportedly hard working off season. And he has looked better. But that's fuzzy logic to hang your hat on. I'm not bothered by the whole Presley situation as it played out. What I AM bothered about was the unknown in Hicks, a journeyman who played ok for you the last month of the season, and Mastro a still recovering shadow of the solid, useful player it looked like he might become.

 

Thats your CF options on a ML team going in to ST and a season??? I'm not saying spend big bucks on a FA with Buxton on his way. I'm not saying trade a top prospect or two for a top flight starting CF. And I'm sure there might actually be a player or two who MIGHT turn down the Twins with Buxton up in a year or two. MIGHT. Through FA and trade there were options out there to lend better options and depth to the OF in general, and CF specifically. And so what if you would have to sweeten the pot with an extra throw in milb prospect, or toss a little more $ toward a FA to make the move. You had/have the prospects and $ to make the move without suffering.

 

THIS is the one move they blew.

 

3) Guerrier has had a very solid career. A "meh" signing for depth that cost the Twins nothing but a small contract. I have no excitement with his call up or a problem with it. With Deduno sliding in to the rotation, there is an opening for someone. While I personally have hopes for Darnell, and am very pleased he's choosing now at AAA to have his best season to date, I don't really want him sitting on the bullpen bench when he could continue to refine himself in the Rochester rotation, for now. Pino would honestly, probably, be the best call. Neither he nor Guerrier offer much long term, though Pino is younger. But it's not like they sent out the young, talented, "part of our future and has proven himself" Tonkin for Guerrier to get this shot. There was a deadline to make a decision, the Twins decided to call him up and see if there was anything there.

 

Now, if he doesn't show something and they stick with him, NOW we have a problem.

 

4) please tell me that with even a little more consistency in the next few weeks we can drop back down to a 12 man staff? With the moves made this off season, this just shouldn't be a problem. Surely the baseball gods will allow this to level out a bit.

 

5) I do agree with Gardy being too loyal to favorite vets in the past. But he and the FO are moving past that I believe. Not as fast as I would like, but I'm noticing less tolerance, less patience by the club this season in regard to moves. Yes Bartlett was a crazy, ridiculous hope and prayer. But he wasn't going to last but a day or two longer anyway before the roster move and retirement. The writing was on the wall. Say what you want about moves seeming obvious, but Pelfrey was shipped out rather quickly. And while Florimon should have gone 2 weeks ago, he is gone. And even during the last couple of weeks, he was being weeded out.

 

6) which works with #5 a bit, injuries or not, the Twins have been doing a much better job of letting the kids play. Gibson in the rotation, Tonkin brought up right away, Thielbar kept, Hicks (good or bad debatable) continuing to get his shot, Pinto up and staying up and in the lineup, Escobar finally getting real playing time to see what he's got, Arcia in the starting lineup when healthy, and even Santana being brought up and actually getting a chance to play.

 

7) Soooo tired of the 3rd C debate. Once again, how many times in a season could you possibly be in a situation where you'd lose the DH to remove an injured starting C from the game? Once a season at most? Once every other season maybe? The only reason for a third C, which I rather like, is when one of them is either a primary DH who can C if needed, or is a decent bat, versatile utility type player. Think Herrman if he can learn to hit on a more consistent basis. Otherwise, drop it already and keep a better all around bench player on hand.

 

Lastly, despite my blasting the FO for the botched CF situation, I have to say that Hicks, Arcia, Mauer all back and Fuld hopefully in a week, Escobar getting his shot, Nunez healthy and getting a shot, and Santana up and actually being allowed to play, combined with the rest of the roster as constructed now, actual pleases me.

[PatG]

Buxton can shake off the rust up in Minnie just like he can in NB or FM; what are we afraid of? The guy is a man has a child, give him some room to grow; what if he hits 260 up in the bigs, better than what we got now....

[cmathewson]

Buxton can shake off the rust up in Minnie just like he can in NB or FM; what are we afraid of? The guy is a man has a child, give him some room to grow; what if he hits 260 up in the bigs, better than what we got now....

 

See Gomez, Carlos. You don't want to mess with that.

[Brock Beauchamp]

See Gomez, Carlos. You don't want to mess with that.

 

Yep.

 

I can't put into words how bad an idea it is to let a 20 year old kid "shake off the rust" in MLB games when he's never played a game above high A.

[JB_Iowa]

I'm a little puzzled why anyone thought that the Twins could count on Willingham for all or most of the season.

 

Hoped? Maybe. Depended on? Nope.

 

Some of the injury situation is misjudging players. I just don't find Willingham being out to be surprising at all. Fuld & Hicks? Yes, those were unpredictable. Kubel? If anything, I'm surprised he has stayed healthy thus far.

[Linus]

I'm a little puzzled why anyone thought that the Twins could count on Willingham for all or most of the season.

 

Hoped? Maybe. Depended on? Nope.

 

Some of the injury situation is misjudging players. I just don't find Willingham being out to be surprising at all. Fuld & Hicks? Yes, those were unpredictable. Kubel? If anything, I'm surprised he has stayed healthy thus far.

 

Well add this one to your list: Oswaldo Arcia. I'm afraid we are seeing something more than some "bad luck" on the injury front. He's been dinged up the majority of his big league career, although I don't know what his track record was in the minors regarding trips to the DL.

 

Guys like this kill your roster because they frequently need a couple of days but you really can't DL them. So, you play short.

[Mike Sixel]

Right, JB. The need for a backup plan for older players (or bad young players) is higher than it is for others. Kubel is already showing signs of wearing out, imo.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Well add this one to your list: Oswaldo Arcia. I'm afraid we are seeing something more than some "bad luck" on the injury front. He's been dinged up the majority of his big league career, although I don't know what his track record was in the minors regarding trips to the DL.

 

I think it's too early to say such things about Arcia. Both of his injuries has been wrist-related.

 

Wrist injuries are a bitch and sometimes, they take a long time to fully heal.

 

Remember, JJ Hardy was a chronic DL player... Until he wasn't and played 317 games in two seasons for Baltimore.

[cmathewson]

I hate discussions of random things like injuries. Willingham broke his wrist on a high hard one. Hardly anything anyone could predict.

[Linus]

I think it's too early to say such things about Arcia. Both of his injuries has been wrist-related.

 

Wrist injuries are a bitch and sometimes, they take a long time to fully heal.

 

Remember, JJ Hardy was a chronic DL player... Until he wasn't and played 317 games in two seasons for Baltimore.

 

Yeah, I realize its been a short time but he's been dinged up more than just the wrists. He sat out the last of the season with a bruised knee and had a couple other hangnails. I hope I am wrong but its been often enough to be noticed. These type of players are murder for Gardy because he seems a lot more inclined to "give a guy a day" than to tell him to play. While I've never bought into the whole "Twins medical staff is at fault for injuries" meme, I do think they've been caught up in having guys miss multiple days without DLing them only to have it linger for too long before they finally DL them. I was impressed how quickly they moved on Arcia and Willingham at the beginning of the year and was clearly the right decision.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

This is not directed to anyone specific, but back to Ashbury's point (somewhere in the threads): the 40 man roster is plenty big enough to deal with injury contingencies. "Injuries" is not some exotic thing that suddenly started happening to the Twins and Twins only.

 

In fact, the Twins are probably among the healthiest teams in the league. Their starting lineup has remained intact all year. Only the 7-8 holes (center field & Arcia) have really been affected and none of their key pitchers yet. It would really be questionable to pin this roster mismanagement on injuries.

[kblack1011]

Why does everyone give Ryan a pass and blame everyone else in the front office. Wasn't the lack of center fielder a problem last year and Ryan was around the whole year. As far as Gardy's having influence, wasn't it Ryan who brought him back after 3 years of 90 losses.

 

It's good to see we dropped another CF prospect for the 40 man roster for another player who can't move and we'll put him in the outfield. At least the FO is consistent.

[Brock Beauchamp]

So Wilson was waived.

 

My brain hurts. What do they have against putting outfielders on the 40 man roster?

[ashbury]

So Wilson was waived.

 

My brain hurts. What do they have against putting outfielders on the 40 man roster?

 

Putting CF next to a player's name does not make him a candidate for center field.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I just want to point out a few obvious things.

 

1. depth management is as important as roster construction this time of year which is why the best players are not called up right now. We need to make sure we keep as many assets as we can in case of injury...

 

2. With a few breaks we could actually be competitive this year. when Meyer comes up and if Deduno pitches well then we could end up with an average to slightly above average rotation. and Detroit has an ineffective bullpen so if Guerrier is a FA cause we don't call him up I bet he goes there and pitches with Nathan out of their pen. We can just as easily hold on to him and we have trade leverage.

 

3. Our tradeable pieces are adding up Corriea, Pelfry, several bullpen arms, Parmelee, Willingham, and Kubel. We could really add to our minor league depth this trade deadline.

 

4. The Twins tend to keep an eye on other teams pretty well. I wonder if they were planning to get Fuld from the get go. Pressley really looked bad in spring training.

I agree with 1...

[Brock Beauchamp]

This is not directed to anyone specific, but back to Ashbury's point (somewhere in the threads): the 40 man roster is plenty big enough to deal with injury contingencies. "Injuries" is not some exotic thing that suddenly started happening to the Twins and Twins only.

 

In fact, the Twins are probably among the healthiest teams in the league. Their starting lineup has remained intact all year. Only the 7-8 holes (center field & Arcia) have really been affected and none of their key pitchers yet. It would really be questionable to pin this roster mismanagement on injuries.

 

Well, as of yesterday they had three of their Opening Day outfielders on the DL. That's pretty significant.

 

It's something they should have been able to overcome by scraping together a make-shift lineup for two days but it's still significant.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Putting CF next to a player's name does not make him a candidate for center field.

It makes him a lot closer than Escobar or Bartlett

[Brock Beauchamp]

Putting CF next to a player's name does not make him a candidate for center field.

 

Is that directed at Wilson? According to what I've read, he's quite good in the field.

[ashbury]

Is that directed at Wilson? According to what I've read, he's quite good in the field.

 

Yes, Wilson, and no, no quarrel with the glove. I failed to find a way to state that "center field" involves coming to bat against major league pitchers. You don't simply look to see if someone has CF next to his name and say, "OK, we're good then".

[Brock Beauchamp]

Yes, Wilson, and no, no quarrel with the glove. I failed to find a way to state that "center field" involves coming to bat against major league pitchers.

 

Ah, gotcha. Yeah, he's not anywhere near being ready to face MLB pitching right now.

 

But while we're on the topic of mislabels... Hey, Chris Herrmann is listed as an OF on the 40 man.

 

Really?

[ashbury]

I guess I'll go on to say that there are 2 kinds of players who should be added to a 40-man roster only with a lot of thought beforehand: 1) young guys who are not ready to contribute at the major league level if called on, and 2) marginal guys who are out of options. The Twins 40-man is cluttered with these, and this is where the problem right now lies.

[Mike Sixel]

They keep trading for/claiming marginal guys that need to be on the 40, that they apparently don't ever plan to add to the 25. It is an odd strategy, imo.

[Brock Beauchamp]

They keep trading for/claiming marginal guys that need to be on the 40, that they apparently don't ever plan to add to the 25. It is an odd strategy, imo.

 

Indeed. If they can get Wilson through waivers, it's a pretty good move. He has a chance to become a role player down the road.

 

If he doesn't clear waivers, their run of confusing moves continues to confuse.

[Craig Arko]

@RhettBollinger: Josh Willingham is scheduled to take batting practice on the field tomorrow for first time since wrist injury. #MNTwins

 

Rich beyond the dreams of avarice...

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Well, as of yesterday they had three of their Opening Day outfielders on the DL. That's pretty significant.

 

It's something they should have been able to overcome by scraping together a make-shift lineup for two days but it's still significant.

 

Derp* forgot about Willingham when I typed my comment.

 

I will be lobbying for a Kubel/Willingham platoon when he returns so in my little thought world Willingham is not a key contributor anyway.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I will be lobbying for a Kubel/Willingham platoon when he returns so in my little thought world Willingham is not a key contributor anyway.

 

I never expected much from Willingham this season but it'd still be nice to have him, particularly in a platoon role with Kubel.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Why does everyone give Ryan a pass and blame everyone else in the front office. Wasn't the lack of center fielder a problem last year and Ryan was around the whole year. As far as Gardy's having influence, wasn't it Ryan who brought him back after 3 years of 90 losses.

 

It's good to see we dropped another CF prospect for the 40 man roster for another player who can't move and we'll put him in the outfield. At least the FO is consistent.

 

Ryan is receiving cancer treatment and I'm sure has some pretty big fish to fry. I'm willing to cut TR some slack for decisions made while he is out, even if he was a part of making them. We don't know TR's involvement, but I'm sure it's not a large amount.

 

Rob Antony on the other hand was at the helm for final roster cuts, and is currently "managing" the 40 man roster. As such, I choose to rail on Antony.

 

If you want to call TR on not signing a CF in the offseason, even if he had done so, that wouldn't stop Antony from DFAing him. Just ask Wilson about it.

 

Edit: Also, Gardy is not the GM, he's the bench manager. We can debate on whether or not he should be in a different thread. Gardy should not be making the 40/25 man roster moves and TR apparently did not let him, to the same extent RA appears to.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Indeed. If they can get Wilson through waivers, it's a pretty good move. He has a chance to become a role player down the road.

 

If he doesn't clear waivers, their run of confusing moves continues to confuse.

I guess I would have waited for Fuld to come back before DFAing Wilson. I don't think he had any business on the 25, but as we all know emergencies happen.

 

There are several other players on the 40 who also have no business on the 25 who are in positions that aren't so critically thin, such as relief pitcher, who could have made room for Parms.

 

i do agree, Wilson needed to be DFA'd. The timing is just odd.

[kblack1011]

Ryan is receiving cancer treatment and I'm sure has some pretty big fish to fry. I'm willing to cut TR some slack for decisions made while he is out, even if he was a part of making them. We don't know TR's involvement, but I'm sure it's not a large amount.

 

Rob Antony on the other hand was at the helm for final roster cuts, and is currently "managing" the 40 man roster. As such, I choose to rail on Antony.

 

If you want to call TR on not signing a CF in the offseason, even if he had done so, that wouldn't stop Antony from DFAing him. Just ask Wilson about it.

 

Again, this doesn't explain the mess Ryan was in charge of last year with the roster. And isn't Smith and Anthony guys Ryan put or recommended for their position?

 

I'm sure he has more important thing on his mind now, but if you want to look at the problem in the organization, it's really hard to not also look at how Ryan has performed over last few years. Looks like the magic is gone, how long to you want to hold on to what happen 10 years ago? I forgot, that's how we are building our roster this year.