Twins Claim Erik Komatsu, DFA Clete Thomas

[kirbyelway]

We are going to stash a Rule 5 guy, so at least Terry Ryan knows we are rebuilding and can start to do some things with the roster. Right now I think Span is only proven tradeable asset we have. He needs to be traded while his value is high and lets get some young starting pitching for him. I would love to see Francisco and Pavano pitch better, so they would have some value.

[Steve Lein]

What's the deal here with him being a Rule V pick?! I don't understand how he's not back with Washington after this and how the Twins could even claim him then?

[nicksaviking]

Plouffe is having trouble getting a read on those balls hit to him in the outfield... I think that's the issue... Outside of 2011, Plouffe has nothing in his minor league stats that suggests he is some great talent that just needs time... I think we've seen the top of the Plouffe mountian and the view ain't that great... Komatsu at least has a minor league history of strong play, suggesting he has potential...

I agree, I ripped the organiztion for striking out on the Plouffe pick for years. He doesn't look to be anything other than bench option. His defense isn't very good but the club knew that coming into the year. Still they were really trumpeting him this spring with Gardy implying that he was the favorite for the RF job. Plouffe's not my first choice, or even second for RF, I just think they have mis-managed the situation seeing as Gardy and Ryan seemed very high on him a month ago. No one seems to have a game plan at this point and there have been several knee-jerk reactions. These are the signs of a front office and coaching staff in desperation.

[gmarais66]

What's the deal here with him being a Rule V pick?! I don't understand how he's not back with Washington after this and how the Twins could even claim him then?

If you don't want the Rule 5 player you drafted, you can waive or trade that player, but the Rule 5 status follows that player to the next team... If no one else takes the player, you can offer him back to the team he came from...

[greengoblinrulz]

If you don't want the Rule 5 player you drafted, you can waive or trade that player, but the Rule 5 status follows that player to the next team... If no one else takes the player, you can offer him back to the team he came from...

i was unsure, but figured it out after thinking bout it a few minutes. Needs to be active for 90 days & can be stashed on DL for the remainder (if a team would try) but on the MLB version of the roster all yr.

[spideyo]

What's the deal here with him being a Rule V pick?! I don't understand how he's not back with Washington after this and how the Twins could even claim him then?

He only gets offered back to Washington if he doesn't clear waivers.

[John Bonnes]

I actually did a bit more research:

He hit .323/.413/.442 in A+ in 2010 and was the Brewers MiLB player of the year. And that was FSL, so it projects. Last season he had a .294/.393/.416 line in AA Huntsville before traded to the Nats at the deadline. Projects as a CF and leadoff hitter.

 

Revere and Mastro did not do anything that good at those levels (well, Mastro might this season but he is oldest). The fact that he is actually a prospect and CFer makes me think that a. the Twins do not think much about Revere and b. Span might be going sooner than later

And maybe...

c. The Twins realize they might as well be collecting guys for the future, cuz this season is toast. That's a little harsh, but these are the kinds of moves that a team looking to the future would make.

[TwinVike61]

I got to watch Komatsu during his rookie campaign with the Brewers and think this is a great move. (I'm not a scout but I saw that) He was a good outfield defender and a hitter with good discipline and power (at least at this level). He doesn't have the speed of Hicks or Revere but much more power potential. We have to have something to get excited about this season.

[Shane Wahl]

On base guy who generally walks more than he strikes out. That much is good. I don't like not being able to stash him at AAA for a few months, but whatever.

[glunn]

I got to watch Komatsu during his rookie campaign with the Brewers and think this is a great move. (I'm not a scout but I saw that) He was a good outfield defender and a hitter with good discipline and power (at least at this level). He doesn't have the speed of Hicks or Revere but much more power potential. We have to have something to get excited about this season.

I share your hope for someone new who can make the team better.

[ashbury]

Problem is that most of these outfielders are on the lower end of the "Jason Spectrum", ranging from Tyner to Repko but never to Kubel - decent batting average, good defense, will steal a base, power anywhere from "nil" to "doubles and an occasional home run", at AA-AAA, projecting to hit .280 with an OPS of maybe .650 in the majors if they reach their potential. They're OK to stock up on, as insurance for injuries and to help make the AAA team more competitive for the fans in Rochester. But they are not the kind that "can make the [major league] team better". And they won't be significant trade bait: they're the very definition of Replacement Level - the other teams can get one for no investment at all.

 

The Rule V draft isn't what it was a decade ago and it's just about not worth bothering with the players available through that route. That the Twins are spending time bottom-feeding isn't very strategic looking, to me.

[Shane Wahl]

Problem is that most of these outfielders are on the lower end of the "Jason Spectrum", ranging from Tyner to Repko but never to Kubel - decent batting average, good defense, will steal a base, power anywhere from "nil" to "doubles and an occasional home run", at AA-AAA, projecting to hit .280 with an OPS of maybe .650 in the majors if they reach their potential. They're OK to stock up on, as insurance for injuries and to help make the AAA team more competitive for the fans in Rochester. But they are not the kind that "can make the [major league] team better". And they won't be significant trade bait: they're the very definition of Replacement Level - the other teams can get one for no investment at all.

Yeah, it may be their last effort to find someone like this to fill that spot until they start promoting from the farm, but some of those guys have either been injured (Tosoni) or have sucked (Benson) this year.

[baseballlouie]

I actually did a bit more research:

He hit .323/.413/.442 in A+ in 2010 and was the Brewers MiLB player of the year. And that was FSL, so it projects. Last season he had a .294/.393/.416 line in AA Huntsville before traded to the Nats at the deadline. Projects as a CF and leadoff hitter.

 

Revere and Mastro did not do anything that good at those levels (well, Mastro might this season but he is oldest). The fact that he is actually a prospect and CFer makes me think that a. the Twins do not think much about Revere and b. Span might be going sooner than later

Geeze - that just not true at all.

 

Mastroianni was an all star in the FSL and the Eastern league. In fact - with on e year as an exception I would take his numbers over Kamatsu in a heartbeat

[Riverbrian]

I wouldn't read much into this... It's simple stockpiling. The Kid is a prospect... The Twins brass thinks he could develop into something and all they have to do is hold on to him during a year when it's looking like it doesn't matter who they hold on to.

 

It doesn't mean the Twins think less of Revere or Mastroianni or anyone. The Twins are increasing options when the chance to do so arises. It's too bad that he isn't an IF or Pitcher because we really don't have any options in those positions but you have to take them wherever they come.