Claim Moises Sierra, DFA Herrmann or Nunez?

[jokin]

We're waiting for the Twins to add to their OF, either seeking depth and/or a starting position upgrade, and

 

-claim or sign a minor league OFer,

-sign a non-tender (Andy Dirks and Eric Young)

-make a trade for a proven CFer (Bourjos)

-sign a proven CFer (Colby Rasmus)

 

-How about a waiver claim?

Moises Sierra was just DFAd by the Royals, likely can be claimed outright.  Was caught in a numbers game in Chicago, but was popular there in 2014.  Considering him strictly as a 4th or 5th OFer, would he be an upgrade over Hermann/Nunez?

 

Comparisons to Hermann/Nunez-

One year younger,

league minimum salary for two more years,

more pop in his bat,

better OF defender,

 

but he can't fill the 3rd catcher role or a utility infield role and is out of options, while Hermann has one left, Nunez none.

 

If Rosario proves ready at some point in 2015, Sierra could be easily waived.

 

Thoughts?

[The Wise One]

The contributions to the team from a Herman or a Nunez in the outfield would be not an issue if the Twins find a MLB starter outfielder. Sierra would make a fine AAA outfielder. Why waste time looking for players that should be playing minimal innings like a 5th outfielder/3catcher

[SarasotaBill]

I would pick him up and drop Nunez without hesitation.

 

Sierra would be my platoon CF with Schaefer if Hicks needs more time in AAA.

[jokin]

. Why waste time looking for players that should be playing minimal innings like a 5th outfielder/3catcher

 

Because every team has to have those spots filled- as efficiently and productively as possible?

[Lonestar]

How about giving Melky Mesa a split contract?

[nicksaviking]

If Ryan is still fielding calls about his middle infielders, I'd guess Nunez sticks around until the spring at least.

 

It is yet to be seen if the new field staff yearns for 3rd catchers as much as the previous one.  Perhaps it was a position that Ryan craved, but didn't it seem like it was always Gardenhire who had a hard time sleeping when a 3rd catcher wasn't in place?  I think Herrmann is near the top of the 40-man chopping block.

[DaveW]

who?

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

Do the Twins still view Herrmann as a catcher, or is he full-time outfield corner going forward?

[nicksaviking]

who?

 

You remember, he was one of those low cost veterans at the end of their career Ryan brought in about a decade ago.  He's making a comeback.

 

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sierrru01.shtml

[DJL44]

If the Twins don't view Herrmann as a catcher he should be cut. He's not good enough to gain a roster spot solely as an outfielder.

[stringer bell]

While he's not really a center fielder, I think the Twins could/should take a flyer on someone like Sierra. He's still pretty young and looks like he might be an okay offensive player. Certainly a better version of a backup outfielder spot than Wilken Ramirez. I still prefer the Twins get a premium defender to play center field and perhaps move to a corner when Buxton arrives.

 

As far as Herrmann goes, he not a candidate to get regular play at catcher, but the fact that he can put on the gear and be acceptable behind the plate adds to his value.

[Seth Stohs]

When I saw he had been DFAd, I thought he made a lot of sense. 

I think they still have DFA options on the 40 man. Sierra's not anything exciting. He's maybe a small step ahead of Shane Robinson, primarily since he's younger, though Robinson is a much better centerfielder.

 

The outfield will be Hunter in Right and Oswaldo Arcia in Left... In Center, they can go with Aaron Hicks with Jordan Schafer as the 4th OF... Or, if they want Hicks in AAA to start the season, they can go with Schafer and Robinson as a platoon. Sierra can fit into that second equation, if they want. 

[Thrylos]

I think that the Twins should be doing what the Padres are doing, but... 

 

Getting marginal people is not going to make a 92 loss team a contender.   And if you are not going to be a contender, better play the kids.  That simple.

[jokin]

While he's not really a center fielder, I think the Twins could/should take a flyer on someone like Sierra. He's still pretty young and looks like he might be an okay offensive player. Certainly a better version of a backup outfielder spot than Wilken Ramirez. I still prefer the Twins get a premium defender to play center field and perhaps move to a corner when Buxton arrives.

 

As far as Herrmann goes, he not a candidate to get regular play at catcher, but the fact that he can put on the gear and be acceptable behind the plate adds to his value.

 

That's about where I'm at, but in the case of Hermann the Twins already have an emergency catcher in Escobar, and the Twins don't seem too enamored with Hermann behind the plate, anyway, he's not even listed as a catcher any more.  

 

As far as Ofers go, there's Rasmus out there to put in CF, he desperately needs a change in scenery to recharge his career, but I doubt the Twins will pull it off... and as a lesser opportunity, now there are reports that Seth Smith is on the block with the Padres getting Kemp.  I suspect that Smith could be had without giving up very much, and would slot in nicely in LF right away (.839 lifetime OPS vs. RHP).

[jokin]

I think that the Twins should be doing what the Padres are doing, but... 

 

Getting marginal people is not going to make a 92 loss team a contender.   And if you are not going to be a contender, better play the kids.  That simple.

 

Which ones?  Rosario and Kepler clearly aren't ready yet.  

 

Sierra did show some real promise in Chicago, he just turned 26, and he has had some nice pop in his bat in the upper minors.  And he would replace a guy that is MORE marginal than he might be.

[stringer bell]

Escobar played in one exhibition game as a catcher (a couple of innings IIRC) and has never played behind the plate in the minors or the big leagues.  I don't consider him a third catcher, but rather the team's best emergency option if a disaster occurred.  Herrmann could be used to start a few games if the backup was banged up and the regular needed a day off.  There is a difference to me.

[jokin]

Escobar played in one exhibition game as a catcher (a couple of innings IIRC) and has never played behind the plate in the minors or the big leagues.  I don't consider him a third catcher, but rather the team's best emergency option if a disaster occurred.  Herrmann could be used to start a few games if the backup was banged up and the regular needed a day off.  There is a difference to me.

 

Yeah, I'm not saying Esco's the third catcher, I'm saying that I don't see the need to have a third catcher on the 25-man roster.  

 

And the Twins have made such a commitment to Hermann's future as a cacther, they've been cutting back on the net number of games he's played at the position-  87 games in 2012, 67 games in 2013, 27 games in 2014.  Frankly, IMO he's just not good enough in the OF or at the plate at the major league level to justify keeping him around much longer.

[Trevor0333]

If Ryan is still fielding calls about his middle infielders, I'd guess Nunez sticks around until the spring at least.

 

 

So your saying he may have learned to hold onto depth of a position he maybe trading from? I don't rec that hurting the team last year