Tim Stauffer DFAd (and Tonkin, Polanco, Rosario)

[Seth Stohs]

Following Wednesday night's game, the #MNTwins announced that they have Designated RP Tim Stauffer for assignment. He is replaced on the roster by Michael Tonkin.

 

Also, Jorge Polanco was sent back to Chattanooga with Eddie Rosario expected back from Paternity Leave on Friday.

[Squirrel]

 

Following Wednesday night's game, the #MNTwins announced that they have Designated RP Tim Stauffer for assignment. He is replaced on the roster by Michael Tonkin.

 

There is a God! Well, okay, a bit strong … but definitely a move I heartily support … just wish, well, I just was NOT a fan of the signing from step one.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Molitor was not using Stauffer at all. I would have preferred keeping the extra bat, but overall a net positive move.

[Bark's Lounge]

I am at a loss for words. Good comes to mind.

[jokin]

Step One in the repair process. Why did the team need to be held up for this long just to give Stauffer the extra severance pay? Why do the Twins still need 13 pitchers with the offense still on "HOLD"?

[Squirrel]

 

Step One in the repair process. Why did the team need to be held up for this long just to give Stauffer the extra severance pay? Why do the Twins still need 13 pitchers with the offense still on "HOLD"?

As you said 'Step One.' Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!

 

Deunsing should be 'on notice' with this move.

[howeda7]

Great 1st step. They still don't need 9 relievers. I'd rather call up Pinto or keep Polanco.

[Kwak]

Replacing Stauffer with Tonkin another mistake.  Ryan must be in love with the concept of 13 pitchers--despite all evidence to the contrary of its use(lessness).  OMG, add a position player!  Anybody who resembles a hitter and can play any position would be more useful than Tonkin (or any other RP).

[Danchat]

Finally, I can stop complaining.

 

Well, Duensing should be DFA'd eventually, but I'll save my nagging for later.

 

Anyways, the Twins proceed with a 8 man bullpen. We really don't need to, but OK... I guess whenever Arcia comes back to the majors, then we go back to a 7 man bullpen. Of course, that may not be for a while.

[USAFChief]

Good.

 

However, the thread title is a bit misleading. Bout gave an old man a coronary.

[nicksaviking]

With the lack of skepticism about Polanci's one game call up, I'm going to assume most folks only read the first sentence of Seth's post and got too excited to read much more than the second.

 

Polanco knows how to take a pitch, many of the other young Twins don't. Keep him up, let him bat low in the order until he gets acclimated and you might have found a solution to the #2 spot in the lineup before long.

[Squirrel]

 

Good.

However, the thread title is a bit misleading. Bout gave an old man a coronary.

I guess I didn't really get past the Stauffer part, but yeah!

 

Btw, folks … most of us have had many strong opinions on Stauffer from the signing on, including me … but please, let's stop referring to players as garbage, trash or turds. Yes, this is a 'Moderator Note.'

[kab21]

It's a shame that Stauffer didn't work out since I have always pulled for him since he screwed up his shoulder (labrum I think) between the draft and signing his big league contract.  It was almost an Aiken situation where the Padres (justifiably) lowered their offer by a lot but still signed him.  But he had to go.

 

I think people will be surprised by Polanco.  I don't think we will see him taking a lot of pitches.  Just because he doesn't strike out much doesn't mean that he will be taking a lot of pitches.  It won't be as severe as Ben Revere but when Polanco swings he makes contact.  Between this and at a minimum acceptable defense (MI) he has a fairly high floor.  Decent pop in his bat (although not true HR power) give him pretty good upside.

 

And before the host of angry replies come.  He will likely average 5-10 HR/season but could have a season or two of 15+.  Of course I would have put Dozier in the 10 HR/season category and he is averaging 20.

[DocBauer]

Needed to be done. Also never felt in my gut Stauffer was a fit. But I just don't get 8 relief pitchers. There have been, unfortunately, times in the past when we needed them because the starting staff was such a mess. But other than the whole double header situation, our starters have been a real strength of the team this year.

 

Man...did I really just type that?

 

But it's true.

 

If the pen does need something, it's a RH...or LH...who can get a strikeout or two. Oliveros anyone?

 

Does Fien still pitch for us?

 

I'd give Duensing some more rope and time, and not just because he's a good guy and I'm a fan. I believe past experience and production might prove him to be a rest of the season bounce back candidate.

[jokin]

If the pen does need something, it's a RH...or LH...who can get a strikeout or two. Oliveros anyone?

 

Does Fien still pitch for us?

 

...bounce back candidate(?)

I think it's time to worry just a little on the prospect that Fien is 100% healthy. Molitor seems pretty hesitant to use him since he's returned, despite numerous 8th inning situations.

 

I'm also kind of surprised that the Twins weren't more interested in taking a real shot at Rafael Soriano (who signed a minor league/incentive-based contract with the Cubs yesterday). Ryan loves vets and he had the Ervin Santana free money still in the budget.

[ckrolak]

Mr. Ryan, meet Mr. Gardenhire.  I'm sure you both have a lot in common and will enjoy retirement together.