Article: How Does Carlos Quentin Fit In?

[DocBauer]

Vargas has an option for mow, thankfully. I am telling you, don't write him off!

 

I don't begrudge the Twins signing Quentin. It's one of those, "what the heck, just in case we hit lightening and end up with an unexpected opening..." kind of deals.

 

But how does he fit? He fits if Park isn't ready, Vargas is hurt or has a bad spring, and if Kepler isn't ready, if Arcia is hurt, and Mastro, Benson and Sweeney all have poor springs. Then he fits in as a possible platoon DH or OF.

 

In other words.....he doesnt.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Just noticed this:

 

http://www.thecubreporter.com/book/export/html/3511

 

 

If an Article XX-B MLB free-agent signs a minor league contract at least ten days prior to MLB Opening Day, and then is either not released by 12 PM (Eastern) on the 5th day prior to MLB Opening Day or added to an MLB Active List (25-man roster) or MLB Disabled List by 3 PM (Eastern) on MLB Opening Day, the player automatically receives a $100,000 retention bonus, and the player can unilaterally opt-out of the minor league contract on June 1st if he has not been added to an MLB Active List (25-man roster) or an MLB Disabled List by that date.

 

Note that "Article XX-B" free agents are those with 6 years service time, like Quentin.  Does not apply to Abad or Kintzler, who only have 4 years service each.

 

So sending Quentin to the minors to open the season would cost the Twins $100k, obviously less than what his MLB salary would be ($750k) but it is another amount the Twins could include in their calculations, particularly if they really think they might roster Quentin by June 1st and cut another player in that time anyway.

 

Although I still think the opt out date is more important, and as he was apparently unable to negotiate that to an earlier date, I don't think we have much to worry about here yet.

[twinscowboysbulls]

He doesn't fit in, at all!

[jorgenswest]

Signing Quentin keeps them from looking for a younger option with more upside. I heard the same no risk line when they signed Kubel and Bartlett. That same winter and spring JD Martinez was available as the Astros DFA'd outrighted and released him. The Twins could have been the first team to claim him. Instead they filled spring spots with Kubel and Bartlett. It was particularly frustrating their second opportunity in March when it was clear that Bartlett could not hit. The Tigers acquired Martinez on March 22.

 

How does Quentin fit? It could be as a bat on the bench if he demonstrates he can hit. They haven't had that bat the last few years instead carrying multiple utility players. If he demonstrates that he is a much better threat with the bat than Nunez, he is more valuable to the bench. If he can't hit, let's hope Molitor recognizes it and releases him. The Twins are stuck with the weak bench they had last year.