Upcoming Changes

[SweetOne69]

I don't create topics too often.

 

If the performances of the current roster doesn't change, here are some roster changes that I would like to see by May 1:

 

1. DFA Fien.  Most of his outings have been garbage so he should be let go.
2. Option Buxton to AAA.  He just looks overmatched.  His BA just isn't improving like the rest of the offense is starting to.  He should be sent to Rochester to get his confidence back.
3. Move Milone to the BP.  So far this year he cruises through the 1st 3 innings and then begins to struggle.  Perfect formula for a long man.
4. Call up Berrios
5. When Santana comes off the DL send Kepler back to AAA.  If you aren't going to play him send him to Rochester where he will play and develop.
6. Pick up the contract of Mastroianni.  He can be the bench player used as a defensive replacement/pinch runner.

Starting OF is Arcia, Rosario and Sano with Santana and Mastro as the backups.

Rotation is Santana, Gibson, Hughes, Berrios and Nolasco

BP is Milone, Tonkin, Pressly, O'Rourke, Jepsen, May and Abad

[Rosterman]

Is it too early to cut Fien is the question. Of course, it shouldn't matter.

 

Yes, let Buxton play regularly at Rochester. But we have to see if Santana is any better/worse, and also judge Rosario, who seems to be getting some spots there.

 

Duffey will get the call before Milone. Unless the Twins lose two starters and Berrios is near perfect at Rochester, he is behind (sadly) Duffey AND Meyer.

 

You have to tread carefully adding someone like Mastro. Once you send him down, you may loose him. But then, again, is it a loss.

 

40 games in is when you start thinking changes internally. 75 games in is when you start looking for new pieces outside or seeing if there is any interest in some of the pieces that you may not need come future seasons.

 

It's a looooooong season.

[Vanimal46]

DFA'ing Fien - Yes, absolutely. 

Buxton to AAA - I was very stubborn on keeping him on the MLB roster for better or worse, but my stance is weakening by the day. 

 

Milone to the pen - makes a lot of sense to me. He'd be a great long reliever, and doesn't have to be relegated to that role either. He could pitch the 7th inning too. 

 

Berrios to MLB - Yes. ASAP call him up. Have we gotten past the date where they get another year of control with him?

 

Kepler back to AAA - If Buxton's sent down, perhaps that opens up some opportunity for Kepler to play more. I'd hold off on that. 

 

Mastro - http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/nope1.gif
 

That starting OF of Arcia, Rosario, Sano is a defensive nightmare.... I'd like to see Kepler-Rosario-Sano or Rosario-Santana-Sano..

[TheLeviathan]

I really think Milone would do well as a reliever.  Replace Fien with him and call up the kid. 

 

I don't have any kind of demand for when, but I'd like to see it happen this year.

[nicksaviking]

I'd DFA Fien, though he has been a good Twin for several years now so I'm not to fond of the cavalier attitude about uprooting the guy.

 

Buxton has only whiffed 5 times in his last 19 PA, he has improved in that regard since the opening two series, I'd keep him up for a bit longer. Every level he's been at, he's struggled out of the gate, but if he figures out the strikeouts, and he has been making much more contact, he's going to start getting on base.

 

I don't want Milone and his 85 MPH heater in the pen. If he can't be traded, I'd consider releasing him. Chargois should be looked at in the pen before Milone does. Rogers too, time for the future!

 

Berrios, yeah, obviously let's get him up. There isn't a starter I wouldn't demote/cut/trade/imprison in a secret CIA bunker to find a spot for him.

 

Kepler is already back at Rochester. If the team isn't going to play his replacement, Polanco, then he should go to Rochester. But Polanco should be playing at the MLB level. Maybe even 2B.

 

I would think the Twins would give Murphy a shot over Mastroianni. There seems little need for Mastro if Santana is back also.

[RedBull34]

 

I don't create topics too often.

 

If the performances of the current roster doesn't change, here are some roster changes that I would like to see by May 1:

 

1. DFA Fien.  Most of his outings have been garbage so he should be let go.
2. Option Buxton to AAA.  He just looks overmatched.  His BA just isn't improving like the rest of the offense is starting to.  He should be sent to Rochester to get his confidence back.
3. Move Milone to the BP.  So far this year he cruises through the 1st 3 innings and then begins to struggle.  Perfect formula for a long man.
4. Call up Berrios
5. When Santana comes off the DL send Kepler back to AAA.  If you aren't going to play him send him to Rochester where he will play and develop.
6. Pick up the contract of Mastroianni.  He can be the bench player used as a defensive replacement/pinch runner.

Starting OF is Arcia, Rosario and Sano with Santana and Mastro as the backups.

Rotation is Santana, Gibson, Hughes, Berrios and Nolasco

BP is Milone, Tonkin, Pressly, O'Rourke, Jepsen, May and Abad

1. Yep

2. Yep

3. Yes, Additionally, send down O' Rourke and bring up Chargois.

4. Or Duffey

5. Unlike others, right now I can't advocate sitting Arcia's bat.  I was way down on him, but last year's struggles seem to have been in his head.

6. I don't know.  Mastro...Murphy...They all leave a bad taste in my mouth, but Kepler needs to be playing at some level.

 

Honestly trading Arcia for RP help is an idea that may need to be entertained down the road.

 

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

 

 

Honestly trading Arcia for RP help is an idea that may need to be entertained down the road.

 

Unless Arcia absolutely flops this season, I'd call that a resume generating event. 

[mudcat14]

I think it's time to make another run at Lucroy.  Our catching is woeful, with no relief in sight.  Can't have an OF with both Arcia & Sano at the same time.  Maybe Oswaldo's offense resurgence will interest the Brewers.  Perhaps Nolasco could influence them.  To bad Will Smith is an unknown factor due to his knee.  Would love to have a healthy version of him too. 

[ScrapTheNickname]

Don't disagree with anything you wrote except regarding Mastroianni. He belongs in a Fellini film more than in a Twins uniform.

 

Did that sound snarky?

[Dantes929]

I get and agree with the idea that Milone shouldn't face the batters too many times through but there have only been two times I have really questioned Molitor.   Against the Angels Milone was great through 6.   I would have sat him right there to let him end with a great outing because yes, I don't think I was alone in thinking another time through the order would not be good to him.   Then his last outing he was doing great but got the bases loaded with two outs before being pulled.   The reliever then gave up all three runs over the next two batters.   These two things leave a big mark on your ERA when it maybe it shouldn't have been.  

Just saying I think he has pitched better than his stats might show but I am ok with him being long relief.

Duffey, besides having a great minor league season last year and being maybe our best pitcher down the stretch last year has a 1.72 ERA over 15 innings  compared to Berrios 1.8 ERA over 10 innings.    I just think he has earned the next promotion.     

 

[Dantes929]

 

 

 

 

 

Berrios, yeah, obviously let's get him up. There isn't a starter I wouldn't demote/cut/trade/imprison in a secret CIA bunker to find a spot for him.

 

 

 

 

If Meyer keeps going then I would say there aren't any starters that should be ahead of Berrios, Duffey or Meyer.    

[Dr. Evil]

With Arcia's brother nearing the bigs, would the crew have any interest in a reunion?

[Oldgoat_MN]

Berrios is pitching well.

Duffy is pitching well.

Meyer is going great guns right now. 0.865 WHIP, 1.04 ERA, 9.9 SO/9 and only 2 walks in 17 innings.

 

Got some guys who are feasting on AAA batters. I am anxious to see what the near future brings.

 

As for Mastro, he ripped up ST but is currently sitting at .214/.365/.238 (.603), so, um, no.

 

And I rather hate the idea of trading Arcia for bullpen help. We have many a reliever coming up. I don't think we are going to make a World Series run this year, but if we keep pieces that are developing we may be there in a year or two.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

That OF would probably be the worst in baseball, defensively.

That is a disaster with the pitch to contact rotation we have.

Buxton has to stay up, for his defense alone IMO, at least until Berrios and Meyer have gotten their feet under them in the mlb rotation.

[Shaitan]

Too early but if these performances continue for another 10-15 days, I mostly agree.

 

I'd DFA Mastro if anything, not bring him up. He's a warm AAA body, not a MLBer.

 

I think Berrios will push and if Milone continues to struggle, it's inevitable. T

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I think TR needs to dfa the Loogys. No room for 1 let alone 2 on a modern roster. If you can't get 7+ innings from your rotation on a consistent basis, you need all of your relievers to be able to get 3 or more outs every appearance.

With this rotation, you need the best outfield you can get. Buxton and Rosario or Kepler need to roam the outfield every game. Can't have Arcia and Sano and Rosario in the outfield at the same time too often, no lead will be safe

[ScottyB]

Personally I'd consider moving Mauer to RF (he's much more athletic and coming into the season had more experience in RF (1 game) than Sano, and move Sano to 1B.  Getting rid of Fien is a must.  He was pretty crummy the second half last year as well.  I would also swap out JR Murphy for Hicks (John not Aaron, although undoing the swap has crossed my mind).  O'Rourke will be gone when Perkins comes back.

[Linus]

Strange as this sounds I would get Polanco and Kepler back to aaa. I want them playing everyday to know what we have. If Kepler and Rosario hit then they are in my outfield post haste.

[Ultima Ratio]

With Murphy stinking it up, I'd put Mauer back at catcher and move Sano to first.  Easy peasy.  http://www.allsmileys.com/files/smiley-central-communicate/5215.gif

[ShouldaCouldaWoulda]

 

I get and agree with the idea that Milone shouldn't face the batters too many times through but there have only been two times I have really questioned Molitor.   Against the Angels Milone was great through 6.   I would have sat him right there to let him end with a great outing because yes, I don't think I was alone in thinking another time through the order would not be good to him.   Then his last outing he was doing great but got the bases loaded with two outs before being pulled.   The reliever then gave up all three runs over the next two batters.   These two things leave a big mark on your ERA when it maybe it shouldn't have been.  

Just saying I think he has pitched better than his stats might show but I am ok with him being long relief.

Duffey, besides having a great minor league season last year and being maybe our best pitcher down the stretch last year has a 1.72 ERA over 15 innings  compared to Berrios 1.8 ERA over 10 innings.    I just think he has earned the next promotion.     

...and Meyer might 'deserve' it more than either, so Berrios could be 3rd in the pecking order, especially if were are out of it. IF...we are in the mix and all 3 of Duffey, Meyer, and Berrios are pitching well, I think they simply bring up who they think gives them the most legitimate chance...I would hope.

 

If they are not in the mix and all 3 guys are pitching well, I think the bring Berrios up last, after Meyer and Duffey.

 

...edit...Just saw Berrios just K'd 7 over 7 innings, while only giving up 3 baserunners, and no runs. Pretty dominant start to and already good beginning. Wow.

[twinsnorth49]

 

Don't disagree with anything you wrote except regarding Mastroianni. He belongs in a Fellini film more than in a Twins uniform.

 

Did that sound snarky?

Yes, nicely done.

[twinsnorth49]

 

Is it too early to cut Fien is the question. 

 

 

Hells no is the answer.

[Ncgo4]

Mauer is NEVER going back to catching.  Buxton won't go back to Rochester for another 30 days if he keeps hitting like he is.  Platoon Mauer, Arcia and Park.  Give each one every third day off.  Certainly agree about Berrios immediately, but not sure about Duffey until he gets another off speed pitch.  They could dump almost any relievers and bring up some heat from the minors.

[MindFreak]

Not at all too early to cut Fien. He had one great season, but teams caught onto him, and he's been exposed. 

Can't have Arcia in the field, he's a butcher out there.

The problem with the lineup construction is far too many DH/1B/below average corner OF's on it. 

If Nolasco keeps pitching well, you call every NL team out there and get what you can, and out of that contract. 

SP: Big Erv, Milone, Hughes, Berrios, Meyer 

RP: - needs a whole overhaul, i trust none of them to be perfectly honest 

OF: Rosario/Buxton/Arcia - yes he's a butcher out there but against right handed pitching, he crushes 

1B: Mauer/Park 

2B: Dozier

SS: Escobar 

3B: Polanco/Nunez - till Plouffe is back... Why did they call up Polanco if he's not getting playing time? 

DH: Sano - OF only when a Left hander is on the mound and Arcia is on the Bench. Park DH when Sano is in the field 

[nicksaviking]

Don't disagree with anything you wrote except regarding Mastroianni. He belongs in a Fellini film more than in a Twins uniform.

 

Did that sound snarky?

Funny, Mastroianni has always struck a chord with me because of 8 1/2, not because I particularly liked the movie, but because the first time I saw the name Marcello Mastroianni, I wondered how many other names have three consecutive vowels in it. Then Darin comes along and that stupid thought enters my brain every time I hear his name.

 

Edit: Wait, that was your reference right? Tell me it wasn't just a lucky word association and I just outed myself as a pretentious prick who has seen a Fellini film(s).

[bluechipper]

Gibson to AAA, Berrios to the Twins please.

[DocBauer]

I hate to say this as we are simply not getting what we all hoped and wanted, but it might be too early yet to make major moves.

 

In full, never before admitted or printed, confession, I saw two entirely different outcomes for the Twins this season: 1] the bullpen would be at least OK-ish early on with a very solid staff overall, coupled with a fairly potent lineup, and despite some growing pains and ups and downs, this team would be competitive and improve by at least a few games with more young talent continuing to move up, or, 2] the bullpen would blow up, the lineup just wouldn't fit together, and the young talent would need more time to work through things.

 

Right now, to your disappointment, the second scenario is looking more likely. But again, I have to say, did the 2015 Twins perhaps exceed expectations and tease us all? I'm not being mean or snarky, but asking in all honesty. If you reflect on the development of our top prospects, and most prognosticating from the "experts" as well as us passionate and we'll informed fans, wasn't 2016 and '17 supposed to be the years the Twins saw the fruits of their labors arrive and begin to make a mark?

 

Look, I don't like the losing any better than anyone else. And I dont think anybody expected the offensive struggles that have been plaguing this team thus far, though there have been signs of improvement recently. The offense doesn't completely stink at this point, despite flaws, we're probably a .500 team waiting for the next jump.

 

We are not in a rebuild...though everyone knows we really are, semantics and wishful thinking aside. Despite early struggles, all of the top prospects in the system the past couple of seasons, are either in Minnesota cutting their teeth, or pretty close to doing so.

 

Yes, while early, I think at this point we should cut Fien. And except for a brief flash, I'm still not sure Tonkin is ever going to be what we want and hoped he'd be. But are we really better dropping either, or both, this early and promoting Chargois straight from AA? I'm honestly asking as it really appears he might be special. Or are we better off waiting a couple weeks of him in AAA first?

 

Winning or losing in a couple more weeks, for the immediate and future of a team still in at least somewhat of a rebuilding mode, I maintain Nolasco should be traded, regardless of the cost, and possibly Milone, unless we try him in the pen. Note: these two guys are not the reason we are losing. But let's get real, guys like Berrios, Duffey returning, and Meyer if he keeps this up, are the future of the team.

[jimbo92107]

Dang, who drove the riding mower through the hen house?

 

I ain't heard this much cluckin' since Aunt Bea wore a tube top to the cotillion! Andy near fell over, and Barney's gun went off, didn't even touch it!

 

It's a bit early in a 162 game season to fire the manager, cut guys and send a bunch more to the minors. The Twins do have lots of talent in AAA, but the guys that are already here could just as well start hitting balls, pitching better and catching better. 

 

One thing we learned today is that the DH situation is even more awkward when we play a national league team. Not only does Park ride the bench, but Twins pitchers seem particularly inept at batting. Another thing we learned is that this team is going to get pounded by the league's better teams, like the Nats. 

 

With that, the surest move I'd make is to part ways with Casey Fien. He pitched pretty well for a couple years, but now it looks like there's better talent awaiting. Shaggy time! Admittedly I just want to see a Twins pitcher that can throw a ball 100 miles per hour. Same reason I'd do the move with O'Rourke, Milone and Berrios. Milone bumps O'Rourke for the same reason Berrios bumps Milone. Why have a LOOGY when you can have a lefty that gets both sides out? Why have an okay starter with average stuff when you can have a really good starter with electric stuff? 

 

And there I stop. Some of the position players are looking rough, but I keep putting them out there. Even with their struggles, Sano, Buxton, Rosario and Arcia are talented players that could get hot at any moment. Sano and Rosario are looking better at the plate. Arcia needs to work harder on his fielding and keep showing discipline at the plate. Buxton is just too good to lose his range in center. 

 

Mostly we just need to let the boys play. 

[KirbyDome89]

 

 

 

Mastro -

 http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/nope1.gif
 

This....This all day

 

[70charger]

 

... I just outed myself as a pretentious prick who has seen a Fellini film(s).

Well, the seeing a Fellini film part, yeah.

 

 

 

 

 

I kid, I kid.