Article: Roster Shuffle: Buxton And Kepler Out, Meyer And Santana In

[DocBauer]

I know he isn't off to such a great start, but at this point, wouldn't everyone been better off if the Mastro had just been kept directly out of ST where he was playing well and let Buxton open at Rochester?

 

I mean...20/20 hindsight...but if there was any clue he wasn't going to be ready or this is what he'd be facing 20 some games in...sheesh!

[Otto von Ballpark]

There's an article on pioneer press,saying that Duffey can't be optioned until he fully recovers.

Do you have a link? I don't think it is quite true. I think they could demote him, but if they found he was injured at AAA, they would have to retroactively put him on the MLB DL.

 

I don't think every player to get demoted has to pass a physical examination first.

[Platoon]

I would also say its irresponsible to go in to three straight seasons without at least some reasonable back up option for your CF plan. No matter how great a prospect Buxton is, there were questions as to his readiness this season. (Like Hicks the past 2 seasons) TR confessed as much when he commented to promoting earlier than what they wanted, and before he was ready, last season as they didn't have an option.

I liked the idea they at least made an attempt to get a catcher, but I also believe that the timing and swiftness of the deal indicates TR was not unhappy to part ways with Hicks.

[jimmer]

 

I liked the idea they at least made an attempt to get a catcher, but I also believe that the timing and swiftness of the deal indicates TR was not unhappy to part ways with Hicks.

To me it showed that the FO was looking at surface stats instead of digging deeper. (kind of like what they did with Santana when giving him a starting job last year after an unsustainable 2015).

Edited April 26, 2016 by jimmer

[Riverbrian]

 

I know he isn't off to such a great start, but at this point, wouldn't everyone been better off if the Mastro had just been kept directly out of ST where he was playing well and let Buxton open at Rochester?

 

I mean...20/20 hindsight...but if there was any clue he wasn't going to be ready or this is what he'd be facing 20 some games in...sheesh!

 

In a tallest midget kind of a way... I agree. 

 

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Looking at the big picture here, it's pretty darn inexcusable for a MLB team to find itself--in late April, no less, with all winter to plan--in a position where they have a game tonight and feature a 25 man roster with no less than 14 pitchers, and a 40 man roster short a man, but featuring only 17 position players.

 

I mean, I could see if a rash of injuries tore up a plan, by maybe July or August. That's not the case. They've had a couple injuries, but nothing out of the ordinary or not faced by lots of teams, lots of times. They had all winter to plan this out, and come out of spring training with this mess.

i wish I could like this again

[USAFChief]

 

What's a gong show?

 

Only the pinnacle of the television era, against which all previous and subsequent efforts are to be judged, and against which all, to date, have been found lacking.

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/b4c5d7adbd94de6905c81a05b055275c021752c0/c=0-0-480-360&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/Tallahassee/2015/03/21/B9316676012Z.1_20150321211445_000_GG7A9EEUV.1-0.jpg

[Boom Boom]

I understand on Buxton. I would have liked to see Kepler get a longer look.

[Mr. Brooks]

I understand on Buxton. I would have liked to see Kepler get a longer look.

Ryan had no choice since Molitor refuses to play him.

[ScrapTheNickname]

It could be worse, Twins fans.

Edited April 26, 2016 by ScrapTheNickname

[David HK]

They need to sit Milone, and start Meyer.  Fer cryin' out loud, Twins, get with it.  I'm so sick of them pussy-footing around.  Get as many of the younguns up here as you can, (exepct Buxton), and let 'em take their lumps.  It's not like we're in contention for anything this year.  Oh, and thanks for letting a solid catcher walk away for nothing.

[jud6312]

 

I know he isn't off to such a great start, but at this point, wouldn't everyone been better off if the Mastro had just been kept directly out of ST where he was playing well and let Buxton open at Rochester?

 

I mean...20/20 hindsight...but if there was any clue he wasn't going to be ready or this is what he'd be facing 20 some games in...sheesh!

No. Just no. Any team is worse once Mastro suits up for them.

[curt1965]

God forbid, but if one of the catchers gets hurt, who is next?

And what is the best guess as to who comes up to fill out our amazing bench?

How soon will Plouffe be ready?

[DocBauer]

The problem is that there is a reasonable alternative for the Centerfield position, but Ryan has been blind about it:  Eddie Rosario.  He started his career as a centerfielder and UZR likes him there better than Buxton.  I would have zero problem with Rosario at Center for the rest of the season with the glove, if he were not hitting in despicable levels...

 

Can't and won't dispute this at all! But my arguement was, as just mentioned in another thread, it seemed to incredibly obvious to me that the smart moves were to acquire a decent, solid RH OF to play a corner role with Arcia and Rosario, as well as a decent 4thOF/CF option in case Buxton wasn't ready. This would have allowed various match up scenarios and bench depth. If you did move Rosario to CF for now, you'd still have at least a potentially decent OF.

[DocBauer]

I liked the idea they at least made an attempt to get a catcher, but I also believe that the timing and swiftness of the deal indicates TR was not unhappy to part ways with Hicks.

And the jury is still out on Murphy. Opportunity and a bad start shouldn't condemn him or the trade for him. But the Hicks signing was a solid, cheap move for a solid, fairly young catcher, with at least better than horrible offense. In fact, right now, without even the necessity for a 3rd catcher due to injury, it could be argued Hicks should be brought up, Murphy demoted, in order for Murphy to see daily play and AB for a week or two to get in a groove. OOPS...can't do that now.

[alarp33]

The problem is that there is a reasonable alternative for the Centerfield position, but Ryan has been blind about it: Eddie Rosario. He started his career as a centerfielder and UZR likes him there better than Buxton. I would have zero problem with Rosario at Center for the rest of the season with the glove, if he were not hitting in despicable levels...

 

I'd rather see Rosario out there than Santana, but you can't be serious quoting UZR for the 40 some innings Rosario has played in CF.... Edited April 26, 2016 by alarp33

[DocBauer]

This game with Cleveland is just killing me right now.

 

I feel there were several veteran options, none of them overly exlensive, out there this past off season that wouled be great fits for the Twins to provide depth, match up options, and options so Buxton and Kepler wouldn't have to be forced to the ML level so soon. Byrd and Davis were two of the guys I really liked. While not a perfect solution, doesn't the OF look better right now with Byrd playing/alternating in the corners and Davis in CF while Buxton and Kepler get some much needed AAA time?

 

Of course, I also thought, as before and elsewhere stated, that Plouffe-Sano-Mauer sharing 3B-DH-1B was a great idea as well.

[sftwinsfan]

I actually am somewhat fearful of what the trade would be if TR does have a move up his sleeve.  I could see a bizarre Stephen Gonsalves for somebody's backup CF or C or something like that.  Does anyone else miss Drew Butera?  At least his defensive game was competent.

 

Kepler should have been given a chance to play with Buxton going down, otherwise what was the point of even having him up?  He at least looked like he had some kind of plan and a chance the few at bats he had.  

 

I hope this is either a 1-day thing for Alex Meyer or he will take over Milone's spot next time in the rotation.  As good as he could be if he ever figures it out I don't like messing with him after he's just had a couple good outings to start the year.  Even tonight when Tommy pitched alright he was pushing 100 pitches in the 5th inning.  Give Meyer a crack then if he falters Berrios.

[Jham]

I'm all for venting frustration, discussing roster moves, and critical fandom in general, but this thread is a veritable witch hunt.  First the baseless David Murphy terrorism.  Then all the bashing of a 1 day roster forced by an injury and 16 inning game. Somehow, little mention of the 16 inning game directly following a 3 inning start from Gibby. I'm fine with 14 pitchers for 1 day when Sano, Santana, Nunez, Rosario and Arcia all have some level of position flexibility.  Good grief.  We've played the ESPN computers power ranking teams Nats (2), Royals (3), Orioles (4) and White Sox (6) for 12 of our 14 losses.  You'd think we'd win some of ;those games, but what are you going to do?  We were in many of those games with a lot of our young players doing next to nothing, and hopefully learning a little about getting yourself ready for the season.  Rational suggestions please.

[alarp33]

I'm all for venting frustration, discussing roster moves, and critical fandom in general, but this thread is a veritable witch hunt. First the baseless David Murphy terrorism. Then all the bashing of a 1 day roster forced by an injury and 16 inning game. Somehow, little mention of the 16 inning game directly following a 3 inning start from Gibby. I'm fine with 14 pitchers for 1 day when Sano, Santana, Nunez, Rosario and Arcia all have some level of position flexibility. Good grief. We've played the ESPN computers power ranking teams Nats (2), Royals (3), Orioles (4) and White Sox (6) for 12 of our 14 losses. You'd think we'd win some of ;those games, but what are you going to do? We were in many of those games with a lot of our young players doing next to nothing, and hopefully learning a little about getting yourself ready for the season. Rational suggestions please.

Baseless? They made a 40 man roster move in order to promote Murphy, he chose to quit instead. That's a fact

 

Do you know it's a 1 day roster? The only position players they are allowed to call up are Adam Walker and Kennys Vargas, neither of whom have any business sniffing a major league roster tomorrow

Edited April 26, 2016 by alarp33

[DJL44]

The Twinsiest move would be to call up Beresford.

[Otto von Ballpark]

I'm all for venting frustration, discussing roster moves, and critical fandom in general, but this thread is a veritable witch hunt. First the baseless David Murphy terrorism. Then all the bashing of a 1 day roster forced by an injury and 16 inning game. Somehow, little mention of the 16 inning game directly following a 3 inning start from Gibby. I'm fine with 14 pitchers for 1 day when Sano, Santana, Nunez, Rosario and Arcia all have some level of position flexibility. Good grief. We've played the ESPN computers power ranking teams Nats (2), Royals (3), Orioles (4) and White Sox (6) for 12 of our 14 losses. You'd think we'd win some of ;those games, but what are you going to do? We were in many of those games with a lot of our young players doing next to nothing, and hopefully learning a little about getting yourself ready for the season. Rational suggestions please.

Check the other thread for Berardino's TR quote on Murphy, it is fairly damning.

 

I'm not sure how this can be a one day roster thing, unless they add Beresford or Mastro tomorrow, and even if they do, why not add them today? Duffey isn't helping the pitching staff tonight or for the next few days at least, there is zero need to keep him in Minnesota as part of a 14 man staff right now.

[Otto von Ballpark]

The Twinsiest move would be to call up Beresford.

I think the Twinsiest move might be to wait indefinitely for Plouffe to return.

[h2oface]

Meyer should be ready to start when Santana and Duffey don't answer the bell because of injury. I would love to see that.

 

[Danchat]

 

The Twinsiest move would be to call up Beresford.

I think this move makes the most sense. They need another backup infielder, and Beresford has earned a week or two in the majors.

[alarp33]

Check the other thread for Berardino's TR quote on Murphy, it is fairly damning.

I'm not sure how this can be a one day roster thing, unless they add Beresford or Mastro tomorrow, and even if they do, why not add them today? Duffey isn't helping the pitching staff tonight or for the next few days at least, there is zero need to keep him in Minnesota as part of a 14 man staff right now.

Apparently they are keeping Duffey around in case Santana missed his next start, but they could've sent Duffey down and brought him right back if Santana went to the DL...

 

I'd wager on this roster throughout the Indians series

[Jham]

 

Check the other thread for Berardino's TR quote on Murphy, it is fairly damning.

I'm not sure how this can be a one day roster thing, unless they add Beresford or Mastro tomorrow, and even if they do, why not add them today? Duffey isn't helping the pitching staff tonight or for the next few days at least, there is zero need to keep him in Minnesota as part of a 14 man staff right now.

If Murphy chose to go home over a call to the bigs, he should go on the DL and have his head examined instead.  I don't think it matters however, because that sort of rogue out of nowhere refusal to earn Major League money is so unpredictable I can't fault the organization for not planning for that.  We have a 40 man spot open right?  So it wouldn't necessarily mean Mastro or Beresford, although I imagine it will be Mastroani who is more valuable at this point that Buxton and doesn't have to play like Buxton or Kepler would.  Again, it sucks that we sent down Buxton and Kepler first, but Murphy refusing his promotion?  I've literally never heard of that.

It's not all that.  It's the "Danny Santana shouldn't be on the team" the "Duffey should get sent down" even though he's injured and he can't, the JR Murphy needs to be sent down or start, the Twins have no plan at CF despite still have 2 capable CF's on the roster, with 2 young ones sent down, accusations that are unnecessarily piling on.  There's lots to criticize.  You can even criticize going into a game with a 2 man bench, but it's not fair to ignore 3 IP by Gibson, Tyler Duffey being hurt, but not bad enough to DL  him, Santana being hurt but not bad enough to DL, and 16 innings the day before.  Santana is the most obvious move, 15 day DL would be taking away 2-3 starts with the most obvious replacement nursing a bruised shoulder.  I'm fine waiting an additional day or two in order to see how those 2 injuries progress before making a decision for the next 2 weeks.  I don't think not having Mastro or Beresford or ABWII or even a recalled Polanco or Kepler makes much difference for the next 2 days.  If ONLY we could have pinch hit... we'll say Polanco tonight, man this game would be so different...  Not buying it.  I'm not saying there isn't room for valid criticism, but there's also room for valid defense.

[Riverbrian]

 

If Murphy chose to go home over a call to the bigs, he should go on the DL and have his head examined instead.  I don't think it matters however, because that sort of rogue out of nowhere refusal to earn Major League money is so unpredictable I can't fault the organization for not planning for that.  We have a 40 man spot open right?  So it wouldn't necessarily mean Mastro or Beresford, although I imagine it will be Mastroani who is more valuable at this point that Buxton and doesn't have to play like Buxton or Kepler would.  Again, it sucks that we sent down Buxton and Kepler first, but Murphy refusing his promotion?  I've literally never heard of that.

It's not all that.  It's the "Danny Santana shouldn't be on the team" the "Duffey should get sent down" even though he's injured and he can't, the JR Murphy needs to be sent down or start, the Twins have no plan at CF despite still have 2 capable CF's on the roster, with 2 young ones sent down, accusations that are unnecessarily piling on.  There's lots to criticize.  You can even criticize going into a game with a 2 man bench, but it's not fair to ignore 3 IP by Gibson, Tyler Duffey being hurt, but not bad enough to DL  him, Santana being hurt but not bad enough to DL, and 16 innings the day before.  Santana is the most obvious move, 15 day DL would be taking away 2-3 starts with the most obvious replacement nursing a bruised shoulder.  I'm fine waiting an additional day or two in order to see how those 2 injuries progress before making a decision for the next 2 weeks.  I don't think not having Mastro or Beresford or ABWII or even a recalled Polanco or Kepler makes much difference for the next 2 days.  If ONLY we could have pinch hit... we'll say Polanco tonight, man this game would be so different...  Not buying it.  I'm not saying there isn't room for valid criticism, but there's also room for valid defense.

 

Very Plausible... I certainly won't argue any of it. 

 

However... my Spidey sense is detecting a ball dropping.

 

I just don't know how to swing across town to check it out. 

 

And I still don't like the CF Plan cuz... Umm... Well... I'm right. 

[ScrapTheNickname]

 

To be accurate, as stated in the article, Buxton has struck out in 49% of his plate appearances.

 

Ahh, I was adding his 3 from yesterday. I didn't think they were updated.

My apologies. I see that the 3 from yesterday had not been updated. 51% is correct.

Edited April 26, 2016 by ScrapTheNickname

[Oldgoat_MN]

 

Kepler couldn't play because Buxton and Rosario and Arcia were on fire at the plate. 

 

I still have high hopes for Buxton, but if he was on fire we should look for the arsonist.