Article: Surprises Mark Twins Opening Day Roster

[David HK]

 

That was beautiful and oh so sad. It lacked the DanSan's Oedipal tendencies towards Molitor and Falvine but I suspect that's Act II?

This is America.  No 2nd acts.  Ask Fitzgerald.

 

Although that did seem like the leaked plot to the new season of Game of Thrones...

[drjim]

I sure hope that Berrios doesn't make the Twins look bad.

Pitch with a purpose Jose.

 

It was the right move to send him down, but here's to a really short stay.

[drjim]

Definitely some disappointment here, an initial funny/sparky post on my part, full empathy with everyone here after reading every post, (sorry if I happened to miss anyone but was trying to work as well, lol)....and a ton of reflection over the day.

 

A few thoughts:

 

1} I stated in another thread, before this final roster one, that I simply HAD to believe the FO, and Molitor I'm sure, made some of these decisions based on a "let's not cut these guys loose just yet, see what sticks over the first few weeks or so, and then go from there. We can move forward but can't rewind" mentality. (Worded it differently the first time). EX: Tonkin, used appropriately, could surprise. But you can't bring him back once gone. Not saying he will, but he gets a little more rope. I almost feel the Twins will be using April, at least the first few weeks, as a sort of ML EST, this time in real games, to continue some evaluation. I'm starting to think this isn't such a bad idea for a rebuilding team.

 

2} I don't disagree with brining in a few solid veterans to augment the team in experience, leadership and hopefully ability. After all the gnashing of teeth, our catching situation is much better than a year ago. Belisle could/should be solid. Breslow was a cheap flier/filler who could help, and easily be cut. We DID NOT keep Vogelsong, spare part OF or INF. So the number of older, veteran players brought in and kept is only 3.

 

3} I KNOW it sounds trite, but this team is still rebuilding/retooling, and this roster will be fluid throughout the season and could absolutely change within the next 14-30 days.

 

THE GOOD:

 

1} We still have the talented young OF plus the still young Grossman who has a role and no "last gasp" veteran OF. I understand the angst over DanSan, but he probably is on his last chance right now, and could be pretty easily replaced still, and possibly soon.

 

2} Sano, Polanco and Dozier is still 3/4 of a potentially fun/talented/exciting infield, and the one we expected all along. Escobar is still a solid player. Adrianza getting hurt was a disappointment because he was starting to hit and contribute. When healthy, I could still see him making the club, probably over DanSan.

 

3} The rotation. I know, I know...but...it is pretty much what we knew and expected. Santana has looked good. Gibson has looked good. Santiago hasn't been bad. Hughes at least offers a bit of hope and is much further along than I expected, despite some inconsistency. Instead of someone like Vogelsong, we actually get Mejia! Surprised and elated on this end!

 

4} The bullpen. NO, I'm NOT happy about some things here at all! But I think Duffey does help here. We are all terribly disappointed in Chargois's spring, but we are also crying out for young arms to get a chance. Can't say I'm disappointed Haley is getting a shot. I like Pressly and Rogers. I'm not happy about the pen, and I think it's going to change, hopefully soon, but I do like a couple guys here and am happy to see Duffey and Haley getting a shot.

 

5} Catcher. I still believe in Garver and want him here ASAP. But he gets to play everyday, for now, at Rochester and there is no way you can convince me our catching situation, overall, isn't better than a year ago at this time.

 

THE BAD:

 

1} I sort of get the whole "hold on for now and see what sticks EST for the begining of the season, but an 8 man bullpen with a short and not very good bench to begin April? April?

 

2} Park AND the bench. And this is probably everyone's biggest gripe, even if they don't realize it. I get removing Park from the 40 man move and taking a chance. It worked. But the guy is healthy, worked hard, and lead the team in HR, RBI and slugging for ST. And you can't find a way to bring him north? Are you kidding me?! So we start the season without a potential everyday power bat, and nobody to platoon/back up Mauer at 1B? We turn Grossman in to a full time player and shorten our bench and options? I can understand a last shot for DanSan with the Adrianza injury, but come on! No Park to shorten the lineup AND the bench and our lineup options is just inexcusable!

On point 1, I just don't think that's Molitor's call.

[David HK]

I hope Park hits 3 dingers offa Gibson next game.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Umm...guys...Santana isn't on the roster at the expense of Park. The 13 pitchers are what got Park sent to AAA. The bench cannot be Park Grossman and Gimenez. Who would back up the in field? I guess you could say that Grossman made the team at Parks expense but that wouldn't necessarily be true either as Park pry plays outfield worse then Grossman. It really is the xtra pitcher-Haley that cost Park.

That may be true, but consider this:

 

Middle infielders going north:

Dozier

Polanco

Escobar

DanSan

 

First baseman going north:

Mauer

[Squirrel]

I hope Park hits 3 dingers offa Gibson next game.

Id rather he do it off Hughes, not Gibson.

[Halsey Hall]

I'll be there and pulling for Berrios and the Wings.

[twins_89]

I was optimistic when the Twins replaced Ryan, but in his short stint Falvey's moves make me question his competence. Park was the best option at DH and it wasn't remotely close, so sending him to Rochester so the Twins can keep guys like Boshers, Danny Santana, and O'Rourke on the 40 man significantly reduces my belief in the front office. Add in the failure to upgrade the bullpen in the off-season and things don't look too good for Falvey.

Edited March 31, 2017 by twins_89

[Squirrel]

I'll be there and pulling for Berrios and the Wings.

I'm gonna try and go, too ... I'll look for you.

[DaveW]

Yeah I hope the wings win 15-0 off of a strong berrios outing and 7 park HR

[pierre75275]

Forgot about Esco. I take it back. What is Santana doing on the roster again?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Forgive me, but this is...questionable at best.

 

You don't get to claim "value" for having a guy around who's only there because of the short bench, when it was your decision to have a short bench in the first place.

 

Put players on the team who help you win games, not ones who are so bad they're one reason you're losing games, but who are bad in a whole bunch of different spots instead of bad in just one.

 

I very much want to give the new front office the benefit of every doubt, and realize they can't fix every problem over one off season, but man...I'm not impressed so far. At all.

remember our wager on beverages over 13 pitchers?

 

 

I do....

 

And I love Surly

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Id rather he do it off Hughes, not Gibson.

im kinda baffled Hughes isn't starting the season on the DL. By accounts he's been shaky and low velocity

[D.C Twins]

Grossman AND DanSan?!  Where do I sign up for season tickets! I hope the prices haven't increased yet

[beckmt]

It almost seems like last year's power struggle has been continued.  Molitor is complaining loudly about the younger players and seems to want veterans who know how to play the game(no matter how bad they are).  The FO conceding to give Molly the full chance to hang himself so he can be easily fired.  They should have fired him last year. 

This team could well be out of contention by mid May.   At that time I hope Pohlad finally figures out Molitor can't manage and brings on the whole rebuild. 

[DaveW]

 

Grossman AND DanSan?!  Where do I sign up for season tickets! I hope the prices haven't increased yet

IALTO!

[beckmt]

 

Grossman AND DanSan?!  Where do I sign up for season tickets! I hope the prices haven't increased yet

 

It should be easy to find decent scalper tickets at very cheap prices by mid May.  I may even see a game to two this year if you can get great tickets for cheap seat prices.

[Otto von Ballpark]

It should be easy to find decent scalper tickets at very cheap prices by mid May. I may even see a game to two this year if you can get great tickets for cheap seat prices.

Mid May? That is when prices rise regardless of team quality, because the weather is better and schools are letting out. April is where it's at for the cheapest tickets. And also September assuming we're not surprise contenders.

[TKGuy]

I get the feeling from Reusse's comments that Molitor is not long for this job. The FO is setting the roster and overruling Molitor. In any event, I don't like some of the decisions made, but o will reserve judgment until May 1

[alarp33]

At least two reasons for eight relievers.

1. Haley doesn't count. He's going to get innings only late in lopsided games.

2. At least three of the starters are high risks for being pulled in the fifth inning.

7 pitchers made starts last April. 5 of the 7 averaged 5 and change innings or less per start. They still used basically 7 relievers.

 

Berrios 1 start 4 innings

Santana and Milone each had 4 starts 20 innings

Duffey 2 starts 10.1 innings

Gibson 4 starts 20.2 innings

 

You don't need 8 relievers ever, let alone in April with the early off days.

 

Ps; Haley does count if he's on the 25 man roster

[beckmt]

 

Mid May? That is when prices rise regardless of team quality, because the weather is better and schools are letting out. April is where it's at for the cheapest tickets. And also September assuming we're not surprise contenders.

I suspect with this roster, that fans will lose interest early.  The weekday games should be very cheap.

[DaveW]

If Haley is that valuable to this team, why not just figure out a trade for him. I highly doubt Boston is going to be asking for anything close to unreasonable. I'd much rather trade away a "meh" prospect, get Haley in the minors and use that 25th roster spot for either a guy like Park or something.

I don't get this whole idea of needing two mop up guys anyways. The whole point of a mop up guy is it's more than likely he will be involved in a game where the Twins are getting their butts kicked anyways. Does it really matter if Haley or Duffey give up a few more runs over 3-4 innings when its already 6-1?

[bird]

 

Only a 49 wRC+ and .567 OPS in his last 525 PA but thank God he has so much positional flexibility (ie; he owns multiple gloves)

 

 

Hope DanSan has an eBay account. Those gloves will move.

[TheLeviathan]

 

If Haley is that valuable to this team, why not just figure out a trade for him. I highly doubt Boston is going to be asking for anything close to unreasonable. I'd much rather trade away a "meh" prospect, get Haley in the minors and use that 25th roster spot for either a guy like Park or something.

I don't get this whole idea of needing two mop up guys anyways. The whole point of a mop up guy is it's more than likely he will be involved in a game where the Twins are getting their butts kicked anyways. Does it really matter if Haley or Duffey give up a few more runs over 3-4 innings when its already 6-1?

 

I think the lingering doubts about Hughes play into that thought about having a viable long man.

 

But I agree, if the FO likes Haley's future, toss the Sox some cash or some meh prospect.  Don't jack with your roster. 

 

It reminds me of JR Graham.  He largely just held a spot his rule 5 year only for us to dump him unceremoniously a month into the following year.

[USAFChief]

remember our wager on beverages over 13 pitchers?

I do....

And I love Surly

Monday will be day one. You need 31 before Sep 1, if I remember correctly.

 

Not the way I envisioned the start of the season, I admit. Still, I'm told the opening day roster can change quickly, lets hope they're right.

[DaveW]

 

I think the lingering doubts about Hughes play into that thought about having a viable long man.

 

But I agree, if the FO likes Haley's future, toss the Sox some cash or some meh prospect.  Don't jack with your roster. 

 

It reminds me of JR Graham.  He largely just held a spot his rule 5 year only for us to dump him unceremoniously a month into the following year.

Duffey is that viable long man. If Hughes has a meltdown or two early on, just DL him and bring up Berrios.

It's pretty silly in general to have TWO long man because of concerns with your starters. That is the larger issue at play here IMO, both the rotation and bullpen are disasters.

[TheLeviathan]

 

Duffey is that viable long man. If Hughes has a meltdown or two early on, just DL him and bring up Berrios.

It's pretty silly in general to have TWO long man because of concerns with your starters. That is the larger issue at play here IMO, both the rotation and bullpen are disasters.

 

I don't disagree, but it would seem the Twins made the decision on Duffey second to Haley.  Which is a problem.

[Bark's Lounge]

I feel pretty damn bad for Park. He had a killer spring training. I know he K'ed a lot, but that will probably always be the case with him. That comes with Big Power sometimes.

 

I give him the benefit of the doubt for last year because he was a stranger in a strange land. He did not know the language, maybe he studied the customs of Americans, maybe not, either way it is a transition that is very difficult to say the least and plus he was ailing from a wrist injury(?)

 

He did provide us with some awesome moments the first two months of last season. Hopefully the Twins just have a roster mess on there hands and they can sort that out and get him back up here in the next month. I think we all want to know if he can cut the mustard and we need to come to that conclusion.

Edited March 31, 2017 by Bark's Lounge

[jorgenswest]

Do we see any evidence that roster construction is different with the new leadership? Has there been any impact on the roster?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Monday will be day one. You need 31 before Sep 1, if I remember correctly.

 

Not the way I envisioned the start of the season, I admit. Still, I'm told the opening day roster can change quickly, lets hope they're right.

i hope so too, man that pitching staff is ugly