Article: Twins Add Gordon, Wade, Arraez To 40-Man Roster

[Seth Stohs]

Tuesday night, the Twins announced that they have added infielders Nick Gordon and Luis Arraez and outfielder LaMonte Wade to their 40-man roster.

 

On Monday night, Aaron Gleeman of Baseball Prospectus was the first to report Gordon and Wade being added. Later, the Twins Official website has added those two players to their 40-man roster .Arraez was not announced until Tuesday.

 

In addition, Alan Busenitz has been granted his unconditional release so he can sign with the Rakuten Eagles in Japan. The Twins roster is at 38.

 

When we considered which minor leaguers could be added to the 40-man roster, Nick Gordon and LaMonte Wade were the two players listed as "Givens." Luis Arraez was among the group of players in that next tier.

 

Gordon was the Twins top pick in the 2014 draft out of high school in Orlando. He began his career in Elizabethton and moved up one level each season until he began 2017 in Double-A for the second straight year. He struggled offensively in the second half of his Triple-A debut. His shortstop defense continues to get very mixed reviews and he will most likely wind up at second base. He has been an invite to big league spring training the last two years.

 

Wade was the Twins ninth-round draft pick in 2015 out of the University of Maryland. He put up strong numbers as well until struggling to some degree in his Triple-A debut in the second half of the 2018 season. Known for his patient approach and knowledge of the strike zone, Wade added some pop in his bat in 2018. He can play all three outfield positions. He went to big league camp in 2018 for the first time as a non-roster invite.

 

Arraez has pretty much hit since joining the organization. If not for a missed 2017 season (torn ACL), he might already be in the big leagues.

 

Also Dan Hayes noted that the Twins have traded Minnesota native and one of the top relief pitchers in the system Nick Anderson to the Miami Marlins for infielder Brian Schales

 

 

Info on Brian Schales:

 

 

Here is a list of other Twins minor leaguers who were not added to the 40-man roster. These players will be eligible to be selected in the December Winter Meetings.

Right-Handed PItchers: Jake Reed, Cody Stashak, Johan Quezada, Andro Cutura, Hector Lujan, Ryan Eades

 

Left-Handed Relief Pitchers: Tyler Jay

 

Outfielders: Zander Wiel, Jaylin Davis

 

Catchers: Brian Navarreto

 

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[Richie the Rally Goat]

As thin as the Twins are in the infield that Arraez isn’t a given too.

[Danchat]

 

As thin as the Twins are in the infield that Arraez isn’t a given too.

Agreed, I see Arraez as the only guy left that they need to get protected. I don't think we're in danger of losing anybody worthwhile after that.

[108Stitches]

Hopefully he pulls a Kohl and figures it out. On the job training isn’t how it’s supposed to work but hey, faith is a powerful front office tool.

[DocBauer]

As thin as the Twins are in the infield that Arraez isn’t a given too.

Absolutely agree 100%!

 

Eventually, Polanco probably moves to 2B. (Not guaranteeing it as he has improved and will continue to improve, IMHO). Gordon should debut in 2019. Lewis and Javier are at least a year or two away, along with other talented players brought on board the last couple of years.

 

Even if he is only a 2B with average speed, his hit tool is tremendous. He seems to be building at least a little more pop/power. Even if he's average defensively, you can't ignore the bat. And let's not forget he missed almost an entire season due to injury and came back very strong.

 

Glad to see Wade there, but I agree he was a given. He hits both LH and RH pitching, gets OB, is developing a little more power, and can play quality defense in both corner spots and doesn't embarrass himself in CF. Just a no-brainer there. While I like Granite and think he has a future, after a lost season in 2018, I think Wade has moved ahead of him and expect him to be removed from the 40 man. (Or did I miss it and he already was?)

 

I admit to being a little confused about the Michael Reed signing. Wasn't he added to the 40 man once claimed? I want to say he was.

 

The pitchers? Other than Reed, who I'm still confounded about in regard to the FO, lack of a call up, etc, I just don't know. There's a couple guys I'd like to hold on to there, but what are the odds they would be selected rule 5 and actually stick anyway?

 

I don't want to lose Weil or Davis either. I feel both have the potential to be solid players who could yet move their game to the next level. But again, what are the odds of being selected and sticking?

 

I think Gordon and Wade are correct. I'd absolutely keep Arreaz! I think I'd keep Reed as well. Otherwise, FA, trades, kids coming up, I think I'd keep the other spots open.

[dougd]

I don't think Arraez will be protected or selected. If he played more positions well, or was a better baserunner,  or hit for more power and drew more walks, it would be another story.

[jorgenswest]

Can Arraez play SS? If not, he will be hard to roster. I haven’t seen him play. I know he has also played SS, 3B and LF but they may not be close to major league level.

 

Gordon and Wade would be easy for teams to roster.

[operation mindcrime]

That Tyler Jay draft selection looks great!

[Seth Stohs]

 

The pitchers? Other than Reed, who I'm still confounded about in regard to the FO, lack of a call up, etc, I just don't know. There's a couple guys I'd like to hold on to there, but what are the odds they would be selected rule 5 and actually stick anyway?

I don't want to lose Weil or Davis either. I feel both have the potential to be solid players who could yet move their game to the next level. But again, what are the odds of being selected and sticking?

I think Gordon and Wade are correct. I'd absolutely keep Arreaz! I think I'd keep Reed as well. Otherwise, FA, trades, kids coming up, I think I'd keep the other spots open.

 

What's the confusion on Michael Reed? He was claimed which means he's on the 40-man roster. 

 

Wiel and Davis aren't the type of players who get Rule 5d. 

 

Arraez is a one-tool player, so I don't think he's a Given. I could go either way on him. He really only is a 2B, and Polanco and Gordon are both ahead of him there... especially if they bring in a free agent middle infielder, which is pretty likely.  He's an interesting case. 

[beckmt]

Seth,  I thought Arraez was a decent fielder, though more of a 2B only.  Maybe you can correct me on this, but he seems to have the ability to be a starter (doubt he his much of a utility type at this point), but his hit tool could be a .280 - .310 hitter.  He would not draw many walks (though feel this is improvable).  

That still to me is a keepable player.

[beckmt]

As far as the pitchers go, Twins keep Busneitz, Duffey, and Curtiss on their roster at this time.  That speaks volumes to the FO pecking order. 

FYI, I expect none of the 3 above to be on the roster come February. 

[twinstalker]

I thought I heard Arraez was being groomed as a utility guy.  If that's the case, he might make some sense for a team not in it this year, especially if that team has two other guys who can play short.

[rdehring]

I don't know what to think about all the kind of good relief pitchers.  After the recent disappointment from players like Curtiss and Busenitz, I am more skeptical of all these guys.  

 

Tyler Jay's draft status will probably get him selected if not protected.  Is this the year he turns the corner and becomes the pitcher we all hoped for/expected?  Probably, but still don't see why he would be put on the 40-man.

 

Agree with Seth that Arraez is on the bubble.  Really believe in this kid, but do understand his limitations.  I wouldn't have added Wade without removing Granite or Reed.  Expect one of them to be gone before the end of the Winter meetings.

 

Don't know if they are gonna add anyone today, guess we best wait and see.

[HrbieFan]

Big fan of Arraez hit tools. If not for that knee injury, I think we would have seen him up this year. Not a great glove, so that probably plays into the GMs sabermetric thoughts

[Seth Stohs]

 

I don't know what to think about all the kind of good relief pitchers.  After the recent disappointment from players like Curtiss and Busenitz, I am more skeptical of all these guys.  

 

Tyler Jay's draft status will probably get him selected if not protected.  Is this the year he turns the corner and becomes the pitcher we all hoped for/expected?  Probably, but still don't see why he would be put on the 40-man.

 

Agree with Seth that Arraez is on the bubble.  Really believe in this kid, but do understand his limitations.  I wouldn't have added Wade without removing Granite or Reed.  Expect one of them to be gone before the end of the Winter meetings.

 

Don't know if they are gonna add anyone today, guess we best wait and see.

 

I don't see Curtiss as a disappointment. He was great again at Rochester and just not given opportunities with the Twins. Busenitz at least got some chances, even if they were inconsistent. 

 

Regarding Jay... if you (or, the front office) think that he "probably" turns the corner this year and becomes what was projected, then he is a no-brainer to add. 

 

[gunnarthor]

 

I thought I heard Arraez was being groomed as a utility guy.  If that's the case, he might make some sense for a team not in it this year, especially if that team has two other guys who can play short.

I don't think so. He doesn't have power so I don't think teams want him. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

 

As far as the pitchers go, Twins keep Busneitz, Duffey, and Curtiss on their roster at this time.  That speaks volumes to the FO pecking order. 

FYI, I expect none of the 3 above to be on the roster come February. 

Agreed on all three, they should be on the waiver wire shuffle as free agency and trades start to go through

[mikelink45]

I am not worried about any of those not added.  I do not see that they team has much faith of expectations with them so for their sake it would be better if they could move on.  Right now the minor leagues do not seem to be part of the FO picture for 2019. 

[Thrylos]

 

Glad to see Wade there, but I agree he was a given. He hits both LH and RH pitching,

 

 

2018 MiLB numbers in AA and AAA

 

against RHP: .281/.391/.409

against LHP: .189/.266/.297

 

No. He does not hit LHPs.  He is pretty much an automatic out against them.  He does mash against RHP.

 

The Twins already have 4 lefty throwing OFs on their 4 man roster.  How given is a 5th?  Or an 8th total OF?  Meanwhile the infielder roster, including 1B sits at just 5.

 

It is a numbers game

[nicksaviking]

I thought Arraez would be rostered, but after reading this thread, I agree, he's unlikely to be taken due to his lack of positional flexibility and power. Good gamble. What's his ceiling, Bip Roberts without the speed? I don't know that it would be much of a loss.

[gunnarthor]

 

I thought Arraez would be rostered, but after reading this thread, I agree, he's unlikely to be taken due to his lack of positional flexibility and power. Good gamble. What's his ceiling, Bip Roberts without the speed? I don't know that it would be much of a loss.

Pedro Floriman with less glove and power but a slightly better bat.

Edited November 20, 2018 by gunnarthor

[ashbury]

I thought Arraez would be rostered, but after reading this thread, I agree, he's unlikely to be taken due to his lack of positional flexibility and power. Good gamble. What's his ceiling, Bip Roberts without the speed? I don't know that it would be much of a loss.

Clayton Kershaw without the fastball but a little better bat.

[Thrylos]

 

Clayton Kershaw without the fastball but a little better bat.

 

and throwing with the other arm

[rdehring]

 

I don't see Curtiss as a disappointment. He was great again at Rochester and just not given opportunities with the Twins. Busenitz at least got some chances, even if they were inconsistent. 

 

Regarding Jay... if you (or, the front office) think that he "probably" turns the corner this year and becomes what was projected, then he is a no-brainer to add. 

I don't know what to think of Jay, Seth.  My thoughts are that if they don't protect him, he will probably be selected and then turn it around.  Kind of thinking no matter what they do it will probably end up wrong.

 

And as for Curtiss, don't disagree he was great at Rochester.  What is disappointing was that neither he, or any of these young guys, have come up and gotten it done for the Twins.  When will one of these guys in the organization come up and be lights out from day 1.  Will agree that most haven't been given much of an opportunity.

[MN_ExPat]

 

Can Arraez play SS? If not, he will be hard to roster. I haven’t seen him play. I know he has also played SS, 3B and LF but they may not be close to major league level.

Gordon and Wade would be easy for teams to roster.

I've seen him play a couple of times, and while he's not lights out amazing in the field... he does seem capable and dependable.   In short he's got a good enough glove that he wouldn't be a liability at 2B (IMHO), especially if he keeps slapping the ball around the field like he does.

[jorgenswest]

I think Jay is the most likely to get taken. He can be rostered as a LOOGY as well as the usual rule 5 mop up role.

 

It is hard to see where Arraez will fit as a bench player. Teams will still need a back up at SS in addition to him on the bench. He doesn’t offer much as a pinch runner. He doesn’t offer power yet. A team could try to stash him for a year and then put him back in the minors for 2020.

 

I wonder about Navarreto. Is there a parallel to Stuart Turner? Teams can easily roster a good defensive catcher that can’t hit as a back up. They would then return Navarreto to the minors for 2020.

[Thrylos]

 

I wonder about Navarreto. Is there a parallel to Stuart Turner? Teams can easily roster a good defensive catcher that can’t hit as a back up. They would then return Navarre to to the minors for 2020.

 

Stuart had a career.660 MiLB OPS and managed to achieve a .426 MLB OPS with the Reds before was sent down this season.  Not much of a loss. 

 

Navaretto's career MiLB OPS is .575.  If anyone wants him, more power to them, but will not even project to a .350 OPS in the majors...

[ashbury]

Stuart had a career.660 MiLB OPS and managed to achieve a .426 MLB OPS with the Reds before was sent down this season.  Not much of a loss. 

 

Navaretto's career MiLB OPS is .575.  If anyone wants him, more power to them, but will not even project to a .350 OPS in the majors...

I'm going to stick my neck out for him and project high .500s or even cross the .600 OPS line in the majors, in a couple years.

[jkcarew]

 

2018 MiLB numbers in AA and AAA

 

against RHP: .281/.391/.409

against LHP: .189/.266/.297

 

No. He does not hit LHPs.  He is pretty much an automatic out against them.  He does mash against RHP.

 

The Twins already have 4 lefty throwing OFs on their 4 man roster.  How given is a 5th?  Or an 8th total OF?  Meanwhile the infielder roster, including 1B sits at just 5.

 

It is a numbers game

Agree, and good points regarding Wade. He's really only a no-brainer in the sense that he was way more likely to get chosen than the other's (save for Gordon and maybe Jay). On the other hand, it's not at all obvious that Wade would be better than Grossman in late-inning at-bats, or better than Cave all-around in a longer-term role. The larger point is that, with those two, plus Granite and Michael Reed already on the roster...how many reserve outfielders can you afford on the 40-man?...and how many can bat left-handed? For sure, not that many. You have to believe one or two of these names will be gone by spring training.

 

With regard to Jay...given the pool of guys that need protection (not much there), and given the pitching jetsam and flotsam that already litters the 40-man (and can be eliminated without pain)...the Twins need to be absolutely POSITIVE about Jay to not protect him.

[Seth Stohs]

Per Doogie: The #MNTwins will leave Tyler Jay exposed: