Article: Ask Seth

[Seth Stohs]

As I have done a couple of times this year, tonight during the Twins game (and until I sleep), I will answer your questions from the comments below. Jose Berrios is on the mound for the Twins in Kansas City tonight. Minor League Opening Day is just two days away! Plenty of topics, so feel free to ask away!Ask me questions in comments below and I will answer them in the body of this article. Starting as soon as the Twins game starts, so feel free to start leaving questions now.

 

Ask questions about the Twins, the Red Wings, the Blue Wahoos, the Miracle, the Kernels, the Extended Spring Training, or whatever else you like.

 

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From Sconnie: "What would you do vs what do you think the FO will do with the third catcher on the big league roster? Is there something that can happen besides injury to keep Astudillo and Garner on the big league club in the next two weeks?"

 

I'd keep all three. And I think that the front office will keep all three. It's clear that at no point was Astudillo's roster spot in any jeopardy. Castro's the #1 catcher right now. Garver is the #2 catcher right now. Astudillo is the #3 catcher right now. But, like Chris Herrmann was a #3 catcher, he was also able to play all three outfield positions and could have played the corner infield spots too. I still expect Astudillo to get a few games at third base and he and Garver to be used as pinch hitters.

From ashbury: "I love his bat, but does Jorge Polanco have a major league shortstop's arm?"

 

This question comes right after Polanco tried to catch and throw too quickly and bounced a ball to first base (nice play by Cron, but still an error). His arm does seem to be the question (and has been in years' past). I think he's got the arm, and he's shown that he can make the throw from deep in the 5.5 hole. But it's an average-at-best shortstop arm. Plenty to play the position.

From The Mask of Zoilo: "Do you have a feel for any low A/rookie league players who could break out into top 25 prospect status? Any pitchers with velocity jumps or new pitches?"

 

Fair question and of course I haven't seen enough of any of these guys to be real confident... But I really like what I've seen from Prelander Berroa. He'll probably spend the season at Elizabethon but he could get to Cedar Rapids by midseason as well. Also, a guy not to forget is Miguel De Jesus. He was throwing really well in the GCL when he had Tommy John surgery. He looked good in my opinion this spring. It's just been a long time since he's pitched, but he's on I'm very intrigued by. Finally, 2018 pick Regi Grace was really impressive. Young kid, but he's got the big legs and back side that remind me a lot of Graterol. He throws pretty hard too.

As for a hitter or two that will start in EST... I was really impressed with Willie Joe Garry. Looks a lot like Nick Gordon. Has a good approach and a really nice swing. Incredibly fast. He is definitely one to watch, though he probably goes back to the GCL this year. I'm also probably higher on Yeltsin Encarnacion than I should be.

From mlhouse: "Is 2017 7th rounder Ryley Widell going to pitch this season?"

 

Widell was listed on a Disabled List in the minor league work groups when I was at spring training a few weeks ago. That said, I saw him throw a couple of bullpens and he looked alright. He missed last year with a couple of bouts of mono. He should surface in 2018, likely in Cedar Rapids.

 

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[Richie the Rally Goat]

Props to Cody: What would you do vs what do you think the FO will do with the third catcher on the big league roster? Is there something that can happen besides injury to keep Astudillo and Garner on the big league club in the next two weeks?

Edited April 3, 2019 by Sconnie

[ashbury]

I love his bat, but does Jorge Polanco have a major league shortstop's arm?

[The Mask of Zoilo]

Do you have a feel for any low A/rookie league players who could break out into top 25 prospect status? Any pitchers with velocity jumps or new pitches?

[mlhouse]

Is 2017 7th rounder Ryley Widell going to pitch this season?

[Shaitan]

 

Props to Cody: What would you do vs what do you think the FO will do with the third catcher on the big league roster? Is there something that can happen besides injury to keep Astudillo and Garner on the big league club in the next two weeks?

I'd guess it depends on how much they like Gonzalez at SS. Austudillo may be playing Adrianza off the team.