Will any St. Paul starters seize the opportunity ahead?

[jorgenswest]

It seems quite possible that the minor league season will start before the major league season. It also seems possible that "spring training" will be compressed and it will be difficult to stretch out starters. I wondered if it might be helpful to have a few stretched out and major league ready arms playing for St. Paul that can be utilized early in the season. Here are some possibilities for the St. Paul rotation.

Dereck Rodriguez: Former Twin draft pick and Pudge's son. He had a good season as a starter for the Giants in 2018 going 6-4 with a 2.81 ERA in 118.1 innings. This might be the opportunity he needs to find his way back to the majors if he can find his 2018 form. He is not yet 30 and has one option remaining.

Devin Smeltzer: Last year was a lost season but his status as a minor leaguer not on the 40 might be a blessing for him. A healthy Smeltzer off to a good start in St.Paul might fight his way into the early season rotation. Can he become the crafty lefty that we saw glimpses of in 2019? He is 26 but is out of options.

Jake Faria: It has been since 2017 that this former Rays prospect showed success as a starter in the majors at 23 when he went 5-4 with a 3.43 ERA in 86.2 innings. A severe oblique strain in 2018 derailed the start of his career. This might be his last opportunity. He is 28 and out of options.

Mario Sanchez and Brandon Lawson are 27 and yet to pitch in the major leagues. Can either of these minor league journeymen get their first shot in what might be a quick start to the season once the lock out ends?

The Twins also have some prospects not yet on the 40 that might force their way into the rotation with a blazing start. Simeon Woods Richardson(21), Matt Canterino(24) and Louie Varland(24) are not on the 40 man roster and will presumably be starting in AA or AAA to start the season.

Bryan Sammons and Austin Shulfer are both 26 and drafted by the Twins. They have seen some success in the minors and could start in AAA to begin the season.

Have I missed anyone? 

A delayed start to the major league season and a compacted "spring training" could create an opportunity for some pitchers who have been on the fringes of a major league roster. There will be a few across baseball that seize that opportunity into a successful major league career. It will also be an opportunity for a prospect like Canterino to catapult themselves up to the majors with a great start to their minor league season.

 

 

 

 

[Dman]

I kind of felt Smeltzer might be able to work his way back to MLB at some point this year.  His main issue it seems to me is giving up the long ball.  He has had success at that level before and if he can pick up a few ticks on his fastball I feel like he has a shot.  He would have to be really good though since he has no options left.

Kind of feeling like Rodriguez is a major long shot given he gave up 112 hits in 85 innings.  His stuff is too hittable right now.  The Twins might be able to help him find something but like I said he would be a long shot to make the MLB roster with his current profile.

Faria's K rate looks good the last few years but the WHIP is too high for a starter.  I think he would be better off moving to the pen IMO.  It looks like he might have good K\9 potential in shorter stints.  He has put together decent Minor league stats in past years but again he looks like a longshot to show enough to be an option right away.

Depending on what Canterino does to start the season I could see the Twins adding his arm to the pen.  I just don't see them losing service time knowing he will need a shorter workload this year so starter would be a non starter IMO.  Since he doesn't need to be added to the 40 man and we have several guys that  need a spot to see what they have I don't really see Canterino, Varland, or SWR starting for the Twins even if better stretched out than guys on the 40 man.  Even with lights out performance I think the Twins would wait to add them.

I think all these are huge longshots but out of all of them I think Smeltzer could be someone that gets that chance.  He has had success before and the Twins would put him in spots to succeed.

[Rosterman]

They will start at St. Paul, but then have to make room for Balazovic, Duran, Thorpe, Jax, Strotman, Winder, Vallimont, Sands, Winder. Sure, a couple of these guys will start at AA, but.....

 

Twins also have Chandler Shepherd and Bryan Sammons on the St. Paul roster as starters.

 

And there is no room on the 40-man.

[jorgenswest]

11 hours ago, Rosterman said:

They will start at St. Paul, but then have to make room for Balazovic, Duran, Thorpe, Jax, Strotman, Winder, Vallimont, Sands, Winder. Sure, a couple of these guys will start at AA, but.....

 

Twins also have Chandler Shepherd and Bryan Sammons on the St. Paul roster as starters.

 

And there is no room on the 40-man.

If the lock out continues they will have a head start on anyone on the 40. This unique opportunity was the point of my post. I also believe that at least two spots can become available due to injury and 60 day IL. Someone off the 40 on some team is going to seize this opportunity and find success.

I added Sammons. Thanks. Is Shepherd still in the organization?

 

[Blyleven2011]

I also truly believe if minor leagues start before major league starts that some of the early arms will jump players already on 40 man roster  ....

There are some possible cuts on 40 man roster that were injured or produced just enough to stay on 40 through the winter