Report from the Fort: 3/23 News and Notes

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins were away today playing the Boston Red Sox across town at JetBlue Park. After an exciting morning highlighted by Carlos Correa’s introductory press conference, it was time to focus on the minor league side of things.

The Twins and Red Sox play each other a handful of times every spring training. Given the close proximity of their homes, it makes for an easy opponent as far as travel is concerned. Rather than going across town today, the action with rookie and Single-A teams on the back fields seemed more appealing.
 
Minnesota put 2020 draft pick Marco Raya on the mound to start the game for the Single-A club. He looked the part of beginning to fill out his body and really filled up the strike zone. His stuff played well, and he looked to largely overmatch the Boston lineup. With the 2020 season being canceled and then dealing with injury much of last year, Raya has yet to make an appearance in a professional game. This upcoming season will be exciting for him, and he’s definitely one to watch.

Cade Povich drew the start against a loaded rookie-level Red Sox club on the opposite field. Both Red Sox top prospects, Marcelo Mayer and Blaze Jordan started, and Povich handled each of the talented competitors. The former Nebraska Husker struck out the side in one inning today and was largely dominant for Minnesota. He struck out nine batters in 4 2/3 innings.
 
It was hard to be unimpressed with Casey Legumina, who took over for Povich while he was dealing. Strikeouts were added in bunches as he displayed a strong pace and swagger on the mound. There's no assessing velocity without a radar gun on him, but the intent behind his fastball was more than evident.

Some general observations include the growth Keoni Cavaco has seen as he fills out his frame. The Single-A club displayed an impressive power outing with three homers in four batters (and a double in between), and despite the wind blowing out, catching prospect Noah Cardenas left the yard in a big way.
 
A few other notes from today include:

• the roster cutting of six players being reassigned out of big-league camp. None of the names are shocking, but there’s more than a couple here that should be options for the Twins at some point in 2022.
• Big leaguers Luis Arraez and Alex Kirilloff both got at-bats on the back fields today.
• Carlos Correa saw his first live at bats since the World Series.
• Former teammates Sonny Gray and Gary Sanchez worked together during live at-bats today. Catching coach Hank Conger was heavily involved in their exchanges.

The experimental rules in the minor leagues also became official today, as did the continuation of what’s incorrectly being dubbed a “ghost runner” in Major League extra innings.
 
Minnesota’s bats woke up en route to a 10-4 victory over the Red Sox today, and the highlight could have been Trevor Larnach’s three-run blast to the big part of the park. Tomorrow Tampa comes to town, although there is a good chance of rain in the forecast.

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[Dman]

Love these updates. Thanks!

[mikelink45]

Still tough to keep up.  But I know it will sort out soon.  It is one of the issues of the short ST.  Not enough time to get to see players before they are cut.

[The Mad King]

Great to hear updates about guys like Povich and Cavaco. Thanks!

[MMMordabito]

Winder looks like a guy built to eat innings. I'd bet that he's added a few good pounds to the listed 210 on that 6'5" frame.  Hope he isn't one that gets moved in a deal. I was impressed watching him today on the Free Game.

[Seth Stohs]

2 hours ago, MMMordabito said:

Winder looks like a guy built to eat innings. I'd bet that he's added a few good pounds to the listed 210 on that 6'5" frame.  Hope he isn't one that gets moved in a deal. I was impressed watching him today on the Free Game.

My sense is that the Twins have zero interest in trading Winder. In fact, I won't be even a little bit surprised if he's on the Opening Day roster... Outside shot, but I do think possible. (obviously pending other moves)