VIDEO: 2022 Minnesota Twins Opening Day Roster Projection

[Tom Froemming]

The Minnesota Twins have slimmed down the players remaining in big league camp, so let's talk through who might be on their Opening Day roster.

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[Seth Stohs]

This is good stuff.... My random thoughts: 

- I think the "path of least resistance" makes the most sense if you think of it this way... You've got the two extra roster spots, so why add someone knowing you're going to remove them in 3 weeks and potentially lose them. I get the "do we care (if they're claimed)?" thing, but I would say, at least to some degree, yes. Why lose depth pieces at Triple-A when you don't need to?

- Devin Smeltzer would be a great story. He was solid and then last year was hurt, removed from the 40-man, unclaimed, and now he's healthy. He deserves a shot, for sure. 

- Jhoan Duran is a given for the bullpen. What a weapon!

- I think Moran starts at Triple-A. He's got a big future, but he needs to relax. That can be his one downfall. He gets a little nervous and loses the strike zone. When he's throwing strikes, he's almost unhittable. 

- I do think that Rooker vs Garlick might be a real thing. I personally think giving up on Rooker would be disappointing because at every level, once he gets a month or so of time. 

 

[wabene]

Yes Moran looks like he needs to calm down, I was thinking the same thing this morning watching him pitch in yesterday's game.

[ashbury]

Many times I am annoyed by what I see as paths of least resistance (loading up on corner bats, accepting two lesser players in trade for one, giving up up-the-middle talent too easily), historically in this franchise and not simply most recently.  But for asset stewardship at this time of the year, I agree 100% with Seth above, that going with whomever is on the 40-man now should take precedence unless a non-roster candidate is super compelling.  That same candidate will be available to add, the first time a 60-day IL move has to be made, for example.