Thoughts for Today

[stringer bell]

Another Spring Training game where all I could do was check out gamecasts on ESPN. The Twins lost again 5-3. Here are some random thoughts to comment on:

1) No appearances from the injured players. Buxton, Polanco, Kirilloff and Miranda (in the field) have yet to make their debuts in the Florida sunshine. Today was a home game, the most likely spot for said debuts, but nope! 

2) Not much hitting across the board. In their last six games, the Twins have scored nine runs and haven't reached double figures in hits. Today they hit three homers, two by Farmer, but otherwise were handcuffed. Donovan Solano is now 1-21.

3) Starters going deeper. Joe Ryan threw four innings, Mahle went 3.2, with a hefty pitch count, It should be noted that the starters in camp have been hit a little bit, but everyone, so far, is healthy. Mahle didn't get his fastball to 93 until his last inning, something to make note of.

4) Nick Gordon at 2B on consecutive days. It would seem logical that Gordon would get starts at second against right handers if Polanco is on the shelf. Makes me wonder.

5) Bullpen battle! Dennis Santana was claimed by the Mets, opening a spot for a NRI to make the bullpen. If there is any doubt, Jorge Alcala looks to have locked up a spot, along with Thielbar, Jax, JLopez, Duran, and probably Moran. Pagan still seems likely to maker the club.That will leave one spot with a whole bunch of contenders. Today Oliver Ortega worked two scoreless innings--he's been really sharp. Coulombe hasn't allowed a run so far this year, Megill has a big fastball and has had some really good outings mixed with a stinker or two. Hoffman, Sands, De Leon, and Dobnak have all worked multiple innings and before he went to the WBC, Dereck Rodriquez looked solid. There are probably others who I haven't named who should be considered.