Who goes down when Plouffe's activated??

[greengoblinrulz]

Next day or so

Not gonna be a 13th P (another arguement) but could be Fien???

Arcia.....not after the big game/why play him if they would

Hermann....possible, but gardy is terrified of 2 Cs

Parmelee.....who Im thinking as he's not getting ABs w/Doumit playing

Dozier/Escobar....most probable to me

 

Right after that is gonna be Ramirez....whom for him

Hicks in 2 wks (Ryan says).....go to AAA to get a 7th yr from him (he'll be in another organization when that 7th yr happens tho).

[glanzer]

I'd bet on a pitcher, probably Thielbar given how little he's been used lately.

[Haddyz]

Hermann will be first to go back down, I have no doubt.

 

Until Burton and Pressly are 'completely' healthy, no bullpen arm is going anywhere.

 

The real question is, who will go back down once Hicks is ready to come back. You alluded to that too, but I'm going to have to say Clete Thomas gets sent down (assuming the Twins can do that without losing the rights to him). If Pressly is all the way back, Thomas can't be sent down without hitting waivers, then Fien/Thielbar may be the last one at the table.

[boylan]

Hermann will be first to go back down, I have no doubt.

 

Until Burton and Pressly are 'completely' healthy, no bullpen arm is going anywhere.

 

The real question is, who will go back down once Hicks is ready to come back. You alluded to that too, but I'm going to have to say Clete Thomas gets sent down (assuming the Twins can do that without losing the rights to him). If Pressly is all the way back, Thomas can't be sent down without hitting waivers, then Fien/Thielbar may be the last one at the table.

 

Hicks and plouffe are on the 15 DL meaning they are still on the 40 man roster. So sending down Thomas shouldn't mean removing him from the 40 man and exposing him to waivers.

 

It's when Mastroianni is ready to come back that I think they have a problem.

[nicksaviking]

It's kind of sad that there are so many possibilities.

[boylan]

It's kind of sad that there are so many possibilities.

 

Ouch.

 

It's not Dozier. They've established last year that a long stretch working on his hitting in AAA isn't going to work. Maybe Bruno can do something while they are both here and Dozier is doing well at 2B.

 

I'm kind of wondering if it might be Escobar. He's not playing that much and Gardy likes that 3rd catcher so Hermann might stick.

 

Not a pitcher since the starters are leaving the game quick and we are seeing some wear and tear although Thielbar has not pitched much.

 

Downside of sending Escobar down is that it leaves Carroll as late inning defensive replacement and as we all know, Plouffe is better suited to be a bull fighter - "ole"!.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'll be the heretic and suggest Arcia... Parmelee needs to play every day, and since Gardy won't put him in CF...

[stringer bell]

I believe Clete is out of options, so he would be exposed if demoted. The same is true for Ramirez, if they would decide to demote him and keep Clete. I actually think the first choice would be to send Herrmann back down, followed by Escobar. As I said before, I will believe Plouffe is back when the first pitch is thrown and he's at his position.

[stringer bell]

It's kind of sad that there are so many possibilities.

Actually, I don't view this as sad. Most of the demotion candidates have done well of late, which kind of muddies the situation. For example, if it were Herrmann or Thomas that was 0-13, instead of Doumit, it would be an easy call to send Herrmann down or go briefly without a CF and send Clete packing. If Thielbar were 0-2 with a 9 ERA, everybody would say "well that was a nice Minnesota story" and bid Caleb goodby without a second thought. As it is, Fien is a candidate to get optioned because he has options, despite a very good WHIP. It's tough to call for Pelfrey to get sent down, as well. Two of his three best outings were his last two times out. The GM will have to make a tough choice. To me, that is good news.

[boylan]

I believe Clete is out of options, so he would be exposed if demoted. The same is true for Ramirez, if they would decide to demote him and keep Clete. I actually think the first choice would be to send Herrmann back down, followed by Escobar. As I said before, I will believe Plouffe is back when the first pitch is thrown and he's at his position.

 

I think you are right. I thought he had an option left but I realize he wasn't on the 40 man roster when mlbrumors.com made their last list.

 

So they have 4 right-handed opponents coming up, Herrmann gets a couple of starts and they send for Plouffe afterwards? Doumit gets some bench time and comes in against lefty relievers.

 

Clearly they are going to DFA someone soon. I wonder who needs a backup catcher.

 

I'm guessing that Plouffe's rehab goes on a few games. They probably pulled him from that game a couple of days ago to protect his torn calf muscle implying something about its condition.

[boylan]

I can't see Fien getting sent down even if he has options. It would weaken the team. I wonder about Duensing getting sent down sometimes but I still can't see it. I assume Thielbar has options but I have no idea.

[IdahoPilgrim]

I'm not sure what to do here - If you want to keep 13 pitchers the logical choice is Hermann. But I'd like to see them get back to 12 on staff. If he wasn't a lefty I'd say Duensing, who hasn't looked that sharp this year, but he is so he stays. Thielbar seems the least established but has pitched OK - I'd like to see him get some higher leverage chances to see what he can really do.

 

I guess I reluctantly choose Hermann.

[Nick Nelson]

Thomas isn't going anywhere until Hicks is healthy. It will be Herrmann and that's the right call. He's had a nice little run up here in 12 at-bats but that doesn't overshadow his sub-600 OPS in 170 PA at Triple-A beforehand.

[Oldgoat_MN]

Not sure what is going on with Thielbar. Why is he used so sparingly?

 

I don't know what his year-end stats will look like, but right now he is the best unused reliever in baseball.

 

Get him out there. Hard to send a guy down who has a 0.00 ERA and a WHIP lower than any pitcher on the team not named Perkins.

 

I guess my point is that it should not be Thielbar who gets sent down.

[boylan]

Thomas isn't going anywhere until Hicks is healthy. It will be Herrmann and that's the right call. He's had a nice little run up here in 12 at-bats but that doesn't overshadow his sub-600 OPS in 170 PA at Triple-A beforehand.

 

I agree, particularly about Thomas. Hermann looks nice but sending down a pitcher with the starters going roughly 5ip isn't going to happen.

[adjacent]

Another possibility is that when Plouffe is back, Pressley or Burton (I hope not both) go on the DL with whatever injuries they have.

[IdahoPilgrim]

Not sure what is going on with Thielbar. Why is he used so sparingly?

 

I don't know what his year-end stats will look like, but right now he is the best unused reliever in baseball.

 

Get him out there. Hard to send a guy down who has a 0.00 ERA and a WHIP lower than any pitcher on the team not named Perkins.

 

I guess my point is that it should not be Thielbar who gets sent down.

 

I don't think Gardenhire trusts him yet. In each of his 8 appearances he has come in only when the Twins are down by 2 runs or more - he has yet to appear when the Twins are tied or have the lead. And the only time he came in with runners on base, he gave up a triple that scored 3 runs and put the game out of reach. Those didn't count against him as earned runs, but it was still a costly appearance.

 

I agree, though, that he should be given a chance. This is the type of season when you should be giving these guys a look and see what they can do under pressure.

[Mike Sixel]

Gardy's use of Thielbar is hard to explain.

[nicksaviking]

I agree, though, that he should be given a chance. This is the type of season when you should be giving these guys a look and see what they can do under pressure.

 

Especially since his main competition is Duensing who is starting to make a habit of allowing inherited runners to score again.

[IdahoPilgrim]

Gardy's use of Thielbar is hard to explain.

 

This is one of those situations where it would be neat to be inside Gardenhire's head and see what the logic is.

 

Is he not pitching Thielbar in higher leverage situations because he doesn't trust him and wants to use him only to save the arms of the other relievers in low leverage situations? Or is he choosing to use him in low leverage situations hoping to allow him to adjust to the major league game without added pressure of having the game on the line, making the transition easier so that eventually he'll be more comfortable and actually be able to start earning his paycheck? Thielbar has moved up the system pretty quickly since being signed from indy ball. Maybe it's a combination of all of these.

[stringer bell]

Tied or ahead--Fien, Duensing, Roenicke, Burton, Perkins. Behind--Swarzak, Pressly, Thielbar. There is some crossover, but that is the general guideline. There is something extra to keep Swarzak (O of O, multiple innings), Pressly (Rule 5), and Roenicke (O of O) on the major league staff. Fien has mostly been effective, but with an option remaining, he is a candidate to be sent down.

[ericchri]

Is Carroll a potential release candidate? I like him defensively, but his offense has been worse than terrible this year. He's got a .520 OPS. Hicks (.575) and Dozier (.603) have both been bad enough to make many people think they should go back to AAA, so why no calls for Carroll to go?

[boylan]

Is Carroll a potential release candidate? I like him defensively, but his offense has been worse than terrible this year. He's got a .520 OPS. Hicks (.575) and Dozier (.603) have both been bad enough to make many people think they should go back to AAA, so why no calls for Carroll to go?

 

Carroll has been called an informal infield coach for the Twins. He's super reliable in the field, plays multiple positions well and while the reduced number of at bats has hurt his numbers he is a career .275 hitter who gets on base a lot.

 

By the season ends his numbers will have improved although I doubt by as much as they did last year. Old guys should actually play winter ball to keep their skills up.

 

This is his last contract year and I'm sure they are committed to him through the rest of the year. Would not be surprised if he didn't immediately wind up with a Twins minor league coaching position after this year.

[Shane Wahl]

Fien or Herrmann. I doubt it will be Escobar, even though he is showing his true colors now.

[boylan]

Fien or Herrmann. I doubt it will be Escobar, even though he is showing his true colors now.

 

I don't get the Fien bit. He hasn't had a bad outing since we played at Detroit and he's been consistently nasty. WHIP of .99 and second only to Perkins in K/9. He's better against L batters than Duensing.

 

I agree with Nick Nelson's post that it's Herrmann but if you are looking for a surprise candidate I think Thielbar (new guy) or Escobar (extra infielder) goes. And, honestly neither are really much of a possibility.

 

If the starters start going 7+ that's a different story but Fien I don't see.

[Rosterman]

You are going to keep Carroll until you read how Plouffe is doing.

 

I'm amazed at the lack of use for Thielbar. At this point, I would want the freshest arms in the bullpen, which means Fein could be optioned out. You can always flip him back when Roeincke wears out.

 

It was just one game, but if Thomas hits and if Hicks is even a day or three slow at coming back, and having to go to Rochester to rehab, it might be longer than Aaron expected. Plus, he would play everyday at Rochester, until Thomas wears down or Hicks tears the cover off the ball.

 

I could see Parmelee going east when Ramirez comes back. And the Twins eventually making a decision between Thomas and Ramierz on the 4th outfielder. Someday, they will have to decide on Mastro. But none of the three will be around next season...so...

 

Sad to see Slama leave the organization. Not sure who will grab him. Right now, teams are looking at promoting players (except the Twins, who also picked up Caleb Brewer for the Kernels).

 

As a matter of fact, the Twins seem to be adding more and more AAAAers -- Petit for one. They did cut their minor league Rule 5 guy. Be interesting to see how many draftees they actually sign, who goes to Eliz, who goes to Cedar Rapids, and how everyone moves around. But, still, for the rotation -- Rochester is still overflowing, and New Britain is pretty solid.

 

Oh, they can send Escobar down, too. And Chris Hermann, is he the bench bat you want/need. He probably goes when Plouffe returns.

 

I'm hoping Arcia is now here to stay!

[jokin]

You are going to keep Carroll until you read how Plouffe is doing.

 

I'm amazed at the lack of use for Thielbar. At this point, I would want the freshest arms in the bullpen, which means Fein could be optioned out. You can always flip him back when Roeincke wears out.

 

1) It was just one game, but if Thomas hits and if Hicks is even a day or three slow at coming back, and having to go to Rochester to rehab, it might be longer than Aaron expected. Plus, he would play everyday at Rochester, until Thomas wears down or Hicks tears the cover off the ball.

 

I could see Parmelee going east when Ramirez comes back. And the Twins eventually making a decision between Thomas and Ramierz on the 4th outfielder. 2)Someday, they will have to decide on Mastro. But none of the three will be around next season...so...

 

Sad to see Slama leave the organization. Not sure who will grab him. Right now, teams are looking at promoting players (except the Twins, who also picked up Caleb Brewer for the Kernels).

 

3)As a matter of fact, the Twins seem to be adding more and more AAAAers -- Petit for one. They did cut their minor league Rule 5 guy. Be interesting to see how many draftees they actually sign, who goes to Eliz, who goes to Cedar Rapids, and how everyone moves around. But, still, for the rotation -- Rochester is still overflowing, and New Britain is pretty solid.

 

Oh, they can send Escobar down, too. And Chris Hermann, is he the bench bat you want/need. He probably goes when Plouffe returns.

 

I'm hoping Arcia is now here to stay!

 

1) The Hicks extended stay in Rochester scenario practically writes its own script.

 

2) As of yesterday, Mastro was still in his boot (or "shoe", as Gardy would say). He won't be ready anytime soon.

 

3) Parraz for another. The Twins love adding AAAA filler over promotions.

 

4) If Ryan truly is calling almost all of the shots these days, it would be Hermann who goes back down, but with Gardy appearing to prefer Doumit in RF these days and the Hammer getting more DH time, Esco is likely to be the guy who gets the demotion.

[jokin]

You are going to keep Carroll until you read how Plouffe is doing.

 

I'm amazed at the lack of use for Thielbar. At this point, I would want the freshest arms in the bullpen, which means Fein could be optioned out. You can always flip him back when Roeincke wears out.

 

 

 

I brushed right past your Thielbar comment. It appears there is little confidence in him, despite his numbers, thus far. He has to stay up until the nagging issues with the other relievers become more clear, but at that point of clarity, the #13 pitcher is gone.

 

I don't think the Twins are the type of organization that will just outright cut a real professional veteran guy like Carroll, he fits in perfectly in Gardy's comfort zone and he's earned his level of respect. If, and until, they line him up on another major league team roster, ala Thome, Carroll's here to stay.

[stringer bell]

Has anyone heard if Plouffe will be activated? The Twins could have used him last night and could use him against the Tiggers. Let's hope a move is made and Trevor can start a warm streak hitting the ball into the stands a couple times this weekend.

[greengoblinrulz]

Has anyone heard if Plouffe will be activated? The Twins could have used him last night and could use him against the Tiggers. Let's hope a move is made and Trevor can start a warm streak hitting the ball into the stands a couple times this weekend.

My opinion is that the organization isnt too fond of Trevor & especially after goin on DL before playin a game after his concussion & they are gonna make him do a full week in AAA.

I also think they arent sure of who to send down & will take the weekend to analyze.