From Health to Who’s on First: 4 Hot Topics at Twins Camp

[Fred]

4 hours ago, LambchoP said:

With the year Eeles had in '24, he should have the same opportunity to earn a roster spot as Lee or Julien. Whether as a second baseman or utility guy. Who cares if hes not a top prospect? If he can outhit and outplay other guys, then he should get a legitimate look.

I watched Eeles at Fort Myers. After just 3 games I told my Daughter "This kid has something". I truly get a Charley Hustle vibe. More motivation in the clubhouse and on the field could only be good. And he looked good at SS.

[ashbury]

On 2/15/2025 at 10:30 AM, Fred said:

I can't find it right now, but I recall Castro carrying a TERRIBLE RISP

His OPS with bases empty last year was .680 and was .706 with RISP.  The one remaining situation, batter on first, he was an uncanny .768.  Make of that what you will.  😀

The problem for me is that Willi's just not a very good hitter.  Oh, he's a good hitter for a shortstop, except that he isn't a very good shortstop.  He's fine in the utility role but should not be leading a team (with ideas of contention) in plate appearances.

 

[JD-TWINS]

On 2/14/2025 at 11:51 AM, Fire Dan Gladden said:

IMO the health of the big six throughout the year will determine the success of this team.  If they all stay relatively healthy, the Twins could be a legitimate threat.  Unfortunately history is not on their side.

Blewett could be the first RP call up from AAA after the season starts, depending on how the rotation shakes out.  I would not be shocked if Paddack ended up in the BP.

I don't see both Julien and France making the team.  They are both very limited and somewhat redundant on the field.  Gasper's potential impact can't be ignored here either.

Not a huge sample size but the only MLB history he has…..Gasper played in 13 games in ‘24 and had 23 PA’s ……zero hits. Don’t think one can have anything but a grim view on Gasper’s potential.

IMO, if Julien makes the 26 man it will be as a 2B/DH, period. Don’t see a RH hitting 1B as being in direct competition with Julien. You are probably right though that only one or possibly neither make Opening Day in the Show.

[bean5302]

Regarding Gasper, I think it's a long shot he makes the roster out of ST, especially with the recent pick ups of Cartaya and France. Gasper's got 3 options so there's no rush on him at all. The one thing I want answered about him is can he catch? If he can catch during ST, there's a chance the Twins call his number this year. Judging him based on the outcome of 23 PA makes zero sense to me, but his blunt refusal to swing the bat during those 23 PAs is more concerning. If Gasper doesn't impress in ST or doesn't look like he can catch, I'd be surprised if he's not DFA'd.

Cartaya has a single option, and I'd expect he'll be the primary catcher in AAA even though it's not ideal. He'd probably have a chance at making the MLB roster if he were left handed or if Vazquez gets moved before the season starts which I think is still a real possibility. Injuries around the league coupled with a good ST from Cartaya could make moving Vazquez much more palatable for both the Twins and a partner.

Julien and Miranda both have only 1 option left, and both have had some substantial success at the MLB level. Having them start the year in AAA seems far-fetched to me. Brooks Lee looked terrible last year (yes, he was worse at the plate than Julien) and Lee has 3 options remaining. I think Brooks Lee likely starts off at AAA barring a trade, especially given Baldelli's comments that he expects Castro to be playing a lot of 2B at this point.

I think Camargo is likely to be DFA'd if Gasper looks like he can catch, and again, barring any trade action. Carrying 5 catchers on the 40 man is too heavy. 

I can't see any of the NRI guys making the roster. There's so much fringe depth on the team already.