Opening Day Roster Taking Shape?

[stringer bell]

The Twins have announced that Brock Stewart will start the season on the Injured List, along with Michael Tonkin and Royce Lewis. They currently have 31 rostered players in camp. With the subtractions of Tonkin, Lewis and Stewart, that would leave 28 players, so only two players would need to be cut to reach the 26-man limit. 

Subtracting the Injured List guys, there remain only 13 pitchers. That would mean that without an addition from off the roster, the pitching staff is set and Eiberson Castellano would make the team. There are two "extra" position players and it appears that the combatants for the last two positions are Edouard Julien, Austin Martin, DaShawn Keirsey Jr. and Mickey Gasper. 

My best guess is that one infielder and one outfielder make it for the last two positions, but any of the four has a case and most likely all four will see time with the Twins. 

The Twins could claim somebody cut loose by another team or they could keep a non-roster player for the last guy on the team. A couple of pitchers have performed well and have major league experience. Scott Blewett and Andrew Misiewicz have been pretty good. 

A lot can happen in five days. Another injury could occur and mess with projections or a player could be brought in from another team via trade or waiver claim. I'll believe Justin Topa is healthy and ready to contribute until they're playing the national anthem on Thursday. Brooks Lee has missed two days with a sore back. 

Who will be on the final 26 and who will be the last guys cut (or placed on the IL)? Please comment.

[ashbury]

Selecting two of four is Rocco's job.  There are warts on all four players and I'd be hard pressed to have to select two of them as backups I would ride with.  Any combination won't really surprise me; I can't read Rocco's mind. 

I think I'd keep Gasper and Keirsey on the grounds that they have annoyed me the least at the major league level, but that's mainly a function of opportunity, not skill or accomplishment.

[tony&rodney]

41 minutes ago, ashbury said:

I think I'd keep Gasper and Keirsey on the grounds that they have annoyed me the least at the major league level, but that's mainly a function of opportunity, not skill or accomplishment.

This made me laugh out loud. Perfect encapsulation of how some, maybe many, Twins Daily readers/commenters feel about Martin and Julien. Yet, it is an easy call for Baldelli if the Twins are trying to win games. I would guess the decision has already been made.

[ashbury]

3 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

This made me laugh out loud. Perfect encapsulation of how some, maybe many, Twins Daily readers/commenters feel about Martin and Julien. Yet, it is an easy call for Baldelli if the Twins are trying to win games. I would guess the decision has already been made.

Probably should just go find some of your other recent posts, but for this topic, which two of the four do you think bring the more wins to the team if given playing time?  I can think of ways Martin and Julien can bring needless losses.

[Linus]

One thought I have is whether Lee will be completely healthy by Opening Day.  If not I would IL him and let him get to 100%.  
For me Martin gets sent out for sure so that means Kiersey stays.  If Lee is healthy then I would keep Gasper (I can’t believe I am saying that).  The flexibility to have him catch an inning here and there along with being a switch hitter makes him a decent bench player.  If they were willing to have a set DH I would keep Julien and let him see what he can do with the bat.  As many point out this is not that crucial because things will change within the first couple of weeks.

[thelanges5]

#freemickey

[tony&rodney]

6 hours ago, ashbury said:

Probably should just go find some of your other recent posts, but for this topic, which two of the four do you think bring the more wins to the team if given playing time?  I can think of ways Martin and Julien can bring needless losses.

My answer is convoluted, but I will respond.

The Twins won't play Martin in the infield and have never shown a sliver of respect for Keirsey Jr. Under that dark cloud, Martin gets the outfield position. There will be a few times where Martin pinch runs for someone and he has the ability to score from second base on a base hit, which can win a game.

The other choice is easy for me. Julien is a terrible fielder, but his ability to turn a ground ball into an out actually far surpasses Gasper in the infield. Gasper looks way better because he just shuffles around, but he  doesn't really move much. The Twins may keep Gasper though because he was one of their big offseason pickups.

The Falvey era has greatly disappointed me in so many ways. I have read  many comments lauding the front office and watched as the team struggles with their player choices and style of baseball. The current situation at second base is just one poster as was Larnach stopping at second base yesterday on a two out slow ground ball single into right field. At this point, I'm not even interested in any ideas, debates, or perspectives on this front office. What we see at second base is representative of their plan.

[tony&rodney]

Lee to IL means Gasper is a Twin (most likely). Where he plays is a question since the Twins are stuffed at the DH position (Buck, Carlos, and Wallner from time to time along with the other fitted there: France, Miranda, Julien, Larnach, Martin, Castro, and Gasper). Rocco has his work cut out for himself.

[jorgenswest]

Gasper injured today. 

[RpR]

Baldelli has thrown the bones so many times, they are wearing out.

[Cory Engelhardt]

Curious what moves are coming in the next few days...

1) Do they trade for Castellanos to be able to stick him in the AA rotation to start the year? If so, what is a fair trade?

2) Do they scour the waiver wire to pick up someone for the bullpen? My guess is they do that. If that's the case, is there someone that people like? I did see that Atlanta cut Jake Diekman; I'd be in favor of bringing him in while some of our relievers are on the mend.

3) Do they do something else completely out of left field, similar to the Taylor Rogers/Chris Paddack deal right before opening day a few years back?

Thoughts?

 

[nicksaviking]

Oof, what shape is that? A pear?

This might be the least inspiring offense this franchise has run out there since 2013.

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Curious what moves are coming in the next few days...

1) Do they trade for Castellanos to be able to stick him in the AA rotation to start the year? If so, what is a fair trade?

2) Do they scour the waiver wire to pick up someone for the bullpen? My guess is they do that. If that's the case, is there someone that people like? I did see that Atlanta cut Jake Diekman; I'd be in favor of bringing him in while some of our relievers are on the mend.

3) Do they do something else completely out of left field, similar to the Taylor Rogers/Chris Paddack deal right before opening day a few years back?

Thoughts?

 

The one thing they have is minor league pitching. No idea why they would trade for this guy..

Nah. They have guys to pitch, but it wouldn't shock me. 

Can't see anything like this on the horizon. 

I think the non sale will constrain them from many moves.

 

[Cory Engelhardt]

Just now, Mike Sixel said:

The one thing they have is minor league pitching. No idea why they would trade for this guy..

Nah. They have guys to pitch, but it wouldn't shock me. 

Can't see anything like this on the horizon. 

I think the non sale will constrain them from many moves.

 

I only say waiver wire pickup because Dan Hayes mentioned that because it would make more sense to bring a new guy in, as that guy can be designated in a week or so instead of activating Blewitt (for example) and then having to designate him a week or so from now instead.

And you can never have enough pitching. They like Castellanos 

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I only say waiver wire pickup because Dan Hayes mentioned that because it would make more sense to bring a new guy in, as that guy can be designated in a week or so instead of activating Blewitt (for example) and then having to designate him a week or so from now instead.

And you can never have enough pitching. They like Castellanos 

They don't have enough hitters.... What would you trade for him? Another pitcher?

[Cory Engelhardt]

3 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

They don't have enough hitters.... What would you trade for him? Another pitcher?

I’d send someone, a hitter or pitcher, in the lower levels their way. I’d also send cash or ptbnl. Curious what they would want

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I’d send someone, a hitter or pitcher, in the lower levels their way. I’d also send cash or ptbnl. Curious what they would want

Seems like a lot to give up for a guy that mulitple bad teams passed on, who can't throw strikes.

As for Blewitt, let's say they bring someone in. That guy gets cut when Stewart comes back....then two weeks later someone is hurt. Do you not promote Blewitt again because you might lose him later? At what point do you just promote him, if he's one of the 9 best RP on the roster? At some point, you either want him up, or you don't. But there will always be someone hurt, not doing well, ready to be DFA/traded/whatever. At some point, a hurt player will come back....

[Vanimal46]

50 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Oof, what shape is that? A pear?

This might be the least inspiring offense this franchise has run out there since 2013.

We’re gonna need to win a lot of low scoring games early on in the season… 

[Cory Engelhardt]

23 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Seems like a lot to give up for a guy that mulitple bad teams passed on, who can't throw strikes.

As for Blewitt, let's say they bring someone in. That guy gets cut when Stewart comes back....then two weeks later someone is hurt. Do you not promote Blewitt again because you might lose him later? At what point do you just promote him, if he's one of the 9 best RP on the roster? At some point, you either want him up, or you don't. But there will always be someone hurt, not doing well, ready to be DFA/traded/whatever. At some point, a hurt player will come back....

I’m just the messenger. Both Dan Hayes and Matthew Leach have mentioned to expect a free agent addition to the bullpen. That’s all.

And I would totally give a low level player to keep Castellanos. He was the Phillies minor league pitcher of the year, and the Twins have liked him for a while. 

[USAFChief]

11 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I’m just the messenger. Both Dan Hayes and Matthew Leach have mentioned to expect a free agent addition to the bullpen. That’s all.

And I would totally give a low level player to keep Castellanos. He was the Phillies minor league pitcher of the year, and the Twins have liked him for a while. 

Why is Philadelphia making that deal?

[Cory Engelhardt]

5 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

Why is Philadelphia making that deal?

It always depends on what they get back. 

As I understand it, he has to go through waivers already to see if any other team would keep him on the 26 man roster. Decent chance he gets through, but you never know.

After that, my guess is they will at least ask what Philly would need back right? Everyone has a price? It's not like we would be haggling over prime Randy Johnson here. I would think they could find a price that would be equitable for both sides. I just don't know what that is personally.

[Mike Sixel]

14 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

Why is Philadelphia making that deal?

Right? If he's so good, why is Philly dealing him for nothing much?

This team is loaded with arms. Go get some hitters/fielders (like, you know, a catcher or 2B).

[amjgt]

3 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Curious what moves are coming in the next few days...

.....

3) Do they do something else completely out of left field, similar to the Taylor Rogers/Chris Paddack deal right before opening day a few years back?

Thoughts?

 

For the last few weeks I've had this sneaking suspicion that Paddack was going to show his health, then some decent team would be dealing with a lot of pitching injuries and would trade for him. 

Trading a SP right before the season is a little different than a RP, I think, so it feels like it's getting A LITTLE late in the game for that. But it still wouldn't shock me.

Yankees? They seem like they are having big time SP health issues. 

Red Sox? They don't have the long term issues that the Yankees have, but lots of questionable statuses for pitchers right now.

Astros? Some injury issues and Arrighetti is walking a batter per inning this spring.

Padres? Mets?

All of those teams feel like minor possibilities. 

 

[amjgt]

For the record, I predict Dobnak in the bullpen to start the season. They know they can get 3 innings out of him and that has extra value early in the season when they aren't pushing the SPs up to 100 pitches. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

5 minutes ago, amjgt said:

For the record, I predict Dobnak in the bullpen to start the season. They know they can get 3 innings out of him and that has extra value early in the season when they aren't pushing the SPs up to 100 pitches. 

I can see this, Especially with knowing that you are probably going to use 15-20 guys in the bullpen (at minimum) throughout the year, then this makes sense.

[Cory Engelhardt]

12 minutes ago, amjgt said:

For the last few weeks I've had this sneaking suspicion that Paddack was going to show his health, then some decent team would be dealing with a lot of pitching injuries and would trade for him. 

Trading a SP right before the season is a little different than a RP, I think, so it feels like it's getting A LITTLE late in the game for that. But it still wouldn't shock me.

Yankees? They seem like they are having big time SP health issues. 

Red Sox? They don't have the long term issues that the Yankees have, but lots of questionable statuses for pitchers right now.

Astros? Some injury issues and Arrighetti is walking a batter per inning this spring.

Padres? Mets?

All of those teams feel like minor possibilities. 

 

You aren't wrong. LOTS of teams have health issues in their rotations to start the year. I could see Jordan Montgomery being moved to a team at this point too from Arizona. But lots of teams are dealing with injuries to their pitching right now. Knock on wood, but the Twins are fortunate in that regard for today.

[Jocko87]

On 3/23/2025 at 9:36 AM, tony&rodney said:

The Falvey era has greatly disappointed me in so many ways. I have read  many comments lauding the front office and watched as the team struggles with their player choices and style of baseball. The current situation at second base is just one poster as was Larnach stopping at second base yesterday on a two out slow ground ball single into right field. At this point, I'm not even interested in any ideas, debates, or perspectives on this front office. What we see at second base is representative of their plan.

If I'm deciphering this correctly you are saying they have failed to adequately staff the team with options to play second base?  Or that Larnach made some sort of misplay that takes him out of contention for reps there?

Many valid quibbles with this front office, lack of 2nd base options is on the bottom of the list.  Certainly not existential dread.

[nicksaviking]

3 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

We’re gonna need to win a lot of low scoring games early on in the season… 

And late in the season. I'm still a Royce Lewis believer, but even with him, this club looks to have about 4 players I'm happy to plug into the top or middle of the order, and than about a dozen guys you want hitting 8th or 9th. 

[nicksaviking]

I also don't get the team's reported desire to keep Castellano. Is it just to save the Rule V down payment they were forced to cough up?

This organization has NOT suffered starters or relievers with control issues. Why would they make an exception for Castellano? No way they think they can 'fix' him, that's almost always a fools errand. They don't even draft guys with control problems they have to 'fix', they just avoid those pitchers all together or run them out of the system early if they don't show the ability.

Mostly I've been negative, so I should clarify that the previous paragraph was actually a complement and an endorsement of their pitching decisions. Stay true to it, let Castellano go.

[tony&rodney]

11 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

If I'm deciphering this correctly you are saying they have failed to adequately staff the team with options to play second base?  Or that Larnach made some sort of misplay that takes him out of contention for reps there?

Many valid quibbles with this front office, lack of 2nd base options is on the bottom of the list.  Certainly not existential dread.

No, that is not what I'm saying. The Twins emphasize offense, even if that affects the defense. There are a pile of options at second base, none of them are good defensively. This is how the Twins put a roster together. Actually, as I stated in another thread, second base is way down the list of my concerns. Play Julien and if he doesn't hit and the Twins lose all confidence in Eddie, the team can simply release him. There are other options.

The comment on Larnach doesn't make sense unless you saw it. It was reflective of how the Twins run the bases. Last season, the Twins were arguably the worst base running team in baseball. The roster on the whole is pretty slow. In the play, Larnach was on first base with two outs and just stopped at second base on a two out slow roller to the rightfielder. Any player in baseball could have gone first to third on the play. I like Larnach and hope he gets 600 plate appearances this year. The comment was more about how little the Twins practice or care about details like base running. 

The starting pitchers and the bullpen are really going to be good in my opinion. I'm hoping the Twins bats are solid because there isn't much to fall back on with the gloves.