Who Replaces Tristan Gray for his Paternity Leave?

[stringer bell]

Provus reported that Gray will be leaving the team for the birth of his second child, probably this weekend. The Twins are allowed to replace Gray and it is my understanding that the player must be on the 40-man roster and the Twins can't exceed 13 pitchers. Due to injuries, there are only four position players in the minors and active who could be recalled. They are Gonzalez, Mendez, Wallner and Lewis. It doesn't make sense to bring up either Wallner or Lewis for a weekend and the other two guys also seem like a stretch. Who will the Twins bring up to temporarily replace Gray?

[Vanimal46]

Why not Kaelen Culpepper? Is Tristan Gray or Royce Lewis stopping anyone from taking over a spot on the left side of the IF?

[lecroy24fan]

16 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Why not Kaelen Culpepper? Is Tristan Gray or Royce Lewis stopping anyone from taking over a spot on the left side of the IF?

That's what I'd do. Plenty of dead weight to drop from the 40 man to make room.

[lecroy24fan]

2 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Provus reported that Gray will be leaving the team for the birth of his second child, probably this weekend. The Twins are allowed to replace Gray and it is my understanding that the player must be on the 40-man roster and the Twins can't exceed 13 pitchers. Due to injuries, there are only four position players in the minors and active who could be recalled. They are Gonzalez, Mendez, Wallner and Lewis. It doesn't make sense to bring up either Wallner or Lewis for a weekend and the other two guys also seem like a stretch. Who will the Twins bring up to temporarily replace Gray?

They can add someone to the 40 man.

[jaimedude]

21 minutes ago, lecroy24fan said:

That's what I'd do. Plenty of dead weight to drop from the 40 man to make room.

Would be nice to see Culpeppet get his feet wet, try some third base, SS or 2nd base. 

[ashbury]

This article is a nice demonstration of how irreplaceable Tristan Gray really is.

[jorgenswest]

49 minutes ago, lecroy24fan said:

That's what I'd do. Plenty of dead weight to drop from the 40 man to make room.

Seems like they already have more position players than normal on the 40. The 40 is usually pitcher heavy. I am not ready to let go any of Gonzalez, Mendez, Rodriguez, Roden, Wallner or Lewis. Adding Culpepper will add to the imbalance if they were to drop Raya, Klein or Funderburk.

I also don’t see which of the four healthy position players I would bring up. Lewis is the only one that can help in the field or on the bases. I guess either a pinch hit bat in Gonzalez or Mendez. Mendez looks to have the best command of the strike and maybe more ready. He could pinch hit for Kreidler or Arcia. They won’t have lefties on the bench.

[tony&rodney]

Alan Roden can be put on the 60 day IL.

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

Alan Roden can be put on the 60 day IL.

I don’t think so since he’s already on optional assignment and on a minor league Injured List. If it is possuble to place him on the major league 60-day that he would accrue major league service time FWIW.

In past years the Twins had Matt Canterino on their 40-man roster, but never placed him on the major league 60-day IL despite having to make difficult roster decisions. 

[Seth Stohs]

3 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

Why not Kaelen Culpepper? Is Tristan Gray or Royce Lewis stopping anyone from taking over a spot on the left side of the IF?

The only thing is, why would they make a 40-man roster day move 1-3 days though? 40-man roster spots 

[Riverbrian]

Boston this weekend. Tolle, Bello and Gray so left, right , right. The Red Sox also have a left handed closer to consider. 

Mendez is the hottest player right now out of those on the 40 man. Mendez is the guy and I would start him against Bello and Gray. I wouldn't stuff him in a corner. 

I wouldn't add to the 40 man for a paternity absence. 

Congrats to Tristan. 

[jorgenswest]

42 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Mendez is the hottest player right now out of those on the 40 man. Mendez is the guy and I would start him against Bello and Gray. I wouldn't stuff him in a corner. 

Is he the DH?

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Gonzalez and Mendez are really the only two options, right? Unless they want to do some maneuvering with the 40 man roster and bring up Ross or Schobel? 

[Riverbrian]

23 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Is he the DH?

That would be up to Shelton. I don't have an opinion on his defensive abilities. I really don't have an opinion on his offensive abilities either but if they call him up for the weekend... I'd like to see him get a look at some major league pitching. Some AB's that he can put in his development bank and take back with him to AAA.  

Mainly... in regards to Stringers excellent question. I'd rather not make a 40 man maneuver for a weekend and based upon the choices of players on the 40 man. Mendez is swinging the best at this moment but the choice is really him or Gonzalez. 

It's too soon to call Lewis or Wallner back. Just don't... they earn their way back. Erod and Roden are hurt.

Now Gonzalez... he has been an extreme home run or nothing guy. 8 Homeruns and Low OPS takes a lot of nothing when he's not homering.

Although... the past 7 days... Ggon has been hitting the baseball with a 11% K Rate. If he has turned a corner... got himself to stop chasing... I wouldn't be opposed to Ggon getting the call over Mendez.    

Either way... if it's Ggon or Hmen... that's fine. I'd rather they get a taste of major league pitching during their visit for their development. Take 8 PA's and let them see what they have to be able to hit and take that back to St. Paul for more development when Tristan returns.  

If Mendez is the DH. That's easily done. Bell at 1B, Larnach at LF and Caratini at C leaves DH open. 

Now... if making a 40 man maneuver is an option. Fedko has my interest because of his combination of Speed and Power. I just wouldn't adjust the 40 man for a paternity leave. 

[Vanimal46]

5 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

The only thing is, why would they make a 40-man roster day move 1-3 days though? 40-man roster spots 

I see an opportunity greater than 3 days. Tristan Gray is very likely not a long term starter. Culpepper can be. 

[jorgenswest]

19 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

That would be up to Shelton. I don't have an opinion on his defensive abilities. I really don't have an opinion on his offensive abilities either but if they call him up for the weekend... I'd like to see him get a look at some major league pitching. Some AB's that he can put in his development bank and take back with him to AAA.  

Mainly... in regards to Stringers excellent question. I'd rather not make a 40 man maneuver for a weekend and based upon the choices of players on the 40 man. Mendez is swinging the best at this moment but the choice is really him or Gonzalez. 

It's too soon to call Lewis or Wallner back. Just don't... they earn their way back. Erod and Roden are hurt.

Now Gonzalez... he has been an extreme home run or nothing guy. 8 Homeruns and Low OPS takes a lot of nothing when he's not homering.

Although... the past 7 days... Ggon has been hitting the baseball with a 11% K Rate. If he has turned a corner... got himself to stop chasing... I wouldn't be opposed to Ggon getting the call over Mendez.    

Either way... if it's Ggon or Hmen... that's fine. I'd rather they get a taste of major league pitching during their visit for their development. Take 8 PA's and let them see what they have to be able to hit and take that back to St. Paul for more development when Tristan returns.  

If Mendez is the DH. That's easily done. Bell at 1B, Larnach at LF and Caratini at C leaves DH open. 

Now... if making a 40 man maneuver is an option. Fedko has my interest because of his combination of Speed and Power. I just wouldn't adjust the 40 man for a paternity leave. 

Thanks. I asked the question because I wasn’t sure what you meant about not putting him in a corner.

[Riverbrian]

58 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Thanks. I asked the question because I wasn’t sure what you meant about not putting him in a corner.

I actually meant the corner of the dugout. 😉

[nicksaviking]

11 hours ago, ashbury said:

This article is a nice demonstration of how irreplaceable Tristan Gray really is.

Hey, his kid might read this!

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, Vanimal46 said:

I see an opportunity greater than 3 days. Tristan Gray is very likely not a long term starter. Culpepper can be. 

I'm not sure how anyone can look at the roster and think removing a dozen or so players from the 40-man is of any consequence to the future outlook of this organization.

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

I'm not sure how anyone can look at the roster and think removing a dozen or so players from the 40-man is of any consequence to the future outlook of this organization.

Probably true

But, it will bleed down to the next roster move and the next. I'd love to take a look at Culpepper but that discussion shouldn't be for a temporary paternity leave.

That's an option in regards to it's time to cut Gray and roll with Culpepper. 

Otherwise... Let's not start his clock for paternity leave. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

Probably true

But, it will bleed down to the next roster move and the next. I'd love to take a look at Culpepper but that discussion shouldn't be for a temporary paternity leave.

That's an option in regards to it's time to cut Gray and roll with Culpepper. 

Otherwise... Let's not start his clock for paternity leave. 

Let’s start his clock because he’s the best option they have at either SS or 3B?

When Gray comes back, send down Outman, keep Lee and Culpepper on the left side of the diamond, Kreidler and Martin can hold down center while Buck is injured.

[Danchat]

The easy option that doesn't necessitate a 40 man move is calling up Mendez and get him a brief cup of coffee in the majors, give him a few PAs and send him back down. They're already using his first option year so there's no harm, and it's not like they have to call up an infielder.

If they weren't going to promote Culpepper to replace Lewis a few days ago, they weren't going to decide now's the time to call him up now based on Gray hitting the paternity list. Clearly, they're going to wait on giving him his first chance in the majors.

[Riverbrian]

8 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Let’s start his clock because he’s the best option they have at either SS or 3B?

When Gray comes back, send down Outman, keep Lee and Culpepper on the left side of the diamond, Kreidler and Martin can hold down center while Buck is injured.

I agree. You start his clock when he is the best option you have. Just not for paternity leave. 

Weather it's Gray or Outman that is cut so Culpepper can arrive...  it's the same concept.

You start Culpepper's clock when he is being handed a MLB job and he's going to stay awhile. 

If Gray and Outman are not going anywhere and this is paternity temporary thing. Mendez and Gonzales are the choices. 

In my own personal opinion. Fedko is the guy I'd like to see get a legit opportunity right now. Power, Speed multiple positions and growing longer in the tooth and therefore running out of time. 

[RpR]

8 minutes ago, Danchat said:

The easy option that doesn't necessitate a 40 man move is calling up Mendez and get him a brief cup of coffee in the majors, give him a few PAs and send him back down. They're already using his first option year so there's no harm, and it's not like they have to call up an infielder.

If they weren't going to promote Culpepper to replace Lewis a few days ago, they weren't going to decide now's the time to call him up now based on Gray hitting the paternity list. Clearly, they're going to wait on giving him his first chance in the majors.

LOL, the only infield position he has play was First Base and his glove work makes Bell look like a Gold Glove.

[Vanimal46]

17 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I agree. You start his clock when he is the best option you have. Just not for paternity leave.

Culpepper is the best option we have. Rocking a .980 OPS in May and actually plays the positions needed on the field to replace Gray and Lewis. 

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, Vanimal46 said:

Culpepper is the best option we have. Rocking a .980 OPS in May and actually plays the positions needed on the field to replace Gray and Lewis. 

If it was my decision. I'm committing to youth. I'm all for running some AAA options through the filter. I see no purpose in hanging on to an older player who is OPS'ing in the 600's. This team needs to develop... the lack of development is why Gray is here... it's why Kreidler is here... Although Kreidler is looking really good right now. Who knew. 

This discussion replacing Outman or Gray on the 40 man roster is a much different discussion than a paternity leave fill in.

I believe String was asking about who is that temporary fill in but only String can confirm that. 

[jorgenswest]

30 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

If it was my decision. I'm committing to youth. I'm all for running some AAA options through the filter. I see no purpose in hanging on to an older player who is OPS'ing in the 600's. This team needs to develop... the lack of development is why Gray is here... it's why Kreidler is here... Although Kreidler is looking really good right now. Who knew. 

This discussion replacing Outman or Gray on the 40 man roster is a much different discussion than a paternity leave fill in.

I believe String was asking about who is that temporary fill in but only String can confirm that. 

My apologies for derailing the thread but “committing to youth” inspired something I have been wondering about. I lean that way also.

My wonder is about utilizing service time. The Twins get six years. Committing to youth should require more development time to be at the major league level. It might mean that things click that last year before arbitration starts. It might take an extra year of service time to get that prime player. There is pressure at the other end of service time also. The pressure to sell high with 2 years left. I don’t think I advocate for both a commit to youth and also a trade at peak value with two years left. I would be squeezing both ends of my 6 years and might leave myself with a productive 2 of the 6.

I would call up early and then not trade until we get to that last year. I will sacrifice some of the early part for development in the majors. It seems like many are in the call up early and trade early group. Maybe the best is to be conservative on the call and late to trade maximizing production as a Twin. I acknowledge prospects are all different and a global top 20 should be treated differently than FV50s or below. In general wouldn’t that early/early strategy result in the Twins getting less overall production from their prospects?

 

[Riverbrian]

As usual. Interesting thoughts. 

There isn't one size fits all in terms of development that's why the tap needs to keep flowing. As you mentioned... you also have to consider that not every developing player needs to be become Juan Soto to be considered a success. If you develop just an average ol' Ernie Clement type player... that's also a win. 

Then you have the Keaschall and Juliens of the world. Come out like a house on fire for half a season only to be not so on fire in the 2nd year. Byron Buxton got his clock started at age 21 and besides the health issues we didn't really see what Buxton could do until age 25. The year before that in 2018 in his age 24 season he was ... well...  a lot like what we are seeing out of Wallner and Lewis right now. I'm so grateful that Byron was willing to sign a longer term deal so he could remain on a Twin because you start that clock... you burn through options and you eventually run out of time and we are heading toward that Royce Lewis crash at full speed.  

To me... Development is all about value. I don't want my prospects stripped mined for parts because it puts a cap on their potential value. The goal is to develop their value to the point that if you do trade them that they can return talented players in return or they take that upper level value and simply put it on display in a Twins uniform. Be it a Juan Soto type player or an Ernie Clement type player. 

When I think about prospects and service time. I always see a chronological pecking order due to that ticking clock. It's ticking pretty loudly when I look at Erod right now. Erod needs to be called up before Jenkins regardless of how Jenkins is performing in comparison. 

The organization can believe that Jenkins is twice the player that Erod is and bump Jenkins to the front of the line accordingly but that doesn't mean that Erod doesn't have major league value as an average player if that's what he can achieve. This would make Erod the priority in my mind because of you don't have anymore time. 

You raise excellent thoughts for consideration. It's tough to answer with so much unknown.

The only thing that I am reasonably sure of. It is going to drive me crazy when they call up a player and make him watch some player struggling... just wasting that development time... just letting that clock turn and those options burn. 

I still haven't recovered from making Jair Camargo watch Vazquez produce a .575 OPS. 

BTW... Pereda. Home Run last night for Seattle. 

 

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

The pressure to sell high with 2 years left. I don’t think I advocate for both a commit to youth and also a trade at peak value with two years left. I would be squeezing both ends of my 6 years and might leave myself with a productive 2 of the 6.

This section is interesting. 

Ultimately it goes back to value and where the team is regards to contention.  Joe Ryan has two years left and his value is really really high. I don't believe the team is really in contention so I cash in Ryan and get some serious talent back. In the case of Larnach who has two years left. He could improve that value and his return wouldn't be as high so I hang on to him. 

Now if the team is in serious contention. You keep Ryan and you don't trade him. You consider trading Larnach if you can find a player that will be better than he has been because you are built... you need those pieces to bring you home. 

No matter what though... You have to produce value so you have a Joe Ryan pitching for you at 6 million or Joe Ryan to trade for another Walker Jenkins like talent. 

The Twins and I disagree on where the team is at on the contention front. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

If it was my decision. I'm committing to youth. I'm all for running some AAA options through the filter. I see no purpose in hanging on to an older player who is OPS'ing in the 600's. This team needs to develop... the lack of development is why Gray is here... it's why Kreidler is here... Although Kreidler is looking really good right now. Who knew. 

This discussion replacing Outman or Gray on the 40 man roster is a much different discussion than a paternity leave fill in.

I believe String was asking about who is that temporary fill in but only String can confirm that. 

Outman should be the Paternity leave fill in who’s pinch running and defensive specialist.