Pinto Problems

[stringer bell]

According to the PP, Josmil Pinto has been removed from his Venezuelan winter league team. He hasn't caught in several weeks because of a sore shoulder and has only pinch hit. He only hit .179 in his limited at-bats.

 

Pinto has a sore throwing arm at midseason, rested it, and was okay the rest of the year. How big of a red flag is this injury? Will we see the Twins getting serious about a veteran catcher? Will Eric Fryer start Opening Day? Scary!

[johnnydakota]

Maybe trade for Johnny Monell?

[oldguy10]

Finally, someone mentions Pinto and his injury problem(s) and shouldn't there also be concern about Sano's? Reality is not being addressed when these sorts of things are occurring.

[oldguy10]

I worded my last comment clumsily - sure the injuries have occurred but shouldn't they be discussed by management and also the fans?

[Twins Twerp]

I worded my last comment clumsily - sure the injuries have occurred but shouldn't they be discussed by management and also the fans?

 

How do we know "management" isn't mentioning this already? Should they call a press conference every time someone misses a winter ball game?

[JB_Iowa]

• Mike Berardino ‏@MikeBerardino 9m
  Terry Ryan said pinto has had no change in health status. "I'm not worried."
   
   
  
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  6:56 AM - 12 Dec 13 · Details

   

   

   

   

 

 

 

I hope there isn't a reason to be concerned about him or Sano -- I guess we'll see in 2014.

[whatever54]

You're certainly not going to go out of your way to identify possible issues with your anticipated starter when negotiating with his backup. Most of us wouldn't consider that a very effective negotiating tactic.

[Siehbiscuit]

I do wonder about Sano's elbow. His arm is a tremendous asset at 3b, but if he does need TJ surgery or even needs to go the rest/rehab route this is a concern. Find a veteran to play 3B and compete with Plouffe (one-year deal, please).

[JB_Iowa]

You're certainly not going to go out of your way to identify possible issues with your anticipated starter when negotiating with his backup. Most of us wouldn't consider that a very effective negotiating tactic.

 

While that's true, they also haven't shown a lot of aggression in acquiring a catcher. I think that if they were truly concerned, they would have been a lot more active on the catching front than they have been.

[whatever54]

While that's true, they also haven't shown a lot of aggression in acquiring a catcher. I think that if they were truly concerned, they would have been a lot more active on the catching front than they have been.

 

True, though I certainly don't know just how aggressive they were with FA catchers. My understanding is they put good effort into signing AJ, but had they felt thy absolutely needed to sign an insurance catcher I also think they would have.

[cmathewson]

Precautionary. Also, he's had a busy year. Better let him go home and rest.

[Danchat]

Wouldn't surprise me if Pinto doesn't make the opening day roster. He needs time in AAA.

I would like to see Herrmann starting at catcher, and if needed, Fryer behind him.

I would also like to see the Twins give John Buck a 1-year deal or perhaps take a catcher in the Rule 5 draft.

[Shane Wahl]

I honestly think that Pinto and Herrmann should be the catchers in 2014. I don't think they get a lot by being catchers in AAA, at least not in terms of preparing for the 2015 season as major leaguers

[nicksaviking]

A Pinto injury would stink, but I also think we are getting carried away with the catcher speculation. We've been spoiled at catcher for over a decade. Plenty of teams don't have a good one and still compete; it seems like it is one of the easiest team flaws to cover up. I'm fine with a small cost vet joining the squad, but there are still bigger fish to fry on this roster.

[cmathewson]

I honestly think that Pinto and Herrmann should be the catchers in 2014. I don't think they get a lot by being catchers in AAA, at least not in terms of preparing for the 2015 season as major leaguers

 

I would not want two rookies handling the pitching staff. If they don't sign Buck, Doumit will do a lot of the catching in 2014.

[jokin]

I would not want two rookies handling the pitching staff. If they don't sign Buck, Doumit will do a lot of the catching in 2014.

 

 

IOW....The Perfect Storm....Yikes

[jokin]

A Pinto injury would stink, but I also think we are getting carried away with the catcher speculation. We've been spoiled at catcher for over a decade. Plenty of teams don't have a good one and still compete; it seems like it is one of the easiest team flaws to cover up. I'm fine with a small cost vet joining the squad, but there are still bigger fish to fry on this roster.

 

With the apparent net drop in 2014 production for 1B/C combined, they need punch coming from somewhere, and it stlll needs to be acquired and/or some current guys are going to seriously need to step up, or this squad is going to have the offensive firepower of the 2013 Astros or Marlins.

[TheLeviathan]

I honestly think that Pinto and Herrmann should be the catchers in 2014. I don't think they get a lot by being catchers in AAA, at least not in terms of preparing for the 2015 season as major leaguers

 

See: Hicks/Mastro for reasons why this is not a good idea.

[JB_Iowa]

• Mike Berardino ‏@MikeBerardino 4m
  #MNTwins are definitely in on Kurt Suzuki, per PWDK. No deal is close yet but dialogue is ongoing. Pinto's balky shoulder helps MN chances.
   
  12:21 PM - 13 Dec 13