Report from the Fort: Why did the Twins Sign Donovan Solano?

That outfield is getting pretty crowded at AAA St. Paul. SO much so that Kyle Garlick, who actually has a major league contract, didn't get a non-roster invitatiuon to camp.

A 35-year-old veteran bat, who can play first and other positions, possibly be a clutch hitter off-the-bench. Taylor is outfielder #4. Gordon can play out there. So can Kirilloff. 

Of course, if Larnach or Wallner shine in spring training, it will open up many changes in the Twins going forth.

Just now, Rosterman said:

That outfield is getting pretty crowded at AAA St. Paul. SO much so that Kyle Garlick, who actually has a major league contract, didn't get a non-roster invitatiuon to camp.

A 35-year-old veteran bat, who can play first and other positions, possibly be a clutch hitter off-the-bench. Taylor is outfielder #4. Gordon can play out there. So can Kirilloff. 

Of course, if Larnach or Wallner shine in spring training, it will open up many changes in the Twins going forth.

They aren't making roster decisions on hot springs (only injuries), I'd think. This roster is set if healthy. The only battles are in the bullpen at this point, and even that's a spot, MAYBE two.

We don't have a full-time DH.  Therefore, there are 5 bench spots, not 4.  Kirilloff will be on the 26 man if physically able.  Larnach will be in STP until someone gets traded or injured.

15 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Ok, I'll throw it out there; IF the starting pitchers are planning to pitch longer in to games, is there ANY chance that the team carries only 12 pitchers north to start the year, and 5 bench spots?

I've assumed forever it would be 13 pitchers who make the opening day roster. But having more positional flexibility isn't the worst thing.

26 players - 12 pitchers = 14 players - 8 position players would leave 6 bench spots, not 5.

17 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Ok, I'll throw it out there; IF the starting pitchers are planning to pitch longer in to games, is there ANY chance that the team carries only 12 pitchers north to start the year, and 5 bench spots?

I've assumed forever it would be 13 pitchers who make the opening day roster. But having more positional flexibility isn't the worst thing.

This is what I guessed on the post Seth put up yesterday. Seems more logical unless there is an injury that has not been revealed.

43 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Ok, I'll throw it out there; IF the starting pitchers are planning to pitch longer in to games, is there ANY chance that the team carries only 12 pitchers north to start the year, and 5 bench spots?

I've assumed forever it would be 13 pitchers who make the opening day roster. But having more positional flexibility isn't the worst thing.

You are only partially correct. Analytics says the starters can only go 5 innings tops so Rocco is going with a 4 man rotation since they will only throw about 70-80 pitches per outing. That means one less starter than anyone figured. 12 pitchers and 14 position players. Afterall, when you run out a different lineup everyday you have to have enough position players to move around and keep them uncomfortable playing multiple positions. 2 Catchers (Vazquez, Jeffers) 6 infielders (Kirilloff, Polanco, Correa, Miranda, Farmer, Solano) and 6 outfielders (Gallo, Kepler, Buxton, Larnach, Taylor, Gordon). Add in that Gallo can play 1B. Kirilloff can play OF. Miranda can go 1B. Farmer can play 2B, SS, 3B plus emergency Catcher.  Gordon can go 2B, OF, emergency SS. Solano can play 2B, 3B, SS. Yep, Rocco will be living the dream in 2023 as he runs out a different lineup everyday.

Ok, seriously 1 of the position players will be odd man out if someone isn;t traded. My guess is Larnach or Kirilloff, depending on who is hitting if they are both healthy.

39 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I more meant, they wouldn't have 6 bench spots for every game. The dh spot would rotate. So it would be 9 position players and 5 bench spots for every game in that scenario no?

Ya, that was very clear....

They don't really have much of a DH at this point, do they? Gordon? Farmer? Whichever big time player has the day off from the field? No Larnach or Wallner at this point, not without an injury. 

19 minutes ago, rv78 said:

You are only partially correct. Analytics says the starters can only go 5 innings tops so Rocco is going with a 4 man rotation since they will only throw about 70-80 pitches per outing. That means one less starter than anyone figured. 12 pitchers and 14 position players. Afterall, when you run out a different lineup everyday you have to have enough position players to move around and keep them uncomfortable playing multiple positions. 2 Catchers (Vazquez, Jeffers) 6 infielders (Kirilloff, Polanco, Correa, Miranda, Farmer, Solano) and 6 outfielders (Gallo, Kepler, Buxton, Larnach, Taylor, Gordon). Add in that Gallo can play 1B. Kirilloff can play OF. Miranda can go 1B. Farmer can play 2B, SS, 3B plus emergency Catcher.  Gordon can go 2B, OF, emergency SS. Solano can play 2B, 3B, SS. Yep, Rocco will be living the dream in 2023 as he runs out a different lineup everyday.

Ok, seriously 1 of the position players will be odd man out if someone isn;t traded. My guess is Larnach or Kirilloff, depending on who is hitting if they are both healthy.

Seriously, "analytics says starters only go 5 innings" is bunk. They had Bundy and Archer and injured players last year as starters. Move on already.

Hate repeating what I already stated in the longer thread regarding Solano, but IF everyone is 100% and ready to go opening day, which seldom happens, then AK, just needing some ramp up time, or Larnach, who wouldn't be hurt playing daily after a pair of interrupted seasons, would be the odd man out. 

But whether opening day or a few week, or a month in, someone always has a tweak or something happen. You seldom have your preferred or PERFECT roster set day to day, week to week. So having a 14-15 man position roster always remains somewhat fluid.

So I doubt anyone gets "squeezed out" of a roster spot unless it's weeks only with good overall health.

And, as I also stated previously, I'm starting to strongly consider Gordon as the #1 hitter against RHP whether playing the field or at DH. Assuming he maintains his trajectory. A solid bat with some budding power, and speed for a team that is looking to move past 2019 and play more situational ball, he could find a good fit there and allow a healthy Polanco to continue to hit in the 3-4 spots where he has been very productive.

16 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I more meant, they wouldn't have 6 bench spots for every game. The dh spot would rotate. So it would be 9 position players and 5 bench spots for every game in that scenario no?

I understand where you are coming from.  My response was aimed at all the discussion focused on who would make the 26 man with the addition of Solano.  In that context, some of the discussion used one less spot than would be available.