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    Could a Non-Roster Hitter Help the Twins Roster?

    Ted Schwerzler

    By Ted Schwerzler

    The Twins essentially have their lineup and bench spots filled out. Still, there is no doubt they are evaluating all of their talent through the duration of the spring schedule, and an opportunity is likely to present itself at some point during the season. Could one of the non-roster invitees squeak onto the active roster?

    Image courtesy of © Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

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    As things stand from the outset of spring training, it stands to reason that Kyle Farmer, Willi Castro, and Christian Vazquez have three of the four bench spots locked down for manager Rocco Baldelli. That would mean the Twins have one final opening, and before this week, Trevor Larnach may have been penciled into the role. Unfortunately for him, he doesn’t play centerfield or hit right-handed. Minnesota appeared to have a deficiency in both of those qualities. Then earlier this week came the acquisition of Manuel Margot, a right-handed hitting outfielder fully capable of playing center field. However, if an injury opened a door, there are many in camp ready to pounce. 

    It was never likely that the front office would pursue Cody Bellinger, and that became a moot point when CEO Joe Pohlad suggested the franchise was all but done spending. Still, with the team remaining engaged on available players, there's a constant desire to make upgrades. Bringing in Margot after camp started reflects that, and now they'll need everyone healthy in order to go north with a projected roster. If not, is it possible that one of the non-roster guys could squeak in?

    There are three names to watch that may fit the bill:

    Niko Goodrum
    The former Twins prospect has struggled mightily in limited big-league action over the past three years. After a successful two-year stint with the Detroit Tigers during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, he posted just a 68 OPS+ over the past three seasons. That includes just a total of 148 major-league games, but Goodrum’s offensive production tanked, and his utility wasn’t enough to keep running him out there.

    Goodrum is much more infielder than an outfielder, and like Castro, he would be miscast in center. However, he’s a switch hitter and has a career .816 OPS against left-handed pitchers. If he can put together a nice spring and flash some of what worked initially when heading to Detroit, it may be a fun story to come full circle.

    Michael Helman
    A former 11th-round pick by Minnesota, Helman may already be on the 40-man roster had he not missed so much time due to injury last year. His .840 OPS at Double-A Wichita in 2022 earned him a promotion, and he smacked 14 homers in his Triple-A debut. Last year was just a 27-game sample, but Helman put up a .902 OPS and crushed six homers.

    Second base has been Helman’s primary home in the minors, but he has played nearly 160 games in the outfield, with over half of them coming in center field. He wouldn’t be a defensive asset close to what Byron Buxton is, but he wouldn’t be far off from Castro either, and the bat may be better. Minnesota keeping Helman in the organization this offseason despite being Rule 5-eligible was nice to see, and he may make a debut at some point this season.

    Anthony Prato
    A year younger than Helman, Prato will play at 26 years old in 2024. Minnesota took him in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft, and he spent 2023 split between Double and Triple-A. Prato posted a .822 OPS in 2022 at Double-A but started there last year. The Saints needed a healthy player, so after 43 games he was promoted despite a .533 OPS. He responded with a ridiculous .990 OPS in more than 70 games for the Saints to end last season.

    Prato doesn’t have a ton of power, but he has hit double-digit home runs each of the past two seasons. He also draws a ton of walks, and his .390 career on-base percentage is reflective of that. Like Helman, Prato has played primarily at second base and at the hot corner on the dirt. He has played a lot in left field the last couple of seasons.

    It remains unlikely that any of this trio will crack Minnesota’s opening-day roster. Still, it could be argued that their inclusion at some point would represent strong development from an internal perspective. Each would need an exceptional spring to separate themselves, but it isn’t impossible to believe that could occur either.

    A blogger for over a decade, passion for baseball and the Minnesota Twins runs deep. Whether at the ballpark or on the couch, I'm probably tweeting.
    Follow Ted Schwerzler on Twitter: tlschwerz

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    Featured Comments

    Doctor Wu

    Doctor Wu 4,337

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    9 hours ago, Melissa said:

    I’m guessing that the photo of the Astros player at the top of the article is Goodrum? 

    SO, once again ( and again) I ask the TD leadership to please, please add captions to photos, especially when they’re not the most well known and recognizable players.

    does anyone here know how to send in suggestions like this to the TD staff? My repeated requests have never even been acknowledged.

    I was also mystified by that photo. Why is this Astros player featured in the article. But yes, I think you are right: Goodrum was very briefly a member of that team, and nobody else mentioned in this article was with Houston (apart from Robbie Grossman, many years ago) so it must be him. But I agree: all of these articles really should have captions with the photos. Great site otherwise!

    Riverbrian

    Riverbrian 42,821

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    Not sure why the list was limited to three.

    Brooks Lee is a Non-Roster Invitee.

    One or two of the NRI pitchers will probably be needed. 

    Limiting the discussion to the list. 

    Prato - .990 OPS over 299 AB's. Michael Helman was hurt but he showed power and speed while he produced ,902 OPS in 118 Plate Appearances with the Saints. Compare those numbers to Brooks Lee - .731 OPS over 168 PA's. If either Prato or Helman repeat those numbers this year... I don't know how you can justify keeping them out of Target field.  

    Niko Goodrum has a career .816 OPS against left handers. I think the front office will consider that. 

     

     

    DocBauer

    DocBauer 22,263

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    On 3/3/2024 at 8:08 AM, JD-TWINS said:

    Where’s Martin in the mix…….he was the 13th guy 2 weeks ago on many TD generated rosters?

    Sorry so late to respond, but kinda missed you here.

    I agree that Martin is in the conversation for playing time in 2024. Maybe a lot! Though I don't believe he was necessarily the 13th man before the Margot trade. In fact, with a good spring, that spot MIGHT have been Larnach's to lose as a part time corner OF and DH.

    But the OP itself is about NON ROSTER players who might make a difference. And Martin is on the 40 man already, getting time at St Paul after an abbreviated 2023, and just a call away.

    DocBauer

    DocBauer 22,263

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    15 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

    Not sure why the list was limited to three.

    Brooks Lee is a Non-Roster Invitee.

    One or two of the NRI pitchers will probably be needed. 

    Limiting the discussion to the list. 

    Prato - .990 OPS over 299 AB's. Michael Helman was hurt but he showed power and speed while he produced ,902 OPS in 118 Plate Appearances with the Saints. Compare those numbers to Brooks Lee - .731 OPS over 168 PA's. If either Prato or Helman repeat those numbers this year... I don't know how you can justify keeping them out of Target field.  

    Niko Goodrum has a career .816 OPS against left handers. I think the front office will consider that. 

     

     

    OK, so my opinion is a chance to pick on Brian. 😜

    Not REALLY, of course, just a chance to agree and ramble a bit.

    As a 40 man roster, right NOW, Zack Weiss is really the only "easily removable" guy, even if he offers a little intrigue. And you're right that there are a couple of pen arms not listed here that might pay dividends at some point. Goodness knows we've seen the shuttle run at different times the past few years between St Paul and Target Field. And despite the depth that's been brought in, sometimes guys just don't perform. And we've also witnessed the DFA game where a guy is back at St Paul after the usual waiting period. Although, I have to say, there's enough "interesting" arms already on the 40 man...Funderburk and Alcala especially...that I'm not sure we're going to see the same kind of busy shuttle runs we've seen in the past, barring a rash of injuries or just awful performance.

    Position player wise, the trade for Margot and lost opportunity due to injury in 2023, despite great production, has pushed Helman down a notch. Prato, not quite so much, but he's still MOSTLY an INF, and the depth there is pretty crazy good. With all due respect to him, Goodrum is probably a "break glass" option.

    While the OP SHOULD have gone 5 deep and probably included Duarte and Henriquez as options, I've already commented on the 40 man depth regarding pitching depth as of NOW.

    But, unfortunately, knock on wood as much as you want, injuries and crazy stuff just HAPPENS. I have a lot of faith in Castro. But what if suddenly reverts to his Detroit days, or gets hurt? IS Martin the guy you bring up? Or do you find room for a more versatile Helman, or maybe Prato, to fill that role? What if an OF gets hurt for 60 days? (Baseball gods forgive me for even suggesting that). It's just nice to know there's a handful of guys NOT on the 40 man who have enough talent to come up and fill a spot if needed with the ability to not embarrass themselves or hurt the club.

    And I write all of that looking around for some solid hardwood to wrap my knuckles on until they hurt.

    Riverbrian

    Riverbrian 42,821

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    8 hours ago, DocBauer said:

    OK, so my opinion is a chance to pick on Brian. 😜

    Not REALLY, of course, just a chance to agree and ramble a bit.

    As a 40 man roster, right NOW, Zack Weiss is really the only "easily removable" guy, even if he offers a little intrigue. And you're right that there are a couple of pen arms not listed here that might pay dividends at some point. Goodness knows we've seen the shuttle run at different times the past few years between St Paul and Target Field. And despite the depth that's been brought in, sometimes guys just don't perform. And we've also witnessed the DFA game where a guy is back at St Paul after the usual waiting period. Although, I have to say, there's enough "interesting" arms already on the 40 man...Funderburk and Alcala especially...that I'm not sure we're going to see the same kind of busy shuttle runs we've seen in the past, barring a rash of injuries or just awful performance.

    Position player wise, the trade for Margot and lost opportunity due to injury in 2023, despite great production, has pushed Helman down a notch. Prato, not quite so much, but he's still MOSTLY an INF, and the depth there is pretty crazy good. With all due respect to him, Goodrum is probably a "break glass" option.

    While the OP SHOULD have gone 5 deep and probably included Duarte and Henriquez as options, I've already commented on the 40 man depth regarding pitching depth as of NOW.

    But, unfortunately, knock on wood as much as you want, injuries and crazy stuff just HAPPENS. I have a lot of faith in Castro. But what if suddenly reverts to his Detroit days, or gets hurt? IS Martin the guy you bring up? Or do you find room for a more versatile Helman, or maybe Prato, to fill that role? What if an OF gets hurt for 60 days? (Baseball gods forgive me for even suggesting that). It's just nice to know there's a handful of guys NOT on the 40 man who have enough talent to come up and fill a spot if needed with the ability to not embarrass themselves or hurt the club.

    And I write all of that looking around for some solid hardwood to wrap my knuckles on until they hurt.

    The simple act of inclusion on the 40 man roster suggests that a pecking order has been established by the front office. Helman and Prato will most likely have to wait behind Miranda, Martin, Severino and Larnach. 

    I think it could be argued that Prato was our best hitter in St. Paul last year? 

    Prato was better in AAA than Martin, Severino and Larnach. Actually his numbers were better than Julien and Wallner in St. Paul. 

    If Prato produces around .991 OPS again.

    I think he will earn the right to budge ahead in the queue for a 26 man spot.  



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