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.

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.

Having a Jeopardy contestant on your trivia team is basically cheating, John. 

Btw, I think you should post these Tik Toks on Instagram too.

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.

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.

I don't see Rocco changing his stripes with the starting pitchers.  I think we will have an effective bull pen......so there is no need for the starters to go thru the line-up a 3rd time (unless they are killing it!)
:)

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.

I see Solano and the IF equivalent to Taylor.

Depth is good - so many times the Twins rely on youngsters as depth, only to have them get hurt.

Then you get Garlick, Cave and Co as the last resort.

Having guys with MLB experience, even awards, is good. 

I understand why they signed Farmer when it looked like Correa was gone, but he seems more superfluous than either Solano or Taylor.

Providing real competition for prospects is better than handing them a position.

The way Rocco burned through his relievers last season, says, to me anyway, that they will take 13 pitchers north. I still think a trade for Kepler is coming. In fact, I think it might be that they are looking at the glut of infielders (Lewis, Lee, Julien, and Martin) who are close, and are talking to teams about Polanco thinking to get something good for him before his knee/ankle finally gives out. Now, I'm like most of you and would hate to see him go, but I wonder what they could get for a package of Kepler and Polanco. I'm thinking Polanco instead of Miranda because of the youth factor.