This Saints Team Could be Something Special

St. Paul - It was a gloomy and chilly day when a handful of Saints players were getting work in throughout the bowels of CHS Field. Despite being less than a week from their home opener, the field certainly wasn’t going to be utilized at this time. Sitting down with manager Toby Gardenhire in his office, this first question was obvious.

Is this the deepest group you have ever had?

Gardenhire thought for a second, then quipped, “Pitching-wise, that’s a good way to put, it is deep. The big league club did a good job of signing a lot of guys that are pretty good. We have to make sure we get guys innings and keep them ready to go up to the big leagues.”

There is certainly no denying that the Twins starting rotation is better than it ever has been. Pablo Lopez was acquired in a deal for Luis Arraez, and Joe Ryan went from Opening Day starter to third in the pecking order this year. Tyler Mahle was acquired as a difference-maker at the deadline, and could be the fourth option, while Kenta Maeda was a Cy Young candidate during his last full season.

For Gardenhire, that depth at the big league level provides some challenges. Bailey Ober now becomes the ace of the Triple-A staff, but he’s already proven to be a valuable major-league arm. The goal will be in continuing to keep him stretched out, but also make sure to shield him from injury that has cost him time in recent seasons.

The Saints also have promising prospects that debuted last season in the form of both Louie Varland and Simeon Woods Richardson. Both represent far better options than fringe veterans needed in spot start scenarios a year ago. Then there is also teammate Jordan Balazovic, who is just a year removed from being a consensus top-100 prospect.

The offense is loaded as well. Edouard Julien was a joy to watch during the World Baseball Classic, and he certainly looked the part of a major leaguer this spring. Matt Wallner and Mark Contreras both got sniffs of the big leagues last year and are ready to get back. Gardenhire noted how important it is to have a veteran presence around those guys.

“Having a guy like Hernan Perez around Edouard Julien or Tony Wolters with Jair Camargo. Being able to communicate with these guys is big. Guys like Matt Wallner and Mark Contreras are fun because they got the taste last year. They all want to go back, they know what they need to do to get there.” Knowing how impactful it is to pick the mind of guys with big league experience, Gardenhire is certain they’ll make their mark on his roster.

That’s not just a coaching belief either. Utility man Andrew Bechtold echoed a similar sentiment fresh off his first major-league camp. “I think it’s undervalued how important it is to be in big league camp going into the season. Forming relationships with the coaching staff and players is one of the most valuable tools you have.”

Much of the Twins prospect talent has risen to the higher levels of the system at this point. While some of the younger talents are still at lower levels, Minnesota has seen plenty of graduations or debuts in recent seasons. That means the Saints will continue to get significant looks at real difference makers and players that should be expected to contribute for the Twins.

Obviously Julien, Wallner, Varland, and Woods Richardson highlight the young crop right now, but Brooks Lee should play for St. Paul this year, and Royce Lewis will likely make a stop during a rehab stint. If others like David Festa can continue down their path of development, they will definitely help the team as well.

Rocco Baldelli’s major league club is more well equipped than it ever has been, but Gardenhire’s group is right behind that roster to support them.

You will certainly want to enjoy some Saints game action at CHS Field. Go to SaintsBaseball.com and purchase tickets for this week's Opening Series against the Iowa Cubs. Tonight it will be Varland on the mound. On Wednesday, Brent Headrick will make his Triple-A debut, and on Thursday you should be able to watch Bailey Ober on the mound.