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    Examining Potential 40-man Additions

    Jeremy Nygaard

    By Jeremy Nygaard

    As we approach the All-Star break and trade deadline, our role as armchair GM has taken a significantly different role from a year ago, when we were trying to add pieces to a team that was thinking “playoffs.”

    This year we might be thinking a lot of things, but none are “playoffs” and all should contain “future”. One of those fun-to-think-about future activities involves adding players to the 40-man roster in mid-November.

    Image courtesy of Linwood Ferguson / Captive Photons (Photo of Engelb Vielma. Did he make the cut?)

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    The Twins recently freed up two spots on their 40-man (though they’ll need to re-add Perkins and Hughes at the conclusion of the season). Only Kurt Suzuki (whose option won’t vest) is scheduled to become a free agent. There are many others - Ervin Santana, Fernando Abad and Trevor Plouffe, among others - that may find themselves in different clubhouses before the end of August. All told, though, we don’t know how many spots the Twins will have available.

    Looking at recent history, though, the Twins added seven at the deadline last year. In 2014, they only added four and in 2013 it was only five. But seven were added in 2012 after only adding three in 2011. So while we can’t tell how many will be added in November, we can look at the potential candidates:

    Catchers: Mitch Garver, Stuart Turner, Rainis Silva, Kevin Garcia.

    Infielders: Engelb Vielma, Ryan Walker, Jorge Fernandez, Rafael Valera, Amaurys Minier.

    Outfielders: Zach Granite, Daniel Palka.

    Pitchers: Aaron Slegers, Ryan Eades, Fernando Romero, Brandon Peterson, Brian Gilbert, Lewis Thorpe, Williams Ramirez, Cameron Booser, C.K. Irby.

    Some players who have already been eligible for the Rule 5 draft that may merit consideration: Jason Wheeler, Niko Goodrum, Travis Harrison, Zack Jones (again), Felix Jorge.

    Let’s put them into some categories.

    Who are the “absolute adds” right now? If my mind, there is no way you can risk exposing any of Felix Jorge, Fernando Romero or Daniel Palka. They would be lost. While Jorge might have a harder time sticking on a big-league roster, Romero, who could utilize his high-90s heat to stay in a bullpen, and Palka, with his prodigious power, offer dimensions that can be easily carried on a 25-man roster.

    Mitch Garver just misses that “absolute” placement for me, but headlines the “probable adds” category. Engelb Vielma and Zach Granite both merit consideration as well. I think any of these three players could get drafted based on what they offer: Garver as a cheap, but adequate two-way catcher, Vielma as a defensive replacement/pinch-runner, and Granite as a fourth-outfielder/pinch-runner.

    I would find a way to be able to add all six of these players to the 40-man roster.

    The next grouping is the most difficult. I put these players in the “doubtful adds/hope I don’t regret it” category and my headliner is Lewis Thorpe. Thorpe has obviously missed the last year-plus after having undergone Tommy John surgery. If he proves that he’s healthy yet this season, I’d have to think about adding him. The other caveat with Thorpe is that since he missed all of last year and won’t spend 90 days on the active roster this year, he could potentially qualify for a fourth option if he runs out of options coming into the 2020 season. If you’re willing to burn a 40-man spot, you can essentially use it to “redshirt” him.

    Stuart Turner hasn’t hit enough to merit an addition, but he could play MLB-caliber defense and there’s always a need for backstops. Jason Wheeler has rebounded nicely since being outrighted last year. The Twins liked him enough to add him once and he’s been better than ever. Aaron Slegers has been successful at every stop he’s made, but never dominated. (I think Ray Searage would turn Slegers into an MLB starter if given the chance.) Travis Harrison hasn’t taken a step forward in his second year in AA. Brandon Peterson could garner some looks as a bullpen guy, but his rough time in Chattanooga probably cost him a chance to get drafted. Rainis Silva and Amaurys Minier were the team’s prizes in the 2012 international signing period, but neither have hit a lick and both are many years away from potentially helping a major-league team.

    What do you think? With four months to go to make and solidify your choices, who would you add if you had to decide today?

    Interested in learning more about the Minnesota Twins' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!

    View Twins Top Prospects
    Jeremy Nygaard has been a season ticket holder since the Metrodome days, loves the draft and lives on the other side of the river.
    Follow Jeremy Nygaard on Twitter: jeremynygaard

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    Featured Comments

    diehardtwinsfan

    diehardtwinsfan 14,830

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted

    I think it would be wrong to not keep Vargas.  Even with Vargas, Mauer, Park at 1B/DH next season, that give Molitor some options as well as a potent bat off the bench every game.  If/when someone gets hurt, the other guy steps right in.

    goulik

    goulik 1,750

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Clearing the 40-man: Albers, Boshers, Dean and/or O'Rourke, Landa and/or R. Rosario, Milone, Melotakis, Santiago, Suzuki, Walker. That's 9 to 11 spots. One or both of Grossman and D. Santana could be cleared if something better comes along in the winter, although right now both are more likely than Buxton to be on the 2017 opening day roster. Murphy and Vargas are tentative, although Vargas looks like he can do some things.

    Agree: Albers, Dean, Milone, Suzuki

     

    Not sure: Landa, R. Rosario, Boshers

     

    Disagree:

    O'Rourke- Potential if used correctly

    Melotakis- I think the kid is gonna be good

    Walker- Closer to not sure because of Palka but if he learns to control the strike zone, he could be a masher!

    Santiago- The kid walks a lot, but he manages the ERA and wins more than he loses even on bad teams. Not an Ace but he is a consistent #3-#4 type pitcher. (When he ignores our coaches at least)

    *We also don't need that many spots open*

     

    You missed/forgot: Plouffe

    Vanimal46

    Vanimal46 40,513

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted (edited)

    If you're joining the thread now, here's a copy/paste list of all players eligible for 40 man addition from Jeremy's OP

    Catchers: Mitch Garver, Stuart Turner, Rainis Silva, Kevin Garcia.

     

    Infielders: Engelb Vielma, Ryan Walker, Jorge Fernandez, Rafael Valera, Amaurys Minier.

     

    Outfielders: Zach Granite, Daniel Palka.

     

    Pitchers: Aaron Slegers, Ryan Eades, Fernando Romero, Brandon Peterson, Brian Gilbert, Lewis Thorpe, Williams Ramirez, Cameron Booser, C.K. Irby.

     

    Some players who have already been eligible for the Rule 5 draft that may merit consideration: Jason Wheeler, Niko Goodrum, Travis Harrison, Zack Jones (again), Felix Jorge.

    Edited by Vanimal46
    nicksaviking

    nicksaviking 38,014

  • Community Moderator

    • Posted

     

    Knowing what we know now, I would protect:

     

    Garver, Vielma, Granite, Palka, Romero, Jorge. 

     

    Me too.

     

    I was going to say that Turner and Slegers just seem like guys the front office would protect needlessly, but then it occurred to me that that is what the OLD front office would have been tempted to do. No clue what Favley will do, but I can't wait to find out.

    Mr. Brooks

    Mr. Brooks 7,174

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Agree: Albers, Dean, Milone, Suzuki

     

    Not sure: Landa, R. Rosario, Boshers

     

    Disagree:

    O'Rourke- Potential if used correctly

    Melotakis- I think the kid is gonna be good

    Walker- Closer to not sure because of Palka but if he learns to control the strike zone, he could be a masher!

    Santiago- The kid walks a lot, but he manages the ERA and wins more than he loses even on bad teams. Not an Ace but he is a consistent #3-#4 type pitcher. (When he ignores our coaches at least)

    *We also don't need that many spots open*

     

    You missed/forgot: Plouffe

    Actually, we probably do need that many open spots.

     

    I count 6 to 8 guys that will likely need to be added or risked to the Rule V.

    Plus Perkins and Hughes have to be put back on the 40 man, even if they are not healthy.

    That makes 8 to 10.

    At a minimum sign 1 catcher, 1 reliever and 1 starter.

    That makes 11 to 13 spots they need open.

    Rosterman

    Rosterman 4,525

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Clearing out names:

    Free Agent: Suzuki

    Arbiration: Plouffe, Milone, Santiago...possibly Kintzler or Pressley.

    Let them try and stay: Grossman, Centeno, Schafer, Albers, Boshers, Dean, Beresford. NOT

    On the Bubble: Gibson, Tonkin.

    Either Way: Duffey, Light, O'Rourke, Light

    Decision time: Walker, Park, Vargas (or Palka). How many do you need of the same guy.

     

    Granted, you need to keep a couple around in case you need roster space for a free agent.

     

    But, seriously, how many of the above names would be immediately added to another team's 40-man roster. Seriously? Mpst would get an invite to spring training. Many will find a home in another organization but still toil in the background of major league baseball.

     

    So, 11 of the above could go. Another 11 wouldn't be missed and wouldn't bring back anything in return. Speaks wonders of the Twins current 43-man roster.

     

    And I didn't even include Danny Santana or Escobar in the discussion.

     

    beckmt

    beckmt 2,128

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    After further consideration

    Gone: Milone, Plouffe(if he cannot be traded), Kintzler, Schafer, Albers, Boshers, Dean, Beresford.

    Tonkin, Gibson(if he cannot be traded) and maybe Danny Santana

    Already gone Suzuki

     

    that should clear enough room to put Hughes and Perkins back on the 40 man and also

    protect Garver, Vielma, Granite, Palka, Romero, Jorge. and Thorpe and maybe Zack Jones.

     

    Hopefully Dozier can be traded for some close to major league ready assets so this list could change.

    goulik

    goulik 1,750

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Actually, we probably do need that many open spots.

    I count 6 to 8 guys that will likely need to be added or risked to the Rule V.

    Plus Perkins and Hughes have to be put back on the 40 man, even if they are not healthy.

    That makes 8 to 10.

    At a minimum sign 1 catcher, 1 reliever and 1 starter.

    That makes 11 to 13 spots they need open.

    I understand what you're saying and I'm not trying to be arguementive, but I just don't see many names that could stick for a year on a 25 man roster. I'm also counting lots that will be removed:

    Albers, Dean, Milone, Suzuki, Plouffe, Beresford, Schafer, and D. Santana would make room for Viielma, Garver, Palka, Jorge, Romero, and Granite to be added plus the return of Hughes and Perkins. Add a Catcher, cut Centeno. Add a pitcher, cut one of several relievers that are borderline cut already. There's plenty of room for improvement by subtraction.

     

    As I said previously, It will be interesting to see who is added but I don't see a problematic roster crunch.



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