Twins Sent Eight to Minor League Camp

You know it is coming, but certainly there will be some disappointment. With just two weeks before opening day, the Minnesota Twins made some more moves. They optioned Danny Santana, Eric Fryer and Kris Johnson. Five players were reassigned to minor league camp. They are Sean Gilmartin, Brandon Waring, James Beresford, Jermaine Mitchell and Darin Mastroianni.

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Danny Santana was the biggest name on the list on Sunday as he was optioned to Rochester. That he was optioned at this time tells us that the team is comfortable with Pedro Florimon being ready for spring training. Santana was the player who likely increased his value most in spring training.

In the clubhouse, Santana told the Pioneer Press's Mike Berardino that he was sent down and told to focus on making the routine play. He said he planned to be back "in a couple months."

The Eric Fryer promotion means that it is between Josmil Pinto and Chris Herrmann competing to back up Kurt Suzuki.

With Beresford sent back, Doug Bernier and Jason Bartlett are still around to compete for a possible second utility infielder role.

Gilmartin came to the Twins this winter in exchange for Ryan Doumit. He pitched well in camp and hopes to return to form in 2014 after an injury-plagued 2013 season with the Braves.

Jermaine Mitchell hit well early in camp. He is a veteran with plenty of minor league experience who could surface if the Twins need a fifth outfielder. (earlier in the week, I asked Mitchell what he enjoyed most about being involved in baseball)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI6GeuvoE-g

Darin Mastroianni was taken off the 40 man roster this winter. This demotion is pretty telling in what the Twins are thinking in the outfield. His ankle was hurt throughout the 2013 season affecting his best tool, his speed.

Brandon Waring hit two home runs in spring training and showed he can be a good third baseman as well. That is consistent with what he has done with the Orioles in recent years, mostly in AA. He has very good power.

The Twins now have 40 players remaining with the big league club in camp. They have 20 pitchers (4 non-roster), four catchers (one non-roster), nine infielders (four non-roster) and seven outfielders (two non-roster).

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