stringer bell

.Luke Keaschall played infield and outfield prior to having elbow surgery. He played second base exclusively in the field in 2025 as he was recovering arm strength. His defense at second base was below average. Because he profiles as a solid or better offensive player, it may be just fine for Luke to play other positions and perhaps settle on one that is not second base. Personally, I think he may end up as a first baseman when all is said and done. Not every player can be Willi Castro versatile and trying to make Keaschall into that would most likely be a mistake. However, being able to move him to another position to get a better defender in the game could be a good idea. Given the Twins' current roster, I really don't see much opportunity for Keaschall to go to left field and if the choice is to move Keaschall to get Clemens in a game, just move Clemens to left field. I don't think he is that superior to Keaschall at second. I think with work and sufficient reps, Keaschall can be at least adequate at second base. I'm not sure the Twins feel that way though.

A lot to chew on here. Is Lee really 6'2" and 215 lbs? I saw him pretty up close and he looks more like 6 even and 200. Considerably shorter than Kreidler and about the same frame as Wagaman, who is also taller. Second, players work with trainers who know a lot about athlete's bodies and how to prepare them for their season. If Lee wants to be quicker and faster, I am sure his trainer had a plan for that. One factor in last year's disappointment for Lee was the early back injury that seemed to make him less athletic all year. If he's truly over it, that one factor might make him quicker and faster this year. I've never heard Lee's arm described as anything above average and what I've seen of him, he's compensated by having a quick transfer and release. I'd say it is adequate, but we won't hear the rah-rahs for his throws as were accorded Correa. The -1 runs saved must have come from stats only after Correa was traded. His numbers at Savant and Fangraphs look worse.

Are we sold that Culpepper will be a better SS than Lee? Yes, he is the faster runner, but hands and accuracy enter in as well. Gleeman and the Geek seem to think it is an open question as to whether he better suited at third or second than shortstop and they have access to the Twins' brain trust and have been at spring training this year. If Culpepper isn't a shortstop, there still isn't anyone to push Lee off the position. The report on Lee yesterday said that his defense was pretty close to average at shortstop (I believe it was from the time Correa was traded) and average is acceptable if he's a plus hitter. Also, it would explain the playing of Keaschall in left field if Culpepper is viewed as a possible second baseman.

No question that some defensive improvement is needed. The sprint speed last year was recorded in the bottom quartile, not a good place for a shortstop. A half-step or foot per second faster could put him a lot closer to average. The offensive performance is also a necessity. If he hits like a utility infielder, he is destined to be a utility infielder.

Winning is better than losing. Nice for Culpepper to have a lovely parting gift of a GWRBI.

No one has posted on this thread for a few days and I'm going to bump it up. There are many interesting position battles going on and TBH I don't like the way most of them are going. James Outman and Alan Roden have been strong thus far this spring. The out-of-options Outman may have pushed himself onto the roster and he's not really a good fit unless Buxton needs more time off than he had last year. Roden has had his second consecutive good spring and on its merits, he should have a position, but as basically a LH hitting corner guy, he's behind both Larnach and Wallner and also would squeeze Austin Martin out of playing time. Since he has an option, it would seem the Twins would likely send him to St. Paul over losing Outman to a DFA. Coming off a good last third of the '25 season, Martin has shown he has tools lacking in most of the team--speed, contact plus he improved dramatically in the field last year. I think he should get a chance to play every day and keeping either Roden or Outman severly limits that chance. The utility infield cluster has played out about as expected. Orlando Arcia is a minor league signing almost certainly with an opt-out. He's played multiple positions and has hit acceptably mostly against minor league pitching. Kreidler has plus skills as a defender and can play outfield, but hasn't shown much (in games at least) to convince anyone that he can hit major league pitching. Gray looks like a superior hitter, but hasn't played much shortstop. It would appear that Arcia has the inside track for coming north with the major league team and he has been dreadful since midseason of his All-Star year. Kody Clemens has hit well enough to probably have his spot written in ink on the Opening Day roster, while Eric Wagaman has been more of a utility guy, playing both third base and corner outfield, which could squeeze Austin Martin even further if he makes the club. Ryan Jeffers and Victor Caratini are locks to be the catchers, if healthy. Neither has looked that great, but they are veterans with guaranteed spots, "working on things" could be more than an excuse. Alex Jackson hit a homer early, but hasn't hit at all since. It's disappointing because I thought he might hit enough to force a tough decision on keeping him and he's out of options and he has a good defensive skill set. If he starts swinging better, he still could force the Twins to consider carrying three catchers. On the pitching side, Justin Topa appears to have pitched himself to the outside looking in. The Twins would hate to eat a major league contract, but it isn't like he's being paid big dollars. As has been covered elsewhere, there are four lefties with a strong case to make the club in the bullpen. Rogers and Banda have major league contracts, so I would expect they are safe. Chafin has a long history of being a pretty good middle inning and lefty specialist. That leaves Funderburk (maddingly) as the odd man out unless the Twins want to carry four left handed relievers. I saw Orze pitch twice, once on TV and once live. He looked outstanding once and walked the bases loaded before and during a thunderstorm, but escaped with no runs. He's probably one of the RH relievers. Sands has looked okay this spring and given his competition for a spot, he likely can get a six-month lease on a condo. The other bullpen spots are not so certain. As mentioned, Topa might be out or at least he has to pitch himself in. DFA pickup Zak Kent hasn't been able to establish himself in the majors, but he looks like he has a good arm and he's under 30 with an option. On another thread, I said I thought one RH bullpen spot would be between Liam Hendriks and Dan Altavilla. Hendriks has had major health issues in the past three years, but in this decade was an All-Star closer. Altavilla has had plenty of injuries as well, but he is throwing mid-to-upper 90s and was successful in about half a season for the bad White Sox last year. The Twins most likely can't send Hendriks to the minors due to his vet status, while Altavila is short of six years of service and could be assigned to St. Paul unless he put an opt-out in his minor league contract. Matt Bowman is both an "old friend" and someone who has been in the majors most of the last two years. His stuff is middling, but he might be able to provide adequate middle inning relief. Non-roster guy Julian Merryweather turned heads with his stuff early, but went down with an injury. He likely gets sent to St. Paul, but I would bet imaginary money that he'll spend considerable time on the Twins' roster this summer. Now on to the rotation. Top starters Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober would seem to each be at least a week behind, both have made only one Grapefruit League appearance. Taj Bradley and Simeon Woods Richardson look like heavy favorites to start in the rotation, although both have put up a poor start followed by a good one. Zebby Matthew and Mitch Abel would be looking for the last spot. Abel has been lights out, including facing major league starters, Zebby got knocked around his last start, but continues to show quality pitches that should qualify for consistent success. Drumroll please. Predictions for the Opening Day roster (no further injuries). Pitchers--Ryan Ober, Bradley, Abel, Woods Richardson, Matthew (bullpen for now), Orze, Sands, Hendriks, Rogers, Banda, Funderburk, Chafin. Catchers--Jeffers, Caratini. Infield--Bell, Keaschall, Lee, Lewis, Arcia, Wagaman, Clemens, Outfielders--Wallner, Larnach, Buxton, Outman. Not much that I like for the bench or platoon spots. Matthews sticks as the sixth starting option but in the BP for now and provides innings for short starts from Ober and Ryan. Initally. IL for Festa and Adams. What I'd like to see: Pitchers--Ryan, Ober, Abel, Woods Richardson, Bradley. Bullpen--Funderburk, Rogers, Chafin, Banda, Matthews, Orze, Sands, Altavilla. Catchers--Jeffers, Caratini, Jackson Infielders--Bell (DH), Clemens, Kreidler (ugh), , Keaschall, Lee, Lewis, Outfield--Roden, Martin, Buxton, Wallner. Rationale: Larnach and Wallner along with Bell is at least one too many slow primarily left handed hitters. Larnach has less upside and makes more than Wallner, so he should be the one to go. Keep Jackson if he can hit at all. Neither Jeffers or Caratini has every caught 100 games in a season and it is likely that there will be catcher injuries. The talent in the upper minors is almost non-existent. Eventually Keaschall might transition to another position and maybe it is first base. I'd give him a healthy season before I gave up on him at second, especially since his speed should translate to decent range. I would hope Clemens isn't a full platoon at first, Caratini could carry much of the load. I'd like to see both Martin and Roden get a real opportunity to see if they can be everyday players, or in Roden's case a strong-side platoon. Kreidler makes my team because he is supposedly well above average defensively, including in the outfield and he has to be better than what he put up with the Tigers. Try Zebby and maybe later Festa in late innings with a more limited assortment and max effort. I think Hendriks is done. Great story, but his comeback with the Twins is just a postscript. I am certain there will be a great amount of bullpen shuffle and I hope some live arms emerge. Unless there are real breakthroughs from a bunch of players, this team isn't going to contend. Time to separate the wheat from the chaff.

I think Altavilla has the best, most recent, resume of the non-roster invitees. His baseball savant page is a bit of a mixed bag, but overall it's pretty good. I think one spot is going to a non-roster right hander and it probably comes down to Hendriks vs. Altavilla. Unless he had it written into his minor league contract, Altavilla shouldn't be able to opt out if he actually was sent to St. Paul, but because of his veteran status, Hendriks could. Altavilla has zero closing experience at age 33, so there's that.

Here's my list of ex-Twins in the WBC (may have missed some): Puerto Rico--José De León, Willi Castro, Eddie Rosario, Jorge López, Jovani Morán, Christian Vázquez. Canada--Jordan Balazovic, Edouard Julien. Columbia--Gio Urshela, Donovan Solano, Jhon Romero .USA--Griffin Jax. Mexico--Daniel Duarte. Great Britain--Vance Worley. Austrailia--Aaron Whitefield. Venezuela--Luis Arráez, Dominican Republic--Carlos Santana. Israel--Harrison Bader, Matt Bowman. Nicaragua--Erasmo Ramirez. In addition, there is a "Designated Pitcher Pool", apparently pitchers to be added if the team advances. Included in pitching pools are José Berríos (Puerto Rico), Liam Hendriks and Lewis Thorpe (Austrailia) and Jharel Cotton (Great Britain) along with current Twin Joe Ryan. Dan Altavilla (Italy) is currently in camp with the Twins, as are former Twins Bowman, Urshela, Hendriks Buxton didn't play tonight, but remains on the Team USA roster. Taj Bradley was selected by Team Mexico, but opted out. Pablo López was chosen for Team Venezuela, but was replaced due to injury. Ex-Twins on coaching staffs: Justin Morneau (Canada), Johan Santana (Venezuela), Jason Marquis (Israel) and Jacque Jones (Nicaragua). If anyone has any additions or corrections, please reply and note the change.

It's now 8-0 in the sixth. Better to lose in pool play, but that run differential!!! Edit: Gunnar goes deep on Altavilla. 8-1 after 6.

1) There is development runway for Rodriguez and Gonzalez. If they aren't slated to play at least three-quarters of the time for the Twins, they can benefit from extra time in the minors. 2) I don't think there's room for this club to carry Wallner and Larnach unless Bell is the regular first baseman. 3) The pitchers sent down have a lot of work to do before they pitch on the Target Field mound. 4) Mendez seems a long way from the majors and an even longer way from being a first baseman. 5) Larnach is an average major league bat with little defensive value or upside. Wallner has elite tools (power and throwing arm), but he has to improve from the three two outcomes player he was last year. I'd bet on Wallner to be better this year and beyond.

Interesting defensive positions--in the regular season would Clemens and Wagaman be switched? Lee has exclusively played short this spring AFAIK, but can Gray handle shortstop? I believe the consensus is that Kreidler is the Twins' best defensive SS, so he is getting reps at different positions and finally Martin is getting another start in center field. Is he truly an option there?

The Grapefruit League stats are a super small sample size. I believe Rojas, Morris and Raya were hit hard in one appearance, but otherwise acquitted themselves well. Preliepp didn't have a really good performance IIRC, although one was scoreless. Sending prospects out who are on the 40-man at this time gives them more chance to get reps and protects the club from service time issues if they were to get injured in the coming two plus weeks. It may well be that Emma's fate was sealed by the good play of both Outman and Roden. I'm guessing this is a real competition for a roster spot and that both guys will get significant PAs in the coming days to sort it out.

I've understood command to be throwing a pitch where you want to throw it, not necessarily even in the strike zone if a hitter is willing to chase.

Having four lefties doesn't help the team because it fails to minimize the effectiveness of the left handed relievers. Almost by necessity they will face more right handed hitters than optimum and that makes all four of them less effective than they could be. Does that then make Funderburk less effective than, say, Dan Altavilla? Maybe.

For differing reasons all four lefty relievers should make the Opening Day roster. Banda and Rogers are certainties as veteran bullpen guys, Chafin has performed well into his mid 30s and can opt of if sent to AAA and Funderburk finished 2025 very strong and has a 0.00 ERA so far in the spring. One would hope that the best arms are kept in this rebuilding bullpen and if that temporarily includes four left handers, so be it. The Twins need to find guys who can get hitters out no matter which hand they throw with. By May 1, odds are good that one of the veteran lefties is either injured or released, so having four lefties in the 'pen will likely be temporary.

Joey Wentz to have season-ending surgery. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/03/joey-wentz-to-miss-2026-season-due-to-torn-acl.html

Continued spring struggles might shorten the slack he is provided. Relief pitchers are volatile and an inch of break or mph of velo could be the difference between above average and unusable. With so little proven bullpen help, it doesn't make sense to make an early decision on a veteran like Topa, but he seems to have a small margin of error to be successful.

The last 15-20 games in the spring are certainly more important than the early exhibitions. Minor leaguers with no chance of making the majors have thrown quite a few innings and guys who have a spot on the team may well be "working on things". With each advancing week, the starters will be playing more and guys legitimately competing for spots on the Opening Day roster will be getting their chances. Sunday-Saturday was a tough week for Twins' pitchers. Is it a blip or indication of how thin the staff is? Ober and Ryan didn't pitch on big league mounds and Zebby and Taj were not very good. Abel pitched well again today against mostly minor leaguers. A lot of bullpen guys got knocked around, notably Topa and Banda, Liam Hendriks hasn't pitched an official inning. Next week should be instructive about who is improving their chances and who is moving downward on depth charts.

If you are trying to build a perennial contender bringing in veterans on one-year deal (or last year of their contract) isn't going to help long term. Falvey did this over and over and quite often the results weren't bad (Carlos Santana, Donovan Solano, Ty France, Harrison Bader), but none of those guys is going to be a major piece in long term success. The same is true for adding a Littel or Giolito. I suppose either will be better than whoever is the last starter in the rotation, but improving the club from 70ish wins to 75 does very little. The same is probably true for Josh Bell and perhaps Taylor Rogers this year. At least Caratini is signed on for two years and there is no one in the system that he is blocking.

The Twins' website says that Lewis took batting practice and expects to play on Tuesday (Monday is a day off). There is absolutely no point in pushing anything in the last week of February. Spring Training will be more disjointed this year due to the WBC and Opening Day is just over three weeks away. Starting on Tuesday, it might be important to pay attention to how players are doing.

He’s got to hit along the lines of his 2025 season to be viable as a major leaguer IMHO. It’s a question whether he will get an opportunity with the Twins or another team and a bigger question of whether he will hit at an acceptable level. Most likely, Jackson will barely be a footnote in the ‘26 season and the Twins will roll the dice for a third catcher and worry about ‘27 later. I like the idea of having a guy with good defensive tools as the backup and I don’t see anyone in the high minors who would be close to acceptable.

I believe Jeffers turns 29 this year. It’s his sixth full season and he’s capped out at just over 80 games caught in his career. If Jackson is lost, the Twins have zero experienced depth in the minors in the event either Caratini or Jeffers is injured. Saying that he wants a full-time work load doesn’t mean he’s going to get it in Jeffers’ case. Both Caratini and Jeffers have been relatively durable, but catcher injuries are close to inevitable The Twins need a third catcher. The question is, should it be Jackson or can they find a better, safer fit for next to $0? Ideally, the guy should be experienced, able to be sent up and down and better defensively than their two major league options. Jackson is two out of three and that is the sticking point. With even less experienced catching on the horizon, it is important to find someone with Caratini in 2027.

I've posted before that I think there is a role for Martin as an everyday player. I guess the roster I put forward would not include Trevor Larnach or another LH outfielder who might be injured. If other teams saw what the Twins did when they traded for him, I don't think he will get through the DFA process and I think he might be more valuable to the team in the medium term ('26-'27) than Larnach or Outman are.

Given what the Twins have on the roster, I'm almost in favor of them carrying three catchers. Depending on who are the bench guys, they would have a lot of positional versatility to platoon with and cover backing up all the other positions except for catcher. Kreidler has experience in the infield and outfield, Clemens has played both outfield corners plus first, second and third, and Martin has ML starts at second and in left and center. Caratini has played first base occasionally for years. Jackson made some positive hitting steps in 2025 and has really good defensive catching tools. I think he could help this club in both 2026 and 2027, I don't think the same is true for Outman.

It's not the end of the world if any of these guys start in St. Paul. Based on the end of last year, both Funderburk and Martin would seem to have earned some runway this year, but the Twins' bullpen acquisitions and not trading a lefty corner outfield bat have made it crowded. I'd like to see if Martin is a full-time player or not. I like his skill set, especially for this team. If he can't play on the left side of the infield or the right side of the outfield, he isn't that versatile and being a platoon player on the short side is very limited play. If Roden is as advertised, he is a plus fielder with slightly above average speed and at least a platoon bat. He's was the "spring king" for the Blue Jays and he's started out strong this year. It seems he is the backup plan in case the heralded prospects fail to click, but if Larnach and Wallner (and Outman) take all the playing time, his major league ability is unproven. It seemed that Funderburk had taken a big step forward last year and had secured a spot in this year's bullpen. Apparently, the front office doesn't think so. With three veteran lefties brought in, Fundy is on the outside looking in, but any of the three veterans could get hurt or be cooked. I'm pretty sure that Funderburk won't spend much time in ;St. Paul.