stringer bell
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Everything posted by stringer bell
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Former Twins. Where are They Now? 2026 Edition
stringer bell replied to stringer bell's topic in Minnesota Twins Talk
Yes. It would appear Pascual is on the left, Ramos on the right. -
Former Twins. Where are They Now? 2026 Edition
stringer bell replied to stringer bell's topic in Minnesota Twins Talk
Found this on Facebook. Original Twins Camilo Pascual and Pedro Ramos, now both in their 90s.
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Luke looked hesitant in left field today. I wonder if the coaching staff prefers him in left with Clemens at second or if it is just spring experimentation. Kreidler appears to be good field-no hit in the infield and outfield. Finally, Arcia will have an opt-out opportunity if he doesn’t make the team.
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Spring numbers don’t mean much. From Day 1, Shelton has singled out Bradley (in a good way). He’s got a live arm and some good pitches and he’s still pretty young despite over two years of service time.
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A couple of the most obscure ex-Twins pitched for Pittsburgh. Beau Burrows compiled a 12.54 ERA in five forgettable appearances for the ‘21 Twins.
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Yes, he thought Martin got up slow and that he might have jammed his wrist. Martin batted in the bottom of the inning, had a bloop single and scored, but didn’t go back out for the next inning. Neither Molitor or Provus noted Martin went out of the game until Outman batted in the bottom half of the inning.
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No. I didn’t even think it hit him.
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Broadcasters missed Martin being taken out. I bet he did something to his wrist on the diving attempt.
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Both players have options. For what it's worth Abel has 50 days of major league service time. Spending two months in Triple A will give the Twins another year of team control under the current rules. Zebby has 1 year and 10 days, so two weeks in St. Paul would net another year of control for Matthews.
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Pretty much agree with all of this, although they may try to move Jackson through the DFA process. He hasn't hit. They may also try the same with Kreidler and/or Gray although I doubt they would expose both infielders. I don't think they will DFA Outman despite his poor performance in '24 and '25.
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I bit the bullet and asked Google if a guy with less than six years of service on a minor league deal can opt out and Google answered that they cannot unless they negotiated an opt-out. Altavilla might have an opt-out option in his contract, but I doubt it. If he does have an opt-out, I think he's close to a lock to make the Opening Day roster. Google contradicts itself about more veteran players on minor league contracts, but MLB Trade Rumors quotes the Basic Agreement stating that free agents with more than six years of service time who were on a major league roster or Injured List at the close of last season have automatic opt-outs. That would include Urshela, Chafin, Arcia and Hendriks.
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Wow, just wow. Twenty spring training at-bats and he's labeled a BUST. Lewis might not be an All-Star, but next to Buxton, he is the best bet to be a 3 WAR or better player on this team IMHO. He's healthy and running well. If his health holds, he'll be fine.
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Here’s my take: Since this thread started with Altavilla, he’ll be the first topic. He has experience and a couple good pitches. He’s helped his case in limited work. I think he makes the Opening Day roster. Liam Hendriks is throwing mid-90s and has been pretty effective. I think he’s in as well. Andrew Chafin doesn’t wake up radar guns, but has been an effective reliever for a while. I think he’s the third non-roster pitcher add. #4 is Orlando Arcia. He’s hit a bit in ST and has been a capable shortstop. With the ability to play other positions. Kreidler hasn’t hit this spring or ever in the majors. I don’t think the Twins trust Gray at short. James Outman has had a good ST, as has Roden. Back to Altavilla—He doesn’t have 6 years of service, so I believe he’s doesn’t have the right to opt-out unless it is written in his minor league contract. Gio, Hendriks, Chafin and Arcia should be able to opt-out, so that if any of them don’t make the team, they’ll likely become free agents. Jackson not making the club would add one 40-man spot. Outman could be the second, but I’m not sure the Twins will expose him. After that are tough calls. Maybe Kreidler or Gray could be DFA’d but there isn’t much minor league infield depth and both have an option.
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Mid to upper 90s velocity for Altavilla. He is on a minor league contract and hasn't exceeded six years of service. Does he have the right to refuse assignment to the minors. There's about 10 days until Opening Day, so something could happen for him to not make the team. I'm looking at about four non-roster players making the team, which means that four guys would have to be DFA'd. Alex Jackson and James Outman could provide two spots, as they are out of options and do can't be sent to St. Paul without being exposed to all the other teams. I'm not sure who the other guys would be--if Topa is let go, it would open a spot.
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Yeah, I think he might end up being the best minor league contract they signed this year. Really good velocity and his Savant page shows some promise. He'll need to throw enough strikes, but if he does, I think he will be effective.
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- bailey ober
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I don't think the cases are similar in terms of what caused the guys to be moved to the bullpen. Varland, for example, had an above average velocity fastball as a starter and I think most of the others weren't impacted by lack of velocity. Yes, it would figure that Ober might pick up a couple mph, but going from 89 to 91 wouldn't make much difference IMHO.
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I just can't see Urshela making the team. He is certainly well-regarded, but his offense and defense have diminished quite a bit since his season with the Twins, and he wasn't that good then. If he's willing to go to AAA as a fallback for Lewis he might get a shot, but adding him to the 40-man might be a bit much, especially since the Twins probably will have to make 40-man space for 2-3 pitchers and maybe Orlando Arcia. I think the key thing for Gray is whether he is capable of playing shortstop. He looks like a better hitter than Arcia or Kreidler and I don't think being a left handed hitter is much of a detriment
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Maeda pitched out of the bullpen 7-8 years ago, when BPs weren't built as much on velocity, as they are now and I believe he was throwing closer to mid-90s with his fastball then, as well. I can't think of anyone in the last several years who lost a rotation spot substantially because of diminished velocity and converted to a successful reliever.
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Ober doesn't profile as a reliever IMHO. Either he makes his stuff work in the rotation or he's a release candidate, similar in some ways to Kenta Maeda during his time in the AL. Since he never threw really hard, his margin for error has always been pretty small, but he managed to be good until last season.
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I've not had him as making the club since Spring Training started and as noted, he hasn't done much if anything to move the needle. That said, he has an option remaining, and it is probable he'll get a chance with the Twins at some point, probably as a short-side platoon guy. I'd be pulling for Wagaman a lot more if he was a good defender at any of the corner spots, but the numbers say he isn't.
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With the exceptions of Lee and Wallner, this looks like a roster evaluation game. Most of these guys could make the team, but none are guaranteed. Urshela is probably a remote possibility unless there is an infield injury.
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Don't really want to second guess you Squirrel, but the data says that Correa was no longer a GREAT SS last year or the year before. His range is on a par with Lee, although he does have a much stronger arm. There is a reason why he went to third base for the Astros.
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Luke Keaschall Expands His Defensive Toolbox
stringer bell replied to Cody Christie's topic in Twins Daily Front Page News
.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.
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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.
