1) A lot of guys in St. Paul will get released. I think May 1 will be a big day for minor league staffs, as well as parent clubs. There just aren’t enough innings for everyone.
2) I think Thielbar has two years of rope. He’s been successful with his pitch mix and hasn’t lost much, if any, velo. Jax almost made my list, but so many people think he projects to be a solid bullpen arm. Today’s performance had me going from “I’m done with him” to “that’s a great pitch” and back. I think he’ll survive a May 1 cut down perhaps being optioned, but no DFA.
3) I think Garlick is on the team until they find a better RH corner outfielder. Not sold on him, but he fits what the club needs and his development won’t be hurt by sitting on the bench.
4) So many guys in St. Paul with big league experience. As I said earlier, pretty soon many of them will have to either be promoted or let go. Does anyone know who has opt-outs?
5) I think the ideal when they are down to 13 pitchers is to have two in St. Paul and two in Minneapolis who can shuttle back and forth. They’ll also need to add a third catcher sometime, but I guess that move wouldn’t be made until the need arises.