Seth Stohs

20-year-old Shane Carrier was the eighth round pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2016 out of Fullerton College in California. In college, he hit .387 with 12 homers and 59 RBI. Following the draft, he was assigned to Elizabethton where he hit .275 with 14 doubles, six homers and 29 RBI. Carrier has a lot of power and is certainly one to watch over the coming years. He was kind enough to take some time to answer our questions.Please continue to learn more about Twins outfield prospect Shane Carrier. Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in Southern California, which was your favorite team and who were some of your favorite players? Shane Carrier (SC): I was actually a Diamondbacks fan growing up. The first baseball moment that I remember was the walk-off hit against the Yankees in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. I always love watching certain players hit. Some of my favorites are Matt Holliday, Giancarlo Stanton, Paul Goldschmidt, and Justin Upton. SS: Drafted by the Twins in the eighth round... is that about where you thought you might be selected before the draft? SC: I honestly did not know what to expect. Before the season started I was just a Juco player fighting to continue his baseball career. I just did my best to put in the work and I figured the rest would take care of itself. SS: How difficult was the decision for you to sign, knowing you had other options in front of you too? SC: Playing professional baseball is something I have worked for my entire baseball career. It was a dream come true and it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. SS: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make, going from college to the pro game? On or off the field? SC: I would say the biggest adjustment is taking care of your body. In college we only played about three times a week. Making the adjustment from that to playing almost every day was a challenge. SS: In these early stages of your career, what would you say are your biggest strengths as a player? SC: I love to hit, so I would like to say offense is my biggest strength. SS: What were some of your focuses at Instructs? What are the things that you feel you need to improve over the offseason and going forward? SC: At Instructs I was trying to develop every part of my game. I tried to take in as much information as possible and challenge myself to apply everything that I learned. This offseason I'm also trying to develop every part of my game. Speed and agility is a major part of my game that I am focusing on this offseason. SS: What were some of the highlights of your high school and amateur career? (What other sports or activities did you participate in?) SC: Living in SoCal we play baseball year round, so I really didn't have the opportunity to play any other sports in high school. SS: How did you feel about your first professional baseball season? How did you enjoy your time in Elizabethton? SC: I had an awesome experience this season. Elizabethton was a blast and it was a nice change of pace compared to where I live. SS: What are some of your plans for the offseason? Baseball training, but also what do you enjoy doing away from the game of baseball? SC: During the offseason I spend a lot of time training. I love being in the weight room and in the cages. Besides baseball I love to fish and golf. I am also a huge hockey fan so I plan on going to a lot of Ducks games this offseason. SS: Who are some of the coaches and others who have helped you get to this point in your career? SC: I would say the coach that taught me how to grind and challenge myself was my high school coach, Joe Hoggatt. His passion for the game impacts his players in a way that can't be described. The coaching staff at Fullerton College probably impacted me the most. The head coach, Nick Fuscardo, welcomed me with open arms when I decided to come play at Fullerton after being out in Texas for my first semester of college. One of our assistants, Jason Smith, taught us all how to be students of the game and play loose. He always preached about handling adversity and to always find a way to keep moving forward. I'd say our hitting coach, Mitch Levier, had the biggest impact on my physical game. Most college coaches force their hitters to hit one way, but Mitch let us all have the freedom to be who we are. He worked with what we had and taught us a professional approach to hitting. SS: Favorite baseball movie? SC: Without a doubt, Bull Durham. Thank you to Shane Carrier for taking time to answer our questions. Please feel free to ask questions in the comments section below. Click here to view the article

Can't hit a lick (.222, .211, .210 last three years), but he does seem to take walks and shows a little pop in the bat. But, goes to show teams will pay for defense, and in theory, Castro should get lots of borderline balls called strikes which should help the pitchers.

All that is true, but it should in no way affect the development of the pitching prospect. All that 'rest-of-staff' stuff has to be figured out independent of it.

Since Derek Falvey has taken the reins in his new job as Minnesota Twins Chief Baseball Operator, he has been asked many questions from local media and fans. As you would expect coming off a 100+ loss season, he’s been asked about his pitching philosophy and on player development. He has been consistent in his responses, as he should be. When asked about pitching, he talks about finding it in any way possible, through the draft, player development, free agency and other means. When talking about player development and players struggling early in their careers, he discusses the need for patience. He talked about how it’s not at all unusual for players to come up and struggle for a while before figuring it out. Jose Berrios came up through the Twins minor league system and dominated in the lower levels and in the upper levels. Finally given an opportunity to pitch in the big leagues in 2016, he struggled mightily. Some fans chose to question if he really was a prospect. Some questioned if the Twins were capable of developing a front line starter. A few even chose to give up on the idea of Berrios as a big league starter.Through his years with Cleveland, Derek Falvey was able to witness one of the best examples out there of why being patient, particularly with pitchers with great stuff, can be very important. At the 2009 July trade deadline, Cleveland dealt veteran lefty Cliff Lee to the Phillies in exchange for four players including Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco was originally signed by the Phillies in November of 2003 out of Venezuela. He gradually worked his way up. Before 2007, Baseball America ranked him the #41 prospect in baseball. Before 2008, he was ranked 54th. Before the 2009 season, he was ranked #52 by Baseball America. He was a consensus Top 100 pitching prospect. He was named to the Futures Game in 2006, 2007 and 2008. In short, the pre-MLB prospect status of Carlos Carrasco was very similar to that of Berrios. Like Berrios, Carrasco struggled in his first big league showing. He was called up by Cleveland in September and went 0-4 with an 8.87 ERA in five starts. In 22.1 innings he walked 11, struck out just 11 and gave up six home runs. He was 22 years old. He spent most of the next season back in AAA. He did make seven starts for Cleveland and performed admirably, going 2-2 with a 3.83 ERA in seven starts. He made 21 starts in 2011 and went 8-9 with an ERA of 4.62. In late July, after giving up a home run, he gave up another home run. The next batter, Billy Butler, had a Carrasco pitch sail over his head. Carrasco was immediately ejected. While appealing his suspension, he made one more start, a quality start against Boston. He didn’t pitch the rest of the season. Not because of a suspension. That had to wait. In September, Carrasco had Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2012 season. His 2013 season began with his suspension. In his first start back, he hit Kevin Youklis, earning another suspension. By July, he had given up 29 earned runs in 28.1 innings. Cleveland decided to DFA him, removing him from the 40-man roster and optioned him to AAA. He began the 2014 season by making four starts for Cleveland. He was 0-3 with a 6.95 ERA. Out of options, he went to the bullpen where he began to pitching very well. Well enough, in fact, that he ended the season by making two starts. Overall on the season, his ERA was 2.55. That earned him a four year, $22 million deal with two options years. In 2015, he was 14-12 with a 3.53 ERA. In 2016, he was 11-8 with a 3.32 ERA before a liner up the middle broke a bone his in hand and he missed the World Series run. Of course, we don’t want to wait four or five years for Berrios or other pitching prospects to take off in their careers. But it is a great reminder that pitching in the big leagues is not easy, and even some al-star caliber pitchers took a long time to reach that level. Patience, they say, is a virtue. Derek Falvey is going to need it. Thad Levine is going to need it. Twins fans will also need it. Click here to view the article

A year ago, we did a Get To Know Q&A with Travis Blankenhorn. It was just months after being the Twins third round draft pick, and he had just completed his first pro season in Elizabethton. Today, we catch up with the young infielder after he completed his first full season in pro ball. It was an interesting season for him. He went to his first spring training and his first extended spring training. He switched positions, moving from third base to second base. He returned to Elizabethton and raked. In 34 games, he hit .297 (.900) with seven doubles, a triple and nine home runs. He finished in Cedar Rapids where he played 25 more regular season games and hit .286 (.774) with five doubles, two triples and a homer. He also played well for the Kernels in their playoff run. He went back to the Florida Instructional League. In my postseason preliminary Top 50 Twins Prospect Ranking, I placed Blankenhorn as the Twins #7 prospect. He is now home enjoying his offseason and working toward a strong 2017 season.Today we are happy to share the following Q&A with Twins infield prospect Travis Blankenhorn. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seth Stohs (SS): Your season has been done for a couple of months. Have you had a chance to reflect on your season? In doing so, what are your thoughts on your first full season as a professional baseball player? Travis Blankenhorn (TB): I would say that my first full season was pretty much what I thought it would be, a lot of hard work, but also a lot fun. I am really looking forward to getting back after it in spring training here soon. SS: Do you follow other professional or college sports teams throughout the offseason? TB: I like to root for Kentucky basketball this time of the year since that’s where I was committed to go. And I try to get to some Sixers games since they are my favorite NBA team. SS: You made the transition to second base. How would you describe the move to the other side of the diamond for you? TB: A lot of the time with the coaches, Ramon Borrego, Sam Perlozzo, and Jake Mauer all worked with me and helped me greatly and that made the transition for me go smoother. SS: What was the transition from the Appalachian League to the Midwest League for you? Difference in pitching, ballparks, atmosphere, etc? TB: The Appalachian League was great to me, but the Midwest League was an exciting experience. The pitchers were more experienced, the crowds were larger, and the ballparks provided an awesome atmosphere to play in. SS: You got to play in the Midwest League playoffs… What was that experience like? TB: It was a good feeling, and I was happy for the team that we were given the opportunity to play in the playoffs. SS: Were there specific things you were working on in Instructs this year? TB: I worked on my game at second base and third base too. Just trying to become the most versatile player I could be. Also, working with the coaches on putting together good at-bats. SS: You’ve been home for a couple of months. What have you been able to do to get away from baseball? TB: I went hunting and have been spending time with family and friends. SS: At what point do you not only start thinking about the 2017 season, but when do your workouts and preparation begin? Do you think you’ll do anything new or different after going through a full season? TB: I never stopped thinking about next season. I took about two weeks off to rest and have been working hard to have my body ready for a successful 2017 season. SS: Did you learn anything about yourself, or did anything surprise you about working through a full season? TB: I knew it was going to be a grind through a long season, but having good teammates, friends, my family and coaches made the season go by fast. SS: There are probably some high school baseball players reading this. What would one piece of advice be that you would share with them, or share with a 14-year-old Travis? TB: It is all about sacrifice and commitment, and you have to be willing be 100% dedicated. Thank you so much to Travis Blankenhorn for taking time to answer these questions. Feel free to discuss below. Click here to view the article

While I agree that he's definitely a regression candidate, Grossman's approach at the plate compared to Santana's are night and day. Because of that, Grossman can be alright. He takes a lot of pitches, earns a lot of walks. HE also can hit right-handed making hi ma platoon candidate. I don't see much value for Santana at this point. Maybe he goes elsewhere, and if so, I hope he does well. I personally expect both will come off the 40-man roster when free agents are signed yet this offseason, so probably much ado about nothing.

I think that would be awesome! They generally only play Friday, Saturday and Sundays, so you'd have days to sit on the beach or tour or whatever you like.

The Surprise Saguaros headed into the final day of the AFL season needing to win their game with the Salt River Rafters to clinch a spot in the AFL Championship game, and were able to do so with contributions from four of the Twins players. Stephen Gonsalves punctuated his shortened time in the AFL with a six strikeout effort in his start on Tuesday, Nick Gordon finished the year near the top of several statistical categories, and a couple of the bullpen arms closed out their showings with good weeks.To see how all of the Twins prospects fared in the final week of the AFL season, and how the title game against the Mesa Solar Sox went, read on! (links provided to each player’s overall stats by clicking their name) Stephen Gonsalves – one game started, 3.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 H’s, 6 K’s, 8.31 ERA (overall). Gonsalves made his final start of the AFL season in Tuesday’s tilt against the Glendale Desert Dogs. After the leadoff man singled to start the game, Gonsalves came back with a strikeout for the first out of the game. A wild-pitch to the next batter put the runner on second base, but he got out number two with a fly ball to left field. Gonsalves then gave up a run-scoring single before he struck out another batter to end the inning. Unfortunately, that one run would loom large as it would be the only scoring for the game from either team. In the second inning, Gonsalves settled in nicely, striking out the side in a one-two-three inning. In the third, he gave up a leadoff single, but a flyout, caught stealing play, and another strikeout ended that inning with just three hitters stepping into the batters box. Gonsalves threw thirty-eight pitches in this one, with twenty-five of them going for strikes. He finishes his injury-shortened AFL on a high note, and pitched a total of 8.2 innings in his time with the Saguaros. Overall, he allowed eight earned runs on ten hits and four walks, while striking out seven. Nick Gordon – four games (three started), 5-14, 2 R’s, RBI, 4 K’s. Gordon saw action in all four regular season games on the week, though he started three of them. In Monday’s 9-3 win over Peoria, Gordon was a big reason why in his role as the leadoff man. In their three-run second inning, Gordon delivered his first hit of the game to put two runners on with one out. A double later in the inning scored him and another runner to make it 5-0. In the fourth he added another single to right field, but was then caught stealing second base. In the bottom of the sixth he led off the inning with the first of three consecutive singles, and scored on the third to make it 8-2 Saguaros. He finished this one 3-5 with two runs scored. In Tuesdays 1-0 loss, Gordon was summoned as a pinch-hitter with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and a runner on first, but he grounded out to end the game. Back into regular action on Wednesday, Gordon finished the game 1-4. He singled in the top of the fifth, but was then picked off at first base. He also had a fielding error in the eighth that led to both of Peoria’s two runs. In Thursday’s 4-2 win over Salt River to clinch a AFL Championship appearance, Gordon contributed to the effort with an RBI single in the fifth inning to give his team the lead for good at 3-2. Gordon finished the AFL season by leading his team in batting average (.346), on-base percentage (.418), stolen bases (5), and triples (2); he was second on the team in runs scored (15) and OPS (.862). Mitch Garver – four games (three started), 2-12, 2 R’s, 2B, RBI, BB, 3 K’s. Garver also played in all four games on the week with one of those appearances coming as a pinch-hitter. He was the catcher for Stephen Gonsalves start, and designated hitter in the other two games. In Monday’s 9-3 win, Garver was the DH and batted fifth. In the bottom of the first his double scored one to make it 2-0 Saguaros early. His fifth inning walk started a two-out rally, and he would later score the first of their two runs in the inning to extend their lead to 7-0. He finished 1-3. Catching on Tuesday, Garver went 0-4 out of the five-hole in the lineup. He also was in the box score for a caught stealing (though it’s not clear if he threw the runner out). In Wednesday’s loss to Peoria, Garver came in as a pinch hitter to lead off the top of ninth with his team down 5-2, but he flew out to center field and the next two hitters also went down to end the game. Back in the lineup as the DH for Thursday’s final regular season game and a trip to the AFL Championship on the line, Garver started the comeback for the Saguaros in the fifth inning. Down 2-0, he led off the inning with a single and found his way to third after another single and a wild pitch. He scored after a throwing error on a ground ball to third from an organizational teammate, and then Gordon capped off the three-run inning with his single. Garver was 1-4 with the run scored on the day. Garver finished the AFL season with a .229/.299/.457 slash line and led his team in home runs with four. He was also second on the team in RBI’s with fourteen. Tanner English – three games, 1-9, BB, 3 K’s. English made the start in center field in three of the four games on the week, and batted ninth in each. In Monday’s 9-3 win, he was 0-4. He flew out three times and struck out once but had a bigger impact in his next game on Wednesday. In the loss to Peoria English finished 1-2 with a walk. He singled in the second inning and drew a walk in the sixth to put two runners on with two outs in both innings, but Gordon wasn’t able to follow with a hit to do any more damage. He also added an outfield assist in the seventh, nabbing a runner at third base. In the clincher on Thursday, English played a pivotal role despite being 0-3 in the box score. His catch-and-throw to nab a runner at home in the second inning kept the Salt River lead at 2-0 (such plays are turning into a theme for English). In the fifth, his ground ball to third made the fielder rush his throw and the resulting error scored two runs to tie the game before Gordon put them in front. English finished his showing in the AFL by batting .239/.333/.338 overall and played in twenty-two of the Saguaros thirty-two games, good for second on the team. Mason Melotakis – one game, 1.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 H’s,1.64 ERA (overall). Melotakis made just one appearance on the week, and in came in Surprise’s 5-2 loss to Peoria on Wednesday. He pitched the seventh inning with his team down 2-1, and for only the second time in the AFL season, did he allow a run to score. Three singles around a line-out loaded the bases with one out, but he did well to limit the damage with the ever-rare sacrifice-double play to the inning's final hitter. In case you need to know how such a thing is possible, the fly ball was hit to center fielder Tanner English. Knowing the situation, English fired his throw toward third base instead of home and caught the runner there dead-to-rights. But the runner tagging for home also made the smart play and hustled to cross home before that out was recorded. Melotakis had a strong showing overall in the AFL and looks to be in a similar position going into 2017 as J.T. Chargois was coming into 2016. He finished the AFL season with 11.0 IP, and allowed just two earned runs on twelve hits and one walk, while striking out eleven. AAA could be his destination at next year’s outset, but even if he’s back in AA to start with he likely won’t be there long and could be knocking on the MLB doorstep all season. Randy Rosario – one game, 1.0 IP, 2 R’s (0 earned), H, BB, 2 K’s, 4.26 ERA (overall). Rosario also made one appearance on the week, and it was the inning that followed Melotakis’ appearance in Wednesday’s loss. Unfortunately for Rosario, his inning started on a bad note as Gordon misplayed a ground ball for an error. He struck out the next batter, but a hit-by-pitch and wild pitch later there were runners on second and third. He got a groundball for the innings second out (would have been the third, making any runs afterward unearned), but then a walk and single scored two to give Peoria the 5-2 lead. Rosario pitched a total of 12.2 innings in the AFL season, and allowed eight runs (six earned) on 18 hits and five walks, while striking out ten. His best appearance came on November 11th when he went two innings, allowing no hits or walks, and struck out three. John Curtiss – one game, 2.0 IP, 0 H’s, BB, 2 K’s, 2.84 ERA (overall). Curtiss pitched in the season final on Thursday, going the sixth and seventh innings for his team after they had taken the lead. Hi faced the minimum in the sixth by picking up two strikeouts and his defense erasing the other runner trying to stretch an error to an extra base. In the seventh he walked the leadoff man, but got a double play ball and line-out to end his day with the Saguaros up 3-2. He earned his second hold of the season in doing so. After allowing three runs in his first two games of the AFL season, Curtiss settled in well and allowed just one more in his final 10.2 innings pitched. Over that time he allowed just seven hits, two walks, and struck out fourteen. He also saved one game. AFL Championship Game: Surprise 1, Mesa 6 Box Score With their win on Thursday the Saguaros clinched the West division with a 17-14-1 record, beating out Glendale by half a game and virtue of their tie. All three Twins position players started the game with Nick Gordon at shortstop and batting leadoff, Mitch Garver as the designated hitter and batting fourth, and Tanner English in center field batting ninth. Two Twins pitchers also made an appearance out of the bullpen. There wasn’t much to talk about on the hitting front as the hitters combined to go 0-10 on the day with four K’s, but a couple of performances did stand out. The first, was the defense from Tanner English. He made two standout plays in centerfield, a diving stab to prevent an extra-base hit, and cutting down a runner at home for another outfield assist on the week. Mitch Garver hit a long drive in the fifth, but was robbed on the warning track of extra bases when the score was 5-0 Mesa. Mason Melotakis was summoned for the start of the seventh inning, and gave up a home run to the Cubs Ian Happ (who was the robber of Garver's fly ball, and was 4-4 with two HR’s to claim the MVP award) to start the inning. He retired the next three hitters in order, including a strikeout to end the inning. In the eighth it was John Curtiss, and he put down the Solar Sox in order, bookending the one-two-three inning with Strikeouts. Curtiss was also singled out in the game as the most impressive of the six Surprise pitchers by MLB.com’s Jim Callis, saying he worked 95-97 MPH with his fastball and getting both K’s with hard sliders. English’s defensive play was also called out in that link. So while it’s disappointing their team didn’t come away with the Championship Game victory, it had to be a fun season out in Arizona for all of the Twins prospects! Please feel free to ask questions and discuss the performances during the week! Click here to view the article

The Caribbean Winter Leagues continues, and the Australian Baseball League (ABL) got underway on Thursday night Down Under). The story continues to be Luis Arraez who had another strong week. He had been named the league's player of the week for the second time last week.VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE Ryan O'Rourke was back on the mound for a start this week, his third start in Venezuela. He went four innings and gave up one run on five hits. He walked one and struck out four. Overall, he has reduced his season ERA over 13 points in the last two weeks, largely due to the low innings. Overall, he is 1-1 with a 6.48 ERA and a 1.80 WHIP. However, in his three starts, he has a 1.64 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 11 innings. Victor Tademo and Edwar Colina did not play again this week. Niko Goodrum had an 0-5 game on Sunday and was back in Georgia on Tuesday, his six week stint in Venezuela complete. He hit .284/.354/.431 (.785) with eight doubles, three triples, a home run and eight RBI in 116 at bats. Luis Arraez played in three games in the week. He went 8-13 (.615). He had a two-hit game and two, three-hit games. We wrote often in-season about his multi-hit games. How do these stats sound: In his last five games, Luis Arraez is 12-21 (.571)In his last ten games, Luis Arraez is 24-42 (.571).In the month of November (11 games), Luis Arraez is 26-48 (.541).In his last 12 games, Luis Arraez is 28-51 (.549).Overall in 119 at bats, he has hit .387/.414/.546 (.960) with seven doubles and six triples.PUERTO RICO WINTER LEAGUE Juan Centeno was outrighted by the Twins on Friday. No word yet on if he will choose the most likely route, free agency. So, we'll keep him on the list. He played in three games this week and went 2-8 (.250). In 36 at-bats, he is hitting .167/.231/.194 (.425) with a double. Kennys Vargas played in just two games and went 1-8 with four strikeouts. In 40 total at-bats, he is hitting .175/.283/.300 (.583) with two doubles and a homer. JJ Fernandez played in four games. He went 2-12 (.167) with three RBI. He walked twice and struck out six times. Overall, he is hitting .220/.289/.390 (.679) with two doubles, a triple and a homer. Nelson Molina didn't play this week. Lean Marrero pinch ran once. DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE Confesor Larapitched 1.1 innings in one appearance. He walked one and struck out one without allowing a run. That gives him a 1.80 ERA in 10 games and 10 innings pitched. He has a 0.90 WHIP. Leonardo Reginnato went 1-8 in the three games he played this week. In 33 at-bats, he is hitting .182/.250/.182. Daniel Palka played in five games this week. He was 2-13 (.154) with his third home run. He walked four times and struck out four times. In 73 at-bats he is hitting .205/.280/.370 (.650) He has three doubles to go with the three homers. Palka was added to the 40-man roster on Friday. He let me know that he will be heading back to the States to start his offseason at Thanksgiving. AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE The season began with a single game on Thursday night in Australia (which, of course, in Thursday morning in the States). To this point, the lone Twins minor leaguer to play is Aaron Whitefield. He's playing in the outfield for Brisbane. He finished helping the Australian U23 team to a second-place finish just a week earlier. In his first three games, he is 3-9 (.333) with a double and three RBI heading into Sunday games. Aside from that, there are a lot of former Twins minor leaguers who are playing in Australia. He's a list of who appears on the team rosters: Adelaide - Loek Van Mil, Matthew Williams Sydney - Josh Guyer, Josh Dean, Jacob Younis (He had been named Best Hitter at the U23 tournament) Perth - Luke Hughes is on the roster and is the hitting coach. Melbourne - Peter Moylan is pitching and the pitching coach. Mark Hamburger was their Opening Night starter and recorded the win with five innings of one-run ball. Allan de San Miguel is catching and already has two homers (in two games). Finally, former Twins minor leaguer (and big leaguer) and current GCL Twins pitching coach Virgil Vasquez is also on the roster. Click here to view the article

OK...

They're at 39 counting Centeno being outrighted.

First time I met him was in Cedar Rapids in 2013. I did ask him what he preferred, and he said Adam Brett Walker, so I'll always go with that... until he tells me differently.

Correct.

People need to remember that the Twins can still make trades and sign free agents. If they sign free agents they need to DFA someone off the 40-man roster. They can't DFA the guys they just added, so they have to have some guys on the 40-man roster that can be dropped. Santana (in my mind) is certainly in that category.

Plouffe just tweeted this...

As is necessary every year at this time, the Twins had to add players to their 40-man roster today or potentially lose them in the Rule 5 draft. The Twins today added six players to the roster. They were pitchers Fernando Romero and Felix Jorge, outfielders Zack Granite and Daniel Palka, shortstop Engelb Vielma and catcher Mitch Garver. Earlier in the day, we learned that Trevor Plouffe was placed on outright waivers and has become a free agent. Also, Juan Centeno was outrighted. Adam Brett Walker was also placed on waivers and claimed by his hometown Milwaukee Brewers. In a message to me, he called the news “Bittersweet, but exciting to be going home for sure.”Fernando Romero has the most electric stuff of any pitcher in the Twins system. He returned in May after missing about two years of playing time due to Tommy John surgery and a knee surgery. He works with an upper-90s fastball and a three-to-four-pitch mix (depending on the day). No surprise that the Twins added catcher Mitch Garver to the roster. He has steadily moved up the Twins ladder while watching his stock improve as his work behind the plate has improved. He can hit, provide some power, and now he has become a good backstop. Felix Jorge was left unprotected last year. After a strong showing in Ft. Myers, and a solid 11 starts in Chattanooga, they would not have been able to do the same this year. The lanky right-hander has a smooth delivery, making his 91-93 mph fastball jump on hitters. He attacks the zone and mixes three good pitches. Defensive-whiz Engelb Vielma was also added to the 40-man roster. He missed time twice with injuries in 2016, but he hit enough to warrant inclusion on the roster. Defense is where he will make his money, but he’ll still need to show that he can hit enough. Outfielder Daniel Palka hit 35 home runs in 2016 between Chattanooga and Rochester. Like Walker, Palka struck out a lot at AAA. He came to the Twins a year ago in exchange for Chris Herrmann. He was the Twins Daily choice for Minor League Hitter of the Year. Zack Granite was the Twins choice for Minor League Player of the Year. For Chattanooga the outfielder hit .295/.347/.382 (.729) with 18 doubles, eight triples and four home runs. He also led all minor leaguers with 56 stolen bases. Earlier in the week, I ranked the eligible playersin terms of likeliness for players to be selected. However, there are several players, as there are every year, who will have a chance to be selected in the Rule 5 draft at the Winter Meetings on December 8th. Players who would likely be the most vulnerable include catcher Stuart Turner, Pitchers left unprotected include DJ Baxendale, Aaron Slegers, Ryan Eades, Dereck Rodriguez, and Jason Wheeler. The Minnesota Twins 40-Man roster is now at 39. They could add a player in the Rule 5 Draft if they choose to do so. Feel free to share your thoughts on the Twins roster changes today. Click here to view the article

According to a tweet from Mike Berardino, veteran infielder Trevor Plouffe has been placed on Outright Waivers. He should clear and become a free agent soon. He was the Twins first of five first-round picks in the 2004 draft out of high school in California. 2016 was his 13th season in the organization.Plouffe steadily worked his way up the Minnesota Twins farm system as a shortstop. He reached the big leagues in May of 2010. Shortstop wasn't for him. He struggled with the throws that season. He also outgrew the position. When given an opportunity as the team's third baseman, he took off with a power-filled month. Overall, he played 723 games in a Twins uniform. He hit .247/.308/.420 (.707) with 18 doubles, 96 home runs and 357 RBI. He turned himself from a spotty third baseman to an above average defender. Plouffe works very hard. Most likely the Twins attempted to trade the veteran. A decision needed to be made. Would they tender him a contract in arbitration, or non-tender him. Essentially they made their decision today, allowing Plouffe to become a free agent earlier in the process. The move makes room for Miguel Sano to take over at third base, or at least be able to take it over. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out. Today is also noteworthy as the Twins need to add players to their 40-man roster or risk losing them in free agency. They were at 36 players. This move puts them at 35 with more day left. On a more personal level, before my writing days, I went to Twins Fest with a three-year old little girl, my daughter (in case you were wondering). We were "Down on the Farm" an area where minor leaguers signed autographs for free. We walked through the line, and my daughter asked if he would sign a ball for her. He talked to her, smiled, and said that he would sign for her if she would sign for him. He handed the three-year-old a Sharpie and told her to write her name on the plastic white paper in front of him. It became a series of lines on the table, but it was great. Plouffe became a father a little over a year ago and often talked about what it has done. He's always been charismatic, and he was always very friendly to me going back a decade. So, yes, I get this move. I fully understand it. At the same time, I'm sure I'm not the only one with good stories about Plouffe. For what it's worth, I hope he catches on elsewhere and establishes himself again! As Derek Falvey told season-ticket holders in their call-in last night, this is something we're going to have to get used to as Twins fans. His job is to not get too attached... but as fans, always get attached! In addition, Phil Miller reporting that Adam Brett Walker was claimed by the Milwaukee Brewers. He grew up in Milwaukee, and went to Milwaukee Lutheran before going to Jacksonville University. He was the Twins 3rd round pick in 2012. Click here to view the article

This is the strategy the Twins (Terry Ryan) used some in the late 90s. It's how he added David Ortiz and Joe Mays and others for guys like Dave Hollins and Roberto Kelly. I'm sure there are many examples... but I do love this strategy.