Seth Stohs

I've always thought that the changeup was the most important pitch a pitcher could throw. Velocity is nice, but if you can have a changeup that is 9-12 mph slower than your fastball, with the same arm motion, it doesn't matter if you top out at 99 or 89. Obviously control of that pitch and the fastball are also important. I like the philosophy! I would disagree that it's an easy pitch to master though. There are different grips and different movements created. It can take time.

Seems like a great guy. I listened to him tell his story at a postgame FCA picnic at Hammond Stadium when I was down there. His wife and two kids were there, and he definitely has his priorities in place, which is great to see. The other speakers at the event were Brian Dozier, Brian Duensing, Rod Carew and Tony Oliva.

So, based on OPS, you'd agree most then with my .799 OPS prediction?

Earlier, we discussed Kurt Suzuki and the rest of the AL Central catchers. Now, we take a look at Joe Mauer and the AL Central first basemen. Mauer had a tough season in 2014 and looks to rebound in 2015. There are some really good first basemen in the division as well. As we continue through this series, we’ll be taking a look at the Twins roster. We’ll make some projections and compare the Twins players to the rest of the American League Central.MINNESOTA TWINS – JOE MAUER After ten years as a major league catcher, foul tips to the mask finally caught up to Mauer and he made the move to first base in 2014. Did the concussion(s) affect the beginning of Mauer’s 2014 season at the plate? I think it would be hard to argue that it didn’t, and Mauer had the most difficult offensive season of his career. (Admittedly, he had set the bar very high) He hit just .277/.361/.371 (.732) with 27 doubles and four home runs. One big question for the Minnesota Twins in 2015 has to do with the soon-to-be 32-year-old Mauer. Will he be able to get close to those remarkable offensive numbers he put up for most of his first decade in the big leagues, or did that decade behind the plate do him in and he’ll continue to “struggle” in 2015? That’s the question, and of course, there is no way to answer that question with any certainty. So what are we projecting from Joe Mauer in 2015? The projections of our Twins Daily writers: Seth – .296/.371/.428 (.799) with 37 doubles and 8 HR. Nick – .315/.410/.445 (.855) with 40 doubles and 10 HR. Parker – John – .300/.380/.400 (780 OPS) with 35 doubles, and 8 HR. AL CENTRAL FIRST BASEMEN Opponent – Player – 2015 Age – 2014 Statistics Chicago – Jose Abreu – 28 - .317/.383/.581 (.964) with 35 doubles, 36-HR Cleveland – Carlos Santana – 29 - .231/.365/.427 (.792) with 25 doubles, 27-HR Detroit – Miguel Cabrera – 32 - .313/.371/.524 (.895) with 52 doubles, 25-HR Kansas City – Eric Hosmer – 25 - .270/.318/.398 (.716) with 35 doubles, 9-HR AL CENTRAL FIRST BASEMAN RANKINGS #1 – Jose Abreu – Chicago #2 – Miguel Cabrera – Detroit #3 – Carlos Santana – Cleveland #4 – Joe Mauer – Minnesota #5 – Eric Hosmer – Kansas City NOW IT’S YOUR TURN Give it a little thought and then go to the comments section below and post two things. First, make your statistical projection for Joe Mauer in 2015. Second, how would you rank the AL Central first basemen? Of course, then discuss with the rest of the Twins Daily community. Finally, check back throughout this next week as we’ll do these same things for each of the positions. Click here to view the article

It’s hard to imagine but in less than one week the 2015 season will begin. It was a long offseason. There were quite a few changes. There have been some interesting decisions. But for baseball fans, opening day is – or SHOULD be – something to be excited about. In this series, we’ll be taking a look at the Twins roster. We’ll make some projections and we’ll compare the Twins players to the rest of the American League Central.Today we start by looking at the starting catchers. MINNESOTA TWINS – KURT SUZUKI The 31-year-old catcher is coming off of his first All-Star season. He came to the Twins with an assumption (by many fans) that he would tutor Josmil Pinto. However, he had his best season in about five years and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension. In 131 games in 2014, he hit .288/.345/.383 (.727) with 34 doubles and three home runs. So what can we expect to see from Suzuki in 2015? Our Twins Daily writers: Seth – .255/.305/.345 (.650) with 23 doubles and 2 HR. Nick – .255/.315/.360 (.675) with 23 doubles and 4 HR. Parker – John – AL CENTRAL CATCHERS Opponent – Player – 2015 Age – 2014 Statistics Chicago – Tyler Flowers – 29 - .241/.297/.396 (.693) with 16 doubles, 15-HR Cleveland – Yan Gomes – 27 - .278/.313/.472 (.785) with 25 doubles, 21-HR Detroit – Alex Avila— 28 - .218/.327/.359 (.686) with 22 doubles, 11-HR Kansas City – Salvador Perez – 25 - .260/.289/.403 (.692) with 28 doubles, 17-HR AL CENTRAL CATCHER RANKINGS #1 – Yan Gomes – Cleveland #2 – Salvador Perez – Kansas City #3 – Alex Avila – Detroit #4 – Kurt Suzuki – Minnesota #5 – Tyler Flowers – Chicago NOW IT’S YOUR TURN Give it a little thought and then go to the comments section below and post two things. First, make your statistical projection for Kurt Suzuki in 2015. Second, how would you rank the AL Central catchers? Of course, then discuss with the rest of the Twins Daily community. Finally, check back throughout this next week as we’ll do these same things for each of the positions. Click here to view the article

I was waiting to HEAR some punches of something. And as you know, in baseball, there is only one right way to think...

I really like Eric Fryer and he's played well, but if Pinto is deemed available within a week or two of the start of the season, it doesn't make sense to add him to the 40 man roster for that short time. Or, more accurately, potentially losing someone else to bring him up for two weeks. Regardless of what is said, I have to think that gives Herrmann a huge advantage. Herrmann has also had a pretty strong camp.

I can't imagine that any real time or energy was given to this idea. I enjoyed listening to his reaction to your question, Parker.

Per the Twins, Grimes decided to retire. Best wishes to him in whatever is next.

As you have likely noticed, I enjoy writing about and telling the stories of Twins players and minor leaguers who don’t get many headlines. Sometimes, in my opinion, their stories can be as interesting, or even more interesting, as the big-name headline makers. I had a chance to catch up with Brock Peterson in Ft. Myers and talk to him about his unlikely path to the big leagues and back to the Twins organization.Brock Peterson was drafted out of high school by the Twins 49th round of the 2002 MLB Draft. Rather than go to college, Peterson signed with the Twins and set off on his career. “I think a lot of people get confused and think I was the 49th overall pick. They don’t realize it was the 49th round.” Once he signed, that round didn’t matter to him, and the Twins gave him a shot. “I tried to never let that hold me back. The Twins always did a good job of when I was over here of giving, of treating everybody the same and giving opportunities. I think some people it hangs around on them, but I think I’ve played and established myself long enough that it’s kind of a non-factor now, I hope.” 13 years later, he’s still playing this game. The Washington native began his career with the Elizabethton Twins in 2003. In 2004, he moved up to Quad Cities in the Midwest League. He spent 2005 and 2006 in Ft. Myers with the Miracle. 2007 and 2008 were spent with Double-A New Britain though he ended the 2008 season with Rochester. He played 2009 and 2010 with the Red Wings. As a player in the Twins organization, Peterson never put up earth-shattering numbers, but he was always a consistent contributor for his team. He was very solid all-around, defensively and with the bat. He said of his offense, “I take pride in trying to be a complete hitter. I try to hit for average. My goal every year is to hit .300 with 20. That’s what I think I should honestly be able to do every year.” Following the 2010 season, Peterson became a free agent again and the Twins did not bring him back. In fact, he actually spent two seasons playing independent baseball for Bridgeport in the Atlantic league. However, late in the 2012 season, the St. Louis Cardinals signed him and sent him to Triple-A Memphis where he played the final 21 games. As a 29-year-old during the 2013 season, Peterson hit .296/.364/.531 (.895) with 30 doubles and 25 RBI. In mid-July, Matt Holliday went on the disabled list and to the surprise of many, including Peterson, he received his first big league promotion. On July 20, in the bottom of the 5th inning, Peterson came on to pinch hit for Lance Lynn. He grounded out to shortstop off of Edinson Volquez, but it drove in a run to give the Cardinals a lead. A day later, he was in the Cardinals lineup, playing left field, a position he hadn’t played more than a dozen times in his career. He acknowledged later that he only had to field ground balls out there in that debut. Four days later, Peterson pinch hit for Matt Adams and recorded his first big league hit, a single off of Jake Diekman. His other hit came against JJ Hoover of the Cincinnati Reds. Peterson was up with the big league club for three weeks, sent down, and then he was promoted for the month of September. He had a front row seat for the 2013 NL Central champion Cardinals. His MLB time with the Cardinals was short-lived, but very memorable. He had just two hits in 26 plate appearances for the team, but he got the opportunity and that’s all he’s ever wanted. “I had just accepted that I was just a minor league guy. I was just trying to have fun playing the game and hopefully they would let me keep playing. When I got the call up, I couldn’t believe it. Really. I hadn’t thought about it in a long time. I was just out there playing and having fun. I think that was maybe the key to the success.” Following the 2013 season, he was removed from the Cardinals’ roster and became a free agent. The Washington Nationals signed him in December. He was let go in June, but the Dodgers quickly signed him. Both of these minor league stints were in AAA. Overall, he hit .301/.378/.480 (.858) with 26 doubles and 15 home runs. He again became a free agent following the season. This past offseason, Peterson had several offers, but it didn’t take long for him to realize where he wanted to sign. When Chris Colabello was removed from the 40-man roster and claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays, the Twins became a viable organization for Peterson. Peterson acknowledged, “It really was (an easy decision). Once my agent said the Twins might have some interest, I gave Brad (Steil) a call and talked to him. Within the first minute of the conversation, I knew this is where I was going to come back to.” He continued, “(This organization) is very familiar to me, even though everything’s changed and nothing looks the same. A lot of the same coaches are here. A lot of the guys I played with are coaching now which actually is kind of a weird situation because they’re on the other side of the line now. It was a pretty easy decision really once I had the conversation with Brad. He’s always been straight-forward with me and I feel like I trust him and trust the organization. Come out here and try to help the organization whether it’s helping young guys or hopefully getting a chance to go up to the big leagues and helping them win some games.” (Peterson was a teammate of Cedar Rapids manager Jake Mauer and their hitting coach Tommy Watkins. He also was a teammate of new GCL hitting coach Brian Dinkelman.) Steil is very happy to have Peterson back in the fold as well, for several reasons. “We’re very happy to have him back in the organization. He was a good fit for us, because we were looking to add some depth at 1B and some power to the middle of the lineup in Rochester. On top of that, he’s a high character guy, good in the clubhouse, and obviously we know him very well from his first seven years in the organization. ” For some, the grind of spring training, especially on the minor league side, can be difficult. However, Peterson is enjoying each moment. He relayed the following exchange he had with a younger Twins minor leaguer. “I was talking to a kid the other day. I said, ‘Man, this is fun!’ He said, ‘Fun!?’ I said, “How many years do you got?’ He goes, ‘Three.’ ‘Well, talk to me in about six more, and you’ll start having fun.’ The moral of that story for Peterson is this, “I think you just realize that you’re very privileged to play the game. I’m very lucky, after 13 years, to still get to be running around out here with all the kids, telling stories and just having a good time with them, trying to compete. I just feel very privileged to get to be out here having a good time.” Peterson is smart and understands the game itself doesn’t change a lot, but that he needs to continually change and improve. “I’m still learning. It’s fun to learn in this game, and every year, I feel like I’m learning new stuff that’s helping me progress ever further. I’m just hoping to keep playing, keep learning and have a good time.” Steil and the Twins front office and coaches encourage the minor leaguers to set goals and to strive for success. Peterson said that he has set several goals for himself in 2015. “Absolutely. The goal every year is, I just want to play as well as I think I can. Whatever happens after that, I’d love to be back in the big leagues. That’s why I play. That’s always the carrot hanging in front of your face is the big leagues. I’d love to get back there and help the team any way I can, but I just want to come out here, play, feel like I’ve improved and play to my potential.” Brock Peterson overcame a lot of tough odds. He was drafted in the 49th round out of high school. He worked his way up the Twins farm system, and spent over two years at the Triple-A level where he was successful. After the Twins let him go, he went to the independent leagues and continued to work on his craft. Eventually, the St. Louis Cardinals organization gave him a shot. He was able to achieve the ultimate goal of anyone who has ever put on a glove and played catch, he got to play in the big leagues. He contributed to a National League championship team, and he has the ring to prove it. Now he is back with the organization that gave him his first opportunity almost 14 years ago, the Minnesota Twins. He didn’t get the big league invitation to spring training, but he can be found on the minor league side, usually with a smile on his face as he continues that dream. He hopes to get back to the big leagues with the Twins, but if he doesn’t, he’s going to be a good mentor for the younger players. That said, what a story it would be if he does get one more shot and one more promotion, this time with the Minnesota Twins! Click here to view the article

I previously have said that I thought Thielbar was a lock, and he should be, but I don't think he is anymore... Stauffer isn't a "scholarship" thing. He's a long-time veteran who is going to get the benefit of the doubt in spring training. It'd be like worrying about someone like Plouffe hitting .130 during the spring. It isn't a scholarship, it's a veteran thing. I definitely think Milone is still the favorite for 5th starter, and that makes Pelfrey a reliever. I think they really like Graham, so I think he's almost a given... though I'm sure they would talk to the Braves about a trade... that said, there's no way he'd clear waivers, so I think that (again) makes him a given. I think they like Boyer too and don't want to lose him. So, that's why Thielbar, who has gotten the job done in the big leagues for two years, could go to Rochester.

I look at it at this point as a 50/50 chance between Hciks and Schafer to be the primary starting CF. I think it all depends on if they feel Hicks can benefit from AAA time. I won't be surprised at all if they go with Schafer as the starting CF with Robinson as the 4th OF. I think Rosario has almost 0% chance of making it for Opening Day, but he's assured that he'll go to Rochester to start the season. He'll likely play LF if Hicks goes down too.

I don't know if I can answer those questions with a lot of certainty, but I can try. 1.) Farris is a life-long infielder who got to the big leagues as a second baseman, so I'm sure he's fully capable. Outfield-wise, he's been solid. I don't think he's a natural, but they did play him in CF pretty much 2.) I mean, right now, their CF options are Hicks, Schafer, Robinson and Rosario all ahead of him. In LF, Arcia and Rosario would be ahead him. I don't know how they'd feel if it got to that point, but most likely, if it did, the season woudln't be going well, and we'd see more Rosario. 2 Part 2?) I don't know how much they make in Mexico. My guess is it is a bit more than they make during the regular minor league season. That said, at 29 and with all his minor league (And some major league) experience, Farris probably does pretty well during the 6-month season. 3.) I can't tell you how much. My guess would be in the $10,000-$12,000 a month range, but it could be closer to $6-8,000.

This story being posted by Jeremy on the same day as Brian Dozier signs his four-year extension is very interesting. These comments have been very interesting as well. I read comments like the Twins needing to wait one more year and see if Arcia can take off. Well, if he takes off, the contract will be about double what it would be right now. There are some who say that the Twins were not wise in signing Dozier after his very good season in 2014, but then want the Twins to wait for Arcia to have a strong season before committing. Truth be told, there has to be a leap of faith on all of this and some projection. If the Twins brass thinks that Arcia can be a 30+ home run guy and cut the Ks down and walk a little more and not be completely lost on defense, they should do it right now. One thing that is often overlooked in the decision to sign someone is how they believe a player will handle that long-term security. Will they use it as motivation to continue to get better, or will they consider it their big pay day and not work. With Dozier, there's no concern about it. With Arcia, there have certainly be some concerns. That said, a five year, $18-20 million deal with a few creative option years... that'd work for me.

I find these stories much more interesting than most of the stories about stars in the sense that they're fighting for everything. They're fighting to get to the big leagues but also to stay in the lineup when younger "prospects" make their way up. They have to play internationally often to keep the dream alive. Talking to Farris was great, and seeing him interacting with teammates, it's clear how well respected he is.

Yeah, there is minimal risk in this deal for the T wins. Of course, there is the injury risk, but that's possible in every deal. If it had been a 6 year deal, I'd definitely understand the concern. I would have liked to have seen one more year or one less year, but there's not much concern here.

When the Twins announced their non-roster invites to major league spring training, Eric Farris was one of the least known players on the list to most. Sure, since you read Twins Daily, you’ve read his name quite frequently in the daily Minor League Reports the last two seasons. He came to the Twins before the 2013 season after getting big league time with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011 and 2012.I had a chance to catch up with Eric Farris in Ft. Myers for a few minutes. In high school, Farris was a very good shortstop in Arizona, good enough to be drafted in the 42nd round by the Atlanta Braves. Instead of signing, he went to Loyola Marymount. The decision proved wise as three years later, he was the fourth round pick of the Milwaukee Brewers. He signed quickly and reported to the rookie league team in Helena. He spent one year in Low-A and one year in High-A, but in 2010, he was pushed to AAA Nashville. He spent most of the next two seasons playing second base for Nashville. However, in late July of 2011, Rickie Weeks went on the disabled list. Eric Farris was summoned. On July 28, in an afternoon game at Miller Park, Farris led off the bottom of the 7th inning, pinch-hitting for former Twins pitcher LaTroy Hawkins. He grounded out to second base in his lone at-bat. His stay was brief as a couple of days later, Felipe Lopez was called up to the Brewers and Farris was sent back to Nashville. The memories remain crystal clear. According to Farris, “Like anybody would imagine, it was the best day of my life. Getting that call, just knowing that somebody likes what you do, and they need you up there. It was short-lived, but it was definitely a fun experience.” After a strong 2012 season in Nashville, Farris spent the month of September with the Brewers. He didn’t make any starts, but he played in 13 games and got nine plate appearances. He went 1-8. His one hit was a single off of Enerio Del Rosario of the Houston Astros. Regarding his 2012 stint with the Brewers, Farris said, “I was up for over a month. It was fun. Didn’t play all that much, but just the experience of being around all those veteran guys and watching the game at its highest level was amazing.” However, following the season, Farris was removed from the 40-man roster. In December, the Seattle Mariners drafted him in the Triple-A portion of the Rule 5 draft but let him go. Just before the 2013 season began, the Twins were able to sign the infielder to a minor league contract. He began the 2013 season with one game in New Britain before being promoted to Rochester. He began by playing second base, as he had the majority of his minor league career, but it wasn’t long before he made a shift. He played 58 games at second base and then ended the season by playing 41 games in left field. He returned to the organization for the 2014 season. “I came here (to the Twins), and I played second base pretty much the whole time. Then before you know it, I was in the outfield. Then last year in spring training I played a lot of infield, and then I ended up playing center field every day.” Of the 133 games he played in 2014 for Rochester, 117 of them were in center field. Farris is not one to complain about where he plays, or where he bats in the lineup. “You’ve just got to be ready. It doesn’t matter where I play as long as I’m in there.” For the Red Wings, Farris hit .280/.316/.356 (.672) with 23 doubles, a triple and four home runs. He also stole 16 bases. Following the season, he spent his offseason playing 53 games in Mexico. He was the three-spot hitter for Tomateros de Culiacan. He hit .309/.348/.401 (.749) with eight doubles, a triple and three home runs. He also stole 25 bases. He split his time between second base and the outfield. As important to Farris, his team won. They represented Mexico in the Carribbean Series. In six games there, he hit .304. “It was a lot of baseball, but the baseball was fun. It was exciting. The fans were great. My team did well. I think I learned a lot. It was actually a real good experience. I’m excited to maybe possibly go back. I think going there and playing there for as long as I did is going to help me prepare for the season.” Farris was quick to re-sign with the Twins organization for a third season. “I really enjoy being here. I mean, this is a good organization. I felt like there is an opportunity here. A guy in my position, that’s kind of what you’re looking for, somewhere where you will get to play and get a chance to get to the big leagues if they need you.” Here we are, less than two weeks from opening day. Farris remains in big league camp. Most likely, the 29-year-old is destined for another season in upstate New York, and if that is the case, he is going to enjoy it. “I feel blessed and happy to be here. I have fun out there. I go out there and I run around and (am) always having fun. I don’t like to let a lot bother me. I just kind of play the game and that’s what I like to do.” He has two goals for 2015. “Win. Win and get to the big leagues, and that’s it.” Farris is a guy who is easy to root for. He’s hard-working and fun-loving. He understands that his versatility is valuable to him and could be what helps get him back to the big leagues. Until then, he’s just going to enjoy playing this great game wherever a uniform is available and doing what he can to help his team win. Click here to view the article

I've asked this a couple of times on twitter, and now I'd invite Twins Daily readers to do some research, if you want... Has any 25-year-old shortstop ever posted a .275/.315/.406 (.721) with 35 doubles and 6 homers and played average or slightly better than average shortstop defense one year and not been handed the starting shortstop job by his team the following season? I feel bad for Escobar. Someone in the Twins clubhouse one day I was in there called it "The Power of the Label." Escobar has always been seen by people in the industry as a utility guy, and maybe that's what he is, but even after a strong season last year in nearly every day play, The Label still wins.

This was awesome!! A bunch of quick hitters... Now we just need to get John down on the minor league side and ask him a bunch of those questions!

I don't know, didn't ask, but I don't think it was much. Just guessing, probably low 5-digits.