Seth Stohs

The Twins are committed to Rosario at 2B. He'll still likely get a game every week or ten days in the outfield, but they want him to be at 2B. Kvasnicka was a first-round pick just a couple of years ago. They gave up very little to get him. He's "one of us." He has power. There's no risk in the deal. At worst, we have to remember that all four teams need 4-5 outfielders, and having some catching depth is always good.

Correct! Way too much bad can happen when a player is rushed. Those are two great examples. Gomez turned out alright... 4-5 years later!

That was a great article. I think that Bannister was kind of the first one to talk about advanced stats and thinking through what he did on the mound. I know that Max Scherzer is another one who acknowledges that he jumps into the stats. I'm really glad that you got some time one-on-one with Perkins and were able to answer these kinds of questions.

He was at 120 pitches, in his first outing of the regular season. It was absolutely the right thing to do.

Fixed. I'm sure his younger brother would love to be in AAA. It's a big year for Morales, and he knows it. Nothing about his 2012 screams for him to move up to AA. Hopefully he can get off to a fast start and earn a promotion. I agree, in general, that there are just a lot of old, veteran types that will likely make Rochester better. I'm good with keeping prospects at the right level, instead of going too fast, but I think there are a few that just make no sense. Bigley and Lanigan are the two that I just don't get.

Berrios is getting some innings and stretching out before going to Cedar Rapids. Due to the WBC, he couldnl't really stretch out and the Twins definitely want him to start. Bard is also going to be brought along slowly after fighting injuries throughout 2012. He'll be a starter, but will most likely start in the bullpen and work his way up to starting. Chargois also was hurt some last year and they'll be cautious with his very strong arm. Kepler has an elbow/forearm injury that they are going to be cautious with and keep him in ft. myers for a little bit.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1511-Minnesota-Twins-Minor-League-Rosters

The Twins season began on Monday. The season of the Twins full-season minor league affiliates will begin on Thursday. Below are the rosters of the Rochester Red Wings, the New Britain Rock Cats, the Ft. Myers Miracle and the Beloit Snappers. The rosters were sent to the affiliates first, but here is a complete look at the Twins full-season affiliates. [ATTACH=CONFIG]3649[/ATTACH] Rochester Red Wings Pitchers: Andrew Albers, Kyle Gibson, Pedro Hernandez, Shairon Martis, Mike O’Connor, Luis Perdomo, Bruce Pugh, Anthony Slama, Caleb Thielbar, Dan Turpen, Virgil Vasquez, PJ Walters. DL – Bryan Augenstein, Nick Blackburn, Kyle Davies, Samuel Deduno, Deolis Guerra, Rich Harden, Lester Oliveros, Rafael Perez, Dan Sattler, Esmerling Vasquez Catchers: Drew Butera, Eric Fryer, Chris Herrmann Infielders: Doug Bernier, Jeff Clement, Chris Colabello, Brian Dinkelman, Ray Olmedo, Mark Sobolewski. Inactive – Deibinson Romero Outfielders: Orlando Arcia, Joe Benson, Brandon Boggs, Clete Thomas New Britain Rock Cats Pitchers: AJ Achter, Logan Darnell, Pat Dean, Nelvin Fuentes, Jose Gonzalez, Edgar Ibarra, Bobby Lanigan, Blake Martin, Trevor May, Alex Meyer, Marty Popham, Mike Tonkin. DL: Matt Hauser, BJ Hermsen, Aaron Thompson, Dakota Watts, Alex Wimmers. Catchers: Danny Lehmann, Josmil Pinto, Dan Rohlfing Infielders: James Beresford, Jason Christian, Eric Farris, Harold Garcia, Nate Hanson, Reynaldo Rodriguez, Danny Santana Outfielders: Evan Bigley, Danny Ortiz, Antoan Richardson, Curt Smith Ft. Myers Miracle Pitchers: DJ Baxendale, Madison Boer, Cole Johnson, Zach Jones, Miguel Munoz, Ryan O’Rourke, Chad Rodgers, Adrian Salcedo, Tom Stuifbergen, Matt Summers, Jason Wheeler, Corey Williams – DL: Jhon Garcia Catchers: Kyle Knudson, Matt Koch Infielders: Michael Gonzales, Andy Leer, AJ Pettersen, Eddie Rosario, Miguel Sano, Kennys Vargas, Stephen Wickens – DL: Levi Michael Outfielder: Jhon Goncalves, Michael Kvasnicka, Angel Morales, Lance Ray Cedar Rapids Kernels Pitchers: Tim Atherton, Hudson Boyd, Tyler Duffey, Steven Gruver, David Hurlbut, Tyler Jones, Brett Lee, Chris Mazza, Mason Melotakis, Taylor Rogers, Manuel Soliman, Matt Tomshaw – DL: Dallas Gallant, Tim Shibuya Catchers: Jhonatan Arias, Tyler Grimes, Jairo Rodriguez – SUSP – Michael Quesada Infielders: Niko Goodrum, Travis Harrison, DJ Hicks, Drew Leachman, Candido Pimentel, Jorge Polanco – DL: Adam Bryant Outfielders: Byron Buxton, Romy Jimenez, Adam Walker, JD Williams – DL: Nate Roberts * Starting Pitchers in Red.

Yeah, no reason not to at least hope for him to develop well... Having spent so little time at AA, it'll most certainly be a challenge, but they need to keep him around and not lose him. The potential is there!

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1506-Ryan-Pressly-excited-to-be-with-the-Twins-on-Opening-Day

Target Field - Phenom Aaron Hicks is not the only Minnesota Twins player who will be making the jump from AA to the big leagues in 2013. Rule 5 pick Ryan Pressly is also making that jump, and he’s admittedly, and understandably, “pretty nervous right now” as the Twins and Tigers are preparing to open their 2013 seasons at Target Field this afternoon. Hicks spent the entire 2012 season in New Britain. Pressly didn’t make his AA debut until mid-July, shortly after making the transition from being a starting pitcher to his new role in the bullpen. Pressly pitched very well in the Arizona Fall League in 2012 and impressed the Twins brass enough to make him their Rule 5 selection in December. By rules, the Twins are required to keep Pressly on the big league roster the entire 2013 season or would have to offer him back to the Red Sox. [ATTACH=CONFIG]3638[/ATTACH]Pressly is hoping to stick around with the Twins for awhile. Twins Daily had the opportunity to talk to the hard-throwing, 24-year-old right hander from Dallas before batting practice today. It wasn’t hard to tell that Pressly is thrilled to be with the Twins and in the big leagues. His ear-to-ear smile tells that story clearly. “I’m pretty nervous right now. I wouldn’t say nervous, more anxious than anything, because it’s Opening Day. A lot of these guys have gone through it, but some of us haven’t and it’s pretty fun, pretty entertaining.” He found spring training to be even more than he was anticipating this spring. “(I) never realize how the competition was there, and it just kind of shocked me. I was more in shock when I got there, seeing all the guys in camp, everybody competing. It was fun though.” It was fun, in part, because he pitched incredibly well. In 13.1 innings over 10 spring training games, he gave up just one run on nine hits. He posted a 0.66 ERA and opponents hit just .191 off of him. What did he credit for his success? “Just attacking hitters. I was just going after them. I didn’t really try to get too cute with anything. I just wanted to throw all my stuff for strikes and try to get people out. That’s really all you can do.” It was really just a continuation of his successful AFL stint where he walked just one and struckout 18 in 14 innings. The righty throws 95 with good, power curveball. “I guess at the AFL and the end of AA season, it all just kind of clicked. I really can’t explain it. I can’t explain what I have done, but it’s just clicked. I guess moving to the bullpen, a new role it’s just helped a lot. ” Having come from the Red Sox organization, he already was familiar with the city of Ft. Myers. The Red Sox spring training facilities are just across town. The two teams played several times throughout spring training. It was after an appearance against the Red Sox when Pressly was told the news he had hoped for all spring training, that he would make the Twins Opening Day roster. “I got done throwing, and I wasn’t even two steps into the dugout and (Ron) Gardenhire shook my hand and said ‘Congratulations, You made the team.’ I was just in shock, and I didn’t even know what to say or do. I just shook his hand and said, ‘OK.’” His dad was in a business meeting at the time, but he still called home. “I called my mom, and she was ecstatic. Screaming. I think she was crying a little bit, but it was an awesome feeling. I don’t think I was even out of my cleats yet.” Pressly played most of the 2012 season with Jackie Bradley, Jr. who made his major league debut today as the Red Sox left fielder after splitting the 2012 season between A ball and AA ball. Pressly is excited for his first Opening Day, as he should be. He’s even excited to get to partake in the Twins bullpen tradition. How does he feel about carrying out the pink backpack full of treats? He’s excited. “I’ve got everything organized in there already. I just have to take some drink requests after we get done throwing.” Pressly isn’t completely certain what role or what types of situations he’ll be put into. He couldn’t stop smiling during a pre-batting practice interview. It’s a great story. As Twins fans, let’s hope that he pitches well and keeps on smiling throughout the season.

Note that the Twins roster just got finalized today when they added Wilkin Ramirez to the 40 man roster. Burnett was lost, which opened up a AAA spot that Albers took. Someone went to NB that would have been in FM, and so on. They waited to add Ramirez because they were likely watching the waiver wire and considering trades, etc. I believe rosters will be available by tomorrow morning sometime. Maybe afternoon. As soon as I get them, I'll be sure to pass them along.

It's good to see that the move seems to be working. He just made the move at Instructs, and then this spring.

Fun revisionist history kind of stuff... Had Gardy kept Balfour in for another inning and he would have given up runs, there would be some who wondered why Rincon, one of the best 8th inning guys that year, wasn't brought in and why Gardy would still with Balfour who had done very little to that point. Kubel vs Mariano - did it really matter who hit in that situation vs Rivera? I find it interesting that we didn't want Kubel to go against Rivera cuz he was a rookie, but at the same time wanted a guy with about 2 months of big league time (Crain) to replaced Joe Nathan. Baseball is a game full of second-guessable moments. If people are looking for reasons to complain, baseball gives plenty of opportunities!

I would love to retire before 40!! Johan was great with the Twins, and they took care of him, often to the disapproval of the fans. Two Cy Youngs and a should-have-won Cy Young... He's a lock for the Twins HOF. Probably not on the number retirement.

This thread is going in 4-5 different directions. Strange. We all know that Mauer is a perfect #2 hitter. HE's also a great #3 hitter. If they can find and develop a good #2 hitter, it will just extend the lineup. Brian Dozier has always been the definition lf a #2 hitter. Almost as many walks as strikeouts. Line drive hitter. Uses the whole field. Has good speed. Has good bat control... He had a rough showing in his MLB debut last year, but if he's able to get back to playing like he can, getting on base and doing all those things a #2 hitter should do, it will make the Twins lineup that much better. The only argument I have for Dozier not hitting #2 at this point would be to let him spend a month hitting 8th just to see if he can get past his 2012 struggles and show he can do those things that the Twins (and I) believe that he can do. In a month, if he does, move him to the 2 spot.

Yeah, at this stage, Mauer signed a four year, $40 (or so) million deal and had to wait three more years to sign his big contract, so it's not completely apples to apples.

There doesn't seem to be a lot of concern about Kepler's injury. I would think he'll be up in Cedar Rapids when the weather warms up.

Good, but tough question... Swarzak and Diamond will be off the DL in a short time, so they'll likely replace (De Vries or Hendriks) and (someone in the bullpen, though Swarzak could be DFAd since they'll likely want to keep Pressly). And Wood coming off the DL at some point will send someone else down. It depends on how early it is and what the circumstances are. Kyle Gibson will com up when he is deemed ready, regardless of what it means for others. Walters/Deduno will have to really prove that they can help and they're needed due to them not being on the 40 man. If they were to need a spot start, it could be Pedro Hernandez. Obviously if one of the catchers is put on the DL, it will be Butera (as it should be). I can't see a move from the minors in the infield or outfield... at least until mid-season and maybe Arcia is ready.

When I saw the press release come across my phone yesterday afternoon, I was quite surprised. Despite those low strikeout totals and too-high strikeout rate, Burnett did get the job done most of last year. He is still young. He is a good dude, and I really hope that he figures out a way to use his good fastball, get some movement on it and finally develop those other pitches better. I hope he succeeds. I think that a year in AAA will be good for him. He never got that. In that rookie season, he was in his first year on the roster and was optioned early in camp, but when Clay Condrey had to go on the DL the final weekend of the spring, they went with Burnett, straight from AA. I wish him well.

I haven't looked at the payroll specifically cuz it's not a big deal to me, but does it include Butera and Blackburn's contracts? Does it include the guys on the DL (which combined are barely over $1M). There's an extra $7.2M.

Riverbrian, I absolutely love Salvador Perez. I think maybe by the end of the year, he'll be right near, if not at the top of that catcher category. So young, and so much power. I'd have no problem moving him up, but not ahead of Mauer... yet. They aren't comparable at all. Perez has serious power. I like Hosmer for a bounce-back, but I just couldn't put him ahead of the others.