Rosterman

Does that mean the Twins can send him to the minors and pick up some service time options?? Really, interesting that no one threw out a claim just to block, and that a contending team didn't claim just to negotiate. Just to keep the Twins honest and no t put him thru waivers again. So, what does this say about the worth/need for Justin on any contending team?

It can also prevent advancement. Players like Rosario, Pinto and Ibarra have all been working slowly up the minors way. Look for the other two to be added to the 40-man roster this year. Yes, it is good to have minor league free agents if you don't have ready players for the upper levels of the minors, and also to be those bench replacement players if the major league utility guy is suddenly put into play.

My biggest gripe with the Twins, at times, is that but budget the money to spend, but if you don't spend it, what happens to it. Is it carried over to the next or future seasons (doubtful). DO people get a bonus if they don't spend? I also don't believe in totally throwing away money, but every season in this sport -- as in any franchise sport -- you do allocate a certain amount of dollars to gamble, win or lose. Actually, the whole payroll is a gamble. Is spending $5 million on a prospect (which they do in the first round) any worse than carrying a Joe Mays or Nick Blackburn on your roster...mistakes, but you you absorb them. This is a game in which you can never have too many bodies or talents. I do wince when the Twins sign many many minor league free agents, like they have the last two years, looking for that diamond in the rough. How many made it out of spring training, didn't play at all, or were just bad...as bad as overpushing a prospect to a higher level. The big question always is: what happens to the money budgeted but not spent. And the Twins do a good job of trying to figure out next year's budget...even if attendance and concessions and everything tanks.

The Twins can't just add guys to the 40-man. So we have to wait and see if more guys are sent away or not. Mastro will replace Carroll. Doumit will repalce Herrmann. Ramirez will, no doubt, replace Collabaro. The Twins still have that 13th pitcher. Roeincke is on the bubble, just because -- even though he is having a fine year -- there is no need for him in 2014. If he is claimed, he's gone. Then the Twins can bring up another bat. Two weeks from now the Twins can expand the rosters. The return of Diamond and Hernandez and Hendriks and we'll see Tomkin. Be interesting to see if they do promote May just to give him some experience. I picture the Twins going with a 6-man rotation down the stretch, just to see more of Hendriks and if Diamond is a starter or reliever. What will be interesting is to see who advances from new Britain to help Rochester with the playoffs. I don't see the Twins adding anyone to the 40-man from the "hot" prospects. Sadly, they will go into November just making decisions on who to keep and who to maybe resign as minor league free agents (Thomas, Ramirez, et al).

The best thing that a veteran player does is go out and do fielding practice, run with the guys, shag balls, and show that everyone is a member of the team. If there is actual instruction given, I would assume that Carroll would mention it to the proper coach and they would pass on the word, and it would be the coach that would tell the player...hey, go see Jamey and let him work with you a bit. A player can be free to share their own experience with a pitcher and how they handle their onfield duties, but the actual coaching is usually from the coaches mouth. Carroll was a plus to have on the team (like a veteran arm in the bullpen) as their work ethic usually helps the overall attitude of a club.

I don't think Valencia was considered the third baseman of the future. He got lucky and then got a sophomore chance and failed. Plouffe was never considered the Twins third baseman of the future., He was a shortstop, and they decided he was far from perfect there, and switched him to the outfield. But then they needed someone at third, and he is adequate and gives them some power, but is so inconsistent. He is, at best, a bench bat and utility guy, which isn't what you expect a first rounder to be...but again, many first rounders never make the majors. The bigger question will be: is there any value in him now or in the future, or will he be forever a journeyman player, Again, someone the Twins should've maybe moved in the offseason or earlier this season. I don't see him starting in 2015...not even at first base.

We will dealing with two emotional bodies. Garza developed into an okay pitcher. He can be dominate. But like Young, I keep thinking he's thinking too much about the paycheck and, at times, not the team. When you start playing as an individual, you lose all track of consistency. Your numbers may look good, but your use to the team overall suffers. I kept having the feeling that Young felt he was a superstar and was playing in the shadow of Carl Crawford. He got the Subway spot and was told behind the doors that he was going to be one of the faces of the franchise, which I;'m sure he loved (with his glitterized Hummer and all) but the Twins also picked up a guy named Carlos Gomez who quickly overshadowed Young in popularity on and off the field, although who can say one was better than the other. Young was never able to capture the Hunter magic and fell further back as the M&M boys continued to dominate the team personality. I always found Young pleasant when I would stand out back of the Metrodome and gather autographs. He has an abundance of talent. But something is off kilter with the guy. He did okay with Detroit, but they let him walk, too. It is all about money. Remember, he was getting paid big bucks in seasons two and three due to his signing contract, which resulted in a need for even bigger bucks to keep him on your roster. Attitude and economics always don't mix. I remember how disappointed we were with the trade that the Rays wanted Morlan instead of Rincon, who we all wanted to dump on the Rays. Like so many traded prospect pitchers (dating back to Gassner and including Bowyer) we always think highly of prospects in this town it seems, especially those that never play a major elague game. Morlan is still around. Harris made it back with the Angels this year and now is in the Yankees organization. Bartlett couldn't draw a nibble. Pridie's brother played in the Twins minor league system before he came here.

Yes, you wonder what the problem was. The Phillies seemed to have let him go because he was a cheap pickup and they wanted to avoid paying him even more to hang around and not play much, That he signed for $750,000 means someone, somewhere will give him a chance,, but it has to be in the American League where he can DH. He is eating humble pie right now. Someone will give him a chance if they can continue to sign him for less than a million. And he will keep trying to get a job. If no one picks him up for the September push, I will be surprised. I don't see him playing Indy League ball at all.

Remember, the Twins are carrying an extra pitcher. If Doumit goes on the DL, Hermann stays. In three weeks all of this will be moot. I'm sure they will exhaust Mastro and Ramirez as much as possible on rehab, but it may not be enough. They still have options on Colaberro. If they demote Thomas or Bernier or Ramirez, they get to pass thru waivers, not that people are lining up to claim them. When Mastro comes back, they need to open up a 40-man roster spot. Two changes can happen: Carroll and Roeincke (and Duensing) could be moved on waivers. Getting rid of two of those would free up necessary roster space. DeVries could be moved to 60-day DL. Hermsen or DeVries can be placed on waivers. I think Hermsen might be claimed and then removed from some otehr team's 40-man during the offseason. But ultimately, right now, the Twins have to be looking at those players that will make a significant difference to keep around for 2013. Hell, at this point, if someone did put in a waiver claim for Correia, Pelfry or Willingham, I would be willing to let them walk for no return (although i would like something for Willingham). Of course, I would ratehr see the Twins invest an additional $6-8 million in Pelfry. And we all wonder about the State of Morneau. After all this rambling, the only given is that Collabero will be sent to the minors when someone returns.

Looks like Tim Wood is having shoulder surgery. The Twins can officially remove him from the 40-man (shades of Oliveros) when the offseason happens, probably still keeping him under contract just in case he returns before next season ends. But the Twins still need to find a roster spot for Mastro on the 40-man (maybe they can move DeVries to the 60-day). Anyone know status of Deolis Guerra?

Yes, the bullpen is cheap and we have some expendables (Roeincke) and arbitration guys (Swarzak and Duensing) who could move on and still keep it cheap. Yes, when Nathan was here the bullpen was eating $20 million of payroll. Now with names like Aaron Thompson and Mike Tonkin in the wings, the Twins can actually have a cheaper bullpen next season. Biggest disappointment has been Duensing. He starter to reliever numbers were off kilter the year before, but this year the former long relief guy has been a batter-or-two guy, and not at all effective. If someone does a waiver claim, I expect him to be moved (and was surprised he wasn't moved during the trade deadline...overvalued, no doubt, by Ryan). And if you look at possible failed starters...maybe Hernandez and Hendriks will enter the long relief mix in the future. Oh, almost forgot Pressly, who now seems to be wearing down. Picture him starting next season at AAA and being stretched out as a possible starter...if the Twins fail to sign 85 minor league free agents for once.

At this point, if someone claimed him on the waiver wire, I would let them take him. We gave up nothing to get him, and it would be a way to get out of his salary next season. But I can't help but think about all the players the Twins have that might go unclaimed on the waiver wire. Carroll, Roeincke, Thomas, Ramirez. Of course, then you could trade them. If someone claimed Morneau, would you be wise to let him go for nothing with the hopes of resigning him next year for a song? At this point, I could see just getting rid of fringe guys and salary and opening up roster spots and playing time for others that MAY be here in 2014 or 2015.

He is total replacement value. Except for age, you can replace him with a Carroll or a Bernier. Except that he is just as cheap if not cheaper.

Let's take a somewhat quick look at the Twins Drafting in the past decade and where players are in the system. We all know it is a crapshoot and who makes it is beyond anyone's comprehension. But... starting with the Class of 2003...and looking at those still in the minors AA or above... 2003 Made it to the majors: Baker, Speigner, John Gaub, Travis Metcalf, Mike Hollimon, Steve Pearce. Still in the minors AA or above: Marques Smith (White Sox). What's telling in the above, and you'll see as we go on, is where guys are that DIDN'T sign with the Twins, though drafted. Also, look at those names that make the majors and ask where they are now and what they actually contributed to baseball in the majors. 2004 Majors: Plouffe, Perkins, Waldrop, Fox, Swarzak, Tolbert. In the minors: No one. 2005 Majors: Garza, Slowey, Duensing, Tolleson, Burnett, Tosoni, David Hernden, Yonder Alonzo In the minors: Leesman (CWS(, Lara (SD), Bromberg (Pitts) 2006: Parmelee, Benson, Robertson, Manship, Valencia, Dinkelman, Slama, J.D. Martinez Still in minors: Mitchell (CWS), Randy Boone (Tor), Aaron Baker (Atl) 2007: Ben Revere The Twins have three players in their system AA-AAA. Others still around: Striz (Bos), Soto (CHC), Rosin (Phi), Chase Anderson (AZ), Griffin (AZ), Heston (SF) 2008: Hicks, Tonkin The Twins still have 7 draftees AA-AAA. Others in system: Gutierrez (CHC), Ladendorf (A's), Wong (STL), Ryan Barrett (WAS), Conley (MIA), Springer (HOU), Spina (A's), Lehman (Was), Prosica (Sea) 2009: Gibson, Dozier, Herrmann One player in system AA-AAA (Dakota Watts) Others: Mario Hollands (STL), Bullock (atl - but released, I think), Stilson (Tor) 2010 No MLS 12 players still is system AA-AAA Others: Cody martin (Atl) 2011 AA-AAA ball: Summers, Johnson, Petersen (that's it) Others: Clinard (Det), Ramsey (Stl) 2012 Baxendale is the only one to make it past A-Ball so far. It looks like a lot of the unsigned draftees have fared better than actual Twin draftees, but still the mix of those that did make it to the majors (Yonder for example) and didn't is wide. And of those that made it the the majors with the Twins....... Starters: Baker, Garza, Fox, Slowey, Manship, Gibson Bullpen: Perkins, Waldrop, Swarzak, Burnett, Duensing, Robertson, Slama, Tonkin C: Herrmann 1B: Parmelee 2B: Dinkelman, Dozier SS: Tolbert 3B: Plouffe, Valencia OF: Tosoni, Revere, Benson, Hicks Of course, we go back to 1999 to find the lst draftee wtill with the Twins... 1999: Morneau, Bowen, Slowcum, Wolfe, Bowyer, Eyre, Tiffee in majors 2000: Adam Johnson, Durbin, Jason Miller, Rabe, Heilman, Malholm, Dan Davidson, Kubel 2001: Mauer, Morales, Cameron, Blackburn 2002: Span, Crain, Neshek, Brock Peterson, Kyle Phillips, Meek, Clete Thomas, Jeff Clement We could still have quite a team of homegrown talent if you mix some of those names in with the ones positioned above, not to mention Hunter and Cuddyer still roaming the outfields of baseball.

Taking that extra base is why Twins players are so tired when they get to third. But, happily they can wait for near forever for that sacrifice fly to get them home.

The problem is letting players walk...even those down the line like a Joe Benson. Evaluating your own talent and doing something, anything with them before they implode or say "screw it, I'm taking a paycheck elsewhere" is what is hurting the Twins. They are often good at evaluating discards, but still...this season they signed dozens of minor league free agents. How many truly stuck. Same as last year, which was -- I admit -- a bonanza for guys that did stick beyond a year. You make and keep the core of a team from season to season. You supplement it by signing a free agent or two. You bring in heatfelt reserves to fill out minor league rosters with guys that could contribute short-term due to injury. You work with as little as 1-3 guys a season who actually will break the major league roster, not necessarily that first year but in subsequent years. You don't suddenly bring up prospects that make a team overnite. And if you have guys that may walk (Cuddyer, Kubel, Nathan) you start dealing. When guys have a career year (Young, Willingham) you look at the deal. That is the success of organizations like the Rays and the A's. Seriously, how many guys on the 40-man will be on the 40-man in two years. How many hot commodities do the Twins have in the system that will break in and shine in 2014, or is it 2015, or will it be 2016 before a half-dozen guys actually hold a place on the current team roster. You can throw money at free agents, but no one wants to play for a rebuilding team unless the money is huge...and there's always some other team on the cusp that can dole out huge dollars for the same services.

So Hermsen is no more. Albers came out of nowhere. DeVries is dead. And no one knows what to make of Logan Darnell.

I think the Twins saved more money when Mauer took two days off for his babies than the Twins will save from Butera's contract going to the Dodgers...a contract that never should've been signed in the first place.

Well, the problem is that the offense of the team actually...sucks. The lineup offers no protection or fear. It is the players. If Bruno is to be judged, it it how an Arcia or Hicks readapts. Hicks has failed miserably. Parmelee just can't hit major league pitching. Or is its Bruno's fault not working enough with Chris. But overall, the hitters are suffering because there are so many bad hitters in the lineup. Willingham slumped bigtime because he's hurt. Doumit doesn't have his act together. Justin can't clutch hit anymore. Mauer gets on base because of his his bat once a game and either knocks someone in or scores. But the Twins offense is dismal. Name the names of the guys who would start on the field, today, for any other team in tee majors...today...not next year or last year but today. And where would they hit in someone else's lineup. Everyone would be a backup infielder, fourth outfielder or slop hitter except...Joe. Even Justin would be hard-pressed to bat 6-7 in any team's lineup. No one else would get a starting job. That is what the Twins have today. Not even Doumit would be a starter at DH, just that bench bat, second catcher. Arcia may break that mold. But Hicks, any other team would've sent him down months/s ago. Bruno should get a second year, but whomever you hire as a manager should have the ability to totally clean house!

Well, we have a 40-man spot open because of Butera. How many days does Hicks have to stay down to become a Super 2, or whatever. Hopefully Diamond will get his act together so he can return to the rotation and not become another Brian Duensing.

At some point the Twins have to make a decision on Parmelee and.or Morneau. I think they do want Morneau, but at what price is the question. They need to get rid of the chaff: Carroll, Bernier, Roeincke, Thoams, WIllingham, maybe Doumit. They need to strongly think about the needs of Plouffe, Pelfry, Correia. Some are not repalceable until sometime next season. But better to be looking at Beresford, Bigley, Arcia, Romero, Sano, etc. Yes, we have the 30-year-old rookies to wince about, Deduno and Collaburro! Long-term, no. Some possible tradebait, maybe. But what could we get for Parmelee right now, let alone Plouffe. The team IS in shambles. There aren't alot of players that would bring anything in exchange. Few of the minor league free agents, let alone free agent signings, panned out. WIllingham WAS worth something last year, but still wasn't in demand. Other bargaining chips have fallen value. The bullpen arms that are worth something are no better or worse than any other team can go trolling for in the off-season. I was a little taken aback when I actually looked at the AAA and AA rosters to decide who should get a September callup, let alone a 40-man roster add early. There's not a lot of choices that I would add early...even when you can remove some names like Tim Wood, BJ Hermsen, Cole DeVries, Masto or Ramirez and even after deepsixing in August folks like Carroll and Roeinke. You have to add someone to remove during the free-agent spree of the offseason (you can't remove 40-man ads from November until after spring training, right?). But msot of the "prospects" are in the deep minors. I don't feel bad about total inactivity during the trading deadline,a s basically the Twins were probably offered nothing they can't grab on the waiver wire for certain players. I don't think they want to let Morneau walk. And they still want to convince Pelfry to stay...so the biggest loss with no return players are still possibilities.

The Twins are hard-up for a bag of game-used balls, it seems. At least they get to shed some of the outrageous salary they are paying him this year for three major league at-bats. Rumor has it that Nick Punto is the PTBNL. Seriously, surprised the Dodgers didn't pick up Carroll, too.

He is no longer a long-relief/spot starter alternative, especially at whatever price he will demand. The Twins have both Aaron Thompson and Pedro Hernandez who could step into his role for the immediate future. And too bad about Cole DeVries, he might've made Swarzak expendable. But don't see him even getting a September call-up this year, let alone remaining on the 40-man (although I hope he'll stick with the organization for another season).

Except for the fact that Hicks has been a disappointment and the Twins so-called depth at centerfield blew up (Mastro, Benson, Thomas)....unless you are a Revere fan (and I am), the Twins still may come out the best in the end. Worley needed innings to recover and is getting them at Rochester, plus we get the service time credit. Meyer is a stud. Even if he shuts down for two years, he's not on the 40-man. May is developing. He will be ehre next year in some capacity. I would hope Hicks will bounce back in 2014. And eventually shift to right or left when Buxton comes up, although I'm not sure why the Twins didn't keep him down-on-the-farm for an extended period just to work that service time issue...they ahd the opportunity with his injury.

The trade deadline options. You have Morneau and Pelfry, both potential free agents. You either bite the bullet and sign Pelfry, now, to an extension or let him go for something. His last few starts have increased his value. Morneau, you sell for something, anything. You send him to a contender, he's happy. In the off-season, you can sign him if you can reach an agreement, none of this making a qualifying offer or only cutting his base 20%. If he wants to come abck and retire a Twin, he just ahs that Harmon Killebrew blip in his stats. But there is no reason not to trade him. Duensing is tradebait. Isn't as tight as the lefties that are currently being traded, but he is a lefty with control for a team, and just opens up an opportunity for, say, Aaron Thompson or maybe Hernandez as a lefty who can actually pitch more than an inning (which I thought Duensing was). The Twins have other players to move, but will probably be waived during August and take what you can get: Roeincke, Carroll, Thomas, Ramirez. At some point, you aren't keeping them as anything but a minor league free agent at the most during the offseason and they are all replaceable. You also see if anyone bites on Correia and Willingham. Doumit, for some reason, I want to see remain another season. But there are basically 6-8 guys that SHOULD be gone before September 1 and he Twins should have at least a dozen new faces playing the field in anticipation of 2014. Then they can argue about how to spend $40-50 million on other guys to build a strong a strong 2015 team!