Rosterman

There is something to be said about who plays at AA and who plays at AAA. It is always good to have some more veteran minor league players on hand, who can step into a longer term playing role (AAAA guys) if the call comes from the majors. You can argue that it is better for young players to stay closer to their age group while still developing, although once you do reach the majors you are facing guys with a decade of age difference. Any word, Seth, on the different minor league guys starting the day on the disabled list, and do they work out at Ft. Myers or stay with their home teams in Chattanooga, Cedar Rapids or Rochester? Still interested in seeing who is called in to be the fifth starter and who leaves the Twins bullpen. Thru the first five games, Molitor has basically ignore a couple of pitchers, so you can argue the need to carry that extra bullpen arm, and the possible need, instead, for someone who can consistently pitch multiple innings if a starter does falter once every five games or so. Talk about a good-looking team. Rooker got the advancement. It would be nice if the Twins did push Kirilloff and Lewis a bit more and had them at Ft. Myers, in the wings, waiting for a call to Chattanooga, too. But there is something to be said about playing against your peers.

Interesting. That's a lot of money to pay for a guy who may be on the downswing. Yes, he may be comfortable at Rockies land, so you are, in a sense, rewarding him for what he has done for the team already. Should the Twins do the same? A monster start by Dozier means they could get something for him in mid-season, assuming Polanco or Gordon are ready to advance and become the future for the Twins middle-infield, at least until Escobar leaves and Lewis and Company arrive, too. I conisdered Dozier an almsot more valuable asset to invest in than, say, Joe Mauer. Joe Mauer continues to be the elephant in the room. If you resign Mauer, he plays first or he is the designated hitter. If you sign Dozier for the equivalent of what you might have to pay Mauer on a year-to-year, you get a guy who can still play second next season, probably even beyond. And he could rotate into playing first base, being a designated hitter, and possibly even pick up a third baseman or outfieldes glove in an emergency. Plus he shows the power you want from the designated hitter position going forth, and he could continue to be the Face of the Franchise, so-to-speak, in years 3-5 of a contract. The question is: How much. Is Dozier worth $100 million? I would say no, but like our Minnesota ownership, I am also cheap. Would Dozier give us five years for $60 million? I bet he'd rather try the free agent marketplace. But then he will be walking away (more than likely) from a qualifying offer and he MIGHT not find takers for three years at $15+ million a year. Or, maybe he will. But the Twins would at least get a compensatory pick...which again, at the tradeline, is probably what they would also get for Brian, unless they would take another free-agent-to-be off the hands of another team (along with a prospect). I shake my head at the Blackmon deal. That shows that a player needs to strike, when they can, after a big season. The guy is good, but would another team have poney-ied up the same. Dozier. Dozier. The Twins had the chance to make a longer-range decision on Brian that might've extended him two years beyond today in the off-season before last. They could've dangled something, anything....but not sure what this off-season. But, in the end, Dozier would be a fool not to try free agency. Happily he will play hard and, if he stays healthy, will be a benefit for the eam. Although batting him third and maybe having him hit home runs with men on base would be a nicer choice than all these leadoff dingers!

I'm still not sure with the lineup construction. Would Morison be better served at cleanup. Should Buxton leadoff...or do we play him deep inthe order as just a warmup. Is Sano cleanup or #5. Why is Rosario cleanup. Hildenberger had a tough spring. Moya is a rookie. So is Kinley. The Twins have to make a fast decision on all three of these guys at some point. A competitive team can carry one new guy (stinker) for a season, but not necessarily three...at least right out of the loop. AAA is where you pitch to keep getting experience. Major league is the real deal. They have started to see mroe film on Hildenberger and he ahs to adjust. The question is, who do you rotate back in. Duffey? Do you take a chance on Romero of Sleegrs at long relief, although both are also technically rookies. Of course Hughes coming abck, or someone coming up in 10 days to start will send Moya or Hilenberger back to the minors...that's a given. So w give these guys 10 days to prove they need a bigger chance in the majors.

Gibson was good. Wild enough to confuse the hitters. Workhorse coming out of spring training. Glad he didn't stay in and throw 160 pitches, though.

Happily there are options so the Twins CAN run a shuttle between Rochester and Minnesota, depending on the overall effectiveness of the relief corps, without having any 40-man roster troubles. You have to pitch Rodney to see if he can be you best (for now) option as closer and keep worth as a possible tradechip, especially when you have someone that CAN take his place. You could say the Twins do have an embarrassment of riches, especially if you look at a number of names NOT on the 40-man who won't get a shot in 2018 unless some bodies move out of the bullpen (and roster).

You have to blame the offense. The Twins offense was light, but Baltimore was even worse. Like people say, mistakes win the game. If that strikeout had held. Interesting use of the bench. Lose Morrison and Buxton for an extra inning game. Molitor could've really played the matchups, and had Rogers as the pitcher to go more than an inning (or so) but didn't./ Two lefties sitting in the pen. With an off day Friday, all eight arms were eligible for some throwing. 161 more to go. Nice job by Odorizzi.

The changeover is remarkable, as well as how many guys actually do play for years and years in the minors (shades of Levi Michael) and never get the call from one organization. Considering the Twins have 10 players on their roster that didn't open the season with them last year shows you that no job is safe. Yes, many a career is a lot shorter than one may think in this sport.

Rodney got us out of the inning. Should he have started the next? Will Molitor figure out how to manage a bullpen this year?

Either Dozier isn't just that GREAT, or he is vastly undervalued. Considering the Twins couldn't trade him for anything of significance. Of course, the Twins were hoping to see some stability in a great start of the year for Polanco, which isn't existing. When they take a look at Gordon is the next qustion. And the fate of Escobar as he heads into free agency himself is the bigger question. We don't know the type of monies either side might be throwing out or thinking about. And that is the Big Question. 2-3 years with an option. Two good years with an option? Is he worth $10 million a year? Someone said the Twins could always make a qualifying offer, but that is pushing Dozier towards Joe Mauer territory. Is the team still cheap? Sure, they dangled more than $100 million to Davish, or so we were told. But they basically got GREAT deals on solid players, smart front office, rather than overpaying for competent players, like the front office of past. Dozier COULD be a trade chip if the team goes south. If they do go south, then it is more of a chance that they don't spend monies like this year. But...time will tell. I always felt Dozier would be a decent addition to the team for a few seasons, either transitioning into the Mauer replacement for a season at first, or being a designated hitter who can play a few positions in the field, value in its own way. He still has power, has speed. But I do wish they started the season with Buxton leading off, Dozier hitting 3rd, Morrison or Sano sharing 4th/5th.

I picture the Twins starting rotation going a tad deeper into games than in the past (meaning they only need a 7-man bullpen) and winning between 70-75 games amongst themselves. Of course that only happens if the batter outscore the other team. Career years from Gibson and Santana (both eyeing free agency), solid dependable work from Lynn, Berrios will shine, especially early in the season, and Odorizzi will be the surprise. Again, it all depends on Paul Molitor finding the correct lineup and sticking with the players and no major injuries on that end. I'm happy for the potential bullpen depth. If we lost in the beginning, I hope it isn't just because of closer Rodney.

Regarding uncertainity...there are a few players who will be playing like it is their last chance to score a big payday. Right away we have starters Lynn and Gibson (and Santana when he comes back). Joe Mauer and Brian Dozier can both walk at the end of the year. Morrison might want the option. As for the "youngsters" - this will be a tell on how much they can extend their life with the Twins, or see a quick trip out the door to be replaced, if not next year, by younger talent. The bullpen is interesting. Six of the guys weren't here at this time last season. And, yes, LaMarre and Grossman are redundant. One or the other, but not both.

I'm thinking the relief corps will be on a short two-week leash. Moya and Hildenberger have to prove that they don't need to work on things in the minors. Kinley needs to NOT fail, or he could be cut loose easily (freeing up a 40-man rotating spot for relief pitchers. Taylor Rogers has to pitch better than he has the second part of last season and in spring training. And Fernando Rodney can't such as a closer. He's making a decent salary, but if he blows games for a club that wants to win, they shant keep him in the pen. LaMarre is getting his chance, otherwise his becomes a rotating roster spot. Robbie Grossman has to be on notice, too. Baseball begins Thursday. The Twins need to get off to a dynamite start, create fan enthusiasm, get tickets sold, make people forget basketball, the Super Bowl, the Vikings, and love again the wonderful game of baseball.

The Twins have been under budget for many years. Yes, under budget. The whole 55% of payroll thing isn't accurate once you hit a certain level of income. Not sure if the WCCO switch will bring more revenue to the Twins or not. Advertising and sponsorship are the key. And if they win, they still have a low season ticket base and can profit selling full-price tickets with fewer available on the secondary market. Revenue is NEVER the issue for a baseball team. Just hiding the profits is.

The Twins still lack that dynamite 1-2 in the rotation, and Rodney could be suspect as a closer. But they do have depth, and if Paul Molitor can figure out the perfect lineup, they may be an offense juggernaut.

Man, I look at Granite and think Ben Revere, who was just cut at the underside of 30-years-of-age. There is a place for a speedy guy, but maybe in the late season. He should be playing regularly at AAA rather than bench sitting, at this point. It's nice to have a bat off the bench. A guy who makes contact more often than not. Yes, Grossman can draw the walk. Can he hit the sacrifice fly? Can he hit at a decent clip? Not sure Vargas is that much the better. You only need one backup infielder, usually a guy better with the glove than the bat. It is nice if someone/anyone can shuffle elsewhere around the infield, too (most notably first base where the Twins have Sano, Morrison, even Escobar as backups). Yes, you want a Jim Thome coming up to bat when called upon, but those pinch-hitting specialists (shades of Randy Bush and Gene Larkin) are few and far between, too. Then you get salary. Can an aging AAAAer like LaMarre give you the same as Grossman at a fraction of the price. If LaMarre fails, is there someone else (yes, Granite...plus Wade and Michael or the waiver wire). It's why you don't get too attached to the 24th and 25th guys on the roster. Even the fifth starter. You roughly have three spots that you play musical chairs..... an extra bench bat, the backend of the bullpen, and the starter in training. The only thing that prevents wonderful musical chairs is that you often have to release a guy to move another into the chair.

Yeah, and we have to see some of the future this season, as three of the arms could be gone fer sure in 2019 - Santana, Lynn and Gibson. Of course, it would be a good chance for May to come into the game as long relief, building back strength as a starter. And I do have high hopes for Romero and Gonsalves doing good, with Jorge and Littrell as the dark horses. Can't wait for the season to start and to see how everything starts to mesh together.

He will be waived again, barring an injury to Morrison or Mauer in the next few days. Hopefully they can stash him at AAA and go from there. But if he is ever called back, he will need a 40-man roster spot.

If possible, I would want Granite playing everyday. But you still need a 40-man spot. And, in some ways, he seems redundant of Robbie Grossman. One or the other, but not both. And we still need to deal with Kennys Vargas!

The thing is, if the Twins don't keep him on the 25-man, they have to send him thru waivers yet again. Right? He's out of options.

ot only does things like this need to be cracked down upon in the workplace environment, but players at all levels have to know that their actions on AND off the field reflect n not only their work, but also the organization.

Yes, players on the 40-man roster get a decent paycheck, as long as they are on the 40-man roster. There is a sliding scale in the minors with higher pay at each level, and also higher pay according to experience. A 5-6 year player CAN make $50 grand on a minor league contract. And some players with major league experience (I imagine Duffey is an example) have a major/minor league split worked into their contract if they aren't arbitration eligible. At some point, though, a player CAN earn major league money while being in the minors (with their organization), which is why many are jettisoned before a decision of that sort needs to be made.Of course, there are always exceptions. A player and team can agree on any amount for that player to play on the minor league level. But, yes, the first couple of years of play, in the rookie/short season league, and even A-ball, can be hell for the pocketbook...but a blessing if you have great minor league park facilities and like to do nothing but playball all day, crash in a sleeping room in a host family house, and can find entertainment on-line or with your computer games and such.

I think the Twins are seriously watching the waiver wire as final rosters are set. Watch for a grab if it happens. I think they are still seeing if Rosario will start the season with the team. A lot can happen in the next few days. Both Kinley and Moya will audition again. Both are pretty much in the same state (would start at AA-ball if push came to shove). I'm curious to see how the pitching rosters do end up at AAA and AA ball for the Twins. Kinda wonder who is expendable, now, on the 40-man. Duffey? Busenitz? They may still have an open spot and just cut ties with Aybar as a formality at this point. The bigger question will be what happens when Santana returns. I guess the pitches will play out that option in the first four weeks.

The GOOD on Kepler, he appears to be someone welling to work hard to better himself. That is a plus. Another GOOD, always thought the Twins were grooming him to be a Meintkiewicz-like first baseman for the future. That could still happen, or a possibility if split time with another person (Rooker0 as well as being a top-flight defensive guy for outfield play. The BAD. The Twins have to decide if they want to see if it developes bigtime in the next few years, or cut bait if he has a halfway decent season in 2018, replaced by more prospects coming up in the system But I love the guy's drive and energy on the playing field. It is a long 162-game season.

You would almost think that the 150 or so players under contract in a team's minor league system is costing them less than $3 million a season. Heck, they give draft picks that kind of change before they even play a game for the organization. Want to bet that many minor league mascots get paid more an hour than the players? Only redeeming grace, with a free mail and locals supplying cheap housing, is that it keeps the players in an eat-breathe-play mode, spending ALL their time at the stadium working out or playing ball for five months, instead of spending excess money on fun and games. But, yes, each team should spend more, if nothing else subsidizing the housing in some way (each minor league team owns a motel), having a great food/diet plan, better workout facilities, as well as a decent wage so you can send money home to mom and dad or a spouse. It is a hard life. So few of those 150 ever get a cup of coffee in the show...just because there are x-amount of jobs and the talent pool gets new blood each year and there is always lots and lots of old blood still hoping to get the major league minimum again.

Well, this IS the opportunity for Escobar. Unless Sano goes out on suspension, and Escobar plays there, he SHOULD get the majority of time at shortstop. If nothing else...increase his value. If the Twins do believe in Polanco and he comes back and shines for half-a-season, then Escobar, who is a free agent, I believe, or a highly-priced arbitration chip, could be moved -- be the Twins playing well or not. Folks like Gordon, and to a lesser extent Javier and Lewis, should also see this as an opportunity to advance quickly thru the system. Case in point, like Ehire for what he is, a solid replacement/backup-type guy, offering some veteran skills. But, except for fielding, you could probably get the same production by advancing a prospect to learn at the big league level. But, what is it with the Twins. All these shortstops, but none of them best for the position. Escobar is deadwood, people say. Gordon would be better placed at second. Maybe Lewis will be an outfielder. Even Polanco is said to be better suited to second base. And the Twins could still resign Dozier, although I don't see Brian staying at second much longer (but has the potential to be a DH who COULD play a variety of positions in the field as he ages.) We will see the faith put in Escobar, as Molitor plays his starting shortstop the next two weeks. Of course, Sano is the elephant in the room right now, too. When is a decision made on this!