Five More Minor Leaguers Released

[Seth Stohs]

I can confirm that the Minnesota Twins released five more players from minor league camp, bringing the total to 14 players released in the last couple of weeks. As I've said many times, the Twins organization is strong, but also deep, so there will be some players released that could wind up signing elsewhere. I think there are a few guys on this list today who would fit into that category.

 

Today, the Twins released the following players:

 

Catcher Brett Doe: The 25-year-old was the Twins 38th round pick in 2014 out of Baylor where he played all over the field. With the Twins, he has primarily been a catcher though he also played some 1B and 3B last year in Cedar Rapids and in his brief stay in Ft. Myers. He had a strong camp, but with all of the catchers in the organization, and "prospects" at each level, Doe was squeezed out. 

 

RHP Cole Johnson: The 27-year-old was the Twins 44th round pick in 2011 out of Notre Dame. In 2014 in New Britain, he struck out 82 batters in 72.2 innings. Last year he went to Chattanooga where he posted a 3.18 ERA in 28.1 innings for the Lookouts. He struck out 31 and walked just nine. He moved up to Rochester where he posted a 3.42 ERA in 23.2 innings. He struck out 15 and walked 11. He likely needed to make the Rochester roster this spring. 

 

RHP Tim Shibuya: Shiguya was the Twins 23rd round pick in 2011 out of UC-San Diego. That year he was the Appy League Pitcher of the Year. Over the years since, he has fought some arm injuries but pitched well when healthy. Doug Mientkiewicz called him the best fielding pitcher in the game. He pitched at Ft. Myers, Chattanooga and Rochester last year. He was also named the recipient of the Harmon Killebrew Award for Community Service each of the past two years, 2014 and 2015.

 

OF Keury De La Cruz: The Twins signed the 24 year old, six-year minor league free agent to a minor league deal this offseason. He spent most of the spring working with the AA group. He had spent the previous six seasons in the Red Sox system, peaking at AA.

 

IF Blake Schmit: The Minnesota native (Eden Prairie) was drafted in the 26th round by the Twins out of Maryland in 2014. Last year, he was limited to just 36 games because he was hit in the face with a pitch. The 24 year old is capable of playing all around the infield. 

 

Again, best wishes to each of these players in whatever is next, baseball or real life. 

[Seth Stohs]

This morning, infielder Tanner Vavra made the decision to leave the Twins organization. He definitely plans to play again somewhere:

 

[Mike Sixel]

 

This morning, infielder Tanner Vavra made the decision to leave the Twins organization. He definitely plans to play again somewhere:

 

 

 

Players can switch orgs?

[Minniman]

RHP Cole Johnson

 

 

I thought he would stay with the Twins organization. Has he not pitched well this spring?

 

[Seth Stohs]

 

I thought he would stay with the Twins organization. Has he not pitched well this spring?

 

Kind of just a numbers game. He dominated at the lower levels. Not sure about this spring, though that's probably a small part of the decision. 

[sane16]

Players can switch orgs?

Just like YOUR job.

You can quit anytime.

However, someone else hiring you is not guaranteed.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Players can switch orgs?

 

Not without being released first. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Just like YOUR job.
You can quit anytime.
However, someone else hiring you is not guaranteed.

 

Not exactly the same since he would have to be released from his contract (player development contract). But I'm sure the Twins wouldn't hold that up. He could wind up with another organization, though at this time, it's more likely he will go to an independent league team and try to put up some numbers and show defense so that an organization can go to him if there is a need later in the season.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Kind of just a numbers game. He dominated at the lower levels. Not sure about this spring, though that's probably a small part of the decision. 

Yeah, he wasn't that bad in ST that I saw.  Probably more to do with age and also the other options as pen arms in AAA are thought to be better prospects/help the big league club.

[Rosterman]

Interesting about Cole Johnson. He seemed to be on a track as A POSSIBILITY, but again, the numbers just didn't blow you away and if there wasn't room for him at Rochester, better to let him walk and find a spot elsewhere.There was little chance of him landing on the 40-man roster this season. And after the year he will be a free agent. Good luck to him.

 

Plus, the Twins released Joe Benson!

[Seth Stohs]

A few more.. 

 

As Rosterman noted above, Joe Benson was released.

 

So were RHP Jose Abreu and LHP Brandon Easton. (Both were rookie ball guys)

[Rosterman]

Aaron Thompson, who had a horrible spring, was released to pursue other opportunities. The Rochester roster does look a little packed, and full of lefty possibilities.