Randy Ruiz Cut!

by rosterman on Dec 4, 2008 4:17 PM EST Comment 17 comments

Twins cleared another ropster spot (now have two) but releasing Randy Ruiz, the longtime minor league slugger who got his first taste of big-league ball after more than a decade in the minors. Primarily a designated hitter, he COULD play first or the outfield. There's doubts the Twins will offer him a Rochester contract, as he did show some life and will probably attempt to pursue opportunities elsewhere, although his bat and experience could be beneficial to a Rochester Red Wing roster that will be full of past AA players and longer-term prospects.

So, are the Twins clearing a spot for Casey Blake AND a possibility Rule 5 pick (a end of the bullpen prospect, perhaps, letting Miajres get a bit mroe exposure at AAA ball and having a longer bout to look for a return from Boof or Humber?).

So loong, Randy! Gald you got a shot at big-league ball with the Twinkies!

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Link?

Not too surprising. He’s got an OK bat but can’t even really play first base adequately.

by Hoya on Dec 4, 2008 4:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

It's official

Something’s brewing. If they need two spots on the roster, they expect to sign Blake and make a trade that brings in net new major leaguer.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Dec 4, 2008 5:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Agreed....

and I’m starting to get a bit excited I must admit.

by DJSkillz on Dec 4, 2008 5:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We can only hope.

by Piranah14 on Dec 4, 2008 6:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Man I hope so

The question is, do they need two spots on the roster now, or are they clearing space for future flexibility? I’m not sure how much we would need to clear space for the future when we could cut Ruiz etc right before a move…

by Adam Peterson on Dec 4, 2008 6:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps space for 2 FA

Blake plus a reliever?

Have any trade scenarios resulted in a net increase on the 40-man roster? That would seem more likely if we traded an established major leaguer (Johan Santana) for multiple prospects. I don’t see us trading Delmon Young for two prospects, for example.

by Adam Peterson on Dec 4, 2008 6:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Rule V

Could be their looking at a rule 5 player but at the same time that’s a week away. Could also be a deal where we’re giving up younger talent thats not on the 40 man roster for major league ready talent.

Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?

by halfchest on Dec 4, 2008 8:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

"Maybe

I’m a chinese jet pilot"

Bruce Campbell in Army of Darkness

by doofus on Dec 4, 2008 10:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Everyone is forgetting...

…that they may not have any roster spots available. They offered arbitration to Reyes, should he accept it (he has until Sunday?), then he would use their last roster spot. CMath or Seth may know exactly when, but should he accept arbitration he would be added to their roster and they would again be at 40. I think that this move signals that they are likely close to doing something with Blake and are clearing space should Reyes accept arbitation or for a Rule V selection next week.

by roger13 on Dec 5, 2008 12:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I forgot about Reyes

Good point, I think you’re right and Sunday is the deadline. It sounds hopeful that Reyes will not accept arbitration but it’s definitely smart of the Twins to be prepared.

Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?

by halfchest on Dec 5, 2008 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Aw, come on....

Everyone knows they had to make sure there is a roster spot open for the inevitable re-signing of one Nicholas Paul Punto.

by malete on Dec 5, 2008 2:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Other 40 man spots

Maybe Korecky will be next.

by fishhead711 on Dec 5, 2008 3:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

They have three good candidates...

…to choose from for additional room on the roster. Korecky, Morales and Macri. Morales could sneak thru waivers based on his injuries…but he may be the next catcher they would want to call up, depending upon his health which I assume they are aware of.

by roger13 on Dec 5, 2008 3:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I doubt Morales would sneak through

Good hitting, switch hitting catchers are tough to find.

They were at 39 spots filled prior to cutting Ruiz. So now they have two spots open. If they expected Reyes to accept arbitration, they could wait until he did to cut Ruiz and still not be over the limit.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Dec 5, 2008 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wish....

they’d try to sneak through Butera rather than Morales.

I still like Morales a lot more than Mr. no-hit.

by DJSkillz on Dec 5, 2008 5:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

They can't...

…there is a provision requiring them to keep the guys they just added (all 8) on the 40-man roster until sometime next winter/spring. CMath, I agree that they now have two spots. Almost makes it feel like one or two things are in the works in the next few days.

by roger13 on Dec 5, 2008 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rosters

Well, I think they can cut Butera, it’s just that anyone can claim him (but do they have to keep him on the 40-man). Same with Macri. Korecky would be a flexible choice to depart. ANy could be resigned as a minor league guy if no one else wants. Watch the Twins to add a few people on minor league contracts. They will immediately open up a 40-man spot in April, when Neshek goes disabled.

Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!

by rosterman on Dec 5, 2008 6:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs