Who Makes Up the Twins Four-Man Bench?
by Jesse on Feb 11, 2010 7:59 AM EST
in Speculation
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PrintAnd is this question really as cut-and-dried as it seems?
This is a question that's come up quite a bit in the comment threads over the last few days, so I thought I'd tackle it this morning. For the purposes of determining which guys should be on this list, we'll use the following nine guys as a starting point, knowing that they'll definitely all be around.
C: Joe Mauer
1B: Justin Morneau
2B: Orlando Hudson
3B: Nick Punto
SS: J.J. Hardy
LF: Delmon Young
CF: Denard Span
RF: Michael Cuddyer
DH: Jason Kubel
Additionally, we know the Twins will use a four-man bench because of their penchant for using a 12-man pitching staff. Now that's out of the way, make the jump to see a list of the most likely bench candidates.
The sure shot: Jim Thome
This is pretty much a given. It's possible that by opening day Ron Gardenhire will already be giving DH duties to Thome against right-handed pitching, with Kubel shifting into left field and Young rotating to the bench on those days. Whether this happens or not, Thome is the 10th man.
Backup Catchers: Drew Butera - or - Wilson Ramos
One of these two will be the backup to Mauer on opening day, barring a last-minute veteran signing sometime in March.
Butera, 26, is a career .214/.295/.317 hitter in the minors, but his being "a catch-and-throw guy" works in his favor. Ramos, 22, is a career .294/.343/.447 hitter in the minors, which is actually pretty damn good for his position. He's also been remarkably consistent in his offensive efforts, with an OPS history of .774, .783, .780 and then .795 last summer in double-A.
If the Twins plan on simply needing a body as the backup catcher in April, a guy who's simply there to step in for a few innings and maybe make a start or two, then Butera is probably the better choice. But if the Twins plan on using their backup catcher to start once or twice a week, with the option to also come off the bench as a pinch-hitter, then it's probably best to let the clock roll on Ramos (who is the better player).
Outfielders: Jacque Jones, Dustin Martin, Rene Tosoni, Ben Revere?
Let's be clear--the Twins don't have to take another outfielder north. We know they're in a difficult spot in regards to athletic outfielders, but right now the 40-man roster is full and none of these guys are on it. Still, it has to be considered, because while guys like Punto or Tolbert could substitute in a pinch that doesn't mean it's a good idea.
Revere is a bit of a dark horse option, and probably not very realistic. But for argument's sake, if he comes in and tears it up this spring, and the Twins have made some sort of a deal that opens up a roster spot, would it be an awful choice? He'd provide speed off the bench, can play center field (in spite of that noodle arm) and could probably be a late-inning defensive replacement in the corners.
Any of the other three options are far more likely, with Jones probably leading the list. Martin would have to have an exceptional March, as would Tosoni, while if Jones proves he can still run, catch and swing the bat that might be all he needs.
Whatever happens, a spot would need to open on the 40-man roster first. Right now none of these guys are actually an option, but could one of them force the Twins' hand by opening day?
Infielders: Brendan Harris, Matt Tolbert, Alexi Casilla, Daniel Valencia, Luke Hughes
As of today, you can pick two of these five. Harris and Casilla seem like the probable candidates, simply because the clock hasn't started ticking on Valencia or Hughes and Tolbert has one year of options left.
For Harris, in spite of his new two-year contract I'm hesitant to say his spot is guaranteed. We know that Gardy will start Punto somewhere, which means third base. Additionally, if Valencia comes out this spring and looks like he's ready to take the next step forward, or if Tolbert is a more appealing option as a less expensive bench option, then the Twins will have an interesting decision to make. Again, this isn't a likely scenario, but it's possible.
Who Makes Up the Four-Man Bench?
My guesses: Thome, Butera, Harris and Casilla. Who do you believe in?
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Yeah, I think you've got it right
though the backup C spot I don’t know. Morales might be ready.
But yes: Thome, Harris, Casilla, and backup C are the 4. None of the outfielders are particularly appealing to start the season, and I think they pretty much made the decision to not carry an extra outfielder.
Of course, they could realize that 12 pitchers isn’t necessary…nah.
by Eric in Madison on Feb 11, 2010 8:09 AM EST reply actions
With Morales,
the hope is he’s back on the field by April 1, but I doubt he’ll be ready to jump in with the Twins right away. I know Cmath thinks May 1 he’ll be available, but I could split the difference.
If it’s only two weeks, I’d keep Ramos off the clock for only a handful of PA’s.
Butera
We’ve lost Pridie and Tolleson while keeping him, who would probably pass through waivers… not sure what to say there. Honestly, I think Ramos would be served by spending a couple of weeks backing up Mauer until Morales is ready.
by diehardtwinsfan on Feb 11, 2010 8:19 AM EST reply actions
Definitely.
I agree with you 100% that it would do Ramos good. I’m just not convinced that’s what the Twins will do.
I don't think Casilla makes it
north with the team. If Hudson is healthy he is making 150 starts and Punto and Harris can spell him a few times. Casilla has no flexability in the field like Harris and Punto. Casilla can only play 2nd….I am not considering SS because he has only played SS 11 games in 4 years. I say Gardy does his other favorite thing and goes with the Vet. Thome, Jones, Harris and Butera
richman
Casilla
Has to be considered available to play SS. He was drafted as one and only moved to 2B right before he got to the big leagues. Not that he would have to. If Harris/Punto are on the roster he’d be the third option. The bigger thing is pinch-running, which we also know Gardy loves to do.
Agreed
I think they try to move Casilla for a prospect and bring Jones north. We have a lot of flexibility with Harris and Punto. Casilla can play SS, but hasn’t in a while…
by jtsanderson on Feb 11, 2010 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, but they've been trying to move him all winter with no luck
I suppose they can showcase him in ST and hope someone will want him.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I think this is probably a pretty good guess. I think Tolbert probably serves as a better CF when needed, but he has one more option left while Casilla doesn’t. It seems to me that Butera will also make it, but Gardenhire’s comments make it sound as if Ramos will get a fair shake (since he can hit whereas Butera is mainly a defensive guy).
by Twins Territory on Feb 11, 2010 8:47 AM EST reply actions
Just a nit
The phrase is “catch-and-throw”.
Also, I wonder about Harris. Suppose Valencia tears up AAA. To make room for him, either Harris or Casilla would have to go. Harris is not as versatile as a bench guy. His only advantage over Casilla is he’s really the only right-handed bench guy, unlless Ramos makes it and sticks. Otherwise, Casilla and Punto provide better defense and pinch running capabilities, which is what the fourth bench guy will need to do with Thome pinch hitting.
But he’s also not a great every-day player because he historically has not handled every day duties well for more than a month at a time. Last year, for example, Gardy gave him the shortstop job between Punto’s failure there and the Cabrera acquisition. He started out strong, and there were whispers that maybe he was the answer. Then he fell off a cliff and didn’t hit at all for like 10 days. Worse, he started taking his offensive woes into the field. He looked tired and his feet became leaden. His catastrophic failure forced the Cabrera move.
If you’re not a great bench guy and you’re not a great every-day guy, I question your role on a championship team. That’s why the two-year deal is so perplexing. Maybe the front office knows something we don’t know about his market value and the delta with a two-year versus a one-year deal.
As for the Jones roster spot, it comes down to dealing Casilla and going to 11 pitchers. We might start with 11, but eventually we’ll need 12. So going with 11 out of the chute only delays the eventual Casilla deal. Still, with Punto’s health history, it makes sense to buy as much time as we can.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Should read "dealing Casilla or going to 11 pitchers"
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Starting Lineup
Jesse, I agree that Gardy will badly want to start Punto somewhere, but my guess is that Harris will be given the job (given Gardy already said he had it BEFORE they acquired Hudson, but they also gave him a 2-yr. deal). Not only that, Punto has always played his best when he starts the season as a utility IF and then begins starting in the middle of the year. Harris will go 1-12 or something in the beginning of May and by June 1 at the latest, Punto becomes the starter.
I do agree, however, that it isn’t a matter of if, but when. I just don’t think it’ll be right away.
It will be interesting to see,
but I think the only reason Gardy said Harris would start at 3rd was because they didn’t have another 2B at the time and Punto was penciled in there. I think Jesse is probably right, having seen Gardy’s penchant for giving Punto jobs regardless of whether or not he’s the right candidate.
I’m with you, though, hoping Harris gets a fair shake at 3B, but all it really comes down to is putting the best players out there so we can have the best shot at winning games – that’s what we really want.
by WindyCityTwinsFan on Feb 11, 2010 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
I see a platoon
Harris’ career OPS is 100 points higher against lefties (785). But even his OPS against righties is 40 points higher than Punto’s. Really, Harris is the far superior hitter. With Punto’s weak arm canceling out his good range at 3B, I’d say they’re pretty close defensively as well. But Gardy is Gardy. Unfortunately that means a platoon.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Best Case
You’re right about the platoon. We can only hope for that as the best case scenario. Its either that or Punto will have the full-time job, whether it be Opening Day or by June 1, which I’m predicting. Gardy loves Punto too much. And realistically, the Twins would only have 1 guy in the lineup with above average speed if Harris starts (that being Span). Apparently Hudson only has average speed at best, although he is a VERY smart baserunner, which will be a sight for sore eyes after watching Casilla and Gomez stumble around the bases.
We all know that speed is generally overrated, but it would be odd seeing a Twins team with zero speed outside of the leadoff spot.
I understand Gardy always finds a place for Punto...
and Harris is streaky but I would be shocked if LNP starts at third. I know I will strike a nerve in a couple of folks here but if he is a starter he is the worst everyday player in baseball. I don’t have any stats to back it up I just watch a lot of baseball. He sucks. I think he sucks as a starter and utility guy. He seems to me to be an automatic out. Sure his glove is fancy at times but he also seems to be good for a clutch error on a routine play for every great play he makes.
I want to have Buddy Nix's baby.
I don't see Harris and Casilla making the team
Thome, Butera (1 Catcher), Harris, OF (Maybe an acquisition still)
The only sure things are Thome and a catcher.
After that I think it could be either Harris or Casilla, but I’d give the nod to Harris because he is a vet, probably a better bat, and plays more infield positions then Casilla.
The last spot I see them using on an OF that can probably play CF. I wouldn’t think it will be Jones, but could be. I am guessing it’s either him, or they go and get somebody that hasn’t been mentioned. I just don’t see Minnesota banking on Punto or Tolbert to play CF.
Span is going to need some games off, and he has shown he will sacrifice his body for some catches. Even if he evades major injury, he’ll get banged up. And we all know Punto does as well. Not having a capable OF is not in the plans I’d bet.
+1
Gomez’s role in the second half last year was to occasionally spell Span in center and serve as a pinch runner/defensive replacement for Delmon late in games (Span moved to left, Gomez in center). I think that role is important, especially since Delmon is a defensive liability in left. I don’t see Jones being a great option for that role, and there are a few guys out there who would be better (Taveras, Baldelli, Chavez). Hopefully, the Twins get one of them.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I'm still on board for this idea.
Having an OF who can play CF (and ideallly all three spots) is ideal. I’ll be clamoring for Endy Chavez until he signs with whoever he’s going to sign with.
I’ll just pay more attention to it and think it’s more realistic once the Twins make a deal. That roster space needs to be cleared somehow.
I like Chavez too, but I understand he's injured and won't be available until May or so
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Casilla
Remember, the Twins don’t have a 2nd baseman for next year. If you get rid of Casilla, we don’t resign Punto (please let it be true), Hudson leaves, I wouldn’t want Harris there everyday, you are left with….Tolbert for the next 2-3 years untill someone else is ready. I am not ok with that…we are back to that huge hole in the middle infield and 2 spot in the lineup.
I understand that the guy isn’t performing and right now he may seem expendable, but unless the Twins get a major league ready (or close to) 2b in a Casilla trade, we are back to the same old shit.
+1
Particularly with a few more budgetary constraints for next season, we probably don’t want to be in a situation where we need to overspend in free agency next winter (or pick up Punto’s option) just to get a 2B with a track record.
Punto's option
[shudders, throws up in mouth, runs to bathroom]
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
by cmathewson on Feb 11, 2010 9:34 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I think the Twins will cross that bridge when they get to it.
You make good points. I like Casilla and I hope that he has a future with the team. I think the team would like to keep him also, hence waiving Pridie rather then Casilla. I think they will do what they can to keep him. Ultimately, its him or Harris. And Casilla hasn’t been tested at 3rd. But the decision that has to be made is what is going to make this team better NOW. Two infielders isn’t a safe bet. If it is Casilla, then yes they will need to address 2B again, next year.
Only way I see it...
is if they go 5 person bench. But just two many talented RP’s. We will have a solid BP and eventually room will have to be made for Neshek. Already with one extra RP, I dont see them shorting another.
Difficult
Its going to be really hard to keep Casilla on the roster all season long. Unless, God forbid, Hudson gets hurt, he really is the least flexible/versatile of their glut of utility IFs. I hope we keep him or trade him for someone useful. But next year’s 2B situation scares me.
I'd go Thome/Punto/Ramos/Casilla...
Thome and Punto are locks, unfortunately so in Punto’s case. And Gardy actually supposedly prefers Ramos (shocking, I know) to Butera. And I just don’t see them letting Casilla go unless they get a decent return in a trade. I think they’ll actually have him play some CF in ST to see if he can be a bit more versatile for the bench. But the main reasons I think he’s kept are:
1) His defense is as good as any of the MI’s on the roster probably. Yes, we don’t really “need” one when we have Hudson/Hardy. But it sure doesn’t help.
2) As someone else mentioned, Hudson is only signed to a 1-year deal. Casilla is our best in-house candidate for the future at 2b, with the highest ceiling. Unless they get someone new, Casilla is still more valuable than a 5th OF or Tolbert/Punto.
3) He’s the fastest guy in the infield, and probably the 2nd fastest guy on the team behind Span. This team is lacking in speed. And you also really need someone who can step in and steal a base as a pinch runner for Thome, which will probably happen a good number of times this year. Casilla is probably the best option we have on the entire roster at stealing a base.
I think it’s Casilla for the last spot barring a trade or a lights-out spring by Jones or Martin.
I like the rationale
behind keeping Casilla.
Also—I’m assuming you’re keeping Harris as the 3B, correct?
Yep, Jesse...
that was the thought. Though of course ideally Valencia breaks out sooner than later.
If Casilla shows that he can play the outfield, problem solved
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Moving middle infielders to outfield is common
BJ upton went from a poor defensive SS to a plus defensive CF. The skill sets are different so you can’t assume Casilla would be a poor defensive outfielder just because he’s below average 2B. He has the speed, it’d just be a question of if he could take decent routes.
by Jon Kammerer on Feb 11, 2010 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
He also has the arm
But not everybody gets good jumps. Reading the ball off the bat is instinctive. I hope we see him out there to see how he does it. I’m sure he shags during batting practice, so he can read balls. But live hitting is a whole ’nother ball game.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Guessing
Thome, Punto (Harris is the starter), Butera, Tolbert
I think you’ll see a lot of Matt Tolbert in the outfield during spring training. They’re grooming him to take over for Punto next year. I think Casilla gets dealt, though it might be someone else if another team is willing to overpay for the player they prefer.
Tolbert is older
So he isn’t much of a long-term solution either. He also has an option. I’m not a huge Casilla fan, but he brings more to the team than Tolbert.
Right
I’d say…Keep Casilla on & Send Tolbert Down.
Then next year: Dump Punto, Have Tolbert as your Utility guy, Give Alexi one more shot at the starting 2b if need be.
"If need be"
Reads: “If you can’t afford another year of Hudson.”
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Or anyone else
On the perpetually depressed 2B free agent market. Second basemen are cheap relative to their production. Felipe Lopez will probably be available to grab next offseason.
Thome, Punto, Ramos, Jones
I’m going to put Ramos there since the last I heard, not only was Butera unable to hit he also couldn’t keep balls in from of him last year. I think it will come down to Jones or a last minute FA deal for our backup OF. And I think Casilla is traded before the season starts. He is a defensively below average 2B who can’t hit, I really can’t understand why people would be concerned losing him. If this off season taught us anything, it is that there are always plenty of cheap respectable options available for the position. Casilla is like that really annoying girl you know who is hot. I know there is a pretty good analogy I could put here, but I haven’t had my morning coffee yet.
On a side note, does anyone know what Jone’s stats were for Newark?
by Michael in N.Cali on Feb 11, 2010 11:57 AM EST reply actions
Good #'s at least.
What’s the competition like?
by Michael in N.Cali on Feb 11, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Somewhere between high A and AA
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I don't think they should be all that concerned about the long term
Second base is becoming he glut position in the league. Next year it figures to have all the guys it did this year plus Roberts and a few others.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Injuries
While your 4 guys are what it would probably look like if the season started today, there are so many possibilities to plan for, ie, somebody gets nicked up in spring, doesn’t start the year, not to mention guys we could nab on waivers or on the cheep for these bench spots. It would be a bit of a surprise, and maybe a pleasantly uneventful spring, to see everything go as planned from here on out.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the damn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
~ Earl Weaver
"In God we trust. All others must provide evidence."
~ Billy Beane
That's Why We Have Spring Training.......
The Twins have an open spot in the rotation. Will it be Liriano? Hopefully. Perkins or Duensing…to Rochester or that 12th pitcher spot.
Maybe the Twins DO decide to go with 11 pitchers. But who is the long man. Crain, Rauch, Mijares, Guerrier, the new guy are all one inning guys. Whoc an you stretch to two or, heaven forbid, three.
Harris, Casilla, Tolbert. Or Punto. (Hughes, Plouffe, Valencia in the wings). Harris is probably written in at third as a vet with Punto as supersub. So, it is up to casilla to lose the job by playing miserably and getting cut, or keeping it by showing signs of inheriting second base in 2011.
Thome IS a given.
Catching is interesting. The late surgery means Morales might just start the season at Rochester and could pretty well stay there as a C/DH for most of the season. If Mauer proves healthy, Butera is the bench-eater backup (a max of 80-100 at bats). I would like to see Wilson Ramos start at AAA and catch not only the guys currently on the roster, but the ones that will advance from New Britain. Part of the joy of being a catcher is knowing your pitchers. If you throw Ramos into the majors, today…he’s such an unknown with the current staff. It would be a great training ground for him, but he IS the repalcement if Mauer goes down and you need him catching, not just watching from the wings. IF the long-term thought is that Morales does return to the majors in two weeks (or three max), then I would prefer to give Ramos a looksee at the major league level…since Rochester starts a week after the Twins.
Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!
catcher issues
When Jose Morales comes back, he will likely be the new backup.
Where does this put Ramos?
Sure, he may need to season a bit in AAA, but he’ll likely be ready for the Majors by the end of the season. They could carry three catchers in September, but then what does that mean for 2011? Morales and Mauer are about the same age and Ramos is only 4 years younger. (Or I think he’s about 4 years younger) He’s a good prospect, but he can’t exactly be the catcher of the future when he’s only a few years younger. If he’s a better prospect, does that make Morales turn into a career AAA player, or do we trade him, or do we trade Ramos?
Basically what is the analysis on the backup catcher position/ a healthy Morales and Ramos?
It becomes a situation where somebody is blocked.
Ramos has some fantastic potential, so I’d have to believe the Twins wouldn’t keep him backed up for too long. If a situation presents itself where they feel they can get a good return for him, then they’ll deal him, but I don’t think that’s imminent right now.
If he puts up good numbers in Rochester this year we might hear a little more trade talk next winter, if the Twins have a position of need.
I think he'll have a regular role with this team in 2011
It might not be a full-time catcher role. But I don’t think that’s a huge deal. Catching is a demanding position. Using him less than full time behind the plate might save him for when we really need him.
The role is this: A DH/catcher platoon with Mauer. When Mauer catches, Ramos hits. And vice versa. This would allow Kubel to move to the outfield and make Cuddy expendable, when we need to clear payroll at the end of the year. We would still need a third catcher as a back-up, in case of injury or pinch running, etc. If Ramos hits in AAA like he did in the VWL, this scenario will be a real possibility, to make room for another middle-of-the-order hitter.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Makes sense.
Kubel’s option in 2011 is $5M less than Cuddy’s so that saves us some dough, but Cuddyer has already had his option picked up. Do you think there would actually be a market for Cuddy with that contract?
"You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth." ~Mickey Mantle
"The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me away from those who are still undecided." ~Casey Stengel
by Michael in N.Cali on Feb 11, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, Cuddy will have some value
Look at the contract Holliday just signed. Cuddyer’s not in that class, but he’ll be a relative bargain for one year and $11 million if he puts up a 2010 like his 2009. He’d be an upgrade in right for at least half the teams in baseball. All things considered, I’d rather trade a 30 something player for prospects than the other way around.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I don't think
You would get many prospects for one season rental of Cuddy.
by clutterheart on Feb 11, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
It would depend entirely on demand and timing.
This is a situation where the Twins would probably get more by trading him at the deadline instead of in the off-season, when there are more options.
But even in the off-seaons, one season of Cuddyer should get you a B prospect from somebody.
The trade deadline...
is the only way I see us get any value for him in a trade. $11M for 2011 is just to much for a guy who may of had one of his best seasons last year and still was only a 2.0 WAR. I’m guessing if we traded him after the season we would almost have to pick up some of his contract to get a decent prospect. I know the Twins had only 5 days from the end of the World Series to exercise the ‘11 option, I just don’t get why they did.
"You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth." ~Mickey Mantle
"The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me away from those who are still undecided." ~Casey Stengel
by Michael in N.Cali on Feb 11, 2010 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
Mets 1B
He’s a good fit at 1B in the NL. The Cubs will be looking also
I was going to say trade him to the Mets
you might be able to get some prospects out of a mismanaged franchise
Mets have a great system in tact
OF Fernando Marinez is right there with Aaron Hicks only he’s in AAA….
SP Jon Niese is very good
RP Bradley Holt not bad
SS Ruben Tejada is young ans already in AA, probably a Casilla type with better defense and a SS…
SS Wilmor Flores is probably their #2 prospect behind Martinez ….
Baseball America ranked the Minnesota Twins as the 7th best minor league Org. in Baseball !!!! - that is good news...
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 11, 2010 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
the guys I'd want in a trade
Either SP Kyle Allen or 2B/3B Reese Havens
(maybe Kyle Allen has a different first name)
Perkins and Casilla for Allen and Havens ? – I’d probably take that in a second…
Baseball America ranked the Minnesota Twins as the 7th best minor league Org. in Baseball !!!! - that is good news...
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 11, 2010 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
I like this thought, CMath..
the DH/C platoon. And have advocated it in the past myself.
But I also like the idea of trading him for a great 2b prospect or in a package for a #1 type starting pitcher.
On the 2b front, a deal with TB would make all kinds of sense IMO. They have a multitude of good, young, cheap 2b/SS candidates in that system and on the major league roster IMO.
Ramos
The guy is young.
Seriously, the Twins could have him up part-time in 2010 and 2011, and fulltime in 2012 and 2013 before he becomes arbitration eligible. That’s four years, he’s 26 and Mauer is 31-32.
Who knows where Joe may be at that time…PT C/DH, full-time at 3B, maybe grooming to repalce Justin at 1st?
You could even stretch Year One of Ramos over 3 years before he runs out of options.
Either way, Morales is expendable. You want Morales to show some behind-the-plate time. But you have to watch that he just isn’t a singles fluke of a hitter. Remember Javier Valentin, anyone?
It doesn’t hurt to have a great back-up catcher. And, truth-be-told, if he can hit and you can strengthen the team with him as more DH, but also a catcher…then youc an carry that third catcher.
I think I ocen said that Jose Morales could make himself more valuable if he learned to play 1st (can he play 3rd) and market himself as a DH that can also play a variety of field positions adequately. Problem is, he needs more power to fill the DH position over other viable altneratives.
Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!
bench =
Thome
Ramos
Casilla
Punto/Harris
Harris gets the majority of time at 3rd making Punto the super sub. Gardy has too much trust in his defense so he’ll also be the 5th OF
Ramos gets the nod to get experience and because he is the better C. He’ll get about 15-20AB in April then get demoted for Morales.
Jones was signed as insurance for an injury in the OF so he would then get called up to be the back up OF. (Think Darnell McDonald) Also this is an opportunity for Jones to show he can still play. The Twins will more likely move him to a team that will play him if the opportunity opens up for him. This becomes a nice gesture for Twins management and a selling point when scouting talent.(sign with us and we take care of our players interest long term)
Tolbert = minors also not too bad of a backup but Casilla is needed for next year until he proves to us that he can’t be a quality majorleaguer.
Butera is the one most likely to make the bench instead of Ramos should the Twins decide to not start the closck on him….
Doofenschmirtz Evil, INC.
Phineas and Ferb
my bench
Butera --eventually soon enough in Morales
Thome
Harris - assuming Punto starts at 3rd.
Tolbert - he becomes the new super sub. can play 3B,2B,SS, CF and maybe Left…..
Baseball America ranked the Minnesota Twins as the 7th best minor league Org. in Baseball !!!! - that is good news...
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Feb 11, 2010 5:33 PM EST reply actions
OF injury??
Forget Span and any lack of depth in CF, but what if one or two of Cuddyer/Kubel/DYoung go down? Our OF defense will instantly take a huge hit and offense does too for that matter.
I’m guessing during or after ST we trade a SP for a major league/major league-ready OF with AAA options left.
If one goes down
we play the other 2 and DH Thome.
We are pretty fine in the corners.
I think that
if Young or Cuddyer go down our offense takes a hit.
But pretty much anyone you put in there, especially for Young, will result in an IMPROVEMENT in defense.
Right
But that isn’t really bad. I mean if Cuddy goes down you lose our big righty bat. Not so good.
But I’d replace Thome in the lineup if I could, and why not put Kubel in the OF. He can’t be that much worse of a fielder then Young.
Bench does get thinner…. Hard to disagree there.
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