Making the Team: Week 2

The Joe Nathan injury has altered some of the chances in week two, and a strong performance early on has Anthony Slama added to the list.

What are your thoughts on the chance ratings, and who do you think would make the team if the season were to begin today?

almost 2 years ago Twins Territory 6 comments 0 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I still have a hard time seeing Neshek make the trip north.

It’s not out of the question, but I don’t think it’s probable. Not yet anyway, but we’ll see how he does.

by Jesse on Mar 11, 2010 9:16 AM EST reply actions

I'm not

I’m not totally sure everybody here is QUITE so convinced against the idea he’ll open with the club, but we’ll see.

"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

by AdamOnFirst on Mar 11, 2010 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

I tend to agree with you. Up until now, Neshek hadn’t pitched to hitters in 14+ months I believe. He’ll need to get quite a few innings and really impress. The fact that he’s coming off Tommy John, combined with the cold Minnesota weather, makes me think there is also a good chance he starts in extended spring training.

The reason I think his chances have gone up are mainly based off of the Joe Nathan injury and the extra bullpen spot that may now be open.

by Twins Territory on Mar 11, 2010 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

Shak man

As of right now, if Neshak is healthy, he makes the team. If not him, probaly one of the lefties, Perkins, Duensing.

by Twins win on Mar 11, 2010 11:27 AM EST reply actions

Changes......

The Twins can use that second lefty, preferably someone who can pitch at least 2 innings, so Duensing and Perkins are fighting for that spot. But Lugo could be a dark horse.

Neshek would be best served facing live batters in extended spring traiing and maybe stay in Ft. Myers (weather) compared to New Brit or Rochester and then come back to Minnesota in a month. Remember, it might be cold/wet the first month at home AND on the road.

That would leave one spot. I could see the Twins giving that spot to Manship or Swarzak, both guys capable of pitching multiple innings. Assuming some startes might only throw 5 innings their first couple of times thru the rotation, you might need a low-end innings eater. You can shuffle either back to Rochester once you decide to recall Neshek and the rotation is pitching at least six apiece comfortably (got my fingers crossed).

I dubt that Slama, Delaney or Alex will make the cut. Until they get the closer chosen, the try-out spot will best be served by those with some experience.

The evils of being a pennant contender, you don’t get to throw people on the roster just to see how they will do, unless its mid-season and you are filling a reserve position becauseof injury (and that’s where having reliable backups come into play).

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

by rosterman on Mar 11, 2010 11:36 AM EST reply actions

I think you can

start the season with Slama as the closer. If he can’t handle it, you will have a month to see who is throwing best as a replacement, you can then see who might trade and there will be time to get thing right. If you start with Rauch and he goes bad the pressure on Slama would be much stronger or the closer by committee startes.

by b1 on Mar 11, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions