Twins make second large cut of spring training

While the Twins are busy making lots of noise on the major media outlets this morning, those of us in Twins Territory will also note that the team has cut six additional players. Once again, none of these cuts are particularly surprising but it does leave us with a manageable list of players who are still fighting for one or two roster spots.

Optioned to Triple-A

A.J. Achter (RHP)

Achter has turned in a nice performance out of the bullpen for the Red Wings these last two seasons, posting a 2.54 ERA in 95.2 innings. In spite of such a successful stint there his stuff has always been considered borderline, and with such a full roster of candidates for the bullpen it was always unlikely he'd be looked at as anything more than Major League depth. He's good depth to have. This spring he made five appearances for the Twins, allowing eight hits and four walks versus seven strikeouts in 7.2 innings.

Assigned to minor league camp

James Beresford (IF)

Like Achter, Beresford makes for solid depth. He owns a .282/.332/.349 triple slash with the Red Wings through 189 games, and his value is increased because of his ability to field a number of positions well. If there's an injury and the team doesn't want to turn to Jorge Polanco, Beresford could be added to the 40-man in order to be a short-term patch if necessary.

Eric Farris (OF)

Returning to the Twins for his third season, Farris isn't much of a hitter but he's a competent defender and a threat on the bases at the bottom of Rochester's batting order. It would be a surprise if he had any role with the Twins in 2018.

Tyler Grimes (C)

Minnesota's fifth-round pick in 2011 might have just enough stick for a catcher in the minor leagues, but as a non-prospect at the position it will be another year or two before we know whether or not he'll be capable of being a Major League backup.

Jose Martinez (IF)

Martinez has appeared in more games than any other Twin this spring (16), going 4-for-25 (.160) with no walks and a strikeout. At 29, Martinez is organizational depth and experience for the upper levels of the Twins farm system.

Danny Ortiz (OF)

A fourth-round pick by the Twins back in 2008, Ortiz has been in the organization for a long time. He's always had a bit of pop in his bat but never enough skill as a hitter to make it translate into an asset. He made Triple-A for the first time in 2014, and he should spend his time in the upper levels of Minnesota's farm system again in 2015.

Who's still in camp? We'll have the full run-down for you later this morning.