To me, it comes doewn to Deduno or Worley. Diamond could make the squad as a reliever or the Twins will try to pass him through waivers. If he is claimed, then he is gone. Gibson and Meyer can use some more seasoning in the minors.

Deduno has pitched well enough to earn a short at the 5th spot but will he be ready to pitch when spring starts. Also, how soon will he be well enough to start in the minors. I suspect the Twins might use the injury as an opportunity to start him in the minors on a "rehad" assignment.

I think people are writing Worley off way too soon. He was a solid pitcher for Philadelphia before coming to the Twins. He was horrible last year. Let's see how he does in spring training this year. I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins name him their 5th starter and give him a few starts to prove he deserves it. If he pitches well, they will find a spot for him. If not, then they can move try to pass him through waivers and see if someone claims him.

I agree it comes down to Deduno or Worley with Diamond as a reliever, but why not keep both? I think a six-man rotation makes a lot of sense. Nick Nelson wrote about it way back in January, but I think the same logic can still apply with some success in the present situation.

I think it's Come down to Worley himself if he makes the team and if not they will try to trade him or try to pass him through waivers. I think they are going to keep Diamond he has possibilities of still being a starter and if not in bull pen and reason he left hander. He has more value than Worley as a left hander that is capable of pitching at major league level. I think Worley has been hurt or injury he had before he came to Twins was more serious than said and he wasn't pitcher he had been with Phillies. Reason the Phillies were willing to give him addition in the Trade for Reevre . I also have serious concerns that deduno may have more of injury than they have said and may need surgery. It feels a lot like what we went through with Baker and Blackburn injuries until surgery was required to fix the problem. Gibson and Myer I bet are at Triple A when spring training breaks and they will be called up when one of starters have health problems and they will determine if they are ready then to pitch at big league level. If they are one of pitchers that are up will be traded to make room for them and maybe somebody becomes bull pen pitcher. I think the Twins are no big rush to promote pitchers until there ready and that why they have signed all these pitchers.

First of all, what is your thinking? Who would you like to see win it?

Of the five you list,

a. Diamond

b. Deduno

c. Gibson

d. Meyer

e. Worley

I am going to guess Worley. I would also like to see Swarzak get a chance and/or see Albers recapture some of that early magic. But Swarzak seems to be in Gardy's doghouse and Albers honestly probably doesn't have it. Thus they are off the list.

As for Diamond, the stat geek guys on TD will tell you his peripherals are horrible, Deduno is still hurt I hear, and maybe too wild to have another good season anyway, Gibson unless he pitches lights out in spring he will be optioned, Meyer is for 2015, which leaves Worley.

I think it has to be Gibson. Worley and Deduno get first call at injury or if Gibson flops.

If it were me I would wait to see how well Meyer and Gibson are doing in the minor leagues, around June or so then, if both are ready to be promoted, trade Correa and bring up Gibson and Meyer. Win win situation

Deduno to the DL, Diamond waived, Worley 5th starter. Gibson and Meyer to AAA with Albers and May. Johnson waived, Dean and Darnell battle for 5th starter in AAA. Someone ALWAYS gets hurt so the waives might not be necessary.

It is essential long term that the Twins develop starting pitching with several years under team control. They can't do that with short term mediocre starters in the rotation.

Meyer needs to be in the rotation early if not opening day. He needs to adjust to the majors with a reasonably fresh arm. The a Twins don't need a repeat of those high pitch count games that Gibson had in AAA.

Gibson needs to be in the rotation opening day.

Correia seems like he would be a good fit in the pen. He holds on runners. He maintains his performance with runners on base. He has a long record of health. He can be called on to start for a dtd pitcher without needing to call up someone from AAA. Pelfrey is the opposite. A poor fit in the pen. His performance drops with runners on base.

If Worley, Deduno or Diamond get the opportunity to displace Pelfrey and find success, it will get a good sign for the long term.

Just checked up on Deduno's status, and it appears that he will be ready for Spring Training according to Mike Berardino. http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/mlb/6077/samuel-deduno

If he can stay healthy, I would imagine that the Twins look pretty hard at him for the 5th rotation spot, and if he does enough to deserve it, give it to him.

I keep reading the comments that Diamond and Worley are out of options like we might lose them. I would think they could put them in the bullpen and send Pressley and Thielbar to the minors. Swarzek could pitch the 1-2 innings that these guys pitched and Diamond and Worley could be long relief and match-up guys.