Granite's biggest question mark is the bat, not his health.  (Although the story may be his health to protect the ego, etc.)  Given the profile of the starting outfielders, the bench OF role is bat-first, not defense first...don't need late-inning defensive flexibility as much as you need a bench bat that can actually hit.  And Granite's bat has been truly awful in two small samples (including this spring).

Also, with only two catchers on the 25-man, expect that Garver can be used only conservatively as a bench bat (when not starting).  Hence, the desire for another right-handed bat...almost ANY right-handed bat.  Enter Ryan LaMarre into the conversation.

Granite's biggest question mark is the bat, not his health.  (Although the story may be his health to protect the ego, etc.)  Given the profile of the starting outfielders, the bench OF role is bat-first, not defense first...don't need late-inning defensive flexibility as much as you need a bench bat that can actually hit.  And Granite's bat has been truly awful in two small samples (including this spring).

 

Also, with only two catchers on the 25-man, expect that Garver can be used only conservatively as a bench bat (when not starting).  Hence, the desire for another right-handed bat...almost ANY right-handed bat.  Enter Ryan LaMarre into the conversation.

I don't think you can suggest that 40 G in 2017, and a handful of ABs this spring rule out Granite but then conversely include LaMarre. He has next to no track record of success as a minor leaguer, and has lit it up across 39 spring ABs. Ideally, the Twins go find a RH bat somewhere, but if that isn't reality, Grossman and Granite have to be the option.

Man, I look at Granite and think Ben Revere, who was just cut at the underside of 30-years-of-age. There is a place for a speedy guy, but maybe in the late season. He should be playing regularly at AAA rather than bench sitting, at this point.

It's nice to have a bat off the bench. A guy who makes contact more often than not. Yes, Grossman can draw the walk. Can he hit the sacrifice fly? Can he hit at a decent clip? Not sure Vargas is that much the better.

You only need one backup infielder, usually a guy better with the glove than the bat. It is nice if someone/anyone can shuffle elsewhere around the infield, too (most notably first base where the Twins have Sano, Morrison, even Escobar as backups).

Yes, you want a Jim Thome coming up to bat when called upon, but those pinch-hitting specialists (shades of Randy Bush and Gene Larkin) are few and far between, too.

Then you get salary. Can an aging AAAAer like LaMarre give you the same as Grossman at a fraction of the price. If LaMarre fails, is there someone else (yes, Granite...plus Wade and Michael or the waiver wire).

It's why you don't get too attached to the 24th and 25th guys on the roster. Even the fifth starter. You roughly have three spots that you play musical chairs.....

an extra bench bat, the backend of the bullpen, and the starter in training. The only thing that prevents wonderful musical chairs is that you often have to release a guy to move another into the chair.

Going to be honest, would rather see the team pick up another quality utility infielder. Grossman is OK defensively, and a potential solid bat off the bench. No need for a true 4th OF who has to play CF with they guys on hand. Adrianza didn't exactly look awful when asked to play OF last season, and guys lime Garver and Morrison can go out there in a pinch. (Until a re-inforcement arrives the next day). With a limited roster, usually only 13 position players, you simply don't always have the luxury of the positional depth you'd really like to have. The good news is having guys at AAA you can call up when needed.

I really like Granite and think he has the potential to be a fine 4th OF who plays great defense and knows what he is offensively, and doesn't try to be something he's not. The dark horse here isn't Granite, who has options, but Grossman. He was OK in 2017, but better overall in 2016 with the bat, better defensively in 2017. Can he blend both season's together? If so, he's worth keeping around. If not, I could see the FO making a trade for a solid, veteran RH bat with solid defense to replace Grossman in the not too distant future.

Despite the overall flexibility of Escobar and Adrianza, still a little worried about carrying 5 OF. I have to wonder, with the way the game has changed in regard to the size of pitching staffs, is it maybe time for MLB to look at maybe a 26 or even 27 man roster?