The Dump List

[stringer bell]

Most of the roster has done pretty well. Some have floundered greatly. On May 1, here is the dump list for the Twins:

 

1) Mike Pelfrey--The numbers are terrible. His confidence is at an all-time low and he doesn't have great stuff. Both Pelfrey's velocity and location have been miserable. Perhaps he is injured?

 

2) Pedro Florimon--Good (maybe better than that) defense can't make up for a sub-.400 OPS. He didn't hit well last year and this year has so far been an abomination.

 

3) Aaron Hicks--For the second straight spring, Hicks has teased us with showing tools and developing skills in Spring Training, followed by poor hitting when the games are for real.

 

4) Jared Burton--He's older, probably not needed with the Twins deep bullpen, and has slipped markedly since his outstanding 2011.

 

5) Kevin Correia--Very low upside and on the last year of his contract. Correia may or may not be blocking a better pitcher. He certainly is in front of pitchers with much more upside.

[Trautmann13]

I agree with all 5 of your choices. I think that what will ACTUALLY happen is...

 

Pelfrey just gets let go, Pohlad has a big enough mouth to eat 11 mill.

 

Florimon simply looses his starting job to Escobar, who has been hitting very well lately.

 

Hicks will get the rest of this year in a sort of platoon with Fuld. I believe they still have some faith. (whether they should or not is the question)

 

Burton will be tacked in with at trade this July along with...

 

...Kevin Corriea, who is basically worthless to this team when Meyer is up.

 

Best case we are able to dump KC along with Burton for 2 balls and a bat, or whatever the equivalent is. That may not be possible though

[diehardtwinsfan]

Hicks should have started teh year in AAA. I don't think this was a smart move for him at all, even if that meant an even worse year out of Presley or Maesteroni. The rest of your list I'm in agreement with, though honestly, I only see Florimon happening in the near future. The other 3 are under contract, which means they'll probably get a good chunk of this month to turn things around.

[Thegrin]

I'd add Colabello to the list. Trade him while he has value and toss in Burton, Pelfrey or Correia.

Major League pitching and advanced scouting have caught up to Colabello. We got his best, now lets trade him for some value

[Major League Ready]

I'd add Colabello to the list. Trade him while he has value and toss in Burton, Pelfrey or Correia.

Major League pitching and advanced scouting have caught up to Colabello. We got his best, now lets trade him for some value

 

It would be a great move if they could get value for Colabello but I seriously doubt that happens until he proves he can handle the adjustments teams/pitchers are making.

 

Put Deduno in the starting rotation and Pelfrey in long relief.

 

Does Florimon have any options left? It would be nice to keep him there as an insurance policy. Let's see what Escobar can due in let Nunez play the utility role.

 

Coreia will get traded or released by the trade deadline.

 

Keep Hicks around. Worse case scenario he can be the 4th outfielder.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Colabello has no value right now. Teams don't give up quality players for one good month.

[Mr. Brooks]

Colabello has no value right now. Teams don't give up quality players for one good month.

 

I dunno, I was able to get Drew Hutchison for him in my dynasty league.

Perhaps Antony should be putting in a call to Toronto?

[Mike Sixel]

I agree with all five of your choices. Good move, committing 2 years to Pelfrey. Hicks is NOT a MLB hitter, and appears not to be that good a fielder either. He needs to be in AAA, hitting only RH until he proves he can hit. SS, well, that's a disaster, like we knew it would be. None of this is surprising (the bad parts, there have been a couple of nice surprises, but those are 1-2 yeard things).

[stringer bell]

I put Pelfrey on the top of the "Dump List" and it looks like he will at least lose his spot in the rotation temporarily. However, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Pelfrey was pitching in a starting rotation somewhere not only later this year, but also next year. I think he is injured or something. He doesn't have to lose much off his fastball to become a batting practice pitcher and right now that is what he is. If he goes on the DL or accepts a demotion I think there is a chance that the Twins can get some performance out of him. It is tough to be patient with a 30+ starting pitcher whose upside is back-of-the-rotation starter. I don't blame the Twins if they discard him, but I won't blame them if they give him another chance.

[PseudoSABR]

Given Pelfrey's size; I wonder if a move to the bullpen can make better use of his leverage and add some mphs to his fastball.

 

The Twins have enough depth to let these guys keep failing; in prior years, it was necessary to continue putting such players out there, because they players behind them weren't necessarily any better, and were likely worse.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Given Pelfrey's size; I wonder if a move to the bullpen can make better use of his leverage and add some mphs to his fastball.

 

This was one of the primary reasons why I wasn't 100% against the Pelfrey signing. If he's throwing at 94mph from the bullpen, you can get value out of that guy.

 

But yesterday, he was sitting at 89-90mph. He's no good anywhere at that velocity.

[Mike Sixel]

Plenty of high upside RP in the minors! Let's actually start promoting them, and use them in MN, rather than a failed starter that the fans are tired of seeing......Lots of teams promote RP fast, to get them up in teh majors before their arms start decreasing in health/ability.

[PseudoSABR]

This was one of the primary reasons why I wasn't 100% against the Pelfrey signing. If he's throwing at 94mph from the bullpen, you can get value out of that guy.

 

But yesterday, he was sitting at 89-90mph. He's no good anywhere at that velocity.

I was watching the game, and Bert was talking about how he was throwing flat and not making use of his height. I hoping the mere repetition of the bullpen will help him iron out his mechanical flaws in more frequent game situations.

[nicksaviking]

Colabello has no value right now. Teams don't give up quality players for one good month.

 

I'd agree, not sure Bill Smith would though.

[longstrangetrip]

I'm not on board with the Colabello negativity. Yes, his average has dropped sharply in the past 10 days, but I think he is hitting with bad luck. I'm still seeing a lot of good at bats...heck, two feet either way on his liner last night and he has a 2-run game-winning base hit.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I'm not on board with the Colabello negativity. Yes, his average has dropped sharply in the past 10 days, but I think he is hitting with bad luck. I'm still seeing a lot of good at bats...heck, two feet either way on his liner last night and he has a 2-run game-winning base hit.

 

There's some truth in this. In his last seven days, Colabello has a BABIP of .111. Over his last 14 days, it's just .240.

 

I don't think we'll ever see early April's Chris Colabello again but there's still a good shot he turns into a serviceable DH and backup corner guy.

[longstrangetrip]

There's some truth in this. In his last seven days, Colabello has a BABIP of .111. Over his last 14 days, it's just .240.

 

I don't think we'll ever see early April's Chris Colabello again but there's still a good shot he turns into a serviceable DH and backup corner guy.

 

Thanks for the stat, Brock...I had a feeling he was experiencing a lot of bad luck. I was especially impressed with his at bat against a tough closer last night. He fought off some tough pitches, and finally hit a rocket...unfortunately right at AGon.

[Rosterman]

I actually would've added Swarzak to the list, too. Why they didn't try and get value for him before his season. Bullpen arms are replaceable, folks.

 

Add in such non-entities as Herrmann and Escobar. Plus will Willingham, Suzucki, Kubel be back in 2015.

 

The problem is that the Twins are playing .500 ball right now (or close to it) and they can't have anotehr losing season. They have to patch together with whatever they pay for and hope for the better, if not the best.

 

Maybe Pelfrey can work out his kinks in the bullpen, but we don't need Burton and Swarzak also stinking things up.

 

Hopefully Arcia will hit. But if he doesn't, the Twins can't afford to have Florimon and Hicks and Arcia stinkin' up the lineup.

 

They need a bench.

 

Nunez may pan out. Fuld may hold his own. Colabello and shine. Plouffe may meet expectations. Mauer may get abck on track. But if the starters continue to suck bigtime, the Twins will, too. You can't keep pitching guys 4-5 innings and expect to win games with walks and bats (plus all those Twin player strikeouts).

[Mr. Brooks]

I actually would've added Swarzak to the list, too. Why they didn't try and get value for him before his season. Bullpen arms are replaceable, folks.

 

Add in such non-entities as Herrmann and Escobar. Plus will Willingham, Suzucki, Kubel be back in 2015.

 

The problem is that the Twins are playing .500 ball right now (or close to it) and they can't have anotehr losing season. They have to patch together with whatever they pay for and hope for the better, if not the best.

 

Maybe Pelfrey can work out his kinks in the bullpen, but we don't need Burton and Swarzak also stinking things up.

 

Hopefully Arcia will hit. But if he doesn't, the Twins can't afford to have Florimon and Hicks and Arcia stinkin' up the lineup.

 

They need a bench.

 

Nunez may pan out. Fuld may hold his own. Colabello and shine. Plouffe may meet expectations. Mauer may get abck on track. But if the starters continue to suck bigtime, the Twins will, too. You can't keep pitching guys 4-5 innings and expect to win games with walks and bats (plus all those Twin player strikeouts).

 

If bullpen arms are replaceable (and they are), why would anyone give us anything of value for the easiest bullpen spot to fill, mop up guy?

[stringer bell]

Revised Dump List: 1) Aaron Hicks 2) Matt Guerrier 3) Chris Colabello 4) Kevin Correia 5) Jared Burton. Discuss if interested.

[Alex]

1) Dumping Hicks is a bad idea at this point, but he should be in Rochester. (Remember when the Twins talked about "no free rides?" or whatever Hicks is getting one). Problem is, there's not many other options in the majors right now for a CF especially since the organization is hurting for depth.

 

3) Colabello: I think a guy needs a chance to slump and come out of it. He's shown some power and the Twins need it desperately.

--

I'd replace those on the list with Kubel. Dating back to August of 2012, he's been pretty terrible and certainly not good enough for a weak defending corner OF. Though, this might not be possible until Arcia, and maybe Willingham return.

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

Correia has 3 quality starts out of 7 - that's bad.

He's averaging a little under 6 innings per start, and has been yo-yoing between decent and dreadful each time out.

 

The Good news? He was terrible last time out, he should be on schedule for a good start next time!

 

Burton has had a decent string of appearances as well, at least compared to how he started the season.

 

If the Twins do go to 12 pitchers, however, I think it should be Burton or Guerrier that gets sent down (or DFA'd / released) before anyone else.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Revised Dump List: 1) Aaron Hicks 2) Matt Guerrier 3) Chris Colabello 4) Kevin Correia 5) Jared Burton. Discuss if interested.

1) agreed Hicks should be in AAA to make room for FA Derrick Robinson http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=2784&position=OF

I'm aware he's nothing special, but he's out there and would provide cheap temporary depth while the rest of the outfield gets their poop in a group. It would be very painless to DFA him when one of the other slightly more valuable outfielders is ready to come back. If he sucks, well he's no worse than Hicks and you aren't damaging his career.

2) Agreed, he should be DFA'd to make room for Arcia

3) Agreed, he looks lost and has options to make room for Willingham' as well as currently being outperformed by Parmelee.

4) Not yet, he's pitched better lately and might be of trade value. However, Meyer is going to need a roster spot soon.

5) Agreed, Burton is very replaceable, several younger arms available who could use some MLB time.

[Rosterman]

We should look at who will definitely be around come 2015 and why.

 

Catcher: Josmil Pinto. Suzuji will play out hius contrat. The Twins have an option of going after a vet in 2015. Herrmann and Fyer and expendable. Rohlfind can play the same future role as Herrmann.

 

Designated Hitter: Kenny Vargas will be the body on the horizon and should get a shot sometime this season. Colabello is a good story but it will boil down to him and Parmelee (both of whom could be deep-sixed come 2015) in the position because they can also backup first and play the outfield. Unless Kubel really shines, he is tradebait or cut loose. And if he shines, should definitely be trade bait since he is playing the outfield. Willingham has used up his lives.

 

Mauer is at first. Dozier is at second. We are still anotehr season away from Rosario and Sano. Santana could be the shortstop. Escobar is a backup. Beresford is also a backup candidate. Nunez, Florimon are out of the pitcher. Could Plouffe become another Michael Cuddyer...play right field and abckup at first. Only if he can get that average up consistently. His alck of consistency dooms him. The Twins need to address the infield.

 

Outfield. In shambles. Arcia will spend a good part of the year in the minors. Kepler ios a long way away. Hicks just can't cut it. Burton needs to play. If he had started the season healthy, he might've been plugged in for a week already! It's patchwork unless the Twins promote Burton and Arcia to go with Hicks next season. Backups are backups and a dime a dozen (bring back Erik Komatsu...no).

 

Unless if Pelfrey finds the golen ticket, he is the next Nick Blackburn and Joe Mays. Correia needs a couple of good starts and then move him. The Twins have Darnell, Meyer, May, Dean...even Yohan Pino, in the wings. I'm not worried about the rotation, although if the Twins are going to ever spend lots of money on three middle-of-the-road players, I would rather see them go all out for a Grienke next time.

 

Perkins i shte closer. The bullpen is strong. If Swarzak and Burton get halfway decent numbers, trade them. Same with Duensing. We forget about the minor league riches. Oliveros is down there. Thompson is on par with Guerrier. You have Achter, Guerra. Bullpen arms aren't a problem.

 

The concern is the offense. You can patch in temporary guys who are playing for their next salary (Fuld, Kubel) and vets looking towards free agency (Willingham). But how do you truly explain Plouffe. DO you put stock in Parmelee. Are the 30-year-old rookies Colabello and Deduno really worth the effort. Is Diamond better than Pelfrey. Should the Twins bring back Scott Baker and find out where Matt Capps is hiding (in Cleveland's system). Will A.J. come back to Minnesota. I'll check back in 2018 when the Twins bring, as spring training invitees, Mike Cuddyer, Justin Morneau, Danny Valencia and R.A. Dickey as non-roster invitees..........

[stringer bell]

New candidates to be dumped (or dispatched to Rochester). Chris Colabello--His average and OPS have fallen off a cliff. He's been asked to play RF and he's not an outfielder. Parmelee is a capable backup for Mauer at first and is a better OF, for sure. Plus he's hit a couple homers.

 

Mike Tonkin--We see the good stuff, but the results haven't been there his last few times out. He may benefit from a trip to Rochester and when he returns, perhaps a role for him will be available (via trade, injury, or ineffectiveness). Caleb Thielbar--Much like Tonkin, the results haven't been there. He doesn't have Tonkin's stuff, but he is left handed. Danny Santana--For now Escobar is the shortstop and Hicks is the CF. He's not playing, so he should probably be sent down. Finally, perennial Dump List nominee Kevin Correia is about one start away from demotion to the bullpen or developing a groin injury. Unfortunately, Dump List favorite Mike Pelfrey is still under contract and had a successful start in his first rehab outing.

[cmathewson]

New candidates to be dumped (or dispatched to Rochester). Chris Colabello--His average and OPS have fallen off a cliff. He's been asked to play RF and he's not an outfielder. Parmelee is a capable backup for Mauer at first and is a better OF, for sure. Plus he's hit a couple homers.

 

Mike Tonkin--We see the good stuff, but the results haven't been there his last few times out. He may benefit from a trip to Rochester and when he returns, perhaps a role for him will be available (via trade, injury, or ineffectiveness). Caleb Thielbar--Much like Tonkin, the results haven't been there. He doesn't have Tonkin's stuff, but he is left handed. Danny Santana--For now Escobar is the shortstop and Hicks is the CF. He's not playing, so he should probably be sent down. Finally, perennial Dump List nominee Kevin Correia is about one start away from demotion to the bullpen or developing a groin injury. Unfortunately, Dump List favorite Mike Pelfrey is still under contract and had a successful start in his first rehab outing.

 

 

I agree reed with these. When Arcia comes up, Cola goes down. And Tonkin is not ready. He has one decent pitch-- a 93mph straight fastball. He has to locate it, which has been his biggest challenge. His numbers are actually deceiving. He's allowed a startling number of inherited runners to score. When Pelfrey comes up, he goes down.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think Colabello needs to be optioned (if he has them). Arcia should be able to replace him soon. Willingham can replace Tonkin. I like Tonkin, but based on the results, a trip to AAA with a few things to work on is in his best interest. I'd like to trade KC for Darnell right now to see what he can do in an extended look as well. I think the Twins are going to find themselves in a bit of a pitching glut for the first time in a while unless someone gets hurt.

[Joe A. Preusser]

Hicks has an OBP over .300, and like .375 over his last 10 games.

[Beezer07]

1. Colabello

2. Kubes

3. Tonkin

4. Colabello (just to make sure)

5. Perkins

[snepp]

Hicks has an OBP over .300, and like .375 over his last 10 games.

 

To go along with his sub-200 average and sub-300 slugging.