Interesting Roster decisions coming

[jokin]

Actually, I believe we're up to five now.

 

Fuld, Mastroianni, Bonifacio, Presley, and Sizemore.

 

They're all bad options and should be expected to put up similar numbers. Fuld and Bonifacio have been the best (1.1 and 1.2 fWAR) while Presley and Sizemore have been Hicksian this season (-0.7 and -0.2 fWAR respectively). Mastro hasn't played in MLB since leaving the Twins.

 

Ahh....Kenny Wilson....we hardly knew ye....

[Brock Beauchamp]

Guerrier's return only makes marginally more sense that forcing Bartlett onto the roster. It's like someone at One Twins Way in the offseason planning meetings wrote

 

"We need a to re-establish a veteran presence that exemplifies the Twins Way"

 

as a bullet point for changing the culture, and by golly, they were going to follow through with checking off that bullet point, whether or not it actually still made sense in the light of day.

 

I can't argue with this. The Guerrier move might work out well enough for the Twins in 2014 but even if it does, I will never understand the decision.

[jokin]

Has Nunez played any infield since joining the big league club?

 

He played a full game at 3rd. The Twins obviously are taking it verrry slowly about trying him out at SS. He probably gets his chance when Santana inevitably cools off at the plate.

[Mike Sixel]

Big difference. They were leaving via free agency and the Twins were a decent team. They weren't coming off three consecutive 90+ loss seasons and fighting to re-engage an increasingly apathetic fanbase.

 

I was talking about when they traded away a player, instead of adding one, at the deadline, when they were in contention, and both players said "we always play for a future that never comes". Was not talking about when they let those two go. My bad for not being clear.

[The Wise One]

I was talking about when they traded away a player, instead of adding one, at the deadline, when they were in contention, and both players said "we always play for a future that never comes". Was not talking about when they let those two go. My bad for not being clear.

When those 2 were here, what players of note did the Twins trade away during the season?

[Riverbrian]

On the main discussion... Unless the light bulb turns for Hicks and shines bright. I think he should go down when Fuld becomes healthy.

 

I think this is now Parm's chance to show what he can do in RF. He's a former first round draft pick. He has hit very nicely in AAA but he's never had an extended run as a starter in the majors. I think you let Parm run and let Arcia get some swings in AAA for awhile. If Parm struggles and Arcia is stroking it. Make the switch at that point.

 

When Hammer is ready... Take your pick... It's either Santana or Nunez. Mostly Likely Santana due to his youth. Nunez will have to learn some CF on the fly and he will have to play there to learn. So I don't think Fuld should have an every day gig in CF.

 

On the off-topic discussion on Bonofacio... Of course I have some thoughts.

 

That moment is gone and the Cubs won't just hand him over so I guess that's it. The window is sadly shut. In regards to the discussion... He's being labeled by some as AAAA or Presley like filler. I do think some perspective is needed.

 

1. If Bonofacio was OPS'ing at a rate that is termed satisfactory to peak some interests... With his speed and his experience at 6 different positions... if you added to that a higher OPS... Kansas City would have never released him... I'd say that Florida would have never traded him to Toronto and his free agency price tag would eventually place him in LA or NY. He was only available to the Twins as an option because his OPS doesn't satisfy some. Not wanting him because he lacks a little pop doesn't really add up. He's a top of the line insurance policy and super utility. He's #25 on the 25 Man and about as good as it gets for #25 on the 25 man.

 

2. When I was all hot and bothered over signing him. It was February... And I honestly thought there was no way Hicks makes the opening day roster after last year. I thought Presley would open as the CF. I also thought that Plouffe would be a place holder for Sano at 3B. I was worried about both CF and 3B in the meantime and rushing Hicks or Sano if Presley or Plouffe struggled. I thought Bonofacio was perfect for that role. A 3B and CF insurance policy... Plus 2B, SS and the OF Corners. He was perfect and I still think I was right. Not because I predicted that he would go nuts with the Cubs. Simply from what he has done in the past. His lead-off ability which is legit in my opinion and needed with the Twins. His speed which is absolutely needed with the Twins and his flexibility to play other positions when Sano and Hicks come up and lay claim to the jobs with both hands. All those skills he possesses were something that the 2014 Twins lack. He was perfect for the context of this club.

 

3. I honestly thought that the reason the Twins passed was because they wanted to avoid exposing someone like Parmelee. I actually forgave them while I was thinking that... I was wrong... They exposed Parmelee and kept Bartlett.

 

4. Once they kept Bartlett and tried to turn him into Bonofacio. My confusion hit a new level and I can't grasp it. No matter what anyone thinks of Bonofacio... He's the Cadillac of Super Utility. If a Utility guy OPS'es the Crap out of the ball. He won't be utility anymore. They will find him a full time gig and he wouldn't have been available for Jokin and I to lose sleep over.

 

I wouldn't have thought twice about it. I'd have been on the phone with his agent to ask him what uniform number he'd like to wear.

[jokin]

Actually, I believe we're up to five now.

 

Fuld, Mastroianni, Bonifacio, Presley, and Sizemore.

 

They're all bad options and should be expected to put up similar numbers. Fuld and Bonifacio have been the best (1.1 and 1.2 fWAR) while Presley and Sizemore have been Hicksian this season (-0.7 and -0.2 fWAR respectively). Mastro hasn't played in MLB since leaving the Twins.

 

Sizemore actually hasn't been as bad as his WAR indicates. His K% LD% and Contact % are all better than his career averages, while his 2014 BABIP of .253 is well below his career .310 BABIP. He may normalize his luck enough to reaching some better hitting numbers before all is said and done.

 

The Red Sox might have to move on:

 

[Despite being mired in the depths of a May slump]...the good news is that Sizemore is healthy after having his career derailed by injuries. The bad news is that manager John Farrell dropped hints to Joon Lee of WEEI.com that the Red Sox may be getting close to cutting back on his playing time

 

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/22/grady-sizemores-comeback-has-hit-a-snag/

 

If the Twins OF situation is still in a state of flux when and if Sizemore is released, I'd still urge the Twins to claim him and see if lightning can strike again. Until Buxton is finally here for good, the Twins simply have to build up some credible stop-gap OF options while Hicks' fate is determined.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I'd snatch up Sizemore in a heartbeat, if only to demote Hicks and let him sort it out in AAA.

[jokin]

I'd snatch up Sizemore in a heartbeat, if only to demote Hicks and let him sort it out in AAA.

 

Exactly what I was thinking.

[70charger]

No matter what anyone thinks of Bonofacio... He's the Cadillac of Super Utility.

 

 

I'm gonna have to go with Ben Zobrist. If Zobrist is the Cadillac, Bonifacio is the '98 Honda Civic. Sure it'll get you to point B, but you're not doing smoky burnouts for your friends to watch.

 

I was against the Bonifacio idea, as you may remember, and despite his hot start, I'm still not sure that a front office that doesn't make out of this world decisions about Jason Bartlett would be making a good decision in hiring him. I'd have run with Mastroianni and Hicks.

 

Besides, I'd still rather see what we have in Hicks.

[Squirrel]

When those 2 were here, what players of note did the Twins trade away during the season?

 

Getting a bit off topic, but I think he was referring to Luis Castillo?

[Mike Sixel]

When those 2 were here, what players of note did the Twins trade away during the season?

 

I am referencing their disappointment, and Hunters statement, that the Twins "always seem to play for a future that never comes" when a trade happened. My brain is fuzzy on what the trade was.

 

I am referencing that people here are posting they should trade Suzuki and get value for him, and not try to contend this year.

 

I think it would be great if they tried to win, this year, and not in 15 or 16 or 17 for the first time in years.

 

We'll see what happens at the deadline. If they are around .500, do they try to get better or not?

[jokin]

On the main discussion... Unless the light bulb turns for Hicks and shines bright. I think he should go down when Fuld becomes healthy.

 

I think this is now Parm's chance to show what he can do in RF. He's a former first round draft pick. He has hit very nicely in AAA but he's never had an extended run as a starter in the majors. I think you let Parm run and let Arcia get some swings in AAA for awhile. If Parm struggles and Arcia is stroking it. Make the switch at that point.

 

When Hammer is ready... Take your pick... It's either Santana or Nunez. Mostly Likely Santana due to his youth. Nunez will have to learn some CF on the fly and he will have to play there to learn. So I don't think Fuld should have an every day gig in CF.

 

On the off-topic discussion on Bonofacio... Of course I have some thoughts.

 

That moment is gone and the Cubs won't just hand him over so I guess that's it. The window is sadly shut. In regards to the discussion... He's being labeled by some as AAAA or Presley like filler. I do think some perspective is needed.

 

1. If Bonofacio was OPS'ing at a rate that is termed satisfactory to peak some interests... With his speed and his experience at 6 different positions... if you added to that a higher OPS... Kansas City would have never released him... I'd say that Florida would have never traded him to Toronto and his free agency price tag would eventually place him in LA or NY. He was only available to the Twins as an option because his OPS doesn't satisfy some. Not wanting him because he lacks a little pop doesn't really add up. He's a top of the line insurance policy and super utility. He's #25 on the 25 Man and about as good as it gets for #25 on the 25 man.

 

2. When I was all hot and bothered over signing him. It was February... And I honestly thought there was no way Hicks makes the opening day roster after last year. I thought Presley would open as the CF. I also thought that Plouffe would be a place holder for Sano at 3B. I was worried about both CF and 3B in the meantime and rushing Hicks or Sano if Presley or Plouffe struggled. I thought Bonofacio was perfect for that role. A 3B and CF insurance policy... Plus 2B, SS and the OF Corners. He was perfect and I still think I was right. Not because I predicted that he would go nuts with the Cubs. Simply from what he has done in the past. His lead-off ability which is legit in my opinion and needed with the Twins. His speed which is absolutely needed with the Twins and his flexibility to play other positions when Sano and Hicks come up and lay claim to the jobs with both hands. All those skills he possesses were something that the 2014 Twins lack. He was perfect for the context of this club.

 

3. I honestly thought that the reason the Twins passed was because they wanted to avoid exposing someone like Parmelee. I actually forgave them while I was thinking that... I was wrong... They exposed Parmelee and kept Bartlett.

 

4. Once they kept Bartlett and tried to turn him into Bonofacio. My confusion hit a new level and I can't grasp it. No matter what anyone thinks of Bonofacio... He's the Cadillac of Super Utility. If a Utility guy OPS'es the Crap out of the ball. He won't be utility anymore. They will find him a full time gig and he wouldn't have been available for Jokin and I to lose sleep over.

 

I wouldn't have thought twice about it. I'd have been on the phone with his agent to ask him what uniform number he'd like to wear.

 

As usual, your prose is the Cadillac of Super Moderators.

 

I freely admit that I'm haunted by losing out on Bonifacio for the 2014 season, and that was only with the assumption that we could get him at his career numbers. I still awake in the middle of the night in cold sweats, with the stark realization that we don't have Bonifacio's 6-position flexibility, 33 Stolen Bases/year over the last 3 years and career .265 BA, .667 OPS hitting directly in front of Dozier and Mauer.

[jokin]

I'm gonna have to go with Ben Zobrist. If Zobrist is the Cadillac, Bonifacio is the '98 Honda Civic. Sure it'll get you to point B, but you're not doing smoky burnouts for your friends to watch.

 

I was against the Bonifacio idea, as you may remember, and despite his hot start, I'm still not sure that a front office that doesn't make out of this world decisions about Jason Bartlett would be making a good decision in hiring him. I'd have run with Mastroianni and Hicks.

 

Besides, I'd still rather see what we have in Hicks.

 

Nope. Bonifacio is the Cadillac, Zobrist is the Rolls Royce.....

[Brock Beauchamp]

If Bonifacio is a Cadillac, that means Nick Punto is a loaded Mercedes with rims.

 

*gags a little*

[Riverbrian]

 

I still awake in the middle of the night in cold sweats

 

I'm sleeping alright... Mostly while driving. So my timing may be off.

[Riverbrian]

I'm gonna have to go with Ben Zobrist. If Zobrist is the Cadillac, Bonifacio is the '98 Honda Civic. Sure it'll get you to point B, but you're not doing smoky burnouts for your friends to watch.

 

I was against the Bonifacio idea, as you may remember, and despite his hot start, I'm still not sure that a front office that doesn't make out of this world decisions about Jason Bartlett would be making a good decision in hiring him. I'd have run with Mastroianni and Hicks.

 

Besides, I'd still rather see what we have in Hicks.

 

I'm not sure Zobrist would fit my definition. Yes he can play multiple positions but If Zobrist we're signed by the Twins... He would be full time... They would have plopped him in RF and given him a full time spot and not really be utility.

 

But... If Zobrist is the Cadillac... Bonofacio is at least a Dodge.

[blairpaul715]

Maybe off topic, but any chance of trading Plouffe, and bringing up Deibinson Romero, does anyone have a scouting report on Romero?? I see he is hitting well in AAA, and I thought they always kind of liked him..........Dodgers need a 3rd basemen, and I would love Joc Pederson for our OF>

[Shane Wahl]

Sending Hicks down and watching no-future Sam Fuld play CF would be a mistake. This is pretty clear.

[70charger]

 

But... If Zobrist is the Cadillac... Bonofacio is at least a Dodge.

 

You may have found my weakness.

[DocBauer]

Herrman goes down to play every day again. And hopefully he continues to rake down there to get him ready for September and 2015 where he just might to prove to be a really good asset. But his yo-yo-ing is hard. That makes room for Arcia.

 

Hammer...I'm not convinced Santana goes down. No question the talented youngster needs to play. So far, Gardy's done a decent job of doing that, though I think he could do better. So far, the kid has played well. More so, he hasn't looked out of place or intimidated. And that may be more important than his production in the short term. Right now, he's also our best option as a backup CF, as Fuld might be on the Koskie-Morneau-Mauer concussion injury train.

 

More than likely, Nunez moves back down. At least for the now. I'm not ready to just give up on Colabello. He's defied all that could be thrown at him until recently. But for Kibel, it might just be time to admit he's done. He had a good month or so left in him, surprising everyone, but ultimately, there's just nothing left. Any move here allows Hammer to come back up. (Though not ready yet)

 

Pelfrey is a different matter. He's had one decent AAA start. He's been as bad or almost as bad as Correia so far. Are you really going to pull Deduno out of the rotation for him? I know he's only had an appearance or two, and I know the Twins wanted to give hm a shot, but the G-man needs to go. Nothing he's done in the minors or majors indicates he has anything left. Perhaps this offers room for Pelfrey. At least until Tonkin kicks butt and is ready to come up again.

 

Seconf half of the season, at this point, traded or just cut loose, no really good reason Correia and Pelfrey aren't both just gone in favor of Meyer, May, Darnell or even Johnson. Tonkin will be back.

 

If and when Fuld is ready to come back, Santana might move down. It's also possible Colabello goes down to make adjustments, or Kubes could just be done. This would also allow Nunez to stay.

 

Month from now, however it plays out, expecting and/or hoping Correia, Pelfrey, Guerrier are probably gone. Tonkin back up in the pen. One of the affor-mentioned pitchers fill out the rotation. Fuld comes back healthy and recovered, this means Santana sent down, Colabello sent down, or Kubes DFA.

[jokin]

I'm not sure Zobrist would fit my definition. Yes he can play multiple positions but If Zobrist we're signed by the Twins... He would be full time... They would have plopped him in RF and given him a full time spot and not really be utility.

 

But... If Zobrist is the Cadillac... Bonofacio is at least a Dodge.......

...70s Charger?....

[The Wise One]

Getting a bit off topic, but I think he was referring to Luis Castillo?

 

Not really off topic. The irrony that youu all missed. Castillo was traded for Dustin Martin, a CF/corner OF.

[twinsfan34]

It's possible. I'd definitely explore trading him before DFA, that's for sure.

 

If Ryan Doumit and Drew Butera can be traded, Kevin Corriea can be traded.

 

And perhaps even for a similar booty as the aforementioned trades.

[ChrisKnutson]

This probably off topic but who thinks we should trade Kyle Gibson (decent pitcher) and Eduardo Nunez (good bench bat) to the Rockies for one of their center fielders Brandon Barnes or semi veteran Drew Stubbs both are of to a great start and because the Rockies outfielder are almost all hitting over .300 and one of those two could platoon with the young Aaron Hicks besides the Rockies always needs pitchers and a bat couldn't hurt them (Coors Field) and it seems right to cash out on Gibson to bring up one of May, Meyer, or Darnell.

[twinsfan34]

As Thrylos pointed out...Hicks .331 OBP...as bad as he has been, he's still getting on base 1 in 3 times. And his defense is better than any other Twins OF. Fuld, meh.

 

For the other stuff...Calobello is quickly approaching the Mendoza-Hicks line, .233 and falling.

 

So I would keep Hicks above both of those guys.

 

Willingham...I could care less...but if he can hit - he helps the big club. Only one way to figure that out.

 

Arcia, IMO, is better than Kubel or Herrmann - both at the dish and in the grass. And he just turned 23...he just needs more MLB at-bats. We all know he can hit .300 vs AAA pitching. He's doing it again. I think his problem is similar to Hicks - understanding what MLB pitchers are going to do to them pitch strategy wise...and then working on hitting to that.

[Mike Sixel]

This probably off topic but who thinks we should trade Kyle Gibson (decent pitcher) and Eduardo Nunez (good bench bat) to the Rockies for one of their center fielders Brandon Barnes or semi veteran Drew Stubbs both are of to a great start and because the Rockies outfielder are almost all hitting over .300 and one of those two could platoon with the young Aaron Hicks besides the Rockies always needs pitchers and a bat couldn't hurt them (Coors Field) and it seems right to cash out on Gibson to bring up one of May, Meyer, or Darnell.

 

not a fan of the specifics of the idea, but the concept is interesting. I'd want to aim HIGH in return for Gibson.

[Brock Beauchamp]

This probably off topic but who thinks we should trade Kyle Gibson (decent pitcher) and Eduardo Nunez (good bench bat) to the Rockies for one of their center fielders Brandon Barnes or semi veteran Drew Stubbs both are of to a great start and because the Rockies outfielder are almost all hitting over .300 and one of those two could platoon with the young Aaron Hicks besides the Rockies always needs pitchers and a bat couldn't hurt them (Coors Field) and it seems right to cash out on Gibson to bring up one of May, Meyer, or Darnell.

 

 

Barnes has a .590 OPS away from Coors in a SSS. Last year with Houston, he OPSed at .635.

 

Drew Stubbs has a .551 OPS away from Coors. Last year with Cincinnati, he OPSed at .665.

 

Never trade for a hitter that plays in Coors based on their overall stat line. Ever. Never ever ever ever.