Article: Twins Claim Jordan Schafer from Braves

[Otto von Ballpark]

Bringing Eric Farris up from AAA this late in the season would not make much sense unless you plan on keeping him on the major league team next year as well. He has already used up 2 of his option years while with Milwaukee (total of 10 PA over 14 games). If you wanted to keep Farris as a 4th outfielder next year, it would be nice to be able to option him if he struggles. It is also easier to trade a player like this if he can be stashed at AAA without taking a 40 man roster spot.

If Farris was added to the 40-man right now, he would only burn an option year if he was sent back to AAA for 20 days, which would be pretty unlikely since the AAA ends in about 30 days anyway.

[ScottyB]

The Twins had 39 players on their 40 man roster, so the roster is again full. The team will need to send someone down to Rochester to make room on the 25-man roster.

 

 

 

Darnell optioned to open spot on 25 man.  Will May take his next start?

[jorgenswest]

Bringing Eric Farris up from AAA this late in the season would not make much sense unless you plan on keeping him on the major league team next year as well. He has already used up 2 of his option years while with Milwaukee (total of 10 PA over 14 games). If you wanted to keep Farris as a 4th outfielder next year, it would be nice to be able to option him if he struggles. It is also easier to trade a player like this if he can be stashed at AAA without taking a 40 man roster spot.

Isn't the option only used if they send him back down this year? Seems kind of late in the year for that to be necessary.

[DuluthFan]

 

If Farris was added to the 40-man right now, he would only burn an option year if he was sent back to AAA for 20 days, which would be pretty unlikely since the AAA ends in about 30 days anyway.

 

Point taken. You also have to take into account whether he has been DFA'd before. Two DFA's allow the player to choose to become a free agent. Considering the Twins signed him as a minor league free agent, it is likely that he has already been DFA'd before. Why potentially expose a player to waivers who may not get looked at otherwise? He is a player that would most likely be taken off the 40 man roster after the season. He could be exposed twice this offseason. Once for the waiver and again for the rule 5 draft.

[Danchat]

Darnell optioned to open spot on 25 man.  Will May take his next start?

I don't want to change the topic, but I do wonder whether it'll be May or Milone with the next start. Also, I wonder who will be sent down when they have to do that.

[ScottyB]

I don't want to change the topic, but I do wonder whether it'll be May or Milone with the next start. Also, I wonder who will be sent down when they have to do that.

 

I was thinking Milone will take Pino's spot and May will take Darnell's spot.  Don't know who comes off roster to make room for May.

[biggentleben]

Ryan wants to trade him back to the Braves for a useful piece.

 

Puke.

[biggentleben]

Seth, he debuted with the Atlanta Braves and came up through the Braves system.  He was part of the trade that brought Michael Bourn to Atlanta before Atlanta acquired him via waiver claim before the 2013 season.

 

He's a CF in speed only at this point as his instincts in the field are terrible and simply have not gotten better.  The only thing worse than his first step is his routes, so not exactly the guy you want to rely on for covering a spacious outfield.  His best defensive asset is his arm.  His speed does allow him to make up for his first step on quick shots, but on long runs, his poor routes often bite him, and he misses a ball most center fielders can make.

 

Schafer was once a tremendous offensive prospect with good patience, okay power, and blazing speed - the prototypical leadoff guy.  Then he got busted in the minors for PEDs.  He's never found that patience again since his suspension, though his MLB walk percentage was good, he's often been cited for going after way too many first pitches, but that is an issue of many Braves hitters, so that may be something he's done more with Greg Walker as his hitting coach.

 

Schafer has had an absurdly low BABIP this year, hovering around .215 last I checked, so there's some hope for improvement, but I know the Braves aren't hurt in letting him go after giving him two chances at the big league level and attempting to stand by his side during a suspension.

 

In the clubhouse, he rides that line between cocky and arrogant, and he really irked Chipper Jones and Tim Hudson when they were around.  Last season he publicly called for more playing time as BJ Upton struggled, which isn't the greatest "team guy" thing to do.  All that said, he's never been mentioned as one that was causing any upheaval in the clubhouse, and the Braves have had issues with that the last few years from Uggla, McCann, and others.

 

Not a bad chance pick up for a team like the Twins.  If his BABIP bounces back, he's a .230/.300/.350 sort of hitter that will steal a ton when on base if he has the green light. Not a long term piece, but worth the nothing given up for him.

Edited August 4, 2014 by biggentleben

[biggentleben]

Exactly, Brandon Moss was a flyer by the A's.  The Twins should try out more of these guys for lesser roles and hope for good things.  Especially when they aren't in the way of anyone.

 

Before the A's, he was a flyer by the Phillies.  These guys sometimes don't work out as well.  And Moss has flourished mostly because he doesn't play every day now. That's allowed his power to play up because his .255/.335 line wouldn't acceptable without slugging over .500.

[Seth Stohs]

You can view TwinsDaily's Jordan Schafer profile page here.

 

This is really a "meh" move for me. Sure he'll serve as a 4th OF, but from the business side of things, Eric Farris would have been a much cheaper option. Taking on the pro-rated portion of $1.09 million still costs the team about $340K. (Vargas, on the minimum will make about $163K.) He's a replacement-level player and the Twins are paying him twice the minimum. 

 

From the fan perspective, there is no downside to this move... unless the Twins turn around and offer him arbitration this off-season. It's doubtful Schafter will show anything that made him a former top prospect and he'll be off the 40-man immediately after the World Series.

 

 

So, now we're complaining that the Twins are spending too much money??

[Seth Stohs]

I've read (not here, but on Twitter) about his PED suspension and that somehow being a negative. Obviously it's not a positive, but if we're suddenly not going to give players opportunities after PED suspensions, then they need to release Kennys Vargas now!

[jimbo92107]

What I'd like to know about Jordan Schafer is how he's getting himself out at the plate. What's he doing wrong - trying to pull everything, over-swinging, a big hole in his swing, etc. There might be something about him that Bruno can work on. Maybe he can borrow Danny Santana's bat and approach. Or Suzuki's.

[drivlikejehu]

He's breathing and has two legs, which I guess fits the bill at this point in time. There are probably more interesting AAAA guys around, but it's all about timing with these filler moves.

[Jeremy Nygaard]

I'm simply pointing out - from the business side - that it wasn't the best move. I think most of my thinking involves ways to spend less money. (They should just hire me!)

 

Also, Farris will be a MiLB FA at the end of the year. If he's added, he'll be outrighted off the roster. At the end of the year, his standing with the organization is the same.

[Jeremy Nygaard]

I've read (not here, but on Twitter) about his PED suspension and that somehow being a negative. Obviously it's not a positive, but if we're suddenly not going to give players opportunities after PED suspensions, then they need to release Kennys Vargas now!

 

I'd say there is a difference between being involved with HGH and taking dietary supplements to keep your weight under control, but that's just me. The felony drug arrest is probably more alarming.

 

But it's still an easy flyer to take for two months.

[teekz]

I suppose it is better than watching a bunch of SS play the outfield.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I don't have a problem with trading Fuld for a decent 4th/5th type starter and then backfilling him with the same kind of waiver wire pick up. It's fine, the team had a need and they filled it.

 

However I agree with Chief, for a team that's supposed to have this fantastic farm system, how is it that there isn't somebody in house who could be ready? I understand that injuries have taken their toll, and Hicks needs some TLC in AAA before he is ready, but it doesn't inspire confidence that the Farm system is as good as it's reputed to be.

 

I'd rather see this type of move than rushing a prospect to ride the big league pine, but I'd rather see some exciting prospects rather than cast offs. I'd rather see Santana at SS and a guy like Rosario or Buxton or Hicks in CF. Unfortunately Buxton/Rosario/Hicks isn't ready, so we see Santana make the best of it, and Jordan Schafer ride the pine.

[bird]

That the Twins, in year four of consecutive 90 loss seasons, are claiming Jordon Shafer in August, and he will most likely end up on the 25 man roster, does not say anything good about the status of the "rebuild."

 

In fact, it is a pretty damning indictment, IMO.

I don't think this move says a thing about the rebuild. Arcia, Gibson, Hughes, Santana, Polanco, Buxton, Meyer, May, Pinto, Hicks, Tonkin, Pressly...the list is much longer. Those are the names that say something about the rebuild, not some replacement for Fuld. And would you rather they not acquired Milone?

[Brock Beauchamp]

However I agree with Chief, for a team that's supposed to have this fantastic farm system, how is it that there isn't somebody in house who could be ready? I understand that injuries have taken their toll, and Hicks needs some TLC in AAA before he is ready, but it doesn't inspire confidence that the Farm system is as good as it's reputed to be. I'd rather see this type of move than rushing a prospect to ride the big league pine, but I'd rather see some exciting prospects rather than cast offs. I'd rather see Santana at SS and a guy like Rosario or Buxton or Hicks in CF

Everybody wants to see Hicks, Buxton, or Rosario in CF.

 

Unfortunately, none of them are ready. And that shouldn't give pause to the quality of the farm system; the odds of having three top 100 centerfield prospects suffer three different setbacks are small. But hey, it happens. The only one of the three with long term questions is Hicks.

[ScottyB]

To me you just keep looking at the waiver wire everyday.  Schafer is one option, if a better option comes across the wire tomorrow, pick that guy up and DFA Schafer.  We just need a body to help fill CF the rest of the season. Just keep scouring the wire until you pick up a decent option like Fuld was. 

 

You know, like Jason Bartlett, Jason Pridie or Jason Tyner.

[h2oface]

Schafer, Shafer, Schaefer, Schaffer, Schaeffer, Shaffer........... it is starting already.  At least he isn't another Pressly, or Presley, or ............

[Richie the Rally Goat]

http://blogs.twincities.com/twins/

Gardy's quote in the linked article says everything I wanted it to regarding Schafer, Hicks, and Santana. Kinda shocking really... Being open about finding fill ins and what they're looking for in each player.

Edited August 4, 2014 by Sconnie

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Everybody wants to see Hicks, Buxton, or Rosario in CF.

Unfortunately, none of them are ready. And that shouldn't give pause to the quality of the farm system; the odds of having three top 100 centerfield prospects suffer three different setbacks are small. But hey, it happens. The only one of the three with long term questions is Hicks.

it's true... Just frustrating

[drjim]

Everybody wants to see Hicks, Buxton, or Rosario in CF.

 

Unfortunately, none of them are ready. And that shouldn't give pause to the quality of the farm system; the odds of having three top 100 centerfield prospects suffer three different setbacks are small. But hey, it happens. The only one of the three with long term questions is Hicks.

I have many more questions about Rosario at this point than I do Hicks.

[drjim]

it's true... Just frustrating

As said, having a fifth guy that plays cf and near mlb ready seems unrealistic. Teams have to backfill roster depth all the time.

 

In the past two years the Twins have graduated 2 of, ss, 2 1b/dh, 2 rp, 2 so and might do another so before the year is over. That is substantial talent going from the farm to the majors. They can't always fill every spot. The three main studs are still on the way.

 

I think there has to be realistic expectations for the farm system. After all this it will still be #2. That's pretty amazing.

[Badsmerf]

I have many more questions about Rosario at this point than I do Hicks.

That might be true for me too.... With that question being if he can hit RH pitching.

[stringer bell]

Overall, I like the move. Schafer has one major league skill for sure--he can steal bases. Even with bad instincts, he has to cover more ground than the Twins' regulars in left and right. If Schafer could manage to get on base enough, he could really help the team in a part-time role. If not, backup CF, PR and occasional corner defensive replacement.

[stringer bell]

I read that Darnell had been optioned, not a huge surprise. That creates room for Schafer for now. I would presume they could recall Milone to start sometime next week. They would probably have to send out a pitcher. Of course, when Mauer returns that is another issue.

[jorgenswest]

According to the Braves guy, he is not a good defensive CF. UZR and DRS confirm this in the season where he played significant innings. After 1251 PA, he has shown he can't hit. He has been released by the Astros and Braves. He is hitting .163 this year. Then there is the HGH suspension and felony drug arrest.

 

It's hard to see the downside.

 

Worst case, in a small sample he will hit a little and play the game the right way. The Twins respond by keeping him on the 40 without looking for a better solution.

 

He was a top prospect in 2008. That has to mean something. The Twins top prospects that year were Nick Blackburn and Joe Benson. Maybe they are available. More warm bodies. What's the downside?

[USAFChief]

A player that won't embarrass himself in centerfield. To accomplish this internally, the Twins would have to sacrifice an actual prospect's development and rush him to the Majors and/or they'd have to add people to the 40 man for no good reason.

 

This is the kind of move that the Twins should be making at this point. Patch a hole for two months and reevaluate in the offseason.

 

After the Hicks fiasco, are we really slamming the front office for showing some prudence with their outfield prospects?

In year four of consecutive 90 loss seasons, this is the type of move the Twins should have to make? Patching holes with waiver wire castoffs? Castoffs with no chance of being an actual asset?

 

Shouldn't there be some actual talent to try by now?