Article: Twins Promote Eight for September

[Seth Stohs]

The Minnesota Twins announced that they will promote eight players from AAA Rochester for September. In recent days, we have seen the Twins make some moves to make room on the 40 man roster. Three players were added to the 40 man and called up.The Twins have called up pitchers Logan Darnell, Michael Tonkin, Lester Oliveros and AJ Achter. Catchers Josmil Pinto and Chris Herrmann were also called up. Aaron Hicks was called up, and infielder Doug Bernier will also return to the Twins.

 

Aaron Hicks was demoted to AA earlier in the season. After playing well at AA New Britain, he was called up to AAA Rochester where he played well for a month. He has been playing all three outfield positions.

 

Josmil Pinto started the season as the team's backup catcher and got a lot of playing time at DH when Chris Herrmann was on the roster. He struggled early in Rochester, but has been hitting very well the last six weeks.

 

Michael Tonkin has had a solid, unspectacular season in Rochester, but his fastball/slider makes him a possible back-end of the bullpen option.

 

Chris Herrmann can catch, but he will also get time in the corner outfield positions.

 

Lefty Logan Darnell will likely pitch out of the bullpen through September, a role many believe will be his role long-term.

 

Doug Bernier was recently named the Rochester Red Wings MVP after a strong season in which he played six different positions. He needed to be added to the 40 man roster.

 

Lester Oliveros came to the Twins in the Delmon Young trade. Unfortunately, he had Tommy John surgery in September of 2012 and missed almost all of 2013. He began this year dominating AA New Britain before being promoted to Rochester where he has again been dominant.

 

The feel-good story of the eight promotions is that AJ Achter was called up. The 26-year-old was the Twins 46th round pick in 2010 out of Michigan State. He has put up terrific numbers since being moved to the bullpen two years ago. He played in the Arizona Fall League last year, but he was not added to the 40 man roster. He was the lone Red Wings representative at the AAA All Star game. Though he has struggled the past month, he has had another strong season.

 

It's hard not to notice that the Twins have not called up Chris Colabello and Pedro Florimon. Colabello had a tremendous first month of the season and was AL co-Player of the Month. Florimon was the Twins starting shortstop through 2013 and the first six weeks of 2014.

 

The Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to Pawtucket on Sunday night.

 

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[Platoon]

Delbinson Romero not included? Do we really need to see Chris Hermann yet again? They KNOW what the results will be. He is what he is. You don't need to see him again to evaluate. Several of these spots were awarded as favors. But it is what it is. Hopefully they rest Mauer, Dozier, Plouffie, and Suzukiie. And some of the relievers. But out of the 8 probably the only true look see needs to be Pinto BEHIND THE PLATE, not at DH. And Hicks in center so Santanna can get a look at short. Tonkin and Darnell in spot situations. I wonder how Suzuki's upcoming potential for bonuses will affect Gardies distribution of playing time?

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Glad to see Hicks called up--hope he gets a chance to play a lot and Santana gets some time at SS. This is probably last opportunity for Hicks.

 

I believe the Twins are showing that Colobello and Florimon will be dropped from the 40 man roster this fall to create spots for Meyer, Sano, Rosario and others like Micheal. Surprised Bernier and Herman were called up--probably at Gardy's request.

 

I hope Pinto gets a bunch of time at C.

[Thegrin]

I just hope the Twins focus on winning games. I'd like to see them have a plus 500 record in September. I hope these call-ups don't  keep our best players on the bench.

[Kwak]

Some of these promotions were definately rewards for performance in the minors rather than as a "look see" or "get your feet wet" or as a prelude to a future in the MLs.

Ryn has always fancied his own scouting to try to obtain under-appreciated talent for possible use.  By promoting these guys he ensures a steady stream of AAAA guys signing minor-league contracts with the Twins.  Ryan does love "options".

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I hoped Colabello might get one last look. This decision must be his "pat on the shoulder."

[Shane Wahl]

Pinto and Herrmann were hitting very well. Bernier is getting rewarded, though one would think that Romero should be rewarded as well/instead. The pitching additions make perfect sense.

[Rosterman]

No Kris Johnson. No Stephen Pryor.

 

We don't need four catchers.

 

60-day Yohan. Bring up Debinson Romero.

 

You cold also cut Burton and Florimon from the 40-man with no tears being shed.

 

Colabello, sad. But would've sat on the bench.

[twinsfan34]

Debinson Romero isn't on the 40-man roster. They'd have to DFA someone (could be picked up by another team) to call him up.

 

what's kind of a "oh" is if a guy is on the 40-man and in AAA when the playoffs have ended and is NOT called up.

 

That list: Pryor, Florimon, Colabello, Johnson, Thompson

 

Polanco is in AA, Kepler is at A+.

 

 

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=min

 

Minnesota Twins 40-Man Roster
Minnesota Twins 40-man Roster #  Pitchers  B/T  Ht  Wt  DOB
61  Jared Burton  R-R  6'5"  225  Jun 2, 1981
38  Logan Darnell *  L-L  6'2"  210  Feb 2, 1989
52  Brian Duensing  L-L  6'0"  205  Feb 22, 1983
50  Casey Fien  R-R  6'2"  205  Oct 21, 1983
44  Kyle Gibson  R-R  6'6"  220  Oct 23, 1987
45  Phil Hughes  R-R  6'5"  240  Jun 24, 1986
53  Kris Johnson *  L-L  6'4"  205  Oct 14, 1984
65  Trevor May  R-R  6'5"  215  Sep 23, 1989
49  Tommy Milone  L-L  6'0"  205  Feb 16, 1987
47  Ricky Nolasco  R-R  6'2"  225  Dec 13, 1982
37  Mike Pelfrey Disabled List 60-day DL **  R-R  6'7"  250  Jan 14, 1984
15  Glen Perkins  L-L  6'0"  205  Mar 2, 1983
63  Yohan Pino *  R-R  6'2"  190  Dec 26, 1983
57  Ryan Pressly  R-R  6'3"  205  Dec 15, 1988
Stephen Pryor *  R-R  6'4"  245  Jul 23, 1989
51  Anthony Swarzak  R-R  6'4"  210  Sep 10, 1985
56  Caleb Thielbar  R-L  6'0"  195  Jan 31, 1987
64  Aaron Thompson  L-L  6'3"  195  Feb 28, 1987
59  Michael Tonkin *  R-R  6'7"  220  Nov 19, 1989
#  Catchers  B/T  Ht  Wt  DOB
26  Eric Fryer  R-R  6'2"  215  Aug 26, 1985
43  Josmil Pinto *  R-R  5'11"  210  Mar 31, 1989
8  Kurt Suzuki  R-R  5'11"  230  Oct 4, 1983
#  Infielders  B/T  Ht  Wt  DOB
20  Chris Colabello *  R-R  6'4"  220  Oct 24, 1983
2  Brian Dozier  R-R  5'11"  190  May 15, 1987
5  Eduardo Escobar  S-R  5'10"  175  Jan 5, 1989
25  Pedro Florimon *  S-R  6'2"  180  Dec 10, 1986
7  Joe Mauer  L-R  6'5"  230  Apr 19, 1983
24  Trevor Plouffe  R-R  6'2"  205  Jun 15, 1986
11  Jorge Polanco *  S-R  5'11"  165  Jul 5, 1993
39  Danny Santana  S-R  5'11"  175  Nov 7, 1990
19  Kennys Vargas  S-R  6'5"  275  Aug 1, 1990
#  Outfielders  B/T  Ht  Wt  DOB
31  Oswaldo Arcia  L-R  6'0"  220  May 9, 1991
12  Chris Herrmann *  L-R  6'0"  200  Nov 24, 1987
32  Aaron Hicks *  S-R  6'2"  190  Oct 2, 1989
67  Max Kepler *  L-L  6'4"  205  Feb 10, 1993
9  Eduardo Nunez  R-R  6'0"  185  Jun 15, 1987
27  Chris Parmelee  L-L  6'1"  220  Feb 24, 1988
1  Jordan Schafer  L-L  6'1"  205  Sep 4, 1986

[DuluthFan]

Chris Hermann has not played catcher at the major league level this year (zero plate appearances as a catcher). You have to consider him an outfielder at this point, catching in an emergency only. While he still has one option year remaining, his spot at AAA may be taken by younger players who are promoted from AA. It would be doubtful that he could win a 25 man roster spot out of spring next year. This may be his last chance.

 

Colabello's spot may have been taken by Vargas next season.

 

Florimon has used his last option year this year. He is currently behind Escobar and Santana at the ML level and Bernier at the AAA level. Bernier has 2 options left and could have been a minor league free agent after the season. He would also have been eligible for the rule 5 draft if he is resigned without adding him to the 40 man.

 

Hicks may be playing for the 4th outfielder position, not just for center field. He needs to out perform Schafer, Parmalee, Santana, Arcia, Nunez and Hermann. Plus he needs to beat out whatever outfielders the Twins sign in the off season (and they will need to sign at least one). And don't forget the unlikely situation that many (not I) have been pushing for, moving Plouffe to the outfield.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Debinson Romero isn't on the 40-man roster. They'd have to DFA someone (could be picked up by another team) to call him up.

 

what's kind of a "oh" is if a guy is on the 40-man and in AAA when the playoffs have ended and is NOT called up.

 

That list: Pryor, Florimon, Colabello, Johnson, Thompson

Minor correction: Thompson was already called up a couple days ago.

 

Also, Romero (or Guerra, or whomever) not being on the 40-man should not be an issue at this point, given the names of the non-callups you list.  Florimon is a lock to be removed from the 40-man after the season anyway, no reason he could not be removed now.  Pino as well, in light of his injury.  Cola and Johnson probably too, even though they technically still have options for 2015, they are not the age/quality of players you generally want to protect on the 40-man for multiple offseasons (both were already protected last winter, and provided little benefit in 2014 -- unlikely that repeats itself).

 

None of those guys should have any trade value in the next 2 months either, so there is no real benefit to waiting to cut them... although aybe we're hoping to sell them to South Korea again...

[Otto von Ballpark]

Chris Hermann has not played catcher at the major league level this year (zero plate appearances as a catcher). You have to consider him an outfielder at this point, catching in an emergency only. While he still has one option year remaining, his spot at AAA may be taken by younger players who are promoted from AA. It would be doubtful that he could win a 25 man roster spot out of spring next year. This may be his last chance.

 

Colabello's spot may have been taken by Vargas next season.

 

Florimon has used his last option year this year. He is currently behind Escobar and Santana at the ML level and Bernier at the AAA level. Bernier has 2 options left and could have been a minor league free agent after the season. He would also have been eligible for the rule 5 draft if he is resigned without adding him to the 40 man.

Herrmann could easily be safe for 2015.  The Twins currently have nothing notable at catcher at either AA or AAA, outside of Herrmann and Pinto (not to mention nothing of note as MLB backup).  Heck, not much for AAA outfielders either, at least not to open 2015.

 

Bernier, Rule 5?  You are aware of his age?

[Otto von Ballpark]

Oliveros gives me a Jim Hoey vibe.  Minor league flamethrower, missed age 25 season, assigned to AA past when his age would suggest... although to be fair, Hoey's control really took a nosedive after that missed season, while Oliveros has thus far maintained his career rates.  Could help him in a MLB transition.  Glad we are giving him a look.  (And would have had nothing against giving Hoey a look -- as a waiver claim or minor league free agent, NOT a trade centerpiece... arg...)

[Brandon]

Hicks has through next season to impress the twins.  I think this September is more about Hicks showing he can hold his own or do better than he's done so far. 

 

Bernier deserves a callup.  I am ok with him as a possible bench call up for him next year if there is an injury.  He is a solid insurance policy for the bench.  There is a solid chance that this type of playing time will have him consider staying here in the offseason if the Twins ask him back. 

 

As far as the bullpen arms go,  I don't want to get into who stays or who goes too much as our bullpen is currently pretty solid and not too expensive.  Burton seems to be a given to be gone but with the rest who knows.

 

Hermann hasn't hit yet but could be  serviceable 5th OF/ 3rd C/ 3rd 1B if he could I for average or with some power or field better. 

 

I hope Colabello can still get that Korea contract for 1 million this offseason.   would have loved to see him make it for a few seasons as a back up OF/1B/DH/ Pinch hitter off the bench but  guess Parmelee will be that guy. 

 

Florimon/ Bernier only 1 should stick around to be bench insurance.  defense vs bat

 

Overall though I am excited to see that we are a few pieces away from being competitive.  Our offense is improving to league best and we still have 2 super prospects coming up.  We are currently set for the 5th pick in the draft if the season ended today.  And we have Pitchers who are almost here.  (Berrios and Meyer)

[DuluthFan]

Herrmann could easily be safe for 2015.  The Twins currently have nothing notable at catcher at either AA or AAA, outside of Herrmann and Pinto (not to mention nothing of note as MLB backup).  Heck, not much for AAA outfielders either, at least not to open 2015.

 

Bernier, Rule 5?  You are aware of his age?

Another catcher will need to be added to the 40 man roster this offseason. Fryer is on his last option year and would need to be kept on the 25 man roster. His value this year (and last) was to provide a serviceable major league backup while playing the majority of the season at AAA. There are two catchers at AA that are rule 5 eligible and another catcher at AAA that could serve in this role. They don't have to be notable, just able to fill in if there is an injury at the major league level. Hermann has not been playing catcher at the major league level this year, and while he could be safe, there may be other players that can take his place on the roster.

 

Bernier had a decent year this year. He could realistically be rule 5 selected or signed as a free agent to be a utility infielder for a team looking for a major league ready player. Not all rule 5 picks need to be young prospects, they could be players that fill a need on a major league roster. He seems to be ready and could easily stick on a major league roster for an entire year. Also if Escobar sticks as the starting shortstop, there will be a need for a utility infielder (assuming Santana plays outfield or is sent back to AAA).

[glunn]

Moderator note -- let's not stray into making this a personal discussion between two posters.

[stringer bell]

Bernier:  He is being rewarded for his service to the organization for the last two years.  They can't  afford to keep him on the 40-man after the season is over, so Bernier will have the option to decide whether to stay with the Twins organization at that time.  Bernier hit .280 with a .740 OPS, Florimon hit .257 with an OPS of .717 and is seven years younger.  I am not a Florimon fan, but beyond this year, I'd rather have him than Bernier.

 

Herrmann:  He hit over .300 for Rochester with an OPS of .878.  If one is to reward someone for a good season, Herrmann deserves promotion.  The C-OF position flexibility will probably get him some playing time in 2015, while he's still a long-shot to make the club out of spring training.  Herrmann caught plenty of games in Rochester.  Using him behind the plate wouldn't be an emergency or desperation.

 

Hicks:  He was in a slump until the last two games, where he had two hits in each.  That raised his line to an okay, but not overwhelming .329/.377/.706 in 24 games.  He had a good run of 43 games in New Britain.  Does that undo what he did in Minnesota?  Doubtless, Hicks will be getting playing time, probably at the expense of Escobar.  Should he be playing left (with Schafer in center) or center? 

[stringer bell]

I like Oliveros.  He has done well, except when his arm was bothering him.  He can make a case for being on the staff in 2015.

[Monkeypaws]

Would have liked to see Guerra.

 

Romero would have been a feel good after his loyalty to the organization - I expect he will move on next season.

 

I don't know the ins/outs of the 40 man and what not, but I would have liked to see more emphasis on the future and less on rewarding good performance at AAA.

[ashbury]

I don't care much one way or the other whether assessing Aaron Hicks in September is meaningful.  I care more about giving him additional experience with major league competition - even with Sept callups it's more representative than AAA.  Another month of experience can hardly be a bad thing, can it?  What else is he to do with his September, play videogames in his mancave?

 

^{_{/ disclaimer - I know nothing about the gentleman's home situation or his recreational preferences, it's just a metaphor}}

[TheLeviathan]

I don't care much one way or the other whether assessing Aaron Hicks in September is meaningful.  I care more about giving him additional experience with major league competition - even with Sept callups it's more representative than AAA.  Another month of experience can hardly be a bad thing, can it?  What else is he to do with his September, play videogames in his mancave?

 

^{_{/ disclaimer - I know nothing about the gentleman's home situation or his recreational preferences, it's just a metaphor}}

Given that there is a confidence concern there is a chance that a months worth of MLB experience could undermine any positives of the last two months. That's my concern at least.

[Thegrin]

I'd prefer to see the Twins trot out the same lineup they've been playing in August.

 

Santana CF

Dozier 2B

Mauer 1B/DH

Vargas 1B/DH

Arcia RF

Plouffe 3B

Suzuki C

E. Escobar SS

Schafer LF

 

Let the call-ups rot on the bench.  

 

I want to see if this line-up can play plus 500 ball for a month.

[James Richter]

Bernier is a bit of a head-scratcher, but I like the other 7. They earned their promotions with their play in the minors, and they have a chance to contribute something in 2015. Plus, they might take some innings and ABs away from some players who have been struggling recently (Nunez, Fryer, half the bullpen). I wish a few of the really exciting prospects had been fit enough to come up, but it could still be a productive September.

[jokin]

Pinto and Herrmann were hitting very well. Bernier is getting rewarded, though one would think that Romero should be rewarded as well/instead. The pitching additions make perfect sense.

 

Bernier's reward should be a decent seat in the Twins dugout.  Not sure that every pitching option was explored fully.  Unless something's physically wrong, why isn't Pryor up?.... and Polanco should have been included.. no question that he's earned, and would benefit from another call-up. Even with a crowded infield, he could have subbed in, in late inning situations, at multiple positions.

[drjim]

Bernier's reward should be a decent seat in the Twins dugout.  Not sure that every pitching option was explored fully.  Unless something's physically wrong, why isn't Pryor up?.... and Polanco should have been included.. no question that he's earned, and would benefit from another call-up. Even with a crowded infield, he could have subbed in, in late inning situations, at multiple positions.

 

Ryan was quoted as saying he wanted to shut down Pryor after coming back from labrum surgery. Apparently his velo was down the last game or two. Still likes his future, so there's that.

[Danchat]

I actually thought we were going to see Polanco get called up, but it's okay that he hasn't. I also thought Vargas would be a Sept. call up but now it looks like he's cemented his spot in the lineup before September even started (at least for now. It's a bit early to be drawing conclusions.)

[stringer bell]

I consider Polanco to be quite a ways from ready.  He got his few days in because he was on the 40-man roster.  He's only just 21 and had <200 PAs at AA, .281 BA, but only .665 OPS, but he did finish strong.

[stringer bell]

Bernier is a bit of a head-scratcher, but I like the other 7. They earned their promotions with their play in the minors, and they have a chance to contribute something in 2015. Plus, they might take some innings and ABs away from some players who have been struggling recently (Nunez, Fryer, half the bullpen). I wish a few of the really exciting prospects had been fit enough to come up, but it could still be a productive September.

I can't say that Hicks or Tonkin earned their promotions, but they displayed enough upside to get a chance to play in the majors in September.  Achter was awesome in the first half, pedestrian in the second, but overall his numbers were good and his is a pretty good story.  Darnell will probably be used in Deduno's role, and with the starting pitching as bad as it has been, there is a need for that.  I really want to see Pinto a lot behind the plate the rest of the way.  I would rather see Escobar play than Hicks, but the Twins need to see if there is improvement from a former top prospect and draft pick. 

[drjim]

I consider Polanco to be quite a ways from ready.  He got his few days in because he was on the 40-man roster.  He's only just 21 and had <200 PAs at AA, .281 BA, but only .665 OPS, but he did finish strong.

 

Maybe next August. Made no sense to call him up this year. Dozier is playing almost every day and it is time to give Santana some run at SS.

[drjim]

I just hope the Twins focus on winning games. I'd like to see them have a plus 500 record in September. I hope these call-ups don't  keep our best players on the bench.

 

I just don't see how that is possible that the best players will lose time. Pinto replaces Fryer and some Suzuki, Hicks replaces some Escobar and some Schafer, and the other 2 everyday guys won't play very much, especially not at the expense of anyone you are thinking of.

 

The pitchers could get some innings, but that is probably a good thing considering the current state of the bullpen.