Article: Twins Sent Nine Players To Minor League Camp

[Seth Stohs]

FT. MYERS, Fla - Jose Berrios, Nick Burdi, Kennys Vargas, Jorge Polanco and Alex Meyer were among the Twins second round of cuts as they were told on Friday morning that they will be going to minor league camp.

 

The Twins sent nine players down to minor league camp on Friday morning. With just more than two weeks until Opening Day, the Twins need to make more moves soon. They still have 43 players in big league camp.The Twins optioned RHP Alex Meyer, IF Jorge Polanco and 1B Kennys Vargas. They reassigned six players to minor league camp including RHPs Jose Berrios and Nick Burdi, LHP Aaron Thompson, outfielder Joe Benson and catchers Mitch Garver and Stuart Turner.

 

Jose Berrios had a tough spring, at least in games. The talented right-hander struggled with command in his first outing this spring. He pitched a great three innings against the Red Sox in his second outing. However, in a minor league outing on Tuesday, he really struggled with his command again. He will head to AAA Rochester, but we should expect to see him in 2016.

 

Jorge Polanco was hitting .280/.357/.440 (.797) with a double and a homer this spring. However, still young, the Twins want him to play every day. With Brian Dozier, Eduardo Escobar and Trevor Plouffe locked into the infield, Polanco will head to Rochester where he has played just 22 games.

 

Kennys Vargas was in a tough spot this spring. The acquisition of Byung Ho Park meant that playing time would be sparse for the large first baseman. He had just two hits in 23 plate appearances this spring and struck out seven times (with five walks). He will head to Rochester where he will get playing time. Should there be an injury to Park or Mauer, Vargas would be in line for a call up.

 

Alex Meyer was also optioned to AAA Rochester. In 4 games, he logged 4.2 innings. He gave up two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out three. It is still to be seen whether the Twins have him start for the Red Wings or work out of the bullpen.

 

The Twins sent a couple of their top catching prospects to minor league camp as well. Stuart Turner and Mitch Garver are likely both headed to AA Chattanooga to start the minor league season. Turner missed time earlier in camp with some back issues, though he is 100% now. He had just three plate appearances. Garver went 1-8 in camp and spent some time at first base as well late in games. The experience for them was still very important.

 

Left-hander Aaron Thompson was also reassigned to minor league camp. He pitched well last spring and won an Opening Day job, but that will not be the case this year.

 

Nick Burdi was also reassigned. The hard-throwing right-hander made a strong impression at big league camp this year. After a difficult season in 2015, he rebounded strongly late and in the Arizona Fall League. He has shown much improved control this spring, still throwing 97+ and working with a good slider. He is another guy we will see this year.

 

Outfielder Joe Benson was one of the last cuts with the Braves last year. He has been reassigned to minor league camp this morning as well.

 

Again the Twins now have 43 men on their current spring training roster (13 non-roster). They have 20 pitchers (five non-roster), five catchers (two non-roster), nine infielders (three non-roster) and nine outfielders (three non-roster).

 

Four guys from minor league camp will join the Twins at jetBlue Stadium this afternoon. Stephen Wickens, Travis Harrison, Jake Reed and Brandon Peterson will play in a reserve role for the Twins.

 

Byron Buxton was back this morning, feeling better. Danny Santana will start in center field today.

 

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[Vanimal46]

Hopefully we don't have to wait too long to see Berrios back up in the MLB...

 

Now that Meyer's out of the running for a spot in the MLB bullpen, he should get another shot at starting in AAA. For those that have seen him pitch this year, is he showing the same symptoms that got him off track last year? Weird arm angles, never knowing where the pitch is going to go kind of symptoms?

[Lee-The-Twins-Fan]

I was disappointed to see Vargas get sent down. I was looking forward to a Twins lineup with Sano, Park, Vargas, Dozier and Plouffe lumber in it...

[Loosey]

As odd as it sounds I'm glad Berrios didn't pitch well and get sent down.  By not pitching up to his standards the Twins don't look like the bad guy in this scenario sending him down to delay his service time clock.  From what I have read, it looks like he legitimately might need few starts in AAA to settle in and get his stuff under control.  Sort of a Win-Win (Since he was going to be sent down regardless).

[James Richter]

All of this makes sense. Berrios will be called on soon enough. How many other teams in the league can actually improve their rotation by having one of their "Top 5" starters go down?

[Craig Arko]

Hopefully more at-bats for Arcia in the next few weeks.

[Mike Sixel]

Where is Burdi headed?

[DocBauer]

Little surprised on Berrios and Burdi, but not shocked. There are still a lot of arms to sort through to make final determinations. Both these guys can be brought up at any time. Once you cut a guy, he's gone.

 

Polanco does surprise me a bit. He's playing well, close, and it doesn't seem like there's a whole bunch of infielders in camp

[mikelink45]

I know you have listed the numbers for each position, but it would be really great if TD would maintain a roster on its page showing who is left at each position.  I am sure we will be down to 2 catchers and 12 pitchers which means there will be seven additional cuts. And if we cut the 6 non-roster players from infield and outfield that still leaves one more.  Of course if we keep 13 pitchers one more must go.  I need help following all these moves.

 

[nicksaviking]

 

Little surprised on Berrios and Burdi, but not shocked. There are still a lot of arms to sort through to make final determinations. Both these guys can be brought up at any time. Once you cut a guy, he's gone.

Polanco does surprise me a bit. He's playing well, close, and it doesn't seem like there's a whole bunch of infielders in camp

 

Polanco looks ready, but I do want to see him play every day. I also want to see Escobar and Dozier play every day. Nunez and Santana are fine utility guys, but the team is going to have to try and make a move if they want to give Polanco regular MLB at bats.

[Platoon]

Not at all surprised by any name so far. The offensive roster might contain one surprise? Quentin? The SP drama only surrounds Nolasco, with Milone to the pen if he loses, and Duffey to Rochester if he draws the short straw. While the names aren't all filled in yet, the BP, will be the standard Twins BP woth May forced to the pen by the SP glut! It will still be below league average in SO's and walks, and above average in WHIP.

[Danchat]

Park will clearly be the DH, so there's no room for Vargas. I hope Polanco gets his chance soon, he really deserves it. 

 

It's going to be a Arcia-Murphy-Santana-Nunez bench, barring Buxton starting in AAA and Quentin/Sweeney making the team instead.

[Platoon]

Polanco suffers from the Perfect Storm. He doesn't play OF, and isn't going to get enough AB's with 2B and 3B positions entrenched. IMHO he is not an upgrade defensively from EE, and this is from someone not on the EE bandwagon. EE would have to totally flame out for Polanco to get a trial, and while I like Polanco's bat, I don't think he is the answer at SS. Barring injury, his path to MLB is most likely a trade. Personally, in this period of the Twins rebuild, I would have explored selling high on Dozier, and going with Polanco. But that's just me.

[sane16]

 

I know you have listed the numbers for each position, but it would be really great if TD would maintain a roster on its page showing who is left at each position.  I am sure we will be down to 2 catchers and 12 pitchers which means there will be seven additional cuts. And if we cut the 6 non-roster players from infield and outfield that still leaves one more.  Of course if we keep 13 pitchers one more must go.  I need help following all these moves.

ROSTER NON-ROSTER   ROSTER NON-ROSTER
  
CATCHERS                        PITCHERS
SUZUKI    CENTENO           E.SANTANA    ABAD
MURPHY  PAULINO            GIBSON          BOSHERS
HICKS                                   HUGHES         DARNELL
                                             DUFFEY          KINZLER
INFIELDERS                        MILONE          RUNZLER
MAUER   BERESFORD       PERKINS
DOZIER      BRITTON          JEPSEN
ESCOBAR   TOVAR             MAY
PLOUFFE                             FIEN
PARK                                   NOLASCO
NUNEZ                                GRAHAM
                                             PRESSLEY
OUTFIELDERS                   O'ROARKE
ROSARIO MASTRIONNI    ROGERS
BUXTON   QUINTON          TONKIN
SANO       SWEENEY 
D.SANTANA  
ARCIA

[sane16]

 

Personally, in this period of the Twins rebuild, I would have explored selling high on Dozier, and going with Polanco. But that's just me.

Not just you.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'm really not sure where the idea that Polanco is better than Dozier is coming from.  Even with his second half swoons, Dozier was an above average 2B, something Polanco will only strive to be over the next couple seasons.   He may get there eventually, but he isn't there now, and likely won't be for a year or two.

 

Side note, defensively, in my limited sample size seeing him this spring, he was pretty bad. 

[Rosterman]

Anyone know the situation with Zach Jones over in Milwaukee? I don't see any stats on him. Chance the Twins get a return in the Rule 5?

 

[Platoon]

I'm really not sure where the idea that Polanco is better than Dozier is coming from.  Even with his second half swoons, Dozier was an above average 2B, something Polanco will only strive to be over the next couple seasons.   He may get there eventually, but he isn't there now, and likely won't be for a year or two.

 

Side note, defensively, in my limited sample size seeing him this spring, he was pretty bad.

 

Ergo, selling high. In a different time and space, if the Twins were of serious contender quality, I would keep Dozier. He is a better ball player than Polanco right now, I don't think for the Twins, this is "right now". Same thing for Sano, Sano will never ever be a better third baseman than Plouffe! At least standing in RF! . Do so few remember how bad Plouffe and Dozier actually were 2-3 years ago? I am not necessarily correct, nor are others. It's solely based on what you want going forward.

[sane16]

 

Anyone know the situation with Zach Jones over in Milwaukee? I don't see any stats on him. Chance the Twins get a return in the Rule 5?

Read somewhere that Zach Jones was suffering some physical issues and may start the season on the DL. If so, there is a limit on how long he can be protected on the DL and when that limit is reached, the Brewers may want to return him to the Twins.

[howieramone2]

 

Not at all surprised by any name so far. The offensive roster might contain one surprise? Quentin? The SP drama only surrounds Nolasco, with Milone to the pen if he loses, and Duffey to Rochester if he draws the short straw. While the names aren't all filled in yet, the BP, will be the standard Twins BP woth May forced to the pen by the SP glut! It will still be below league average in SO's and walks, and above average in WHIP.

Both our starting staff and bullpen will be above average as we contend for the Central. Who cares about that other stuff.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Where is Burdi headed?

 

They didn't say. I'll see if I can find out tomorrow. He may have pitched his way up to Rochester to start. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

It's going to be a Arcia-Murphy-Santana-Nunez bench, barring Buxton starting in AAA and Quentin/Sweeney making the team instead.

 

100% agree, and that has been the case since Twins Fest... However, it's good to see several quality options just a call away.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Anyone know the situation with Zach Jones over in Milwaukee? I don't see any stats on him. Chance the Twins get a return in the Rule 5?

 

He was having some shoulder issues early and then had the flu. Good chance that he will star the season on their DL... Good chance that the Twins would be just fine taking a player back in return for him.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I'm really not sure where the idea that Polanco is better than Dozier is coming from.  Even with his second half swoons, Dozier was an above average 2B, something Polanco will only strive to be over the next couple seasons.   He may get there eventually, but he isn't there now, and likely won't be for a year or two.

 

Side note, defensively, in my limited sample size seeing him this spring, he was pretty bad. 

 

Completely agree... The Twins are ready to start winning now, so I don't understand the idea of trading core players at this time.

[Platoon]

Much of this conjecture is dependent on whether its ones opinion that the Twins are actually ready to "start winning" right now. Probably more important is the definition of the term "winning". I realize that 2011-2014 were disasters, but I hope using them as a comparative does not make .500 seem like "winning"?

[jimbo92107]

Much of this conjecture is dependent on whether its ones opinion that the Twins are actually ready to "start winning" right now. Probably more important is the definition of the term "winning". I realize that 2011-2014 were disasters, but I hope using them as a comparative does not make .500 seem like "winning"?

Agreed. The Twins still have a good portion of their future contending roster in AAA and AA. If you guess forward 3 years, that should be the beginning of the peak for this wave of players. By that time, Mauer will probably be replaced by either Sano or Vargas or Park. Plouffe will be gone. Dozier will be replaced by Polanco, and even Escobar might be replaced by Nick Gordon. I'm hoping by that time we'll finally have Rosie, Buxton and Kepler in the outfield. 

[FormerMinnasotan]

I guess I understand why Berrios was sent down, but first off I feel there is hardly anything Berrios can learn in AAA that will ready him more for the Bigs, and secondly if you WANT Berrios to be successful looking at his track record he has been successful on every level, but when he moves up a level it takes some time for him to acclimate himself to that level (except when he pitched in Ft. Meyers). I'd rather see him struggle early rather than watch him struggle at a crucial point in the season. I like him a lot, for being such a highly touted prospect he seems to have the drive, mental, and physical abilities to make it despite his 6' frame. I just hope the Twins don't screw him over just to save a few $$ or service time. But that is just my opinion.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I agree. I think Berrios should have been up last August. But I seriously doubt the Twins are set on gaming Berrios over service time, but rather that there's a belief among many of us here that the Twins front office inherently places too much trust in veterans and older guys at the expense of the younger guys. 

Edited March 21, 2016 by Hosken Bombo Disco

[FormerMinnasotan]

I agree. I think Berrios should have been up last August. But I seriously doubt the Twins are set on gaming Berrios over service time, but rather that there's a belief among many of us here that the Twins front office inherently places too much trust in veterans and older guys at the expense of the younger guys.

That may be true, but honestly I think Berrios is even better than Tyler Duffey and yet Duffey is some how "more MLB ready" than Berrios even though Berrios has by MLB scouts been seen as a much better prospect with a greater pitch selection and simply better pitches as well. Yet one 10 start season has them literally in the corner saying "no, Duffey is virtually a lock even though another pitcher could crack the rotation and be even better than him. And also IMO, Duffey should have been shopped around instead of being treated like a mainstay on the staff, especially when the likes of Stephen Gonsalves, Kohl Stewart, Tyler Jay, and Lewis Thorpe all will be waiting for their turn to crack the rotation as well. Duffey is okay for the present, but not so much the future of the team IMO.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I don't know why Duffey was chosen ahead of Berrios but I like Duffey. Credit the spin.