Article: It's Time!

[Seth Stohs]

This was supposed to be my article for Monday night, but with the firing (er, dismissal of duties) of Terry Ryan on Monday, this topic could wait a little bit. But I think it is important. Now the article can be framed as a request for interim GM Rob Antony to consider.

 

With the Twins already out of playoff contention (probably in early May), every decision made for the rest of this season needs to have its focus to 2017. Any trades made by Antony need 2017 and beyond in mind. But there are a couple of transactions that can be - and probably should be - made right now.The Twins need to find a way to promote three players from the minor leagues to the big leagues (and I’ll even argue for a fourth).

 

Jose Berrios

 

Ahora es el momento para La Makina! Jose Berrios needs to spend time in the big leagues this year, and his recent AAA success is proof of it. The time is now for Berrios to be called up.

 

I’ve written several times that I thought it was time for Berrios to come up. I wrote it first about this time last year. I wrote it earlier this season, and now I’m writing it again. I don’t know if calling up Berrios would have helped the Twins in 2015 or not. There is no way to know. His control and command issues hurt him earlier this season, but he did get an opportunity with the Twins before his 22nd birthday in May.

 

Those struggles were magnified in his four starts with the Twins. He went 1-1 but posted a 10.20 ERA and a 2.13 WHIP over 15 innings. While we saw glimpses of what he can - and likely will - be (the 12 K/9 looks great), we also saw that there was more for him to learn and that he needed to improve (7.2 BB/9 isn’t going to work).

 

Berrios returned to Rochester and after a couple of rough starts, he has been tremendous of late.

 

In his last six starts, he has thrown 41.2 innings. He has given up 23 hits walked 12 and struck out 43. That’s a 1.08 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9.

 

Berrios is not a finished product and when he is called up he is going to still experience some lumps, but he’s got nothing left to prove at AAA. He has now made 27 starts and thrown 168 innings in AAA. He has had a lot of success there. There’s no reason he make any more starts there.

 

JT Chargois

 

There is also little reason for JT Chargois to continue pitching in Rochester at this point. Sure, he had a rough debut, and when the Twins claimed RHP Neil Ramirez off of waivers, it made some sense to send Chargois back down.

 

Ramirez is a guy who was really good for the Cubs for a couple of years. Then he got hurt, and he’s out of options. So, is he the pitcher he has been the last year and a half, or is he the guy who was good? When a team has the right to claim players early, they should take chances on guys like Ramirez. However, it hasn’t gone terribly well, so at this point, Ramirez can be DFAd again to make room for Chargois.

 

Again, calling up Chargois doesn’t mean we should think he’s 100% ready, but he’s got nothing more to prove in Rochester. His problem in the past was his control. In 2016, he is walking just 1.6 batters per nine innings over 27.2 innings in Rochester. He has a 1.30 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. He’s striking out 11.4 per nine innings.

 

Chargois, after missing two seasons after being drafted out of Rice University, is already 25. It’s possible that the organization still believes that Ramirez has more in the tank and want to keep him around, hoping he returns to that level. Understandable. If that’s the case, the Twins could call up Chargois when Fernando Abad or Brandon Kintzler are traded in 10 days or so.

 

Jorge Polanco

 

Polanco had several cups of coffee in 2014 and 2015. Those were 40-man roster decisions. At those times, he wasn’t ready for a full-time gig. He’s ready now.

 

He spent a bit of time on the Twins roster earlier this season, and didn’t play, which makes little sense. However, since returning to Rochester, he has hit .279/.345/.471 (.816) in 52 games. He has 12 walks, three triples and seven home runs. He has a good approach at the plate.

 

Now, I get that they can’t call up Polanco until a trade of either Eduardo Nunez, Eduardo Escobar or even Brian Dozier. Calling him up and sitting one of those players would hurt (possibly) the value of those players. (Note - The other option is DFAing Danny Santana, but again, that would cost playing time in the short term for three guys that they may want to trade. We can just be patient for 10 more days.)

 

Could the Twins throw Jorge Polanco at shortstop and stick with any struggles defensively the rest of the season? Sure they could. However, consider this. Here is his playing time by position in 2016:

 

Shortstop - 1 game, 8 innings

Second Base - 59 games, 512 innings

Third Base - 2 games, 16 innings

 

The Twins made the decision after spring training that Jorge Polanco was not going to be able to play shortstop, a decision that is hard to disagree with based on his play at the position the last couple of years. In fact, the one game he played at shortstop this year came in the big leagues.

 

The issue is that Polanco is is out of options in 2017. He will need to make the Twins roster or potentially lose him on waivers (they would certainly lose him). If they want him to be a utility player, then he needs to start playing every day at a variety of positions.

 

It will be very interesting to me to see how they choose to play Polanco, but in my mind, he needs to be playing in the big leagues very soon, as soon as a roster spot is available following a trade.

 

OTHERS

 

The three players mentioned above should be up either now, or right after a trade is made (in Polanco’s and maybe Chargois’ case). Here are a few others that either should be up soon, maybe in September, or at least people have been talking about of late.

 

Trevor Hildenberger - The right-hander is completely making a mockery of minor league baseball the last couple of seasons. He’s got 16 saves and a 0.79 ERA and a 0.70 WHIP and a 0.5 HR/9, and 1.3 BB/9 and 10.2 K/9 for Chattanooga in 34.1 innings. If the Twins trade two relievers, I have no problem calling him up August 1st to the Twins. He should move up to AAA when Chargois is called up to the big leagues regardless. Despite being drafted just over two years ago, he is 25 because he was a five-year college guy. The reason to not call him up is because of the 40-man roster. The Twins already have some tough decisions to make in November on the 40-man roster updates. Hildenberger doesn’t need to be added for another year. That’s why I’d say either call him up on August 1st, or wait to add him until early in the 2017 season. Invite him to big league camp with a legit shot at an Opening Day spot.

 

Byung Ho Park - He has played in just 12 games since being demoted to Rochester. He missed a couple of games with his wrist concerns. He has hit .286/.388/.476 (.864) with two doubles and two home runs. He will come up again at some point, but in my opinion, I’d let him keep playing every day and gaining more and more confidence.

 

John Ryan Murphy - If (or when) Kurt Suzuki is traded, most likely John Ryan Murphy, despite a .201/.264/.282 (.546) line in Rochester, will be called up. He just turned 25, so he should still be considered part of the future. He can also work with pitchers that he may work with over the final two months.

 

Mitch Garver - Garver is also 25 years old, about four months older than Murphy. Garver has improved defensively, but his offense has been very good of late in Chattanooga too. Over his last 50 games, he has hit .289/.369/.489 (.858) with 14 doubles and eight home runs. Since July 1st, he is hitting .333/.425/.617 (1.041) with eight doubles and three homers in 16 games. He needs to be added to the 40-man roster by November anyway, so it makes sense to call him up either instead of Murphy or with the September call-ups.

 

Jason Wheeler - The 25-year-old left-hander was added to the 40-man roster before the 2015 season. He had a tough year and was removed from the 40-man roster late in the season. He began this year in AA but was called up to Rochester when the Red Wings were down three starting pitchers to the big leagues. He has been very good. He is 6-2 with a 2.75 ERA in 15 starts (95 innings). If the Twins are able to trade a starting pitcher or two (Nolasco, Santana and Milone all possibilities), Wheeler could join the rotation for the final two months as a tryout. (Pat Dean could also get another opportunity, though he has struggled since his return to Rochester.)

 

Alex Wimmers - The 27-year-old was the Twins top pick in the 2010 draft, which is significant. It’s been well documented that Wimmers has gone through a lot since the Twins signed him. He had a bout with the yips way back and overcame that. He has gone through Tommy John surgery and returned from that. He’s no longer a starter either. That he was drafted in 2010 is important because as soon as the World Series is complete, Wimmers can become a six-year minor league free agent. Sure, the Twins could re-sign him on a minor league deal after that point, but he has been pitching pretty well since his promotion to AAA Rochester’s bullpen early this season. He is 2-1 with eight saves in 28 games (37.1 innings). In his last 13 games (17 innings), he has a 1.59 ERA and opponents are hitting .197/.269/.246 (.515) against him. I would strongly consider calling him up for the final 6-8 weeks and just see how he does. Evaluate whether or not he is someone they want to keep on their 40-man roster or not. Sure, they can do that evaluation while he’s at AAA, but giving him that opportunity at the big league level is so much more valuable.

 

Adam Brett Walker and Daniel Palka - Palka and Walker have both provided a lot of power. Walker is already on the 40-man roster. Palka needs to be added to the 40-man roster after the season, or potentially be lost. It’d be nice to see these guys in September, but it will be very interesting to see if they are. Palka plays right field and some first base and DH. Walker can play the corner outfield spots (not necessarily well) and DH. The Twins understandably will want to keep playing Max Kepler every day. Eddie Rosario needs at-bats, and Robbie Grossman has earned playing time too. At DH, Kennys Vargas is getting what might be his final opportunity, and Byung Ho Park will be up at some point. If Trevor Plouffe isn’t traded, he and Miguel Sano will likely get several DH at-bats, and Joe Mauer could as well. The two sluggers could come up as bench bats and get minimal playing time. The question will need to be whether there is enough benefit from those guys to take up roster spots in September.

 

I’m guessing most of you will agree that Jose Berrios, JT Chargois and Jorge Polanco should be up now, or at least very soon. There may be some discussion in the details. But what about some of the others? Who else should be called up and why?

 

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[nytwinsfan]

Hell yes Seth. Absolutely right.

[Vanimal46]

Those 3 are locks to be called up ASAP. Hildenberger presents a good case for a call-up, and I'd imagine there are some folks on the 40 man who could be DFA'd for him. 

As far as people already on the 40 man, may I suggest Melotakis as an option? He's bounced back this year after injury, with a 2.52 ERA, 9 K/9, and 2.2 BB/9. Considering he's a lefty as well (always needed in Minnesota) I'd like to see him get a chance this season. 

[troyhobbs]

There is no argument for Berrios and Chargois to NOT be on the 25 man. I get that they struggled with their first taste but c'mon this club is 25 games below .500 with the worst pitching staff in baseball. Shouldn't be hard to get those kids some innings...

[big dog]

Preach it, Brother!

[Mike Sixel]

I'm with you all the way, Seth.

[jokin]

 

Hell yes Seth. Absolutely right.

 

Heh... I've never seen Seth as anxious as the rest of us about putting the pedal to the promotion metal..

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Agree with all of the above.

 

I was about to say that the relief pitchers should be promoted, because even if guys like Chargois don't work out right away, one of Ryan's strengths is finding good free-agent bullpen arms.

 

 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

because unlike 90% of you, I guess I'm not ready for this yet. 

[GMinTraining]

Palka plays right field and some first base and DH. Walker can play the corner outfield spots (not necessarily well) and DH.  

 

 

Do you seriously think Palka is a better defender than Walker in the outfield?  (I promise not to respond - just curious why you think that way?)  

 

FWIW - Walker was a second team All American at first baseman at the D1 level.  [splits / Vertical / Range].  He very well could play there for another team in the future.   http://web.usabaseball.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=25495121

 

 

[nytwinsfan]

 

Heh... I've never seen Seth as anxious as the rest of us about putting the pedal to the promotion metal..

 

Yup, pretty shocking.

[nyazbeck]

Add Zach granite to that list

[Winston Smith]

If some of these things don't happen by Aug. 1 it will be total system failure 2.0.

[Dantes929]

I had no problem with Berros being sent back down earlier because I think that is where command should be worked out.    He has done that so I agree he should not make one more minor league start.     Same with Chargois.     Polanco I am not so sure of.   Its not like he is a .350 minor league hitter.   I like him but unless we get something good for Dozier he is simply not as good as Dozier and I don't know how he can project to be better than Dozier.

[wsnydes]

It's time to call up guys that have nothing left to prove in the minors.  Clearing space for them as soon as possible should be a priority.  Some of these moves don't even require thought.  It's time to play for the future and get rid of guys holding this team back.

[Mr. Brooks]

I had no problem with Berros being sent back down earlier because I think that is where command should be worked out. He has done that so I agree he should not make one more minor league start. Same with Chargois. Polanco I am not so sure of. Its not like he is a .350 minor league hitter. I like him but unless we get something good for Dozier he is simply not as good as Dozier and I don't know how he can project to be better than Dozier.

Why Is the bar for Polanco to be a .350 hitter? Was Dozier a .350 milb hitter?

I think one could compare Polanco to Dozier at the same age and easily make a case for projecting Polanco to be at least as good as Dozier in a couple of years.

[Han Joelo]

Agree all the way around.  Speaking of around, how about a circle of life?

 

Might not be hard to find room, either--

 

Dozier=Polanco

Santana/Nolasco=Berrios/Wheeler

Chargois=Ramirez

Wimmers=Kinzler

Park=Plouffe

Hildenberger=Abad

Garver/Murphy=Suzuki

 

Dang, flipped my table two names in.  Darn spreadsheets.

 

Walker and Palka later, I guess.

 

[Tom Froemming]

Nice work here Seth. This really highlights how many guys there are already in their mid-20s in the upper levels of the Twins system. What are they waiting for?

 

I didn't realize Garver was already 25. I know catchers take longer to develop than other positions, but at the very least he needs to be promoted to Triple A. Along with those nice batting lines you referenced, he's thrown out 51% of would be base stealers, which is elite. 

[Rosterman]

As the 40-man spots become available (and we have two empties right now) I see no reason for adding in anyuone who would be considered for the 40-man roster early. I would rather see these guys get the call,rather than continue to have guys like Burnett or Ramirez take up space. It is a good time to get an advance look at possible placeholders and potential starters. It should be used as such.

 

Sadly, buys like Kintzler, Grossman, Boshers, Ramirez and the ilk can be refound again (did we keep Boyer a second season). Grossman is intriguing, but do you keep him and not Rosario or Santana, for example, and as we see, wqe have Palka and Walker in the wings. Heck, maybe we should tradeoff anotehr centerfielder early (Buxton).

 

I would love to see Hildenberger come up in September, as wellas Reed or Jones. I doubt Burdi is ready. But Bard may be in need for a decision. Wimmers has shown that he should get a shot...a dozen innings. 

 

Again, anyone added to the 40-man during the season can be dropped anytime during the off-season. If they are added in December, you need to keep them on the 40-man thru spring training. And, anyone removed from the 40-man must also go thru waivers.

 

I imagine teams are salivating looking at the Twins rosters for Rule 5 draftee possibilities, or minor league Rule 5 draftees.

 

If the front office is doing anything else of importance, they should be recognizing those prospects that are expendable and packaging them with the salary they team wishes to shed to get back some possible prospects that add depth to their system (catching, always pitching, power, speed) that don't need protection for at least another season or even two.

 

[diehardtwinsfan]

Just about everyone on the list needs to move up a level, with exceptions to Walker (needs work) and Palka (not on the 40 man and really no place to play at the moment). 

 

What I really want Antony to do is make the trades/DFAs needed to get them up there. The following should be removed from the roster, some by Aug 1 and the rest by Aug 31:

 

Plouffe, Abad, Kinzler, Suzuki, Milone, and Nolasco. I'd argue Dozier should be traded too, but if that waited to the offseason, I wouldn't necessarily be upset.

[h2oface]

 

I think Dozier is due 6 million next year and 9 million the next. That could be a problem.

Edited July 20, 2016 by h2oface

[JaleelWhite FanClub]

IMO, if Antony wants the job, he needs to make a big move just to break the perception that he's just another conservative, safe Twins guy. I actually think Pohlad is looking for a big move to justify keeping the GM in house.

 

To me, no bigger move can be made then trading Dozier. It opens up 2B for Polanco and gives the Twins the best chance for a nice return.

 

That said, I wonder what Dozier could get. His track record puts him Top 10-12 2Bs in baseball. I wonder if you could get a young MLB/AAA starter for him. I'm dreamingOr maybe 2 AA prospects.

[Thrylos]

Can anyone explain to me, please, why Neil Ramirez is in the Twins roster today, over any of the relievers mentioned (or not mentioned) above?

 

And please could the explanation reflect some opinion about the person who put him and the person who kept him on that roster?

 

Thank you.

[JaleelWhite FanClub]

Here's my list.

 

Have to move (bare minimum):

Nunez

Suzuki

Abad/Kintzler

E. Santana

 

Would love to, but ...

Plouffe

Nolasco

 

Combo pacakage:

(pick any)

D. Santana

Vargas

Rosario

Grossman

Escobar

 

The game-changer:

Dozier

 

Getting nuts:

Sano

Kepler

(ahhhhhhhhh, I'm freaking, but what the hell? What could you get?)

[Otto von Ballpark]

Can anyone explain to me, please, why Neil Ramirez is in the Twins roster today, over any of the relievers mentioned (or not mentioned) above?

 

And please could the explanation reflect some opinion about the person who put him and the person who kept him on that roster?

 

Thank you.

The thinking (not that I agree with it) is probably that they are hoping to trade someone to free up a spot.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Those 3 are locks to be called up ASAP. Hildenberger presents a good case for a call-up, and I'd imagine there are some folks on the 40 man who could be DFA'd for him. 

As far as people already on the 40 man, may I suggest Melotakis as an option? He's bounced back this year after injury, with a 2.52 ERA, 9 K/9, and 2.2 BB/9. Considering he's a lefty as well (always needed in Minnesota) I'd like to see him get a chance this season. 

 

For Hildenberger certainly there are some who could be removed, but it's just as much about who needs to be added in the offseason. Like I said, if he's not up by mid-August, then there's no sense in using the 40 man spot. 

 

Melotakis should have been mentioned. He's been very good since going on the DL after his first three outings (in which he gave up a run in each). 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Heh... I've never seen Seth as anxious as the rest of us about putting the pedal to the promotion metal..

 

Berrios is ready and has already been there. Polanco will be out of options. Chargois is 25 and dominating. Hildenberger is 25 and dominating. Not pushing anything toooooo crazy!

[Seth Stohs]

 

Add Zach granite to that list

 

He's got two situations that are equally against him.

 

Like Palka/Walker, there are only so many outfield spots available. Can't bring them all up.

 

However, he does need to be added to the 40 man in the offseason, so it is possible. I just don't see it as likely.

[Rick Niedermann]

I like all these moves.  If nothing else to help limit the Yips when they can help us in 2017. 

[jsteve96]

 

He's got two situations that are equally against him.

 

Like Palka/Walker, there are only so many outfield spots available. Can't bring them all up.

 

However, he does need to be added to the 40 man in the offseason, so it is possible. I just don't see it as likely.

Well Seth, Zack Granite or Danny Santana? Defense: Granite.. Speed: Granite  Hitting: 50/50 maybe? I dont see why not to try Granite as a backup to Buxton instead of Santana.