Who is most likely to raise some eyebrows this spring? Anyone want to make any bold picks for surprise MLB roster adds?

Our farm system is Zzzzzz and our roster is going to be close to the same.  This is like a Ryan offseason. I can't imagine any surprises coming out of spring training, except maybe seeing Sano catch some pop-ups:-)

Given what I see now, I would not be surprised to see one of the relivers at AA make the Twins(Burdi, Melenkoas, or the other one that I can't spell).  Only other surprise might be if Zake Granite makes the ballclub(do not expect this, but not out the possibilites).

It is make or break time for Wheeler, Baxendale, Wimmers,,  Hildenberger, Melotakins and Jones.  They have been around a long time. It would be time for them to rise or move on.  The really should be one to rise and have people swear that Ryan was the only thing holding them back.    Goodrum beating out Danny Santana

The answer to your question is Engelb Vielema's glove.  

The answer to your question is Engelb Vielema's glove.  

The question to be answered is Engelb Vielema's stick.

If he's healthy, Burdi.

I'm hoping Adalberto Mejia makes a strong case to open the season in the starting rotation.

 

It is make or break time for Wheeler, Baxendale, Wimmers,,  Hildenberger, Melotakins and Jones.  They have been around a long time. It would be time for them to rise or move on.  The really should be one to rise and have people swear that Ryan was the only thing holding them back.    Goodrum beating out Danny Santana

I agree with you on the bullpen guys. Hopefully one of Hildenberger or Melotakis pitches well enough to start the years with the Twins, or at least be up at the first possible opening.

I think Byungho Park, with his surgically repaired wrist, is gonna surprise people. The guy didn't come over here to play at Rochester.

 

Our farm system is Zzzzzz and our roster is going to be close to the same.  This is like a Ryan offseason. I can't imagine any surprises coming out of spring training, except maybe seeing Sano catch some pop-ups:-)

 

Garver coming in on fire could be exciting.  Same with Hughes, Perkins and Park.  Heck, even a hot Buxton would be cause for tempered optimism.  Not to mention if the Twins get De Leon.

 

We also get to see Castro for the first time, though in all likelihood that's going to be a train wreck.  But train wrecks can be exciting too.

Edited January 6, 20179 yr by Doomtints

 

The answer to your question is Engelb Vielema's glove.  

 

Yeah, because Pedro Florimon was exciting.  

I agree on Park.  What I want to see in spring training that would surprise me is -

 

1. Sano shows up in shape.

2. Glen Perkins healthy, still has velocity, and still has the slider.

3. Phil Hughes healthy, sharp, with a FB in the low 90's.

4. Polanco error free at SS.

5. Both Park and Vargas both looking like they should be on the team.

 

 

 

If he's healthy, Burdi.

 

That would have been my hope but it appears he hasn't even been given a ST invite.

 

I also vote Park but also Vargas. My prediction is they are going to both hit this spring and cause much debate here as there will appear to be room for only one of them on the 25-man.

Based on K/9, WHIP and level achieved I am losing confidence that Wheeler, Baxendale or Wimmers ever help the MLB club. For example, Wimmers had 9.1 K/9 last year in AAA, but had a 1.329 WHIP. That's not going to play in the show.

Wheeler posted decent WHIP numbers last year, but he's 25 years old and had 7.0 K/9 in AAA. At least he's a starter.

 

I'd be surprised if Burdi was ready, but who knows?

 

I would like to see Melotakis and Hildenberger pushed aggressively. Let's find out if either is going to help the bullpen eventually. If our bullpen is strong and we have strong RP coming that might be the only source of a 'trade chip' we have in the near future. Other than Dozier.

Edited January 6, 20179 yr by Oldgoat_MN

 

That would have been my hope but it appears he hasn't even been given a ST invite.

 

That tells me he's not been determined healthy yet. He was an invite last year.

 

I would expect the invite thing to change if/when it is determined he's good to go.

I think that Hughes might be a surprise.   Also Palka who I think will push Grossman out of the roster.

 

I think that Vargas will continue where he left, but that would not be a surprise.  Kinda expected.   Also I expect that Justin Haley will make the team, so it will be a surprise if he does not.  I also think that Mejia might make the team as well.

 

That said, still lots of off-season left and I suspect that the 40man roster might have up to 4-5 changes by then

 

 

 

Based on K/9, WHIP and level achieved I am losing confidence that Wheeler, Baxendale or Wimmers ever help the MLB club. For example, Wimmers had 9.1 K/9 last year in AAA, but had a 1.329 WHIP. That's not going to play in the show.

 

Baxendale had a 10.3 K/9 and 28% K% in AAA as a reliever.  1.03 WHIP, 2.03 FIP, 1.29 ERA.  His numbers as a starter are much worse, but he does have hope at this point. Much more effective than Wimmers.  Really.

 

I think that Hughes might be a surprise.   Also Palka who I think will push Grossman out of the roster.

 

I think that Vargas will continue where he left, but that would not be a surprise.  Kinda expected.   Also I expect that Justin Haley will make the team, so it will be a surprise if he does not.  I also think that Mejia might make the team as well.

 

That said, still lots of off-season left and I suspect that the 40man roster might have up to 4-5 changes by then

When you say Vargas might continue when he left, do you mean having an OPS in the mid .600s  after a hot 18 games in July? Cause I agree, that would not be a surprise :-)

Edited January 6, 20179 yr by jimmer

 

I think that Hughes might be a surprise.   Also Palka who I think will push Grossman out of the roster.

 

I think that Vargas will continue where he left, but that would not be a surprise.  Kinda expected.   Also I expect that Justin Haley will make the team, so it will be a surprise if he does not.  I also think that Mejia might make the team as well.

 

That said, still lots of off-season left and I suspect that the 40man roster might have up to 4-5 changes by then

Vargas left off with a 64 WRC for August and September. I hope he does not continue where he left of but more like the July hitter

Fun topic. I suspect Park will force his way on to the 25 man.  I think the Twins would like Palka to push Grossman.  Not sure though if Palka would be better off getting at bats every day and bringing that K rate down a bit.

 

I like Hildenberger though as a darkhorse to make the pen.

Melotakis and Mejia make most sense to me.  Would love to see Vielema hit enough if Dozier is traded. 

I think Rule 5 guy Justin Haley is going to make a strong case to break camp. Certainly has more of an opportunity in the pen, but at this point he'd also be a dark horse for the No. 5 starter. A lot would have to go his way (Hughes on the DL, May back to the pen, Duffey & Mejia to pen or Rochester), but it's possible.

 

I think Rule 5 guy Justin Haley is going to make a strong case to break camp. Certainly has more of an opportunity in the pen, but at this point he'd also be a dark horse for the No. 5 starter. A lot would have to go his way (Hughes on the DL, May back to the pen, Duffey & Mejia to pen or Rochester), but it's possible.

 

Nothing against Haley, as I haven't seen him pitch, but if those things happen, then we are going to be pining for the days of a 103 loss team... 

Nothing against Haley, as I haven't seen him pitch, but if those things happen, then we are going to be pining for the days of a 103 loss team... 

Maybe he should be renamed Justin Case.

 

_{^{/ I slay me}}

Vargas and Park situation resolved and maybe one not staying with the organization.

 

Bullpen is a mess. The entire thing could change. But with whom. And we hope it changes totally by 2017.

 

Wheeler and Baxendale should be invites to just see if they can contribute. Why theya ren't?

 

We have to settle the Dozier matter so we know about Polanco and then can look at the surprise...who is the backup infielder. Not Danny Santana.

 

Someone mentioned Palka. Not likely. The Twins MORE need someone to fill-in, at times, at third base rather than someone else to cycle in as a DH. We need the DH to also play 1st so Mauer can cycle out, at times.

 

Yes, the fourth outfielder is the question (and not Santana). Can Granite push Grossman out of the picture (probably not). 

 

I want to see Berrios and Sano shine. I hope Kepler, Buxton and Rosario improve. I hope Polanco gets to play everyday in the majors. And I worry about the catching position, but someone ahs to contribute to 24-27 outs in a game, right!

How about Berrios shaking the goblins that have kept him from showcasing his talent.  It would be a pleasant surprise to see him take the mound from day one and hold it. 

 

Baxendale had a 10.3 K/9 and 28% K% in AAA as a reliever.  1.03 WHIP, 2.03 FIP, 1.29 ERA.  His numbers as a starter are much worse, but he does have hope at this point. Much more effective than Wimmers.  Really.

 

Baxendale posted those very good numbers in AAA after posting poorer K rates and a higher WHIP in AA.

 

I sure hope you're right.

I see where Gordon got a invite. Great news for the kid.

Melotakis should make a big move this year. 2 years removed from TJ, fully healthy, lefty throwing 97. He needs to get it together, sink or swim time baby.