Article: Additions By Subtractions?

[Tom Froemming]

It was a shock to see the Twins elect to designate Byungho Park for assignment. There was plenty of speculation over who would be removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Matt Belisle, but nobody suggested it would be Park, who was just signed last winter.Looking at some of the other moves made under Derek Falvey, maybe we should have known better. It's becoming clear a goal of this offseason has been to eliminate redundancies.

 

Last offseason, the Twins were faced with the challenge of figuring out what to do with Miguel Sano, thanks in large part to the assumption Park would take over at DH. The team could have been faced with a similar situation this year, but among Falvey's first moves was to non-tender Trevor Plouffe. Boom, problem solved. For better or worse, the team is now firmly committed to Sano at third base, his natural position.

 

It appears, for now at least, the same could be said in regard to Kennys Vargas at DH. It remains to be seen whether or not the team signs a veteran slugger such as Mike Napoli, but it's clear now they have made the decision to prioritize Vargas over Park.

 

There was really no reason to make that call this early, especially since Vargas has another option year. But the previous regime was criticized for dragging its feet in regard to making a decision on Plouffe's future, so it's difficult to argue with this move. As unnecessary as it seems, it does provides clarity.

 

Of course, it's entirely possible Park remains in the Twins organization. But at that point he will no longer be on the 40-man roster, creating an even greater obstacle for him to return to Target Field. Regardless of any unforeseen additions, Vargas will not have that same issue.

 

There have been a couple of other, minor moves this offseason in which Falvey and Co. have made tough decisions on similarly skilled players.

 

It was unlikely both Adam Brett Walker and Daniel Palka were ever going to coexist, given their similarities. Walker had a crazy ride on the waiver/DFA roller coaster before landing with the Braves. That leaves Palka as the team's lone young slugging outfielder in Triple A.

 

Behind the plate, the careers of Mitch Garver and Stuart Turner were intertwined, but much like with Walker/Palka, it was clear at some point the team would have to pick between the two. Turner was selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Reds and will compete for the backup catcher spot in spring training.

 

Turner has a realistic opportunity to break camp with the Reds, but if he's returned to the Twins it's more clear now than ever that he's behind Garver in the catching pecking order. Given the team's new depth behind the dish, Turner may even have to go back to Double A if he's returned to the organization.

 

It never seems to be a good thing when an organization loses a player and receives nothing in return, which could be the case with Park. But sometimes such a departure can create huge opportunities just by opening up playing time for other guys in the org.

 

So, looking ahead, what could be next for the Twins' roster makeover? Overshadowed by the Park DFA was the news that Trevor May is going to be given every opportunity to be a starting pitcher this season. With May in the mix, the Twins have no shortage of starting pitching options. Somebody will more than likely be pushed to the bullpen (Tyler Duffey?).

 

 

With the addition of Belisle, however, things are looking very competitive among the reliever corps, as well. Some time between now and Opening Day, it's entirely possible we'll see another surprise move or two by the front office in order to provide clarity on the pitching staff.

 

Click here to view the article

[strumdatjaguar]

I think the Twins DFAed Park because he was likley to clear waivers.  If he clears, then he is available to contend for DH with Vargas and maybe others.   If another club picks him up , then the Twins have shed a contract, where I suspect they think they overpaid.  Great move.

[theBOMisthebomb]

Making quick decisions and not being attached to guys for money or sentimental reasons is fine. I question whether leaving a guy with Park power potential exposed is sound decision making. Park was effective in 2016 at the MLB level when healthy.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Thank you for this article. I'm not sure why we're complaining that this front office is eliminating player redundancies we complained existed under the previous front office.

 

Any single player on that list can be considered a questionable move. Some people liked Park. Some liked Turner. Some liked Walker, though I'll never understand why.

 

When those moves are combined, I see a lot of roster movement that fixes a problem I hated about the previous front office; that they'd sit on their hands and give a mix of players 300 PAs indefinitely until that player ran out of options. And then the front office still managed to keep most of those players a year or two longer.

 

Every team has chaff at the end of the 40 man roster but it seemed like the Twins often committed 25%+ of their 40 man to chaff. I'm glad to see many, if not all, of these players out of the organization.

[Tom Froemming]

I just realized I didn't address the elephant in the room ... Danny Santana. A lot of people, understandably, are frustrated that DanSan has stuck on the 40 man over so many of these other players (the list gets pretty long if we go back to last year too). But the fact remains that even with Dozier still around, infield depth is an issue.

 

As the roster stands, we're just one injury away from having to rely on Engelb Vielma as the utility infielder and two away from having to call upon someone like Niko Goodrum, Tommy Field, Benji Gonzalez or Leonardo Reginatto. There's not that kind of dropoff when you go through nightmare scenarios in the outfield, at 1B/DH or even behind the plate.

 

Right now Danny is needed as infield insurance, even though he's a terrible infielder. My hope is they will sign someone like Erick Aybar or Daniel Delscalso to provide infield depth, at that point I think we can expect to see Santana DFA'd. Until then, it seems his spot is pretty secure.

[crapforks]

This is a quiet thread, considering there was mention of ABW. Good analysis of the impact of some decisions. Turner/Garver, Park/Vargas, Palka/ABW needed someone to S or get off the pot. Redundancy has a place on a 40-man, but there are just not enough slots to justify this amount of it attached to this caliber of (potential) player.

If everyone looks good, there could be a Berrios/May/Duffy/Santiago/Mejia/etc decision which should also be fun to follow.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Good article. I agree with all of it. The positional redundancies have been frustrating and Park's acquisition last offseason only made things more confusing.

 

D-San doesn't really represent a redundancy as much as just a player not good enough to hang in MLB, so guess not so worried about going to camp with him. Hopefully Molitor has sobered up with regard to his value to the team (starting SS, or not batting him second in the order Opening Day)  As someone pointed out, as a deep bench guy Santana has more value than Park. 

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

I just realized I didn't address the elephant in the room ... Danny Santana. A lot of people, understandably, are frustrated that DanSan has stuck on the 40 man over so many of these other players (the list gets pretty long if we go back to last year too). But the fact remains that even with Dozier still around, infield depth is an issue.

 

As the roster stands, we're just one injury away from having to rely on Engelb Vielma as the utility infielder and two away from having to call upon someone like Niko Goodrum, Tommy Field, Benji Gonzalez or Leonardo Reginatto. There's not that kind of dropoff when you go through nightmare scenarios in the outfield, at 1B/DH or even behind the plate.

 

Right now Danny is needed as infield insurance, even though he's a terrible infielder. My hope is they will sign someone like Erick Aybar or Daniel Delscalso to provide infield depth, at that point I think we can expect to see Santana DFA'd. Until then, it seems his spot is pretty secure.

 

While I suspect Park will clear waivers, I don't like it... but that said, I personally would be perfectly fine being an injury away from calling up Vielma. Vielma can field quite well. He cannot hit, I get that.  DanSan cannot do either. That's my issue.  I'm not quite understanding the insurance policy. If that's what they wanted, I'd have to think there were better FA options available.

[jimmer]

Danny Santana isn't IF depth or IF insurance.  He's horrible on IF defense but thankfully for us he is able to fall back on not being able to hit.

[Thrylos]

I think that there is plenty of time for DanSan to go away or someone like Goodrum to make him go away.

 

Got to add Tommy Milone & Pat Dean to the list of additions by subtraction; that 140 or so IP between the two.  On the other hand they might go to Vogelson

 

The next addition by subtraction will hopefully be Perkins and hopefully will happen sooner than later.

[HitInAPinch]

IMHO:  I don't think this is remotely over.   More likely, roster moves will continue throughout the season. 

 

Honestly, I like Park over Vargas.  Far more athletic, which I understand doesn't mean much when comparing those two.  I would have let Vargas go to one of the reported "interested" team and keep Park.  Because of injury, we really don't know what he can do.  Except for some magnificent Home Runs.

 

Pitching:  in my fantasy world, both Berrios and Duffey are in the MLB bullpen to gain experience against MLB hitters.  Break them in slowly with eye towards Starter promotion.

 

"For better or worse, the team is now firmly committed to Sano at third base, his natural position."    This always makes me laugh!  I'll give you this:  in a SSS, he's better there than RF.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Danny Santana isn't IF depth or IF insurance.  He's horrible on IF defense but thankfully for us he is able to fall back on not being able to hit.

Don't forget his ability to enter a game late and get thrown out attempting to steal

 

D-San is not long for this roster, otherwise if he has another blah spring and does make the roster anyway, I am putting on my tin foil hat and assuming Falvey is testing Molitor to see how he uses him.

[ScrapTheNickname]

 

Making quick decisions and not being attached to guys for money or sentimental reasons is fine. I question whether leaving a guy with Park power potential exposed is sound decision making. Park was effective in 2016 at the MLB level when healthy.

I have to agree. With health and improvement Park could easily swat 30+ home runs in a big league uniform, therefore I would think another team would sign him. However, given that the article is about redundancy, I wonder if any major league teams need a questionable DH at this time?

[ToddlerHarmon]

Another possibility that is pure speculation is that Falvine are preparing for a 13-man pitching staff, in which case Park is doubly redundant, since the bench must include a catcher, a shortstop, and a center fielder.

 

A 13-man staff would be putting the Twins in front of the developing trend to end starts early and change pitchers freely.  It also fits with the Twins preserving young arms, and having mediocre starters that struggle the third time through the lineup.

 

I'm not sure I really think that's happening, but it is now a possibility.

 

Thoughts?

 

[jimmer]

A 13 man start would be a horrible idea considering AL teams also have to employ a DH.  Means, besides the guy on the mound, we have only 3 bench spots (and one has to be a catcher).

 

Then again, I've been pushing for a 26 or 27 man roster to adapt to the changing baseball world for quite some time.

 

 

[DJSim22]

I'm indifferent about this.  It reminds me of what a dumb signing it was.  I would assume Grossman will be the extra bench bat. 

[Twins33]

Another possibility that is pure speculation is that Falvine are preparing for a 13-man pitching staff, in which case Park is doubly redundant, since the bench must include a catcher, a shortstop, and a center fielder.

 

A 13-man staff would be putting the Twins in front of the developing trend to end starts early and change pitchers freely. It also fits with the Twins preserving young arms, and having mediocre starters that struggle the third time through the lineup.

 

I'm not sure I really think that's happening, but it is now a possibility.

 

Thoughts?

it could have changed, but this is a quote from one week ago:

 

Levine: “I would expect in between now and opening day we’ll have added at least one or two pitchers to our mix to enhance both the depth and the quality within our 12-man staff.”

 

That was from 1500's site.

Edited February 5, 2017 by Twins33

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Another possibility that is pure speculation is that Falvine are preparing for a 13-man pitching staff, in which case Park is doubly redundant, since the bench must include a catcher, a shortstop, and a center fielder.

 

A 13-man staff would be putting the Twins in front of the developing trend to end starts early and change pitchers freely.  It also fits with the Twins preserving young arms, and having mediocre starters that struggle the third time through the lineup.

 

I'm not sure I really think that's happening, but it is now a possibility.

 

Thoughts?

I would think you were on to something, except for the above poster's quote from 1500. My impression is that Cleveland has carried 13 pitchers more often than other teams, though I don't know how much Falvey had to do with that.

[killertwinfan]

Good article and there is nothing wrong with Falvey's approach to the team as long as you are not a season ticket holder.  With the exception of one outlier year, the Twins have not been relevant since 2010. With the low benchmark of 59 wins, it should be easy for him to show season on season improvement. If the ownership gives him 3-4 years to rebuild, why not take it. Lower risk for him and his new team.  Unfortunately for the fan base the franchise will have been on a 10 year hiatus by the time we are a factor again.  OUCH!

[mikelink45]

Spring training will be interesting.  Will they change any of the drills, will they have a different evaluation system?  We have the same pitching coach which does not seem good, the same manager - questionable, but maybe the new coaches will instill some new ideas - if I read the articles right Molitor seems to be open to input. 

 

As far as clearing redundancies, that should be the cuts in the Spring.  

[tnato]

Nobody in the front office has said much about Park's injury, and how long it hurt him last season.  This move suggests they think it was a non-factor.  My hope is his contract and poor performance make him least likely to be claimed.  And then Park gets healthy and earns a spot back.  But all it takes is one team to think the injury was a non-factor and claim him.  $9 million over 3 years isn't the worst deal, and he's got some good batted ball numbers.  I think someone could buy this being a low risk, high reward deal.     

[DocBauer]

I still maintain that ownership's willingness to allow the new FO tandem to make a move like removing Park in the first place. There has been a lot of opinions stated over the past few years about ownership being cheap, not wanting to invest, etc. But other than insisting Molitor keep his job for 2017, which may have happened anyway and is not out of the norm form a first year "new FO" scenario, they seem to have let our new GM and Operations men do as they see fit.

 

I still doubt Park gets claimed, which allows the Twins to keep him and see what develops. Really, it shouldn't be hard to find a spot on the 40 man for him if he does so.

 

I get why DanSan is still on the roster...for now. But I still have to believe there are/were better options to go out and get. That would be one issue that I DO have with this offseason. I'd still like to see a real 4th OF brought in.

 

With all due respect and no personal attack meant, removing guys like Albers and Dean are addition through subtraction. Good, mediocre or poor, there is some depth to the rotation going in to 2017. And if someone needs to slot in to the rotation, I'd much rather see Duffey, Haley, Mejia, Gonsalves or even Wheeler be that someone. At least you have someone new with some potential instead of a retread.

[terrydactyls]

"The next addition by subtraction will hopefully be Perkins and hopefully will happen sooner than later."

 

The quote above was from Thrylos.  Somehow I deleted his name.  Oops.....

 

I'm hoping that Perkins is healthy and pitches great, until he's traded to a contender for a couple prospects.

[Yossarian]

Park will pass through waivers.  And this just underlines how poor the previous F/O regime was in judging talent.

[Captain18s]

I agree it was a bad signing to begin with. Too many Ks. Look overmatched and frustrated last year.

[Halsey Hall]

I think Park will be claimed and that team will score big. He's got huge potential, he's a hard working guy with the desire to play MLB baseball. He's got the talent to do it. So I really hope he makes waivers.

[Riverbrian]

I still like the signing of Park for the simple reason that the Twins went out in the IFA Market and competed against everyone else and completed a deal. The Twins need to take these type of risks to compete. 

 

I was also never concerned about the logjam because there is no logjam unless multiple players actually perform at a major league level and that hasn't happened yet so gather your assets where you may. Having Mauer and Vargas should never prevent you from adding someone who might be better yet. 

 

No matter how this ends... Overall... I'm happy with the signing. 

 

But... I sure wish we were better at this.

 

Nishioka was perhaps the worst scouting assessment possible and with Park... the concerns came kind of quick. I remember listening to Tom Kelly on the radio with Ruesse last March. Tom said that Park was noticeably struggling with the increased talent level and he was wasn't sure he'd be able to adjust. 

 

I like the signing... I just wish the Twins were better at it. 

 

 

[Rosterman]

The Twins NOW had a backlog of catchers at AAA. Unless someone doesn't work out...or they go to AA...which would be a tragedy if Garver loses out to Murphy. The bigger question is would the Twins want Turner back if he doesn't stay with the Reds.

 

Designating Park was a big move...because basically the Twins had invested $12 million in the guy that they wouldn't see back on a waiver claim. I would take the grab if I was a rebuilding or lower run team with Park. He could turn out to be a slugger.

 

Vargas over Park? Yes, it seems strange, since BOTH have options to go to the minors. But I bet Vargas would be claimed if he was designated for assignment.

 

What scares me is that the Rochester roster is pretty full right now, as is Chattanooga. Where do the 15 extra bodies on the 40-man go? The Twins have taken a flyer on an awful lot of minor league free agents this round: Miller, Tepsch, Vogelsong, Giminez, Tracy, Gonzalez, Shuck, Hague, Paulson, Rucinski, Centeno, Castro, Turley, Gamache, Roriguez, Strausborger, Pino, Rohlfing plus re-siging Greenwood, Reginatto and anotehr Rodriguez. Throw veteran Park down there and you got too many non-system prospects taking up spaces.

[kab21]

My thoughts on Park (and the other subtractions) is that he would be a great waiver claim for the Twins rosters at various points in the last decade (lacking a power hitting DH or really anything resembling a DH). Right now the Twins have Vargas and also Palka to fill the role and still some uncertainty regarding if Sano can stick at 3B. Too many guys that should be playing DH on the team.

 

I was really hoping that he would stick though because I live in Asia and root for any Asian player to make it with the Twins so I can start seeing the locals wearing Twins apparel.

[Darius]

I'm not overly disappointed it was Park, I guess. But, judging by how he looked before the wrist derailed things, I'll set the over/under with a new team at something like .245/.775 with 27 HR, which I would be ecstatic with at DH for the Twins.