For some bizarre reason i started thinking about third-string catchers tonight, and in particular, what would the Twins do this coming season if there was an injury to Jason Castro or Mitch Garver? I assume they are not bringing back Chris Gimenez to catch (or pitch) in 2018, so who would be the emergency call-up if they needed an extra catcher early in the season? Someone from their own farm system, or elsewhere? I know it's not a question that will keep anyone awake at night, but I was just curious.

They usually find a veteran cast-off and stash him at Rochester for that very possibility.

I am not convinced that Gimenez won't be back with the Twins. It sucks to hold Garver back in AAA but it is an asset to have good players in AAA for the very reason that you made the thread. I could at least understand the logic of bringing Gimenez back although I am not sure if that would be my plan.

They usually find a veteran cast-off and stash him at Rochester for that very possibility.

like 34 year old Bobby Wilson signed in November? https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-bobby-wilson-agrees-to-deal-with-twins/amp/

Edited January 6, 20188 yr by Sconnie

I am not convinced that Gimenez won't be back with the Twins. It sucks to hold Garver back in AAA but it is an asset to have good players in AAA for the very reason that you made the thread. I could at least understand the logic of bringing Gimenez back although I am not sure if that would be my plan.

if Giminez was the sweetener to land Darvish, that is exactly what I’d do

 

if Giminez was the sweetener to land Darvish, that is exactly what I’d do

That would be a done deal if it helped. Gimenez is awesome and the board would be hoping that he would be back if Garver wasn't a factor. If the FO thinks Garver can get it done back there then I definitely want to see what he can do. He has a potentially great bat for a catcher.

They have a couple now at Rochester. They could use a third (in case one of the Rochester guys go down). 

That would be a done deal if it helped. Gimenez is awesome and the board would be hoping that he would be back if Garver wasn't a factor. If the FO thinks Garver can get it done back there then I definitely want to see what he can do. He has a potentially great bat for a catcher.

I would think the preference would be to develop Garver as the ML backup, which is why Giminez isn’t already signed

Both Falvey and Levine go back a ways with Gimenez, correct? I presume they are giving the vet a chance to see if he can find a better deal than another minor league deal with Minnesota.

 

The scenario I see is that the Twins sign Gimenez to a minor league deal with no opt-out. He would have the opportunity to compete with Garner for the backup role and if Garner prevails, Gimenez would go to Rochester a phone call away. If Gimenez got the opening day nod, Garner could catch regularly until needed by the Twins.

 

Both Falvey and Levine go back a ways with Geminez, correct? I presume they are giving the vet a chance to see if he can find a better deal than another minor league deal with Minnesota.

The scenario I see is that the Twins sign Geminez to a minor league deal with no opt-out. He would have the opportunity to compete with Garner for the backup role and if Garner prevails, Geminez would go to Rochester a phone call away. If Geminez got the opening day nod, Garner could catch regularly until needed by the Twins.

The first player Falvey talked to when he got the job was Giminez. I expect him back. I have never heard anyone from the Twins say anything positive about Garver.   When Garver was called up, someone asked Molly how that would effect the catching rotation. Molly flat out said, we don't have any catching concerns. When John Ryan Murphy was traded, Falvey was very complimentary. When the host tried to corner him on Garver, he wouldn't bite. 

Edited January 7, 20188 yr by howieramone2

They signed someone named Willians Astudillo, who had a 3.9 K% and 3.1 BB% with only 4 homers in AAA last year. So basically the anti-3 true outcomes guy. Maybe he's number 3.

 

They signed someone named Willians Astudillo, who had a 3.9 K% and 3.1 BB% with only 4 homers in AAA last year. So basically the anti-3 true outcomes guy. Maybe he's number 3.

Thanks, I had already forgotten about that signing. An intriguing player, factoring in that insanely low strikeout rate. Then again, I don't think his OBP was very high. But hey, let's look at those possible pitch framing skills!