Before I put any real thought into it, I assumed this would be an easy answer but there are some tough options even considering only needing a shortened bullpen. Who would I form the best 25 man roster to open playoffs? Of course there are 2 assumptions built in; they make the playoffs and everyone currently healthy remains so.

 

Lineup:

Garver

Cron

Arraez

Polanco

Sano

Rosario

Buxton

Kepler

Cruz

 

The lineup is the easiest, Catcher and 1st are the only real place I would split/platoon based on the opposing SP. RHP Castro catching with Garver at 1B and LHP Garver catching with Cron at 1B.

 

Rotation:

Berrios

Odorizzi 

Pineda 

Perez

 

I don't think they will use a 4th starter unless absolutely needed but Perez will be on the roster in case &or as an additional lefty out of the pen. Honestly, I would rather see Smeltzer starting over Perez.

 

Bullpen:

Graterol

Smeltzer

Duffey

May

Dyson

Romo

Rogers

 

It was really hard to leave Littel off the Bullpen, I think he's pitched well and probably deserves a spot over Smeltzer but I want the extra lefty option.

 

Bench:

Gonzalez

Castro

Astudillo

Cave

Adrianza

 

I thought the idea of adding Miller to the 40 man as a possible pinch runner was interesting. When it came down to actually putting it on paper though, I could not find a player I'd rather have Miller over on the roster. There are difficult decisions on the final few spots on the roster. Graterol not performing well down the stretch would make it a little easier. Deciding between Schoop, Littel, & Cave was not easy.  

 

Im curious what other rubes thoughts are on how you would shape the playoff roster.

FYI, there have been a couple of discussions on this general topic in the past week or so. I didn't go through carefully to see whether you are bringing a distinct angle to the question.

 

http://twinsdaily.com/topic/34632-front-page-4-questions-the-twins-need-to-address-concerning-their-potential-playoff-roster/

 

http://twinsdaily.com/topic/34646-thinking-through-the-potential-twins-alds-roster/