Twins Announce 60-Man Player Pool for Summer Camp

[Shaitan]

Did Thielbar ever play at CHS or was he a Saint in the Midway days? 

 

 

[DocBauer]

I can sort of understand no Romero, sort of, though I an disappointed.

 

I think not including Balozovic is a huge head scratcher for me. Not only does he need and warrant the development time, but I could see his arm actually helping out due to injuries/illness.

[IndianaTwin]

 

I was thinking this too.  I knew he had visa issues in spring training.  Was that why he was on the restricted list?  Or did I miss something during all of this?

 

My understanding is that it's still visa issues. 

 

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/twins-fernando-romero-visa-issues-continue/

[Seth Stohs]

 

The Ft. Myers facility was shut down, wasn't it? Will it re-open, Seth? So players like Balazovic, Rortvedt and others can continue to get some work in this summer?

 

Are you aware of the Twins scheduling formal instructional camps later this summer and fall? Like the FIL they used to run every October/November? Or are they winging it and will think about that after they get the season started?

 

So I asked Derek Falvey about that earlier this afternoon. The facilities in Ft. Myers and around baseball were shut down to people to be cleaned over a weekend. The Twins have a bunch of their minor leaguers from Venezuela staying at the academy, and then there are rehabbing players down there as well. I don't know about Rortvedt specifically. 

 

Balazovic lives off 'campus' with Enlow, Baddoo, etc. I don't think they've all been there the whole time, but I think Balazovic has been. And, I don't know that he has (or has been able to) work out at the Twins facilities anyway. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Did Thielbar ever play at CHS or was he a Saint in the Midway days? 

 

Definitely CHS. 

[Seth Stohs]

the other thing to remember on Balazovic or others... the Twins are at 59 on the 60-man roster right now. So, they could add one.

 

Second, the 60-man roster can change, so you never know.

 

Third, guys will be taking the COVID test and likely several may have it, so that could alter things as well. 

[jorgenswest]

I think most teams have a need for AAAA players like Tovar, Maggi, Reinheimer, Adams and about 8 others that can fill in on the 40 if players are out with corona virus or injury and then can be removed from the 40 and thus DFA’d when players return. 

[DannySD]

If they add Balazovic to the 60.... that likely means he's getting traded. I hope he stays off of it this year! 

[DocBauer]

FWIW, sounds like Romero still has visa issues and is not being counted on. I offer no speculation/opinion other than to state what would seem obvious: either he has been lazy about staying on top of things, or he's not wanting to play any longer, or there is something illegal or nefarious taking place that is preventing him from obtaining a visa at this point.

 

Just...weird and unexpected.

[DocBauer]

If they add Balazovic to the 60.... that likely means he's getting traded. I hope he stays off of it this year!

 

I would disagree. In regard to prospects being on the 60, each team is taking an individual approach. For instance, a team like Detroit may focus more on lower level prospects and draft choices than a contending team might consider. My understanding is the Twins are holding spots for prospects that are closer to reaching the majors and have a "reasonable" chance of contributing in 2020 or very soon. In other words, basically AA or higher.

 

Balazovic would qualify, IMO, and may still be added. Not sure why he hasn't been yet unless there is a health concern or there is a delay in a visa from Canada due to current restrictions. But I don't believe the Twins have any intentions of moving him any time soon.

[rdehring]

I will go on record and make a prediction about Kirilloff. He will be added to the active roster by mid-season at the latest. When added, he will be playing in most games and by the end of the season will, 1) be playing on a regular basis; and 2) hitting very well.

 

As for what his role will be, not a clue. He could be playing a lot of first base if Sano were to get injured or share 1B/DH with Sano should Cruz need some time off. He also could become a regular corner outfielder should Rosario or Kepler go on the IL or be in right should Kepler be needed in center if Buxton gets hurt again. In any case, I see him playing a lot and doing very well, kind of like the pre-injury Jason Kubel.

[nicksaviking]

Looks like it's official, the minor league season has been cancelled. The smart teams are going to be the ones who figure out a way to continue to develop the guys not on 60 man rosters.

 

As far as I know, there's no imperative for Indy Ball leagues to grab players from various teams. The Twins could be geographically positioned well as only six of the American Association teams are playing this year, but they include the Saints and the teams in Winnipeg, Fargo and Sioux Falls, with all games being played in Fargo and Sioux Falls, the Twins two strongest in-market cities. As far as fan interest goes, it probably would behoove all four clubs to use their vacant roster spots on Twins prospects. Hopefully the Twins can find games for Balazovic and many other guys who need playing time.

[DocBauer]

I will go on record and make a prediction about Kirilloff. He will be added to the active roster by mid-season at the latest. When added, he will be playing in most games and by the end of the season will, 1) be playing on a regular basis; and 2) hitting very well.

 

As for what his role will be, not a clue. He could be playing a lot of first base if Sano were to get injured or share 1B/DH with Sano should Cruz need some time off. He also could become a regular corner outfielder should Rosario or Kepler go on the IL or be in right should Kepler be needed in center if Buxton gets hurt again. In any case, I see him playing a lot and doing very well, kind of like the pre-injury Jason Kubel.

Like your post but not sure if I want to agree or disagree.

 

Love and believe in Kirilloff. I think he's going to be very, very good. Would love to see him make a mark. But if he does in this short season, means someone got hurt or sick, and I'm hoping we can avoid either of those.

 

So I am going to politely agree and disagree with your projection.

[DocBauer]

Looks like it's official, the minor league season has been cancelled. The smart teams are going to be the ones who figure out a way to continue to develop the guys not on 60 man rosters.

 

As far as I know, there's no imperative for Indy Ball leagues to grab players from various teams. The Twins could be geographically positioned well as only six of the American Association teams are playing this year, but they include the Saints and the teams in Winnipeg, Fargo and Sioux Falls, with all playing games being played in Fargo and Sioux Falls, the Twins two strongest in market cities. As far as fan interest goes, it probably would behoove all four clubs to use their vacant roster spots on Twins prospects. Hopefully the Twins can find games for Balazovic and many other guys who need playing time.

Find myself suddenly wondering if the Saints or any other of these teams would "scrimmage" the Twins reserve roster while preparing for their seasons? Further, some of the teams in that league won't be playing. Hmmm...could they be hired as a scrimmage team, extra bodies to help around the facility and earn a paycheck at least? Just trying to think outside the box.

 

FWIW, I believe it is the Nashville franchise that is taking the lead with others to create their own quasi independent/milb season. If successful, I wonder at milb players from other organizations being allowed to sign on. Of course, there could be pay and injury clauses that may prevent them from doing so.