Article: Nishioka Among Twins Second Roster Cuts

[BeefMaster]

I think the thing that interests me the most about Nishi's demotion is the fact that it came so early - there are still a lot of pretty-certain cuts on the roster. It strikes me as a sign that either they're trying to send a message ("You need a LOT of work") or they're very close to giving up on him ("We can give Nishi's playing time to Dozier; at least he might amount to something").

[Mike Sixel]

It is stupid to carry three catchers. I've been posting this for months. That's what AAA and airplanes are for. You are 100x better off wtih a guy that might help, than having a guy sit on the bench just in case there is an injury. Oh well, I'm resigned to the fact they will carry three catchers.

 

Still can't see why, if Dozier is better than the alternatives, he can't be up here. if Casilla is below average, but tolerable, do you keep Dozier down again next year, because he should be getting ready to be a starter? IF he's ready, he should be up. It's not like he's 21.....

[Jim H]

 

I think that is the real question, if he is ready. I read that the Twins feel he can play short, they think he could use more seasoning. I expect that is why he is still in camp, there may be Twins officials/staff who think he is ready or maybe ready enough. I do think he should be starting if he is put on the 25 man roster. Carroll is a utility man, but a good one. It should not be hard to get him 3-4 starts a week at SS, 2B and 3B. That would keep everyone fresh and on there toes-so to speak. It would also keepa 38 year old utility man fresh as well.

[Teflon]

I agree, and so do most fans, but Gardy is terrified of that. And the irony of it is that the 3rd catcher would be someone like Butera and the Twins have probably had pitchers (Santana comes to mind) that were better hitters than Butera is!

Drew Butera in 376 career at-bats: .178 .220 .261 4 HR

 

Jason Marquis in 573 career at-bats: .197 .216 .283 5 HR

 

Of course the flip-side is that Butera is probably a better pitcher than Marquis these days.

[John Bonnes]

I can't see them carrying Dozier as a utility guy - better he develops in AAA. And hitting a little bit for a half season at AA as a 24-year-old is hardly proof that you're ready for a MLB job.

 

The question is: who IS ready? I don't really see anyone. Which, by the way, is why I don't care if the Twins bring a 3rd catcher north. If it was going to mean an able bat, like DERREK LEE, wasn't going to make the team - that would be one thing. But I don't see that guy in the organization.

[Thrylos]

It is stupid to carry three catchers. I've been posting this for months.

So... you are saying/implying that Ron Gardenhire is stupid?

[Fanatic Jack]

John,

 

I will remind you that you posted an article saying "There is no way Nishioka does not make the team." You were wrong about that and are wrong about Brian Dozier now. He is ready and clearly their best option!!

[darin617]

So where will Nishioka play at AAA? Or will they just be smart and use him as a platoon player for Rochester. I would hate to see Brian Dozier lose any playing time because of him. Do you think Dozier will be turned into 2b and move him off SS?

[Seth Stohs]

So where will Nishioka play at AAA? Or will they just be smart and use him as a platoon player for Rochester. I would hate to see Brian Dozier lose any playing time because of him. Do you think Dozier will be turned into 2b and move him off SS?

That's what many people have thought all along. However, Dozier will NOT lose playing time to Nishioka. Dozier is a prospect. But Dozier should play both 2B and SS so that if anything happens to either Casilla or Caroll, he could be called up.

[darin617]

So... you are saying/implying that Ron Gardenhire is stupid?

Do you really need that question to be answered? Deer in the Headlight look says it all. But, before you judge him remember all those AL Central titles we won and all those playoff games we lost. Case closed.

[Dave T]

We'll see how Hollimon's playing time changes after this move. Thus far he's only gotten 15 AB all spring and I think he's only started once or twice -- that's just not the treatment you give to a guy you're taking a hard look at for a roster spot.

 

I maintain that the Twins might not take a true "utility guy" north. They've got some guys who can back up SS in a pinch, and could call someone up quickly in the event of an injury.

If Dozier makes the starting lineup, Carroll is a true "utility guy".