Report from The Fort: A Beautiful Day

[John Bonnes]

FORT MYERS - It was a picture perfect day at Hammond Stadium today. The weather was pretty good, too.Rain (Man), Then Thunder

Josh Donaldson made his spring debut today and turned an 89 mph fastball into a 110 mph home run. The 3-run blast not only cleared the center field wall, it did so against the wind. “He's doing really well,” commented Twins manager Rocco Baldelli after the game. “He's in a good spot physically and he's got his plan put together and he's out there executing it every day.” Baldelli also said that Donaldson will be back in the lineup soon, probably right after the Twins off-day tomorrow.

 

Thorpe Continues to Impress

Lewis Thorpe continued to impress this spring. Starting the game, he struck out all three batters he faced on a total of 13 pitches. “His fastball life was exceptional,” said Baldelli. “Commanded the ball well throughout the inning. I mean, that’s just a really nice day of work. He should feel really good about himself.”

 

In sort of an odd development, after that one inning, he went to the bullpen to get more work in and get his pitch count up. There was a good reason:

 

 

Thorpe was granted an additional option this offseason, and there are five veterans in front of him for the starting rotation, so he’s on the outside looking in for the 26-man roster. But he’s certainly positioning himself to be near the front of the line if an opportunity arises. The Twins seem to view his future is that of a starting pitcher, more than an occasional bullpen swingman.

 

Lineup Obsessing

The Twins have played 8 games this spring and Max Kepler has hit leadoff for four of them and Luis Arraez for the other four. So that question has certainly not been settled. Yesterday it was Arraez’s turn, and he got on base in two of his three at-bats, with a diamond-cutter single and a walk.

 

There was one mild surprise at the top of the order. This is the first game that Donaldson and Nelson Cruz have shared a lineup card, and Donaldson batted second (which is not unusual), but Cruz batted cleanup. You’ll recall that Cruz has mostly batted third with the Twins, but last Cruz batted cleanup in six of the first seven games, before going back to third in the lineup again.

 

Batting between the two big right-handed bats was Jorge Polanco, who could be poised to have a big year, especially hitting left-handed. That’s something to keep an eye on for the rest of camp.

 

Quick Hits

Shortstop Andrelton Simmons had his first day in Twins camp today after getting past his visa challenges in Curacao. He got in some work, but also got to tour the complex and get to know his new teammates. Baldelli plans to get him into his first spring training game sooner rather than later.

 

Outfielder Keon Broxton also had a 110-mph home run today. He’s also had a good camp, and provides and interesting option as a bench player. He brings a right-handed bat and can play center field too. But the 30-year-old isn’t on the 40-man roster, so he’s got an uphill climb compared to Jake Cave, Brent Rooker and even Kyle Garlick.

 

The Twins 8-4 win was closed out by fireball prospects Matt Canterino (Twins Daily’s #9 prospect) and Josh Winder (an Honorable Mention candidate). Both had a chance to show off their 97 mph fastball.

 

Former first round pick and shortstop prospect Nick Gordon talked to the media today. After missing last year battling Covid and having limited playing time in 2019 battling gastrointestinal problems, his main goal this year is to stay healthy. “I feel like this year is special for me in the sense of just being back on the field,” he admitted, “and I'll take that with open arms.”

 

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[Bickle19]

Love to see Canterino showing what he's got. Looking like he could be a real nice rotation piece.

[Ghost_Of_Sid_Hartman]

I am REALLY pulling for Nick Gordon to stay healthy and show that he can be a contributor at the MLB level, be it with the Twins or someone else. Seems he has been plagued by horrible luck and timing for the last few years - just hoping he can finally show what he can do and get an opportunity

[Dman]

I know everyone said Canterino has a quirky delivery but seeing it makes you better understand why people were wondering about him starting.  Still his inning was pretty dominating 10 pitches 8 for strikes.  He paces around the mound like a caged lion and is ready to throw right away.  Very interesting mannerisms for a pitcher but I have to say I came away impressed watching him on MLBtv.  He appeared to have very good control of the strike zone and I think his motion messed with hitters timing.  There isn't a ton of room on the 40 man but the way he is pitching someone could get bumped later on this season if he keeps pitching like that.

 

Thorpe pitched well again striking out the side.  He had some battles getting to full counts but he won them all today.  Really nice to see and I hope he can keep it up.

 

Garlick continues to roll with a 2 for 2 day but how about Broxton?  He is off to a hot, hot, hot start this spring.  He had a mammoth HR today showing off his power.  He has kept the K's down and made contact so far.  They need to put him in the starting lineup here shortly to see how he does against better pitching but he has been very impressive so far.

 

I can see why the Twins like Winder as no one made contact against him but his control was off today and he didn't aggressive enough in the zone as he gave up two walks. He also K'd one batter and gave up no hits and no runs so pretty hard to complain when the only complaint is he threw too many pitches.  He has things to work on but the stuff looks like it is there.

 

Colome came out and pitched better today but I can see why the White Sox didn't trust the numbers.  It took 24 pitches to get through the inning but he did K two guys so he did his job.  Still early in he spring and the old vets don't seem to worry about much more than getting there work in so probably no big deal  

 

It was nice to see a little more offense out there and fun to see some good pitching performances as well.  getting excited for the season to start.

[rdehring]

Was wondering why Thorpe went only one inning, thanks for clearing that up. Speaking of Thorpe and the fourth option, today's STrib said that it is still pending an arbitrator's decision and isn't definite. 

 

Great seeing Canterino pitching like he can. Have my fingers crossed that he is the young star to be that Cleveland type callup during the season who steps in and dominates from day 1!

 

If Broxton keeps playing like he is, does he replace Cave on the roster? Would certainly be an upgrade defensively and speed on the bases. Gotta believe they could get some type of return for Cave to a team needing help in the outfield. 

[ashbury]

I'm liking the decision to give Thorpe just the one inning, at this point in the Spring. Let him bask in the glow of that inning for the next few days.

[stringer bell]

I've liked what I've seen from both Garlick and Broxton (who doesn't?), but I don't think either will impact on whether Cave makes the squad out of spring training. The "victims" if either of those guys comes north would be Kirilloff and Rooker. There is a vacancy in left field and it seems that sometime this year it will be claimed by Kirilloff, but that might not be right away and so far he's only 2-13 with four Ks. Rooker has been fine in limited work, but both Garlick and Broxton have been much better.

 

While Broxton isn't on the 40-man roster, he has defensive ability (including being a legit center fielder) and speed that the other candidates don't have. Besides that, as I understand it, Keon has an opt-out so if the Twins would not add him to the roster, he would essentially be a free agent. 

[Dman]

 

I've liked what I've seen from both Garlick and Broxton (who doesn't?), but I don't think either will impact on whether Cave makes the squad out of spring training. The "victims" if either of those guys comes north would be Kirilloff and Rooker. There is a vacancy in left field and it seems that sometime this year it will be claimed by Kirilloff, but that might not be right away and so far he's only 2-13 with four Ks. Rooker has been fine in limited work, but both Garlick and Broxton have been much better.

 

While Broxton isn't on the 40-man roster, he has defensive ability (including being a legit center fielder) and speed that the other candidates don't have. Besides that, as I understand it, Keon has an opt-out so if the Twins would not add him to the roster, he would essentially be a free agent. 

 

I swear I saw an article that mentioned Broxton had an opt out but looking back I cannot find anything.  Does anyone else know if he has one or not.  If not the Twins won't need to add him until there is an injury most likely to Buxton.  If he has one he might force their hand to add him.

 

The thing is we already have 7 outfielders on the 40 man so somebody would have to go to make room.  Who knows maybe Broxton will slump down the stretch and it won't really matter.

 

I know it is early but the outfielders on the outside looking in are playing hot right now.  So hot, I honestly don't know who will win left field and who will be the backup outfielder.  Kirilloff is off to a slow start but  it is very early and he will likely heat up.  Cave is only marginally better right now with a 422 OPS.  Rooker and Garlick are neck and neck for the slow footed right power bat\platoon.  Broxton is in the process of Making Cave look irrelevant and being a righty whose slugging right now is better than Rooker and Garlic could be a real weapon to move around. He also could be an elite defender in left and cover Center better than anyone not named Celestino. 

 

There are so many possibilities right now I have no idea what the Twins will do.  Lot's of spring left and the pitching will get tougher the closer we get to the the regular season so plenty of time to sort things out but right now there are 5 good options for two spots.  Who wins them is anybody's guess at this point.

[Doctor Gast]

I've liked what I've seen from both Garlick and Broxton (who doesn't?), but I don't think either will impact on whether Cave makes the squad out of spring training. The "victims" if either of those guys comes north would be Kirilloff and Rooker. There is a vacancy in left field and it seems that sometime this year it will be claimed by Kirilloff, but that might not be right away and so far he's only 2-13 with four Ks. Rooker has been fine in limited work, but both Garlick and Broxton have been much better.

 

While Broxton isn't on the 40-man roster, he has defensive ability (including being a legit center fielder) and speed that the other candidates don't have. Besides that, as I understand it, Keon has an opt-out so if the Twins would not add him to the roster, he would essentially be a free agent.

I like that the FO is focusing on defense as well as bats. All the RH LFers are having a good spring training. Garlic and Broxton are the best but Broxton stand out. His glove and speed alone qualifies him to be put on the 40 man, which we desperately need as a PR, Buxton or defensive replacement. His break out hitting makes it a no brainer. It seems to me also that's there a player option. I'd give up all hope in the Twins if they let him walk.