Who Could Still Make the 40 Man Roster?

[Otto von Ballpark]

Two other pitchers who could be near the edge of removal are Vallimont and Strotman. We just added both to the 40-man in November, although had we known the Rule 5 draft would get canceled, maybe we would have chosen differently.

They are already 25 years old, had rough seasons last year (Vallimont, a 6.03 ERA at AA, and Strotman a 7.33 ERA in St. Paul). And both have been non-factors this spring, and are likely buried on the depth chart for the foreseeable future.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Smeltzer has looked good this spring, and he is left-handed and capable of throwing multiple innings. That could be really useful during the season’s first month (and potentially beyond).

[Karbo]

If they want to keep Faria on 40 man how about dropping Cotton? I've only seen him pitch once but he wasn't very impressive in that outing.

[Whitey333]

None of those named with the possible exception of Garlick does much for me.  Cave?  Come on get serious.  He doesn't belong on the 40 man at all.  I agree with the guy that said Kirilloff should be the first baseman and Sano the DH.  In any case this team will not contend with this pitching staff.  The offense and defense will make for an interesting season but strong pitching is essential and we have way too many holes there.

[Joey P]

22 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Garlick and Rooker are not equivalent in the field. I continue to maintain that Rooker has no place on the active roster of the 2022 Twins. 
 

Regarding the non-roster pitchers, it doesn’t make sense to risk losing a guy by removing them from the 40-man roster when the guy prompting the move would then be exposed barely three weeks later when the staff is reduced to 13. Unless the club is willing to cut bait with a Stashak or Cotton to keep Smeltzer or Coulombe, both of those guys should be sent to St. Paul. 

Rooker should make the roster so we can show his value as a DH for a trade with an NL team in need of one. 

[Gatormandd]

Some tough calls- I like Smeltzer (injuries have hurt his development, or he'd be a no-brainer to be on the 40 already) and Faria is a useful guy, especially in this "rushed" month.  Not sure that I'd want to pay in DFA's for either guy though.  If we could end up with either guy in AAA that would be a win.   I like Vallimont and Strotman; they would get sucked up immediately.  A team with fewer 40 man issues will "probably" suck up Faria and/or Smeltzer, though they might become available when the actives go back to 26.  Would we want them then, though (I would say yes for Smeltzer)? Cave = bye bye, thanks for the (mediocre) memories.  Garlick vs Rooker is easy for me; but the FO probably still wants Rooker to prove them right.  Finally, the unmentioned D. Robertson is a guy I really hope we can retain (probably will pass through waivers unless somebody loses an IF to injury this week); I think he's a great fill-in IF to get by for a couple of weeks if one of the starting guys get hurt, I'd like to see him at AAA providing additional help for Lewis and others to get ready for the bigs (more than I'd actually like to see him in the bigs, cuz that would mean somebody broke, lol). 

 

[TopGunn#22]

Lots of good input here.  I'm DONE with Cave.  Garlick is a better option as he hits LH's well and Gordon can cover CF on occasion.  I like the idea of trading for someone like Lewis Brinson if Garlick is not deemed "acceptable."  As for Rooker, I was thrilled when we drafted him.  He was in elite company with Will Clark and the cheater Raffy Palmiero as the only Triple Crown winners in S.E.C. history.  Sadly, I've seen enough.  He's not even as good as Michael Restovich, and obviously THAT never worked out for the Twins.  I sense there's going to be some last minute "maneuvering" by the Twins FO before this MLB roster and the 40-man are set.

[stringer bell]

Adding a non-40-man now equals exposing someone. As Otto has pointed out, the Twins might have already designated someone if they want to add a non-roster guy. They might have also claimed someone, as well. I can’t see Robertson added unless there is an injury. Adding a Smeltzer or Faria now makes sense only if the club is willing to designate someone at the risk of losing them. 

[jorgenswest]

For some reason Rooker has not hit left handed pitching in the minors. The other side of the coin is that he has hit right handed pitching well. Very few batters have maintained a reverse platoon split through there career. If Rooker adjust towards a more neutral split and maintains his hitting against right handed pitching he has a chance at a Josh Willingham type career. 

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Joey P said:

Rooker should make the roster so we can show his value as a DH for a trade with an NL team in need of one. 

Using playing time to showcase players for trade is for non-contenders.

[twinsfansd]

22 hours ago, 2wins87 said:

Oh, and the other move could be moving Enlow to the 60-day IL, but since they haven't already done that we can presume that he's expected back sooner than that and it wouldn't make sense to mess with his development.

If you put Enlow on the major league 60 Day IL, he will be considered on the active roster and will receive service time and major league pay. I don't see the Twins doing that.

 

[stringer bell]

Garlick, Cave and Rooker (DH) are all in the starting Grapefruit League lineup today. 

[LA VIkes Fan]

Another good day on the mound for Smeltzer - 4 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 3 SO, 2 BB.  My money is on Smeltzer to be an add on to the 40 man and to go north with the team, Either a waiver of Rooker or Enlow on the 60 day IL accomplishes the task.  

[stringer bell]

I don’t think they can properly put Enlow on the 60-day IL. First of all, he’ll likely be ready to pitch within 60 days and I don’t know if you can retroactively place a player on the 60-day list. Secondly, he’d have to be recalled to the major league team and then earn salary and service time. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

21 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I don’t think they can properly put Enlow on the 60-day IL. First of all, he’ll likely be ready to pitch within 60 days and I don’t know if you can retroactively place a player on the 60-day list. Secondly, he’d have to be recalled to the major league team and then earn salary and service time. 

It's technically possible. The Twins could recall Enlow and place him on the 60-day IL right now, and he'd just be ineligible to pitch in the major leagues for the first 60 days of the MLB season (so, until early June). He could still pitch in the minor leagues during that time on a rehab assignment -- it sounds like the Twins expect him to debut for AA Wichita in early May, and that wouldn't have to change with a 60-day IL placement.

Even if he was fully healthy right now, it would be unlikely for Enlow to appear in a MLB game before early June anyway, given his lack of experience and the depth chart. It's extremely unlikely if he's not even going to pitch for AA Wichita until May. So the only real cost is the 60 days service time and salary (although it could potentially be more than 60 days if he has a setback or another injury before the 60 days are up).

FWIW, there's no need for retroactive IL placement right now, because the day counts don't begin until MLB opening day. During the season, time served on other MLB injured lists (i.e. 10-day IL) can count toward the 60 days if a player is later transferred to the 60-day IL, but time served on minor league injured lists would not count.

The Cub Reporter: Injured Lists

[Doctor Gast]

Smeltzer had another great day so I'm confirming my vote, he definitely needs to be part of the long relief corp. Gordon had a great day and I'm comfirming my vote for him as utility. I'd rather have him as 4th OF/ CF sub rather anyone else that's in the discussion (not saying we shouldn't look outside the org.

[DJL44]

Justin Upton hit .225/.355/.483 vs lefties last year

[D.C Twins]

Unfortunately, Cave has the inside track to go North initially.

The Twins paid him 800,000 which isn't much, but more than any of the other marginal players

They will give him the first month to prove something.

I don't like this one bit, but I'm just warning everyone for expectation management

I actually would be OK with giving Garlick a 'show me' month (while holding my nose and wincing mildly) because he can provide roster balance with hitting lefties

Rooker needs to me in the minors learning how to K much less

[RpR]

Rooker belongs in the minors, maybe permanently.

[jorgenswest]

12 hours ago, Otto von Ballpark said:

Smeltzer has looked good this spring, and he is left-handed and capable of throwing multiple innings. That could be really useful during the season’s first month (and potentially beyond).

Smeltzer also has had a full spring training and that may make a difference early in the season.

[darwin22]

On 4/1/2022 at 11:52 AM, chpettit19 said:

Faria being out of options makes his path harder. Stashak, Jax, and Romero all have options left so he'd have to be seen as a long-term piece for the season as a whole and not just an extra long man for April. Unless the Twins are ready to lose one of the other 3 on waivers now plus Faria at the end of the month. Seems like poor asset management to me so I'd think he's a long shot.

I'd take Garlick over Rooker as well. At least Garlick can mash lefties and he's not good defensively, but not as embarrassing as Rooker out there. I just don't see the fit on the roster for a player like Rooker. I don't know that I'd even be all that scared that he'd be claimed on waivers. Somebody would have to see an elite bat in him and I just don't get how anyone sees that. But I've been wrong before. 

I'm not as animated about Cave as others, but I don't ever want to see him in a Twins jersey again. He doesn't bring anything that Gordon doesn't and I'd rather have Gordon's speed and ability to play the IF as well as OF. I'm clearly not a Rooker fan either, but I'd even be mad losing Rooker for Cave. There's no position players left to DFA to get Cave on the roster. His only hope should be a 60-day stint from multiple other OFers.

After what Gordon did today-----3 run HR and 2-RBI triple there should be ZERO doubt that Gordon has nailed down a roster slot.  As you mentioned, his defensive versatility and speed is a huge upgrade over what either Rooker or Cave offers.  Like you, I'm in the camp of NEVER wanting to see Cave in a Twins jersey again.  His colossal failure as a hitter over the last 2 seasons cannot and should not be ignored.

[darwin22]

On 4/1/2022 at 12:10 PM, stringer bell said:

Word! And I don’t think you’re wrong. Probably the better move is to claim an outfielder who better fits the Twins needs……RH hitter, solid defense, CF capable, hits lefties better than righties and maybe good speed. In this era, defensive replacements are few and far between, but I could see times when replacing Sanó with this type of replacement would benefit the defense at first and left. 

Likely in the minority here, a veteran RH hitter with CF experience that could be an option for the Twins to consider is Kevin Pillar.  On a minor league deal with Dodgers right now, but could be a roster cut in the near future.  Although his production at the plate dipped last season with the Mets, imo, he would be an upgrade over Garlick with CF experience and is a solid bat against LH pitchers---.280 career average (1020 ABs) with a decent .771 OPS.

[old nurse]

On 4/1/2022 at 2:25 PM, DJL44 said:

RH hitting Outfielders in other orgs without a spot

Lewis Brinson

Michael Hermosillo

Aristides Aquino

 

I think the team already has enough light hitting outfielders. Uptown for 28m a year would even be a bigger joke. His best days are gone

[old nurse]

5 minutes ago, darwin22 said:

Likely in the minority here, a veteran RH hitter with CF experience that could be an option for the Twins to consider is Kevin Pillar.  On a minor league deal with Dodgers right now, but could be a roster cut in the near future.  Although his production at the plate dipped last season with the Mets, imo, he would be an upgrade over Garlick with CF experience and is a solid bat against LH pitchers---.280 career average (1020 ABs) with a decent .771 OPS.

Dodgers need him for when Taylor gets injures or Lux fails since they traded their outfielder for Kimbrel

[DJL44]

25 minutes ago, old nurse said:

I think the team already has enough light hitting outfielders. Uptown for 28m a year would even be a bigger joke. His best days are gone

If they want Upton they will get him for the league minimum.

[Dman]

11 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Adding a non-40-man now equals exposing someone. As Otto has pointed out, the Twins might have already designated someone if they want to add a non-roster guy. They might have also claimed someone, as well. I can’t see Robertson added unless there is an injury. Adding a Smeltzer or Faria now makes sense only if the club is willing to designate someone at the risk of losing them. 

Yeah technically they don't need to add Faria or Smeltzer for opening day.  They can keep the status quo if they want and there is a decent chance some pitcher will get injured early in the season.  It seems like the colder weather tends to lead to more pitcher injuries early.  So if they just wait it might sort itself out.

Still as has been said Smeltzer is the only possible left handed starter we have so there has to be some pressure to add him.  The Twins still could DFA Romero who they claimed from Washington as an easy come easy go deal or if they like Romero's potential Stashak has been less than reliable and honestly I think they have guys at AAA that given time that likely could replace him (thinking Cano, Hamilton, Mason).  Given what Smeltzer was able to do against an actual MLB lineup for 4 innings he probably needs to be back on the 40 man.

[h2oface]

Miranda should. What does a young guy have to do? I do not like Yankees on this team. Not at all. Urshela over Miranda. Yuk.

[h2oface]

3 hours ago, RpR said:

Rooker belongs in the minors, maybe permanently.

Probably in Japan or Korea. He is getting "old".

[tony&rodney]

9 minutes ago, h2oface said:

Miranda should. What does a young guy have to do? I do not like Yankees on this team. Not at all. Urshela over Miranda. Yuk.

Agree with this take. Understand that the Twins saved $6 million in the deal and no longer have any JD contract but this wasn't a move to win. The deal that Boras/Correa offered could have still happened and kept the payroll in total control of a healthy profit. It seems Miranda will need to prove himself to be better than he was last year. He could certainly work to improve in all areas as a player for the Saints, so not a terrible result.

It doesn't make any sense to add someone from the 40, unless the knee injury to Kirilloff is problematic. Then maybe Garlick. Nick Gordon has improved since his health returned last year. He looks decent and can cover a ton of positions when needed; a perfect utility player.

[LA VIkes Fan]

10 hours ago, darwin22 said:

Likely in the minority here, a veteran RH hitter with CF experience that could be an option for the Twins to consider is Kevin Pillar.  On a minor league deal with Dodgers right now, but could be a roster cut in the near future.  Although his production at the plate dipped last season with the Mets, imo, he would be an upgrade over Garlick with CF experience and is a solid bat against LH pitchers---.280 career average (1020 ABs) with a decent .771 OPS.

Great idea, but the Dodgers just traded Pollack for Kimbrel so they’re short a 4th OF. I thunk Pillar makes the Dodger team.