There is currently a thread for the starting lineup going and some of the conversation is about who fills out the roster. I am starting a separate thread about the entire 25-man roster. We all know that whoever goes north with the club will get some chance to play and if they make good they will get more chances, so IMHO it is far more important who makes the club than exactly who is a "starter" when the season opens.

 

In the starting lineup thread, there seems to be pretty good agreement on who starts. All nine spots are far from locked down, of course.

 

I will assume the Twins go with 12 pitchers and 13 position players. I think that will be the way they start the season. Position players first, rationale to follow:

 

Position players:

 

Catcher: (2) Suzuki, Fryer

Infield: (6) Mauer, Dozier, Florimon, Plouffe, Escobar, Bartlett

Outfield/DH: (5) Willingham, Presley, Arcia, Mastroianni, Kubel

 

When I originally put together a 25-man roster, I penciled in Pinto as the starter at catcher. Recent rumblings tell me that Suzuki will be doing a lot of catching at least to start the season and that the Twins would like Pinto to get a little more AAA time. It also helps that he has options and that a month in Rochester will give the Twins another year of his services. Another catching/25th man candidate is Chris Herrmann. He hits like a backup catcher, but does play other positions (and may try more this spring). If the Twins bring three catchers north, I'm sure the third guy will be Herrmann. I don't think they'll start the year that way, though.

 

Infield: Unless the Twins make another free agent signing or trade, I think the starters and principal backup are set. I added Bartlett late because (1) he has a .795 lifetime OPS vs. left handed pitching (2) he is a veteran who can be a bench player without hurting his performance or damaging his future. (3) he might qualify as the best option to be a RH pinch hitter late in games. Bartlett could get some starts at short against lefties and with two backup infielders, Gardy might use Plouffe as a DH especially against left handers. Colabello figures here, too, but I just can't see him making the team since he really isn't a good fielder and his swing was exploited in the majors last year.

 

Outfield: I originally had Parmelee making the club and still hope that he finds a way, but with a second backup infielder, there isn't room for him unless he outhits Kubel or the Twins roll the dice without a backup center fielder again. I can't see Hicks making the club out of spring training, but I hope he is back by June and moves Presley/Mastro into a backup role. I included Mastroianni as the backup outfielder because he can play all three positions, has base stealing speed and hits right handed, making him a potential platoon partner for Presley.

Pitchers: (12) Nolasco, Correia, Pelfrey, Hughes, Diamond, Worley, Swarzak, Duensing, Thielbar, Burton, Fien, Perkins.

 

Brief comment: I included six starters (one stashed in bullpen) and assumed Deduno starts the season on the DL.

Starting lineup (vs. RH pitcher):

 

Presley (CF)

Dozier (2B)

Mauer (1B)

Willingham (LF)

Arcia (RF)

Plouffe (3B)

Kubel (DH)

Suzuki ©

Florimon (SS)

 

vs. LH Starter (alternate catcher):

 

Mastroianni (CF)

Dozier (2B)

Mauer (1B)

Willingham (LF)

Plouffe (DH)

Arcia (RF)

Bartlett (SS)

Escobar (3B)

Fryer ©

 

Everybody plays! Just like junior high!

I think they might challenge 100 losses if this is this the line-up. Not that putting the prospects in will result in any more wins, but it would at least provide development for the future. Pinto needs be there until he proves he shouldn't be. Hicks should be there also, unless he once again proves he shouldn't be. Herrmann instead of Fryer. Kubel and Bartlett need to earn spots, even more so since I believe that neither is the 40 man roster. Plus I think Parmalee should get one last chance to prove himself.

 

The teams 40 man roster has a lot of dead weight on it, meaning the players won't bring much in trades but might get interest if they are DFA'd. They are role players and roster filler on good teams, not starters, so I say try to trade some of them or DFA them. Which shouldn't be a problem, since these players have three straight 95+ loss seasons to show for themselves.

 

Position players:

 

Catcher: (2) Suzuki, Fryer

Infield: (6) Mauer, Dozier, Florimon, Plouffe, Escobar, Bartlett

Outfield/DH: (5) Willingham, Presley, Arcia, Mastroianni, Kubel

 

Pitchers: (12) Nolasco, Correia, Pelfrey, Hughes, Diamond, Worley, Swarzak, Duensing, Thielbar, Burton, Fien, Perkins.

 

As mnfireman said, this club will not compete. Add Pinto, Sano, Hicks, Tonkin, Ibarra for the ones in bold up there, and you got a better team. Still I expect a couple more players before ST. And if you replace the underlined players with better players (or keep someone like Presley on the bench), then you might have a competitive team.

I can't imagine they will keep that many redundant infielders and not keep Parmelee who has OF and 1B flexibility.

 

Or, more likely, a 13th pitcher.

Does anyone think Diamond might be on the outside looking in with the offseason acquisitions of Sean Gilmartin and Kris Johnson?

@Tibs

Gilmartin isn't on the 40 man and he has little talent. However, if this team actually likes Kris Johnson, Diamond could be in trouble. The thing is Johnson is a 29 year old Scott Diamond.

I can't imagine they will keep that many redundant infielders and not keep Parmelee who has OF and 1B flexibility.

 

Or, more likely, a 13th pitcher.

 

The problem with Parmelee is he hits from the same side as the likely starters at first and RF. I could see getting another bat to spell the starters at those positions. But it would make more sense if it was a right-handed bat. Colabello qualifies, but I'm not sure he's the answer. They've talked about signing Reynolds, but he can't play OF.

@Tibs

Gilmartin isn't on the 40 man and he has little talent. However, if this team actually likes Kris Johnson, Diamond could be in trouble. The thing is Johnson is a 29 year old Scott Diamond.

 

Curious about your comment. Presumably, a former first-round pick has some talent. I understand he was hurt last year and struggled. That doesn't say as much about his talent as his injury.

Curious about your comment. Presumably, a former first-round pick has some talent. I understand he was hurt last year and struggled. That doesn't say as much about his talent as his injury.

 

Agreed. Gilmartin has plenty of talent. Maybe not high end, #1 ace talent, but what are there like a dozen of those men in all the world at any given time? Gilmartin was a nice get for an extraneous piece (Dumit).

The problem with Parmelee is he hits from the same side as the likely starters at first and RF. I could see getting another bat to spell the starters at those positions. But it would make more sense if it was a right-handed bat. Colabello qualifies, but I'm not sure he's the answer. They've talked about signing Reynolds, but he can't play OF.

 

That depends on a variety of factors, but you're right that being left-handed hurts him. In Ryan's interview with Mason he mentions him as a guy that needs to step forward, which is hard to do at AAA.

 

To me, he probably is in Mastro's spot and one of the infielders is replaced by another pitcher.

Agreed. Gilmartin has plenty of talent. Maybe not high end, #1 ace talent, but what are there like a dozen of those men in all the world at any given time? Gilmartin was a nice get for an extraneous piece (Dumit).

 

Even Passan called him a "fringe" prospect. He's got a lot to prove before anyone should be worrying about him.

That depends on a variety of factors, but you're right that being left-handed hurts him. In Ryan's interview with Mason he mentions him as a guy that needs to step forward, which is hard to do at AAA.

 

To me, he probably is in Mastro's spot and one of the infielders is replaced by another pitcher.

 

I hope we don't need 13 pitchers. Hopefully Nolasco and Hughes can eat some innings and prevent that.

I hope we don't need 13 pitchers. Hopefully Nolasco and Hughes can eat some innings and prevent that.

 

At this point, we could have as many as three long relievers in the pen because of 40 man issues. So who knows.

I really doubt the Twins break camp with more than 12 pitchers. They don't have post-surgical arms to protect, they have 5 off-days and they bought lots of innings with their free agent acquisitions. I'm old and I remember when 9 was the standard number of pitchers, then 10, then 11 and now 12. In a sport that changes slowly, it is amazing how the role of pitchers has changed.

At this point, we could have as many as three long relievers in the pen because of 40 man issues. So who knows.

As things stand today, Ryan will have to do something with his out-of-options guys. I presume that somebody will get dealt.

I expect one or two of the out of options guys will be dealt or released at the end of spring training, my best guess for release is Diamond.

[quote

 

Everybody plays! Just like junior high!

too true! Lol! Truthfully I am sad

There is currently a thread for the starting lineup going and some of the conversation is about who fills out the roster. I am starting a separate thread about the entire 25-man roster. We all know that whoever goes north with the club will get some chance to play and if they make good they will get more chances, so IMHO it is far more important who makes the club than exactly who is a "starter" when the season opens.

 

In the starting lineup thread, there seems to be pretty good agreement on who starts. All nine spots are far from locked down, of course.

 

I will assume the Twins go with 12 pitchers and 13 position players. I think that will be the way they start the season. Position players first, rationale to follow:

 

Position players:

 

Catcher: (2) Suzuki, Fryer

Infield: (6) Mauer, Dozier, Florimon, Plouffe, Escobar, Bartlett

Outfield/DH: (5) Willingham, Presley, Arcia, Mastroianni, Kubel

 

When I originally put together a 25-man roster, I penciled in Pinto as the starter at catcher. Recent rumblings tell me that Suzuki will be doing a lot of catching at least to start the season and that the Twins would like Pinto to get a little more AAA time. It also helps that he has options and that a month in Rochester will give the Twins another year of his services. Another catching/25th man candidate is Chris Herrmann. He hits like a backup catcher, but does play other positions (and may try more this spring). If the Twins bring three catchers north, I'm sure the third guy will be Herrmann. I don't think they'll start the year that way, though.

 

Infield: Unless the Twins make another free agent signing or trade, I think the starters and principal backup are set. I added Bartlett late because (1) he has a .795 lifetime OPS vs. left handed pitching (2) he is a veteran who can be a bench player without hurting his performance or damaging his future. (3) he might qualify as the best option to be a RH pinch hitter late in games. Bartlett could get some starts at short against lefties and with two backup infielders, Gardy might use Plouffe as a DH especially against left handers. Colabello figures here, too, but I just can't see him making the team since he really isn't a good fielder and his swing was exploited in the majors last year.

 

Outfield: I originally had Parmelee making the club and still hope that he finds a way, but with a second backup infielder, there isn't room for him unless he outhits Kubel or the Twins roll the dice without a backup center fielder again. I can't see Hicks making the club out of spring training, but I hope he is back by June and moves Presley/Mastro into a backup role. I included Mastroianni as the backup outfielder because he can play all three positions, has base stealing speed and hits right handed, making him a potential platoon partner for Presley.

 

If you believe that Kubel, Mastroianni, and Bartlett make the club, who do you propose to be DFA'd since all three are not on the 40 man roster. Certainly, Parmelee and Colabello are candidates, but I have a hard time believing both would be.

 

I think that Kubel has a good chance to make the club and the other two will stay in AAA as replacements for injury or performance. IMHO, Parmelee gets the call to settle once and for all whether he belongs in MLB.

Parmelee and Kubel are the same player. Twins will not carry both of them since neither can play center field. The only way they could carry both is if Arcia is sent to Rochester. Have not seen enough out of Parmelle to believe he is a major league player, so if Kubel has a good spring, my guess is that Parmelee is gone.

I will assume the Twins go with 12 pitchers and 13 position players. I think that will be the way they start the season. Position players first, rationale to follow:

 

Position players:

 

Catcher: (2) Suzuki, Fryer

Infield: (6) Mauer, Dozier, Florimon, Plouffe, Escobar, Bartlett

Outfield/DH: (5) Willingham, Presley, Arcia, Mastroianni, Kubel

 

One Question, who will serve as the backup 1B to fill in when Mauer isn't starting?

One Question, who will serve as the backup 1B to fill in when Mauer isn't starting?

 

With that group Plouffe or Kubel. They would fill in fine for the (hopefully) two games that will be.

One Question, who will serve as the backup 1B to fill in when Mauer isn't starting?

 

Good point. That's why I believe Parmelee will be on the club for back-up 1st and OF. Kubel could be primary DH with some OF when Mauer DH's and Parmelee mans first. Kubel can also come off the bench.

 

So here is my take

 

C: Suzuki, Pinto

IF: Mauer, Dozier, Floriman, Plouffe

OF: Willingham, Pressley, Arcia

Bench: Kubel (DH/OF), Parmelee (IF/!, Escobar (IF) & ??? (CF,C, or bat)

As mnfireman said, this club will not compete. Add Pinto, Sano, Hicks, Tonkin, Ibarra for the ones in bold up there, and you got a better team. Still I expect a couple more players before ST. And if you replace the underlined players with better players (or keep someone like Presley on the bench), then you might have a competitive team.

 

Thry - Not sure why Theilbar was one of the guys you bolded. In 46 innings the guy had an ERA under 2.00 and a WHIP under 1.0. I'd certainly keep him. I agree that Tonkin should be on the staff as well as Ibarra. I'd be on the phone trying to trade Duensing (I just don't trust him), Fien, and maybe Worley or one of the others. I know he was injured, but Mastro just didn't look like the player he was 2 years ago. He needs to hit better and be a threat on the basepaths to make the team. Fryer is Butera. Pinto should be there. I'd rather have Herrmann's flexibility and power on the bench. I'd also have him practicing at both 1B and 3B to add to his versitility. In an emergency, he could even play CF for an inning or two as could Arcia.

 

That being said, Sano won't start the season in the majors. He may even start on the DL depending on his arm. I think he'll start at New Britain, move to Rochester and then the majors by late June. Hicks will start at Rochester even if he does well in ST as a punishment for not playing winter ball. He'll also be up by June. This roster will look very different after the trade deadline.

I think Parmelee is going to be the starting DH and a somewhat frequent corner outfielder to spell Willingham and Arcia. I just want him to get a full season of consecutive at bats to see if he can put an end to whether or not he has some long term plans. Otherwise, he's going to be a nice bench bat/defense corner OF sub.

 

Also, I'll be shocked if he doesn't make the 25 man roster (baring trade, though I don't see his value being all that high).

I think Parmelee is going to be the starting DH and a somewhat frequent corner outfielder to spell Willingham and Arcia. I just want him to get a full season of consecutive at bats to see if he can put an end to whether or not he has some long term plans. Otherwise, he's going to be a nice bench bat/defense corner OF sub.

 

Also, I'll be shocked if he doesn't make the 25 man roster (baring trade, though I don't see his value being all that high).

Parmelee is a better corner OF than either Arcia (at present) or Willingham (ever), plus he has some positional flexibility. I can't see him starting one game as a DH. If he makes the team, he's going to have to earn ABs.

 

I like Parmelee (met him at ST, seemed to be a nice kid) and I thought his work converting to the OF was pretty good, but the guy has to hit to have a job with anybody. He's out of options, so it is fish or cut bait for Chris.

Did anyone else see Tom Powers picks for the Twins 25-man roster? He has Hicks, D. Robinson, Kubel, and Pinto all going north. No Parmelee, Colabello, Worley, or Deduno.

Assuming no more FA signings, I'd guess the following.

 

C-Suzuki

1B-Mauer

2B-Dozier

SS-Florimon

3B-Plouffe

LF-Willingham

CF-Presley

RF-Arcia

DH-Kubel

Bench-Fryer ©, Escobar (2B/SS/3B), Parmalee (1B/OF), Mastoianni (OF)

 

SP-Nolasco, Hughes, Corriea, Pelfrey, Worley

RP-Perkins, Fien, Burton, Duensing, Thielbar, Swarzak, Pressly

 

DL-Deduno

Trade-Diamond

AAA (and ready for a call if needed)-Pinto, Hicks, Bartlett, Colabello, Gibson, Meyer, Tonkin

About Parmelee VS Kubel...

Parmelee is an above average OF. Kubel can barely play it.

Parm hasn't hit well, but has the potential. Kubel is past his prime and was horrible last year.

There's no doubt in my mind Parmelee is better and should make the team over him.