Roster changes imminent

stringer bell · June 29, 2013

Aaron Hicks is just about ready to be medically cleared to return to Minnesota. Clete Thomas has returned to the big leagues and been a functional outfielder and held his own as a leadoff hitter. I think he has outplayed Wilken Ramirez and has staked a claim as a fourth outfielder if the Twins want a serviceable center fielder as their extra guy. Also, Mike Pelfrey is ready to rehab and could be back in Minnesota in a week. The Twins probably will have to make some transactions in the coming week. Here are some scenarios (not allowing for a new injury or trade).

1. Although Hicks is healthy, the Twins will option Hicks to Rochester. Three weeks (outside of injury rehab) would give the Twins another season of control over the rookie center fielder.

2. The Twins could activate Hicks and DFA Thomas. They would risk losing Thomas and then create a spot on the 40-man roster.

3. The Twins could demote another position player and activate Hicks. Possible candidates would be Parmelee and perhaps Escobar.

4. A pitcher could be demoted. Walters could be designated and since a starter wouldn't need to be recalled for a few days, Hicks could be activated immediately. At the point where Walters turn would come, someone (Albers, Vanimal?) could be recalled to start then and someone would have to be demoted then.

5. Someone in the bullpen could be demoted. The Twins have eight guys in the 'pen and probably could survive with seven. Fien and Thielbar have options.

6. Pelfrey could come back to the active roster soon. The Twins web site says he will rehab on Monday and it assumed that if all goes well he will be activated and pitch for the Twins on the Saturday before the All-Star break.

Brock Beauchamp · June 29, 2013

Once Hicks' injury started to drag into a month-long affair, I started believing that it might be in everyone's best interest to give him a little time in AAA to get back up to speed. While he was drastically improved in his last month with the Twins, he was still only a league average bat. I'd hate to see him come back and scuffle for another three weeks and lose confidence as he shakes off the rust. Let him shake off that rust in Rochester.

Danchat · June 29, 2013

I'm fine with most of them, I just don't know why in the world we'd send down Caleb Theilbar. He's thrown 14 perfect innings! 0.00 ERA!

Clete Thomas definitely should stay on the team. .270 and 2HR is pretty good for this team... I have a feeling Hicks will be back in the majors. I'd vote Escobar to go.

Otto von Ballpark · June 30, 2013

I have never understood the Wilkin Ramirez love. He's not the worst backup OF in the world but I would be fine with losing him. Hicks getting some extended pseudo rehab at Rochester is fine too.

And there really can't be too much debate about Walters getting the boot now, right?

Riverbrian · June 30, 2013

I have never understood the Wilkin Ramirez love. He's not the worst backup OF in the world but I would be fine with losing him. Hicks getting some extended pseudo rehab at Rochester is fine too.

And there really can't be too much debate about Walters getting the boot now, right?

I wouldn't call it love but for me... I'd call it... I haven't seen enough of him. I have no idea what he is capable of...

I have no problem losing him but I'd be wondering what I'm missing.

cmathewson · June 30, 2013

They have 20 days. I believe they will use most of them. That was confirmed by Gardy today: Hicks will not be rushed back to Twins lineup | StarTribune.com

Gernzy · June 30, 2013

Once Hicks is called up I think Thielbar will be sent down. Yes he has been doing great, but the team is not even using him. Plus we really need to get rid of the extra pitcher.

Thomas has earned the right to be the backup CF.

Anorthagen · June 30, 2013

I could see Ramiez being demoted in order to keep Thomas in the Majors, then bring Hicks back up. And once Pelfrey comes off the DL Walters would, without question, be sent back down then by default giving Pelfrey his second and final chance.

adjacent · June 30, 2013

Willingham knee is acting up again. If he can't play and goes to the DL, then it would make sense to call Hicks up, and have a more balanced roster.

jorgenswest · June 30, 2013

Did anyone mention releasing Carroll?

As for Thomas, he appears to be a better 4th OF option than Ramirez and Mastroianni. It would be nice to have him on a corner with Hicks in CF. That might bring the OF defense for that game close to average.

Danchat · June 30, 2013

Actually releasing Carroll could be an option. He doesn't have any worth left with the team, I must admit at this point. But we have too many OFs at this point. I think Hicks needs to spend some time in AAA and come back in September.

stringer bell · June 30, 2013

I could see Ramiez being demoted in order to keep Thomas in the Majors, then bring Hicks back up. And once Pelfrey comes off the DL Walters would, without question, be sent back down then by default giving Pelfrey his second and final chance.

I have no doubt that Ramirez' days are done as a Twin. He is on the concussion DL and has no options. When he is pronounced healthy, I would expect him to be DFAed. This would create a spot on the 40-man roster. Thomas would be the better partial platoon partner, perhaps starting between a third and half of the starts against right handers. Thomas has been the Twins best leadoff hitter (both gulp! and SSS) and has been passable in center, except for charging base hits.

Pelfrey isn't synched up with Walters and the Twins have no days off until the All-Star break. That would mean either Walters gets one more shot or people work on short rest. I am guessing Walters gets another start. The other option would be for Walters to be DFAed and give a Rochester starter (either Worley or Albers) a start.

jokin · June 30, 2013

I have no doubt that Ramirez' days are done as a Twin. He is on the concussion DL and has no options. When he is pronounced healthy, I would expect him to be DFAed. This would create a spot on the 40-man roster. Thomas would be the better partial platoon partner, perhaps starting between a third and half of the starts against right handers. Thomas has been the Twins best leadoff hitter (both gulp! and SSS) and has been passable in center, except for charging base hits.

Pelfrey isn't synched up with Walters and the Twins have no days off until the All-Star break. That would mean either Walters gets one more shot or people work on short rest. I am guessing Walters gets another start. The other option would be for Walters to be DFAed and give a Rochester starter (either Worley or Albers) a start.

SSS and everything, but Thomas leads the team in pitches per PA (Better even that Joe Mauer), has cut way back on K-rate, this plus his slash- line at leadoff show that he is currently the ONLY legit leadoff option currently on the roster (see below).

Thomas batting leadoff slash: .289/.372/421/.793

Team batting leadoff slash: .189/.254/.259/.513

Bark's Lounge · June 30, 2013

If the Twins are to option Hicks to AAA, they should do it now and let his minor league clock start ticking ASAP (Note: I am unclear on rehab assignment rules).

This way, the folks who were in the camp of Hicks being on the big club the whole year won't be too upset and the camp who wants to retain Hicks' rights for another year will be satisfied in full.

Being a member of the group who wanted Hicks up from the start - as humans we seem to be beings who need instant gratification, but for the most part, memories are short - and you don't really miss what you don't have. If there was a fate scenario where both factions could be satisfied - this would seem to be the ideal time and place to execute this action.

After Hicks spends the amount of time in Rochester to retain another year of service from him - call him up pronto! Hopefully, by this time, Willingham has been traded and our outfield consists of Arcia in LF, Hicks in CF and Parmelee in RF.

I have no beef with Willingham - he is a good RH power bat that has very good use to a ballclub., but let's be honest - last year was a career year for the southern gent. Although Arcia and Parmelee are LH hitters... it is time to ride it out with those 2 day in and day out post July 31.

Morneau is untradeable... at least in terms of what your trade return would be. I think the best bet would be for him to play most days throughout the rest of the season - giving him the opportunity to have a farewell tour of sorts to the Twins' Fans. Morneau can hit a little still, but he is a shadow of his former self. I think it would be fitting for the MN fans to get their chance to show their appreciation to him and to say their goodbyes bypassing the awkwardness of a garbage trade.

I feel pretty confident that Arcia will hit about 20 Jacks this year with acceptable all around numbers and if Parmelee gets that chance he will not be far off. I believe in these guys.

The Twins are playing better than or are what we thought they would be - it is what it is. This has to be a transition year for the betterment of the future of this ballclub. 2014 could be a different animal.

Sorry to take this thread off point, but I needed to exorcise my demons.

jokin · June 30, 2013

I have no doubt that Ramirez' days are done as a Twin. He is on the concussion DL and has no options. When he is pronounced healthy, I would expect him to be DFAed. This would create a spot on the 40-man roster. Thomas would be the better partial platoon partner, perhaps starting between a third and half of the starts against right handers. Thomas has been the Twins best leadoff hitter (both gulp! and SSS) and has been passable in center, except for charging base hits.

Pelfrey isn't synched up with Walters and the Twins have no days off until the All-Star break. That would mean either Walters gets one more shot or people work on short rest. I am guessing Walters gets another start. The other option would be for Walters to be DFAed and give a Rochester starter (either Worley or Albers) a start.

From today's StarTribune:

"Pelfrey on track

Mike Pelfrey’s back pain has disappeared, and the righthander is eager to get back to work. He will get a chance this weekend.

The Twins have put Pelfrey on the normal cycle of preparation, and they will send him to Class A Cedar Rapids on Monday for a rehab start. If all goes well, Gardenhire said, “he’ll eventually get activated and probably make his next [major league] start next Saturday,” at Toronto.'"

If I read that correctly, bye-bye Scott Diamond.

stringer bell · June 30, 2013

From today's StarTribune:

"Pelfrey on track
Mike Pelfrey’s back pain has disappeared, and the righthander is eager to get back to work. He will get a chance this weekend.
The Twins have put Pelfrey on the normal cycle of preparation, and they will send him to Class A Cedar Rapids on Monday for a rehab start. If all goes well, Gardenhire said, “he’ll eventually get activated and probably make his next [major league] start next Saturday,” at Toronto.'"

If I read that correctly, bye-bye Scott Diamond.

I don't know if Diamond is gone for sure. If Walters "soils the bed" again, he is done for sure and Pelfrey moves in for him and everybody gets an extra day's rest when Pelfrey is inserted. Diamond could lose his job if he's bad again--Pelfrey would replace him and (I suppose) Worley/Albers would take Walters' spot.

jokin · June 30, 2013

I don't know if Diamond is gone for sure. If Walters "soils the bed" again, he is done for sure and Pelfrey moves in for him and everybody gets an extra day's rest when Pelfrey is inserted. Diamond could lose his job if he's bad again--Pelfrey would replace him and (I suppose) Worley/Albers would take Walters' spot.

That's pretty much how I see it, probably the Vanimal.

Scott's body language, demeanor and post-game reflections after his last start pretty much said it all in where he's at right now.

jokin · June 30, 2013

I don't know if Diamond is gone for sure. If Walters "soils the bed" again, he is done for sure and Pelfrey moves in for him and everybody gets an extra day's rest when Pelfrey is inserted. Diamond could lose his job if he's bad again--Pelfrey would replace him and (I suppose) Worley/Albers would take Walters' spot.

In checking the Red Wing rotation schedule, both Worley and Albers would fit into Walters start, with Albers exactly in synch with Walters- Worley the day before.

DFAing Walters to bring up Albers seems like the only way they call up Albers for next Wednesday against the Yankees. Gotta think they would turn to the vet first, if they think he's ready for that start or the one right after.

nicksaviking · June 30, 2013

Speaking of "soiling the bed" I'd assume if any of these guys have seen the choke job this team regularly pulls against the Yankees, neither Walters, Albers or Worley want anything to do with that start.

cmathewson · June 30, 2013

Speaking of "soiling the bed" I'd assume if any of these guys have seen the choke job this team regularly pulls against the Yankees, neither Walters, Albers or Worley want anything to do with that start.

Really? They don't want to pitch in a major league game? Did you ask them?

iastfan112 · June 30, 2013

Actually releasing Carroll could be an option. He doesn't have any worth left with the team, I must admit at this point. But we have too many OFs at this point. I think Hicks needs to spend some time in AAA and come back in September.

Carroll isn't a feasible option, if you release him and any of Escobar, Florimon, Dozier, or Plouffe get injured the only other middle infielder on the 40 man is Danny Santana, and his AA slash line doesn't suggest him being all that close to MLB ready to me.

Kwak · June 30, 2013

I think Diamond has an option remaining--it may be him instead of Walters. That being said, Pelfrey would likely get two ML starts to "showcase" his health (as well as his arm) prior to the break for the purpose of trading him.

Thegrin · June 30, 2013

If you are wondering how Hicks is doing on his rehab assignment, check my blog.

Aaron Hicks 2013 Rehab - Blogs - Minnesota Twins News & Rumors Forum

Thegrin · June 30, 2013

There is no point in trading Pelfrey or any other pitcher unless the Twins get at least a "good" prospect in return. They would be better off sending Pelfrey to rehab. Let Pelfrey, Worley and Walters prove they are MLB starters. If they are. resign them for another year

After last weeks outing with the Twins and last nights game, Hernandez has earned another chance to pitch with the Twins.

stringer bell · June 30, 2013

There is no point in trading Pelfrey or any other pitcher unless the Twins get at least a "good" prospect in return. They would be better off sending Pelfrey to rehab. Let Pelfrey, Worley and Walters prove they are MLB starters. If they are. resign them for another year

After last weeks outing with the Twins and last nights game, Hernandez has earned another chance to pitch with the Twins.

Hernandez is in there with the rest of them IMHO. Diamond, De Vries, Hendriks, Pelfrey, Walters, Worley, and Albers all look like back-of-the-rotation types that can succeed if they hit their spots or get knocked around if they don't. That is seven guys for two spots.

Pelfrey (veteran) and Walters (out of options) can't be optioned. Albers isn't on the 40-man, but if Walters is demoted, there would be a spot for him. It is akin to making your choice from the clearance rack at Target from the irregulars.

TheLeviathan · June 30, 2013

There is no point in trading Pelfrey or any other pitcher unless the Twins get at least a "good" prospect in return. They would be better off sending Pelfrey to rehab. Let Pelfrey, Worley and Walters prove they are MLB starters. If they are. resign them for another year

After last weeks outing with the Twins and last nights game, Hernandez has earned another chance to pitch with the Twins.

Pelfrey is a seven year vet. Worley is under team control and does not need to be "resigned". Just wanted to clarify two bizarre comments there.

The 5 men that should be hurling for this team post deadline should be Diamond, Gibson, Worley, Albers, and it doesn't really matter. So if the Twins can get a little value for Correia or Pelfrey...do it. You can easily flush 10M to get similar talents again this next offseason.

jokin · June 30, 2013

Pelfrey is a seven year vet. Worley is under team control and does not need to be "resigned". Just wanted to clarify two bizarre comments there.

The 5 men that should be hurling for this team post deadline should be Diamond, Gibson, Worley, Albers, and it doesn't really matter. So if the Twins can get a little value for Correia or Pelfrey...do it. You can easily flush 10M to get similar talents again this next offseason.

Actually, I kinda wish some of these suspects would "resign", so that the Twins can "re-sign" the more worthy candidates, or better yet, "sign" even more legitimate candidates.

Brock Beauchamp · June 30, 2013

The 5 men that should be hurling for this team post deadline should be Diamond, Gibson, Worley, Albers, and it doesn't really matter. So if the Twins can get a little value for Correia or Pelfrey...do it. You can easily flush 10M to get similar talents again this next offseason.

At this point, the Twins should be asking for more than a little value from Correia. He's having a very nice season. As for Pelfrey, don't care. Hand him a one way bus ticket to Albuquerque for all I care. Same goes for Walters.

This team needs to start clearing room for Albers and Worley. Those two guys have a chance of helping the team in future seasons.

jokin · June 30, 2013

Pelfrey is a seven year vet. Worley is under team control and does not need to be "resigned". Just wanted to clarify two bizarre comments there.

The 5 men that should be hurling for this team post deadline should be Diamond, Gibson, Worley, Albers, and it doesn't really matter. So if the Twins can get a little value for Correia or Pelfrey...do it. You can easily flush 10M to get similar talents again this next offseason.

You've got it right on the 4 candidates for second-half rotation nominees. I suspect that Albers stays down barring further injury or both Pelfrey and Correia being moved. Albers would likely take Gibson's spot in August. Regarding the 5th spot, so many suspects.....so little chance for future success....I'd like to see May and/or Darnell get a crack in the rotation at call-up time (or in May's specific case, even before if he continues to string some decent starts together).

IdahoPilgrim · June 30, 2013

I would be curious to know why some are willing to keep Diamond in the rotation. With the exception of one good start on June 2, he has been pretty awful since early May - 6.89 ERA since May 10th.

I'm not saying jettison him - but give him some AAA time to work out whatever has gone wrong.

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