All-Star Roster Shuffle

Following the Minnesota Twins impressive series win in New York against the Yankees, GM Terry Ryan shuffled the roster. Down to Rochester go outfielders Oswaldo Arcia and Chris Parmelee, and infielder Eduardo Escobar. The Twins promoted infielder Doug Bernier and catcher/outfielder Chris Herrmann.

This means there is one more player to be added to the 25 man roster. I believe it can be assumed that player will be 1B/OF Chris Colabello.

The MLB and AAA All-Star breaks are at the same time, so Colabello will be able to participate in the home run contest and then the All-Star game. I assume he'll be promoted following the game.

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Three weeks ago, many were touting Oswaldo Arcia as a potential American League Rookie of the Year candidate. However, he has been mired in an extreme slump the last couple weeks and clearly needed this.

Parmelee began the season as the team's starting right fielder. He is fourth on the team with eight home runs, but is hitting just .223. His playing time has been fairly sporadic throughout the first half.

Escobar got off to a fast start in April, but has not hit at all since. He is still just 24 and really needs to get some playing time in AAA. He was dubbed a utility infielder a year ago by the White Sox.

Herrmann hit well in very limited time earlier in the season, but he has not hit at all in Rochester. After an 0-4 on Sunday, he is hitting .227 on the season, with a Escobaric .608 OPS. He can be the third catcher, allowing Doumit to play in right field. And, he can play in the outfield, as well.

Bernier is a lesser known name. He is a minor league veteran. The 33 year old is hitting .295/.370/.407 with 23 extra base hits. Bernier went 0-4 in two games in 2008 with the Colorado Rockies, and this is his first time in the big leagues since. Along with the Rockies, he has spent time in the Yankees and Pirates organizations. This is a great story, if nothing else, of a guy not giving up. The Twins like having two infielders on the bench; Jamey Carroll is the other. The team has a spot on the 40 man roster for him.

And, assuming the third player promoted is Colabello, I don't think anyone would question that. We hope he can get more consistent playing time in this, his third stint with the team. He has been our choice for Twins minor league player of the month in May and June. Overall with the Red Wings, he is hitting .354/.432/.652 (1.084) with 24 doubles and 24 home runs. He deserves an opportunity.

Again, the Red Wings and the Twins begin their All-Star breaks now. The MLB All- Star game is Tuesday night while the AAA game is Wednesday night. Players will be with their second-half teams Thursday.