Notebook: Colomé Announced, Hamilton DFA'd

The Forty-Man Roster Move Heard ‘Round Twins Territory

The Twins officially announced their signing of righty reliever Alex Colomé this afternoon. The move has been confirmed for over a week and the Twins have had a full 40-man roster for much of that time, so we’ve known a move was coming. There’s been ample speculation over who would give way to Colomé, and today we learned it was Ian Hamilton.

https://twitter.com/DWolfsonKSTP/status/1360313094812139529

Hamilton, who has been on four teams in the past year, finds himself on a waivers whirlwind again after being claimed by the Twins just one week ago. The Twins will be hoping Hamilton can pass through waivers this time because, with his high-velocity fastball, effective slider, and wild injury history, he’s just the type of cheap asset that can gain tremendous value with the Twins’ help. Twins fans should also hope he stays with the club because, after a car accident and a liner to the face pushed back Hamilton’s development, there’s no easier guy to root for.

Brandon Waddell Clears Waivers

With Thursday’s addition of outfielder Kyle Garlick to the 40-man roster, left-handed reliever Brandon Waddell saw his 40-man spot evaporate from under him. Today, Waddell cleared waivers and accepted his invitation to Spring Training.

https://twitter.com/betsyhelfand/status/1360312121087639557

Despite their willingness to risk losing him, the Twins ought to be pleased to keep Waddell in the organization as he’s one of only a few lefty relievers with big league experience on the team. If things go sideways with Lewis Thorpe or Devin Smeltzer (as they have before), Waddell may become more necessary than he is now.

MiLB Leagues and Divisions Announced

Minor League Baseball has finalized its restructured leagues and divisions. There are now four levels (Low A, High A, AA, AAA) and 11 directionally-name leagues (two for AAA and three for the other levels). From there, each league has two or three also directionally-named divisions. For example, the St. Paul Saints will be playing in the Midwest division of the AAA East league.

https://twitter.com/MLB_PR/status/1360259944453443589

It’s worth noting that the Saints are in the same division as the affiliates of three of the four other AL Central clubs, so the Twins’ prospects will be familiar with their divisional rivals at multiple levels. And, they’ll face former Twins affiliate Rochester Red Wings as an opponent in the AAA East league.

As far as the Twins’ other affiliates are concerned, the Wichita Wind Surge will be playing in the North division of AA Central, the Cedar Rapids Kernels are in the West division of High A Central, and the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels find themselves in the West division Low A Southeast. Confusing enough for you?

Twins Announce Spring Training Schedule

With the anticipation of spring baseball ramping up, we now have a Grapefruit League schedule to anxiously anticipate. The Twins are scheduled for 29 games in 31 days starting Feb. 28 and ending March 30.

https://twitter.com/DanHayesMLB/status/1360289430897111042

With the schedule regionalized to mitigate COVID-19 exposure, the Twins’ Spring Training invitees will see a lot of the Braves, Red Sox, and Rays squads. For more info on Spring Training including ticket information, the check out the Twins website.

2021 Hall of Fame Induction Moved to TV

Due to COVID-19, the Baseball Hall of Fame will not be welcoming fans to Cooperstown for the second year in a row. Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Marvin Miller, and Ted Simmons will be inducted through a television broadcast on July 25.

https://twitter.com/baseballhall/status/1360260736988180487

Arrieta to Return to Cubs

Jake Arrieta, a free-agent starter who seemed like a possible Twins addition at times this offseason, is headed back to Cubs. Arrieta won a Cy Young and a World Series in Chicago before taking big money in Philadelphia. He has since declined rapidly and will be hoping to rebound at the organization for whom he pitched his best.

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1360396945588686849

Today’s Other Free Agent Signings

Angels sign Jon Jay to MiLB deal with Spring Training invite

Blue Jays sign David Phelps

Blue Jays sign Joe Panik to MiLB deal with Spring Training Invite

Diamondbacks sign Asdrubal Cabrera

Padres sign Mark Melancon

Phillies sign Brad Miller

Rockies sign Greg Bird to MiLB deal with Spring Training invite

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