Opening Day Roster Becoming Clear With Thursday Transactions

Aybar is actually a huge surprise at this point. Thought he was a shoe-in as an experienced 2nd utility guy.

Bullpen makes sense. Disappointed in Duffey and Busentiz not making it, but they didn't have good springs. But just like last year, the bullpen shuttle will move guys in and out and up and down. The pen is not a finished product yet.

 

Very strange that they're carrying Granite and so little infield depth. Especially since they essentially have six OF with Adrianza. And Logan Morrison isn't an awful 7th OF in a pinch.

• I wonder if this means that they know Sano won't be suspended?
• I wonder if this means they'll be bargain bin shopping for shortsop depth as other teams make cuts?

 

It's funny you say that because many said that having both Adrianza and Aybar is redundant. Granite gives the Twins a legitimate backup outfielder so Grossman doesn't have to be playing out there as often.

It seems like they think Sano isn't going to be suspended, but there's no way to confirm that right now.

With Polanco out, Adrianza's ability to be a backup outfielder is nil.  Thus, they may want the fifth outfielder...Granite. 

Is it possible that they go north with 13 pitchers?  That would mean they can keep all of the above.  Is it also possible the left handed pitcher who will be sent down isn't Moya, rather, Rogers.  He has been terrible this spring, although none of us know if he has been working on stuff which may have affected his results.

Can't believe that even with Polanco and Santana out, this team still looks sooo much better than any opening day team in a long, long time.

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Very strange that they're carrying Granite and so little infield depth. Especially since they essentially have six OF with Adrianza. And Logan Morrison isn't an awful 7th OF in a pinch.

• I wonder if this means that they know Sano won't be suspended?
• I wonder if this means they'll be bargain bin shopping for shortsop depth as other teams make cuts?

Twins still have to remove 2 players from the 25 man roster. Granite is probably 1.

I wouldn't read too much into the Sano situation. They can make another roster move when that's announced.

As far as Moya, Kinley goes.  At this point you keep Kinley.  Nothing hurt. Moya is young and never pitched at AAA.  Kinley can be used in low pressure situations because we have late inning guys. 

FWIW Kinley hasn't had much success above A ball and Moya has been much more impressive in both AA and ST. If Kinley is the low leverage guy then what is Hughes role? 

I think the Twins are seriously watching the waiver wire as final rosters are set. Watch for a grab if it happens.

I think they are still seeing if Rosario will start the season with the team. A lot can happen in the next few days.

Both Kinley and Moya will audition again. Both are pretty much in the same state (would start at AA-ball if push came to shove). I'm curious to see how the pitching rosters do end up at AAA and AA ball for the Twins.

Kinda wonder who is expendable, now, on the 40-man. Duffey? Busenitz? They may still have an open spot and just cut ties with Aybar as a formality at this point.

The bigger question will be what happens when Santana returns. I guess the pitches will play out that option in the first four weeks.

Did I miss a transaction/60 day dL of Phil Hughes?

FWIW Kinley hasn't had much success above A ball and Moya has been much more impressive in both AA and ST. If Kinley is the low leverage guy then what is Hughes role? 

It seems Hughes will be making the team as a reliever and playing the role of the mop-up man for any short starts. They're going to put him in the rotation as the 5th starter on April 11th (I believe that's the date when they need a 5th starter) for better or for worse.

 

Kinda wonder who is expendable, now, on the 40-man. Duffey? Busenitz? They may still have an open spot and just cut ties with Aybar as a formality at this point.

Busenitz is coming off a great 2017 season in both AAA and the majors. A handful of lousy Spring Training innings isn't suddenly going to make him expendable. Duffey hasn't pitched well since 2015, so his roster spot should be getting tumultuous. 

Between Hildenberger and Rogers, one should be sent down. Kinley and Moya should stay. Hildenberger was more consistent and effective than Rogers last season.

LaMarre should stay and Granite should be sent down. LaMarre is having a solid spring.

I really like that both Grossman and Granite are coming north.  They complement each other well as late inning options.  Grossman will be a solid PH and Granite's speed makes him a great PR option and defensive replacement.  

I haven't paid attention, is Kinley likely to go multiple innings/mopup if he makes the roster?

I'd assume so given Rule 5 history, but not everyone (Tonkin) is built for multiple innings. I'd guess it's harder on the flamethrowers, though I have no proof to that claim.

I really like that both Grossman and Granite are coming north. They complement each other well as late inning options. Grossman will be a solid PH and Granite's speed makes him a great PR option and defensive replacement.

Who is Grossman likely to pinch hit for?

Castro or maybe Kepler or Morrison against a LHP would be the most likely candidates. Thing is, Garver would likely be a better option vs LHP.

The really interesting aspect is to see how Molitor manages this combination. I think we see Granite as the 4th outfielder and Grossman as Pinch hitter, DH alternative and emergency OF.  

The infield started so settled, but Polanco set that world spinning and now I think we might see one of our minor leaguers given a chance if we see Sano taking a forced vacation along with Polanco.