Projecting the Twins Opening Day Roster: Version 2.0

Sounds about right with the Kiriloff question up in the air and Anderson will have to outpitch Smeltzer and Thorpe to win that bullpen spot. Injuries will have something to do with it for sure.

We do not need 14 pitchers. We should not have 14 pitchers. Even with starters "easing in" it's just silly. Unless you're pulling pitchers out of the game in the 4th consistently, there's not going to be enough innings to keep guys in form and it's stupid to have a guy on the roster who only gets into a game once a week at best.

Beyond that...a 3 man bench really shrinks the options. Whether it's Astudillo, Blankenhorn, or someone else...put another bat on the bench.

Interesting, Cody, especially if there are only 12 position players. Astudillo is in St. Paul should there be a need for a third catcher. Kirilloff will be getting quality AAA at bats and be ready when there is a need for a corner outfielder or at first base.

But what if/when there is a need for an infielder? Who can come up and be a quality replacement for a week, month or rest of the year? It may have been Lewis, but not any more. Gordon is a long shot? Blankenhorn really doesn't have the defense to play regularly in the middle infield...does he? I see that as one weakness to this year's roster construction.

I also think there may be a good chance the Twins go with 5.5 starting pitchers. Have a long relief guy (Dobnak?) on the roster to make a spot start every time they play six days straight. They are gonna have to do something with all starters pitching limited innings last year. Should be fun speculating how they are gonna solve it.

I'd pick Hamilton over Anderson for possible bullpen role. Consideration: If Anderson learns to command his stuff better, he could be a beast.

I like this team. No weak spots.

I just read that the powers that be have decided to delay the start of AAA baseball for one month.  Instead of starting in early April, they're going to start in early May.  I'm wondering how this will affect AK.

Rose colored glasses over here but I see above average depth at every position.

Starting AAA later takes away argument that AK needs AAA ABs before callup. Think that will lead to AK being on opening day roster if performs well in ST. 13/14 pitchers, I think Twins had 14 pitchers most of year last year, so I think will have 14 this year, ST performance will determine who it is. Opening day roster last year had 15 pitchers when had 30 man roster.

Starting AAA later takes away argument that AK needs AAA ABs before callup. Think that will lead to AK being on opening day roster if performs well in ST. 13/14 pitchers, I think Twins had 14 pitchers most of year last year, so I think will have 14 this year, ST performance will determine who it is. Opening day roster last year had 15 pitchers when had 30 man roster.

How does the delay of the Milb season change the argument that he needs some AAA experience?

How does the delay of the Milb season change the argument that he needs some AAA experience?

My guess is the poster believes that it would mean the Twins would rather have Kirilloff with the Twins and getting real AB’s rather than stuck at an alternate site (still St Paul) not playing real games. 
 

I’m still team Rooker, though I really like both players. 

My point about Kirilloff was he has already spent a summer at alternate site, not going to benefit from another month. Also, as I mentioned it is not a given, he has to play well in spring training. If he struggles then not on opening roster.

14 man staff and 3 bench bats is just silly. We have 5 veteran starting pitchers that have shown they can go 6+, Shoemaker maybe not so much. That is maybe 18innings a week for a 9 man pen? Silly, just silly. Give me Blankenhorn on the bench

You have to remember that beyond the 26 man roster, teams will have a five man taxi squad for road games this season. These players will be able to work out with the team and go on the road as well. One must be a catcher and that’s where the turtle will start the season, probably along with a 14th pitcher. This squad will likely have veterans who don’t need to play regularly. Saw the Twins are interested in Danny Santana, he could be another choice for the squad. He’s got versatility.