Report from The Fort: A Beautiful Day

Love to see Canterino showing what he's got. Looking like he could be a real nice rotation piece.

I am REALLY pulling for Nick Gordon to stay healthy and show that he can be a contributor at the MLB level, be it with the Twins or someone else. Seems he has been plagued by horrible luck and timing for the last few years - just hoping he can finally show what he can do and get an opportunity

I know everyone said Canterino has a quirky delivery but seeing it makes you better understand why people were wondering about him starting.  Still his inning was pretty dominating 10 pitches 8 for strikes.  He paces around the mound like a caged lion and is ready to throw right away.  Very interesting mannerisms for a pitcher but I have to say I came away impressed watching him on MLBtv.  He appeared to have very good control of the strike zone and I think his motion messed with hitters timing.  There isn't a ton of room on the 40 man but the way he is pitching someone could get bumped later on this season if he keeps pitching like that.

Thorpe pitched well again striking out the side.  He had some battles getting to full counts but he won them all today.  Really nice to see and I hope he can keep it up.

Garlick continues to roll with a 2 for 2 day but how about Broxton?  He is off to a hot, hot, hot start this spring.  He had a mammoth HR today showing off his power.  He has kept the K's down and made contact so far.  They need to put him in the starting lineup here shortly to see how he does against better pitching but he has been very impressive so far.

I can see why the Twins like Winder as no one made contact against him but his control was off today and he didn't aggressive enough in the zone as he gave up two walks. He also K'd one batter and gave up no hits and no runs so pretty hard to complain when the only complaint is he threw too many pitches.  He has things to work on but the stuff looks like it is there.

Colome came out and pitched better today but I can see why the White Sox didn't trust the numbers.  It took 24 pitches to get through the inning but he did K two guys so he did his job.  Still early in he spring and the old vets don't seem to worry about much more than getting there work in so probably no big deal  

It was nice to see a little more offense out there and fun to see some good pitching performances as well.  getting excited for the season to start.

Was wondering why Thorpe went only one inning, thanks for clearing that up. Speaking of Thorpe and the fourth option, today's STrib said that it is still pending an arbitrator's decision and isn't definite. 

Great seeing Canterino pitching like he can. Have my fingers crossed that he is the young star to be that Cleveland type callup during the season who steps in and dominates from day 1!

If Broxton keeps playing like he is, does he replace Cave on the roster? Would certainly be an upgrade defensively and speed on the bases. Gotta believe they could get some type of return for Cave to a team needing help in the outfield. 

I've liked what I've seen from both Garlick and Broxton (who doesn't?), but I don't think either will impact on whether Cave makes the squad out of spring training. The "victims" if either of those guys comes north would be Kirilloff and Rooker. There is a vacancy in left field and it seems that sometime this year it will be claimed by Kirilloff, but that might not be right away and so far he's only 2-13 with four Ks. Rooker has been fine in limited work, but both Garlick and Broxton have been much better.

 

While Broxton isn't on the 40-man roster, he has defensive ability (including being a legit center fielder) and speed that the other candidates don't have. Besides that, as I understand it, Keon has an opt-out so if the Twins would not add him to the roster, he would essentially be a free agent. 

I swear I saw an article that mentioned Broxton had an opt out but looking back I cannot find anything.  Does anyone else know if he has one or not.  If not the Twins won't need to add him until there is an injury most likely to Buxton.  If he has one he might force their hand to add him.

The thing is we already have 7 outfielders on the 40 man so somebody would have to go to make room.  Who knows maybe Broxton will slump down the stretch and it won't really matter.

I know it is early but the outfielders on the outside looking in are playing hot right now.  So hot, I honestly don't know who will win left field and who will be the backup outfielder.  Kirilloff is off to a slow start but  it is very early and he will likely heat up.  Cave is only marginally better right now with a 422 OPS.  Rooker and Garlick are neck and neck for the slow footed right power bat\platoon.  Broxton is in the process of Making Cave look irrelevant and being a righty whose slugging right now is better than Rooker and Garlic could be a real weapon to move around. He also could be an elite defender in left and cover Center better than anyone not named Celestino. 

There are so many possibilities right now I have no idea what the Twins will do.  Lot's of spring left and the pitching will get tougher the closer we get to the the regular season so plenty of time to sort things out but right now there are 5 good options for two spots.  Who wins them is anybody's guess at this point.

I've liked what I've seen from both Garlick and Broxton (who doesn't?), but I don't think either will impact on whether Cave makes the squad out of spring training. The "victims" if either of those guys comes north would be Kirilloff and Rooker. There is a vacancy in left field and it seems that sometime this year it will be claimed by Kirilloff, but that might not be right away and so far he's only 2-13 with four Ks. Rooker has been fine in limited work, but both Garlick and Broxton have been much better.

 

While Broxton isn't on the 40-man roster, he has defensive ability (including being a legit center fielder) and speed that the other candidates don't have. Besides that, as I understand it, Keon has an opt-out so if the Twins would not add him to the roster, he would essentially be a free agent.

I like that the FO is focusing on defense as well as bats. All the RH LFers are having a good spring training. Garlic and Broxton are the best but Broxton stand out. His glove and speed alone qualifies him to be put on the 40 man, which we desperately need as a PR, Buxton or defensive replacement. His break out hitting makes it a no brainer. It seems to me also that's there a player option. I'd give up all hope in the Twins if they let him walk.