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  • Twins Add Seven To Their 40 Man Roster, Lose Achter, Pinto

    Seth Stohs

    By Seth Stohs

    Teams needed to add eligible players to their 40-man rosters before Friday's deadline in order to protect them from December's Rule 5 draft. The Twins announced today that they have added seven players from their system to their 40-man roster. They are LH SP Taylor Rogers, RH RP JT Chargois, OF Adam Brett Walker, LH SP Randy Rosario, RHP Yorman Landa, LH SP Pat Dean, LH RP Mason Melotakis.

    Also, AJ Achter was claimed by the Philadelphia Phillies, and Josmil Pinto claimed by the San Diego Padres.

    The Twins roster currently stands at 38 players. Remember the Twins have until December 8th to sign Korean Byung-Ho Park at which time he'll be added to the 40-man roster. They will be able to make a pick in the Rule 5 draft at baseball's Winter Meetings on December 10th, pending further transactions in the meantime.

    Image courtesy of Craig Gordon (photo of AB Walker), Seth Stohs (photos of JT Chargois, Taylor Rogers)

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    Rogers, Chargois and Walker have been deemed the "easy" choices by various accounts. There were a few surprises.

    Taylor Rogers was the Twins 11th round pick in 2012 out of the University of Kentucky where he teamed with fellow 40-man roster mates Alex Meyer and Logan Darnell. Rogers was the Twins Daily Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year in 2013 when he made three starts in Cedar Rapids and the rest of the season in Ft. Myers with the Miracle. He pitched in New Britain in 2014. This year in Rochester, he went 11-12 with an ERA of 3.98 in 175 innings in Rochester. He has a 1.59 ERA in Arizona this fall in 25 innings. He has dominated left-handers and could find himself in a relief role as soon as 2016.

    JT Chargois was the Twins second-round pick in 2012 out of Rice University where he was co-closer with Tyler Duffey (drafted in the fifth round of 2012). Chargois missed the 2013 and 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery but returned in 2015, flashing an upper-90s fastball. He split his season between Ft. Myers and Chattanooga. He should surface with the Twins in 2016.

    Adam Brett Walker was the Twins third-round pick in 2012 out of Jacksonville University. He has as much power as anyone in the Twins organization, including Miguel Sano. He has led his league in home runs all three full seasons he has played. He posted an .807 OPS with 31 homers and 106 RBI for the Southern League champion Chattanooga Lookouts in 2016. He also led minor league baseball in strikeouts with 195. He was hitting well in the Arizona Fall League where he has five home runs. However, in his final four AFL games, he went 0-15 with 11 strikeouts. He has a ton of power but will need to continue working on that plate discipline and contact rate. He will likely play for Rochester in 2016 with a shot at a September call up.

    Aside from those three, the Twins also added...

    Randy Rosario is an interesting add. The left-hander missed most of the 2014 season after having Tommy John surgery in mid-April. He returned in early July to the Cedar Rapids Kernels. In his 11 games (10 starts) with the Kernels, he went 2-6 but posted a 3.52 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. He had some good starts, and as would be expected coming back from surgery, he had some clunkers. But there is no doubt Rosario is very talented. He is high-energy and very athletic. He throws hard (up to 96-97 mph) and is working on his offspeed pitches. But he can be nasty. Obviously Rosario isn't a guy that we'll see pitching at Target Field in 2016, but he does have a chance to be effective (either as a starter or in the bullpen) in a couple of years.

    RHP Yorman Landa suffered from shoulder problems in 2014 and 2015, but he is another kid who approaches triple digits with his fastball. He is only a reliever, but he can miss bats. Another guy who won't be ready for the big leagues in 2016, but his potential is very high.

    LHP Pat Dean had a breakout year in 2015 in Rochester. He led minor league baseball in innings pitched. He greatly improved his two breaking pitches in 2015 making him better against lefties. Dean is 26 years old and will likely pitch most of 2016 in Rochester.

    Finally, LHP Mason Melotakis was added. He had Tommy John surgery late in 2014 and missed the 2015 season. However, he throws in the upper 90s out of the bullpen. He will be brought back slowly in 2016 but could surface by the end of the year.

    Achter has been tremendous in the minor leagues and has had some good moments the last two years with the Twins. He joins a Phillies roster, likely as a relif pitcher.

    Pinto's concussion concerns in 2015 made him a DFA candidate. Also, his inability behind the plate didn't help. Going to the National League, he will have to catch, or be confined to pinch-hitting duties.

    Today's moves mean that several prospects will be eligible for the December 10th Rule 5 Draft. They include Corey Williams, Zack Jones, Luke Bard, Levi Michael, Felix Jorge and others.

    Feel free to share your thoughts.

    Seth Stohs has been blogging about the Minnesota Twins since May 2003. A founder and owner of Twins Daily, Seth has been a Twins fan for 40 years and has a passion for covering the minor leagues and prospects.
    Follow Seth Stohs on Twitter: sethtweets

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    Featured Comments

    stringer bell

    stringer bell 12,723

  • Community Leader

    • Posted

    If the Twins sign Park and add a major league free agent plus make a pick in the Rule V, they have to designate someone other than the seven guys they just promoted, is that right? Who would then be designated? Darnell? O'Rourke?

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    Otto von Ballpark

    Otto von Ballpark 20,320

  • Community Leader

    • Posted (edited)

    If the Twins sign Park and add a major league free agent plus make a pick in the Rule V, they have to designate someone other than the seven guys they just promoted, is that right? Who would then be designated? Darnell? O'Rourke?

    Yes, as it currently stands. I suspect we may not make a Rule 5 selection, though, and a trade could also open a spot.

     

    Tonkin might be a prime casualty too, since he is out of options anyway.

    Edited by spycake
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    sane

    sane 634

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

    Fine. But you really think say Felix Jorge is going to feel any more motivation now than he would have if Pat Dean had not been added to the 40-man roster yesterday, but was still given a chance to make the team in spring training and maybe a MLB cameo mid season?

    I do not doubt motivating factors exist all over baseball, but they are so complex and hard to predict that you can't really use them as a basis for a decision like this one.

    My point is that the Twins (or any company) that demonstrates to players (employees) that hard work is valued as much (or more) than God-given talent will encourage hard work in their players (employees).

    This tactic is used for motivational purposes almost universally, and I'm sure the Twins are aware of it and most likely use it.

    That may (or may not) be the result or even the purpose of the Dean promotion, but as my caveat reads, I am an outsider regarding Twins decision making.

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    twinssouth

    twinssouth 471

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

     

    It is so much more difficult to stash a position player on a major league roster than a pitcher. I doubt Michael is far enough to stick on a MLB roster for an entire year. He likely gets taken but the Twins have a great shot at getting him back if they want to. If Michael does perform I think you tip your cap because he beat the odds.

     

    Agree, also every year Michael had an injury.  Highest he got was AA and I saw no special tools in the games I saw him play (average arm at best and not always accurate).    Remember, he was drafted as a SS but couldn't stick.  He could be a late bloomer if he can just play a full season

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    twinsfansd

    twinsfansd 78

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

     

    It is not a question of Dean vs another prospect for me, I think they did a fair job protecting otherwise. But Dean's roster spot would probably be better used on a waiver claim, a FA, etc, sometime in the next year, rather than rewarding a low upside guy who was unlikely to be claimed just so he can be AAA depth.

    Heck, I doubt most of the relevant unprotected prospects have barely if ever even been Pat Dean's teammate, much less have an understanding why he was protected over them. The last guy on the 40 man is a much more abstract position than even, say, the last guy on the 25 man. (Where the Twins have had no issues allocating the spot for reasons other than talent/merit too, I might add.)

     

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    twinssouth

    twinssouth 471

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

     

    Not that prospects lists are everything but Jones is at number 23 on MLB.com.  Dean isn't even listed and I don't even remember Dean being on anyone's top 50 either.  How often do teams give up top 20 prospects to the Rule 5?

     

    I really liked Jones but that last injury probably did him in, as Twins probably felt he won't get his velocity back.  The game I saw this summer, he was sitting at 93/94 tops, no where near his 98/100 pre-injury.

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    DocBauer

    DocBauer 14,431

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    I really don't see the Twins being active drafting anyone unless it's a LH relief option or a RH OF to come off the bench and maybe platoon (ish) with Arcia. Otherwise, not sure where'd there even be room to stash someone.

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    shs_59

    shs_59 100

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

    They will not lose Levi Michael in the Rule 5 Draft...

     

    No way.  he could not be "hidden" on a n MLB roster all year long....

     

    What do the Twins  see in JR Graham ? at this point, i think he could be removed.

    I personally, like the additions....

     

    I don't think the Twins would of lost Landa in the Rule 5 , unless of course the minor league portion of it.

     

    The only guy i think might be as good as gone is LHP Corey Williams, and im not even too sure about that.  who else would be taken ? Michael is not going anywhere

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    Seth Stohs

    Seth Stohs 23,732

  • Owner

    • Posted

     

    As an outsider to the Twins decision-making, I am going to take a guess on the Dean decision.
    Sometimes you reward the guy who out-works all of your prospects, because all of your prospects will learn that hard work often results in rewards. THAT MESSAGE to ALL of your prospects is worth more than the 41st man on the roster who isn't working hard enough.

     

    Maybe one some teams... Terry Ryan isn't going to do that. 

     

    I think that all the angst over Dean is a bit much... The Twins think he's worth protecting. That's the story. That's it. It's not some conspiracy or something. 

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    Seth Stohs

    Seth Stohs 23,732

  • Owner

    • Posted

     

    Wimmers also could be picked and stashed, but have not seen his medicals and maybe the Twins feel he will never make it back from TJ surgery.  Bard and Williams are the two I see the Twins losing. 

    One other note, I believe the Pirates lost 7 players one year somewhere back in the 2000's.

     

    Wimmers has been back for two full seasons after TJ surgery. At this point, it won't be about medicals, at least not any more than any other player transaction would be.

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    Seth Stohs

    Seth Stohs 23,732

  • Owner

    • Posted

     

    So we can just do whatever we want with the 40-man spot in the meantime? Personally, in the meantime, I'd rather use it on upside or attempting to find a guy who might stick long term, rather than just subbing it for whatever minor league FA we usually sign to be AAA starter insurance.

     

    1.) They can still sign free agents.

    2.) they will need to sign BH Park.

    3.) Minor League FA have nothing to do with the 40 man roster.

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    jsteve96

    jsteve96 319

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

     

    OK, sure... but some of those have zero chance of getting selected. In fact, I would say Dereck Rodriguez has a significantly better chance of being selected in the Rule 5 than Reynaldo.

     

    The guys I see as at-risk are Zack Jones, Corey Williams, Levi Michael and Felix Jorge. 

    i could see myself getting selected in this draft before Rodriguez

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    jsteve96

    jsteve96 319

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

     

    They will not lose Levi Michael in the Rule 5 Draft...

     

    No way.  he could not be "hidden" on a n MLB roster all year long....

     

    What do the Twins  see in JR Graham ? at this point, i think he could be removed.

    I personally, like the additions....

     

    I don't think the Twins would of lost Landa in the Rule 5 , unless of course the minor league portion of it.

     

    The only guy i think might be as good as gone is LHP Corey Williams, and im not even too sure about that.  who else would be taken ? Michael is not going anywhere

    They will lose Michael. do I think he'll last the whole year in the MLB, probably not but he will be selected. an IF that can play 3 positions fine and has shown he can hit and steal bases when healthy. prototypical Utility man

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    Otto von Ballpark

    Otto von Ballpark 20,320

  • Community Leader

    • Posted

    1.) They can still sign free agents.

    2.) they will need to sign BH Park.

    3.) Minor League FA have nothing to do with the 40 man roster.

    Perhaps you misunderstood my post. My reference to minor league FA was saying those were the types that usually fill Dean's expected role (low upside AAA depth). We didn't need to use a 40 man roster spot to fill it.

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    old nurse

    old nurse 2,366

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    10/14 players last year stuck from the rule V draft. That success rate should perk up any GMlooking for talent. That should be almost every GM. I do not think that $25K for a flyer on somebody is an unreasonable gamble in mlb. The question would be how many teams have room on their 40 man to take flyers on players.Despite other people's opinions to the contrary, quality bullpen depth is not so easy to get. There were quite a few drafted last year in the rule v, a few stuck.Bullpen is usually a position of need. It would not be out of the realm of possibility that a team will take a flyer on a Twins pitcher, as there are 6 pitchers deemed possibly close enough to be major league ready.I wonder if the Twins view those pitchers not anywhere near major league ready. If another team get intrigued enough on a flyer, then there is a shot for a fleece of a trade.

    Looking at Sean Gilmartin, did the Twins think Dean=Gilmartin so they peotected him?

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    Thrylos

    Thrylos 8,325

  • Old-Timey Member

    • Posted (edited)

     

    I assume anyone over 50% means that you assume they will be drafted. If that is correct, it looks like you think that the wins will lose like 7-8 players in the Rule 5 draft... Ummm...

     

     

    No :)

     

    Think of it as analogous to  % chance of making the big leagues for a prospect.

     

    >50% means that there is a better likelihood that they will get drafted than not, but a lot of things have to happen, including to fill a need for a particular team to get drafted.

     

    Wimmers is the most likely to get drafted, and the only one I will be surprised not to see drafted.  There are a few more that are very likely to get drafted (Williams, Michael, Jones and Johnson), but they need to fill a need in a particular team to get drafted.  e.g. someone in need of middle infield help might fill than need from inside their organization or with another eligible player than Michael.   This does not mean that Michael could not fill than need at the MLB-level.

     

    Does it make sense?  Potential risk, not a crystal ball...

    Edited by Thrylos
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    Dman

    Dman 7,149

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    I'd like to see Wimmers make it after the hardships he had to endure. Just glancing at boxscores, he seemed very inconsistent--sometimes dominating, sometimes batting practice.

    I agree with your assessment of Wimmers. Thing is I believe Gilmartin was pretty much the same way the year before and yet the Mets were able to look past that and see the potential. I don't think Wimmers has the stuff to start but I think he can be a very good bullpen arm with just a little bit more consistency. A risk to be sure but one I think some team will take.

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    Captain Hindsight

    Captain Hindsight 46

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

     

    10/14 players last year stuck from the rule V draft. That success rate should perk up any GMlooking for talent. That should be almost every GM. I do not think that $25K for a flyer on somebody is an unreasonable gamble in mlb. The question would be how many teams have room on their 40 man to take flyers on players.Despite other people's opinions to the contrary, quality bullpen depth is not so easy to get. There were quite a few drafted last year in the rule v, a few stuck.Bullpen is usually a position of need. It would not be out of the realm of possibility that a team will take a flyer on a Twins pitcher, as there are 6 pitchers deemed possibly close enough to be major league ready.I wonder if the Twins view those pitchers not anywhere near major league ready. If another team get intrigued enough on a flyer, then there is a shot for a fleece of a trade.

    Looking at Sean Gilmartin, did the Twins think Dean=Gilmartin so they peotected him?

     

    That was my thinking with Dean. He, like Gilmartin, was another lefty starter with fringe stuff that might attract attention in the Rule V as a BP candidate. Last year they might have thought Gilmartin was safe as generally teams select high velocity guys hoping to strike gold. They did not want to repeat the same mistake and Dean could be usesful to them next year so protecting him gives them the opportunity to find out. I think the difference between the two is, Gilmartin at least showed the ability to strikeout to strikeout batters in the minors, Dean never really did and survived mostly on limiting free passes.

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