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On this week's NO JUICE PODCAST, Dan Anderson and Parker Hageman discuss how the Twins entered the offseason like a person hopped up on angel dust jumping out of a four-story building. They landed a Korean superstar, they traded a backup catcher and they flipped their starting center fielder to the New York Yankees. Will this make the Twins better in 2016? LISTEN UP.Later, GopherHole.com’s Nadine Babu joins the show to provide an insider’s perspective to the happenings of the University of Minnesota’s football program. The takeaway? The Tim Brewster Era was a mess. Download attachment: img_2057.jpg Listen below, on iTunes or on Stitcher: NO JUICE PODCAST, EPISODE #75: EARLY OFFSEASON BONANZA Click here to view the article

Aaron and John talk about the Twins making it to September very much in Wild Card contention, a struggling Byron Buxton vs. a washed up Torii Hunter, whether the Twins will call up Jose Berrios to help a faltering rotation, the third annual Twins Daily pub crawl, feeling old at high school reunions, sweating in studios, and Miguel Sano as the big spoon. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click the Play button below. Click here to view the article

One year ago, Kurt Suzuki found himself playing in his first All-Star Game at the age of 30. In fact, he was behind the plate, catching teammate Glen Perkins, as the American League won the game at Target Field. Soon after, the Twins had a huge decision to make on the veteran backstop.A year ago, the Twins signed catcher Kurt Suzuki to a one year, $2.75 million contract. The general thought from Twins fans at the time of the signing was that it an OK signing. He would be a veteran presence to help mold Josmil Pinto into a big league catcher. However, the Twins and Suzuki never said that was the reason for his signing. He was brought in to start. And he did. And he played really well. He made his first All-Star team and really earned it. On July 31 of 2014, the MLB trade deadline, the Twins were faced with three options regarding their All-Star catcher. First, they could just do nothing. They could stand pat, keep him the rest of the season and let him become a free agent at the end of the year. They could join the other teams in bidding for his services at the end of the season, or just let him go. Second, they could have sold high and traded him. On July 31, Suzuki was hitting.306/.369/.391 (.760). The team wasn’t in contention, and he could have fetched a solid prospect in return. Maybe that wasn’t really an option. Maybe they tried to trade him and found that they were not getting the kind of return they had hoped for a veteran catcher in an All-Star season. As the trade deadline passed that afternoon, news came out that the Twins went with Option #3. They signed him to a two-year extension. Suzuki was given a two year, $12 million contract with a vesting option for 2017 at $6 million based on plate appearances in 2016. The big question was Would Kurt Suzuki continue to play like he did in the first four months of the 2014? Had he made some sort of alteration in his game that would help him sustain that success? Or, would the pumpkin burst? Let’s take a quick look at the numbers: 2012 (118 games) - .235/.276/.328 (.605)2013 (94 games) - .232/.290/.337 (.627)Through July 31, 2014 (90 games) - .306/.369/.391 (.760)After July 31, 2014 (41 games) - .248/.290/.366 (.656)Through July 8, 2015 (68 games) - .227/.284/.309 (.593)Maybe I’m the only one, but all I can think of is the classic tune from Sesame Street, “One of these things is not like the other.” Come on... it's always good to get a clip from Sesame Street into an article, right? Now good luck getting that tune out of your head today! Those are admittedly just the offensive numbers. Suzuki’s defensive metrics have never graded out well in terms of pitch framing. And in 2014, he threw out 25% of would-be base stealers and that number has dropped to 20% in 2015. To be fair, there are intangibles - especially important with catchers - in the game of baseball, and most of those things can’t be measured with statistics all the time. Just because they can’t be measured does not mean they are not valuable. It’s clear that Twins pitchers believe in Suzuki’s preparation, leadership and ability to work and call a good game. Those things do matter. On Monday night, the Twins sent Chris Herrmann down the Rochester and promoted Eric Fryer to the big league club. Herrmann was hitting just .156/.239/.281 (.521) in 25 games. Fryer had been working out with Team USA, preparing for the Pan Am Games when he learned that he’d been called to join the Twins. After going 0-3 in his first Red Wings game this season, he was on first his next seven games. He hit .625/.667/.750 (1.417) in those games. However, in 42 games since then, he hit .248/.344/.292 (.636), more in line with his career numbers. He had two hits in the Twins win on Wednesday afternoon. Fryer is touted as a strong defensive-minded catcher. Josmil Pinto hasn’t hit like himself most of the 2015 season. He suffered a concussion late in spring training that may have cost him a spot on the Twins Opening Day roster. He has again been on the DL with a concussion for the last month. His defensive skills have always been somewhat critically scrutinized by coaches and even teammates. Stuart Turner was pushed up to AA Chattanooga after a solid second half in Ft. Myers. He continues to be strong defensively and pitchers really enjoy throwing to him. However, his bat has not turned around this season. In 56 games with the Lookouts, he has hit just .183/.276/.267 with five doubles and three home runs. He will be a big league catcher, but he may need to repeat the level in 2016. Mitch Garver, our choice for Hitter of the Year in the Twins minor leagues in 2014, got a spring training invite, but he got off to a slow start with the bat in Ft. Myers this year. Through May 31, Garver was hitting just .185/.317/.215 with four doubles for the Miracle. Since June 1, he has been very good. In 32 games, he has hit .318/.429/.400 with nine doubles. There are some catchers in Cedar Rapids and lower that are certainly at least intriguing, but they have a long way to go. So, what are the Twins to do? With this year’s July 31 trade deadline approaching and the Twins actually being in contention, could they look for an upgrade at catcher? The other option at this point is to hope that Suzuki can have a strong final two months of the 2015 season while continuing to fulfill the importation leadership role that he does have on this year’s team. Click here to view the article

In baseball, spring is a time of optimism, hope, and endless possibilities. With the regular season days away, and anticipation at its highest following a long and cold offseason, just about everyone is feeling the buzz. The potential. The freshness. This year, we should be feeling that vibe more than ever. Things are moving in a legitimately positive trajectory, in terms of upcoming young personnel, and this is the healthiest I can ever remember the team being at the start of April. Yet, when you scan the roster that Paul Molitor and his staff have settled on taking north, it's hard not to feeling a sense of puzzlement and deflation.Shane Robinson. He's a 30-year-old career backup with a .612 OPS in the majors, and he hit .150 last year with St. Louis. Blaine Boyer. He's a 33-year-old who was out of big leagues for two years, between a trip to Japan and a brief retirement, before returning last year to throw 40 decent innings for San Diego. Chris Herrmann. He's a 27-year-old with a .196 average and .548 OPS in 276 MLB plate appearances. He plays a lot of positions, but none of them all that well, and he's a catcher who rarely catches. He's mostly been an emergency valve at the position, in fact. These are players that should generally be viewed as backup options, if not backup backup options. They are the guys who should be stashed in the minors or at the very end of the bench. But each has clutched a spot on the Twins' opening day roster and each is in line to play a fairly significant role from the get-go. Robinson, who struggled mightily in 47 games with the Cardinals last year before being released in November, is the only option in center field other than Jordan Schafer, who himself profiles as a backup. Paul Molitor has said he won't be straight-up platooning the two, but Robinson still figures to see some time. Boyer has a great story and an intriguing fastball, but there's not a whole lot of reason to believe he's going to be an above-average reliever. It's one thing to have a guy like that at the very bottom of your bullpen chain, but Boyer is not that. The Twins are also carrying Mike Pelfrey, who has zero experience as a reliever and whose usage will be tightly restricted early on. And also J.R. Graham, who hasn't pitched an inning in the majors or Triple-A. And also Tim Stauffer, who's been flat-out horrendous this spring. Boyer, at this point, looks like the No. 2 righty option out of the bullpen. Herrmann is not without value, and probably is a better hitter than he's shown in his altogether short big-league time. But with the rest of the bench looking rather thin, and with Herrmann's versatility, he's going to get some tread. As Kurt Suzuki's only backup, he'll probably start once a week behind the plate, where he played all of one inning in the majors last year. In fairness, it should be pointed out that there were some extenuating circumstances at play in all these cases. Herrmann may have only won his job because Josmil Pinto suffered a concussion late in camp that set him back. Chances are he won't be around long. Robinson was the fallback plan when Aaron Hicks was deemed unready. He was the best defensive option to complement Schafer and the Twins are trying to help their pitching staff, which is fair enough. Boyer probably wouldn't have stuck around if he didn't make the team, and for whatever reason the Twins want to get a look at him. I will say that much of the outrage about certain demotions this spring, often alluding to things like upside and age, strikes me as overblown. None of the moves mentioned above are permanent, and younger players like Trevor May and Michael Tonkin -- who were most likely better options than those that beat them out -- will head to the minors, where they'll wait in line and be available when the time comes. Still, the Twins are coming out of the chute featuring a roster that is overly dense with journeymen and long shots; players you expect to find on a last-place team. Like, say, the Twins in August. But, the Twins in April? Obviously, I hope some of these odd experiments work out. But if they don't, will Molitor show the same type of unwarranted patience that his predecessor tended to exercise in such situations? That could be a key area for the new regime to differentiate itself. Click here to view the article

Following the Minnesota Twins spring training game against Boston on Thursday night, the Twins finalized their Opening Day roster. Josmil Pinto was optioned to Rochester. Eric Fryer was reassigned to minor league camp. Doug Bernier was told that he will be reassigned to minor league camp at the end of spring training.So here is your Minnesota Twins opening day roster under the tutelage of manager Paul Molitor: STARTING PITCHERS Phil HughesErvin SantanaRicky NolascoKyle GibsonTommy MiloneRELIEF PITCHERS Glen PerkinsCasey FienBrian DuensingMike PelfreyBlaine BoyerTim StaufferJR GrahamCATCHERS Kurt SuzukiChris HerrmannJosmil Pinto was the favorite to be the backup catcher, but he just needs to get some at-bats down in Rochester. Missing over a week with the concussion really hurt his chances of making the roster. INFIELDERS Joe MauerBrian DozierTrevor PlouffeDanny SantanaEduardo EscobarEduardo NunezKennys VargasOUTFIELDERS Oswaldo ArciaJordan SchaferTorii HunterShane RobinsonThe Twins will play on Friday night and Saturday afternoon before packing up and heading to Detroit where they will take on David Price and the Tigers on Monday. Click here to view the article

The Twins dropped a 5-2 decision to the Tampa Bay Rays at Hammond Stadium in Ft. Myers, Florida, on Wednesday afternoon. Although the score of the game doesn’t matter in the least during spring training, what happens during the game can tell us some information. There were certainly some highlights for the Twins in this game. If this was hockey and you wanted to award three stars, they would be as follows: Third star – Brian Dozier, second star – Chris Herrmann, first star – Tommy Milone.You could possibly argue the order in which those three are mentioned, but nonetheless, each had a good spring training game and has something to build upon. Let’s start where it all starts for a baseball team, starting pitching. Left-hander Tommy Milone made his second spring training start of the season. Before the game, GM Terry Ryan was asked what he would look for in a starter’s second spring start. He said, “Each outing they go, you’re just looking for them to be a little sharper, a little better command. Then there’s pitch count. Stretch him out and keep stretching him out. He threw pretty well the last time out. This should be a good challenge because this is the same team he faced last time out. It’s one of those things that you pay attention to. You see the same team, they got a good look at you.” Last time out, Milone went two innings. The goal was for him to reach three innings in this outing, and he did just that. He completed three shutout innings, allowing three hits without a walk. He also struck out three batters. Milone said that he felt good on the mound. “Throwing the fastball where I wanted, especially in, was pretty important. I think it was good to face a lineup with a lot of lefties. Get some balls inside and then work away.” He was also able to work out of trouble a couple of times. In the second inning, he gave up a one-out double. In the third inning, he gave up a double and an infield single. In both situations, he kept the Rays from scoring, something his manager, Paul Molitor, thinks will be important for Milone. “Tommy did a real nice job with base runners today. (He) contained guys that were trying to run; holding the ball, trying different moves. He’s going to have base runners along the way because he’s not really a strikeout guy. That’s important for him.” Milone said, “Especially early in camp, second game out, it’s nice. Obviously you don’t want to be in those situations, but it’s a learning experience to get through that and get your confidence up there.” Overall, Molitor, was pleased with the lefty. “I thought it was another good day. He’s using his fastball plenty for a guy who’s throwing 86, 87. His deception is good enough. He’s commanded his offspeed pitches so far in his first couple of outings where he’s been effective. He’s jamming right-handers. He’s got them out in front of the change up. A good day.” Milone summarized his outing by saying, “Any time you go out and throw up zeroes, it’s a good day.” Brian Dozier had a terrific game as well. The second baseman made a long running catch on a short liner in shallow right field. However, he also went 3-3 at the plate. His manager was very happy with, not just the results, but with the process Dozier used. “He had a really good day today with the bat. He stayed on a couple of pitches back up the middle. He’s a guy that most of his power is pull, but obviously when we can use more of the field especially deeper in the count, it’s going to be advantageous for him to increase opportunities to get on base. It was good to see. And even in his last at-bat, taking the ball out to right center.” If he can do some of those things, like use the whole field and cut down on the strikeouts, over time he will begin to hit for a higher batting average. The third guy that had a very good game for the Twins on Wednesday was Chris Herrmann. In his first at-bat, he hit a line drive down the left field line that landed fair and bounced into the seats for a ground-rule double. In his second plate appearance, he hit a hard ball that got through the first baseman for an error. In his final at-bat of the day, he absolutely crushed a fastball, beyond the right field fence, beyond all of the seating and to the back of the concourse for his first home run of the spring. After catching in his previous appearances this spring, he got the start in left field on Wednesday afternoon. As I wrote Tuesday, Herrmann was working with a first baseman’s glove and being tutored by Doug Mientkiewicz. The plan is for Herrmann to play some first base on Thursday. Herrmann insisted that he really wants to let people know that he is a catcher first and foremost, but Molitor says that his ability to play other positions will be a factor in his opening day roster decision. “Versatility is important for him. He didn’t really get a chance really to catch at the big league level last year because he was used in the outfield or DH or pinch hit. We’re still considering him for backup (catcher) possibilities, but the fact that he can do other things is one of his advantages as far as his profile and what we’re going to do when filling out the roster. Trying to mix him around. I’m going to get him out there at first base tomorrow in the second half of the game because he’s got to be able to do that too if he’s going to make this team. So, yeah, versatility is one of his assets for sure.” The other key story from Wednesday’s game was that it was the first appearance in a game this spring for Josmil Pinto. He’s been working out more the last full days. Terry Ryan said it was important for him to start getting some game action as spring training is in full swing. Pinto got three plate appearance. He worked a walk in his first plate appearance after fouling off several pitches. He had another long battle with the pitcher in his second plate appearance though he ended up grounding into a double play. He flew out to the warning track in left field his third appearance. Molitor just wanted to make sure he was ready to go. He added, “The last thing you want to do is have a lingering leg injury as a catcher. He told me he was ready. He got through it cleanly today so the plan is to catch him tomorrow unless he comes in tomorrow and says that he had a setback. He said he felt fine during the game today. We’ve got to get him back on the plate, starting tomorrow.” The Twins lost the game 5-2, but there were some very good moments in the game that are encouraging. Of course, spring training is about different things for different players. Many are competing for roster spots or to make an impression. Molitor was asked about Trevor Plouffe who is clearly going to open the season as the team’s starting third baseman. He said, “Spring training is a process. Sometimes you approach things different. For some guys, it just doesn’t happen right away. It’s not a matter of not preparing, or not working hard. It’s just kind of how they’re going about their process of getting ready.” On Thursday, the Twins will be home again, this time against Mike Redmond and the Miami Marlins. Phil Hughes will take the ball to start. Also, minor leaguers hold their first official practice on Thursday. I’ll be there, so again, be sure to check back to Twins Daily, follow Twins Daily and Seth on Twitter, and “Like” Twins Daily on Facebook for updates throughout the day. Click here to view the article

A big Thank You to everyone who made it along the path of the Twins Daily Touch ‘Em All Pub Crawl on Saturday. It was great to meet so many of you. It was a busy day in the Twins minor leagues, with two doubleheaders. The Kernels inched closer to clinching an unexpected playoff berth thanks to another tremendously pitched ball game. The Miracle had a couple prospects with three hits.. Virgil Vasquez pitched for the first time since his no-hitter last Saturday, but for a different team. Check out all that and more below in today’s Twins Minor League Report for Saturday's games.RED WINGS REPORT Game 1 – Rochester 3, Scranton/Wilkes Barre 2 Box Score Chris Herrmann led the offense, and the Wings got just enough pitching to pull out Game 1 on Saturday. Herrmann went 3-3 with his 16th and 17th doubles. Chris Colabello hit his 10th double. Pedro Florimon hit his fourth home run of his Red Wings season. Sean Gilmartin started and went 4.1 innings. He gave up two runs on three hits. He walked four and struck out four. Mark Hamburger walked two in 1.2 scoreless relief innings. Michael Tonkin gave up a hit and a walk but recorded his ninth save of the year. He struck out two. Game 2 – Rochester 1, Scranton/Wilkes Barre 2 Box Score The offense struggled in the second game, managing just four hits. Pedro Florimon drove in the team’s lone run with his 16th double. Virgil Vasquez, fresh off of his New Britain no-no, was promoted to start the second game. He was needed because Yohan Pino made the Game 1 start in the Twins doubleheader. He pitched well, giving up just two runs on six hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out 11. He gave the Red Wings innings, using 119 pitches to complete the game and save the bullpen. ROCK CATS REVIEW New Britain 6, Altoona 1 Box Score Jason Wheeler posted yet another strong start for the Rock Cats. He gave up one run on three hits and a walk in six innings. He struck out eight. Alex Wimmers gave up a hit and walked two over two scoreless innings. He struck out three. Jim Fuller struck out two in a scoreless ninth. Jorge Polanco went 2-3 with two walks. Levi Michael was 2-3 with one walk. Brandon Waring went 2-4 with his 27th double. Kyle Knudson went 2-3 with a walk and his 11th double. Reynaldo Rodriguez knocked his 36th double. MIRACLE MATTERS Ft. Myers 3, Charlotte 7 Box Score Ethan Mildren had a rough start on this day. The right-hander was charged with six earned runs on nine hits and two walks over the first 4.1 innings. He struck out one. BJ Hermsen went the next 2.2 innings and gave up a run on four hits and a walk. Alex Muren pitched a perfect frame. Adam Walker went 3-4 with his first triple of the season. Max Kepler was 3-4 as well with his 16th and 17th doubles. Jairo Rodriguez went 2-3. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 3, Burlington 0 Box Score Chih-Wei Hu was very good. He gave up four hits and a walk over six shutout innings. Brian Gilbert struck out two over two scoreless frames. Jake Reed struck out one in the ninth to record his fourth save with the Kernels. Reed's scoreless streak is now at 19.2 innings and his ERA with the Kernels is just 0.41. The only earned run he has given up with the Kernels came in his June 30 debut with the team. He gave up an unearned run in his second game and that was the last run he's allowed. The Kernels won despite just five hits. Alex Swim went 2-4 with one of the RBIs. The other two Kernels’ runs scored on ground ball double plays. Jonatan Hinojosa had a hit. He has at least one hit in all 11 games since his return to the Kernels. He is 18-49 (.367) over that stretch with two doubles and four triples. The Kernels can clinch a playoff berth on Sunday with a win in Quad Cities or with a loss by Peoria in Clinton. Magic number is one. E-TWINS E-NOTES Elizabethton 9, Pulaski 2 Box Score The E-Twins had a good mix of offense and pitching in this game. Lefty Derrick Penilla was the pitching half of that equation. He went six innings and gave up two runs on four hits, a walk and five strikeouts. Sam Clay then struck out five over two scoreless innings. Josh Burris struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning. Jeremias Pineda went 2-5 and scored three runs in this game. He also stole his 21st base. Tyler Kuresa went 2-5 with his 12th double and four RBI. He has an impressive 40 RBI on the short-season. Will Hurt went 2-3 with a walk. GCL TWINS TAKES Game 1 – GCL Twins 5, GCL Red Sox 2 Box Score It’s been a tough season for the GCL Twins, so Saturday’s double-header sweep had to feel good them. In the first game, Alexis Tapia went the first 5.1 innings and gave up one run on five hits. He walked none and struck out five. Leonel Zazueta gave up an unearned run on one hit and two walks in the final 1.2 innings. Manuel Guzman went 2-4 with his fourth double. He also stole his 17th base. Rainis Silva was 1-3 with a walk and drove in two runs. Tyree Davis hit his second double. Game 2 – GCL Twins 3, GCL Red Sox 0 Box Score Zach Tillery started the second game and threw 5.1 shutout innings. He gave up five hits, walked none and struck out two. Trevor Hildenberger struck out three in the final 1.2 innings to record his ninth save. Amaurys Minier went 2-3 with a walk and his 10th double. Rafael Valera hit his second triple. Manuel Guzman was 1-3 with a walk and his 18th stolen base. TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Chih-Wei Hu, Cedar Rapids Kernels Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Adam Walker/Max Kepler, Ft. Myers Miracle SUNDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Scranton/Wilkes Barre @ Rochester (12:05 CST) – Tyler Duffey New Britain @ Altoona (5:00 CST) – Pat Dean Ft. Myers @ Charlotte (4:00 CST) – DJ Baxendale Cedar Rapids @ Quad Cities (1:15 CST) – Mat Batts Elizabethton @ Pulaski (DH @ 4:00 CST) – TBD, TBD GCL Orioles @ GCL Twins (11:00am CST) – No Game Scheduled Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss the Saturday games. A quick reminder: Thanks to the Twins win in Game 1 on Saturday against the Tigers, it means that on Sunday you can get 50% off a Large of Extra Large pizza when you use the “TWINSWIN” promotion code at PapaJohns.com. Click here to view the article

On Monday, the Minnesota Twins announced more roster cuts. After five non-roster players were assigned to minor league camp on Sunday, the Twins optioned six players from their 40 man roster. This leaves the Twins with 56 players in their MLB camp.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Likely the biggest surprise is that catcher Chris Herrmann has been optioned to Triple-A Rochester (1st option). This is his third big league camp with the Twins, but it is the earliest that he has been sent to the minor league side of the complex. The reason? He is now on the 40 man roster. He was unlikely to make the Twins Opening Day roster. He will head down to make his Triple-A debut with the Rochester Red Wings. He will likely continue to catch quite a bit, but he will also get time in the outfield, and maybe even some at first base in an attempt to make him more versatile. Starting pitching prospect Trevor May showed his upside in camp, but he also had a couple of outings in which his control got away from him. That is to be expected because of nervousness, but it is also the biggest question out there for whether he can be a big league starter or reliever. He will likely go back to AA, this time with New Britain, to start the 2013 season, but he should debut in 2013 as well, if he throws strikes. BJ Hermsen was the Twins minor league pitcher of the year in 2012 when he split time between Ft. Myers and New Britain. He showed his work ethic in his first big league camp, but he showed that he still has things to work on before he is ready. He will likely return to New Britain to start the season. Hard-throwing Michael Tonkin also made a strong impression during spring training, but he only spent the 2nd half of the 2012 season in Hi-A Ft. Myers. His strikeout numbers are noteworthy, and his pitches are sharp. He has a chance to advance quickly, but he may begin the season back in Ft. Myers. Shortstop Danny Santana jumped onto the prospect map with a strong showing offensively and defensively in 2012 in Ft. Myers. The speedy Santana showed the good and the bad in spring training. He showed tremendous range and a very strong arm, but he will have to improve his consistency to continue to advance toward the big leagues. He missed a couple of routine plays with the glove and made some aggressive mistakes on the base paths. He will likely start the season in New Britain. Josmil Pinto reclaimed his place as a prospect in the Twins system in 2012. He had a great season in Elizabethton a few years ago, but it wasn’t until his 2012 season in Ft. Myers that he put up solid offensive numbers again. He ended the season in New Britain, hitting well. He could have become a minor league free agent, but he re-signed quickly with the Twins and was added to the 40 man roster. He’ll return to New Britain to catch and DH. Hermsen, May, Tonkin, Pinto and Santana were optioned to AA New Britain. With 56 players in big league camp, 31 will still need to be sent to minor league camp, optioned, released of put on the Disabled List before April 1st, Opening Day. View full article

The Twins announced, following the Sunday afternoon game in Detroit, that outfielder Wilkin Ramirez will be put on the 7-day disabled list, a result of his collision in left centerfield on Saturday afternoon. To fill the roster spot they have promoted catcher-outfielder Chris Herrmann. Herrmann has struggled in AAA. Through 38 games, he has hit .238/.311/.285 (.589) with five doubles and a triple. Although he has primarily caught, he continues to get time in left field. When he was in Ft. Myers, he got some time in centerfield, but that is hardly an ideal situation. This means that the Twins really do not have a backup behind Aaron Hicks in centerfield. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Interestingly, had this move been needed a day or two earlier, it likely would have been Joe Benson promoted, but he was lost on Saturday when he was claimed by the Rangers. Ramirez will likely undergo more testing and the team will evaluate him over the next seven days to determine his status. View full article

Last week, we began to look at the Minnesota Twins organizational depth by looking at all of the outfielders and then all of the infielders in the in the system. Today, we return and take a look at all of the catchers. As with all spring trainings, a lot of catchers are needed just to catch bullpens and to allow players to gradually work up to squatting for nine innings.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] As we have done in the previous articles, we will consider which players may fill the rosters of the Twins minor league affiliates. Of course, this is all just an educated guess. As I’ve said, any of this could be altered by an unexpected free agent signing or a trade. For instance, if the Twins sign a big bat for their bench, the odds of a third catcher with the big league roster drops significantly. Sadly, not all of these players will remain in the organization beyond spring training. Some may wind up on the Disabled List. Others may find themselves looking for another job in baseball, or maybe not in baseball. Hopefully this list will remind you of which players are in the organization. So let’s get to it. Here are the Catchers in the Minnesota Twins organization: Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer, Ryan Doumit (DH), Drew Butera In 2012, Manager Ron Gardenhire seemed to find the perfect mix among his catchers. Joe Mauer started 72 games behind the plate, 30 games at first base and DHed most of the other games on his way to career highs in games played and plate appearances. Ryan Doumit was the team’s primary DH, but he also started 52 games behind the plate as well as played some in the outfield. Having them in the lineup most days meant that Drew Butera was rarely a starter, just 27 games all season. Although Joe Mauer will want to catch some more in 2012, hopefully they will be able to maintain a similar balance and keep his bat in the lineup most days. Doumit also was able to stay healthy which will be important to the 2013 Twins. Butera remains the team’s third catcher, although it is possible he will being 2013 in Rochester, as he did a year ago. Rochester Red Wings Chris Herrmann, Eric Fryer, Danny Lehmann Chris Herrmann debuted with the Twins in mid-September after thinking his season was complete. He was able to record his first Major League hit, but he has had a rough spring training and will begin his first season in Triple A. The hope would be that he’ll hit a little bit and continue to improve his defense. He should also play some in the outfield and take over the third catcher role for the Twins by mid-season. Fryer is a 27-year-old backstop who has eight big league hits over the past two seasons. Lehmann is generally considered the top defensive catcher in the Twins system. He’s Butera without quite the arm. New Britain Rock Cats Josmil Pinto, Dan Rohlfing Rohlfing has had a very nice showing in big league camp this year. Of his four hits, two are doubles and one is a home run. He is an athletic catcher who plays left field well. He has also done well in his time at first base in the past week of spring training. Pinto had a breakout season in Ft. Myers in 2012 and ended it with a nice showing in his brief time with New Britain. For his efforts, the Twins re-signed him as a minor league free agent and then added him to the 40 man roster. Ft. Myers Miracle Kyle Knudson, Matt Koch, Jairo Rodriguez Kyle Knudson was invited to spring training after splitting 2012 between Beloit and Ft. Myers. For the first time since signing with the Twins after being drafted out of the University of Minnesota, he is healthy. Matt Koch started out the 2012 strong with the Beloit Snappers. He did a nice job behind the plate and also was the team’s DH sometimes. Jairo Rodriguez was the #2 catcher most of the year in Beloit a season ago. Cedar Rapids Kernels Jhonatan Arias, Tyler Grimes, Bo Altobelli, Bryan Santy Arias played primarily for Beloit in 2011, but he returned to Elizabethton in 2012 and finally put up some good offensive numbers. Grimes is likely to spend his third straight year (including his drafted year) in the Midwest League. However, he transitioned to catcher during the instructional league after the 2012 season and will continue to play there in 2013. Altobelli and Santy were both late round 2012 draft picks from colleges. Extended Spring Training/Short-Season Kelly Cross, Brian Compton, Jorge Fernandez, Joel Polanco, Michael Quesada (Suspended) Kelly Cross will be entering his fourth season in the organization. He spent two years in the GCL, and did move up to Elizabethton and played a little last year. He will have to take some major strides in 2013. Jorge Fernandez was a Twins draft pick in 2012 out of Puerto Rico. He has a chance to be solid, but patience will be needed. Brian Compton was signed a year ago for depth in the GCL and likely remains through EST for the same. Polanco is a 20-year-old who spent the last two seasons in the Dominican Summer League. Last year, he hit .254/.369/.381 (.749) with 15 doubles. He also threw out 56% of would-be base stealers. Quesada was drafted in 2010, and in 2012 made his first appearances in Elizabethton. Unfortunately, he received a 50 game suspension and he will need to serve that into the Elizabethton season, which will start in late June. TOP PROSPECTS 1.) Chris Herrmann, 2.) Dan Rohlfing, 3.) Jorge Fernandez, SUMMARY Fortunately the Twins have Joe Mauer locked up for the next half-dozen years. Ryan Doumit is likely to be around for two more seasons. Chris Herrmann is close and can fill a utility/catcher role for several years. Beyond that, there is not much in terms of upside catching prospects in the Twins system. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the Comments Section! View full article

The Minnesota Twins had the day off. So did the Cedar Rapids Kernels and the Ft. Myers Miracle. New Britain and Rochester’s games were affected by weather, nothing new during this season. So, today’s Minor League Report may not be long, but hey, there is still baseball to write about so we’re going to do just that. There have been several transactions throughout the organization in the past week. On Wednesday, it was Drew Leachman who was promoted from Cedar Rapids to Ft. Myers. He started for the Kernels on Opening Night, but he jarred his left shoulder on a stolen base that night and didn’t play for two weeks. He went 9-21 in five games since his return, including seven hits in back-to-back games. Rochester Red Wings 6, Syracuse Chiefs 5 (Suspended – 11th) Box Score This game went to the 11th inning. Evan Bigley singled to lead off the inning. It was followed by a walk to Eric Fryer. Doug Bernier bunted the runners up a base. After Ray Olmedo was intentionally walked, Chris Herrmann came through with an RBI single to give the Red Wings a lead. At that point, the Chiefs went to change the pitcher and just then game was suspended due to rain. It will be completed on Thursday before the two teams will play their regularly scheduled nine inning game. Andrew Albers started for the Red Wings. The Canadian left-hander gave up five runs on nine hits (including 2 home runs) and two walks in six innings. He struck out six. Tyler Roberson came on and threw three shutout innings. He gave up just two hits, walked two and struck out four. Tim Wood pitched a scoreless tenth inning. So, who will come in for the save opportunity in the bottom of the 11th? Chris Herrmann photo by Brace Hemmelgarn Herrmann led the offense on this night. He went 4-6 with three RBI and his second stolen base. Chris Colabello went 2-4 with a walk. Evan Bigley was 2-4 with his first AAA homer of the year. Doug Bernier went 2-4. Ray Olmedo was 1-2 with a walk and his second double. A Joe Benson double tied the game at five. Game 1 - New Britain Rock Cats 5, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 0 Box Score Trevor May put together his best start of the season for the Rock Cats. The hard-throwing righty threw all seven innings and did not give up a run. He gave up three hits, walked three and struck out four. Antoan Richardson went 3-4. Mark Sobolewski returned to the Eastern League and went 2-4 with his first double. Reynaldo Rodriguez went 1-3 with a triple. Jhon Goncalves hit his first AA home run. Game 2 - New Britain Rock Cats 0, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 3 Box Score Lefty Pat Dean was good on this night, but not good enough, as his offense did nothing to support him. Dean went six innings in this second game of a doubleheader, scheduled for only seven innings. He gave up three runs on seven hits. He walked none and struck out three. Jhon Goncalves had a triple and was hit by a pitch. Jason Christian had the only other Rock Cats hit, a single. Alex Meyer will take the mound for the Rock Cats on Thursday when they play at 9:35 A.M.(!) central time. Ft. Myers Miracle – No Game Scheduled Cedar Rapids Kernels – No Game Scheduled Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. View full article

It is now late May, and the Twins season is at a crossroads. The team has lost eight straight games as it embarks on a four-game series in Detroit against the Tigers. The season is in flux, and right now the roster, specifically the starting rotation, is in flux. Before tonight's game, the Twins will add Samuel Deduno to their 40 man roster and then their 25 man roster. Most likely, Tim Wood will be put on the 60 day disabled list. Following another poor performance on Thursday, the Twins optioned RHP Vance Worley to AAA Rochester. That leaves an open spot on the 25-man roster and the need for a 5th starter on Monday. So, who will it be?[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] I present to you the three options with their numbers: RHP Kyle Gibson is 3-5 with a 3.25 ERA. In 52.2 innings, he has allowed 46 hits, walked 14 and struck out 46. Opponents are hitting .240 against him. RHP PJ Walters is 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA. In 54.1 innings, he has allowed 55 hits, walked 16 and struck out 46. Opponents are hitting .271 against him. LHP Andrew Albers is 1-2 with a 2.34 ERA. In 42.1 innings, he has allowed 41 hits, walked 12 and struck out 40. Opponents have hit .255 off of him. All three have pitched well and a case could be made for each. Quite possibly the biggest advantage for Gibson is his first-round pedigree. However, the bigger disadvantage to Walters and Albers is that they are not on the 40 man roster. The question often is asked: who could the Twins take off their 40 man roster to make room for either of them? Well, assuming Wood goes on the 60 Day DL, they do not have another player eligible to put there (the DL). So, the team would have to DFA (designate for assignment) someone to make room for Monday's starter. It's never fun to look at who could be made available for other teams to claim, but if you think Walters or Albers is the right guy, it's an exercise that needs to be done. Here are some candidates: Joe Benson - His name has been mentioned as a possible DFA candidate. After an injury-plagued 2012 season, Benson has struggled to keep his batting average above .200 this spring with Rochester. He will be out of options next season, but because of his immense athletic talents, I believe that he would be claimed and lost. Drew Butera - The much-maligned backup catcher who plays tremendous defense but can't hit his weight is another name that people mention. He broke his wrist and hasn't played, though he should be getting into games soon. If there is a time that he could go unclaimed, it might be now. Cole De Vries - The 28-year-old Minnesotan was on the Opening Day roster, but he went on the disabled list. In his three rehab starts and one Red Wings start, he has really struggled. I think he would clear waivers and could be kept in Rochester. Liam Hendriks - Though it appears that the Twins brass has soured on the Australian right-hander, he's just 24 years old and until this year has been terrific at each minor league level. He is now on the Rochester disabled list. There is no question that he would be claimed if made available. BJ Hermsen - Last year Hermsen was the Twins minor league starting pitcher of the year, and was very good in 2011 as well. Last year, he got outs and pitched very well in New Britain. This year, after going to big league camp, he was hurt. He has now made a handful of starts and struggled to regain his 2012 form. Although he doesn't have great velocity, he has two option years left, size and smarts. I think he would be claimed, but it might be more 50/50. Chris Herrmann - Another is Herrmann. A year ago, or even earlier this spring, I would have said that was crazy. Now I don't think it's quite as unlikely. The Twins have five catchers on the 40 man roster. Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit aren't going anywhere. Josmil Pinto has proven the team wise in keeping him. Herrmann is off to a slow start in his first AAA season. He can catch. He can play multiple positions and thus gives flexibility. He won't hit for average, but until his slow start, he has generally walked quite a bit and hit some doubles. I think he would be claimed. Wilkin Ramirez - With Chris Colabello on the roster, the Twins have a right-handed bat off the bench. However, as the roster is currently set up, Ramirez is the backup centerfielder making it unlikely he would be made available now. I think he would clear waivers if or when they make him available. So, there are some candidates for removal from the 40 man roster if the Twins believe that PJ Walters or Andrew Albers is the right man to bring up now. It's been a rough season so far. We are just starting to see some transactions, and I anticipate we will see several more. View full article