Friday Cuts and Lineups
Posted on March 14th, 2008 – 8:35 AMBy La Velle
Alexi Casilla, Matt Macri, Chris Basak, Mariano Gomez and Howie Clark were seen packing their bags, shaking hands and leaving the clubhouse this morning, a sign that they have been cut.
The Twins haven’t officially announced the cuts, but I’ve seen this behavior before so I’m going out on a limb, darn it!!!!!
[9 a.m. update] Cuts are official,but also include right handers Bobby Korecky and Julio DePaula. DePaula, Korecky, Casilla and Macri were optioned to Rochester. Gomez, Basak and Clark were reassinged to the minor league camp.
None of these cuts were surprising. Casilla, however, was in position to at least make a good impression but didn’t. He tried to make fancy plays that backfired on him and he wasn’t much of a threat at the plate.
Macri is an interesting player.He’s got enough size to make you think he can develop some pop. He should play third base at Class AAA Rochester.
Gomez is interesting too. I can see him emerging as a lefty option during the year. And, being from Honduras, I was able to talk to him about soccer. That’s a plus in my book!!!!!
It’s a beautiful day here in Fort Myers, I mean, it could be the best day of spring training. I’ve tried to avoid rubbing the weather down here in your faces, but it’s an exceptional morning in Southwest Florida.
Pirates: 1. McLouth, CF. 2, Luis Rivas, SS. 3. Bay, LF. 4. Nady, RF. 5. Mientkiewicz, 1B. 6. Paulino, C. 7. Walker, 3B. 8. Gomez, 2B. 9. Bixler, DH. Pitcher: Taubenheim.
Twins: 1. Gomez, CF. 2. Mauer, C. 3. Cuddy, RF. 4. Morneau, 1B. 5. Monroe, DH. 6. Lamb, 3B. 7. Harris, 2B, 8. Pridie, LF. 9. Tolbert, SS. Pitching: Bonser.
409 Responses to "Friday Cuts and Lineups"
Too bad to see Casilla go… he outplayed Punto, Harris, Tolbert, Machado, Buscher for the bench utility, even the starting 2B job. I guess merit doesn’t count much with Gardy. I just hope that Ruiz makes the team because he is exactly what the Twins were missing for a while (a RH power bat) and has been the best player on the team this spring…
Casilla is the best in-house option to be a leadoff hitter. It’s too bad that he still isn’t showing much baseball intelligence. I hope he gets his head on straight in Rochester and helps this club at some point in the regular season. I like Macri, as well. I hope he can do some damage at Triple A, especially if (as i fear) Lamb struggles as an everyday player and needs a platoon partner.
“Casilla, however, was in position to at least make a good impression but didn’t.[…] he wasn’t much of a threat at the plate.”
The numbers so disagree with this statement. He had the highest OBP/OPS/runs scored and SB of the lot (and tied for 1st for RBI). And his D was at least as good if not better than Hariss’
Spring stats for middle infielders + Buscher (AB/AVE/OBP/SLG/R/RBI/sb) ranked in decreasing OPS
Casilla: 20/.250/.423/.250/6/3/4
Harris: 23/.261/.320/.391/2/3/0
Everett: 19/.211/.250/.316/1/0/0
Buscher: 21/.190/.292/.333/3/1/0
Punto: 17/.118/.211/.118/1/2/1
Hey LeVelle,
What’s up with the BOLD LETTERS?
I realize this is somewhat of a repost, but again:
I do not understand why people are so anti-Harris. He is a year younger than Bartlett, meaning he is in the same spot as Bartlett was last spring. I don’t remember people considering Bartlett old or just a utility player.
Both players have 4 years of time in the majors (Harris has fewer atbats, however). But compare their career major league hitting numbers:
Bartlett .272/.341/.362
Harris .273 /.331/.418
Let the guy play, there is no reason that he should be a utility player. His defense will improve, as he played most of last season at SS. It takes a little time to make the adjustments at 2b, but he will be fine. If he would have come up through our system, we would all love him. Give the guy a chance.
Casilla can turn out to a good player, and we will need a SS next year. I hope they send him to AAA, he has a good year there so that he can come into camp as a 24 year old projected starting SS and possible leadoff hitter.
I thought Monroe was going to get some time out in CF, when is this going to happen? Are the Twins trying to fit a square peg in a round hole? (Gomez as the starting CF!) Gomez is not ready at all plus you could save yourself a year on arbitration. Send him down for a few months already will yeah!!!
if he plays ss in rochester he should be the regular ss in 09. if over the yr he proves he can’t do it he’s probably out of chances. gardy doesn’t seem to have any patience with the young guys. of course if he plays 2nd it is strange that they would have picked up harris in the trade. hard to tell where they’re going sometimes.
I like how most of the comments as stathuggers arguing against the guy who’s actually at the games.
I heard today that Gardy has finally agreed that Monroe might be a CF option, and will get some work there soon.
Reusse on 1500 was the source…
thrylos98…..
Go ahead and be selective with your use of stats.
Casilla also led the team with three errors and had no extra base hits. The six walks were the best thing he did in camp, but the total package is lacking on some significant fronts. He’s a little better but still needs work…
thrylos- of course not all hitting impressions of spring training are made in games.
P.S. according to your numbers, Harris had a higher OPS (by about 30 pts) than Casilla… so he didn’t have the highest OPS.
“”I do not understand why people are so anti-Harris.”"
He’s lazy and doesn’t appear to care - defensively and at the plate. We’ll see what he does today.
Bummer for Casilla - talent, needs to get his head on.
“doesn’t appear to care”
I hope you have spent time down there, because otherwise I do not see how you would have any evidence to base that on.
when people do blanket statements about players (except punto who is fair game) it would be nice if it was based on actual eye witness accounts and not on hearsay and speculation.
Casilla should be given every oppertunity to be our SS next year.
And given the patience they showed in bringing Bartlett along, he has a couple more years.
Harris, should be given more than 2 weeks of ST before laziness claims come out. If he’s doggin it when the lights come on, we got a problem. Thats one thing about players that come from losing atmospheres. You have to coach some of it out of them.
Give me a break people. Casilla is a joke. He can steal a base wowie! Stealing bases isn’t a big deal anymore and his overall plate discpline and fielding skills aren’t up to par. Brendan Harris hasn’t been that good this spring, but he has proven he CAN hit in the big leagues. He had to make the team. Punto & Everett are 3x the fielders that Casilla is as well. Casilla needs to prove he can hit in AAA ball before getting another chance and to show he can stay focused.
As for a lead off hitter Casilla will always be more of a number 2 or 9 type guy in the lineup.
And whoever says Ruiz should make the team needs his/her head examined. The guy needs to prove himself in AAA with big numbers before he gets a chance on the roster. A good Spring Training impresses but he has no fielding skills and the Twins have Kubel and Monroe for DH. Buscher, Tolbert or maybe Jones get that last spot.
I’m suprised Carlos Gomez wasn’t one of the cuts today… he needs to be cut so that they can see if Span can really play at CF. And so that Monroe can get some at-bats…. and maybe Pridie too
IF they cut Gomez it will not be until the end of spring, Span is getting plenty of chances to play in CF, and Monroe is getting plenty of ABs… cutting Gomez now would serve little purpose.
Cut Gomez to see if Span can play? I think the Twins know what Denard Span can do, he’s only been around for seven years. How about cutting Span to see if Gomez can play?
With a career minor league Avg of .298 , an OBP of .370 and his speed, Casilla could be a good lead off candidate if he adjusts to ML pitching.
It is to early to say he will “always be more of a number 2 or 9 type of guy in the lineup.”
I think our #2 hole will be filled for the next few years by some guy named Joe.
LaVelle,
point taken about the errors and inexperience and that another year in the minors can benefit him. I just think that he outplayed Buscher and he deserves a shot at that position. He really matured at the batter’s box and can make plays few infielders in the Twins can make. Punto has better hands but Casilla has much better range and arm. Maybe he will be the ss of the future…
Sean, re Ruiz:
“The guy needs to prove himself in AAA with big numbers before he gets a chance on the roster.”
Ruiz’s minor league numbers the last 3 years:
2007: .293ave/.359obp/.511slg/22hr/80rbi
2006: .286/.361/.532/28/90
2005: .349/.405/.669/27/89
the only current Twins that had similar minor league numbers in AAA or AA for a year were:
Morneau (2004):.306/.375/.615/22/63
Kubel (2004): .352/.416/.590/22/100
Cuddyer (2001): .301/.390/.560/30/87
Monroe (2000): .282/.369/.506/20/89
Ruiz reminds me a lot of David Ortiz and the reason he never made it to the bigs is because he has the same rep as Ortiz (all bat no field). Ortiz got his change because he was playing in an awful AL team. Ruiz has been playing in NL teams where his field is viewed as a liability. If Monroe gets the CF job, Ruiz can be a DH against lefties or spell Morneau on 1B when needed and be a ph that can potentially hit a 3r homer at the bottom of the 9th…
Well if Gomez or Span develop according to plan, Casilla would be pegged as a 2 or 9 type… That being said I thought that they’d keep him around till the end of camp to keep him facing ML pitching.
yes indeed, watched Harris live in 3 games — can only report what I observed.
We all agree that Gomez was rushed to the majors at a young age (he’s 22) and needs more time in AAA.
Casilla is still only 23, so I think he might still have a few more years before he can be fully judged.
Point taken, but you are the first person I have heard say that Harris “dosen’t care.”
LEN
Any word if any teams would be willing to trade for Garrett Jones if he doesn’t make the roster? I’m a little tired of the Twins running out of options with these guys and then just letting them walk.
Casilla was also rushed to the majors… in 06 he went from A ball, to AA to the Majors…
He failed to make the adjustments that he had shown he could make along earlier steps up the ladder. Maybe a step back will be good for him..
Hank Aaron and Eddie Murray also didn’t appear to care. How animated is Jason Kubel or was Kareem Abdul Jabaar?
Some competitors don’t show the fire burning inside them on the surface. Pay attention to Harris’s performance and let his shrink worry about what is going on between his ears.
With the cuts they made today it looks like our infield is pretty much set but i’m really curious as to why they didn’t cut Tolbert does anyone think he has a chance of making the team?
I still say cut Gomez…. because he can’t hit. No point in just putting him out there just to go 0 for 5 again against major league pitching (maybe 1 for 5 if he bunts in his first at bat) Send him down to the minor league camp, let him build back up his confidence against lesser pitching and let the AAA coaches teach him the difference between a curveball and a slider and how to make contact with one. O and whilel they’re at it maybe they can teach him how to hit a cutoff man as well so that the ball doesn’t end up somewhere halfway between home plate and first base.
Tim Duncan, Justin Morneau and Corey Koskie also appear lazy.
Maybe McHale can convince the Spurs that Duncan doesn’t care and they might trade him to the Wolves.
BC of ND… i’d guess it’s because they want to keep the middle infielders fresh before the grind of the regular season… but maybe he has made an impression
I would guess Tolbert has no chance of making the team. Gardy’s comments about him being an everyday player notwithstanding, I would guess that Tolbert takes over Punto’s role next season.
“let him build back up his confidence”
I am not sure lack of confidence is Gomez’s problem.
we still need one more starter cheap oh pohlad. oh yeah when is it official regarding face paint night
Why would anyone want Garrett Jones? Do they need someone to reach things off high shelves?
twins in 2008 will finish 3rd at best
“O and whilel they’re at it maybe they can teach him how to hit a cutoff man as well so that the ball doesn’t end up somewhere halfway between home plate and first base.”
Gomez has three assists from the outfield this spring, which is more than anyone else on the team. He made a bad throw during a game on TV, one throw. That is a pretty small sample size to draw a conclusion that he cant throw.
Anyone else have the feeling that the Rochester club will be quite interesting to follow this season. They should field a pretty formidable squad.
Regarding the cut of Casilla, those who saw my posts last evening know my feelings on that.
can we start putting patches from sponsors on the Twins jersey’s to make more $$$ and afford better pitchers. Just imagine “Chico’s bail bonds” across the front Engleberg
Ryan W… two of those “assists” weren’t really assits… he threw to the wrong place… someone else grabbed it and the runner was caught in a run down and the runner was tagged out but the give the assist to the outfielder… even though it was actually a mistake that just happend to be benifitial. So no… my sample size was not based on one game… there had been mistakes where he’d missed before that game… and then he’s had it after that game as well.
And I’m not sure about his confidence… sometimes when people talk like they’re all that, they really aren’t… and they know it… and they hope by talking big you won’t notice it either
LaVelle -
Soccer eh? My Arsenal squad this morning drew Liverpool for the Champions League quarters. Throw in a regular league game and they play each other 3 times in eight days. Crazy.
Carry on…
Why would anyone trade for Jones when they know the Twin’s are more than likely to cut him. If he’d be hitting .400 in ST that one thing but he isn’t so it won’t happen. Gomez needs to adjust his hitting so he can use his speed, he can’t swing for the fences he needs to be more of a contact/slap hitter and run.
Lavelle I think soccer is great… Hockey stiinks though. I remember the year when hockey went on strike and ESPN’s ratings actually went up because they didn’t have hockey on
taz
Someone would trade for Jones becaue they are low on the waiver list. He does have power and is still somewhat young. I’m not expecting much for him but anything would be better than just letting him walk.
I want to be the coach of a womens hockey team
I honestly think tolbert has a good chance of making the team.
I would rather watch three hours of pro bowling or even nascar then 5 minutes of soccer. I think Boof lite could make a strong case for being the opening day starter with Baker still hurting thats if he pitches well today.
i would rather bite off my toe nails then watch hockey
“Wanted severely ugly women to start up a hockey team”
When will this garbage stop?
I’m tired of sportswriters waving pom-poms for LNP…no amount of propelled optimism will change reality, folks.
When are we finally going to come to our senses and dump Kubel and bring back Tyner
G that is right we are Cheeeeeap
So, now the guy who “Isn’t much of a drop off” in 2007 from L. Castillo isn’t even good enough to finish camp in 2008. How interesting.
LOL @ jason
I keep telling you guys Punto is the starting 2B on this team. Punto says he is great and ready, should be good enough for Gardy to start him at 2B.
I’m not sure jimmy, did Cleveland release Tyner from his ballboy duties yet, or is he still in their camp?
Maybe one of these guys can play second for us. (click on homepage)
I want tyner back he is 10 x the player kubel will ever be
If I were Billy Smith, I would look into the possibility of acquiring Coco Crisp. Coco will not be a happy camper if Ellsbury starts and may come for a prospect. Then, I’d send Gomez and Spann back to Rochester for seasoning. An outfield of Crisp, who bats both, Cuddy, and Young, with Kubel (DH) and Monroe as bench strength would give us great defense and an on-base CF to set up a strong heart of the order. Carlos and Denard aren’t cutting it and we should avoid force-feeding Gomez to try to justify the Santana deal for 2008
kubel stinks he is loooooooousy
Tyner is so good 30 teams wouldn’t even invite him to major league spring training. I’m sure he will be available when the Indains realease him from shagging balls for the kids at minor league camp.
Maybe he can come play with your softball team this summer.
i hear billy crystal is available. Can we trade Kubel for him. This would be a well needed and deserved upgrade and also bring back Tyner please
I wouldn’t cut down Gomez’s swing just yet. No one bothered with Granderson’s and he seems to be doing allright
Hey,,,we all bit our toe,nails at one time,,,,
i have a new concept ketchup on funyuns or buffalo sauce on funyuns
” two of those “assists” weren’t really assits… he threw to the wrong place… someone else grabbed it and the runner was caught in a run down and the runner was tagged out but the give the assist to the outfielder…”
I saw two of those “assists”. He came up throwing toward the plate and hit Justin Morneau, the cutoff man, in the chest. He could see the hitter running in front of him and made the throw to the SS for the easy out at 2B. That is EXACTLY how they are coached to do it.
keep gomez and dump kubel and bring back tyner to play cf
Thrylos - You posted stats on Randy Ruiz’s minor league numbers the last three years right after quoting someone talking about how he hasn’t done anything in AAA yet…
2005 - All AA
2006 - All AA (for two organizations)
2007 - 22 games at AAA, at the age of 29, after having been released from two organizations.
He’s 30. He’s a good story for training camp. He’s made an impression. He won’t make the team, but if he goes to AAA and actually hits (post PEH days) and there is a big league need for a DH, maybe he’ll get a shot.
Paco, what do you do with Pridie then if you are sending both Gomez and Span to AAA. They cannot carry 6 OF’s. The Twins do not need Coco Crisp. Unfortunately, they are not going to be in the playoff hunt this year so why bring in a stopgap player like Crisp. Two of the three (Pridie, Gomez and Span) will break camp with the big squad while the 3rd heads to Rochester.
It’s more Craig style than BC.
I wonder if Jimmy Bee is really BC Beneke
Boof 10 pitches in a 1-2-3 first.
no h bc types like a machine but one weird thing is i wanted to know what a beneke was so i googled it and it brought me to a myspace page for him. weird it says he is a pittsburg pirate fan
Gomez with a double.
Sweet. I hope Gomez makes this team.
Tolbert will be one of the 25 players kept. I am 100% certain.
Mauer rockets one to Rivas at SS. Gomez out at 3B on the FC.
Cuddyer with a double moving Mauer to 3B.
Craig your back how long were you banned for
“That is EXACTLY how they are coached to do it.”
Agreed Seth, he made a silly argument.
I hope Casilla plays some 2B and some 3B in AAA. My impression is, he couldn’t field the 2B position very well this spring. Let him learn both positions and we will have another competition next spring. My hope is, Casilla plays well enough in AAA to push Punto off the roster.
Casilla won’t play third. He’ll probably play lots of 2B and SS..likely to rotate those spots with Tolbert if he’s sent down, too.
Basak, Watkins and Machado add to the Middle IF guys…at a minimum…at AAA…some will have to go I guess.
Jerry D,
If the send Gomez and Span to AAA, they wouldn’t have 6OF, they would only have 5 if the kept Pridie, which they would have to since he would be the only available backup for CF.
Our current Outfielders:
Young, Cuddyer, Kubel, and Monroe have roster spots. Span, Gomez and Pridie are trying for the 5th OF roster spot.
If Tolbert makes the team, that would mean either Punto or Buscher wouldn’t. Can’t see that happening.
I’d keep Tolbert before Buscher.
I’d keep Pridie before Buscher.
Has anyone been listening to the radio this spring? Does it seem that Dan Gladden and John Gordon have been WAAAAAAY more critical of players and coaches than in the past??
Why keep Tolbert? We already have enough light hitting middle infielders!
Unless Pridie is your starting CF it makes no sense to keep him either.
Mike, they would have six under Paco’s scenario. That is what my comment was replying to. The sixth is the acquisition of Coco Crisp that Paco is requesting they trade for.
Jerry,
Sorry, I missed Paco’s Scenario.
Wildfan,
Pridie can play all 3 outfield positions and if Monroe ends up being the starting CF he would also be the only backup CF.
You want versatile bench players. If Monroe is the starting CF, than Span and Gomez should be in AAA to get at bats. Pridie is the logical choice for a reserve outfielder.
I’d agree Mike…that’s ok than sugarcoating things like they have in the past.
1-0 after 2 1/2
mike …im finding gladden and gordon very interesting today….feeling bad for korecky, …casilla just needs to grow up and interesting comment that someday casilla will be the twins utility, i imagine in place of punto..that means plouffe will be the ss when everetts days are over….thats what i heard and you?
2-0 Twins on RBI single by Morneau
Mauer walk/second on WP.
Justin with an RBI single. 2-0.
The Twins trading for anyone is absolutely absurd! Why would they add anything right now? They need to find out they have and let the young guys prove themselves.
Gladden is trashing Colon saying that he saw the opposite of what the papers reported. They say he is really out of shape and can’t get his mechanics down. Mauer scores on a single by Morneau. Monroe is up.
Are the radio broadcast available online?
gladden is on a roll today….sounds like garza was lites out…
monroe is walked. Runners on 1 and 2 with Mike Lamb up.
WILDfan, you can subscribe to mlb.com and listen to all the games for a minimal price.
Gordon: I kind of think that the Twins were sending Casilla down to make a little statement.
Gladden (surprised): and what statement is that?
Gordon: I think they were trying to tell him that he isn’t ready for the big leagues.
I just shook my head. I think they are making that statement for everyone being sent down.
What is wrong with John Gordon….how can he actually say “Mussina is trying to hook on with the Bombers”.
The Yankees have something like 15 million reasons that he will be with them… And, part of the reason Joba Chamberlain is starting the season in the bullpen is so that there is a spot in the rotation for Mussina… at least at the start of the year.
Could you imagine if Boof ended up our opening day starter? Wow.
Just got my Twins-Royals tickets at Kauffman in the mail today…already dreaming of how fun that will be in early April to be out of this snow-hole.
tolbert is 4-for-4 last four bats, while everett has been struggling as of late. is it me, or do you think we have ourselves a new shortstop thats from mississippi
think of what we could of had
Hughes
Kennedy
Liriano
Hernandez
and Blackburn, Baker or Slowey
dont know, he didnt get cut today and started at short, maybe Gardy likes this kid
I listen to the games online through MLB radio. Yes, I was listening to when they talked about Casilla, and Gladden saying something to the affect that the Twins coaches aren’t teaching guys how to be big league players.
I’m suprised Carlos Gomez wasn’t one of the cuts today…
The Twins are going to give Gomez every chance to show he’s maturing at the plate. The idea is to give the young guy as much time as possible with the everyday players and big league coaches.
“think of what we could of had
Hughes
Kennedy
Liriano
Hernandez
and Blackburn, Baker or Slowey”
At what point could we have had Hughes AND Kennedy?
think of what we could of had
Hughes
Kennedy
Liriano
Hernandez
and Blackburn, Baker or Slowey
You said that yesterday jb, and it was wrong then to.
The Yankees were not going to give up both Hughes and Kennedy for Santana. That was clear from start.
If you’re going to whine about stuff, at least whine about stuff that actually happened.
can tolbert play second? read online that Gardy thinks he can play any of the infield positions on twins website. thats impressive. you right jockey, everett has been struggling.
ROFL Seth that type of banter is priceless i wish i could have heard it so what’s the next great observation for Gordo? The Twins may not win the WS this year?
The time that we would know the announcers are different than last year is if they criticized a decision the team made. Criticizing players that the team won’t keep is just parroting the team line. Could say the same thing about some columnists in the paper too. Gladden came close to that with his Garza comments, but they never really stepped over the line into actual criticism.
Hughes
Liriano
Hernandez
and Blackburn, Baker or Slowey
Tolbert can and has played second a lot.
BOOF 4IP 3H/BB/3K
Mientkiewicz 2-2 SB on the day.
Pridie leads off bottom/4 with a hit.
what did we ever spend the remainig 15 million on we had left did anyone ever catch that cause I sure didn’t
Hey,
I just saw Jim Souhan getting lunch at Jimmy John’s. I didn’t hear him order, so I don’t know what he’s eating. I think he must have got the whole meal combo, cuz he had a drink in his hand too.
3-0 RBI triple off the fence by Gomez..double and triple on the day.
jimmy bee
the extra money is going for extra infrastructure and draft salaries, doncha know 
Mauer Sac Fly to deep LC
4-0 Twins.
Probably being used to offset higher cost for the stadium!!!! You know it probabgly wouldn’t come out of the Pohlads hands.
Bullington serving tasty meat. Cuddyer base hit third of the inning.
no funkytown i didn’t know I just thought we were getting the short end of the stick again as usuall
is the writing on the wall. tolbert goes from being almost cut to starting today. Gardenhire my have found himself lightning in a bottle with this kid…
I got the new theme for the Twinkies
“Boys of Baseball are back and were a Day late and a dollar short”
Guerrier in for the fifth inning.
tolbert 4-for-4 last four at bats, impressive! does he have wheels too?
What do you know: the old trick works
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2008_03_14_pitmlb_minmlb_1&brand=mlb
Single/Rivas RBI double off Guerrier. 4-1
Guerrier has good stuff, but is just inconsistent, how is tolbert in the field???
Chamberlain is probably starting in the bullpen in order to keep the amount of innings he throws down.
And Adam Everett is the starting SS. He isn’t “struggling”. He’s hitting exactly like he always hits.
Terry Ryan has said in the past Tolbert can play all four infield spots and all three outfield spots. He has good speed, more than his SB totals indicate. He can hit line drives into the gaps and occasionally out of the park. He swings the bat from both sides.
The Twins plan to carry 12 pitchers, that leaves 4 reserves. In the late innings, Gardy will likely often send either Monroe or Kubel(whoever doesn’t start that day) up to the plate to hit for Everett. Punto or Harris (whoever doesn’t start that day) will come in to replace Everett in the field.
That leaves Redmond and one other player on the bench. Consider what happens if someone then gets hurt and has to come out of the game. The obvious choice to have on the bench is Tolbert. He is by far the most versatile.
One other consideration: The Twins almost always carry two reserves who can play in the middle infield.
Tolbert will be one of the 25 players. It’s a done deal. You can take it to the bank.
i think Gardy will want a 3rd catcher cause Mauer is prone to being a pansy
My thoughts on Tolbert…
Last year, he got off to an incredible start, hit .370 the first couple of months. Ended the year just under .300.
He’s solid, but unspectacular. He and Casilla went back and forth from 2B to SS. They moved him to 3B for a couple of games. He’s got just better than average speed.
he wasn’t cut today, but I wouldn’t make too much of that. Everett will be the starting SS and Harris probably will be the starting 2B. Lamb will be the starting 3B. Punto will be a utility player. Tolbert would be in a ‘battle’ with Jones, Buscher, etc. for the last bench spot, but I think he’s a distant third in that race.
I do think that the most telling thing I’ve read or heard is that Gardy likes Tolbert. That’s all it takes.
Overall, my opinion is that Jason Pridie is an upgraded version of Jason Tyner. Matt Tolbert is an upgraded version of Nick Punto.
“Tolbert will be one of the 25 players. It’s a done deal. You can take it to the bank.”
You don’t need to carry someone with that much “versatility”. Both Punto and Harris can play all infield spots. There is talk that Buscher can play second as well as thrid. Lamb can cover at first. You have enough versatility between Punto and Harris that you don’t need to carry someone like Tolbert.
i’m from mississippi, i saw tolbert play at ole miss he is cat-quick. like 6.4 sixty yard dash quick. being a switch hitter, tough, and versatile gives him an advantage. the twins fan will love his humor and 100-miles an hour motor too he plays with.
i think everett or punto have some serious comp with this kid. he’s pretty solid
can we package Boof and punto and get something decent in return possibly
Nice line for Boof of course this isn’t exactly the Yanks or Tigers but i think he will be our opening day starter.
I don’t know about meat, but I can guarantee Souhan had a lot of cheese on that sandwich.
ahh, Bee, the only thing we can “package” Punto in is a FedEx box ticketed for Japan, where he can join Lewwww.
And yes, regulars, I am the same guy who defended Leww to the very end and will continue to point out that this team does not have a viable option at CF.
Tolbert has had one half of a decent season above A ball in his career (last year, first half). Lets not get ahead of ourselves.
If he makes it, I say he changes the pronouncation to “Tol-bear” like Steven Colbert.
I read that Tolbert’s celing is David Eckstien.
Wow, that is an exciting future.
Tolbert will be one of the 25 players. It’s a done deal. You can take it to the bank
Not so sure if they got with 12 pitchers. I think that Buscher, Tolbert, Pridie and Ruiz are all battling for one position. If they go with 11 pitchers it might make sense to keep Tolbert over Buscher and have Casilla as the full time aaa ss with plouffe in aa.
if gardy likes him and it sounds to me like he does, than its going to be hard to keep him off this team.
i read somewhere online that after tolbert and justin M. collided with each other saturday during the windy game, that Gardy was impressed with his Tolbert’s toughness, that right there my be enough for him to make this team
“Jason Pridie is an upgraded version of Jason Tyner. Matt Tolbert is an upgraded version of Nick Punto.”
could not agree more. That’s why, Ruiz should make the roster…
jimmy bee i think Gardy will want a 3rd catcher cause Mauer is prone to being a pansy
Wow…there are a few places in St. Paul you wouldn’t want to make a comment like that….I have never know any Mauer’s to be “pansys” completely the oppisite would be more the truth…
“That’s why, Ruiz should make the roster…”
Ruiz is an upgraded version of Danny Matienzo.
Kirby Puckett would have been 47 today.
well hughes gave up 9 hits in 2 2/3 and 4 runs, gomez has a 2b abd 3b what a great trade for the next hour or so.
Thanks for all the laughs you guyz
anyone here know what former Twin great would be celebrating a birthday today ?????
wow, can this tolbert kid help us for 162 games???
drred says what did Torii say about Mauer refresh my memory
he can, he’s got a lot upside, according to Gardy! 
jama sad about Puckett I just drove by Redstone the other day
he (tolbert) got a lot of upside, according to GARDY
2k’s for Nathan, Dougie M one of them looking in shut out fifth.
pitcherdad
I posted after you made the comment, but the time stamp on this site is all goofy. I was responding to your question.
darn i missed jamma’s comment b4 mine
he’ll make the team if Gardy likes him. he’s only 25 years old (Tolbert)
“Ruiz is an upgraded version of Danny Matienzo”
Danny Matienzo? No… have you seen Ruiz in real life? He is a right-handed version of a clone between David Ortiz and Cecil Fielder
I haven’t seen Ruiz but wow if he batted like Ortiz that would be something special
i just hope we can make the playoffs, what the colorado rockies did last year gives me hope for these boys
This has to be proof that you groove in a high fastball gift to former teammates. The odds of Rivas ever getting two hits in a game, let alone a game where dougie baseball also has two, must be astronomical.
can tolbert play the 3rd too, saw where he played first in the futures game
If the Twins keep Jones or Buscher instead of Tolbert, Gardy can’t send anyone up to pinch hit for Everett. It would leave him without a reserve on the bench to play in the middle infield, in case someone gets hurt. Gardy won’t leave himself that vulnerable.
drred says what did Torii say about Mauer refresh my memory
where did that get him? and…you ain’t him…….
Nathan pitched SIXTH, sorry.
Cuddyer double w/2 outs in sixth, third hit of the day. 4-1 after six.
Ruiz = David Ortiz
Tolbert = Ryne Sandberg
Buscher = Wade Boggs
Jones = Kent Hrbek
Gomez = Kirby Puckett
Casilla = Greg Gagne
World Series, here we come.
Humber in for the 7th.
tolbert reminds me a lot of cal ripken jr. after watching him play this spring.
Brian Buscher is a downgraded version of Terry Tiffee.
where did that get him? and…you ain’t him……. Got him one Huuuuuuge paycheck and no blistering cold winters for the remainder of his life
LOL twinsfan…I guess I sold him short with Ryne Sanberg….
a revision:
Tolbert = Cal Ripken, Jr.
AMEN Craig. Buscher will use up a roster spot in AAA that Macri needs to improve his game.
if its between buscher or tolbert, than tolbert’s a no brainer
And I do hope that was fully sarcastic or else Cal Ripken, Jr. needs an immediate apology.
Jimmy bee,
Hunter didn’t spend his winters in MN anyway. He spent the offseason in home in Dallas.
Craig is Tiffee going to make the Dodgers this year
“If the Twins keep Jones or Buscher instead of Tolbert, Gardy can’t send anyone up to pinch hit for Everett. ”
How about Punto getting on the field next inning at that scenario? As far as an emergency IF reserve goes (i.e. someone PH for Everett, Punto gets on the field and an infielder gets hurt) Cuddy would be it… btw Jones is gone. I just don’t see him making the team.
Anyone else liking stacking these two together?
4. Morneau
5. Monroe
Not just because Monroe is killing some pitches this spring being there, but it’s a fun tongue-twister, especially if you try to say MOR-neau, like Bert tries to do.
It also sounds like “Manah-Manah” if you say it fast!!
Jason gets a star for the funniest post.
Optimism gone wild!
“Casilla = Greg Gagne”
Casilla > Greg Gagne
Three words I never thought I would say.
Craig is right!
Tolbert will make this team ahead of Buscher and Jones.
Only Buscher going nuts on a ST power spree can keep him out of Rochester in April.
is Matt Tolbert better than Adam Everett
Kubel=garbage
Gomez=garbage
Punto=garbage
Span=garbage
Bonzer=garbage
the rest of the team keep from last year and the additions
Umm, isn’t Casilla now in the minors??? Well, so much for the world series this year
oh yeah
Casilla=garbage
if tolbert has made it this far through the cuts after struggling earlier at the plate this spring, than he’s on the team, Mississippi boys usually do well in the north… ha
Here is the outfield I imagine
monroe
cuddy
young
Humber scoreless 7th,2 out walk.
by the looks of it, Gomez my have found his groove finally, lets hope at least
tolbert would be a better fit than punto, i just wonder if he can beat out everett for short
Can we trade Boof Punto and Kubel for anything useable
3 up 3 down on 3 groundouts for Humber in the 8th. Sprinkling in FM.
While Casilla is in the minors, Harris goes 0 for 4. Blah!
It’s okay for Punto to slide headfirst into 1st forever, but God forbid Casilla dinks around a little in ST to see what he can do.
So his .423 OBP and 4 SB’s didn’t make a good impression?
tolbert is smooth, i’ll give him that. just wish he was a little more powerful at the plate
just give him time (only 25-years old)
“is Matt Tolbert better than Adam Everett”
No
Jimmy Bee = garbage
Everett_Fan = A ball
Humber to start a third inning.
jimmy bee, what about Boof’s 3.00 ERA this ST don’t you like?
And Kubel produced HR’s and RBIs at a faster rate than Cuddy last year; and he had a stellar second half.
Just having fun with your “garbage” thinking?
tolbert got a lot of upside thou, Everett may have already peaked
I am sorry Romer I just think that those players are the Twins weak spots on the roster and not that they are really garbage but just that we have better options
Humber 1-2-3 9th, with 2 ground outs…moves into starting contention.
Decisions that will impact the last couple pitching spots: Cali and Bass are out of options, according to Gladden.
oh, yeah, Twins win 4-1.
is the MLB website wrong? Humber has given up a few runs this ST.
Well, Cuddy wasn’t better at the plate than Kubel last year. So who ya gonna replace Kubel with?
And let’s see your starting 5 without Boof.
Livan SP
Boof SP
Liriano SP
Baker SP
Perkins SP
Matty G MR
Neshek Setup
Nathan Closer
Rincon Setup
Crain MR
Reyes Lefty
Blackburn LONG Relief
Ok here is what I see for our pitchers going North. If Liriano is going to be a starter for us we have to keep either Blackburn or Humber for long relief. That way you can keep Liriano on a pitch count and if he only last 3-4 innings in some games you have someone who can be on the same 5 days rest that he is on. Let them come in at whatever pitch count you feel he needs to come out at. I have the starters in this order just to split the 2 lefties and to have Boof after Livan just for a better change of speed. I would love to hear what all the talking heads here think.
no runs given up by Humber is correct, he got hit in a scrimmage with Concordia and that is it
jimmy
I can’t believe I am even going to give in to your insane comments, but who is a better DH than Kubel?
I see no reason why Tolbert would make this team. The Twins have plenty of light hitting middle infielders on this team. Buscher, while not ripping up Spring Training by any stretch, has big league experience. Buscher is the better hitter, at least judging by his minor league statistics, and this team needs offense. Any sort of “emergency” situation can easily be solved with the versatility of Punto, Harris, and even Lamb, who could play 2B in a pinch. I don’t see what Tolbert brings to this team that they don’t already have plenty of.
“So his .423 OBP and 4 SB’s didn’t make a good impression?”
No, his .250 average and .250 SLG% and 3 errors didnt make a good impression.
Humber is a good pitcher, dont wanna rush him into the starting role yet. being so young. Tolbert looking good at short, maybe the guy we need instead of everett and punto here
jimmy bee doesn’t have to back up his smack talk with any cogent arguments, because he’s jimmy bee!!
CharlieM
I’d put Blackburn in the rotation and keep Cali or Bass for that last bullpen spot.
Perkins can start at AAA, thanks to lots of inactivity last year.
OR
If Baker can’t start the year and is on the DL, then leave Perkins or Humber, and the other at AAA.
Crain is another that may have to start the year on the Dl if the shoulder isn’t fully ready to go. Regardless of what he’s said.
Same with Liriano at this point.
Romer Monroe could replace Kubel
Starting 5
Humber
Liriano
hernandez
Baker, Slowey or Blackburn
We could even try Gurrier as a starter
DH Redmond
Ruiz
“tolbert got a lot of upside thou”
Does he? Based on what?
He is 25, he dosent project much power, he is a minor league career .280/.345 guy, and the best thing anyone has said about his defense is that he “goes 100 mph.”
Again, his celing is David Eckstein.
Perk starts the year at AAA. He hasn’t really proven himself much in Spring Training, and that arm seems like it needs some more work.
Dave T
That’s right
also does Lavelle look just a smidgen like a 350 lb Willie Mcgee
“is the MLB website wrong? Humber has given up a few runs this ST.”
No, that is correct. If Baker starts on the DL, he might get a shot in the rotation, otherwise he could take that last bullpen spot.
humber looked good today, gomez looked good and hughes stunk; great trade today may not be tomorrow.
maybe joe or len3 can give us their impressions on how the pitching is lining up so far?
tolbert can play anywhere in the infield and even the outfield, i’m just saying he’s solid and has some upside, being fast and has pop too, does a good job advancing runners
7-2 ground out to fly out for Humber today, too. Not that he’s playing the exact cream of baseball’s crop, but impressive nonetheless.
Humber had a bad start against Concordia or something, but nothing in actual games that “count”.
Jimmy
If Monroe replaces Kubel as DH, who do you have in Center? Is the Centerfielder going to be better than Kubel because that is really who you should compare them too.
No you got that wrong Jama
rf cuddy
cf young
lf monroe
dh ruiz, redmond, gotta do something
kubel is just to inconsistent
But Harris’s .261 (which is now .222) is so much better?
Do we need a slugging second baseman?
I admit Casilla screwed himself with the errors.
Tolbert def makes the team.
Humber isn’t a young pitcher, he is 25. Slowey is a young pitcher.
Tolbert doesn’t do much for me. A 25 yr old switch hitting utility infielder without much pop. Hmm sounds like some one else the Twins already have, and I’m not talking about Casilla
Jimmy
Young is not going to play CF. So there goes that idea. Plus if Redmond DH’s there is no backup catcher.
You really would rather have Ruiz as the everyday DH than Kubel? If that is true I have lost the last bit of respect that I had for you. Oh wait…
maybe have span dh and gomez play cf. How about this one Jama pry open Pohlads wallet at night when he is sleeping and take that 15 million we were supposed to have left and get us a consistent dh
Redmond isn’t going to DH this year. That is Monroe and Kubel’s job.
Two days ago nobody even knew Tolbert was at ST. Now he is everybodys new best friend. I love it.
have monroe dh
have gomez play cf
Humber has pitched well in relief this spring. So is he a lock for the bullpen, or what?
I would take Tolbert over Casilla if we needed to call a guy up during the season.
Sounds like Baker may still be ready for the start of the season. Hard to find a spot for Humber on the staff. He would probably be best served with a season spent in AAA adapting to the relief/closer role.
Humber will be a starter in the minors before a bullpen guy. They want to see what he has.
Romer- I agree that you make somewhat of a point. The team seems to care very little about OBP- Casilla has been a high OBP guy in the minors and had a nice spring getting on base. But other than Mauer, the team usually dosnt care.
As for a slugging second baseman, if we start Gomez or Span AND Everett… then yes we do. We had three low impact bats in the linup last season at all times (combinations of Punto, Tyner, Casilla, Redmond, LRod) led to a pretty punchless linup. Besides, Harris has actually proved he can hit in the majors…
jama have monroe dh
have gomez play cf
LNP4Life - he is 25 yrs old and they haven’t given him a start in ST, I think they know what he has and it is bullpen stuff since the surgery
tolbert brings new life to our team, just like his personality. switch hitting young shortstop with some pop, thats what we need not everett or punto. i think he’ll make it and become a starter, GARDY does say a lot of good things about him, and he has looked good in his starts too.
yes potential with gomez Jama over inconsistent Kubel
Jimmy
So you would rather have Gomez hitting than Kubel? And if you were going to spend that $15 million right now who would you spend it on? (Barry Bonds cannot be the answer). There’s nobody out there that would help this team now and in the future.
tolbert brings new life to our team, just like his personality. switch hitting young shortstop with some pop, thats what we need not everett or punto. i think he’ll make it and become a starter, GARDY does say a lot of good things about him, and he has looked good in his starts too!
tolbert over everett would be something interesting. i agree mark that would spice things up a bit
Again Jimmy you would rather have Gomez hitting than Kubel? That is what you are saying right?
yes Jama potential over inconsistent Kubel
tolbert can play second too, why not give him a start there this spring too
I think the problem young players like Casilla have is that they just don’t get the fact that it doesn’t matter how talented you are or how much potential you have if you don’t play the way the manager (Gardy or any other manager)want’s you to play you wont be around long.
Time will tell but I think That Kubels day’s are numbered
prob because Tolbert is a battle with everett for short i assume, the kid can play second, third, and outfield too
Doesn’t Kubel have potential? Plus it’s guaranteed that Kubel’s average, slugging, and on-base percentage would all higher than Gomez’s.
RyanW, I think you meant Castillo, not Casilla. But I get your point.
The trouble was, however, that 2 of those were miserable with low OBP’s (3B and DH), weren’t they?
And now we don’t have a running game (Span?).
So LOL with trying to be a a junior version of Detroit and Cleveland.
But Harris is a candidate for high OBP. Wish he’d get going good.
tolbert is smooth, from what games i’ve seen him in
So you can use the potential tag on Gomez but not Kubel. Seems like a double standard to me. I’m done with this topic but in the end you know you are wrong.
LNP, so by your definition “Humber isn’t a young pitcher, he is 25. Slowey is a young pitcher”, less than 1.5 years of age separates an old pitcher (Humber 25 yr 3 mo.) from a young pitcher (Slowey 23 yr 10 mo.).
i just think tolbert would be our best option at shortstop
so Jama what would you do with Gomez
Maybe if Kubel inconsistant production comes from inconsistant opertunities
gomez and humber will be good for us down the road, tolbert could be the lightning in the bottle we need…
“Tolbert can play second, third, and outfield too” - nobody can play all those positions well, he’s probably not even average at most of them, he is a second baseman and doesn’t hit as well as Harris
Where is Sosa at Jama
Tolbert will make the team and end up taking over the starting job at short or second at some point
Truth is, I would rather see that 15mil spent on the “slotting” system in the draft, so maybe we could be looking at some high quality prospects in our own system, instead of dreaming of getting them thru trades. The slotting system has killed us, and other teams have paid over slot, causing our drafts to pretty much suck.
Maybe we can be players in the draft for a change.
And why would you want to waste Gomez at DH. That role is for guys who have a bat and no field
gomez and humber will be good for us down the road, tolbert could be the lightning in the bottle we need…..
Gomez will play the first couple months at AAA and then maybe get a look depending on his production and how the guys up here are doing
lnp 4 life so are we going with Span for a CF
i agree ben, tolbert will be starting before the All-Star break, Gardy may already be thinking of him as an option to play early at second or short
Great idea Me Too.
Pohlad will have a hard time handing over that check though
jimmy bee, gomez goes to AA. His swing is amateur.
i agree ben, tolbert will be starting before the All-Star break, Gardy may already be thinking of him as an option to play early at second or short…
Tolbert was still playing college ball in 2004. He stayed in school, so he’s a little older for a rookie. All reports say he can play, and Gardy is right, that he’s more than a reserve.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Tolbert and Casilla were the DP combo, before the season is over.
Jimmy
Gomez needs to spend 2-3 months down in AAA. And he should be sent down even if he is the best option. It’s all about his service time. 2 months in AAA saves the Twins one year of arbitration.
i agree ben, tolbert will be starting before the All-Star break, Gardy may already be thinking of him as an option to play early at second or short…..
Has anyone seen this article. It looks like Santana was very close to becoming a Texas Ranger. You can thank Torii for screwing the Twins over again.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/03/14/heyman.rangers/index.html
Pridie is hitting .310.
Still not in CF battle?
Give Span or Pridie a shot. Gomez still has a shot to be the man. A couple more days like today and he’ll be there opening day.
tolbert just needs some seasoning, he’ll make the team, and most likely start some to over everett or harris
Bonds is better than Kubel for DH.
Tolbert hustles his a$% off and listens to everything the coaches tell him. Thats what is going to get him a shot at starting.
true tolbert does work his tail off, and hustles and is super quick, he’s gets better with every season, thats right, and he makes plays both at the plate and in the field. keep him at short, if you want to win.
Tolbert is interesting, he makes me optimistic about the season now, ha
Disappointed Casilla was sent down, but Punto stays. $2.4 million for Nick Punto on our roster. Does anyone have stats on range factors for Casilla vs. Punto?
AM
You know the Twins don’t want Bonds and Bonds doesn’t want to play for the Twins. I agree he would be better than Kubel but other than Bonds I don’t think I would take anyone else that is available.
Good lord, La Velle. Ease up on the exclamation points.
the si article really makes torii look good. funny how the rangers were not mentioned when all the trade speculation experts were spinning names and rumors. rumor today red sox-mets trade, i think it’s santana to sox for crisp.
hope gomez and humber workout since we gave up our franchise player for them
jama–
I know that you’re right that the Twins don’t want Bonds. (LaVelle is first in line to argue that.) You may be right that Bonds doesn’t want the Twins, but have you read anything that indicates that?
I agree that Kubel has potential. But the fact is he hasn’t produced. Everyone laments that we let Big Papi go. Yet we could have Bonds playing for us, and no one is interested?
tolbert should start the year at second than move to short if everett struggles, we’ve got to play this guy (tolbert) somehow, he’s just to smooth
Tolbert played 101 games at 2nd last year, 10 at 3rd and 8 at SS. He is still here beacause Casilla is going down to play SS every day. Tolbert is the Pridie of our infield. He will fill in the Punto utility role next year.
so all the tolbert fans, i have never seen him play, have seen this guy play more then a handful of games? what are you basing this new found love?
very smooth!!!!
Bonds isn’t going to sign with anyone, at least a guaranteed contract, until his legal mess is resolved. No team in there right mind would commit millions to a player that there is serious doubt would be able to fulfill the contract.
Tolbert busting his tail and can play any position in the infield will assure the starters don’t take their positions for granted or they won’t have it anymore.
Don’t forget about Guerra and Mulvey.
Tolbert may take Bushers spot. sending Buscher to play 2nd in the minors
i watched him this spring, very impressive in the field, bat is coming along, great personality, he’s really going to be something special i think
I wish one of the Twins beat writers would ask Gardy why Pridie is not a CF candidate. There may be a good reason (invisible to me).
Do the local reporters ever ask difficult questions of Gardy?
“Now bating 8th your Centerfielder for the Minnesota Twins Denard Span”!!!!!
Me Too–
The judge threw out the indictment and told the prosecutors to re-write it. Bonds won’t come to trial for months and months.
Pridie isn’t confined to just playing CF. Gomez and Span are pretty much only CF. They want to build his versatility. Thats his role and they are grooming him for it.
i from brookhaven, miss. and i’ve seen tolbert play in college at ole miss, he’s a class act and a hard nosed player. he put on a baseball camp in our area during the winter and the kids loved him and the people he had with him that day. my two sons attended and tolbert really helped them out, he’s really a class act, and i think he’ll earn some time as a starter with the twins before the season is over
Tolbert is a stop-gap solution until Toby Gardenhire reaches the Twins in August.
i think tolbert is going to be a regular for our infield and will help us out a lot, he really does hustle out there. glad to see his bat coming around too
looks to me tolbert has a lot of fans, thats what spring training is about. he’ll be starting soon in the bigs
Buscher has never played a professional baseball game at 2B.
One scouting report on Buscher said he uses “the gorilla approach” to fielding.
I think all of this Tolbert love is due to all of the Punto hate
Tolbert 6′ 180 lb switch hitting utility infielder who husltes and works hard.
Punto 5′9″ 190lb utility infielder who husltes and works hard.
Even their minor league numbers are similar. Eerie
tolbert bigger, stronger, faster.
give him a shot and punto’s salary, and watch out
I hope Buscher isn’t taking Macri spot at AAA then
I think short stop is up for grabs now. Everett will have to step it up now. Tolbert is much better in the field than people think. Competition will only make the twins a better team.
we yell and yell about Punto and yet he had an off year at the plate and then we go out and get adam everett people peolple people I can predict the future now. I wish we would get rid of everett he can’t hit
Expect Tolberts at bats to decrease as we get closer to the season. Casilla got moved down so he could play SS everyday. Tolbert is being groomed for utility role, hence his still being here. He was clearly behind Casilla until he got moved,
i agree we paid way to much for punto, especially with the talent and versatitly tolbert has.
One Twins official said a couple years ago he saw Tolbert as more of a utility player. I think I know who said it, but I’m not certain.
Last year Terry Ryan definitely said Tolbert was considered to be a potential starter.
Hi there, twinkie fans. I was here during the Santana sweepstakes singing the praises of Humber and I’ve been following him all spring (along with Gomez).
I’m thrilled he’s having a good spring. He’s having a better spring than Pelfrey is having for the Mets, though Pelfrey is being used as a starter.
Hey I know it’s just spring training and there’s still two weeks left of it, but I think it’s encouraging the way Humber has pitched and I hope he makes your team.
It’s too bad Gomez is struggling with the bat, but I hope if you’ve watched him this spring, you can see that he’s an exciting player with a lot of potential. He just needs experience and a lot of refinement with the bat. Maybe AAA is the best option for him right now.
Are one of you guys Matt Tolbert?? All of this instant love for someone who hadn’t been mentioned on here since last year is a little fishy
Punto strikes out way more than Tolbert. Also, Punto has a big swing, and pop fly power. Tolbert can hit solid line drives.
tolbert should start the year at shortstop. he’s a natural there
Tolbert wasn’t even starting at SS for AAA last year. I doubt he’s going to make the jump to MLB SS this year. thats funny
adam everett vs nick punto which one will the Twins fans gripe more about when they are batting
nope i think tolbert’s shot has long been over due for a club that really needs some new life in it since losing hunter and santana, maybe he is the lightning in the bottle, GARDY calls him
Metsfan,
Can we have Santana back in exchange for 4 minor league guys who will never amount to anything?
gomez has upside, humber has confidence, tolbert has speed. maybe we will be alright after all
still waiting to hear where all the love is coming from. when have you actually seen him play?? how many times??
i really feel that we should start tolbert at second and give everett time at short. that combo would be nice
love the comment craig
saw him play this spring, looked pretty solid -
saw him play five times so far here in ft. myers, and last year in the futures game
i’m just wondering how he’ll do as an everyday starter (tolbert) will he provide us with enough spunk. he does bring optimism to our club, i will say as a fan
Metsfan,
We have replaced Santana with Livan Hernandez. He is our new “Ace”.
You should see Livan’s “stuff”! It’s amazing!
No Harris then??
I think tolbert will be a starter before the all-star break at either second or short
our best infielder is punto and everett, nope its tolbert and harris
What about Harris then??
Metsfan,
There are two big differences between are old ace (Johan) and our new ace (Livan).
The first big difference, is that Livan is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY less expensive than Johan. See how smart we are in Minnesota?
The second big difference, we don’t like to talk about.
tolbert is the only all-around infielder we have, he can hit and make plays in the field. harris is good too, but our best option is tolbert unless we make a trade
AGREE with you there mark
jimmy bee, do you look at anything before you comment. Punto did not have one bad year, he had one good year. If you look at last evenings discussion, both his minor league and major league numbers were given. Yes, Punto is a nice guy, a great fielder, but his niceness and fielding does not outweigh the negative that his bat produces.
THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IS Livans Huge arse
tolbert can play anywhere on the infield, but he started four years at shortstop in college, and last year in AAA ball he played all the infield positions…
still surprised this tolbert love based on 4-5 games this spring when he hasn’t even cracked the top 20 twins prospect list. hope you’re right!
I predict Tolbert is going to be the opening day starter and then once Baker and Cisco are ready he will move to CF and be an all star CF.
its not love, its just the fact that casilla got sent down and now we have to face the facts, our best infielder in my mind is tolbert, until casilla is ready to come back up, and than he and tolbert can start side by side, it keeps our team young and fresh plus its our best options
beware pitchers we will have a punto everett 1-2 punch
It is obvious that Tolbert’s agent, his boyfriend and his girlfriend have discovered this blog.
really tolbert has looked good this spring and even last year in the minor leagues, i think he deserves a shot, he could be our best fit for the long run too
Tolbert just deserves a shot. He has earned it. Its not new found love he should have been called up last year instead of watkins.
tolbert is great yes we should have tolbert he is wonderfull and did I forget to say tolbert
sy, it obvious your not watching many twins games here in ft. myers, basically our best infielders are casalli, tolbert, and harris. them three should still be here, while punto and everett have continued to struggle.
tolbert really has looked smooth, no doubt about it, love or hate, ha
gomez is coming along too, he’ll be okay, humber looked good today, i thought casalli would at least be here another week, harris is sound but does struggle some at the plate. tolbert has looked better than everett at short, dont if that job is up for grabs or not, but the vetran isn’t doing to well
gomez is coming along too, he’ll be okay, humber looked good today, i thought casalli would at least be here another week, harris is sound but does struggle some at the plate. tolbert has looked better than everett at short, dont if that job is up for grabs or not, but the vetran isn’t doing to well
Hi Craig, no you can’t have Johan back. Mets fans including me love him!
I bet at least 2 of the players the Mets sent over to you guys turn out to be good major league players. Humber I think can at least be a solid #3. They say it can take up to two years to get the fastball back up to speed after TJ surgery so that should be right about now for Humber. Gomez can go either way. It will depend on his hitting. If he can hit enough, he’s an all star. Guerra I don’t know much about other than what I read. And I don’t think Mulvey is anything special.
Yes, Hughes is probably the best talent offered to you guys during the winter, but there’s a good chance Cashman would have taken him off the table before any deal could have been completed. Besides, Humber has a better spring ERA than Hughes this year ; )
Hughes got rocked today.
As for Livan, no thanks. He was in the NL for many years and I’m not impressed.
Well good luck and I’ll be checking back from time to time. I’m really pulling for Gomez and Humber.
The only reason Casilla got sent down is that they want him playing everyday at SS. Not part time at bats, which is what he’d be getting here as opening day come closer. It won’t be long and our starters will actually be starting these ST games and Tolbert will be utility guy off the bench for those, not getting near the reps Casilla will be getting at SS across the street. pretty simple really Tolbert isn’t the better player because he wasn’t sent down. He’s the guy they don’t need to give as many at bats to. He can sit on the bench, where Casilla will be in the field.
Metsfan, how bout if we thrown in Tolbert.
The thought of Tolbert as the opening day starting pitcher, is ridiculous. Of course, the thought of any of our pitchers, as the opening day starting pitcher, is ridiculous.
our outfield is a jorney, maybe we can make a trade and send by mid season to get a good OF prospect and trade punto or a reliever there to free up more cash to make a run at a big time free agent next year
i would rather us keep both casalli and tolbert, they both are young and strong
The shortstop job is not ‘up for grabs’. Wow. The Twins signed Adam Everett knowing exactly what he does - hit lightly while providing one of the best shortstop gloves in the game. Punto and Harris are both going to be on this team - one of them will play second and the other will be the “utility” guy. There is no room for Matt Tolbert.
Now our outfield is a problem. I figured with Young and Cuddyer plus any of three young guys we were sitting well there. Punto for a reliever. Only if it’s kyle lohse. this keeps getting better and better
Casilla/Punto got plenty at bats last year and didnt produce, but maybe LNP4Life missed all of last year
if tolbert keeps playing like he’s been playing, he’ll be starting, but i agree casalli is the better player, both are infield upgrades. each has range and a good stick
the one two mighty punch of Punto and Everett
tolbert may be better long term of all our infielders, its just a fact
i think tolbert makes the last spot on the, got to have 12 pitchers thou, thats a must in the A.L.
Long term, sure. Not this year.
Everett and Punto are both free agents after this year. Both of them, along with Harris, are going to be on the team this year. That leaves no place for another light hitting middle infielder.
12 pitchers is what most teams carry anyways. be interesting to see who makes the last spot on the team both in the field and on the mound
What do you guys thing about Tolbert?
tolbert is great jama hangs out with him all the time at don pablos
I heard that Tolbert can also do magic tricks better then Cuddy
I’ve heard that tolbert is a better bowler than punto also.
from what i seen from tolbert he’s going to be good bc twins fan! he’s our best infield option at least
st wise he’s good, him and mauer are always talking and laughing during bp
oh, ha ha. i got ya.
That was a joke Mark.
oh, ha ha. i got ya…
oh boy I think I see a guy that looks just like Tolbert going into Jimmy John’s
we need positive energy in our organization
“The Twins contacted Dave Pepe, Nathan’s agent, earlier this week” - I think this deal will get done. The Twins held off until now in case Cisco and the new guys tanked to create some positive PR. Just like unveiling the Cuddy/Morneau contracts at Twins fest after all the Torii/Johan b.s. - 3yrs 42 mil extension 6mil signing bonus to get him to 12mil this year.
12 mill for Tolbert
tolbert in jimmy john’s get his autograph, lol
in ft. myers
Where do you see this?
You are kind or lowballing Tolber don’t you think JB
when are the next cuts???
I’m guessing at the #’s. But they are talking to his agent next week.
as long as tolbert keeps hitting and doing good in the field, he’ll be on this team. he’s a playmaker
There is room for Everett, Punto, Harris and Tolbert. Tolbert is not really a light hitter. He can drive the ball a little. He is very versatile. He is just what this team needs.
when are the next cuts?????
Re: Everet Fan
Lame!!!
next week somtime (cuts)
12 pitchers, 2 catchers, 6 infielders, 5 outfielders. That should be the team.
Never said anything about Punto, he is the utility player this year though. I don’ see how out starting infield isn’t Everett as SS and Harris at 2B. Punto backing them up. Tolberts only shot at breaking camp with the big boys is beating out Buscher for the utility role. Awarding SS to guys who couldn’t even win the AAA job last year, I’m not that foolish. Sorry guys
6 infielders is thin
Next cuts: Buscher, Knott, Ruiz.
Tolbert will start the season in a utility role.
I don’t think Buscher has ever played a professional game (majors or minors) at any position other than 3B. How can he be a very versatile bench player? He can’t even pinch run.
Why would Buscher beat out Tolbert for the last spot?
Buscher is hitting .190.
Tolbert is hitting .278.
Tolbert is defensively better and more versatile.
The only way Tolbert doesn’t make the team (barring a trade) is if the Twins keep TWO CF-derby candidates (Span and Pridie for instance).
That leaves them with only one infielder on the bench which is risky.
Especially when you know that Everett will require a late inning pinch-hitter frequently.
craig, 1B guy to spell Morneau is his value
I saw earlier this year that Gardy was going to DH Morneau and play Buscher at 1B to give him a break
So the plan is to carry 2 switch hitting infield guys.
I love how a week ago everyone was on the Buscher bandwagon. He was playing hard and hustling. Really looked determined to make the team. Now it appears Tolbert has sucked up all the wagon jumpers. I wonder who is next??
Did I read someone comparing Tolbert to Cal Ripkin. Sorry guys but Ripkin won a MVP at 21, while this kid was still shagging balls for his college teams starter. You guys are a bunch of dopes
Ha
that’s right, Tolbert couldn’t even come close to Billy Ripkin standards
I don’t see Tolbert making the team out of spring training, nor should he. I like Casilla’s tools far better than Tolbert’s, and hope the younger guy can settle down and play consistently so that the Twins can get his wheels in the lineup sometime this year. Does anyone who is lauding Tolbert realize how bad his second half was in Rochester? To top it off, I have never heard that he was a good defensive player. That Twins don’t need no-power, limited middle infielder–they already have enough of them.
flatblade,
Casilla has already been optioned to AAA. Tolbert is one of the few remaining options if they keep four possible middle infielders which most teams do.
Kenny Lofton (for some reason) is still available…
[…] chiefs during a trial at their pre-season training camp in London last week.www.dailyrecord.co.ukFriday Cuts and LineupsFriday Cuts and Lineups Posted on March 14th, 2008 ?? 8:35 AM By La Velle Alexi Casilla, Matt Macri, […]
[…] pick than Gomez. If the Twins were looking for comfort and making all of …www.startribune.comFriday Cuts and LineupsFriday Cuts and Lineups Posted on March 14th, 2008 ?? 8:35 AM By La Velle Alexi Casilla, Matt Macri, […]
