Twins Cut Five Players
Posted on March 27th, 2009 – 8:17 AMBy La Velle
Outfielder Jason Pridie was optioned to Class AAA Rochester on Friday.
Lefthander, Sean Henn, righthander Bobby Keppel, infielder Brock Peterson and outfielder David Winfree, all who aren’t on the 40-man roster, have been reassigned to the minor league camp.
That leaves the Twins with 34 active players - but that includes the soon-to-be-placed-on-the-disabled list Boof Bonser and Joe Mauer. So the Twins need to cut eight players before breaking camp.
Jose Mijares survived the cut. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he had been optioned but, this way, he can keep working with Rick Anderson.
Mauer update: Heard that Joe Mauer might have caught in the bullpen yesterday. Still looking into that. He did appear in the clubhouse this morning to grab a glove to go play a little catch.
It just so happened that Joe C. and I were scheming while standing in front of Mauer’s stall when he came out of nowhere.
“What, are you guys staking me out?” he asked.
“No,” I replied, “but I could say that Joe and I usually stand in the areas of the clubhouse where there’s never anyone around.”
Mauer (laughing): “That’s means I’m somewhere working.”
Then off Mauer went. To work.
Lineups
Rays
1. Akinori Iwamura, 2B
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. Pat Burrell, RF
5. Matt Joyce, DH
6. Gabe Kapler, CF
7. Shawn Riggans, C
8. Morgan Ensberg, 1B
9. Jason Bartlett, SS
Pitching: James Shields
Twins
1. Denard Span, LF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Crede, 3B
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Michael Cuddyer, RF
7. Carlos Gomez, CF
8. Jose Morales, C
9. Nick Punto, SS
Pitching: Scott Baker
Others scheduled: Craig Breslow, Brian Duensing, Matt Guerrier
Extra pitchers: Anthony Slama, Zach Ward
266 Responses to "Twins Cut Five Players"
who is the better shortstop? Bartlett or Punto?
Nice to see Gomez back in the lineup.
Winfree looked pretty good, the few times that I saw him. I hope he continues to show progress this year.
Really surprised that Machado is still with the club at this point. So is Christy but I am sure that the team needs an extra catcher for bullpens and side-work so it is not surprising that he still is there. I suspect that Machado’s future with the organization (rather than a position in the 25-man roster) is being evaluated.
oh and let’s hope that Baker won’t be pitching batting practice to the rays today. it would sure be nice to see him have a good outing and give him momentum into the start of the season!
“Extra pitchers: Anthony Slama”
Halle-freaking-luja!
Bartlett and it isn’t close imo.
Rats! No Delmonsy/Crawford throwdown today.
It really ticks me off that they kept Christy when Toby Gardenhire is available.
if Mijares is with the club only for him to work with Andy, then cool; but he really has shown very little in this ST.
Bird,
So if Toby is available, does that mean I get him?? hehe 
trish, you young coed tart. I guess you and matt decided just to be benefit-free online friends?
I think Punto has a better range defensively, but is vastly inferior to Bartlett with his bat. For what it’s worth, I think Bartlett provides more of the leadership required of SS on the field than Punto.
I go weak at the knees for baseball players. True story.
trish, I just had an image of a bunch of male bloggers getting out their old baseball uniforms, pulling up Mapquest for Winona State, and when looking in the mirror just prior to departure, failing to recognize their uncanny resemblance to Tommy Lasorda.
HA! Hilarious. Okay. Let me rephrase. I go weak at the knees for CURRENT basebll players. Preferably my age or close to! 
And how do you not know where Winona State is?? Can’t miss the big rock in our town!
where’s thry when you need him…
check the numbers, Punto is superior to Barlett at SS and last year had nearly identical offensive numbers.
I am no baseball player, but I do fine as a med student.
and she and I get along just fine thank you very much.
“who is the better shortstop? Bartlett or Punto?”
Alexi Casilla
Which team has a better young rotation the Rays or the Twins?
WJ
except he’s better at 2nd than anyone else as well.
Good one Walter your on it this morning!
BC ND
Twins, Twins and Twins again.
did I mention the twins?
Morning, Jeff. Who do you think is better at SECOND? Casilla or Punto?
medschoolmatt:
Bartlett is 29 with a career .276 .337 .362 line.
Punto is 31 with a career .252 .319 .332 line.
Neither is fantastic, but I think that Bartlett is historically better offensively than Punto, and could possibly get better (or at least not regress as soon as Punto will).
As Joe Maddon said of Matt Garza: “He’s like a recovering emotionalist.”
Sort of like Crash Davis talking to Nuke LaLoosh: “You’ve got a million dollar arm and a $.05 head.”
I don’t think the Twins have any head cases in the rotation.
Advantage: Twins.
Punto has a better range defensively, but is vastly inferior to Bartlett with his bat.
2008 numbers:
Bartlet: .286/.329/.361 82 OPS+
Punto: .284/.344/.382 99 OPS+
not close (the other way)
I agree that Punto last year was better than bartlett last year, offensively. last year’s stats for punto are an abberration from his career line, which is 50 points lower on slugging percentage.
2007
Punto .210 .291 .271
Bartlett .265 .339 .361
2006
Punto .290 .352 .373
Bartlett .309 .367 .393
2005
Punto .239 .301 .335
Bartlett .241 .316 .335
But, Bartlett is vastly less annoying than Punto. And Punto has never shortstopped his team to the WS.
Bartlett is one of the most overrated players in the majors.
Just the fact that he’s being compared to Nick Punto says a lot. The fact that Punto is actually better than Bartlett defensively and they are roughly the same player at the plate should tell you there is no need to pine for the days he was on this roster.
Bartlett has great range at SS. I would much prefer Barlett offensively and defensively.
Punto is not a better SS defensivl
Don’t get me wrong: I agree that Bartlett is very overrated. MVP? Are you kidding me?
I also think Punto is better than his haters make him out to be. But, Bartlett has been a better hitter over his career than Punto, and is 2 years younger.
Gee, how good is Punto?
That’s a subject we haven’t discussed before!
I think that we just got an “F” for creativity.
“But, Bartlett is vastly less annoying than Punto.”
Apparently, Gardy sees it differently than we do.
I hope Crede starts to show something at the plate. Getting closer to Opening Day.
WJ,
Like I said before, I hope that Baker can actually have a good outing today. maybe keep it under 2 HR’s.
Mauer did not catch in the pen yesterday. Bullpen catcher and Butera worked the pen.
This should be our starting lineup on opening day.
I’m hoping for a good start for Baker also, as I have to witness it. Stong winds this morning.
I know Spring Training lineups are meaningless, but I have noticed that Gomez has been hitting in the 7th spot a lot. It does seem like they are planning on putting NIcky in the 9 hole this year. I think they are wanting to try and cash in a little on the improved power of Gomez.
Mauer will start the season on the dl also.
Gomez always has had power, he just has to hit the ball. He loves to jack it.
bbw,
No Young on Opening Day?
Nope, no Young on opening day.
Span, Punto, Crede, Casilla and the catcher.
That batting order needs some help.
I’d play Young as much as possible until Mauer’s bat is back in the lineup.
When Crede, Span and Mauer start contributing, most of the Twins scoring issues should disappear.
When things get real, I expect Gomez to head back to his 9 spot. But, I gotta say, I kinda like seeing his name in the 7 spot.
I don’t know. I really like Punto in that 9-hole.
It would be interested to see how this goes, but I am not sure that it makes much sense to put a plug (i.e. a catcher) in between Gomez, Punto, Span and Casilla, when both Span and Gomez are in the lineup. And in the games that these 4 and Young play, it might make sense to bat Young 3rd (not only because he will see better pitches batting in front of the MVP) but this way you got 5 speedy guys in a row and have more options about what to do…
Nope, no Young on opening day.
I wouldn’t bet on Young sitting opening day.
If opening day were today I’d go with this lineup:
Casilla 2b
DYoung LF
Kubel DH
Morneau 1B
Cuddy RF
Crede 3B
Red C
Punto SS
Gomez CF
Redmond will be the opening day catcher no matter who the backup is or how many days a week Redmond eventually plays.
Baker should be happy with the catcher. Maybe he can bounce one and cauch Morales under the cup.
Rays have a much higher ceiling with their young staff than the Twins do with theirs, if BA and ESPN and other sites are to be believed. Much higher.
anyone heard anything of Morneau putting up a log home somewhere near the metro?
How many pitches before Baker gives one up?
fyi, the game is on MLB.TV also (if you subscribe of course).
Bartlett has never started a single game in the World Baseball Classic. Punto wins.
Thanks, Tony. Off to Gameday……..
When Mauer is healthy, does that mean there will be room for Tolbert, Harris and Buscher on the 25 roster?
Kaci - It depends on how many pitchers they decide to take north.
When Mauer is healthy, it means there isn’t room on the 25-man roster for either Morales or Butera.
It’ll have nothing to do with Tolbert, Harris or Buscher, unless the Twins decide to carry three catcher for a while, which I really, really hope isn’t the case.
is MLB.tv not working for anyone else?
About all Flash can do is draw walks. And almost get himself picked off.
twinlves,
Won’t work for me either. Did when I first logged in, but the game hadn’t started yet (just the MLB logo) so I switched to radio. Now I can’t go back to the tv.
It worked for a sec, but now I’m getting errors. Hopefully it will start working again soon (the Tigers game is working for some reason though).
the mlb.tv video part has the game market as “soon to be archived”. This is for games that just finished usually. It is an error and hope they fix it.
I can’t get MLB.TV either - just audio and gameday but at least gameday is updating batter by batter so far.
Gameday is updating after every batter today. Pitch count is still inaccurate.
Shields starting off with 8 straight balls.
Its alot faster than it has been. Bottom 1st Span and Casilla draw walks
Morneau doesn’t have it this year.
Kubel RBI single, 1-0 Twins.
Crede pops out, Morneau flies out, kubel 2 out rbi single
where is the “live box score”?
They are getting into regular line-up now. I would assume they pretty much made their mind up on the 25 now. I think Buscher is odd man out.
Tanks.
I bought the MLB.tv premium package last year but didn’t buy it this year. I still tried using it and its been working for me.
Ben D.,
What makes you say Buscher is out?
how many punto errors does morneau save?
i’ve got no tv but radio ok.
WJ
I’d say its because Tolbert is really coming around and Tolbert is a switch hitter with a much better glove than Butcher.
IMO it is between Harris and Buscher. Tolbert to versatile not to go north. Last night he pinch hit, Drew a walk and scored you just dont have that with Buscher or harris plus Tolbert better on D and plays 5 more positions than they do.
GGG
I’d guess a few per month.
[…] Twins Insider – […]
the twins website changed it from watch todays game to listen to today games
JJ
if thats the case, Buscher finds his suitcase because its no contest. Buscher can NOT play 3B, is below average at 1B (Harris and Cuddy are better) and Harris has a good bat and has a solid glove at 3B and is ok at other positions in the field.
“I bought the MLB.tv premium package last year but didn’t buy it this year. I still tried using it and its been working for me.”
Have you checked your monthly statement? Unless you personally cancel the service I believe they will automatically withdraw money. At least that is how it’s worked for me the last 3 years.
Do both reserve infielders have to play 5 positions? Just because Punto will start at SS doesn’t mean he can’t play other positions as well if necessary. Buscher can back up 1B and 3B, Harris SS and 3B. Punto SS, 2B, 3B. That any of them can also play OF is irrelevant.
I’m really not sure. I would like to see all three and go with 11 pitchers. I think Buscher has the best bat of all three, His glove is kind of scary though. If it were me I would take Tolbert and Buscher thats gives you a good LH bat when needed and Tolbert for A good Defensive, pinch runner , switch hitter replacement when needed. He is alot better at 2B than Harris.
I switched banks in December because i’m getting married, and I haven’t updated any info on MLBs website
Ben D - Would you be OK letting Harris walk for nothing? He is the only one of the three that can’t be sent to AAA until Crede gets hurt.
If it were me I would take Tolbert and Buscher
Harris is a lock. He is out of options. The other 2 have options left (2 years for Tolbert, 1 year for Buscher)
WJ
good point, but say Punto or Casilla get hurt (or scarily - both). your only back up at 2B/SS is Harris. you ok with that?
Got married, huh? Lotsa luck with the finances, twinlves!
I’d really like to see all three on the 25-man as well. First of all I don’t think we need to carry 12 pitchers. Second, whoever would be the 12th pitcher just isn’t good enough. I could see it if Mulvey and Dickey and Jones or another pitcher were having such good springs that they all deserved to be on the team. I think this is EXACTLY the situation with Buscher, Harris, and Tolbert. They all deserve to be on the 25-man. Finally I think you will have a much stronger team if the 25th man truly has earned his right to be there, not just because every other possible player for that spot was worse.
they haven’t emailed me about anything and I just checked my acount info and they don’t have any of my personal info on there(address, bank, etc.)
twinlves - They probably through in spring training to entice you to buy another year, just a guess though.
Getting radio play-by-play here in Marshall. First of the year I think.
T’hell with Gameday.
:)>
matt,
If Punto and Casilla are both injured, you recall Tolbert (or Plouffe) from Rochester (if they go with a 12-man staff).
Funny talk to the hand,you can predict if Morneau is going to have a bad year just because of spring training. He will be fine relax and enjoy, we have something to look forward to in Minnesota as far as sports goes. They will go as far as our bullpen takes us thats my biggest concern. I hope they add another arm soon before Crain unrails the train.
thanks romer
I think several teams would love to have Dickey as their 12th pitcher. He’s had a very good spring and even started a game recently and was very good.
you bring 12 because all 5 starters are young, and many have proven to not be able to go past the 6th on a regular basis. thats a lot of toll on a 6 person BP, when one is your closer, and 4 of the other 5 are mainly 1 inning guys (the 5th being Humber).
thats what i was thinking union,
i only used last years for spring training, this year i’m just going to get the iPhone app
WJ
yes, but what if both are day to day and the team doesnt want to put them on the 15 day DL?
I hope Crede doesn’t turn into another Lamb.
S**t, Gladden’s doing play-by-play.
Back to GameDay………
maybe koskie retiring has removed the 3B curse on the twins
Why does Span get a free pass, he has flat out sucked so far. He needs to get his head out of his A%$ or send him down and keep Buscher, Tolbert and Harris.
I hate to ask this, but where is the gameday option? I can only find the Audio or MLBTV. I dont remember it being that hard to find during the regular season.
msm,
“what if both are day to day and the team doesnt want to put them on the 15 day DL?”
Then the team will either be forced to do what they don’t want to do, or live with the consequences.
No team can survive everything possible.
Two catchers injured on the same day will create the same situation for almost any MLB team.
The Twins will be forced to DL a MIF that they would rather keep active.
A team’s gotta do what a team’s gotta do.
he is walking at least. he just hasn’t made solid contact that much yet.
still a problem though, but his glove has been top notch.
JJ,
Could not agree more. Free pass is what it is.
“He’s already proven he can play for me, and play up here, you know what I mean?” said Gardenhire about Span, who finished 0-for-4 with one strikeout in Tuesday’s 8-1 win. “I’m not worried about it. My goal is to get guys ready for Opening Day. He’s getting at-bats, he’s playing just fine. He’s put some good swings, some bad, just like everybody else. I’m not too worried about the guy. He can play.”
According to Gardy, he has proven himself………..
Aaron, you have to save gameday as a favorite and update it each day for the date and teams - here it is:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2009_03_27_tbamlb_minmlb_1
Justin Morneau homers… Maybe we’ll get even more power from MVP this year.
talk to the hand says:
March 27th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Morneau doesn’t have it this year.
Ptttttttttttttttttt!!
Sane
yes, but if its Tolbert over Buscher, you can fill in with Tolbert and Harris quite with at least moderate success without having to be ‘forced to do what they dont wanna do’.
2 catchers injured? Throw Morneau back there
Just like Cuddyer proved himself in, what, 2006?
Ding dong times 2
Thanks, CCTwinsFan
whatever baker had he must have given it to shields.
Gardy really needs to stop playing favorites. It should be based on performance and Span didn’t do so hot towards the end of the season either, he should have to be fighting more than he is for a spot, let alone a starting job.
He definitely should not have made that comment about the Indians and Cliff Lee last year, true or not he was a rookie and needed to keep himself in check and that is where he lost the blinders for me.
Morneau HR
Kubel Single
Cuddy HR
murder row x2?
Gomez killing the rally….
:)>
It will be nice to see a little more of this power, this season
LMS,
What did he say about Cliff Lee? I don’t recall.
LMS
I don’t think Gardy said Span was the lock. I think Cuddy was the only lock. one could argue he is seriously thinking Young in LF, Gomez in CF, with Casilla leading off.
JJ makes a good point. If Span cant produce right now( even if it is spring training) and we have a crowded outfield why not sent him to AAA!? That way all 4 outfielders can get a solid number of AB’s. Tolbert proved, in emergency situations, he can play outfield if needed. Plus, hes just one call away..
I think this Morneau kid is one to watch in the future.
Punto hitting .409????
“Gardy really needs to stop playing favorites. It should be based on performance…”
Twins need a true leadoff hitter. Span at least proved erstwhile that he’s it. ST is miniscule in meaning compared to the real deal (the pennant race we were in last year).
I would start the season with 11 pitchers, so the 12th pitcher can get his innings at AAA.
If the 11 pitchers become overworked, bring up the 12th pitcher and send down Tolbert.
If the 11 pitchers DON’T become overworked, then maintain the 11-man-staff and the 5-man bench.
span must go to the punto’s baserunning school.
twinsfaninStL
yes; he’s had limited time here but ever since he came back from the WBC he’s been tearing it up.
I think we need a leadoff hitter that can do more than go up there hoping to draw a walk.
It is good of Mr. Shields to throw a little BP this inning.
Crede is looking AWESOME
wait…
Luis Matos asked for his release and it has been granted.
when Lee skipped his last start of the season because of the stiff neck Span was kind of pointed in his comments, when he of course like the rest of his teammates could have done something more to win that one extra game.
“If he doesn’t want to pitch, then I don’t want him out there,” Span said. “I want somebody that is going to go out there and win, Eric Wedge [Indians manager]. Put somebody out there that is going to win. If Cliff Lee doesn’t want to win, sit [him] on the bench.
Not a huge lose for our boys. His chance of seein the field was miniscule.
romer,
I agree with you, but half a season of success doesn’t make him a great leadoff hitter either. Remember last years half season is the only time in his career he has looked like a MLB player. Let’s hope he can do it this year again!
talk to the hand, I apologize for the misread on your sarcasm.
We’re both forgiven…..
but romer last year was last year….. he might have only have been as successful as he was because he felt he had something to prove which he no longer has, or people have a scouting report on him and know how to pitch to him to get him out.
“but half a season of success doesn’t make him a great leadoff hitter either”
It makes Span capable of half a season of success as a leadoff hitter.
Who else has been proven to have that capability?
Yeah, AaronK, Span’s on the probation/watch thing I suppose. If he doesn’t snap out of it in a month, send him to AAA.
I think it is pretty obvious that Gardy wants Span in the lineup, just by looking at the amount he has played so far this S.T.. He’s played in more games and had more ab’s then any other player on the team. I think Gardy needs Span to start hitting the ball well though, or he is going to look like a real @$$ sitting someone else on opening day. On the other hand, Gomez has started to look a little more Gomez-like the last couple games he has played. So Span might have little to do to get on the opening day roster. I would say right now (for opening day)the outfield is going to be Span, Young and Cuddy.
Keep in mind that not only is Span playing a lot he’s switching positions almost every game and that’s not as easy as you might think.
5 of our 9 starting hitters are lefty or switch. There is no way in hell we send Tolbert(Switch Hitter) down and keep Buscher. We had this same argument last year when Buscher was sent to rochester just like it will be this year.
LMS,
Are you saying that Span feels that he no longer has anything to prove?
IMO he has a better grip on the reality of his situation.
His problem is “opening up too early”.
Most hitters fight that problem periodically, and most (not all) can correct it. Often it is as simple as distancing himself from the plate and taking away the danger of getting jammed.
There are dozens of “cures”, with varying effectiveness.
I was at Tuesday’s game against the Marlins in Jupiter, and Span looked horrible at the plate. To make it worse, he had to follow Slowey twice after he had a line-drive single and double that drove in three runs. Span struck out after the single, then hit a broken-bat popup after the double. I was embarassed for him.
Kubel with a 2 run jack
But LMS, a true leadoff hitter is a precious commodity. Ya can’t dump him just yet, is the point…….no matter what the odds are for his success.
Crede looks like crap. Tolbert has more HR than he does pathetic.
Regardless of whether Span deserves to start or not, he definately should be on the 25-man roster and not in AAA.
Home. Run. Derby.
Guess what?! I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription… is more Ku-bell!
Punto for MVP!
WJ
LMAO. I am going to remember that one!
TWO doubles for Punto? Holy cow.
“Crede looks like crap”
As has EVERY hitter at certain periods in their career.
Is it temporary?
or
Is it NOT temporary?
Span has two hits and three RBI…maybe this is the game?
“grap a glove to go play a little catch” “Then off Maurer went. To work.”
Dang! My bestest dreams ain’t even that cool.
Span 2-3, walk 3 RBI’s
Hopefully he continues down this path
span started off hot in june and his #’s dropped every month as the season went on. he looks like his down hill slide is still going. however he is battling his tail off and getting after it putting some good swings on it and some bad, maybe scuffling a little.
sounds like the rays are having a bad day in every part of the game.
I’m as worried about Spans hitting as i am Bakers pitching = not at all.
What did Shields do to Joe Madden to get him abandoned in the (s)hit-storm?
Sane–
I mean he has nothing left to prove in the fact everyone made a point that he didn’t deserve to get sent down last year and the fact LaVelle said he wouldn’t make the team or something (there was something in the Diamond awards) and there was a spark that just seems like it is missing from him this season in the few games I have seen. I know it is Spring Training but I don’t think he really has the same “I have to PROVE I deserve this spot on the roster” I am going to show up early to camp and be the first on in and the last one out, and he might, but with all the press they have on Span there hasn’t been any mention of it.
Romer–
I am not saying to outright him or give him his unconditional release, just make him know his job isn’t as guaranteed as Morneau or Mauer and get him a little wake up call. If he needs more at bats, send him to the minor league fields for a few days to lead off every inning to get timing down, then come back, because when you look as bad as he has, especially the ABs following AL pitchers batting there is nothing saying you are ready to lead off for a team in about a week
Aaron,
Some kids had that on a sign at the Dome last year. That’s where I saw it.
I vote Punto for new leadoff hitter.
Maybe this has been covered, but….
162 X 4 = 648
648 = the number of games the starting OF’s and DH will play this year (for every team).
648 divided by 5 = 130 (rounded off)
130 = the number of games each of the 5 Twins OF’s would play if they are platooned in a mathematically equal way.
In other words, plenty of playing opportunity for the 4 OF’s and Kubel this year along with plenty of time to heal injuries and not get worn out.
I like it a lot!
“I like it a lot!”
Said with a Cockney accent, no doubt.
Span’s OBP today is .750 and he has 3 RBI.
Cancel his Rochester trip.
hate to harp on the guy, but a double play hit into by Crede…
and yes, Span has gotten his hits today, but so has everyone else. lets see how he does in a non-hitters day.
Cancel the trip and give it to our power hitting million 3B Crede.
“lets see how he does in a non-hitters day.”
I wonder if Thrylos has stats for that.
I like how when we had Bartlett on the Twins we needed help at SS. Then he goes to TB and all the sudden Bartlett has all these special skills…Punto wins EZ.
Yes Span has raised his average to .167 and Crede has lowered his to .167 WOW!
Although it is ST, I am a little impressed that Baker is in the 6th and has only pitched 30+ pitches
Harris is lucky he is out of options!
Crede probably has a little more to go before he’s in shape 100%. He said he likes alot of ABs in Spring Training, which I take to mean it takes him awhile to get going. Even at his best he’s not a high average guy anyway.
““lets see how he does in a non-hitters day.”
This must be a “non-hitters day.”
Span is having a great day and everyone is saying that he is a non-hitter.
Who’s the moron that let Julio DePaula go?!!
LMS,
He doesn’t have to “PROVE I deserve this spot” this ST. But he does when the regular season starts. The best of players have bad ST’s.
And the best of players have bad starts to the regular season.
But you wouldn’t send all-stars to AAA in either case. And you wouldn’t send estabished newbies (like Span) down for the former. But you might for the latter. But even that’s a hard call in Span’s case, because a true leadoff is a precious commodity.
AAA in a month for Span if he isn’t “Proving” it is the best you can hope for at this point.
JJ
Harris hits BOTH lefties and righties at a .265 clip. Buscher hits righties a .300 clip and is non existant (.205) against lefties.
the team can hit righties, but has a hard time against lefties. the last thing we need is another good lefthanded bat
in the field, Buscher is called butcher for a reason. he’s downright atrocious at 3B and is even the best backup at 1B (Harris and Cuddy are arguably better, and both are right-handed, automatically giving them the edge).
speaking of Harris, he was pretty good at 3B towards the end of last year, and was below-average to average at SS and 2B (and was ok when he filled in for Morneau at 1B as well).
its no contest. and luck has nothing to do with it.
“I wonder if Thrylos has stats for that.”
Ha! And you know he’s definitely looking for some stat work, God bless him.
I sure like what Kubel is doing this spring and perhaps, just perhaps, we have the DH we’ve always dreamed of. Got to believe that Delmon wishes he were in the game for some of that home cookin.
lol @ Sane (sorry, I hate to use the term but that was a great play on words)
I meant a day where hitters arent hitting, thus it would be good to see how well he does on a day where not everyone in the lineup was having their way with the pitcher.
I dont give a rats A*& what Crede BA is he has the lowest SLG% on the team. It will be costly if he is a bust
it will only be costly if he is healthy, gardy plays him constantly, and he still sucks. I think that scenario is unlikely.
Kubel is on fire!
“Luis Matos asked for his release and it has been granted.”
Snap. There goes thrylos’ heart.
To judge Crede by the same standard as Span (what he did the first part of last season), Crede was an All-Star!
Who is this Rene Tosoni guy? Never heard of him. anyone got any info?
I just judge him what he has done since he put a Twins uniform on, not jack SH)(*T yet. I am praying he comes around.
I love how when anyone is losing an argument they fall back on “Spring Training doesn’t mean anything!”.
“…and perhaps, just perhaps, we have the DH we’ve always dreamed of.”
Apparently, the Minnesota Cat, you’ve been cattin’ around the past two years when Kubel’s been putting up offensive numbers that are about the Twins’ best.
I mean, if you count HRs and RBIs per AB’s as a meaningful stat.
Walter J your argument is what?
Is Rene Tosoni (pinch runner for Cuddy) a real person or a GameDay malfunction? Never heard of him.
“I dont give a rats A*& what Crede BA is he has the lowest SLG% on the team. It will be costly if he is a bust”
It’s only ST, dudes. Ya gonna dump an all-star/golden-glove type just ‘cos he has a bad ST with a new team?
romer
yes, quite the meaningful stat indeed.
Kubel is worth every penny he got in his deal.
Why is Watkins getting action at 3B and not Harris?
Sorry, schurik- same question.
tolbert-singleton-buscher
wth? weird ST double play x2
He is at the A level
he batten 300 for the Miracle last year He is only 22-23
“I love how when anyone is losing an argument they fall back on “Spring Training doesn’t mean anything!”.”
ST has meaning in lots of cases. But in the cases proposed today, it doesn’t have meaning until the regular season defines it.
And hindsight is a beautiful thing, no?
What’s ugly is paranoid (even if slight) foresight.
Baker gets a quality start and has only one ‘bad’ inning with a double and HR in there.
anyone still worried? I’m not (and haven’t been).
For reference: http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=32529
Every conversation on here is about Spring Training, Dude.
Ben D.,
Wasn’t directed at you, just a general statement.
Swannie, I think Tosoni is a pretty legit OF prospect. Similar to Martin probably. Could play a lot in New Britain this year.
I think I ranked him about #15 Twins prospect.
stats for Rene Tosoni:
romer,
People on this blog are constantly bemoaning the fact that we let Ortiz go and he developed into a very good DH while the Twins have tried many DH candidates and it seems like it’s been musical chairs with them. I merely wanted to point out that we should give the DH role to Kubel and just let him run with it instead of letting him bat only against RH pitchers.
Alot of people on here have favorites and argue, but everyone wants to see Crede do what he was signed to do. We all would just like to see a glimps of it in ST
good chat you had last nite Seth
There must have been 5,000 post last year about us needing a Power Hitting 3B.
Anyone have stats on Kubel vs lefties this ST?
I thought Watkins retired from the minors and was collecting social security.
Hey Seth nice job on Jacks show today.
Thanks, guys. I was surprised to see Tosoni in the batting order, as I haven’t see him in a game before. (Then again, I missed a good handful of games).
I believe that a bad ST is more likely to carry over into the regular season than not. Doesn’t mean the whole season will be like that, but you don’t want to dig a big hole early while players are trying to get on track. So I share Ben D’s anxiety about Crede to some extent.
WJ,
“Doesn’t mean the whole season will be like that, but you don’t want to dig a big hole early while players are trying to get on track. So I share Ben D’s anxiety about Crede to some extent.”
There is NOTHING WRONG with wanting to get a head-start on your worrying about the regular season.
That enables you to start worrying about the postseason in August, so you are not rushing yourself when the time comes.
where is thrylos when you need him to post some stats on Kubel against lefties and righties?
Swannie,
At this point of ST, when they get closer to the 25-man roster the “call up” a couple of random players from the minor league camp to play in the games.
“Every conversation on here is about Spring Training, Dude.”
Yeah…….partly.
I’m just trying to keep people away from WHOLLY considering ST in their analysis.
And I don’t think this year that ST has that much meaning because of the excellent players the Twins have.
1. But I can appreciate critical ST focus on such players as Crain and Mijares.
2. And some but less so for Guerrier, Span, and Gomez.
Mighta considered Cuddy in one of those 2 “categories”, but he’s a vet who’s in the best shape of his life.
And there are no duds or lazy-boys on this team (with the possible exception of Mijares). So harping on Twins players because of ST is next to useless as far as I can see.
Guerrier pitching with a 16-2 lead.
That’s the kind of situation in which he can be counted on.
Swannie,
They typically will bring a handful of players over from minor league camp to get some time with the team in the late innings. It’s really quite motivating to some of them.
Matt - thanks, I enjoy doing those chats.
BC - I love being on the Jack Michaels Show. Fun talking Twins.
really going out on a limb sane!
Gotcha. I thought they were starting to ship players out at this point, but that makes sense.
Guerrier looked ok in his last outting
hey may be coming around…
Okay, I’ll be sophistic a bit.
“So I share Ben D’s anxiety about Crede to some extent.”
If Crede were having an excellent ST, we’d still go “hope it holds up during the regular season. His back is still suspect ya know.”
So, again, ST is just about wholly meaningless re Crede.
But “yeah” to everyone, Crede and Span and Mijares are big question marks this ST.
The only one dumpable, though, is Mijares, because it looks like he’s a lazy fat-boy.
Fret and worry about the rest are pretty much useless, I believe.
I didn’t used to be this complacent. But again, this is an excellent group of players who deserve the benefit of the doubt.
I still believe that but for Morneau’s bad month (with ailing injuries) last September, the Twins could easily have won the WS last year.
I think they are showing that today vs. the Rays (Okay, okay…..I know — it’s only a ST game).
But I’m not in the mood to dump (and sending Span to AAA right now would be dumping him) any players from last year based on ST.
The only hole was 3B. And give Crede 10 more days to reconstitute and start to jell.
Hell, give him 30 more days! I just hope he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself.
How are he and Vavra getting along?
16-2 after 7 innings was enough for me in that heat. What a good time though! Kubel right on the ball and a long homerun. Cuddy’s was a line shot, and Justins didn’t need the wind to dead center.
msm,
“Guerrier looked ok in his last outting”
Was that outing similar to today; or was he in a high pressure situation… like protecting a 10-run lead?
Nuts!
Breslow pitching the 9th inning and Slama hoping a 16-2 game goes extra innings.
Good luck wit’ dat!
Start the season already!
I like romers optimisim.
sorry optimism
trish,
Weighing in on your question Bartlett or Punto.
Previous to this season Punto has primarily been a utility player. I believe the Twins might even still prefer him in that role now, if they had another bonafide MLB SS on the roster. I’m certain if Bartlett was on the roster Punto would be a utility backup IF. Bart is a couple of years younger.
ON defense, Bart has slightly greater range and a stronger arm. IMO Punto makes a greater % of “highlight” plays. Though Bart gets his share. These highlight plays have value by having a tendency to jack the team up and putting the other team back on their heels a bit.
On offense, Bart has greater power and his AB’s are “truer”. (He deserves more of the hits he gets.) Their batting lines favor Bart slightly.
I don’t know for sure bout their clubhouse contributions. But, Gardy loves Punto for a reason. And the local sportswriters in Tampa Bay must of had some reason to vote Bartlett the Rays MVP. In either case, based on the Twins policy to hire on character, I’m sure both of them do contribute there.
And Punto has never shortstopped his team to the WS.
Evan Longoria did more to thirdbase his team to the WS than Bartlett did.
The only difference is that Evan Longoria isn’t an ex-Twins, so fans can’t use his contributions as an excuse to whine about the FO.
Mijares is like Sal Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos”.
romer,
“How are he and Vavra getting along?”
Crede tries to avoid Vavra at all times.
Crede is a disciple of the teachings of BC Beneke, 2008 Edition.
sane,
Would you please elaborate? Teachings of BC?
“sorry optimism”
Hope that won’t be my lasting moniker for the coming season!
Paul,
BC Beneke is (was?) a regular on these blogs who wanted Vavra fired last season until the Twins scored so many runs, that it became an impractical and unpopular cause.
Thanks sane.
“…became an impractical…”
What do ya mean BECAME!?
He went a little besierk over it all, and refused to acknowledge the good part of Vavra’s history as a player and coach.
You guys are unbelievable! According to you a year ago Punto should not even be on our team. You guys will turn on your own mothers at the drop of a hat. Just let her go 0 for 4 with an error I bet Gardy laughs his A$$ off at your crtisism, comments and suggestions. Whatever decision he makes eventually you clowns will agree. From now on stick with your opinions for longer than a week.
“Evan Longoria did more to thirdbase his team to the WS than Bartlett did.”
difficult for a shortstop to thirdbase his team anywhere!
T just really hates Bartlett.
romer i think that’s a moniker for all us long time Twins fans.
“You guys will turn on your own mothers at the drop of a hat. Just let her go 0 for 4 with an error”
My mother’s only error was me, and I more or less was forced to forgive her for that mistake.
Guerrier pitching with a 16-2 lead.
That’s the kind of situation in which he can be counted on
Hopefully he, and the rest of the BP, sees many of these situations.
Start the season already!
With our all-star/2-time batting champ catcher still hung-up I wouldn’t mind going with another month of ST.
test
That’s My Boy!!
Leave mom out of it.
That moniker. Is it Pig Latin for D-bag?
Twins fans had better get used to some long dry spells from Joe Crede. He can go a month contributing nothing and go on a two week tear carrying the team with him. What they can expect every night is above average defense
Where is thrylos when you need him?? Probably got arrested for staking out Mauers house in St. Paul.
Who is this medschoolmatt? He hasn’t been following ST this year, that’s for sure……Must get his info from 98.
When will the Twins make their FINAL cut this week? What day?
I am Topp Dogg.
Twins fans had better get used to some long dry spells from Joe Crede. He can go a month contributing nothing and go on a two week tear carrying the team with him. What they can expect every night is above average defense
Finally, a breath of fresh air (and some baseball sense) on the blog.
Nice post. Accurate. Insightful. To the point. New information.
I would add only this: if Crede gives us something like 130 games of just that, and ends up around .260/.310/.480, he will have more than paid his way.
Bartlett or Punto? Bat: Bartlett
Range, glove, overall defense: Punto
Punto……….
The Twins glory days were when Bartlett was at SS and Punto at 3B. Two swift athletic guys. You can’t get too much better than those two both on the left side.
Crede had a fine glove at one time. Hopefully he still does. Problem is he is very slow footed and his power is not suited for the dome. The big field in LF and the tall curtain in RF renders his power inert in his home park. He will hit .245 with 9 HR on the year.
Crede puts the ball in play fairly well, so he should make some productive outs, by moving the runners along. That’s a good thing because he is an out machine. He will have a pathetic sub .300 OBP in 2009.
Overall, Craig thinks Crede is still a very slight upgrade over Buscharris, but Buscharris would have produced many more runs.
Crede is an overcooked noodle with the bat, but he will help the pitching and that’s good enough for Craig. Baseball is pitching.
How could the Rays end up with both Morgan Ensberg and Pat Burrell on the same team? Ugh!
That good young staff is going to have to cover for some awful hitters. Pitching can do that. Hopefully, the Rays can just release the miserable Ensberg. Hard to find a worse ballplayer. Burrell comes close.
Craig hopes that Alejandro Machado is not sent down. The Twins have plenty of room for him with the major league club. He has the skills, versatility and athleticism to help the team win. Craig notes that Machado has played very little this spring and is a non-roster player, which unfortunately indicates he is unlikely to remain.
Besides Machado, Catcher (Jeff?) Christy and R.A. Dickey are the remaining non-roster players. Christy won’t make the team and Dickey absolutely should not. Dickey has to be one of the dumbest spring training invites of all time. Release him immediately.
