Twins call up Tolbert
Posted on September 4th, 2009 – 11:38 AMBy La Velle
The Twins have recalled infielder Matt Tolbert, who began the season at Rochester before being called up in May and hit .178 in 48 games before being sent back to Rochester.
He hit .288 in 56 games with Rochester.
Tolbert recently returned to action for Rochester after recovering from a sore knee. He was scheduled to be called up on Sept. 1 but the injury held him back.
No word on if the Twins will call up anyone else. In my opinion, outfielder Jason Pridie and third baseman Danny Valencia should be at the top of the list, but there have been no indications that they are being considered.
Valencia is a candidate to start at third next season but Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said earlier in the week that Valencia wasn’t playing great at Rochester and he wasn’t keen on using someone with no experience when the club is fighting for the postseason.
Pridie could pitch run and be a late-inning defensive sub. Tolbert, however, played 20 games in the outfield at Rochester and could be an option.
Joe C. is headed to Cleveland and will check in this afternoon with updates from Progressive Field.
85 Responses to "Twins call up Tolbert"
How long will it be before Gardy has some excuse for starting Tolbert? Ugh!
Brock Peterson is 11-for-14 with 2HR, 6RBI in his last four games.
Also hitting .417 in his last 10 games and .308 for the season.
I think that letting Morneau repair his swing against RHP’s-only might get him restarted, while Peterson bats against the LHP’s.
Gardenhire’s excuses for not bringing up Valencia are laughable! He wasn’t playing great? He is hitting .295 in AAA. In his last ten games, he has hit .268, but it is no comparison to Buscher’s numbers down there. Buscher was hitting .179 for the season, while going a staggering .056 (2 for his last 36 at-bats) in his last ten games before getting the call up. So he is going to use that excuse for Valencia, but fail to mention that Buscher made Valencia look like an All-Star.
His second excuse about not wanting to use someone with no experience when the club is fighting for the postseason is about as absurb. How much experience did Jeff Manship and Armando Gabibo have as starting pitchers prior to getting thrown into the rotation? Oh yeah, about the same amount as Valencia does. If the plan is to have him as your everyday third baseman next year, you might as well bring him up and get his feet wet.
Why don’t the just bring up Valencia so he can get used to the other people on the team, traveling, routines, and other things that aren’t playing time.
I would much rather have seen Valencia pinch hit Wednesday afternoon then Buscher. I guess Buscher was really tearing it up at AAA though………..
Meh
JonM, exactly see my above post about Buscher’s putrid numbers in AAA.
How will the Twins address 2B, SS, 3B next year. 50-50 Valencia is in the mix, 50-50 it will be Casilla at 2B, Cabrera and Crede will be gone…Punto/Harris hopefully back to utility. Weez screwed unless we make a trade/sign a FA in the off season. Please trade Delmon or Liriano for something ~
I know, how about Delmon for Bartlett?
Pinch runner and nothing else please.
Climb on Tolbert’s back!
Seriously, how about Delmon, Liriano and Perkins for JJ Hardy?
Can we just get the Morneau of 2006? That Justin played a lot better in the second half than the 07, 08, and 09 version.
Apparently, just being “Asked” to be in the HR Derby messes up your swing.
“he wasn’t keen on using someone with no experience when the club is fighting for the postseason.”
Gordon Beckham and Rick Porcello would not be experienced enough to play for Gardy in a pennant race.
The alternative is for Gardy to play the physically-challenged RedWing refuse until the Twins are OUT of the pennant race.
THEN, it will be safe to call up the inexperienced prospects with ACTUAL TALENT!!!
Gardy is obviously lying about Valencia we can tell by looking at his stats that he’s ready now.
how about Delmon, Liriano and Perkins for JJ Hardy?
Why don’t you throw in Mauer and Morneau, maybe then that deal would work…
TOO MUCH.
Perkins + a minor leaguer for Hardy is more than enough. Perkins and Hardy are in the same kind of a doghouse and Hardy makes way more than Perkins
Is it just me or did this recent loss change everything? I really started thinking I was wrong about the character of this team, and now I have that same doomed feeling I had before their nice minirun. The same concern that they just don’t have the heart to do this. One little game has changed everything.
Kind of off topic, but I just can’t believe HOW MANY crappy garbage pile AL pitchers move to the NL and transform into Cy Young overnight.
“Is it just me or did this recent loss change everything?”
IMO, it is just you and most fans and bloggers.
One loss (when Nathan just didn’t have it) doesn’t change how much (or little) “heart” the team has.
It only changes the “outsiders” perception of that “heart”.
I would throw in a lot more than Perkins and a prospect for Hardy. We meed to move Delmon. Hardy has the all round tools to be both a defensive and offensive infielder…Delmon does not have the defensive abilities and we don’t need another DH project. The Brewers don’t need a DH, so maybe Liriano…either way, I’d make that deal. This team isn’t any worse without these two or Perkins, they are all very replaceable. My bet is that Hardy comes back a lot better than the others…
sane…that sounds good to me
thry, we also conversed at the end of last year regarding Nathan’s dip in velocity last year…has it gone down further this year too? Seems to be more at 92 than the other days at 95. Maybe that’s why he’s seemingly experimenting with more slider variations, off-speed stuff?
Read Seth Stohs’ blog today for interesting analysis on Gardy’s strange treatment of young players compared to veterans. And Seth is one of the positive ones in here.
Gardy won’t play inexperience but he’ll push Punto and Casilla out to puke on their shoes. He’s such an arrogant Richard. He was a spare ballplayer and still has a h a r d o n for young players.
heet, I know what you mean. Getting to face a pitcher versus a DH is nice, but it is pretty ridiculous how well some pitchers have been doing after going to the NL.
The Twins won’t be more than 4 games back after this weekend. And if they’re only three back even LEN3 might jump back on the bandwagon!
The clear reason they don’t bring Valencia up is because he is very streaky, has poor plate discipline and oh yeah, he is a jerk. This is from Baseball America and I quote, “He has show immaturity at times with teammates, umpires and club officials.” Can anyone say RED FLAGS. His talent is good, his makeup is crap. The Twins made a huge mistake by trading him while he was hot and getting something decent long term.
Interesting that Gardy’s concerned with using Valencia “when the club is fighting for the postseason.” It’s obvious that Tolbert and Buscher are known commodities–as in, known to not be able to hit major league pitching very well. While it’s unknown how Valencia will do, it’s not realistic to think he’d do much worse than Buscher (can’t hit or field, ok on base %)or Tolbert (can’t hit, fields ok, runs bases ok, but we already have Punto). And I think we need to face reality that while we still could make the postseason, it’s a long shot at this point.
As Ben mentioned, we’re already pinning our postseason hopes on several pitchers who also don’t have major league experience, but at this point are our best options. I don’t think any of us believe Tolbert & Buscher are our best options, but Valencia at least may be a better option. Why not give him a shot, at least get a better idea how ready he is to possibly step up at 3rd for next season?
ZZZZZZZZZ……..Tolbert?….ZZZZZZ…..pinch runner…..ZZZZZZZ……defensive replacement……ZZZZZZZZ…..wake me when we do something interesting outside of Tolbert, Buscher, Pridie, etc……ZZZZZZZZ…..
Tolbert is an excellent choice. He’s a good player ready to contribute.
The stats of Valencia aren’t what the Twins are considering by not calling him up. They have been watching him, and he isn’t having good at bats, or playing well in the field.
Smith said players will only be called up if they can help the team.
I’ve never heard of the Twins expressing any interest in Hardy. Gardy likes swift, rangy players in the middle infield. Hardy doesn’t offer those skills.
Bunting Twins,
Even if you are not C.R.A.I.G. (as USAFChief has charged), your 12:39 post suggests that you have a clone by that name out in the blogosphere who thinks and writes as your exact duplicate would.
Meh, I hope Tolbert is a late inning replacement and pinch runner. I too wanted to see Pridie up here.
Gardy was reported to have wanted Valencia a few weeks ago, I think its pretty obvious he’s covering for the FO who has concerns.
People are seriously willing to trade 3 young players with some potential for freakin JJ Hardy? There is a reason he was sent down people. So the guy can hit a few homers. Go see how often he strikes out. Watch him play short, he’s a mess in the field. I could careless about any stats Thrylos98 pulls up, you can manipulate numbers anyway you like.
I’m contiually amazed at how people in this blog seem to only understand the power side of the game and little else. The same people screaming we always pick up everyone else’s garbage are now chanting JJ Hardy’s name.
sane,
My 12:39 post is what the Twins have said. I must be a clone of Smith or Gardy. Ask Bill Smith or Gardy about Tolbert and Valencia. I’ll bet they say almost exactly what I did.
If you think Bush can’t field, then you dumb butts haven’t seen Valencia. Boy, you are al in for a treat. The grass is always greener.
Ben, Sane…..
Mary Ann. What the heck does a girl know about baseball? Give me a break please.
Twins did in fact talk to the Brewers about Hardy this past offseason, as stated on these boards.
Slowey supposedly was what Milwaukee wanted, so that killed the chance of a deal.
Liriano for Hardy. Both could use a change of scenery.
“…… people in this blog seem to only understand the power side of the game and little else.”
Excellent observation.
Power is important, but only one aspect of a complex formula for success. Not every good player needs to possess power to contribute. It’s still a team sport.
Mattman, being in the HR derby didn’t seem to affect Mauer any, he actually has more power this year and a pretty nice BA to go along with the power.
“What the heck does a girl know about baseball?”
Uh-oh. Quite a bit is the answer. Certainly from many of the “girls” who write in here. I like to hear what they have to say.
I have “girls” in my family who are quite the baseball whizzes.
I’d say many women and girls know a great deal about baseball.
What if we give up a couple decent commodities for AAAJJHardy, and then as a Twin he plays like, well, AAAJJHardy? Oh yeah, I remember, then we could spend an entire season beetching about it on this blog!
“Twins did in fact talk to the Brewers about Hardy this past offseason”
Do you have a link to the story?
“I’d say many women and girls know a great deal about baseball.”
Bunting, did you have the standard, Clintonesque politician’s “thumbs up” when you wrote that? 
I’m still waiting for Toby G, when will they call up that little nugget of baseball joy?
“Bunting, did you have the standard, Clintonesque politician’s “thumbs up” when you wrote that?”
A thumb was not what was up when Clinton was thinking about women.
Liriano for Hardy…2 highly touted prospects that went backwards. A change of scenery could possibly benefit either party. If I were a betting man on one coming out ahead over the other I’d be putting my money on Hardy. But I doubt the Brewers would do that deal…
Toby will be the backup catcher next year. I hear he’s got great footwork AND he’s willing to go to instructional league.
Thanks, Bunting. Honestly, I don’t believe it’s worth spending much time to address those type of comments (stooping to that level.)
Back to Valencia. I sincerely hope if the Twins aren’t willing to at least see how he handles a September callup–quasi pennant race and all–that they don’t hang their hopes on him as next year’s third baseman. And that they then also address the 3rd base situation with more than Harris, Buscher or Crede as the solution.
The Tolbert Call-up should tickle Morales supporters. This should mean he could get at least one good at bat per game.
Dood,
Do you mean as a pinch hitter if Tolbert starts?
Maybe not against left hand pitchers. Tolbert hit .321 against left handers in Rochester. Only .279 for Morales.
In 560 games JJ Hardy has stolen 5 bases and has been nabbed 6 times. That doesn’t always equate with how a player moves in the field, but it raises questions. Gardy doesn’t want a plodder in the middle.
“If you think Bush can’t field, then you dumb butts haven’t seen Valencia”
There is NO ONE who thinks Buscher is or ever will be as good a 3B as Valencia.
If the Twins actually thought that, Valencia would have been traded on July 31.
Gardy’s issues with Valencia are MLB experience and “immaturity at times with teammates, umpires and club officials”. (Baseball America Sept7-20, 2009, p.25)
Some scouts have projected Hardy as a 3B vs. SS provided he finds his power stroke again…
Valencia is not on the 40-man roster. Gardy & BS do not want to swap someone out to bring him up. I assume it would also cost the club some $$ buying his contract and giving him ML time as well. Too bad, if Valencia is the future 3rd baseman, he should at least be bought up for the ride, and a couple of late inning appearances to get rid of the Show Jitters!
I think Dood was referring to pinch hit situations. The other day they did NOT hit Morales for Gomez with runner on third because Punto had already pinch run and Gard’s had no other outfielders (or sumpin like dat). Tolbert can at least provide more fielder flexability since Morales can only catch. Yes?
Or maybe it was Casilla, whatever, you get the point.
The Red Sox will trade for Hardy. The Boston fans will love saying “J.J. HAAH-dee”.
1. Sane’s 12:45 post is dead on.
2. Valencia would have to be added to the 40 man, no?
3. JJ Hardy will be dealt this winter, and if he doesn’t end up a Twin I’ll be disappointed. Seems like a great fit for all sides. Perkins should be more than enough to get it done. If nothing else, Hardy will improve the defense over everything the Twins have run out there at SS this year.
Aren’t we all familiar with Gardentool’s M.O. by now? Publicly disparage the up & comer’s defensive talents to protect the playing time of his little pets? He never misses an opportunity to run down Harris, Morales, Young, etc. to ensure plenty of playing time for the likes of Punto, Red, Buscher, Tolbert, Cuddy. I feel myself trembling on the brink of insanity with Twins-related frustration.
Bunting-
Of course you knew that since you have been on the boards under other names.
I’m with sane at 12:12 (sorry, had to work there some).
Gardy would rather have experienced bad players on the roster, than rookies.
That’s his choice, but I’m sure glad he wasn’t the manager when Knoblauch was a rookie.
I’m sure the giants’ fans are glad he’s not their manager this year also (they use all those young guys, and just called up a rookie catcher).
The detroit fans are probably happy about it this year, as are all of the Sox fand that like their 3B.
If the Twins think Valencia is a head case, they should have dealt him, and not spent the last TWO YEARS telling their fans he was the only hope at 3B in their system….
best trade ever Humber, Delmon and some prospect for Michael Young
Yes, Valencia would have to be added to the 40-man roster; however, there are only 39 people on it currently. When Mulvey went to the D’backs, he vacated his roster spot. Valencia will be added to the 40-man roster after the season, so why not now?
but that is me just being optimistic
would fix third base problems though
You might need to pay the Rangers to take Humber off our hands. He’s already gone through waivers unclaimed twice this year.
Perkins for anyone I am ok with but not Liriano. 1 year after surgery he gets called up too soon so fails with the
Twins, has a great minor league season so gets called up and goes 6-1 with sub 3 ERA the rest of the way. Then he pitches in the winter league. Yes, this is totally hindsight but maybe he shouldn’t be throwing all those innings the year after surgery. Give him the winter off and see how he comes back. No way do you give up on a young guy like this so soon after surgery. If he has the same results next year then give him the heave ho. Sometimes you just have an off year. I am patient enough to see if this is the case with Cisco.
I’ve got an idea! If Gardenhire thinks yet another good prospect is a ‘head case’ (ala Lohse, Garza, etc) this time let’s try getting rid of GARDY. For gosh sake we wouldn’t want anyone talented and tempermental upsetting the happy losing vibe in the clubhouse.
benny,
cash considerations are already paperclipped to humbers resume
C
I agree with you
Seems clear they are not calling Valencia up this year. Now they’re in the excuse mode, and they’ve got a million of them. While Gardy says he’s not doing “great” at Rochester, there are only a dozen guys in the Int’l League hitting over .300, and his 36 doubles (Rochester and New Britain combined) would rank him second in doubles in the Int’l League and third in doubles in the Eastern League. One double ahead of him in the organization is Brian Dinkleman, who is also 6th in batting in the Eastern League, and another guy that is routinely ignored by the organization. There is a long list of minor leaguers that have been mistreated by this organization - they just seem to love doing it and can’t get enough of it. The longer they take to promote them the less they can pay them, and the longer it takes for the good ones to get on the active roster the longer they can delay their right to arbitration. Is it any wonder that some of them might get impatient (”immature”) with umpires who screw up calls, club officials who lie to them (and to us), and certain teammates who may not have their same burning desire to succeed. Not sure that makes them a “head case.”
What I don’t get, is why they didn’t trade him back in July when many other clubs were interested. Maybe they’ll move him out during the off season in order to give Buscher a clear path.
I am anti- Hardy. He doesnt fit the Twins mold. He reminds me of Harris but costs way more.
Figgins would fit the mold but cost too much. Dont be surprised to see one signing/trade between 2B, SS, and 3B.
That said, I see Billy Smith being very active this off season for the sake of Mauer and his own. We still don’t need an outfeilder and now the bullpen looks decent.
Anyway… Go Twins, beat Detroit.
Jones,
I hope if the Twins don’t keep Valencia for whatever reason, they don’t do a Michael Restovich or JD Durbin and not trade him while he has value.
Resto and Durbin rotted too long in the minors and weren’t good when they finally became Twins.
“Of course you knew that since you have been on the boards under other names.”
No I haven’t, but it apparently makes some people happy to say this. Say what you want.
By the way, thanks for the link.
“Resto and Durbin rotted too long in the minors and weren’t good when they finally became Twins.”
They weren’t good with any other team either. Maybe they rotted in the minors so long because they weren’t very good baseball players.
Punto, Harris and even Casilla are all utility players, and now Tolbert. I realize how impt. Gardenhire thought he was to the Mets but is there no saturation point for punchless utility players?
romer thinks Bunting Twins makes mostly okay comments, and when he doesn’t and is called out, he is silent.
So, he’s a wash.
But Romer, that’s not the question. The question is, is he C R A I G?
M … you may be on to something. The Texas Rangers evidently have serious financial problems and the owner has contemplated selling the ballclub. Now may be a good time to pursue Michael Young.
DLF
Well maybe my optimism is finally paying off then.
I personally think that Michael Young would look good in a twins uniform and our “division rivals” might actually get worried about a twins acquisition
Ian Kinsler might be a good fit too. Unless of course his defense isn’t good enough
More bizare psotings.
Arm chair TRADES. Arm chair recalls.
doe anyone have any baseball sense…
i think it is clear the dugouts and offices need to be cleaned out
Great, Tolbert..now we have another sub .200 hitter. I was hoping we were done with him, he might be a good guy but he sucks at his job. Anybody interested in Beltre at third for next season?
We could trade Delmon for Bartlett but I doubt if a GM would be dumb enough to trade their shortstop of the future for an outfielder…unless we could get Billy Smit to be the Rays GM…hmmm
wait one second, if we (the twins)traded and got Micheal Young , that would mean we got a player still in his prime and not a retread-sorry guys that just wont fly with twins management-lets take another shot with Eddie G. hes still around or perhaps we could talk Rondell(whole lotta rehab going on)White out of retirement. Go Twins!!!!
If the twins dont trade nomore it will be a huge mistake! justeen for kinsler?
That’s just great. The Twin’s could really use more mediocrity in the infield.
I think that Brock Peterson has earned a spot for the rest of the season. .304 96 hits in 99 games. 10hrs. come on now give him a chance at least at dh.
