Making the Team: Week 3

Week three of Making the Team brings with it only minor changes. There is still no favorite in the backup catcher competition, no infielders are stepping up to take the final bench spot, and it seems as though manager Ron Gardenhire is leaning toward Pat Neshek starting the year in either Triple-A or extended spring training. 

PlayerChanceNotes
Wilson Ramos (C)

Ramos has hit well in 15 at-bats, posting a .400 batting average through six games. His defense seems to be serviceable, and it seems as if the Twins are giving Ramos a strong opportunity to compete with Drew Butera for the backup catcher role until Jose Morales can return. 
Drew Butera (C)

Butera is going to need to beat Ramos with his defense and experience, because his bat isn't anywhere near being flashy. Thus far, in only 12 at-bats, Butera has a .167 batting average.
Danny Valencia (3B)

Danny Valencia will almost certainly be in Minneapolis at some point during the 2010 season, but it seems highly unlikely that he'll be there when the team opens Target Field. With ample playing time thus far, Valencia has hit .286 in 14 at-bats and 8 total games.
Alexi Casilla (IF)

Alexi Casilla has had a difficult spring at the plate, hitting just .111 in nine games. The Twins have given him ample at-bats (18) nonetheless, and he seems likely to make the Opening Day roster with no options remaining and his fellow competitor providing even less production.
Matt Tolbert (IF)

Matt Tolbert's current situation is simple: He has one option left and a trip to Triple-A seems likely. In 14 at-bats, Tolbert has no hits, and his defense hasn't made up for a lack of plate production. He has made several defensive mistakes too.
Jacque Jones (OF)

It's hard to see Jones making the team out of camp, but with both Casilla and Tolbert playing poorly, there's a chance. If the Twins are comfortable having one less infielder and Jones hits well in the final weeks, his chance could become a reality.   



Francisco Liriano (SP)

Francisco Liriano continues to pull away with the final spot in the rotation with every spring appearance. In seven innings, Liriano has surrendered a few runs, but has walked only one batter while striking out 12 hitters. The closer role remains a possibility, but if he's good enough for that role, he'll serve the team better as a starter.  
Brian Duensing (SP)

Only one lefty is currently in the bullpen, and with Nathan's injury, another spot may now be available. If that spot remains open, Brian Duensing seems like a likely candidate to take a spot in the 'pen and serve as an additional lefty and the team's long reliever.
Glen Perkins (SP)

Perkins has thrown 3.1 innings, given up 8 hits, and allowed 5 earned runs so far this spring. It isn't quite the performance the Twins were hoping to see, and he isn't doing the best job of showcasing himself for other teams. It's hard to see him making the team with other candidates seemingly being better options, but it's still possible.
Pat Neshek (RP)

Neshek has thrown four solid, scoreless innings so far. Nonetheless, Gardenhire seems to be leaning toward Neshek starting in either Triple-A or extended spring training with his comments. Neshek hadn't thrown in 14+ months and his velocity could still increase.  
Mike Maroth (RP)

As stated before, Maroth will begin the season at Triple-A with almost complete certainty. His spring outings will continue to build his case for potential injury situations during the 2010 season.
Anthony
Slama (RP)

Anthony Slama could potentially make the bullpen if the Twins don't bring in another closer and Neshek begins the season somewhere other than Minnesota. Even if he doesn't make the team however, he's likely to make his debut this season, and his spring outings, much like Maroth's, will build his case.  

Celebrate Good Times

One of the most unique features that fans will notice when they step foot inside Target Field this season is the celebration sign in centerfield. There is now footage of the sign, which features Minnie and Paul, in action.


[Hat Tip: Ballpark Magic]

Making the Team: Week 2

In the second week of Making the Team, a twist has altered some of the chances of cracking the Opening Day roster for several players. With Joe Nathan potentially out for the season, there are now seemingly two bullpen spots available rather than just one.

The extra spot could eventually help one of the two starting pitchers who fail to make the rotation, and Pat Neshek may have a better chance now too. Then again, the Twins could always fill the closer role externally, and it'll be back down to one opening. 

This week no players have been removed, but there is one addition. Two scoreless innings, three strikeouts and an extra bullpen spot have at least made relief pitcher Anthony Slama worth watching.

PlayerChanceNotes
Wilson Ramos (C)

Ramos is doing an extraordinary job at the plate this spring going 3-for-8 thus far with four walks in three games. His defense has seemingly been alright too. The big question is how much of a chance the staff is giving Ramos with his competitor Drew Butera having more experience.  
Drew Butera (C)

Experience at Triple-A may give Butera the upper hand, but if the Twins are looking for offense in their backup catcher, Butera doesn't seem to be the guy. Everybody knows he's much more geared toward defense, and his early .167 average (with three strikeouts in six at-bats) continues to confirm that.
Danny Valencia (3B)

It seems likely that Danny Valencia will make his major league debut at some point during the 2010 season. Nonetheless, it continues to be an uphill battle for the 25-year old to crack the Opening Day roster. He's 3-for-7 thus far with a homerun, but he'll need to really stick out in the next three weeks to grab a spot.
Alexi Casilla (IF)

Alexi Casilla is just 2-for-10 thus far in four games, but equally poor plate production by his competitor is keeping Casilla in the battle. With no more options it's either make the team or move to a new organization, so Casilla may currently have the upper hand.
Matt Tolbert (IF)

While Casilla is batting just .200 after four games, Matt Tolbert has yet to collect a hit in eight at-bats. It'll be interesting to see how the Twins handle the situation.
Jacque Jones (OF)

Jacque Jones' chances of making the team seem to be decent, especially with the poor production from both Alexi Casilla and Matt Tolbert. He hasn't played in the majors since 2008 however, so he still has a lot of impressing to do to make his return to Minneapolis a reality.   



Francisco Liriano (SP)

In his first outing of the spring, Liriano pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three hitters. It'll take more than two innings to convince the organization and fans that the winter reports are accurate, but it seems like the final spot in the rotation may be his to lose.  
Brian Duensing (SP)

Duensing struggled in his first trip to the mound, but his chances to make the bullpen may have gone up anyways. If the Twins go with an in-house candidate to take Nathan's spot, there are now two spots open in the bullpen, and only one lefty is currently a lock. 
Glen Perkins (SP)

Glen Perkins' first spring outing didn't go quite as planned, and his second was only decent. Out of options, Perkins could eventually be traded if he can't earn a spot in the rotation or bullpen. He very well could be pitching to show off for other teams. 
Pat Neshek (RP)

Two solid outings to begin camp, combined with the Joe Nathan injury, have heightened Neshek's chances of making the team out of camp. Coming off Tommy John Surgery, Neshek could still begin in extended spring training, but there is another bullpen spot seemingly available if his good performances continue through March. 
Mike Maroth (RP)

So far this spring, Mike Maroth has had one less-than-stellar outing, and one scoreless outing. His chance to make the team is very slim, and the veteran lefty is almost certainly headed for Triple-A Rochester where good performances could make him an option if injuries arise. 
Anthony
Slama (RP)

With closer Joe Nathan most likely out for the season, another bullpen spot is now open. With a solid spring, in which Slama would need to blow the coaching staff away, the young righty may have an opportunity to crack a spot in the bullpen.

The Nathan Aftershock

It hasn't even been a full day since the organization and fans learned that their All-Star closer might possibly miss the entire 2010 season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. It's been a day full of updates and hope, and we're now entering the time of aftershock.

Everybody knows the implications: If Nathan's two weeks of rest don't pan out, which some believe would be a miracle at this point, he'll undergo Tommy John surgery and the organization will be left looking at other options to fill the ninth inning void and help keep the team on track for a run at the postseason as they open Target Field. 

Assistant general manager Rob Antony took a few moments to answer some questions regarding the difficult news and the immediate future. Per team policy, he wasn't able to confirm or deny whether the team holds an insurance policy on Nathan, but he did shed some light on other matters.

Regarding internal candidates...

If Joe is unable to come back from this in 2010 we do have several internal candidates and we will begin looking at them as we move forward. As Gardy said, "Until we hear differently, Joe Nathan is our closer." That said, it would be irresponsible for us not to begin evaluating our other options in the event that he needs surgery.

In the event that Nathan needs surgery, would they expect him back in 2011...

We hope so. It is so early in the process to speculate on 2011. We want to first see how it feels in a week or two.

In closing...

We will explore all options and make decisions when opportunities or candidates present themselves. I don't believe we would make any decisions before it is necessary and will be open to internal candidates and potentially other avenues.

The hope remains that one of the best closers in all of baseball will be on the mound in 2010. It'll take some things falling in place and some pain tolerance by Nathan, but that's why it's called hope.

If Nathan can't go this season it'll be very unfortunate not just for the team, but for Nathan and his great career. Nonetheless, it doesn't mean the team can't fight on and remain in contention for a berth in the playoffs this fall.

Not Nathan!

He was supposed to close out games in the inaugural season at Target Field. He was supposed to be the guy to close out games in an extended playoff run. He was supposed to take over the crown as the closer with the most saves in franchise history.

Sadly, it's been learned today that none of those things will probably happen in 2010.

The word "probably" is used because closer Joe Nathan and fans are still holding out hope. Hope that two weeks of rehab and a high pain tolerance might help keep one of the best closers in professional baseball on the mound rather than on the operating table.

In the six seasons since joining the Minnesota Twins in the famous San Francisco Giants trade, Nathan has saved more games than any other closer in baseball. Yes, his 246 saves in that timeframe are more than future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, who closed out 243 in that same span.

Nathan is not replaceable. No pitcher within the organization can step in and fill his shoes, and you'd be hard pressed to find any other options that could either. Nathan has arguably been the best closer in baseball since his arrival in Minneapolis, and only a small number of closers, maybe limited to one or two others, could come close to matching his production.

While Nathan is irreplaceable, the Twins do still have alternatives. The relievers that first come to mind include Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier and Pat Neshek. 

Back in 2008, Rauch closed out 18 games, and he has the most career saves out of any other pitcher on the staff. Meanwhile, Guerrier has been a solid setup man who can miss some bats (he has the highest miss percentage next to Nathan), and before his own Tommy John Surgery, Neshek was a near All-Star who many viewed as the next closer. 

As spring training began, the questions all centered around the finishing touches for the Opening Day roster. Who would finish out the rotation? Who would round out the bench? Now the Twins are faced with a much bigger question. Who can come closest to matching the production of arguably the best closer in baseball?

Notes: Grass, Players and Hot Dogs

Spring Grass.jpg
The picture above is from today at Target Field. Gone is the snow and tarp, and here to stay is the grass which will require cutting throughout 2010. Outdoor baseball is drawing extremely close, and regular season tickets will go on sale to the public this Saturday.

Player News

** Joe Nathan has returned to Minneapolis for a tests on his right elbow. After getting one out and walking two this past Saturday, Nathan left with discomfort in his throwing arm. The move was described as precautionary, and the hope is that the discomfort is a normal part of Nathan's minor off-season surgery.

** Nick Blackburn will be in Minnesota for the next four years after signing an extension Sunday morning. The righty agreed to terms on a 4-year, $14 million contract with a team option for another season at $8 million.

Hot Dogs

Gone are the Hormel hot dogs, but leaving with them will not be Dollar-A-Dog Night. The Minnesota Twins have announced that Schweigert's will be the hot dog provider at Target Field this upcoming season, and that Dollar-A-Dog Night will remain but move to Monday nights. 

There will be five total Dollar-A-Dog Nights, and the schedule is as follows:

May 3rd - Detroit 
June 28th - Detroit 
July 19th - Cleveland 
September 6th - Kansas City 
September 20th - Cleveland

 Final note: Word is that the team store, Twins City, has opened for business at Target Field. 

Touring Target Field

It may just be a virtual look at the Minnesota Twins' new home, but with MLB 10: The Show, the realism of Target Field and it's surroundings show. From the skyline to the plaza to the features such as the celebration sign, the newest ballpark in Major League Baseball has been incredibly constructed in the virtual world. 

It's time to enter into the stadium for a tour of some of the ballpark's key features. 

City Landscape
The skyline captures the best of Minneapolis. 

The Plaza
The plaza, complete with 'Targets'.

Overhang
Michael Cuddyer makes the play right in front of the overhang.

Overhang Side View
How many times will players look up and see no ball?

Backstop
The backstop feature's Minnesota native limestone.

Centerfield Trees
The trees in centerfield will act as the Batter's Eye.

Bullpens
Real bullpens for the first time in 28 seasons.

Out of Town Scoreboard
How much scoreboard watching will there be in 2010?

Twins' Dugout
The Twins' dugout, relocated to the first base side.

Visitor's Dugout
The visitor's dugout, now down the third base line.

Scoreboard
One of the largest scoreboards in Major League Baseball.

Admin Building
The administration building featuring the retired numbers and the party deck.

Celebration Sign
Now when players 'Touch 'Em All', Minnie and Paul will shake hands.

To see the full size of each of these pictures to get the full effect of your Target Field tour, just click. Baseball has begun down south, and it's start up north is nearing. 

Making the Team: Week 1

It's always an interesting discussion as the roster begins to come together each year. With the first games of the spring comes the start of many competitions for positions and roster spots. This year the competitions are more minor, and the roster spots currently up for grabs include a fifth starting pitcher, a final relief pitcher, a backup catcher, and a final bench player. 

The battles are seemingly even in week one, but as games begin, players will begin to establish their opportunities to be with the big league club when they begin the season in Los Angeles, and open Target Field one week later.

Who do you think might jump into the mix? Who will take over the different battles? 

PlayerChanceNotes
Wilson Ramos (C)

With backup catcher Jose Morales expected to miss at least the first part of April, Ramos has suddenly earned a chance to crack the Opening Day roster. His hitting is superior to his competition, but only time will tell if that's enough for Gardy to take him north with the club.
Drew Butera (C)

Butera will also earn a chance to crack the Opening Day roster, and while Ramos is all about offense, Butera is all about defense. A great glove and Triple-A experience could help Butera take the job.
Danny Valencia (3B)

While Valencia is viewed by many as the future at third base, he isn't young by any means. Valencia is 25-years old, and hasn't yet been called to The Bigs. It's a long shot that he'll snatch the job in the next month, but this is his time to show off his skills for a chance in the near future. 
Alexi Casilla (IF)

Casilla has no more options remaining, and if he doesn't make the club out of spring training, he'll almost certainly be with another organization. His option status may actually help him, but he'll still need to be productive in the next month to secure a roster spot.
Matt Tolbert (IF)

Matt Tolbert can play all around the infield, and if he can play centerfield, it'll make him even more valuable. With one option remaining, the Twins could eventually opt to send him to Triple-A and go with Casilla if spring production is similar or neither blow the team away.
Jacque Jones (OF)

When the Twins first brought back Jacque Jones, it seemed to simply be a kind gesture to their former starting outfielder. Jones has an uphill battle to climb, but if he can play extraordinary defense, hit well, and have Tolbert and Casilla falter in their outfield attempts, he has an outside chance to rejoin the organization in Minneapolis.  



Francisco Liriano (SP)

If Francisco Liriano produces anywhere near the way he did this winter, he'll likely take the final spot in the rotation easily. It likely won't be easy with at least two other competitors, but with his contract structured for appearances in the bullpen too, he's likely to make the team in some capacity. 
Brian Duensing (SP)

Brian Duensing will have a difficult time knocking Liriano out of the rotation battle if 'The Franchise' pitches the way he did in Venezuelan ball, but he seems to also have a shot at the bullpen if he can't get into the starting five. 
Glen Perkins (SP)

The general consensus amongst many is that Glen Perkins will be traded. While that may be the case, if he performs well this spring and the offerings aren't to the team's liking, Perkins could be kept around as a left-handed option out of the 'pen.
Pat Neshek (RP)

Everybody hopes that Pat Neshek will return to his pre-injury form and put the team's bullpen over the top. With one bullpen spot open and the extra starters in the mix for the spot as well, it's possible that Neshek, who hasn't pitched in a game in 14 months, could pitch for a week or so in extended spring training before joining the team at Target Field. 
Mike Maroth (RP)

Mike Maroth doesn't seem to have much of a chance to make the big league roster. Instead, a good spring performance could give him a job at Triple-A Rochester and give him a shot down the line in the event that injuries occur. 

Photo Day in Fort Myers

Players line up each spring and smile for their yearly photos. Right as games near a start, the complete roster took their pictures for the 2010 season. For the first time, J.J. Hardy and Jim Thome put on Twins' uniforms, and the rest of the roster got back into the swing of things too.

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PD Hardy.jpg

The Show: Target Field

Next Tuesday, MLB 10: The Show will hit store shelves. Sony has sent along some exclusive screenshots that show off Target Field and the Minneapolis skyline. The skyline has never been used in a sports video game before this year.

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