Hello

[bleedspeed]

Good article on Hicks.

http://www.startribune.com/john-hicks-hoping-to-prove-baseball-was-the-right-choice/372066491/

[Monster]

May to the pen

http://www.twincities.com/2016/03/16/trevor-may-loses-out-in-twins-rotation-bid-returns-to-bullpen/

[Monster]

Good article on Hicks.

http://www.startribune.com/john-hicks-hoping-to-prove-baseball-was-the-right-choice/372066491/

It was pretty good how the twins replenished their catcher depth this offseason trading one depth guy in Hermann while other catchers got picked up they added some solid guys themselves for nothing.

[Jester1534]

https://www.facebook.com/Twins/videos/10154003546979841/

Good video on Tori Hunter hel pining out Miguel learn right field.

[Jester1534]

Cuts came in and our man Berrios was sent down. Other notable names Alex Meyer, Nick Burdi, Jorge Polanco and Vargas. Actually shocked on Meyer I thought this was the year they roll the dice on him no matter what. They need to find out what they got with this guy he's gonna be 27 this year.

"Meyer, 26, was among nine players optioned or reassigned to minor-league camp Friday morning as the spring training roster was pared down to 43. Also sent out were right-handers Jose Berrios and Nick Burdi, lefty Aaron Thompson, first baseman Kennys Vargas, infielder Jorge Polanco, outfielder Joe Benson, and catchers Stuart Turner and Mitch Garver.

Berrios, the Twins' minor league pitcher of the year in 2015, struggled with command in a minor-league start on Tuesday, walking three and hitting two while recording just seven outs."

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I wasn't surprised by the Meyer demotion, jester...he was terrible this spring. He's so long and has terrific stuff, but he just hasn't learned how to command it...opponents hit .438 against him this spring. I don't think we had any choice but to demote him to see if he can figure anything out in the minors.

Some fans will look at Berrios' stats this spring (no earned runs in major league games) and whine about his demotion. But as jester said, he really got lit up in a minor league game and that was the final nail in the coffin for him. I'm ok with starting the season with Santana, Hughes, Gibson, Duffy and Milone, and if Jose has success in AAA, bring him up if anyone gerts hurt or falters.

[Jester1534]

I wasn't surprised by the Meyer demotion, jester...he was terrible this spring. He's so long and has terrific stuff, but he just hasn't learned how to command it...opponents hit .438 against him this spring. I don't think we had any choice but to demote him to see if he can figure anything out in the minors.

Some fans will look at Berrios' stats this spring (no earned runs in major league games) and whine about his demotion. But as jester said, he really got lit up in a minor league game and that was the final nail in the coffin for him. I'm ok with starting the season with Santana, Hughes, Gibson, Duffy and Milone, and if Jose has success in AAA, bring him up if anyone gerts hurt or falters.

LST you worried about Duffy at all? He's not having the greatest spring. I just hope he doesn't have a huge sophomore slump. I worry about a guy who relies on his curveball so much.

I also agree that Milone should be the 5th starter right now if it's not Berrios. I also didn't know Meyer was having such a bad spring, I see this as a make or break year for this guy. Like Jack Morris says there aren't any 27 year old prospects you are what you are by then.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Jester, I do have some concerns about Duffey, as he has been the least effective this spring of the 5 guys I expect to begin the season in the starting rotation. But despite these concerns, I expect him to have a good season. Apparently he's been working on a changeup this spring, and that is why he hasn't been as effective as he was last year. By the time the season starts, he will either have mastered it or he will have to stash it away for further exploration. He was effective in every start last season except his first despite being only a 2-pitch pitcher, so I think there is only upside with the changeup. But you're right...there's always risk of a sophomore slump.

I'm quite comfortable with Santana, Milone and Gibson, and frankly even though he has been great so far this spring, least comfortable with Hughes. I love the guy and think he's a great teammate, but there will always be concern about his problems with the home run ball. I wouldn't be surprised if struggles and is replaced in the rotation by Berrios.

[Monster]

Jester, I do have some concerns about Duffey, as he has been the least effective this spring of the 5 guys I expect to begin the season in the starting rotation. But despite these concerns, I expect him to have a good season. Apparently he's been working on a changeup this spring, and that is why he hasn't been as effective as he was last year. By the time the season starts, he will either have mastered it or he will have to stash it away for further exploration. He was effective in every start last season except his first despite being only a 2-pitch pitcher, so I think there is only upside with the changeup. But you're right...there's always risk of a sophomore slump.

I'm quite comfortable with Santana, Milone and Gibson, and frankly even though he has been great so far this spring, least comfortable with Hughes. I love the guy and think he's a great teammate, but there will always be concern about his problems with the home run ball. I wouldn't be surprised if struggles and is replaced in the rotation by Berrios.

LST you need to buy into the even odd year thing with Hughes. It's so legit. lol

[Monster]

Anyone have thoughts on who gets those last position player spots on the bench?