The Twins have announced they are demoting Japanese import Tsuyoshi Nishioka to AAA Rochester. Let that sink in a little Twins fans. It almost makes you queasy when you think about it. Since his debut last season, Nishioka has been outmatched at the plate, horrible in the field and seemingly lost in general in regards to acclimating to the big leagues.
Nishioka has been a $14 million gamble that has failed to pan out in any aspect. When you factor in the moves made to facilitate Nishioka into the Twins system (mainly trading JJ Hardy for two throw away minor leaguers) it’s hard to see this as anything but a horrible mark on the Twins organization.
While that much may be true, I think Twins fans can take some of this as positive news. How does a $14 million bust bring about positive thoughts?
- The Typically Stubborn Twins Have Admitted They Made A Mistake.
While the front office didn’t come out and say “We were wrong” the fact remains; optioning Nishioka to AAA is essentially an admission of failure on their part. This organization has been notoriously stubborn with players over the past few years – leaving players on the field that fans cannot stand or that don’t necessarily warrant a roster spot (Drew Butera, Delmon Young), moving players that don’t get along with management or fit into the Twin’s system (JJ Hardy, Jason Bartlett). Essentially, when the Twins get stuck on a player, they tend to drag their heels when it comes time to make a change.
By optioning their prized signing to AAA and clearing the spot on the 25 man roster the Twins have both admitted failure and done something about it. This is a refreshing change of pace.
- The 25 Man Roster Has A New Opening
The Twins depth was going to be an issue coming into this season simply due to the need to carry 3 catchers. It was originally assumed that Nishioka would make the team as a sort of utility infielder. A utility infielder who has suspect defense at best and no bat to speak of… (yay?) Essentially, the Twins stubbornness was going to cost a valuable roster spot.
Now, with Nishioka out of the way, Luke Hughes or Trevor Plouffe have an increased chance to make the team. Hughes is out of minor league options and would have to clear waivers to be sent to the minors meaning the Twins were likely to lose him if optioned. Hughes provides solid defense and a potentially dangerous bat off the bench – something that no organization can overvalue. Hughes can cover 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the outfield in a pinch making his addition to the bench a valuable one.
Trevor Plouffe, the newly converted outfielder provides added depth for a late inning pinch hitter or even to work as a platoon player with Ben Revere based on matchups.
Plouffe or Hughes were likely to make the team, but the original odds didn’t favor both making the opening day roster. With Nishioka out of the way, both Hughes and Plouffe are likely to be on the bench come opening day. That’s depth that adds great value for the Twins.
- Nishioka Could Improve With Seasoning
It’s been no secret that Nishioka has been overmatched in every phase of the game during his brief time with the Twins. ESPN’s Buster Olney spoke with multiple talent evaluators who classified Nishioka as “lost” this spring.
The upside to sending Nishioka to AAA is that he will now have an opportunity to play everyday (something he couldn’t do in the majors) and will have the opportunity to play against lesser quality pitchers. The potential is there for Nishioka to find his swing and work on his infield defense, thereby making him a viable option as a utility infielder later in the season (or in 2013) should the need arise.
Yes, I realize this is a long shot given what Nishioka has shown so far, but it stands to reason, the only way Nishioka will ever improve is through practice and repetition, things he would not achieve riding the pine in
- This May Force The Twins' Hand
Whether that force is to make a move during the season or simply admit defeat and look to 2013-2014 and the young class coming up (Parmelee, Benson, Dozier, Sano) the fact remains, Jamey Carroll is not the solution to the Twins middle infield woes. I’d imagine that the Twins will ride out the first half of the season and see how things break. If they find themselves within range of contention, their total lack of depth at short could force them to go after a 2B/SS hybrid player at the deadline.
Alternatively, if the Twins reach the end of July and are nowhere near the Tigers/Royals/Indians/White Sox (probably in that order too) or the wild card, the weak infield may be the final straw to enter ‘rebuilding mode’. This switch could see the Twins moving everyone outside of the young core (Mauer, Span, Revere , possibly Plouffe , Valencia
Admittedly, the Twins could be making the above decisions even if Nishioka panned out – but I think holding a failed chip as big as Nishioka could encourage such decisions sooner rather than later.
- The Bill Smith Era Mistakes Are Fading
Bill Smith’s decision making during his brief tenure as Twins GM can certainly be called questionable. The resulting moves left the Twins with no depth behind Mauer, very little ‘stud’ pitching and a depleted minor league organization that was unable to fill in for other Smith mistakes (a lack of infield, little in the way of power, no bullpen). Right now, the bright star of failure on the tree of mediocrity that was Bill Smith’s GM job is Nishioka. With his expulsion from the majors, fans don’t have to be reminded of the team that could have been (JJ Hardy at short, Matt Garza still in the rotation, Mauer at first, Wilson Ramos at catcher and Morneau playing full time DH…I’m tearing up).
Okay so this isn’t as optimistic as the other points, but that doesn’t make it any less valid.
With that change, I’d estimate the opening day roster would look like this:
C: Mauer
1B: Morneau
2B: Casilla
SS: Carroll
3B: Valencia
LF: Revere
CF: Span
RF: Willingham
DH: Doumit
Bench: Plouffe, Hughes, Butera, Dinkelman, Hollimon, (the former Tiger's prospect has been playing very good ball this spring. I think he beats out Dozier simply because the Twins want Dozier to get everyday at bats, rather than spot starts and pinch hits)
Starters: Pavano, Liriano, Baker, Blackburn , Marquis
‘Pen: Deunsing, Perkins, Capps, Hendriks, Burnett, Manship, Swarzak
I think Parmelee, Dozier and Benson could all be great candidates to make the opening day roster, but the Twins would prefer them to see more at bats. They'll likely start in AAA (possibly AA for Dozier) and work their way up. Look for Dozier to get the call if Carroll doesn't pan out and Benson to head up if there's an injury. I think Parmelee could be stuck unless Doumit or Morneau go down, in that case, he'll likely be the first to be called up.
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