Drew Butera’s job with the Twins could be on the line if manager Ron Gardenhire decides to keep only two catchers on the roster this season. He, presumably, would be the odd man out with Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit anchoring their jobs.
Gardenhire told the Pioneer Press that he wants some more “pop off the bench.” Last season the Twins kept two utility players and a third catcher on the bench, which weakened Gardehire’s offensive options.
Meanwhile, Tom Powers has a great story about the how brutal spring training can be for catchers. Joe Mauer is quoted in the piece as saying, “I learned a long time ago spring training is not for the catchers.”
The Twins open Grapefruit League play on Saturday and will hold an intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday. Liam Hendriks will start the game while top prospects Alex Meyer and Trevor May also pitch.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Gardenhire is selling his home in Little Canada. It has nothing to do with his job status.
