Even though the Twins are standing pat with Manager Ron Gardenhire, apparently the team is getting serious about overhauling its roster.
Minnesota essentially released four players Wednesday, “outrighting” their contracts to Triple A-Rochester. So the Twins say goodbye to outfielder Clete Thomas and pitchers Cole De Vries, Shairon Martis and Josh Roenicke.
Roenicke is a bit of surprise because, as the Pioneer Press points out, he had the fourth most appearances by relievers on the team. The 31-year-old is eligible for salary arbitration, and can refuse the assignment and sign with any team.
All will be minor league free agents; though some suspect the Twins will re-sign at least either De Vries or Martis.
The Baseball Outsider blog notes that while Roenicke started strong, he faded down the stretch – an ERA of 2.91 on Sept. 3, but he closed with 12 earned runs allowed, plus an unearned one, in his final 6 1/3 innings.
On the other hand, Sid Hartman talks to Twins CEO Jim Pohlad, who appears to be in a mood to spend.
“I’m sure fans are frustrated; people are frustrated as a result of losing, and we’re frustrated, too,” Pohlad tells Sid. “But I don’t think that’s a result of us not spending money. We’re willing to do that. We’ll do whatever we can in 2014.”
