Thursday Night, August 14, 2008
Off Day Topic 1:
Twins in the AFL
(The Word Press page for this article can be found here)
I would guess that in the next couple of weeks, the Twins will announce which players in their organization will be going to the Arizona Fall League. Each team is allowed six players to go. Generally, it is three pitchers and three position players. Those players can not be from a country that has Winter Ball. So that takes out players from Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Last year, Puerto Rico did not have a league. I don't know if they will this year. Also, those players must be in AA or AAA or could have a little time in the big leagues. Sometimes a guy can participate part-time if he is from a A level team.
With that in mind, I am curious which Twins minor leaguers you think should go to the AFL this fall. Here are my choices:
Danny Valencia - 3B (New Britain)
Luke Hughes - 3B (Rochester)
Steve Tolleson - MI/OF (New Britain)
Jeff Manship - SP (New Britain)
Rob Delaney - RP (New Britain)
Kevin Mulvey - SP (Rochester)
You could make a strong argument for Brian Dinkelman, although I am guessing they will want to clean out the bone chips in his elbow right away. I would like to see Dustin Martin recognized for a very solid season. It is possible that the Twins could add a catcher. Drew Butera went last year and did alright. He could go again, or Jeff Christy could go this time. You could make a good argument for Trevor Plouffe, to continue to work on playing all three infield positions. Maybe the Twins promote Anthony Slama to AA and let him pitch in the AFL.
What are your thoughts on what they will do, or equally, what would you do?