Morneau Returns, Who has to Go?

[CFRay]

Does Tiffe have to go back down to AAA? Corky Miller? Who do you guys think should be moved to make roster space for Morneau?

[Jarrod32]

It'll probably be Tiffee...it's the old argument that he's better off getting regular playing time at AAA than sitting on the bench for the Twins. But...if the Twins were willing to go with LeCroy as their third catcher, Miller could be sent down.

Gassner will also probably be sent down (after another start for the Twins on Thursday) when they activate Silva on Friday.

If Rivas and Punto continue to stink it up, though, Tiffee could make a return to the Twins and play 3B, moving Cuddyer to 2B.

[pikehunter]

Jarrod's right on here, I think. Although the fact that Gardy will catch Mauer for the fourth straight day today to test his knee might mean they're thinking about Miller being the demotion. I think I'd like that move better. There's really only one scenario in which we need the fourth catcher. (With Mauer(DH), Lecroy (1B) and Redmond © in the starting lineup, you need Miller as a back-up catcher.) With Mauer feeling ok now, I think you could get by with sending Miller down. Pull him back up if Joe's knee starts to hurt. Tiffee can still get enough at-bats right now I think with Rivas struggling and Cuddyer having a hard time as well.

[GullGuide]

If Miller is sent down he'd have to clear waivers, so I'm betting on Tiffee.

[bigbucks]

If they're comfortable with Mauer's knee I think they'll send Miller down. I don't think they'll move Cuddyer from third, as that likely will further hurt his hitting & he's done a pretty good job there for the most part.

[pikehunter]

Good point Gull ... I wasn't aware he was out of options.

[The Grebe]

Al Newman...

[koWALLEYEski]

NO PLEASE NOT AL!

[GullGuide]

Even though he has never really played much for anyone, he is a 4 year veteran and he did sign as a free agent. Someone will more than likely claim him as a backup if they try and waive him.

[pikehunter]

I agree. I think we'll probably have to go that route (attempting to demote Miller) at some point before the All-Star break, but they'll probably wait until they're absolutely sure about Joe's knee.

Miller is one of those odd exceptions to the waiver rules .. he's played like under 50 MLB games, but still has to clear waivers to be demoted. Might be a long career for this guy, I've got a feeling he might be bouncing around alot.

[bigbucks]

I thought later it was possible he was out of options. A decent, but not outstanding defensive catcher who doesn't hit much, pretty much means you can hang around on the edge of the majors, as long as you're made out for rubber for all of the bouncing around.