Ponson Released

[Bobby Bass]

Ponson has been released by the Twins. They were talking about wanting to reduce their pitching staff and add a bench player looks like they have done it. Who will be the new 5th starter?

[AWH]

Of the pitchers currently on the staff, you would think Perkins would get the nod. Funny thing is that if Ponson accepts a demotion to the minors (unlikely), he won't even be able to crack the starting rotation in Triple A. He'd have to go to the bullpen.

Aaron

[zamboni]

Hopefully Slowey- guys putting up great numbers

[AWH]

They called up Garrett Jones (OF/1B) to take Ponson's roster spot for now. But they'll be calling up a pitcher this week to fill Ponson's position in the rotation and will start on Saturday. No hints as to who it will be yet. But they have no intentions of taking Perkins out of his current role.

Aaron

[Jarrod32]

If it is somebody currently on the roster, it will probably be Guerrier. They could call up Baker or Garza. I hope they don't get irrationally anxious and rush Slowey up yet. Maybe Garza...as a fifth starter, they could skip his turn when they had off days and such to limit his innings...that would be all right.

[zamboni]

Any odds another catcher, too?

[bull_head]

Why would they need another catcher???

It will be Slowey or Garza.

[zamboni]

Who knows how long Mauer will be gone? Is Redmond up for catching everyday? Why hasn't Heintz played? THATS why another catcher. Why another 1B/OF?? Cirillos back. They NEED a pitcher or a catcher.

[genegodawa]

Not trying to hijack your thread guys, but since it has "released" in the title, I would like to declare, after watching Wuertz of the Cubbies the last month and especially last night, I wish HE was released.

P......yew!

[CNY Tim]

Wondering whom the next sucker is going to be to try to fix Ponson's career

[AWH]

Quote:

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It will be Slowey or Garza.

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Actually, from what I've heard, it sounds like Baker is the man that will be called up. Slowey and Baker have been far more impressive than Garza so far. And they want Slowey to get more time down there before they bring him up. Kind of like how they were with Garza last year. Slowey has had the best numbers down there, but Baker actually hasn't been too far behind. If Baker's the man, hopefully he can pitch like he did two years ago when he was up and not the Baker of last year.

Aaron

[Bobby Bass]

From a GM point of view I had heard that Ryan does not want to bring Slowey up to the show till he can come up and stay. They think he is the real deal and as in a small market when they bring him up they will only be able to hold on to him for so long before they can't afford him. Hunter is making it hard for them to keep him after this year. With the numbers he is putting up he will have some good offers come fall. I for one would like to see him stay on, I think he is the heart of Twins baseball right now. He says he wants to stay and end his career here, playing for just one team. MN does have a few players who have done that. It will be interesting if they can come up with numbers that the team and Hunter can be happy with. Then there are a few other players who will need some long term contracts and you can see why keeping that pitching down on the farm till you can get the most out of them..

[zamboni]

Quote:

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Wondering whom the next sucker is going to be to try to fix Ponson's career

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I doubt anyone will. Has been released by 3 teams- he is well into his 30's I assume he'll retire.

[Windy City Walleye Hunter]

My guess would be the Cubbies will offer him a nice fat contract so he can cozy up next to Mark Prior and Kerry Wood and lead the Cubbies to the promised land once again!

Windy

[genegodawa]

Well it won't be the WSox since they already know they'll never get to the promised land no matter who pitches for them.

[Windy City Walleye Hunter]

Geno,

Please turn to page 2005 in your baseball hymnal and sing along....Don't Stop Believin!!!

Windy

[genegodawa]

Misty water-colored memories.........