Twins Cut Eight Over Weekend

Mar 12, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Italy designated hitter Chris Colabello (25) is kissed by Italy first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) after hitting a 3 run home run against Dominican Republic at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The Twins made even more cuts over the weekend, jettisoning Oswaldo Arcia, Chris Colabello, Brian Dinkelman, Eric Fryer, Deolis Guerra, Shairon Martis, Mark Sobolewski and Clete Thomas.

Arcia, last season’s Twins minor league hitter of the year, came to camp looking to make an impression on a coaching staff that could have him starting in the Twins outfield as soon as mid-2013 if everything plays out right. Arcia was injured early in camp and saw action in just five games this spring.

Colabello hit well this spring, both for the Twins and Italy, and his departure at this point could mean that the Twins are leaning towards a bench that will include a third catcher rather than a designated bench bat. Jeff Clement would seem to fit that bench bat role, as well, but it’s conceivable that the Twins could use Clement as an emergency catcher. Colabello could see time with the Twins in 2013 as well.

Dinkelman has not hit well this spring, and enough other middle infield options have, so he’ll be starting the season in AAA. Dinkelman is a strong organizational player, and it’s possible he could see time at the keystone this season if ineptitude and/or injuries deplete MLB options at second base and the Twins opt not to push a legitimate prospect.

Catcher Eric Fryer signed on this offseason as a minor league free agent, and was probably invited to camp primarily to handle the additional pitchers on hand. He put up respectable numbers this spring, and will also likely start the season in Rochester.

Neither Guerra nor Martis are currently with the Twins, with Guerra scheduled to have surgery for a blood clot and Martis still pitching for the Dutch team in the World Baseball Classic. Both should be in the pitching mix at Rochester.

Sobolewski hit decently and showed strong defense at third base this spring, and his departure could mean that either the Twins are confident that Trevor Plouffe will not miss significant time due to injury to begin the season, or that they have more faith in Eduardo Escobar, Jamey Carroll or Ray Olmedo manning third base at this point of Plouffe does miss time.

Thomas was in the mix early on for the fourth outfield spot, but will return to Rochester to begin 2013.

You can read up on the Twins previous cuts this spring here, here and here.

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