COPOP V: Repeat version 2

The Twins today optioned out Jim Hoey, Anthony Slama  and Luke Hughes. So Matt Tolbert, as I expected, is the utility infielder.

Can the Twins find
a way to keep
Scott Diamond?

And it boils down the bullpen choices a bit more. COPOP -- Current Outsider Projected Opening Pen -- is looking very much like the second one I posted:

Cl: Joe Nathan
SU1: Matt Capps
L1: Jose Mijares
SU2/MR1: Kevin Slowey
L2: Dusty Hughes
MR2: Glen Perkins
LM: Jeff Manship

The only difference being that COPOP II had Scott Baker in the SU2/MR1 slot. I wanted, and still want, to see a right-handed power arm in that role. They don't have one right now.

I don't regard this as the optimal set of choices from the set of pitchers on hand, and it's quite possible that the Twins don't either. The bullpen will be, as always, a work in progress.

Theoretically, Scott Diamond remains in the mix. He hasn't pitched in a Grapefruit League game since before I went to Florida -- he's had what been alternately reported as a blister or a cut on his pitching hand -- and Ron Gardenhire is understandably unwilling to commit to him on the roster over Jeff Manship (which would give the Twins four lefties in the 'pen) or Glen Perkins. The Twins are said to be trying to work out a deal with Atlanta to acquire his rights.