News and Notes from the Twins Spring Training: 2/22/17

This is the latest report of the happenings in the Twins' Spring training.   The previous one is here, and can find all 2017 Spring Training related posts here.

• Paul Molitor finally made a public admission that the Twins have  mishandled SS Jorge Polanco's development as a shortstop.   I have been discussing this unfortunate situation for a while now.   Hopefully the new Twins' regime is starting to hold people accountable for mis-developing players with star potential.  Good to see many people now in the Polanco bandwagon. Was lonely for a while ;) 
• Former Twins prospect C Stuart Turner who was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the last Rule 5 draft, has a good possibility of returning to the Twins' system, because to make the Reds they will have to carry 3 catchers. 
• It is still very early in the Spring Training, but it appears that that the Twins are pairing C Chris Gimenez who has a good reputation in helping develop young pitchers with young RHP Jose Berrios.  This might have implications in the back up catcher battle, esp. if Berrios starts next season in Rochester.  
• David Schoenfield, ESPN Senior Writer, indicates that the Twins' LF was the 4th weakest position in the majors since 2007.
• The Twins are linked to 16 year old Dominican switch hitting SS Jelfrey Marte who will demand a bonus close to $3M.
• The Twins are looking at High Schoolers, in addition to SS/RHP Hunter Greene for the first overall pick of the 2017 draft the coming June, including IF/OF Royce Lewis
• SS Ehire Adrianza has been taking ground balls at third base.  It will be interesting to see if there is future for him as a utility player in the 2017 Twins' roster.
• Twins' General Manager Thad Levine has indicated that Brandon Kintzler will be given every opportunity to start 2017 as the Twins' closer.
• The Twins have signed LHP Evan Sanders  as an undrafted free agent to a minor league contract.
• The Twins have signed RHP David Fischer to a minor league contact. The 26 year old has played in the Nationals organization and in the Independent Leagues for the last two seasons.