NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. – According to two sources, Class AAA Rochester hitting coach Chad Allen was at the winter meetings Monday to discuss different roles with the club, including a spot on the major league staff. Allen, who played for the Twins from 1999-2001, won't be the hitting coach because James Rowson was hired for that position last week.
The Twins are considering other role changes on the staff. Several teams have quality-control coaches now, and the Twins are interested in doing something like that, although they aren't enamored of that title. "It implies that we have lost control of our quality and that we need somebody bring the quality back in," GM Thad Levine said.
• The Twins actually had success a few times against lefthander Chris Sale, but it doesn't hurt when one of the true aces in the league is dealt out of the division. Sale moved Tuesday from Chicago to Boston in a blockbuster trade for two of the top prospects in baseball. Here's how the Twins could further benefit: Word out of Boston is the Red Sox might move surplus pitching, so someone such as lefthander Drew Pomeranz could be available. Would the Twins join the bidding for the All-Star?
• The Rule 5 draft is coming up Thursday, and the Twins have the first overall pick. There will be some talented pitchers available, so the Twins will be able to either draft a good prospect or swing a deal with another club. Remember Johan Santana and Josh Hamilton were landed by the Twins and Reds, respectively, by Rule 5 draft-day trades.
La Velle E. Neal III
