In a move that we knew was coming since earlier this week, the Twins have cut twelve players from camp and assigned them to minor league camp. These moves will allow players that actually have a chance at a roster spot more innings. And they will also allow the pitchers to extend a little bit more.

Here are the moves:

Catcher Jose Morales was optioned to Class AAA Rochester. Right-handers Jose Mijares and Oswaldo Sosa were optioned to Class AA New Britain.

Right-handers Armando Gabino, Zach Day and Deolis Guerra, lefthander Brian Duensing, catchers Jeff Christy and Allan de San Miguel, infielders Alejandro Machado and Felix Molina and outfielder Darnell McDonald were assigned to the minor league camp.

Other than maybe Morales, none of the players optioned really surprise me. I was a little surprised to see Morales get sent down so early mainly because he is thought to be the organization’s third catcher. The Twins now have just Drew Butera and Eli Whiteside left as catchers along with the two locks for the roster, Mauer and Redmond.

From the second list, the only player that I was surprised to see get sent to minor league camp was Alejandro Machado. He does still need to get some strength in his shoulder, so starting in the minors was probably expected.

If you’re wondering why three were optioned and the rest assigned to minor league camp, its because the Twins aren’t exactly sure where they want certain players to start the 2008 season.

With the moves, the Twins are now down to 49 players in camp.