Article: Minnesota Twins Minor League Report (May 9): Kernels Crush

[Seth Stohs]

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php/2956-Minnesota-Twins-Minor-League-Report-(May-9)-Kernels-Crush

[Thrylos]

It is interesting that Van Steensel is playing at Cedar Rapids. On one hand, it is the highest level he ever played in the States (and the Aussie League is probably comparable to the Midwest League level of competition,) but at 23+ he is just too old for the league. He does have decent off speed stuff that kids at that level do not know how to handle and is not afraid to throw balls in the dirt, but he real has to pick on guys his own age Got to see what he can do at high A at least, at this point...

[Mike Sixel]

Eleven hits.....and I was so sure Wimmers would be back this year. Not looking good lately.

[twinsfan34]

Santana in the bigs...

 

Polanco and Goodrum still raking at A+...

 

Vielma...age 19 at Cedar rapids...coming around with a little bit of the stick perhaps.

 

Maybe drafting Gordon at #5 in June?

 

Why is it so hard to find a solid fielding SS (not even great, but solid) who also has the coordination to hit .280+ 15+ HR 15+ SB scenario?

[Obie]

Why was Buxton out of the FM lineup? Any background info about Arcia's return to the lineup in Rochester?

[Thrylos]

Why was Buxton out of the FM lineup? Any background info about Arcia's return to the lineup in Rochester?

 

They both are in the same situation: Day to Day with wrist issues. They hurt.

[Dantes929]

Eleven hits.....and I was so sure Wimmers would be back this year. Not looking good lately.

Wasn't at the game and don't know the order of things but 5 errors and several misplays can turn 4 innings of work into a lot more. Focus on the 2 earned runs part of it.

[Dantes929]

I like versatility but trying to make so many players be interchangeable parts doesn't really make sense to me. Used to be everyone knew their position and a guy like Al Newman would be the utility guy. Now it seems they are trying to make everyone capable of playing multiple positions and it just seems counterproductive. Why is it a good thing have the ability to play several positions when it seems to equate to not playing any particularly well. Plouffe is just now appearing to be competent at 3rd base. I am guessing he would still be a defensive mess if trotted out at other positions.

[Mr. Brooks]

I like versatility but trying to make so many players be interchangeable parts doesn't really make sense to me. Used to be everyone knew their position and a guy like Al Newman would be the utility guy. Now it seems they are trying to make everyone capable of playing multiple positions and it just seems counterproductive. Why is it a good thing have the ability to play several positions when it seems to equate to not playing any particularly well. Plouffe is just now appearing to be competent at 3rd base. I am guessing he would still be a defensive mess if trotted out at other positions.

 

The reason is that for many guys they will never be good enough to force an established player aside for a spot in the lineup.

The premium 'specs like Buxton, Sano, etc. they will learn pretty much 1 position and stay there until they get up, because they are good enough that you make room for them at that position when they are ready.

For everyone else, you may need to move off your 'natural' position in order to ever have a shot at making it. Most teams would prefer that you learn those other positions in the minors, rather than the majors.

[kdrupp09]

Todd Van Steensel, just imagine Bert trying to pronounce this.

[Seth Stohs]

Todd Van Steensel, just imagine Bert trying to pronounce this.

 

Sounds European, Dutch even, so he may be just fine with it.

[60ft6in]

Cedar Rapids has 4 catchers as of today on the roster....oddly built rosters based on injuries seems to be a familiar theme. Any idea where they will go with it? CR looks lite on outfielders because of the injuries even with JD Williams. Are there any left in extended you see joining the club? Proctor?

[Steven Buhr]

Just speculation on my part, but I imagine we'll see Chad Christensen see more time in the OF with Garver (and maybe other catchers) playing some 1B for a while.

[DJL44]

I think the other half of why they want versatility is the short benches in the major leagues. It's a lot easier to carry 13 pitchers when your three bench players cover 4 positions each.