mudcat14 Verified Member Posted April 25, 2015 Posted April 25, 2015 I've noticed in most games so far this season, Chattanooga has utilized Walker in LF & Harrison in RF. Isn't this the opposite of how Dougie aligned them in Ft. Myers last year? If so, do you suppose this is just a matter of trying to familiarize each of them with both corners, or perhaps confirmation of Walkers less than stellar right arm? Also, with Kepler's arrival it looks like he may be rotating through the OF/1B & DH spots to stay in the line-up and allow others a day off. Hopefully the Lookout locomotive starts chugging soon. Quite frankly, I'm much more interested in what happens there than in the cities this season.
Thrylos Old-Timey Member Posted April 25, 2015 Posted April 25, 2015 Got to remember that, for better or for worse, all minor league teams are developmentally focused. So you cannot pigeonhole players and you try to have them play in as many positions and appropriate and practical. For example, you will not play Mike Gonzales at SS or CF. Nothing uncommon. I would not be surprised if Walker takes some reps at 1B as well. Don't forget, that Harrison is still learning the OF pretty much, since it is his second year of not playing 3B...
bluechipper Provisional Member Posted April 25, 2015 Posted April 25, 2015 I've also been interested in that. It's probably a good idea for Harrison, Walker, and Kepler to get experience in both corner OF spots. And Kepler has even played CF the past two games with Byron Buxton getting a couple starts off.
Seth Stohs Site Manager Posted April 25, 2015 Posted April 25, 2015 Harrison told me this spring in Ft. Myers that the adjustment to LF wasn't bad at all for him because he played outfield his whole life, including a lot of CF in his amateur days. 3B was the place he had to adjust. I noticed that Walker and Harrison flip-flopped. My guess is that it is to develop them both in both places, never knowing which will open up with the Twins at some point down the line. And yeah, I think Kepler will play all 3 outfield spots, 1B and DH.
GMinTraining Verified Member Posted April 25, 2015 Posted April 25, 2015 I expected this jump to the Southern League to be an adjustment for the Lookouts. I also expect all four outfielders to excel at some point soon. They just have to find their zone at this level at try to remain as disciplined as possible and to swing in their zone only. Do not adjust to bad umpiring but continue to follow their disciplined path and live with the outcomes. That can sometimes be the hardest adjustment, when the umpiring is inconsistent at the minor league levels. The question becomes - What level of performance from each (of the 4) is needed at the minor league level, that will actually make the MLB Twins better in a year or two? What skill set do they bring that makes us better in 2016 / 17? How will their minor league consistency truly make you feel better about their potential MLB consistency? We are probably still looking into 2017/18 before most of you "fans" are fully satisfied with a product you beleive in.
ExpectMorePayLess Verified Member Posted April 26, 2015 Posted April 26, 2015 I've also been interested in that. It's probably a good idea for Harrison, Walker, and Kepler to get experience in both corner OF spots.How it should be. I think all 4 have a MLB future in some capacity (pension worthy futures).
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