.500 from here on out

[DaveW]

Twins are on pace for 97 wins now, but even if they go .500 (or let's round up, one game above .500 bc odd number of games left) they end up at 86-76, right on the cusp of the playoffs.

 

At the very least we should expect this team to at least play at a .500 clip, especially with reinforcements on the way, anything less than .500 ball from here on out would be a dissapointment in my eyes anyways, thoughts? It's nice to have this team looking this great!

[USAFChief]

I still think the bullpen needs help, or it will prove too costly to overcome.

 

Outside of that, they could use one middle of the order bat.  

 

Both of those areas could, and I stress could, get some help from the minors if they can just hold off another few weeks. .

[DaveW]

I still think the bullpen needs help, or it will prove too costly to overcome.

 

Outside of that, they could use one middle of the order bat.

 

Both of those areas could, and I stress could, get some help from the minors if they can just hold off another few weeks. .

Yeah the pen is a ticking time bomb, the SP going deep helps obviously, but they have got to find a couple more guys you can count on. Tonkin and Oliveros (if they can step up) seem to be a decent start to that.

 

They definitely could use one more guy who actually has the potential to put it in the seats. As of now, Plouffe, Dozier and Hunter are the only real threats, and they all seem like 20-25 HR guys overall at this point then 30-35 HR guys at this point.

 

If Arcia or Vargas could step up, it would be beyond huge.

[twinsnorth49]

I think it's more than reasonable to expect this team to play at least. 500 ball the rest of the way. Agreed on the concerns with the pen and another bopper.

 

Hopefully Fien can help a bit, his rehab has been pretty dominant in Rochester and I agree that Tonkin and Oliveros need to step up at some point. I still think Arcia ends up being that other middle order bat. Wouldn't count Vargas out yet either but I believe it will be Waldo.

[Willihammer]

Escobar has no business in left. Arcia coming back strong would be very welcome.

[h2oface]

Good time to figure pace, eh? I guess figuring pace at 1-6 (23 wins) was a bad time. Fact is, there is no pace. There is just a series of streaks and the final records.

[h2oface]

 

Yeah the pen is a ticking time bomb, the SP going deep helps obviously, but they have got to find a couple more guys you can count on. Tonkin and Oliveros (if they can step up) seem to be a decent start to that.

It always amazes me on lightly most GM's take the construction of a bullpen. To have games on the line n the late innings and just use a grab bag method of bullpen constuction never makes sense to me. 

[TwinsCD]

I always look at each series and hope for the 2 out of 3.  Since the end of April, the Twins have been hitting that goal just about every time.  I agree we need that extra bullpen help because I can't see Thompson and Boyer continuing to hold down the fort like they have.  We've seen some really good RISP hitting this month, something all of us have become unaccustomed to in the past few years.  Arcia coming back healthy and productive and Vargas getting his crap together would be very welcome.  I know at some point, they're going to run into a slump but as of right now, just keep piling up those W's.

[h2oface]

Big thanks to Perkins for the 4 out save, tonight. And for shaving off the neck beard.

Was that Delmon Young out there in left field?

Dozier didn't even look to first after that fine stop of Sandoval's grounder to load the bases. Sandoval is no speedster. I guess if you tried and didn't get the out at first, it was a tie game. Still, I was surprised he didn't even look. No matter though.

Molitor seems to pulling all the right strings. Sure is swell to see these boys winning.

[Ncgo4]

I'm thrilled with what's happening, but I'm still not convinced it isn't in some part smoke and mirrors. The Twins have been hitting in clusters and have been scoring runs well beyond what the stats suggest they should. For example, excluding Toronto which is a mile ahead of all other teams, the Twins are eigth in runs scored. Yet among all teams in the top 16, only 2 others have a lower on base % than our twins. My guess is that this should even out over the season.

 

On the positive side, we are playing in a division with several really bad teams, especially Chi and Cleveland, so this should help us since we play most games within our division. And our defense has been very solid, especially with Hicks in center.

 

My biggest question, though is the pattern of calling up players. Will they make changes quickly enough when better options are available in the minors. I. E., Milone in Rochester.

[DaveW]

I dunno who you would replace in the rotation right now with Milone, I guess you could replace Nolasco, but he is starting to look halfway decent.

Pelfrey, Hughes, Gibson and May have all done enough to stay in IMO.

[drivlikejehu]

I don't think it's likely the Twins will play at .500+ from here on out. Possible, but not likely, and I wouldn't say it was a disappointment if they ended up with, say, 82 wins.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Yeah the pen is a ticking time bomb, the SP going deep helps obviously, but they have got to find a couple more guys you can count on. Tonkin and Oliveros (if they can step up) seem to be a decent start to that.

They definitely could use one more guy who actually has the potential to put it in the seats. As of now, Plouffe, Dozier and Hunter are the only real threats, and they all seem like 20-25 HR guys overall at this point then 30-35 HR guys at this point.

If Arcia or Vargas could step up, it would be beyond huge.

Pinto could be another 15-20 hr guy at C in addition to Vargas/Arcia at DH

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I dunno who you would replace in the rotation right now with Milone, I guess you could replace Nolasco, but he is starting to look halfway decent.

 

Pelfrey, Hughes, Gibson and May have all done enough to stay in IMO.

at some point Pelfrey and/or Nolasco are going to turn back into pumpkins or get traded

[gunnarthor]

Getting Arcia back at DH and Santana sent to AAA (Escobar to short) might help the offense a bit. 

[DaveW]

 

Pinto could be another 15-20 hr guy at C in addition to Vargas/Arcia at DH

I don't think the Twins feel comfortable with Pinto as an everyday catcher. He however could have a nice amount of value as a backup catcher, PH and occasional DH. He also could be valuable as trade chip if he could ultimately become Ryan Doumit like.

[DaveW]

 

 

Getting Arcia back at DH and Santana sent to AAA (Escobar to short) might help the offense a bit. 

All things being equal, I don't think Escobar is a better every day option at SS then Santana (who has struggled but is still very young) Neither guy is a guy you can count on for a .670+ OPS IMO, but Santana brings some 15-20 SB speed with his game at least and is younger.

 

That's not a shot at Escobar as I think he still has a place on this team as a super UTIL type until the Twins find someone better.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think the pen is a time bomb.  It needs upgrades.  Fortunately, there are some in house and you can always trade a marginal prospect for a decent, non-closing reliever. 

 

Pinto for Hermann should be a nice swap.  Much better offense and can complement Suzuki. 

 

Sano for Mauer would be even better, but it won't happen b/c Mauer won't move back to C.  I wish that would happen.   I really do.  A Mauer/Suzuki tandem would be a pretty good catching option. 

[DaveW]

 

 

at some point Pelfrey and/or Nolasco are going to turn back into pumpkins or get traded

I'm as tough on Nolasco as anyone, but the Twins signed him to a big contract for a reason, prior to last season he was a very dependable 190 IP 4th/5th guy in the rotation.

 

While neither one should be booted early for a guy like Milone (who also projects as a 4/5th at best) the real question that needs to be asked is assuming everyone is healthy/effective: Who would be the odd man out once Santana is ready to play again? Ultimately I see Pelfrey being a real asset in the pen if he happens to falter in the rotation, but certainly am pulling for him to do more of the same in the rotation like he has been.

[gunnarthor]

 

at some point Pelfrey and/or Nolasco are going to turn back into pumpkins or get traded

And when that happens, they have some depth (Milone, Berrios, Duffey hopefully Meyer gets fixed and E. Santana) to back them up.

[DaveW]

 

 

I think the pen is a time bomb.  It needs upgrades.  Fortunately, there are some in house and you can always trade a marginal prospect for a decent, non-closing reliever. 

 

Pinto for Hermann should be a nice swap.  Much better offense and can complement Suzuki. 

 

Sano for Mauer would be even better, but it won't happen b/c Mauer won't move back to C.  I wish that would happen.   I really do.  A Mauer/Suzuki tandem would be a pretty good catching option. 

You make it sound like Mauer is being selfish or something, he moved from catcher due to serious health reasons, in 2015 we should be able to realize that Mauer and the Twins are doing the RIGHT thing and should actually be applauded instead of the constant cheap shots of being soft etc (not saying you are saying them specifically) you see from the newspapers/online community.

The guy is still very young in terms of being a human, he has a family and one more concussion could do some long lasting damage. Something money and world series titles will never fix.

[jimmer]

 

All things being equal, I don't think Escobar is a better every day option at SS then Santana (who has struggled but is still very young) Neither guy is a guy you can count on for a .670+ OPS IMO, but Santana brings some 15-20 SB speed with his game at least and is younger.

 

That's not a shot at Escobar as I think he still has a place on this team as a super UTIL type until the Twins find someone better.

Escobar is also young. If Escobar was in his 30s, that might be one thing, but he's only two years older than Santana.  If their offense is roughly the same, they should play the guy who plays better defense.  I believe that's Escobar.

[gocgo]

What did Crash Davis say?   Respect the streak.

 

The Twins are on a roll.  Stuff like this doesn't happen often.  28-18 and 27-12 after that awful start.  I don't even want to think about bringing in Santana or bringing up a bat or a reliever.  Don't mess with the clubhouse chemistry and most of all, respect the streak.  Wear the same socks, go thru the same routine, keep the same guys in the clubhouse.

[brvama]

Just as I didn't get too worried about the start of the season, I'm not going to go gags over this last month. Yes I have really enjoyed this run, BUT there is a lot of baseball left. However, I still believe, no matter what the rest of the season brings, that the Twins have turned a corner to competitive baseball. Let's hope they continue to surprise us and the.baseball world.hope

 

I certainly wouldn't call this streak smoke and mirrors, but this is still not a juggernaut of a baseball team, yet. We have been exposed to some good starting pitching, going deep in the games and for the most part the pen has done its job. The defense has picked up especially since Hichs has arrived. This has been a team accomplishment. They believe in themselves and each other, whether that's Molitor, Hunter, or the equipment guy, it's got themlaying well.

 

There are some upgrades that need to be done, but I hope whoever comes in.brings the same team attitude that is currently on display. For one, I am a bit concerned about Arcia. Much of this turn around has happened in his absence . I hope he can get his stroke back and I'd stick him in the DH spot.. Outside of some RP upgrades, I'm willing to wait for our prospects force the issue.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I'm as tough on Nolasco as anyone, but the Twins signed him to a big contract for a reason, prior to last season he was a very dependable 190 IP 4th/5th guy in the rotation.

 

While neither one should be booted early for a guy like Milone (who also projects as a 4/5th at best) the real question that needs to be asked is assuming everyone is healthy/effective: Who would be the odd man out once Santana is ready to play again? Ultimately I see Pelfrey being a real asset in the pen if he happens to falter in the rotation, but certainly am pulling for him to do more of the same in the rotation like he has been.

its not like I want them to suck, I just don't trust both of them to last. Pelfrey is all smoke a mirrors to this point. There are a few pitchers who have sustained the illusion, but most don't. Nolasco does have a history of effective pitching and he'd be the guy I trust more of the two, and I agree that neither should be bumped for Milone. Milone's best place is in AAA' where he can be available when the illusion fizzles or someone gets injured. Too early to think about July, injuries will strike.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

You make it sound like Mauer is being selfish or something, he moved from catcher due to serious health reasons, in 2015 we should be able to realize that Mauer and the Twins are doing the RIGHT thing and should actually be applauded instead of the constant cheap shots of being soft etc (not saying you are saying them specifically) you see from the newspapers/online community.

The guy is still very young in terms of being a human, he has a family and one more concussion could do some long lasting damage. Something money and world series titles will never fix.

 

 

Not trying to make him sound selfish.  That's my bad for coming across that way.  I do think it would be wise for him to play more back there, and I also think that's a risk that anyone playing catcher takes.  Someone has to play it.  Why is it that Suzuki has no problems playing C at his age?  Since Pinto has had concussions, should he be moving too?  Problem is that Mauer is no longer hitting well enough to be a 1B.  Now hopefully that changes and we see the Mauer of old, but with his contract and production, he's not really an asset right now (and to be clear, this is coming from someone who likes Mauer) and he's blocking a potentially sensible move of Vargas or Sano at 1B to let Arcia DH more. 

 

Mauer is a borderline HOF guy as a C right now.  A few more years there and I think its a shoe-in.  Not so much at 1B. 

 

That being said, I'm not saying that the team is asking him to move back and he's not.  That decision was made.  Not sure anyone is revisiting it, even though I think they should. 

[Hrbowski]

 

I still think the bullpen needs help, or it will prove too costly to overcome.

 

Outside of that, they could use one middle of the order bat.  

 

Both of those areas could, and I stress could, get some help from the minors if they can just hold off another few weeks. .

 

I think that the bullpen can be filled from within:

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/7/7/4/124408774/cuts/20150509_bjh_2601_ezgqxi3u_15ts6ubn.jpg

[DaveW]

Escobar is also young. If Escobar was in his 30s, that might be one thing, but he's only two years older than Santana. If their offense is roughly the same, they should play the guy who plays better defense. I believe that's Escobar.

I view them as both non hitting (but a bit below average for SS) and average to above average defensively potentially.

 

The differing factor to me is Santana's speed, at least when he gets on base he can turn his singles into doubles from time to time with an SB.

 

all that is to say, I have a gut feeling that Santana ends up a better overall SS

[DaveW]

Not trying to make him sound selfish. That's my bad for coming across that way. I do think it would be wise for him to play more back there, and I also think that's a risk that anyone playing catcher takes. Someone has to play it. Why is it that Suzuki has no problems playing C at his age? Since Pinto has had concussions, should he be moving too?

I'm not a doctor, but I would guess that not all concussions are created equals and that different people respond differently to them.

 

The doctors who advised Mauer and the twins said it would be best for him not to stay at catcher, I trust them and will continue to trust them until someone who actually has personally diagnosed Mauer medically says else wise.

 

He isn't going back to catcher, it just isn't happening, it's time for us to stop saying he should or consider it. It would also be nice if Sano was still a SS but we gotta look at reality and figure out what to do.

[blairpaul715]

 

I'm not a doctor, but I would guess that not all concussions are created equals and that different people respond differently to them.

The doctors who advised Mauer and the twins said it would be best for him not to stay at catcher, I trust them and will continue to trust them until someone who actually has personally diagnosed Mauer medically says else wise.

He isn't going back to catcher, it just isn't happening, it's time for us to stop saying he should or consider it. It would also be nice if Sano was still a SS ;)I but we gotta look at reality and figure out what to do.

I think it was all about the money invested, if they are paying him that much, they want him on the field, he is still the face of the franchise, at least thru this year.