Royals and Twins

[jorgenswest]

How many players of similar role would the Royals swap one for one with the Twins?

 

Of the position players, I came up with one. Brian Dozier. I suppose they might swap Rios for Hunter also, but Rios is coming back from injury and hasn't played. It would be hard to project who might be better the rest of the way.

 

Several positions the Twins aren't even close. C,1B,SS,3B LF and CF. I might not swap DHs with them but Morales is going to help more this year.

 

Moving to the pen, the gap is wider. Perkins might be the only Twins that could make the roster in the Royals bullpen. I am not sure Fien would be better than any of the right handed short relievers. Maybe they would take Graham over Blanton.

 

The Royals starting rotation isn't very exciting. It doesn't have to be. Five or six innings is enough. If contracts weren't involved they might swap Guthrie for Nolasco.

 

It is hard to imagine how the Twins might be expected to compete much less contend when the disparity in the rosters seems so great. While 8 games over 500, the Twins still have a long way to go to match the Royals.

[drjim]

The Royals are the best team in the AL. I don't think it's particularly close right now. Twins can absolutely compete for a playoff spot though, starting pitching can really cover holes.

 

Interesting that the teams are kind of opposite - Royals have the good everyday lineup with few holes, dominant bullpen and mediocre starters. Twins have decent starters, lineup with holes, and a weak bullpen.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Interesting exercise.  Moustakas with the bat was pretty bad until this year, but it would be hard to take Plouffe over him right now.