Oswaldo Arcia

[Old Twins Cap]

Watching Arcia, he has terrible body language when he himself is not doing well.  Not something you want on a team.  He sulks, he walks slowly on and off the field, he looks at the ground.  Then, when he hits a home run, he becomes animated and happy. 

 

He's a young man that needs to stop thinking so much of himself and his own performance and start figuring out how he can help the team -- then enjoy it when the team does well.  He will have opportunities to contribute but it is about Team and not Him.

[drjim]

 

I have a sneaky suspicion that Arcia has worn out his welcome with the FO/staff.  I hope that I am wrong and he turns it around because he has amazing raw ability.

 

I think being constantly dinged up, lacking any sort of consistency at the plate and completely tanking at AAA last year will help contribute to that.

 

I don't think they want to cut him, but they certainly aren't (and shouldn't be) counting on him for anything this year.

[tobi0040]

I guess I don't see who he makes this team over.  Sano or Roario in a corner, Mauer at 1B, or Park at DH.  Let's just get past the Twins are not putting Arcia in the lineup daily over Mauer.  They just aren't.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

I am wondering if he is in Fort Myers early because they had the same conversation about conditioning (getting leaner) with Arcia as they did with Sano.  Obviously, Arcia is not as big a guy as Sano but it would not hurt Arcia’s defense if he was leaner by spring.  If nothing else, it would be a good sign of maturity if Arcia is making this type of commitment and effort.  I will be rooting for an ever better version of the guy we were so high on two years.

 

How good would the best version of Oswaldo Arcia look hitting between Sano and Park?

Oswaldo is already here in Ft. Myers working out, just saw personal video of him at the gym (my barber is a close friend of his) and he looks SWOLLEN!  If I didn't know better his upper body looks like a body builder

[bluechipper]

 

Oswaldo is already here in Ft. Myers working out, just saw personal video of him at the gym (my barber is a close friend of his) and he looks SWOLLEN!  If I didn't know better his upper body looks like a body builder

That sounds like good news to me at first glance, but is that really good news for a baseball player to be muscle-bound like that?

[sane09]

Oswaldo is already here in Ft. Myers working out, just saw personal video of him at the gym (my barber is a close friend of his) and he looks SWOLLEN!  If I didn't know better his upper body looks like a body builder

GREAT!

Now he will be able to fan in an effort to hit 600-ft-HR's; rather than the 500-ft-HR's he tried to hit last season.

Also if YOUR barber is Arcia's barber, all three of you should be arrested on charges of Felony Coiffure Mutilation.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

GREAT!
Now he will be able to fan in an effort to hit 600-ft-HR's; rather than the 500-ft-HR's he tried to hit last season.
Also if YOUR barber is Arcia's barber, all three of you should be arrested on charges of Felony Coiffure Mutilation.

LOL, only thing a barber touches of mine is straight razoring my beard.  The timing was just impeccable, I spotted a large oversized autographed baseball card of Arcia on his mirror and we started talking baseball.  He seemed surprised I knew who Oswaldo was and whipped out his phone with pictures/video that were taken over the weekend of the two working out and swimming.  He's known Arcia back to their days in Venezuela.

[kab21]

 

I guess I don't see who he makes this team over.  Sano or Roario in a corner, Mauer at 1B, or Park at DH.  Let's just get past the Twins are not putting Arcia in the lineup daily over Mauer.  They just aren't.

You only named starting positions.  Arcia can make the team as the 4th OF'er if Santana also makes the team as UT IF/CF.  And the team still has Rosario as an emergency CF.  The 4th OF'er doesn't have to be able to backup CF.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I am hoping Arcia gets the same opportunity in 2016 that Danny Santana got in 2015.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

On another thought, does it seem the 13 position players are pretty much settles going into spring training?

Murphy, Suzuki
Mauer, Park, Dozier, Escobar, Plouffe, Nunez, Santana
Rosario, Buxton, Sano, Arcia

I have thought they should add a veteran OF, but not sure who I would want him to replace, assuming none of the tendered guys are going anywhere

 

I beg to differ on Buxton. I suspect Sweeney gets first crack while Buxton starts in AAA. 

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think the Twins would be absolutely foolish to cut Arcia. I don't care if he's worn out his welcome or not. He put up a minor league OPS around .900 while being very young for his league.  The kid can hit. Let's not forget that he was dealing with a hip injury last year. Those types of injuries tend to sap a person's strength. I think healed up, he'll be more what we expected last year.

 

As for his strength, if he's taking a page out of the Berrios workout regimen, I really don't care. I understand that strength isn't his problem. Endurance and recovery certainly might be. Let him be a bod builder in the gym. If anything else, the fact that he's in Fort Meyer's right now, working out like a fiend and practicing every day ought to be an encouragement.

[drjim]

 

I beg to differ on Buxton. I suspect Sweeney gets first crack while Buxton starts in AAA. 

 

Why would the Twins do this? Sweeney didn't even play last year, and they are going to jump him into the starting lineup on day 1 over a top 1-2 prospect in baseball with 46 games and 138 PAs?

 

I could envision a scenario where Buxton is terrible out of the gate for a couple of months and they send him down, but barring injury he is the opening day starter in CF.

[Thrylos]

 

My guess is Arcia needs to have a heck of a Spring Training to make the team. 

 

He is out of options.

[Major League Ready]

 

Why would the Twins do this? Sweeney didn't even play last year, and they are going to jump him into the starting lineup on day 1 over a top 1-2 prospect in baseball with 46 games and 138 PAs?

 

I could envision a scenario where Buxton is terrible out of the gate for a couple of months and they send him down, but barring injury he is the opening day starter in CF.

I am a big Buxton fan but I would think the Twins management would have to see a great spring training from Buxton because based on what we saw last season, he is not ready to be here.   He was promoted because of need as opposed to being ready for the ML level.  Granted, he was better right at the end but unless he looks fantastic in spring training, let the kid 4-6 weeks in AAA to get some confidence.  Rosario and/or Santana can hold down CF for a month or so. 

 

This is also has the added benefit of providing Arcia an opportunity.  Obviously, Arcia and Buxton play different positions but the players could be maneuvered in a manner that provides a place for Arcia.  I also still think there is a decent chance Plouffe is dealt and Sano is at 3B.

[tobi0040]

 

I am a big Buxton fan but I would think the Twins management would have to see a great spring training from Buxton because based on what we saw last season, he is not ready to be here.   He was promoted because of need as opposed to being ready for the ML level.  Granted, he was better right at the end but unless he looks fantastic in spring training, let the kid 4-6 weeks in AAA to get some confidence.  Rosario and/or Santana can hold down CF for a month or so. 

 

This is also has the added benefit of providing Arcia an opportunity.  Obviously, Arcia and Buxton play different positions but the players could be maneuvered in a manner that provides a place for Arcia.  I also still think there is a decent chance Plouffe is dealt and Sano is at 3B.

 

I am quite skeptical of Arcia's future here, but this strikes me as a really good idea.  Both to give Arcia another look and let Buxton stay in AAA for awhile.

 

It would be really nice for the Twins to get Arcia reps somewhere against righties.  DH, 1B, or LF.  His career wRc split is 121 vs. 69.  His career OPS against righties is .807, helped by a .485 slugging.

[Yoshii]

Arcia has got to be waaaay better defensively before he can think about playing in the MLB again.  Keep him in AAA to start the year, and trade him when the HRs come.  I'd rather settle for a new mediocre prospect then terrible miss-plays in the OF.  So many other things to look forward to this year. 

[KGB]

 

 

Just my opinion.

 

Mauer, Sano, Park, and Vargas are all competing for two spots?

If that is true, then it's Mauer, Park and Vargas competing for one spot, because Sano going to play.

 

I have more confident in Arcia rebounding beginning of next season than I have in Park making the adjustment to MLB pitching that quickly.  Hopefully by mid-year you have a couple of assets in both players.

[Yoshii]

 

If that is true, then it's Mauer, Park and Vargas competing for one spot, because Sano going to play.

 

I have more confident in Arcia rebounding beginning of next season than I have in Park making the adjustment to MLB pitching that quickly.  Hopefully by mid-year you have a couple of assets in both players.

Sano will be in the OF or 3B.  Mauer and Park will share 1B/DH.  Vargas sits on the bench, or vegetates in the minors.

[tobi0040]

 

If that is true, then it's Mauer, Park and Vargas competing for one spot, because Sano going to play.

 

I have more confident in Arcia rebounding beginning of next season than I have in Park making the adjustment to MLB pitching that quickly.  Hopefully by mid-year you have a couple of assets in both players.

 

Sano has either LF or 3B if we move Plouffe.  Mauer is at 1B.  Park at DH. 

[Major League Ready]

 

I am quite skeptical of Arcia's future here, but this strikes me as a really good idea.  Both to give Arcia another look and let Buxton stay in AAA for awhile.

 

It would be really nice for the Twins to get Arcia reps somewhere against righties.  DH, 1B, or LF.  His career wRc split is 121 vs. 69.  His career OPS against righties is .807, helped by a .485 slugging.

I too am skeptical of Arcia's future.  He seems to be a longshot at this point. He was pretty miserable at AAA last year.  The FO and coaching staff might also be growing tired of watching him swing out of his shoes or mope when things don't go well for him.  He is Carlos Gomez minus the athleticism and defensive value.  However, I just hate the idea of letting him go without one final chance, especially given our current OF situation.  It would really suck to watch him hit 30 bombs for someone else.

[REPETE]

 

Arcia has got to be waaaay better defensively before he can think about playing in the MLB again.  Keep him in AAA to start the year, and trade him when the HRs come.  I'd rather settle for a new mediocre prospect then terrible miss-plays in the OF.  So many other things to look forward to this year. 

He's out of options, and there's no way some other team doesn't snap him up for his potential.  He either makes the team out of Spring Training, or he's on to his next team in very short order.  

Personally, I'm OK with Buxton starting in AAA, and Arcia making the team.  He may never "figure it out", but I certainly would hope the Twins give him every possible chance to do so, with us, and not someone else.  

[nicksaviking]

Arcia has too much offensive potential to never give a real shot. The guy has never been given a full season to show what he can do, and this is despite the fact that two of the past three seasons the Twins were so bad they had nothing to lose by playing young guys exclusively.

 

This kind of thing is the biggest drawback to not committing to a rebuild. We see some star players come out of the gates and just get it, but we forget how many good players take several years of scuffling before they are ready to contribute consistently. It's important for pitchers to learn on the job at the MLB level too.

[howieramone2]

 

Arcia has too much offensive potential to never give a real shot. The guy has never been given a full season to show what he can do, and this is despite the fact that two of the past three seasons the Twins were so bad they had nothing to lose by playing young guys exclusively.

 

This kind of thing is the biggest drawback to not committing to a rebuild. We see some star players come out of the gates and just get it, but we forget how many good players take several years of scuffling before they are ready to contribute consistently. It's important for pitchers to learn on the job at the MLB level too.

Can you name another mid-market team that has done a complete rebuild in less than 4 years? Also, it is not important for pitchers to learn the job on the MLB level. It's important that they come up MLB ready. The Show is not a finishing school.

[tobi0040]

 

You only named starting positions.  Arcia can make the team as the 4th OF'er if Santana also makes the team as UT IF/CF.  And the team still has Rosario as an emergency CF.  The 4th OF'er doesn't have to be able to backup CF.

 

I have been making this point all offseason.  This is a roster that will likely have Buxton, Rosario, Escobar, and Santana on it.  Kepler could also arrive in June.  We have oodles and oodles of guys that could step into CF and it would be nice for the 4th OF to be a thumper and/or a guy that can platoon.  I think Arcia would be an ideal fit.

 

However, I have never seen this team devote a utility type role to the offensive side of the game.  The Mastroanni and Benson signings tell me it will be more of the same.

[howieramone2]

 

I have been making this point all offseason.  This is a roster that will likely have Buxton, Rosario, Escobar, and Santana on it.  Kepler could also arrive in June.  We have oodles and oodles of guys that could step into CF and it would be nice for the 4th OF to be a thumper and/or a guy that can platoon.  I think Arcia would be an ideal fit.

 

However, I have never seen this team devote a utility type role to the offensive side of the game.  The Mastroanni and Benson signings tell me it will be more of the same.

Mastro and Benson are emergency depth, doubt we will see them at Target Field. King Theo refers to these as small moves. I wouldn't read too much into it.

[Kwak]

 

I have been making this point all offseason.  This is a roster that will likely have Buxton, Rosario, Escobar, and Santana on it.  Kepler could also arrive in June.  We have oodles and oodles of guys that could step into CF and it would be nice for the 4th OF to be a thumper and/or a guy that can platoon.  I think Arcia would be an ideal fit.

 

However, I have never seen this team devote a utility type role to the offensive side of the game.  The Mastroanni and Benson signings tell me it will be more of the same.

The Twins rarely jettison detritus until they determine that it can't be exchanged for someone (anyone) else.  So, Arcia will get "his shot",  just like Nolasco will get "starts".  Differences between them:  Arcia is cheap, his "record of success in MLB" is short, and  Arcia has no utility in a bench role;  Nolasco has had several productive years in MLB, he's very expensive, and value is possible in a bullpen role.  

 

Mastro and Benson are "mercy" signings--Twins expectations for these two is "Good Bye, Good Luck, and Happy Trails".

[tobi0040]

 

The Twins rarely jettison detritus until they determine that it can't be exchanged for someone (anyone) else.  So, Arcia will get "his shot",  just like Nolasco will get "starts".  Differences between them:  Arcia is cheap, his "record of success in MLB" is short, and  Arcia has no utility in a bench role;  Nolasco has had several productive years in MLB, he's very expensive, and value is possible in a bullpen role.  

 

Mastro and Benson are "mercy" signings--Twins expectations for these two is "Good Bye, Good Luck, and Happy Trails".

 

 

It is possible that I am reading too much into these two signings. But I would be completely shocked if the Twins devoted the 4th OF to someone that is a liability defensively in LR or RF and cannot play CF.  It appears this is an obvious move to you and I, given the rest of the roster.  But it won't happen.

 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Arcia has got to be waaaay better defensively before he can think about playing in the MLB again.  Keep him in AAA to start the year, and trade him when the HRs come.  I'd rather settle for a new mediocre prospect then terrible miss-plays in the OF.  So many other things to look forward to this year.

 

the new problem with the "bad defense" argument against Arcia is that the Twins are now planning to use Sano in the outfield. Do you think Sano would be better than Arcia out there? I do not!

[tobi0040]

 

the new problem with the "bad defense" argument against Arcia is that the Twins are now planning to use Sano in the outfield. Do you think Sano would be better than Arcia out there? I do not!

 

There is a sliding scale of what you will put up with defensively for the offensive trade off.   I think Sano will be a little better in the OF than Arcia, but much better at the plate.

[Linus]

There is a sliding scale of what you will put up with defensively for the offensive trade off. I think Sano will be a little better in the OF than Arcia, but much better at the plate.

Plus Sano is much more athletic than Arcia. I think Arcia is pretty much always going to be below average in the field. Sano, he has a chance to be above average.