Nunez

[DaveW]

Why exactly are we giving this guy a 25 man roster space again?

Lifetime WAR of -0.6

Life UZR/150 of

-24.1 at SS

-29.1 at 3B

-12.4 at 2B

 

(yes those are all negative and very poor)

lifetime sub .700 OPS

 

Can't hit. Can't field. Not Fast.

 

 

[Vanimal46]

Everything that Nunez brings to the table could be matched or improved on with Polanco. The good thing is Nunez is cheap enough to cut loose if the Twins decide Polanco is the better option. I just wonder how long it will take to come to that solution....

[jorgenswest]

Nunez is a replacement level SS/3B that could not keep a utility job with the Yankees due to his inability to play 2B. His ability to make contact, run the bases and play SS at a poor level give him value. He has value to the Twins if they trade Plouffe.

 

If not, it is hard to see how he will make it through the year without being DFA'd. Given a four man bench of Murphy (or Suzuki), Santana, Arcia and Nunez, he has the least to offer. He would be the first to be DFA'd with the need for a 13th pitcher. The Twins would better off having another bat and hopefully one with options that can be sent down. I would rather see Vargas on the bench riding the shuttle between AAA and the majors than Nunez.

[drjim]

Who cares about his lifetime WAR?

 

He's a utility guy, which means some initial bad seasons would be expected, and he has produced a little in the last couple of years (including a 1.1 WAR, positive UZR at SS and LF last year). And he has some speed. 8 SBs in limited playing time.

 

Some speed, some pop, acceptable bb/k for a part time guy, can play a few positions. What exactly do you expect from a bench guy?

[drjim]

 

Nunez is a replacement level SS/3B that could not keep a utility job with the Yankees due to his inability to play 2B. His ability to make contact, run the bases and play SS at a poor level give him value. He has value to the Twins if they trade Plouffe.

If not, it is hard to see how he will make it through the year without being DFA'd. Given a four man bench of Murphy (or Suzuki), Santana, Arcia and Nunez, he has the least to offer. He would be the first to be DFA'd with the need for a 13th pitcher. The Twins would better off having another bat and hopefully one with options that can be sent down. I would rather see Vargas on the bench riding the shuttle between AAA and the majors than Nunez.

 

I would disagree he has the least to offer. If Arcia continues his trend of last year and doesn't hit, he offers nothing. And Santana has tools and ceiling, but not clear he can hit either or that his D at SS is even as good.

 

Nunez offers a floor, probably a good balance to the high upside but no guarantee offered by the other two bench spots.

 

I do agree that Polanco would likely offer more, but he is better off in the beginning of the year playing every day and being available to sub in for an injury if needed. Worry about him as a backup in the second half.

[sane09]

 

I do agree that Polanco would likely offer more, but he is better off in the beginning of the year playing every day and being available to sub in for an injury if needed. Worry about him as a backup in the second half.

There is no reason to believe that Polanco playing once-or-twice--a-week will hit as well as Nunez will hit playing once-or-twice--a-week. There is a reason bench players don't hit as well as everday players, and many players cannot perform without regular playing time. For all we know, Polanco may be one of that majority.

[nicksaviking]

Seems like he gets a bad rap to me. A .754 and .721 OPS the last two years with the Twins as a utility guy? Normally we would be thrilled if our 2B or SS could do that. Have we forgotten what Twins futility players do? I really don't understand the can't hit angle for him.

 

Not that I'm a huge fan, I just don't get all the displeasure with him, offensively he seems to be a pretty solid utility guy.

[High heat]

I see both sides of the coin. He isn't wonderful at anything, he isn't getting any better but he can play a few positions and he can hit when given limited at bats. There isn't a better option as a bench guy. I don't want to see polanco waste service time and development time sitting on the bench. The only other guy I see is James Beresford to fill that role but we haven't seen him in the majors for some reason.

[Thrylos]

 

Everything that Nunez brings to the table could be matched or improved on with Polanco. The good thing is Nunez is cheap enough to cut loose if the Twins decide Polanco is the better option. I just wonder how long it will take to come to that solution....

 

Using Polanco as a utility player is like using Buxton as a fourth OF.   Sub "Santana" for "Polanco" and I might bite.

 

If they cut Nunez before ST ends, they owe him nothing btw...

[DaveW]

Using Polanco as a utility player is like using Buxton as a fourth OF. Sub "Santana" for "Polanco" and I might bite.

 

If they cut Nunez before ST ends, they owe him nothing btw...

They actually owe him 20%

[DaveW]

Who cares about his lifetime WAR?

 

He's a utility guy, which means some initial bad seasons would be expected, and he has produced a little in the last couple of years (including a 1.1 WAR, positive UZR at SS and LF last year). And he has some speed. 8 SBs in limited playing time.

 

Some speed, some pop, acceptable bb/k for a part time guy, can play a few positions. What exactly do you expect from a bench guy?

He has a negative lifetime WAR. That indicates that he is a below replacement level player. His uzr was a short sample size last year, check out his overall numbers....

[Jham]

 

He has a negative lifetime WAR. That indicates that he is a below replacement level player. His uzr was a short sample size last year, check out his overall numbers....

 

He's also posted a positive WAR in both his seasons with the Twins, as a reserve.  I'm not sure WAR is the best indicator of value for everyday players, let alone utility players.  I think people get worked up about Nunez being on the team over more popular prospects.  But the horrible booted ball with the bases loaded against the Royals aside, he seems like one of those damn valuable veterans that shows young players that hard work and professionalism help maximize natural talent or lack thereof.  He's 28 years old.  He takes his position as a part time player, doesn't complain, then produces when called upon.  Good for Nunez, good for the Twins.  

[Seth Stohs]

 

Seems like he gets a bad rap to me. A .754 and .751 OPS the last two years with the Twins as a utility guy? Normally we would be thrilled if our 2B or SS could do that. Have we forgotten what Twins futility players do? I really don't understand the can't hit angle for him.

Not that I'm a huge fan, I just don't get all the displeasure with him, offensively he seems to be a pretty solid utility guy.

 

Agreed. He's solid in his role as 24th or 25th man on the roster. Not everyone can handle playing every 4th or 5th day. From what we saw in Molitor's first year, he didn't subscribe to the same philosophy as TK and Gardy, that bench guys need to play frequently to keep ready. Molitor isn't afraid to let Nunez go 5-8 days without playing. And that's tough. 

 

There's no way I'd let Polanco come up to play every 3rd or 4th game. Santana is already in the picture to do that. Nunez is fine. He's also a good leader for many of the young Latin players.

[jorgenswest]

Nunez isn't a very useful utility player. It was his inability to be a utility player that led to the Yankees designating him for assignment. He plays a poor SS and probably a little better 3B. Anywhere else is much worse.

 

The Twins use a 4 man bench, Santana is a better defender at SS, CF and 2B. They need a back up catcher. They need an OF preferably one that can bring some left handed power not found on this team. I hope Arcia steps up.

 

I don't think Nunez fits any of those roles and that leaves one spot for him. The last spot on the roster is best used by players with options. They can shuttle Vargas, Polanco, Kepler and a 13th pitcher as needed in that spot.

[DaveW]

Nunez isn't a very useful utility player. It was his inability to be a utility player that led to the Yankees designating him for assignment. He plays a poor SS and probably a little better 3B. Anywhere else is much worse.

 

The Twins use a 4 man bench, Santana is a better defender at SS, CF and 2B. They need a back up catcher. They need an OF preferably one that can bring some left handed power not found on this team. I hope Arcia steps up.

 

I don't think Nunez fits any of those roles and that leaves one spot for him. The last spot on the roster is best used by players with options. They can shuttle Vargas, Polanco, Kepler and a 13th pitcher as needed in that spot.

110% this

[GM64]

This is just off the top of my head, but I think this is wrong:

 

I don't think Nunez fits any of those roles and that leaves one spot for him. The last spot on the roster is best used by players with options. They can shuttle Vargas, Polanco, Kepler and a 13th pitcher as needed in that spot.

 

I would want the 14th, and 15th players to have options --- come up, play and go down.  Why would I want someone with a[n assumed] future --- Polanco, Kepler, even Vargas --- to be the 13th player, sitting on the bench behind a 4th outfielder and Santana?   Bring one of them up when someone gets hurt and you need an everyday, or at least frequent, player.  

[Danchat]

 

I don't think Nunez fits any of those roles and that leaves one spot for him. The last spot on the roster is best used by players with options. They can shuttle Vargas, Polanco, Kepler and a 13th pitcher as needed in that spot.

My main problem with Nunez is that the Twins might not have space on the bench for him. He's a fine bench player, but I don't want to see him take a spot from Vargas or Santana or a reliever.

[Rosterman]

Again, another name you can argue about keeping on the 40-man and allowing pitcher Jones to be claimed.

 

Yes, as a veteran he is still cheap. But would you rather give the limited role to Danny Santana, at least for now?

 

Unlike Escobar, would playing Nunez at any of the infield positions be a possibility if you were forced to because of injury? If you don't see such a thing as happening, then you are best served with a Beresford or even a Bernier, and that isn't saying much, sadly.

 

But the Twins did choose to offer arbitration to this guy instead of putting him in no-man's land of Duensing and Cotts and...Bernier...all of whom remain unclaimed for a job of any sorts yet in 2016.

 

[nicksaviking]

He has a negative lifetime WAR. That indicates that he is a below replacement level player. His uzr was a short sample size last year, check out his overall numbers....

His WAR is positive with the Twins, and if you really want to focus on his UZR it too has been positive with the Twins at SS, RF and LF. Defensively he's only been below average at 3B.

[jimbo92107]

 

Agreed. He's solid in his role as 24th or 25th man on the roster. Not everyone can handle playing every 4th or 5th day. From what we saw in Molitor's first year, he didn't subscribe to the same philosophy as TK and Gardy, that bench guys need to play frequently to keep ready. Molitor isn't afraid to let Nunez go 5-8 days without playing. And that's tough. 

 

There's no way I'd let Polanco come up to play every 3rd or 4th game. Santana is already in the picture to do that. Nunez is fine. He's also a good leader for many of the young Latin players.

Exactly. Nunez turns out to be much better off the bench than he is playing regularly. Who knows why, but sometimes when he steps in after a week on the bench, the guy looks like an all-star. However, if you stick him at a position for more than a couple games, he falls apart. 

 

As an occasional bench player, Nunez is almost ideal. 

[The Wise One]

A sup par player at first. Who knows what in center. Below average production at catcher.  Second year  players in the corner outfield .  With all of that this board is nuts over some  guy playing a limited role?

[Kwak]

The premise of this thread can be summed-up as "why give a utility role to a guy who has actually succeeded for the Twins for two seasons in said role, when the Twins can pluck a random piece of garbage from the dumpster to do this job?"  

[Squirrel]

 

The premise of this thread can be summed-up as "why give a utility role to a guy who has actually succeeded for the Twins for two seasons in said role, when the Twins can pluck a random piece of garbage from the dumpster to do this job?"  

If you don't think much of a thread topic, then don't spend your time reading it let alone responding to it. That goes for everyone. If someone here wants to have a discussion, so be it. If it's been rehashed many times before, okay. If it seems silly to you, live with it. If you don't like the 'tone,' ignore it. I can assure you that there are those out there who probably think the same of things you post from time to time. It's the way it rolls. We're not all interested in the same topics, we don't agree on much, some use different criteria to come to the same or different conclusions ... that's how discussion boards work. If something is perceived too 'negative' or 'positive' or whatever, give your rebuttal but don't do it by characterizing other posters. And I don't care how 'right' you are, you aren't; not here; even if you might be. If you really think something has crossed the line, then report without responding in thread to it. It will be dealt with as soon as we can. But this kind of 'whining' serves no purpose nor does it enhance any thread. Snark and sarcasm can be funny; but when used for ill, it's not. Let's all work on that. I realize it's a slow time leading up to lots of activity and perhaps some are trying extra hard to fill in the gaps, but perhaps it's better at times to just let it go.

 

As for this topic, some feel Nunez has no place on the roster. Some do. Give your reasons one way or another, or don't at all. But because someone has a different take or disagrees, try not to take offense. Give your rebuttal and if you still can't come to terms, agree to disagree and go. Personally, I think Nunez has done what he's been asked to do and played his role well. That's my opinion. I don't agree with Dave, but whatever; he doesn't agree with me, either.

[twinsajsf]

 

Exactly. Nunez turns out to be much better off the bench than he is playing regularly. Who knows why, but sometimes when he steps in after a week on the bench, the guy looks like an all-star. However, if you stick him at a position for more than a couple games, he falls apart. 

 

As an occasional bench player, Nunez is almost ideal. 

 

This is referred to in the baseball trade as "being overexposed".  Often guys like Nunez are playing well every 5th or 6th day (as was the case with Nunez early last season), and fans are thinking "this guy is hitting .360, why doesn't he play every day!?".  Well, especially with advanced analytics these days, managers can look ahead and pick their spots with utility guys to play them against more favorable matchups for them. So, for a month or two, they can look like All-Stars playing once a week.  But, if they play everyday, their flaws are quickly exposed and they are back hitting .220 and everyone is reminded why he's a utility guy. 

[adorduan]

 

Nunez isn't a very useful utility player. It was his inability to be a utility player that led to the Yankees designating him for assignment. He plays a poor SS and probably a little better 3B. Anywhere else is much worse.

The Twins use a 4 man bench, Santana is a better defender at SS, CF and 2B. They need a back up catcher. They need an OF preferably one that can bring some left handed power not found on this team. I hope Arcia steps up.

I don't think Nunez fits any of those roles and that leaves one spot for him. The last spot on the roster is best used by players with options. They can shuttle Vargas, Polanco, Kepler and a 13th pitcher as needed in that spot.

Santana is a better defender at SS?  Did you watch any games last year? He was horrible there, and I like the guy. And Santana didn't even play 2nd base last year, how do you know he's better than Nunez there?

[DaveW]

The problem is the small bench size the twins employ. If Sano actually is going to be playing in the OF then it is imperative the Twins have a legit 4th OF on the bench (Santana and Arcia are not these things) backup catcher takes up another spot. So your last guy ends up being Nunez?

 

The only way keeping him around makes sense is if Plouffe is traded, even then I would like to aim just a tad higher then what Nunez is bringing to the table.

[DaveW]

Santana is a better defender at SS? Did you watch any games last year? He was horrible there, and I like the guy. And Santana didn't even play 2nd base last year, how do you know he's better than Nunez there?

Santana has a lot more upside at SS and overall then Nunez.

[mikelink45]

It seems like a lot of discussion for the 25th man on the active roster.  He is useful and that is about all you can ask for in that situation.  I am more concerned about Santana and Arcia for whom we actually have hopes.  Youth on a bench is usually not a good situation - tough to get no ABs or Reps and suddenly be in the lineup.  At 28 Nunez has enough experience and stability to handle it. 

[Riverbrian]

 

The problem is the small bench size the twins employ. If Sano actually is going to be playing in the OF then it is imperative the Twins have a legit 4th OF on the bench (Santana and Arcia are not these things) backup catcher takes up another spot. So your last guy ends up being Nunez?

The only way keeping him around makes sense is if Plouffe is traded, even then I would like to aim just a tad higher then what Nunez is bringing to the table.

 

I can get in line with this statement.

 

I can't get in line with any statement that Nunez has no value.

 

I saw Nunez contribute. Big Hits... Base Running and Defense. 

 

He's an alright player. Yet possibly superfluous at this point. 

[HitInAPinch]

I like Nunez.  In limited playing time he has performed better than most would.  Not an easy thing to do.  Neither is having great, or even good defense is tough when you're rotating around the ballpark.

 

I think a larger problem would be Arcia as a bench player.  I don't recall an example of a power hitter being that successful coming off the bench.  Now, if Arcia were to be a more consistent substitute in the outfield [sano] or DH [Park/Mauer] and get 300+ AB's, it would make much more sense to me.