How Long, Bruno?

[DocBauer]

The K's don't bother me so much, they are more a part of the game than at any other time, especially with young or power hitters. This team isn't doing the basics, at all. Lots of runners not getting advanced, batters trying to pull outside pitches, swinging at non-strikes, etc... As was stated earlier, there doesn't seem to be a plan with many of these batters. They are TRYING to work the count  (maybe there is a little bit of a plan), but are letting too many hittable pitches be called strikes, then swinging at bad pitches and taking the slow walk back to the dugout. 

 

Oh, there is one exception so far; everyone's favorite punching bag, Joe Mauer, is hitting the ball hard all over the field. What a shame it would be if he has recovered his mojo but the rest of the team can't figure it out.

I wonder if some of the guys are just pressing at the moment?

 

The lineup could absolutely use another contact hitter or two besides Mauer. Kepler, when ready, will help. Buxton, as he matures and gets his feet under him, will also help.

[ashbury]

Precisely.

 

"Relax kid. We got 162 games to go."

You're forecasting a few playoff wins, I see.

[a-wan]

Besides Kepler and Sano none of the hitters on the Twins roster that is under 30 years old have shown signs of plate discipline in the minors. Is that on Brunansky?

[USAFChief]

You're forecasting a few playoff wins, I see.

But another season without a WS win.

 

Sigh...

[USAFChief]

Besides Kepler and Sano none of the hitters on the Twins roster that is under 30 years old have shown signs of plate discipline in the minors. Is that on Brunansky?

One reason I really hated the Hicks-Murphy trade.

[mudcat14]

 

Besides Kepler and Sano none of the hitters on the Twins roster that is under 30 years old have shown signs of plate discipline in the minors. Is that on Brunansky?

 

OK, I understand that even good young guys will struggle with contact when reaching the big leagues.  But eventually it should even out, right?  Doesn't seem to matter here.  Minor, then Major League K-Rates for several of our Twins;  

 

Arcia - .22%, then 33%

Buxton - 23%, then 35%

Rosario - 19%, then 27%

Sano - 30%, then 36%

Santana - 20%, then 25%

 

Okay, okay, the sample size is too small.  But throw in the climbing K totals for Dozier, Plouffe and Mauer over the last few years, and I'm not at all encouraged.

 

[Shane Wahl]

Doesn't there seem to be something up with spring preparation over the last several years, leading to these bad, bad starts? Am I wrong. I am honestly currently lazy about looking up the first 6 games for previous seasons, but it seems like something is off about ST.

[TKGuy]

First, we ruin hitters because we make them hit the ball the other way.  Now we go for the fences and people K, not surprising.  

 

[jimbo92107]

One of two things has to happen: Either you fire everybody, or you fire up a doobie and chill. There are no other choices. Except somewhere in between, but still...

 

For a minute there I got all excited.

 

Hey, how about Nolasco pitching pretty good, eh?

[Old Twins Cap]

In Twins defense in regard to slow starts:  with an outdoor park in probably the diciest weather zone for early April, they will almost always have to start on the road. 

 

Historically, in the last couple decades, they have been a lousy road team. 

 

That said, poor umpiring has been rampant so far, and that falls in favor of the home team and also favors veterans over rookies.  So, starting on the road, double whammy with umpires -- sorry guys, that's all I got.

 

They truly look terrible. 

 

But, we saw how many years it took the Royals, and a guy like Moustakas, to learn how to hit in MLB.

 

We are about three years away at this point.

[jimmer]

 

In Twins defense in regard to slow starts:  with an outdoor park in probably the diciest weather zone for early April, they will almost always have to start on the road. 

 

Historically, in the last couple decades, they have been a lousy road team. 

 

That said, poor umpiring has been rampant so far, and that falls in favor of the home team and also favors veterans over rookies.  So, starting on the road, double whammy with umpires -- sorry guys, that's all I got.

 

They truly look terrible. 

 

But, we saw how many years it took the Royals, and a guy like Moustakas, to learn how to hit in MLB.

 

We are about three years away at this point.

With all respect (seriously, no disrespect intended), there's a lot of excuses in this post.

 

And three years?  Kept hearing/reading that this year we'd be true playoff contenders and true W Series contenders next year (some even said this year).

 

Is it okay with fans that the needle keeps being moved?

[Oldgoat_MN]

 

I think it's outdoor baseball. Bats afraid of low temperatures. Wait until we get back to the climate-controlled Dome and we can sacrifice a chicken. Wait a minute! Is the Dome gone? We got any chickens left?

 

There are chickens apleanty. Now, can we put them to use?

 

And hey, you know Kepler wanted to hit a home run today. A game winning home run that would have made the papers in Germany!

 

Instead he took his at bat like a pro and walked.

Excellent at bat.

[ashbury]

Doesn't there seem to be something up with spring preparation over the last several years, leading to these bad, bad starts? Am I wrong. I am honestly currently lazy about looking up the first 6 games for previous seasons, but it seems like something is off about ST.

I can't help wondering the same thing. Still, it would have been more persuasive to see a post like this, oh, about a week ago.

 

We are about three years away at this point.

History doesn't repeat itself, but sometimes it rhymes. In 1984 our Twins had a surprising .500 season and were in contention until the very end, after years in the wilderness. Many of the important pieces were in place at that time. It still took until 1987 for the magic to really happen.

[Shane Wahl]

 

One of two things has to happen: Either you fire everybody, or you fire up a doobie and chill. There are no other choices. Except somewhere in between, but still...

 

For a minute there I got all excited.

 

Hey, how about Nolasco pitching pretty good, eh?

This start might necessitate bong loads and not doobies . . .