Funny how quickly things change

[Twodogs]

Nolasco and Arcia were probably the most hated Twins players coming out of spring training and everyone wanted to get rid of them.  So far they have both been big reasons as to why the Twins have even won any games this season.  Nolasco so far has probabaly been the most consistent starter the Twins have and Arcia has come through in the clutch a few times already this year. 

[bluechipper]

I have always been a big believer in Oswaldo Arcia, and I am really glad that he's played well and earned himself regular playing time.

[OldTimeTwinkie]

Who was that guy last night with Feins number on his jersey hitting 94-95 on the outside black consistanly.

 

Nice job Casey. He gets so little love around here so my hats off to him last night.

[dxpavelka]

 

Who was that guy last night with Feins number on his jersey hitting 94-95 on the outside black consistanly.

Nice job Casey. He gets so little love around here so my hats off to him last night.

I was wondering the same thing.

[dxpavelka]

 

Nolasco and Arcia were probably the most hated Twins players coming out of spring training and everyone wanted to get rid of them.  So far they have both been big reasons as to why the Twins have even won any games this season.  Nolasco so far has probabaly been the most consistent starter the Twins have and Arcia has come through in the clutch a few times already this year. 

That's why they play the games AND why us fans don't get to make those calls.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

Nolasco and Arcia were probably the most hated Twins players coming out of spring training and everyone wanted to get rid of them.  So far they have both been big reasons as to why the Twins have even won any games this season.  Nolasco so far has probabaly been the most consistent starter the Twins have and Arcia has come through in the clutch a few times already this year. 

Actually, many of us were terrified the Twins might release Arcia.

 

But yeah, pretty much everybody hates Nolasco.

[deanlambrecht]

WARNING:  I'm going a rant.

Here's what I like about the OP: it points out what I think is one of the biggest problems with commenters on this site.  What drives me right around the bend is people jumping to conclusions about players/teams on an impossibly small, and certainly statistically insignificant, sample size.  

As to players, e.g., there's the thread now that suggests that Buxton is a flop.  Ridiculous.  The rule of thumb is not to judge a player's offensive capabilities until he's had 1000 at-bats at the big league level.  That generally means that we shouldn't judge a player until he's been in the bigs for a bit over two years.  Yet here we are with Buxton barely at 1/8th that number and someone starts a thread concluding that he's a flop.

As to teams, I don't think another illustrative example is needed because it's plain to see that a number of commenters have already concluded that this season is kaput; just like they did last season, which wasn't kaput until game 160.

And while I'm at it, I'll also take the opportunity to point out the ridiculous level of hyperbole we see in threads and comments here.  There's a thread right now that says that Terry Ryan is a "failure of biblical proportions," or some such nonsense.  Look, I have serious disagreement with many of TR's decisions.  I wish the Pohlad's would replace him and the majority of the front office staff, frankly.  But there is nothing remotely "biblical" about any single baseball decision.  Ever.  It's baseball.  When we throw around malarkey like "failure of biblical proportions" or make wild claims that "[player X] is the WORST PLAYER EVER," it detracts from the quality of this otherwise excellent baseball website.

And that's my point.  The gentlemen who pooled their impressive talent to start this website did so based on the premise that the hyperbole and assumptions that we saw in the “mainstream press” and in the comment sections found there were not serving the community of baseball fans who have come to love TwinsDaily; that those things detracted from the joy of baseball and the corollary joy of baseball analysis.  So those commenters who engage in such behavior are doing a disservice to the readers and the founders of TwinsDaily, and ultimately to themselves. 

 

Those folks, and those who feed into them by responding in a similar manner, aren’t only making themselves look bad, however.  They’re making us all look bad.  They’re creating a situation where outsiders will be less able to take this website seriously.  TwinsDaily, and those who started the site, are a tremendous credit to baseball and to the Twins and their fans.  Let’s do what we can to keep it that way.

/end rant

[Pardon My Dinger]

 

 

/end rant

...So...we're cool, then? 

[twinsnorth49]

People hated Arcia......seriously? That's sad.

 

I know he had quite a few supporters and fans around these parts.

[Mr. Brooks]

Yeah I reject the premise of the rant on that basis.

 

I'd say those on here who were terrified that the Twins would give up on Arcia outnumber any who ripped the Twins for keeping him by at least 15 to 1.

[Loosey]

I seem to remember everyone wanting to give Arcia another shot.  But yeah, Nolasco was disliked.

[goulik]

I liked the rant! Definitely too much hyperbole around here (TD land) but maybe the rant is misplaced here

But phrases like "Most hated players" are hyperbole.

Yes, Nolasco had done little before this year to show he should be a starter over some others on this team and Arcia was horrific at times last year but I still loved and believed in Arcia. I love the enthusiasm, the passion, and the talent. Here's to hoping he has harnessed it!!

[Mr. Brooks]

And to be VERY clear. There is nothing knee jerk about having a negative view of Nolasco coming into the season.

The doubts have been well earned after the last two years.

[d-mac]

 

Who was that guy last night with Feins number on his jersey hitting 94-95 on the outside black consistanly.

Nice job Casey. He gets so little love around here so my hats off to him last night.

 

Def looked like vintage Casey Fien last night.

[bluechipper]

 

Def looked like vintage Casey Fien last night.

I loved seeing Casey be able to break out the fist pump again. It's been a while.

[MindFreak]

I'm new to this forum, but i could never understand Arcia hate, yes he strikes out a ton, but a lot of guess hitter, and power hitters do. His value has great value.

 

As for Nolasco, if you can get anything for him, and out of that contract. f'n do it now. 

[Reider]

Arcia has definitely had some clutch hits and Nolasco is having a solid start to the season.

 

I just thought I'd mention that Mauer and Nunez are both having a really good start to the season as well. Great to see.

[d-mac]

Arcia has come up with some clutch hits this year, for sure. But He's whiffed at over 40% of his PA's so far this year, and has a career K% over 30 and in just under 900 PA's has managed only 0.2 fWAR. He still seems to give away half of his plate appearances by chasing fastballs up out of his swing zone (which, by the way is a huge red flag, and an easy exploitable hole in his swing.) Sure, he's young and can hit the ball a mile, but unless he makes a major change to his approach or gets rid of the gigantic hitch at the beginning of his swing, I think he is what he is at this point- A poor defensive corner outfielder, with lots of raw power, but poor plate discipline, contact issues, and significant platoon splits- A left handed Delmon Young or Avasail Garcia, if you will.

 

Now as far as Nolasco goes, he's overperformed this year, but I think this performance is closer to what I expected when he was signed. He's always had strong peripherals, but underperformed them (an anti-Nick Blackburn). But that doesn't explain underperforming by 1.4 runs per 9 over his contract so far (ERA as a Twins of 5.34 vs. 3.91 xFIP and 3.97 SIERRA).  

[d-mac]

 

I loved seeing Casey be able to break out the fist pump again. It's been a while.

 

I've really hated how he had turned into a pumpkin up until last night. I love watching his fiery emotion on the mound. His fastball velo was back up to where it was when he was successful. 

[d-mac]

 

Arcia has definitely had some clutch hits and Nolasco is having a solid start to the season.

 

I just thought I'd mention that Mauer and Nunez are both having a really good start to the season as well. Great to see.

 

I think Mauer is finally over his concussion issues. And what's gotten into Nunez? He was pretty good last year with the bat as a part time player too. 

[Doubles]

 

WARNING:  I'm going a rant.

Here's what I like about the OP: it points out what I think is one of the biggest problems with commenters on this site.  What drives me right around the bend is people jumping to conclusions about players/teams on an impossibly small, and certainly statistically insignificant, sample size.  

As to players, e.g., there's the thread now that suggests that Buxton is a flop.  Ridiculous.  The rule of thumb is not to judge a player's offensive capabilities until he's had 1000 at-bats at the big league level.  That generally means that we shouldn't judge a player until he's been in the bigs for a bit over two years.  Yet here we are with Buxton barely at 1/8th that number and someone starts a thread concluding that he's a flop.

As to teams, I don't think another illustrative example is needed because it's plain to see that a number of commenters have already concluded that this season is kaput; just like they did last season, which wasn't kaput until game 160.

And while I'm at it, I'll also take the opportunity to point out the ridiculous level of hyperbole we see in threads and comments here.  There's a thread right now that says that Terry Ryan is a "failure of biblical proportions," or some such nonsense.  Look, I have serious disagreement with many of TR's decisions.  I wish the Pohlad's would replace him and the majority of the front office staff, frankly.  But there is nothing remotely "biblical" about any single baseball decision.  Ever.  It's baseball.  When we throw around malarkey like "failure of biblical proportions" or make wild claims that "[player X] is the WORST PLAYER EVER," it detracts from the quality of this otherwise excellent baseball website.

And that's my point.  The gentlemen who pooled their impressive talent to start this website did so based on the premise that the hyperbole and assumptions that we saw in the “mainstream press” and in the comment sections found there were not serving the community of baseball fans who have come to love TwinsDaily; that those things detracted from the joy of baseball and the corollary joy of baseball analysis.  So those commenters who engage in such behavior are doing a disservice to the readers and the founders of TwinsDaily, and ultimately to themselves. 

 

Those folks, and those who feed into them by responding in a similar manner, aren’t only making themselves look bad, however.  They’re making us all look bad.  They’re creating a situation where outsiders will be less able to take this website seriously.  TwinsDaily, and those who started the site, are a tremendous credit to baseball and to the Twins and their fans.  Let’s do what we can to keep it that way.

/end rant

First off, that's a fine rant right there, Dean.    I love me a good rant.    Now, here are my thoughts:

 

Agree largely on the knee jerk reactions based on small sample sizes.    Where I'll clarify on Buxton is this:  To say he has been anything other than a flop at the major league level to this point is pretty much off-base.    'To this point' being the key to that phrase.    Buxton has 187 plate appearances over the last two seasons.  That's about 1/4 of a full season.    There's that snap-judgment thing.    He deserves wayyy more time than that before I write him off as a 'bust.'    Now am I concerned he may end up being a bust?    Frankly, I am, though just a bit.  Roy Smalley, whose judgment  I  trust, has said that he doesn't like Buxton's swing, that it's too long and has too many holes in it.  To me, that's a good thing.    At least we have a theory on what's up with Buck striking out so ******* much.    Now that he's been sent to Rottenchester he can work on shortening his stroke and buttoning up the holes in it.    He already plays Gold Glove-caliber defense.    Let's give him time to get his swing up to ML standards.  Hitting is difficult, people.    I'm not sure how many really realize that.    I also don't think most people have any idea how much time & preparation great hitters put into their craft.    Buxton may turn out to be a flop, but we're a long, long ways from objectively declaring that.    I want him to excel right now as much as anyone.    But it's not that simple.

 

Completely agree on the talented writing staff here at Twins Daily.    We  may not always agree with everything they say or all of their opinions (that's the beauty of America & baseball!),  but these guys know their stuff and have proven repeatedly over a long period of time that they deserve to be respected.    They've absolutely earned it.

 

As for dissenting commenters here in the Twins Daily Forums, I'd encourage you to be thankful for the lively community that y'all have built and continue to grow here.    Baseball's a great sport to debate over.    It probably lends itself to back-and-forth exchanges as much, if not more, than any other sport.    Be thankful for all the commenters that come here and give you something to chew on.    After that, it's on you whether you choose to pile any more of what they're serving on your plate.    Commenters that are, shall we say, off-base or misguided- provide a valuable service in that they can make the peeps that know their stuff look that much smarter.    "If there were no villains, we'd have no heroes."  Or something like that. 

 

Anyways, the guys that put this site together and contribute all the great content on here should be uber-proud of it.    And the many regular commenters that are here deserve credit for keeping the ball moving downfield.    If everyone agree on everything all the time, what would we have to pee & moan about? 

 

 

[Platoon]

HATE Arcia or Nolasco? I might think Ricky should have left his number, somewhere else. But I just don't know him well enough to hate him! For all I know he opens doors for little old ladies taking Doritoes home to their 37 yr old son, who is in the basement posting on TD!

[Monkeypaws]

 

I have always been a big believer in Oswaldo Arcia, and I am really glad that he's played well and earned himself regular playing time.

I'll echo this - never hated on Oswaldo. He had the greatest potential to be the next "one that got away" in the Twins' history, and I'm glad he's still around.

 

Hey, I put some thought into my avatars dammit!

[Circus Boy]

 

I'm new to this forum, but i could never understand Arcia hate, yes he strikes out a ton, but a lot of guess hitter, and power hitters do. His value has great value.

 

I would agree with that every time.

[KirbyDome89]

 

Nolasco and Arcia were probably the most hated Twins players coming out of spring training and everyone wanted to get rid of them.  So far they have both been big reasons as to why the Twins have even won any games this season.  Nolasco so far has probabaly been the most consistent starter the Twins have and Arcia has come through in the clutch a few times already this year. 

I was terrified the Twins were going to let Arcia go and I was furious that Nolasco was handed the starting job out of ST so I'm only partially happy about the way their seasons have gone so far (kidding). In all seriousness it would be great to see both of them continue performing the way they have been, however, we're only 3+ weeks into a long season. Seeing either of them turn back into a pumpkin isn't unlikely. To put it into context, Nunez is still hitting over .400.....

 

[Rosterman]

Nolasco has EVERYTHING to gain and a lot to lose. If he pitches like the past, then he doesn't playball anymore. He still owes us $20+ million dollars of back wins, I think.

 

Arcia was in a numbers game. In all likelyhood, the Sano transition to outfield made him a man without a position. With Sano at third, you have to love that middle of the lineup of Sano, Arcia and Park. Whew!

 

He can hit the ball and because of the way the Twins managed his 40-man roster time, they almost risked losing him. Any team would have latched onto the guy and found him a bench spot to develop as a bat. He is only 24, folks, with all the power in the world.

 

It doesn't explain his AAA season, or even his report to spring training early but not produce pre-season.

 

But it is what you do during the 162 on the field that matters most to your career and future with a team, in the end.

[dxpavelka]

 

WARNING:  I'm going a rant.

Here's what I like about the OP: it points out what I think is one of the biggest problems with commenters on this site.  What drives me right around the bend is people jumping to conclusions about players/teams on an impossibly small, and certainly statistically insignificant, sample size.  

As to players, e.g., there's the thread now that suggests that Buxton is a flop.  Ridiculous.  The rule of thumb is not to judge a player's offensive capabilities until he's had 1000 at-bats at the big league level.  That generally means that we shouldn't judge a player until he's been in the bigs for a bit over two years.  Yet here we are with Buxton barely at 1/8th that number and someone starts a thread concluding that he's a flop.

As to teams, I don't think another illustrative example is needed because it's plain to see that a number of commenters have already concluded that this season is kaput; just like they did last season, which wasn't kaput until game 160.

And while I'm at it, I'll also take the opportunity to point out the ridiculous level of hyperbole we see in threads and comments here.  There's a thread right now that says that Terry Ryan is a "failure of biblical proportions," or some such nonsense.  Look, I have serious disagreement with many of TR's decisions.  I wish the Pohlad's would replace him and the majority of the front office staff, frankly.  But there is nothing remotely "biblical" about any single baseball decision.  Ever.  It's baseball.  When we throw around malarkey like "failure of biblical proportions" or make wild claims that "[player X] is the WORST PLAYER EVER," it detracts from the quality of this otherwise excellent baseball website.

And that's my point.  The gentlemen who pooled their impressive talent to start this website did so based on the premise that the hyperbole and assumptions that we saw in the “mainstream press” and in the comment sections found there were not serving the community of baseball fans who have come to love TwinsDaily; that those things detracted from the joy of baseball and the corollary joy of baseball analysis.  So those commenters who engage in such behavior are doing a disservice to the readers and the founders of TwinsDaily, and ultimately to themselves. 

 

Those folks, and those who feed into them by responding in a similar manner, aren’t only making themselves look bad, however.  They’re making us all look bad.  They’re creating a situation where outsiders will be less able to take this website seriously.  TwinsDaily, and those who started the site, are a tremendous credit to baseball and to the Twins and their fans.  Let’s do what we can to keep it that way.

/end rant

Are those locusts in your pocket TR or are you just glad to see me?

[dxpavelka]

 

I think Mauer is finally over his concussion issues. And what's gotten into Nunez? He was pretty good last year with the bat as a part time player too. 

Nunez is what Nunez is:  A pretty good part time player with the bat, but not a guy you want to have to rely on long term in a position that involves a glove.

[Riverbrian]

I can honestly say that I don't hate anyone.

 

Except Delmon Young

 

And anybody who plays for the White Sox

 

 

 

And whoever stole my car stereo in the middle of the night about 18 years ago.

 

Jeez... I had just bought that thing... Had it like a week.

[Champuckett]

I can honestly say I don't hate anyone either.. except Rick Reed.