Nobody cares, but.... Plouffe is doing well post-DL

[crapforks]

Sano should be better equipped to play third (almost) every day given a full spring at the position. It has been talked about, but I think we have underestimated the impact of him essentially not playing the position for over a year. He's still very young. If he falls flat on his face on defense, like that awful stretch he had a month ago or so, Escobar and Polanco can slide in. Thats not ideal, but its a better situation than Plouffe and the salary/ roster inflexibility he brings. 

[adorduan]

Sano sucks in the field. Another routine play blown today.

[70charger]

 

Sano sucks in the field. Another routine play blown today.

 

This post has allowed me to conclude that anecdotal evidence isn't convincing.

[Brock Beauchamp]

If the Twins feel Sano is a DH - not a stretch given his elbow issues - then I'm okay with one more year of Plouffe at the hot corner.

 

But if Sano can play third, then he needs to ****ing play third.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Ironically, the same ball that went under Sano's legs today was the same ball that popped Plouffe in the jaw last week. The second hop hit right on the lip of where the grass meets the dirt and in both cases took an unpredictable hop. Go take a look.

 

But Sano gets nasty looks and Plouffe gets asked by the trainer if he's ok to continue playing. That's how the ball bounces, as they say.

 

Sano needs to work on his throws, no doubt. I'm not sure those can be coached as easily as grounders. Anyone know? I think Mauer would have saved Sano's throw today but Plouffsie just doesn't have the athleticism for that stretch play. I prefer Vargas at first in lieu of Mauer but as long as Plouffe is raking and Mauer's quads are holding him back, you leave Plouffe in the lineup. My 2 cents.

[Willihammer]

Sano also threw a ball up the first base side on a play at the plate, giving JRM no chance to make a play.

On that throw to Plouffe, his footwork was terrible. He didn't even pivot the right direction. Three mistakes in one game, that's not even his worst performance. Not even close.

The guy's defense has been questionable from day 1. Its time to get serious about improving this club and that means putting guys where they play up and not trying to squeeze every penny of potential marginal value out of every position. Sano should be the first to move off his spot.

[beckmt]

Would rather have Park or possibly sign Morneau, both whom are decent firstbasemen.  Vargas may be a mistake, but do not see him being here.  Clear salary to make a run at an ace or two after the 2017 season.  Make sure you have an open pitching spot or two to up and coming youngsters to try.

Plouffe does not fit in the roster construction, so if you can not trade him then non-tender him.  If he does not get an offer by Feb, you can always check on his new asking price.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I thought JRM lost his balance taking Sano's throw, otherwise why not just swipe across the front and get the tag down that way. A better throw and the runner is out, no question.

 

It's 2016 now and Plouffe is already too immobile to be of much use in the field anymore except for balls hit right at him. He had a nice run but it's over. Designating Sano as a full time DH this soon does not improve the third base position for the Twins. The best option going forward is to drill Sano for another season at third. He needs a lot of work I agree, yet he's played third much of his career already, so it's a concern. If it comes to a breaking point, they can slide Polanco to third and use Escobar at short and figure out what to do with Sano when that time comes. It might just be a matter of maturity and experience too. I think Sano deserves a fair shot next spring to concentrate on third without Plouffe around or all the other drama the Twins might create for him.

[big dog]

The Twins had one good month this season.  Plouffe spent in on the DL.

 

Hi-ho Anecdote!

[LaBombo]

 

That's crazy talk.

 

Crazy Talk has foretold many a Twins move in the past five years...

 

[jimmer]

Well, I must say, one thing is for certain.  Molitor doesn't try to use the same lineup day after day.

[Mike Sixel]

I'm not sure why Plouffe plays right now at all...shouldn't Vargas, Sano, and Polanco have all his reps?

[kab21]

 

I'm not sure why Plouffe plays right now at all...shouldn't Vargas, Sano, and Polanco have all his reps?

Both Polanco and Sano are playing just about every day but not as 3B. 

Have the Twins said anything about Sano and 3B in the last week or two?

 

There is a lot of speculation in this thread but it would be nice if we actually knew what their thoughts on Sano and his limited 3B duty. Everyone wants to blame Plouffe but the last credible report from 8/17 (Rhett Bolinger) said that Sano wasn't throwing at full intensity yet and would serve primarily as DH.

 

I highly doubt that Sano is going to play more than half of the games at 3B (probably more like 25%) in September. And the reason isn't Plouffe.

[Mike Sixel]

Great, Sano at DH, Polanco at 3B, and Vargas at 1B......

 

this isn't just about Sano, we were literally discussing Vargas......

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

There is a lot of speculation in this thread but it would be nice if we actually knew what their thoughts on Sano and his limited 3B duty.

I'd prefer they don't say anything, actually. There's a good chance no one on this coaching staff is wearing a Twins uniform when pitchers and catchers report next season.

 

Anything said today may be entirely irrelevant in two months.