Batting order game 2

[gunnarthor]

I won't do this everyday but against righties it's:
 

https://twitter.com/LaVelleNeal/status/849628165601468417/photo/1

 

[gunnarthor]

Basically, Kepler moved to the 2 spot, Grossman drops to 9, Polanco is not playing today.  

 

I'm glad they didn't jerk Buxton out of the 3 spot after one bad game but I sure hope he starts hitting.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Different, but equally silly.

 

I like it. If the Twins aren't going to be good this season, at least I can be amused by Molitor's lineups.

[hybridbear]

I don't like it at all. Why is Polanco not playing? Why is Grossman the DH against a RHP? This doesn't make sense. Why is Buxton batting 3rd instead of in the bottom 3? Why is Mauer still batting 4th?

 

At least DanSan is on the bench. That's the only positive lol

[drjim]

I suspect Castro won't stay at 6 too long.

[blindeke]

I like that it's new and different. That's what we want, right?

[gunnarthor]

 

I don't like it at all. Why is Polanco not playing? Why is Grossman the DH against a RHP? This doesn't make sense. Why is Buxton batting 3rd instead of in the bottom 3? Why is Mauer still batting 4th?

 

At least DanSan is on the bench. That's the only positive lol

I think Escobar is getting the start because 1) it's usually common to let everyone play fairly early in the season 2) he hit righties fairly well.  As for Grossman, your other options are D. Santana, back-up catcher and Escobar/Polanco.  Grossman can take a walk, if nothing else. Buxton is batting third because he's going to be the Twins best all-around hitter eventually, hopefully starting today. Mauer is batting fourth because Buxton is batting third.

[Mike Sixel]

I would consider DHing Polanco here, but also....I think they want to see what Grossman can do. I have no issue with that. 

 

I also have no issue challenging Buxton. Eventually he's going to have to hit. 

[ThejacKmp]

 

I think Escobar is getting the start because 1) it's usually common to let everyone play fairly early in the season 2) he hit righties fairly well.  As for Grossman, your other options are D. Santana, back-up catcher and Escobar/Polanco.  Grossman can take a walk, if nothing else. Buxton is batting third because he's going to be the Twins best all-around hitter eventually, hopefully starting today. Mauer is batting fourth because Buxton is batting third.

I'd have liked to see Grossman get a day off, Sano move to DH and Polanco in at 3B/SS with Escobar. But I agree that it's because they try to get everyone some PT in the early going.

[nicksaviking]

Just....just so weird. If Falvey came out and explained that there was some method to the madness I'd probably be behind it.

 

Though to be fair, if Molitor was the one to come out and say the same thing I'd probably have tons of doubts.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

Just....just so weird. If Falvey came out and explained that there was some method to the madness I'd probably be behind it.

 

Though to be fair, if Molitor was the one to come out and say the same thing I'd probably have tons of doubts.

Yeah, I'm super-curious to know where the idea for these lineups originated.

 

And also telling how I'd view the lineups differently with that information in hand.

[Thrylos]

They cannot jerk Polanco around and then complain about his defense...

[youngtwinsfan]

I like it. Grossman getting on base for Dozier and Dozier can be in that leadoff spot he seems to like. Mauer splitting the strikeout prone Buxton and Sano, while also getting on base for Sano. It definitely isn't the typical lineup you would expect but I like it a lot. 

[nicksaviking]

 

Yeah, I'm super-curious to know where the idea for these lineups originated.

 

And also telling how I'd view the lineups differently with that information in hand.

 

Right basically if the lineup is constructed by the new analytically inclined front office my reaction is: "Awesome, we're doing something different!"

 

If it came from Molitor my reaction is: "Ugh, not another season of these kinds of poor decisions!"

 

Man, admitting one's own hypocrisy really eases the burden on your conscience!

[Vanimal46]

I like that it's new and different. That's what we want, right?

Agreed. There appears to be a table setter on base kind of guy before each one of their XBH guys. The lineup construction is growing on me.

[GP830]

 

They cannot jerk Polanco around and then complain about his defense...

YES! Give the kid a chance to shine.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Right basically if the lineup is constructed by the new analytically inclined front office my reaction is: "Awesome, we're doing something different!"

 

If it came from Molitor my reaction is: "Ugh, not another season of these kinds of poor decisions!"

 

Man, admitting one's own hypocrisy really eases the burden on your conscience!

 

bias, not hypocrisy. there is a pretty big difference, actually....but ya, it does clear your mind and help you realize where those stand...

[bighat]

Sitting Polanco on Day 2?  Just awful.  You put in your utility guys on Sundays.  I don't see any reason to dust off Escobar just yet - as much as I like his character, I really don't understand sitting your new everyday SS on the 2nd game of the year after an off day.  

[gunnarthor]

Re: Polanco. Someone on TT suggested his hammy is a bit sore so I'd assume they're letting him rest it today during a wet/rainy afternoon.  

[Mike Sixel]

 

Re: Polanco. Someone on TT suggested his hammy is a bit sore so I'd assume they're letting him rest it today during a wet/rainy afternoon.  

 

that can't be it. It has to be that the Twins are doing it wrong!

[gunnarthor]

Phil Miller doesn't say anything about a sore hammy so maybe I'm missing TT satire.

 

"Eduardo Escobar is at shortstop, just because Molitor likes to get his bench players some playing time as quickly as possible. Danny Santana will play on Thursday, Molitor said, and Chris Gimenez will catch Ervin Santana in Chicago on Sunday."

 

http://www.startribune.com/escobar-in-the-lineup-as-twins-try-to-go-2-0-for-first-time-in-a-decade/418361593/

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

that can't be it. It has to be that the Twins are doing it wrong!

I'M OUTRAGED

 

Seriously, though, I don't like the idea of sitting Polanco already but I can get behind this decision somewhat no matter why they're making the decision. Escobar was a competent shortstop just two seasons ago. He deserves some plate appearances either way.

 

And it's the second game of the season. If this becomes a trend and a detriment to Jorge, then maybe it'll start to irk me.

[nicksaviking]

 

I'M OUTRAGED

 

Seriously, though, I don't like the idea of sitting Polanco already but I can get behind this decision somewhat no matter why they're making the decision. Escobar was a competent shortstop just two seasons ago. He deserves some plate appearances either way.

 

And it's the second game of the season. If this becomes a trend and a detriment to Jorge, then maybe it'll start to irk me.

 

I agree on the Escobar front.

 

I'd just prefer his playing time came at the expense of Grossman or Mauer instead of Polanco. Though for it to come at the expense of Mauer either Polanco, Sano or Kepler have to start taking some 1B reps. And if it's Kepler playing 1B then Escobar is going to the OF which I'm not a huge fan of.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

I'd just prefer his playing time came at the expense of Grossman or Mauer instead of Polanco.

Agreed, but it's the second game of the season, which is the only reason we're making a fuss about this.

 

If it was June 3rd, we'd shrug it off and largely ignore the move.

 

Again, if it becomes a trend, then I'll start to question it.

[KirbyDome89]

I was was getting anxious; we're almost two games into the season and we haven't had a DanSan start. Props to Phil Miller for providing much needed relief.... 

[nicksaviking]

 

Agreed, but it's the second game of the season, which is the only reason we're making a fuss about this.

 

If it was June 3rd, we'd shrug it off and largely ignore the move.

 

Again, if it becomes a trend, then I'll start to question it.

 

Not upset by it at all, but a lack of position flexibility now appears to be a bit of an issue going forward.

 

After getting yanked around to disastrous results last year I understand why the team would only want Sano to focus on one position, but getting Kepler 1B reps perhaps should have been part of the game plan this spring. Or if not Kepler then Polanco or Escobar.

[TonyInOmaha]

Escobar has seen Kennedy and had some success against him (6-14, 1 HR, 1 BB, 4 K).  I can understand why he gets this start today if you want to get him in once the first series especially since I think he's struggled in the few times he's seen Thursday's starter Hammel.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

Not upset by it at all, but a lack of position flexibility now appears to be a bit of an issue going forward.

 

After getting yanked around to disastrous results last year I understand why the team would only want Sano to focus on one position, but getting Kepler 1B reps perhaps should have been part of the game plan this spring. Or if not Kepler then Polanco or Escobar.

I don't see the point in replacing Mauer with Kepler against a righty.

 

I agree that positional flexibility is an issue but it's not between Mauer and Kepler at first base. They're pretty close to the same guy and bat same-handed.

 

What this team needs is someone like Park to offset Grossman and Mauer.

 

It's a crazy idea but maybe the Twins should replace Danny Santana with Byung Ho Park and see what happens.*

 

*While I understand the desire to see Park take AAA reps before re-adding him to the 40 man, I hope this is the ultimate outcome and that it happens relatively soon**

 

**I'm also okay with Vargas replacing Santana***

 

***Hell, I'm okay with Nick Nelson replacing Santana

[Steve Lein]

Wonder if they see Escobar and Grossman's career averages of .429 and .400 against Kennedy and say they have to play against him. I hope not, but not sure of another explanation. I think Polanco should be playing. and Grossman needs a DH platoon partner for this exact reason.

 

Also, I don't think a DH should ever be hitting ninth. 

 

(FYI - those averages are in less than 20 career AB's vs. Kennedy combined)

[drjim]

 

I don't see the point in replacing Mauer with Kepler against a righty.

 

I agree that positional flexibility is an issue but it's not between Mauer and Kepler at first base. They're pretty close to the same guy and bat same-handed.

 

What this team needs is someone like Park to offset Grossman and Mauer.

 

It's a crazy idea but maybe the Twins should replace Danny Santana with Byung Ho Park and see what happens.*

 

*While I understand the desire to see Park take AAA reps before re-adding him to the 40 man, I hope this is the ultimate outcome and that it happens relatively soon**

 

**I'm also okay with Vargas replacing Santana***

 

***Hell, I'm okay with Nick Nelson replacing Santana

 

Going to be Vargas over Park. Probably after a couple turns through the rotation.