Is anyone else impressed with Molitor?

[Brock Beauchamp]

The lineups are wacky but I love the aggressive idea behind it. Tailoring two lineups, one for righties, the other for lefties, I love it. Moving Buxton down in a prompt fashion, also the smart move.

 

Not a lot to say about the bullpen because they've made him look good no matter what decision he's made but no complaints in that regard, either.

 

Very few bunts, even fewer that weren't attempts to get on base safely.

 

Where the hell was this guy the past two years? This is what we were sold as fans.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I like the lineups too. I like how Haley and Tonkin were both stretched several innings in a losing effort. In previous years you might see many bullpen guys coming in for an inning apiece. Molitor has not been tested with the short bench yet, but it will happen soon enough.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Makes you wonder how much of an impact the GM has on the day to day game doesn't it?

[Brock Beauchamp]

Makes you wonder how much of an impact the GM has on the day to day game doesn't it?

It sure does.

 

"Hey Paul, Jack has some really good ideas. Why don't you sit down and discuss them?"

[ashbury]

"Hey Paul, Jack has some really good ideas. Why don't you sit down and discuss them?"

Otherwise known as the "Let's You And Him Fight" gambit.

[DocBauer]

In answer to the primary question, yes I am.

 

I could say it's only 5 games in, but really, it's longer. He was experimenting with lineups throughout ST. Some have been screaming madness thus far, but I see a real, viable method to his madness.

 

My only complaints are somewhat beyond his control; if Mauer had the doubles power of old, and Park was here instead of...say Haley...to create more flexibility...I'd be more happy.

 

But I really like what he's doing and I see the creativity. Really makes you wonder if he was pressured previously in to certain constraints. I also like how he's trying to get everyone involved.

 

I also like the move to place Buxton lower in the order. I don't care if it's only a few games. I think he's pressing at the moment. You aren't taking him out, you're just placing him lower to relieve what is probably self-imposed stress. Give Polanco the 3 spot for now, where he has a lot of milb experience and success, and move Buxton back up later.

[Joe A. Preusser]

Yes, but then I was never as critical of him last year as most around here. Regardless, I like what I'm seeing.

[TheLeviathan]

Yes, but then I was never as critical of him last year as most around here. Regardless, I like what I'm seeing.

Same. So far we have some evidence that many of the criticisms had more to do with Ryan than Molitor, which was my argument all along.

[Han Joelo]

I think any human being should be admired for their ability to learn from their mistakes.  Not saying Molitor is one yet, but most every great coach had a big failure early in their career.  Usually they get fired, or move on, before winning.  It would make the best narrative for me if this core group of players and staff could talk about making it through a difficult time and what they learned from it...while hoisting a trophy.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Same. So far we have some evidence that many of the criticisms had more to do with Ryan than Molitor, which was my argument all along.

I though the manager was more independent of the GM in terms of day to day decision making. I'm starting to change my view of the GM position relative to the Manager, however I do wonder if Molitor just didn't utilize the resources available to him for reasons other than the GM, but is using them now for reasons largely because of only the GM/VP.

 

Walters had a good article about the increased usage of analysis.

 

http://www.twincities.com/2017/04/08/walters-analytics-part-of-game-plan-in-twins-hot-start-falvey-says/

 

Quote from Walters

" "I think guys like (scout) Jeremy Hefner and (coach) Jeff Pickler and the coaching staff and Paul (manager Paul Molitor) together did a really great job of using the information that they have, and that includes the scouting and the video looks along with some of the analytics to help prepare the game plan,” Falvey said of the opening series."

[theBOMisthebomb]

If you think to before he was hired he was essentially touted as a genius. He's had some time to progress as a manager and learn after taking his lumps. His in game decision making was terrible early in 2016 and he was outmanuvered, which caused losses that could have been wins. Let's see how hw does when tested strategy wise during a close game in 2017.

[Otto von Ballpark]

I like the lineups too. I like how Haley and Tonkin were both stretched several innings in a losing effort. In previous years you might see many bullpen guys coming in for an inning apiece. Molitor has not been tested with the short bench yet, but it will happen soon enough.

Last year they often didn't have a Haley.

 

And continuing to miscast Tonkin as a long reliever should go in the minus column, no? If they're not going to use him in short relief, might as well cut him at this point.

[drjim]

Last year they often didn't have a Haley.

 

And continuing to miscast Tonkin as a long reliever should go in the minus column, no? If they're not going to use him in short relief, might as well cut him at this point.

He'll get a chance at some point I suspect, but he's low in the rankings of the pen right now.

 

I don't worry too much how a manager uses their 6th or 7th reliever, other than he got through a game they lost without using the top guys.

[TheLeviathan]

 

I though the manager was more independent of the GM in terms of day to day decision making. I'm starting to change my view of the GM position relative to the Manager, however I do wonder if Molitor just didn't utilize the resources available to him for reasons other than the GM, but is using them now for reasons largely because of only the GM/VP.

Walters had a good article about the increased usage of analysis.

http://www.twincities.com/2017/04/08/walters-analytics-part-of-game-plan-in-twins-hot-start-falvey-says/

Quote from Walters
" "I think guys like (scout) Jeremy Hefner and (coach) Jeff Pickler and the coaching staff and Paul (manager Paul Molitor) together did a really great job of using the information that they have, and that includes the scouting and the video looks along with some of the analytics to help prepare the game plan,” Falvey said of the opening series."

 

I think this speaks to the investment and priority placed on these things by the VP/GM.  It's a lot easier to use analytics tools when they are made available and there is buy-in from the whole organization.

[KirbyDome89]

Two of the loudest complaints last season regarding Molitor were his unwillingness to stick with younger players, and his mismanagement of the bullpen. Those weren't illegitimate gripes, and each one was directly under his control. 

 

The bunting still annoys the hell out of me. Friday night in a 1-1 game in the 5th he has Buxton (hitting 3rd) attempt a sac bunt for the first pitch. Then he wipes it and Buxton goes on to strikeout. You have a guy struggling at the plate and digging into unfavorable counts as a result, and that is the answer? Set aside the fact that he called for a bunt that early in a tie game. If the argument is that Buxton is struggling and needed to get the ball in play then why is he penciled into the 3 spot? Also, why not keep the bunt on in that situation then? If he is confident in Buxton to move the runner without sacrificing himself then why attempt the bunt in the first place? Why dig him into a hole? That just makes 0 sense to me.  

[TheLeviathan]

Not every attempt at a bunt is called from the dugout.

[mikelink45]

I believe this is five games.  I was not mad at him last year, but I cannot get on the bandwagon before we are three times through the rotation.   Not mad or glad - just waiting and watching.

[mikecgrimes]

 

The lineups are wacky but I love the aggressive idea behind it. Tailoring two lineups, one for righties, the other for lefties, I love it. Moving Buxton down in a prompt fashion, also the smart move.

Not a lot to say about the bullpen because they've made him look good no matter what decision he's made but no complaints in that regard, either.

Very few bunts, even fewer that weren't attempts to get on base safely.

Where the hell was this guy the past two years? This is what we were sold as fans.

 

I was so upset when the GM search demanded he would be brought back but I'm loving everything that Falvey has done so far, and Molitor is looking good.  I felt last years awful season coming and it was because of Molitor, but while Falvey deserves the majority of the credit this team wouldn't be succeeding if Molitor wasn't doing his part.  My expectations are very high so I'm not sure I'll be happy with Molitor for long but as long as they go .500 from here on out I'm happy.

[KirbyDome89]

I really doubt the Twins are trying to stop Buxton from sac bunting....

[Bill Brown69]

I might be on the other side of the fence but with the same view. 

 

I think Molitor has changed because he knows he is managing for his job next year. My guess is the new guys told him how their thoughts looked and he either thinks on the same plane or is gone. Most baseball people can see a reason for several different approaches. I think Paul tried to think along with TR and now is trying to think along with the new bosses.

[Jacksson]

Not Impressed. Too many moves that were not made, wrong moves made, moves that worked out but were the wrong moves that will come back to bite the team in the butt down the road.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

Not Impressed. Too many moves that were not made, wrong moves made, moves that worked out but were the wrong moves that will come back to bite the team in the butt down the road.

Can you be more specific? I'm curious to know where you think Molitor has gone wrong with such frequency.

[Blake]

 

The lineups are wacky but I love the aggressive idea behind it. Tailoring two lineups, one for righties, the other for lefties, I love it. Moving Buxton down in a prompt fashion, also the smart move.

Not a lot to say about the bullpen because they've made him look good no matter what decision he's made but no complaints in that regard, either.

Very few bunts, even fewer that weren't attempts to get on base safely.

Where the hell was this guy the past two years? This is what we were sold as fans.

Molitors first year the Twins did well and he didn't know what he was doing. The following year was a massive sophomore slump throughout and Molitor was in the position of trying to win games with a really bad team. 

 

This year no one really has any expectations and Molitor may be a bit more relaxed. I have to think that first year set some expectations and the entire organization choked. 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Last year they often didn't have a Haley.

And continuing to miscast Tonkin as a long reliever should go in the minus column, no? If they're not going to use him in short relief, might as well cut him at this point.

I don't really have an opinion on Tonkin. More so I am glad they didn't burn through better guys like Pressly or Rogers in a game they didn't need to.

[Bark's Lounge]

I have been impressed and uplifted with the creativity of the line-ups. The Ryan regime became so, so stale. So Kudos to Falvey, and Molitor. It's just nice to be excited as a fan again. I think this ball club is headed in the right direction!

[brvama]

I liked the "whacky" lineups the minute I saw them and give Molitor credit for the unique approach with them. There is a logical reason for them yet maybe somewhat unconventional. What is even more promising is that he has stayed with them thru the first 6 games; a period of team success and yet a SSS. The key for me is: Will he continue to make the subtle adjustments, like moving Buxton down, without wholesale changes when the losses come and the offense is in a slump, which I didn't think he did last year. So far so good.

[crapforks]

It's like he is playing OOTP with the L/R balancing. It's super fun to watch because its working. 

Also, it will be tough for Dozier to put up a stink if they ask hime to move off leadoff since literally every other regular is bouncing around the lineup.

[Brandon Warne]

Less sure about this today. Didn't like how he used Rogers, Kintzler and/or not Duffey today. 

[crapforks]

 

Less sure about this today. Didn't like how he used Rogers, Kintzler and/or not Duffey today. 

It worked out today. I could see an argument for giving Santana another inning, for a quicker hook for Beslile, for calling on Duffey in the 9th. At least it isn't a series of unanimously dumb decisions that just happened to work out. Seems to have logic behind it.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I'm a fan of rolling Kintzler out there for the ninth every time in a save situation. He profiles as the type of guy who can hold his own in a bases empty, three outs, hold a lead situation.

 

I'd prefer to save the better relievers for higher pressure situations with guys on base, when you need a pitcher who can miss bats.

 

A mediocre reliever can hold a two run lead for an inning 80+% of the time. That's all the team needs from Kintzler.