A new batting order against lefties

[gunnarthor]

https://twitter.com/MikeBerardino/status/851802392064663554/photo/1

 

Both catchers are in the game against an opposing lefty.  Mauer, Kepler and Escobar get the day off.  Santana is in RF.  Eventually, they'll probably have to have a big RH bat on that bench for just such an occasion but for now, this is how they're going.

 

 

[verninski]

I'm beginning to wonder if they think it's still spring training.

[Mike Sixel]

Well, Park has a hammie injury, so not him this coming 7+ days....

[DaveW]

Santana and Gimenez really have no business in the major leagues. And certainly shouldn't be getting starts

[KirbyDome89]

Yeah Idk why Gimenez is playing 1B ever for this team. I don't care if Detroit is starting a lefty; Kepler shouldn't be sitting against lefties at this point, especially not if other option is Santana...

[Mike Sixel]

Kepler should be out there nearly every game. He should not be platooned at this point in his career.

 

Gimenez is like DanSan, versatile, and can't hit or run effectively. 

[gunnarthor]

I probably would have let Kepler have a day.  I assume this isn't a normal thing. But Escobar over Giminez (with Sano at first) seems smarter.

[KirbyDome89]

If the Kepler day off is random then I'm fine with it. Same goes for Gimenez at 1B. If he is only there because Park and Vargas aren't around YET then fine. I do wonder why Mauer needs a day off after not playing on Monday though. It makes the Gimenez start seem more purposeful IMO

[Brock Beauchamp]

Given how Kepler has played every day to this point (to my recollection anyway) while the Twins have faced an unusual number of lefties to start the season, I think this is just a day off for Kepler.

 

And if you're going to sit Max for a day off, do it when a LHP is on the mound.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Also, I refuse to complain when a manager sits a LHB versus a LHP.

 

This is what we've wanted Molitor to do for two years, the problem is the back of the Twins' bench is pretty awful.

[KirbyDome89]

If you have a better option to platoon then I'm all for sitting a LHB vs a LHP. I wouldn't call Gimenez a better option. I would rather only see Sano at 1B but if Mauer has to sit with no other 1B on the roster then moving Sano to 1B and playing Escobar at 3B is a better lineup IMO. 

[USAFChief]

 

Also, I refuse to complain when a manager sits a LHB versus a LHP.

This is what we've wanted Molitor to do for two years, the problem is the back of the Twins' bench is pretty awful.

This is why a 3 man bench, with Danny Santana, is simply awful.  I realize they're 5-1 entering today, but this is bad.  

 

We all want Mauer to sit against most lefties.  But not to get Chris Gimenez into the game.  Gimenez should be playing C against most lefties, and pretty much nothing else.  Ever.   

 

We all would like a RH hitting outfielder, so one of Kepler/Rosario can sit against lefties.  But not so Danny Santana can  play RF.  Holy cow.

 

 

[Vanimal46]

 

This is why a 3 man bench, with Danny Santana, is simply awful.  I realize they're 5-1 entering today, but this is bad.  

 

We all want Mauer to sit against most lefties.  But not to get Chris Gimenez into the game.  Gimenez should be playing C against most lefties, and pretty much nothing else.  Ever.   

 

We all would like a RH hitting outfielder, so one of Kepler/Rosario can sit against lefties.  But not so Danny Santana can  play RF.  Holy cow.

 

At least Michael Tonkin is doing so well as the 13th pitcher!!1!!

[USAFChief]

Get down to 12 pitchers, get Danny Santana off the team.  He brings nothing.

[Mike Sixel]

 

At least Michael Tonkin is doing so well as the 13th pitcher!!1!!

 

Can't afford to lose, also can't afford to play him....it's a real conundrum. 

[Mike Sixel]

 

Get down to 12 pitchers, get Danny Santana off the team.  He brings nothing.

 

Versatility chief. And speed. And, um, other stuff.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Escobar and Mauer were hitless for their careers vs Boyd. I suspect that influenced today's lineup.

[Drew]

 

Escobar and Mauer were hitless for their careers vs Boyd. I suspect that influenced today's lineup.

 

If the Twins are using that small a sample size to make decisions then nothing has changed. 

[DaveW]

This team has zero margin for error, failing to score three or more runs against a terrible SP and a terrible BP is inexcusable.

 

Molitor and the FO gave this game away by running out a lineup like this.....AFTER an off day.

[Shaitan]

The small bench creates problems. They should have run for Castro in the 9th, but then either Giminez bats or they have no catcher. Def should put them back to back in the same lineup.