Article: Versatile Goodrum Gets September Call

[Seth Stohs]

Last year, following an injury-plagued season at AA Chattanooga, Niko Goodrum could have become a six-year minor league free agent. Instead, he quickly signed on to remain with the Twins for another year on a minor league contract.

 

On Wednesday night following a game in Rochester, Goodrum learned that it was all worth it. He was told that he is heading to the Minnesota Twins as a September call up. He will fly to Minneapolis on Thursday and be in uniform on Friday.

 

Joining Goodrum as September 1st callups will be left-handed pitchers Nik Turley and Buddy Boshers.To entice Goodrum to stick around, the Twins offered him an invitation to major league spring training. He spent about a month with the club this spring, playing sparingly, but learning from the big league coaches and players. He fought a little shoulder issue in camp, but he hit .375 (6-16) and impressed his manager.

 

Molitor spoke well of Goodrum following a spring game the day that he was sent back to minor league camp.

 

“Niko Goodrum had a shoulder issue midway through camp, but he showed versatility. I really encouraged him to embrace that rather than wondering why he can't find a position because it has value and can open more doors for him. He showed some things."

 

“Versatile” is the key word, and it is the reason that Goodrum will be up right away in September rather than finish out the Red Wings season. With the Red Wings, he has played games at each position except pitcher and catcher this season. He’s started 47 game in right field, 37 games at second base, 20 games at third base, 15 games in center field, nine games at shortstop, three games at first base, and one game in left field.

 

I asked him in spring training if he ever considered getting a catcher’s mitt. “No!” Goodrum announced emphatically.

 

Goodrum will be part of a “first wave” of players coming up from the minor leagues as September call ups to bolster a team fighting with the Yankees, Angels, Mariners and others for two wild card spots.

 

As Derek Falvey explained it. “We’ll have a few come Friday. The question is always if it’s beneficial to get at-bats every day or pitch more regularly rather than being the last guy up here. You can always go get somebody. We’ll have a first wave, and then we’ll make other decisions pending results in Rochester.”

 

 

 

Goodrum was signed as the team’s second-round pick in 2010 out of high school near Atlanta, Georgia. His uncle, Otis Nixon, stole 37 bases for the Twins in 1998.

 

Goodrum is an incredible athlete, but he was quite raw in baseball terms. He has been moved through the system accordingly. He spent his draft season in the GCL before spending two seasons in extended spring training and with the Elizabethton Twins.

 

He was the primary shortstop on that talented 2013 Cedar Rapids team and moved up to Ft. Myers for the 2014 season. He split 2015 between the Miracle and Chattanooga.

 

Last year, he started the season with a foot injury that cost him much of the first half. But when he returned, he posted an .808 OPS with the Lookouts.

 

In scouting circles, there is a reason to take great athletes. Goodrum fits into that category. He’s tall, and when drafted, he was thin. He was always fast, and he could play a pretty good shortstop. He is blessed with a strong arm. His speed has allowed him to become a pretty good outfielder as well as he has played out there more in recent years.

 

Scouts would often talk about Goodrum’s “high waist” with the idea that he would eventually add more power. The started to show last year, but this year, he has hit 25 doubles, five triples and 13 home runs in his first season in AAA.

 

Goodrum will have family at the game. His mom and dad, his dad’s wife, his aunt, and his girlfriend will make the trip.

 

In the offseason, he owns Elite Metro Sports and Cages, a baseball and softball facility in his hometown of Fayetteville, Georgia. The indoor facilities and batting cages are open year-round. Goodrum is there during his offseasons and enjoys being able to give back to his community. His dad, Tim, operates the business.

 

 

 

Goodrum will likely be used in a utility role over the season’s final month. With the news that Byron Buxton will not need to go on the disabled list and could soon play, Zack Granite will likely be the team’s fourth outfielder, but Goodrum’s ability to play seven positions will allow Molitor to mix and match lineups and moves throughout games.

 

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[Monkeypaws]

Hurrah! Like to see loyalty and perseverance rewarded. 2nd rounder makes it all the way to the big leagues. Twin bench has a lot of that versatility right now.

[VirginSturgeon]

Great for him.  Love rewarding his patience in the system but it is backed up by solid performance in the minors.  Hope he has some positive impact in September.  Great write-up Seth.

[Monkeypaws]

I just like to see an organization give guys like, Goodrum,, Sleger, Curtiss, Garver, Jorge, etc a chance.

[mikelink45]

The more young players we call up the better.  Now for some pitchers who have not been on the major league turn table.  Boshers and Turley mean nothing.  Goodrum is a good new call. 

 

[darin617]

No need to put any players on the DL this time of year unless they are being placed on 60 day DL to free up a 40 man spot.

[Mr. Brooks]

Obviously he's unlikely to have a long career in mlb, but you never know.

I'm hoping he makes the most of his opportunity, he's a guy in our system that I've always rooted for.

[yarnivek1972]

 

No need to put any players on the DL this time of year unless they are being placed on 60 day DL to free up a 40 man spot.

The Twins will need to make some move to put Goodrum on the 40 man.  Santiago remains the most logical candidate.  Reports from his outing a couple days ago were not encouraging.  

[yarnivek1972]

 

Obviously he's unlikely to have a long career in mlb, but you never know.
I'm hoping he makes the most of his opportunity, he's a guy in our system that I've always rooted for.

 

 

idk, in these days of 13 man pitching staffs versatility is valued.  Sure, he'll need to prove he can contribute at the MLB level, but he's exactly the kind of guy that hangs around.  

[rdehring]

Will be curious to see the other side of this move, Seth. Is it possible Vielema is taken off the 40-man?

[Mike Sixel]

Congrats to Goodrum! Exciting moment for him for sure. And also to the others, even if they've already had their debut.

 

I don't care about Rochester's results, I care about what is 100% best for the Twins. Just once I want to hear them say that.

Edited September 1, 2017 by Mike Sixel

[Homer Hanky]

this is great... i am hoping they add some pop off the bench also... Park or Palka

 

[SirLoin]

 

Will be curious to see the other side of this move, Seth. Is it possible Vielema is taken off the 40-man?

My guess is that Santiago gets moved to the 60-day.

[ThejacKmp]

 

idk, in these days of 13 man pitching staffs versatility is valued.  Sure, he'll need to prove he can contribute at the MLB level, but he's exactly the kind of guy that hangs around.  

 

Perhaps if Escobar is let go end of this year? He's going to get more expensive and the Twins have a lot of middle infield candidates. Goodrum could easily replace Escobar (who could be signed and then traded this offseason - he has a Nunez like value).

[ThejacKmp]

 

Congrats to Goodrum! Exciting moment for him for sure. And also to the others, even if they've already had their debut.

 

I don't care about Rochester's results, I care about what is 100% best for the Twins. Just once I want to hear them say that.

 

Yeah, I feel weird that his parents and ladyfriend are coming to the game. I hope he only plays if the Twins are up big or as a pinch runner late in the game.

 

Though if it's him or Vargas, I vote Goodrum. Sick of watching Vargas take the worst at bats.

[ThejacKmp]

 

Congrats to Goodrum! Exciting moment for him for sure. And also to the others, even if they've already had their debut.

 

I don't care about Rochester's results, I care about what is 100% best for the Twins. Just once I want to hear them say that.

 

That said, they brought up extra arms and an extra position player. They don't have to guy Rochester for guys who won't play anyway. It's not like the Twins game tonight is going to hinge on Daniel Palka.

 

It would be interesting if they'd been playing away against an NL team. Then it would be a different matter due to pinch hitting and double switches. But in the AL, three guys right away is fine.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Perhaps if Escobar is let go end of this year? He's going to get more expensive and the Twins have a lot of middle infield candidates. Goodrum could easily replace Escobar (who could be signed and then traded this offseason - he has a Nunez like value).

 

I doubt Goodrum can "easily" replace the production Escobar has, and will continue to, provide. I seriously doubt it, especially on offense. 

[Craig Arko]

Have we heard yet about the 40-man change?

[ThejacKmp]

I doubt Goodrum can "easily" replace the production Escobar has, and will continue to, provide. I seriously doubt it, especially on offense.

I disagree. I love Escobar as much as anyone else but we all overstate his awesomeness. We love the guy and remember the big hits but it doesn’t hold up when you look at his stats.

 

His OPS with the Twins is .692. His OPS+ is 88 during that span. Last year his OPS+ was 67, this year it is all the way up to 89. He has two seasons where he was just above a 100 OPS+ but that was three and four years ago - he’s pretty clearly past his prime as he enters his age 30 season since he’s not even a replacement level player. It is ludicrous that Escobar has been the cleanup hitter for the Twins of late – there should be more outrage about this. He’s Nick Punto-esque with the bat but even Nicky never batted cleanup.

 

Defensively, he’s nothing special as a SS and is pretty awful in the OF – emergency at best. He’s a fine 2B and 3B but Adrianza is better at all of the positions than Escobar.

 

We need to look at the minors to compare him to Niko. Escobar’s minor league track record shows a .688 OPS in AAA and .670 in AA. By contrast, Goodrum put up a .763 OPS in AA and .734 in AAA. He played 15 games in CF in AAA and 62 in the OF and thus seems likely to be a better backup OF. He’s also played all over the infield – and again, Adrianza is the first defensive sub in the IF.

 

Outside of leadership/clubhouse factors (and we all are sick of Gimenez getting the benefit of the doubt for those so that should mean little) there’s almost no reason to play Escobar over Goodrum going forward this year, let alone next year. Escobar is not a good MLB player and he is 29. Goodrum is four years younger, is more versatile in the field and seems likely to hit better based on equivalent track records. Plus he’ll be way cheaper – Escobar is about to get a bump up in arbitration.

 

I love Escobar but no way should he be on the Twins next year. Goodrum is better in every way. The argument really should be whether the Twins carry a utility guy like Goodrum or a bigger bench bat like Vargas (ugh) or Palka.

[ThejacKmp]

In line with this, with Sano out, Escobar should be on the bench. Polanco should be playing 3B and Adrianza playing every day at SS. Maybe that messes with Polanco's mojo and you switch the two but those two should play every day. Adrianza has a better bat this year and his glove is way better.

 

Hard to watch Escobar go up there and flail away. He's just not a MLB regular and likely not even a very good utility guy.

[Mike Sixel]

I disagree. I love Escobar as much as anyone else but we all overstate his awesomeness. We love the guy and remember the big hits but it doesn’t hold up when you look at his stats.

 

His OPS with the Twins is .692. His OPS+ is 88 during that span. Last year his OPS+ was 67, this year it is all the way up to 89. He has two seasons where he was just above a 100 OPS+ but that was three and four years ago - he’s pretty clearly past his prime as he enters his age 30 season since he’s not even a replacement level player. It is ludicrous that Escobar has been the cleanup hitter for the Twins of late – there should be more outrage about this. He’s Nick Punto-esque with the bat but even Nicky never batted cleanup.

 

Defensively, he’s nothing special as a SS and is pretty awful in the OF – emergency at best. He’s a fine 2B and 3B but Adrianza is better at all of the positions than Escobar.

 

We need to look at the minors to compare him to Niko. Escobar’s minor league track record shows a .688 OPS in AAA and .670 in AA. By contrast, Goodrum put up a .763 OPS in AA and .734 in AAA. He played 15 games in CF in AAA and 62 in the OF and thus seems likely to be a better backup OF. He’s also played all over the infield – and again, Adrianza is the first defensive sub in the IF.

 

Outside of leadership/clubhouse factors (and we all are sick of Gimenez getting the benefit of the doubt for those so that should mean little) there’s almost no reason to play Escobar over Goodrum going forward this year, let alone next year. Escobar is not a good MLB player and he is 29. Goodrum is four years younger, is more versatile in the field and seems likely to hit better based on equivalent track records. Plus he’ll be way cheaper – Escobar is about to get a bump up in arbitration.

 

I love Escobar but no way should he be on the Twins next year. Goodrum is better in every way. The argument really should be whether the Twins carry a utility guy like Goodrum or a bigger bench bat like Vargas (ugh) or Palka.

the Twins and other teams are so confident he'll be a MLB player, that he could have signed with anyone last year, anyone.....

 

And no place did I describe Escobar as "awesome" or even close to it.

[ThejacKmp]

 

the Twins and other teams are so confident he'll be a MLB player, that he could have signed with anyone last year, anyone.....

 

And no place did I describe Escobar as "awesome" or even close to it.

 

A.) I said we love Escobar's awesomeness, not you. Chill. I've never heard someone on TD Say, "we should make room for _____ by DFA'ing Escobar since he's redundant and not very good." I hear lots of love for Escobar on here. I think its because we like him as a guy in the clubhouse and he has hot streaks that make us lose the bigger picture. I'll say, I was shocked how bad Escobar has been, I was blinded too. I've spent the past few weeks disquieted by his presence in the lineup everyday, especially in the #4, #5 spot but I never thought he was borderline unplayable.

 

B.) You did say that Goodrum can't replace the offense Escobar provides. I think I showed pretty conclusively that that's a very low bar to surpass and that Goodrum is a pretty good bet to do it based on performance and age. Thoughts? Ceding the point?

 

C.) Goodrum isn't going to be a star. But he is better than Escobar. Defensively, likely offensively, from a cost perspective . . .

 

D.) We don't know that no one but the Twins wanted Goodrum last offseason. He chose to come back to the Twins - that could have been with 29 other suitors or with no other suitors. Makes sense he'd pick the Twins - they were a not very good team without a lot of proven guys on the left-side of the IF and weak at utility guy. And they know him and presumably told him he was a guy they'd think about promoting if he played well. Where's he more likely to get a big league debut?

[Seth Stohs]

 

I doubt Goodrum can "easily" replace the production Escobar has, and will continue to, provide. I seriously doubt it, especially on offense. 

 

I definitely think people undervalue what Escobar brings to the team. He's shown that when given consistent playing time, he can hit and has some pop. He can play 3 positions pretty well, and he - from all I've seen - is truly a leader in that clubhouse. I don't know if they'll pay him $4 million next year to be a top utility guy, but I definitely think we need to realize that he has some value.

 

Now, Goodrum I think can have a role as a utility guy on rosters. I don't know if he will, but he's got a ton of talent that has just started really coming together the last year. He's got room to continue progressing too. I think his ability to play 7 positions at least adequately is a big deal, especially with more and more teams (including the Twins) often going to 13 pitchers. 

[Seth Stohs]

And yes... the obvious move happened... Santiago was placed on the 60 Day DL.

[Mike Sixel]

B.) You did say that Goodrum can't replace the offense Escobar provides. I think I showed pretty conclusively that that's a very low bar to surpass and that Goodrum is a pretty good bet to do it based on performance and age. Thoughts? Ceding the point?

 

 

minor league numbers are predictive, not conclusive. Until a minor leaguer who isn't a legit bit time prospect actually plays well in the majors, the odds are very, very, very low they will ever do so. I don't think you proved anything at all. You provided some predictive numbers, but no, I am not convinced at all he can hit or play defense in the majors. 

 

I mean, if he's so sure to be better, why wasn't he up earlier this year, and Escobar just cut?

[Shane Wahl]

I like Niko a lot. He is likely going to be successful in the big leagues.

[Shane Wahl]

Why is this a contest about Escobar at the moment. Adrianza would be the odd man out on the roster next year.

 

[ThejacKmp]

 

minor league numbers are predictive, not conclusive. Until a minor leaguer who isn't a legit bit time prospect actually plays well in the majors, the odds are very, very, very low they will ever do so. I don't think you proved anything at all. You provided some predictive numbers, but no, I am not convinced at all he can hit or play defense in the majors. 

 

I mean, if he's so sure to be better, why wasn't he up earlier this year, and Escobar just cut?

 

Yeah but if a guy is younger and cheaper and the other guy is not even close to replacement level, why not give it a shot? And what makes you think Niko can't hit or play defense in the majors? Any evidence? When it's evidence vs. "I think", evidence wins. Niko has hit better at AA and AAA and Escobar is lost at the MLB level. It can't really get much worse.

 

No idea why Escobar is sancrosanct. Shouldn't be. My guess? They like Escobar in the clubhouse, he's a veteran guy for the young Spanish-speaking position players. And when it's your utility guy, that can be a factor. Intangibles matter. However, with Sano down for the foreseeable future, it's becoming an issue. That's a terrible hitter at 3B. Escobar should be a bench guy and Goodrum should get his playing time.

[ThejacKmp]

 

Why is this a contest about Escobar at the moment. Adrianza would be the odd man out on the roster next year.

 

I think that's the point. Adrianza should not be the odd man out next year. Adrianza is a useful piece - hitting as well as Escobar and a vastly superior fielder. His challenge next year should be from Vielma, not Escobar.

 

Escobar should be up against Goodrum. And Goodrum should win to the point that the Twins are trading Escobar in the offseason.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Yeah but if a guy is younger and cheaper and the other guy is not even close to replacement level, why not give it a shot? And what makes you think Niko can't hit or play defense in the majors? Any evidence? When it's evidence vs. "I think", evidence wins. Niko has hit better at AA and AAA and Escobar is lost at the MLB level. It can't really get much worse.

 

No idea why Escobar is sancrosanct. Shouldn't be. My guess? They like Escobar in the clubhouse, he's a veteran guy for the young Spanish-speaking position players. And when it's your utility guy, that can be a factor. Intangibles matter. However, with Sano down for the foreseeable future, it's becoming an issue. That's a terrible hitter at 3B. Escobar should be a bench guy and Goodrum should get his playing time.

 

the evidence is the huge, vast, nearly every, player that makes AAA does not turn into a good MLB player. There is no "I think" here, that's just the simple math.

 

edit: I like Niko. I think he has a small shot to be useful. But I can't say I am confident he'll be better than existing MLB player just yet. 

Edited September 1, 2017 by Mike Sixel