Article: Twins Daily Nightly Wrap - 2/27

[John Bonnes]

Tonight's wrap includes additional notes on Brian Dozier's expectations for free agency, why Jake Odorizzi struggled last year, Lewis Thorpe's health and what Paul Molitor likes about Nick Gordon. It's an eight-minute audio file that you can listen to on your smartphone or computer by clicking here. If you have any problems, or have any questions you would like me to address tomorrow, put them in the comments below.Download audio.

 

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[tarheeltwinsfan]

John, It is great listening to your summary. I look forward to tomorrow's broadcast. Especially since I won't be traveling to Ft. Myers this spring, as I had done the 2 prior springs. I'm sure I can speak for TD members and Twins fans when I say we appreciate your excellent reports...written and recorded.

[dogsday]

Thanks for these summaries! 

 

Questions:

Spring training being what it is, and what it isn't, do you get enough information to have answers to some of the Twins questions (like these)?

1. Is Phil Hughes a replacement level (at least) starter?

2. Are Buxton and Rosario picking up (offensively) where they ended last year?

3. Is Kepler any better against left-handed pitching?

 

Or is there not enough time/performance/information in Spring Training to begin to answer any of these things. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Thanks for these summaries! 

 

Questions:

Spring training being what it is, and what it isn't, do you get enough information to have answers to some of the Twins questions (like these)?

1. Is Phil Hughes a replacement level (at least) starter?

2. Are Buxton and Rosario picking up (offensively) where they ended last year?

3. Is Kepler any better against left-handed pitching?

 

Or is there not enough time/performance/information in Spring Training to begin to answer any of these things. 

 

No matter how you slice it, spring training is always too much of a small sample size to really know those answers. What you're looking for by the end of spring training are:

 

1.) Is Phil Hughes feeling comfortable and strong, and does his fastball velocity stay in that 91 range, tip up or down. 

2.) Are Buxton and Rosario putting together quality plate appearances,, looking like they have an understanding of the strike zone, etc.

3.) With Kepler, you're looking for competency against lefties, like he's staying down on pitches, not swinging at the slider away, stuff like that.

 

And then when Opening Day starts, you just hope.