The Twins have a new Catcher - Astudillo called up

[Rosterman]

Well, Astudillo is the centerfielder until Buxton returns. Unless we want Grossman out there, I guess.

 

Yes, Wilson is catching as much as Garver. If nothing else, Garver should be catching Berrios (and should've been catching Romero). Unless they don't think he is a catcher, than maybe HE could play centerfield.

 

Who to designate besides Jorge. Looking at the 40-man, there are 18 NAMES on the roster that shouldn't be there come spring training 2019. Am I being cruel in my looksee? Doubt it. There will be some holdovers. But we will see.

 

The joy of designating a guy coming off the half-season disabled list is that another team needs a temporary 40-man roster spot to claim the guy, before they can designate him themselves. Yes, there should be a rule that someone has to be kept on the 40-man for a certain period of time (two weeks perhaps).

 

After complaining about the cold weather that started the season, I think Logan Morrison was the only player happy to be running around the field yesterday!

[howeda7]

Please tell me they're not going to send him back in favor of keeping Wilson. Garver needs to play and this kid will easily hit .100 points better than Wilson at a minimum. Having to watch Wilson, Grossman and Belisle needlessly eating ABs and innings on this team is so grating. 

[jokin]

It seems clear to me that they've called him up as a backup infielder - with Motter out, he's the only reserve. For whatever reason, they're using Wilson just as much as Garver now, so it appears they have no intentions to giving up on Wilson. There must be some veteran-ness quality that makes him so good despite the abysmal .439 OPS.

I think we saw the Wilson veteraniness today.

 

I think we should call a one-day moratorium on complaints about Wilson.

 

The dude literally risked his life on Saturday. And made a great read on the tag-up advance to 3rd base, despite obvious physical distress, It wiouldn't surprise me if he was hospitalized for observation of heat stroke symptoms.

[TheLeviathan]

Everything about this guy is awesome. He has repeated his mold-defying approach at every level. I hope we get to see a lot of him this summer to see if that continues.

[Major League Ready]

 

Astudillo brought 5 gloves and can play 3b, 1b, left, right field. The guy’s a freak and absolutely perfect 25th man.

https://calltothepen.com/2018/01/29/minnesota-twins-intriguing-piece-willians-astudillo/

Seems like it! His profile is so unusual that I would like see him a few times before passing any judgment but at least he gives us something interesting to watch.

[jokin]

Everything about this guy is awesome. He has repeated his mold-defying approach at every level. I hope we get to see a lot of him this summer to see if that continues.

Is it "mold-defying" or "mold-'breaking"?

 

Either way, Astudillo's sudden improbable debut mid-inning appearance was an absolute top highlight in an-otherwise catastrophic crash-and-burn of a game, and who knows...? He and Wrigley Field actually make for compelling Twins viewing for one of a very few times in 2018. This guy looks like an all-grown-up castoff from The Bad News Bears movies. It wouldn't have surprised me one iota if he'd have brought out to Left and Center Field and somwhere draped in the Wrigley Ivy a lit cigar and a beer caddy to enjoy between ABs.

[old nurse]

 

Well, Astudillo is the centerfielder until Buxton returns. Unless we want Grossman out there, I guess.

 

 

 

Who to designate besides Jorge. Looking at the 40-man, there are 18 NAMES on the roster that shouldn't be there come spring training 2019. Am I being cruel in my looksee? Doubt it. There will be some holdovers. But we will see.

 

I wouldn't call call you cruel, other adjectives would be far more appropriate. Over the winter names coming off the roster is one thing, right now is something else.

[Monkeypaws]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JG-ZnnqSWw

[jun]

 

Polanco can be up in a week. That might be the plan. 

Polanco in Wilson out.

[Otto von Ballpark]

I think we saw the Wilson veteraniness today.

 

I think we should call a one-day moratorium on complaints about Wilson.

 

The dude literally risked his life on Saturday. And made a great read on the tag-up advance to 3rd base, despite obvious physical distress, It wiouldn't surprise me if he was hospitalized for observation of heat stroke symptoms.

Is that more of a credit for Wilson, or a demerit for Molitor?

[jokin]

Is that more of a credit for Wilson, or a demerit for Molitor?

Great point. Probably equal.

[Riverbrian]

 

Is that more of a credit for Wilson, or a demerit for Molitor?

 

If I'm Bobby Wilson... after looking back at the long road traveled over his career just to be in the starting lineup at Wrigley Field on a hot summer day.  

 

I wouldn't have come out of the game if a cannonball took my left leg off in the 2nd Inning. 

 

 

 

 

[jokin]

If I'm Bobby Wilson... after looking back at the long road traveled over his career just to be in the starting lineup at Wrigley Field on a hot summer day.  

 

I wouldn't have come out of the game if a cannonball took my left leg off in the 2nd Inning. 

Well-said, RB. The contrast with his apparently imminent health situation and Rosario's in the 5th was quite revealing. Cannonball to the left leg???? Rosario asked to be removed for what appeared to be routine cramping up of his left leg. Watching Wilson at first base, and clearly in dire straits, you just knew wild horses couldn't drag him away. He's playing in the major leagues (for now) and they were going to have to carry him off the field horizontally to remove him at that point. (He saved Molly a pinch hitter or maybe a pitcher by avoiding the use of a pinch runner).

[DocBauer]

I actually read the article on Astrudillo when he was signed and found it interesting. I have no clue how good his game calling or defense is behind the plate, much less any clue how well he can play any of the other 4 corner spots. I also have no clue if his ability to hit and make contact will play at the ML level.

 

What I DO KNOW, however, is that Wilson can't hit at the ML level, and is a fill in piece, not a regular, and is not a part of the future of the team. Can Astrudillo? Once again, not a clue. But he is 7 years younger, seems to have some hit ability and decent pop, and plays, supposedly, 5 positions, including the one Wilson occupies.

 

I want the Twins to play well. I want them to win, and to finish the season strong. Releasing and trading players and pitchers that have no expectation of being back next sason in favor of auditioning a few young guys does not preclude those things from happening.

 

I am not advocating gutting the roster via DFA or trade. In fact, there's a couple guys not signed beyond this season that you could make strong arguments for being possibly brought back. But if you have mid 30-something players lime Wilson, and Belisle, that are not performing, give guys lime Astrudillo a fair chance!

[mngopherguy]

Interesting player, I'm not as high on him as others, but he probably deserves a shot.  I would hope he would start taking a few more pitches, or I have a feeling he's finally going to get exposed.  

[Monkeypaws]

In 9 years of minor league ball, Astudillo has 76 whiffs in over 2000 at bats.

 

Garver and Wilson have 56 this season in 212 ABs.

 

Yeah, minors ain't majors, but this guy has bat control. In the year of the whiff, go for it.

[jokin]

I ... give guys lime Astrudillo a fair chance!

Although his body type suggests that "Strudel" would be a great nickname, his last name is actually devoid of the "r".

[jokin]

Anyone got the over/under on how many major leaguers listed at 5'9" and 225 #s have ever played in CF?

 

For that matter, how many with his body measurements are currently on major league rosters?

[OldTimeTwinkie]

I don't care what he looks like the guy can play baseball!

[DocBauer]

Anyone got the over/under on how many major leaguers listed at 5'9" and 225 #s have ever played in CF?

For that matter, how many with his body measurements are currently on major league rosters?

Puckett may be rolling around in his grave saying "actualy....." LOL

[jun]

 

I actually read the article on Astrudillo when he was signed and found it interesting. I have no clue how good his game calling or defense is behind the plate, much less any clue how well he can play any of the other 4 corner spots. I also have no clue if his ability to hit and make contact will play at the ML level.

What I DO KNOW, however, is that Wilson can't hit at the ML level, and is a fill in piece, not a regular, and is not a part of the future of the team. Can Astrudillo? Once again, not a clue. But he is 7 years younger, seems to have some hit ability and decent pop, and plays, supposedly, 5 positions, including the one Wilson occupies.

I want the Twins to play well. I want them to win, and to finish the season strong. Releasing and trading players and pitchers that have no expectation of being back next sason in favor of auditioning a few young guys does not preclude those things from happening.

I am not advocating gutting the roster via DFA or trade. In fact, there's a couple guys not signed beyond this season that you could make strong arguments for being possibly brought back. But if you have mid 30-something players lime Wilson, and Belisle, that are not performing, give guys lime Astrudillo a fair chance!

Astudillo is 26 years old, about 9 years younger than Wilson. He has consistently hit close to .300 at every level and he rarely strikes out or draws a walk. He is considered an average catcher with average skills defensively. He should be a better catcher than Garver.

[jun]

 

Interesting player, I'm not as high on him as others, but he probably deserves a shot.  I would hope he would start taking a few more pitches, or I have a feeling he's finally going to get exposed.  

If he can get the bat on the ball, he might as well go for it. Most of the major league pitchers have no control issues. He is not JD Martinez or Trout. They are not going to walk him because they fear him. I hope all the Twins players would swing the bat more. It's better going down swinging than looking. At least they have tried therefore no regrets. A walk doesn't win a game unless bases are loaded.

[Homer Hanky]

 

If Motter is out, who backs up 3b, ss and 2b.

He played LF and CF yesterday and 3B today... 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Puckett may be rolling around in his grave saying "actualy....." LOL

Pucket is listed at BBRef 5’8” 178 lb.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

If he can get the bat on the ball, he might as well go for it. Most of the major league pitchers have no control issues. He is not JD Martinez or Trout. They are not going to walk him because they fear him. I hope all the Twins players would swing the bat more. It's better going down swinging than looking. At least they have tried therefore no regrets. A walk doesn't win a game unless bases are loaded.

“All”? Rosario swings just the right amount. He could be a little bit pickier...

 

If you walk, you don’t hit into a double play. Given enough ABs guys like Astudillo hIt into a ton of GIDP. It has been fun watching him and I hope he keeps getting chances. He might break the mold, and it’s awesome he’s out there to hit and field where ever he can.

 

I love his hustle and attitude.

[jokin]

Astudillo is 26 years old, about 9 years younger than Wilson. He has consistently hit close to .300 at every level and he rarely strikes out or draws a walk. He is considered an average catcher with average skills defensively. He should be a better catcher than Garver.

Considered an average catcher? By whom? Baseball bloggers?

There apparently must be a lot of clubs who do NOT have that consideration about his catching skills.

9 years of toiling in the minors, I think I can safely say with the shortage of average or better MLB level defensive catchers, Astudillo would have been on a major league roster before now. Especially since average defensive catchers with above average hitting skills are practically an extinct species.

[jkcarew]

 

 

Pucket is listed at BBRef 5’8” 178 lb.

Apparently go with the listed weight on their minor league roster when they first got called up. Have Hrbek at 200. Neither is close.

[jun]

 

Considered an average catcher? By whom? Baseball bloggers?
There apparently must be a lot of clubs who do NOT have that consideration about his catching skills.
9 years of toiling in the minors, I think I can safely say with the shortage of average or better MLB level defensive catchers, Astudillo would have been on a major league roster before now. Especially since average defensive catchers with above average hitting skills are practically an extinct species.

I have not seen anywhere saying he is not a good catcher. I heard his pitch framing is average. He has been overlooked by teams because of his size and built. Just like for a pitcher if you are short, no teams would give you a chance to be a starter because they don't believe a short pitcher can succeed in the major league.

[jokin]

ame="Sconnie" post="765745" timestamp="1530491097"]Pucket is listed at BBRef 5’8

 

Apparently go with the listed weight on their minor league roster when they first got called up. Have Hrbek at 200. Neither is close.

Those weights would have been recorded when both Puckett and Hrbek at call-up were 24 and 21 respectively. Astudillo is 3 months short of 27. Lots of pizzas, brats and beer between 21 and 27.

 

And I"m giuessing Astudillo isn't at 225, probably at least 10# more.

[jokin]

I have not seen anywhere saying he is not a good catcher. I heard his pitch framing is average. He has been overlooked by teams because of his size and built. Just like for a pitcher if you are short, no teams would give you a chance to be a starter because they don't believe a short pitcher can succeed in the major league.

His size at catcher should be just fine. 3 teams in 3 straight years got a full season look and said thanks, but no thanks when it came time to promote and/or retain.

 

The fact remains, with his hit tool potential there for all to see, and with a severe shortage of quality catchers who can hit, why didn't the best GM eye for talent, Theo Epstein, sign Astudillo instead of Chris Giminez?