Article: Offseason Primer: Who Needs a First Baseman Anyways?

[Tom Froemming]

 

Yes but he filled in at center field too when Buxton was injured and he is a good defensive outfielder in general. He has long, athletic strides that would be wasted at first base. Stop the madness! :-) 

You're right, you certainly wouldn't want to go out of your way to put Max at first base, where his athleticism would be wasted to some degree, but here's a scenario in which I could see it making sense:

 

Twins sign Andrew McCutchen and Nelson Cruz. Cruz plugs up the DH, Cutch takes over as the primary right fielder, forcing Max into a sort of super utility role between all three OF positions, 1B and DH. He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

 

It may seem like overkill, but this is basically what the Brewers did last offseason when they acquired two outfielders despite that not appearing to be a big area of need.

 

The biggest problem the 2018 Twins had was injuries. Their next biggest problem was having insufficient depth to cover for those injuries. I think it would be ideal to aim for offensive overkill in an effort to be prepared for the worst.

[ashbury]

He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

Well, sure. Even Ehire has started 5 games at 1B in his career. In a purely backup role, Kepler could be part of the mix at 1B.

 

What I seem to see people saying goes beyond that, that 1B is a desirable role for him. And I disagree with that. If you want him in the batting lineup, you usually will want him playing in the outfield; conversely if he is squeezed out of the starting outfield because of acquisition of significant talent, his bat (at present) probably will not be better than other 1B options you have. Finally if his bat improves from where it is at present to being an asset at 1B, we're back to the first scenario, because you want him in the outfield as a starter.

 

It would be one heck of a team, where a productive Keplerbat^* finds itself at 1B on defense.

 

^{* _{My Germanic coinage of the day}}

[USAFChief]

 

You're right, you certainly wouldn't want to go out of your way to put Max at first base, where his athleticism would be wasted to some degree, but here's a scenario in which I could see it making sense:

 

Twins sign Andrew McCutchen and Nelson Cruz. Cruz plugs up the DH, Cutch takes over as the primary right fielder, forcing Max into a sort of super utility role between all three OF positions, 1B and DH. He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

 

It may seem like overkill, but this is basically what the Brewers did last offseason when they acquired two outfielders despite that not appearing to be a big area of need.

 

The biggest problem the 2018 Twins had was injuries. Their next biggest problem was having insufficient depth to cover for those injuries. I think it would be ideal to aim for offensive overkill in an effort to be prepared for the worst.

Endorsed by Chief.

[yarnivek1972]

Didn’t the Dodgers have a guy that played cf and 1b regularly this past season?

 

Lead, follow or get out of the way.

[Riverbrian]

 

You're right, you certainly wouldn't want to go out of your way to put Max at first base, where his athleticism would be wasted to some degree, but here's a scenario in which I could see it making sense:

 

Twins sign Andrew McCutchen and Nelson Cruz. Cruz plugs up the DH, Cutch takes over as the primary right fielder, forcing Max into a sort of super utility role between all three OF positions, 1B and DH. He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

 

It may seem like overkill, but this is basically what the Brewers did last offseason when they acquired two outfielders despite that not appearing to be a big area of need.

 

The biggest problem the 2018 Twins had was injuries. Their next biggest problem was having insufficient depth to cover for those injuries. I think it would be ideal to aim for offensive overkill in an effort to be prepared for the worst.

 

There are multiple scenarios where Kepler playing some 1B would help the Twins win baseball games. 

 

LIke you said... If Kepler could be considered as a candidate to play 1B... It opens the door to sign Cutch . If Kepler could be considered as a candidate to play 1B. We won't have to die if Sano gets hurt while Austin is hitting .112

 

Kepler playing 1B shouldn't be forced but it shouldn't be anything we are afraid of.  

 

Tom you are spot on with this article. 

 

Increasing flexibility and depth should be the number one priority of the Twins and I hope it is a major... (make that mega major) consideration when choosing the next manager. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lonestar]

Twins sign Andrew McCutchen and Nelson Cruz. Cruz plugs up the DH, Cutch takes over as the primary right fielder, forcing Max into a sort of super utility role between all three OF positions, 1B and DH. He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

If the Twins have a 8-man bullpen and sign Cruz for DH and McCutchen for RF, that means they can only carry 3 other outfielders -- one being Rosario.  The 3 candidates for 2 remaining positions are Buxton, Cave, and Kepler. Buxton and Cave have minor league options. Kepler does not.

 

IMO Buxton will likely have to be optioned during the course of the season based on his poor command & control of the strike zone. Will it happen on Day 1 or later or at all? [i don't think they would carry Buxton as a 4th OF/PR/defensive specialist until he is out of options. He needs the reps and the work on pitch recognition and command & control of the strike zone.]

 

Now if the Twins sign McCutchen as a RF/DH option, they can carry both Kepler and Cave. And better absorb the Buxton demotion or injury.

[Riverbrian]

News is floating around today that the Red Sox are considering playing Mookie Betts at 2B on the road during the World Series. 

 

Betts at 2B will allow Martinez to play OF when the DH is not an option. 

 

This is only a rumor floating around so I have no idea if the Red Sox will actually do it, they might not but if they do, it just might work out and we can all see the reasoning for such a consideration. 

 

However... Regardless of the results soon to come... if they do? if they don't? 

 

The Red Sox could have been better prepared for this possibility by playing Betts at 2B on occasion during the year instead of coming in cold on the big stage. They had the opportunity to do it. 

 

The Indians could have been better prepared for the addition of Josh Donaldon, if Ramirez played some 2B during the year and Kipnis played some CF instead of coming in cold in September. 

 

Of course Kepler can and should play 1B on occasion in 2019. I believe Rosario could play some IF if needed. Doing so will provide our new manager more options to work in the 2019 World Series. 

 

Prepare for Success and Prepare for Failure. Depth and Flexibility is how it's done. 

[TheLeviathan]

Playing guys at random middle infield positions in case of a worst case scenario sounds like a good way to create that scenario.

 

If you believe defense matters, throwing guys randomly around the field is very contradictory.

 

Kepler should play 1B when it creates an advantage for the Twins. Which could happen in splits opportunities when deciding between a Cave and Austin. I could see that being beneficial at times if the Twins don’t upgrade 1B.

[Jacksson]

Keps runs too well to waste his defensive OF skills on first base. Austin can play most of the games with Sano and others spelling him.  We need a solid new IF stud at middle infield somewhere and a solid RBI/Homer guy for DH.  Plus pitchers

Gee, J D Martinez was sitting out there as a free agent and the Twins signed....Logan Morrison. How did that work out?

[Jacksson]

How great a defensive player was Killebrew at: 2B, 3B, 1B?

[stringer bell]

from RB:

The Indians could have been better prepared for the addition of Josh Donaldon, if Ramirez played some 2B during the year and Kipnis played some CF instead of coming in cold in September.

 

Of course Kepler can and should play 1B on occasion in 2019. I believe Rosario could play some IF if needed. Doing so will provide our new manager more options to work in the 2019 World Series.

 

Prepare for Success and Prepare for Failure. Depth and Flexibility is how it's done.

 

Ramirez played a lot of second prior to last year, plus some outfield and Kipnis spent time in the outfield this year earlier, at least that is my recollection. 

 

Regarding Kepler at first--I think it's a good idea to have him in the mix. Given the injury history of Sano and the questions about Austin, the Twins might be in a situation for a lot of games that they need to get Cave, Rosario, Buxton, and Kepler into the game, with none of them being the DH. That would be predicated on Kepler being a better offensive player than he has been the last two years, but I think that might happen. Regardless, positional flexibility is a plus. 

[mngopherguy]

 

Bring in a player that can hit 30+ home runs with 100+ RBI's.  We don't always have to try to patch something together and hope it works.  I know a bit of an exaggeration but my point is to get a great player not just someone who can fill in.  

 

Did the Polads sell the team?

[Jham]

How is Kepler's bat even a consideration for first base at this point? Aren't we trying to win? Might as well resign Mauer at that point.

[Major League Ready]

 

Didn’t the Dodgers have a guy that played cf and 1b regularly this past season?

Lead, follow or get out of the way.

 

The relative merit of following the Dodgers action is not automatic because some famous leaders used this phrase. It's merit is only relevant to how a given player is able to perform when compared to others playing that position. Bellinger has an OPS while playing 1B of 1.081 in 2017 and 946 in 2018. Your example will have merit when Kepler can come anywhere near this level of performance.

Edited October 22, 2018 by Major Leauge Ready

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

You're right, you certainly wouldn't want to go out of your way to put Max at first base, where his athleticism would be wasted to some degree, but here's a scenario in which I could see it making sense:

 

Twins sign Andrew McCutchen and Nelson Cruz. Cruz plugs up the DH, Cutch takes over as the primary right fielder, forcing Max into a sort of super utility role between all three OF positions, 1B and DH. He's there as Buxton insurance, he's there as Austin insurance, he's there as injury insurance. I think even if everyone plays well and stays healthy you could still find Max plenty of reps in that role.

 

It may seem like overkill, but this is basically what the Brewers did last offseason when they acquired two outfielders despite that not appearing to be a big area of need.

 

The biggest problem the 2018 Twins had was injuries. Their next biggest problem was having insufficient depth to cover for those injuries. I think it would be ideal to aim for offensive overkill in an effort to be prepared for the worst.

Like this idea. Kind of curious what the market for Cutch will be this offseason. .792 OPS out of a RF is hardly going to have teams lining up to give him a big deal. I think Cruz, Cutch, and Escobar would be a pretty nice FA move by the Twins. Would really add some flexibility to the team as well as improving on what was a pretty bad offense.

 

I'd add that then they could option Buxton to start the year and call him up once he's earned it.

[Mike Sixel]

Put Garver at 1B, with Austin at DH (and sometimes 1b), with Astudillo and Castro as the primary catchers. 

[Winston Smith]

 

Put Garver at 1B, with Austin at DH (and sometimes 1b), with Astudillo and Castro as the primary catchers. 

Lets get some better players and not field the same team as last year...

[Mike Sixel]

 

Lets get some better players and not field the same team as last year...

 

That would be great. I just don't have that list of FAs in front of me that looks enticing, and it is really hard to predict trades. I'm all for better talent, all for it. 100% for it.

[yarnivek1972]

The relative merit of following the Dodgers action is not automatic because some famous leaders used this phrase. It's merit is only relevant to how a given player is able to perform when compared to others playing that position. Bellinger has an OPS while playing 1B of 1.081 in 2017 and 946 in 2018. Your example will have merit when Kepler can come anywhere near this level of performance.

I don’t see the relevance of offensive production while playing a particular position as a reason as to whether or not he should play there. The issue is if his speed is wasted at 1b. Obviously, the Dodgers don’t feel Bellinger’s is. I don’t think anyone is saying that Kepler is as good a hitter as Bellinger. But, along that logic, wouldn’t the Dodgers lineup be better with Bellinger OPSing in the 900s or better at cf and some big plodder at 1b? Obviously the Dodgers don’t feel that way.

 

Further back in history, Darin Erstad was a very good (and very fast) fielding centerfielder who moved to first base to make room for Jim Edmonds.

 

My point is that the Twins shouldn’t be afraid to try something they haven’t done before just because they haven’t done it before.

[Winston Smith]

One platoon partner for Austin, who would probably come cheap is Justin Boar. He has a career ops of .853 against RH pitching while Austin had an ops of .846 against LH pitching this year.

[cmoss84]

Marwin Gonzalez anyone? Can play all over the field with a decent bat...

[yarnivek1972]

In the era of 12 and 13 man pitching staffs, a strict platoon with two players only capable of playing one position is simply not feasible.

[Major League Ready]

 

I don’t see the relevance of offensive production while playing a particular position as a reason as to whether or not he should play there. The issue is if his speed is wasted at 1b. Obviously, the Dodgers don’t feel Bellinger’s is. I don’t think anyone is saying that Kepler is as good a hitter as Bellinger. But, along that logic, wouldn’t the Dodgers lineup be better with Bellinger OPSing in the 900s or better at cf and some big plodder at 1b? Obviously the Dodgers don’t feel that way.

Further back in history, Darin Erstad was a very good (and very fast) fielding centerfielder who moved to first base to make room for Jim Edmonds.

My point is that the Twins shouldn’t be afraid to try something they haven’t done before just because they haven’t done it before.

 

You have never heard a reference to a players bat not being good enough to play a corner OF spot as an example? Offensive production matter in reference to position. The relevance is that playing at guy with a sub 750 OPS at 1B will put you at a disadvantage against ,ost teams. At least with Mauer we had a great defender. I don't know how good Kepler is at 1B but I doubt he would be anywhere as good as Mauer without a couple years worth of reps.

 

You have lost me here. You start out supporting the Dodgers strategy and now you have come back with it would be a waste of Kepler's athleticism. I agree with the latter but you have contradicted yourself. Regardless, with someone of Bellingers offensive potency, it is possible putting Bellinger at 1B results in the best overall line-up. We are not so fortunate as to have a player with his offensive product where we might have the same situation.

[purplesoldier4u]

Sadly enough - despite Mauer's imminent departure, first base should be pretty far down the list of priorities.

[DrNeau]

So, what is important for a first baseman...a BIG BAT (homers) or a great glove.

For a 1B? Big bat.

 

For most positions, a player’s strengths should be in 2 of the following 4 components:

 

* OBP

* XBH

* Defense

* Speed

 

Positions up the middle require that the players’ strengths are speed and defense. To quantify “defense”, arm strength is a factor - in addition to solid glove. For a corner IF, speed is less necessary than say a SS or CF.

 

A 1B can at times go a WEEK without making a necessary full-effort throw (therefore not a position which requires elite defense).

 

1B is absolutely a position where OBP and XBH (or OPS) are arguably the most important. Essentially, it is probably the best position to “hide a bat”.

 

For the reasons listed above, Grossman (OBP only) is not good for an OF. Joe Mauer’s best skills since 2014 (back in the days when he was a player), were defense (arm & glove) + OBP. Mauer was therefore poorly utilized when placed at 1B.

Edited October 23, 2018 by DrNeau

[Teddy]

I know Joe hasn't turned out to be the HOFer we all hoped, but I think he still has gas in the tank and I'd love to see him return for 3 more years.

[Mr. Brooks]

I know Joe hasn't turned out to be the HOFer we all hoped, but I think he still has gas in the tank and I'd love to see him return for 3 more years.

If Joe wanted to play 3 more years, he wouldn't be considering retirement, would he?

[Doctor Wu]

 

I agree with you on Kepler, getting a new middle infielder, and adding more pitching, but in disagreement, I’d prefer that we move Sano to 1st, sign Nelson Cruz to DH, and then find a new 3rd basemen because I really don’t wanna see Austin starting on a regular basis at 1st unless someone gets hurt (likely Sano).

I honestly don't see the love for Nelson Cruz, Sure, he's been remarkably productive for Seattle since they signed him as a free agent (after a good tenure in Texas), but he's going to turn 39 next year. How certain are you that he can still put up good numbers, if even start on a regular basis?

[Doctor Wu]

 

I know Joe hasn't turned out to be the HOFer we all hoped, but I think he still has gas in the tank and I'd love to see him return for 3 more years.

I'd just take 1 one more year at this point. I know many on this board are hoping that he has played his last game as a Twin (or for any team for that matter) but I think he still can be a productive player, as long as he still has the desire to put on a uniform and play. No, he won't start 162 games at this point, but I still think he's the best 1B option we have amidst all the other suspect players we are looking at next year.

[yarnivek1972]

I'd just take 1 one more year at this point. I know many on this board are hoping that he has played his last game as a Twin (or for any team for that matter) but I think he still can be a productive player, as long as he still has the desire to put on a uniform and play. No, he won't start 162 games at this point, but I still think he's the best 1B option we have amidst all the other suspect players we are looking at next year.

He won’t start 100 at this point. And THAT is the problem. You STILL need a first baseman for at least 1/3 of the seaason and in an era of 12 and 13 man pitching staffs, there’s no way a team can carry two guys that only play first base.