Article: What if This is the Max for Kepler?

[ashbury]

Even the army brats?

Yes.

 

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bio/Germany_born.shtml

 

Oh, and I see what you did there:

 

[Doomtints]

 

Good pitchers also induce more K's and fewer walks.

 

There aren't that many good pitchers in the game to explain his poor hard hit rate. Besides, it's not like he's facing an ace every day. Pitch selection is certainly part of it, but it's certainly not all of it. He simply needs to learn to drive the ball. That's coachable. So is pitch selection for that matter.

 

Coachable eh? Check this out.

 

https://www.twincities.com/2018/03/05/max-kepler-wont-change-his-launch-angle-just-for-homers-sake/

 

This one is cool too.

 

http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins/max-kepler-looks-to-bonds-for-hitting-inspiration-r5406

 

Give these a read and let me know if you think no one has yet tried to coach him, then look at his stats again to see the results of said coaching.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Since you’re talking about adding an impact bat(s) to our lineup, who do you have in mind besides Esco, because I really doubt he’ coming back?? Personally, I’d like to see us sign Nelson Cruz and then trade for either Matt Carpenter or Justin Smoak.

I was thinking Marwin Gonzalez or Andrew McCutchen for RF

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Coachable eh? Check this out.

 

https://www.twincities.com/2018/03/05/max-kepler-wont-change-his-launch-angle-just-for-homers-sake/

 

This one is cool too.

 

http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins/max-kepler-looks-to-bonds-for-hitting-inspiration-r5406

 

Give these a read and let me know if you think no one has yet tried to coach him, then look at his stats again to see the results of said coaching.

http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/process-set-to-yield-results-for-kepler-r7105

 

And yet Kepler’s swing induces a ton of pop ups. That goofy loop in his swing where he kind of chops down and the pushes his hands back up... I wonder how much time has been spent trying to get him to flatten his swing out so the barrel stays in the zone longer?

[ChrisKnutson]

I was thinking Marwin Gonzalez or Andrew McCutchen for RF

While I agree that the Twins OF isn’t exactly an’ area of strength, due to it’s underperformance and inconsistencies, I definitely do not think it’s a concern worthy of signing Cutch (maybe Marwin tho), especially with Wade/Rooker/Cave as AAA depth. And with Polanco and Sano as the only “locks” in the infield, along with no immediate depth besides Gordon (maybe Arraez??), the Twins biggest priorities lie in both the corner and middle infield. And yes, Marwin Gonzalez would be a great addition, but I have a feeling he’d much rather stay in Houston.

 

Unfortunately, our FA options are likely limited to only Iglesias, Harrison, Galvis, Mercer, etc. Although maybe there’s a slight chance that Murphy or Lowrie would be willing to come to MN, but like I said earlier, we can always make a trade (Rendon/Carpenter/Smoak).

[Richie the Rally Goat]

While I agree that the Twins OF isn’t exactly an’ area of strength, due to it’s underperformance and inconsistencies, I definitely do not think it’s a concern worthy of signing Cutch (maybe Marwin tho), especially with Wade/Rooker/Cave as AAA depth. And with Polanco and Sano as the only “locks” in the infield, along with no immediate depth besides Gordon (maybe Arraez??), the Twins biggest priorities lie in both the corner and middle infield. And yes, Marwin Gonzalez would be a great addition, but I have a feeling he’d much rather stay in Houston.

 

Unfortunately, our FA options are likely limited to only Iglesias, Harrison, Galvis, Mercer, etc. Although maybe there’s a slight chance that Murphy or Lowrie would be willing to come to MN, but like I said earlier, we can always make a trade (Rendon/Carpenter/Smoak).

this is a thread about “what if Kepler is what he has been?”

 

Infield isn’t really relevant to the discussion.

 

I think Kepler is what he has been, which is valuable, but in need of an upgrade in hit tool for RF but perfectly passable in CF, and excellent 4th OF

[wsnydes]

Coachable eh? Check this out.

 

https://www.twincities.com/2018/03/05/max-kepler-wont-change-his-launch-angle-just-for-homers-sake/

 

This one is cool too.

 

http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins/max-kepler-looks-to-bonds-for-hitting-inspiration-r5406

 

Give these a read and let me know if you think no one has yet tried to coach him, then look at his stats again to see the results of said coaching.

Interesting articles, both of which I've seen. I don't really see how either suggests that he's not coachable or isn't working/listening to his coaches. It's possible that this is just who he is. That doesn't mean that he's not coachable.

 

For many players, getting the right message in the right manner means everything. The new staff could come in and work wonders with him. We don't know how that will play out yet.

Edited October 22, 2018 by wsnydes

[ChrisKnutson]

this is a thread about “what if Kepler is what he has been?”

Infield isn’t really relevant to the discussion.

I think Kepler is what he has been, which is valuable, but in need of an upgrade in hit tool for RF but perfectly passable in CF, and excellent 4th OF

Jon Jay??

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Jon Jay??

thats a really good comp to Kepler! Not an upgrade, if that’s a free agent suggestion....

[Mike Sixel]

 

While I agree that the Twins OF isn’t exactly an’ area of strength, due to it’s underperformance and inconsistencies, I definitely do not think it’s a concern worthy of signing Cutch (maybe Marwin tho), especially with Wade/Rooker/Cave as AAA depth. And with Polanco and Sano as the only “locks” in the infield, along with no immediate depth besides Gordon (maybe Arraez??), the Twins biggest priorities lie in both the corner and middle infield. And yes, Marwin Gonzalez would be a great addition, but I have a feeling he’d much rather stay in Houston.

Unfortunately, our FA options are likely limited to only Iglesias, Harrison, Galvis, Mercer, etc. Although maybe there’s a slight chance that Murphy or Lowrie would be willing to come to MN, but like I said earlier, we can always make a trade (Rendon/Carpenter/Smoak).

 

I bet Brewers fans are glad their GM didn't think this way....

[old nurse]

 

I bet Brewers fans are glad their GM didn't think this way....

This week the Brewers fans might think that way. Next week, a couple of of years from now the fans might be complaining about how they won only one playoff series, they should have traded for an ace pitcher for those game sevens rather than some journeyman pitcher, and there was this OF that they could have gotten cheaply from the Twins  before he became a star if only they traded for him.

[laloesch]

 

I like Kepler.  As things stand currently I would rather have a consistent above average Kepler than a Buxton/Sano who can't be counted on to be on the field and who knows what you get when they are?

 

Agreed.  Can't believe this is being debated already.  With all the problems Buxton and Sano have are people really thinking about throwing Kepler out while at the same time yelling at those that criticize Buxton and Sano?  Seems like a bit of a double standard.  Just glad they aren't managing this team.  At least Kepler has a pulse hitting wise.  Give Buxton, Sano and Kepler another season to turn it around.

Edited October 22, 2018 by laloesch

[yarnivek1972]

Interesting articles, both of which I've seen. I don't really see how either suggests that he's not coachable or isn't working/listening to his coaches. It's possible that this is just who he is. That doesn't mean that he's not coachable.

 

For many players, getting the right message in the right manner means everything. The new staff could come in and work wonders with him. We don't know how that will play out yet.

Agree. Those articles suggest he’s actively trying to hit more line drives, which is what he needs to do. The last thing he needs is to get under more pitches for more pop ups.

[jmlease1]

 

Kepler appears to be making good adjustments at the plate.  If he can combine the best of his approaches to righties in 2017 and lefties in 2018 I think he takes the next step.  He is still young and improving.  This team is going nowhere anytime soon, you might as well wait and see while grooming his replacement..

 

I think what's concerning is he really isn't improving when it comes to his hit tool. OPS+ of 96, 95, 96 over the last three years is not encouraging. I'm not ready to give up on him by any means, but there's a legitimate concern that this may be who he is at the plate: a low average, reasonably patient hitter with some pop in his bat, but overall a below average hitter.

 

I hope he proves me wrong, but the lack of overall improvement at the MLB level is discouraging. He's not old, but after 3 years in MLB it's hard to go, "well, he's young".

[Mike Sixel]

 

This week the Brewers fans might think that way. Next week, a couple of of years from now the fans might be complaining about how they won only one playoff series, they should have traded for an ace pitcher for those game sevens rather than some journeyman pitcher, and there was this OF that they could have gotten cheaply from the Twins  before he became a star if only they traded for him.

 

Pretty sure you missed the point......the Brewers didn't say "meh, our OF is fine".....they upgraded it with some certainty compared to what they had. None of that has anything to do with your post (i agree, they should have traded for pitching at the deadline).

[Vanimal46]

I think what's concerning is he really isn't improving when it comes to his hit tool. OPS+ of 96, 95, 96 over the last three years is not encouraging. I'm not ready to give up on him by any means, but there's a legitimate concern that this may be who he is at the plate: a low average, reasonably patient hitter with some pop in his bat, but overall a below average hitter.

 

I hope he proves me wrong, but the lack of overall improvement at the MLB level is discouraging. He's not old, but after 3 years in MLB it's hard to go, "well, he's young".

Agreed. This is where the FO needs to make a judgment call. He still has 3 years of control left, which is valuable alone. If they keep him for 2019 and he remains a 95-96 OPS+ player his value is lower in November 2019 than it is right now.

 

I'm not confident he'll take the next step at the plate, hence why I'm beating the drum to trade him with a package of prospects to acquire a difference maker.

[jmlease1]

 

Agreed. This is where the FO needs to make a judgment call. He still has 3 years of control left, which is valuable alone. If they keep him for 2019 and he remains a 95-96 OPS+ player his value is lower in November 2019 than it is right now.

I'm not confident he'll take the next step at the plate, hence why I'm beating the drum to trade him with a package of prospects to acquire a difference maker.

 

It's a difficult call, especially with Buxton's future uncertain and only about a half season of play from Jake Cave to evaluate. While there's a real risk that we've seen who Kepler is as a hitter, there's a significant risk that Cave can't replicate his production. Moving on from Kepler leaves the team vulnerable if Buxton or Cave can't hold down CF full-time by losing another guy who can be an asset out there.

 

I honestly don't know what the right play is here, but it's one of the most difficult ones the FO is facing, I think. 

[Vanimal46]

It's a difficult call, especially with Buxton's future uncertain and only about a half season of play from Jake Cave to evaluate. While there's a real risk that we've seen who Kepler is as a hitter, there's a significant risk that Cave can't replicate his production. Moving on from Kepler leaves the team vulnerable if Buxton or Cave can't hold down CF full-time by losing another guy who can be an asset out there.

 

I honestly don't know what the right play is here, but it's one of the most difficult ones the FO is facing, I think.

They don't have to only look internally for a replacement. There are several corner OFs available in free agency.

[Mike Sixel]

 

They don't have to only look internally for a replacement. There are several corner OFs available in free agency.

 

I think the point was that Kepler could play CF with more certainty than Cave or Buxton at this point.....not about corner OFs.

[Ben Noble]

 

I think the point was that Kepler could play CF with more certainty than Cave or Buxton at this point.....not about corner OFs.

 

Exactly, and that's why I wouldn't move him this winter. Kepler's bat is meh for me in RF but it plays up in CF if Buxton doesn't produce...and that's not that big of an 'if' at this point.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

 

Exactly, and that's why I wouldn't move him this winter. Kepler's bat is meh for me in RF but it plays up in CF if Buxton doesn't produce...and that's not that big of an 'if' at this point.

I'm in the "Buxton starts in AAA until he proves he can hit" camp. Kepler is then my tentative starting CF for '19.

 

If Buxton somehow figures out the bat and hits like he did for that magical 2 months... Kepler is the 4th outfielder and Cave goes bye bye. 

[Physics Guy]

 

I'm in the "Buxton starts in AAA until he proves he can hit" camp. Kepler is then my tentative starting CF for '19.

 

If Buxton somehow figures out the bat and hits like he did for that magical 2 months... Kepler is the 4th outfielder and Cave goes bye bye. 

Huh?  Did I miss something?  If Kepler is 4th OF and Cave is bye bye, who is playing RF?

[nicksaviking]

 

Would love ot see this actually happen. Maybe include him with some AAA pitching to get Realmuto and/or Castro from Miami? 

 

I'm not sure what level of talent Miami is looking for, but I'd definitely look to include Kepler as an additional piece in a package for some kind of great-to-elite level player.

[Mike Sixel]

I loved JT as a trade candidate last year, less so this year.....he only has 2 years left on his deal. If I'm trading above average players for different players, I don't want to have only 2 years on the deal.......there are just too many questions about this team for that. Now, if they trade for a guy like this, and sign some great FAs....that's different.

[old nurse]

 

Pretty sure you missed the point......the Brewers didn't say "meh, our OF is fine".....they upgraded it with some certainty compared to what they had. None of that has anything to do with your post (i agree, they should have traded for pitching at the deadline).

There is no indication that the Brewers front office would think their outfield from 2017 was fine.  There is nothing out there that said the collection they used out there was a fine outfield. It was a below average outfield. That they had a couple of prospects in Brinson and Harrison that were at peak value and they got lucky and traded them, which  is to the FO's credit. You, and others ,might have thought the outfield was fine. The FO knew better.  They did what they could to improve it. Their OF would have been even better if the could have unloaded Braun, but you can't always do everything without a willing partner.

[Mike Sixel]

 

There is no indication that the Brewers front office would think their outfield from 2017 was fine.  There is nothing out there that said the collection they used out there was a fine outfield. It was a below average outfield. That they had a couple of prospects in Brinson and Harrison that were at peak value and they got lucky and traded them, which  is to the FO's credit. You, and others ,might have thought the outfield was fine. The FO knew better.  They did what they could to improve it. Their OF would have been even better if the could have unloaded Braun, but you can't always do everything without a willing partner.

 

That's my point....does anyone think the MN OF is fine? I don't.....too many questions, not enough answers....but the post I was responding to with that post, clearly said the MN OF is fine...

[Richie the Rally Goat]

 

Huh?  Did I miss something?  If Kepler is 4th OF and Cave is bye bye, who is playing RF?

upthread I suggested free agent signing - There's a few of us in agreement that Kepler's bat doesn't play as starting RF, but does as CF. 

Edited October 22, 2018 by Sconnie

[Vanimal46]

I think the point was that Kepler could play CF with more certainty than Cave or Buxton at this point.....not about corner OFs.

Ah, got it. We're not seriously expecting Kepler to play a bunch in CF are we?

[yarnivek1972]

I think the issue is that Kepler’s floor is probably 95ish OPS+. We really have no idea what Cave’s might be and we saw how ugly Buxton’s floor is this year.

[old nurse]

 

That's my point....does anyone think the MN OF is fine? I don't.....too many questions, not enough answers....but the post I was responding to with that post, clearly said the MN OF is fine...

What you responded to did not say the outfield was fine. Adding McCutheon and Marwin Gonzales because those players are the ones you can add would not transform the outfield into an elite one. They stated the of is not a position of strength. That is a true statement. It does not mean it is a fine outfield,  The reality is Rosario, Kepler and the other outfielders are the better payers on the team. 1b, 2b are anyone's guess  You could replace Kepler with Sano or Polanco for this thread.