Article: Video: Willians Astudillo Just Took Jose Berrios Deep

[TheLeviathan]

This isn't my reason for it....but man I hope he's on the roster from the get go. 

 

 

[ChrisKnutson]

No offense or anything, but Astudillo would make this decision a whole lot easier if he were in better shape.

[jimbo92107]

Yet another reason to keep Willians Astudillo: So Twins pitchers don't have to face him. If this guy is turning into a one-man wrecking crew with his bat, don't we want him on OUR side??

[GP830]

Ted Willians.

[DocBauer]

Fresh off winter ball, and in a comfort zone the pitchers certainly aren't the first day, his HRs are fun, but meaningless.

 

What is NOT meaningless is his incredible milb career hitting results carrying over to Rochester and Minnesota in 2018, along with increased power, and continuing this trend through the just completed winter season. Just how good he can be is debatable, but there is nothing to indicate he is just a fun story as opposed to a real ballplayer and real find.

 

Early season breaks, I believe the Twins will open with a 12 man staff. Hopefully it will stay that way. The FO has made comments about where they will NOT play him vs all the spots they WILL. That's pretty high praise and a rather telling arguement as to their opinion of him. Other than injury, the only way he doesn't make the opening roster is the fact he has an option. The Twins may simply want more time with Austin or even a resurgent Duda. That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. Having too many guys you like, who can help the club, is a good thing.

 

Over/under on Astudillo getting 300 ML/AB? I'm betting the over!

[David HK]

 

During his 2nd go round with the Twins last year... the go round that he was allowed to play catcher. He appeared to be a decent enough defensive catcher. 

 

I'm not going to claim he's top of the pile elite but he certainly wasn't an issue behind the plate in my opinion. His position flexibility is a bonus that I love but... if he can hit with decent enough defensive skill behind the plate. He's then immediately ahead of almost every catcher in the league who typically can't hit much.  

 

I'd say primary position is catcher with the occasional starts elsewhere. 

 

Both Garver and Astudillo have options... One stays up... One in Rochester as the first call up. Choose Well Front Office... Choose Well. 

I gotta harken back to ol' Gene Mauch's comment, when the Twinks signed Glenn Adams- when asked what position he'd fit?

 

"He plays bat."

[AlwaysinModeration]

No offense or anything, but Astudillo would make this decision a whole lot easier if he were in better shape.

You must have missed it in the Athletic profile by Dan Hayes, the very Willians version of “best shape of his life”:

 

“He lost a little weight this winter.”

[USAFChief]

 

You must have missed it in the Athletic profile by Dan Hayes, the very Willians version of “best shape of his life”:

“He lost a little weight this winter.”

Post of the Year, to date.

[Otto von Ballpark]

No offense or anything, but Astudillo would make this decision a whole lot easier if he were in better shape.

Is he in poor shape? Or does he simply have an unusual natural shape for a pro athlete?

[Battle ur tail off]

 

Willians "Action Man" Astudillo belongs on a major league roster. And what better roster than the Twins, right?

 

I was surprised at how athletic he really his. That play last year where he fielded the bunt as catcher and just missed colliding with Berrios and threw the runner out at 3b while face planting was amazing. It looked awkward but he was just trying to miss Berrios while making the play and sacrificed himself to do it. Awesome.

 

I also think he might be a better defensive player than he is given credit for. 

I'd feel safe with him playing either corner infield spot and catching once or twice a week. 

 

 

Edited February 19, 2019 by Battle ur tail off

[Parker Hageman]

At least Berrios had fun.

 

[USAFChief]

 

Is he in poor shape? Or does he simply have an unusual natural shape for a pro athlete?

Yes.

[ahart10]

Maybe Astudillo can be the backup IF and Austin can make the team at the expense of Adrianza?

I don’t really see the need for a backup 1B/DH/PH. Who would he pinch hit for? Castro? If so then why not just pinch hit with Garver or Astudillo? Twins only pinch hit 100 times last year. I don’t think it’s a very good use of a roster spot for a pinch hitter/1B only player.

[AlwaysinModeration]

You must have missed it in the Athletic profile by Dan Hayes, the very Willians version of “best shape of his life”:

 

“He lost a little weight this winter.”

I should also have noted that his quote following this line in the article is “I was keeping myself in shape.” Which, of course, implies that he has been, and continues to be, in EXACTLY the right shape.

[AlwaysinModeration]

Post of the Year, to date.

It’s my George Costanza moment! I’ll see myself out, it’s been good knowing you.