How Important Is The 10th man?

[DocBauer]

Marwin Gonzalez was brought in as an ideal 10th man for the new age ML roster with versatility offensively and defensively. And we can argue about his production and value. Defensively, while no longer a legitimate daily SS option, over the past two seasons, I'm not sure anyone could really complain about his defense. Despite a few gaffs here and there, his glove was solid to excellent at times. Offensively, he was OK in 2019 but slid big time last year except for a couple of moments.

 

I believe in roster depth and versatility. I have for some time. I'm way beyond any .190 BA utility INF, and so is most of MLB. I believe in the best and most balanced roster roster you can put together. And I believe Adrianza will be be brought back on a cheap deal for his defense at multiple positions. Hopefully, his offense will more reflect his past couple of years.

 

But there is room for a Marwin replacement. And there are a number of viable options from Hernandez to Profar and even Cabrera for a year. Do we go this route? Or do we just spend everything $ to pitching and just trust in Gordon and Blankenhorn being ready?

[twinfan]

Utility men are always valuable and, while I like Gonzalez (and Profar), the fact is these types are in good supply and one should not overpay for them. I hope they keep Marwin and can get Profar while giving up Adrianza and/or Austudillo but I'll leave that to management. 

[Shaitan]

This depends so much on the makeup of the team and flexibility of other position players too.

 

 

I'd weight the value based on how many AB the team expects them to get. If we're talking 350+ I want more Marwin-style and less Adrianza (or Punto or Newman). If under 350, more of a classic, defense-first type. (I also expect two utility players on most rosters -- one of each of these types -- in the modern era.)

 

[Vanimal46]

Excellent question, Doc. The 10th man, and I would qualify that as an extra starter capable of playing regularly and producing, is crucial for the Twins. It’s no secret that our FO and Manager align with emphasizing depth and positional flexibility to keep everyone fresh over the season.

 

I think room should be made in the budget to sign a player who can play 3B/SS/2B. Donaldson will need ample amounts of rest and DH time to keep his legs healthy. Polanco after 2 years of ankle surgeries will need rest to stay sharp. Arraez was banged up most of 2020.

 

Given the construction of the roster, I can see a signing walk right into Gonzalez’ old role with 425+ PAs waiting for them in a 162 game season.

 

Aaron Gleeman wrote about the super utility player options in free agency, and I’m most intrigued by Profar and a potential Schoop reunion.

 

https://theathletic.com/2150129/2020/10/26/twins-free-agent-options-utility-man/

[High heat]

How about a guy like Brock Holt?  played on some championship teams and can be productive in the utility role, can play literally everywhere on the diamond.  Had a rough year with the bat, like many players but in 2019 he hit .300. 

 

might be a cheap bounce back candidate with a proven track record. 

[Otwins]

Why not Roye Lewis and try to get him 350-400 at bats? He has played SS, 3B and CF.  Tampa Bay brings up their better prospects up and move them around some. I have to believe he can hit better than Marwin and Arianza did last year.  He also helps keep the payroll down so they can address the other needs that they have. Players can develop in the majors.

[Doctor Gast]

M Gonzalaz is a super utility player because he could play corner OF & INF except SS w/ good defense & could hit above avg.. Astudillo plays adequate defense & is a great contact hitter if he could have more plate discipline. They should work w/him on this & give him an opportunity, his versatility could pay dividends. I`d pass on Gordon & Blankenhorn, Blankenhorn has proven he can hit MLB but his  defense & versatility leaves much to be desired. I`m fine w/ bringing back Adrianza if the price is right. My expectation is  that they bring up Lewis in May. If we do get a super utility player outside the fold, IMO we need to get some one who plays CF well

BTW great topic Doc!

[Shaitan]

I wonder about Arraez's future too. He played this role in 2019, more or less. 

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

 

This depends so much on the makeup of the team and flexibility of other position players too.

 

I'd weight the value based on how many AB the team expects them to get. If we're talking 350+ I want more Marwin-style and less Adrianza (or Punto or Newman). If under 350, more of a classic, defense-first type. (I also expect two utility players on most rosters -- one of each of these types -- in the modern era.)

 

It seems like a lot of the talk about filling those two utility roles on the Twins, either or both of them, focuses on the free-agent market. I wouldn't be surprised if they went internal (Gordon or Blankenhorn) with one of those roles, but also we shouldn't forget that players for these roles can be found elsewhere than the major-league free-agent market - especially if there's one spot for a glove-first guy who they don't expect much from offensively.

 

Adrianza came from a waiver claim, if I remember correctly. Ildemaro Vargas was a waiver claim this year and didn't show much, but got only a limited look and if not for a roster crunch at a particular time might still be with the Twins and in this mix. And the non-tender market is supposed to be extra active this year. All of this to say that between non-tenders, waivers, and minor trades, they might well find a utility guy we haven't heard of or thought about yet.

[Shaitan]

I definitely think it's okay to go with Blankenhorn/Gordon as a fallback plan, but to watch the various markets for better fits.

 

I expect them to look for a depth piece with either (or both) OF and SS experience. Blankenhorn doesn't play there to my knowledge.