The Twins Need More from First Base Next Summer

[rv78]

"Strikeouts aren't worse than any other out, except maybe aesthetically".

Wrong again. How many chances are there for an error or advancing a runner when he strikes out verses putting the ball in play. 

Anyway, I never intended to get into an argument. We obviously see productivity differently. You can field your team of HR guys that strikeout a lot and hit .200 and I'll field my team of guys that can put the bat on the ball, hit singles and doubles to the tune of .275 to .300 and not have a hole in my lineup.

[Major League Ready]

3 hours ago, rv78 said:

Sano = 1B Gurriel = 1B 

I'm comparing  two players that play the same position and yes, they are completely different types of players. That's exactly my point. You don't need to hit HR's to be a productive hitter. 

I don't think anyone would disagree but that's not the point.  Where I disagree is when someone says Arraez is a better hitter than Sano or others.  BTW ... I have never been a big Sano supporter.  However, Sano has a career OPS+ of 119 and Arraez 113.  Sano has a wRC+ of 118 and Arraez 113.  I don't see anyone saying a player can't be great offensively without hitting a lot of homeruns.  We are just saying that average and OBP have to be quite high to make up for a lack of power.  Arraez was great offensively in 2019 but his production was down considerably this year.

It makes no sense to have him in LF where he is a poor defender and does not have the bat for the position either.  It makes no sense to put him at 2B when you have Polanco and it makes no sense to put himn at 3B when you have Donaldson now and Miranda in the winds.  So, it's nice to have his bat in a utility role but he could probably yield a player in trade that would make a greater contribution to contending?