Injury Concerns Are (Sigh) Already Mounting for the Twins

[jkcarew]

On 3/21/2023 at 7:32 AM, wabene said:

Maybe. This looks to me like a recent, unexpected flare up for Polo. The Donnie Barrels signing had more to do with avoiding the extreme vulnerability against leftys they displayed last season. 

Which infielder are you sitting to hit Solano against left-handed pitching? Farmer, Correa, Polanco, or Miranda?

[jkcarew]

On 3/21/2023 at 4:31 PM, Seth Stohs said:

I'm pretty sure they communicate to the best of their ability with the Pohlad family... 

And, they need to be careful with how much they say. There is no upside to them giving timelines, but people keep wanting an exact date. For me, the player will be ready when he is ready. No two people are the same, and they  don't necessarily heal in the same timeline. So I chose to look at it like they're ready when they're ready. 

I think they need to do a much better job of balancing what you suggest with being a little more transparent with the people who pay their salaries.

Or, simply just leave yourself vulnerable to massive and legitimate criticism. Can’t have it both ways.

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, jkcarew said:

I think they need to do a much better job of balancing what you suggest with being a little more transparent with the people who pay their salaries.

Or, simply just leave yourself vulnerable to massive and legitimate criticism. Can’t have it both ways.

What changes for the vast majority of fans if they are more transparent? I see only downsides, frankly.

[wabene]

1 minute ago, jkcarew said:

Which infielder are you sitting to hit Solano against left-handed pitching? Farmer, Correa, Polanco, or Miranda?

If Solano plays up to recent career norms it would be a good time to rest the second baseman Gordon/Polanco (his weaker side) or the first baseman Kirilloff/Gallo. Or since Gallo has pretty flat splits you could have him leave 1st base to Donny Barrels and have Gallo take over for Kep in right.

[jkcarew]

Just now, wabene said:

If Solano plays up to recent career norms it would be a good time to rest the second baseman Gordon/Polanco (his weaker side) or the first baseman Kirilloff/Gallo. Or since Gallo has pretty flat splits you could have him leave 1st base to Donny Barrels and have Gallo take over for Kep in right.

But my point was there's no reason to sign him OTHER THAN additional injury worries (Polanco) of which we weren't aware at the time. You're not going to sit any of the guys I mentioned if they're healthy against lefties....that leaves DH (or 1B). Meanwhile, Solano's career OPS against lefties is 711...and he's 35 years old. This can't be part of a 'plan'. If it is...then I maintain it's not a good one.

[jkcarew]

12 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

What changes for the vast majority of fans if they are more transparent? I see only downsides, frankly.

The fans are happier? Feel more appreciated? More connected to the team? Trust management more? Things like this matter on the margins...and margins are everything when you're running a business. I get that it doesn't mean more wins, and acknowledge the downside. But I would expect an ATTEMPT at more transparency. And no, I don't necessarily think the Twins are unique here. In fact, any team in the NBA would be a worse example.

[wabene]

27 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

But my point was there's no reason to sign him OTHER THAN additional injury worries (Polanco) of which we weren't aware at the time. You're not going to sit any of the guys I mentioned if they're healthy against lefties....that leaves DH (or 1B). Meanwhile, Solano's career OPS against lefties is 711...and he's 35 years old. This can't be part of a 'plan'. If it is...then I maintain it's not a good one.

His OPS against leftys the last 4 years starting in 2019 are 843, 864, 822 and 770. I would prefer he is on a short leash. Gallo too, really I would like to see the hot hand ridden.

I forgot to mention for attacking the lineup against leftys you could also put Farmer in left and sit Larnach. That is one thing I like this year, they have more platoon options.