A good offense is within reach, if the Twins grasp it

[ToddlerHarmon]

With Alex Kirilloff back, and Royce Lewis playing games again, the Twins best-case offense is coming together, if Rocco and the front office are willing to lean into it.

It looks like this:

C Vazquez

1B Kirilloff 

2B Polanco

3B Lewis

SS Correa

LF Gallo

CF Buxton

RF Kepler

DH Julien

Bench: Jeffers, Farmer, Taylor, Miranda

This starting lineup has no defensive holes and should produce, with power, patience, and a little speed. It might be good enough that Kepler can hit ninth.

The bench defenders are strong, provide adequate offense, and can be used to stack the lineup versus lefties. Julien and Miranda allow you to play a platoon DH or fill in, while Lewis can stay in the lineup while giving almost anyone a rest day.

Of course, this requires moving on from Solano, Gordon, and Castro, as well as choosing Julien over Larnach or Wallner, and limiting Miranda's playing time. It also requires Buxton playing center. But it doesn't jettison or block any essential young players.

I'm hoping the Twins are ready to make these moves for the second half of the season. I would love to see this be our offense for the playoffs.

[August J Gloop]

Buxton is a DH (for at least) this year. Watch him run and you'll know why.