Too few major league bats on this roster

[PML]

This team is made up of overpaid, no talent batts. Look at the team batting averages, pathetic is the only word that describes it. Lack of timely hitting, not much power. However, some starting pitching is real good, but wasted on a team that is so feeble with their batts.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

44 minutes ago, PML said:

This team is made up of overpaid, no talent batts. Look at the team batting averages, pathetic is the only word that describes it. Lack of timely hitting, not much power. However, some starting pitching is real good, but wasted on a team that is so feeble with their batts.

They are ranked 8th league wide in homeruns, 16th in slugging percentage, 20th in OPS.
 

I agree, hitting is what’s holding this team back, but they aren’t without power. They’re league average on the run creation metrics. The Yankees are right there with the Twins.

They’re 17th in payroll, league average hitting, one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, and middle of the pack in terms of record, plus 45 in run differential, 4th in the AL.

Looking at the injuries, how poorly Buck and Correa have hit, and Larnach, Wallner, and Julien mashing in triple A, I have optimism this team will begin to hit better and dominate the ALC soon. It’s not all doom and gloom, even if this team is very frustrating to watch right now.

[Squirrel]

Thanks, @Richie the Rally Goat, for doing the research that this topic requires. We all get frustrated over the lack of hitting, but this shows that it isn’t just us, if we are are where we are in all the rankings. Still, it’s frustrating when we are watching and not seeing the runs score; and that is a problem and will hold us back. It’s then just easy to make claims out of that frustration that aren’t quite the whole picture and in some cases not even entirely true.

[LA Vikes Fan]

To me the big question is if and when we are going to move on from non-hitting veterans and take our chances with non-established players. The obvious issues are Kepler and Taylor. Kepler should be on the bench most nights (or dealt) in favor of Larnach or Wallner. They might not be better initially but it would be hard for them to be worse at the plate. I think it's worth the defensive downgrade (although lately Max's defense hasn't been very good) for the potential offensive upgrade.  While Taylor is a little tougher due to no obvious replacement with Gordon out, I would play Castro in CF 3-4 days a week with Taylor as a part time player/defensive late inning sub. This is all assuming Buxton isn't going to play CF which is the better solution.    

I think those tweaks would help, but let's face it - this team will be better on offense when and IF Correa, Buxton, and Polanco hit like they have in the past and at least 2 of Kirilloff, Lewis, Castro and Miranda hit like MIranda hit last year or better. If these things don't happen, we're in trouble.  There ain't nobody else coming to the rescue. 

[Squirrel]

16 minutes ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

To me the big question is if and when we are going to move on from non-hitting veterans and take our chances with non-established players. The obvious issues are Kepler and Taylor. Kepler should be on the bench most nights (or dealt) in favor of Larnach or Wallner. They might not be better initially but it would be hard for them to be worse at the plate. I think it's worth the defensive downgrade (although lately Max's defense hasn't been very good) for the potential offensive upgrade.  While Taylor is a little tougher due to no obvious replacement with Gordon out, I would play Castro in CF 3-4 days a week with Taylor as a part time player/defensive late inning sub. This is all assuming Buxton isn't going to play CF which is the better solution.    

I think those tweaks would help, but let's face it - this team will be better on offense when and IF Correa, Buxton, and Polanco hit like they have in the past and at least 2 of Kirilloff, Lewis, Castro and Miranda hit like MIranda hit last year or better. If these things don't happen, we're in trouble.  There ain't nobody else coming to the rescue. 

Excellent questions. We definitely need to move on from Kepler. Corner outfielders need to hit, and imho, hitting is more important than defense in those positions. As for Taylor, I’m not as quick to move on for him. CF is a key defensive position. I want a good defender and will compromise some offense there. Who do you replace Taylor with who isn’t Buxton? I’m not comfortable with Castro 3-4 days/week in CF. Castro can get into the lineup in multiple positions, if all you are trying to do is get him in the lineup. That’s possible without naming him our starting CF, which he should not be. That said, the rest of the lineup NEEDS to start hitting more and better. If the rest of the lineup did its job like we need them to, then you can afford to have the better CF out there.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Just now, Squirrel said:

Excellent questions. We definitely need to move on from Kepler. Corner outfielders need to hit, and imho, hitting is more important than defense in those positions. As for Taylor, I’m not as quick to move on for him. CF is a key defensive position. I want a good defender and will compromise some offense there. Who do you replace Taylor with who isn’t Buxton? I’m not comfortable with Castro 3-4 days/week in CF. Castro can get into the lineup in multiple positions, if all you are trying to do is get him in the lineup. That’s possible without naming him our starting CF, which he should not be. That said, the rest of the lineup NEEDS to start hitting more and better. If the rest of the lineup did its job like we need them to, then you can afford to have the better CF out there.

How’s Royce’s knee? He’s looking really good, and if Miranda can show today, what he did last year, I want both in the lineup

[Squirrel]

3 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

How’s Royce’s knee? He’s looking really good, and if Miranda can show today, what he did last year, I want both in the lineup

I think Royce in center makes a lot of sense … but there have been multiple posts about how his agent doesn’t want him out there. And the Twins seem to not want him out there, either, since he’s received no playing time there. Again, if all other players are hitting, we don’t need Taylor to hit. Big if, currently, though

[LA Vikes Fan]

I hear you on Lewis but I think the plan is to keep him in the IF after getting hurt in CF last year. It is an interesting thought though - put Lewis in CF every day and have Castro or Miranda play 3B. Also opens up the possibility of trading for Jamier Candelario who's reportedly available. Still, I have to think Lewis will stay at 3B.  

[Mike Sixel]

The one thing I'd do for sure at this point is move on from Kepler. Deal him for some minor league pitcher that might turn into a RP someday. (the other things I'd do are unrealistic)

[FlyingFinn]

Keep MAT in the lineup most days as long as Buxton isn't out there. We need better hitting from SS (Correa is supposed to hit better than this), RF (shouldn't be totally focused on defense there) and DH (that should be one of the best hitting positions in baseball if you are focusing on defense at catcher and CF).

[Rod Carews Birthday]

47 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

The one thing I'd do for sure at this point is move on from Kepler. Deal him for some minor league pitcher that might turn into a RP someday. (the other things I'd do are unrealistic)

I agree completely on Kepler.  The time has definitely come to move on.  But I'm disappointed you didn't post the unrealistic things.  That's where all the fun is.  You know. . . the trade of Willi Castro for Aaron Judge or the trade of five of our starting players for a good relief arm!

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Rod Carews Birthday said:

I agree completely on Kepler.  The time has definitely come to move on.  But I'm disappointed you didn't post the unrealistic things.  That's where all the fun is.  You know. . . the trade of Willi Castro for Aaron Judge or the trade of five of our starting players for a good relief arm!

My unrealistic things involve moving on from CC and Buxton.....so, ya, not happening.

[nicksaviking]

The Twins seemed to have painted themselves into a corner with the CF spot. I want someone with a bat there, but strange forces seem to be blocking that at every turn. Something concrete needs to occur next offseason.

But agree with everyone else, time for the young guys to take Kepler's spot. Seems like an uncomfortable fit putting him on the bench, and I'd think he'd have no trade value, so I'd probably just rip the band aid off and wish him well.

[Mike Sixel]

8 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

The Twins seemed to have painted themselves into a corner with the CF spot. I want someone with a bat there, but strange forces seem to be blocking that at every turn. Something concrete needs to occur next offseason.

But agree with everyone else, time for the young guys to take Kepler's spot. Seems like an uncomfortable fit putting him on the bench, and I'd think he'd have no trade value, so I'd probably just rip the band aid off and wish him well.

I'd bet good money if they eat most/all of his salary, they can get a low A type or a recent international signee (at least). 

I'd like Larnach in left and Wallner in right at this point (when Trevor is healthy). Trust the pitchers, get some hitting.

[Nashvilletwin]

4 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Larnach, Wallner, and Julien mashing in triple A,

They need to be up if they are going to contribute. That means the FO has to have the intestinal fortitude to make room for them.  The FO didn’t have to make the tough call when Mahle and Maeda injuries led to them being replaced fortuitously by the superior Ober and Varland. Maybe that’s what they are waiting on.

But make no mistake, Larnach, Wallner, Julien and Miranda will continue “mashing” in AAA until something is done with Kepler, Gallo, Solano, Castro and Garlick.  MAT is safe with Gordon’s injury.

[DKrz56]

Kepler should be given the choice to be released or platoon in CF with Taylor while backing up RF occasionally if needed. Wallner might as well get the everyday spot in RF. Quite frankly that might be the jolt Kepler needs and Taylor is better suited for a platoon role anyways.

[nicksaviking]

1 minute ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'd bet good money if they eat most/all of his salary, they can get a low A type or a recent international signee (at least). 

I'd like Larnach in left and Wallner in right at this point (when Trevor is healthy). Trust the pitchers, get some hitting.

Admittedly I haven't really checked out the corner OF situation leaguewide, I just figured from what we've seen the last three years there's probably not a team that's trying to compete that would want him as anything other than a AAAA taxi-squad stash.

Consensus sounds like I'm wrong, and obviously I'd prefer some kind of return over nothing at all.

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Admittedly I haven't really checked out the corner OF situation leaguewide, I just figured from what we've seen the last three years there's probably not a team that's trying to compete that would want him as anything other than a AAAA taxi-squad stash.

Consensus sounds like I'm wrong, and obviously I'd prefer some kind of return over nothing at all.

to be clear, I wouldn't expect much other than a lottery ticket.....

[DJL44]

3 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Admittedly I haven't really checked out the corner OF situation leaguewide, I just figured from what we've seen the last three years there's probably not a team that's trying to compete that would want him as anything other than a AAAA taxi-squad stash.

Consensus sounds like I'm wrong, and obviously I'd prefer some kind of return over nothing at all.

Both the Guardians and the Yankees would love to have Kepler on their roster.

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, Squirrel said:

I think Royce in center makes a lot of sense … but there have been multiple posts about how his agent doesn’t want him out there.

I somehow feel the urge to add, if the agent's saying it, then Royce himself is really saying it.  Because never would it be the case that years later a player would tell his biographer, "I wanted to play CF but my darn agent wouldn't let me." 😀

[chpettit19]

9 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

They need to be up if they are going to contribute. That means the FO has to have the intestinal fortitude to make room for them.  The FO didn’t have to make the tough call when Mahle and Maeda injuries led to them being replaced fortuitously by the superior Ober and Varland. Maybe that’s what they are waiting on.

But make no mistake, Larnach, Wallner, Julien and Miranda will continue “mashing” in AAA until something is done with Kepler, Gallo, Solano, Castro and Garlick.  MAT is safe with Gordon’s injury.

Agree on the general idea here, but Solano is their most consistent bat right now, no idea why they'd be looking to do anything with him other than putting him in the lineup everyday. Castro is the same age as most of the players you want to see called up (or at least within a year or 2), and has been their best overall player for the last few weeks. He's the player people want Gordon to be. He's a true super utility player, he shouldn't be going anywhere. Kepler and Garlick need to go for sure, though. I'd give Gallo some run when he gets back healthy and see if he can get back to the guy he was at the start of the year.

Let's also be realistic with who Larnach, Wallner, Julien, and Miranda are. People act like they're stars in the making. That's not who they are. They all have serious flaws in their games. Kepler and Garlick should be replaced by Larnach and Wallner, but there's no real place for Julien and Miranda right now. Unless you're moving on from some of Polanco, Lewis, Kirilloff, Buxton, and Solano. Miranda had his chance, and blew it. While I think he's going to hit well, he fell apart and lost his spot. That's basically what we're asking for them to do with Kepler and Garlick. They had their chances and now it's time they lose their spots. Not sure why we should move on from any of the current IFers for Miranda after his early season performance.

[chpettit19]

3 minutes ago, ashbury said:

I somehow feel the urge to add, if the agent's saying it, then Royce himself is really saying it.  Because never would it be the case that years later a player would tell his biographer, "I wanted to play CF but my darn agent wouldn't let me." 😀

Royce has publicly stated that he isn't as comfortable in CF. Basically he doesn't really want to play there, but he will if that's what's best for the team.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

16 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Both the Guardians and the Yankees would love to have Kepler on their roster.

Don’t the Yankees have that one guy, currently playing in right?

…his name is on the tip of my tongue…  🙂

[DJL44]

9 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

Don’t the Yankees have that one guy, currently playing in right?

…his name is on the tip of my tongue…  🙂

The Yankees also have Jake Bauers as their starting LF and have been giving playing time to Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the outfield.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

30 minutes ago, ashbury said:

I somehow feel the urge to add, if the agent's saying it, then Royce himself is really saying it.  Because never would it be the case that years later a player would tell his biographer, "I wanted to play CF but my darn agent wouldn't let me." 😀

It may likely be that he is very nervous about going out there and playing CF because it is where he got injured while "learning" the spot on the fly.  He's obviously a good enough athlete and defender to handle the job, but confidence is an important thing and he desperately doesn't want to get injured again.  The infield spots, being much more familiar to him make him more comfortable. 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

17 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

The Yankees also have Jake Bauers as their starting LF and have been giving playing time to Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the outfield.

Then I’m not sure why Falvine hasn’t accepted the Yankees offer.

[KirbyDome89]

6 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

They are ranked 8th league wide in homeruns, 16th in slugging percentage, 20th in OPS.
 

I agree, hitting is what’s holding this team back, but they aren’t without power. They’re league average on the run creation metrics. The Yankees are right there with the Twins.

They’re 17th in payroll, league average hitting, one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, and middle of the pack in terms of record, plus 45 in run differential, 4th in the AL.

Looking at the injuries, how poorly Buck and Correa have hit, and Larnach, Wallner, and Julien mashing in triple A, I have optimism this team will begin to hit better and dominate the ALC soon. It’s not all doom and gloom, even if this team is very frustrating to watch right now.

Are they really a league average offense though? They're still scoring three or fewer runs in half their games, they're pulling away with the league lead in Ks, and despite being top 5 in BBs + top 10 in HRs they're 21st in runs created per game and as you already mentioned 20th in OPS. 

Maybe these same issues plague all the the middle to lower tier offensive teams, Idk I'm not nearly as locked in on those clubs, but I don't think the eye test is necessarily misleading us here. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1 hour ago, KirbyDome89 said:

Are they really a league average offense though? They're still scoring three or fewer runs in half their games, they're pulling away with the league lead in Ks, and despite being top 5 in BBs + top 10 in HRs they're 21st in runs created per game and as you already mentioned 20th in OPS. 

Maybe these same issues plague all the the middle to lower tier offensive teams, Idk I'm not nearly as locked in on those clubs, but I don't think the eye test is necessarily misleading us here. 

Yup, middle of the pack in runs created, 20th in OPS, league leading Ks, all accurate, all leading us to the conclusion: Room for Improvement.

how much improvement?

with a +46 run differential but an offense that says 0 or even negative…. It won’t take much of a boost for this team to go on a tear.

[KirbyDome89]

1 hour ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Yup, middle of the pack in runs created, 20th in OPS, league leading Ks, all accurate, all leading us to the conclusion: Room for Improvement.

how much improvement?

with a +46 run differential but an offense that says 0 or even negative…. It won’t take much of a boost for this team to go on a tear.

I wish I shared that optimism. The offense taking off kinda begins and ends with the young position players, and depending on what happens with Correa and Buxton they might have to bear more of that burden. Positive regression becomes less of a certainty when we're talking about guys with limited run at the major league level. Then there's the pitching. If we expect the offense to trend upwards, it's fair to point out we're also operating with a bullpen where Brock Stewart is one of the top arms. The SP has been great, but we tend to ignore regression when that group is brought up.

[stringer bell]

Run scoring really is the ultimate measure of the team's offense and the Twins haven't been that bad. All of the strikeouts and weak contact are not very entertaining and the Twins' inconsistency doesn't give many of us confidence that they will improve in the remaining 60% of the season. 

In this era, it is really tough to put together three or more hits in an inning and put up a crooked number. It is also difficult to produce runs with productive outs. We've seen Twins pitchers work out of those situations frequently. 

The Twins are extreme in strikeouts, on a record breaking pace. They are among the top teams at drawing walks and in the upper quadrant of homers, so they are probably the most "three true outcomes" team in MLB. I think it is sometimes boring and a roller coaster, but that is most of what the roster is. The disappointing performance of Buxton and particularly Correa shortens the lineup. Their return to their norms plus the addition of Polanco, Krilloff and Lewis could make for a more productive and diversified lineup.

The Twins seem to specialize in having key parts injured or unavailable, but if they could put together a lineup featuring their best hitters (not Max Kepler), they could and should score more runs more often.