How Do You Solve a Problem Like Ma...........Max Kepler?

[TwinsDr2021]

12 hours ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

We are then back to what we were last year with Cave types.

We Kepler we are already there.

[TwinsDr2021]

15 hours ago, MTV said:

I still think Kep still has some Value, at least more value than a DFA or a space where the Twins eat his salary. I think he’d be worth a solid prospect or 2, but I do think the trade deadline is the place to swap him. My ideal trade for Kepler is to trade him and Donovan Solano to the Seattle Mariners for OF Jonatan Clase and RHP Prelander Berroa, the M’s #12 and #14 prospects. Clase has had a breakout year and is one of the fastest players in the minors, and looks like a prime candidate to cover center Field. He’s already stolen 36 bags in 48 games, on top of posting a .952 OPS. On the other hand, Berroa has electric stuff and would work well in a high-leverage relief role, which the Twins need right now. He’s held a modest ERA around 4.5, and is beginning to transition into a relief role in the high minors.

If it was possible to get a prospect in any teams top 20 for Kepler, I am pretty sure Kepler would be gone.

[Vanimal46]

I know the FO has pulled off a minor miracle before trading JA Happ for a breathing prospect, but let’s be real about Kepler. His value to a playoff contending team is being a defensive replacement late in games. What rebuilding team would offer anything for him? 

[wabene]

1 hour ago, UpstateNewYorker said:

FWIW on the FS1 broadcast of the Twins-Guardians game last week, AJ Pierzynski discussed the Kepler situation and said that the FO has been reluctant to trade/DFA him for a while because he is one of the clubhouse leaders.

A leader would recognize that Wallner was super hot and helping the team and ask for a rehab assignment to get his bat tuned in to actually help the team when he did return. 

A leader would recognize that his bat is not playing in the corners and volunteer for a strong side center field platoon role and the bottom of the lineup.

A leader wouldn't first lament that maybe he chose the wrong sport (futbol) then continue to futilely, and listlessly plod forward in the same unsuccessful manner collecting large paychecks along the way. 

I'm sorry I always liked Max. My question, do you think Max Kepler LOVES baseball? Because to be successful in this difficult sport, that is the prerequisite. 

[John Belinski]

Think the Twins should IR him and bring up Wallner.  If Wallner keeps hitting then Max has to go. I have always liked Max, but he just is not playing well. Several writers have mentioned that he might have some problem with his eyes, but someone in management would know if there is a problem.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I think the most likely scenario is making him the utility infielder, as I don't believe you can get enough for him to make it worth the effort.

But if a team is out there willing to give you literally anything for him, absolutely do that.

[stringer bell]

3 minutes ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

I think the most likely scenario is making him the utility infielder, as I don't believe you can get enough for him to make it worth the effort.

But if a team is out there willing to give you literally anything for him, absolutely do that.

You do mean outfielder, correct?

[Brock Beauchamp]

1 minute ago, stringer bell said:

You do mean outfielder, correct?

Yeah, shows how much I care about Max Kepler before I've finished my morning coffee.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1 hour ago, UpstateNewYorker said:

FWIW on the FS1 broadcast of the Twins-Guardians game last week, AJ Pierzynski discussed the Kepler situation and said that the FO has been reluctant to trade/DFA him for a while because he is one of the clubhouse leaders.

Is that code for “we can’t get anything for him”?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

34 minutes ago, wabene said:

A leader would recognize that Wallner was super hot and helping the team and ask for a rehab assignment to get his bat tuned in to actually help the team when he did return. 

A leader would recognize that his bat is not playing in the corners and volunteer for a strong side center field platoon role and the bottom of the lineup.

A leader wouldn't first lament that maybe he chose the wrong sport (futbol) then continue to futilely, and listlessly plod forward in the same unsuccessful manner collecting large paychecks along the way. 

I'm sorry I always liked Max. My question, do you think Max Kepler LOVES baseball? Because to be successful in this difficult sport, that is the prerequisite. 

How in the world is it possible to know, prove, or disprove any of this? It isn’t fair to question his motives or dedication.

[wabene]

11 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

How in the world is it possible to know, prove, or disprove any of this? It isn’t fair to question his motives or dedication.

Frustrated fan acknowledges your point. The part about choosing the wrong sport was reported. I will also add that he has resisted playing center. And, does he really seem like he is fired up and enjoying himself? I guess I'm doubling down, lol 

[Mike Sixel]

3 hours ago, sun said:

Max played in CF during 3 games last year & in 22 games during 2021 when he was the starter in 19 games.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keplema01.shtml

3. When they were desperate. I just think that time has passed, but I could be wrong.

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, wabene said:

A leader would recognize that Wallner was super hot and helping the team and ask for a rehab assignment to get his bat tuned in to actually help the team when he did return. 

A leader would recognize that his bat is not playing in the corners and volunteer for a strong side center field platoon role and the bottom of the lineup.

A leader wouldn't first lament that maybe he chose the wrong sport (futbol) then continue to futilely, and listlessly plod forward in the same unsuccessful manner collecting large paychecks along the way. 

I'm sorry I always liked Max. My question, do you think Max Kepler LOVES baseball? Because to be successful in this difficult sport, that is the prerequisite. 

Awful take. We have no way to know. Besides, most people don't love their job, that's a myth. 

[LastOnePicked]

11 hours ago, DocBauer said:

The only thing really holding them back right now is the offense. So they'd rather have a major hole in their lineup instead of just ACCEPTING it's time to make a delayed move? 

It's almost if - and hear me out on this - this FO doesn't learn from past mistakes. They continue to sign injury-prone players, continue to jettison undervalued prospects who flourish elsewhere and continue to trust stat-based projections over on-field performance. 2023 is shaping up to be just another 2022.

[Mike Sixel]

10 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

It's almost if - and hear me out on this - this FO doesn't learn from past mistakes. They continue to sign injury-prone players, continue to jettison undervalued prospects who flourish elsewhere and continue to trust stat-based projections over on-field performance. 2023 is shaping up to be just another 2022.

I'm curious, where would you put five more infielders on the forty man? Did you not want them to add at the deadline last year? Not sign Buxton? Not sign CC?

[wabene]

33 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Awful take. We have no way to know. Besides, most people don't love their job, that's a myth. 

Thanks Mike. 

As to your suggestion about loving your job, I think the 10,000 hour theory for excelling at something applies here. Maybe not love always, but obsession always.

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, wabene said:

Thanks Mike. 

As to your suggestion about loving your job, I think the 10,000 hour theory for excelling at something applies here. Maybe not love always, but obsession always.

To be clear, you aren't awful! I just don't think we every know what's going on in these player's minds, and I'll never question their commitment. They play in pain so much, they give so much, questions seem off to me. 

[Squirrel]

1 hour ago, LastOnePicked said:

It's almost if - and hear me out on this - this FO doesn't learn from past mistakes. They continue to sign injury-prone players, continue to jettison undervalued prospects who flourish elsewhere and continue to trust stat-based projections over on-field performance. 2023 is shaping up to be just another 2022.

 

51 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'm curious, where would you put five more infielders on the forty man? Did you not want them to add at the deadline last year? Not sign Buxton? Not sign CC?

Let's please keep this to Kepler for now and not jump on the 'everything the FO does wrong' train. I get the correlation, but this topic is specific so let's keep it to topic.

[wabene]

29 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

To be clear, you aren't awful! I just don't think we every know what's going on in these player's minds, and I'll never question their commitment. They play in pain so much, they give so much, questions seem off to me. 

Oh yeah I'm good, I know when I expressed these frustrations with Kepler that it could be taken as disrespect. Just look at the young man, there is not doubt be has exhibited a stellar work ethic. I've rooted for him for years, but his performance and unwillingness to shift to a role that better fits his proven performance level make me believe he is now hurting the team.

[Brock Beauchamp]

8 minutes ago, wabene said:

Oh yeah I'm good, I know when I expressed these frustrations with Kepler that it could be taken as disrespect. Just look at the young man, there is not doubt be has exhibited a stellar work ethic. I've rooted for him for years, but his performance and unwillingness to shift to a role that better fits his proven performance level make me believe he is now hurting the team.

Kepler's rigidity is exactly what annoys the hell out of me about him and has for quite some time. This is a relatively progressive organization, they surely know his weak contact is not going to lead to good performance.

Yet all these years later, Kepler still has the same swing with the same problems. He won't play center even though the team desperately needs a glove there and his offense plays a lot better up the middle. Even his refusal to get vaccinated, leaving a competitive team short-handed in an important series... it all just adds up to a guy who is gonna do what he's gonna do. I've seen enough of him. I saw enough of him two years ago.

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

Kepler's rigidity is exactly what annoys the hell out of me about him and has for quite some time. This is a relatively progressive organization, they surely know his weak contact is not going to lead to good performance.

Yet all these years later, Kepler still has the same swing with the same problems. He won't play center even though the team desperately needs a glove there and his offense plays a lot better up the middle. Even his refusal to get vaccinated, leaving a competitive team short-handed in an important series... it all just adds up to a guy who is gonna do what he's gonna do. I've seen enough of him. I saw enough of him two years ago.

I'm there with you, but I never thought they were dealing him this off season, even if I would have.

[stringer bell]

13 minutes ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

Kepler's rigidity is exactly what annoys the hell out of me about him and has for quite some time. This is a relatively progressive organization, they surely know his weak contact is not going to lead to good performance.

Yet all these years later, Kepler still has the same swing with the same problems. He won't play center even though the team desperately needs a glove there and his offense plays a lot better up the middle……I've seen enough of him. I saw enough of him two years ago.

I won’t comment on the COVID issue, but reading between the lines Gleeman & Bonnes have indicated that Kep was more accommodating about being on the IL than a guy like Gallo and also waiting a few extra days before being activated. 
 

Is this a vet player knowing his body or someone who doesn’t have a burning desire? Dunno, but I do think he’s a different breed of cat. 

[big dog]

3 hours ago, UpstateNewYorker said:

FWIW on the FS1 broadcast of the Twins-Guardians game last week, AJ Pierzynski discussed the Kepler situation and said that the FO has been reluctant to trade/DFA him for a while because he is one of the clubhouse leaders.

Hey, he's a leader on a FIRST PLACE TEAM! You don't just dump a guy like that.

OK, actually, I would. I think this team needs timely hits more than another leader.

[Brock Beauchamp]

3 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I won’t comment on the COVID issue, but reading between the lines Gleeman & Bonnes have indicated that Kep was more accommodating about being on the IL than a guy like Gallo and also waiting a few extra days before being activated. 

Is this a vet player knowing his body or someone who doesn’t have a burning desire? Dunno, but I do think he’s a different breed of cat. 

I tend not to try to dig into why a player does what they do. Kepler taking himself out of games and going on the IL is fine, really, and more players should probably do it.

But there's also something to be said for a player like Buxton, who could show up to TF in a wheelchair and tell Rocco he has a first base mitt ready for the game. And Buxton gets trashed on the regular.

[Nine of twelve]

2 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

I know the FO has pulled off a minor miracle before trading JA Happ for a breathing prospect, but let’s be real about Kepler. His value to a playoff contending team is being a defensive replacement late in games. What rebuilding team would offer anything for him? 

To reinforce this point, I'd bet almost every MLB organization already has at least one good field/poor bat outfielder somewhere in its minor league system. So no team would give up anything for such a player, much less at Kepler's salary. This is especially true for a rebuilding team; a team like that would be much better off seeing what one of its minor leaguers could do. At this point I'm afraid Kepler is untradeable. And he's blocking better players who are on the rise. There's only one answer for Falvine and that's DFA.

[stringer bell]

A lot of players are confronted by the reality that not much is guaranteed. Kepler May end up in “prove it” territory or maybe will have to be a minor league signing next year, depending on how the final 100 games go this year. Or the challenge could be presented earlier by way of a DFA. Either way, that challenge might spur him on. He really needs a change. 
 

I’ll add that my expectations for Kepler upon his arrival was a .280/20/80 guy with an OPS around .800 for the better part of a decade. I wonder if all the homers in ‘19 “ruined” Max Kepler. 

[Squirrel]

After reading all these posts, I think I change my vote to DFA. I used to like Kep, but it's a sad state right now. His usefulness to the team has ended. We've waited for his bat to turn around, and while there have been a glint here and there, it's for too short a span and too far between glints.

[Schmoeman5]

I have a question. With the current state of the Twins, Buxton as DH, MAT in CF. Would the Twins be better if Kepler played CF vs RHP. with Wallner Larnach Gallo Castro Kirilloff manning the corner OF positions MAT vs LHP.  And Kepler and Taylor  as defensive replacements/ pinch hitters when not starting. If Kepler resists then he's gone.

[LA Vikes Fan]

12 minutes ago, Schmoeman5 said:

I have a question. With the current state of the Twins, Buxton as DH, MAT in CF. Would the Twins be better if Kepler played CF vs RHP. with Wallner Larnach Gallo Castro Kirilloff manning the corner OF positions MAT vs LHP.  And Kepler and Taylor  as defensive replacements/ pinch hitters when not starting. If Kepler resists then he's gone.

I agree with all that but keep reading that Kepler doesn't want to or won't play CF. I have no idea if that's true but that's the reasoning given for the lack of CF days for Kepler.   

[Schmoeman5]

Just now, LA VIkes Fan said:

I agree with all that but keep reading that Kepler doesn't want to or won't play CF. I have no idea if that's true but that's the reasoning given for the lack of CF days for Kepler.   

That's why I said if he resists, then he's gone. I'm pretty sure he realizes that his time in Minn is in jeopardy.  If my job were on the line and I loved the game and was a clubhouse leader and was making 8 million a year I'd shovel chicken poop to stay.