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

[Squirrel]

27 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Rocco doesn't make the decision. That's the FO. At least let's criticize the right people here....

We don't know, though, what input Rocco has, but I'd guess 99% of the roster decisions fall to the FO and Rocco is left with the hand he is dealt. Heck ... not sure why he'd want to extend his contract given that.

[LA Vikes Fan]

4 hours ago, stringer bell said:

I wondered why Kepler didn't go when Taylor stole third. The worst possible outcome after Taylor's SB would have been a GDP. I find that much more likely than any negative happening after having runners on second and third.

I also thought Kepler could have made third on Lewis' hit into the corner. Despite his decent speed, Max might personify cautious station-to-station base running.

Agreed. I watched the game and Kepler absolutely should have been on second on that play. They gave him the base by not aggressively covering it. 

It really seems like Kepler isn't "into it" this year. He's kind of going through the motions. Maybe it's because this is his last year with the Twins? He said he went to Paris over the winter to get completely away form baseball and get a mental reset. That suggests he's struggling a little with what he was doing. He may not have gotten the reset he needed. This is complete speculation with no real foundation, but I really wonder if he's kind of checked out mentally right now. He may need some time away.