Wishlist Items in the next 40 days

[Major League Ready]

22 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Solano is 3rd in plate appearances for the Twins. That's plenty of playing time for Miranda.

Miranda (or Chris Williams) and Julien could share first base. Outfield of Larnach, Taylor and Kirilloff. Wallner at DH. That isn't going to be worse than what they're doing right now.

Solano  has a 396 OBP and a wRC+ of 136 for the last month.  Not sure I would put Miranda or Williams in his place unless you can get a good return by trading Solano.   

[Major League Ready]

21 hours ago, howeda7 said:

Polanco has virtually no trade value, sadly. He's not coming back anytime soon. Post All-Star break at the earliest. 2 weeks of playing without another injury isn't going to get anyone to give you anything of value. Plus no one is picking up his option for next year, so he's a rental, and there's a buyout on the option.

I also doubt we see Thielbar before the All-Star break, so his trade value will also be minimized. Gray is the only real trade chip we have without trading away 2024 contributors.

That's why, as garbage as this team is, they may as well  try to win the Division and at least end the embarrassing play-off streak. I don't advocate being buyers outside of a Fulmer type bullpen addition. But there's really no point in selling either. There's nothing to sell.

Top starting pitchers bring a king's ransom at the deadline so how is there nothing to sell?  The logic of we don't have multiple players to sell so let's just ignore the one player that would bring back an elite prospect makes little sense.  I also don't agree he is the only player that could bring something back.  Gallo is certainly capable of playing well enough to fetch a decent prospect.  Solano is playing well enough to get something back.  Maeda could easily do enough between now and the deadline to bring back a good prospect.   There are plenty of possibilities.  I think Vanimal's plan has plenty of merit.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

20 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Gallo is at career average, Kepler is close, they just aren’t very good.

Buxton is injured, but might also need some improved coaching, and Pop was credited with fixing Correa last year, but is now the cause of Correa’s woes now?

im not saying Popkins doesn’t need to be replaced, but I don’t think he’s as big of an impact as others. I don’t think coaching changes will be effective until the Fo changes.

You can't strike out as much as this line-up does without there being something wrong with the approach or philosophy. The Twins have struck out 771 times. More than the Oakland A's. 

Kepler's career average is .230. After last night, he's at .200. I will concede on Gallo, he's in-line with his career average. But, what about Correa - almost 60 points lower. And, Buxton - 30 points lower. Those are pretty steep drops and I don't attribute them to a lack of talent. It's something with the approach.

[Major League Ready]

18 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I think the Gray trade is the most interesting idea here.....I'd guess you can get more value back than Petty at this point. 

Maybe they can trade him for Petty.  Cincinatti is 40-35, good for 1st place in the NL Central.   😄

BTW ... Petty has a 1.29 ERA this year at A+.  I think I would make that trade.

[chpettit19]

22 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

You can't strike out as much as this line-up does without there being something wrong with the approach or philosophy. The Twins have struck out 771 times. More than the Oakland A's. 

Kepler's career average is .230. After last night, he's at .200. I will concede on Gallo, he's in-line with his career average. But, what about Correa - almost 60 points lower. And, Buxton - 30 points lower. Those are pretty steep drops and I don't attribute them to a lack of talent. It's something with the approach.

Do you think the approach changed from last year? Kepler, Correa, and Buxton all had the same coaching staff last year so I'd be surprised if their struggles are because of a different approach.

[chpettit19]

18 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

Maybe they can trade him for Petty.  Cincinatti is 40-35, good for 1st place in the NL Central.   😄

BTW ... Petty has a 1.29 ERA this year at A+.  I think I would make that trade.

Petty+ I'd make, but I think it'd be disappointing to only get Petty back when they are also staring a #30-35 pick in the face by putting a QO on Gray. I don't think Petty alone is worth Gray for the stretch run, and that pick.

[thelanges5]

Next 40 Days:

DFA Kepler and Pagan

Trade for Chapman and Barlow 

Bring up Wallner

 

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

13 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Do you think the approach changed from last year? Kepler, Correa, and Buxton all had the same coaching staff last year so I'd be surprised if their struggles are because of a different approach.

It's a fair question and I may certainly be wrong but I do think something has changed. Those three are headed towards the worst years of their careers. Collectively, the team is on pace to strikeout more than one of the worst teams in the history of baseball (Oakland). Right or wrong, in a results oriented business, that kind of performance tends to get people fired.

[chpettit19]

Just now, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

It's a fair question and I may certainly be wrong but I do think something has changed. Those three are headed towards the worst years of their careers. Collectively, the team is on pace to strikeout more than one of the worst teams in the history of baseball (Oakland). Right or wrong, in a results oriented business, that kind of performance tends to get people fired.

Yeah, I'm certainly not looking to make any excuses for anyone employed by the MN Twins right now. It's been ugly. I just find it hard to believe that Popkins, or the Twins in general, are preaching something different this year than they did last year, or even in all the previous years under this regime. I don't know what the answers are, and I wish it felt like they did, but I'm just not sold that established players like those 3 came into this season with drastically different approaches. Although, Kepler could use a drastically different approach than what he's been doing for the last 3 years...

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

3 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Yeah, I'm certainly not looking to make any excuses for anyone employed by the MN Twins right now. It's been ugly. I just find it hard to believe that Popkins, or the Twins in general, are preaching something different this year than they did last year, or even in all the previous years under this regime. I don't know what the answers are, and I wish it felt like they did, but I'm just not sold that established players like those 3 came into this season with drastically different approaches. Although, Kepler could use a drastically different approach than what he's been doing for the last 3 years...

Fair enough. Sometimes, even if the approach hasn't changed, players just need a different voice. I know absolutely nothing about Popkins' personality and his relationship with the players so I may be totally off-base with this. But...maybe the answer is as simple as that. He's not reaching the players (for whatever reason).

[LA Vikes Fan]

On 6/21/2023 at 8:05 AM, Vanimal46 said:

July 31st is right around the corner, and as things stand so far, the 2023 Twins isn’t very good. Barring a multiple week win streak, my mind is pretty set on what to do at the trade deadline… I want to be sellers and give playing time to the players who will be here in 2024+. With that being said…

DFA by July 31: 

Pagan and Kepler. This is nothing new and discussed on many threads. They need to go. 

Trade by July 31: 

Sonny Gray - I am open to a short term extension of 2, maybe 3 additional years. If he is looking for his last contract that pays him through his late 30s it ain’t going to happen here. Sell high on a career year at 33 years old. 

Joey Gallo - If he has any value, trade him away. He may be closer to the DFA category. 

Caleb Thielbar - He’s been a great story the last couple of years. 36 years old with 1 arbitration season left. He’ll have value on the trade market. 

Explore trading, but it would need to be a strong offer to execute:

Jorge Polanco - The Twins don’t appear to have too many visible leaders in the clubhouse. Polanco is one of them. 

 

Like it. I also think this is it. We otherwise roll with what we have unless someone offers us a solid prospect for Farmer or Solano which seems unlikely.  Open up OF ABs for Wallner, Larnach, and Castro, play Lewis, Julien and Kirilloff every day, and see the results. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

38 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

You can't strike out as much as this line-up does without there being something wrong with the approach or philosophy. The Twins have struck out 771 times. More than the Oakland A's. 

Kepler's career average is .230. After last night, he's at .200. I will concede on Gallo, he's in-line with his career average. But, what about Correa - almost 60 points lower. And, Buxton - 30 points lower. Those are pretty steep drops and I don't attribute them to a lack of talent. It's something with the approach.

https://theathletic.com/4298453/2023/03/13/twins-carlos-correa-david-popkins/
 

If Popkins turned Correa’s season around last year as the linked article maintains, why is Popkins the cause of Correa’s issues this year?

Re Kepler: wRC+ (or OPS+, they are very similar) his career is 100, exactly league average. This year is 87, 13 percentage points less than his career, 8 percentage points lower than his career median. His previous low was 93, and previous career was 101. He’s having a bad year, but he’s had 8 percentage point swings in wRC+ before.

Approach is absolutely on the table as an issue. Does Popkins choose the approach? Does Falvey/Levine? I’d lean towards the latter considering they’re the ones signing hitters and coaches. If Popkins were fired, what kind of hitting coach will Falvine hire? Would Buxton stop being a dead pull hitter because the Twins fired Popkins?

Baldelli, Popkins, fire them all, I don’t really care and they don’t exactly inspire confidence from me. Who are Falvey and Levine going to hire to replace them? Likely very similar coaches, because they have a type.

[chpettit19]

1 minute ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Fair enough. Sometimes, even if the approach hasn't changed, players just need a different voice. I know absolutely nothing about Popkins' personality and his relationship with the players so I may be totally off-base with this. But...maybe the answer is as simple as that. He's not reaching the players (for whatever reason).

Yeah, I just wish it felt like the Twins had more of an idea on how to fix the guys like Correa and Buxton who are performing well below what we expected (this is pretty much who I think Kepler is). There have been a few articles about Popkins and players, and Correa has had great things to say about him (if I remember correctly he's quoted in an article as saying Popkins is the best hitting coach he's ever had, but I could be misremembering). Gallo said Popkins was part of the reason he signed here. 

I don't know. The results are not good. Whatever they're doing isn't working. My feeling is a lot of it is just lack of talent. Outside of Correa, Buxton, and Miranda, none of the bad performances surprise me that much. Castro, Jeffers, and Solano impress me. But I just think it's a poorly constructed lineup lacking true difference makers and real depth. Not sure any hitting coach should be expected to turn Kepler, MAT, or Vazquez into much more than they are. But changes need to be made. I'd just start at the FO, and work my way down instead of shooting the middle men.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

1 minute ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

https://theathletic.com/4298453/2023/03/13/twins-carlos-correa-david-popkins/
 

If Popkins turned Correa’s season around last year as the linked article maintains, why is Popkins the cause of Correa’s issues this year?

Re Kepler: wRC+ (or OPS+, they are very similar) his career is 100, exactly league average. This year is 87, 13 percentage points less than his career, 8 percentage points lower than his career median. His previous low was 93, and previous career was 101. He’s having a bad year, but he’s had 8 percentage point swings in wRC+ before.

Approach is absolutely on the table as an issue. Does Popkins choose the approach? Does Falvey/Levine? I’d lean towards the latter considering they’re the ones signing hitters and coaches. If Popkins were fired, what kind of hitting coach will Falvine hire? Would Buxton stop being a dead pull hitter because the Twins fired Popkins?

Baldelli, Popkins, fire them all, I don’t really care and they don’t exactly inspire confidence from me. Who are Falvey and Levine going to hire to replace them? Likely very similar coaches, because they have a type.

I do remember Correa and Popkins hitting it off, and Correa crediting him for the late season hot streak.

As I said, I may be completely off-base with my assessment of Popkins. In his defense, I'm taking the shortest and most direct line from the offensive woes to the hitting coach. If it isn't him, it has to be 'something' because this is a historically anemic line-up and on paper, at least, it shouldn't be.

I am in agreement that the thought of Falvey and Levine hiring replacements is very sobering.

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

Solano  has a 396 OBP and a wRC+ of 136 for the last month.  Not sure I would put Miranda or Williams in his place unless you can get a good return by trading Solano.   

I doubt Solano continues at that pace for the rest of the year. That would make 2023 his best season of production ever. ZIPS projects him at a 106 wRC+ for the remainder of the season. That's what you would want Miranda and/or Williams to replace.

[DJL44]

Popkins isn't the reason Kepler isn't performing. Kepler's 30 and he peaked at age 26. Hitting coaches can't reverse time.

[Jeff K]

On 6/21/2023 at 12:06 PM, Woof Bronzer said:

If this was the case though how is he (theoretically, at least, ha ha) able to run the bases?  I get that Rocco is tired of being asked this question, but he doesn't seem to grasp that the question keeps getting asked because the only information we've gotten from the team is nonsensical.  How can someone be physically unable to run around the outfield while simultaneously being physically able to run around the bases?  This situation is developing major "bilateral leg weakness" vibes.

It certainly is sounding like bilateral leg weakness.  I'm pretty done with Rocco.  It agree with getting the youngsters in the field and holding onto all our starters given how weak the division is.  That said, if this doesn't turn around, it might be time to move on from Falvine and, of course, Rocco.  The moves he has made the past two weeks have been bizarre.

[Major League Ready]

4 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

Petty+ I'd make, but I think it'd be disappointing to only get Petty back when they are also staring a #30-35 pick in the face by putting a QO on Gray. I don't think Petty alone is worth Gray for the stretch run, and that pick.

I was assuming Petty would be the primary piece in the trade but I would expect it would be 2-3 players.  Let's hope the offense looks like it did today for the remainder of the season and this discussion becomes moot.

[Major League Ready]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

I doubt Solano continues at that pace for the rest of the year. That would make 2023 his best season of production ever. ZIPS projects him at a 106 wRC+ for the remainder of the season. That's what you would want Miranda and/or Williams to replace.

We just need him to keep it up for another 5-6 weeks.  His wRC+ for June is 149.  

[JD-TWINS]

Kepler gets close to “no choice but to DFA” every 10-12 games & then he gets 2 hits in a game with a homer.  Buys another 2 weeks - then he does it again this week. A conundrum, until we finally trade or release him in 5 weeks.

Is Walner putting any pressure on a Kepler move with his offense in St Paul……..how about Larnach?

I was a vocal leader a few days ago about getting Buxton a 30 day stint on IL to get his timing/rhythm back……..today he hit 935 ft worth of home runs……& I think he may be getting underestimated. He’s a talent show winner a couple/three days a month and difficult to watch the rest of the month. Gotta let him play & yes, DH is the only option.

Polanco making any advancements with his health?

I think, even though it’s very difficult, we need to hang on to Gallo if we move Kepler, or God forbid, we need to keep Kepler if we move Gallo. Gallo gives the needed OF depth & 1B depth…….Kirilloff has only been healthy & playing for 6-7 weeks. He’s not real smooth in RF.

40 days:

Re-sign Gray for $24M/year for 2 years

Move via trade or DFA either Kepler or Gallo.

Offer Baltimore Julien & Varland to get Cano back………my point here is we need to make a BOLD move for a good/great relief pitcher!!

Kirilloff - Polanco - CC - Lewis playing regularly with Farmer - Solano fitting in as needed.

Buxton settled at DH.

Taylor - Castro - Larnach/Wallner - Gallo in OF

Vazquez - Jeffers @ Catcher

Gotta get a reliever at the deadline …… maybe Chapman?? May need to move Julien or Miranda to get something of value?

[Jocko87]

Working on catching up on this thread but did someone wish for a complete game?

[Mike Sixel]

19 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Kepler gets close to “no choice but to DFA” every 10-12 games & then he gets 2 hits in a game with a homer.  Buys another 2 weeks - then he does it again this week. A conundrum, until we finally trade or release him in 5 weeks.

Is Walner putting any pressure on a Kepler move with his offense in St Paul……..how about Larnach?

I was a vocal leader a few days ago about getting Buxton a 30 day stint on IL to get his timing/rhythm back……..today he hit 935 ft worth of home runs……& I think he may be getting underestimated. He’s a talent show winner a couple/three days a month and difficult to watch the rest of the month. Gotta let him play & yes, DH is the only option.

Polanco making any advancements with his health?

I think, even though it’s very difficult, we need to hang on to Gallo if we move Kepler, or God forbid, we need to keep Kepler if we move Gallo. Gallo gives the needed OF depth & 1B depth…….Kirilloff has only been healthy & playing for 6-7 weeks. He’s not real smooth in RF.

40 days:

Re-sign Gray for $24M/year for 2 years

Move via trade or DFA either Kepler or Gallo.

Offer Baltimore Julien & Varland to get Cano back………my point here is we need to make a BOLD move for a good/great relief pitcher!!

Kirilloff - Polanco - CC - Lewis playing regularly with Farmer - Solano fitting in as needed.

Buxton settled at DH.

Taylor - Castro - Larnach/Wallner - Gallo in OF

Vazquez - Jeffers @ Catcher

Gotta get a reliever at the deadline …… maybe Chapman?? May need to move Julien or Miranda to get something of value?

Have you seen what Cano has done since his hot start? Also, that's a ridiculous trade offer even if he's great. Other than that, sure, except Chapman, horrible human. 

[JD-TWINS]

14 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Have you seen what Cano has done since his hot start? Also, that's a ridiculous trade offer even if he's great. Other than that, sure, except Chapman, horrible human. 

Have not followed - assumed he was still flourishing in Baltimore…….comment was to get attention and to clearly state we need to give something/somebody up to get value in our Pen!!

[Mike Sixel]

8 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Have not followed - assumed he was still flourishing in Baltimore…….comment was to get attention and to clearly state we need to give something/somebody up to get value in our Pen!!

fair, but Julien isn't being traded for a RP, nor is Miranda. Zero chance. 

[SwainZag]

With Gray a pending FA and from what I have read pretty much has his decision made on hitting FA, that sandwich pick along with him for the rest of the season is probably more value than you could get for him in a trade.  Teams are going to know it's strictly a rental.  I can't imagine the Twins trading a top of the rotation piece with a division title within reach either....not do I blame them. 

[lecroy24fan]

2 hours ago, Jocko87 said:

Working on catching up on this thread but did someone wish for a complete game?

Bert Blyleven asked for it.

[Mike Sixel]

Draft Paul Skenes

[Jocko87]

19 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Draft Paul Skenes

I was watching the game tonight half hoping he had to leave shaking his arm. I’m afraid this might be the biggest wish in the thread. 

[Major League Ready]

38 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Draft Paul Skenes

I hope this is an option available to the Twins!

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, Major League Ready said:

I hope this is an option available to the Twins!

It is a wish list after all