Why Are the Twins Striking Out So Often?

[RandBalls Stu]

The team’s most glaring flaw deserves thorough, careful analysis. I have no intention of providing it, but how about some jokes?

Image courtesy of D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins are on pace to set the record for most strikeouts in one season. If there is one thing that’s been keeping them from separating from the rest of their lousy division, it’s this. Even some pop flies and groundouts are going to move a runner over, get mishandled, etc. Put the ball in play for the love of Tom Kelly.

As for why this is happening, I have some theories:

• Distracted by Joe Ryan’s good looks. He’s a handsome fella. Looks like he should be teaching a yoga class and aligning chakras at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. Says things like, “You’re not the wave, you’re the water.” Smells like coconut oil and an old-growth forest.
• Distracted by Joe Ryan’s entrance music. Most of the walk-up music is hip-hop, contemporary Christian music, and country. Joe’s is “Fire On the Mountain” by your burnout uncle Dean’s favorite band, the Grateful Dead. It confuses them. Where’s the sick beats? Where’s the vague references to spirituality? Where’s the blue jeans? Is this a Weird Al thing? Hard to focus on the 99 mph heater at the knees.
• Confused by preseason fundraiser. There was probably some sort of charity drive in Fort Myers about “Striking Out Plaque Psoriasis” and the players took it very literally. Plaque psoriasis stinks but not like this, man. Not like this.
• Worried Taylor Swift will write a song about them. If you’re a relatively noteworthy man, you don’t want to get sideways with her and be the subject of her next song. Not just because she’s a sharp writer and holds a grudge, but also because a legion of Swifties will burn you to the ground. Why does Joey Gallo whiff at an insane rate? What if “No Body No Crime” is about him? All it takes is one person in one group chat to say, “I heard that’s about Joey Gallo” and you wouldn’t even leave your house. He’s showing up to the ballpark every day and trying his best. Cut him a break between swinging strikes. You’ll have a lot of chances.
• Dollar Dog Night. You go overboard on cheap hot dogs every Tuesday at Target Field, you end up with a tummy ache. So do the players. Hard to concentrate on simple tasks, much less pick up the ball out of an MLB pitcher’s hand. The recovery takes a bit, and next thing you know it’s Tuesday again and the cycle repeats.
• The heat. Folks, it’s just too hot outside. I don’t want to work outside. I definitely don’t want to run at full speed outside. They don’t either. Walk to the plate, either hit a dinger or strike out. Trot around the bases or walk back to the cool comfort of the dugout. Either one’s preferable to running out a grounder.

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[Patzky]

In view of the heat and humidity this summer, the Gallo Promenade will provide some welcome cooling breezes nine to twelve times per game. 

[mikelink45]

My theory is that every ball player wants to be on a record setting team and this team has been convinced that fans are in during our record hot climate year.  I live 110 miles north of the Twin Cities and still feel the air movement coming up 35 or is that hot air from the FO?

[specialiststeve]

Long swings, way too pull happy (creating front side flying away... See Buxton), Poor overall approach and unwillingness to "shorten up" with 2 strikes. 

Good news is that there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel as it has been better. Moving Gallo and Max would help a ton... Dare I say moving Bux would also help but he is going nowhere. 

[PopRiveter]

The Taylor Swift theory had me struggling not to laugh audibly and wake up my wife. I failed. She’s up. Thanks Stu.

[Twins GFP]

The Taylor Swift theory is real!  You already addressed the Joe Ryan handsomeness issue.  You know all the Swiftees (or whatever they call themselves.  Swiftites?) are looking for the next great breakup song.

I heard the title of her next song to be released is "Striking out in love".  This is not a coincidence...

[Teflon]

In April Rocco Baldelli told the team "There's snow tomorrow" which the team misheard as "There's no tomorrow" and began swinging willy-nilly.

In May, Baldelli told the team to "Only swing at pitches in the zone" but he failed to specify whether that was the strike zone or the central time zone.

In June Rocco asked the team to be more selective at the plate so they started choosing more leafy greens in their post-game buffets.

In July, Baldelli told the team the fans were getting fed up with all the K's at which time the team's left fielder began signing autograph requests, Max 'epler.

[David Maro]

Between Buxton and Gallo they have 20% of the team's strike outs. No Buxton the other day and still struck out 18 times. You are not going to win any games doing that. This is a problem that the fans should be blamed for as well as the players. It is all about the homerun,fans sit on their phones and only watch and cheer for the homerun. Listen to Dick Bremer talk its all the homerun. When they do play baseball it is 1 inning here and there. People bad mouth Castro day in and out,but he has done things on the bases this team hasn't seen in years. He has a good chance to steal 40 bases. I can't see this team holding on to 1st place playing the way they are. Cleveland gained 2.5 games in 3 days and has played 1 less game. Hopefully the Polhad's will step in at the end of the season and make changes.

[saviking]

They need to master Wac-A-Mole ... 

[BobAzar]

1 hour ago, Teflon said:

 

In May, Baldelli told the team to "Only swing at pitches in the zone" but he failed to specify whether that was the strike zone or the central time zone.

And the team took that to mean just swing, not to actually hit the ball in addition. honest mistake

[killertwinfan]

Poor plate discipline fueled by over aggressiveness. Painful to watch. Not proud of this team collectively in any way.