What Twins Free Agent Starter Do the Twins Bring Back?

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

If Randy Dobnak comes anywhere near the Twins rotation, either many things have gone wrong or Falvine have given up.

Next year? Have you actually looked at what he's done this year? He's a number five, easy. What exactly do people expect out of number five pitchers?

[USAFChief]

Just now, Mike Sixel said:

Next year? Have you actually looked at what he's done this year? He's a number five, easy. What exactly do people expect out of number five pitchers?

First off, I don't accept the premise that there is such a thing as a "number 5 starter."

Each starter is as important as the other 4. The games they start count the same. 

The goal isn't to have 1 guy way above average, 1 guy a little above average, one guy average, one guy a little below average, and one way below average (a "1", a "2", a "3"  a "4", and a "5".)

The goal is to have 5 guys all way above average. Come as close to that as you can.

Planning for a "5" in your rotation is stupid. It's like planning for 2 guys that can't hit, because you have 2 guys who can. 

And, in the specific case of Randy Dobnak, he's awful.

[Brandon]

10 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

If Randy Dobnak comes anywhere near the Twins rotation, either many things have gone wrong or Falvine have given up.

I could see Dobnak replacing Keuchel in the current rotation either next start or start after it.  

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

First off, I don't accept the premise that there is such a thing as a "number 5 starter."

Each starter is as important as the other 4. The games they start count the same. 

The goal isn't to have 1 guy way above average, 1 guy a little above average, one guy average, one guy a little below average, and one way below average (a "1", a "2", a "3"  a "4", and a "5".)

The goal is to have 5 guys all way above average. Come as close to that as you can.

Planning for a "5" in your rotation is stupid. It's like planning for 2 guys that can't hit, because you have 2 guys who can. 

And, in the specific case of Randy Dobnak, he's awful.

It would be great to have five great pitchers. I'm going to suggest that's not realistic.... For any team. 

[USAFChief]

6 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

It would be great to have five great pitchers. I'm going to suggest that's not realistic.... For any team. 

How did the Twins survive a poor offense so far this season?

By not having a "4" or "5" in their rotation, that's how.

And lots of teams throughout history haven't sullied their rotation by planning for below average guys, or worse.

You settle for a guy like Dobnak getting a few starts somewhere along the way due to circumstances. You don't hand him a rotation spot and expect to be a legit contender. 

Again, the goal isn't to have a 1 through 5. 

You're the one describing Dobnak as a 5. Why would you be ok with that? That's no different than wanting Gallo next year because "it's not realistic" to expect better.

[Mike Sixel]

40 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

How did the Twins survive a poor offense so far this season?

By not having a "4" or "5" in their rotation, that's how.

And lots of teams throughout history haven't sullied their rotation by planning for below average guys, or worse.

You settle for a guy like Dobnak getting a few starts somewhere along the way due to circumstances. You don't hand him a rotation spot and expect to be a legit contender. 

Again, the goal isn't to have a 1 through 5. 

You're the one describing Dobnak as a 5. Why would you be ok with that? That's no different than wanting Gallo next year because "it's not realistic" to expect better.

Gallo isn't close to decent....I get your point. I'd rather have another year like the first half this year. I'm suggesting if you expect that, you expect them be the best starting rotation in baseball, is setting you up for disappointment 

[USAFChief]

33 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Gallo isn't close to decent....I get your point. I'd rather have another year like the first half this year. I'm suggesting if you expect that, you expect them be the best starting rotation in baseball, is setting you up for disappointment 

My point is, move away from the idea of a "#5 starter." 

That's not a useful way to imagine a rotation. 

Much like "he's just fine batting at the bottom of the order" is a poor rationalization for a poor hitter, "he's an OK #5" is a poor rationalization for a below average starter. 

Aim higher.

Aim higher than Randy Dobnak.

[old nurse]

7 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

People post the outliers all the time, as if that proves something.... It's just human nature for some reason. 

Outliers prove the issue is not as simple as just offer them the most money. I guess is just human nature to just think it is about the money

[Fatbat]

There should be a goal to have 5-6 viable mid rotation or higher pitchers available in April every season. The Dobnaks and SWRs of the organization should be spot starters at best or brought up in the bullpen rotation game.  It would be great to have Gray and Maeda back next year but chances are that one or both will be gone. Fine, sign a big name front of the rotation starter FA or trade for one. Im confident that Paddack, Ryan, Ober and Lopez will be lights out. Add both Gray and Maeda to that and we could win 100 games next year as the youngsters mature at the plate.  With that being said. If Kuekel gets hammered again. Cut him. Bring up Dobnak for a start and see what he can do. 

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, old nurse said:

Outliers prove the issue is not as simple as just offer them the most money. I guess is just human nature to just think it is about the money

Nm