The End of the Joey Gallo Saga?

[Fire Dan Gladden]

22 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

There is a reason to keep him and it’s pretty straightforward.  He’s healthy and can chew up a lot of innings down the stretch so more key figures can get rest.  That’s it.

 The rest of the regular season is about getting healthier and lining up the postseason roster and they need filler players to do that. I’m open to the argument that they should get a Martin or something else up to do that but this far down the line it’s not worth the ire of Boras and the clubhouse to cut a struggling .750 OPS player.  100 OPS+ is league average no matter how he got there.

I know it’s not what we would like or do as fantasy GMs but the reality is highly likely he is with us all year.  He probably won’t make the postseason roster but that doesn’t mean he’s not a helper down the stretch.

There’s also the qualifying offer still hanging out there.  I’m fully aware it’s drawing to an inside straight flush but if he gets hot in garbage time he could very easily go into the offseason as a 28-30 homer, .775 OPS guy in a season where he struggled mightily.  There is value there.  I don’t see it happening but I promise it’s a factor.  
 

 

You had me until the QO statement... zero chance of that happening.

Now that the attacks on Pagan are holding little merit, the angst has been redirected to Gallo.  Not great, but not as horrendous as most believe.  He is at the back-end of the roster, but ahead of Luplow and maybe a reliever or two.  I would be surprised to see Gallo let go at any point the rest of the way.  That includes playoffs.  Gallo provides a lot of flexibility, with power off the bench and as a defensive replacement all over. 

[TopGunn#22]

There is no need to continue with Gallo on this roster.  The Twins need "pitchers" that can chew up innings, not position players.  Once Kirilloff is ready (and he's ready right now) they need to cut bait and let Gallo go.  They need the best roster possible to finish the regular season and on into the playoffs.  Gallo doesn't give them that.   He should be a sunk cost who's  become Cole Sands 2.0  a guy on the roster that takes up a seat on the plane and nothing more.  The Twins are in an "all hands on deck" situation.  They need a useful player for that last roster spot.  

[SotaSports in NM]

Guys. The reason Gallo won't be DFAd is because he's a Boras client. That is it.

[lecroy24fan]

36 minutes ago, Muppet said:

For eligibility in the MLB playoff roster, the player has to be on the 40-man team or the 60 Days of Injured list by 31 August, 11:59 pm ET. Any player not on the list cannot be awarded the postseason playoff.Jun 23, 2023

This is not completely true. Players not on the 40 man roster can be added to a playoff roster via request to the league if they are replacing an an injured player. A request to the league has never been rejected in these cases.

[stringer bell]

2 minutes ago, SotaSports said:

Guys. The reason Gallo won't be DFAd is because he's a Boras client. That is it.

I just don't believe this. Signings might be influenced by relationships with agents, but Joey Gallo has been given his chance and he just hasn't performed. A roster spot is too valuable to be wasted and Gallo will get his money. He's had his chance.

[RpR]

Gallo is here till the end of the season, including post season.

[Jocko87]

55 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

You had me until the QO statement... zero chance of that happening.

Now that the attacks on Pagan are holding little merit, the angst has been redirected to Gallo.  Not great, but not as horrendous as most believe.  He is at the back-end of the roster, but ahead of Luplow and maybe a reliever or two.  I would be surprised to see Gallo let go at any point the rest of the way.  That includes playoffs.  Gallo provides a lot of flexibility, with power off the bench and as a defensive replacement all over. 

Lol, that's why I put it last! It's way down the list for sure but this far in might as well hold tight.

The route to the post season roster has to include getting very very hot over the last month. If not it will be Stevenson who can be a pinch running weapon Ala Terrance Gore or whoever the royals used. He's just a better runner and defender for the bench spot.

[Mike Sixel]

He's the Cole sands of hitters at this point. They are literally playing a man short at this point, two of you about how bad luplow is. It's kind of mind boggling at this point. Rocco won't play him, the FO won't move on. 

[terrydactyls]

4 hours ago, Azviking101 said:

In my view, as long as MAT is on the IL they won't move on from Gallo.

Gallo can play CF competently and the Twins want no situation where Stevenson is getting innings in the playoffs.

Without MAT, the only playoff options in CF are Gallo and Castro. Kepler is not playing Center.

Gallo would be better than an actual center fielder who possesses speed (both in center field and on the bases) and can hit some HRs and for a higher average??  I would prefer Stevenson (and Martin as a backup) over Gallo.

[jaimedude]

I don't see them dumping Gallo now, but he should not make the playoff roster. There really isn't really a good fit as a PH or defensive replacement that should compel the Twins to add him to the first round playoff roster for sure.

[mikelink45]

4 hours ago, Azviking101 said:

In my view, as long as MAT is on the IL they won't move on from Gallo.

Gallo can play CF competently and the Twins want no situation where Stevenson is getting innings in the playoffs.

Without MAT, the only playoff options in CF are Gallo and Castro. Kepler is not playing Center.

I would rather have Celestino back up for a short period if we need a CF option.

[Riverbrian]

17 hours ago, Azviking101 said:

Nobody wants Gallo to get CF ABs in the playoffs, but they have to keep their backup options available in case MAT doesn't come back.

I understand what you are saying and a lot of posters are expressing similar thoughts. 

My contention is that he isn't a legitimate back up option. 

Nobody wants him starting. 

So his role is? 

Pinch hitter? If we need a hit in the ninth do we turn to Gallo? Maybe if we are down by a run two outs with nobody on... You send him up for a prayer that he actually puts a barrel on one. Can't hold a roster spot for that. 

Pinch Runner? There are much better for that role. Can't roster a guy for pinch running just because he is a little faster than Vazquez or Solano. 

Defensive replacement? Maybe... but we don't have a defensive issue at the positions that he plays so... in the end... he provides nothing. 

Julien can play 1B, Kirilloff can play 1B, Solano can play 1B, Farmer can play 1B... Hell... even Vazquez can play 1B. 

There is no reason for Gallo to be on this roster. 

[MN_ExPat]

2 hours ago, Muppet said:

For eligibility in the MLB playoff roster, the player has to be on the 40-man team or the 60 Days of Injured list by 31 August, 11:59 pm ET. Any player not on the list cannot be awarded the postseason playoff.Jun 23, 2023

True… but the team can petition the league for an injury replacement, which the Commish’s office will usually grant. 

[SotaSports in NM]

2 hours ago, stringer bell said:

I just don't believe this. Signings might be influenced by relationships with agents, but Joey Gallo has been given his chance and he just hasn't performed. A roster spot is too valuable to be wasted and Gallo will get his money. He's had his chance.

I hear your argument, and I would love for it to be true, but you point out the exact circumstances upon which I made my statement. Gallo has not changed this year (with the exception of the first 3ish weeks of the season). He has been hardly playable, if at all, even when considering the injuries we've sustained. Yet he remains, despite the fact that roster spots are indeed valuable. 

I'm just pointing out something to be considered. Boras is the agent of Lewis, Jenkins, Kirilloff, Martin, Jeffers, and I think Soto (??), plus other Twins.

[Shaitan]

45 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Defensive replacement? Maybe... but we don't have a defensive issue at the positions that he plays so... in the end... he provides nothing. 

What if there's an injury in the 2nd inning? Do you really want a makeshift defensive lineup for a whole postseason game? You may as well put Joe Webb at QB. 

[Riverbrian]

15 minutes ago, Shaitan said:

What if there's an injury in the 2nd inning? Do you really want a makeshift defensive lineup for a whole postseason game? You may as well put Joe Webb at QB. 

Before we put Joe Webb in at QB. Give me an example of an injury that occurs where Joey Gallo is necessary to save us from ruin.

[RpR]

59 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I understand what you are saying and a lot of posters are expressing similar thoughts. 

My contention is that he isn't a legitimate back up option. 

Nobody wants him starting. 

So his role is? 

Pinch hitter? If we need a hit in the ninth do we turn to Gallo? Maybe if we are down by a run two outs with nobody down... You send him up for a prayer that he actually puts a barrel on one. Can't hold a roster spot for that. 

Pinch Runner? There are much better for that role. Can't roster a guy for pinch running just because he is a little faster than Vazquez or Solano. 

Defensive replacement? Maybe... but we don't have a defensive issue at the positions that he plays so... in the end... he provides nothing. 

Julien can play 1B, Kirilloff can play 1B, Solano can play 1B, Farmer can play 1B... Hell... even Vazquez can play 1B. 

There is no reason for Gallo to be on this roster. 

Gallo is a better First Base  can play any outfield position and is faster on the base paths.

People want to dump him simply because they do not like him, or is supposedly "blocking" some wonder boy in AAA.
 

[RpR]

Just now, Riverbrian said:

Before we put Joe Webb in at QB. Give me an example of an injury that occurs where Joey Gallo is necessary to save us from ruin.

Julien at First Base.

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, RpR said:

Gallo is a better First Base  can play any outfield position and is faster on the base paths.

People want to dump him simply because they do not like him, or is supposedly "blocking" some wonder boy in AAA.
 

Faster on the base paths than who? 

I've never met him so I have nothing against him but I'm sure I'd like him just fine if I did. 

I am getting ready for the playoffs... I don't care about wonder boy right now. I'm purely talking about Gallo and he serves no benefit to this roster. 

[Riverbrian]

16 minutes ago, RpR said:

Julien at First Base.

Well... I do believe that Gallo is a mighty fine defensive 1B but... It is important to point out that Julien at 1B doesn't scare me and I don't believe the defensive difference will prevent runs.

It is also important to point out that Rocco just chose Julien over Gallo at 1B in a game that matters.

But all that aside... Fine let's say that Julien at 1B is the nightmare you think it is.

OK... Why is Julien at 1B? Did Kirilloff, Solano and Farmer get into a bad unicycle accident?   

[Shaitan]

2 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Before we put Joe Webb in at QB. Give me an example of an injury that occurs where Joey Gallo is necessary to save us from ruin.

Straight to hyperbole. Why should I make up a scenario to "save you from ruin"? 

Do you want Vasquez at 2B in a meaningful game? That's a recent example of players out of position. It happens all the time.

Of course you want capable defenders as backups...Just in case. There is a difference between "capable and needle-moving," yes. But Gallo is a backup in pretty much every scenario discussed here. His impact is relevant but minor. I'd understand the debate if his roster presence was blocking a big tool prospect. But it's not. 

I think you can make the case for Stephenson on the postseason roster for speed/defense. But even then, I think they drop a pitcher and keep both players mentioned. And neither of those players gets more than a few AB.

[RpR]

10 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Well... I do believe that Gallo is a mighty fine defensive 1B but... It is important to point out that Julien at 1B doesn't scare me and I don't believe the defensive difference will prevent runs.

It is also important to point out that Rocco just chose Julien over Gallo at 1B in a game that matters.

But all that aside... Fine let's say that Julien at 1B is the nightmare you think it is.

OK... Why is Julien at 1B? Did Kirilloff, Solano and Farmer get into a bad unicycle accident?   

Ask Baldelli .

[karcherd]

11 minutes ago, Shaitan said:

Straight to hyperbole. Why should I make up a scenario to "save you from ruin"? 

Do you want Vasquez at 2B in a meaningful game? That's a recent example of players out of position. It happens all the time.

Of course you want capable defenders as backups...Just in case. There is a difference between "capable and needle-moving," yes. But Gallo is a backup in pretty much every scenario discussed here. His impact is relevant but minor. I'd understand the debate if his roster presence was blocking a big tool prospect. But it's not. 

I think you can make the case for Stephenson on the postseason roster for speed/defense. But even then, I think they drop a pitcher and keep both players mentioned. And neither of those players gets more than a few AB.

 

11 minutes ago, Shaitan said:

Straight to hyperbole. Why should I make up a scenario to "save you from ruin"? 

Do you want Vasquez at 2B in a meaningful game? That's a recent example of players out of position. It happens all the time.

Of course you want capable defenders as backups...Just in case. There is a difference between "capable and needle-moving," yes. But Gallo is a backup in pretty much every scenario discussed here. His impact is relevant but minor. I'd understand the debate if his roster presence was blocking a big tool prospect. But it's not. 

I think you can make the case for Stephenson on the postseason roster for speed/defense. But even then, I think they drop a pitcher and keep both players mentioned. And neither of those players gets more than a few AB.

Vasquez played 2B when we were up by two touchdown and we put Castro into pitch and there were not any position players on the bench.  It was not an emergency situation, so no he's not going to end up there in a playoff games.  If he does, that will mean there are so many injuries it won't matter because we wouldn't win anyway.  If Gallo gets 1 AB in a playoff game that will be one too many. 

[jorgenswest]

13 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

OK... Why is Julien at 1B? Did Kirilloff, Solano and Farmer get into a bad unicycle accident? 

There have been reports of Julien working at 1B going back at least a month and Baldelli addressed his hard work in the pregame yesterday. They didn’t just throw him out there without preparation. I guess one could argue they should never had him investing his efforts into 2B this year but at some point the Twins must have assessed that they were better off shifting that work to 1B. Another might argue that they are just moving him around again and he should solely focus on 2B.

I don’t know what is best but he isn’t a naturally gifted fielder. He isn’t the kind of player that would be well suited in a utility role. He is going to invest time in repetition outside of games wherever he ends up playing.

 

[Shaitan]

I'm far more concerned about the back half of the bullpen than I am who will be the 5th outfielder on a playoff roster.

[Otaknam]

Gallo or Luplow? They seem to stick w Gallo for some reason. Maybe to save face over that $11 million contract that was overpaying him by $8 million. Is that worth Gallo as defensive replacement, because all those strikeouts sure isn’t. It could be argued that they would have been better off w Sano even though Sano can’t play defense.

[Blyleven2011]

8 hours ago, D.C Twins said:

If only.....

The best 2 words written  ...

[South Dakota Tom]

Lots of valid points. I think he will 100% be on the playoff roster- maybe last man on the bench but runs, takes walks, plays defense, great arm, and there is that sugar plum belief that he will change the scoreboard in late innings that they want as an option.

[Fatbat]

maybe gallo can come up with a mysterious injury so everyone can save face and we can get a young man added to the team to help out instead of strike out. 

[stringer bell]

Kirilloff isn't playing in Louisville today. I suspect he's in Minneapolis. That is Step One.