One Move Could Solve Multiple Offseason Problems for the Twins

[wabene]

2 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

The post proclaimed that Wallner was "clearly born to play right field", but I've also read other posts that maintain the Twins keeping him left field is the best option. I'm not arguing about either one, because I'm honestly not sure which position suits him best. But I'm wondering why he might be better suited in right field. As for Kepler, I don't know if he'd be comfortable with that switch or not, but seeing as how we have Castro, Gordon and maybe Martin as CF options next season, I don't see a big need for Kepler to move over there too. 

Wallner has a cannon for an arm which is what you want in a right fielder because of the long throw to 3rd base. Gun em down baby!

 

[TwinsDr2021]

8 hours ago, Brandon said:

This is what I dont get, if Castro is good enough defensively at CF, why do we need another CF backup.  Castro had a .750 OPS and stole 33 bases.  Gordon then Kepler on the bench/ backup should be more then enough.

Castro IMO is a great back up for a couple of weeks at most. Too much playing time and he will get exposed and people will want him replaced. His OPS last year against LHP was .636.

[wabene]

59 minutes ago, Doctor Wu said:

 

Double post. 

 

[Jeff K]

16 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

I admire versatility, but I admire honesty more. I know Kepler is a great RFer & maybe is a better LFer & that many have criticized Kepler for being proud & honest about his preference not to play CF. CF is much different from the cOF positions, He felt uncomfortable & not able to command that position. I admire his response & prefer his response over Jake Cave's response of ok I can do it (when he couldn't) & prevent us from getting someone who could. IMO when Kepler played CF his production went down, so at this point where he has found his groove, I wouldn't risk him to lose it. I wish Polanco was more honest to say when he's hurt - "I'm hurt" & not keep playing hurt, plus other things.

I agree.  We are weakened in RF and Kepler is not the answer for CF.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Castro IMO is a great back up for a couple of weeks at most. Too much playing time and he will get exposed and people will want him replaced. His OPS last year against LHP was .636.

Wallner (970 OPS vs RHP, .480 vs LHP), Kepler (832 vs 750), Larnach (766 vs 412) and Kirilloff (858 v 452) are also worse against LHP than RHP. Castro outhit all but Kepler. Buxton is really the only OF you would expect to hit lefties well. That could give Austin Martin a niche to fill.

A reunion with Aaron Hicks makes a lot of sense. He had a .970 OPS vs LHP and will cost the MLB minimum for the next two seasons. He's below average in the field at age 34 but can cover all three outfield positions without embarassing himself. A Wallner/Hicks platoon could be All-Star level production for less than $2M.

[mickster]

13 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Kiermaier seemed like a possibility for a second or two but BB + KK = $26 million. I'm fine with Willi Castro, Nick Gordon, and Austin Martin backing up Byron in CF. I might be more interested in the Twins adding a year to Kepler's contract than moving him off of RF. Hopefully in two years the Twins can bring up a prospect or two in the outfield.

I don't see any of Lee, Lewis, or Julien as outfielders and Kirilloff is best left at first base. One thing is becoming clear - the Twins have some guys who can provide offense and the team will need an improved run total this coming year. 

Depending on what happens with the media discussions, perhaps the Twins can add Rhys Hoskins as a 1B/DH bat. I know many people have suggested this and there is a maybe still out there. I think it is a possibility that may sign a one year deal in order to prove himself healthy and get back on the market next season. The Twins would be a good choice for him. For now, the Twins have stayed away from free agents due to cost, just never say never. I have been one person who has doubted a RH signing but I'm keeping all things possible.

Nick Gordon on this roster to start 2024 is a negative

[Riverbrian]

Went to have dinner with my in-laws once and I was given the choice between steak or walleye for dinner.

I emphatically chose steak... I believe my response was "Steak Please... Yum... Thank You".

I had no problem with walleye... just chose steak when given the option. 

A month or so later... they had a good day at the lake coming back with a bunch of walleye and they invited us all over. 

It was kind of embarrassing when they made me and only me a steak special because they thought that I didn't like walleye.    

There is a difference between refuses to and would rather. 

If this is simply a rather... it's unfortunate because REFUSES TO PLAY CF has been tattooed on his forehead by us. 

Now... if true... IF... he indeed refuses to play CF. Trade him. Why would any club want a player handicapping a manager in his attempt to make a team better? 

If he refuses to play CF... He can watch the rest of the team have walleye doing what is needed and working with what is available.  

Kepler can sit in his RF corner have that steak made special for him oblivious to all that walleye around him.   

I can tell you that the steak was very good but I felt like a jerk.  

 

 

 

[Riverbrian]

10 hours ago, Brandon said:

This is what I dont get, if Castro is good enough defensively at CF, why do we need another CF backup.  Castro had a .750 OPS and stole 33 bases.  Gordon then Kepler on the bench/ backup should be more then enough.

7 players played CF in 2023.

2022: 7

2021: 7 (including Kyle Garlick)

2020: 5

2019: 7

Last Year Julio Rodriguez led all CF's with 714 Plate Appearances. Seattle still had 5 other players play CF in 2023. 

 

 

[wabene]

12 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Went to have dinner with my in-laws once and I was given the choice between steak or walleye for dinner.

I emphatically chose steak... I believe my response was "Steak Please... Yum... Thank You".

I had no problem with walleye... just chose steak when given the option. 

A month or so later... they had a good day at the lake coming back with a bunch of walleye and they invited us all over. 

It was kind of embarrassing when they made me and only me a steak special because they thought that I didn't like walleye.    

There is a difference between refuses to and would rather. 

If this is simply a rather... it's unfortunate because REFUSES TO PLAY CF has been tattooed on his forehead by us. 

Now... if true... IF... he indeed refuses to play CF. Trade him. Why would any club want a player handicapping a manager in his attempt to make a team better? 

If he refuses to play CF... He can watch the rest of the team have walleye doing what is needed and working with what is available.  

Kepler can sit in his RF corner have that steak made special for him oblivious to all that walleye around him.   

I can tell you that the steak was very good but I felt like a jerk.  

 

 

 

I wouldn't be embarrassed, I think they just took one look at your strapping build and thought you must need red meat to fuel the beast. 

[lukeduke1980]

20 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Went to have dinner with my in-laws once and I was given the choice between steak or walleye for dinner.

I emphatically chose steak... I believe my response was "Steak Please... Yum... Thank You".

I had no problem with walleye... just chose steak when given the option. 

A month or so later... they had a good day at the lake coming back with a bunch of walleye and they invited us all over. 

It was kind of embarrassing when they made me and only me a steak special because they thought that I didn't like walleye.    

There is a difference between refuses to and would rather. 

If this is simply a rather... it's unfortunate because REFUSES TO PLAY CF has been tattooed on his forehead by us. 

Now... if true... IF... he indeed refuses to play CF. Trade him. Why would any club want a player handicapping a manager in his attempt to make a team better? 

If he refuses to play CF... He can watch the rest of the team have walleye doing what is needed and working with what is available.  

Kepler can sit in his RF corner have that steak made special for him oblivious to all that walleye around him.   

I can tell you that the steak was very good but I felt like a jerk.  

 

 

 

My in-laws need to up their game

[Riverbrian]

2 minutes ago, wabene said:

I wouldn't be embarrassed, I think they just took one look at your strapping build and thought you must need red meat to fuel the beast. 

I do have the diet of the average puma.   

[wabene]

I think the ship has sailed on Kepler playing significant innings in center. It was mentioned that it would weaken other positions and I agree, but playing Castro there full-time reduces his impact as a versatile utility guy. The guy looked great at many positions. If the roster stands pat and Buxton goes down for any length of time, somebody besides Castro will be needed. Martin? Could be fun, but given his track record that is a gamble. Gordon? Even if he does hit he is not a center fielder. Lewis is probably the best center fielder they have besides a healthy Buxton, but I doubt they would do that. If Lee is looking ready it does make sense. 

[SaintPaulRocks]

I do not like this idea. Kepler has been battling injuries for 4 years. He's been on the IL 7 times since 2020. He's still great in RF, the best that has not won a gold glove. Still plays more than most outfielders. This would just increase Keplers chances of getting injured.

Just sign MAT, start transitioning Buxton to 1B.

[David Maro]

Here we go again talking about the Buxton problem,can he or can't he play.I put this situation on the FO.All off season everyone has talked about trading Kepler,and now move him to CF.If Buxton isn't in CF the first game of ST its time to move on.The wait and see on Buxton should be over.

[TopGunn#22]

Having Max WILLING to play a little CF would be helpful but isn't an automatic fix either.  I for one think Castro could be a Cesar Tovar type, who, while playing multiple positions to begin with, eventually settled into a CF/LF regular position.  I'm not saying Castro will be a .300 hitter like Tovar.  Just that his early versatility shouldn't preclude him from becoming a regular LF or CF.  Buxton's health (or lack of) will determine how many games/innings of CF need to be covered.

As to Wallner being destined to be a RF because of his arm.  This is true, to a point.  The Pirates played Willie Stargell in LF because they had Clemente in RF.  Stargell had a cannon. The Tigers played Rocky Colovito in LF because they had Al Kaline in RF. Colovito had a cannon.  Yaz played LF and he had a better arm than Tony Conigliaro who played RF from the time he came up for the Red Sox.  Guys with cannons for arms sometimes end up in LF.  Once Kepler is gone, Wallner probably moves over to RF.  But it wouldn't shock me if he stayed in LF either.  Castro might be the best LF the Twins have right now.  I'd be fine with him in LF and Wallner in RF if Keplar was traded. for pitching.  

I don't know enough about Emmanuel Rodriguez's arm or Walker Jenkins, but they seem destined for an outfield position sometime in the not too distant future either.  

[TopGunn#22]

I would add not to sleep on the recent acquisition of Nico Goodrum.  He's an excellent glove in the infield.  He could very well make Farmer expendable and allow Castro to be used a a CF/LF platoon player.   Goodrum, if he hits just a little bit becomes the preferred backup/defensive replacement at SS, 2B and 3B and is insurance for the Twins not to rush Brooks Lee.

It's still possible that Lee makes the team out of spring training if he sizzles.  But I see Lee more as a June/All Star break callup if Goodrum is working out.  

[Old fox]

Doc, I agree with you about Kepler staying in Rf where he feels comfortable. 

[jorgenswest]

I think the outfield defense as a whole is better with him in RF and has been for a while. A few years ago Nick Gordon was playing CF at an adequate level with 0 RAA. Kepler wouldn’t be that much better but he would be much better than the alternative in RF. Overall the team defense is better with him in RF.

[nicksaviking]

If Kepler actually said he didn't want to play CF anymore, it could only mean he doesn't think he can cut it and it would be a negative mark on his resume. If you thought you were capable, volunteering for the gig would only improve your job security and future earnings.

[Nick Nelson]

5 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

The post proclaimed that Wallner was "clearly born to play right field", but I've also read other posts that maintain the Twins keeping him left field is the best option. I'm not arguing about either one, because I'm honestly not sure which position suits him best. But I'm wondering why he might be better suited in right field. 

Given that he played 2200 innings in RF versus 200 in LF in the minors, it seems clear the Twins view it this way. Personally I think keeping the best arm in the major leagues out of RF is a bit wasteful. He's going to end up back there full-time, it's just a matter of when.

[Nick Nelson]

1 hour ago, David Maro said:

Here we go again talking about the Buxton problem,can he or can't he play.I put this situation on the FO.All off season everyone has talked about trading Kepler,and now move him to CF.If Buxton isn't in CF the first game of ST its time to move on.The wait and see on Buxton should be over.

Well sorry to say the reality is that Buxton's under contract for another five years and $75 million so that's not an option.

[jmlease1]

I don't know if Kepler would be more than an average to below average CF defensively at this point, which is less than good. I think Castro is probably better there at this point (better speed with growing experience) and I'm unclear if he's better than Gordon (Kepler's got the better arm, but I think Gordon has better range), so I just don't know how much of an advantage it is. But the biggest issue is really the fact that the Twins don't have a replacement for Kepler in one of the corner slots ready to go. 

Sure, Wallner slides into RF easily, but then we're looking at Gordon or Larnach as the internal candidates for LF (with a little Castro/Farmer to support, I guess). Gordon was awful last season before getting hurt, and Larnach has never been able to do it consistently...and they don't compliment each other particularly well either. I'm excited about some of the corner OF coming up in the system: Rodriguez, Rosario, and the Mighty Walker Jenkins, but asking any of them to step in on Day One is a massive risk that's highly unlikely to go well. This is a much easier concept a year from now after (hopefully) E-Rod and Ka'lai have destroyed AA and spent some time mashing in Saint Paul as well, with Walker getting a cup of coffee in AA as well.

I think adding a FA 4th OF who can comfortably play in CF still makes the most sense, but rolling with internal options probably makes more sense to me than trying to shift Kepler. Castro, Gordon, and Martin with Kiersey as the "break glass in case of emergency" isn't unreasonable. Castro did well last year, Gordon has had some success at the plate, and I still believe in Martin's talent (he'll get on base if nothing else, and can swipe some bases to boot). Kiersey can certainly handle the position well defensively even if he might not hit his weight.

I'm unconcerned with Kepler's beliefs one way or the other, because without an upgrade behind him in the corners, shifting him does nothing for me. (And I'll believe he gets dealt one day after it actually happens, regardless of the rumor mills)

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

No, No, No

Do you have a better idea for a RH bench bat who can play OF? They really need one, an OPS in the 400s against LHP is atrocious. Lefthanded pitchers turn half the lineup into an automatic out. Tommy Pham and Teoscar Hernandez are out there but they're going to get paid. Aaron Hicks costs absolutely nothing. I would rather see Austin Martin play every day in AAA instead of sitting on the Twins bench.

[JD-TWINS]

22 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Kiermaier seemed like a possibility for a second or two but BB + KK = $26 million. I'm fine with Willi Castro, Nick Gordon, and Austin Martin backing up Byron in CF. I might be more interested in the Twins adding a year to Kepler's contract than moving him off of RF. Hopefully in two years the Twins can bring up a prospect or two in the outfield.

I don't see any of Lee, Lewis, or Julien as outfielders and Kirilloff is best left at first base. One thing is becoming clear - the Twins have some guys who can provide offense and the team will need an improved run total this coming year. 

Depending on what happens with the media discussions, perhaps the Twins can add Rhys Hoskins as a 1B/DH bat. I know many people have suggested this and there is a maybe still out there. I think it is a possibility that may sign a one year deal in order to prove himself healthy and get back on the market next season. The Twins would be a good choice for him. For now, the Twins have stayed away from free agents due to cost, just never say never. I have been one person who has doubted a RH signing but I'm keeping all things possible.

Lee - Lewis - Julien can’t all play at the same time in the infield more than 15 - 20 games in a full season. CC IS THERE. If, and I would agree, Kirilloff is best at 1B, then we piece playing time together for this group this year and Lewis moves to LF by ‘25……….or we trade Julien.

Buxton isn’t going anywhere so there will be a perpetual log jam at DH……not a real good outlet for Julien.

If Lewis moves to LF we have the best possible RH hitting corner OF. I see this becoming real in ‘25 with Wallner going to RF.

Lee - CC - Julien - Kirilloff infield for ‘25.

Lewis - Buxton/Martin - Wallner outfield for ‘25.

Seems fairly probable.

[JD-TWINS]

8 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Went to have dinner with my in-laws once and I was given the choice between steak or walleye for dinner.

I emphatically chose steak... I believe my response was "Steak Please... Yum... Thank You".

I had no problem with walleye... just chose steak when given the option. 

A month or so later... they had a good day at the lake coming back with a bunch of walleye and they invited us all over. 

It was kind of embarrassing when they made me and only me a steak special because they thought that I didn't like walleye.    

There is a difference between refuses to and would rather. 

If this is simply a rather... it's unfortunate because REFUSES TO PLAY CF has been tattooed on his forehead by us. 

Now... if true... IF... he indeed refuses to play CF. Trade him. Why would any club want a player handicapping a manager in his attempt to make a team better? 

If he refuses to play CF... He can watch the rest of the team have walleye doing what is needed and working with what is available.  

Kepler can sit in his RF corner have that steak made special for him oblivious to all that walleye around him.   

I can tell you that the steak was very good but I felt like a jerk.  

 

 

 

Dwight Evans - Roberto Clemente - Reggie Smith - Tom Brunansky - Tony Oliva…….don’t recall any of these guys shifting to CF at age 30 either.

Steak & Walleye & plugging a hole in CF with a near Gold Glove right fielder???

The Twins - Baldelli, love his defense in RF. Do they wish he could flex to CF in a pinch? Sure. They have 4 other options rostered now going into Spring Training. No reason to hate on a guy for wanting to continue to play a position he’s comfortable with and has had exceptional success playing.

CC isn’t moving to 3B or 2B for Brooks Lee anytime soon.

[Finlander]

I've been worn out by the "I don't wanna" routine ever since Tommy Herr's arrival years ago. The ask is only to be an available backup CF, not a permanent move from RF. Wallner is likely taking over RF eventually. If Kepler is shipped to Kansas City or Washington DC for a bullpen arm or a RH 1B, or even a prospect, he may wish he wouldn't have said "I don't wanna".

[tony&rodney]

Good grief. Why make suggestions about Max Kepler when all he has ever done is suit up to the best of his ability. Do those of you who question any part of his integrity think before you type? Kepler is the best outfielder we have right now. Rocco Baldelli is happy every time he puts Kepler's name in the lineup. The notion that Kepler is overpaid, spoiled, and selfish just doesn't jive with any reporting ever much less my few conversations with Twins employees. I always liked how Jake Cave hustled, but I sure wish so many people didn't spend their time wishing for him to return. Or maybe some people prefer we sign Kyle Garlick, Mark Contreras, or Tim Beckham. BTV has a trade where the Twins receive Brent Rooker for Kepler, Farmer, and Thielbar. Now there is a deal someone thought of and it was accepted too. Are you in?

Max Kepler is needed in the outfield and if the Twins still have Byron Buxton around on April 1, he is the centerfielder. There are plenty of guys to fill: Willi Castro and Austin Martin to begin. They also have a glove guy in AAA, Kiersey Jr. Unless the Twins are going to sign Cody Bellinger or return Michael A. Taylor, centerfield is set.

[JD-TWINS]

On 12/28/2023 at 11:25 PM, Brandon said:

This is what I dont get, if Castro is good enough defensively at CF, why do we need another CF backup.  Castro had a .750 OPS and stole 33 bases.  Gordon then Kepler on the bench/ backup should be more then enough.

Completely agree on Castro in CF……he also switch hits & has a great arm! No reason to expect some 30 point regression in his batting average as is speculated on here often.

Many here describe him as being needed as a “super utility” guy as he seemed to be in ‘23.

Changes after 4/1/23…….Lewis is healthy and solid at 3rd…….Julien was an idea & Polanco was hurt - now Polanco should be traded & Juilen should man 2B with Farmer as THE principal depth at all 3 glove spots in the infield………..Wallner was a potential guy at some point - now he’s the everyday LF……..Lee is coming mid-summer.

We need Castro in the OUTFIELD & he’s capable to play CF daily. I see him starting 80 plus games there ……Buxton maybe 35-40 games there ………..Martin or maybe Gordon taking the other 45-50 starts. Just don’t see a problem outside of Castro getting hurt.

If he starts 1/2 the games in CF we have problem solved and it still leaves plenty of games for Rocco to manipulate the line-up & use his speed and defensive flexibility as he sees fit.

[Rosterman]

Let's give Martin the opportunity!

[Riverbrian]

20 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Dwight Evans - Roberto Clemente - Reggie Smith - Tom Brunansky - Tony Oliva…….don’t recall any of these guys shifting to CF at age 30 either.

Steak & Walleye & plugging a hole in CF with a near Gold Glove right fielder???

The Twins - Baldelli, love his defense in RF. Do they wish he could flex to CF in a pinch? Sure. They have 4 other options rostered now going into Spring Training. No reason to hate on a guy for wanting to continue to play a position he’s comfortable with and has had exceptional success playing.

CC isn’t moving to 3B or 2B for Brooks Lee anytime soon.

I'm not hating on anyone because I don't know if Kepler has given an absolute of if he is simply expressing a preference and that was my point. 

Bottom Line... If the Twins need Kepler to shift to CF in a pinch. Then Kepler needs to shift to CF in a pinch. 

We have no idea where it's going to pinch in 2024.