Twins 4, Orioles 7: Birds' Bats Buzz Against Varland

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

9 hours ago, darwin22 said:

Only 15 games in so I really hate to push the panic button, but this team as presently constructed and performing is staring at a 90 losses.

For those that are supporters of Falvey and the front office---what moves did they make in the off season that are paying off?  I can't think of anything. 

Santana has been a complete bust.  Topa hurt & unavailable.  DeSclafini out for the season. Margot not producing much of anything also.

Vazquez is a complete fail as a hitter.  Stuck with him this year and next as NO TEAM will take on his contract.

Although Buxton has been healthy--so far, the loss of Lewis and Correa has resulted in zero if any pop in this lineup.

Can't argue with those pushing for a Varland demotion.  Wallner needs to join him.

 

 

Their hands were tied so they had hit to it right with dumpster diving. And they failed miserably, or at least it seems that way.

To me, the biggest culprit remains Popkins. Yes, the lineup isn't the 1927 Yankees. But you have guys that are approaching 200 points below their career batting average. How many 3 pitch - strikeout looking ABs have there been - a lot. There is no plan of attack. No adjustments are made. Julien, Lewis, and Wallner last year came up to the big club and immediately contributed and looked comfortable. Julien and Wallner are regressing although the former is starting to show signs of life. Lewis is just talented enough to overcome whatever it is Popkins and Co. are teaching. This year, Martin looks steadier and more competent than Buxton and Santana. That should never happen. This roster, as constructed, should not be this anemic at the plate. Until they make a change in the dugout, and it doesn't have to be Rocco, this season is a lost cause.

[Swing Batter-Batter]

9 hours ago, darwin22 said:

Only 15 games in so I really hate to push the panic button, but this team as presently constructed and performing is staring at a 90 losses.

For those that are supporters of Falvey and the front office---what moves did they make in the off season that are paying off?  I can't think of anything. 

Santana has been a complete bust.  Topa hurt & unavailable.  DeSclafini out for the season. Margot not producing much of anything also.

Vazquez is a complete fail as a hitter.  Stuck with him this year and next as NO TEAM will take on his contract.

Although Buxton has been healthy--so far, the loss of Lewis and Correa has resulted in zero if any pop in this lineup.

Can't argue with those pushing for a Varland demotion.  Wallner needs to join him.

 

 

I agree. The two hometown boys are not looking very good. Varland is not a starter and Wallner does not belong on  the major league squad........at least not right now.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Divisions can and have been lost in April.

Detroit's meh. Kansas City isn't going to run away and hide. Cleveland - they could potentially bury the Twins. They have somehow still have the pitching even with trades and injuries and their line-up has Kwan, Ramirez, Gimenez and J.Naylor - any of those would instantly be the Twins best hitter with Correa and Lewis out.

I keep repeating it but this year is starting too similarly to 2021.

[rv78]

8 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

One more thought - question.  Farmer 071 bats fourth??????????????????????

That's a Rocco move for ya. 

[Old Twins Cap]

It seems like the rising teams in MLB are the young ones, Baltimore, Cleveland, KC, Detroit, Cincy,

The young hitters are showing pop and the old guys, or even late 20's veterans are dragging rosters down.

Twins need the young talent to excel, Julien, Jeffers, Miranda, Lewis, Kiriloff.  Oh wait, that's their core right now.

 

[rv78]

1 hour ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

I was watching the Baltimore broadcast, and their announcers said the Twins have now pinched hit for their lead off hitter and their cleanup hitter you don't see that very often and the other guy said, not sure I have every seen that without an injury. Some people just don't understand the brilliance of the Twins.

That's Rocco for ya.

[Old Crow]

43 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

But Vazquez hit the ball hard, so doesn't count as being bad. /s

But to be fair only Jeffers and Mirnada seemed competent on the whole team (young and old) 

I think a few of the Twins hitters might want to take a peak in the other dugout to watch professional hitters that don't sell out every pitch and at bat for the long ball. Watching Westburg and Rutschman last night was a absolute joy on how hitting is supposed to be done. I will also give Jeffers credit the last few games looks like he really has cut down on the over the top swing for the fence mentality and Miranda's single on the change up he was kind of fooled by was one heck of an at bat.

But our crack trio of batting coaches have taught our hitters the proper launch angle.  One can only hope they dont mess with Lewis's mind when he returns.

[MABB1959]

Looking at yesterday's box score makes me think this team will will be at the bottom or close to this season.

• Margot over Kiriloff?
• Buxton needs to contribute way more
• About half of the line-up (Farmer, Castro, Santana, Vasquez and Wallner) do NOT belong in the MLB.

Yikes!

[Doctor Gast]

10 hours ago, IaBeanCounter said:

I think the biggest difference in the was the first inning. .Mullins makes a great catch   to rob the Twins of at least one run and Julien makes an error that gives Os 2 runs.  This is 2 games that the Twins defense has given away.

 

Coming against the next AL powerhouse. Last night we fielded the worst INF. definitely far from MLB level. 

As I stated from the beginning, Santana was a waste of money & a roadblock of playing time for Miranda, Kiriloff & Julien to play 1B. 

Miranda had a great night, too bad he didn't have more help.

IMO we'd be a better team if we bring up SWR & have Varland in long relief.

[Peter]

Not worried yet. Get our team at full health!!! Hope to win at least 1 against Baltimore/take series with Detroit. Definitely need to beat white sox! If not then it’s time to worry. 

[Mark G]

2 hours ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

The piling on Varland is kind of weird IMO. he pitched 94 pitches which is generally more than all the other pitchers go (besides Lopez) and that should be in the pen? He gave up two earned runs in 5 innings and only 6 base runners. Yes even after the error in the first he could have gotten out of the inning with no runs, but hits do happen (I mean for other team not the Twins /s)

IMO this game should help him stay in the rotation not hurt him Remember the Twins pitchers don't get to face the Twins hitters but when they did today they dominated (Hays and Holliday.

I have always cheered for Wallner and hoped like heck he was going to turn out (and maybe he can) but he is so lost right now it seems like the only way he isn't going to strikeout is if the pitcher hits him with a pitch. He needs to go down and regroup or come up with an injury where he can rehab in Florida and get this straighten out. I felt bad for him coming to the plate against Kimbrel knowing he probably wouldn't even be able to foul a ball off.

"The piling on Varland is kind of weird IMO. he pitched 94 pitches which is generally more than all the other pitchers go (besides Lopez) and that should be in the pen? He gave up two earned runs in 5 innings and only 6 base runners".

I am not sure what game you were watching, but in the game that I watched he gave up 6 runs (4 earned) and 11 hits in 5 innings.  Not sure how they got 6 runs and 11 hits and only had 6 base runners; but then, I didn't see the same game you did.  😉  (just teasin ya.....I didn't want this to come out sounding mean)

[joefish]

13 hours ago, mnfireman said:

Time for Varland to take an extended vacation in St. Paul.

Probably a spot in the bullpen first.

[GNess]

Perspective: Yes, the Twins start is rather disappointing given the expectations for this team. But less than 10% of the season has taken place, Three every day position players (Correa, Lewis, Kepler) have missed big chunks of the schedule to date. Giving up on the team on April 16 is premature to say the least...

[joefish]

Vasquez is not a dh threat. .140ba?

Pretty weak. 

[bean5302]

3 hours ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

The piling on Varland is kind of weird IMO. he pitched 94 pitches which is generally more than all the other pitchers go (besides Lopez) and that should be in the pen? He gave up two earned runs in 5 innings and only 6 base runners. Yes even after the error in the first he could have gotten out of the inning with no runs, but hits do happen (I mean for other team not the Twins /s)

IMO this game should help him stay in the rotation not hurt him Remember the Twins pitchers don't get to face the Twins hitters but when they did today they dominated (Hays and Holliday.

I have always cheered for Wallner and hoped like heck he was going to turn out (and maybe he can) but he is so lost right now it seems like the only way he isn't going to strikeout is if the pitcher hits him with a pitch. He needs to go down and regroup or come up with an injury where he can rehab in Florida and get this straighten out. I felt bad for him coming to the plate against Kimbrel knowing he probably wouldn't even be able to foul a ball off.

Bolded numbers are not even emergency depth MLB caliber.
4/15 - 7.20 ERA, 6.02 FIP, 2.82 xFIP, Exit Velo 96.2, 2.20 WHIP, 22.2% K, 0.0% BB
4/9 - 10.80 ERA, 7.82 FIP, 3.77 xFIP, Exit Velo 90.6, 2.00 WHIP, 25.0% K, 12.5% BB
4/2 - 6.75 ERA, 6.72 FIP, 4.19 xFIP, Exit Velo 86.9, 2.00 WHIP, 19.0% K, 9.5% BB
Some general guidelines:
Upper rotation, Exit Velo 0.0-87.9mph, 0.00-1.10 WHIP, 26.0%+ K, 0.0-6.0% BB
Middle rotation, Exit Velo 88.0-89.9mph, 1.11-1.25 WHIP, 20.0%-25.9% K, 6.1%-8.9% BB
Back end rotation, Exit Velo 90.0-90.9mph, 1.26-1.35 WHIP, 18.0%-19.9% K, 9.0%-10.5% BB
AAAA/Emergency, Exit Velo 91.0-92.9mph, 1.36-1.50 WHIP, 0.0%-17.9% K, 10.6%+ BB

Varland has given up a lot of big hits, and he's had real issues with issuing free passes. When he limited the free passes against Baltimore, they destroyed him. He is clearly not looking like an MLB caliber rotation arm. Not even for a depth option.

[Mark G]

1 hour ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

I have been a Rocco defender, and I like his RP approach where he matches up the his best relief pitchers against their best hitters in the later innings, but I do not like his stringent approach to lefty-righty match ups.  Santana has not been hitting well this season, but Rocco many times has AK, their best hitter this season, on the bench when they desperately need offense.  I'd request that Rocco adjust to use the hot-hand on occasion vs the strict lefty-righty approach all the time.

 "I'd request that Rocco adjust to use the hot-hand on occasion vs the strict lefty-righty approach all the time."

You need to go right to the source and ask the horse (you need to ask the computer).  It will give you the answer that you endorse...........seriously, you would have better luck asking Mr. Ed.  🤭

[Blyleven2011]

2 hours ago, GNess said:

Perspective: Yes, the Twins start is rather disappointing given the expectations for this team. But less than 10% of the season has taken place, Three every day position players (Correa, Lewis, Kepler) have missed big chunks of the schedule to date. Giving up on the team on April 16 is premature to say the least...

Twins play 162 games and I'm there rooting for them every game ...

I never give up , but this team has only improved the bullpen   , starting pitching and lineup  is not playoff caliber in 2024  , that is where I'm giving up ...

[Blyleven2011]

5 hours ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Their hands were tied so they had hit to it right with dumpster diving. And they failed miserably, or at least it seems that way.

To me, the biggest culprit remains Popkins. Yes, the lineup isn't the 1927 Yankees. But you have guys that are approaching 200 points below their career batting average. How many 3 pitch - strikeout looking ABs have there been - a lot. There is no plan of attack. No adjustments are made. Julien, Lewis, and Wallner last year came up to the big club and immediately contributed and looked comfortable. Julien and Wallner are regressing although the former is starting to show signs of life. Lewis is just talented enough to overcome whatever it is Popkins and Co. are teaching. This year, Martin looks steadier and more competent than Buxton and Santana. That should never happen. This roster, as constructed, should not be this anemic at the plate. Until they make a change in the dugout, and it doesn't have to be Rocco, this season is a lost cause.

I agree a change in the dugout needs to be addressed , someone needs to be held accountable for the lack of preparations in spring training , hitting approach ,  fundamentals  , throwing to the wrong base or just missing  cutoff man ( Buxton  of all people did this last night  , unacceptable for a veteran  ) and just sloppy baseball ... 

This year we are expected to win the division  and the pressure seems to much for players , coaches and manager ....

Someone needs to be accountable  but the owners don't listen to you or I , or so it appears even care that we are off to a bad start  , if I was the owner and because we were considered contenders before spring training , I would be embarrassed  and demand that someone take accountability  , even with the injuries we still have a roster that should be capable of winning some series or at least watchable baseball ( are we turning out to be the white sox)....

 

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

4 minutes ago, Blyleven2011 said:

I agree a change in the dugout needs to be addressed , someone needs to be held accountable for the lack of preparations in spring training , hitting approach ,  fundamentals  , throwing to the wrong base or just missing  cutoff man ( Buxton  of all people did this last night  , unacceptable for a veteran  ) and just sloppy baseball ... 

This year we are expected to win the division  and the pressure seems to much for players , coaches and manager ....

Someone needs to be accountable  but the owners don't listen to you or I , or so it appears even care that we are off to a bad start  , if I was the owner and because we were considered contenders before spring training , I would be embarrassed  and demand that someone take accountability  , even with the injuries we still have a roster that should be capable of winning some series or at least watchable baseball ( are we turning out to be the white sox)....

 

Rocco is hard to get a read on. As a player, he was so scrappy and intense. As a manager, he does seem to get fired up but it is usually directed to no one in particular. I don't think he holds anyone accountable and that's why mistakes, as you pointed out, are an on-going theme. Farmer's a good teammate and supposed to be a leader. The mistake he made against Detroit - it happens - but I wouldn't have played him last night. Even if it is a subtle message to everyone else, it is still at least a message. 

The other problem is there's no leadership on this team outside of Correa. If you have a manager like Rocco, you need players to police themselves and hold each other accountable. Where's that coming from? It's not Buxton. It's not Kepler, Vazquez or Farmer. The rest of the roster is too young or just a non-entity a la Santana or Margot.

The front office seems to love Rocco and I often wonder if he has the final say on his coaches. If he does have a green light to dump Popkins - and hasn't - that's all I need to know and Rocco might be looking for work before long.

 

[Mark G]

1 hour ago, Blyleven2011 said:

I agree a change in the dugout needs to be addressed , someone needs to be held accountable for the lack of preparations in spring training , hitting approach ,  fundamentals  , throwing to the wrong base or just missing  cutoff man ( Buxton  of all people did this last night  , unacceptable for a veteran  ) and just sloppy baseball ... 

This year we are expected to win the division  and the pressure seems to much for players , coaches and manager ....

Someone needs to be accountable  but the owners don't listen to you or I , or so it appears even care that we are off to a bad start  , if I was the owner and because we were considered contenders before spring training , I would be embarrassed  and demand that someone take accountability  , even with the injuries we still have a roster that should be capable of winning some series or at least watchable baseball ( are we turning out to be the white sox)....

 

 ( are we turning out to be the white sox)....

We are about to find out in the next two weeks.  🙄