Is It Time for the Minnesota Twins to Reassess the Amount of Platooning They Do?

[Cody Christie]

Rocco Baldelli has consistently used platooning throughout his time as Twins manager. Is it time for the team to reassess the amount of platooning they do?

Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

 

As the Minnesota Twins head into the 2025 season, the team faces critical decisions about its roster construction and game-day strategies. Platooning has been a cornerstone of Rocco Baldelli’s managerial approach. However, with the departures of Kyle Farmer, Carlos Santana, and Max Kepler in free agency, the team’s personnel may demand a reassessment of this strategy. During the Winter Meetings, Derek Falvey offered insight into the organization’s perspective on platooning:

Quote

“I think it depends on the personnel,” Falvey said. “I think some guys actually kind of like it. They’re used to that, and they get into that mode, and they just want to face left-handed pitching or right-handed pitching. It’s probably more of a conversation for Rocco, because despite what others think from time to time, we don’t have a Bat Phone to the dugout. He makes those calls. It’s up to Rocco to navigate that with the players. We talk about it in general, but I promise you—and I will stay on record for this forever and ever—I never tell him the lineup, and I never tell him how to use certain guys in-game. That’s his domain.”

With that in mind, let’s dive into the pros and cons of platooning and how it could shape the Twins’ success in the upcoming season.

The Pros of Platooning
1. Maximizing Matchups: Platooning allows managers to exploit favorable matchups by using hitters who excel against specific handedness. For example, Kyle Farmer thrived against left-handed pitching, providing balance in the lineup. His .751 OPS versus lefties last season was over 200 points higher than he hit against righties. Farmer’s role will likely be filled by an internal option for next season, so Baldelli must find the best right-handed fit. By leveraging these strengths, the Twins could optimize offensive production without requiring every player to be a five-tool contributor.

2. Managing Player Workloads: The grind of a 162-game season takes its toll, especially on veteran players. Platooning offers built-in rest days for players, keeping them fresh and reducing injury risk. Players like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton bring immense value to the Twins, but injuries have sidelined them for parts of the last two seasons. Veteran players need rest days to avoid extended IL trips, and sitting the team’s stars against tough right-handed pitchers could help them manage their workload. 

3. Building Depth: Platooning necessitates a deep bench of versatile players, which can strengthen a team throughout the season. Players like Willi Castro and Austin Martin, who offer positional flexibility, could thrive in a system designed around platooning. The Twins also have Triple-A players, like Michael Helman and DaShawn Kiersey Jr., who will be trying to earn more permanent roles at the big-league level. These options also provide insurance against injuries or slumps.

The Cons of Platooning
1. Inconsistent Roles: While some players adapt well to platooning, others struggle with inconsistent playing time. Younger players, in particular, may find it challenging to develop rhythm and confidence if they’re not playing every day. Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach are projected to be the team’s corner outfielders and can serve as the strong side of the platoon with their powerful left-handed swings. Last season, Wallner had a .611 OPS versus lefties, while Larnach finished with a .579 OPS. There could be some concern that platooning could hinder their development as they play more regularly at the big-league level. 

2. Limited Roster Spots: Carrying a platoon-heavy roster can constrain roster flexibility. The need for multiple players at the same position limits the ability to carry extra pitchers or specialists. For multiple years, the Twins have seemed to need a right-handed hitting corner outfielder to platoon with the team’s young lefty sluggers. However, that hasn’t been a priority for the front office. With MLB’s 13-pitcher roster cap, every bench spot is valuable. 

3. Vulnerability to Opponent Adjustments: Savvy opposing managers can exploit a platooning strategy by deploying reverse split pitchers or making mid-game adjustments. Teams have used an opener to get the opposing manager to load his lineup with one-handedness of batters before removing the starter after one or two innings. This strategy can force the manager to burn his bench before the middle innings. If the Twins rely too heavily on platooning, they risk being outmaneuvered late in games when matchup options become limited.

What’s Next for the Twins?
With Farmer, Santana, and Kepler gone, the Twins must reassess how they deploy their roster. Larnach and Wallner are penciled in as corner outfield starters, but both hit left-handed, creating a potential need for a right-handed complement. Randal Grichuk, who posted a .914 OPS against lefties in 2024, could be an ideal fit or the team could target another right-handed hitting outfielder. In the infield, Castro, Martin, and Helman’s versatility might provide the flexibility required for match-up-based usage.

Ultimately, the success of platooning depends on the personnel available and the willingness of players to buy into the system. Falvey’s comments clarify that these decisions fall squarely on Baldelli’s shoulders. As the Twins look to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season, finding the right balance between platooning and stability could be a key factor in their return to contention.

Platooning has its merits, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. As Falvey noted, “It depends on the personnel.” For the Twins, the departure of key veterans means the team must carefully evaluate whether a platoon-heavy approach aligns with their 2025 roster. With young players eager for opportunities and veterans seeking consistent roles, Baldelli’s ability to navigate these dynamics will be crucial to the team’s success.

Should the Twins reassess how much they platoon? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[Riverbrian]

This may shock some of you. 

However... The answer to the question posed in the title. 

In my opinion is... YES! 

[Cory Engelhardt]

I think it does depend on personnel mostly. Lots of moves to still be made this offseason. Is Castro back? What role does Austin Martin play? Who is their 1B? Who is their right handed hitting outfielder they add?

The moves they do make will answer some of the questions. That said, IF Lewis and Lee and Correa and Buxton are healthy, when they are on the field I don't see any of them having a regular platoon. Everyone else, it depends on the matchups to a certain extent and who they have on the roster.

[Riverbrian]

The quote from Falvey suggests rather unequivocally that Rocco is the one responsible for the amount of platooning being done by suggesting that Rocco makes out the lineup card. 

OK... I'll believe that. Most front offices make similar statements in similar regards concerning the manager and the lineup card.  

However... it does lead to a another rather important question.

Did Rocco trade for Margot enabling Rocco to platoon more than any of the other 29 baseball teams. At the very least did Rocco encourage the front office to trade for Margot? 

I understand that the daily lineup card is Rocco's decision.

However... is it also safe to assume that we have some coordination between the front office and the manager to supply the players necessary for this sort of thing?

Chicken or Egg... Did the front office provide players that require Rocco to manage in this fashion or did Rocco's managing require the front office to provide these players.        

[Linus]

3 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

The quote from Falvey suggests rather unequivocally that Rocco is the one responsible for the amount of platooning being done by suggesting that Rocco makes out the lineup card. 

OK... I'll believe that. Most front offices make similar statements in similar regards concerning the manager and the lineup card.  

However... it does lead to a another rather important question.

Did Rocco trade for Margot enabling Rocco to platoon more than any of the other 29 baseball teams. At the very least did Rocco encourage the front office to trade for Margot? 

I understand that the daily lineup card is Rocco's decision.

However... is it also safe to assume that we have some coordination between the front office and the manager to supply the players necessary for this sort of thing?

Chicken or Egg... Did the front office provide players that require Rocco to manage in this fashion or did Rocco's managing require the front office to provide these players.        

This. Anybody that thinks this is all Rocco’s idea is mistaken. Falvey is being disingenuous when he says things like that because the analytics department creates volumes of information for Rocco suggesting the best matchups lineups etc.  Sure Rocco makes out the lineup and makes the in game decisions but if he wasn’t doing what the FO he wouldn’t be around. 

[LambchoP]

It makes sense to occasionally play the matchups and platoon, but when it's taken to the extreme like with Rocco there is just too much downside. The opposing team can pretty much count on Rocco making these moves game after game, which makes it pretty easy to counter with moves of their own. Also, burning our bench by the fourth inning could be a big hindrance in the late innings when a big situation comes up. I also think a lot of these younger hitters especially need to learn to hit same handed pitchers. How will they know they can or can't do it if they never get the chance? Larnach showed her could do pretty well against lefties. Give him the opportunity and anything can happen. 

[Riverbrian]

24 minutes ago, Cody Christie said:

1. Maximizing Matchups: Platooning allows managers to exploit favorable matchups by using hitters who excel against specific handedness. For example, Kyle Farmer thrived against left-handed pitching, providing balance in the lineup. His .751 OPS versus lefties last season was over 200 points higher than he hit against righties. Farmer’s role will likely be filled by an internal option for next season, so Baldelli must find the best right-handed fit. By leveraging these strengths, the Twins could optimize offensive production without requiring every player to be a five-tool contributor.

I am not anti-platoon. I am anti-platoon to the degree that we do it. Really Really Anti-Platoon to the degree that we do it. 

On paper it makes perfect sense for Kyle Farmer to replace Julien against left handed pitching. A .751 OPS is decent... It's above average.  

However... what is gained if Kyle Farmer has more AB's vs Right Handed pitching. Any potential gains from the platoon utilization is erased when Farmer faces more right handed pitching.   

[Riverbrian]

35 minutes ago, Cody Christie said:

Managing Player Workloads: The grind of a 162-game season takes its toll, especially on veteran players. Platooning offers built-in rest days for players, keeping them fresh and reducing injury risk. Players like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton bring immense value to the Twins, but injuries have sidelined them for parts of the last two seasons. Veteran players need rest days to avoid extended IL trips, and sitting the team’s stars against tough right-handed pitchers could help them manage their workload. 

I'm ok with the managing of player workloads. Because of the frequent injuries that occur and occur every single year. I'm all for the utilization of all 13 players on the 26 man roster. Not because I think the managing of workloads prevent injuries but because the utilization of all 13 players PREPARES the players that you will need to step up when injuries occur... and the injuries will occur. 

However, You don't need to set up platoons in order to manage workloads. Just manage workloads. Simple enough.  

The players you list Correa and Buxton are not part of this platoon world. They are the reason that platooning comes back to bite you. The consistent injury frequency of Correa, Buxton and let's add Lewis to that group guarantees you that Farmer and Margot are going to end up facing more right handed pitching.

Platoons don't prepare you for these injuries. Platoons prepare players to platoon. They prepare right handed hitters to face left handed hitters. They prepare left handed hitters to face right handed pitchers. When the injuries come and they will come... you are forced to turn to the right handed hitter to face right handed pitching because the entire roster is carved into these niche deployments. When Buxton goes down? Who takes over. I don't know who that will be but all you have to choose from are those guys you have been keeping away from right handers or the guys you have been keeping from left handers because your entire roster has been carved up to serve the platoon to maximum utilization. The Twins won't have a player who can face both hands ready to go. 

You have no choice because you have committed every single last drop of your roster to execution of this strategy. 2 Catchers, 5 players who play every day. 3 left handed hitters who you only want to face right handers and 3 right handed bats who you only want to face left handers. 

Injuries are real bad reason to justify platooning. 

[chpettit19]

Falvey realizes he's the one who provides the personnel, right? It's all well and good to say it's all on Rocco how he uses the players in game, but when you hand him Margot, Farmer, Garlick, Luplow, and Santana who all have massive platoon splits favoring facing lefties what do you think Rocco (or any manager) is going to do with them? 

I hope nobody actually believes Falvey has a direct line to the dugout to dictate in game moves or is forcing lineup decisions, but talking with Rocco about player usage in general is a big thing. That entire statement is a bunch of nothing. He puts it on Rocco while saying it's about personnel that he acquires and also saying they talk about the strategies in general. They're all on the same page and this is how they all want the team to be run and managed. You don't acquire clear platoon bats and watch your manager use them the way they should clearly be used and then defend your manager when your fanbase is calling for his head if you don't think this is the right way to do things. The FO and manager are all on the same page.

As for the platooning itself, I think anyone who's on these threads regularly knows my stance. I hate it. Think it's the worst strategy they deploy. Worst part of their team building. Worst part of Rocco's in game strategy. Am legitimately concerned they will attempt to turn Rodriguez and Jenkins into platoon bats no matter how they perform just like they've done with Wallner despite his dominance of lefthanded pitching in the upper minors. Falvey may believe it's about personnel and that not every lefty has to be platooned, but he's never given Rocco a chance to test that theory unless injuries have forced it and I don't think he ever will/would over an offseason unless the budget forces it. I think their belief in platooning is a core belief in a way to win on the margins. I think they think they can matchup their way to better offensive numbers and I think it's actually done the opposite. Over and over and over because they seem to ignore the fact that injuries happen every year. To every team. And the other team gets to make pitching changes more than once a game. I hate it. Now I'm cranky. Stop the platooning madness! Free Wallner!

[thelanges5]

There is certainly a time and place for platooning. I agree with some of the other posters that we seem to do it more than any other team. We do it too early in my opinion and sometimes lose a good lefty bat in the fifth or sixth inning when that bat will come up again. We also don’t seem to look at all of the data such as reverse splits. Manaea is a good example of this where he is worse against lefties, but we will go to the Al alrighty lineup against him.  

[Riverbrian]

2 hours ago, Cody Christie said:

3. Building Depth: Platooning necessitates a deep bench of versatile players, which can strengthen a team throughout the season. Players like Willi Castro and Austin Martin, who offer positional flexibility, could thrive in a system designed around platooning. The Twins also have Triple-A players, like Michael Helman and DaShawn Kiersey Jr., who will be trying to earn more permanent roles at the big-league level. These options also provide insurance against injuries or slumps.

It does the exact opposite. Other than Willi Castro who is a switch hitter and therefore the player who led the team in AB's because of versatility in the field and his non-platooning. There is such thing as "thriving" for the players you list as benefactors of the platoon system. They may get roster spots as a result but no thriving. 

Let's look at the names you list

Austin Martin just facing left handed hitting does nothing for Austin Martin. It gives him a roster spot. Eventually, someone gets hurt and now Martin has to face right handers. If Martin could hit right handers, there would be no reason to limit him to left handed hitting. The Platoon only hurts Martin and makes him a development failure.  

Michael Helman: It gives him a roster spot and keeps the team from giving someone better that roster spot. Of course... the giving someone better the roster spot comment assumes that Helman isn't that good to begin with. Is he or isn't he... We won't know. He's just there because you failed to develop Wallner or Larnach beyond the point that they require someone like Helman to be attached to them. This year and every year after that. 

DaShawn Keirsay: This guy is going to be punished beyond recognition. There is no thriving for him... just a big huge unscalable wall. You can only protect 3 left handed hitters. If you have Wallner and Larnach occupying two of the three spots how do you find a spot for Keirsay? He can only wait for an injury to either Wallner or Larnach for a call up. Keirsay isn't eligible to be called up if Buxton gets hurt because he would bring the number of left handers on the roster beyond what they can protect. This is important to understand so I'll repeat it and bold it. If Buxton gets hurt... Keirsay isn't eligible to be called up because he would bring the number of left handed hitters on the roster beyond what they can protect.

If Keirsay gets a roster spot with Wallner and Larnach also hanging around. One of them will now have to... all of a sudden... move into a full time role which means... all of a sudden... they have to face left handers because you have too many on the roster and you can't protect them all. The extreme platooning that we do... limits the number of left handers that we can roster to 3. If you go to 4 left handers... one of them must face left handed hitting. The platooning that we do... KILLS Keirsay. 

OK... That's Great... Keirsay added to the Roster.  Wallner can face left handers now... I've been asking for this. WALLNER won't be prepared for this. We have spent two years hiding him from this. Wallner has been developed to guarantee that he needs a handcuff at all times. But... Hey... now we need him. And this is going to happen in September with the playoffs on the line. Go face Framber now Matt. I know we didn't trust you to face him for 4 years but we need you now.        

[IndianaTwin]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

This may shock some of you. 

However... The answer to the question posed in the title. 

In my opinion is... YES! 

But, but, but... Betteridge.*

*That is you that is always citing him, right? 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

This team regularly prioritizes positional flexibility over offensive capabilities.  They go after cheaper players that are "flawed".  A big reason why they are cheaper tends to be the splits.  They are not true every day players.  Many of the youngers coming up show the same flaws.

I believe there are times Rocco over-manages the platooning.  He places greater emphasis on AB in innings 4-6 knowing it will kick him in innings 7-9.  I don't always like it, but for the most part I do understand why he does what he does.

Platoons need to be constantly re-evaluated.  Players adjust.  Matchups and pitch-types vary from day to day.  Sometimes opportunities need to be given.  

[IndianaTwin]

4 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

The quote from Falvey suggests rather unequivocally that Rocco is the one responsible for the amount of platooning being done by suggesting that Rocco makes out the lineup card. 

OK... I'll believe that. Most front offices make similar statements in similar regards concerning the manager and the lineup card.  

However... it does lead to a another rather important question.

Did Rocco trade for Margot enabling Rocco to platoon more than any of the other 29 baseball teams. At the very least did Rocco encourage the front office to trade for Margot? 

I understand that the daily lineup card is Rocco's decision.

However... is it also safe to assume that we have some coordination between the front office and the manager to supply the players necessary for this sort of thing?

Chicken or Egg... Did the front office provide players that require Rocco to manage in this fashion or did Rocco's managing require the front office to provide these players.        

I enjoyed being able to attend the SABR convention in Minneapolis this summer, and one of the highlights was a panel discussion that included Falvey. He talked a fair amount about lineup construction, his relationship with Rocco and how they work together. He talked about how they talk (at least) daily during the season, including very soon after each game. They talk about how the game went, strategic decisions and lots of other stuff. It was actually pretty interesting, and I mean that in a positive way. 

I don't remember that he talked as much about Rocco's input into roster construction, but I assume it's a both/and. They talk regularly (daily) about lineup construction, and Falvey is offering his input, but the buck stops with Rocco in making the final decision in making out the lineup card. I'm sure they are also talking regularly (likely also daily) about roster construction (or at least it's a backdrop to their lineup conversations), with Rocco offering his input, but the buck stops with Falvey in making the roster moves. 

And frankly, I think that's the way it ought to be. I'd much rather they be on the same page than differing, with Rocco using guys against Falvey's wishes and Falvey providing Rocco with players that don't fit Rocco's managing style and Falvey meddling with lineup decisions. That would be a disaster. 

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

The quote from Falvey suggests rather unequivocally that Rocco is the one responsible for the amount of platooning being done by suggesting that Rocco makes out the lineup card. 

OK... I'll believe that. Most front offices make similar statements in similar regards concerning the manager and the lineup card.  

However... it does lead to a another rather important question.

Did Rocco trade for Margot enabling Rocco to platoon more than any of the other 29 baseball teams. At the very least did Rocco encourage the front office to trade for Margot? 

I understand that the daily lineup card is Rocco's decision.

However... is it also safe to assume that we have some coordination between the front office and the manager to supply the players necessary for this sort of thing?

Chicken or Egg... Did the front office provide players that require Rocco to manage in this fashion or did Rocco's managing require the front office to provide these players.        

Isn't that the old drug dealer trick? Favley left a baggy of Margot on the coffee table knowing Baldelli would be too tempted to resist? C'mon Rocco, you know you want a taste.....

[tarheeltwinsfan]

50 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Falvey realizes he's the one who provides the personnel, right? It's all well and good to say it's all on Rocco how he uses the players in game, but when you hand him Margot, Farmer, Garlick, Luplow, and Santana who all have massive platoon splits favoring facing lefties what do you think Rocco (or any manager) is going to do with them? 

I hope nobody actually believes Falvey has a direct line to the dugout to dictate in game moves or is forcing lineup decisions, but talking with Rocco about player usage in general is a big thing. That entire statement is a bunch of nothing. He puts it on Rocco while saying it's about personnel that he acquires and also saying they talk about the strategies in general. They're all on the same page and this is how they all want the team to be run and managed. You don't acquire clear platoon bats and watch your manager use them the way they should clearly be used and then defend your manager when your fanbase is calling for his head if you don't think this is the right way to do things. The FO and manager are all on the same page.

As for the platooning itself, I think anyone who's on these threads regularly knows my stance. I hate it. Think it's the worst strategy they deploy. Worst part of their team building. Worst part of Rocco's in game strategy. Am legitimately concerned they will attempt to turn Rodriguez and Jenkins into platoon bats no matter how they perform just like they've done with Wallner despite his dominance of lefthanded pitching in the upper minors. Falvey may believe it's about personnel and that not every lefty has to be platooned, but he's never given Rocco a chance to test that theory unless injuries have forced it and I don't think he ever will/would over an offseason unless the budget forces it. I think their belief in platooning is a core belief in a way to win on the margins. I think they think they can matchup their way to better offensive numbers and I think it's actually done the opposite. Over and over and over because they seem to ignore the fact that injuries happen every year. To every team. And the other team gets to make pitching changes more than once a game. I hate it. Now I'm cranky. Stop the platooning madness! Free Wallner!

I agree 100 per cent. It is my belief the Twins' flawed platooning, and lack of fundamental situational hitting (advance the runner by sacrificing and/or hitting behind the runner and too many double plays), led to a lack of Twins' late inning offensive rallies.

[CRF]

Whether it's right or wrong...it'll never happen with this FO and manager. 

[Riverbrian]

2 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

But, but, but... Betteridge.*

*That is you that is always citing him, right? 

I don't recall citing Betteridge's law of headlines. 

However... I love those TV or Radio ads that start with a question. Are you looking for a fish? Come to Bob's Goldfish Store. I'll say... Nope... Not looking for a fish and I'm done.  

It's probably better to sell the reason that you need a fish instead of settling for the tiny amount of the already converted fish people. 

Anyway... Hooked me with this article. Yes I need a non-platooning fish. 

 

[chpettit19]

18 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

I enjoyed being able to attend the SABR convention this summer, and one of the highlights was a panel discussion that included Falvey. He talked a fair amount about lineup construction, his relationship with Rocco and how they work together. He talked about how they talk (at least) daily during the season, including very soon after each game. They talk about how the game went, strategic decisions and lots of other stuff.

I don't remember that he talked as much about Rocco's input into roster construction, but I assume it's a both/and. They talk regularly (daily) about lineup construction, and Falvey is offering his input, but the buck stops with Rocco in making the final decision in making out the lineup card. I'm sure they are also talking regularly (likely also daily) about roster construction (or at least it's a backdrop to their lineup conversations), with Rocco offering his input, but the buck stops with Falvey in making the roster moves. 

And frankly, I think that's the way it ought to be. I'd much rather they be on the same page than differing, with Rocco using guys against Falvey's wishes and Falvey providing Rocco with players that don't fit Rocco's managing style and Falvey meddling with lineup decisions. That would be a disaster. 

@USAFChief Does this change your opinion about the front office, and Falvey specifically, having any input on lineups or being on the same page as Rocco when it comes to how he manages the team?

Great post, IndianaTwin. The SABR convention is a fun event if you're into that kind of thing. Get some pretty cool inside looks at things and how those in the industry view things and do things. Glad you enjoyed your experience!

[stringer bell]

It isn’t the “protection”, it’s the degree of projection IMHO. It is smart to not start Larnach, Wallner and (2023) Julien against left handed pitchers, It isn’t optimum to take all those guys out in the 3-5th inning because a left handed reliever has entered the game, especially when the alternatives are worse hitters on balance.

If the guys mentioned are going to be better than platoon players they need to be able to handle same-sided pitching and facing middle relievers would be a good way to ease them in.

@Riverbrian has advocated having at least five players who start and stay in the game no matter what hand the pitcher throws with  Let’s hope that progress is made towards that goal in 2025  

I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it here—the Twins’ top two prospects are left handed hitters and turning them into platoon players in their early 20s would be managerial malfeasance. 

[tony&rodney]

When you meet with your boss several times per day and their ideas are clearly communicated to you in detail with examples and various scenarios, you always go back to your post thinking that you make all the final decisions but it was good to talk with someone to see what they think. Right?

One would hope that the team is reassessing any number of factors in how they proceed. We have read repeatedly that the debacle the last weeks of August and September overshadowed that the Twins were among the best teams in baseball. Perhaps the Twins might assess the record versus teams with winning records as opposed to their performance against teams like the White Sox. Al the games count. This is true. Do the Twins make plans to go 23-3 versus CHW, LAA, and SACA's in this coming year to balance their expectations of an 0-15 record against NYY, BAL, and ATL? 

So yes, I'm hoping there are conversations and a reassessment of the roster, team, strategies, and plans for 2025 in hopes of some improvement on the field if not necessarily in the won-loss column.

[Schmoeman5]

I'm surprised more haven't jumped on the Falvey quote. I'm pretty sure Rocco didn't go in his office and say, hey Derek. I need Margot. 

[mikelink45]

In the past I watched Casey Stengel use platooning but he knew better than to mess with his really good batters. The good batters learn to hit from both sides if they're given a chance to face enough of the opposite arm. I think we have some players that can adjust. And I would hope we would develop them and not pinch hit in the early innings. That really doesn't rest the player. Putting an inferior player in because of the side they bat from does not improve the team.  

[Riverbrian]

18 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

@Riverbrian has advocated having at least five players who start and stay in the game no matter what hand the pitcher throws with

Good Post String. 

Just for clarity. It isn't so much advocating but saying that you have to have to five players on the roster who must face both hands because the system demands it. The system demands it because you need 6 roster spots to platoon just to commit to this system. Add in two catchers and you are left with 5 that have to face both hands.  

Those 6 roster spots committed also guarantees that you are LOCKED into this system because you can't escape it. If Margot is on the roster so you have someone to face lefties instead of Larnach. When Margot is hurt you have to call up a right handed hitter because Larnach still needs that protection.

Erod getting the call when Margot gets hurt. Well... that can't happen because you are locked in. You must call up a right handed bat to replace Margot or else Larnach runs free.

OK... Let's say you call up Erod anyway... So you have a 4th left hander. And let's say that you allow Erod to face left handers because someone has to. Then Larnach gets hurt. You are still locked into this system so Erod no matter how he is performing against left handers has to drop into the Larnach role because you have Margot on the roster that shouldn't face right handers. 

The system to this degree is lunacy and will kill the franchise in the future.    

[Riverbrian]

2 hours ago, Cody Christie said:

The Cons of Platooning
1. Inconsistent Roles: While some players adapt well to platooning, others struggle with inconsistent playing time. Younger players, in particular, may find it challenging to develop rhythm and confidence if they’re not playing every day. Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach are projected to be the team’s corner outfielders and can serve as the strong side of the platoon with their powerful left-handed swings. Last season, Wallner had a .611 OPS versus lefties, while Larnach finished with a .579 OPS. There could be some concern that platooning could hinder their development as they play more regularly at the big-league level. 

This is a pretty big con. 

We should sit back and think about Wallner and Larnach. Some may not care about Julien but let's throw him in that group and let's ponder the future of all 3. 

Here's the question I have for everyone. What does everyone see Wallner and Larnach doing with the Twins in 2027? Will they still be platooning?

If the answer is no... they won't be platooning in 2027... Then the next question would be... What the hell are we doing with them now and how does it help for the moment they won't be. 

If the answer is yes.... they will still be platooning in 2027? That will mean that 2025, 2026 and 2027 all 3 of them will require a right handed hitter attached to them for all 3 of those years. They have to sign a Margot type for one year and do it again just to fill that role. If they don't sign Margot... then the role will have to be filled from the farm. So now... You got Keaschall from the right side of the plate only facing left handers and this becomes his development. Some young guy important to our future getting bench stains on his butt until he is forced to face the righties due to injury.  

So in 2027... The top prospects coming up to make us competitive in 2027 are a bunch of parts that have been stripped mined and this is huge... Why? Well because we all know that the team can't fill the roster spots in 2027 with Pete Alonso or Anthony Santander. Pete isn't coming. We have to develop Pete and we can't do that because we have limited to them to impossible to EVER become Pete.  

And another point that matters to me... but may not matter to some because it is mainly important to the player only. Larnach becomes a free agent after 2027. He could OPS 1,000 vs Right handed pitching in 207 and Trevor will not be able to fully cash out if he is not allowed to face lefties for the entire time he was under our control.

Teams will be interested but the best he will be able to do is 2 years like Joc Pederson and Joc had to sign a series of 1 year deals before he got that 2 year deal.

If I'm Erod or Walter Jenkins. I'd want out of Minnesota NOW!!!!   

  

[mnfireman]

Platooning players has its place, but not in the 3rd or 4th inning when a team brings in its only lefty reliever to face Wallner and Larnach. Those two are then lost for the rest of the game, and the right-handed pinch hitters have to bat when the game is on the line in the 7th, 8th or 9th innings.

[Riverbrian]

3 hours ago, Cody Christie said:

Limited Roster Spots: Carrying a platoon-heavy roster can constrain roster flexibility. The need for multiple players at the same position limits the ability to carry extra pitchers or specialists. For multiple years, the Twins have seemed to need a right-handed hitting corner outfielder to platoon with the team’s young lefty sluggers. However, that hasn’t been a priority for the front office. With MLB’s 13-pitcher roster cap, every bench spot is valuable. 

YES... A thousand times YES. Buxton, Lewis and Correa have spent enough time on the injured list that any idea that you can get by with just 9 decent ball players is a bad idea. These roster spots are GOLD. Camargo just watching Vazquez OPS .575 is just a waste of a roster spot.

We committed 30 million dollars and bunch of AB"s to players who were below of average last year. Kepler, Margot, Farmer and Vazquez add up to 30 million dollars. You can't just sit back and say Oh Well... It happens. You need players to compete for playing time.

Larnach's locked in utilization doesn't allow for competition for playing time... it requires Larnach to be locked into a role and it requires Margot on the opposite side.

So sub par plays just gets to keep doing what it was doing because Larnach can NEVER be the replacement and Margot is MARGOT.      

[Riverbrian]

3 hours ago, Cody Christie said:

3. Vulnerability to Opponent Adjustments: Savvy opposing managers can exploit a platooning strategy by deploying reverse split pitchers or making mid-game adjustments. Teams have used an opener to get the opposing manager to load his lineup with one-handedness of batters before removing the starter after one or two innings. This strategy can force the manager to burn his bench before the middle innings. If the Twins rely too heavily on platooning, they risk being outmaneuvered late in games when matchup options become limited.

Julien pinch hit for before he even swung a bat because the Giants started with an opener. That's a manager who came from the Rays... the team that invented the opener... getting beat by the opener concept. 

If you want to know when I became as passionate about this subject. That was the moment. 

Yanking out Larnach in 5th inning with plenty of game to play... with so many different scenerios can still happen before the clock runs out... just so you have no choice but to bat Margot against the right handed closer in the 9th with the clock about to run out and the scenerio is basically do or die. CAN'T be Justified.  

Maybe if the bases are loaded in the 5th... Maybe you could justify it. But, the majority of these pinch hits are occurring regardless of the game situation... they are occurring with one out and nobody on base in the 5th inning with a 5 run lead. They are occurring simply because a left hander is being put in the game... the game situation doesn't matter. It's just done and done consistently.  

[mnfireman]

2 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

We committed 30 million dollars and bunch of AB"s to players who were below of average last year. Kepler, Margot, Farmer and Vazquez add up to 30 million dollars. You can't just sit back and say Oh Well... It happens. You need players to compete for playing time.

And in the TK "glory years" Larkin, Bush, Newman & Laudner/Ortiz/Nieto/Butera; Gardy had Punto, Casilla, Harris, Ford, Tyner amongst others....this isn't a new thing...

[Riverbrian]

10 minutes ago, mnfireman said:

And in the TK "glory years" Larkin, Bush, Newman & Laudner/Ortiz/Nieto/Butera; Gardy had Punto, Casilla, Harris, Ford, Tyner amongst others....this isn't a new thing...

Unfortunate Injuries and players playing well below what they were projected to perform is a constant thing and it doesn't go away. 

Very few teams have been able to pick 9 players and just ride with them for all 162 games to the playoffs. Each roster spot is gold.  

A player playing terribly doesn't kill you. It's the constant playing of the player playing terribly that kills you. This is an extremely important TRUTH. 

Do you want to get away from that player playing terribly? 

You can't get away from that player playing terribly because your options are the guy that you won't let hit left handers or the guy who can't hit right handers and that guy is only on the roster because you won't let the guy hit left handers. 

It's a death cycle with no escape or end.