Chris Paddack Leaves After Comebacker and Four Other Things That Might Matter

[John Bonnes]

In a 9-8 win over the Red Sox at Hammond Stadium, the Twins survived a scare, saw some great defense, and a couple hitters continue to show off their bats. 

Image courtesy of © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Twins starting pitcher Chris Paddack left Saturday’s game after a comebacker glanced off the tip of his glove and hit him in the head. Statcast measured the exit velocity of the ball as 97.6 mph. The Twins reported that Paddack suffered a head contusion but did not suffer a concussion. It was the second time a comebacker had hit Paddack in the same inning. Three batters earlier, he had taken a ball off of his tricep but remained in the game. 

“I think he's going to be okay,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said after the game. “The ball deflected off of his glove, the webbing of his glove, and probably kind of lessened the impact, who knows how much. He seems like himself."

Prior to the event, Paddack had been cruising. He sailed through the first two innings on 18 pitches. His fastball was sitting in the 93-95 mph range and generated four swings and misses in the 27 pitches he threw, which included 22 strikes and two strikeouts over 2 ⅓ innings.

Luke Keaschall Is Taking Advantage of Camp
Just by looking at lineups, one can get a feel for which players are getting some extra attention. For instance, eight of the players in Saturday’s Twins lineup are either projected to make the team or at least be in the mix. That makes the ninth player stand out a bit. 

That ninth player was Twins Daily’s #3 Twins prospect, Luke Keaschall, who started at designated hitter. On Friday, he had a similar honor, batting as a designated hitter in a similarly loaded road lineup that included Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, Trevor Larnach, and Jose Miranda. On Saturday, he acknowledged the honor with a 413-foot blast to left field for his first spring training home run. 

And after the game, Baldelli acknowledged that Keaschall had earned those opportunities. “He's having really good at-bats. He plays hard. He's fulfilling his end of his responsibilities being in major league camp as a young player. He's doing a great job. So yeah, if he was overwhelmed with the experience, I probably wouldn't be wedging him on in there.”

Keaschall normally plays in the infield and is only playing designated hitter right now because he’s coming back from Tommy John surgery. He delayed that surgery for most of last season, but it didn’t slow him down; Keaschall hit .303 with a 903 OPS between High A and Double A. He underwent surgery in August so he could be back in time for the full 2025 season. If this year follows last year’s (and this spring’s) script, this won’t be the last time he finds himself in a lineup full of Minnesota Twins. 

Jhoan Duran Looks Like Jhoan Duran
Jhoan Duran pitched the fourth inning in Saturday’s game, needing only seven pitches to mow down the Red Sox in a scoreless inning. But those seven pitches included two that cracked the 100 mph barrier, the first time we’ve seen that from Duran this spring. Those seven pitches also included a three-pitch strikeout of Red Sox first baseman Nick Sogard. Finally, it gave him the lead (relievers category) in the Twins’ pitching staff’s new “Fewest Pitches in an Inning Contest” this week, though the week goes through Monday.

Buxton Steals Bases and Hearts, But With His Glove
In the third inning, Rod Sox outfielder Jarren Duran hit a ball 386 feet to the warning track in right-center field. But Byron Buxton chased it down, gliding into the wall shortly after the catch. He made the catch look so routine, it feels a little silly to mention it, except that there was nothing routine about stealing that extra-base hit. In fact, it was how routine he made it look that is the remarkable part. 

So, of course, he did it again. Three innings later, Buxton turned and sprinted down a similarly impressive 401-foot, 102-mph liner to deep center field. The victim? Poor Jarren Duran again. 

Baldelli admitted after the game that, as a former center fielder, he appreciates watching Buxton, but thinks Buck has an even bigger admirer on the team, and one with a Gold Glove. “I think Harrison Bader in right field might have enjoyed it more than anyone else,” he said. “When one of the best defenders in baseball is also your biggest hype man, that's pretty cool.”

We May Need To Get Ty France a “Wonderboy” Bat
Repeat after me: spring training stats don’t mean a damn thing. Spring training stats don’t mean a damn thing. Spring training stats don’t mean a damn thing. OK. Good exercise. 

Now let’s all get irrationally excited about new Twins first baseman Ty France’s spring training stats. France added a double and home run to his already gaudy stats in Saturday’s 9-8 win over the Red Sox. To put it mildly, France has made a good first impression, going 11-20 (.550 batting average) with two home runs and a 1641 OPS. Basically, he’s been Roy Hobbs. 

Also like Hobbs, this is a little hard to believe. France is a 30-year-old who the Twins signed one week before spring training for $1M. Last year, he was designated for assignment in July. That was the result of a two-year slide, and the first led to the second. “I shouldn't have, but I panicked a little because I wasn't used to that kind of production,” France said about the first of those two years. “So I was like, ‘Okay, how can I get back to being my old self, or putting up those numbers again’ and kind of got lost.” He started overthinking everything and thinks that, along with some injuries, turned the one down year into two down years. 

France emphasized that this year he’s just trying to keep things simple, quit worrying about mechanics so much, and get back to enjoying the game. That is all working right now. For a player who was unemployed a month ago, it’s the kind of (fresh) start that France needed.

Now, once again, repeat after me…

---

Are we being too rational about France's start, or not rational enough? Let us know in the comments. 

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[ToddlerHarmon]

Sorry, but you're going to have to wait to get irrational about Ty France. If he starts April off super hot, we will still be asking the same thing: "is this what Ty France really is?" We can get irrationally exuberant in... late June?

[thelanges5]

Viva la 🇫🇷Offense absolutely needs a hitter like that. 

The Sheriff has looked good. Except when he’s challenging Caminero with his heater  

Love me some Keaschall!

Does the fact that Raya is still looking for the strike zone matter?

[gil4]

Quote

Repeat after me: spring training stats don’t mean a damn thing. Spring training stats don’t mean a damn thing. Spring training stats don’t mean a damn thing. OK. Good exercise. 

Now let’s all get irrationally excited about new Twins first baseman Ty France’s spring training stats. 

You should know that's not the Twins fan way.  Let’s all get irrationally worried about Matt Wallner's spring training stats a year after what started as a lousy spring ended up with a demotion by mid-April.

[ashbury]

Spring Training Stats Are Extremely Important And All Roster Decisions Should Be Based On Them.  Spring Training Stats Are Extremely Important And All Roster Decisions Should Be Based On Them.  Spring Training Stats Are Extremely Important And All Work And No Play Makes Ashbury A Dull Boy.

[jkcarew]

Might it matter that Raya had a complete and epic little-league style meltdown in his first showing? Probably not. Right?

[tony&rodney]

19 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

Might it matter that Raya had a complete and epic little-league style meltdown in his first showing? Probably not. Right?

Not a thing. Nobody, including not a single Twin in management, expects Raya to be a Twin early in the season. He is just getting the kinks out. Hopefully he is done hitting people and throwing the ball all over.

[Fatbat]

Is it irrational to expect great things out of a former allstar that has his head screwed on right and is enjoying his job?  I’d say no and as long as he has a positive ops+, I will expect him to continue to meet high expectations.  He isn’t a rookie catching lightning in a bottle. He is a 30 year old former allstar on his primetime comback tour. Enjoy watching it!!

Raya is still very young, someone will coach him up. Nothing to worry about.

Wallner always starts slow. Thats why we have Bader. No worries. 
 

Sheriff is shooting bullets at bullseyes 🎯 until he doesnt. He may never surrender a dinger to Caminero ever again. 
 

Keaschall might just be our full time DH in April. Bye bye Martin and Julien. Enjoy AAAA guys. 

[stringer bell]

I haven't seen much of him, but Keaschall looks better than just about everybody. He's looks very comfortable at the plate and is getting good results. I don't know what the plan is for him positionally. I don't like the idea of him coming to the majors as only a DH, but it doesn't look like he's far away.

[arby58]

1 hour ago, Fatbat said:

Keaschall might just be our full time DH in April. Bye bye Martin and Julien. Enjoy AAAA guys. 

I hadn't thought about that possible use for him. He looks to have a much livelier bat than either of them.

[DocBauer]

That Paddack wasn't actually injured is the most important thing. But the fact that he was maintaining velocity at 93-95 is important. He keeps doing that, he deserves his spot in the rotation. If he gets his change working again the way it used to...he's potentially a really solid part of the rotation.

Keaschall not having a fixed defensive position isn't an issue at this point, IMO. He's a good enough athlete, with a really good all around offensive profile, that he can be plugged in to a few different spots. But it's not a crazy idea that his bat carries him to the Twins early in 2025 as a primary DH.

I made a comment weeks ago regarding rumors of the Twins adding a veteran bat, and stated that I'd rather have France at 30yo and a potential rebound candidate, vs some of the other names being bandied about. I absolutely agree that ST numbers/performance means very little. Guys work on things and stink, but are great when the season starts. Some guys grab attention with a tremendous ST and are barely heard from again. Still, to see a veteran who was actually pretty good until a bad couple of years...albeit with some injuries...looking good does offer up some hope. If he's even close to his 2022 and previous self, his $1M deal and addition could be a real help. Call me optimistic?

[Fatbat]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

I haven't seen much of him, but Keaschall looks better than just about everybody. He's looks very comfortable at the plate and is getting good results. I don't know what the plan is for him positionally. I don't like the idea of him coming to the majors as only a DH, but it doesn't look like he's far away.

The way to look at it is like this.  He looks like Trout when he swings the bat and he gets Trout like results, against MLB pitchers. He spent last year primarily as a DH but is an above average 2B and CF. He can steal bases. 
Twins need a solid DH and 2B man. He can do both and start out primarily as a DH, playing in MLB or AAA. What makes most sense when comparing him to Martin/Julien combo? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[Vanimal46]

3 hours ago, ashbury said:

Spring Training Stats Are Extremely Important And All Roster Decisions Should Be Based On Them.  Spring Training Stats Are Extremely Important And All Roster Decisions Should Be Based On Them.  Spring Training Stats Are Extremely Important And All Work And No Play Makes Ashbury A Dull Boy.

Hey boss. Just following up on the Ty France bronze statue construction. You said the payment was coming today and the credit card on file is still declining. Can you confirm?

[Eris]

Jefferson Morales is having a good camp. I am not finding much out there about him. He has been in the Twins  organization since 2016 but seems not to have made any of the TD prospect rankings 

[ashbury]

8 minutes ago, Eris said:

Jefferson Morales is having a good camp. I am not finding much out there about him. He has been in the Twins  organization since 2016 but seems not to have made any of the TD prospect rankings 

Spell his name with one 'f' and you'll have better luck.  😀

[tarheeltwinsfan]

17 minutes ago, Eris said:

Jefferson Morales is having a good camp. I am not finding much out there about him. He has been in the Twins  organization since 2016 but seems not to have made any of the TD prospect rankings 

Morales looked overmatched yesterday against the Braves. He struck out twice and did not look good. He redeemed himself today with a game tying HR. Played LF and 2B. Good trade bait.

[Fatbat]

12 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Morales looked overmatched yesterday against the Braves. He struck out twice and did not look good. He redeemed himself today with a game tying HR. Played LF and 2B. Good trade bait.

A minor league Altuve of catchers.  Dude can hit!

[Eephus]

3 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Not a thing. Nobody, including not a single Twin in management, expects Raya to be a Twin early in the season. He is just getting the kinks out. Hopefully he is done hitting people and throwing the ball all over.

5 earned runs on no hits and 2 walks pitching line in a box score has to be some kind of first. Aided by 3 hbps and get pulled and then a grand slam.

[ashbury]

38 minutes ago, Eephus said:

5 earned runs on no hits and 2 walks pitching line in a box score has to be some kind of first. Aided by 3 hbps and get pulled and then a grand slam.

Win Probability Added likely wasn't very good.

[Doctor Wu]

5 hours ago, Eephus said:

5 earned runs on no hits and 2 walks pitching line in a box score has to be some kind of first. Aided by 3 hbps and get pulled and then a grand slam.

I had wondered how he could have given up 5 earned runs without allowing a hit. Thanks for the explanation. But that leads me to wonder ... what is the record number of runs allowed without giving up a hit and not retiring a single batter? Okay, it's only spring training, but that was one scary line!

[Old Crow]

12 hours ago, ashbury said:

Spring Training Stats Are Extremely Important And All Roster Decisions Should Be Based On Them.  Spring Training Stats Are Extremely Important And All Roster Decisions Should Be Based On Them.  Spring Training Stats Are Extremely Important And All Work And No Play Makes Ashbury A Dull Boy.

You left out don't try to do too much.

 

 

[bean5302]

9 hours ago, DocBauer said:

That Paddack wasn't actually injured is the most important thing. But the fact that he was maintaining velocity at 93-95 is important. He keeps doing that, he deserves his spot in the rotation.

As a starter:
4.73
5.07
5.40
4.99

Those are his last 4 season ERAs. Yeah, I'll pass. 

[bean5302]

Ty France is almost certain to make the team now, I think. I don't like it much, but I didn't like Carlos Santana making the team last year, either. So maybe it'll work out?

[arby58]

8 hours ago, Eris said:

Jefferson Morales is having a good camp. I am not finding much out there about him. He has been in the Twins  organization since 2016 but seems not to have made any of the TD prospect rankings 

Yeah, under the radar. Jeferson was an international signing, he'll be 26 in May. Interesting thing is while primarily an outfielder, he has been a catcher for between 20 and 34 games every year until last year, when he only caught in 5 games. Last year, over AA-AAA he had an .819 WAR and was better at AAA than AA.  

[arby58]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

As a starter:
4.73
5.07
5.40
4.99

Those are his last 4 season ERAs. Yeah, I'll pass. 

I'm finding different numbers at Baseball Reference. His splits as a starting pitcher listed there:

2019 - 3.33
2020 - 4.73
2021 - 5.08
2022 - 4.03
2023 - only appeared as a relief pitcher
2024 - 4.99
Career as a starting pitcher: 4.36

[bean5302]

I didn't split. I just chose the seasons where he was a starting pitcher for the last 4 years (flip flopped 2022/2023). He's not remotely the same pitcher he was in 2019.

The point is the expectation a pitcher who hasn't gotten good results as a starter in years and years is still a guy who is looked at as a rotation lock.

[Fatbat]

29 minutes ago, arby58 said:

I'm finding different numbers at Baseball Reference. His splits as a starting pitcher listed there:

2019 - 3.33
2020 - 4.73
2021 - 5.08
2022 - 4.03
2023 - only appeared as a relief pitcher
2024 - 4.99
Career as a starting pitcher: 4.36

I don’t understand the hate for Paddack. He has had 2 tj injuries and came back strong. It takes time and effort to go thru that. Still in his 20’s, he could pitch another 6-10 years if he doesn’t get hurt. He could retire with a sub .4 career era if he continues to  improve.  His stuff plays best in relief and at some point, he could be an outstanding/elite setup guy!!  

[jmlease1]

I would love to be proven wrong about Ty France. It would be awesome if he's found his bat again and his crappy defensive stats last year were entirely due to injury and he's actually learned the position well. But I'm not going to take spring training stats all that seriously. That said, I'd rather have him starting out well than flailing.

Paddack is going to be very interesting. can he maintain velocity from start to start? If the changeup back and a weapon? does he have enough on his fastball to not get beat up on it? Has he got the slider down or will he need to go back to the curve?

Great to see Keaschall hitting comfortably. I still think he's going to need some time in the minors and probably won't be ready for a spot at least until he's able to throw effectively, but he's got the talent and the drive and I love seeing players like him try to force a decision by just playing really damn well.

[WSoxTerritoryTwinsFan]

18 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

I don’t understand the hate for Paddack. He has had 2 tj injuries and came back strong. It takes time and effort to go thru that. Still in his 20’s, he could pitch another 6-10 years if he doesn’t get hurt. He could retire with a sub .4 career era if he continues to  improve.  His stuff plays best in relief and at some point, he could be an outstanding/elite setup guy!!  

I don’t believe it’s “hate” at all. All it is is a recognition that he’s not a good SP. Theres a lot of hope and projection but no matter what you look at the results are just not there as a starter. Couple that with constant talk of the pitching pipeline and there’s your supposed “hate”. Twins fans want to see the young guns get the chance to run away with the job and not just hand it to a turd with a bad track record just because of $7.5 mil. Couldn’t care less about his backstory. This isn’t a TV talent show, it’s all about real life results! 

[Major League Ready]

I am going to wait until the spring training ends, look at the health of all of our SPs, and how Paddack / SWR / Matthews, and Festa are performing.  Then, we can assess our options.  I don't believe it's about the money.  They could find someone to take his contract if this was about his contract.