Roster Utilization Thread

[Riverbrian]

On 4/26/2025 at 10:58 PM, stringer bell said:

It will be interesting to see what Rocco does to replace Keaschall in the lineup given the options that remain. The eight starters against a right hander would be Catcher (2/3 Jeffers), France, Julien, Correa, Lee, Bader, Buxton and Larnach. That would leave one spot open. Keirsey Jr. could start on a corner with Larnach moving to DH, Gasper could start at second (Julien DH) or DH or it could be Clemens starting at second or DH. Finally, Bride has pretty severe reverse splits. He started today at third base, with Lee moving to second. 

That apparently would mean that if Bride and Lee are in the game together that Lee is the preferred second baseman while Bride would get third. I don't know if the scenario is the same for Clemens who has also played both second and third in the majors. 

Gasper has played more first base than any other position in the minors. Who would give France a day off at first? Gasper, Clemens or Bride? 

Bride's reverse splits really make it so that the pieces don't fit together well at this point. It would seem that all of Wallner, Castro and Lewis are at least a week away so the Twins really don't have much else for options.

I think you have nailed it. 

We have 8 starters against right handers and I assume Rocco will rotate the last spot with the occasional day off for the 8 starters.

It'll be a good week to find out what Rocco's going to do. With Cleveland tossing their lone left hander yesterday, We will get right handed starters every day until Crochet on Sunday in Boston. 

Does Bride have to wait until Sunday to get a start? When will we see the debut of the Clemens? Will we see the debut of Clemens? 

On the Rocco value chart. Ty France has been Mr. Not Replaceable. He leads the team in plate appearances. An odd position for someone who was signed at close to the league minimum on a non-guaranteed contract. 

[MGX]

Considering Bride's platoon OPS splits in his career (.529 vs LHP & .714 vs RHP) you'd think an analytical manager would play him vs RHP. Especially after 2024 which was his best season & his splits were even more one sided (.645 / .915).

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, MGX said:

Considering Bride's platoon OPS splits in his career (.529 vs LHP & .714 vs RHP) you'd think an analytical manager would play him vs RHP. Especially after 2024 which was his best season & his splits were even more one sided (.645 / .915).

Bride is starting today vs. a right hander. In his very limited time with the Twins, he has looked to be a serviceable player. 

[Riverbrian]

16 hours ago, MGX said:

Considering Bride's platoon OPS splits in his career (.529 vs LHP & .714 vs RHP) you'd think an analytical manager would play him vs RHP. Especially after 2024 which was his best season & his splits were even more one sided (.645 / .915).

 

15 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Bride is starting today vs. a right hander. In his very limited time with the Twins, he has looked to be a serviceable player. 

If he's platooning... they are forcing the platoon. Who knows if Bride can continue being a hitter but as long as he's hitting. Play him. 

Let him fight for a job. I liked that he was in the lineup against a right hander yesterday.   

[jorgenswest]

Bride is likely a marginal major leaguer that wouldn’t be on most rosters. On this roster he should be the everyday third baseman. I don’t think Keirsey or Clemens or Gasper should ever be in the lineup over him. Sadly there is little to utilize from the bench on this roster right now. Perhaps if Keirsey were to get regular play in AAA he might get to a point where he has something to offer.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Castro and Lewis active, Gasper and Julien demoted. Clemens stuck on the roster over Julien.

Lewis 3rd base

Lee 2nd base

Castro utility?

[strumdatjag]

30 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Castro and Lewis active, Gasper and Julien demoted. Clemens stuck on the roster over Julien.

Lewis 3rd base

Lee 2nd base

Castro utility?

Lee - 3B

Castro - 2B

Lewis - Utility and DH (in addition to 3B, get him some time at 1B and 2B)

[Richie the Rally Goat]

17 minutes ago, strumdatjag said:

Lee - 3B

Castro - 2B

Lewis - Utility and DH (in addition to 3B, get him some time at 1B and 2B)

Is that really going to happen? DH, sure, but 1&2?

[amjgt]

Yes. Yes.

Let's carve out a brand new role, mid season, for our oft-injured, hugely-important, young potential star. 

[yeahyabetcha]

If Lewis isn’t ready to be the every day third baseman, he should not have been recalled.

[stringer bell]

1 minute ago, yeahyabetcha said:

If Lewis isn’t ready to be the every day third baseman, he should not have been recalled.

Disagree. If he can hit like he did in his rookie season, they can use him as the DH. I would expect he'll get quite a bit of DH time regardless. More to say, but this is the roster utilization thread.

I still don't see how Bride fits as a part-time player given his severe reverse splits in over 600 PAs. He had a really bad day hitting and was part of the short fly ball not being caught. Prior to that, he looked solid both in the batter's box and at third base.

Clemens can back up at first and second as Gasper did and Bride is the third catcher with a fair amount of minor league experience. Until Wallner returns (and maybe beyond), it looks like Bader is a full-time outfielder. It will be interesting to see the lineup tomorrow against the lefty for Baltimore. 

 

[Jocko87]

With today's news a few observations.

Lewis plays 3rd base and DH, no where else. Full stop. Bride will play third against lefties while Lewis DHs and occasionally when Lewis needs an off day.  Lee and Castro may get a little run but they are the second base rotation.

Brides main role is going to remove late game at bats from Larnach against lefties. That experiment has to stop. Then Kiersey for defense. Hopefully Larnach still gets some early game work against an occasional lefty but he's been horrendous against them.

They now can get all right handed batters against lefties with Castro in the outfield. They may continue to start one lefty to maintain some flexibility.

Clemens is still here because Gasper and Julien still have options and he can switch "hit".  It's too early to cut any depth. I think he's now the 26th man.

[yeahyabetcha]

4 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

With today's news a few observations.

Lewis plays 3rd base and DH, no where else. Full stop. Bride will play third against lefties while Lewis DHs and occasionally when Lewis needs an off day.  Lee and Castro may get a little run but they are the second base rotation.

Brides main role is going to remove late game at bats from Larnach against lefties. That experiment has to stop. Then Kiersey for defense. Hopefully Larnach still gets some early game work against an occasional lefty but he's been horrendous against them.

They now can get all right handed batters against lefties with Castro in the outfield. They may continue to start one lefty to maintain some flexibility.

Clemens is still here because Gasper and Julien still have options and he can switch "hit".  It's too early to cut any depth. I think he's now the 26th man.

If he is healthy enough, I would not be surprised is Castro gets Larnach start tomorrow.

[stringer bell]

Just now, yeahyabetcha said:

If he is healthy enough, I would not be surprised is Castro gets Larnach start tomorrow.

I doubt Larnach starts tomorrow. I don't think it is "Larnach's start" against a left hander.

[RpR]

29 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Disagree. If he can hit like he did in his rookie season, they can use him as the DH. I would expect he'll get quite a bit of DH time regardless. More to say, but this is the roster utilization thread.

I still don't see how Bride fits as a part-time player given his severe reverse splits in over 600 PAs. He had a really bad day hitting and was part of the short fly ball not being caught. Prior to that, he looked solid both in the batter's box and at third base.

Clemens can back up at first and second as Gasper did and Bride is the third catcher with a fair amount of minor league experience. Until Wallner returns (and maybe beyond), it looks like Bader is a full-time outfielder. It will be interesting to see the lineup tomorrow against the lefty for Baltimore. 

 

IF, IF, IF... that can be said about a fair number of players who came out of AAA like bottle rocket , but when Major League pitchers adapted turned into fizzling fire crackers.

[Riverbrian]

Been watching the chaos of recent weeks. Castro and Lewis back on the 26 man should have calmed things down a little. 

The only thing that I can conclude through it all. Buxton, Correa, Larnach, France and Lee were everyday players through it all and Bader was pretty close.  With Castro and Lewis back... we have a possibility of 8 everyday players. We will have to watch for awhile. 

Other observations: 

Castro has played all 3 games in the OF since his return. Now that Bader isn't ill. Will that continue in the new context. 

Larnach is clearly not platooning. He has 28 Plate Appearances in 2025. He started 0 for 11. He has gone 4 for 16 since. To put it in perspective. It's May 9 we are 38 games into the season and he has already surpassed the number of AB's against left handers last year. He had 22 PA's against left handers in 2024. SCATTERED 22 PA's over 162 games last year and OK... Now you can face them. 28 PA's over 38 games in 2025 projects to 119... this is a complete 180 that was long overdue. 

If anyone thinks this is a failed experiment. I've seen the comments stating such. Maybe... Maybe Not. However... can we at least give him a beat or two. He has been held back for two years and finally told OK now we will let you. Can we please give him a beat or two before he is called horrendous? 

Also... during that 0 for 11 stretch to begin his new "let him face left handers job".  Trevor was also not really hitting right handers either. He didn't hit his first home run until April 18. Trevor was going to need to heat up against both hands not just that 0 for 11 against lefties. 

Larnach is 4 for 27 for the season including that 0 for 11 start. Ty France is 5 for 27 so he would also be the same adjective being applied to Larnach vs left handers. Now Bader has a decent OPS against the left hander. Bader is 7 for 26. 7 for 26 vs 4 for 27 is such a small sample that one good day will make up .400 points of OPS with the same snap of fingers that he is being expected to perform at.  

 

 

 

 

[stringer bell]

There's room for a left handed hitter vs. southpaws given the Twins current roster. Some of the right handed options aren't very good--Castro has hit better left handed since coming to the Twins, Bride has pretty severe reverse splits and Vásquez can't hit anybody. For now, Larnach is getting PAs against lefties. I was surprised to see him hit in the eighth inning yesterday (tie game, one out, two runners on). 

When Matt Wallner returns, he might get the chances that Larnach is getting. SSS, but he's 3-5 with a homer against same sided pitchers. Of course, by the time Wallner returns someone else will probably be on the IL. 

Regardless, by and large Baldelli has abandoned the early pinch hitting for left handed hitters, and I totally agree with that change of strategy. Resting Wallner and/or Larnach against left handed starters is prudent IMHO, but giving them PAs against left handed middle relievers helps later in games and later in their careers. 

[Riverbrian]

51 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

There's room for a left handed hitter vs. southpaws given the Twins current roster. Some of the right handed options aren't very good--Castro has hit better left handed since coming to the Twins, Bride has pretty severe reverse splits and Vásquez can't hit anybody. For now, Larnach is getting PAs against lefties. I was surprised to see him hit in the eighth inning yesterday (tie game, one out, two runners on). 

When Matt Wallner returns, he might get the chances that Larnach is getting. SSS, but he's 3-5 with a homer against same sided pitchers. Of course, by the time Wallner returns someone else will probably be on the IL. 

Regardless, by and large Baldelli has abandoned the early pinch hitting for left handed hitters, and I totally agree with that change of strategy. Resting Wallner and/or Larnach against left handed starters is prudent IMHO, but giving them PAs against left handed middle relievers helps later in games and later in their careers. 

Yeah... it looks like they just stopped like I was hoping they would. With all of the complaining that I've doing with their utilization of our YOUNG left handed hitters the past two years. Even I would have been OK with a pinch hit for Larnach in the 8th with the clock ticking down. That's when you pinch hit when you don't have additional innings to work with and the bell is about to ring.

I'm ok that he didn't because a tie game brings extra innings into a play and a possibility of another turn at the plate against a right hander so letting him rip was also something... I was absolutely OK with.    

If we reconstruct that 8th inning. There was one out and runners on 1st and 2nd. He left Larnach in. He struck out on a foul tip and now it's two outs. Brooks Lee picked him up with that clutch double. Brooks has been improving... he hasn't displayed amazing numbers yet in his career nor a left handed killer profile but Rocco let the ROOKIE stay in the moment and Brooks came through. It's a dial not a switch... it was never an either or scenerio. We are talking an increase or decrease in odds and those odds swing wildly based upon who is seeing the ball well today. The Islanders are picking first in the draft. That's what Odds will do for you when it's one AB at a key moment. Now Lee can put that double in his pocket and carry it with him forward.  

In the end... Rocco left it alone and it worked out and I'm happy that he did. 

Well... not totally left it alone. Keirsay was brought in as a defensive replacement for the 9th with Duran entering the game. Keirsay went to RF... Castro went from RF to 2B and Lee went from 2B to 3B and Royce Lewis was the guy taken out for defensive purposes.   

That move may have told us something in regards to roster utilization. Is this what Rocco prefers defensively. Lewis is just coming back from injury and they are being careful with him as evidenced by his DH work. However... one more inning of work isn't going to be overly stressful on his comeback trail. These defensive switches are moves made for one inning to close the game out... moves made to prevent one mistake in the field to keep that tying run from reaching the plate. Under the consideration of the for defensive purposes motive... two questions arise.

1. Is Lewis the low man on the defensive totem pole? 

2. Does Rocco like Lee at 3B and Castro at 2B rather than vice versa.

Number 1... Too soon to tell because Royce is just getting back.  

Number 2... I'd say... Yeah... He likes Lee at 3B and Castro at 2B between those two. Otherwise there was no reason to make that switch. 

   

 

[jorgenswest]

I have shared a few threads the quote from the Padres manager about not having an all right or all left line up to let the pitcher get in a rhythm. I know this is anecdotal but on Tuesday the left handed starter was in a nice rhythm to start the game with 7 outs in 7 batters. Larnach was the first lefty he faced. Larnach singled. The 5 right handed batters after Larnach did some significant damage. The only one that didn’t get on base was France who hit the ball to the top of the wall 410 feet with an exit velocity of 105.3.

I have no idea if Larnach threw him off rhythm in this case. I do think it can happen though. I think there is value in having a few left handed bats in that lineup against a lefty even if their splits suggest otherwise.

[Linus]

4 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Yeah... it looks like they just stopped like I was hoping they would. With all of the complaining that I've doing with their utilization of our YOUNG left handed hitters the past two years. Even I would have been OK with a pinch hit for Larnach in the 8th with the clock ticking down. That's when you pinch hit when you don't have additional innings to work with and the bell is about to ring.

I'm ok that he didn't because a tie game brings extra innings into a play and a possibility of another turn at the plate against a right hander so letting him rip was also something... I was absolutely OK with.    

If we reconstruct that 8th inning. There was one out and runners on 1st and 2nd. He left Larnach in. He struck out on a foul tip and now it's two outs. Brooks Lee picked him up with that clutch double. Brooks has been improving... he hasn't displayed amazing numbers yet in his career nor a left handed killer profile but Rocco let the ROOKIE stay in the moment and Brooks came through. It's a dial not a switch... it was never an either or scenerio. We are talking an increase or decrease in odds and those odds swing wildly based upon who is seeing the ball well today. The Islanders are picking first in the draft. That's what Odds will do for you when it's one AB at a key moment. Now Lee can put that double in his pocket and carry it with him forward.  

In the end... Rocco left it alone and it worked out and I'm happy that he did. 

Well... not totally left it alone. Keirsay was brought in as a defensive replacement for the 9th with Duran entering the game. Keirsay went to RF... Castro went from RF to 2B and Lee went from 2B to 3B and Royce Lewis was the guy taken out for defensive purposes.   

That move may have told us something in regards to roster utilization. Is this what Rocco prefers defensively. Lewis is just coming back from injury and they are being careful with him as evidenced by his DH work. However... one more inning of work isn't going to be overly stressful on his comeback trail. These defensive switches are moves made for one inning to close the game out... moves made to prevent one mistake in the field to keep that tying run from reaching the plate. Under the consideration of the for defensive purposes motive... two questions arise.

1. Is Lewis the low man on the defensive totem pole? 

2. Does Rocco like Lee at 3B and Castro at 2B rather than vice versa.

Number 1... Too soon to tell because Royce is just getting back.  

Number 2... I'd say... Yeah... He likes Lee at 3B and Castro at 2B between those two. Otherwise there was no reason to make that switch. 

   

 

I think this is correct. FWIW Brooks looks better at third than second to me. 

[Jocko87]

6 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Keirsay was brought in as a defensive replacement for the 9th with Duran entering the game. Keirsay went to RF... Castro went from RF to 2B and Lee went from 2B to 3B and Royce Lewis was the guy taken out for defensive purposes.

From a roster construction standpoint I love this ability.  The outfield defense is as good as it gets and the infield is pretty stout as well.  I’m betting when Royce is more full speed he’ll stay in there more often but Bride will play a decent amount of third in the meantime.  With Castro, and Lee to a slightly lesser extent, all things are possible. 

The late game plan is obvious and solid, just need to get 4-5 runs and they should be able to close out a lot of games. 

I'm still wanting to see the designated lefty and others getting early at bats for the work but late and close one of Bride, Bader or Lewis should get the pinch hit chance and transition to defense.  It was the 4th inning pinch hits that drove me nuts.  

[Riverbrian]

On 5/9/2025 at 3:54 PM, Jocko87 said:

From a roster construction standpoint I love this ability.  The outfield defense is as good as it gets and the infield is pretty stout as well.  I’m betting when Royce is more full speed he’ll stay in there more often but Bride will play a decent amount of third in the meantime.  With Castro, and Lee to a slightly lesser extent, all things are possible. 

The late game plan is obvious and solid, just need to get 4-5 runs and they should be able to close out a lot of games. 

I'm still wanting to see the designated lefty and others getting early at bats for the work but late and close one of Bride, Bader or Lewis should get the pinch hit chance and transition to defense.  It was the 4th inning pinch hits that drove me nuts.  

As you know... It drove me nuts as well. Mainly from a development standpoint but for multiple reasons.   

Late game defensive replacements make perfect sense. The threat of a home run is always present no matter the closer. If you have a lead... simply improving your odds that runners don't reach base is sensible and position flexibility gives them the option of working with multiple configurations because multiple configurations are necessary because the game is too messy to just have one. Late game pinch hits make sense... very logical tools for a manager to use. The mid game crap... just painting yourself into a corner late in the game with all options burned and handicapping development at the same time. 

Those offensive players that start the game should do their job... build a lead and then the defensive guys can help close it out. If Lewis is the low end defender and Keirsay is the high end defender... Castro is a vehicle to connecting it together.   

.   

[Riverbrian]

It's been a bit of roster utilization chaos for the past 6 days starting with the Bader and France tweaks followed by the collision and Castro in and out. 

In the calmer stretch of health for 5 days just prior to the injuries. Buxton, Correa, Lee, France, Bader, Castro and Larnach were every day must have's for Rocco. Lewis could also be considered every day but he was also seemingly being eased in. DH'ing for a couple to start and a day off after two games at 3B. Correa ended up resting before a day off followed by rainout and ended up sitting an extra day during the rain makeup double header. Clemens was the first choice primary fill in when Lewis and Correa took that time off. Bride and Keirsay were basically glued to the bench.  

Interesting utilization notes during the calmer stretch of health.

Castro became an outfielder exclusively when he returned on May 6. I find that interesting because infield was the perceived need when Bride and Clemens were signed after injuries to Castro and Keaschall.

I get it but when Lewis and Castro returned on the same day infielders Gasper and Julien were sent down.

Castro moved to OF which suggests that one of Bride or Clemens was infield superfluous and that is based on Castro... let's call it... flowing to the OF low spot upon return. 

Larnach was holding down the DH spot.  

Then the chaos hit. France, Bader, the collision boys and Castro unavailable for either a couple games or placed on the IL7 on back to back days. 

The adjustments that Rocco has needed to make in the face of all that: 

Jeffers became an everyday player either Catching or DH'ing when not catching.

Clemens and Keirsay have become everyday players (at least against right handed starters) in what has been a short window thus far with more window to come. 

A couple of thoughts on the chaos section. Clemens so far has been a small sample godsend. He's been our best hitter during this stretch of chaos and winning streak. Will he continue to be a good hitter... maybe... maybe not but I do hope so. I wasn't keen on his addition because I felt that spot belonged to McCusker but if he ends up being one of the those guys who just needed a chance. He's getting his chance and doing something with it. Good for Kody.    

We have faced 5 right handed starters since the injuries. Last night was the first time we faced a left handed starter so we only have that game to judge. Apart from Larnach, all the other left handers (Clemens, Kiersay and Fitzgerald were out of the lineup last night. I'm ok with that although in a slight nitpick... I think I would have let Clemens play just because he's hitting the ball right now. Not a big deal... Clemens sitting gave Bride a chance to play. 

Larnach continues to face left handers. After an 0 for 11 start... he has gone 6 for 24 since. I continue to be happy with how Rocco has changed in this regard. I continue to count on Larnach and I see him as someone with the potential to get hot and carry us from time to time. 

McCusker got a start last night against the left hander and we will see how the game finishes up today and Fitzgerald may get a courtesy start but there is nothing that they can do to avoid getting returned to St. Paul if Correa and Buxton are ready after 7 days. 

Through the stability and the Chaos of this incredible stretch of winning. Clemens, Larnach and Bader have been the offensive leaders. Even Vazquez has hit the ball average. All in all, the Twins have the 7th best OPS in the league over the last 15 days while the pitching has the 2nd best ERA with a 2.08 team ERA. 

 

[DocBauer]

Larnach has "benefited" with Wallner out in regard to facing more LHP. In the long run, that's a good thing for development. Wallner was basically the one who got those opportunities presented injury. Might they BOTH get more opportunities when Wallner is back? Or will be a bit of a mix? Regardless, it's nice to see LH bats get opportunities to GROW as hitters. The severe platoons and PH really did very little good.

It's great to see Clemens being hot. But I have serious doubts it will maintain. He's just never been a great hitter at any level. But every once in a while a guy sort of figures it out late in his career to become a useful player. Not saying it's happening here. But ride him while he's hot.

There is nothing but a hooeful time table for Buxton and Correa. Considering the current roster, and his production at AAA, I'd play McCusker daily for now, at DH or the OF. What do you have to lose? He might walk in to 3 or 4 doubles and 3 or 4 HR on a hot streak similar to Clemens.

I don't know if Lewis is the low man on the defensive platform, or if they're just being overly cautious as he gets his legs under him. Perhaps literally. His defense has looked OK and the bat seems to be heating up. I think Castro's OF usage has been a result of Bader tweaking a muscle and then Buxton being out. 

I think Rocco has done a really good job juggling the lineup to get as much production as he can. It also helps that Vazquez has risen from the grave to actually make some contributions here and there.

[OptimisticTwinsFan]

I tuned out the Twins to focus on the Wolves after their start. I am seeing the pitching looks all wordly, especially after that 1st week -- which matches my expectations. The offensive stats look wild... what should I expect from the injuries to Correa, Buxton, Wallner, and Keaschall in terms of when they come back? 

Why is Lewis struggling? Are there any surprises of prospects we are excited about? 

[Riverbrian]

8 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Larnach has "benefited" with Wallner out in regard to facing more LHP. In the long run, that's a good thing for development. Wallner was basically the one who got those opportunities presented injury. Might they BOTH get more opportunities when Wallner is back? Or will be a bit of a mix? Regardless, it's nice to see LH bats get opportunities to GROW as hitters. The severe platoons and PH really did very little good.

It's great to see Clemens being hot. But I have serious doubts it will maintain. He's just never been a great hitter at any level. But every once in a while a guy sort of figures it out late in his career to become a useful player. Not saying it's happening here. But ride him while he's hot.

There is nothing but a hooeful time table for Buxton and Correa. Considering the current roster, and his production at AAA, I'd play McCusker daily for now, at DH or the OF. What do you have to lose? He might walk in to 3 or 4 doubles and 3 or 4 HR on a hot streak similar to Clemens.

I don't know if Lewis is the low man on the defensive platform, or if they're just being overly cautious as he gets his legs under him. Perhaps literally. His defense has looked OK and the bat seems to be heating up. I think Castro's OF usage has been a result of Bader tweaking a muscle and then Buxton being out. 

I think Rocco has done a really good job juggling the lineup to get as much production as he can. It also helps that Vazquez has risen from the grave to actually make some contributions here and there.

Who knows with Clemons. The odds are against him.

To be honest. His past numbers don't mean anything to me.

Burning all of his options while only accumulating less than two years of service time strongly suggests that he has not gotten opportunity,

444 sporadic plate appearances really suggests that he hasn't gotten opportunity.

Yet, he still found himself on the Phillies 26 man roster at age 29 which suggests that there was something Philadelphia tried to hang on to despite his not getting that opportunity. 

The one thing I know. The best way to cool down a hot hitter is to bench him. Put him in the lineup as long as that bat is working. 

[Riverbrian]

On 5/21/2025 at 6:09 AM, Riverbrian said:

Who knows with Clemons. The odds are against him.

To be honest. His past numbers don't mean anything to me.

Burning all of his options while only accumulating less than two years of service time strongly suggests that he has not gotten opportunity,

444 sporadic plate appearances really suggests that he hasn't gotten opportunity.

Yet, he still found himself on the Phillies 26 man roster at age 29 which suggests that there was something Philadelphia tried to hang on to despite his not getting that opportunity. 

The one thing I know. The best way to cool down a hot hitter is to bench him. Put him in the lineup as long as that bat is working. 

While we wait to see how long Correa needs to rest his back... it should be noted that we had a 4 game stretch of healthy. For short term utilization purposes... I think we can actually call it a 5 game stretch since we knew that Correa was in the lineup yesterday, pulled due to his back and replaced by Brooks Lee. So... I'm going to call it a 5 game stretch since the original lineup had what was thought to be a healthy Correa. 

Healthy stretches are important stretches of utilization information because the manager has all of his resources available to him. Utilization with all hands available are moments that the manager can speak from the heart of his current intentions. His actions are not burdened by the hole plugging necessary when his preferred options are taken away due to injury.   

Before we get to the utilization during this mini stretch of health. Just for fun... Let's look back at the adjustments that have been made from the opening day roster. 4 adjustments to be exact. Royce Lewis, Brooks Lee, Kody Clemens and Jonah Bride on the current roster but not on the opening day roster, Julien, Miranda, Gasper and Keirsay on the opening day roster and now in AAA. Lewis would have certainly had a 26 man spot if healthy on opening day and possibly Brooks Lee. Clemens and Bride were obviously not options for opening day. 

Based on utilization in early April, I'm going to assume that Gasper or Keirsay or both were the 26 man beneficiaries of Lewis (Lee) not being healthy. Looking back at opening day is basically benign insignificant information from the past. All teams should adjust as the season goes along. However, as I mention the insignificance... here's the significance that shouldn't be ignored: The Twins front office looked at Julien and Miranda in the off-season, they said, these are our guys. Saying these are our guys is significant for two reasons. 

1. If Julien and Miranda don't get it together, it will be a rather severe development blow. These two eggs have spent a lot of time in the development basket and it's not like a lot of eggs are being allowed into this basket. Our future chicken population depends on this singular basket. 

2. All front offices... all 30 teams make these type of mistakes. It's a hard job. The ups and downs of players is a hard thing to predict. If they get it wrong and they do. How can they confidently sit anyone? Yes, this is a McCusker comment. This is also a Clemens only getting 15 AB's in his 14 games in a Twins uniform comment. It's a Logan Morrison comment. They know more than I do but they don't know. 

OK... Utilization in the 5 healthy days. 3 right handers followed by 2 left handers on the mound. With his roster options in place. It appears the platoon has come back. Wallner and Clemens sat two games in a row with back to back lefties (Springs was the bulk guy). Wallner, was getting left handed opportunity before his injury so it could be an easing the hamstring thing or it could be an all options available thing but Wallner and Clemens on the bench for back to back games vs. the left hander. 

However, Larnach continues to get work against left handers and this continues to make me happy although it is at least two years late. 

On the other hand... literally... on the other hand. Against the right handers. It looks like Rocco has 12 guys that he is willing to turn to rotate in and I like this approach as well. France, Lewis, Buxton, Lee, Lewis and Bader sat in the 3 games of health vs. right handers. 

Jonah Bride is clearly the 13th man in our brief period of health. No starts for the bride... He's been a bridesmaid since Wallner came back and healthed us up. 

 

 

 

[stringer bell]

Bride really has no role here if everyone is available. Utilization has been interesting. One thing that has happened is that Brooks Lee is clearly the second shortstop on the team. If Lee and Castro are both in the infield, Lee takes short and third over Castro. It appears Willi will be in the lineup every day, giving just about everyone a day off. Also, until and unless he cools off, Clemens will be starting against right handed pitching. If it is between Castro and Clemens to play OF and second base, Roger’s kid plays second. DH is available, most frequently Larnach, but also Jeffers and Lewis (for now). In at least one game Wallner DHed while Larnach manned right field. Finally, if Bader and Castro are the two corner OFs, Willi plays right field and Bader Tater plays left. 

[Riverbrian]

12 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Bride really has no role here if everyone is available. Utilization has been interesting. One thing that has happened is that Brooks Lee is clearly the second shortstop on the team. If Lee and Castro are both in the infield, Lee takes short and third over Castro. It appears Willi will be in the lineup every day, giving just about everyone a day off. Also, until and unless he cools off, Clemens will be starting against right handed pitching. If it is between Castro and Clemens to play OF and second base, Roger’s kid plays second. DH is available, most frequently Larnach, but also Jeffers and Lewis (for now). In at least one game Wallner DHed while Larnach manned right field. Finally, if Bader and Castro are the two corner OFs, Willi plays right field and Bader Tater plays left. 

I always appreciate your posts. You consistently demonstrate curiosity and you look into the corners. 

On Bride I absolutely agree with your first sentence and absolutely disagree with it. 

Bride clearly has no role because he hasn't graced the lineup card in 8 days. However, I will contend until I am blue in the face that our team does not have everyday type talent... even when healthy. I hate having to make these points because I really don't want to minimize players. With apologies to the players who have combined together to put us in a Wild Card position... here goes. Let's look at the healthy starters on the infield. France was DFA'd, Clemens was DFA'd. Lewis is supposed to be a superstar but it can't be ignored that his offensive stats are some of the worst in baseball. Lee is the future and I scream about the future a lot but let's be honest... .625 OPS.  If Bride can't compete with France for playing time or Lewis for playing time. Why is he on the roster?

Nobody has to serve extended time on the bench to allow for competition. With Castro on the roster... even the OF can yield a day here and there to foster competition.   

Bride can't compete with that infield lineup and performance? Bride lessens our chances so he must not be allowed to compete or it will be more likely that we lose? If the manager feels that way... take Bride off the roster immediately. These are not high walls to catapult over. Is the Farm system that questionable that we don't have anyone who can out perform the guy who can't out perform the average to below average guy. 

I was against Bride and Clemens being signed in the first place. Not because I was against Bride or Clemens as individuals but mainly because apparently the farm has hit a lull and isn't producing DFA level talent. 

Regardless... Bride is here now and we do not have a team full of players who can't yield time or death falls upon us. Treating average or even below average play like it can't be replaced is a blinking neon sign that says "Problem".  

[TheLeviathan]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

ainst Bride and Clemens being signed in the first place. Not because I was against Bride or Clemens as individuals but mainly because apparently the farm has hit a lull and isn't producing DFA level talent. 

Bride and Clemens are not good counter examples to this.  The purpose of the farm is not to have a bunch of Quad-A players available for emergencies.  The farm is about player development.  You might house some Quad-A guys there, but not enough to fill-in for all scenarios.  Hence....waivers.

And your own argument on Lewis/Lee speaks to why this is hypocritical.  You want those guys down/benched because they can't hit, but that's why Julien, Miranda, and others are down there.  They need development/refinement.  Clemens and Bride are past that stage.  They are what they are.  And what they are is not good enough for a regular role unless you get lucky and somebody goes on a heater.  (Clemens)  They're not good enough to steal regular at-bats from actually talented players like Lee.

I know you are aware of this but your arguments seem to exist in some other space where this reality doesn't exist: there is a finite amount of available playing time.  There is a finite amount of player development that has proved to be possible across all of time and space in baseball.  "Everything all at once" is a movie title, not a reality of baseball.