Why Does It Feel Like We're Living the Same Season Over and Over?

[DJL44]

3 hours ago, Maybe Next Year said:

In 2024 Baldelli used 154 different lineups and had the same batting order just two games in a row (only 11 times).

So, you're saying they're NOT doing the same thing over and over.

[KirbyDome89]

1 hour ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

We also have to remember that Buxton and Correa are "stars" in large part because of their defense, not their offense. They are both really lead dogs on the field, but supporting players in the batter's box. Lewis is a key to the offense if he can hit like he did in the first half of 2024 - he hit .292/.354/.685 (1.039) before the AS break. That's the guy we need or even 85-90% of that guy. Buxton and Correa are streaky, nice offensive players who can compliment a Lewis at his best, or really, 2 Lewises.  

I know i sound like a broken record but the problem with this offense is we don't have any hitter who is good enough to hit 1, 2, 3, or 4 in a championship contending lineup except for Lewis and maybe Wallner. Both are hurt.  I don't see anyone on the roster likely to be that guy in the future. Julien could be a nice complimentary bat, Jeffers is already at his peak, and France and Bader are pleasant surprise - all great for the 6, 7, or 8 hole. Lee might be a solid bat hitting 5 or 6. but again, not a lead dog. The 2 players I personally had hoped would really develop into that missing offensive piece were Larnach and Miranda and they have both completely crashed and burned so far this year.  Maybe Keaschall is the second coming of Shannon Stewart and be that needed bat in the 1 or 2 hole? A guy can dream ... 

This year looks the same because it is the same. We still haven't solved out main problem; we need a bat and we need one bad. We haven't had that guy since Nelson Cruz. Oh, and by the way, fire Rocco. Why? Because this ain't working and doesn't look like its going to work, and Rocco seems incapable of changing that narrative. Besides, we got to do something. 

Eh, Wallner is plenty streaky and Lewis cratered hard for a bulk of the time he was healthy last season. I'm not sure the Twins have a single bat that you'd want hitting 3rd or 4th for a championship team. 

[Craig Arko]

45 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

"The collaboration between the front office and the manager and his staff is so seamless that they'll have a hard time pointing fingers at one another."

Great job, Sherry. Yeah, it's frustrating not knowing who to blame. But because it's so seamless, they're all to blame, starting from the top. What do they call keep doing the same thing & expecting a different result? Firing Baldelli won't change anything. Tingler will step in & be worse & later hire another Baldelli. If you want change you need to do it at the top. 

Capital idea. And widely applicable, too.

[1985Fan]

16 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

Is that why the Tigers with their incredibly young talent and 155 different lineups really struggled at the end of the season? 

Wait...hmmm...never mind. 

 

What I see with most of these players is just a mediocre player that is not confident because they don't quite have the talent to be anything more than a marginally above replacement level player. It's not because Rocco is unfair to them. 

I'm firmly on the Fire Rocco bandwagon, but blaming him for middling prospects coming up and playing exactly how we should expect is not why. And I don't really hate on Larnach or Miranda for being a marginal player. Players like them have roles in more complete teams, but Falvey has failed to build such a squad. 

Detroit was not good for a long time before things clicked and the young players started playing up to their potential. They were in rebuilding mode and could afford to stick with the young guys and it’s paid off. Compared to Larnach, Julien, and Wallner’s handling, it shows a different approach. Larnach and Wallner were drafted 1st round, so there must be talent there. The difference is in how they were developed and managed once they hit the show. 

[Doctor Gast]

I like to share an observation. On 3-31-25, CWS was smoking the Twins 9-0, Baldelli admitted defeat & raised the white flag. He took out Buxton & Correa & put in the scrubs, the scrubs held their own & Twins lost 9-0. Keirsey played in that game, next day, he pinch ran, stole a base & scored, Twins won their 1st game. On 4-9, Keirsey started his 1st game, Twins won. 6 days later, he replaced injured Wallner & went 1 for 3, the Twins won against NYM, next day he started against NYM, Twins won. Finally getting some regular ABs, he's got a 2-game hitting streak.

I'm not saying Keirsey is the Twins '25 magic sausage, I don't believe in luck. I don't believe in pagan baseball gods either, but I believe Keirsey is blessed. Just him being in the lineup means that the normally dead lineup comes alive. If the Twins keep giving Keirsey regular ABs, he'll not only bless the Twins with his presence but also his production. 

My suggestion to the Twins is to change from looking for ways to keep Keirsey from playing to start looking for ways to keep him in the lineup. I'm sending a message to all of Twinsdom- Twins, fans & Keirsey, that DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is blessed.

[NYCTK]

2 minutes ago, 1985Fan said:

Detroit was not good for a long time before things clicked and the young players started playing up to their potential. They were in rebuilding mode and could afford to stick with the young guys and it’s paid off. Compared to Larnach, Julien, and Wallner’s handling, it shows a different approach. Larnach and Wallner were drafted 1st round, so there must be talent there. The difference is in how they were developed and managed once they hit the show. 

But how on earth did they play up to their potential if they were constantly being shuffled in, out, and around the lineup? Based on your comment you don't think that should be possible. 

Excuses. Excuses. 

[Nashvilletwin]

5 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

I put 75% of the blame on owners, 10% FO, 10% Baldelli - 5% on players, but they are who they have always been and if they are not good enough that is not their fault.  The smartest thing they have done is bring up Keaschall - some excitement factor.  The next best thing is Zebby because he has caught the fans imagination.  

75% on the owners because they haven’t had the balls or smarts to fire Falvey and/or Rocco? Or because they just refuse to lose more money every year by bringing in high priced FAs?  

[NYCTK]

8 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

I like to share an observation. On 3-31-25, CWS was smoking the Twins 9-0, Baldelli admitted defeat & raised the white flag. He took out Buxton & Correa & put in the scrubs, the scrubs held their own & Twins lost 9-0. Keirsey played in that game, next day, he pinch ran, stole a base & scored, Twins won their 1st game. On 4-9, Keirsey started his 1st game, Twins won. 6 days later, he replaced injured Wallner & went 1 for 3, the Twins won against NYM, next day he started against NYM, Twins won. Finally getting some regular ABs, he's got a 2-game hitting streak.

I'm not saying Keirsey is the Twins '25 magic sausage, I don't believe in luck. I don't believe in pagan baseball gods either, but I believe Keirsey is blessed. Just him being in the lineup means that the normally dead lineup comes alive. If the Twins keep giving Keirsey regular ABs, he'll not only bless the Twins with his presence but also his production. 

My suggestion to the Twins is to change from looking for ways to keep Keirsey from playing to looking for ways to keep him in the lineup. I'm sending a message to all of Twinsdom- Twins, fans & Keirsey, that DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is blessed.

He's a very poor man's Bader if we're being honest. 

[BillyBallLives]

Why does it feel like this team is built for April? Every year it's the same story...injuries. 

 But it definitely feels like a franchise that’s always just one strained groin away from a losing streak.

[NYCTK]

22 minutes ago, BillyBallLives said:

Why does it feel like this team is built for April? Every year it's the same story...injuries. 

 But it definitely feels like a franchise that’s always just one strained groin away from a losing streak.

In hindsight, it was a mistake to sign a player to a massive contract after two other organizations canceled an agreement due to health concerns.

Only $129 Million left on that bad boy.

[hitterscount]

5 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Repeatedly bringing up the next shiny new prospect to please the fans is not a recipe for sustained success. Fans always get disappointed with their new toy after a couple weeks and want the player they were clamoring to see sent back to Fort Myers.

I guess my question is at what point is it acceptable to bring them up? Should Matthews be stuck at St. Paul when he is consistently putting up quality starts? As far as everyday players, if they are performing at AAA or even AA and there are underachievers at the MLB level... should they just sit in the minors while we watch the same lackluster performance and effort night in and night out? I have watched three to five players that aren't deserving at this point to be on the team. A couple of them are going nowhere due to who they are and have earned the right to work things out. But I look at Gasper, Larnach, Acalia and cannot come to any other conclusion than they are hurting the team and do not deserve to be here. Personally I would love to see 1-3 younger guys get a shot if they are performing in the minors. 

[Woof Bronzer]

12 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

In hindsight, it was a mistake to sign a player to a massive contract after two other organizations canceled an agreement due to health concerns.

Also a mistake to sign a player to a massive contract and then less than a year later cut payroll, thus ensuring one player will make up a quarter of your payroll for years to come. 

[RpR]

1 hour ago, HelmetTip said:

This is revisionist/short-sighted at best. 

Kepler has been miserable early, hitting .228 with 1HR, 2RBI. How would he provide a spark? 

Farmer is off to a hot (small sample) start but hit .214 in 2024 with the Twins & had the worst full season of his career. Can you imagine the howls if the Pohlads had brought Kyle back? I can hear them in my head. Right move to let him walk. 

Polanco, too, is off to a good start...after hitting .213 during his first year in Seattle, one of the statistically worst of his career. You wanted to pay $10.5M for that 2024 season? 

There are reasons, mostly related to money, why these three aren't Twins anymore. But overlooking their poor performances in 2024 while lusting after 60AB sample sizes as a fix to a largely broken lineup is beyond silly. 

Perhaps you should read what I said, rather than spew a Myopic opinion, because I do not see the small world your opinion seems to be dwelling in.

To each his own, look up what that means.

[RpR]

22 minutes ago, hitterscount said:

I guess my question is at what point is it acceptable to bring them up? Should Matthews be stuck at St. Paul when he is consistently putting up quality starts? As far as everyday players, if they are performing at AAA or even AA and there are underachievers at the MLB level... should they just sit in the minors while we watch the same lackluster performance and effort night in and night out? I have watched three to five players that aren't deserving at this point to be on the team. A couple of them are going nowhere due to who they are and have earned the right to work things out. But I look at Gasper, Larnach, Acalia and cannot come to any other conclusion than they are hurting the team and do not deserve to be here. Personally I would love to see 1-3 younger guys get a shot if they are performing in the minors. 

By what ever means the teams use for judging, if they earn their way up, they come up, if not, it is a long road to the Bigs.

Our shoulda , woulds , coulda means nothing to Major League Baseball.

[lukeduke1980]

I don't love the current state of affairs but I do prefer it to the starting pitching black holes of the 90s and post santana 2010s.  Not crazy about Rocco's platoon split insistence but at least it's a strategy.  Turns out it's probably not a major competitive advantage, time to try something else.  Don't love Correa's contract but I was glad we signed a known player.  Team needs a youth infusion maybe hopefully the young guys make it happen.

[1985Fan]

1 hour ago, NYCTK said:

But how on earth did they play up to their potential if they were constantly being shuffled in, out, and around the lineup? Based on your comment you don't think that should be possible. 

Excuses. Excuses. 

No excuse. I’m agreeing with Detroit way of handling their young guys compared to Falvey/Rocco. Detroit stuck with their young guys and let them play. It paid off. 

[BillyBallLives]

Its easy in this day of modern technology to follow other teams. 

When you compare AZ to MN...about the only thing they have in common is they are both smaller,  underdog teams. MN has a better stadium and uniforms.

 

D-Backs are fun to watch.

{ Upon further review.....13-11 Cubbies now.....Crazy game.... AZ more like MN than not maybe :) }

 

[rv78]

Why? It's really quite simple........ Because nothing significant changed. Same FO making the same type of FA aquisitions that don't improve the team. Same Manager making the same analytical moves that haven't proven to work on any type of consistant basis. Same team leaders getting the majority of the payroll are expected to carry the team and have shown that they have never been able to do so on a consistant basis. Same thing, let's try again, same thing, let's try again, same thing, let's try again. Insanity! Nothing will change until we have new OWNERS, FRONT OFFICE, MANAGER, COACHES, TEAM LEADERS. ALL OF THEM HAVE TO CHANGE. Not just 1 or 2.......... ALL OF THEM. 

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, hitterscount said:

I guess my question is at what point is it acceptable to bring them up? Should Matthews be stuck at St. Paul when he is consistently putting up quality starts? 

Matthews looks ready. He's consistently one of the best pitchers at his level. I'd like to see him get 6 innings in a start but the Twins don't seem to care.

Keaschall hasn't been of the best hitters in the league or even on his team. He's still rehabbing the elbow after surgery. There are lots of reasons not to promote him and if anyone else was healthy he would still be in AAA. Emmanuel Rodriguez also doesn't look ready yet.

If you want a promotion, show that your current level is too easy.

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, 1985Fan said:

No excuse. I’m agreeing with Detroit way of handling their young guys compared to Falvey/Rocco. Detroit stuck with their young guys and let them play. It paid off. 

Alright. We agree then. It's fine that Rocco used 154 different lineups and not at all indicative of anything. 

[1985Fan]

58 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

Alright. We agree then. It's fine that Rocco used 154 different lineups and not at all indicative of anything. 

No, I’m saying that Rocco/ Twins don’t have the patience to stick with young players like Detroit did. 

[NYCTK]

32 minutes ago, 1985Fan said:

No, I’m saying that Rocco/ Twins don’t have the patience to stick with young players like Detroit did. 

But we at least agree that complaining about moving around the lineup is just complaining for complaining sake?

[Maybe Next Year]

11 hours ago, NYCTK said:

This is repeated over and over on this site, and it always sounds like the lamest excuse. So-and-so keeps being played out of their natural position or moved around in the order, how are they supposed to get comfortable?! They're major league baseball players and most every major leaguer is expected to be flexible.

Outside of the true STARS of the league and catchers, no major leaguer should feel like they get to play one position and/or have a set place in the lineup. And the Minnesota Twins have only one star, and he's actually playing like complete ****.

My primary team, the Mets, had one of the most incredible seasons last year, in terms of team chemistry, entertainment, and vibes. They used 143 different lineups and had 11 players play multiple positions in the field. This isn't some great failing by Rocco. 

Now, you could try to make the argument that this sort of management has to be paired with a great leader that is able to strongly communicate both team and player goals and expectations, but that's an unknowable. He probably sucks at it, but we have no way of knowing outside of speculation.

 

 

Your Mets had a payroll of $333 million. Most of your players were seasoned veterans. You are comparing apples to oranges. Younger players are still trying to find themselves and consistency is an important part of their development.

[Whitey333]

The payroll total dollars isn't the problem.  It's how they are dispersed.  Buxton, Correa, and Lopez make $73 million between the three of them.  That's half the total payroll.  

[TheLeviathan]

This season's start has been miserable, but consider this:

If our all-world reliever/closer/setup man Griffin Jax had just been competent.....we'd be 10-10.

Nothing to write home about, but also nothing to be in panic mode about.  Baseball is weird.

[Otaknam]

The Twins are unwatchable, continuing the failure from the last forty games from last year. Because I seldom watch them now, after being a fan since 1961, I feel qualified to make only two comments. First, about twice a month Rocco loses a game because he distrusts the starters and replaces them, despite low pitch counts, and the BP blows it. Secondly, their hitting approach isn’t working, and the lineup seldom produces with RISP. Neither Buxton or Correa, their two highest paid players, are doing much. And Lewis is always on the IL and appears to be another mash unit like Buxton. The future of this team is bright  only because their minor league prospects. The current roster isn’t producing.

[TwinsChupacabra]

The debate about whether to fire Rocco will continue to go on forever because his GM buddy is in love with him and would never fire him. There is no expectation of winning from the fans, the writers, etc.  They lead the charge to make excuses for Rocco year after year. 

Rocco is in such a safe spot.  His GM will keep him no matter what.  The fans never blame him. Losing doesn't matter and expectations are always low. 

[FargoFanMan]

On 4/18/2025 at 9:10 AM, LambchoP said:

Because it basically is the same year after year. Our hopes of winning are seemingly always based on our trip of "stars" producing on the field together. It's time to admit we will never get Buxton, Correa and Lewis all playing together, and even when we have two guys together like right now, they still aren't leading this team. Time to stop counting on them. Ownership needs to shake up the roster with real players. They cannot role out the same losing team year after year with only two or three marginal players being added at the edges. New ownership, new manager and a real roster shake up needs to happen if we expect a different outcome for the 2026 season. The pitching should be there, now we just need some offense to go with it. 

If this continues until the end of July expect a massive shakeup. The FO will be forced to gear up for 2026 or it will ultimately be on the chopping block. Falvey will have to try to sell the 2026 team to new ownership to keep his job. He won’t be able to run it all back and if this continues into July he’s probably interviewing new managers and staff as well. Expect big things come July. Whether they turn this around or continue Falvey has to make big moves by that point or new ownership will be wondering if they should keep him as well.

[FargoFanMan]

On 4/19/2025 at 8:16 AM, TheLeviathan said:

This season's start has been miserable, but consider this:

If our all-world reliever/closer/setup man Griffin Jax had just been competent.....we'd be 10-10.

Nothing to write home about, but also nothing to be in panic mode about.  Baseball is weird.

This!!! This offense was never expected to be great. This team is supposed to be a strong pitching team. The starters have been competent. The bullpen has been talked about as a top 3 in the mlb 2 years in a row and it hasn’t been that. At least early in the last 2 years helping lead to these miserable starts. 

[FargoFanMan]

On 4/19/2025 at 7:53 AM, Whitey333 said:

The payroll total dollars isn't the problem.  It's how they are dispersed.  Buxton, Correa, and Lopez make $73 million between the three of them.  That's half the total payroll.  

And????