The Final Audition: Miranda, Julien, and Martin Fighting for Their Futures in Minnesota

[JD-TWINS]

On 8/4/2025 at 8:06 PM, Nashvilletwin said:

Just like all our top AAA position players.  Every one.  Please enlighten all of us about the inordinate success the Twins have transitioning those players.  

Eddie Julien not being able to hit …… Jose Miranda’s inability to hit …… both of their mediocre at best defensive skills have Zero to do with the Manager - zero!

Julien lead MLB in “strikeouts looking” in ‘24 & the guy that finished second in backward K’s had 200 more AB’s ……. Eddie needs to be saved by a psychologist!

Martin was a top pick in Toronto and they traded him - he’s physically available about 60% of the time & he’s not really a skilled OF - with no power it’s tough to rationalize playing him with any regularity……, his skills or lack of have nothing to do with the Team’s Manager.

[USAFChief]

I dont see any of these three being quality major leaguers. In fact I'd say Miranda faces long odds against seeing another day in the big leagues.

But if forced to choose, I'd take Juiien. There's a hitter somewhere in there. Those guys don't grow on trees. 

Martin just does nothing well, IYAM.

[twinstalker]

How are these guys going to do with the Twins?

(Hand raised and jumping)

I know!  I know!

[Bodie]

On 8/4/2025 at 9:00 PM, Nashvilletwin said:

Which position player has successfully transitioned (every day regular - average to above average) to the majors under Rocco?  He’s been at the helm since 2019.

Simple question. Just name one (other than Jeffers, a catcher).

Crickets. 
 

Either we can’t draft or we can’t develop. Given the initial success in the show so many of our “Top 100” accomplished minor leagues have had, I’m taking “we can’t develop”

I’m wondering if any other small/mid market team has had as little success in this endeavor over the past seven years?  Doubt it.  Under Rocco we are probably the standard bearers in futility. 

Jeffers came up under Mollitor...

[USAFChief]

38 minutes ago, Bodie said:

Jeffers came up under Mollitor...

False.

[Bodie]

36 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

False.

You are correct... 2020 (1st season) was Rocco's 2nd season. 

Jeffers makes a pretty... poor "list".  Just about as good of a list if he wasn't on it....

At least his best attribute is endurance - imagine Vasquez and... shoot, Gasper?  Clemens?  The 2nd choice FA signing after Vasquez?

 

[USAFChief]

35 minutes ago, Bodie said:

Jeffers makes a pretty... poor "list".  Just about as good of a list if he wasn't on it....

Agreed.

But let's at least be accurate.

I realize accuracy and facts aren't currently in favor, but I think we can do better here at TD.

I

[Nashvilletwin]

We can all argue about Jeffers or Arraez, etc.

But the CRITICAL point is that a small/mid-market team cannot compete effectively in MLB unless they are able to successfully draft and develop their prospects into legitimate MLB average to above average every day major leaguers. Without a salary cap, these franchises just cannot attract and retain expensive FAs.   So they have to compete by developing their home grown players, ideally better than other teams if they truly want to compete for a pennant.   No one can argue against that. It’s that simple.

The Twins under Rocco and Falvey have been extremely poor in this critical area required for small/mid-market team consistent success, especially as it relates to position players. That’s just the plain truth.  One or two decent position players in seven years is a horrible record for a franchise like the Twins.