Predicting the Minnesota Twins Lineup One Year From Now

[mluebker]

10 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

30 minutes ago, mluebker said:

No spot for Kody Clemens?

Maybe on the bench. But if younger players are performing more to their career norms, he isn't performing well enough to start anywhere.

I  mean, do you enjoy seeing someone with a .281 on base percentage listed as a starter?

With a speculative line-up full of questions marks and underperforming major leaguers, why not? At least he’s been out there every day, making the plays and getting the occasional clutch hit. A little more grit in the line-up could be a good example for the new kids.

[Cory Engelhardt]

9 minutes ago, Bodie said:

You don't take fillet mingon and turn it into hamburger.  And then use said hamburger in hamburger helper!

I don't think this example is relevant for a baseball team. I mostly care about his bat being in the lineup and him helping on defense when he is ready. 

Now, if we were arguing about him playing at SS or at Catcher I would agree with you.

[Cory Engelhardt]

9 minutes ago, mluebker said:

With a speculative line-up full of questions marks and underperforming major leaguers, why not? At least he’s been out there every day, making the plays and getting the occasional clutch hit. A little more grit in the line-up could be a good example for the new kids.

He probably will have a spot on the 26 man as of now. 

[rv78]

Falvey won't be trading Lewis. It's too early in his career. He is his signature draft pick and moving on from him would indicate a failure on his part. He won't do that without giving him another season to prove himself. 

As for the lineup..... good luck with that. With Rocco at the helm you might see it once all season. His constant platooning and moving guys up and down the lineup isn't going to change. It's too important for him to play bench guys like Gasper, Clemens, Julien. Add in the 2 new outfielders, (Outman and Roden) that will have to get a lot of playing time to try to make Falvey look smart for acquiring them and you have another season of musical chairs for Rocco. 

[tony&rodney]

The Twins lost more than 90 games from 1997-2000 and again from 2011-2014. The low points in Twins history as far as losses were 102 in 1982 and 103 in 2016. Calvin's teams lost 90 or more games in 1961 and then we he ran out of money in 1982 and 1983.

This coming offseason will be important if the Twins are to successfully rebuild the team to escape being a perennial losing team. The hope is that a few teams value certain Twins players enough that the Twins acquire the needed talent to rise again in 2-3 years. New management is a must just as it was when the Twins turned away from the Billy Gardner and Ray Miller era. 

[tony&rodney]

2 minutes ago, rv78 said:

Falvey won't be trading Lewis. It's too early in his career. He is his signature draft pick and moving on from him would indicate a failure on his part. He won't do that without giving him another season to prove himself. 

As for the lineup..... good luck with that. With Rocco at the helm you might see it once all season. His constant platooning and moving guys up and down the lineup isn't going to change. It's too important for him to play bench guys like Gasper, Clemens, Julien. Add in the 2 new outfielders, (Outman and Roden) that will have to get a lot of playing time to try to make Falvey look smart for acquiring them and you have another season of musical chairs for Rocco. 

Well .... you could be correct. If you are we can expect a race to see if the franchise record of the 1904 and 1909 Washington Senators teams will be broken. 

[The Great Hambino]

48 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Question for my fellow TDers: how badly must this team play over the last month to finally move on from Rocco?  What are we  3-14 over our past 17 games? How long can this last? Over the past 12 months, we must be the worst performing team in baseball.  (As an aside, Ryan looks so pissed off he can barely stand it - he’s wondering why he had to stay with this hot mess).

I believe the decision to retain or move on from Rocco has, or at least should be, already made.

They are in full-on experimentation mode with the major league roster.  The results in that two month stretch of time shouldn't outweigh the rest of his body of work.  Short of an active mutiny on the roster, I don't think the results of a team that has thrown in the towel on winning games should move the needle.

Having said that, I think we're all in agreement of what that decision should be.  I think we're all also afraid of what that decision will be.

I suppose one caveat would be if they want to give Tingler a run at an interim role to see if they'd want to promote from within.  But that might be worse than retaining Rocco

[Parfigliano]

52 minutes ago, Bodie said:

So we are supposed to be looking forward to our undisputed number one prospect, a center fielder, making it in LF????

Those sorts of hopes and dreams have the unmistakable stink of Falvey, with an added dash of Rocco tactical idiocy!

A "dash of Rocco" goes a long long way.

[The Great Hambino]

23 minutes ago, mluebker said:

With a speculative line-up full of questions marks and underperforming major leaguers, why not? At least he’s been out there every day, making the plays and getting the occasional clutch hit. A little more grit in the line-up could be a good example for the new kids.

I mean ... how's that grit working for the young lineup now?

When he was helping the team, it was because he was mashing the ball, not because Keaschall and Lee saw him get his uniform dirty

[tony&rodney]

39 minutes ago, Bodie said:

Yes, it does.

Everyone is frustrated with management and the direction of the team right now.

Please explain what happens to Byron Buxton if Walker Jenkins proves he is ready for MLB and is on the opening day roster next season. You seem to feel he must play centerfield.

My thoughts are that the Twins pitchers desperately need as many strong defensive players in the field as possible. Walker Jenkins in left field with Byron Buxton in centerfield is better than the reverse .... for the pitchers. 

A few other players come to mind. Corbin Carroll and Jarren Duran are both decent in centerfield but their teams see them as far better suited to the corner outfield and thus they use stronger defensive fielders in CF.

[farmerguychris]

1 hour ago, Jack207 said:

This team is an absolute JOKE! The only solution is to stop attending games to force a sale.

 

I sincerely don't believe the owners would even care if they played in empty stadiums all year long - they're still getting their millions from national tv contacts before the season even begins.  

[Mahoning]

You have to have stars to win. Right now the Twins have a star-and-a-half, Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton. Whoever in the minor leagues who has star potential must be fostered. But, this management group has now presided over two straight collapses. Why would anyone believe them capable of fostering young stars?

[The Great Hambino]

5 minutes ago, farmerguychris said:

I sincerely don't believe the owners would even care if they played in empty stadiums all year long - they're still getting their millions from national tv contacts before the season even begins.  

Yeah, there's two ways an ownership group can react to sagging attendance

1. Increase payroll in the hopes that it generates enough revenue to make up for the increased spending to maintain their profits

2. Cut spending even further and collect more revenue sharing to guarantee their profits

Which option would any of us expect the Pohlads to take?

[Otaknam]

It’s too early to give up on Lewis, as bad as he has been in the last 162 games. Let’s hope Lewis can regain his stroke and show the upside we saw earlier in his career. Lee has some power and is on track to hit 15-18 homers. But his OPS isn’t very good, and he looks like an average defender without much high end speed. I wouldn’t move Lee to third and give up on Lewis, unless Lewis struggles again in 2026. Also, while Culpepper looks like a great prospect, so did Lee. Hopefully Culpepper earns his way as the starting shortstop by next year, Lewis rebounds, Keaschall continues to rake at second, and Lee becomes expendable.  Also, an outfield of Jenkins, Buxton, and EROD would be excellent! But they all need to be healthy and injury free for a change.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

This lineup looks to be pretty painful in 2026, not mentioning the career-growth stunting effect of being a below replacement level player on a very poor team could have on the players.  It would be a pretty big surprise if all of those youngsters could come up and succeed.  I know we all like to dream about what the 90th percentile outcomes look like from our prospects, but IF those outcomes occur, it is likely not for several years — and usually an indication that they have been trained well in the minor leagues and brought up when they are truly ready.  Bringing them up before they are ready can lead to year after year of second division finishes.  I’ve already lived through that more than once and I don’t want to do it again.  

Don’t misunderstand.  I would love it if all of these guys were here in 2026 and were playing well. I just want to make sure they are ready first. 

[Otaknam]

40 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

I believe the decision to retain or move on from Rocco has, or at least should be, already made.

They are in full-on experimentation mode with the major league roster.  The results in that two month stretch of time shouldn't outweigh the rest of his body of work.  Short of an active mutiny on the roster, I don't think the results of a team that has thrown in the towel on winning games should move the needle.

Having said that, I think we're all in agreement of what that decision should be.  I think we're all also afraid of what that decision will be.

I suppose one caveat would be if they want to give Tingler a run at an interim role to see if they'd want to promote from within.  But that might be worse than retaining Rocco

The already made a decision on Rocco for 2026, extending his contract tract for one more year. The Pohlads won’t fire him because they would have to pay him, AND a new manager too. 

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, mluebker said:

No spot for Kody Clemens?

I like him off the bench.

[The Great Hambino]

1 minute ago, Otaknam said:

The already made a decision on Rocco for 2026, extending his contract tract for one more year. The Pohlads won’t fire him because they would have to pay him, AND a new manager too. 

I don't put as much weight on that as others.  Teams across all sport seem to avoid letting a coach's contract expire, and when they do it seems to be more related to a contract negotiation.  For better or worse, they don't seem to like having a lame duck coach.  I don't have data on this, just something I've noticed.

I could see a scenario where they did that figuring it will be the new owner's decision to make, and their energies were best spent not trying to find a new manager for the team they were about to unload.

But you could be 100% right on this

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, The Great Hambino said:

I believe the decision to retain or move on from Rocco has, or at least should be, already made.

They are in full-on experimentation mode with the major league roster.  The results in that two month stretch of time shouldn't outweigh the rest of his body of work.  Short of an active mutiny on the roster, I don't think the results of a team that has thrown in the towel on winning games should move the needle.

Having said that, I think we're all in agreement of what that decision should be.  I think we're all also afraid of what that decision will be.

I suppose one caveat would be if they want to give Tingler a run at an interim role to see if they'd want to promote from within.  But that might be worse than retaining Rocco

Let's ask Ryan and Buxton (hell ask Jax and France) if a mutiny was festering. 

[RpR]

49 minutes ago, farmerguychris said:

I sincerely don't believe the owners would even care if they played in empty stadiums all year long - they're still getting their millions from national tv contacts before the season even begins.  

Impact of Attendance on a Team's Finances

• Revenue Generation:

  .

Higher attendance means more fans spending money, which directly increases revenue streams. For example, the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly earn around $300 million annually from ticket sales alone. 

• Financial Health:

  .
• Attendance-related revenue is just one part of a team's overall financial picture. To determine gains or losses, this income must be compared to all team expenses. 
  Profit vs. Loss: .
• A team might have strong ticket sales but still operate at a loss if its expenses, such as high player payroll, are even higher. Conversely, a team with lower attendance might still be profitable if its revenue from other sources (like TV deals) covers its costs. 
  Key Factors
  • Market Size and Popularity:

    High-profile teams in large markets, such as the Dodgers and Yankees, consistently generate higher revenue from attendance due to their large fan bases and high ticket prices. 
• Overall Revenue Mix:

  Gate receipts are just one component of a team's total revenue, which also includes significant income from media rights (local and national TV) and internet/digital operations.
• Expenses:

  Operational costs, including payroll for players and staff, stadium maintenance, and marketing, are crucial factors in determining a team's overall profitability

[terrydactyls]

There has been a lot of criticism of Brooks Lee on TD.  Especially about his sub-par offensive numbers.  So this morning, I went to mlb.com and looked at statistics for the Minnesota Twins to see how Lee stacks up with the remaining Twins.

 Category    Lee's Ranking

  ABs               2

  AVG               4

   RBIs               2

    HR                5

    BB                 5

     K                   5

    OPS                7

    OBP                6

 It appears that Lee is having a pretty good year.

[Patzky]

Your Opening Day lineup is maybe easier and closer to this year's to decipher 

OF Roden-Buxton-Rodriguez 

IF Lewis-Lee-Keaschall-Clemens (but not Julien)

C Jeffers- Perada (but not Gasper)

Util-DH Wallner (but not Larnach) Culpepper-Gabby Gonzalez-  Sabato

Starters Pablo Abel Ober Zebby SWR But not Ryan)

RP Topa Sands Hatch Adams Funderburk Festa Raya Taj

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

2 hours ago, Jack207 said:

This team is an absolute JOKE! The only solution is to stop attending games to force a sale.

 

How did that work out for Oakland?

[Eris]

1 hour ago, rv78 said:

Falvey won't be trading Lewis. It's too early in his career. He is his signature draft pick and moving on from him would indicate a failure on his part.

Lewis has had 2 ACL restorations on his plant leg.  He may never reach his expected potential. Not sure how this is on Falvey. Not sure what Lewis’ hitting issue is. The Twins seem snake bitten with also Alex Kirillof being forced to retire with 2 career altering injury issues. 

[S Bart]

Where does Mickey G play?

[Road trip]

2 hours ago, HrbieFan said:

Has Wallner ever played 1B? His speed is better for 1B than OF. And why not give Sabato a 30 game audition? Julien looks lost at the plate and is not an option IMO at 1B 

Never.  Not once.  Not a game in the minors, not a game in college.  Probably not in high school either.  Yet it is stated daily here on TD that Wallner should move to first base because "Tall" and "Slow".

It's not that easy a move after a lifetime in the OF.  If you think Julien looks rough at 1B (and he does) after many years of playing infield, imagine what Wallner is going to look like when he suddenly is moved 90 feet from the batter..  His reaction times off a batted ball aren't great as it is...it could be brutal at 1B.  If Wallner can't learn to take better routes and get a better jump in RF (and these are somewhat learnable skills) he's likely gonna have to make it as a DH.  That isn't the end of the world... it's not like the Twins have that spot locked down by anyone else long term.

 

[rv78]

8 minutes ago, S Bart said:

Where does Mickey G play?

Rocco will want him back to be the 2nd catcher behind Jeffers and that utility infielder they need to give the regulars a rest every other day. Besides, his .115 batting average is invaluable to this team.

[RpR]

2 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Maybe on the bench. But if younger players are performing more to their career norms, he isn't performing well enough to start anywhere.

I  mean, do you enjoy seeing someone with a .281 on base percentage listed as a starter?

lewis is at .288

[rv78]

2 minutes ago, Road trip said:

Never.  Not once.  Not a game in the minors, not a game in college.  Probably not in high school either.  Yet it is stated daily here on TD that Wallner should move to first base because "Tall" and "Slow".

It's not that easy a move after a lifetime in the OF.  If you think Julien looks rough at 1B (and he does) after many years of playing infield, imagine what Wallner is going to look like when he suddenly is moved 90 feet from the batter..  His reaction times off a batted ball aren't great as it is...it could be brutal at 1B.  If Wallner can't learn to take better routes and get a better jump in RF (and these are somewhat learnable skills) he's likely gonna have to make it as a DH.  That isn't the end of the world... it's not like the Twins have that spot locked down by anyone else long term.

 

If Sano can try right field the Twins could easily justify trying Wallner at 1B.

[Cory Engelhardt]

2 minutes ago, RpR said:

lewis is at .288

Do you think Lewis's 75th percentile outcome for 2026 is closer to his 2025 season production or his 2023 season production?

I tend to think he can find a way to get back closer to what he was in 2023 with a full/healthy offseason. But if you truly believe the 2025 version IS what Royce is, then so be it.