Angels 4, Twins 3: Twins Outslugged in Anaheim, Despite Pair of Homers

[DJL44]

2 minutes ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

We really need a 1B. I'm surprised Fedko isn't getting a look but that may have to do with service time or getting him 1B reps in AAA to learn the position. I really would like to see them try to move Wallner or Larnach to 1B in the offseason and Spring Training or, even better, sign Naylor. I think we have to look internally since any FA money will be used to try to buy half a bullpen. 

Fedko has only played 32 games at 1B - 19 of them this season. He's still playing more LF than 1B at St. Paul.

[LA Vikes Fan]

1 minute ago, DJL44 said:

Fedko has only played 32 games at 1B - 19 of them this season. He's still playing more LF than 1B at St. Paul.

Thanks for letting me know. That makes me hope even more than the 1B plan for next year is Larnach or Wallner. 

[DJL44]

1 minute ago, Blyleven2011 said:

The entertainment value of getting consecutive hits and bunching hits and runs together has become a lost art ....

The other night Detroit against Yankees  , Detroit strung hits , walks and homers in one inning  , around 10 batters consecutively got on base before an out was recorded ...

THAT WAS ENTERTAINMENT  , A CHA CHA CHA ...

When you have three .300 hitters in a row, there is a 2.7% chance of stringing three consecutive hits together.

When you have three .240 hitters in a row, there is a 1.3% chance - less than half as likely.

When you have three .200 hitters in a row that drops to 0.8% or 1/3 as likely.

[jmlease1]

15 minutes ago, Blyleven2011 said:

The entertainment value of getting consecutive hits and bunching hits and runs together has become a lost art ....

The other night Detroit against Yankees  , Detroit strung hits , walks and homers in one inning  , around 10 batters consecutively got on base before an out was recorded ...

THAT WAS ENTERTAINMENT  , A CHA CHA CHA ...

I'm sure Detroit was thrilled. Tigers are a pretty good team. They also don't have anyone on their roster with more than 50 PA's that has a batting average over .280 and only 3 regulars that have a BA over .260. So I don't know if they're stringing together all that many innings where then send 10 to the plate without an out based on hits.

But they do have a 7 regulars with an OBP over .325 and 8 with an OPS+ 105 or better, and have enjoyed decent health this season, so it's not really a shock that they're 7th in baseball in runs per game.

The Twins have tried in the current era to go for those "crooked number" innings as a strategic pillar, and you've seen it with how they've deployed pinch hitters to try and capitalize (and they've been frequently pilloried for it too).

Bottom line is the Twins simply don't have enough consistent hitters on this roster. Buxton, Keaschall, Jeffers, maybe Wallner (even when he's racking up K's he's drawing walks, but it's been a down season for him for sure), maybe Larnach, and maybe Martin. That's simply not enough. (I still have hope for Lewis as a hitter and player, but that OBP is not acceptable, especially at 3B) Part of how Detroit is having success is their lineup doesn't have tons of holes and their worst hitters are mostly playing SS or CF along with generally good health.

[jmlease1]

double post

Edited September 11, 2025 by jmlease1
double post

[Blyleven2011]

19 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

I'm sure Detroit was thrilled. Tigers are a pretty good team. They also don't have anyone on their roster with more than 50 PA's that has a batting average over .280 and only 3 regulars that have a BA over .260. So I don't know if they're stringing together all that many innings where then send 10 to the plate without an out based on hits.

But they do have a 7 regulars with an OBP over .325 and 8 with an OPS+ 105 or better, and have enjoyed decent health this season, so it's not really a shock that they're 7th in baseball in runs per game.

The Twins have tried in the current era to go for those "crooked number" innings as a strategic pillar, and you've seen it with how they've deployed pinch hitters to try and capitalize (and they've been frequently pilloried for it too).

Bottom line is the Twins simply don't have enough consistent hitters on this roster. Buxton, Keaschall, Jeffers, maybe Wallner (even when he's racking up K's he's drawing walks, but it's been a down season for him for sure), maybe Larnach, and maybe Martin. That's simply not enough. (I still have hope for Lewis as a hitter and player, but that OBP is not acceptable, especially at 3B) Part of how Detroit is having success is their lineup doesn't have tons of holes and their worst hitters are mostly playing SS or CF along with generally good health.

The main problem with our players is not enough of them are elite 5 tool players or our philosophy in coaching is not utilizing their strengths ... 

I see both as a problem but coaching at the ML level should continue to take the talent they have and teach that talent to be a better talent , the teaching should never quit,  I just don't see this organization at the ML level as teachers ...

Oh , I was thrilled that inning when Detroit took a commanding lead over the Yankees  ...

[karcherd]

13 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I don't  believe his BAT is  ready for MLB at this time, but I'd rather have Cardenas have a rude awakening at the ML level to get ready for 2026.

I will give you the answer, Gasper's bat will never be MLB ready.  He will be 30 at the end of the season, he is what he is.  Get Cardenas up here and see if he can be a part of the team in 26.  If Gasper is here next season that could be the straw that breaks the camel's back for me.

[karcherd]

I keep seeing posts that say Wallner or Larnach should move to 1B.  I think it is fairly obvious the team doesn't agree with the position.  They have moved players with no experience in the past, so they are not unwilling to put just anyone there.  I think we need to accept Wallner and Larnach are going to be OF and DH if they are playing for the Twins.

I think we can probably stop banging this drum because I doubt it will happen.

[USAFChief]

59 minutes ago, karcherd said:

I keep seeing posts that say Wallner or Larnach should move to 1B.  I think it is fairly obvious the team doesn't agree with the position.  They have moved players with no experience in the past, so they are not unwilling to put just anyone there.  I think we need to accept Wallner and Larnach are going to be OF and DH if they are playing for the Twins.

I think we can probably stop banging this drum because I doubt it will happen.

An opinion I share, and made more believable by recent play.

If they havent moved one to 1st base now, it ain't happening.