Twins 4, Rangers 1: The Piranhas Strike Again

[DJL44]

1 minute ago, jmlease1 said:

It's not nonsensical: Twins still don't have a lot of team speed. They guys who are pretty good or better at running have success: Buxton, Keaschall, Lewis. Martin has made some big mistakes and that matters; he's gotten better and with better coaching out there (Seriously, how long are they going to cover for Tommy Watkins?) he should do better, and can at least rack up the steals, but look at guys like Larnach, Wallner, Julien, and Jeffers and tell me this is a team that's good at running?

Part of the reason they're being more aggressive is it doesn't matter if they get burned, and the offense is so desperate for runs that trying to play for a crooked number is less likely than ever to happen. So they're trading outs to get a single run to try and get something on the board a lot more.

How'd that squeeze play work out last night? That's how you lose baserunning value, trading a runner on 3rd for a runner on 2nd in exchange for an out...

And I'm fine with it. It's good for them to learn which players can bunt, steal and take the extra base. The wins and losses are meaningless right now. It's extended spring training for everyone. If they don't practice that stuff now then they'll be too afraid to try it in games where it might matter.

[Parfigliano]

2 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

Despite not running much until after the deadline, the Twins have now stolen their most bases since 2012. Since the deadline, the Twins have stolen the second most in baseball behind the Yankees.

Some encouraging stats there. Now we need to find a way to get MORE runners on base and MORE runs to score. I love seeing the Twins being more aggressive on the bases ... but don't let Watkins allow too many of the slow-footed guys to round third and try to score when they are sitting ducks. 

Watkins will be gone with Rocco and hopefully Falvey.

[Parfigliano]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Credit where credit is due, Vazquez had a really nice game in his return from what was probably a scary injury. 

While I applaud his efforts to get back... I Can't help wonder why he is back.

Since he won't be back. 

Oh Well... Pereda had his demotion coming since he only managed 32 PA's of .870 OPS. 

If you want to stay in the majors... you gotta have more PA's than that. 

He needs to go to St. Paul and not come back until he gets more MLB PA's. 

 

 

 

 

 

Agreed Pereda is the possible future and should be getting ABs this final week over Vasquez.

[Riverbrian]

2 minutes ago, mickster said:

I would not count out Vazquez from returning.   Won't get much interest in FA and I think would be a solid backup, just have to cut down on his playing time.

Certainly... I agree it can't be discounted. The Twins have a gaping hole at the position.  

However... the implication of that is beyond words. 

If Vazquez returns at what is assumed a much lower price.

The Twins will be heading into 4 years of Jeffers/Vazquez behind the plate and running full speed into 2027 with Jeffers and Vazquez both exiting at the same time.  

Vazquez returning for 2026 is a sensible solution to the problem and at the same time... the worst possible solution to the problem because it's a really a continuation of the problem.  

Regardless of his pending return or departure this off-season. He doesn't need this last week of play. He's a 74 year old veteran. Letting Pereda try to continue his fairly decent play in the last week is much more necessary... even if his odds are long.  

This isn't defense of Pereda... it isn't even stating confidence or belief in the future of Pereda but it is stating that... if a player has a nice stretch... let him continue. The most efficient way to kill a hot streak is to bench or kill the player having the hot streak and prevent the establishment of anything positive.  

 

 

 

    

[Parfigliano]

28 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Vazquez OPS+ by season

2023 64

2024 61

2025 45

2026 Will it be higher or lower than his age (35)?

Lower.

[mluebker]

43 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Kody Clemens made some plays at 2B. He might be their best fielder at that position.

Also jumpstarted the offense. I don’t care if he never hits more than his weight, as long as he keeps coming up with key hits and play solid defense.

[thelanges5]

49 minutes ago, mluebker said:

Also jumpstarted the offense. I don’t care if he never hits more than his weight, as long as he keeps coming up with key hits and play solid defense.

Good clubhouse and vibes guy as well. I’m good with Clemens sticking around in 2026. Especially if it means no Outman, Gasper etc. 

[USAFChief]

4 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

BOS has let me down by not beating the Yanks. So I hope TOR (Varland, Popkins, & Berrios) cleans their clock so they can hold off NYY & DET beat them & knock them out of the playoffs.

??

The Yankees have clinched a postseason spot. 

[AceWrigley]

2 hours ago, rdehring said:

Love how the Twins have been running and putting pressure on the other team since the deadline.  My question is, why didn't Rocco have his team doing this for his first 6+ years?  And more important, will it continue in 2026?

Because "Stealing Bases" was the next module of his how to manage a baseball team class.

[jorgenswest]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

If he is still in their plans then they're not trying to win next year either.

Agree. That isn’t what I said though and I must not have been clear. I think there is value to Matthews in ending the season with a good start and I think Vazquez or Jeffers increase the likelihood of a successful start.

 

[LA Vikes Fan]

2 hours ago, thelanges5 said:

Jeffers as primary catcher and sign Vázquez to back up for $2.5 mil. Split them 70/30

I don't like this but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens. Jeffers the primary catcher in a 65/35 with Vasquez catching the 35, and Jeffers the DH 15-20% of the time.  

[Doctor Gast]

4 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Credit where credit is due, Vazquez had a really nice game in his return from what was probably a scary injury. 

While I applaud his efforts to get back... I Can't help wonder why he is back.

Since he won't be back. 

Oh Well... Pereda had his demotion coming since he only managed 32 PA's of .870 OPS. 

If you want to stay in the majors... you gotta have more PA's than that. 

He needs to go to St. Paul and not come back until he gets more MLB PA's. 

IMO, Vazquez's experience could have helped Zebby with his success. Although I'm all in for Pereda to get more experience, IMO, Vazquez could be valuable to help the younger arms. Pereda is on the taxi squad isn't he? I expect him to get more chances behind the plate before the end of the season.

[Doctor Gast]

51 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

??

The Yankees have clinched a postseason spot. 

I know, what's your point?

[Riverbrian]

31 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

IMO, Vazquez's experience could have helped Zebby with his success. Although I'm all in for Pereda to get more experience, IMO, Vazquez could be valuable to help the younger arms. Pereda is on the taxi squad isn't he? I expect him to get more chances behind the plate before the end of the season.

I don't discount the possibility that Vazquez helped Zebby. It is certainly possible... catchers have a role to play working with them. Catchers are important defensively. 

But... If Vazquez is gone next year... Maybe he is... Maybe he isn't. Someone has to step into the role if he is. 

Catchers and Pitchers need to learn to work with each other. Let Pereda learn that maybe I shouldn't call a screwball in that situation. Let Pereda learn that Matthews responds to this instead of responding to that. 

Nobody places much faith in Catcher ERA... Because the pitcher not locating on a given night can really mess up a Catche ERA despite a solidly called game. 

If anybody does care about CERA... here are the numbers.

Vazquez is the best on the team with a 3.71. 

Pereda is 2nd with a 4.40 ERA.

Jeffers 3rd with a 4.93 ERA. 

Gasper 4th with a 7.01 ERA

Pereda seems to be doing pretty good with SWR. He was behind the plate when he struck out 11 and shut out the Yankees. With Funderburk, Adams and Ohl cleaning up the shut out. 

If Vazquez is wanted back next year because he is a major cog in keeping ERA down. Fine... sign him... Sign him to a 3 year deal again if you'd like. But he isn't necessary in 2025 and I'm really hopeful that the Twins don't act like they simply can't develop a Vazquez so they don't even try.  

 

[Jeff K]

3 hours ago, Parfigliano said:

Watkins will be gone with Rocco and hopefully Falvey.

Pretty please!

[Doctor Gast]

31 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I don't discount the possibility that Vazquez helped Zebby. It is certainly possible... catchers have a role to play working with them. Catchers are important defensively. 

But... If Vazquez is gone next year... Maybe he is... Maybe he isn't. Someone has to step into the role if he is. 

Catchers and Pitchers need to learn to work with each other. Let Pereda learn that maybe I shouldn't call a screwball in that situation. Let Pereda learn that Matthews responds to this instead of responding to that. 

Nobody places much faith in Catcher ERA... Because the pitcher not locating on a given night can really mess up a Catche ERA despite a solidly called game. 

If anybody does care about CERA... here are the numbers.

Vazquez is the best on the team with a 3.71. 

Pereda is 2nd with a 4.40 ERA.

Jeffers 3rd with a 4.93 ERA. 

Gasper 4th with a 7.01 ERA

Pereda seems to be doing pretty good with SWR. He was behind the plate when he struck out 11 and shut out the Yankees. With Funderburk, Adams and Ohl cleaning up the shut out. 

If Vazquez is wanted back next year because he is a major cog in keeping ERA down. Fine... sign him... Sign him to a 3 year deal again if you'd like. But he isn't necessary in 2025 and I'm really hopeful that the Twins don't act like they simply can't develop a Vazquez so they don't even try.  

 

I don't always trust CERA either. I think it's interesting, though, that Vazquez & Pereda have not been developed by MN, I don't consider Gasper really as a catcher & Jeffer's foundation has been established by Tanner Swanson who's long gone. Where are the catchers that MN should be developing?

BTW, I agree with you that since maybe Vazquez is gone & if Pereda stays. Pereda is the priority. He needs a lot of time to develop a good relationship with the pitchers. 

[USAFChief]

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

I know, what's your point?

LOL.

You know now, after I told you. 

[DocBauer]

Matthews flashes his potential in what might be his last start, and finishes the season on a positive note.

But I'm almost as excited that Sands suddenly showed back up again, and Funderburk has continued to throw pretty well since the deadline.

[Doctor Gast]

33 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

LOL.

You know now, after I told you. 

???????????? I never stated anything about NYY position now!!!!!!!!!!! That was never the point, I stated about BOS position & them not taking advantage of NYY vulnerability, therefore IMO, not deserving to be in the postseason & hoping DET knocks them out of it. 

If you want to talk about the NYY (which wasn't my main point). Any long-time, red-blooded Twins fan enjoys a NYY loss almost as much as a Twins win. NYY is not a good team that should have lost to the lowly CWS. Twins & BOS should have taken care of business against them to keep them reeling but they rolled over & played dead. NYY are doomed in the playoff if they don't get home field & a bye. But thanks to teams like BOS, MN, MLB referees & officials who are biased towards NYY they might get just that. & as a long-time, red-blooded Twins fan, I'm pissed about that.  

 

[Doctor Wu]

16 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

I expect him to get more chances behind the plate before the end of the season.

At this point you can count the number of those chances on one hand,