Kaelen Culpepper is Preparing Himself to Fill Two Roles the Twins Desperately Need

[nicksaviking]

2 hours ago, srlarson said:

Ok a couple of points.....celebrate a .250 average?  a strike out rate of 20%......we can do better than that.....when did we strive for just middle of the road.....like the walk rate of 10% shows he can recognize pitches...even if he chases.....

give him the year in St. Paul.....no sense bringing him up....we will not compete this year....might as well wait for '28.  

 

If they aren't competing this year, why wouldn't you bring up the prospects to get their MLB legs underneath them now? Expecting rookies to come in and light the world on fire is expecting too much.

[1985Fan]

The hype machine still exists! How many times do we get fooled before we learn? I’m not saying KC won’t be a good or maybe even great SS/player, but to anoint him the heir apparent after SSS is a bit much. Since this analysis is solely stat based, there must be analysis on how much to discount AAA numbers vs. MLB. Is there a 10, 15, 20% or more drop-off between AAA and MLB? Let’s revisit KC’s performance in late July to see if he can breakout in AAA as the author suggests. 

[hitterscount]

1 hour ago, Patzky said:

Following your logic, it seems Arcia would be most helpful if Royce Keaschall or Gray need more seasoning.

Agree, think it's reasonable to see if he maintains these offensive numbers in AAA another month, but holding players back for more seasoning when there are needs on the big league team is foolishness.. Lee to 3rd and Cullpepperplays short. Instant upgrade in defense and batting production can't be any worse than what Lewis is providing. 

On a different note.... the same can be done with Wallner, awful defense and pathetic offensive production, this move should have been made a while ago.

[LA Vikes Fan]

3 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

Bringing up Cu;pepper to play SS would be a big addition to the Twins.  Lee could move to either 2B or 3B and that move would also improve the IF defense.  Now that Lewis and Wallner have completely cratered their value, it's hard to see the Twins getting anything decent back for either in a trade.

Demoting Lewis and Wallner to St. Paul to "rediscover", "reinvent", or otherwise figure out how to hit, would help if either had any minor league options left.  But it's clear that Culpepper has earned a chance with the big league club and Emmanuel Rodriguez has as well, once he's healthy. 

E-Rod is also a good defensive OF, able to play CF, but who would also be pretty solid in RF.  An OF of Martin in LF, Buxton in CF and E-Rod in RF would be pretty good defensively.  

The Twins survived a scare with Joe Ryan, but have neither the bullpen, lineup or current health in their rotation to be a serious contender.  Ryan should be traded to the team willing to pay the highest price in about 2-3 weeks.  It's time for the Twins to open the floodgates to several prospects and see what they've got.  Culpepper would be a welcome start to that process.  

I agree with your idea of bringing up more of the prospects for this year. By the way, Wallner has 1 option left so he can be optioned. I've read conflicting things on Lewis but Fangraphs says he has 2 options left so I suspect he can also be sent to AAA. 

[Patzky]

7 minutes ago, hitterscount said:

Agree, think it's reasonable to see if he maintains these offensive numbers in AAA another month, but holding players back for more seasoning when there are needs on the big league team is foolishness.. Lee to 3rd and Cullpepperplays short. Instant upgrade in defense and batting production can't be any worse than what Lewis is providing. 

On a different note.... the same can be done with Wallner, awful defense and pathetic offensive production, this move should have been made a while ago.

I feel if Emmy and Jenkins aren't hurt it's already done. Wallner's little blip in DC should not be considered.

[miller761]

Got a right fielder in St. Paul that we can be this excited about?

[Blyleven2011]

2 hours ago, saviking said:

I was thinking the same. At what point in the summer do we get another year of service out of him. Isn't it June something? Or is it different for each player. 

If we brought him now and he stayed on the team all year , he would then move into the super two class of arbitration , that's four arbitration years instead of three ...

You think the organization wants 4 arbitration years , NO 

It's all about days accumulated mlb time for super two , maybe June or July call up would keep him from super two ...

That's the best i can explain it as I'm having lunch ...

Savvy ...

[amjgt]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

If they aren't competing this year, why wouldn't you bring up the prospects to get their MLB legs underneath them now? Expecting rookies to come in and light the world on fire is expecting too much.

Can't have a sophomore slump if you never have a freshman season!

[TJSweens]

3 hours ago, jmlease1 said:

I think it's more likely that Lee would move to 3B, if he gets slotted into a regular job. He's got enough arm for 3B, especially when he can set and throw, and has an accurate arm. I think he can play 2B, but he doesn't have a great quick first step, which I think impacts him more at 2B than at 3B. But YMMV. 

I also still have hope for Keaschall at 2B...

Culpepper is doing fine so far, but his OPS is basically sitting at team average right now, so he's not blowing the doors off yet. He'll definitely get attacked more efficiently in MLB, so the chase rate is concerning; pitchers in MLB are good enough to make him prove that he can lay off that slider off the outside of the plate and there will be fewer cheap walks. But he's on a good path and keeps showing improvements to how he attacks at the plate, so I'd be surprised if we don't see him at some point in MLB this season, which feels like a win.

I don't see Brooks Lee at 3B. I'm in the camp that there is not enough arm there. I also believe the first step is a lot more critical at 3B. The ball comes faster there and reflexes are everything. If you're slow on that first step, the ball is by you. At 2B the short throw allows them to position deeper, allowing them more time to react.

I'm not sure where Keaschall fits at this point as his bat has disappeared.

[RpR]

16 minutes ago, amjgt said:

Can't have a sophomore slump if you never have a freshman season!

The so called Sophomore slump, if there were such a thing, is probably the reason so many do not get a Freshman season.

[RpR]

1 hour ago, 1985Fan said:

The hype machine still exists! How many times do we get fooled before we learn? I’m not saying KC won’t be a good or maybe even great SS/player, but to anoint him the heir apparent after SSS is a bit much. Since this analysis is solely stat based, there must be analysis on how much to discount AAA numbers vs. MLB. Is there a 10, 15, 20% or more drop-off between AAA and MLB? Let’s revisit KC’s performance in late July to see if he can breakout in AAA as the author suggests. 

Opinions here are very, very much like fathers gushing about their sons, where the players they trash are the sons of neighborhood derelicts.

It covers players and other teams; right now the West Sacramento Athletics , who last year it was implied should not be in the majors, have a record I have little doubt posters here would like very much.

[RpR]

49 minutes ago, miller761 said:

Got a right fielder in St. Paul that we can be this excited about?

NO, Rodriguez has a K rate similar to Wallner, and no better glove.

Although, Wally should be sent down , if for no other reason than shock therapy and give Rodriguez a taste of Major League pitching, although , that, could be the wrong type of shock therapy for a rookie.

[Linus]

For me it’s all about what is best for the development of the player. Presumably MLB teams have people that can recognize when a prospect is ready. I don’t care what the Twins record is or who is playing SS currently. When it is deemed that KC is ready bring him up. If he is not let him continue to develop in St Paul. 
I appreciate the in depth nature of this article. I wish a little more of it was dedicated to his fielding. 

[Sampson5]

While fans may be ready to move lee off ss I'm not sure the twins are simply because if they were he'd be getting a occasional start at a different position although maybe they start that once they deem Culpeper to be a few weeks away from a call up . Personally think he stays in St Paul probably until the deadline when they free up a full time role or maybe sooner if injuries happen. Even then he has to start playing great instead of solid to force a call up after so many young hitters struggled after being rushed up don't think the twins will be rushing Culpeper to be a part time player 

[darwin22]

5 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

Bringing up Cu;pepper to play SS would be a big addition to the Twins.  Lee could move to either 2B or 3B and that move would also improve the IF defense.  Now that Lewis and Wallner have completely cratered their value, it's hard to see the Twins getting anything decent back for either in a trade.

Demoting Lewis and Wallner to St. Paul to "rediscover", "reinvent", or otherwise figure out how to hit, would help if either had any minor league options left.  But it's clear that Culpepper has earned a chance with the big league club and Emmanuel Rodriguez has as well, once he's healthy. 

E-Rod is also a good defensive OF, able to play CF, but who would also be pretty solid in RF.  An OF of Martin in LF, Buxton in CF and E-Rod in RF would be pretty good defensively.  

The Twins survived a scare with Joe Ryan, but have neither the bullpen, lineup or current health in their rotation to be a serious contender.  Ryan should be traded to the team willing to pay the highest price in about 2-3 weeks.  It's time for the Twins to open the floodgates to several prospects and see what they've got.  Culpepper would be a welcome start to that process.  

Both Wallner and Lewis have (at least 1) minor league option.

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

Im ready to see Culpepper up for his defense alone. But I understand that may be of some detriment to his development. Either way, he will be a welcome addition when he gets the call. 

As for Lee, the idea of getting him off SS is also exciting. I like what the bat has done so far this year but overall the defense has been bad. I dont know that he has the arm for 3B and he was pretty bad there last year when he played. I think 2B should ultimately be his home, but what does that do to Keaschall? His bat wont play at 1B, especially so far this season. Too many other options for 1B already. Which tells me, whether he can handle it or not, Lee will probably move to 3B whenever Culpepper is called up. 

[Wedman13]

6 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

I will always remember Mark Belanger on Earl Weaver's Orioles - he could vacuum up every ball, but could not hit.  Weaver did have the Robinsons, Boog Powell and others to hit, but he recognized the extreme importance of a great fielder at SS and paired with Davey Johnson his keystone was solid and Paul Blair could field like Buxton.

True.  If the twins go that route start playing KC at 2nd or 3rd now.  Let Brooks keep cutting his teeth in MLB until Houston arrives.  Ultimately Houston is the shortstop with KC and Brooks taking 2nd and 3rd..  Not sure what you do with Keaschall.  Still think Amick will have a say in things somewhere on the field in 2yrs.

[Wedman13]

3 hours ago, Patzky said:

I feel if Emmy and Jenkins aren't hurt it's already done. Wallner's little blip in DC should not be considered.

💯 agree but I'd say if not injuries it 'should' be done not would have been done.  They holding on very tight to Royce and Matt and giving a very long leash.  Possibly they know 2026 is lost, so focusing on development - which I don't disagree with

[hitterscount]

3 hours ago, Patzky said:

I feel if Emmy and Jenkins aren't hurt it's already done. Wallner's little blip in DC should not be considered.

I am beyond done with him.... so I couldn't justify wasting two seconds to look up his AB's/games in Washington.... seems to me his one decent game was the blowout loss which is his MO, followed up for an 0-4 , 4 K performance. A .172 average and the all important OPS that has cut him any accountability among some sits at a whooping .569 .... it's malpractice to keep him on the roster when there is deserving young players that can match his offensive production and play superior defense to him. 

[RpR]

3 hours ago, Linus said:

For me it’s all about what is best for the development of the player. Presumably MLB teams have people that can recognize when a prospect is ready. I don’t care what the Twins record is or who is playing SS currently. When it is deemed that KC is ready bring him up. If he is not let him continue to develop in St Paul. 
I appreciate the in depth nature of this article. I wish a little more of it was dedicated to his fielding. 

This is not training school, what is best, is what is for the team.  They have A-AA-AAA and the Mexican League to get their selves developed..

[laloesch]

4 hours ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

I agree with your idea of bringing up more of the prospects for this year. By the way, Wallner has 1 option left so he can be optioned. I've read conflicting things on Lewis but Fangraphs says he has 2 options left so I suspect he can also be sent to AAA. 

I suspect if the Twins send Lewis to AAA he's gonna ask for a trade.  

[Nshore]

The parity so far in the Central Division might work against some of these young players getting an early opportunity with the Twins.  It might lead the powers that be to believe there's still A CHANCE, make them more conservative, and stick with retreads and failing veterans - which IMO defeats their own purpose.

[jkcarew]

5 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

…why wouldn't you bring up the prospects to get their MLB legs underneath them now?

Too risky! We’re in a dogfight COMPETING for a postseason run in a very tough division…and only 1.5 back in the Wild Card race.

Sincerely, (no, really…I’m being sincere)

Tom Pohlad

[RpR]

5 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

If they aren't competing this year, why wouldn't you bring up the prospects to get their MLB legs underneath them now? Expecting rookies to come in and light the world on fire is expecting too much.

LOL, this is the Big Leagues. Yeah bring them up so they can miserably fail, brilliant.

This is the real world  , not The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

[Rosterman]

Picturing Culpeper at third base when fast-tracked Houston is added to infield. Question is where tom play Lee, and Keaschall. Lee could be an expensive backup. Not sure Keaschall is the bat you want at first, depending on the results of Jenkins and Rodriguez. Lewis needs to do soemthing if he wants to stayt even for consideration in the picture for another season, let alone two.

[mikelink45]

2 hours ago, Wedman13 said:

True.  If the twins go that route start playing KC at 2nd or 3rd now.  Let Brooks keep cutting his teeth in MLB until Houston arrives.  Ultimately Houston is the shortstop with KC and Brooks taking 2nd and 3rd..  Not sure what you do with Keaschall.  Still think Amick will have a say in things somewhere on the field in 2yrs.

I was good until Amick came up - I do not anticipate him pushing for a Twins starting job.

[Wedman13]

59 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I was good until Amick came up - I do not anticipate him pushing for a Twins starting job.

Just a feeling nothing more

[purplesoldier4u]

"The Twins are encouraged by Culpepper’s play at shortstop. He’d easily be the Twins' best defensive infielder right now. I feel relatively confident calling him likely to be an average big-league shortstop (complimentary), if not slightly better. His arm will allow the skill set to work excellently at third base, too (don’t tell Royce, anyone)."

Not too shabby, and when Marek Houston is up, the left side of the Twins infield will be rock solid ... finally!

[Mike Sixel]

5 hours ago, Sampson5 said:

While fans may be ready to move lee off ss I'm not sure the twins are simply because if they were he'd be getting a occasional start at a different position although maybe they start that once they deem Culpeper to be a few weeks away from a call up . Personally think he stays in St Paul probably until the deadline when they free up a full time role or maybe sooner if injuries happen. Even then he has to start playing great instead of solid to force a call up after so many young hitters struggled after being rushed up don't think the twins will be rushing Culpeper to be a part time player 

I'm not sure how later this year is rushing. If you want him ready next year.....

[nicksaviking]

5 hours ago, RpR said:

LOL, this is the Big Leagues. Yeah bring them up so they can miserably fail, brilliant.

This is the real world  , not The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

So never room for rookies. Good plan. 80-ytear-old Nolan Ryan vs Lou Brock tomorrow is going to be a great matchup.

And Walter Mitty was a middle aged man by the way.