Walker Jenkins's Debut May Be Further Away Than You Think

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

I mean, Roden should be up now over Fedko. 100%.

Fedko another bring to MLB but don't play him player and block another guy in AAA at the same time.

Brilliant roster construction.

[chpettit19]

10 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

How many A or A+ pitchers were acquired at the deadline last year? Were there any?

And I did say that mostly because of Matthew Leach's article at MLB.com the other day, where he floated the idea that the Twins could sell some players, like Larnach, but also attempt to bring in some bullpen help.

MLB for MLB trades rarely happen. A team trading for Larnach is looking to win this year, they're not likely to trade useful bullpen pieces in that situation. The buy and sell dance is trading prospects for bullpen help while trading Larnach types for prospects to replace the ones you traded.

[mnfireman]

27 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

How many A or A+ pitchers were acquired at the deadline last year? Were there any?

And I did say that mostly because of Matthew Leach's article at MLB.com the other day, where he floated the idea that the Twins could sell some players, like Larnach, but also attempt to bring in some bullpen help.

Alex Call (2), Mike Yaztrzemski, Miguel Andujar, and Cedrick Mullins (3) were the examples I found closest to Larnach.

I know Mullins is a CF, which is probably why he returned 3 A+ pitchers even while having a down year, that and he was traded to the Mets, who were evidently willing to overpay.

Willi Castro returned 2 AA pitchers, Chicago was also willing to overpay.

Bader was having a career resurgence, but only returned a AA OF and a young pitcher that was pitching in the Dominican Summer League.

Stewart, the oft-injured RP, returned Outman.

I don't see Larnach bringing back a MLB RP, much less one that will impact the teams BP down the stretch.

[bean5302]

 

Quote

Walker Jenkins, has largely dominated the minor leagues.

Seems pretty generous given Jenkins' often slow starts, quick promotions after short bursts of raking, and his relatively pedestrian results at AAA.

Jenkins is probably better than absolute replacement level as a starting CF right now if he's got as much or more speed than advertised, but do the Twins want to start his clock burning time as a replacement+ player before he gets more experience and is potentially worth the starting job? As a corner OF, he might be able to duplicate a Kepler-like performance with a close to league average bat putting together 2 WAR campaigns with defense.

 

 

[HerbieFan]

If he stays healthy and continues to play well I think we see him after the trade deadline.

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 hour ago, mnfireman said:

Alex Call (2), Mike Yaztrzemski, Miguel Andujar, and Cedrick Mullins (3) were the examples I found closest to Larnach.

I know Mullins is a CF, which is probably why he returned 3 A+ pitchers even while having a down year, that and he was traded to the Mets, who were evidently willing to overpay.

Willi Castro returned 2 AA pitchers, Chicago was also willing to overpay.

Bader was having a career resurgence, but only returned a AA OF and a young pitcher that was pitching in the Dominican Summer League.

Stewart, the oft-injured RP, returned Outman.

I don't see Larnach bringing back a MLB RP, much less one that will impact the teams BP down the stretch.

I just meant, they didn't acquire, the Twins, any pitchers like you had mentioned.

I also think the Twins could thread a needle where they trade players like Jeffers and Larnach and even Ryan for different levels of returns while also adding a couple of bullpen pieces. At least that path is feasible.

[mnfireman]

3 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I just meant, they didn't acquire, the Twins, any pitchers like you had mentioned.

I also think the Twins could thread a needle where they trade players like Jeffers and Larnach and even Ryan for different levels of returns while also adding a couple of bullpen pieces. At least that path is feasible.

I get it, we all want a good return for our players, I was just pointing out what happened in MLB at last year's deadline, including the return the Twins got for a couple of players that were similar to Larnach. 

The best return will be for Jeffers, especially if the Yankees are involved and the Twins can maybe get a bidding war started.

Ryan will have to significantly improve upon his near 5.00 ERA for the month of June to get a good/decent return, but if the Twins are still contenders they may decide to keep him - tearing down the rotation to build a BP makes no sense.

[JADBP]

7 hours ago, Dman said:

While I tend to agree with the article I still think he controls his own destiny.  If he goes on a tear the next couple of months I could see them adding him. I don't think the lockout affects him too much even if on the 40 man.  He'll still be able to hit and play baseball when they come back.

He's gonna have to really prove he is ready first though as the 40 man has too many outfielders on it already.  Granted pretty easy to move on from some of them.  As noted he doesn't "need" to be added until the end of 2027.  I'd say the odds are they don't add him, but if he forces their hand that could change IMO.

 

Other than Buxton, which of these OFers are really part of our long term plans????  Its gonna be Gonzales, Emma and Jenkins in the OF.  I say, get them started as soon as possible!  Choose a 4th OFer from the either Roden or Mendez.  But, come on...why are we hanging on to the others?  Let's start trimming the excess this trade season and accept the obvious.  There is no reason on this earth to keep putting Larnach or Wallner in the OF if we have these talented players available. 

 

[HarmonK03]

44 minutes ago, mnfireman said:

Ryan will have to significantly improve upon his near 5.00 ERA for the month of June to get a good/decent return, but if the Twins are still contenders they may decide to keep him - tearing down the rotation to build a BP makes no sense.

One month is not going to change his value.  All reports say he will be one of the more sought after free agents if he is made available.  Get over his outing on Tuesday, it happens.

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 hour ago, mnfireman said:

I get it, we all want a good return for our players, I was just pointing out what happened in MLB at last year's deadline, including the return the Twins got for a couple of players that were similar to Larnach. 

The best return will be for Jeffers, especially if the Yankees are involved and the Twins can maybe get a bidding war started.

Ryan will have to significantly improve upon his near 5.00 ERA for the month of June to get a good/decent return, but if the Twins are still contenders they may decide to keep him - tearing down the rotation to build a BP makes no sense.

Also makes me think they should and could make a bunch of aaa and aaaa outfielders available for any type of movement. But it will be interesting to watch what or how many moves they will actually make. I just hope they do pick a lane and are active

[KBJ1]

Yeah, ok, I get it. BUT, if they trade a couple guys ahead of him timeline wise - Walner, Roden, Emma, etc AND get bullpen help, bring up Culpepper AND are in contention - bring him up now! This kid is ready!

[jkcarew]

Worse case scenario…they play 70-ish games next year?

Development-wise, I’d take 50 games of MLB this year, and 60 next year over another 1.5 seasons of AAA. He isn’t going to make the club worse. And need to do what they can to thin the veteran position-player hurd at the deadline…even if they end up doing a little buying for the bullpen.

Having said that, right now I’d be somewhat happy if he plays 110 games PERIOD, over the next 15 months.

[Vanimal46]

2 hours ago, mnfireman said:

Ryan will have to significantly improve upon his near 5.00 ERA for the month of June to get a good/decent return, but if the Twins are still contenders they may decide to keep him

Joe Ryan will be the #2 pitcher available after Tarik Skubal this trade deadline. He's gonna get a haul. 

[Czelgert]

The Twins delay promotion of players way too long in hopes of retaining control of them through the most years possible.  While this may seem smart, it stunts their growth.  Despite having a highly graded minor league system, how many successful position players has the organization churned out in the last five years?  How many flameout after the league makes its first adjustment?  Promote players when they show requisite talent and worry about paying them IF they succeed.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

11 hours ago, SarasotaBill said:

Jenkins needs to stay at AA until next year.

He needs to develop and can't afford to lose a big portion of next season as well.

Do you mean AAA?

[AlLagoon]

I'd like to see Jenkins, Culpepper and E-Rod as a cohort. Call em up in September to get their feet wet. Think Hrbek, Gaetti, Brunansky.: I forgot how long those guys were their first full season: 22 ,23 ,21 . Viola also debuted in 82 as a 22 year old.

Next year, there should be roster spots open. for all of them.