How the Twins Can Maximize Their Playoff Chances in the Second Half Before Adding Anything

[bean5302]

6 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

They haven't even attempted to develop a 7th starter, they have everyone pitching as a bulk guy.  They seem to have pushed all their chips in on this concept and it will catch up with them when they need depth.  And this is all the way thru the organization.

When I was at a game in Cedar Rapids, their game notes had an interesting note, the Kernels starters are averaging 3.1 innings which is dead last in the Midwest League.  This concept may have merit for some guys in the lower minors but it seems to becoming the prevailing method of development.

I think it's a factor of desperation. Falzoll didn't address the bullpen, Festa and Lopez are out, SWR flopped, and the Twins have been forced to reach into the minors hard, the waiver wire, anything and everything to get innings that don't wipe the team's chances of winning.

That has led to a vacuum at AAA -> AA -> A+ where the backfill has resulted in early promotions and guys who aren't ready. Plus a lot of guys in the minors returning from injury.

[mikelink45]

Trade Bell and OF prospect - Houston needs OF - clear some space and move on.  We know Bell is one year only so keep Lewis playing and hitting. 

Yes cut Gray. 

Keep Paredes on relief.

Keep all the catchers and then trade Jeffers for RP.  The Yankees need him. Keep moving forward - fill the positions of need and prepare for the end of this year and 2027..

And here is my reach - if Culpepper is down with a bad butt and we want fielding - maybe its Marek time!

[HarmonK03]

Just now, bean5302 said:

I think it's a factor of desperation. Falzoll didn't address the bullpen, Festa and Lopez are out, SWR flopped, and the Twins have been forced to reach into the minors hard, the waiver wire, anything and everything to get innings that don't wipe the team's chances of winning.

That has led to a vacuum at AAA -> AA -> A+ where the backfill has resulted in early promotions and guys who aren't ready. Plus a lot of guys in the minors returning from injury.

I disagree, this was their plan that they started last year and have kept expanding it this year.  No one is pitching past 4 to 5 innings in St. Paul with basically a max of 70 pitches.  Their are guys down there were starters.  But now they are not developing starters or relievers and this is why they have to keep going to the waiver wire, no is ready for a role up here.

[bean5302]

Just now, HarmonK03 said:

I disagree, this was their plan that they started last year and have kept expanding it this year.  No one is pitching past 4 to 5 innings in St. Paul with basically a max of 70 pitches.  Their are guys down there were starters.  But now they are not developing starters or relievers and this is why they have to keep going to the waiver wire, no is ready for a role up here.

I believe what you're saying is true, but also the desperation and backfill has impacted things, too.

[LA Vikes Fan]

1 hour ago, HarmonK03 said:

When did Kreidler become the everyday SS, he has had a couple of three day stretches where he was there every day, but he has been in pretty much a straight platoon with Gray.

I checked and you're closer to right. I thought it was much more Kriedler but its been more of a 60/40 or even 55/45 Kriedler over Gray platoon over the last 6-7 weeks. I think that's a mistake. Gray can't field the position and now isn't hitting. Kriedler's bat has cooled off (a lot), but he really can field the position. He should be the everyday SS unless his bat completely craters for an extended period.   

[HarmonK03]

22 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

I checked and you're closer to right. I thought it was much more Kriedler but its been more of a 60/40 or even 55/45 Kriedler over Gray platoon over the last 6-7 weeks. I think that's a mistake. Gray can't field the position and now isn't hitting. Kriedler's bat has cooled off (a lot), but he really can field the position. He should be the everyday SS unless his bat completely craters for an extended period.   

I agree Gray needs to be in St. Paul as insurance and Culpepper needs to be up here when healthy.  Kreidler has cooled off as he has gotten more playing time.  But he is our best option right now and needs to be the starting SS.  He will start at least two games this weekend at least with 2 lefties starting Saturday and Sunday.