Royals 2, Twins 1: A Duo of Decent Debuts Ends in Defeat

[D.C Twins]

Buckle up... regression to the mean of BA to RISP and W/L to run differential are about to run into a string of quality opponents. 

This was Exhibit A for those of us who wanted to trade at least Jeffers and Larnach at the deadline. 

I hope that those on the other side will eventually have an Exhibit B that shows that the Twins were able to defy the odds... but I wonder... and worry. 

[Jacksson]

42 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

He’s been discussed as possible Gold Glove guy in the N.L. this year …….. he starts every day at 2B for TWINS. Clemens goes to LF - with an available Buxton, Keaschall plays RF.

He’s batting 4th for the Phillies - .382 BA with RISP this year & .352 with RISP for his career. Poor RBI guy, obviously!  He’s hit 1st or 2nd most of his career so nobody’s on when he comes to bat.

Yep, he’s worthless……. that’s why he’s squarely in the middle of the Phillies line-up.

Remember too; the Phillies changed defensive positions of 3 players to accommodate Luis being able to remain at his preferred 2B position.  Since Keaschall bombed out at 2B and is now patrolling CF until Buxton returns, Luis could have filled the 2B vacancy with Clemens moving to RF.  IF/when Buxton returns send Keaschall to St Paul to learn how to play CF.    

[VivaBomboRivera!]

55 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

? Second base.

Tough call there, as neither he, nor Clemens nor Lewis are outstanding at the position. The durability of Arraez' legs has apparently improved from where it was in his later years with the Twins. Here are his defensive stats (Baseball Reference, may not include tonight's numbers) compared to Clemens (OBP .292, SLG .474) and Lewis (OBP .308, SLG .418).


To be clear, my pick for a righty addition would have been Randy Arozarena. 

[LastOnePicked]

There's just something about this team that struggles at the first sign of expectation of success. I was hoping it was just a Rocco thing, but it seems to run a little deeper in the culture. We'll see.

This team has positively surprised me a few times this season. Here's hoping for a few more. But it's possible that the gas has finally run out. And, of course, at just about the worst possible time.

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, darwin22 said:

Mentioned in other threads, but what is THE REASON to keep Culpepper, Jenkins and to a lesser extent Wallner in SP?

Deleted, never mind.  My alleged "insight" was based on a faulty analysis of the 2020 season.

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

Nice debut for Kremer. If he can do that every time out, the trade will look great for us. 

I like Kriedler and his defense is great, but we need some offense. Its time to send Gray back to AAA and call up Culpepper. If nothing else, maybe the new energy can wake some of the guys up. Added bonus, Kriedler is also our best defensive CFer and can keep Keaschall in a corner OF spot. 

I was really hoping Caratini would've been traded. Hes fighting hard for title of the worst hitter on the team. This season, Jackson seems to be a better hitter so far. He played 1B once already, see if he can do it more. 

Get the guys that are ice cold off the field as much as possible. Try to bring in some new energy. Gotta do something.