Luke Keaschall’s Position Next Year: The Answer Lies with Luis Arraez

[Riverbrian]

Speaking of Luis Arraez. 

Has anyone noticed what has happened with his OAA this year compared to every other year of his career. Does anyone ever question how that happens. 

Does anyone notice that he simultaneously has a +11 OAA and a -2 DRS. Does anyone ever question that? 

Yeah I know OAA and DRS use different methodologies, different data... but they both are trying to tell you if a player is a good defender or not and they disagree with each other and we are hanging players with the numbers. 

 

OK... back to the topic. If you have a sub par position player there is no reason to lock him into a static position. 

If he is capable of being sub par at multiple positions... that skill is perhaps the most helpful utilization of that sub par position player. 

It's the Nolan Arenado type defensive talent that shouldn't leave a position. 

Would I put Keaschall back at 2B?

Based on what I've seen from him so far... No I would not. 

Based on the current context of the team... Yes I would. 

 

 

[jmlease1]

12 hours ago, Coach Wheels said:

Keaschall is a DH.

Lewis is a DH.

Clemens might be a DH.

I could go on, there are more, but I think we all see a glaring issue with this roster.

You're just wrong about Lewis & Clemens: Royce was perfectly fine defensively at 3B, and outside of inexperience looks fine at 1B too. His problem is being too streaky as a hitter and having lengthy slumps at the plate, none of which is improved at DH. Clemens is fine at 2B, reasonable in either corner, and a break glass in case of emergency option in CF surprisingly. He fields 1B well enough (and does a nice job tracking foul balls, etc) but isn't great at receiving out there. But he's certainly not a DH-only.

Yes, the defense on this roster is a problem...but the changes to the infield have improved things (and keeping Gray off the team with more experience elsewhere won't hurt) and moving on from Larnach in the OF, keeping Keaschall out of CF, and running with Jenkins and Rodriguez will help too.

[Hugh M]

Keaschall's range factor is almost exactly league average for second base.  It is actually worse in center field and worst in right field.  I think he can be a decent second baseman and a decent left fielder.  The Twins, though, don't seem to think he can play second and in any case we will have better fielding options at second, especially if Culpepper moves from shortstop to second.  Bottom line is I would play him in left or DH, but I think he is playable at second base.