P/C/1B/(3 SS)/(3CF)

[jaimedude]

6 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I care much less about the bat at catcher than I do the defense. 

I wouldn't at all be mad if Jeffers actually accepted the QO, but otherwise I hope he gets a big deal that he wants somewhere else. Seems like a good dude.

 

I don't disagree, We have to improve the catching position defense and ability to throw out runners. I'm not sure who this is but if Jeffers can get big money elsewhere let him walk. 

[bean5302]

14 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I know mlb puts out grades, but having seen Jenkins for only a bit in CF, I absolutely trust him more out there than I did Lee at SS. Doesn't mean Jenkins won't be stronger in a corner, but I don't think this is a fair comparison.

Rodriguez in CF should be solid too. I also really like his arm.

 

Well, yeah. Lee was absolutely terrible at shortstop. 

Jenkins can't cover CF adequately with his speed, but it's not like he'll be the worst center fielder in the game because his range is poor for the position. If you didn't like Manny Margot's performance in center (no, Twins Daily, it's not spelled "centre" we don't live in England) field for the Twins, you won't like Jenkins' performance there, either. They'll play about the same.

[Cory Engelhardt]

3 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Well, yeah. Lee was absolutely terrible at shortstop. 

Jenkins can't cover CF adequately with his speed, but it's not like he'll be the worst center fielder in the game because his range is poor for the position. If you didn't like Manny Margot's performance in center (no, Twins Daily, it's not spelled "centre" we don't live in England) field for the Twins, you won't like Jenkins' performance there, either. They'll play about the same.

If you think Margot was anywhere near a 50 runner during his time with the Twins, then do I have an amazing ocean front property in South St Paul ready for you

[Parfigliano]

3 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Well, yeah. Lee was absolutely terrible at shortstop. 

Jenkins can't cover CF adequately with his speed, but it's not like he'll be the worst center fielder in the game because his range is poor for the position. If you didn't like Manny Margot's performance in center (no, Twins Daily, it's not spelled "centre" we don't live in England) field for the Twins, you won't like Jenkins' performance there, either. They'll play about the same.

I think Jenkins will be a plus defender in CF.

[bean5302]

3 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

If you think Margot was anywhere near a 50 runner during his time with the Twins, then do I have an amazing ocean front property in South St Paul ready for you

Margot 27.5ft/sec
Jenkins 27.7ft/sec
You're wrong.

[Linus]

Jenkins is already a big guy and he is only 21. He is likely to add more muscle which probably means he will not be getting any faster. I also noticed that his jumps and routes in CF were inconsistent. I think he will be a fine corner outfield but will not be plus in CF. 

[ewen21]

On 10/12/2026 at 12:56 PM, Whammy said:

I saw someone Tweet this about the Brewers defense. Said another way, the Brewers are playing three starting caliber shortstops in their infield and three starting caliber centerfielders in their outfield. Then I got thinking, and the Twins might not necessarily we THAT far away from a similar thing by the end of next season.

 

I would say we are pretty freakin far from what you are saying.  We would need to look at these very players at the end of next season to see how they have developed.  We need to actually see over 100 games played in the majors next year for both Culpepper and Houston to talk like this.  Culpepper looked decent in the 33 games he played, but who really knows?  Who knows with Houston.  I would like to see what he can do but this remains to be seen.  I am sorry, but I am not in a place where I can be told "just you watch this bunch" yet.  I need to see very strong signs and in a sustained effort from a whole bunch of players.  I am enthusiastic about Brooks Lee and development he's shown.  He is of the mold the Brewers have.  They have different kinds of players than we do.  It is an unfair comparison.  The Brewers just swept the LA Dodgers and are going to WS.  I am sorry, but we are not at all close.  If we are and I just don't see it well then this year should be pretty exciting and I am set to have my mind changed. 

[ewen21]

On 10/13/2026 at 8:36 PM, Whammy said:

Sooooo.... more than Wallner?

That's like adding a few pairs of socks, bro

[bean5302]

15 hours ago, Linus said:

Jenkins is already a big guy and he is only 21. He is likely to add more muscle which probably means he will not be getting any faster. I also noticed that his jumps and routes in CF were inconsistent. I think he will be a fine corner outfield but will not be plus in CF. 

Why would he add muscle? He was an elite athlete in high school swimming. Is it his duty to get "bulk"? I mean, it seems to be the going philosophy in baseball where these younger guys are trying to be all BEEFCAKE!!!!! But the mass doesn't help in any way for a baseball player. In football or hockey? Sure. You need to be able to absorb impact and push people around. In baseball, totally worthless. Just adds mass to move, not strength. Jenkins should be more than familiar with that concept as a swimmer. The goal is strength and endurance, not empty bulk.

Aside from that, I think you're totally right about his limitations for CF. Unless Jenkins devotes himself to improving his sprinting speed, he's not fast enough to be good in CF. Given his lengthy history of losing half the season with hamstrings and twisted ankles out of the gate, I can't imagine the Twins are encouraging that.

[Linus]

Just now, bean5302 said:

Why would he add muscle? He was an elite athlete in high school swimming. Is it his duty to get "bulk"? I mean, it seems to be the going philosophy in baseball where these younger guys are trying to be all BEEFCAKE!!!!! But the mass doesn't help in any way for a baseball player. In football or hockey? Sure. You need to be able to absorb impact and push people around. In baseball, totally worthless. Just adds mass to move, not strength. Jenkins should be more than familiar with that concept as a swimmer. The goal is strength and endurance, not empty bulk.

Natural maturation as a young male. I’m sure he won’t try and bulk up but I bet he isn’t 215 a year from now. 

[bean5302]

Just now, Linus said:

Natural maturation as a young male. I’m sure he won’t try and bulk up but I bet he isn’t 215 a year from now. 

That's called Americans getting fat and justifying it. Any significant weight gain due to "filling out" as they age is a myth after 20. Jenkins probably gained 10+ pounds just by not being a competitive swimmer already. He doesn't need to fill out and he shouldn't fill out.

[Brandon]

On 10/14/2026 at 2:29 PM, Cory Engelhardt said:

Because I want to try to improve. That's why. 

The way Culpepper played SS and hit was a pretty good combo.  It would be expensive to improve on him.  What do you have in mind and wouldn't those resources be better spent elsewhere?

[gman]

I am not trading for any of the mentioned names as the cost would be prohibitive for this team. Fair maybe, but too high. Most of what is expected to be our best players still need to develop at the majors. If we see that why wouldn't other teams that are playoff bound already? We know that for '28 the Twins have 4 starters that are up for grabs, so that would not be a position of strength unless we trade with the intention of getting other starting caliber rookies in return? Giving up our top prospects for the thought of a one year 85 win wonder season doesn't work for me.

[Cory Engelhardt]

3 hours ago, Brandon said:

The way Culpepper played SS and hit was a pretty good combo.  It would be expensive to improve on him.  What do you have in mind and wouldn't those resources be better spent elsewhere?

I don’t need to supplant Culpepper on the roster. I meant they should very much try to improve on Kreidler. And that’s doable via trade I believe. And if that player either moves Culpepper to 2b or moves Clemens to full time utility while starting at 2b, that’s something the team could use, especially on the defensive side 

[Brandon]

6 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I don’t need to supplant Culpepper on the roster. I meant they should very much try to improve on Kreidler. And that’s doable via trade I believe. And if that player either moves Culpepper to 2b or moves Clemens to full time utility while starting at 2b, that’s something the team could use, especially on the defensive side 

Kreidler is a bench player with ++ defense and 80-90 OPS+.  If he had 30-40 points to his average and he is likely a starter.  

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 hour ago, Brandon said:

Kreidler is a bench player with ++ defense and 80-90 OPS+.  If he had 30-40 points to his average and he is likely a starter.  

Exactly, which is why they can upgrade