Max Kepler Deserves a Minnesota Goodbye

Twins Hall of Fame? His entire list of league wide awards is:

AL Player of the Week August 7 2016

AL Player of the Week May 26 2019

I like Max Kepler but there's no reason to exaggerate his accomplishments.

Guessing this was written in advance and not updated? Eliminated from playoff contention and Kepler moved to the 60-day IL yesterday - it was super important to get Funderburk up last night, apparently.

It was a nice thought that he'd get a proper send-off once they were eliminated, but the best he can hope for is to be summoned from the dugout by the fans. 

While it could happen because the general fanbase seems to be more appreciative of Max than the lot frequenting this website is, I doubt Rocco and/or the front office would be on board as he's been little more than Rocco's scapegoat (as Cuddyer was for Gardy) and the front office's favorite hypothetical trade chip.

I always liked Max and enjoyed watching him play,but I think he and the team knows it's time to move on. With guys like Rodriguez, Mccusker, Rosario, Keaschal, Keirsey, Martin and eventually Jenkins, there are cheaper and more productive options. I'm guessing Wallner takes over as our everyone right fielder, but of course we'll need a right handed hitter to play against lefties if Rocco is still around...

The Twins maybe could have done something nice for Kepler.  But no one has accused this organization of having any class.  They don't stay with their players very often once they get too expensive.  Yes the did so for some reason with Buxton by giving him. truly a part time, now very athletically limited wallpaper a 100 million dollar deal.  It was a great deal for Buxton.  But IMO they don't show much loyalty to wallpapers.  Way too much turnover each year.  Way too many new faces that have proven they can't handle MLB.  It hard to embrace a team that is made up of 26 players. Many of whom have shown they don't want to play.  There should be major changes coming in players, and coaches  management and Front Office.  What we may very well get is generally a let's explain why we blew it, make excuses, and do the same thing next year.  That is unacceptable.

32 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

The Twins maybe could have done something nice for Kepler.  But no one has accused this organization of having any class.  They don't stay with their players very often once they get too expensive.  Yes the did so for some reason with Buxton by giving him. truly a part time, now very athletically limited wallpaper a 100 million dollar deal.  It was a great deal for Buxton.  But IMO they don't show much loyalty to wallpapers.  Way too much turnover each year.  Way too many new faces that have proven they can't handle MLB.  It hard to embrace a team that is made up of 26 players. Many of whom have shown they don't want to play.  There should be major changes coming in players, and coaches  management and Front Office.  What we may very well get is generally a let's explain why we blew it, make excuses, and do the same thing next year.  That is unacceptable.

Well said. 

I tip my 🎩 to you, Max Kepler.

Anybody who has been around as long as Max will become familiar and valued. Max seems like a nice guy. However Max is the definition of average. Let him tip his cap from the dugout and move on. 

7 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

…Gladden certainly didn't make it based on what he produced on the field for the Twins…

Except for the 29 postseason hits, 17 postseason runs, 15 postseason RBI…all ranking at or near the top in team history…also, the two rings…and making the play that won the greatest game 7 in WS history.

Max had 1 good year in his career with the Twins and that was during the famous juiced ball season. He played good defense in RF and if that was the only criteria for making the Twins HOF he'd be in, but it should take a complete player or something he did that was special, like Gladden in the post season. He's an average player overall when you account for his low BA (.237) and low OBP (.318) over his career. If that deserves HOF status anywhere, then baseball has fallen off the cliff. 

On the radio broadcast Friday...Gladden seemed to be a little critical of Max being "no where to be found" on German appreciation night at Target Field.  He made a comment about Max should've/could've thrown out the first pitch, but he was not around.  Gladden muttered "C'mon Max".   Maybe it was tongue in cheek but he sounded serious.

Kep had one good year in the juiced ball year.   He played well above average defense most of the time and had some bone headed mistakes as well ( not Eddie Rosario bad , but bad).  HE kept out of trouble and seemingly was good in clubhouse.   He however showed little fire , was always getting hurt and the past few years seemed more interested in being in France with his lady of the day and eating pastries.  When asked to play CF part time

a couple years back he refused...........that doesnt sit well with me.

They now have RF open for the revolving door position that they want.As long as the FO and Rocco are there they will have a team of chess pieces.It is a team that is unwatchable at this.It makes me sad because I have been a fan since day one.I have lived in 7 different states but still find a way to watch.Max is a team player who covered RF very well and had some big games just not enough.We will now see 3-6 different RF play the position next year and beyond if Rocco is the manager.

Thanks, Max. 

Fare well.

On 9/28/2024 at 10:35 AM, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Good luck in free agency Max! I hope someone backs up the Brinks truck!

As if the 45 million he made playing in Minnesota wasn't enough.  Outside of the second half of last year, Max has been lackluster and underachieving ever since the Bomba Squad left town.

On 9/28/2024 at 2:58 PM, Craig Arko said:

They left out the Tupperware container of leftover hotdish.

When I read the headline to the thread I assumed the author meant we should sit in the doorway at Target Field and not let Max leave until he takes six Cool Whip containers of leftovers home.

On 9/28/2024 at 8:59 AM, Parfigliano said:

Kepler is the one lefty that regularly played against LHP

If you want to play everyday in the big leagues be good at defense.