MIN 2, CHW 1: Berrios Reaches 200 Ks

This maybe my favorite September post.  I love Berrios ending on a high note, Cave has looked great and may be a number 3 not #4 OF, Grossman has done amazing with the bat and patience - if we had a reasonable number on the bench there would be plenty of room for him.  And Astudillo just astounds.  If the FO does not plan to give him a chance next year they will have completely lost me. 

I have not been a big Trevor May fan, but I think Rogers and May look like the best we have for 8/9.  Reed and Hildy in 6/7 and forget the opener. 

Grossman with his third straight year of being almost exactly replacement level.... I hope he's not back.

Berrios, OTOH, nice. And Cave too, very nice.

Wanted to like and copy a couple posts here but phone is not letting me. Grrr!

Great to see Berrios end on such a high note, especially after he struggled some in the second half. I absolutely believe we have yet to see the best of him.

Really have enjoyed watching Cave this season and agree there may be potential as more than a 4th OF. Despite known struggles/issues, Buxton and Kepler will have a lot to say about that. Plenty of room for all 4. And what a great "problem" that would be to have!

Astudillo should absolutely be on the 40 man! Period! I can see scenarios where he doesn't make the opening roster, but he needs to be kept. Really nice role player and I'm believing his bat plays at the ML level.

Believer and fan of both Roger's and May. Remember, May is still on the comeback trail. He has largely impressed, but still shaking off rust. Also like Hildenberger but believe he's best from the 6th-8th.

Is it my imagination, or has Molitor seemed more affable and relaxed the past couple of months? He's actually been humorous in some of his interviews.

If Grossman can keep a .360 obp, I hope he is back next season. We are short in the obp area on offense and if Mauer retires then we are shorter still. A bench with Astudillo, Cave, Grossman, Garver, and Adrianza is possible I guess. Especially if Astudillo plays a passable 3B.

I actually like that bench with a healthy and productive Buxton and Kepler in the OF. And to be clear on the subject, Buxton only needs to hit around .250 (for now at least considering his potential) with even reasonable contact to let his defense and natural power and speed take over. Kepler just needs to even out some weird really splits. I could argue with Garver on the bench. I actually think Castro is a good catcher with a mediocre bat and decent power. I think we missed him this year mkre than some realize or want to admit. But Garver has a much, much better bat with potential. His defense has improved as the season went along. Whether it's early or eventually, I'd like to see Garver as the primary catcher who can DH/PH and even fill in at 1B.

Good to see Berrios back near top form. This bodes well for the 2019 pitching staff. 

 

Astudillo may be in the best shape of his life, but he should try, just once in his life, to train like an olympic athlete, like an America Ninja, like a rock-climbing gymnast.  

 

There is only one time in your life that you get to be in your 20's. You're at your physical peak, and you can push your physical limits to crazy heights. Who here wouldn't like to see Willans Astudillo come to spring training looking like he's ready to go ten rounds boxing? Imagine Astudillo with bigger thighs, and six pack abs like Bruce Lee. 

 

Go for it, Willans. I bet the Twins would hire you a physical trainer. Hell, Molitor might pay for it himself, just to see what happens. Treadmills, weights, and low-cal, hi-protein shakes, baby. Can La Tortuga become El Tigre?

 

Is it just me, but with his physique and blonde highlights, I keep seeing "Sano Jr" when I look at Willans.

Let's face it, his "shape" is round, and he's not exactly speedy. But he runs better than you would expect, and I agree there appears to be some quickness to him. Hey, athletes come in different shapes and sizes. I know his shape, but don't know his conditioning. I know your post was tongue-in-cheek, but considering the opportunity that may be in front of him, you do have to wonder a bit about him shedding a few pounds to get ready for 2019.