MIN 8, CHW 3: Twins Continue Trend of Finishing Strong

I do hope the Twins manage to retain Astudillo.

Depending on who's managing next season, Astudillo looks like a good bet to start as 2nd Catcher and end up as 3rd Catcher when/if Castro is fully recovered to play regularly. He's a keeper if the Twins can improve the pen enough to only require a 12-man pitching corps.

 

He's the feel-good story of 2018- and a marketing department's dream player- b truth be toldut the odds are long indeed that he can match production numbers anywhere close to this season.

His track record is that he puts the ball in play. He may not hit the high water marks from 2018. However, he has earned a chance at regular ABs in 2019 to prove he can keep up the production long term.

Although Astudillo has been a joy to watch, probably the biggest positive of this season has been the consistent good pitching from Gibson. He seemed to prove that the last 2 months of last season were not a fluke.  He sure looks like someone we need to extend, if possible.

Astudillo and Cave are 2 keepers for next year. Kepler better watch out or Cave will take away a bunch of ABs

I would extend Gibson. I would bet this will be his prime, the next three/ four years. Looked like he had everything at his disposal yesterday after 200 innings. Dialed in!

Astudillo rocks! He's a tough out because his strike zone is microscopic, allowing him to focus like a Jedi master on the balls frustrated pitchers eventually have to throw right down Broadway. Translation: I think he's capable playing top offense and pretty good defense for whole seasons.

Have thought for some time they need to extend Berrios, Gibson and Rosario.  There is another name that should be added to that, one we never talk about...Rogers.

Read something in this morning's Strib.  Could Castro, Astudillo, Garver and Austin share catcher and first base next year?  Interesting, might mean they aren't in the market for anyone at those two positions in the off season.  Add no need to add any outfielders and their winter's work/decisions can be focused on middle infield, third base, #4 spot in the starting rotation and the bullpen.  

Nice of Belisle to even show some leadership as the season ends and give up a couple runs. Teaching the troops how to throw the ball away yourself and escape earned runs. Now that is a skill!

And while doing all that indirectly injure an opposing player to boot.

Astudillo and Cave are 2 keepers for next year. Kepler better watch out or Cave will take away a bunch of ABs

We need four outfielders with five to choose from: Buxton, Cave, Grossman, Kepler, and Rosario. I believe Buxton will be put on the roster and I think he's going to have a breakout year. It's just going to happen. Rosario obviously will be there. That leaves two of Cave, Kepler, and Grossman. Despite Grossman's deficiencies as a fielder it appears he can be relied on to get on base and he switch hits. As of now, I'd certainly keep Cave over Kepler for the last spot.

Speaking of guys the FO should go after, I think they should contact the fan who threw back Stanton's homerun ball and hit him square in the back.

Have thought for some time they need to extend Berrios, Gibson and Rosario. There is another name that should be added to that, one we never talk about...Rogers.

 

Read something in this morning's Strib. Could Castro, Astudillo, Garver and Austin share catcher and first base next year? Interesting, might mean they aren't in the market for anyone at those two positions in the off season. Add no need to add any outfielders and their winter's work/decisions can be focused on middle infield, third base, #4 spot in the starting rotation and the bullpen.

Zero reason to extend a relief pitcher that is still under team control for 4 more seasons.