OAK 3, MIN 2: Willians Astudillo Collects Three More Hits

Hildy just isn't a closer type of pitcher. I think he's a great change of pace type of pitcher that can come in in the 7th and fool some guys, but that doesn't seem to be working in the 9th??

Hildenberger is a very good set-up man or middle reliever. He's not a closer. His stuff doesn't miss bats enough. He doesn't throw enough strikes, either. A closer has to attack attack attack with relentless, whiffable strikes. Hildy isn't quite that dominant.

Actually, of the guys on the current staff, Taylor Rogers has the best "closer" stuff. 

Seems the front office is making sure we get a top 10 pick with Hildy trying to close games.

I'll say again- I have no earthly idea what MoY's BWilson fixation was about all year long, but dang, I sure would have loved seeing Stu in the batter's box for most, if not all, of Bobby's turns.

Would it have made a difference in the season? Not much. But at least this club would have looked like they were trying...

The little stud might is building quite a case to get a serious look next spring and to receive a legitimate chance to make the club.

Hildy just isn't a closer type of pitcher. I think he's a great change of pace type of pitcher that can come in in the 7th and fool some guys, but that doesn't seem to be working in the 9th??

Molitor had a quote in the STRIB yesterday that Hildy has shown he isn't intimidated by the ninth inning. I would say the exact opposite as he has been terrible since taking over closing duties.

I fear if Molly is around next season that Hildy will be our closer.

Hildy is a borderline ML pitcher I don't get why he is being put in this situation. His overall numbers are not very good. Any decent bullpen he'd be a mop up guy, imo.

Don't forget about the unicorns too.

The more I dig into the numbers, the more I think the Twins and Joe Mauer may need to face reality. As much as I love Joe Mauer, it might be time to move forward.

Joe has not been an above league-average hitter (in terms of wRC+) in any month besides April. Since May 1, he has a .689 OPS, a wRC+ of 84, & and OBP of just .315. His defensive metrics have fallen of a bit since last year, also. All things put together, his fWAR sits at 0.8 with 8 games left to play. 

If Joe wants to play in 2019, he will probably be brought back. If he is back, though, he probably is just a rotational player, and the Twins need to add some depth to their corner infield.

Trevor -Hindenberg, Blows up again, How can Moliter honestly think he is a good option,No offense Trev but you might be the worst in baseball at keeping a runner from stealing with that windup, How does MOY - not see this???????????

MOY, square pegs in round holes. Hildy is not a closer, Polanco is not a SS.

I am frustrated that Vasquez did not get to pitch to a few batters and get over his jitters.  Don't they want him to succeed and have some confidence?  Astudillo is a wonderful energy guy and we need energy.

 

Polanco continues to prove he should be at 2B.  He is just not consistent enough in the field to be SS.

 

Hildenberger has been among my frustrated posts for the last few weeks.  He might not be intimidated in the ninth, but he also is no good in the ninth.

I know it isn't true, but that is what it appears like sometime.  During a frustrating, losing season why hasn't this front office committed to the long term?   Even if a guy like Astudillio or Vasquez fails, you find that out now instead of later,  But they would prefer to roll with guys like Belisle and Bobby Wilson than get the answer to the important question of whether a young(ish) players can contribute.

I don't know if Willians is a good enough player or good enough at anything to be in the major leagues.  But, on the other hand, maybe the sum of his versatility is enough he should be a contributor, someone that gives you tactical options during the game and a guy that I think the PR department can utilize in a way that Benchwarmer Bob was.   I do think it is apparent (and I live out of town so I don't even know if I have seen him play) he has enough bat speed to generate a reasonable AAA-MLB average and slugging pct, without perhaps the selectivity of drawing walks.  He isn't going to steal many bases, but somehow he has enough to step in most positions and at least represent a defensive threat.

What a sad, Sad state of affairs this has become. Are we actually pinning our hopes on this rag tag group. I would quit if I were Joe Mauer too! At least most of his career he knew going into spring training there was a fighting chance. Thanks once again for taking away our 2019,20, and 21 hopes away Falvine. I sure hope it advances your careers in all the ways you had hoped...... NOT

logic is no longer a factor in the personnel decisions of the Minnesota Twins. The only thing that matters is the image of Derek Falvey, and Thad Levine that they are the next coming if Theo Epstein, Sandy Alderson, and Branch Rickey rolled into two. With TC the bear running the FO we wouldnt be this much of a joke.

All this time, the Twins should've been auditioning Trevor May fulltime to be the new...closer,

And get Willians a tighter helmet! Of course, it is good that he is running the bases. Means he gets on base and sometimes scores!

Hilde is being overused. With ALL the pitchers on the staff all season, no need to be dragging some guys out every other game, especially for a losing team. Regulate the innings pitched and situations faced better.