Short Change?

 

Does anyone think that Santana might be better at the plate if he plays outfield?  A variation on what we heard about Dozier and Plouffe when both were moved off short?

I think it's possible. I think there's something to be said for comfort level of players (though, admittedly, not sure how moving an IF to CF would make him more comfortable). I also think that his offense last year was way over his abilities but is not as bad as this year so far.  He has to figure out a way to get on base more.  

There's probably something to the theory that slumping offense can influence slumping defense and vice versa - He might be pressing a little bit at the plate because he's thinking about his defensive play or making mistakes in the field because he's dwelling on a bad plate appearance or thinking about the next one.

 

Could he hit better if he's not thinking about his defense? Probably yes.

 

I think that's another reason to stay the course with him playing short stop, at least for now. If he is thinking too much, it's something that he will need to work out. Short Stop is where he has the most value if he can break through.

 

More time in the field and and more plate appearances could be the only thing that will make him more comfortable.

 

 

Not sure why you include Mauer with this group.    Among those with 100 games or more his fielding % was tied for the best in 2014.   He certainly seems to make a lot of nice plays, he starts double plays well and is a great target.    Annoying error Sunday but otherwise better than average since he has moved over IMO.

I waffled on Mauer, but did not think his effort on the ball yesterday, or the high throw tag the other day was adequate. Plus I read where most or all of his errors are in like the last 38 games? He could have easily been deleted from the list of miscreants, but I admit I was in an expansive mood!

 

.285 in the AL in 2015. Last year was .298 (AL). Why?

Thanks for the info.

 

And why? Because Santana's BABIP is a hair above league average right now and look at the results.

 

Still, though SSS for everyone.

Edited April 20, 2015 by jimmer

I'd respectfully disagree with the premise that changes are needed. Most have acknowledged that Danny's numbers last year were a bit inflated (as indicated by his preposterously high .405 BABIP). However, his season has started with a bit of a suppressed BABIP (.286) in which Danny has been the victim of some great plays robbing him of hits (the Detroit series immediately comes to mind). In short, he's been a bit unlucky to start the year - the law of averages says that will balance out (maybe not .405, but a slight increase could be expected).

 

Not to mention, his strikeout rate so far this year (31%) is well above his career numbers (22-23%). He's had some bad at bats, that's for sure, but his career numbers indicate that this may be more slump than a true problem.

 

It's tempting to throw Escobar back into the starting SS role, especially given his strong spring and decent showing so far this year - but I'd be cautious in yanking Danny up and down the roster. I think that was an issue with the prior regime - and I think it hurt the development of some younger players. I'd like to see the team stick things out with Danny and let him learn on the job. He has to learn to hit big league pitching at some point in time, why not give him the shot now?

I basically would never send him down to AAA again. Same with Arcia, and probably Vargas. Pinto down there again beyond a reasonable time is already atrocious enough. If ever comes down to Doug Bernier replacing Danny Santana, I will give up. I don't even know what it means, but I will give up.

Twelve games have been played so far this year. Look around the league at some of the players who are struggling mightily. Should the Reds send Billy Hamilton down? Etc. etc.

It seems to me that Santana is what he is at SS. I don't think he has ever been considered an outstanding defensive SS. He's got a strong arm and great range, but tends to screw up routine plays. I'm sure I've read that about him throughout a good chunk of his minor league days. He was deemed the "SS of the future" because he could hit.

 

I'm not going to be surprised if that's the SS he turns out to be. The question is whether his bat is good enough to overlook mediocre defense.

 

It's too early for me to form an opinion on that, yet.

That is one thing I have disliked about Gardy and the Twins; players come through the organization at one position, but the Twins try to have them learn a new position at AAA or the major league level. Of course, the players faulter.

Leave him at SS here. You have to find out if he can play the position in the majors. He has no future in the OF, except as a utility player. If you are serious about improving your defense to win this year then get a real CF here. But all that would be is a charade!

 

It seems to me that Santana is what he is at SS. I don't think he has ever been considered an outstanding defensive SS. He's got a strong arm and great range, but tends to screw up routine plays. I'm sure I've read that about him throughout a good chunk of his minor league days. He was deemed the "SS of the future" because he could hit.

 

I'm not going to be surprised if that's the SS he turns out to be. The question is whether his bat is good enough to overlook mediocre defense.

 

It's too early for me to form an opinion on that, yet.

 

This. Back around 2012-2013 I thought of him as Pedro Florimon (when he was shaky) but with a bat that could keep him in the majors if he didn't strike out too much. We'll see how that pans out.

Right now he's striking out too much. He doesn't always have to make solid contact to be effective with his speed, but he does need to make *some* contact if he wants to keep his spot in the batting order and ultimately in the lineup.

 

The poor defense and mental mistakes of the team killed the Twins last night, but Santana also blew some opportunities at the plate with some very short at bats in which he looked overmatched.