Video: Willians Astudillo Just Took Jose Berrios Deep

Yet another reason to keep Willians Astudillo: So Twins pitchers don't have to face him. If this guy is turning into a one-man wrecking crew with his bat, don't we want him on OUR side??

Fresh off winter ball, and in a comfort zone the pitchers certainly aren't the first day, his HRs are fun, but meaningless.

What is NOT meaningless is his incredible milb career hitting results carrying over to Rochester and Minnesota in 2018, along with increased power, and continuing this trend through the just completed winter season. Just how good he can be is debatable, but there is nothing to indicate he is just a fun story as opposed to a real ballplayer and real find.

Early season breaks, I believe the Twins will open with a 12 man staff. Hopefully it will stay that way. The FO has made comments about where they will NOT play him vs all the spots they WILL. That's pretty high praise and a rather telling arguement as to their opinion of him. Other than injury, the only way he doesn't make the opening roster is the fact he has an option. The Twins may simply want more time with Austin or even a resurgent Duda. That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. Having too many guys you like, who can help the club, is a good thing.

Over/under on Astudillo getting 300 ML/AB? I'm betting the over!

During his 2nd go round with the Twins last year... the go round that he was allowed to play catcher. He appeared to be a decent enough defensive catcher. 

 

I'm not going to claim he's top of the pile elite but he certainly wasn't an issue behind the plate in my opinion. His position flexibility is a bonus that I love but... if he can hit with decent enough defensive skill behind the plate. He's then immediately ahead of almost every catcher in the league who typically can't hit much.  

 

I'd say primary position is catcher with the occasional starts elsewhere. 

 

Both Garver and Astudillo have options... One stays up... One in Rochester as the first call up. Choose Well Front Office... Choose Well. 

I gotta harken back to ol' Gene Mauch's comment, when the Twinks signed Glenn Adams- when asked what position he'd fit?

"He plays bat."