Where Should Jorge Polanco Play?

How about trading Sano for an ace?

This doesn't really seem that hard. 60 games left.

Kepler 54 games in Right. Grossman 6 games in right.

Buxton 50 games in Center. Rosario 10 games in center

Rosario 35 games in left. Grossman 25 games in right

1B - Mauer - 40, Vargas - 10, Sano 10.

2B - Dozier - 45 - Polanco - 15

SS - Escobar - 45, Polanco - 15

3B - Sano - 30, Polanco - 20, Plouffe - 10

DH - Sano -15, Mauer - 10, Vargas 20, Dozier - 3. Plouffe - 12

You can play with each of those numbers a bit, but there should be no way Mauer and Dozier play more than 50 games, 22 is probably high for Plouffe. (I am not a huge Vargas fan and I see him falling off, but 30 games is good), Kepler, Buxton, Rosario, Sano end up playing almost all the remaining games. And you get 50 games to see what you really have in Polanco. Escobar gets to play in 3/4 of the games.

If Sano or Polanco can't play 3B and SS, at least you have that figured out for next year.

Option #2 -- Play him all over the diamond but... but... PLAY HIM!!! Let him develop that bat. His position will become apparent as we move along. 

 

As for his SS Defense and Arm Strength. He has shown nothing that would alarm me so far. In that one game at SS... he made one of the finest plays I've ever seen a Twins SS make and displayed enough arm to gun a runner out from the hole. 

 

SS Defense... Arm Strength... A problem? I'm not buying it at this moment. He will have to show me that he can't do it. 

Yeah. We've survived Sano in right, Dantana at the plate, and Jepsen as closer. Polanco throwing a few rainbows to first isn't going to kill us.

The Twins need to know what they have in him and in other not-yet-established players, and so will a new GM.

But what about Trevor Plouffe?

No reason to even worry about Plouffe. He won't be here next year and he isn't good enough to take away playing time from the young guys.  Put him on waivers Aug. 2 and hope someone picks him up.

Just a crazy thought. Why not put the guys you need to get at bats at the top of the order? You know, so they get more at bats?

How about Buxton, Polanco, Sano, Kepler 1-4?

Isn't he just a stop gap until Plouffe gets healthy?  I would love to see him stay - but it is clear that he has no position.

They have not played him at either SS or 3rd.  If they thought he had a future at either of these positions, knowing what they have in Dozier, wouldn't they have played him at those positions in Rochester?

I really wonder if he is a trade chip, possibly a piece in a three way trade.  I would not be surprised if they start him at 2nd once or twice this weekend - putting Dozier at DH - to see if they can get something in return.

Dozier has had one month in the last seven with an average north of .216.  If anyone in this organization had any balls, he and Nunez would be helping each other pack their bags.  Since that is not the case Polanco probably becomes the latest guy to attempt to become the answer at shortstop.  Hopefully he gets a slightly longer audition at that spot than Santana did and takes advantage of it.  Ideally he can hold the spot for a couple of years until Nick Gordon (or Vielma) is ready to be the SS and somebody finally pulls their heads out of their a*$#@ and makes a move to clear 2B for him long term. 

Shortstop.  Might actually be the best option for shortstop the Twins have right now on the roster.  No way he should play third (he is 5'11" with cleats, and has not play it that much.)  He will be an improvement with the glove at SS over Nunez and is young enough to master the position.  He is a better fielder than Sanatana and has great instinct.

 

This is like asking what position should Buxton play...

It is hard to believe the AAA staff and the organizational as a whole would take a guy that might actually be the best option for shortstop and never play him there. If true, there are much bigger problems to worry about than Polanco getting playing time the next few weeks.

I think 300 AB is way too soon to give up on a guy hitting somewhere in the lineup

In AB's 150 to 300 or so (second stint) Buxton cut his k rate from 49 to 34 percent and has an OPS of 606. Not good at all, but some improvement and it took Gomez 1,500 AB to get his OPS over 650.

If Mauer remains in the lineup, its at first base.  The only internal option that might be better defensively is Park.  

 

If Mauer and Sano are in the same lineup and Sano is not playing 3B, it should be Mauer at 1B and Sano at DH.  The only exception to that is if Mauer needs a day off from the field to rest.  The only other possible exception is to give Sano defensive reps if they don't think he can stay at 3rd.

So, this is what I don't get.  If Mauer's a better fielder than Sano...  Why would Sano play 3rd and Mauer 1st?  Wouldn't it be the other way around?  Isn't Mauer's arm every bit as good as Sano's?  If Mauer keeps hitting the way he is, he isn't much good to us as a 1st baseman or DH.  To me, the only way Mauer can give us some value is by switching to 3rd to take advantage of his supposedly better-than-Sano defense or DH and hope that he hits better as a designated hitter.  If Sano can play 3rd, he can play 1st.  In a season that has become about the future of the organization, keeping Mauer at 1st where he has virtually no future in my mind, seems silly.  The transition to DH to part-time DH will be a lot smoother now than in a playoff run.

So, this is what I don't get.  If Mauer's a better fielder than Sano...  Why would Sano play 3rd and Mauer 1st?  Wouldn't it be the other way around?  Isn't Mauer's arm every bit as good as Sano's?  If Mauer keeps hitting the way he is, he isn't much good to us as a 1st baseman or DH.  To me, the only way Mauer can give us some value is by switching to 3rd to take advantage of his supposedly better-than-Sano defense or DH and hope that he hits better as a designated hitter.  If Sano can play 3rd, he can play 1st.  In a season that has become about the future of the organization, keeping Mauer at 1st where he has virtually no future in my mind, seems silly.  The transition to DH to part-time DH will be a lot smoother now than in a playoff run.

Mauer is a better first basemen defensively.  I've never seen Mauer play third base, so who knows what he is like there.  Did you see some of the digs Mauer has made, specifically a couple last night on throws Nunez made?  I don't think Sano is making those kind of plays at 1B.

I don't disagree about Mauer's offense being a problem.  However, why would you EVER, EVER put Mauer permanantly at DH when he would clearly be better defensively than whoever we put at 1B?  The logic of that is mind boggling?  Why would anyone ever think Sano at 1B and Mauer at DH is the way to go?  I mean, sure, if we had a gold glove winning 1B waiting in the wings, transition Mauer to DH, but we don't.  

Shortstop.  Might actually be the best option for shortstop the Twins have right now on the roster.  No way he should play third (he is 5'11" with cleats, and has not play it that much.)  He will be an improvement with the glove at SS over Nunez and is young enough to master the position.  He is a better fielder than Sanatana and has great instinct.

 

This is like asking what position should Buxton play...

No it's not, not at all. 

Polanco has a weak arm for a SS and his footwork and hands have looked shaky at best every time I've seen him play. 

Mauer is a better first basemen defensively. I've never seen Mauer play third base, so who knows what he is like there. Did you see some of the digs Mauer has made, specifically a couple last night on throws Nunez made? I don't think Sano is making those kind of plays at 1B.

 

I don't disagree about Mauer's offense being a problem. However, why would you EVER, EVER put Mauer permanantly at DH when he would clearly be better defensively than whoever we put at 1B? The logic of that is mind boggling? Why would anyone ever think Sano at 1B and Mauer at DH is the way to go? I mean, sure, if we had a gold glove winning 1B waiting in the wings, transition Mauer to DH, but we don't.

Assume 3rd > 1st > DH. As of right now, Sano = 3rd, Mauer = 1st. Therefore Sano > Mauer. Proof. Now assume Sano # 3rd. We've already proven Sano > Mauer. Then the only option left is Sano = 1st and Mauer = DH. Proof.

I can't be more logical.

Otherwise we have to change our initial premise, that 3rd base is more difficult and important than first. Or if it's as you state, Mauer > Sano, then Sano should DH (not ideal for a player his age and skill), or Mauer should play 3rd (not ideal for his age/ hitting ability).

I actually think it would be worth seeing if a switch to DH would help extend and boost Joe's productivity. This season is about the future. I don't believe Sano had future at third. I don't believe Mauer has a future at first. In the next 2 years we should see Sano at first and Mauer DHing or phased out.

In last nights game, Escobar played 3rd and Nunez played SS.

Nunez gone.  Polanco playing SS ?

Kismet !

Assume 3rd > 1st > DH. As of right now, Sano = 3rd, Mauer = 1st. Therefore Sano > Mauer. Proof. Now assume Sano # 3rd. We've already proven Sano > Mauer. Then the only option left is Sano = 1st and Mauer = DH. Proof.

I can't be more logical.

Otherwise we have to change our initial premise, that 3rd base is more difficult and important than first. Or if it's as you state, Mauer > Sano, then Sano should DH (not ideal for a player his age and skill), or Mauer should play 3rd (not ideal for his age/ hitting ability).

I actually think it would be worth seeing if a switch to DH would help extend and boost Joe's productivity. This season is about the future. I don't believe Sano had future at third. I don't believe Mauer has a future at first. In the next 2 years we should see Sano at first and Mauer DHing or phased out.

Good lord.  Not everyone who can play 3B can be as effective at 1B and not everyone who can play 3B can be as affective at 1B.

To play 3B, you need to be able to make the throw to first base.  You are also going to get a lot balls hit your way than you will at first base (because there are more right handed hitters than left handed hitters).

To play 1B, your arm isn't as important.  However, you need to be able to catch the ball and bail out your other infielders with your glove.   There is nothing like it at 3B.

Now, I do think Mauer could probably turn into a good third basemen.  It'd take some time to adjust, but he'd probably do a pretty good job.  I also think Sano will work out the kinks at 3B.  He can make some amazing plays there, so I think he'll get used to the more routine ones eventually.  

Sano's biggest advantage at 3B is his arm.  You could argue, that even if Mauer fields the position a little better than Sano at 3B, Sano's cannon gives him the edge over Mauer at 3B.  However, that arm is zero value at first base, so just because its possible that Sano>Mauer at 3B defensively DOES NOT mean that Sano>Mauer at 1B.

Stop complainng about Sano at third. Give him the rest of the season. He's still a talented work-in-progress. He SHOULD get better. He needs to stay comfortable, which he seems in the field as long as we all stop harping about the mistakes. He does seem to be working on them...as well as his ability to not strikeout. Slow, but will happen. 

Remember, August 1 is not the end of the trade deadline. Trades can still be made in August where players go on waivers, teams claim them, and you try to work out a deal in Round #1 (if you run them thru a second time, you lose them if someone claims). A player can be put on waivers anytime in the month. So things might still happen regarding Dozier, Plouffe and...Nolasco.

If something happens to Escobar, we have Danny Santana to play shortstop!

Assume 3rd > 1st > DH. As of right now, Sano = 3rd, Mauer = 1st. Therefore Sano > Mauer. Proof. Now assume Sano # 3rd. We've already proven Sano > Mauer. Then the only option left is Sano = 1st and Mauer = DH. Proof.

I can't be more logical.

Otherwise we have to change our initial premise, that 3rd base is more difficult and important than first. Or if it's as you state, Mauer > Sano, then Sano should DH (not ideal for a player his age and skill), or Mauer should play 3rd (not ideal for his age/ hitting ability).

I actually think it would be worth seeing if a switch to DH would help extend and boost Joe's productivity. This season is about the future. I don't believe Sano had future at third. I don't believe Mauer has a future at first. In the next 2 years we should see Sano at first and Mauer DHing or phased out.

I would like to see Sano finish the year at third and start next year at third to really give him a fair shake there.  If you look at the errors he is making at 3B, he is going to be making the same errors at 1B, plus probably more errors on throws from the infielders.

Mauer might improve offensively at DH.  Personally, I'd like to see how Mauer does offensively if they give him a game or 2 off each week.  Look at what Suzuki is doing this year when he has only started more than 3 games in a row 3 times all season.   Might work for Joe too.

In a Dream World, the Twins could ship Joe off to a team that wins him a World Series.  In that case, I'd like to see Sano at DH and Vargas or Park at 1B.

Brian Dozier's trade value will be at its highest peak any moment now... wait for it...

NOW! Trade Dozier, Polanco to 2B. 

Makes sense from player control, career arc, etc. Do it now, and Polanco will be a regular by the time the rest of the new wave gets comfortable. 

I would like to see Sano finish the year at third and start next year at third to really give him a fair shake there.  If you look at the errors he is making at 3B, he is going to be making the same errors at 1B, plus probably more errors on throws from the infielders.

 

Mauer might improve offensively at DH.  Personally, I'd like to see how Mauer does offensively if they give him a game or 2 off each week.  Look at what Suzuki is doing this year when he has only started more than 3 games in a row 3 times all season.   Might work for Joe too.

 

In a Dream World, the Twins could ship Joe off to a team that wins him a World Series.  In that case, I'd like to see Sano at DH and Vargas or Park at 1B.

Yeah, I mean, I'm not going to be mad if Sano is given a chance to stick at 3rd, so long as Mauer is not inked at first until his contract expires.  I actually like Vargas' defense.  Park's got 8 HR in 10 games in AAA.  Given the state of our roster and positions of strength or at least depth, I don't see how Mauer can be relied upon, and I don't see how we can keep all of the K prone power at 1B/DH.  

I think the transitioning of Mauer to reserve or at least less than full-time player is easier if we make him a full time DH.  

To respond to the discussion of Mauer v. Sano on defense, you haven't seen how Sano would play with a large mit.  I mean, I'm trying to think of a single player who was a capable 3rd baseman, but couldn't pick it at first.  Regarding picking up short hops, third basemen almost never have the time to choose to take the ball on the rise or fall.  So I have no doubt he could pick short hops.  Basically, if Sano can't even play 1B, he shouldn't be on the field at all.  I think we can forget about Mauer to 3rd, which is why I suggest he DH's, BUT, Mauer was a pitcher in HS, a 4 star QB, and had a rocket behind the plate.  His arm rivals Sano's.  



 

I would agree that Dozier in the midst of his prime. At his age, two more seasons close to this year are reasonable.

The market for 2Bs seems very limited. I don't think it is anyone's top priority. His bat wouldn't play as well at DH or a corner position. His value is at 2B and there needs to be a team that has a significant need to make a significant offer.

Blue Jays? Travis is healthy.

Cardinals? They have Carpenter, Diaz, Peralta and Gyorko (as well Wong) under contract next year. With two injuries they have a short term need. They would seek a short term cheaper solution.

Pirates? They have committed to Harrison for years with Mercer, Kang and Rodriguez.

I don't see the market.