Why is Luke Keaschall Playing So Damn Deep?

He probably doesn't field as well drop stepping and turning, running and tracking the ball.  When he can go horizontal or run forward that is when he is at his best.  They are more willing to give up the bloop hit for a single than a double or triple to the wall.  Thats just good strategy for a new fielder.   

These are the consequences of the philosophy of anyone can play anywhere.  In reality it isn't that easy and there is going to be a learning curve.  You have to live with the ups and downs of the learning curve.

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

Austin Martin has the same skill set as Keaschall, but with a better arm. Matt Wallner also had a similar skill set as Keaschall. Neither one of those players is going to be a regular in Center Field.

Keaschall's glove is made of cement. Among the worst fielders I've ever seen in my life.

Agree, he's not good at this point, but that's a tall standard for a team that recently rostered Edouard Julien.  And Sano.  And tried to hide La Tortuga on defense.  And Delmon Young.  And (unfortunately) I could go on...  back to Todd Walker and Willie Norwood and the immortal Bombo Rivera... so it isn't just a recent Twins thing.

It's a lot easier to come in than go back. It makes a lot of sense that he plays deep while he learns the OF.

"Keaschall is a horrendous fielder"  Totally true, but in a way kind-a fun to watch, you NEVER know what could happen on ANYTHING hit his way.

2 hours ago, Road trip said:

Keaschall's glove is made of cement.

Cement is way to heavy, I am guessing it's made out of wood. I think I even saw a "Willie Norwood" autograph on it the other night.  :)

1 hour ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Look, the guy's not a great centerfielder at this point in his career. Frankly, he's barely competent in centerfield, if that.  Still, it's more than a little early to make grand pronouncements about his ability to play in centerfield or the outfield at all. He's played all of what, 15-20 games in the outfield total and maybe 8-10 or so in centerfield? I know we all like to judge and then set our opinions in stone never to be reviewed, able to haughtily dismiss anyone who has the temerity to question those opinions formed oh so long ago. I get it, it beats actually having to think, but all of this seems like a little early. I think we need to take a deep breath and give him the rest of the season to get his feet wet as a full-time outfielder, and then give the team the chance to really work with him next year in spring training on things like his drop step, feeling where the wall is, knowing when to throw home or to third base and when to concede the run, all those things that come with real experience. Then we we can judge his defense in the outfield. You know, about next May, not now. Until then, this is what development looks like. For all of you that want to call up prospects from AAA, including me, get ready for some ugly moments at the plate or in the field. There will be some. With all of them.

Oh, and by the way, over the last 100 plus PAs, Luke is hitting .303/.413/.419 (.832), with 16 SOs and 13 BBs (almost a 1:1 ratio). He has actually been better than that over his last roughly 50 plate appearances. That guy starts on my team and needs a place to play. Second base clearly wasn't it so let's find him one in the outfield. But you're right, he kind of sucks out there right now. Hope it gets better.

So what if he gives away few games.

He's clearly not comfortable with the position change.  He most likely hasn't figured out how to read them yet. Not sure how long it would take. 

Highlights the problem of the Swiss Army knife approach, the Twins take to their defense. You can use a Swiss Army knife for just about anything, but it’s often not the right tool for the job.

I hope that the hyped outfield prospects can play OF better than Keaschall! If so, the plan should be to trade Keaschall. I don’t see him fitting in anywhere on the field and he sure doesn’t hit enough for DH. 

They need to give Keaschall some time at one position and help him get better.  His athleticism can help him and I think he can get better.  You need his bat in the lineup.  

I seem to remember similar comments about Arraez and now he is the every day second baseman for San Francisco.  And that is because he got some coaching.

Not every player comes up a finished product, Koskie was just as brutal when he first came up and he worked himself into a productive third baseman.  Maybe show some patience with Keaschall.

From 2020-2022 Arraez had very good numbers at 2nd base with the Twins, but he was not the full time 2nb base, and was competing with others. 

His mobility was what worked against him, not his glove at 2nd  base.

4 hours ago, thelanges5 said:

Highlights the problem of the Swiss Army knife approach, the Twins take to their defense. You can use a Swiss Army knife for just about anything, but it’s often not the right tool for the job.

Some times it is the ONLY tool available for the job.

It's either play deep or bench him. 

Puckett used to play a very deep centerfield too.

38 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

 

Keaschall has always been scouted as a "DH" with no defensive home as far as I recall. The Twins decided defense doesn't matter. 

But, as a TD Hype Machine favorite, Keaschall is beyond reproach.

I get the TD Hype Machine comment, but Keaschall has been producing at the plate.  I don't like saying someone at 23 will always be a DH.  With his athleticism I have to believe he can become league average or close at a position.  But I do believe you have to give him some time and I think he is someone you want to give that time to.  Now if three or four of our outfielders in St. Paul breakout between now and the end of next year it would be reasonable to move on if he doesn't improve his defense.

17 hours ago, USAFChief said:

:"Anybody can play anywhere."

In this case, it doesn't matter, since Keaschall is a liability no matter where you put him.

So then he can, in fact, play anywhere 😀

16 hours ago, 1985Fan said:

I don’t see him fitting in anywhere on the field

Not even at 1st base? But then, where do you stick Lewis. This team has so many problems, too many incomplete players....all hit no field or visa versa.

5 hours ago, BillyBallLives said:

Not even at 1st base? But then, where do you stick Lewis. This team has so many problems, too many incomplete players....all hit no field or visa versa.

Definitely not 1st base. They need someone at 1B that can hit for power. It’s possible that Keaschall could improve in the outfield, but his arm is not good. I think they’ll keep him around another year to see if he improves defensively before they trade him. He was a 2nd round pick and he is very athletic.