Twins Minor League Report (4/3): Keirsey Crushes

Miranda playing 3B is interesting. Were we on TD just speculating he was done at 3B or did the Lewis injury change the plans? His bat seems just fine. Maybe the Twins are willing to have his defense at 3B for the first 6 or 7 innings of games, especially with Farmer and Castro not starting out very good from the hitting side (very SSS I know).

1 hour ago, FlyingFinn said:

Miranda playing 3B is interesting. Were we on TD just speculating he was done at 3B or did the Lewis injury change the plans? His bat seems just fine. Maybe the Twins are willing to have his defense at 3B for the first 6 or 7 innings of games, especially with Farmer and Castro not starting out very good from the hitting side (very SSS I know).

I guess they are not ready to give up on the idea of Miranda playing third, or at least it could be some sort of Plan B scenario. But you are right; his bat looked good in spring training, so hopefully he will continue to hit and the Twins might find a way to bring him up again sometime this season. And hey, good to see the Saints win!

2 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

Miranda playing 3B is interesting. Were we on TD just speculating he was done at 3B or did the Lewis injury change the plans? His bat seems just fine. Maybe the Twins are willing to have his defense at 3B for the first 6 or 7 innings of games, especially with Farmer and Castro not starting out very good from the hitting side (very SSS I know).

He definitely is better at 3B, but the lack of playing there this spring has been concerning regarding his shoulder. Obviosuly it must not be a concern anymore.

I took the family to the game last night while we’re in Nashville for Spring Break.  We had a great time in spite of the frigid weather.  Couple impressions of players from what I saw:

Keirsey- best player on the field last night.  His AB that resulted in a triple was big time- worked like 7 or 8 pitches til he got what he wanted.  He had another one the first baseman was lucky to spear or he would’ve had a second triple.  Great speed and athleticism- could definitely see him in the Twins infield if needed.

Miranda- looked really good at third.  His arm was a cannon- clearly nothing lingering from that shoulder injury.  Looked good at the plate too.

Fajardo- didn’t do much at the plate, but really nice OF defense including a highlight where he ranged far to his right to catch a ball I didn’t think he could get (and then safely navigated the Sounds’ bullpen and the wall in foul territory)

Chris Williams- really nice first base defense.  He picked anything thrown his way.

Helman- arm seems stretched from Shortstop.  I spose he’s just holding that down until Brooks Lee is ready, but his throws came in weak and low to Williams.

Tanner Morris- what a nice pickup for Cash from the Blue Jays a couple days ago.  Nice approach at the plate and solid play in the field.

Dalton Shuffield- the “infielders in the outfield” bit is going to get old quickly as his play left something to be desired out there.

Boushley- that was awesome.  What a great pickup on a minor league deal for the year.  He’ll be quality for the Saints even if he doesn’t help the Twins at all.

exciting game.  Was great Boyle could finish it out.

3 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Miranda playing 3B is just part of the Twins strategy to create versatile players in my view.  Farmer and Castro have too few ABs to think they are going to have an off season.  I did like seeing Keirsey do well.  As I pointed out in another post if we need OF replacements I prefer players who have a minor league career in the OF to a player like Martin who can fill in there but has no real experience.  

I think you're right about Miranda: the Twins definitely prefer to have players that can play multiple positions, even if they're going to most likely play at one. Having Miranda ready to play 3B if needed even if they think he might end up getting most of his time at 1B makes sense, especially if they think he can handle it defensively.

I disagree with you a little on Martin: he's had a fair amount of experience in the OF already; he's had about 2100 innings of pro ball and 1400 are on the dirt and 700 on the grass (most of it at SS or CF). He's a more than reasonable OF replacement.