Matthew Lenz

The Minnesota Twins ended the 2019 season with a few needs that have yet to be addressed in the 2020 offseason. One of those needs was, and still is, an additional left-handed arm to come out of the bullpen. On Monday, the Detroit Tigers designated left-handed reliever Matt Hall for assignment.As of now, the Twins have just four lefties on their active roster and three of them (Rich Hill, Devin Smeltzer, and Lewis Thorpe) will be entering spring training looking to fight over the fourth and fifth starting spots in the rotation. This leaves Taylor Rogers as the lone lefty that is currently locked into the bullpen. This article will take a look at Matt Hall as a possible candidate to fight for a bullpen spot in 2020. The Good Matt Hall is a former sixth-round draft pick out of Missouri State who led the NCAA in strikeouts in 2015. At just 26-years-old and two years of team control plus three years of arbitration ahead of him, he still has up to five years of control at a reasonable price. The strikeout rate has carried over to his professional career as his minor league strikeout per nine (K/9) is 9.9 over 500.1 innings and is 9.2 in just 31.1 big league innings. Per Statcast, he has an great spin rate on his curveball and an above average spin rate on his fastball which are indicators that he has the stuff to be successful at the major league level. The Bad Well, he was designated for a reason. Walks have been a major issue for him dating back to his collegiate days. In his limited time in the big leagues he has a walk rate of 5.2 which is well past FanGraphs rating of “awful”, although his collegiate and minor league rate sit at 3.5 which is still considered “poor”. For reference, Trevor May, who most considered to have a very good 2019 season, had a walk rate of 3.64 so this isn’t necessarily the “be-all end-all”. Hall’s fastball tops out in the low 90’s which is not good when you have troubles hitting the zone. This will likely be a project that doesn’t make an impact right away but could be great in the future, and possibly, by the latter part of this season. With that said, much of the fan base will likely rip the move as another “cheap” alternative to a true impact arm. To be clear, the Twins would be claiming Matt Hall as a project who could become an impact arm down the road. In recent years, they have developed the likes of Taylor Rogers, Tyler Duffey, and Trevor May, going from mediocre relievers to some of the best in baseball. At such a low cost, I think it really makes sense for the Twins to give Hall a shot in 2020. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

I do agree that distance would be a helpful tool to analyze here as well, although I think we can make a decent analysis based on HR/FB rate and FB rate as well. Obviously, launch angle/exit velo has nothing to do with a juiced ball but it does impact the travel of the ball which was my reason for mentioning the metric. If the swing is different then maybe helps explain some of the added power, but if the swing is mostly the same, then what else could it be? I know there is more than one possible answer to that question.

In September, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was quoted as saying “We need to make a change to the baseball” in an exclusive interview with Forbes. This article will look at how a “de-juiced” baseball will impact the Twins top five home run hitters from the 2019 record breaking season.If Major League Baseball does in fact “de-juice” the ball, then we can assume that nearly every player and team will see a reduction in the number of home runs hit. Specifically, this article will break down how much a “de-juiced” baseball might impact Nelson Cruz, Max Kepler, Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, and Mitch Garver in 2020. For being one of just 57 members in the 400 home run club, you might find it surprising that Nelson Cruz posted a career high home run per flyball rate (HR/FB) in 2019. His HR/FB rate of 31.3-percent was 10 points higher than the average rate of his career. He did this while maintaining a similar fly ball (FB) percentage that he’s had throughout his career, which would imply some home run regression in 2020. That said, his 2019 average launch angle (LA) was greater than his career average and similar to his 2018 average where he hit 37 bombas. Being the professional hitter that Nelson Cruz has been throughout his career, I wouldn’t expect too much regression in 2020. After emerging as a 2019 breakout candidate during his 2018 season, Max Kepler exploded onto the scene and quickly became one of the best all-around right fielders in the game. He has a similar story to “The Boomstick” without the track record to support an encore performance in 2020. In his last two seasons, he had almost the exact same FB percentage but he doubled his HR/FB rate last season. This could be partially explained by an increase in LA and is what should give Twins fans hope that he will see just a small regression in 2020. That said, he never had numbers like these in minors so I would expect something more like 2018 next season. Did you know that of players with 400 or more at-bats, Miguel Sano led the league in HR/FB rate? If that doesn’t scream regression, then consider this: His 36.6-percent HR/FB rate is the second highest for a single season since Fangraphs started tracking batted ball data in 2002. He maintained his career FB rate and LA, so I would expect him to see the second biggest regression of the top five. Keep in mind he missed 57 games in 2019 so he could still hit 30 plus home runs but at a less efficient clip. For all the flack Rosario has gotten for the second half of 2019 he may be the Twin to see the least amount of regression next season. Unlike the players mentioned before him, all the metrics (HR/FB rate, FB rate, EV, LA) that would indicate regression were right along his career numbers. Again, we can expect all players to see some drop but I wouldn’t expect Rosario’s to be more than whatever norm is established with a “de-juiced” ball. It’s hard to make a full judgement on Mitch Garver as he’s just finished his first full Major League season. Although he’s always been a flyball hitter, he never had anything close to a HR/FB rate of 29.0-percent in the minors. Per Brooks Baseball, Garver hit all but five home runs off of “hard pitches” in 2019 which means he could see a significant increase in off-speed pitches in 2020. Of all the candidates mentioned in this article, my money is on Garver seeing the biggest regression next year. Are you worried about a “de-juiced” baseball? How do you see it impacting the Twins or other teams around the league? MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

I wish I could be this optimistic but I just can’t. Obviously, the 20’s will (hopefully) be better than the 00’s and 10’s. I’m of the mindset that division titles don’t move the needle too much, especially when you aren’t competitive in the playoffs. Right now, we need some of these “rose colored glasses” scenarios to unfold to become a contender. I’m short, a lot needs to fall in the right place since impact FA’s view Minnesota as the wrong place.

Not a single impact move to speak of...yet. They have made some nice moves but nothing great. If they aren’t able/willing to make the crazy prices of FA then they need to be willing to meet the prices of trades via prospects. If they aren’t willing to do that, then it will take another Minneapolis Miracle for this team to compete for a title.

Love it!

Ha, you are not wrong. When you were awful for about 60% of the decade the pickins’ are slim!

With the New Year upon us and everyone putting together their various “Best of the Decade” lists, this article will take a crack at constructing the Best Twin of the Decade. That is, I will take the best part(s), from head to toes, of various players from 2010 to 2019 and construct one mega player.With the New Year upon us and everyone putting together their various “Best of the Decade” lists, this article will take a crack at constructing the Best Twin of the Decade. That is, I will take the best part(s), from head to toes, of various players from 2010 to 2019 and construct one mega player. This will be a preview of my Super Bowl Blog Blowout where I make an attempt to construct the greatest Twin of all-time. The idea is to find the best head, eyes, right arm, left arm, left hand, right hand, upper body, and legs from various players that played for the Twins for at least one season this decade. So, without further ado, here is the Best Twin of the Decade: Head: Nick Punto This was a tough one, and admittedly, a bit of a reach since he only played in 88 games this decade but there was no doubting that he was the most “headsy” Twin of the decade. As the unofficial leader of the Pihranna’s in the previous decade and the ability to play second, third, and short at an exceptional level Punto has the head for the game that you want from all players. Eyes: Joe Mauer With his knack for contact and knowledge of the strike zone, Joe Mauer is easily the set of eyes I want for this Twins mega player. What he lacks in homerun power, he makes up for in singles and doubles...you’ll see later we won’t have any power concerns with this guy. Right Arm: Jose Berrios The Twins had some solid righties in the 2010’s such as Kyle Gibson, Phil Hughes, and Ervin Santana, but from that mix Berrios is the arm I want. He, hopefully, didn’t reach his potential this decade and will be part of the next decades mega player too. Left Arm: Francisco Liriano It was a close decision between him and Glen Perkins, but Liriano started the decade with a lot of promise and a dominant 2010. The next season was filled with injuries and then he was traded to the White Sox in 2012, nonetheless when he was healthy he was extremely effective. Left Hand: Joe Mauer After winning a Gold Glove at catcher in 2010 (his third overall) he, arguably, should have won another in 2018 at first base. He had soft hands which helped with framing and scooping at both positions. Right Hand: Max Kepler Kepler has one of the best outfield gloves in baseball, as was especially proof in 2019 when he became the full-time center fielder once Buxton went down. He doesn’t have elite sprint speed but with the help of his glove he is ninth in Outs Above Average, per Baseball Savant. Upper Body: Nelson Cruz He’s built like a brick sh...well...you know. Give me the midsection, pecs, and biceps of the Boomstick to hit 40 plus bombas a season. Legs: Byron Buxton You can’t deny his speed. As one of the fastest players in Major League Baseball, he’ll be stealing 2nd and 3rd for days using Mauer’s eyes when Cruz’s upper body doesn’t launch the ball out of the ballpark. What do you think? What would your Best Twin of the Decade look like? MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

Story of the offseason (so far): Twins sign solid pieces. It’s not done, BUT to take the next step we need an impact player. People talk about the Twins trading as if it’s as easy as snapping your fingers. It takes two to tango and why would any team be motivated to trade a player right now, other than saving a few million (in few cases much more), when you could theoretically get a better return around the deadline?

T’was the night before Christmas, when all through Target Field Not a creature was stirring, not even a trade yield. The cleats were hung by the lockers with care, In hopes that David Price soon would be there.The fans were nestled while scrolling through Twitter, While visions of future rotations made some bitter. And Odo in his jersey, and Kep in his cap Said, don’t worry, this offseason is not yet a wrap. When up at the plate there arose such a clatter, There were bombas for days, it didn’t matter the batter. Away to the games fans flew like a flash, Tore open the gates, and made a mad dash. The ball that was flying like new-fallen snow, Gave not a care to the opponents below. When, what to fans wondering eyes should appear, A new home run record to enjoy with a cheer. With a strong power hitter, so big and so thick, I knew in a moment it must be Boomstick. More rapid than Buxton, the teammates they came, As he whistled and shouted and called them by name: Now, Romo! Now Stashak! Now, Dobnak and Sano! On, Berrios! On, Arraez! On, Pineda and Polanco! To the top of the step! To the top of the wall! Now hit away! Steal away! Strike away all! MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

Before signing a two-year pact with the Toronto Blue Jays, Darren Wolfson reported the Twins were interested in right-handed pitcher Shun Yamaguchi from Japan. After signing for an average annual value (AAV) of just $3 million, it’s fair to wonder why the Twins didn’t press harder.At only $6 million in total salary plus a posting fee of $1.5 million (per Japanese language site Sanspo.com via MLB Trade Rumors), the Twins could have taken a small risk on a pitcher who could have provided a very solid return. The new regime has been known to do short, small pacts like the one Yamaguchi signed and, for once, it seems as though location and climate wouldn’t have held a potential impact free agent from signing with the Twins. Below is a small scouting report on Yamaguchi with the limited information I could find on his career in Japan. The Basics Yamaguchi is 32, will be 33 in July, and has 14 seasons of pro ball experience. At 6’ 2”, 198 pounds he’s on the smaller side for a pitcher and his fastball tops out in the low-90’s. Although he spent some time as a relief pitcher earlier in his career, he has transitioned back to a starter since 2015 with a lot of success.. Being a relief pitcher saved some mileage on his arm as he’s only thrown 1,093 1/3 innings in those 14 seasons. One for sure knock on him dates back to 2017 when he was suspended for injuring a hospital security guard and damaging hospital property while being intoxicated. The Statistics From what I could find, Japan isn’t huge on the deep analytic stats like we are here stateside. The one site I did find was very poorly translated into English, so these numbers will be pretty straightforward. Since 2015, Yamaguchi has a 3.37 ERA, 8.87 K/9, 3.34 BB/9, and a 2.65 K/BB which would be considered average by MLB’s standards, but striking out almost one batter per inning is impressive when you top out in the low-90’s. Obviously this doesn’t translate perfectly as the hitters in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB) are not nearly as good as the hitters in the MLB. Nonetheless, he’s coming off of his best season where he led the NPB in WAR by a pitcher and finished fifth in WPA, according to Essence of Baseball. Yamaguchi v. Yusei Kikuchi Just last season Yusei Kikuchi came to the Seattle Mariners from the NPB at 27-years-old. In roughly the same amount of innings in the NPB, Kikuchi had an ERA of 2.77 but was otherwise fairly similar to Yamaguchi. Seattle gave Kikuchi a three-year, $43 million contract and will pay a posting fee between $10.275 and $18.225 million depending on if the club options are exercised. Kikuchi really struggled in 2019 in Seattle and it’s hard to know why things didn’t translate well, but in 2019 he was far too hittable. By FanGraphs measures he was above average in throwing strikes but below average in swinging strikes and chase percentage. This is further evident by looking at his heat map on Brooks Baseball and seeing that his 92.9 mile per hour fastball with plus movement was thrown in the middle of the strike zone almost a third of the time. Again, that’s not to say that Yamaguchi will have the same struggles and, if anything, it’s encouraging that a relatively simple fix could help Kikuchi find more success in 2020. Based on their similarities from the NPB, it was reasonable to think that Yamaguchi would be looking for a similar contract that Kikuchi got from Seattle. On the other hand, it was shocking to see how cheap he signed with the Blue Jays for, all things considered. His numbers don’t scream “Yu Darvish” or “Masahiro Tanaka” by any means, but has the potential of being solid piece in the middle of a rotation with the possibility of moving to the bullpen. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

I may be wrong, I've always interpretted fWAR as being FanGraphs version of WAR whereas bWAR is Baseball References version of WAR. Nelson Cruz was accidentally left out because I somehow forgot the DH as a position in this exercise. It's been fixed now. I agree that quantifying a managers WAR somehow would be cool and fun to figure out, but I don't know that an average joe like me could figure out a good way to calculate that!

I'm excited to see this string when I get to those year

Der der...how did I forget to include DH? Will be fixed, thank you!

Uf-dah...bad mistake. Will be fixed...thank you!

Did you know that the 1997 Minnesota Twins draft produced both Michael Cuddyer and Jose Berrios? Or that the 2007 draft produced both Ben Revere and Trevor May? How about the 2009 international free agency producing three significant Twins in the 2019 lineup? Allow me to connect the dots for you.The Twins Player Acquisition Tree Project, copyright pending (not really), has been something I’ve always wanted to do and recently decided to get the ball rolling. The idea is pretty simple: I will go through each Twins season starting with 2019 working my way back to 1961 and create a tree to show how each starter was acquired. To determine starters in an objective manner, I will find the leader in fWAR from each position in the field, as well as the top five starters, top three relievers, and any other notable players from that season. An example of “notable” players from 2019 that weren’t leaders in fWAR were Jason Castro and Marwin Gonzalez. The fun of this is to find players like Jose Berrios and Trevor May who have multiple branches in their list of acquisitions and date back as far as the 1997 first year player draft. It’s also fun to see how acquisitions from certain years paid off way down the road, such as four acquisitions in 2009 that paid dividends in 2019. Here is what the 2019 Twins Player Acquisition Tree looks like. Download attachment: Screen Shot 2019-12-10 at 6.59.36 PM.png So here’s where you, the reader, comes in ... I’m looking for some feedback on this before I get too far down the rabbit hole. First, does something like this already exist? I’ve done my own searching but haven’t found a “one stop shop” resource like this, but obviously don’t want to spend a ton of time creating something that’s already out there. Second, how does the format look? Is there anything you’d change or add? I’m open to and looking for constructive criticism! Let me know in the comments below! MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

Personally, I don't want this season to be headlined by an offensive addition. Starting pitching is a much bigger need and I have a feeling if they pay Donaldson, Moose, or Rendon then we aren't going to sign a big name starter.

I wish I was better You might be the only person in the world that wants Billy Hamilton on the Twins

Right. If they are "cheaper" options then they are inherently downgrades. My point is to say that they are about half the yearly salary but more than half the player than Cron. In a WAR/$ sense, they are more valuable. Also, this is in response to the rumors. I, personally, would not move Sano to 1B.