Cooper Carlson

Matt and Cooper of Twins Daily discuss Josh Donaldson signing with the Twins along with the recent news regarding the Astros cheating scandal. They were joined by fellow Twins Daily writer and the host of the Locked On Twins Podcast, Nash Walker, for one excellent interview. He may or may not have compared Josh Donaldson to Jesus. Link: https://open.spotify...QyAg7zPIRzQ2zSyPodcast Link: https://open.spotify...QyAg7zPIRzQ2zSy Topics discussed: The Twins signed someone named Josh DonaldsonEveryone hates the AstrosNash Walker joins: JD, SP trade, AL Central discussion, and moreFan questionsCheck out the new episode and let us know what you think! 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

Remember when the Twins acquired Jaimie Garcia for prospect Huascar Ynoa and then traded Garcia for Zack Littell and Dietrich Enns a week later? Good times. Now, with Zack Littel, the Twins have the best player remaining from both of those deals. He was a solid reliever last season.Zack Littell had an excellent second half last season that was largely underappreciated because Rogers, Romo, May, and Duffey stole the spotlight. Littell was quietly right in the middle of that core of relievers with a 1.14 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 23 2/3 innings in the second half. Something just seemed to click for Zack once the Twins took him out of his normal starting role and tried him out of the bullpen. The most significant change in the bullpen was him becoming a two-pitch pitcher. Download attachment: Annotation 2020-01-18 203637.png As you can see above, he basically dropped the sinker, curve, and changeup completely. In 2018 he threw them a combined 34.5% of the time, but that dropped to just 2.9% in 2019. Instead he relied completely on the slider (48.6%), and fastball (48.3%). This proved to be effective as batters hit only .200 with a .214 wOBA against the slider. Switching to this new approach in the bullpen also played a role in him going from 6.20 K/9 to 7.78 in one season. Is his success sustainable? Something concerning I found while looking at Littell’s number was that everything is pointing to a lot of regression. He was able to avoid it last season, but the secondary numbers are worrisome. For example, his ERA was an excellent 2.68 but his FIP was almost a full run higher at 3.62 and then his xFIP was another half run above that at 4.10. This also wasn’t the only number pointing to regression. From Statcast, his barrel% (9.5%), hard hit% (47.6%), and exit velocity allowed (90.7 MPH) were all significantly above league average but for some reason batters just weren’t getting their hits to fall. At the end of the day, those stats don’t actually affect much of the success he saw in 2019 and they are just a good talking point towards his potential next season. With more experience under his belt and a seemingly clear role on the Opening Day roster, I expect Littell to continue to get better. So what do you think of Littell going forward? Are you glad he was moved to the bullpen? He will likely be the Twins sixth or seventh option behind Rogers, Duffey, May, Romo, and Clippard so the Twins are looking pretty good in 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

This was really well done. Also, welcome to Twins Daily Cody!

In case you haven’t heard, the Twins added a pretty good bat to their lineup. They signed Josh Donaldson to the largest contract in team history, but is the offseason over for the Twins? I looked at what could still be done to improve the roster.The offseason is coming to an end with spring training rapidly approaching and the Twins just shocked the baseball world by signing Josh Donaldson to a four-year contract worth $92 million. The lineup went from being one of the best in baseball to simply being the very best in baseball. This has become a successful offseason with many moves made. Jake Odorizzi: 1 year/$17.8 millionMichael Pineda: 2 years/$20 millionAlex Avila: 1 year/$4.25 millionSergio Romo: 1 year/$5 millionTyler Clippard: 1 year/$2.75 millionHomer Bailey: 1 year/$7 millionRich Hill: 1 year/$3 millionMiguel Sano extension: 3 years/$30 millionJOSH DONALDSON: 4 years/$92 millionThese deals leave the Twins with a payroll of around $135-$140 million which is not something you typically see from this team. While the lineup is elite, the pitching still has a couple of question marks that could be addressed, which is something I think we have been saying for over a year now. Done adding to the bullpen? I would be extremely surprised if the Twins add another arm to their bullpen group. Rogers, Duffey, May, Romo, Clippard, Littell, and Stashak are relatively locks to make the roster and that leaves one open spot. With everything we have seen from this team in recent years, they like to try out different guys in the bullpen to see what sticks so I expect Wisler, Romero, Alcala, maybe Graterol and more to get a lot of opportunities in the bullpen. That is the strategy that allowed the Twins to see how good Duffey, Stashak, Littell, and Graterol could be. Starting pitching: Add one more starter. The Twins have one of the best lineups ever. It really can’t be overstated how good that group will be. There is still one main problem with the team, and it is the same problem the offseason started with. The Twins need a starting pitcher as good or better than Jake Odorizzi. The additions of Homer Bailey and Rich Hill are certainly intriguing and I think they could both be really good, but they’re long shots. The Josh Donaldson signing actually makes me more confident the Twins will add an impact starter. Why add Donaldson if you’re going to leave the rotation with Homer Bailey, Lewis Thorpe, and Randy Dobnak in the final three spots? Falvey and Levine have now shown this window is wide open and I expect them to capitalize by also adding a starting pitcher. Maybe they want to open the season to see what the rookies can give them and then add the starter at the trade deadline, but I think the best option is to get that starter now. Some of my favorite options include Matthew Boyd, Joe Musgrove, Jon Gray, Robbie Ray, and the entire Marlins pitching staff. What do you think the Twins still have to do this offseason? Maybe you want them to stand pat, or add another pitcher similar to Homer Bailey to fill out the rotation? Let me know how you like the offseason so far, and feel free to comment how excited you are about Josh Donaldson. 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

Matt and Cooper of Twins Daily discuss the arbitration news surrounding the Twins and are joined by Tom Froemming. The three of them discussed and broke down some free agent moves that have happened as well as some moves that could happen soon. Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BQpCgraycBxcecpRsKiEwhttps://open.spotify...aycBxcecpRsKiEw This was one of our best episode without a doubt. I know I say that a lot but this time I really mean it. We were joined by special guest Tom Froemming (@TFTwins on Twitter, MN Twins Talk by Tom on Youtube) to discuss free agency, weird minor league team names, Matthew Boyd, and much more. Topics discussed: Week in Review:Arbitration sznSano extensionInterview with TomFan questionsGive this episode a try and let us know what you think! 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

When the Twins announced the signing of Homer Bailey, I was very frustrated and confused. I wanted Wheeler or Ryu and instead saw Homer Bailey, so can you blame me? After my frustration died down I looked a bit more into Bailey and maybe, just maybe, he could be a solid starter.Remember in 2013 when Homer Bailey had a 3.49 ERA, 3.31 FIP, and a 4.1 fWAR that led to the Reds extending him for six years/$105 million? He didn’t exactly live up to that contract, accumulating only 2.8 fWAR until 2019 when he started to get back on track with a 2.9 fWAR. My favorite year was probably 2018 when he went 1-14 with a 6.09 ERA. Anyway, enough with the awful years and time to focus on why I think Bailey could be effective this season. Bailey was likely signed by the Twins because of how he performed after being dealt to Oakland last season. He pitched at least five innings in 11 of his 13 starts after being dealt and also allowed three or fewer earned runs in all 11 of those games. He was very consistent with a 3.65 FIP in Oakland despite one awful start against the (BANG) Houston Astros. Oh sorry, that was me slamming a baseball bat against a garbage can. A lot of the success Bailey saw in 2019 was because of his pitch selection. He increased how often he throws his splitter by 10% to get it to 26.4% in 2019 and it was one of the best pitches in baseball. Batters were hitting just .182 with a .302 SLG and .214 wOBA against him on the splitter. Fangraphs rated his splitter as the second best last year, just a tick behind Yu Darvish. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him reach 30% with the splitter in 2020 with the Twins. The Twins definitely signed Bailey with hopes of him keeping the same level of play he displayed in Oakland. If the Twins can unlock that for a full season then they will suddenly have a great number four starter behind Berrios, Odorizzi, and Pineda with Rich Hill waiting to return. If everything breaks right (that’s a big if), then the Twins could have a really solid rotation. Of course that still doesn’t make up for the Twins failing to land an impact arm on the same level as Berrios or Odorizzi, but we’re making do with what we have right now. One Twins Daily writer who I know, Matthew Braun, my partner on the Leading Off Podcast, is very high on Baily. Here is a video he posted on his Twitter account of Homer Bailey throwing a splitter: I’m interested to see what the fans think of signing Homer Bailey. Do you like the signing? Maybe it’s fine as long as the Twins go trade for someone as good or better than Odorizzi. Personally I don’t mind the signing as much as I instinctively did when I first heard the news, but it’s definitely underwhelming. Comment with your thoughts. 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

Homer Bailey >

The 2019 season was hopefully a breakout year for Miguel Sano. We had all seen production from Sano before last season, but Sano in 2019 was a different player. The coaching staff and front office has turned Sano into the player he was supposed to be when he was the No. 3 prospect in baseball years ago.1. Sano was a top 30 player on offense in 2019. Miguel Sano’s ranks on offense last season: wRC+: 21st (137)OPS: 19th (.923)SLG: 11th (.576)wOBA: 27th (.378)HR: 29th (34)ISO: 3rd (.329)Keep in mind he only played 105 games and had 439 plate appearances and still ranked in the top 30 for home runs. Sano was an elite batter on the most prolific home run hitting team in baseball history. The plan set up for him to maintain his performance appeared to have been working perfectly like we were all hoping it would before the season. Hopefully he can get a full season under his belt in 2019 so we can see just how good he can become. 2. Sano will start the season after a healthy offseason. If you remember back to last offseason, you will likely remember all the hype surrounding Sano about his offseason because of how closely the Twins were monitoring him. He was supposed to jump in on Opening Day and be the player he was for 60% of the season last year for the whole year. Instead he ended up suffering a heel injury that kept him out for the first couple months, diminishing the hype and expectations. This is now year two of the Twins very closely monitoring the diet and training for Sano to maintain his weight and borderline elite performance from a year ago. He is on pace to start the season in the Opening Day lineup after the outstanding season he had in 2019 and an offseason where the Twins were able to do everything they wanted to keep Sano on that level. 3. He shouldn’t experience much regression. Matthew Lenz of TwinsDaily just put out a piece explaining why five Twins players could see regression in home runs. While I agree that Sano will see a dip in his HR/FB%, I don’t think his overall offensive production should take a hit. I say this because he absolutely tattoed the baseball last season. Here are his MLB Statcast rankings: Download attachment: Annotation 2020-01-08 113804.png Avg Exit Velo: 2nd (94.4 MPH)Hard Hit%: 1st (57.2%)Barrels/batted ball events: 2nd (21.2%)Basically he just smashed the baseball last season and that led to his best season in the majors. Now if he can focus on lifting the ball in the air more (41.9 FB% in 2019), while maintaining his hard contact then he should only get better. Alright, those were the exciting things. He does have some glaring weaknesses including his third base defense (sign Donaldson @Twins) and potentially his strikeout rate. Right now, I think the strengths definitely outweigh the weaknesses and he should be one of the most fun Twins players to watch if he stays focused like he was last season. What do you think? Has Miguel Sano proven enough to you, or do you need to see more of this? Maybe you just think he is bad at baseball. Let me know in the comments! 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

Matt and Cooper of TwinsDaily discuss the dual starting pitching signings along with the recent news regarding Josh Donaldson. Those two subjects come with a bunch of random tangents so have fun. Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DWQWxy61vh469RHK9HEDGFree agency has been strange for the Twins. They entered with their eyes on Wheeler and Bumgarner, but instead land Hill and Bailey. Now they have to find a backup plan to Josh Donaldson, the original backup plan. Topics discussed: Twins sign Rich Hill & Homer BaileyAre the Twins done adding to the rotation?Twins likely out on JD. Thames, Moreland, Frazier, Castellanos now possibleFan questionsLink: https://open.spotify...61vh469RHK9HEDG 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

Honestly just give me Kevin Correia as Twin of the decade.

Kirilloff had a .981 fielding% in just over 300 innings at first base. Unfortunately, advanced fielding stats are hard to find for minor leaguers. As for Brent Rooker, he didn't play a single inning at first base last season. Twins view him as an outfielder.

Three years of control for an excellent first baseman would be great. I wonder what the price would be, but this is interesting for sure.

Castellanos has not played first base but he has played 1,054 games at third base. Moving him to first would result in a product similar to what moving Sano to first full time would be. Bad defense with a good bat.

Definitely. Although Thames at $6 million wouldn't be a downgrade from Cron.

I'm sure they would have, but they were waiting on the Donaldson decision when Cron was signed by Detroit.

The Twins seem to be going all in on Josh Donaldson after missing out on the premiere free agent starters. As the New Year begins, it looks like the Donaldson bidding war will end soon. He could end up in Minnesota, but it is likely he goes elsewhere. What’s next if the Twins miss out?Mitch Moreland: 1B, .252/.328/.507 with 19 HR and 0.7 fWAR in 2019. If the Twins don’t end up with Donaldson I would be surprised if they looked for a third baseman over a first baseman. The only free agent worth moving Miguel Sano to first base would probably be Donaldson so I expect the Twins will look for a true first baseman like Moreland. Moreland is 34 years old and has consistently been the same very average player since 2015. He will hit for a .250 average and slug .450 with 20 home runs every season. Moreland isn’t nearly as appealing as Donaldson but he would be cheap and he is a solid fielder at first base. Less upside than Cron, but now that he is with Detroit the Twins may have to look at Moreland. Eric Thames: 1B, .247/.346/.505 with 25 HR and 1.9 fWAR in 2020. Thames is another left-handed bat like Moreland that would fit nicely in the Twins lineup. He has been excellent with the bat in two of the last three years after returning from playing overseas to get his career back on track. Over the last three years he is averaging 24 home runs despite playing only 96 games in 2018. The strikeouts and fielding are a couple of weak spots to his game, but the Twins have shown those are two weaknesses they are not scared of. If they sign Thames then he will step right into the role Cron had and he seems like the best remaining free agent to put up numbers that would be an obvious upgrade over Cron. Todd Frazier: 3B, .251/.329/.443 with 21 HR and 1.9 fWAR in 2019. If the Twins are really intrigued by the idea of adding a true third baseman and moving Sano to first base then Frazier would likely be the best third baseman remaining. The Twins were actually linked to him very early in the offseason but we are unaware of how interested they truly were. If the Twins would rather improve their infield defense than go for a better hitter like Thames, then adding Frazier would be the move, but they would have to move Sano to first base and that might cancel out the slight defensive improvement from Frazier. The 33-year old has had a couple underwhelming seasons in a row so it’ll be interesting to see if the Twins remain interested. Internal options: Kirilloff, Gonzalez, Sano, Adrianza This seems like the least likely route for the Twins to take, but they do have some players who could fill the hole at first base. Marwin Gonzalez, Miguel Sano, and Ehire Adrianza could all rotate between third base and first base which wouldn’t be the worst idea. All three are capable at third base, but the defense at first base is the biggest issue here. All three can play there once a week or so, but trusting any one of them to play first base consistently could be an issue. My favorite minor league option that definitely won’t happen to start the season would be Alex Kirilloff at first base. He started playing the position last season and only played 35 games at the position, but he is an intriguing option for the position down the road. They will have to find a spot for his bat and the outfield is very crowded at the moment. Other free agent options: Bird, Castellanos, Zobrist, etc Some interesting options the Twins could pursue include Greg Bird, Nicholas Castellanos, or Ben Zobrist. Bird has had three really bad seasons in a row and really isn’t a good fielder either, but new TwinsDaily writer Rena outlined nicely why he could be a potential target. Castellanos is one of the best free agents available after Donaldson and he used to play third base so maybe the Twins could throw some money at him and tell him he’s going back to third or maybe even first base. His defense has always been really bad, but his offense has been excellent over the last couple seasons. Finally, Ben Zobrist is a free agent at 38-years old and maybe he still has something left in the tank after posting a 123 wRC+ just two years ago. He values playing for a contender, and he still plays solid defense and many different positions so maybe it’s worth a shot. Hopefully the Twins can just go sign Josh Donaldson and make this post irrelevant, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Which of these players would you like to see the Twins go after? Did I miss someone you like? Join the discussion in the comments! 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