"Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic." What made the performance really stand out was 12 Ks and _no_ walks.
Astudillo has exactly _one_ error over 86 innings at different positions in 14 games this springs training. His offensive output over the same period offset that damage many, many times over. He has earned a spot on the club until someone outplays him or he's plays himself off it.
"... The Twins offense offered nothing." As posted elsewhere: 3 hits, 2 walks, 1 run, 4 LOB. Scored only 2 against Pirates, 1 against Braves... not right. Offense has been MIA since last October.
The Twins have raised the bar to make the roster every offseason under the new administration. This is not a bad thing. Because we like Astudillo, we should want him to raise his personal performance bar so that he can remain relevant for the club. Reminiscences and wishful thinking will not do it.
The article deserves beaucoup likes and style points for the title alone. It's all pure speculation until a real negotiation starts, but if there were an opportunity perhaps it's best to focus on what a pitcher like that could do for the team's championship prospects in the '21 season, and let the years beyond that take care of themselves. '22 is burdened with the uncertainty of a new collective bargaining agreement. Who knows where we'll be in '23? Let's play for today.
Nice work. Illustrates that there are few easy choices. Do we keep a known quantity who may yet do better or roll the dice on another starter or platoon?
Ummm, let's see... - fine pitch taker and defensive catcher - fair bat - not a rookie Seems you might want a guy like this around for late- or extra-inning lineup re-shuffles, and naturally in case someone (gods forbid) gets hurt.