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Greglw3

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  1. Greglw3
    Ryan O’Hearn would be by far the best and anything but mid tier. High OBA, high batting average, maybe tied for 2nd on 2025 Twins) and decent power, a great mix. Sign O’Hearn, who can also play OF.
  2. Greglw3
    Trader Derek!
  3. Greglw3
    I agree wholeheartedly. Signing Arraez back would be the best thing they could do and I, too, saw Rod Carew and the havoc he wreaked with high batting averages. Arraez has hit .354 for a whole season, a rare accomplishment.
  4. Greglw3
    Mike is your thumb broken so it only points down? You were alive when the Twins had good offenses and won or at least played a bit north of .500 all through the 1960s, 1970-1971, 72-79, 84-87, Steve Braun, Steve Brye, Jim Holt, Bobby Darwin, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Lyman Bostock, Larry Hisle, Dan Ford, Gary Ward, Mike Cubbage, Roy Smalley, Glenn Adams, Ken Landreaux, all in the 70s. Bob Allison, Zolio Versalles, Cesar Tovar, Don Mincher in 60s and Gaetti, Brunansky, Puckett, Randy Bush, Hrbek, etc in 80s, Where are players the equal of any I named on the Twins now, besides Buxton? And Gene Mauch lead a team with a .282 batting average and a horrible pitching staff to an 84-77 record. The Twins offense has killed them the last few years, Not competitive in the least. If Wallner’s .204 is OK with 40 RBIs on 22 HR and only 10 RBIs all year from 1b, 2B, 3B, BB, HBP, Groundouts and SFs, then I see more pain, pessimism, pitiful play, pohlads ahead. I want to run from that as fast as I and Derek Falvey and Jeremy Zoll can. This is an extremely important pivot point in the history of the franchise, IMO. Kody Clemens .220, Outman .150, Larnach a player not in the mold of Braun, Brye, Holt, Glenn Adams - mediocrity....is that what we want? We have a chance to fill in LF and RF with better hitters, through trade and through the G Gonzalez, E Rodriguez, W Jenkins, Hendry Mendez pipeline. And Culpepper can give Lee a battle that would be good for the team. What is your solution for the outfield to move into a new era of winning baseball? I just don’t think relying on failed or mediocre at best players like Larnach or Wallner is a good plan at all. From one long time passionate Twins fan to another, lets have a vision for a brighter new day!
  5. Greglw3
    I think he should replace one of those guys you mentioned, not be on the much lesser used side of a platoon. He hit ~ 115 points higher than Wallner and ~ 100 points higher than Clemens. We need to replace these low average batting lineup anchors with some guys that can hit for average.
  6. Greglw3
    No
  7. Greglw3
    I think the answer lies in looking at Brooks Lee’s 64 RBIs to Wallner's 40. The worst part is Wallner only amassed 10 RBIs the whole year when not hitting a HR. I think if Wallner would stop chasing bad, mostly high pitches and use the whole field, he could hit .270 with maybe 20 HR 60 walks, then that would play but he’s shown no ability to make that adjustment. It’s partly on the manager and hitting coach to not accept his approach. I’d still rather see one of Gonzalez, Rodriguez or Jenkins take his spot.
  8. Greglw3
    I agree with you. The best hope for the Twins lies with the trio of Jenkins, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez. Larnach and Wallner have had extensive chances and been average to slightly below. Never has a "statistic", in OPS+, misrepresented a player’s season as much as Wallner’s. Did everyone know that Wallner had 30 RBIs on his 22 HR. And he had a grand total of 10 RBIs for the whole season via single, double, triple, Groundout, Hit By Pitch or Sacrifice fly. Truly astonishing. He also had the fewest RBIs on 22 HR in the history of the RBI statistic, since the early 1920’s. He missed tons of 95 MPH fastballs and has a hole up and in the size of the Grand Canyon. And a .204 batting average. Ugh. My ranking of the OF, in order, would be Buxton, Martin, Gonzalez (slightly ahead of Jenkins at this point but not necessarily better, long term), Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Roden. I don’t think we should be looking at a new era with a new manager and a really nice coaching staff, with Grady Sizemore available to work with that trio of uber talented outfielders, and be thinking Larnach or Wallner fits in. Same with Outman. I think Martin and Buxton are locks and they just might find 2 of Gonzalez, Jenkins and E-Rod who are ready to be in the starting lineup opening day with Roden as a dark horse.. I would also have an open competition between Brooks Lee, Kaelen Culpepper and Fitzgerald for the SS job. Lee needs a legitimate challenge from Culpepper considering all the terrible chasing he did last year. I have a sneaking suspicion Culpepper has the better tools to be an exciting difference maker for the Twins.
  9. Greglw3
    All 3 good and astute suggestions, Cody. I like the suggestion of Lowe because he’s hit just about every place except the Nats and from 2021-2024 his on base percentage was somewhere around .359-.360. It’s interesting to note that even though he cratered out with the Nats, Wash and Bos combined he still had 84 RBIs compared to Wallner’s 40 and 62 walks and a career OPS+ of 116, which for 1B would be a big improvement for the Twins. I still can’t believe 22 HR and 40 RBIs, worst for 22 HR since the RBI stat has been kept since 1920s. Wallner had 30 RBIs from HRs and 10, count 'em 10, RBIs the whole rest of his season on 1B, 2B, 3B, BB, HBP, Groundout, SF) I think Lowe would be better than Clemens although the two of them could battle it out for the position.
  10. Greglw3
    I agree with you, it would raise the white flag and Derek Shelton and his very promising coaching staff and the young Twins on the precipice of the majors deserve better. I think they should keep Lopez and Ryan, jettison Larnach and give full chances to Austin Martin, Gabriel Gonzalez, Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Alan Roden and Hendry Mendez to flank Byron Buxton in the outfield. I think the decision on Larnach will decide if the Twins want to fully embrace a new direction and improve with this talented group of hitters I named above. I predict that he will be non-tendered. As for Matt Wallner, he should be considered an "I have to prove it" candidate. A season like last season where he had the fewest RBIs on 22 HR in the history of RBIs being recorded, back to the 1920s, in lieu of a Gabriel Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Jenkins, would be a big setback to the plans of a new day.
  11. Greglw3
    As the Twins try to turn the page and try a new way, I think retaining hitters that were mediocre (Larnach) to poor Wallner (as evidenced by his .204 batting average, inability often to even catch up to 95 MPH fastballs, colossal holes in his swing with no adjustments, and most telling, the lowest RBI total on 22 HR since they started keeping the RBI statistic in the 1920s. Depending on how many of the 22 HR were 2 run or 3 run, he may have driven in as little as 10-14 runs the whole season via 1B, 2B, 3B, BB, HBP, Groundout, Sacrifice fly. In my mind, Wallner has to beat out Gonzalez, Em Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins and Hendry Mendez who hit crazy good for Wichita. The Twins can’t run it back, which was why I found it disturbing that Falvey thinks Kody Clemens can be the 1B or at least the strong side of a platoon. Even with the timely HRs, he slumped too often and turned in an unacceptable batting average, in my book. And I really like Kody and rooted very hard for him. I hope I’m wrong but they have to platoon him and maybe then he can hit .250. If the Twins start Larnach, Wallner and Kody Clemens, then they’re basically running it back with the bulk of the offense that lost 90 games.
  12. Greglw3
    I'm not sure about that. I once had someone insist up and down on Twins Daily that DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was not a good defensive player. So, we’ll see. This turned up from a Google search. It looks like the two screen shots, starting with GG’s pic are from early 2024. The Google AI report is one indicator, but it is AI based and seems to contradict itself in the same writeup, saying he has excellent bat to ball skills but needs better strike zone discipline. I think his just completed season argues for the former! He’s the guy I really have my eye on.
  13. Greglw3
    I think you nailed it on all fronts, Nick! I’m especially high on Gonzalez as he’s the antithesis of the low to absurdly low batting average guys the Twins have given too much run in recent years.
  14. Greglw3
    Good article, Lou. I’m remarkably in sync with your thinking! My favorite pick of the whole group is Gabriel Gonzalez. To hit to that tune, including .340+ in AA at his young age tells me he’’s a guy that is a really good candidate for hitting for a very solid average in the majors. I think it’d be best if he keeps his focus on moving the ball around, hitting a good amount of doubles and not sacrifice any of the average for power. To me, the lust for power on far too grand a scale has lead to a barrage of strikeouts and low batting averages. I prefer the 1977 Twins approach when Carew hit .388, Bostock .336, both with 14 homers, Hisle .302 and Glenn Adams .338. They hit .282 as a team and scored tons of runs. I think that kind of potential exists for the current batch of prospects, except no .388. My big 5 are Gonzalez, Jenkins, Rodriguez, Culpepper and Mendez. And I do remember Derek Shelton saying something to the effect of "we’re gonna rely on our young players and develop them at the major league level. I’m also interested to see what Austin Martin could do if he got 600 AB! And I’d like to re-acquire the NL hits leader, who batted .354 for a whole season, Luis Arraez. And Ryan O’ Hearn to stiffen the competition in the OF and increase odds of a much improved OF.
  15. Greglw3
    I agree with you on Rosario. And I love Gonzalez.
  16. Greglw3
    Credit to Cody Christie, writing for Twins Daily: "Rosario’s improved approach and ability to drive the ball to all fields have made him a more complete offensive threat. For the season, he is hitting .258/.362/.493 with 26 doubles and 23 home runs. He’s also posting those totals while being nearly two years younger than the average age of the competition in the Texas League. His performance continues to reinforce his standing as one of the most intriguing middle-of-the-order bats in the system"
  17. Greglw3
    No to 50+ HR and 70+ stolen bases but maybe Yes on Klein? They really need the speed.
  18. Greglw3
    I would protect the six locks and Rosario and Fedko. Their inclusion only enhances, by whatever factor, Derek Sheltons chances of having a running team like the one Jayce Tingler suggested to Rocco late last year and was surely a success.
  19. Greglw3
    Given those options, I like a 3 way competition in spring training for the job between Lee, Fitzgerald and Culpepper. Wasn’t Culpepper chosen as the Twins minor league hitter of the year. Fitzgerald was a bit of a surprise and might do OK in about 130 games gaining experience. Lee has one assignment. Stop chasing high or outside, unhittable pitches in the hopes of hitting another home run. You’ll be far more helpful spraying the ball over the field and hitting some gaps with maybe 10 or so HR. I don’t believe in any of the advanced defensive metrics, which are new and unproven (no scientific method anywhere to be seen). Especially OAA. OAA, a mediocre defensive SS playing behind a rotation with 4 groundball pitchers and one flyable pitcher amasses far more Outs than a superior glove with 4 flyable pitchers and 1 roundball pitchers. Lee s no Carlos Correa in his prime but shows potential defensively.
  20. Greglw3
    Great hire!!! His knowledge and passion for the game come through on the telecasts, not to mention his love of helping young players. Well done, Derek Shelton! Welcome Latroy!
  21. Greglw3
    Very astute! The Twins have so many holes in the lineup and they have to plug most of them. Arraez would be an easy and airtight fix as a 3 time batting champion. Nobody else on the Twins has come within a Grand Canyon of a batting title. Clemens and Wallner should not be guaranteed positions nor even Lee. Culpepper vs Lee best man wins. Gabriel Gonzalez, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins vs Wallner, best man wins. Wallner’s season was historically bad with the least amount of RBIs for 22 HR since the advent of the RBI statistic and a .204 average. Clemens low .200s average will not cut it. That’s what they have to replace, as you indicated. I think Shelton meant it when he said these top prospects are going to be leaned on and developed at the big league level.
  22. Greglw3
    Arraez is a free agent We can have them both.
  23. Greglw3
    ANd he’s a hell of a lot better hitter than 90% of the mediocre to horrible hitters the Twins have had the last couple years. You’re citing one year. I can play at that too and say he finished 2025 very strong. He’s played how many years with a .367 OBP, a .317 lifetime average, 3 batting titles, far better than any hitter on the Twins now by light years and he makes contact, which is important to scoring runs, unlike Wallner whiffing his way to ~40 RBIs on 22 HR. We need to improve our offense. Arraez would very likely be a huge upgrade and his .317 lifetime or even last year’s .292 is vastly better than Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Wallner, Larnach, Outman, Gasper, Clemens, France, Correa. Combining Arraez with Emmanuel Rodriguez, Gabriel Gonzalez, Walker Jenkins, Kaelen Culpepper, Hendry Morales would be an exciting way to jump start the revival. I’d add O’Hearn too. People are ignoring that during Shelton’s press conference he emphasized that they were going to lean on the top young talent and develop it at the major league level.
  24. Greglw3
    France and Lowe are out for me, just more of the same mediocrity. With the new investors and with the moral obligation they now have to Derek Shelton to get serious about upgrading. On the low end, I’d go after Andrew Binentendi, who I’ve read Chicago is willing to pick up most of his contract and has a history of some nice offensive years and on the high end, I’d bring back Luis Arraez. People can cite OPS+ or WAR or any other statistics that should not be used to compare players in different roles because all those stats favor power hitters and introduce the very unstable element of the ""advanced defensive metrics, OAA being the worst. The fact is, Arraez led the National league in hits last year, had 11 stolen bases and has hit .354 for an entire major league season. He has a career .317 batting average and .367 on base percentage, making him just right for the leadoff slot. All of the statistics need to be interpreted according to the role a player will play. As a leadoff hitter, he doesn’t need HR power much, so he will not compare with far inferior hitters like Wallner in all the stats slanted to this who play the role of power hitter in the 3-4-5-6 slots. The man number to look at is .367 and, yes, .354. Who hits .354 or higher? Rod Carew did 3 times but with Carew being one of the greatest hitters of all time (did you know he won his 7 batting titles by an average of 30 points?) and have followed Carew, I know what high average hitters can bring to a team! Let’s bring Luis back! Cut down the whiff epidemic! Let’s go!!! This came from a Google on his defense. "Defense: He is considered a strong defender with good reaction time and arm strength. However, some scouting reports suggest his defensive skills have regressed, especially at second base, and he is now better suited for first base or DH."
  25. Greglw3
    "Fans & players have heard for years, don't look at the results, trust the process. Falvey absolutely didn't want to fire Baldelli because he was the face of that process. After years of no results, we have to look at the analytical process (of hitting a ton of HRs when they don't count, SOs offensively when it matters, defense, fundamentals, clutch hitting don't matter) & come to the conclusion that the process is faulty. But Falvey has resisted with all his might." This says it all, cuts totally to the heart of the problem. Best analysis I’ve seen. They’d best go out and find a few higher average contact guys as the offense will never gel with a hitter with as gigantic a hole in his swing as Wallner (and who nobody could reach to say quit swinging from the heels ever pitch!). There are so many ways to score in baseball and the Twins way (the new way, not the 1970s way or the late 80s to early 90s way) eschewed way too much of the toolkit. I’m actuallyy guardedly optimistic that Falvey will go out and get at least 2 hitters and/or employ Gabriel Gonzalez, Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Kaelen Culpepper. Best both approaches. He owes it to the fans, the organization and most compellingly, to Derek Shelton. It’s come to a head and I prefer to think Falvey feels this is his last chance.
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