stringer bell

My opinion: Floor--major league bench player. Ceiling--major league regular, but not a star.

It appears to me that Austin Martin has graduated to the major league level this year and that is good for him. However, I see a pretty limited upside. First and foremost, he plays two positions acceptably--second base and left field--not exactly the most vital defensive positions. He's played quite a bit of center field and he's definitely below average there. Secondly, as an offensive player, Martin lacks power. He has one homer in 214 plate appearances, although the 14 doubles and a triple give him an acceptable 16 extra base hits in those PAs. He's fast, but not a burner who can change a game or an inning solely by getting on first. Martin's throwing arm has been regarded as below average, limiting him to second base on the infield and precluding him from playing right field in the outfield. It makes center field more of a stretch as well. I don't know if his arm can or will improve, but I do know that making accurate throws (hitting the cutoff man etc.) makes up for a lot of not having a cannon like Matt Wallner. I think injuries and lack of experience have hindered Martin's development, particularly as a defender, and that with better angles and fundamentals most of his rough spots as an outfielder can be polished up. With gradual improvement as an offensive player and notable defensive steps, Martin could be much better next year and step into a role where he gets regular playing time, perhaps being the alternative for Byron Buxton in center field as well as getting playing time in both left and second. I don't foresee stardom unless both his defense and offense have another gear.

Why add him? He wasn't claimed last year and he's a year older. I don't know if the Twins will be able to keep Keirsey at AAA or if he can become a minor league free agent. I would assume that if he can become a free agent, he'll look for a better opportunity.

No W for the Fever.

I wonder if the extra day of rest helped Pablo. I know the Twins would like to use their best starters as much as possible, but even the best pitchers seem to benefit from extra rest and fewer pitches these days.

It looks very much like Friday/Saturday will be a wash as far as the Central is concerned. Phils up 8-2, Guards all over Texas and the Twins in control 6-0. Everybody goes 1-1.

Great catch!!😒

Chief must not be here.......plate appearance.

He did.....quite well.

If you want to score on a grounder, you have to get a good jump. Getting picked off can happen if everything goes wrong. If you're too cautious, then it doesn't pay to have the contact play on.

Public Address, Personal Assistant, Physician's Assistant.

Let's go blue!

Wallner makes contact!

Uh-oh Sonny's got it going.

Pablo had the "at 'em" ball going in inning #1.

Santana has a .665 OPS against right handers, below average, but not helpless. His OPS vs. right handers is better than Farmer, Margot, Lee and Kirilloff.

For today, Santana is the best defensive option and an okay option on offense, especially against left handed pitching. To start the season, the Twins were counting on Kirilloff and that didn't pan out, but Miranda has been good. It wasn't a mistake to sign Santana for comparatively small dollars. I do think it is a different story in 2025 and betting on a 39-year old to sustain his performance is asking for a lot.

Marmol said that they wanted to run on Festa. Jeffers really had no chance on anyone even the catcher trying to steal third.

I think Royce has broken his bat in all three at-bats.

So do I.

Kepler would have been safe if his foot hadn't been off the ground.

Send him!!

Festa mixing his pitches well so far and the change-up is nasty. Nootbar didn't have a chance.

Pallante gets lots of ground balls according to the broadcast. Highest ground ball rate in the majors. Maybe sending runners to avoid the GDP.

100% chance that a player will beat the odds during the game.