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stringer bell

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Everything posted by stringer bell

  1. stringer bell
    Short answer--recency bias. Longer answer--Martin provides skills the fan base see as lacking in recent Twins teams. There is hope of a player who can win games with his bat, his legs and his glove. I agree that Austin Martin is far from a lock to become a regular on the 2026 Twins. He has to maximize his hitting value by getting on base, become a smarter base runner and field his position above league average. There is no guarantee that he'll do any of these things. Martin has a high draft pedigree and we saw glimpses of a good player after the trade deadline. I have hopes of a breakout in 2026, but tempered with the reality that he is almost 27 years old and has thus far been a replacement player at best.
  2. stringer bell
    Much like Lewis-Lee, the Keaschall-Martin pairing is pretty complex. The team wants to put the best lineup out there and perhaps that includes both Luke and Austin. Then the question becomes what is best for the team. If Martin is the better defender at both positions, should he play his "best" position? If Keaschall is clearly better at one spot, is that the position he should play? What might be best for the individual isn't necessarily what is best for the team. It is my opinion that Austin Martin's best defensive position is and will continue to be left field. He seemed to get significantly better jumps and take better routes in 2025 and seemed far more comfortable in left field as opposed to center. His defense at second base would seem to be average, although I thought his decision making there was pretty poor. Keaschall's defense would seem to be determined. With plus speed, his range should be decent at whatever position he plays. He has played almost his entire professional career with a bad or rehabbing throwing arm, so we won't really know what kind of arm strength and accuracy he has when healthy. If the offense is legitimate, he should be able to play anywhere on the defensive spectrum, but it probably helps the team most if he can play an adequate second base. It makes sense to me to continue to play both guys at the positions they played in the fall. If Keaschall shows he is subpar at second, then make a move. Martin would need to continue to produce offensively to keep a steady job in left field. There are a lot of guys looking over his shoulder for playing time. If Keaschall would be moved off the keystone, Martin would be a candidate there. It's really a jigsaw puzzle with no photo to use as a key.
  3. stringer bell
    I don't know very much at all about Wagaman, I recall he played a bit for the Angels in 2024, but I think the Twins see potential in his increased swing speed. That was the big change for Clemens in 2025 that propelled him all the way to average as a major league hitter. I assumed that many would be lamenting the possible loss of Fitzgerald, but I have a hard time believing he is anything but a major league stopgap. I don't know if Kreidler is anything, but he is supposed to be a plus fielder at two of the most important defensive positions. With Wallner, Larnach, Roden, Outman, Martin all competing for time in the corner outfield and Rodriguez, Gonzales and Jenkins all already at Triple A, it make close to zero sense to move Keaschall to the outfield.
  4. stringer bell
    With the low quantity and low quality of returning bullpen arms, building a bullpen for this year is daunting. The starting rotation has many quality arms, so I expect one or two guys to convert to the bullpen. Will Shelton and company make the right choices? I hope they go for upside and bring their twelve best arms north. The 13th and 14th should be guys who can move freely back and forth to St. Paul. As constructed, I don't think the position player mix is nearly good enough to compete. At least one major league infielder is needed, preferably a guy who can back up shortstop and another hitter to play first base or DH would be on my shopping list. There is an unappealing clump of flawed, low ceiling guys for the corners and DH. At least one of those guys should be cashiered for bullpen or infield help.
  5. stringer bell
    I'll bite one more time. Kwan is a left fielder, Martin has played left field a majority of his time in the majors. Kwan is a leadoff hitter. Martin profiles as a leadoff or at least top of the order hitter. Kwan is a fine defender. Martin took large steps to be an above average left fielder last year. Neither Kwan nor Martin is considered a power hitter by any means and both are above average at making contact as well as both have above average speed. As of now, there is no comparison in their big league achievements, but their skill sets and strengths are very similar in my opinion. This thread was started to discuss whether Austin Martin was capable of taking the step of becoming a full-time player and leadoff man, which is what Steven Kwan has been in his four-year career. I can respect someone saying they don't think so, but I think it is obtuse or trolling to claim that they are not remotely similar.
  6. stringer bell
    What does Jake Cave have to do with Austin Martin? As noted previously, he was a fourth OF who featured power over OBP and/or defense. Martin hasn’t played close to the level of Kwan (I never said he did), but the skill sets are similar. If Martin would break out, it is likely his stats would be similar to what Kwan has put up over the last four years. Making a snap judgment is your prerogative, but I was encouraged by Martin’s play late in 2025. He’s a long way from a sure thing, but as I said earlier, his strengths are areas where the Twins are lacking so I think he could help the team.
  7. stringer bell
    I think Martin is an interesting case. He is a righty hitter, so platoon usage means a minor role and he's not really that versatile so he's not really a prototypical utility player He does possess skills that the team, as a whole, lacks. I don't know if Shelton will prefer an everyday leadoff guy, but if he does, Martin does check most of the boxes. I do think it is a year of decision. If he doesn't stake a claim to an everyday job, he probably never will.
  8. stringer bell
    The 2026 roster, as it is today, isn't a candidate for postseason and is much more likely to finish with 90+ losses than 80 wins. However, there is talent and potential amidst the replacement level players. Only Byron Buxton is an established major league regular and we all know his injury history. Ryan Jeffers has been good, not great, as a half time catcher. He'll get a chance to play a lot more in 2026. Royce Lewis and Matt Wallner have had their moments in the past three years, but injury and inconsistency make them question marks. In approximately a year of playing time, first round draft choice Brooks Lee has been above average only one of the six or seven months he has played, but he is a first round draft choice with some skills. Josh Bell is an above-average hitter who probably would do well to DH more than play first base. Luke Keaschall had a promising abbreviated first year in the majors. Austin Martin looked much improved when he got a chance to play regularly after the trade deadline. Three of the Twins top hitting prospects are outfielders who have already played at Triple A. I don't think it is a big stretch to expect one or more of those guys to come in and show they belong. Here's my take of the position players: It's a year of challenge and transition. The team is overloaded with LH hitting corner outfield and DH types and lacks potential and depth in the infield. There is only one proven major league catcher. The team needs to bring a starting caliber infielder, preferably a shortstop, and would benefit by having a power bat to play 1B/DH.
  9. stringer bell
    Jake Cave wasn't mentioned in the OP. Cave was a fourth OF who featured more power than speed or OBP and was never thought of as an everyday leadoff hitter. Martin's skill set include relatively good contact and OBP tendencies, good speed with the ability to steal bases and, at least last year, improving outfield defense. He was compared to Kwan because his strengths match up with Kwan's strengths. Martin hasn't had a single healthy season to date, but maybe if he were to stay healthy he could make the leap to everyday player.
  10. stringer bell
    The Twins began 2025 with Matt Wallner as their primary lead off hitter and finished the season using Byron Buxton in the #1 spot in the lineup. The team hasn't had a consistent leadoff hitter during most of the Rocco Baldelli era. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians have had a steady presence in the leadoff position. Steven Kwan has led off almost exclusively for four consecutive years and he has been productive and valuable. Kwan is a two-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. He's averaged more than 4 WAR per year as an old style leadoff hitter. Kwan hits for a high average, walks above league average, doesn't strike out much and is an asset both on the bases and in the field despite having limited extra base power. Austin Martin possesses a similar skill set--good speed, defensive upside, high contact and limited power-and showed vast improvement in his 50-game audition after the trade deadline. Most Twins followers have projected him to be a platoon or utility player for 2026. I think it would be very beneficial for the team to have a consistent lead off hitter who offered speed, defense and high OBP. Is it possible that he could take the step into becoming a full-time leadoff guy and left fielder? I honestly think there is a chance, especially with a new mnger and coaching staff. It would require Martin to continue to improve in all facets of his game, but he does the strengths in his game that could make him very valuable to the Twins. What is the opinion of the fan base on Twins Daily? Is there someone else in the system that could step up and into a lead off role? Do you see having a regular leading off almost every day as helpful for the team? ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
  11. stringer bell
    Agree with @mnfiremanthat the Twins aren’t really lacking RH hitting as much as LH hitters are stacked at certain positions (as are RH hitters). Currently there are at least five and perhaps as many as seven left handed hitters in line to play three positions. It seems unlikely that even one of the guys profiled can jump in front of the line of lefty hitters (plus Austin Martin) unless bodies are moved.
  12. stringer bell
    I’ve noted the insane contact rates, combined with diminishing on-base numbers and figured that he wasn’t hitting the ball very hard. Not striking out is admirable, but weak contact is not. Arraez has won three batting championships., so I suppose he’s maximized his skill set, but it makes him more of curiosity than a really valuable key player.
  13. stringer bell
    I’m not in love with another poor defensive player on the field, but Bell should actually help to make a more stable, consistent lineup.
  14. stringer bell
    I agree that Larnach would seem the most likely to go. He's coming off a decent year with his most games and plate appearances and he will cost the receiving team a bit more in salary. Even if Larnach is dealt, it would seem that there is no place on the roster for one of Outman/Julien.
  15. stringer bell
    The back end of the bullpen was composed of good, highly regarded pitchers. Very top-heavy and frankly the whole wasn't equal to the sum of the parts. Coming close to replacing those guys is a pretty heavy lift. Agree that the offense needs to improve dramatically or the BP doesn't matter.
  16. stringer bell
    I recently made a comment on the Josh Bell signing and think his signing makes roster discussion a higher priority here on Twins Daily. Specifically, the Twins have a bunch of left handed hitters who are corner outfielders who could DH and there isn't room for them all. Further, many of the guys can't be optioned. It looks like the solution has to be making trades. Here's my take: Position player locks: Buxton, Jeffers, Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, Bell, Martin, backup catcher, backup infielder. Near locks: Larnach, Wallner, Clemens. Most likely fighting for one spot: Outman, Roden, Julien. Outside looking in: Rodriguez, Gasper, Gonzalez. As I note here, Julien, Roden and Outman would be in competition for the 13th position player spot. Julien and Outman are out of options, so if one of them didn't make the team, they would have to be offered to the rest of MLB before they could be sent to St. Paul. Top prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez are also left handed hitting corner outfielders (center field capable). Roden is the only guy in serious consideration for a 26-man roster spot who can be optioned and he also is a left handed corner outfielder. If Roden is optioned the Saints would project to have Gonzalez, Jenkins, Rodriguez and Roden in their outfield. What is the solution to this roster imbalance? What should the Twins do to deal with this and who stays and who goes? Let's discuss!
  17. stringer bell
    Bell's signing would seem to decrease playing time for just about every left handed hitting player on the team--Clemens, Wallner, Larnach, Roden, Outman, Julien. In actuality, all six of those guys really can't make the team if there is a utility infielder (Kreidler/Fitgerald) and a backup catcher (Jackson/Pereda). Trades absolutely have to happen. The Bell signing makes the team slightly better and moves Kody Clemens where he belongs--LH hitting utility player--but it really adds to the position player imbalance.
  18. stringer bell
    Just like the always-changing lineup, the Twins need more guys who are out there on defense every day. I think that is particularly true up the middle although catcher is a bit different because of the beating those guys take. It would not take a .300 batting average and 100 RBI for Brooks Lee to be a regular. .260/20/80 (110 OPS+) would be fine. Much like Jorge Polanco, his range and arm are going to limit him as average as best as a shortstop, but if he's a plus hitter he could and should be in the lineup as a regular and second and third base both seem reasonable options. If Lee is more of an average to below average hitter, a bench role similar to Willi Castro (without the outfield reps) could get him regular plate appearances, particularly with an all right handed hitting trio of Keaschall, Culpepper and Lewis manning second, short and third respectively. IMHO, Culpepper is the most likely guy to come in and be an anchor to build around in the middle infield. Lee will get a chance first, but he needs to both hit an field appreciably better and his ceiling as a defender at short isn't high. I'd give Keaschall at least 50 games at second to see if he can become a decent defensive second baseman. He has the speed and quickness to have good range. I don't know about other qualities--soft hands, good footwork, good judgement--but it seems to me he can establish himself at second base.
  19. stringer bell
    If the infield depth is Kreidler or Fitzgerald, I don't see much point in moving Keaschall to the outfield with Gonzalez, Jenkins and Rodriguez waiting in the wings in St. Paul. Hypothetically, if Culpepper were to force his way onto the major league team, moving Lee and Keaschall to the right would make sense, but with the chasm that is first base depth and Josh Bell's poor fielding numbers Keaschall at first base and Lee at second would be the position switches that would be in order.
  20. stringer bell
    How about Michael Cuddyer? I think Cuddy is an example of both sides of this argument. Cuddyer was a high school shortstop moved to third base where he was substandard. He moved to right field where he was satisfactory, but no Gold Glover. When Morneau got hurt, Cuddyer filled in admirably at first (mostly because he hit well). Later on, he played some second base to get the best offense in the lineup for the Twins. Due to injuries, Cuddyer also played a few innings in center field. I would say that the best fits for him were right and first, but having the flexibility to play him elsewhere could help the team. On the other hand, playing a guy clearly out of position probably doesn’t help and having a guy out of position plus poor defenders around him moves a defense close to fatally flawed. Given that the Twins will have three top prospects in the outfield at AAA, I really don’t see much point in moving Keaschall there, especially given the Twins’ lack of depth in the infield. Also, it would be my hope that a shortstop comes in who would anchor the infield rather than another moving piece. Maybe that is Culpepper, maybe someone else.
  21. stringer bell
    I haven't seen it anywhere else so: Happy Birthday Byron Buxton! The current longest tenured player, who has chosen to be a lifelong Twin. Many happy returns.
  22. stringer bell
    BTW, the official Twins website has the headline: "No more questions: Bell will man 1st base for the Twins in '26 (source)" I guess that means the site is making Bell the everyday first sacker. I would hope that a better defender could play there fairly often, but maybe Bell will be there for 140 games.
  23. stringer bell
    For the first half of the season, it would appear that the SS job is Lee's exclusively. I would think that a half season of AAA ball would make Culpupper the next man up when it gets warm outside (usually late May). I would really like to see the Twins acquire a shortstop to at least push Lee as well as a major league catcher. There are too many LH corner outfielders and an apparent excess of prospective starting pitchers on the roster.
  24. stringer bell
    The bigger picture here is that Bell adds to the overabundance of lefty hitting corner guys who can and should be at the DH position much if not most of the time. Given his resume, he should be in the middle of the lineup against right handed pitchers and the Twins currently have Larnach, Wallner and Clemens to start in left and right and first base. Add in Roden and Outman and it is six guys for four spots with only one guy--Clemens who is near average defensively. Given the current roster, I can't see any way that both Roden and Outman make the club. I think at least one position player trade is needed and probably more. Currently Kreidler/Fitgerald and Jackson/Perada are the backup shortstop and catcher respectively and between those four guys none is a lock to break the Mendoza line.
  25. stringer bell
    Roden profiles to be a pretty good player. In his rookie year, he wasn't good but with two option years remaining I think he'll get a chance
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