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Linus

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Everything posted by Linus

  1. Linus
    I'm not crazy about the idea because it fundamentally changes the way the game is played but I am all for trying to do something about this. Its not so much the time but the pace; there is just a whole lot of nothing going on for far too much of each game. Here would be my ideas: Strike zone: call strikes, everything would move along, pitch counts would be lower and starters would work longer into games. This might tempt some teams to go back to 11 man pitching staffs, allowing for more and better pinch hitters and fewer relievers. Once the pitcher is on the rubber he cannot get off until he delivers a pitch. Once the batter enters the box, he cannot step out. In between pitches, he has to keep one foot in the box. Trip to the mound counts as a visit, no matter who does it. Managers must immediately challenge a call. If they come out of the dugout they lose their right to challenge. Reduce relievers warm ups when they enter the game to 4. Ban batting gloves. Screwing around with these things is what started this mess (and a strike zone the size of a microwave oven). Call strikes. Did I mention, call strikes?
  2. Linus
    While I clearly believe the clock is ticking on Hicks making it as a regular in the big leagues, still too early to give up on him, which means he needs to start in AAA. He needs to develop at the plate and the best way to do that is to master AAA first. I know his OBP has been decent but I think that will go by the wayside unless he can get a few hits; major league pitchers are soon done walking this guy - they will force him to swing the bat. Two other theories I would like to dismiss: Torii is going to work magic with the guy. Even when he was being roundly criticized for signing him, TR would never go to the mentor, leadership card. Its made up stuff; Hicks is trying to learn how to hit from one of the greatest hitters who ever lived (Carew) - that should be all he needs, if in fact, this type of thing works. Second, a right handed hitting platoon player ain't much, as the at bats are far more limited. Left handed, maybe he has some value but the whole platoon thing is overblown anyway, with 13 man pitching staffs, etc.
  3. Linus
    Are you comparing Viola and Hendriks or the timeframe? I think a big part of the equation is what they see besides the results. I'm pretty sure they would have seen the upside in Viola and stuck with him. Its the marginal guys that you can never tell, ala Hendriks
  4. Linus
    Don't extend. The Twins are in a perfect position with him - they have him cost controlled through his prime and then can deal him or let him walk and get a draft pick, precisely at the time they don't want him anymore. I'm curious who the source is on this. I really hope the Twins don't do this......
  5. Linus
    I agree with you Stringer about the lineup in general and Hicks specifically. Reusse was also very adamant that players, regardless of age, were going to have to perform to earn their playing time, regardless of age. While it kind of flies in the face of "development" I kind of like it. There has been a whole bunch of losing going on here and it is time to start having some expecations.
  6. Linus
    Snarky much? Now that I've been enlightened by your point of view I guess I will have to reconsider having my own opinion.......or not.
  7. Linus
    As usual, I am the contrarian, I guess. I hate the DH and consider it one of the few mistakes baseball has made with its rule changes. I love the strategy of the NL and the decisions a manager has to make. I get that watching pitchers hit isn't all that exciting but watching them lay down a bunt or not, and the resulting play is much more exciting than watching Pedro Florimon or Drew Butera hit (or I dare say Aaron Hicks).....
  8. Linus
    It really is a borderline bizarre situation. I've been following Minnesota sports for most of my 53 years and cannot recall somebody being so clueless from a PR standpoint. Tommy Herr hated it here but had the good sense to keep his mouth shut about it with the media. The thing that is most amazing is this: it started almost immediately after signing the contract. I might get it if you were 3 years into a 4 year deal and hated your manager. But how you do this from practically day one is just inexplicable. One thing about TR, he is loathe to eat the money on a contract due to subpar performance but he definitely values "make up" and tends to get rid of anybody that he views as a clubhouse problem. That could make this situation very interesting.
  9. Linus
    I've been saying since Labor Day that the Twins could contend next year if they added a starter equal to Hughes and obtained a quality CF, who can play good defense. I based this on the idea that last year Cleveland was in contention for the second wild card spot well into September and were a little above 500. While I don't know if Santana qualifies as equal to Hughes, I do know that the CF issue still exists. So, I guess going back to my original premise, with a little luck, mostly in the form of Hicks or Schafer having a breakout season, the Twins can be 500 and contend. The other thing in their favor, is that their rotation should finally be above average. If guys get hurt or don't pitch well, there is a legitimate pitcher waiting to take their place. This is a stark contrast to previous years.
  10. Linus
    The only thing about this that makes me angry about this is it is a reminder of what got us into this mess of the last four years: poor drafting.
  11. Linus
    I'm not worried about Pelfrey. If he can beat out all the other candidates then more power to him. I think the chance of that is minimal at best but I just think people should be comfortable with the idea that we have several viable candidates to fill the 5th spot and to fill in for injury.
  12. Linus
    While I don't want Pelfrey to be the 5th starter (mainly because he has one year left on his contract and won't be resigned) I think the whole purpose behind having a bunch of guys to choose from is so one of them steps up takes the job, and you don't have Cole DeVries taking starts when somebody gets hurt. The idea that we should pre-ordain who that starter should be somewhat defeats the purpose behind having a bunch of guys to choose from.
  13. Linus
    Seems like most people favor May over Meyer, which I understand (even though I would prefer Meyer). One thing I strongly disagree with is having Meyer go to the pen if he is not the 5th starter. His innings in the pen will be inconsistent and not like the routine of a starting pitcher. He needs to take the mound every 5th day and throw a hundred pitches - that is the best training for his future. So, if he is not starting for the Twins, let him start in Rochester and be first man up (assuming he is throwing it over the plate).
  14. Linus
    Meyer is my choice as well even though May is probably more ready. I say that because Meyer fulfilling his potential is more important to the Twins over the next 6 years than any other player not named Buxton or Sano (and maybe even more than those guys). He's the only chance we have of having a dominant front of the line starter which would be a huge step forward for this club. For that reason, I want to see him get his shot. Having said that, I agree that May doesn't have any more to prove in AAA and should go to the pen. He can then move into the rotation when Santana's UCL gives way. Pelfrey to the pen or traded. Milone optioned to AAA for insurance or the pen if they move a pitcher. He will get a chance to start before the season is over as well. Everyone will get a chance to show they deserve a spot. I like the fact that whoever ends up with that spot will earn it, not have it handed to them.
  15. Linus
    Thanks for doing the translations. It will be interesting to see how Kennys does this year - its tempting to think about a Vargas / Sano / Arcia one, two, three punch if they all fulfilled potential. BTW - I think the name Santurce Crabbers is one of my all time favorite team names. Come to think of it, the chattanooga Lookouts might be my second....These names were cool before everyone started making names up just to be cool.
  16. Linus
    Assuming you were going to be able to turn around and sign him in the off season is a big leap of faith. The market for catchers was horrendous and he would have had several teams after him. I think the Twins made their assessment of Pinto, at least for last year, and decided they needed a proven catcher. I hope Pinto plays so well that Suzuki ends up being the backup but to not have anybody would end up looking like CF that we are all so critical of. At $6 mil, they can do whatever they want with him - start him, sit him, trade him.
  17. Linus
    Within reason, I don't think age matters as much as most people think. There are plenty of examples of guys who are late bloomers and don't become good major leaguers until their late 20s. If memory serves correctly, Larry Hisle made the majors at age 28 and ended up having several really good years in the bigs. What I think is most important is development (or improvement). If you are still getting better than there is still the chance you can make it. When you see guys just stalling out, that's the sign that you are done, regardless of age.
  18. Linus
    And your catcher last year (and this year) would have been?????
  19. Linus
    It seems pretty clear they are not interested in him given how long he has been out there and no links between the Twins and him. I understand if they are concerned about the potential attitude issues - they are more important than most people realize when it comes to constructing a winning team and clubhouse. I would be disappointed if the reason is they like Hicks / Schafer better. I suppose there is a chance that one of the two breaks out but I think we are drawing for an inside straight on that one. My guess is we are posting here in July saying "What in the hell were they doing not bringing in a CF for the 3rd year in a row".
  20. Linus
    Especially since the market for him seems to be pretty lukewarm, meaning he could likely be had for a short or one year contract for reasonable money. I get that he is not Willie Mays, but he really would help the Twins out in center this year and as a corner or back up once BB arrives.
  21. Linus
    Or that tickets in the nosebleed seats don't cost $30, much less $130 behind home plate....
  22. Linus
    Never mattered to me. My fantasies involve Kate Upton, not Max Scherzer...............
  23. Linus
    I like the part about Hicks in AAA. He still is a prospect but needs to succeed at AAA before we bring him back to the big leagues. I would like Santana to play short because he has upside and good shortstops are hard to find - I'd like to see if we have one in Santana. Having said all that, given the lack of CF options, my bet is Santana is in center by June 1.
  24. Linus
    Except that the contract is not big. At 6 mil they can easily make him the backup. TR was ready to deal him last year until he agreed to an affordable deal turns out he is cheap insurance
  25. Linus
    Well 275 is not the issue. The issue is he is more likely to hit closer to 175 and he is an ok fielder. Not what I'm looking for
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