LA Vikes Fan

This. Severino isn't hitting at all in AAA so Camargo was effectively the only choice. Still, he's here so why not give him 10-15 ABs while he's up instead of making Vasquez a DH? Who knows, we might catch lightning in a bottle. It's not like we got anyone else to play any way and Larnach can go back to AAA when Kepler is ready. Give them both some ABs and let the better hitter win.

I agree on the approach, but I question your "None of that constitutes stardom, especially given Martin's defensive limitations" comment. What defensive limitations? Martin appears to be an above average fielding LF and has looked at least competent in CF. Do you see him differently and, if so, why? I'm genuinely curious because I think his speed and defense gives him a role on this team above a Wallner or Larnach, even if the latter two improve to league average hitting with more power. Martin has hit 267/.333/.367 since essentially becoming a starter. That's probably not quite good enough to be an everyday player but pretty damn close, and it's definitely good enough to be the 4th OF if he plays well in the OF. I think if Martin can hit .267/.350/.400 plus with a SO % of 20% or less, he's an MLB starter on most teams if he is an above average OF. Maybe not a star, but an everyday player. I think he is an above average OF. He's close at the plate and may get there or more soon. That's why your fielding comment baffles me. I think Martin and Miranda have shot at earning big league starting jobs over the next month. I'd like to see them do it because Lord knows we need it.

I hope you're right on Miranda and I'm starting to think you may be. I also want Martin to get some run. He's actually looked the part and I hope he gets at least another couple of weeks playing full time to see if he can be a .265/.350/.400 plus kind of hitter. If he can, his speed and defense makes him very valuable for this slow, plodding group. Here's how that shakes out to me: Miranda - Full time 1B, occasional DH, plays almost every day. Martin - 75% LF, 20% CF when Buxton sits or plays DH. Kirilloff - Primary DH, in LF 2 days a week or so in place of Martin or when Martin plays CF, backup 1B. Santana - Traded or Backup 1B playing no more than 1-2 games a week, primarily defensive replacement. Margot - Traded or 5th OF playing RF or DH when facing LH starter. Camargo - AAA when Kepler comes back. Larnach and Castro - One goes to AAA when Correa comes back, one when Lewis comes back unless Margot, Farmer, or Santana is released or traded. My bias is to keep Martin in MLB over Larnach and play him over playing time for Santana or Margot. Injuries can and probably will change things but that's what I would do. Our only chance of turning this around is to get fresh blood in that performs while Correa, Jeffers, Miranda, Buxton, Kirilloff, and Julien all are at least average MLB hitters and at least 3 of them are solidly above average. Kepler could be one of those 3 but at this point he is a complete question mark. He could have an OPS+ of any where from 75 to 125 this year and may get traded in June. Those 6 guys are the key to us scoring enough to be competitive. Best batting order = Julien, Jeffers, Correa, Lewis, Kirilloff, Buxton, Miranda, Kepler/Margot, Martin. When Vasquez plays, Jeffers becomes DH and either Kirilloff or Martin sits depending on starter. Santana, and either Castro or Farmer, which ever one is still on the team, only play as "day off" or injury reserves and hit in the bottom third when they do play, usually 8th.

Understood, but this team is not in a position to sacrifice offense for defense. We need bats. Santana is the better defender but by far the worst hitter of the three. He sits or goes away. We live with the defense of the other 2 to get their bats in the lineup. IF we had 7 other guys who were good hitters we could opt for defense at 1B. We don't. That isn't going to change when guys come back from injury or "heat up". Let's look at the cast of characters that have run through this year's lineup. We have 3 consistently above average MLB hitters - Lewis, Jeffers, and Correa - 2 young guys who we think are at a least averageish now and who may be consistently above average MLB hitters some day, maybe even soon - Kirilloff and Julien - 2 veteran question marks who might be slightly better than average, might be average, might be worse, changes week to week and year to year, hard to say - Kepler and Buxton - 2 young guys who need a chance and could be good, but might crap out - Martin and Miranda - 4 guys who are DEFINTIELY below average MLB hitters - Margot, Castro, Larnach, and Farmer - and 3 guys who are WAAAY below average MLB hitters - Vasquez, Santana, and Wallner (with the caveat that Wallner might come back up some but likely never to the "consistently above average" group). That's who we got so far. That lineup cannot sacrifice offense for defense at any position. We have to play the guys who can hit and try to get them better on the defensive side. Santana can not be allowed to start consistently. Frankly, he should be gone and he should take Margot and Larnach with him. We can have 2 guys on the bench for defense - Farmer and Vasquez - and play Buxton in CF while living with his inconsistent bat. That's it for defense over offense. The rest can't stay if they can't hit. Simple as that.

Miranda replacing Santana is the answer and it should be done as soon as Correa comes back. This probably means a DFA because I don't think anyone will trade for his contract. Maybe we can trade him during the DFA if we throw in a lower-level prospect and get a low level prospects back. He needs to be gone. Miranda plays third base when Kirilloff plays first base and Farmer/Castro plays third base against left-handed pitching when Kirilloff either sits or goes to DH. Miranda becomes part of the 1B/DH group when Lewis comes back. In the outfield, move Buxton down the lineup to the six or seven hole and play Austin Martin every day in LF. Margot isn't bad as a 5th OF and can be in a platoon with a left-handed hitter in right field and as a day off guy. Right now it's Larnach and if he doesn't hit (likely result), Larnach goes when Kepler comes back. Julien and Farmer I think I likely to come back to at least close to their basic levels of last year. Castro unfortunately is looking a lot like he did in Detroit. Last year may have been his career year. Tomorrow is a day off. Here's what we do tomorrow and/or after Sunday's game when Kepler is ready to come back: Pitching: Funderburk down, SWR up. SWR into rotation, Varland to bullpen. Lineup: Santana DFA or traded for a lower-level prospect. Kepler back to roster in his spot, either Larnach back to AAA for Keirsey taking Santana's 40 man spot or if at all the sudden Larnach hits this weekend, he stays. Whichever one stays plays 2-3 games a week in left field or as a DH but Martin plays at least four or five days a week. Miranda is the starting third baseman and Kirilloff starts at first. Farmer plays short, Julien second, and Castro is a true utility player. Jeffers is the DH when he is not catching, plays every day. If there is a desire for another utility or backup infielder, Camargo goes to AAA but there isn't really anyone there to bring up who deserves it other than Diego Castillo and he is not on the 40 man roster. Maybe Bowman is the DFA candidate to create a spot and then Funderburk stays up. Bottom line, significant changes need to be made soon. We've seen enough that this roster is flawed and is losing any sort of confidence or swagger. I do like to see Baldelli not starting Santana but I think a major shakeup is necessary and soon.

As an interesting idea since Jax doesn't appear to be the world's greatest reliever, and is a lousy closer as we saw today. I would not be opposed at all to them sending Jax to AAA to get a couple starts in and build up his innings, call up SWR to be the fifth starter, and put Varland in the bullpen. I see it is Louie Varland number two closer.

Bad loss. Griffin Jax is a good reliever but a lousy closer. He stunk at it last year and he stinking at it this year. He's a good seventh and eighth inning reliever and that's where he should stay. Whatever it is a closer needs to be successful in high stress situations he just doesn't have. I think that the best closers types on this roster are Brock Stewart and Louie Varland. Send Bowers to the DFA wire or send Funderburk down, call up SWR to take the fifth spot in the rotation and put Louie in the bullpen to close. I have no solutions to offer for this lineup other than Miranda, Jeffers, and Martin should be playing every day and perhaps hitting next to each other. They are the only three that don't look completely overmatched at the plate with the possible exception of Julien, and Margot can at least draw the occasional walk. Any thought that Miranda doesn't field well enough to play needs to go out the window because he's one of the few guys who seems to be able to actually hit major league pitching. If it were up to me, I would strongly consider putting out a lineup for the next game that went Martin, Julian, Jeffers, Miranda, Buxton, Margot, and it doesn't really matter after that because all the rest of them stink.

Yes you want to give guys time IF it looks like they may be figuring things out. Wallner isn't just hitting poorly, his at bats are not competitive. There is no evidence he is figuring anything out. He really has no chance at this point. I think it's actually worse for him and his confidence to continue getting his head bashed in at the MLB level. it's time now for him to go down to AAA and try to re-set his swing. 50 more MLB ABs with 25 SOs is not the answer. BTW, I don't think Larnach is the answer. I would DFA Bowman to create a 40-man spot, add Keirsey to the 40-man, and call him up for Camargo. While we're at it, I would also send Varland down and call up SWR for the 5th starter spot.

Can't get his secondary stuff over consistently an they are hammering the fastball. Too inconsistent with his command. I hate to say it, but Mr. Varland looks like a relief pitcher where he can throw the fastball and one off speed pitch.

I would like to see them move Martin up in the order, maybe as the leadoff hitter against LH starters. For now, he and Julien could alternate in the #1 and #9 hole depending on the starting pitcher. I'm hoping he can show enough to hit #6 against RH pitching when the rest of the lineup comes back in a Julien-2B, Correa-SS, Kirilloff-1B/DH, Buxton-CF, Kepler-RF, Martin -LF, Jeffers-C/DH, Castro-3B, Santana/Vasquez/Margot - depends on who is the DH that day. Wallner goes to AAA when Kepler is ready to come back. Martin stays and is the regular LF. When Lewis comes back, he slots in as #4 and everyone from Buxton on down moves down a slot. Against LH pitching, I'd like to see the order as Martin-LF, Correa-SS, Buxton-CF, Jeffers-DH/C, Kepler/Margot - RF, Kirilloff/Vasquez - DH/C, Castro/Farmer - 3B, Julien -2B. When Lewis comes back, he again hits fourth, everybody moves down one, and Farmer and Castro go to the bench or fill in for guys needing a day.

It sounds like Duran is throwing bullpen sessions and will be back relatively soon. My guess is that Bowman pitches today. If he looks good, he stays until either Duran is ready to come back or Alcala's 10 (15?) days are up in AAA. Bowman's 945K MLB salary just locked in so I think the Twins will ride him a bit to se what he can do. Sands going 2 1/3 yesterday did help save the bullpen a little so they may not need a fresh arm if we can get 6 or 6+ from Ober today. Theilbar came up for Alcala today to give us one fresh arm for Baltimore and Duran comes back for whoever isn't pitching well or needs an IL stint in 7-10 days. Also sounds like Topa is only a week or two away so keeping Bowman around makes sense as an easy DFA when he or Duran is ready. Chances are that someone else will need an IL stint by the time that happens. Famous last words, but it is looking like the Twins' claim that they had a quality bullpen with real depth is actually turning out to be true so far. The bullpen stats are top of the league and that's without 2 of their best 3 arms from last year with Duran and Theilbar out all season so far.

While we need a replacement for the second half of last season Kepler, I think we may have that in a healthy Kirilloff. So far, Kepler has not been that replacement and the 2.5 years prior to last July suggest he is at best a 50/50 shot to be that guy. I wanted to DFA Kepler in June, 2023, and then really enjoyed Max's 2023 second half. I think it is unlikely and perhaps very unlikely that we will see that again. The replacement for Kepler is Kirilloff, with Kepler back to being the no. 7/8 hitter he's always been. What we need is a #5 hitter who can play either 1B, DH, or OF. None of the older guys can be that guy - Margot, Santana, or Farmer - and Castro has been around long enough that we now know he's not an MLB regular, he's a good UTL. The hope was Wallner would take the step to be that guy if Kepler regressed back to his mean. Wallner hasn't and likely won't the first half of this year. He needs to go back to AAA, clear his head, and fix his swing. Where does that leave us? We need one of Miranda, Martin, Larnach, or Keirsey to step up and be that guy or it's going to be a long season. I like the fact that we're giving some ABs now to Martin and Miranda. I hope they play every day through this tough stretch of schedule so we can assess what they bring to the table. I would send Wallner down and promote Keirsey or Larnach now while Kepler is out. I would then play the promoted every day in RF with Martin in LF, Kirilloff at 1B or DH, and Miranda at 3B or DH. Santana, Margot, and Castro can play 2-3 days a week in advantageous matchups. NOW is the time to do this. We need to know if this team can compete without Lewis. Santana, Margot, and Castro aren't going to tell us that; they aren't good enough. We need to see if Miranda, Martin, Larnach and/or Keirsey are.

At least Martin looks like a starting OF. Much as I dislike Santana, put him in at 1B, Kirilloff in RF, and Miranda at 3B. Sit Wallner or send him down.

Tough call. Keirsey if Lewis is going on the 60 day IL. Otherwise, Larnach comes off of the 7 day IL on Friday. Or even better, DFA Tonkin to create 40 man room.

Time for Wallner to get a re-set in AAA. He's mentally not there.

Am I the only one wondering if maybe Varland should be in the bullpen? He doesn't seem to have it as a starter.

Tonkin is the man because they can use him for a few days and then DFA him when Theilbar is ready next week. If they bring up one of the Saints B starting relievers or Henriquez, they then have to DFA someone for Theilbar next week who they might want to keep. Tonkin is here because he only cost cash and he can go bye-bye early next week without losing someone in whom they have an investment. Teh other way to do it would be to put Lewis on the 60 day Il but I think they're still hoping he can come back by mid-May.

Good to see Miranda playing, at least hitting tonight. Same for Martin and Kirilloff. Given all of our injuries, let's use this time to find out if these guys can play rather than doing out ABs to Santana, Margot, and Farmer. We already know they can field but don't hit a whole lot. In other words, they are bench depth. Now Wallner, on the other hand . . . let's hope this is just a slump. After the playoffs, ST, and the start to this season, it's starting to look like a trend; a bad trend.

I'm hopeful that the FO and Baldelli see the problem and are trying to address it, albeit with mixed results. The two FA acquisitions are both contact oriented - Santana struck out 16.8% of his PAs last year and Margot 16.3%. They just called up Miranda and Rocco was quoted saying his bat to ball skills and lower SO rate are important additions to the lineup. Correa is typically in the low 20s% and Kirilloff is about the same. Kepler was at 21% in his breakout year last year, less than 20% when he couldn't hit. Julien is fixable if he'll just expand his zone 5% on the corners and actually swing at low strikes. The real problem children are Buxton, Jeffers and, of course, Castro and Wallner. Buxton and Jeffers hit enough for power and provide the defense to make up for it, and Castro is a reserve for a reason. Any more than 300 ABs for Castro means we have a problem. I think the short term solution is fairly obvious - (1) play Miranda at 3B, not Castro who is a 2-3 day a week UT, (2) hope Julien snaps out of his funk or play Martin more at 2B, and (3) send Wallner to AAA until he finds a groove. I know #3 will hurt some of the group since he's a local boy and had a great month last September but he didn't hit in the playoffs (41% SO rate), didn't hit in ST (38% SO)and isn't hitting now (53% SO rat ) - his combined SO rate in those 3 time periods is well over 40%. He's been figured out and cannot seem to adjust. You can't have a Sano plus black hole in the lineup. A lot of guys need a AAA re-set as they develop, I think he's one of them. Keirsey is hitting in AAA and has a historical 25% SO rate. So, send Wallner down when we need another relief pitcher or now for Keirsey, play Miranda every day and see if he can repeat 2022, limit Castro's time, and hope Julien and Jeffers get it together and soon. I don't see a lot of other options other than a trade and it's too early to get anybody any good. My other option? Send Larnach, Keirsey, Schobel or any body else that they want not named Lee or Festa, plus Santana (salary) to Miami and get back Arraez. Pipe dream but it would help.

Cool. I hope he shows well and gets some more run against both righties and lefties.

I like it. He can be the DH if nothing else while Kirilloff plays 1B or the OF. It would be great to see him taking away at bats from Santana, Margot and Farmer. I hope he starts today. They can send Martin back down if/when the need another BP arm since they aren't gloing to play him anyway. Play Kirilloff every day at 1B or in the OF (including aginst LH pitching), cut back on using Santana (never DH him, he can't hit), and make Margot what he was always intended to be - a 2 or 3 day a week fill in for CF and a defensive replacement.

I don’t think the issue is Miranda vs. Martin. The issue is Wallner looks lost at the plate (6 SOs in 12 PAs hitting .125) and Kepler is actually worse (.059 BA, .118 OPS). Normally you say it’s early and they’re just off to a slow start, and that may turn out to be the case. But it might not. It’s worrisome because neither has shown a lot in the past. Wallner had a great September last year, a lot of it against weak pitching as teams tried out, young players, but he was horrific in the playoffs, awful in spring training, and abysmal so far this year. Kepler was bad for basically 3 1/2 years and then had a great second half of last season. While I don’t think either players this bad, the bottom line is they may not improve a whole lot and that puts a serious hole in the lineup since I think a plan for them hit in the five and seven holes. I would shake things up but slightly differently. I would send Martin down and bring up Miranda. I would give Wallner about another week and then send him down if he can’t get going, telling him he’s back as soon as he gets it going AAA. I would bring up Keirsey and give him a shot in left field in a platoon with Margot, who only plays vs. left-handed pitching and does not come in when the opposition puts in left-handed reliever. Miranda plays DH and third base with Castro at 3B some and Farmer back on the bench most nights, playing second base against left-handed stars only. Farmer cannot hit much and does not hit right handed pitching at all. This does sacrifice a little defense at third base but we need offense more. The only way they’re going to get it is to give the guys who are hitting it. AAA shot. By the way, I would also sit Santana and play Kiriloff every day at first base or sit Kepler.

Why is Sands in the Majors again? I've forgotten.

Abd Santana strikes out by swing at Ball 4 twice in a row. This is exciting baseball! I just don't understand why this team doesn't draw better attendance. . .

At least Correa can hit. We need to get him up with men on base. Hard to do when he's hitting behind a guy hitting .077 with an .077 OBP.