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PatPfund

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  1. PatPfund
    I'm not asking for moral support. But he is a potential asset as long as he is not an active detriment (hence, the 'good teammate' comment). One of the ways he could help the team with a hot streak, is making himself viable as a late season rental for another team. Might not score much, but unless he plays enough to show himself a major leaguer, his current trade value is zero. And while I think the Twins have potential successors right now, Kirilloff still smells like a minor leaguer since his wrist injury, and Miranda has shown some promise, but hasn't locked himself in either. Sano may still be the best short term play when he gets back (though I hope not).
  2. PatPfund
    To answer the final question, Sano has been neither a bust, not has he justified the hype. All you have to do is read through the answers already given to come up with a one word description of Sano's career with the Twins: disappointment. I think the talent is there, and I don't "hate" Sano; he seems like a decent team-mate. But for whatever reason (too much pub as a kid, becoming enamored with HR distance, having it too easy early to put in the work, lack of hunger, I just don't know), he has been resistant to advice/coaching (Rod Carew's opinion, not just mine), and I don't think the full potential will ever be met. He is what he is unless the jolt of not being renewed lights a fire. And what he is, is thoroughly replaceable; if not during this season, then definitely in the offseason. I think he still gets too much credit here for what is rapidly becoming a distant past. Check his page on Baseball Reference (link below), and you will find of his 7.9 career WAR, he'd earned 5.5 of them by 2017 (aka 5 years ago). He really has only had one good year since, 2019, when he added 2.5. That means in the past three seasons (including what he has played of this season), Sano is a -.1 WAR, or just less than average. And almost all of the positive there was earned in the last half of last season when the Twins were essentially eliminated and dumping players. I'm not for cutting/releasing Sano as long as he remains a good teammate; he still could pop a decent hot streak that helps the team this year. But I'm ready to move on, and I expect the Twins are as well. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sanomi01.shtml
  3. PatPfund
    As a pre-Twins affiliation Saints fan, those uniforms look like real Saints uniforms. Guess it's a matter of perspective as the powder blue ones make me gag (don't like the Twins version either), though ultimately you are right; the Saints were long-time Dodger affiliates and the independent league versions kept the color schemes. Agree on Steer; especially if Miranda sticks in St Paul, it probably is about time to move Steer up to AAA. (And maybe match that with moving Encarnacion-Strand to AA.) Enlow will be interesting to watch. For sure I would have waived Vallimont off the 40-man at the start of May, and probably would have put Enlow on the 60 day IL to open a 40-man spot (delaying his return to early June), because it sure looked like the Twins needed relief help. That option is gone now, though upside is the 'pen has been better lately. A 40-man roster crunch is coming, though. Every single position player on the 40-man is either playing for the Twins right now or is on the 10-day IL. So any help needed due to poor play or injury means somebody has to get bounced of the 40-man (or put on the 60-day IL; Sano might be a candidate for that depending on his recovery time). That means cuts at the MLB level, or marginal pitchers at the MiLB level, and Vallimont, Strotman, and maybe Enlow look like the ones most likely to slip through waivers right now. (The June deadline for reducing MLB pitchers to a max of 13 might be the next best time to try to sneak pitchers through waivers.)
  4. PatPfund
    I'd guess another start or two or until Ober comes back and May ends (which means the Twins will be limited to 13 pitchers). I will say, that though I'm not shocked at Bundy's coming-back-to-Earth, I've actually been very impressed with both his team attitude, and frank honesty (especially concerning his last outing). I'm kind of hoping the Twins talk to him about trying the bullpen as a route to extend both his time on this team, and possibly his career. The short outings might give him just enough boost on the fastball to make the other stuff play, and if productive he might be great to have on the staff for off-field reasons as well. (But it is easier to run that experiment before pitcher numbers reduce from 14 to 13 in June.)
  5. PatPfund
    Well, first we need to see if he hits MLB pitching, or if further injuries don't rearrange things. Lots of players struggle with hitting on their first go including a kid named Mike Trout (or locally Buxton, Rooker, Larnach, Miranda); some figure it out pretty quickly, but Byron took years. But if he plays really well, I'm guessing he stays, and you could rotate him with Polanco and Correa through SS/2B/DH. If he plays solid, but shows lack of development in areas as a hitter or fielder, you send him down for everyday work.
  6. PatPfund
    Sorry, I obscured the joke too much. It seems like every day I'm here saying a version of 'cool your jets until there is a shortstop position open for Royce; no outfield, 1st, 3rd, etc'. And said it so much I was almost shocked to realize this morning that I was ready to advocate promoting him. Dang. Next thing you know I'm going to be pushing for Thielbar and Duffey to be co-closers! (Well. Maybe not...)
  7. PatPfund
    That last part does give me pause enough that I wouldn't sign up for the annual deal, but in all seriousness, producing the telecasts isn't free, and ultimately piracy isn't either (it just relocates the costs/incomes, or if that fails to happen then the business fails). If I don't like it, or watch much, I'll just revert to radio. But I do like to kick in for businesses I use, because I want them to stick around. Like Twins Daily! (My favorite discovery of 2022!) So all of you reading this, consider becoming a Caretaker!
  8. PatPfund
    I can't believe how every day there is a new scheme to push Lewis to the majors. He needs to stay in St Paul until an everyday slot opens for him at his most valuable positi.... oh. Never mind. I'm pumped! (Though I want Correa back as soon as he can play, too.)
  9. PatPfund
    I heard the target market is someone who wants local sports, doesn't get (or want the extras on) cable, and likely trends younger. That absolutely nails me!!! (Well, two out of three, because 63 ain't the new 28.) I'll probably give it a wing for a few months. (Though I risk losing the time advantage I have over my TN friend. We watch (him)/listen (me), and I seem to have about 20 seconds to get 'future peeks/teasers/spoilers' in before he sees it happen.)
  10. PatPfund
    Well, it was always of some concern. It sounds kind of good when you say Sano has had an OPS+ of 105 for six of seven seasons, but all that means is he was 5% over league average in hitting while playing an offense-first position, and being among the worst defensively. For context, the better 1-baggers field better (because everyone else does if you are the worst), and have OPS+ numbers more in the 135-150+ range. I think Sano is the best option when healthy, but that says a lot about the limitations we have there. Hopefully Miranda hits (and fields better than his start), and things will look up. Not believing Alex is a factor until he shows he can hit with pop again.
  11. PatPfund
    I think the rotation is going to hold up pretty well not (just) because of the names mentioned, but because there is far more depth than in the past. Winder looks like a real starter in search of a slot (which he has now, and might not give up easily). Archer isn't mentioned here, and has better stuff than some who are. It isn't piling on after tonight's outing, but I do think Bundy is the most likely to not last; the game is slowing down for the hitters, and 89 mph fastballs get real marginal real quick. (You can find me elsewhere on the site in late April worrying Bundy might be like Geoff Zahn.) But even if he doesn't last as a starter, there are good-to-decent arms ready to step in and pitch now, or very soon. (Winder, Gray, Smeltzer)
  12. PatPfund
    The Twins have been half-decent lately (giggle), so injuries or recovery are the most likely factor if the call-up is a position player. I still wouldn't be counting on Kirilloff until he shows he can hit with the wrist discomfort (which he hasn't done yet in limited play; .200 average on 2/10, both singles). Doesn't sound like the Twins are going to rush that either when they talk about Miranda getting a lot of at-bats. Another outcome of being good; you just don't jump people straight from AA, so anyone in Wichita is more likely to go to St Paul. If Miranda can stick a while, I'd like to see Steer go to the Saints, and Encarnacion-Strand jump to the AA Wind Surge. Don't want to see Lewis moved around as I'm pretty sure he is the everyday shortstop of our future. (While Correa is definitely showing his full value now on D and at the plate, the Twins simply aren't the type of franchise that can afford the ten year deal Carlos is seeking, especially with a younger, cheaper replacement in the system.) The bullpen's early awfulness has been muted of late with a better sorting of roles, a few better outings, and lots of low-leverage mop-ups, but I suspect any non-injury need will be here. Moran will get a chance to stick, and while I think they have good 'non-prospect' options sitting in St Paul, Henriquez is intriguing as a prospect bullpen arm.
  13. PatPfund
    I'd rather see Miranda get a shot first (since his 2021 was spectacular, he has more AAA experience, and he actually plays positions of need like 1B). Lewis looks like a future star at SS, and he should be on max innings there instead of being rushed up to play out of position, and hit once in a while. Larnach looks like he's taking the next step (finally), and with Kepler, Correa, and now Polanco all having their bats wake up, the Twins no longer need to warp their top prospect's development to rush him (or Miranda) up to the bigs. Catcher is back to be the weakest part of the lineup, and that's okay with the rest of the order hitting.
  14. PatPfund
    1. Collegial supportive atmosphere that mixes individual effort fairly seamlessly with teamwork. 2. I grew up in a family with 8 kids, most of us playing various sports, several of us being coached at least a couple years by my Dad (in baseball). I don’t see a lot of separation here; I truly think one of the best lessons you can get from sports is how to work together for a common goal. It pays off outside the white lines, big time. 3. So far the chemistry looks good. Most of the imports are working toward bounce-back years, and most are doing that well and with smiles. Correa indicating he is interested in a long-term deal is a great early indicator. Chemistry is such that you can’t credit one area. The players have to be engaged (and Byron sets a great example), you have to have the right people (credit the front office there), and you have to have a supportive, respectful atmosphere with clear communication (and that is one of Rocco’s strengths). Things can turn, but good start! 4. I think chemistry exists outside of winning. Top of mind example would be the ‘80s Twins when a batch of young players came up together, and despite the beatings they took, hung together, and hung together, and then won a title in ’87. But just like in real chemistry, you can speed things up by adding the flame of winning, or potentially shatter them with the deep chill of being bad.
  15. PatPfund
    Winder for the reasons you give, Celestino for development as well. But this isn't just about numbers, the bullpen is an active problem right now, which is why people want Winder to stay. The Falvines have done a good job of stockpiling good arms, but they are in the wrong place, and that should change. We have players whose gutsy performances in lean times just aren't good enough any more, and they need to move so better players can make the team better. Stashak taking a role in St Paul doesn't appeal, because he is actively worse than several pitchers there. Minaya, Cotton, Smeltzer, Cano; three of those with good MLB experience. So no more Stashak chances with the Twins; switch him out for one of those players now (including on the 40-man). We've seen Cody's ceiling; if he has more he should prove it in St Paul or someone else's uniform. The same with Caleb Thielbar, though they don't even have to waive him, because he still has an option. Use it, DFA Vallimont, and call up one of the St Paul Four. Smeltzer is left-handed, but isn't it more important that the reliever is good? Isn't the left-right thing overblown in the 3 batter minimum MLB? I would give Duffey a bit (not much) more time, but the clock should also be ticking on that mess. When your team is crummy, you can play a personal favorite game, but the Twins actually appear to have a chance to be good. So use your best relievers, the ones you've worked hard to develop and accumulate, and have some tough, but needed discussions with once key players about their future here.
  16. PatPfund
    Though in all fairness, I was pretty pissed when I went to Tortuga Day in my new Tortuga shirt, and Rocco kept him out of the lineup. (Though he did get to pinch hit, and got hit, so all's well that ends well.)
  17. PatPfund
    One of the funniest things in life is how everybody thinks their job is hard, and everybody else's is easy. If MLB was just showing up in the afternoon, shagging a few flies on green grass, and taking a few cuts, you could stock the roster from any rec softball team in the state. Or any town ball team. But it isn't, and you can't (and if you played a townball roster 6-7 days a week for six months you would wreck them all). These players do things with their bodies (things nobody reading this can do) that have physical consequences, and then they have to come back and do them again the next day (or 90 minutes later for a double-header day). ALL of the successful managers work their benches to keep their players fresh, and their role players sharp. ALL of them. I have no idea how many players appeared in all games last season, but I'd be more shocked if it was 10 or more than if it were none. And frankly when I go to a game live, I much prefer to see my team win than amp about somebody getting a day off. And the Twins tied the game in question thanks in part to Godoy, and then they won it, thanks in part... again... to Godoy. (Who didn't even have a healthy replacement at a critical position if he had been lifted, and, say, Correa had come up and struck out.)
  18. PatPfund
    I get the Boston Globe and also follow the Red Sox, and I distinctly remember an article in Spring 2018 ripping new manager Alex Cora for potentially giving away May games for maybe the chance to have players fresh in the fall. (The Red Sox won the Series that year.) Lost a bit in all the 'what-ifs' and 'should haves' about Sunday's game is that the Twins won. And Godoy worked two good at-bats for walks, and scored two critical runs in front of Byron Buxton (who even credited the batters ahead of him for getting on, and getting him to the plate). Nobody wins a title without their bench contributing, and benches contribute only if they get play. (Different sport, but one reason I think the Timberwolves got seriously better this year, is when they lost their starters all at once, mostly under Covid rules, and had to live with their bench for a week or so. Eyes were opened.) I have a bunch of Rocco-issues, but this isn't one of them.
  19. PatPfund
    Vallimont may have future value as a reliever, but emphasis on "may" and "future". The Twins have serious bullpen issues in the majors right now, and right now they have non-40-man-roster pitchers (like Minaya and Cotton) who have already produced in MLB at rates far better than Vallimont has produced in AA. No realistic fast-track is going to leap him to the majors ahead of the two named (or Cano or Smeltzer or... well about 4-5 others). Right now he simply smells, and waiver wires are about to be clogged. The Twins should bounce him off the 40-man now at his low point and when others have a bazillion options, then work on a redemption scheme when/if he clears waivers. Because he WILL need to get bounced at some point this season, and if you do it after redeeming him to some extent (but when he is still a year-plus from the majors), and when waivers are relatively clear, you are far more likely to lose him.
  20. PatPfund
    Man, I hope he is on the verge. Because the difference between competitive Twins (somewhere 5 games either side of .500), and dynamite Twins (winning the division, and maybe even a playoff game! or series!!!!) is getting regular and solid contributions from Kepler and Sano. (And both gave rays of hope last night. Yep, Grossman probably should have caught Sano's line drive, but that was a solidly struck ball going with the pitch; two things that look great on Miguel.)
  21. PatPfund
    Not sure he is fine (yet), but it could also be as simple as he got used to saying nothing while out of touch, was super tentative in ST, then finally said something, saw a doctor, got a scan, and was told discomfort was coming from scar tissue, etc, and he couldn't damage it by playing. And got cortisone to deal with the immediate discomfort. (Having come back from a serious injury, it is fairly amazing the relief that comes from professional feedback like that. And how doubt can cripple/slow recovery if you aren't getting feedback.)
  22. PatPfund
    Great article, and you've identified some good arms to help. My order for call up would probably be Minaya (now; for late mostly single inning use), Cotton (now as a bridge following the starter or otherwise as circumstances dictate), and Cano (soon, as in 2-3 weeks). The crunch is definitely on for 40-man roster spots, but also the soon-to-be 26 man active roster, because none of them can help unless they are in the bigs, and that means somebody (somebodies) need to go. Assuming Winder is optioned as the pitcher who needs to go to get to 13 arms, the bullpen would be Coulombe, Duffey, Duran, Jax, Pagán, Smith, Stashak, and Thielbar. Plus one of the current starters if they are sticking with a 5 man rotation when Gray comes back. (Probably the end for Stashak unless Coulombe or Jax has options and Cody doesn't. If someone has options, they could go down, and you'd DFA Vallimont to get a 40-man spot. Or do the Enlow thing below.) To get my three up, I’d DFA Thielbar (for Minaya), Jax (for Cotton), and likely give Duffey a little more time to work things out. Then DFA him if/when that doesn’t happen, and call up Cano. That gives Strotman and/or Vallimont some time to right their ships as well, though they should be skating on thin 40-man ice. The Twins could also buy a month of flexibility by not rushing Blayne Enlow back from Tommy John, and just put him on the 60-day IL retroactive to the start of the season. Gives him a few extra weeks of rehab (wasn’t due back until mid-May), and opens a 40-man slot until he is activated. They could also consider flipping one of their six starters for a starting corner outfielder. Dylan Bundy’s value may never be this high again. (Wouldn’t open a 40-man slot, but would open a space in the ‘pen.)
  23. PatPfund
    Good article, though I agree with the other that Neshek doesn’t belong here. Clear injury related decline in MN, and a long multiple All-Star appearance career after he left. But yeah, the others. Thielbar is in his age 35 season. His stuff looks to be declining, and I bet he knows it, because despite his history of decent to good control, he now seems afraid to throw it over the plate, walking more than a batter per inning pitched. And I get that fear since batters (in a very light-hitting April league-wide) are pounding him for a .375 BAA. The Twins have better options now, and they should waive him on May 2nd. I like Caleb, and hope he gets a chance elsewhere, but either way his skills and age probably mean he is out of baseball soon. Duffey’s leash is probably longer, but shouldn’t be too much longer. Look up his career stats, and he is a distinctly mediocre pitcher (with a negative WAR from 2016-18) until things click in 2019-20 when he became very good. Last year was solid, but with some flags popping (like declining velocity). One can only speculate on how the banning of tacky stuff affected Tyler (though his second half was better than his first). Overall, he looks like a pitcher in his early thirties losing speed he depends on. Some pitchers can reinvent themselves, and extend their career (like Caleb Thielbar). Some can’t. Either way, Tyler looks a lot more the Early Duffey than Dominant Duffey, but I’d give him some more time to work that out. But not forever, and not 8th or 9th high leverage until he shows he has worked it out, because the Twins have options in their system.
  24. PatPfund
    Dick Bremer is great, and I hope he keeps at it a while yet! Too young (hah! at 63 I don't type that too often any more) to know some of the early candidates, but off the top of my head, I can't think of anyone other than Herb Carneal that I'd rather listen to on the call. They have/had the same relaxed way of letting the game breathe around the call (and both have/had professional-grade pipes). (Plus there was the 1987 'so did you hear about the Lindbergh baby, Harmon?' comment that knocked me off my chair with surprised laughter.)
  25. PatPfund
    Yeah, we have prospects, but... Lewis needs to stay in AAA, hit, and play shortstop every day. He looks good, it is likely a position of need, and the Twins have a habit of scattering people all over the field to the point. Bring him up later in the year (or at the trade deadline, because if we stink, Carlos might like a trade out of here to a contender) to give him a taste before taking over next year. Martin plays AA middle infield, and from what I've seen (maybe a distorted picture) defensively, he looks... umm... sub-optimal (to steal a description of Thielbar's meltdown the other day). But given Lewis's sharp defense, maybe it's time to jump Martin to AAA for a stiffer hitting test, and play him in the outfield where the path is clearer to the MLB roster. And you can't promote Miranda, because... because... umm... I stumped. Miranda's been playing first base. He plays a solid 3B. He is the reigning Twins Minor League Player of the Year after shredding pitching at AA and AAA, and his admittedly cold start of .245, 1 HR, 8 RBI, and 13 hits would rank him as a top four Twins hitter (and his bat has been warming the past two weeks). Give Miguel some time on the pine (which is the only thing that fires him up), play Miranda at first, and DH him when Sanchez catches. (Because Jeffers can't hit, and until he does, he shouldn't DH.)
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