JAH

I’m not comparing wrist issues, but I don’t think it is time to give up on AK yet. Two words: Big Papi.

Over the past few years, there has been a lot of “trade Kepler” talk because we have an over-abundance of outfielders, especially left-handed corner outfielders. Rooker came up and looked good for a few games, got hit/hurt, came back poorly and was traded. Larnach showed flashes, but could not stick. This year, he didn’t make the team, but has been doing alright since his call-up. Will he finally stick? Kirilloff - I thought he was going to be the Twins’ next superstar. That has not panned out, at least yet. And then there is Wallner. He was handed a starting position, but could not keep it. Now he is back, but will he stick? Who am I forgetting? Jake Cave. The Twins have not had a full-time left fielder since Rosario. They have not had a full-time center fielder due to Buxton’s injuries every year. Kepler has been the only constant and he plays great defense. No one has yet to push him out of his position. He has given about 15 years to the organization. He is a fan favorite, especially with females. Instead of worrying about free agency and paying a $20 million qualifying offer, or trading him at the deadline, perhaps what should be addressed is a contract extension.

For the last several years, there has been an outcry to trade Max Kepler. Every year, we hear that the Twins have an overabundance of outfielders, especially left-handed outfielders. Or, we hear the Twins are too left-hand heavy. Each and all have served as reasons to trade Kepler. Every reason given made some or a lot of sense at the time, but was short-sighted. Time and reality have proven the front office's adroitness in holding onto him. Rooker started gangbusters, got hit/hurt, struggled, was sent down, and traded. Wallner, so far, has been on a similar track. After the way he tore up AAA (and every prior level), I thought Kirilloff was going to be the Twins' next superstar. It started out well until the wrist injury and operations. I am holding out hope. Along came Larnach, who again has shown flashes, but until this year has not stuck with the Twins due to injuries and lack of prolonged production. There may have been others. Jake Cave? The point is, there have been a number of players who have given pundits reason to trade Kepler. No one has measured up. Now, again, we hear Wallner is ready. Is he really? Since trading Rosario, we have not even been able to figure out an everyday left fielder. We have not had an everyday center fielder for years. The only constant in the outfield has been Kepler. So, instead of worrying about trading him or qualifying offers, how about a contract extension?!?!? Max has given what, something like 15 years to the organization?

This is kind of an unripe question. Give it a couple years and then speculate. Mostly I am posting because no one has mentioned Danny Thompson, a fav back in the day and Bert’s old roommate on the road.