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DocBauer

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Everything posted by DocBauer

  1. DocBauer
    Oh boy, where to start? 1) That game last night was not only frustrating but downright embarrassing! Did Rocco out think/manage himself? I absolutely think he did. But really, score was 2-1 or 3-1...its all a blur at this point...and we couldn't get ONE MORE OUT? At some point, it's on the pitchers. I'm concerned to be sure, and we all know we need better. But 10 games in? Im not getting out whips or pitchforks for anyone. 2] Barring a trade, the improvement must come from the IL and Romero. Reed deserves a shot, but do you feel good about anyone else there? I sure don't! Could a SP help? Yes, even though I'd rather keep them starting. But that brings up point 3: 3] Odorizzi is not a bad arm or a bad pitcher. What he is is a quality 5th SP who has flashed better at times, especially at the tail end of the past 2 seasons. But right now he's our 4th SP and that's the problem. (And my opinion as I believed before the season began a healthy Pineda would be our #3). While there is potential at Rochester, today, there is nobody ready to replace Perez, much less Odorizzi. He should be our #5 SP or in the pen, where his SO ability plays, and where he can pitch multiple innings if necessary. Just not going to happen anytime soon.
  2. DocBauer
    I don't mind him as my 5th SP. Being a #4 is stretching things. And I say this because he has shown he can usually get 5 solid IP, and sometimes more. (Finished each of the last 2 seasons strong). But I was saying all off season his best role is in the pen where you don't have to worry about a 3rd time through, and he's actually a pretty good SO pitcher until the wheels come off. #5 SP or in the pen. The problem now is, the Twins already are a SP short, so you can't exactly move Odorizzi to the pen now.
  3. DocBauer
    1] 6-3. Early, but we have faced 3 of the top 10ish SP in the AL, went on the road to play 2 of the top NL teams and won/been competitive and are 6-3. 2] Early pitching offerings are very good despite a few clunkers. Who hasn't had a few so early on? 3] The lineup hasn't even begun to hit on all cylinders yet and looks dangerous, even with Cruz sitting on the bench the past few games. 4] Don't dismiss Gibson not being able to escape the 5th inning his first 2 starts. He fought a huge health concern to be where he is now. Frankly, I'm surprised he began the season on the active roster. And while he hasn't exactly been great, he's been a bulldog to do what he has through 2 starts. 5] Going to ignore nit picking much less the 9th inning tonight. We won. Somebody else will be in the pen tomorrow. Hopefully someone who can help. 6] Its a long season. There's a ton of things that can go wrong. There's a ton of things that can go right. There are still some obvious needs for the BP, despite smoke and mirrors, and some hope for the 5th SP option when needed. But this a really, reaĺly nice start.
  4. DocBauer
    In Baseball America recently, their list of the top milb 100, they pumped up Graterol and commented he was the best of a deep crop of pitching talent on the way up. Nice to read that. And nice to see such outstanding early performances to the season.
  5. DocBauer
    Happy for him and hope he has finally found opportunity and a fit. Sometimes that's what it takes. Cave could be considered an example of that. To be fair and honest, it Austin does well, and so does Cron, I'm not going to shed tears. I just don't think there was a spot for Austin now, or moving forward.
  6. DocBauer
    Absolutely agree with Twodogs on the lineup and this team getting contributions from all over, and not relying on a single player, or two. This lineup has a chance to be deep and dangerous with a quality bench. Kepler and Rosario coming alive after such profound cold streaks, (sarcasm!) They won today and fought back Friday without Cruz. A clunker of a second start by Odorizzi after a great first one and the pen has been very effective thus far. Early? Yep. But I am encouraged. Let's just please not burn out Mejia before the break.
  7. DocBauer
    Considering his 2018 and his nice spring, I would have thought about Eades.
  8. DocBauer
    Despite this article focusing on Garver, I'd like to make a few points removed. 1] Cold weather be damned in regard to hitters, it also affects pitchers, and both teams. SUPER EARLY,but we have some solid early pitching. Just a couple better defensive plays, the pitching numbers might look even better. The Indians lineup stinks? Maybe. But we also faced 3 of the top 10-15 SP in the AL. 2] We made some bad plays in the Royals series. And we left way too many guys on base and blew opportunities. But we hung in tbere and overcame. 3] A small break and a little better defense, and Gibson escapes the 5th. Is that great? No. But it's also his first start and he's ramping up still. 4] This offense has blown several opportunities thus far. But we've seen flashes. And the potential is there 1-9. It's all still a work in progress at this point, as it is for all teams. So far, so good. I'd like to address Garver specifically, as the article went there. Whether you like Castro a little or a lot, you can't deny his veteran presence, in this case lack of, hurt the Twins in 2018. Garver was supposed to be broken in last season behind him. Please don't give me some generic "he shouldn't be there if he couldn't do the job" rhetoric. A Mauer or Rodriguez type are few and far between. Garver was a good bat, decent catcher, who would learn on the job. It didn't quite work out that way. Good or bad, right or wrong, Wilson became the #1 guy most days. A funny thing happened. Garver's defense improved, and his bat came alive. Astudillo got his shot, and his bat was lively, and his defense was solid. So now Castro is healthy, and Garver continues to work hard on improving his defense, as he and the coaching staff have commented on. Catching is a hard position to fully quantify. There are so many great catchers who can do everything. If it was easy, every team would have a Mauer, Rodriguez, Posey, etc. For the first time in years, the Twins are blessed and deep. They have a veteran catcher who knows what is going on and can hit a little with some power. And they have a young catcher growing defensively with a much better bat. And they have a solid 3rd catcher who seems quality, who can also play various positions, and can flat out hit and produce. With all due respect to his ability and what he brings, Castro will be traded to a team that needs help and Garver and Astudillo will be our backstop a month or so from now.
  9. DocBauer
    I have to say this again considering the nature of this article. Why isn't special assistant, or whatever his title is, Hunter working with Buxton? Not only is their talent and prospect and career status/arc similar in many ways, but couldn't the former All Star and Gold Glove winner speak to Buck about defense and self-preservation if nothing else? He can't be paid for a ST appearance and occasional radio broadcasts only, right? They could spend HOURS talking about hitting and approach and expectations. They could also talk about fielding, and preserving your body on plays to the wall. Come on aggressive FO, use all the tools you have on hand to make your players the best they can be!
  10. DocBauer
    Seth and I traded a couple posts about Blenkenhorn as well the past couple of days. Remember, this is position players, not a top 40 list. When you factor in pitching prospects, he is not #18, but somewhere in the 30 range probably. Color me disappointed in Blenkenhorn and even more so in Cabbage, both great athletes with vast potential who have yet to distinguish themselves. Just focusing on Blenkenhorn, if you look only at his numbers you would be disappointed for sure. If you look at numbers, read scouting reports, and follow the ebbs and flows of his career close enough, you would see peeks and valleys where he has hit very well with bursts of power and potential and production. You would see attributes of decent speed and smart play. You would see the ability to field at 2B, 3B, and OF. But no question the lack of consistency is disappointing. I am about ready to give up on Cabbage at this point. But still 22 until August, I remain hopeful for Blackenhorn. The tools are there. I will not say 2019 is a make or break season for him. But with all his talent, 3 1/2 years in, I feel it's his year to begin to find consistency and shine.
  11. DocBauer
    No expert, but a hunch on Raley that I think a lot of us seem to have I think we're talking about him a lot more this time next year, if not mid season. Understand the reasons given, and development that still needs to take place, but not sure I could keep Rortvedt off this list. Not trying to deliberately be a "cup runneth over" fan but there are quite a few guys not on this list that are still pretty decent prospects with potential.
  12. DocBauer
    Agree with Ash. He's both. Experience and maturity will hopefully help him decide better as to when to go all out, and when to reign it in a bit. He's just too valuable to not be in the field. Not sure if he got turned around or fooled, but that play just didn't look right. Sometimes, if in doubt, just pull up and play the ball off the way. Keeps him healthy and hopefully prevents something like an in the park HR. All games count, but really, risking injury the 4th game of the season? A few really bad swings here and there, but everyone has them. Very encouraged by what I've seen in ST and the first few games. All the more reason to do what is necessary to remain healthy and be part of the daily lineup.
  13. DocBauer
    Absolutely agree on getaway days. Let guys play! TK was great at keeping everyone fresh and everyone involved. As he used to say, paraphrasing somewhat, you can't have guys ride the bench and then throw them in a game and expect them to perform. Gardenhire was pretty good at it, at times. But why do you sit half your "regulars" on the last day? You want a "getaway" day to be a "giveaway" day? Only 5 games in, but I generally like everything I'm seeing from roster usage. The lineup has been a bit static but not inflexible. The primary players need to play, and they've mixed guys in. Hard for all three catchers to find consistency with the off days, but so far they are making it work, especially using the flexibility of Astudillo. Speaking of Astudillo, I think we're getting beyond the SSS aren't we? He flat out hits and produces. Doesn't mean he can't fail or slump, of course, but he needs to be in the lineup most days. He is a completely different player than Gonzalez, but he is also a "super utility" player IMO. Guy should hit 2nd behind Kepler/Polanco, or in the 5-6-7 spots behind Rosario and potentially Sano when back. (Or between Rosario and Sano?) He brings a unique skill set that needs to be out there most days.
  14. DocBauer
    You are correct. Simply, what I mean and should have made more clear is he will simply be passed by very soon if he can't stay healthy and take the next step. Hence the last chance comment.
  15. DocBauer
    Initially, early on, it's not a debate or problem. Matchups or metrics, you rotate behind the plate through April. You want your catcher as sharp as he can be. But all of them have countless innings played behind the plate at all levels. They will not suddenly forget how to catch. With Astudillo's flexibility, his bat can stay sharp in the field at different positions as well. No reason he can't play some 3B and let Gonzalez take a day off or rest someone else. Isn't that really why he was brought on board? I think the Twins missed Castro more last season than anyone wants to admit. We get obsessed with offensive production, and forget what else a player may bring to a team. But here's the rub. Garver got better defensively as last season went along. Astudillo has done nothing to show he isn't solid, at least, behind the plate. Each offers up so much more AT the plate than Castro. Injuries influence rosters and decisions. But at some point this season, barring substantial injury, the Twins will have to make a decision. If the growth/development path continues as we have seen it, Castro may be traded to a team needing help. A Garver/Astudillo platoon offers so much more unless there is an obvious defensive/leadership differential. A few games in, Sano still on the IL, it's not a decision that has be made now.
  16. DocBauer
    Part 2: It's VERY early. 3 games! 3 early and cold games where the ppitchers may have an advantage due to dead air and cold temps. And yes, the Indians lineup isn't exactly stacked. But guess what? The cold temperatures don't just affect the hitters, they affect the pitchers as well. I am no expert, but can you imagine keeping your arm loose, and trying to feel the ball when the temp is in the 30-40 degree range? No matter the Indians roster, they have 3 of the top 10-15 SP in the AL. The Twins beat 2 of them, and maybe should have won all 3 games. No matter how badly you may want to berate the lineup the Indians put out there...at worst...it was a collection of ML and AAAA hitters. Forget matching a record and trying to make excuses for said record. How often do you see a AAA game where there are so many SO? How often do you see a ML SP on milb rehab dominate and SO so many batters? There is no telling, at this point, how good or average the starting rotation could be. But to be dismissive of the Twins pitchers actually outperforming the Indians starters in the same cold March weather over a three game series is rather defeatist. Enjoy and revel and let's see what they and Johnson can accomplish going forward! As someone pointed out, this may be the best SP staff we have seen in Target Field. (I still would thrown Pineda out for the 5th. Lots of opportunity to control his IP).
  17. DocBauer
    Absolutely NOT picking on anyone or any single opinion stated! Just find it interesting and humorous...but that's baseball...that there is so much debate about players and the manager after THREE GAMES, lol. I think Astudillo should have PH for Kepler in the same situation. Who knows what would have happened? And I am NOT attempting to open a debate after THREE GAMES as to the merit of Kepler hitting leadoff. But I think it's funny to question it at this point. Kid has TONS of talent, has shown flashes, has embraced his role, had a good ST, knkws how to take good AB and make contact, take BB, as nas spoken recently about continuing to do so while also changing his approach to being more aggressive at the same time. It's not a moxioron. Its about believing in yourself and your talent and approach. It's about being aggressive when you see a good pitch, but still holding back. (The opposite of Sano and Buxton last season, but that's a different discussion entirely)! Gladden made a great comment the other day about Kepler hitting #1 in regard to the past when you were just looking for that speed guy at the top of the order. But it's more now about OB. His comment was Kepler shouldn't necessarily try to change his entire approach, but rather, just be the best hitter he could be. Especially in a lineup that appears to be deep and he won't be leading off every inning.
  18. DocBauer
    I follow the milb system about as close as I can. And I know most of these names, but I can't even pretend to know as much as Seth and others do. The "problem" with a roster like this at A- is age and development at EST along with injury. Then factor in decisions from the foreign leagues and rookie leagues and how do you build a roster that seems right? Glad I'm not in charge! Lol While familiar with names, reports, the handbook, etc, I will not play expert. But I see good and bad with this roster. There is some potential at catcher. That's a good thing! We've gone from nothing to some actual depth in the system for the future. But a guy I am curious about is Chris Williams. He was drafted as a senior and signed for next to nothing. But he WAS a catcher before injury prevented him from playing that his senior year. He has a powerful bat with swing and miss. Can he still catch? Or is he really just a bat? Really excited to see what Severino does his second season. Really disappointed in the 2018 that Cabbage and Bechtold had. There seems to be so much to like in both of them, but I would have expected both of them to be ready for Ft Myers this year, despite a roster crunch. Older, a college draftee, and such a solid first season, I may be more disappointed in Bechtold. Like the athleticism and potential of this OF! Especially Celestino and Keirsey. I think the pitchers are where they should be. Enlow and Balazovic are ready to explode, Graterol-like. But they are still so young, I think they are where they should be for now. Maybe I'm just the eternal optimist, but I think the whole roster gets better when Javier joins them! Can't wait for a summer trek to CR to see him and this team!
  19. DocBauer
    Appreciate the comments! A couple questions to toss your way for comment/opinion. 1] There is obviously a TON of SS talent in the system now, from Polanco on down, but it seems they gave up on Miranda at the spot early on. Is that more about depth, or his growing out of the position, or just not having the range/hands? 2] When the Twins selected Blenkenhorn and Cabbage in the same draft, I thought they got a couple of great athletes who could be huge steals. (Steals being a relative term as they were fairly high slections). We have seen real flashes from Blenkenhorn, far less from Cabbage at this point. At this point, really interested to hear what you think about those two going forward.
  20. DocBauer
    This may be a silly sounding statement but everything here just makes sense. Other than Hamilton at catcher, based on his 2018, everyone looks like they belong. Defensively, at least, it seems the catching is very good. Sure wish Navarreto could actually learn how to hit one of these days, and develop some power with his size, because everything we hear about him defensively is excellent. Maybe im just nuts, but i have this feeling that in a couple of years Grzelowski is going to sneak on to someone's roster, if not ours, as an extra catcher, flexible position player with a decent bat and some pop. But with Garver, Astudillo in play, Rortvedt and Jeffers on the way, it may not be with the Twins. I find the infield solid but lean. Other than Arraez, just not sure there is a future MLer amongst them. But with Kirilloff and DeLaTrinidad you have the makings of a pretty nice OF! Not to mention hope Davis can take the next step. A little unsure about both Davis and Kerrigan, but there is some potential. English is the guy I'm disappointed/frustrated with. I have seen him as a better version of Granite for a couple years now but he can't stay healthy. Guy has the right approach at the plate, can run, plays great defense and has a good arm. Just not sure he's ever going to have the opportunity to really establish himself. How can you not like this staff? I am only mildly surprised by Graterol being here. I expect his IP will be monitored to some degree, but his stuff is outstanding and he ranks universally amongst the topp 100 prospects. Additionally, his "hero" is Berrios and he reportedly is doing all he can to follow his rigid training regime. Alcala has stuff that is at least close. Wells was the milb pitcher of the year for good reason. Jax is older than you like, which makes him a wild card, but the Twins gambled on him for a reason. And finally being allowed to peruse his dream, we started to see the potential/results in 2018. I don't find the pen to be anything outstanding, but Clay, Moran, Cutara and Stashak could change my mind quickly. (Mildly surprised Stashak isn't starting up at Rochester). Pleased and surprised to see Jay still around. I never really expected someone else to claim him. But a little surprised he's even with the Twins still. But pleased he gets one more shot at health to harness such a talented arm. Blast his selection all you want, kid has/had a really good arm with some wicked stuff. Final shot to see what he can do? Probably. But how many times have we seen a "last chance" and someone takes advatage of it? Heres hoping for tbe best. I see a solid staff, some big bats, some decent bats, good defense and some lineup versatility that should make this a quality first half club who gets even better the second half when...not kidding...half of the Ft Myers club could be ready to advance.
  21. DocBauer
    I can't say I'm really excited about the Red Wings roster, but I do feel it's better than 2018. I have questions about the catcher spot. Let's be honest, we didn't know this time last year what we had in Astudillo, but Wilson was a decent #3, if that's all he was going to be. Obviously in the injury to Castro changed that situation. I am NOT excited about Telis, but at least he's a former top prospect. Those are the kind of guys you should take a flier on at this point. The infield is nothing exciting, but the solid Torreyes and prospect Gordon is a lot better than an entire collection of journeymen we had in place last year at this time. The entire OF/1B/DH situation is MUCH better than the beginning of 2018! I have done zero research/reading on Andreoli at this point, but Wade, Rooker, Raley and Wiel are all good to decent prospects. Other than Cave, who was still somewhat of an unknown at the time, vast improvement here. So-so on the staff as a whole. I am a big fan of Thorpe, and I still have high hopes for Gonsalves. Stewart has me interested again. Just not sure what to make of Littell, who I felt looked nervous and rushed last season. Still, he's young and has a solid track record. I have moved on from Romero being a SP, but haven't given up with experience and development of a 3rd pitch. But his potential in the pen can't be denied. Eades really embraced his role as a RP, looked good in ST, and may have a future. Can't deny what Vasquez has done. But can he take the next step with a pedestrian FB? Nobody else does anything for me except maybe Reed. Better health, and embracing the new approach/metrics he spoke about in ST...maybe he finally takes that next step. Overall...a better team than the one that began 2018 with some solid call up options and some real depth/potential that was lacking last year at this time.
  22. DocBauer
    Seth stole my thunder on this, but yes, Jeffers bat will play at DH when not catching. Now, what I don't know is whether he can/will play a little 1B as well. The Twins haven't been shy about having their catchers try on a 1B glove here and there. I see your point about having Blenkenhorn and Miranda on the same squad, but in reality, Blenkenhorn doesn't seem ready for AA yet and Miranda is ready for A+ ball. But remember, each of those two also play some 2B. Additionally, Blenkenhorn has seem some OF time as well. It's really up to Gardenhire to move the guys around and make sure they all play consistently.
  23. DocBauer
    Great looking roster just loaded! Should have an excellent first half of the year. After that...well...depends on who is ready to be promoted/added past mid season as a lot of this team could finish at AA
  24. DocBauer
    Tremendous steam of consciousness thread, Seth. And I agree and appreciate everything stated. 1] Positional players and depth is solid and much better than last season. While contact and OB may be a concern, hitting and power production should not be one. 2] There is athleticism and speed on the roster. That doesn't translate immediately to SB. It could mean simply good base running and stretching plays. And the roster could produce this. But I have to wonder, in a new age of launch angle and power, could some small ball and extra bases and SB be the "next thing" for offense? 3] The potential of the starting staff is the best we've seen in some time. Not going to go over the merits and potential of Berrios and Gibson. BTDT. Not yet 30...late 20's where a hell of a lot of pitchers have actually learned how to "pitch"...not sugar coating things...both Pineda and Odorizzi have some good to excellent stuff. History shows what each is capable of. Can at least ONE of them settle in and just pitch to their ability? If so, then we have 3 top SP and at least a decent #4 on hand. And we also have another extension candidate on hand. With luck and a good pitching coach, maybe more. I remain very skeptical about Perez. I have gone from dislike to hopeful on him. And it's not about improved velocity so much as recognition of what he should throw. 4] The bullpen is the problem with this team, more than anything else. I get that FA arms are no guarantee! Reed should show us that! But despite Rodney and Fultz having some early troubles, they were solid. And they were actually worth some sort of trade value. (Even limited). Rogers is a potential stud. (Imagine some time and patience to make it so). May has all the potential in the world! Parker is solid. The rest is...WTH? I am NOT a defeatist. I am willing to bet on Hildy and his milb career and first 1 1/2 years of production at the ML level. I am willing to bet on the arms of Mejia and Romero, though each could also refine their stuff enough to slide back in to to the rotation again. I have seen Magill, healthy, with a mid 90FB and tremendous slurve to hope Johnson can help find more consistency. I can bet on Harper, who deserves to be there, with his curve, at various speeds, as long as he can spot his FB. I can bet on a lot of things. And I'm not a betting man. And I am hopeful for a lot of things to happen. But unless a few guys come forward, or we make a move or two, I think the pen will sink us from a 92-94 win team to 82-84 team
  25. DocBauer
    I was surprised Rocco sent Berrios out for the 8th. He was pitching a great game, but so early in the season, and most guys ramped for about 75-80 pitches in ST, I felt he would be done after 7. I don't mean to nitpick, but is this a belief in the talent and potential of Berrios...who I have always believed will eventually evolve in to a true #1...a realization we have enough off days that approaching 100 pitches so early in the season just shouldn't matter at this point, or a disbelief in the pen? Don't mistake euphoria for baseball to be played and a great first game win for anything else. I'm just tossing out a little light conversation.
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