DocBauer

Kind of an oxymoron here, but I think Duensing has solid value as a young 30yo reliever with a decent track record, but, I don't think he has tremendous value in a trade scenario. While Darnell has received only one ML start, and has enough stuff and milb track record to deserve more looks, the one thing that has been encouraging is his SO's thus far, in AAA and his couple appearances with the Twins. While he didn't pitch very well in his first start, he still managed to SO 7. Ibarra and O'Rourke could definitely be options, maybe Thompson, as early as next season, I'm in no hurry to trade a cost controlled, solid LH reliever. If the Twins continue the trend of a 7 man bullpen in 2015, (and I long for the day when the rotation is strong enough to drop back to 6 for another bench player), I could see the Twins making room next season for a 3rd LHRP to go along with Fien, say...Swarzak, and the best option of Pressly, Achter, Tonkin and lerhaps Pryor.

Outstanding article. Thank you very much for the information, and all the hard work you put in. I do think that certain prospects just set their own schedule, like Berrios has done thus far. That being said, a jump to a level by a below-average age player vs another similarly young talent DOES NOT bespeak the future career or capabilities of either player. All in all, I'd hold of expectations or plans on 2015 until we see how the next month and a half work out. As a further example, Berrios was a pitcher and baseball player. Stewart split a lot of his early development as a football player. Just based on today, I'd start him back in CR to build further confidence a and experience with the idea of a fairly quick promotion to high A. Of course, the talent is potentially tremendous, and we have the balance of the season and winter ball for Stewart to force the issue.

I like the optimism. It rivals even mine! Lol The Twins will not contend. But they can contend for .500. And it's not really that outlandish. Nolasco stays in the rotation, but remembers who he is and what he can do. This, along with Hughes and Gibson, gives us a very solid 1-3. May will be up. He will struggle. But he will also be very good. Correia will be traded unless the Twins are offered nothing. That leaves the best case scenario of Pino, Deduno, Meyer, Darnell and Johnson until September when they may all be available in one form or another. A 6 man rotation maybe? Santana and Mauer both come off the DL and hit like they did before injury. Escobar keeps it up, mostly, as does Plouffe. Yes, Nunez should get shots. He seems to like being out of NY. Arcia is streaky, but mostly good streaky. Morales settles in and the Twins keep him. Willingham and Morales both traded, can't fill the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation with anyone who can give you a realistic shot, and .500 doesn't happen.

Agreed, though I think a spot-long-mid man is more to his capabilities vs simply mop-up. Especially if he can start an inning vs combining in in the middle. Could pressure Swarzak, or, if Swarzak can hop on his 2013 wagon, he might be capable of more 7th inning plus appearances.

I think after last season, the majority of fans were hoping he'd fully recover from his procedure and be the same electric, and mostly consistent SP this year we saw in 2013. For whatever reason(s) he just hasn't been that guy. And when you need top quality SP, have some top prospects so close, and have endured 3 straight disappointing seasons, with some awful pitching and a glut of AAAA fill in types, it's easy to pull the rip cord on a guy like Deduno at this point. He was a good story while it lasted, and Pino is sort of the new Deduno at the moment. Now, if Deduno suddenly got another shot, pitched 6 quality innings each time out! occassionaly 7, and looked like the guy he was last season, the love and optimism would return somewhat. Certainly it would give the team another option. But at this time, the May and Meyer train is quickly approaching the Target Field Depot.

I am very pro Gardenhire, overall. Though he and I do butt heads on occasion. Though I suppose he doesn't realize this on a daily basis or concern himself much with it. At 56, Gardy is still a relatively young man. I see no relative signs of slowing down. But he has made comment in the recent past about wanting to manage the Twins, at least, until the signs of rebuilding and turnaround are apparent. In theory, the talent on the roster now, the deep talent in the minors that will hopefully explode on the scene soon, along with a little bit better luck in the health category, and the overall better competitive nature of this years team, has had some conjecturing when that step-down date for Gardy might be. Now, he might pull a TK this season, or next, and say its time; the team and it's future is solid and it's time to move on. Or, the team might be playing well, the top prospects are healthy and playing well, and he might stick around a little longer. Who could blame him? But since the subject has been broached, whether it be at the end of this season...next..or another season or two, who is the next Twins manager? I think Molitor would be an excellent choice, but didn't realize until recently that he's actually a year older than Gardenhire. And while I wouldn't say he couldn't or wouldn't do/take the job, I wonder at his past few years and wonder if he wouldn't just be happier as a coach or instructor now vs being the guy. Brunansky is 53 and a well respected hitting coach with a seeming ability to connect to his players. Doug Mientkiewicz, 39, and Jake Mauer, 35, are a pair of young former Twins, managing in A ball, who have shown success, moxy, and baseball management/coaching skills that could have them both fast tracking. The Twins may have missed the boat on Mike Redmond, who is already a big league manager with the Marlins at 41. Still, if things sour in Miami, as they have been known to do in the past, he may be an option. Matthew LeCroy is another former Twin who slipped through our fingers. The former C/DH is currently the Nationals bullpen coach. I believe he could be someone to watch. You can scoff all you want at the Twins general philosophy of staying and promoting from within, but most of the track history the past 25 years indicates that they generally surround themselves with pretty smart talent.

Reportedly, numbers never lie. Except we all know this is false in the game of baseball. There is so much a variety of statistics and measurements that can be used to make cases pro and con. And in the case of hitters/position players, there are many various mitigating circumstances that influence their production. Not just players' hot and cold streaks and adjustments, but also protection and batters on base in front of them. Through today, Saturday May 31st, his per AB numbers have him on pace to finish at 27 doubles, down from 32 last season, nearly identical HR numbers, 20 vs 19, and 89 RBI vs 93 in 2013. However, despite nearly identical numbers per AB compared to last season, based on this season, so far, and last season's 457 AB's, it should be pointed out that not only did Vargas start out a little slowly this season, but he's also up a level at AA. And unlike last season, there is no Buxton, Rosario or Sano to help carry the load. Further, compare his overall slash line: 2013: .267 Avg./ .344 OB%/ .468 SLG%/ .813 OPS 2014: .324 Avg./ .401 OB%/ .514 SLG%/ .914OPS Even more, he struck out at a rate of 23% percent per AB in 2013, and walked at an 11% rate, all based on 457 AB's for the season. Thus far in 2014, in 185 AB's, he is striking out at a 17% rate, and walking at a 13% rate. Granted, these numbers are based on AB's and not plate appearances, but I doubt there would be much discrepancy. I believe this begs the question, "What happens next?" I think this speaks of a promotion to Rochester soon, after the All-Star break to be sure. I think Vargas has crossed the line of "coming up", to a possible September call up and a possible bat for the 2015 Twins. View full article

Reportedly, numbers never lie. Except, we all know this is false in the game of baseball. There are so many various statistics and measurements that can be used to make cases pro and con. And in the case of a hitter/position player, there are many various mitigating circumstances that influence their production. Not just a player's hot and cold streaks and adjustments, but also protection and batters on base in front of them. Through today, Saturday May 31st, his per AB numbers have him on pace to finish at 27 Dbls, (down from 32 last season), nearly identical HR numbers, 20 vs 19, and 89 RBI vs 93 in 2013. However, despite nearly identical numbers compared to last season, per AB, based on this season and last season's 457 AB's, or a slight regression this season, it should be pointed out that not only did Vargas start out a little slow out of the gate this season, but he's also up a level at AA, and unlike last season, there is no Buxton, Rosario or Sano to help carry the load. Further, compare his overall slash line: 2013: .267Avg/ .344 OB%/ .468 SLG%/ .813 OPS 2014: .324Avg/ .401 OB%/ .514 SLG%/ .914OPS Even more, he struck out at a rate of 23% percent per AB in 2013, and walked at an 11% rate, all based on 457 AB's for the season. Thus far in 2014, in 185 AB's, he is striking out at a 17% rate, and walking at a 13% rate. Granted, these numbers are based on AB's and not plate appearances, but I doubt there would be much discrepancy. I believe this begs the question, "what happens next?" I would think this speaks of a promotion to Rochester soon, after the all star break to be sure. I think Vargas has crossed the line of: "coming up" to a possible September call up and a possible bat for the 2015 Twins.

Thank you for this post. Well thought out and thorough. EVERY relief pitcher has bad outings that can inflate their numbers. A bad stretch of a couple games can really distort numbers. See Burton last year at one point. But Fien has been borderline outstanding since signed. Obviously, this is yet another sign that Anderson stinks as a pitching coach. (tongue, obviously, firmly planted in cheek)

Yes. At this point, yes. Wish I could copy and paste some interesting stats to provide perspective and thoughts I posted on another thread. They reside in the Hicks switch hitting thread if interested. Its just to early to rush to judgement when he's learning and was jumped straight from AA.

Is it actually possible that for the first time since Santana was a second year player in the bullpen pounding at the door to be let in to the rotation, that the Twins may soon have too much depth in the rotation? Cough or snicker for a moment if you must and then consider the following: Nolasco is still a relatively young veteran SP signed for production, innings and consistency for 3 more years after this. He's coming off a couple solid seasons and his very best season. And after a rough start to this year, he's looking very much like the player we thought we were signing. The even younger and more talented Hughes is looking like a borderline stud. He's pitching like, or better, than hoped, and might be really finding himself with the Twins, and away from NY and Yankee stadium. (Is it too soon for an ironic, sarcastic "Anderson sucks" reference?) In his first full, completely healthy and one assumes unlimited season, Gibson is looking very much like the player we've been waiting for and wish we had had last season. Late bloomer Deduno, he of the best SP numbers on the staff last season before injury, is back in the rotation where he seems to belong, and off to a good start. Again, I worry about total IP limitations on him, but he just might be the best 170 IP, 28 starts #5 starter in baseball. Correia is gone at the end of this season, if not before. Unless he pulls some real magic out of his cap, Pelfrey may be following him out of town. Even if he does rebound somewhat, he might be gone for a bag of balls or nothing else as the Twins can not only afford to eat his contract next season, but there may simply be better options available as early as the second half of this season. As the numbers stand as of today, AAA Rochester is brimming with a trio of arms that should be ready soon. May: 3.35 ERA, 43 IP, 30 H, 17 BB, 47 SO, 1.09 Whip in 8 starts Meyer: 3.79 ERA 40.1 IP, 31 H, 21 BB, 49 SO, 1.29 Whip in 8 starts Darnell: 2.32 ERA, 31 IP, 26 H, 11BB, 33 SO, 1.19 Whip in 6 starts Two top, hard throwing prospects with big frames, IP and SO potential each having great success in their first seasons of AAA. Yes, they are young and have things to learn and work on and probably need more consistency. But numbers and reports don't always lie. And these two represent the best two top pitching prospects the Twins have had since probably Garza. And while each could most certainly be ready for serious competition in 2015 SP, I would argue that each may just be ready by the second half of the season. Yes the Twins want to win, and we want them to do so. But it's a very real possibility that either, or both, of these young men will give us the best chance to do so soon. After all, we are in rebuilding mode aren't we? And there is no question that talent and potential of May and Meyer blow away Correia and Pelfrey. But don't fall asleep on Darnell. The former top 10 pick doesn't throw as hard as May or Meyer, but reports have him consistently in the low 90's, left handed, never a bad thing, and according to recent reports from Darnell himself here at TD in an interview, gaining further comfort and confidence this season with his curve and change. His milb numbers don't look awesome at first glance, but the Twins did push him hard his second season, pitching at 3 different levels. His 3rd season was spent entirely at AA with mixed results, however, it was his first full season at the level, and only the second season of 3 where he was allowed to stay at a level. He has held a 3.41 ERA through his first 4+ seasons and a 2.55-1 SO to BB ratio. Still only 25, already with a cup of coffee with the Twins this season, interrupting his AAA season, working what may or may not be his first full season at Rochester, he's having the best season of his young career. Correia gone end of year if not sooner, Pelfrey's Twins career hanging by a thread with the ability to cut him loose.....are we looking at Nolasco, Hughes, Gibson, Deduno, May, Meyer and Darnell by next season? Or the second half of this season?

As of today, Meyer, May and Darnell all have very solid numbers. W-L records mean very little at this point. Meyer: 3.79 ERA and 1.29 Whip with 49 SO 21 BB in 40 IP in 8 starts. May: 4.11 ERA and 1.11 Whip with 41 SO 13 BB in 35 IP in 7 starts. Darnell: 2.32 ERA and 1.19 Whip 33 SO 11 BB in 31 IP in 6 starts through his start Saturday. Not that I believe you HAVE to have a LH in the rotation, but what about Darnell?

Great post Mr Bell. Tried a similar one a couple weeks ago to no avail. Let's hope we get everyone to climb on board here. As far as "order" of SS currently, I believe you're right on with Escobar as the first in line. And he should be at this point. His hard work has earned him this right. And it's rewarding to see him get the opportunity at this point. I think most of us agree his opportunity was at least a week or two overdue. I very much appreciate the tremendous defensive abilities of Florimon, but, truth be told, his setback in ST and poor performance there, probably should have warranted Escobar opening the season either in Ft Meyers or Rochester with Escobar starting from day one. He came to the Twins with a reputation as a versatile player with a good glove. That's why we acquired him. And up until now, he hasn't been given the opportunity to show what he's capable of on a regular basis with the ChiSox, or with us. He's still only 25, offers at least a little upside offensively, but has already been bouncing around on ML benches for 3+ years now, probably rushed up. Santana, two years younger at 23, is and probably should be #2 in line due to age, experience, and Escobar's quality start. Though there is no way he'll continue to hit over .300. I'm pleased he's had chances to play SS since his promotion. I understand his play in CF considering the current OF situation with the Twins. And with his athleticism, perhaps he has the ability to be a multi-positional player who can contribute in various ways offensively and defensively. And while I don't want to talk out of both sides of my mouth, Santana needs opportunities to show what he can do at SS, whether that be now, or back at Rochester and brought back up later in the season. I've had hopeful expectations for him, and simply don't expect him to perform long term as he has in his limited time with the Twins. However, he shows some real speed and athleticism, and by no means does he have any overmatched deer in the headlights look about him. A rough comparison of both players milb numbers shows very comparable numbers: Escobar .266/.319/.354/.673 with a SB avg of 10.5 per season and a success rate of 65%: Santana .270/.315/.395/.710 with a SB avg of 16.7 per season and a success rate of 69%. Very comparable numbers across the board, though skewed slightly by Santana being 2 years younger, and with at least 1 full season less in the minors to this point, a higher slugging and OPS with more speed and SB ability. This is not meant to disregard Escobar or his current opportunity. Just a reminder of the potential of Santana and a statement that he also deserves his opportunity. I am intrigued by Nunez and what he may offer. I also think he's in a good place with the right team as a versatile utility player who can play all over the place and get in the lineup on a fairly regular basis as the Twins have always been good about getting their bench players involved on a regular basis. With all due respect, Florimon's time has come and gone, I believe. Long term, I still wonder and have big hopes for Polanco. Could he be another Omar Vizqel? Not the strongest arm, but all the other traits needed to be a quality SS with real offensive potential.

2014 was labeled, and I feel acurately, as a transition year for the Twins. A year where we begin to say goodbye to three disappointing and frustrating years of non-contention, bad baseball, and 90 loss seasons. A year where we begin to talk about a more competitive team who could threaten for a .500 record who has a legitimate chance to win nightly/daily. A team bridging the gap for higher expectations in 2015 and beyond. Despite disappointing setbacks to such talented prospects as Sano, Buxton and Rosario, the Twins boast one of the most talented minor leagues in all of baseball. And despite the setbacks to those potential difference makers, there is a very large contingent of talented prospects enjoying fine seasons in the minors and continuing their trek Northward. The Twins made an elaborate, for them, and unexpected foray in to FA this past offseason to shore up the teams biggest weakness, the starting rotation. A rotation to make the team competitive built around building blocks such as Mauer, Dozier, Pinto, Arcia, and those that might make their presence felt at some point this year and next, etc. Despite some early and disappointing failings, Hughes has been pitching anywhere from good to outstanding. Nolasco is warming up and looking very good these days. And despite a couple rough outings, Gibson has begun to perform like the top prospect we've been anxiously awaiting. However, despite a solid, overall consistent 2013, Correia has been a big disappointment so far. And while there were other options available that I liked better than Pelfrey, I couldn't really argue with the Twins re-signing based on projections of being a full year further removed from surgery and the tease of a couple very solid months pitched last season before running out of steam late. Correia looks nothing like the pitcher he was last year. Pelfrey looks even worse. Deduno, perhaps a far better than average 5th starter who simply can't handle the workload of a 30+ start schedule, is back in the rotation where he should be, and deserves to be. This leaves the Twins in need of one additional SP. Who is that person? I'm not saying the move takes place tomorrow. But first of June? Mid June? When and who? What say you?

Ok, go ahead, call me crazy. I get it. But is it possible we're missing something here that could prove helpful? When the Twins re-acquired Pino this off season I offered a simply "meh" like the rest of you. AAA filler who might not finish the year or even make the club if a few things break right. But with his incredible start I had to sit down and take a look at his career numbers. He has a career 3.7 to 1 SO to BB ratio and a career BA against of .239 including this season, and a career W-L of 79 & 55. Granted, there are reasons he's never had a cup of coffee, but his milb track history indicates a serviceable, replacement level player you would think would have had a shot somewhere down the line. In his time previously in the Twins organization, he was never a top prospect, and was probably a 20-ish level prospect. Though he did receive mention in different prospectus as someone to watch a time or two. I have absolutely no illusions about Mr. Pino's prospect status. I'm just wondering, are we missing something here? Is he one of those guys who spends his career flying under the radar before figuring things out late and turns himself in to a useful piece? A long reliever or middle reliever

Thank you SD. Wonderful to have someone so close to an affiliate who can give us such a great insight in to the team and players. It's simply impossible to predict the future of any young player, much less one with a blind eye. His "handicap" may eventually limit him, or perhaps, like any young player, he will simply plateau at a level. And perhaps he'll climb all the way to the majors! But a tip of my cap to what he has been able to accomplish thus far. A great story, and a talented and hard working young man.

I wonder if it might also be fun to simply do a separate mount for the best 4 pitchers in Twins history? Blyleven and Santana would have to be on it. After that I'm not as sure. Viola is a strong candidate. So might be Aguillera. Kaat? And what about one for non-players? Despite controversy, would Griffin be there? McPhail would have to be wouldn't he? TK would be a must. Ryan? Mauch? And again, despite some controversy, Pohlad?

I feel almost ashamed. While reading this post I felt it was obvious who the four would be...but...I actually had an arguable Hrbek as my 4th as somehow I forgot about Oliva. While I think Herbie would be a great choice, and without a doubt is an all-time great, I can only plead temporary insanity. He was before my time, but from all I have heard and read, is Bobby Allison a consideration for the mount?

Does anyone have any first hand accounts of Polanco defensively this season? One thing time and observation has taught me is to not get too hung up on errors in the lower minors from young infielders, especially at SS and 3B. History is littered with outstanding defensive ML infielders who had high error totals early in their careers as they learned the details of their position, dealt with rougher infields, tried too hard to make a play, or simply needed to learn to relax and concentrate to make the routine plays. Michael is starting to show something. Goodrum has tremendous talent and possibilities despite playing mostly 3B at the moment. But I don't think there is much question that Polanco would be an outstanding option as our stalwart SS in a season or two if he can prove to be an adequate, solid, consistent defender. With this position being such a hot topic with our Twins the past few seasons, and still, I'd really love to hear what everyone thinks.

To be sure. Truly not even sure who is the biggest surprise so far. Even if we get some regression here or there, we should get better production from Mauer soon, who has shown a propensity for flipping a switch and pretty much carrying the team in stretches. Thought it was going to happen when he hit hs 3 run homer a week or so ago, but, not yet. Arcia should be back now in a week or two. What a wonderful problem for Gardy to have, almost too many guys to shuffle in to the lineup on a daily basis. That doesn't even include Hammer's eventual return or Hicks hopefully showing some gradual improvement.

Health, some youngsters and a re-tread or two, FA SP signings, I had hopes for the 2014 Twins to make a little noise, and at least hover around the .500 mark for the season, with the possibility of finishing a few games above. A preview, if you will, for what might be coming over the next season or two with solid and elite prospects on their way to flush out the roster and competitive hopes. Poor showings, especially offensively, had me feeling down and re-assessing my thoughts the last few weeks of spring training. Yes, I know full well how little ST numbers and results can really mean. I've been down those roads many times before, to the positive as well as the negative. So far, this early season, the Twins ARE that .500+ team, despite a rotation that has underperformed thus far. The complete anti-thesis of what I, and I think most, expected. And there has been some really great story lines so far this season. Honestly, what would you have thought before the season began if I had told you the Twins early season success would hinge on the play of Dozier, Colabello, Plouffe, Kubel and Suzuki? And that our best SP was Gibson, who almost everyone felt was destined to begin the season in AAA ball? Unsung (unexpected?) Heroes. Dozier: Despite a low but climbing Avg, getting on base, stealing bases, scoring runs, hitting for power, playing great defense, and proving that last year was no fluke. Colabello: Maybe one of the best stories EVER in MLB can flat out hit and produce. Despite being ignored out of college and years in the beer leagues, the Twins picked him up as minor league filler and found a late bloomer who can flat out hit and produce. This guy knows how to make adjustments. If the dream ends tomorrow, the probably player of the month and record setter is already a great story! Plouffe: A former 1st round pick and top prospect who has shown time, patience, hard work and opportunity can pay real dividends. If not for Colabello, this guy is the big story. Kubel: Proving that getting healthy and going home is not only a good story, but a productive one as well. Suzuki: What? The right time and team? Better mental/physical health after being beaten in the ground previously? A better hitting coach? I don't know, but already better than EVER expected by anyone. (even Hicks has been more professional not flailing at pitches and taking walks) Gibson: Healthy, strong in mind and body following surgery and rehab to see his talent begin to emerge. I could almost throw Pinto in here as well, except, I think we almost expected his growth as much as we wanted it. What about the coaching staff? I can't believe there aren't multiple tips of the hat here, but mine goes to Bruno as the lead hitting instructor. The rotation rounds in to form, hopefully Arcia and possibly Hammer start to make a move in the near future, what are the possibilities for this team? For now though, let's take a moment to recognize these unsung heroes of the early 2014 season.

I think think this is a good time to address this issue. Of all the positives we've seen so ar this season, SS seems to be a lighting topic. And despite the "sign Drew" advocates, this doesn't seem to be a real/impending possibility or a long term answer. So other than trade or next year signing possibility, where does that leave us? Florimon is outstanding defensively. We've all seen what he can do. And it's truly a pleasure to watch him. But the second half of last season didn't match the first half offensively. And despite optimism of improvement in his second full season, whether it be by recovery of appendix, bad timing or anything else, he unfortunately just doesn't seem capable of producing offensively at the ML level. Santana has caught the eye of Gardy and the staff. That can't be ignored. But there seemed to be nothing in ST games that allowed him to really set himself apart, no "moments" that allowed him to shine. But all reports have him as an athletic defender who has the potential to make the plays, as well as the offensive potential to hit some, get XB hits and steal some bases as well. Beresford has a universal report and numbers to back up that he is a very good glove man who hits and makes contact with a little bit of speed and decent OB numbers but zero power. Levi Michael has seemed like a wasted/over-reached pick until this early season. Is this an indication of a player who just took a little longer to figure things out? Maybe rushed slightly due to need and hope? Mejia is a great story. I confess to knowing nothing of this young man other than the fact he can hit and has probably jumped at least a full level plus based on age and experience. I have learned never to bet against a ball player who is a fast riser, but I don't know enough, truthfully about potential to make an educated opinion. Polanco. Now we have something to talk about. Signed as a SS with great potential, he has established himself, by all reports, as an outstanding 2B prospect who can seriously hit with a bit of power and speed. Not sure this young man has even reached his potential at any level yet as he keeps rising to the occasion. The Twins have asked him, with mixed results to be sure, to concentrate on the SSposition. This is clearly a means to measure his potential as well as a hopeful answer to the ML SS position long term. As a result of Polanco's play at SS, one of the most physically talented INF prospects in the entire Twins system, Niko Goodrum has been moved, at least temporarily, to 3B. And while this might ultimately prove beneficial overall, I have to wonder if it might slow the development of the best SS prospect, overall, in the entire system. As much as I support and love Dozier at 2B, I also wonder if he isn't our long term at SS. Rosario's suspension has thrown a big monkey wrench in to the the development of options. But it makes me wonder if Rosario or Polonco might not be the best option at 2B with an experienced and more mature Dozier sliding back over to SS.

What you all have said. Surprised, thrilled and really enjoying this "light on" play from Plouffe. Could I take a moment to toss Hicks in here as well? He's not anywhere close to the Plouffe level...(ever thought you'd hear someone say that? Ever?)...but like Plouffe, something is going on. He's not hitting like anyone wants as of yet, but he's not embarrassing himself at the plate. He's making some contact, fouling off pitches, and most importantly taking walks to keep his OB over a 100 points higher than his Avg. Now it could be agued he's actually being TOO patient. But it's interesting to see the sudden change in approach by both of these guys. Is this Bruno's influence? Molitor's? Carew in Hicks's case? Who and whatever, very refreshing.