IndianaTwin

Something last fall prompted me to think about the best players to wear various uniform numbers for the Twins. It seemed like a good wintertime project to try to put together the best all-time Twins team based on uniform numbers. To do this, I arbitrarily made a couple of rules to guide me. First, I considered players based on the primary number they wore. No counting that Tony Oliva wore No. 37 in his first appearances. He was, and always will be No. 6, both in my mind’s eye and when using mnemonics for remembering PINs and phone numbers. For example, if you know where my folks live, you can get into their house by using Killebrew-Munoz-Blyleven on their garage door opener. But I digress. Second, to compare players, I simply used bWAR. I chose bWAR over fWAR for the scientific reason that I’ve spent more time on baseball-reference.com than on Fangraphs, so I know how to navigate that site better. Third, when it came to positions, I considered players only where they played “a bunch.” That’s admittedly subjective, but I didn’t want to have to spend THAT much time online verifying positions. I’ve got plenty of other things to waste my time on, like trying to find the other brown/blue argyle sock that seems to be missing from the last load in the dryer. So, I only considered Carew at 1B and 2B, even though it would have helped to count him as a shortstop, based on the four games he spent there in 1968. So, in putting my 25-man roster together, the logical place to start is with the retired numbers. Harmon Killebrew (3, 60.5), Tony Oliva (6, 43.1), Joe Mauer (7, 55.0), Kent Hrbek (14, 38.6), Rod Carew (29, 63.8), and Kirby Puckett (34, 51.1) will make the team. I’ll deal with Bert Blyleven and Tom Kelly later. Our first challenge is that Killebrew, Hrbek, Carew, and Mauer all played a ton at 1B. Fortunately three of them played a bunch elsewhere as well, so Mauer will put the catcher gear back on, and Carew and Killebrew will trade their mitts for infield gloves at 2B and 3B, respectively. To round out the infield, we need a SS. Shortstop is by far our weakest position as far as hitters go. Roy Smalley (5) edges Greg Gagne in WAR (20.9 to 17.9). Besides, Gagne has to play in Rochester, because Mauer already has No. 7. Filling out the outfield is a little easier, where Oliva in right and Puckett in center are joined by Bobby Allison (4, 34.0) in left. The Twins really haven’t had long-term DHs, so I decided that any hitter would be eligible. That allows me add to Chuck Knoblauch (11, 38.0) to the lineup. Or if you prefer, you can put him at 2B and use Carew as the DH. It’s not like this team is going to need any pinch hitters, but we do still need a bench in case of injury. Going with the 13-hitter, 12-pitcher model gives me four bench spots to fill. Three are fairly easy, since the highest-ranking remaining hitters in WAR don’t create any number overlaps. Gary Gaetti (8, 27.2) and Cesar Tovar (12, 25.9) will back up in the infield and Torii Hunter (48, 26.4) will be the fourth outfielder. We’d better hope Smalley doesn’t get hurt, because that really doesn’t give a true backup shortstop, though a number of people on the roster have played there at least a few games. Tover has the most at 76 for the Twins. The other option would have been leaving off Tovar to go with Zoilo Versalles (2, 14.7), but an issue there is that Versalles doesn’t even make the Rochester roster currently, since No. 2 for the Red Wings would have to go to Brian Dozier with his 23.8 WAR. Back-up catcher is a problem, since the only three in double figures in WAR also would lose out on uniform number. Earl Battey is second among catchers in WAR at 17.5, but he wears Tom Kelly’s No. 10. Butch Wynegar wore No. 16, where he loses out substantially in WAR to Frank Viola, 15.3 to 27.0. And Brian Harper (12, 13.4) has to face off with Tovar, who I’ve already slotted as a backup infielder and who also serves as my fifth OF (and emergency C, emergency 1B, emergency P -- you get where I’m going, right?). I’ll need to keep working and come back to this spot. Every good team needs “impact pitching,” right? Fortunately, we’ve got a Hall of Famer in Blyleven (28, 49.0) lined up for opening day. He’s easily followed by Brad Radke (22, 45.6), Johan Santana (57, 35.8), and Camilo Pascual (17, 33.2). Now, I know that Blyleven and Pascual played in four-man rotations, but Radke and Santana didn’t, so I’m going to need a fifth starter. Next up is Jim Kaat (36, 30.5). However, that number is also worn by Joe Nathan. Mr. Bbbbbpt-Mouth only earned 18.4 WAR, but he is such a stud as closer that I have to save number for him. Next up is Frank Viola (16, 27.0), but I’ve already named my backup C problem, so maybe we’d better resolve that. So to review the catcher situation, Battey is our second-best WAR, but we’ve got to deal with sharing that number with Kelly. There would be other logical options as longer-term managers who experienced some success. Sam Mele took the Twins to their first World Series and posted a .546 winning percentage, but unfortunately, he did it wearing No. 14. Kent Hrbek says, “No can do, Sam – you can’t give me enough Twinkies and Ding Dongs to buy that number off me.” Ron Gardenhire got the team to the playoffs a bunch, and his No. 35 is available. His won-loss percentage (.507) is significantly better than Kelly’s (.478), but the latter won two World Series, for goodness sake. So to summarize, my moving parts are: • Kelly as manager, losing Battey as my backup catcher. • Gardy as manager, giving up Kelly’s retired number. • Viola as the No. 5 starter, costing us Wynegar as the backup catcher. • Harper as reserve catcher, booting Tovar from the bench, where in particular, we don’t have a good backup SS. First, let’s name the elephant in the room. Despite the better winning percentage, do we really want to risk have Gardy calling for a sacrifice bunt with this lineup? And calling our legendary third baseman “Killsy”? And can we handle the PR risk of not honoring a retired number? Sorry, Mr. Battey, even though you’re our second-best catcher, we’ll have to opt for Kelly. So now we’re down to back up catcher, where the next option (Wynegar) costs us Viola, followed by Harper costing us Tovar. The next option is A.J. Pierzynski, whose No. 26 is available, but the drop off to his single-digit 9.5 WAR hurts. Enter Jim Perry. His No. 31 is available as the No. 5 starter, and his WAR (26.3) is only slightly behind Viola’s 27.0. Using Perry in the rotation lets us choose Wynegar over Harper, which also lets us keep Tovar. Whew. With our 13 hitters and five starters set, that leaves room for six more relievers to bridge the gap from our stellar rotation to Nathan. Granted, with five guys that averaged something like a total of 1230 innings in their years as full-time starters with the Twins and another 70 innings for Nathan, that means there’s only about 100-150 innings left, so it’s probably not a big deal that my reliever options provide big drop offs to this bunch of studs who will be sporting the baby blues. Besides, with this lineup and this rotation, there are going to be a lot of 12-2 games, so it’s mostly mop-up duty. On the few occasions where a set-up guy is needed, we’ll first turn to Rick Aguilera (38, 15.5). The only other reliever with a double-digit WAR is Al Worthington at 10.0, and his 15 is available. For what it’s worth, that did keep us from considering George Mitterwald’s 6.0 as our back-up catcher. We may need a LTOGY (Lefty THREE-Out Guy, thank you Rob Manfred) occasionally, and Everyday Eddie Guardado (18, 9.5) is available. The next-highest WAR among relievers is Glen Perkins (8.8), but he just lost out on No. 15 to Worthington. He’s followed by Doug Corbett (8.3) and LaTroy Hawkins (8.1), guys whose palindromic 23 and 32 are available, so they’ll make the team. Corbett’s an easy call, since no one of substance wore that 23. The only potential bummer in using Hawkins and his 32 is that it leaves Dan Gladden available for radio duty. But when you can call on Herb Carneal, Halsey Hall, and John Gordon, Gladden isn’t getting close to the booth. And that leaves one spot in the bullpen. The next three guys in WAR are Matt Guerrier (54, 7.9), Mike Trombley (21, 7.6), and Bill Campbell (24, 7.5). Fortunately, all three numbers are available. Unfortunately, they are all right-handed, which leaves only one lefty in the bullpen, so I’m going to have to pass. Next is Mike Marshall’s 6.8, but sorry, No. 28 is Blyleven. As players, I loved two Juans, Berenguer and Rincon, who are close in WAR at 6.4 and 5.8. Nos. 40 and 39 are available, but alas, they are also right-handed, and we still need that remaining lefty. I also liked Jesse Crain, but not only does he come up a bit short in WAR (5.4), he’s also a righty and is only our third-best No. 28. Which leads us to Taylor Rogers. He’s a lefty, has a WAR in the right range (6.5), and has the good fortune to sport the double-nickel No. 55. As the only player on the current roster to make the team, he’ll fill out our squad as the final guy in the bullpen. Easily the three names with the highest WARs that haven’t been named so far are Justin Morneau (33, 23.3), Shane Mack (24, 19.6) and Larry Hisle (9, 17.2). Interestingly, all three numbers are available, though Mack did share the 24 with Campbell, who missed out because of his handedness. It’s not like we need another person to play 1B with Hrbek, Killebrew, Carew, and Mauer available, but if you want to play the 26-man roster game and give a roster spot to our newest Twins HOFer, go ahead. Using Morneau on the Twins roster has the bonus of freeing up that number for J.C. Romero in Rochester, who was one of the next relievers to consider. Old-timers will be glad to know that Ron Davis didn’t make it. I mean, he didn’t make. Not only did his WAR plummet to 0.0, but he split time wearing Nos. 34 and 39, which puts him behind Puckett in Minnesota and Rincon in Rochester. So if Rogers is our only representative on the current roster, who is closest to consideration? Let’s look at a few guys: • Mitch Garver has the potential to solve our backup catcher issue, but he also shares Guardado’s No. 18, and you’ve already seen how deep we’ve had to go for a lefty relievers. • At 10.0 WAR and three more guaranteed seasons, Jorge Polanco could easily get past Smalley to earn the SS start. Unfortunately, in wearing No. 11, he has a long way to go to knock Knoblauch off the roster. • Miguel Sano could take off in WAR, but he’s another 1B/3B (nope, that experiment in RF doesn’t count as “a bunch) and also has to go against Radke at No. 22. • Eddie Rosario is the highest No. 20 at 10.3, but needs to go quite a ways to reach Hunter’s 26.4. With his contract situation, it seems doubtful. • Max Kepler is a possibility. At 10.8 WAR, he’s already passed Pierzynski in wearing No. 26, and with three big seasons he could push Hunter out of the fourth OF spot. Playing well enough to have the option picked up might do it, plus give us a German influence. • Byron Buxton is in a similar WAR spot at 9.9, and wears the open No. 25. A few good years and a contract extension could get him on to the team. • Jose Berrios is only at 7.5 WAR, so he’d need a contract extension to help on two counts. He needs to get to 26.3 to reach the rotation, but needs to get to 33.2 to beat Pascual at No. 17. Did I miss anyone? Did you make it this far? If so, let me know what you think or offer a rebuttal in the comments.

Do you mean like this? 'Cause I'm not seeing it.

That's such a 2017 response. The new approach is: Toothpick on the left = fastball. Toothpick on the right = breaking ball. And maybe that's the issue. Are these ratings perhaps from 2017?

He should ask for No. 34 so he could point out to his friends all the people with Ryne Harper jerseys.

I've had Senzel on my fantasy team the last three years. That, along with my membership in IHG Rewards for having stayed at a Holiday Inn Express on multiple occasions, of course makes me an expert. (Please ignore the fact that said fantasy team has finished 8th, 9th, and 3rd during his three seasons with team LP.) He's been highly regarded, a top 10 prospect for three years, in fact. But he's had a hard time staying healthy. He started out as a 3B, but then they moved him to 2B as his best opportunity to get his bat in the lineup. Last year, they moved him to CF to do the same. He missed much of 2018 because of Vertigo and a good part of last season because of shoulder issues, which they say are resolved. He's played multiple positions because he's good, not because he's a utility player. I'd be interested as a buy-low guy who is closer to the majors than Kirilloff, etc., and better than Cave. While we're currently enamored with Arraez, I suspect Senzel will be better in the long term if he moves back to the infield. However, I suspect that Cincy still views him as worth enough to get a lot more than we'd be willing to offer, and I'd concur that we're not the best match in terms of what Cincy would be looking for.

I missed that the Twins designated Ryne Harper to clear space for Donaldson. Granted, Romero has an option, but that they designated Harper, who seems like a serviceable piece, over Romero, suggests that they still have a sense of hope for the latter.

Without getting too nerdy and geeked out, because "we were told there would be no math," I'd love to see someone take an educated shot at a glossary, with... Stat, what it purports to measure, what are its limitations, and what is an average mark and an all-star mark.

True, but how many can offer him Wes, the experience of having worked with Pineda coming back from TJS, two open spots in the rotation, and the opportunity to have the Twins lineup on his side?

308

I’ve thought the same. Or, given that he seems to like to give players some freedom, how about if every Sunday, he lets a different player pick the lineup. Or maybe that day’s starter. Or even that day’s “Play Ball Kid,” since with this lineup, it doesn’t much matter.

I think Gladden should do the other 100. Mainly because I don’t have FSN, so I listen to the radio, and that would give me Provus and Atteberry.

You might be doing okay through three or four, but I doubt you’ll be feeling good about it after your sixth or seventh fried fish patty. Spoken from experience. My sons’ high school did two fish fry fundraisers every year.

Thanks so much for using the word “plethora.” It means a lot.

Fun article, with the bonus of being introduced to the word “pescetarianism.” How about Polanco’s Poblanos, too many of which might lead to a short stop in the restroom? Or Miguel’s Sano-Cones, because on a hot day in the Dominican or at Target Field, nothing cools you off like those cups of shaved ice, particularly with Dominican flavors like passion fruit and tamarind in addition to the standard cherry, grape and rainbow-colored ones? And perhaps Der Schlagger’s Schnitzels, to celebrate the career home run leader among players born in Germany? The kids might go for Pineda’s Piñatas, where you break open the little papier-mâché container for a bunch of jolly ranchers, root beer barrels, cinnamon discs, and other hard candies.

If this is the end, I’ll agree with your B+ overall, though I’d flip-flop your Odorizzi/Pineda and Hill grades, primarily because we can get up to 1.75 seasons out of the former and something like a half-season out of Hill. But it’s still only Jan. 23, so I still give it an “incomplete.” Odorizzi joined the team in February, for example, so there could easily still be more in the works with good-quality minor league signings and whatnot.* *I hope we get more good-quality minor league signings than whatnot. We’ve had too many seasons of whatnot.

Maybe that person read “JJ” and though it said Jeter? That could be the explanation for Jeter’s missing vote, right? :-)

I’d move Salazar up to No. 2. And Buchholz up considerably. I know there’s virtually no likelihood of the latter making a full season, but I’d like it if there’s at least a likelihood of him making 8 starts.

Forgot about Hill heading to the 60-day IL. That will free up a spot to add Taijuan Walker to the roster after he lights up on Ft. Myers on his minor league contract.

"I'm No Stranger to the Rain," when the Blue Jays, A's, or any other former club is the visiting team. "Smoky Mountain Rain" (keeps on fallin') is the appropriate choice after a second homer.

Great article on the Donaldson signing: http://www.startribune.com/twins-invitation-to-josh-donaldson-finally-got-a-response-it-s-a-deal/567112922/?refresh=true As to the question, “can they afford to wait,” I’m more concerned about making a smart move than I am with when. In other words, if opportunity arrives now, sure. But if it doesn’t, don’t make a drastic move just for the sake of making a move — wait and see how things play out with what they’ve got, including rookies. But then be aggressive with mid-season trades if the need is still there. At this point, it seems unlikely that teams will want to trade their “ace.” If it happens before the season, much more likely to me is a low-level-prospect-for-Odorizzi-level trade, and I like the FO’s ability to spot the under-valued. I would like to see another option or two in the spring training mix, however. We’re at the point where minor league contracts are becoming more prevalent, and I’d like to see them fish in that pond, even if it’s just to have another possibility for eight times through the rotation. Among what’s out there, I’m intrigued by: Taijuan WalkerDanny SalazarFelix HernandezClay Buchholz

Always looking for opportunities to share my favorite grammar joke... Guy from the country has gone to Boston and is walking around the campus at Harvard. He walks up to a person in requisite tweed jacket with the corduroy elbow patches and says, "Excuse me, but could you tell me where the library is at?" Tweed jacket guy ignores the visitor and starts to walk on. Country hick chases him down and says, "Excuse me, sir. Could you tell me where the library is at?" Tweed jacket guy rises up on his heels and says, "I'm sorry, but at Hah-vard University, we do NOT end questions with a preposition." Hick pauses for a moment before finally saying, "Okay, sir. Could you tell me where the library is at, you jerk?" You may now return to your regularly scheduled discussion.

And to give Donaldson time to swing by Applebee’s to pick up the gift card to give to Rosario in exchange for being able to wear No. 20.

For seven or eight times through the rotation, at which time he slips to fourth (unless he continues last year’s second half). And I’m not convinced they won’t still get another arm better than Bailey, even if it’s not better than Berrios. To your other post on Hill — lottery pick perhaps, but he’s had 20 or more starts in three of the last four years and has pitched in the last four playoffs, even when he’s missed part of the season. If we’re indeed the division favorite we seem to think we are, he can be brought along very slowly.

Which, among other things, also allows time for the physical and to explore whether they can get a lottery pick out of whoever they would otherwise be DFAing.

(Using this post as representative of those thinking we still need a higher-end pitcher.) On one hand, I get it, although I personally think Berrios is closer to an “ace” than others seem to think he is, particularly given that he’s still on the upside. At the same time, my hunch is that some on AstrosDaily are saying, “Holy cow — sure we can run out Verlander and Greinke against Berrios and Odorizzi, but then the Twins have Pineda and Hill and we’ve only got McCullers and Jose Urquidy. McCullers is coming back from TJS, and he’s never had more than 22 starts in a season and Urquidy only has 41 big league innings. And if somebody’s hurt, they can use Bailey and we’ve got Brad Peacock. Plus they have that Dobnak guy and Graterol. If Verlander or Greinke get hurt, we’re cooked.” Point being, while there may be a few teams tougher at the very top of the rotation, I’m not sure there’s many that are as deep as the Twins. And there’s still that lineup...