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MileHighTwinsFan

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Everything posted by MileHighTwinsFan

  1. MileHighTwinsFan
    My gut tells me Buxton will continue to struggle at the major league level - but will get the opening day spot. I do think he will be on a relatively short leash however. If he is not producing by mid-May he could get sent down. Not sure what this all means for Tonkin. The Twins seem to be stacked with right handed relievers in the minors. While it would be a shame to run the risk of losing him through waivers - it may be what they are faced with to get Buxton on the roster.
  2. MileHighTwinsFan
    It just makes sense for the Twins to preserve assets. Giving away Arcia and Santana for nothing would be throwing away tremendous investments that undoubtedly have value, even if not fully realized. Bringing them north for a month or even two to see if they can reach their potential is a low risk maneuver in the long run.
  3. MileHighTwinsFan
    I don't think the Twins are convinced that Park will be the starting DH. The signing of Quentin, plus having Vargas and Arcia available, makes it clear to me that Park could easily spend time in Rochester to make the transition. To me the real wild card is Arcia. He could easily find himself in an everyday role splitting time in right field and DH with Sano. Something tells me Arcia is going to not only make the club, but make a run at a starting job. I think Park is actually at a considerable disadvantage in this equation having no major league experience whatsoever. Should be a great spring training.
  4. MileHighTwinsFan
    I think Park in the starting lineup on opening day is a stretch. I predict he spends the first month of the season, at least, in AAA and that Arcia gets all the at-bats against right-handers from the DH spot until Park proves he is the better option.
  5. MileHighTwinsFan
    At this point Sano is a given and Buxton has to simply hit a few curveballs and take a few walks in spring training to be the starting CF. Having said that, I expect both might experience some growing pains. Buxton, in particular, may not have seen the last of Rochester, NY. Nevertheless, it is exciting to imagine and opening day with these two in the lineup.
  6. MileHighTwinsFan
    Seems unrealistic to prioritize Park over Mauer at 1B when the former has yet to see a major league pitch and the latter has a plus. 300 lifetime average. I know it is all speculation, but the Mauer is dead and buried as an everyday major leaguer in 2018 theory is overly pessimistic in my mind. Hard to fathom a $20+ million a year bench player.
  7. MileHighTwinsFan
    Sorry guys but judging the Twins off season based on a particular time frame, whether that be a month, a week or a day makes no sense. While I understand that the team did not sign some viable talent to deals - we should not assume that the dealing is done either. Relief pitchers are notoriously unpredictable - so putting big money out for a player who will pitch 50 innings tops seems risky. Further, given that this team's best days are ahead of them - meaning beyond 2016, it seems wiser to consider controllable high upside arms. Bottom line, trades make much more sense than free agency. There is plenty of time for a deal to happen that can fulfill the club's needs.
  8. MileHighTwinsFan
    I am a little shocked that people believe Buxton is ready to lead off. Did we not learn anything from putting inexperienced hitters like Hicks and Santana in the lead off spot on opening day? I still see Buxton in the 9 hole on opening day with Dozier leading off. If the kid gets the OBP up and K's down, then maybe you make a move later in the season. I am not even convinced Buxton is your opening day starter. I would place a little less than even money Santana starts the year there.
  9. MileHighTwinsFan
    For a twelve year old from Apple Valley, Rod Carew's run at .400 and the Twins success made 1977 a summer to remember. My life long love affair with the Twins was solidified during those summer nights next to the radio listening to Herb Carneal call that wonderful season. My thoughts are with Rodney Cline as he battles back to health. A true icon of Minnesota sports.
  10. MileHighTwinsFan
    I'm not sure why you believe Hicks has got a starting spot on the roster locked up. Rosario clearly has his weaknesses, but Hicks still has not put together a complete season. He definitely showed signs of life, but outside of a hot 5 week stretch, he still has not reached the level of consistency needed day to day. Rosario has many weaknesses, but is also very young. To right him off as an offensive liability in the long run seems premature given his power and speed. In the end, the question you don't answer is who you trade Rosario for? To me the team needs to listen, but not be too quick on pulling the trigger. I see nothing wrong with the club heading into spring training with a true competition for the outfield spots. The depth is something to behold and reminds me of the Dodgers. Having options is a great thing at this point. I would not write off any of these players yet.
  11. MileHighTwinsFan
    Watching Morneau, particularly in September showed me that he definitely has plenty left in the tank. He took advantage of the large Coors Field outfield to drive the ball the ball to all fields. While Coors Field tends to elevate stats, there was nothing cheap about what I saw from him. For me, the key to the DH spot is getting quality at bats and player who can hit for power. One only need look at what Kendry Morales did as a veteran and proven hitter in the middle of the KC lineup to see what a quality DH can bring to the lineup. I love Vargas' potential, but know that he is not there yet. Plouffe could play that role, but does not fill the prototype.
  12. MileHighTwinsFan
    This is an interesting analysis. If the team does want to move to the next level, they do need to be honest in what they have in Hicks. An Arcia/Hicks platoon could indeed create the proverbial two wrongs making a right. Watching the Dodgers deploy platoons with their talented crop of outfielders seems like a model to emulate. A mix of outfield options among Hunter (if he returns), Arcia, Hicks, Rosario and possibly Buxton could work. I think the club could make room for all five with Hunter also doubling as a DH option. If the club starts with Buxton in the minors, the club could give Hicks a chance to prove he can handle an everyday slot, but quickly pivot to add Buxton - creating the platoon in right.
  13. MileHighTwinsFan
    Tonight could be crazy. MLB Extra Innings is getting a workout at my house tonight. So much to watch: How will the lack of DH impact Houston's pitching? When will they pull the trigger on Gattis?Can Trout come up big? Will Josh Hamilton provide a huge payback to his former mates?Can the rookies rise to the occasion - will Rosario or Sano do something special?How loud will Target Field be? - will we see a new tradition? - "The Homer Zubaz"
  14. MileHighTwinsFan
    I think I heard that Gray has been shut down for the year.
  15. MileHighTwinsFan
    Not sure Hunter sticks around to start once a week and pinch hit. I think he would find a gig somewhere else or retire before becoming a bench bat.
  16. MileHighTwinsFan
    If Vargas had come close to matching his numbers from last year, Plouffe may already be gone. Until Vargas proves he is ready for the DH job full time, I see the team sticking with Plouffe for another year. With things as they are right now, it is hard to see how Hunter makes this team next year - despite all he brings to the clubhouse. I do worry that losing Hunter and Plouffe would set the team back a bit in terms of a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Dozier would have to carry the emotional load on that front, which might be a bit much for the guy.
  17. MileHighTwinsFan
    I want to see what happens when Hicks is back and September call ups are made. I see a team that suddenly has lots of options and match ups that could make an impact. My nomination for impact players down the stretch is a Hicks, Rosario, Buxton outfield that dominates defensively and provides a spark offensively. Moving Hunter into spot starts and pinch hitting duties provides that dangerous bat in late inning situations.
  18. MileHighTwinsFan
    I would be in favor of a deal for Shields and Benoit - allowing the Twins to push Pelfrey into the bullpen, where I think he would be very good. A Santana, Shields, Hughes, Gibson, Milone rotation looks quite good to me - as does a Pelfrey/Duensing/May-6th and 7th inning, Benoit-8th inning and Perkins closing. Padres take on Nolasco, get Kohl Stewart and possibly Arcia or Santana.
  19. MileHighTwinsFan
    The Twins will make a deal - not likely to be a blockbuster. They will add one or two bullpen arms and I could see a deal for a veteran shortstop - Ramirez or Desmond - for the playoff push. Neither of these deals would require parting with top prospects.
  20. MileHighTwinsFan
    Not sure why this is such a controversial notion. There was a point when teams used a four man rotation and gradually the league transitioned to a five-man. If you have the depth and a similar level of effectiveness across your rotation, it does make some degree of sense to consider six. At this point, the Twins don't have a true "ace", but do have six arms that are performing at a relatively similar level. I think trying a six man for awhile, until someone either gets hurt or regresses, makes some sense.
  21. MileHighTwinsFan
    Enough with the Plouffe in the outfield, Sano at 3B 8/10 games malarkey. Plouffe has played an outstanding 3b and needs to be in the starting lineup there almost everyday. Sano is a DH right now with the occasional spot start at third.
  22. MileHighTwinsFan
    I agree that Santana may be a push with whoever gets moved out of the rotation. I worry that the Twins will make an irreversible move with one of the existing starters, like trading Pelfrey or Milone, Santana struggles and it ends up being a net loss. I am hoping that they move Milone to the pen, keeping him ready to start in the event that he is needed.
  23. MileHighTwinsFan
    For me I see Molitor using the middle of the lineup on hitters that take quality at bats and put the ball in play. I am sure he would be happy to slot a power bat like Vargas or Arcia - but until the club is convinced that they can make more consistent contact, I have no problem going this route. While the numbers are not there - I think opposing teams see Mauer as the one proven and quality hitter in that lineup. As a result, I think where he sits in the lineup impacts the way teams pitch to Hunter before him and Plouffe after. If Plouffe can continue to put together at bats like he did in the 9th yesterday, Joe is going to get better opportunities. Obviously he needs to deliver. Vargas may be ready to for another shot - but I have little problem with Molitor is doing given the pieces he has.
  24. MileHighTwinsFan
    Great piece. Can't wait to read Part II. I know Johnson didn't have a number when he played - but it would be great to have some commemoration of him along side the others who have had their number retired.
  25. MileHighTwinsFan
    If the team is at the top of the standings at the All Star break, they will need to give the team at least 2 slots. Perkins is a given at this point, Dozier and Plouffe would be the candidates for the second slot. Because the game actually means something, the pitching staff is going to be reliever heavy and filled with closers. That means Gibson is probably a long shot to make the team.
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