GV14218

Here’s one reason I love reading Twins Daily: some interesting articles and good writing, AND also lots of thoughtful comments. This thread is a great example.

Kepler has produced 1.5 WAR this season in 95 games. Over the seasons 2019-2022, according to baseball-reference.com, he has produced 8.6 WAR playing in 398 games. He outperforms his contract, and it isn't close. The Twins have several roster concerns - but data show that RF with Kepler isn't one of them.

Absolutely right.

What happened this past offseason was a LOCKOUT by MLB owners, not a strike by players. The difference is important.

“some outwardly questioned why the Twins decided to play the game at all given the evening's forecast.” Twins management showed a lack of good judgement last night. Forecast was clear. Thumbs down on them.

Sanchez’s declining stats the past few years lead me to say no to an extension.

Article presents two paths of action, Cody, and is well written. In deciding how best to proceed with Donaldson, I’m stuck on this: “… gamble on the health of Josh Donaldson.” That makes my decision: offload.

One of these statements is a data-driven conclusion. The other, well ...

Exactly right, Brock. Some other American pro sports - NHL, NBA, NFL - have updated their products to provide more customer appeal. MLB players, OTOH, seem proud of trotting out cliches about “playing the game the right way.” And the league has been too slow to respond to three true outcomes dominating games. To MLB: Good luck attracting a new generation of customers.

Six good questions. I’ll argue rebuilding Twins need to answer this one, too: is there a 2022 role for Josh Donaldson (who’ll be 36), or should he be moved before the trade deadline to free up the money? Cot’s Baseball Contracts shows Donaldson is owed $51.5 million (2022-2023 + buyout of 2024 option). With pitching the biggest issue, for me getting off this contract should be a top priority.

Exactly. The expiring contracts in this article may bring a AA or A prospect, and that’s worth looking at. Think back to the 2018 Pressly deal (Celestino, Alcala) or 2019 Dozier deal (Smelzer). But it’s these ticking contracts that could bring an MLB-ready return. Twins just can’t afford to allow Berríos, Buxton, etc to leave after 2022 as FA, for no return. Get those extensions agreed to, or grit the teeth and move these players.

A ghastly stat line suggests Sanó belongs on this list. That .163 average, high K rate and RISP failure level are hard to ignore. He looks overmatched at the plate.

Yes, Berríos pitched very well. Outstanding, even. But this game also was a grade A display of one of baseball’s biggest challenges: lack of on-field action. This game featured 30 strikeouts. Thirty. And a grand total of 5 hits. For those who enjoy batters flailing away, this game provided great entertainment. For everyone else, it was dreadful.

This signing seems to make some current player redundant. Who drops off the 25-man roster? I’ll wager Adrianza.

These ideas, in my opinion, are both reasonable and feasible. In fact, I'd go one step further regarding the doubleheader idea: every Sat or Sun during Jun - Aug should be a twin bill. Subtract a few of these Apr games that are poorly attended (and not just in Minnesota) and add games when fans actually attend: summer months.