Jump to content
Twins Daily
  • Create Account
  • entries
    891
  • comments
    3,675
  • views
    1,591,022

The Best Trade Not Made

Ted Schwerzler

Entry posted by Ted Schwerzler ·

2,060 views

 Share

Twins Video

Going into the offseason, Terry Ryan and Paul Molitor made quick work of releasing the information that Miguel Sano was going to try and make a transition to the outfield. The exciting slugger needed to make room for Byung Ho Park, and playing right field was how the Twins were going to handle that. The notion was met with skepticism and an almost guaranteed thought that in the end, Trevor Plouffe would be dealt from the Twins.

 

In the end though, Plouffe has stayed put, and it creates a best possible scenario for the Twins.

 

Although Sano is entering uncharted territory in the outfield, there's reason to believe that it could work. What's more important though, is exactly how much Plouffe means to Minnesota. For Molitor's squad, there was no logical return that was going to bring back what Plouffe meant to the lineup. Most importantly is that the production Plouffe brings may be under appreciated.

 

A season ago, Trevor Plouffe was worth 2.5 fWAR for the Twins, down from a 3.6 fWAR in 2014. Unfortunately for those stuck on projections, Steamer sees just a 1.6 fWAR for the Twins third basemen in 2016. It really depends on what Plouffe is able to play throughout the entirety of the season however.

 

In a handful of categories, Plouffe set new records for himself a year ago. He played in a career high 152 games, scored 74 runs, picked up 140 hits, tripled four times, homered 22 times, drove in 86 runs, and looked every bit the part of one of the best third basemen in baseball. The problem is that Plouffe's season was a tale of two parts.

 

From Opening Day until the end of July, Plouffe slashed a respectable .257/.316/.456 as well as clubbing 14 of his homers and driving in 55 of his runs. Of his 35 doubles on the season, 24 of them came before August, then things changed. From August 1st through the end of the season, Plouffe slashed an ugly .223/.294/.398. He homered just eight more times, and he struck out 53 times in 56 starts. The momentum from the better part of the season had fallen off of a cliff.

 

So why does it matter that Plouffe is still in the middle of the Twins lineup? Because for a team that will rely on offense, the California product has shown he can be a catalyst for it. When called upon to handle the load as the cleanup hitter, Plouffe went through issue. In 68 starts from the four-hole, he slashed just .223/.284/.400, launching eight of his homers. At his best, hitting from the five-spot in the lineup, Plouffe slashed .274/.332/.489 with 11 of his homers.

 

Dropping in the lineup behind the likes of 2016 power hitters, Sano and Park, Plouffe is given an opportunity to see pitches in a more ideal situation. Allowing Plouffe to hit in a lesser lineup role in the year ahead could foster the same type of early season production the Twins saw from their third basemen, but allow them to benefit for an entire 162.

 

At the end of the day, Plouffe wasn't going to net the Twins much more than a relief arm. Considering the benefit to the lineup as one of their best hitters, keeping him and pairing his bat with the likes of Sano, Park, and Brian Dozier should help the Twins to create offensive opportunities in an abundant fashion.

 

For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

 Share

9 Comments

Recommended Comments

Liquidator

Twins

Plouffe (3B); Walker (1B/OF); Meyer (RP/SP); Murphy ©; Milone (SP); Polanco (2B)

for

Brewers

Lucroy ©; and Smith (LHP)

 

throw in Nolasco if they'd take him

Brewers get need and near MLB ready prospects and Twins get immediate need for a couple of years.

Link to comment
Rosterman

Plouffe is still a keeper...THIS SEASON. Next season, his final arbitration year, he will command north of $10 million. That is the decision on the horizon, and also affects his trade value to another team. Is he worth it? That is the question. If Plouffe IS worth it, you try and sign him, right now, today, for $30-33 million over three years with a 4th year option. If he isn't worth it, you figure out a way to trade him NOW or hope there is a demand for a third baseman in mid-season...and then it becomes the decision of another team to offer the arbitration, or he becomes a free agent and could possibly sign for less (say three years and $24-30 million). Either way, this season and next Plouffe has to play well for financial reward. It's a gamble you take. But either way, he is still tradable for a relief pitcher...but at what level. 

 

Again, if you do sign him, than you commit to keeping him at third, or do you move him (shades of Cuddyer) to the outfield. Have the Twins seen enough of Sano in the outfield (no) to know he will work out there. Actually, have the Twins seen enough of Sano at third, in major league situations, to be comfortable with the big guy there. If we parted with Plouffe and Sano wasn't the guy at third, then what do we do.

 

Our troubles seem to be revolving more and more around with Mr. Minnesota Twin, Joe Mauer, who is a franchise player...but..... In the big picture, we would save salary, if we could find a taker. For the next three years he is playing positions -- first base and DH -- that we could put any number of others players in. Plouffe at first, Sano at third. Leave outfield for Kepler. We have Park in the mix. Where do we play Vargas and Arcia. What happens if Walker is the real deal.

 

We all know what Mauer brings to the table. And the Twins will still have to make a further decision on the "Face of the Franchise" again...if Joe wishes to play beyond his contract. 

Link to comment
Ted Schwerzler

 

Twins

Plouffe (3B); Walker (1B/OF); Meyer (RP/SP); Murphy ©; Milone (SP); Polanco (2B)

for

Brewers

Lucroy ©; and Smith (LHP)

 

throw in Nolasco if they'd take him

Brewers get need and near MLB ready prospects and Twins get immediate need for a couple of years.

I'd do this in a heartbeat. I'm still nervous to see what the Brewers get for Lucroy. If it's little, the Twins should feel pretty bad about grabbing JRM.

Link to comment
Platoon

Just as it seems some players can't handle the mental aspect of batting lead off, some cannot deal with the pressure of the 3 and 4 hole. Being the man, is not as easy as hitting HR in non power spots. It's why whenever Plouffe, and Dozier were advocated for in those lineup spots, solely on their HR # I felt it a poor idea. Hopefully with Sano the days of that being an option are past. I don't know the value of Plouffe on the market. I would not give him away either. But when one considers a list of the feared middle of the order power hitters in the AL, I doubt you would find his name on anyone's list, routside of MN.

Link to comment
Shaitan

 

I'd do this in a heartbeat. I'm still nervous to see what the Brewers get for Lucroy. If it's little, the Twins should feel pretty bad about grabbing JRM.

 

MLB Trade Rumors and the like have MIL asking for a lot for him.

Link to comment
TNLooky2015

 

Just as it seems some players can't handle the mental aspect of batting lead off, some cannot deal with the pressure of the 3 and 4 hole. Being the man, is not as easy as hitting HR in non power spots. It's why whenever Plouffe, and Dozier were advocated for in those lineup spots, solely on their HR # I felt it a poor idea. Hopefully with Sano the days of that being an option are past. I don't know the value of Plouffe on the market. I would not give him away either. But when one considers a list of the feared middle of the order power hitters in the AL, I doubt you would find his name on anyone's list, routside of MN.

 

I never understand what managers truly want in their #4 hitters.  ABWII hit 4th in the only year he won league MVP and posted a 20% K rate.  Since then he has batted 6th and 7th and his K rates have risen.  Home run numbers stayed the same however.  So the bigger question may be who bats in front and behind you in the order and not, can you hit for power anywhere in order.

Link to comment
dxpavelka

 

Twins

Plouffe (3B); Walker (1B/OF); Meyer (RP/SP); Murphy ©; Milone (SP); Polanco (2B)

for

Brewers

Lucroy ©; and Smith (LHP)

 

throw in Nolasco if they'd take him

Brewers get need and near MLB ready prospects and Twins get immediate need for a couple of years.

Maybe we could throw in Berrios, Buxton & Sano as well.  Seems like a lot to give up for a 30  year old catcher & a set up guy whose numbers would most likely suffer going from the NL to the AL.

 

Link to comment
Guest
Add a comment...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
×
  • Create New...