What 2 Watch 4--Hitters

[stringer bell]

RandBall has been prolific lately. Just yesterday, he wrote about Twins to watch for the last 50-some games of the season. He listed Escobar, Plouffe, Parmelee, Mauer, and Arcia.

 

http://blog.startribune.com/sports/randball/wednesday-important-final-two-months-for-these-5-twins-hitters-edition-wha-happened

 

All of those guys are interesting, but to me there are more--I want to see if Dozier can finish strong and be regarded as a top 2B, I am interested in current minor leaguers who will probably be recalled by September (Pinto, Hicks) and guys who could figure next year (Buxton, Rosario).

 

While it is all about the future, there are plenty of stories left to watch and the success or failure of many players will figure greatly in the Twins' off season.

[DocBauer]

Agree with your points overall. In Escobar, Plouffe, Arcia and Santana, and even Parmelee, I just want to see them finish OK. Pretty much do what their doing, and have been doing. I'm not saying I don't want to see improvement, especially in the case of Arcia. But a big month or two, to me, isn't as telling as maintaining vs regression and a poor finish.

 

In Mauer, I just want to see him finish healthy, and finish something close to the old Mauer, the way he was hitting before his injury, where he WAS looking like his old self. That could go a long way to feeling good about the lineup in 2015.

 

I think we've all learned not to get too keyed up over September stats by themselves, which is one reason it's so neat to see Vargas up at this point. I like the idea of him getting two full months in as opposed to just that one month call up.

 

Hicks, I just want him to keep working hard, making adjustments, carry over what he's done at New Britain up to Rochester now, and then fit in, do his best, no pressure or promises for next season, in his September recall.

 

Pinto...hey, we aren't competing for anything, Suzuki is already proven and signed, so give Pinto starts and AB's. Period! And when he's not catching, we don't have a permanent DH anyway.

 

Polanco needs to come up for September doesn't he? I'm not getting ahead of myself, I'm not looking for another mistake rush job, but he's already in the 40 man, has already burned an option for the year, so it would be anywhere from silly to stupid to not bring him up in September wouldn't it? Just for experience, a look-see, work with ML coaches, etc, etc.

[stringer bell]

No on Polanco. I think the Twins need to look at Santana at shortstop. Polanco is not thriving at AA. I think you have the option thing backwards. The option was used in March, not when he was recalled and then sent out.

[Paul Pleiss]

I want to see guys play baseball at the MLB level, specifically Meyer and May and some other guys from the AAA pitching staff. Jarod Buron getting innings isn't something I enjoy. What's his value to the team for the future?

 

I want to see Hicks back up. I'm a big Hicks proponent. He's always gotten on base and he just came off a great month in NB where he hit well from BOTH sides of the plate. Hopefully that carries over to AAA and eventually up to MLB this September.

 

I watch for offense. Watching Arcia swing out of his shoes is fun, even when he misses. Seeing Danny Santana fly down the line to beat out or neatly beat out sqibbers to SS/3B is fun. Brian Dozier being Brian Dozier. Can he hit for just a bit more average? Will Joe Mauer ever be Joe Mauer again?

 

Mostly I want to see the youth of the future play big league ball to see what they can do, to see how they handle the big league life, if only for a few weeks. I'd rather they get their lumps at the back end of another lost season than next spring when hope springs eternal.

[goulik]

I think Rochester in AAA playoff baseball will adversely affect our hopes for September baseball viewing at Target Field.