Improving the Defense in 2015

[stringer bell]

The Twins played a sloppy three error game today, but on the whole errors haven't been their biggest defensive problem.  They have several players that lack range, especially outfielders, and they have played several guys out of position during the course of this season.  The team, overall, hasn't been very good defensively.  That is an "eyeball evaluation" not based on defensive metrics. 

 

With a staff that still consists of many guys who rely heavily on the defense behind them, I am wondering what can be done to improve the defense going forward, looking hard at 2015.

 

Here are some suppositions:  Joe Mauer will be the primary first baseman, Brian Dozier will play second, unless Miguel Sano is off-the-charts impressive, Trevor Plouffe will open as the Twins' third baseman, Oswaldo Arcia is the right fielder and Danny Santana will be in the lineup somewhere.  Also Kurt Suzuki will be the starting catcher when the spring rolls around. 

 

This scenario leaves three positions open and Santana will start at one of them.  Where should Santana play and who should fill the other two spots?  Here's my take:  Santana starts the season as the Twins center fielder, but can be moved out of center by a resurgent Aaron Hicks, or Eddie Rosario or Byron Buxton.  Having watched Santana in center for about 50 games, he has rough edges, but has the range and arm to be a quality defender.  The decision in center field makes Eduardo Escobar the shortstop.  Finally, the Twins have to find a left fielder.  Early in the season, I think Jordan Schafer will get a long look in left field.  I also believe and hope that both Santana and Plouffe get some reps in left because both could be moved off their positions by phenoms who aren't quite ready at this time. 

 

While what I have sketched out doesn't involve wholesale change (or  early position shifts), I think it represents some improvement and I think the relative continuity would also help the defense perform better.  Here's a thumbnail of each prospective starter:  Mauer:  has adjusted to first quite well.  I think he's already a better-than-average first sacker.  Dozier:  He's made a few too many errors, but he has made many acrobatic plays.  He is a good defender at second, overall handling the double play well.  Escobar:  Not great range, but good hands and a fine throwing arm.  Plouffe:  He's made good strides defensively, he'll never have much range and he really doesn't seem to have soft hands, but his reactions are a bit better and he's throwing the ball far better than I ever thought he would.  Schafer:  The word out of Atlanta was that he was a lousy outfielder despite great speed.  Probably true, but he has looked pretty good in left field so far for the Twins (SSS).  Santana in center:  Again great speed is an equalizer.  He takes some bad routes and bad chances, but his speed has bailed him out a few times.  Arcia:  He is much improved over last year, demonstrating a nice arm .  Suzuki:  Not a strong arm, but he is reliable and  durable.

 

I would rate Dozier as above average, Mauer slightly above average as are  Escobar and Plouffe.  In the outfield, Arcia is improved but still a work in progress. Santana is probably just a tick or two from being average and I'll rate Schafer as adequate, just because of his tools (arm and speed).

 

I think this defense is good enough.  If the Twins acquire an outfielder, he really need to be good in the outfield.  The addition of guys like Sano and Buxton might hurt the defense short term, but they too have good tools. 

[Thegrin]

So, if I understand you right, the Twins need to rely on experience and improved performance from our current roster.  I totally, 100% agree with you.  I just hope the players know how to get to Target Field.

"Practice. Practice. Practice." 

[alskntwnsfn]

Escobar had a tough night last night but even with his two-error performance, he only has 7 errors on the year. Plus he more than made up for it at the plate. 

 

I don't think we should be so quick to anoint Santana our SS of the future. Probably best to just let them both play until Buxton arrives (if ever) and see if anybody takes themselves out of the running. However, maybe we should consider letting Schafer play is natural position (CF) and move Santana over to LF. Schafer has more experience and covers more ground.  

[kab21]

Jordan Schafer should not play any position other than 4th OF'er or AAA CF'er.

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

If Plouffe and Escobar both have limited range - maybe one should be on the bench so a player that does have range can help cover ground on that side of the infield....

 

LF and CF is really important to correct at Target Field, this years' crop of players have made the dimensions seem cavernous.

 

Maybe we've been spoiled a bit in the past with Kirby/Hunter/Span/Revere in CF, but I'm all for upholding tradition - the Twins need to find a better bridge to Buxton (and there's no certainty that Buxton will be the player he's projected to be).

 

Similar to Plouffe/Escobar, if the LF has no range, and Arcia has limited range, the CF had better be Superman. Schafer is great to have around to fill in to give someone a break, but his bat is too weak to have him play everyday.

 

Hicks has graded out poorly as a CF according to defensive metrics - does he deserve another chance to reclaim the role?

[kab21]

Hicks graded out poorly due to non-polished defense.  His defensive tools should allow him to be an excellent defender.  Whether or not he gets chances to reclaim the role is whether or not he can hit MLB pitching.

[Mike Sixel]

hard to understand how someone can have those tools, be in professional baseball for 6 years, and still not be able to field better.

[ScrapTheNickname]

Jordan Schafer should not play any position other than 4th OF'er or AAA CF'er.

But those stolen bases! 23 in 159 plate appearances! It is a stunning statistic.

 

All he needs to do is have a decent OBP, and he'll be fine. A lot to ask, right?

 

I think that's why they're trying him out, and he has performed well above his normal terribleness, so they can't sit him now, at least for awhile.

[ScottyB]

Jordan Schafer should not play any position other than 4th OF'er or AAA CF'er.

 

Personally, as far as I'm concerned keep using him this year, but he's one of my cuts from the 40-man at the end of the season.  I could see re-signing him to a minor league deal and putting him at Rochester next year.  He's the same as Mastroianni and Presley.  We can find a better option out there.

[DocBauer]

Personally, as far as I'm concerned keep using him this year, but he's one of my cuts from the 40-man at the end of the season.  I could see re-signing him to a minor league deal and putting him at Rochester next year.  He's the same as Mastroianni and Presley.  We can find a better option out there.

Have stated before I think a solid AAAA type CF would be a smart signing for next year. Someone who could fill in, possibly compete for the 4th OF spot. Even with hope for Hicks and Rosario, there is room for such an option to provide additional depth and flexibility. Kept or released and re-signed, Schafer could be that guy.

 

I'm going to disagree that he's another Mastroianni or Presley, however. At least, not a post injury Mastro. The jury is out yet, but if he can hit even a little and play solid decense, his speed tool and ability to steal bases could make him a unique specialist off the bench.

 

But no question whoever the Twins acquire for LF next season has to be able to play quality defense in addition to his offense. With CF and SS not exactly settled yet, Arcia improving but not outstanding, we need to know LF is covered on a daily basis.

[kab21]

hard to understand how someone can have those tools, be in professional baseball for 6 years, and still not be able to field better.

 

It's not unusual for someone to have unpolished defensive skills as a rookie. It's also not unusual for a toolsy defender to never become a good defender though.  Regardless Hicks's future is tied to whether or not he can hit the ball.  If he doesn't hit then it doesn't matter what kind of defense he plays.

[alskntwnsfn]

Personally, as far as I'm concerned keep using him this year, but he's one of my cuts from the 40-man at the end of the season.  I could see re-signing him to a minor league deal and putting him at Rochester next year.  He's the same as Mastroianni and Presley.  We can find a better option out there.

 

He is way faster (and better base stealer) than either of those guys and he makes way more contact. You realize he's hitting 300/400/411 for us in 19 games, right? And is 8-9 in stolen base attempts. He has 8 K's! Defensive stats (#grainofsalt) say he's saved runs in LF too.

 

That's a pretty useful starter if he can keep it up.  

[kab21]

He is way faster (and better base stealer) than either of those guys and he makes way more contact. You realize he's hitting 300/400/411 for us in 19 games, right? And is 8-9 in stolen base attempts. He has 8 K's! Defensive stats (#grainofsalt) say he's saved runs in LF too.

 

That's a pretty useful starter if he can keep it up.  

 

He is days away from age 28 and has hit .620 OPS with a 26% K rate in 1300 career PA's.  Defensively he has a slightly negative career UZR.  19 games mean nothing.

[pierre75275]

mayb the twins can get span back if the nationals dont pick up his contract