Article: Postseason Review: Parmelee, Nunez and Schaefer

[stringer bell]

This will close out my postseason reviews of position players. Parmelee and Nuñez spent a majority of the season with the Twins. Even absent significant injuries, they didn't start many games. Schafer was claimed from the Braves and played regularly. All three players had their moments, but most likely won't seriously compete for a starting spot in 2015. There is a significant possibility that one or more of these players will be cut loose in the offseason.Parmelee: Chris Parmelee had chances to claim a regular position with the Twins in 2012 and 2013. In 2012 Parmelee started at first base to start the season after a very successful September audition. Justin Morneau was coming off a severe concussion and was slated to be the DH. Parmelee was given first base. He played acceptable defense, but failed to hit. Parmelee was sent to Rochester where he crushed AAA pitching, but failed to sustain his swing when recalled by the Twins.

 

In 2013, Parm got the starting nod as the right fielder. He surprised many by being an acceptable right fielder, although he lacked speed. Again, his bat failed him and he was eventually sent to Rochester. In 2014, Parmelee competed again for a roster spot and lost out. Out of options, he was outrighted to Rochester when no one claimed him. In 32 games, Parmelee hit well, coming up with a .920 OPS and maintaining a batting average over .300. When the Twins suffered a rash of injuries, Chris was recalled and did not return to the minors. Parmelee split his playing time three ways, starting 14 games in left, 28 in right, 16 at first, and one in center field. Parmelee was inconsistent at the plate, at some points hitting in the middle of the order and other times slumping dramatically. His final numbers were so-so--a .691 OPS (94 OPS+).

 

Probably the most striking stat was Parmelee's platoon split. Despite batting left-handed, his OPS vs. left handed pitching was .859, with a .325 batting average. Chris was also the Twins top pinch hitter. He was 5-13 with 7 RBI. Parmelee didn't get much of an audition late in the season, indicating that the coaching staff pretty much knew what they had. It appears Parmelee's chances of competing for a starting spot are over with the Twins. I think that if other roster moves work out that Parmelee could be a pretty good bench player. As a hitter, he has shown he can hit against lefties and has been pretty effective as a pinch hitter. He's shown he is an acceptable corner OF, as well as a good defensive first baseman.

 

Nuñez: Eduardo Nuñez was once regarded as the probable successor to Derek Jeter. Bad defense and unspectacular offense lowered the expectation to that of competing for a utility spot on the Yankees. In spring training, he lost out for that job and was designated for assignment. The Twins claimed Eduardo and early in May, he was recalled. Nuñez was primarily a backup, and he got at-bats at several positions. He started 17 games at short, 12 at third, and 11 in the outfield (10 in left, one in right). Metrics indicate that Nuñez was pretty good in the outfield, decent at short, but subpar at third. He seemed uncomfortable in the outfield, surprisingly good at short and third. With the bat, Nuñez had some moments, but overall was not a great hitter. He showed very good speed on the bases and a bit of pop.

 

Like Parmelee, Nunez also had "reverse" platoon splits. The right-handed hitter put up solid numbers against right-handers (716 OPS), but struggled against lefties (586 OPS). The future for Nuñez is fairly cloudy, partly because he is eligible for arbitration. With no more additions, he has a good chance of claiming a utility spot on the 2015 Twins. As noted, he offers good speed, some versatility and some pop for a utility player. His defense isn't outstanding and he is 27, so it is unlikely he will get substantially better either at the plate or in the field. In short stints, he has provided a shot in the arm for the Twins.

 

Schafer: Jordan Schafer was once a top prospect for the Braves. However. poor performance, off-field problems and injuries combined to short circuit his trials with the Braves and the Astros. Schafer was designated for assignment at the trade deadline and the Twins claimed him and immediately used him regularly, mostly as the left fielder.

 

More regular play netted improved performance. Schafer eclipsed almost all of his Brave stats in a month, reaching base at a good clip, stealing bases and playing good defense in both left and center. Schafer hit .333 with an OPS of .831 in August. He tailed off in September, compounded by a non-throwing shoulder injury. He finished his two-month trial with the Twins with a .285 average, .707 OPS (100 OPS+) and 15 stolen bases in 147 plate appearances (roughly a quarter of the season).

 

The left-handed hitting Schafer posted severe platoon splits for both the Braves and the Twins in 2014. He had an OPS of .822 (.326 BA) against right handed pitchers, but had a near-helpless .388 OPS (.171 BA) against same-handed hurlers. Schafer displayed one outstanding skill -- he is an very good base stealer. He swiped 15 bases in his limited time with the Twins. His defense rated as good, especially in left field which is a new position for him.

 

Going forward, the Twins must decide what to do with the arb-eligible Schafer. Given his good performance late in 2014 and the lack of great internal options, I expect the Twins will find a way to retain him. Schafer will likely compete for a starting spot, but his probable landing spot is fourth or platoon OF. Having the skill of an accomplished base thief gives him a leg up to be a helpful bench player. His poor performance against southpaws would limit him to being a platoon player at best. At 28 years of age, the most the Twins can hope for from Schafer would be to see what they saw in August and September. Schafer could be a helpful player for an improving Twins team.

 

I think all three players profiled here are big-leaguers, but none of them will ever be more than part-time players. None of them are really young (Parm 26, Nuñez 27, and Schafer 28), but all seem to have skills that could help them be helpful bench guys. Nuñez plays both infield and outfield, Parmelee plays first and the outfield corners and Schafer looks like a three-position outfielder. Nuñez and Schafer have good speed and Schafer appears to be an elite base stealer. Parmelee had a good season (SSS) pinch-hitting and facing LH pitching. Ideally, bench players would provide high-quality defense, but that's not the case here. Acquisitions and DFAs will probably determine whether all three guys remain with the Twins.

 

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[Linus]

Thanks for doing these, Stringer.

 

I was always an advocate of giving Parms enough consistent at bats to find out what we have.  While that didn't really happen before, I think it did this year - he is what he is.

 

At this point, if I could only keep two for my bench, I would go with Nunez and Schafer.  Parm's ability to play first is really not needed now and his hitting isn't good enough to seperate him from the other two.

[TheDean]

At this point, if I could only keep two for my bench, I would go with Nunez and Schafer.  Parm's ability to play first is really not needed now and his hitting isn't good enough to seperate him from the other two.

 

Early in the season, I thought that Nunez was a good addition to ensure that we didn't see any more Florimon, but the problem with both Parm and Nunez is that they'd rate as "good replacement players."  They're good to stash in AAA at ML minimum, but they're a burden considering their production if they get arb offers and have no options.

 

The big "if" is whether Santana is a SS or not going into the season.  If Danny is in the IF, Schafer could find himself with regular ABs, and Escobar is your bench utility guy instead of Nunez.

 

Either way, Schafer is a keeper for now. He seemed similar to Santana in being a "sparkplug" type player, and he plays a position of need: competent outfielder with range.

Edited October 20, 2014 by TheDean

[James Richter]

Parm could possibly turn into a Garrett Jones type - but I would let some other team find that out. Nunez isn't better enough than the multitude of minor league FAs who will be available this offseason to merit paying more than league minimum.

 

Schafer is a pretty ideal bench guy for the 2015 Twins: they'll want to PH Pinto for Arcia in high-leverage spots against LHPs, then have Schafer PR and take over in RF. Or have Arcia hit his way on late, then have Schafer PR. Or just use him as the defensive sub late when the Twins are ahead. Give Hicks some days off against tough RHPs. And if they don't acquire an outside OF, Schafer can hold down one of the OF spots until Rosario and/or Buxton is ready.

[nicksaviking]

I would say that Schaffer is a lock for the 25-man next year but I said the same about Alex Presley last off season. 

[Boom Boom]

I don't think Schafer should have any kind of lock on a 25-man spot... he's a fourth outfielder, and his August was a mirage.  Guys like him, and Fuld, and Mastro, and Presley are readily available, and if any available outfielder represents an upgrade on the spare outfielder spot the Twins should take them and let Schafer go.

 

Just don't replace him with a clubhouse chemist like Bartlett.

[Linus]

I like Schafer as a 4th outfielder in that he can play some defense and his speed could really be valuable as a pinch runner late in games and we need a stolen base.  The guy is a machine on the base paths.  In this regard, he offers something that all the other backup / filler types haven't.

[SwainZag]

I like Schafer as a 4th outfielder in that he can play some defense and his speed could really be valuable as a pinch runner late in games and we need a stolen base.  The guy is a machine on the base paths.  In this regard, he offers something that all the other backup / filler types haven't.

 

I agree with this.  I love having the option of speed and + defense off the bench, especially if this team rolls with a lineup that includes both Vargas and Arcia.  I absolutely love how the Royals use Gore and Dyson so much late in the game, it brings an extra weapon to keep in your back pocket if needed.

[stringer bell]

I agree with this.  I love having the option of speed and + defense off the bench, especially if this team rolls with a lineup that includes both Vargas and Arcia.  I absolutely love how the Royals use Gore and Dyson so much late in the game, it brings an extra weapon to keep in your back pocket if needed.

Playoff teams can get away with a smaller bullpen and add a specialist like Gore. It really helps KC to have that specialist in postseason. I am almost certain that they wouldn't have won that game vs. Oakland without the extra basestealer.

[Thrylos]

Do any of these guys belong on the bench of a World Series contender?

That should be the Litmus test.

 

Next...

[jorgenswest]

All three are out of options. At some point next year, each of the three will be DFA'd. I would nontender all three and look for someone else's nontender that can have the flexibility to start in the minors. They can also be nontendered and resigned to a minor league contract.

 

Schafer did have an OK two months. They all have had OK stretches. Any projection should be based on the last three years and not two months. All three project to be fringe major leaguers.

[stringer bell]

Do any of these guys belong on the bench of a World Series contender?

That should be the Litmus test.

 

Next...

Orioles Bench ('14 OPS) C Joseph (.618), J Paredes (.752), D Lough (.694), K Johnson (.658), D Young (.779). "Starters" De Aza (.700), Schoop (.598), Pearce (929 OPS, raising his career OPS to .758), R Flaherty (.644). A year ago, several of these guys weren't candidates for a big-league roster.

 

I think if you'd look at the other three semifinalists, you would see plenty of other players with checkered resumès.

Edited October 21, 2014 by stringer bell

[Physics Guy]

Parm could possibly turn into a Garrett Jones type - but I would let some other team find that out. Nunez isn't better enough than the multitude of minor league FAs who will be available this offseason to merit paying more than league minimum.

I don't disagree that this could happen, but there is a significant difference.  Jones was trying to break into a lineup on a team that was a yearly contender and had a strong lineup.  Parmelee has failed to break into a lineup of a team that has lost 90+ for four straight seasons.  That doesn't bode well for his chances.  I always liked the guy and was intrigued by his flashes of power and ability to play passable defense in the OF as well as 1B, but I think he is a AAAA player.  Stick him in AAA if he clears waivers or let him move on.

[Physics Guy]

Do any of these guys belong on the bench of a World Series contender?

That should be the Litmus test.

 

Next...

Dyson, Gore, Bourjos?  No similarities there?  I think there is a place as the 4th/5th OF for Schafer until he proves last year was the anomaly.  He had a .677 OPS in Atlanta in 2013, so a .650-.700 OPS in a part-time role is not out of the question. 

 

You need guys who can capably fill those spots on a roster.  Fuld and Schaefer did a nice job this year.  Keep them until they aren't producing.  Don't we want Schafer getting 200 AB as the 4th/5th OF rather than Rosario?  I want Rosario playing in AA/AAA until he is ready to play full-time in the majors.

Edited October 21, 2014 by Physics Guy

[stringer bell]

All three are out of options. At some point next year, each of the three will be DFA'd. I would nontender all three and look for someone else's nontender that can have the flexibility to start in the minors. They can also be nontendered and resigned to a minor league contract.

Isn't what you're proposing just rearranging deck chairs? IMHO, the bench wasn't the cause of the 90 loss season, nor was the infield or offense in general. Pitching and defense. I'll grant that the Twins' bench wasn't any great shakes defensively, with the possible exception of Schafer, but they offer some pop and defensive flexibility.

[Zachary]

If these guys begin the year in the minors, that would mean the Twins have better options for the bench (and in Left : O ) than these three. That would be a plus, I guess.

 

Unfortunately though, I can easily foresee a mid-season call-up to be an everyday player for one of these guys. 

[h2oface]

Parmelee just can't make the jump, whatever his problem is.  Maybe it is all in his head.  He rakes in AAA, but can't transition.  He would be great as the owner of a Michelin Tire dealership, and have a great presence there.  Escobar would be my choice as the utility man, and Nunez therefore has no spot.  Schafer would be my current choice as the 4th outfielder, late inning base runner, and a utilize him against right handed pitchers, which the majority of pitchers are.

[Rosterman]

With the Twins roster in its current state, all three, along with a catcher, would basically be the Twins bench, with Escobar at shortstop, Santana in centerfield and someone/anyone in leftfield. They would provide adequate protection for the infield and outfield. But, and here's my kicker, none of them SHOULD be a starter if someone goes down...give that job to any prospect, not matter how young of inexperienced, until the starter returns. 

 

And still, it is not a great bench. On paper, you have some punch in Parmelee, average getting on base Nunez, and speed in Schafer. If all three were one player, you would have a nice starter somewhere. But ALL THREE can be replaced by any number of other players cut at the last moment, that 26th or 41st guy.

 

What hurts Nunez and Schafer is arbitration. How much are they worth. And do you expect to keep them around in 2016? Will they play and perform enough in 2015 that they can be traded for another piece of a mid-level prospect. Can you save a half million by having a odriguez in the outfield, or a Beresford in the infield, and still have the same results...solid journeyman performance with limited at bats. Again, none of these guys should supplant a regular or stop a prospect from play if a regular goes down. That is what bench and utility guys on last place teams do. They collect experience and time towards a higher payday while someone else holds down the fort.

 

All three will remain on the 40-man, but any could be gone if the Twins sign a free agent.

[DJL44]

I'm tired of the Twins pinching pennies by using AAAA talent. Arbitration salaries are generally a steal unless the player is awful and if the player is that bad they should be replaced regardless. If anything they should be looking to upgrade on their bench by spending more money. The Orioles are a good example of how a contingency plan can lead to wins.

[SwainZag]

I'm tired of the Twins pinching pennies by using AAAA talent. Arbitration salaries are generally a steal unless the player is awful and if the player is that bad they should be replaced regardless. If anything they should be looking to upgrade on their bench by spending more money. The Orioles are a good example of how a contingency plan can lead to wins.

 

How many teams have players making decent money on their bench who aren't in a R/L platoon?

 

If you carry 12 pitchers, you will carry a 4 man bench.  

 

You will have a backup C, which is taken care of with Suzuki/Pinto.

A utility infielder, which for all intents and purposes Nunez is.

A 4th OF, whom should have range, right now Schaefer is that guy.

 

At this point I wouldn't mind these 3 as bench players with a 4th spot open.  I don't see how a team that has players like Mauer/Vargas/Arcia all in the lineup can hang on a guy like Parmelee.  He is fairly 1 dimensional.