Article: Can St. Paul Save the Twins?

[Nick Nelson]

My top concern as a Twins fan is winning baseball games, and I know I'm not alone in that sentiment. But I'm also a sucker for a compelling storyline, and the hiring of Paul Molitor as the club's new manager has the makings of a pretty great one.In an excellent column for the Star Tribune this past weekend laying out Molitor's many managerial merits, Jim Souhan included this tidbit, which I rather enjoyed:

 

"The Twins’ only concern about Molitor throughout their relationship with him has been his occasional reticence to choose a defined career path. That is no longer a concern. Two people who know Molitor well said this week that he is driven to become a great manager, and to resurrect a franchise he loves."

 

I've been a Twins fan and a Twin Cities resident for most my life, so I can't help but get a little revved up by that dynamic. Molitor was born here. He grew up as a fan. He picked up his 3,000th hit in a Twins uniform and retired here. And he's spent nearly his entire post-playing career serving this organization in some capacity.

 

His ties to the franchise and the area are strong and deep. Molitor was born in St. Paul, and coincidentally, that might become his nickname locally if he can succeed in turning around this historically bad losing spell and shaping the Twins back into contenders.

 

Fortunately, things are set up very favorably for the new skipper. Regardless of who was going to be in charge, the Twins are positioned to make significant strides in the coming years, with their vaunted prospect core reaching or rapidly approaching the majors.

 

Helping those young players develop and realize their potential is the primary task in front of the new regime, and Molitor is as well equipped as anyone for that responsibility. He has familiarity with all the upcoming prospects, not to mention those who've already arrived, through his years as a roving minor-league instructor.

 

By now you've probably heard Molitor referred to as a baseball "genius" or "savant," with various individuals remarking on his unique and useful insights into the game. He has also been lauded by many players for his teaching skills, and for his ability to connect with Spanish-speaking kids in the minors. These are critical strengths considering the nature of the job he's taking on.

 

There are plenty of things for fans to like about Molitor. But a part of me does wonder if the new manager might prove to be a little too vanilla for the tastes of some.

We all know about the rancor that has surrounded Joe Mauer during the team's recent lean years. Some complain that the highly compensated star doesn't assume enough of a vocal leadership role. His calm demeanor can be viewed as overly passive, riling up invested onlookers.

 

The parallels between Minnesota's new manager and its longest-tenured player are numerous. They were born in the same town and went to the same high school. They fit the same playing mold -- disciplined hitters with picturesque swings and moderate power, delivering value largely through batting average and on-base percentage. (Both also were forced to switch to less demanding positions in their 30s due to injuries.)

 

And, from a personality standpoint, although Molitor hasn't had a major public presence in many years, he does seem to offer traits similar to Mauer. Both are studious and cerebral in their approaches to the game. Both are fairly soft-spoken.

 

The cynic could see this as a problem. Ammunition for frustrated fans to unleash on the newly appointed manager if things don't take an rapid turn for the better. It's a sad thought, but we've seen it before.

 

Then again, one might also suggest that this pairing opens the door for a legendary tale of hometown redemption. If the Twins are to turn things around in short order, a resurgence from Mauer could be equally important to the impacts made by prospects entering the fold. And Molitor will be at the head of it all, imparting wisdom and rejuvenating a franchise to which he has dedicated a third of his life.

 

Two generational baseball talents from Minnesota's capitol city. One, a 58-year-old Hall of Famer managing for the first time; the other, a 31-year-old former MVP (and perhaps future Hall of Famer) looking to prove that he can still be the centerpiece of a contending team. One must lead on the field -- through his performance if not his comportment -- and the other must learn to lead from the dugout.

 

It'd be a hell of a story.

 

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[highlander]

Gentleman Joe and St. Paul annoiting the twins return to respectability. Makes for a compelling story line. I pray all goes well.

[HitInAPinch]

Here's the problem I've had with Paul Molitor:  He has never said he wanted to be a manager.  Then there's this:  "Two people who know Molitor well said this week that he is driven to become a great manager, and to resurrect a franchise he loves."

 

Again, that's not Molitor.  But during his Q&A after being named manager, he showed some fire.  And he was pretty blunt:  those minor leaguers  everyone is raving about are not the answer, right now.  THANK YOU!

 

Next, bring in the biggest, ugliest coaches you can find.  If one pitcher says "Gee coach, I've been losing so much because my shoulder has been hurting for a month" or repeats what Joe Mauer said yesterday:  OFF TO THE WOODSHED!

 

Ok, putting my coffee down.....

[beckmt]

Hope it works out well.  Fans will have to be patient as do not see a big improvement coming this year.

[Squirrel]

Here's the problem I've had with Paul Molitor:  He has never said he wanted to be a manager.  Then there's this:  "Two people who know Molitor well said this week that he is driven to become a great manager, and to resurrect a franchise he loves."

 

Again, that's not Molitor.  But during his Q&A after being named manager, he showed some fire.  And he was pretty blunt:  those minor leaguers  everyone is raving about are not the answer, right now.  THANK YOU!

 

Next, bring in the biggest, ugliest coaches you can find.  If one pitcher says "Gee coach, I've been losing so much because my shoulder has been hurting for a month" or repeats what Joe Mauer said yesterday:  OFF TO THE WOODSHED!

 

Ok, putting my coffee down.....

I've been way out of the loop lately of reading all things Twins, what did Mauer say yesterday?  That comment was made elsewhere, too, but without a quote or link.  Thanks.

[REPETE]

I hear rumors of another St Paul native possibly being added as pitching coach, in Jack Morris.

[JB_Iowa]

I've been way out of the loop lately of reading all things Twins, what did Mauer say yesterday?  That comment was made elsewhere, too, but without a quote or link.  Thanks.

 

I'm not sure but maybe this:

 

Does Mauer expect to be managed differently? “Well, I’d like to think I don’t need a lot of managing, as long as I get in the lineup,” he said.

 

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/281544201.html?page=1&c=y

[TheLeviathan]

I'm not sure but maybe this:

 

Does Mauer expect to be managed differently? “Well, I’d like to think I don’t need a lot of managing, as long as I get in the lineup,” he said.

 

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/281544201.html?page=1&c=y

 

http://ct.fra.bz/i60/5/11/25/f_a62bac8875.jpg

[bird]

I'm not sure but maybe this:

 

Does Mauer expect to be managed differently? “Well, I’d like to think I don’t need a lot of managing, as long as I get in the lineup,” he said.

 

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/281544201.html?page=1&c=y

I just cringed.

[dxpavelka]

I'm not sure but maybe this:

 

Does Mauer expect to be managed differently? “Well, I’d like to think I don’t need a lot of managing, as long as I get in the lineup,” he said.

 

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/281544201.html?page=1&c=y

Yeah. So?

[Brock Beauchamp]

At this point, Joe should start shouting "MAUER CHEV" repeatedly every time a mic is in his face. It'd be an improvement over his current strategy.

 

I don't doubt his fire, commitment, or anything about him as a person but damn, he's kinda daft in the public relations department.

[mbents]

Next, bring in the biggest, ugliest coaches you can find.  If one pitcher says "Gee coach, I've been losing so much because my shoulder has been hurting for a month" or repeats what Joe Mauer said yesterday:  OFF TO THE WOODSHED!

 

I don't think this is what's wrong with the Twins. Being a tough guy and playing through injuries hasn't served them well. Glen Perkins tried to play through an injury and he didn't pitch well. Chris Colabello tried to play through an injury and he played extremely poorly (although some of it was likely due to regression). Mauer has tried to play through injuries in the past and he hasn't hit well. Those are three examples off the top of my head. Some research on the internets would certainly bring up many more.

This morning I made the mistake of reading the comments on Souhan's article about Mauer being coddled and I saw people (and perhaps even the same person, judging by the 'woodshed' remark) making similar arguments. The problem with the Twins is a lack of talent, especially at the starting pitcher position, not some lack of grit or fire or heart or "will to win". 

[zchrz]

The Maulitor

[TheLeviathan]

You get the sense from that Mauer quote that he is the type that doesn't even want to be coached.  I really don't like that mentality from a guy that is far from a perfect baseball player.

[gunnarthor]

Well, the reality is Mauer isn't going to be the best player on any Twins team going forward.  Molitor's ability to get Arcia, Hicks, Gibson, May, Meyer etc to become good everyday MLers is going to be a lot more important than whatever we get out of Mauer at this point.

[JB_Iowa]

I think he may have meant it from a "good soldier" standpoint than a coaching not needed standpoint.

 

A few years ago, Gardy talked about how Morneau and Mauer would "police" themselves and fine themselves for breaking training, dogging it in practice, etc.  

[D. Hocking]

I think he may have meant it from a "good soldier" standpoint than a coaching not needed standpoint.

 

A few years ago, Gardy talked about how Morneau and Mauer would "police" themselves and fine themselves for breaking training, dogging it in practice, etc.  

 

Yes - it is a short quote and no real follow-up by Souhan.  I have seen enough newspaper article quotes where once I have seen or heard the full quote or had more context of what else the person said, discovered the how the quote was used in the article was not truly representative of what the person said or meant.  I believe I have even found Souhan guilty on occasion.  I remember one occasion hearing the full quote in a radio interview Souhan did himself and then read an article by him the next day and had to ask -- did you even listen to your own show and your own interview?

 

I do think Mauer (and probably a lot of veteran players) can be a little stubborn about trying new things.  However, I think he would be receptive of hearing things from Molitor.  I think there is a mutual respect, and Molitor would not shy away from offering some constructive criticism.  I think Gardy felt Mauer's natural skills were so superior to his there was not much he could say.  I heard him say in a few interviews, what could I tell Mauer about hitting.  

 

I know Mauer is always going to be an issue and not saying this should not be debated or written about, but for one of his first articles about Molitor after being officially named GM, couldn't Souhan have gone with a fresh angle instead of rehashing his Mauer thoughts again.  Although I suppose this topic will guarantee hits and comments.

[brvama]

What I really am excited about Molitor is his expectations that he is putting forth immediately. He expects and thereby demands his players to work to improve their game. I think we will will see a team that we have not see for several years - one that is hard-working, confident, and seeking the ultimate in their abilities. In other words I like his no-nonsense approach.

[Physics Guy]

I just cringed.

I took this as meaning that Joe understands that the biggest issue is him being healthy and in the lineup.  I would agree with him on that point.  If that is what he meant, I see it as encouraging.  Hopefully he puts the time in during the offseason to get himself in better shape.  I think some forget that he was still dealing with concussion symptoms for a good portion of last offseason.

[Devereaux]

Well, the reality is Mauer isn't going to be the best player on any Twins team going forward.  Molitor's ability to get Arcia, Hicks, Gibson, May, Meyer etc to become good everyday MLers is going to be a lot more important than whatever we get out of Mauer at this point.

Sir: First, I was impressed how you singlehandedly fended off the Maueristas on the Hunter post on Twinkietown. Kudos.

 

That said, why wish bad on Joe? He was the Twins top player as recently as 2013, his concussion season (5.3 WAR). He said himself he couldn't work out properly last off-season, and he was still the 4th best position player (by WAR), after another injury-shortened year. He's risen from the ashes before (2006, 2008, 2012), and I think he may have some elite value yet.