Article: Trevor Plouffe Has Given The Twins A Great Problem

[Ted Schwerzler]

The year was 2011, and the Minnesota Twins had two players competing for one spot at the hot corner. One was a 19th round draft pick and coming off a season that had him in the running for Rookie of the Year honors. The other was a first- round draft pick who had just experienced his first cup of coffee. At the end of the year though, and into the future, it was the first round draft pick who would take over.Trevor Plouffe grabbed the role from Danny Valencia, and he hasn't looked back.

Of course knowing Plouffe's track record, there's little reason to suggest there haven't been bumps in the road. The 2012 season saw Plouffe play his first games at third for the Twins. In 95 games at third, Plouffe committed 17 errors, was worth -8 defensive runs saved, and owned an ugly -10.8 UZR (ultimate zone rating). While it's one thing to suggest that the only way to go from there was up, the heights at which Plouffe finds himself were not immediately apparent.

 

In 2013, the Twins new third basemen made 13 errors in 120 games and owned a -7.4 UZR rating. Bringing his DRS to an even 0 was a step in the right direction however. Then the turnaround happened, and in a big way. Last season, despite making 14 errors, Plouffe owned a 6.7 UZR and was worth 6 DRS. Not only did he play the best third base of his career, but he did so across 127 games, also a career high. Even better, Plouffe hadn't made strides only in the field, but at the plate as well.

 

Back in 2012, his first season at the hot corner, Plouffe used a scorching July to carry himself to a career high 24 home runs. While he has yet to match that output, 2013 and 2014 saw big advancements in other offensive areas. The California native carried a .254/.309/.392 slash line in 2013 with 14 HR and 52 RBIs. He backed that up a year later in 2014 by slashing .258/.328/.423 and launching 14 HR with a career high 80 RBIs. Plouffe also grew a greater patience and command at the dish by walking 53 times, nearly doubling his past career high.

 

Following along the same trend that he has laid out the past two seasons,

 

Plouffe has started 2015 on a similar note. Currently owning a .254/.336/.423 slash line with 5 HR and 18 RBIs, it looks like the production will continue. In 34 games at the hot corner, he's made just three errors while compiling an early 1.6 UZR.

 

Not too long ago, Trevor Plouffe was seen as a player holding down a position until someone else came along. As uber-prospect Miguel Sano gained steam, it appeared that Plouffe was just keeping his eventual spot warm. Since, it's not the Sano has cooled, but that Plouffe has transformed himself in to one of the best third baggers in major league baseball. A guy who owned -0.4 and -0.9 fWAR in his first two seasons, Plouffe was worth a 3.6 fWAR last season, and has already jumped out to a 1.1 fWAR mark in 2015.

 

At some point, the Twins will have to decide how to position players like Trevor Plouffe, Joe Mauer and Miguel Sano to make everyone fit. While that time isn't yet here, there's little reason to suggest that Plouffe hasn't given the Twins a great problem to have. Instead of just being a guy holding down a spot, he has become the guy on a team who looks poised to turn the corner. With a possible payday looming, Plouffe has no one but himself to thank for cashing in. The transformation has been fun to watch, and it may just be the beginning of it.

 

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[ND-Fan]

Plouffe has developed into good third baseman and I continue see improvement in him again this year. The Twins are coming to point to what are they going to do with him because he is becoming valuable commodity because around mjajor leagues third baseman is not a lot of strong young players at that position. There are number of aging players that are coming to end of their careers. The question will be if Sano will be upgrade at position in next year or so or should they be signing Plouffe to longterm

deal. Also Sano maybe could be a first baseman but they already have Mauer there for several more seasons. Then you add in that Vargas will be competing for first base or DH position and things get crowded. Plouffe or Mauer could play outfield but we could also be dealing with very crowed outfield of very young talent of Hicks, Buxton, Rosario, and Arcia plus several more in minor leagures. The Twins are going to have make decision fairly soon what will be Plouffes future will be with the Twins and if not what they will need to get in return for him to fill other needs of the club which will be my opinion finding catcher of the future.

[jorgenswest]

Plouffe is in the midst of his peak seasons. He is a valuable player in his age 29 season. He is under team control through 31. It is unlikely he will take another significant step up and very likely he will not perform this well at 32. The Twins need to enjoy the ride and sell high.

[HitInAPinch]

Trevor Plouffe is a decent MLB 3rd bagger.  Sano and Buxton are a probably Aug-Sept callup to keep the fans happy.  Maybe they'll pick it up more as the weather get hotter.  So I wouldn't be jumping up and down making plans for Plouffe's future.  Moving him to another position at age 29 would degrade his trade value. 

[Vanimal46]

There's no need to create a log jam for the future. Offer him arbitration this offseason, and I'll be excited to see Plouffe vs. Sano at 3rd base in Ft. Meyers next March.

[jimbo92107]

Trevor Plouffe today is playing the game of baseball at the highest level he can. He now has a solid foundation of physical fundamentals, and to that he has added a new layer of tactical and strategic awareness that is allowing him to process the game's many details and give himself the best odds to succeed.

 

If you watch his demeanor at the plate, you can see it - like watching a mouse transform into a cat. Totally calm now, he looks for ways to put pressure on his opponent, no longer worrying about how a single at bat, or a play, or a game will affect his status as a player. Right now Trevor Plouffe is the most dangerous player on this team. I would find a way to keep him here.

[ShouldaCouldaWoulda]

I really like Plouffe and have always rooted for him to succeed. However, I agree that he is doubtful to get much better and the Twins would probably be served best to sell high...if he is still playing well at the trade deadline. Even if Sano is not ready yet, I think we should just slide Escobar over to 3rd until he is ready. 

 

The only way I think it is worth keeping him is if we decide to put Mauer in the OF, which I wish they would. We have too many other 1B/DH only types that need to be occupying that position now and longterm. Joe's numbers aren't great there and they won't ever look any better. His numbers would look just fine in LF and he'd likely play it better than Arcia. Then Sano, Arcia, Vargas, or Pinto could fight take over at 1B and DH. Keeping Mauer at 1B is not good for the teams development. I'm not saying that I don't think Mauer is good 1B, but it just doesn't make sense with our roster going forward. 

 

We might be forced to package some of these wounded moose young sluggers, if we are adamant at keeping Mauer at 1B.

[Kwak]

...Then there's the possibility that Plouffe is waiting to finish his six years and become a free agent.  He can likely sign a 5+ year contract at an annual salary greater than his combined career MLB earnings--likely someplace other than Minnesota.

[mikelink45]

Our trades have not been great over the year, but if we truly have log jams of quality trades can be a key to success.  The A's are down right now, but over the last decade or two they have shown how to trade high value players and leverage players who were ready to compete.  

 

We need to open space, bring up new players from the minors and then we will need to replace them so that the next wave gets put in place.

[COtwin]

Anyone else thinking that Mauer might need to start playing better or he is going to be the weak link?  If Vargas, Pinto, Arcia, and Sano ever "arrive" then Mauer is going to have some serious competition.  

 

He already has 7  GIDP versus 12 all of last year.

[Brandon]

I agree.  If Mauer isn't going to hit over .300 with lots of 2Bs since he wont hit many HRs he may be the odd man out and moved to bench, DH, PH role.

[Monkeypaws]

 

Plouffe is in the midst of his peak seasons. He is a valuable player in his age 29 season. He is under team control through 31. It is unlikely he will take another significant step up and very likely he will not perform this well at 32. The Twins need to enjoy the ride and sell high.

That's what we said about Hunter, and Cuddyer, and Morneau, and ....

[jimmer]

 

Anyone else thinking that Mauer might need to start playing better or he is going to be the weak link?  If Vargas, Pinto, Arcia, and Sano ever "arrive" then Mauer is going to have some serious competition.  

 

He already has 7  GIDP versus 12 all of last year.

I've been a huge supporter of Mauer due to his abilities, but even I am starting to wonder now if we are ever going to see the old Mauer with the bat again.  It's sad to think someone with his abilities has become so average so quickly from when he was still doing well (right up until he got his concussion).

[hybridbear]

 

Plouffe is in the midst of his peak seasons. He is a valuable player in his age 29 season. He is under team control through 31. It is unlikely he will take another significant step up and very likely he will not perform this well at 32. The Twins need to enjoy the ride and sell high.

Exactly! The Twins should trade when his value is highest, even if Sano isn't 100% ready. Escobar can play a replacement level 3B until Sano is ready to take over full-time in the big leagues.

 

Another option would be to trade Arcia or Hicks or Rosario when their value is highest and move Plouffe to the outfield. Based on the strides he has made at 3B it seems he could be a decent defensive outfielder.

[Loosey]

I find it funny that many are prepared to trade Plouffe, a proven MLB player, for an unproven prospect or two and replace his proven abilities with another prospect who has not played even 1 MLB game yet.

 

I think we need to settle down and make sure Sano can handle ML pitching as well as play 3rd base before we unload Ploufee.  Personally, I would prefer to keep Plouffe.  He is a top 10 3rd baseman.  Sano may end up being 40 HR guy, but he may not be a 3rd baseman.

[Steve J]

Or maybe keep him until FA. He's a good player, and we need good players.  A trade is always possible and in some cases desireable, but lets not rush to cash in for what would probably be, at best, a midrotation starter and a left handed A-ball reliever with control issues in return. 

[gunnarthor]

I'd hang onto Plouffe and hope that he moves down the batting order as guys come up.  His play at third defensively is really good and his bat is good enough.  A lineup where he's hitting 6th or 7th could be pretty deep.

 

If they trade him, the other team will have to give up a ton and I don't think the Twins will trade him if they are still sniffing .500.  (Although they could.  Ryan traded Castillo mid season).  But I don't think other teams will meet the Twins price for him.  And the good teams that need 3B help the most, don't have good prospects to offer back.

[DaveW]

Keep Plouffe around since there is a better chance then not that Sano can't stick at 3rd anyways. Have Sano play RF/1B.

[Vanimal46]

 

I find it funny that many are prepared to trade Plouffe, a proven MLB player, for an unproven prospect or two and replace his proven abilities with another prospect who has not played even 1 MLB game yet.

 

I think we need to settle down and make sure Sano can handle ML pitching as well as play 3rd base before we unload Ploufee.  Personally, I would prefer to keep Plouffe.  He is a top 10 3rd baseman.  Sano may end up being 40 HR guy, but he may not be a 3rd baseman.

 

I agree, we are a year too early on the Plouffe trade conversation. However, I am not on board with discussing long-term extension with him either. 2016 will be an interesting season to see where Sano winds up fitting into the lineup.

[Willihammer]

The problem, IMO, is that if the Twins keep Plouffe and Sano and Mauer then they will have to move someone off their natural position. Since we're talking about the Twins, that will be the low man on the totem pole - Sano. Therefore, he should be getting reps in the outfield in the minors and not have on the job, MLB-level training, no?

[gocgo]

One more factor throwing a wrench into it all...the Twins are in contention for postseason play.  Sure, it's early.  Yes, it could all fall apart....but what if it doesn't?  You don't want to start trading pieces away if we have a shot at the playoffs.  It would be much simpler if the Twins were doing what we thought they would do after week 1.

[gunnarthor]

 

One more factor throwing a wrench into it all...the Twins are in contention for postseason play.  Sure, it's early.  Yes, it could all fall apart....but what if it doesn't?  You don't want to start trading pieces away if we have a shot at the playoffs.  It would be much simpler if the Twins were doing what we thought they would do after week 1.

Yep, Twins aren't trading anyone unless they are out of the race.  

[Lefty]

Mauer seems to me like the man that should make a move to the OF.  We have Vargas and Sano, two guys that are going to be too big to play anywhere other than 1B or DH.  I'm hopeful that Vargas' swing and power will come around and he can be a middle of the order guy.  Sano hopefully pans out like with think he will.  Two big bats with big power and no place to put them?  Sorry Joe, get out the OF glove.  We can't leave pop like this on the bench or AAA.

 

I like Plouffe, he seems to have taken the veteran leadership role on a little bit, I feel like we need him to be where he is.   

 

 

[Trevor0333]

They absolutely can not move Plouffe off 3B at this point. I see if you can pry Chris Archer away from the Rays. Their injuries are really hurting their chances to compete this year.

 

See if they will bite on a Arcia/Rosario/Meyer with Milone for depth. Send Sano out to RF with that arm. Let Buxton & Hicks patrol the rest.

Edited May 19, 2015 by Trevor0333

[Kwak]

Mauer isn't, and shouldn't be moved to the OF.  He would be a huge problem in the OF.  If the Twins are truly planning on keeping Plouffe (and Plouffe staying!!), there is no better position for him than 3B.  Then, Sano moves--period.  To be blunt, Sano is no future Adrian Beltre at 3B anyway.  Since there will likely be a logjam of potentially power hitters with indifferent (or worse!) fielding skills places must be found for those who truly hit for power and average.  The rest, are demoted, traded or lost. There can be no more hand-wringing for those "who are young, and need more time--because those guys got "beat-out" by others who are about the same age or even younger.  Players must step-up and win  a regular position.  The "I'm a prospect" mentality has to be replaced with "perform--or go elsewhere" philosophy.  These guys have very little time to win their job--or someone else wil!

[DocBauer]

Let me be clear, I've seen very little of Sano at 3B. I'm sure there are many posters here who have seen him at least enough to form a fair and educated opinion. Most of what I know comes from what I read, near, and a few innings played here and there.

 

But from all of that, here is what I know, or think I know:

 

He can play 3B. His biggest problem is simply slowing things down and finding consistency. He's a good enough athlete and has a very big arm to handle the job.

 

He will NOT play as good of a 3B, when he comes up, as Plouffe does now. But then again, Plouder didn't play this good of a 3B when he came up either. Neither did Koskie. Neither did Gaettit. Neither did half the quality 3B I've seen in my lifetime. I'm sorry, but you want a gold glove rookie 3B, look for a team with a bad hitting former SS at the hot corner. It takes time.

 

Moving Sano off 3B now, due to some preconceived notion he can't play the spot, or will somehow rise quicker to HOF status by being an OF or 1B is misguided and short sided. His offense will play anywhere. It plays even better, with even greater impact, when he sticks at third.

 

Plouffe is a very nice and under appreciated player despite some of the limited buzz around him the past few months. He could be of great value to a team, including the Twins. If Kepler doesn't become the next Twins 1B, Plouffe could. If the OF Doesnt become too crowded too quickly, I am a believer he is a good enough athlete, with a strong arm, that he could be an OK OF. While I don't know if "super sub" is realistic, he could, in fact, possibly play almost every day at a corner INF or OF spot or DH.

 

He's valuable to the Twins now, and in the near future, at least, whether as a player or a trade option. But I think the entire "move Sano because he's a big frame guy with some errors and we're afraid he can't play 3B as well as we'd like as a rookie and we want to catapult him to ML stardom as quickly as we can so a position move should make that happen" mentality has got to be put in check.

[Rosterman]

Ultimately Plouffe will be too expensive for the Twins, or too expensive to gamble on longterm. So at some point, the Twins have to be prepared to sell high, rather than wait for him to cool, or walk.

 

Sano is the future? But maybe he isn't. Maybe he is better suited for the outfield. Maybe the Twins will have to switch Dozier to third to make room for other bodies in the battles for second/short. Mauer isn't going anywhere, and although Plouffe could transition into an outfielder who can also play other positions, the Twins may be outfield heavy come 2016.

 

It has been a long road and ride for Trevor. He was often overmatched in his climb thru the system, always younger than contemporaries. He was a shortstop, but proved to big for the role. He had to learn third,a s well as withstand major league hitting. He bounces around the lineup and is known for being either hot or cold at the plate. 

 

You think he might have that super breakout year, this year, next. A year that if it happens at the right time could pay him big dividends, but doubt that the Twins will or would bite.

[MileHighTwinsFan]

I am beginning to believe that Plouffe is a key part of this rebuild and should not be moved from the team or off of 3rd base.   He may be the most well rounded player on the current roster providing both a power bat and great glove.  As much as I love Miguel Sano, he is nowhere near ready to displace Trevor from the lineup.

 

I am as excited as anyone to see Sano with the Twins, but I really think he would be an overall downgrade from Plouffe now and for the foreseeable future.

 

Let's also get real about Joe Mauer.  He is the first baseman and will be for quite some time.   Ideas about moving him from this role are completely ridiculous.  Frankly, having this infield locked in is a huge reason to be optimistic about the future of this club.   

 

I know this may be sacriliege - but Sano may be the guy playing in a different uniform - not Trevor.  

[USAFChief]

Sano and Nolasco for Hamels?

 

Philly gets the primo prospect they're looking for, and some salary relief.

 

Twins get the primo starter they need, reduce the salary drag by getting out from under Noasco's deal, and have Plouffe to play third and all the other prospects still in their system.

[Vanimal46]

 

Sano and Nolasco for Hamels?

Philly gets the primo prospect they're looking for, and some salary relief.

Twins get the primo starter they need, reduce the salary drag by getting out from under Noasco's deal, and have Plouffe to play third and all the other prospects still in their system.

 

As much as I want to see Nolasco off of this team, that is way too steep of a price for Hamels. Having a guy like him and Mauer making a combined $46 million for the next 5 years won't work out well for the Twins when Buxton and the other young prospects are due for a pay day.