Boom Boom, I am lukewarm about Walker getting an opportunity this September. I mean, it isn't going to happen, but I don't know if I think it should either. But I will say that I think Walker could learn something from watching Sano and Mauer every day.

 

He has hit 62 HR, 3B, or 2B the last year in 533 AB.  So there is a 11.6% chance he clears the bases in a bases loaded, 1 or 2 runners on scenario late in a game (and another 19% he hits a single or takes a walk)

 

Arcia is at about 8% in AAA.  Vargas is at 10% in the minors this year.

 

 

Edited September 1, 201511 yr by tobi0040

6 Grand slams in 2 years is a lot for any player.  Down 3 in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs of the deciding championship game of his 1st minor league season (2012) and he hits a 3 run HR to tie game and they eventually win it all.  Pinch Hitting is for guys who have a tendency to drive in runs or guys who have a tendency to change the game with one swing.   To Walker's credit there is only 1 other person in the minor leagues better  than him in those 2 categories.  29 HRs / 30 Doubles / 101 RBI -

THAT'S WHAT I WANT FROM MY PINCH HITTER LATE IN GAMES!

 

6 Grand slams in 2 years is a lot for any player.  Down 3 in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs of the deciding championship game of his 1st minor league season (2012) and he hits a 3 run HR to tie game and they eventually win it all.  Pinch Hitting is for guys who have a tendency to drive in runs or guys who have a tendency to change the game with one swing.   To Walker's credit there is only 1 other person in the minor leagues better  than him in those 2 categories.  29 HRs / 30 Doubles / 101 RBI -

THAT'S WHAT I WANT FROM MY PINCH HITTER LATE IN GAMES!

 

And are we going to ignore the fact that he's slashing .193/.305/.339 over the last month in AA? If there's doubts about Kepler facing MLB pitching, who's a much more polished prospect currently, ABW will be humiliated on the big club. 

 

And are we going to ignore the fact that he's slashing .193/.305/.339 over the last month in AA? If there's doubts about Kepler facing MLB pitching, who's a much more polished prospect currently, ABW will be humiliated on the big club. 

 

In fairness, we are talking about a very limited role and looking for a very specific thing (A HR or 2B).

 

In fairness, we are talking about a very limited role and looking for a very specific thing (A HR or 2B).

 

I get that. Back to my first point. If Kepler, a more polished prospect than ABW, has concerns on hitting MLB pitching, then ABW, an all or nothing player, currently on a month long slump I should add, is going to be better? 

 

I get that. Back to my first point. If Kepler, a more polished prospect than ABW, has concerns on hitting MLB pitching, then ABW, an all or nothing player, currently on a month long slump I should add, is going to be better? 

Never argued that Kepler was a better prospect.  I was talking the ability to hit the first pinch hit HR of the year for the Twins.  Walker who hit his 30th tonight has a better chance than Kepler - That's all I'm saying.  And as far as all or nothing - let's not forget the 30 doubles ABW hit this year.  Talk about who in the system has put themselves in scoring position most often than anyone else? 64 extra base hits is Dozier territory.  He's not Dozier, but those 64 XBH are Dozier like.............

Edited September 2, 201511 yr by BoomBoom

 

I get that. Back to my first point. If Kepler, a more polished prospect than ABW, has concerns on hitting MLB pitching, then ABW, an all or nothing player, currently on a month long slump I should add, is going to be better? 

 

If all I was looking for was a home run or bases clearing hit in the 9th with 2 outs, ABW might look lost in 80% of those instances.  And he still might provide that HR 10% of the time.  The question for me is he more likely to do that than Vargas, or current options like Nunez?  I think you can make that case.