It might be under-appreciated, but that is kind of the point. I think we can all recognize that some fans focus in baseball is on winning games, some are going to be more focused on the human interest stories and most will draw at least a little bit from both.

 

But there are plenty of people if not most who's balance of these ideas leans much, much heavier on the idea of winning. For us, the appreciation of Perkins' recovery is going to take a backseat to chasing a playoff spot.

 

Sure, and that's fair. I don't think there's anyone here who doesn't want the Twins to win every single game. That said, the team doesn't owe us anything. The Pohlads are wealthy whether we buy tickets or not. The players get their checks no matter what their record is. With that in mind, I think it's admirable that Perkins clawed his way back, and he's carrying an attitude that he needs to earn his place just like everyone else. I think that's actually a much more productive attitude than the cartoony machismo (with a tinge of kids-todayism) that some seem to prefer.

I admire the heck out of Perkins for his effort. That is different than what the team should do with the roster spot. And yes, the human element should always be considered in business, but there are a lot of Twins'employees that should be considered, not just one player and his effort.

 

I am a Perkins fan, but I am not sure he should be on the roster.

 

If they aren't going to use him in games that matter, why can't they have a full bench? It isn't just about blocking other pitchers....

 

 

I would imagine they want to evaluate Perkins to see if he will be viable next year, and that's why they called him up sooner rather than later.

 

 

So they aren't trying to win and get to the playoffs, it is evaluation time?

 

I would imagine they want to evaluate Perkins to see if he will be viable next year, and that's why they called him up sooner rather than later.

 

I would not expect him to pitch in any games that the Twins think they can win.

That may be the case, but it seems like they rushed him.  I'm not sure that is fair to the team or the player.  Either way, he's not been healthy for a number of years so the proper approach in my view would be to plan that he's not a viable option and then hope that he is.  

 

I can't imagine they pick up his option regardless though, so this might all be a moot point.

I would imagine they want to evaluate Perkins to see if he will be viable next year, and that's why they called him up sooner rather than later.

 

I would not expect him to pitch in any games that the Twins think they can win.

Then they are effectively playing with a 24 man roster while clinging to a chance for the second wild card.

 

This is what I mean when I say be more ruthless. Couldn't they could find a way to wait until September when they have extra roster spots to play with?

Should have waited until the rosters expand in September. Based on first MLB appearance of 2017, clearly not ready.

 

Then they are effectively playing with a 24 man roster while clinging to a chance for the second wild card.

This is what I mean when I say be more ruthless. Couldn't they could find a way to wait until September when they have extra roster spots to play with?

 

I agree with you. I would not have brought Perkins back.

 

Then they are effectively playing with a 24 man roster while clinging to a chance for the second wild card.

This is what I mean when I say be more ruthless. Couldn't they could find a way to wait until September when they have extra roster spots to play with?

 

Totally agree.  The time for sentimental signings, "farewell tours", etc. is not when you are clinging to a wild card berth. 

 

If the Twins want to send Perkins out on a feel-good note, sign him to a 1-day contract in Spring Training or something so he can retire as a Twin or whatever.  The Twins hired Molitor based on home town feel-good mushy-mush too (at least partially) and the owner feels so warm and fuzzy about it that he wouldn't even let the new front office fire him and start clean.

 

The Twins are fighting enough uphill battles in MLB. Why they paint themselves into a corner with guys like Perkins and Molitor is beyond me. This ain't t-ball.