Article: Week in Review: Crisis of Leadership

[Riverbrian]

 

Leadership in this clubhouse could be a very compelling topic of discussion. 

 

How fair is it to appoint Buxton as a leader, since he's still pretty young hasn't produced over a full season yet? How fortunate are the Twins to have guys like Rosario, Kepler and Escobar to stand in while Buxton and Sano struggle or rehab? Is it even necessary for Sano to be a standout for this team to compete for a title? (I doubt it--the Twins would do fine without him.) Was it really wise for the Twins to sign Lynn? Did Lynn really have no other offers? What do we draw from that, and what does bringing a guy like that into the clubhouse do for the chemistry of the team and the current clubhouse leaders? 

 

I'll never pretend or participate in a clubhouse leader discussion because I don't know. It seems that asking Buxton to be a clubhouse leader is a ways off since he seems to be seeking advice right now. 

 

However... IMO... The front office has designated Buxton as a necessary production leader. When they didn't sign a right handed bat and chose LaMarre. They put all the Eggs in Dozier, Sano and Buxton basket. 

 

Molitor has been trying to balance Lefties and Righties all year long. If Dozier is struggling, Sano is hurt and Buxton  is hurt and struggling. Then the Right Side is completely drained and the club is going to have a hard time stringing hits together because Molitor has them spaced out evenly. 

 

By not signing that Right Handed hitter... the front office is forcing Buxton, Sano and Dozier to be production leaders and that ain't happening. 

 

Buxton is critical to getting this team where it wants to go. It isn't about Rah-Rah in the clubhouse. It's simply production during the games.  

[Thrylos]

 

 

Recent performance is less predictive of overall success than long-term historical performance.

 

True.  And the key word is overall.  However, recent performance is a pretty good predictor of short term success.   If you want someone to fill in for 10 days only, you might want to go with the recent performance as an indicator.  If you want someone to fill in for a month or two, it is a different story.  And it is not the only indicator.  Schedule is as well.  If you are scheduled to face 10 righty starters, might make sense to get a lefty or a switch hitter up rather than a righty.

Edited May 21, 2018 by Thrylos

[ThejacKmp]

 

I appreciate your optimism. I just do not have that same sense.  Your list of expectations is quite long.  One or two I see.  We are in the hunt because we are in a lousy division, but while I will continue to follow the Twins with hope, too, I am not there right now. 

 

Logan Morrison has averaged less that 0.5 WAR per year, he is not a great hitter and I am not enthusiastic about him.  I do prefer him to Grossman.  

 

My hope comes with everyone we promote from the minors, but in the mean time, I want your enthusiasm to be the storyline for the rest of the year. 

 

I think my "expectations" are eminently more likely to pan out than the predictions of the doom-and-gloom set. I also think it's crazy how many people think that the only source of salvation comes from the minors. Very few minor leaguers come up and have immediate sustained success. Even if they do, the league adjusts to them.

 

I thought the Twins had a good team on paper this spring. I think that's still true, I just think they're banged up or have had some guys who haven't played well. I think Logan Morrison and Dozier are going to be above average bats. I think Sano and Buxton may not be superstars but won't be as bad as they've been. I think the rotation is in fantastic shape, Lance Lynn or no Lance Lynn.

 

I think we get too focused on recent events and ignore that bigger picture - the division doesn't have anyone remarkable and the Twins have a team where a lot has gone inexplicably wrong and doesn't seem likely to continue going wrong. It's that old adage about two guys running to first with the same time and the coach picks the one who has poor form because that one can be fixed and then he'll be better.

[ThejacKmp]

 

True.  And the key word is overall.  However, recent performance is a pretty good predictor of short term success.   If you want someone to fill in for 10 days only, you might want to go with the recent performance as an indicator.  If you want someone to fill in for a month or two, it is a different story.  And it is not the only indicator.  Schedule is as well.  If you are scheduled to face 10 righty starters, might make sense to get a lefty or a switch hitter up rather than a righty.

 

"Recent performance is a pretty good predictor of short term success."

 

That's the part I think people assume because it makes sense in your head but I'm not sure it's truth in reality. Ryan LaMarre was hot to start the season but it was because every ball he hit found grass. Just because he hit a bunch of singles to start the year doesn't mean that he's a good bet to keep doing so - he's a subpar player who is likely to revert to the mean. I'd want the guy who has been cold but has more talent.

 

I can see it if there's some adjustment that a guy needs to make or he's in poor shape or something. But all things equal, it seems to me that the better player should play, hot streaks be darned.

 

 

[kellyvance]

 

No one accused anyone of laziness or not trying. The fact is that this team is dramatically underperforming and its two best players have been at the root of that for a month now. Am I supposed to not call it out? That is THE story with this team. Dozier and Buxton combined for 8.5 WAR last year and they currently combine for 0.0 WAR. 

 

I'm not claiming to know (or care) what's going on in the clubhouse and this article wasn't about that. They're not leading the team with their performance on the field, which is all I'm concerned with. Buxton's a mess and these endless regressions at the plate are getting hard to tolerate. Dozier's been turning in a .275 OBP at the top of the order for the past month and his signature power's gone amiss. 

 

This is a weekly recap column and the Twins had a bad week. Their two most important players are in terrible ruts. I'm not sure what you're looking for other than 'doom and gloom.' I think I made clear in the piece that there's still plenty of time to right the ship, no? 

Maybe if you had said they just aren't playing well, I'd let it pass. But you didn't do that. And calling out people for lack of leadership is a cheap shot. At a minimum it requires you to have some inside dope concerning what particular shortfalls are occurring vis a vis leadership.  Otherwise, you either chose the wrong title for your article or should call it its "Just another whiny post" 

 

[kellyvance]

 

In a 'Week in Review' column in which the Twins went 2-4 / -21, and when your heroes go a combined 3-for-37, I don't wanna read a feel-good story or a cheerleader piece.  Those numbers are what they are, and Nick cited them.  Much the same way he'd credit Dozier & Buxton for going 18-for-37, with 5 dingers, 6 steals, and 3 GWRBIs when that happens.  The facts is what they is.

But Nick didn't write an article saying Doze and Buck need to hit, he challenged their leadership and that is bogus. 

[ewen21]

 

Last year, Brian Dozier and Byron Buxton ranked first and second among Twins players in WAR. They were driving forces in the team's playoff push and, with a better supporting cast in place, expected to help propel another step forward for Minnesota in 2018.

Instead, they've become posterchildren for a disappointing club that cannot stop tripping over itself at every turn.

 

--------

Nick, that is an undeserved cheap shot. 

 

Dozier is a team leader, Buck has been hurt. And as for leadership... Nobody wrote about a crisis when the team won 7 of 8. As for leadership, the "Leader" won manager of the year just a few months ago. And nobody can say Dozier or Buck is playing lazy. So pullleeeze. This is the reason some of us get surly when we read gloom and doom pieces. Doze and Buck are playing hard and unless you got a story about them being paycheck players alluvasudden, don't say they ain't leaders. You aren't there. You don't really know. You think you do, but you don't know.  

 

 Twins will be fine. .500 is well achievable before the All Star break and they can get hot like anybody else. Lighten up Francis. 

Lighten up?  Maybe you should follow your own advice.  This is professional sports where men play for pay.  Buxton and Dozier are both playing well below expectations.  If you asked either of them they would tell you as much.  

 

As far as leaders go?  How can Buxton be expected to lead with his level of performance?  And for a guy who says, "You aren't there.  You don't know" on one hand, on the other you boldly proclaim "Dozier is a leader"

Oh is he?  Is he still in 2018???

 

His leadership cred has taken a huge hit if you ask me based not only off performance, but off things he has said.  He clearly was not happy about not getting an extension over the winter and talked about being excited for free agency.  He's also fondly reminisced about both Gardy and Terry Ryan.  Not exactly relevant to anything a leader wants to accomplish here since most of the roster has turned over already.  

 

No one has to be in the clubhouse to have an opinion about this team.  MOst all of us watch this daily and some of us follow this team more than we care to admit.  I hate to tell you, but not everything is going to be gumdrops and lollipops, especially when you are talking about a team that has 19-23.  Nobody gets hurt here, so please.....  There were no cheap shots in that article.  

[ewen21]

 

Maybe if you had said they just aren't playing well, I'd let it pass. But you didn't do that. And calling out people for lack of leadership is a cheap shot. At a minimum it requires you to have some inside dope concerning what particular shortfalls are occurring vis a vis leadership.  Otherwise, you either chose the wrong title for your article or should call it its "Just another whiny post" 

OK so now what?  Does Nick get punished!

[yarnivek1972]

I've been happy with the pitching.

 

Some like to focus on Lynn but I like focusing on Romero, Odorizzi, Berrios and Gibson and I've been happy with those 4.

 

The Bullpen has been decent so I've been happy with the pitching.

 

Defense, baserunning and hitting is another story. It's looking like we are going to need better health and performance from the healthy.

Does your happiness with the pitching extend to Phil Hughes?

[Mike Sixel]

Not disagreeing but the it should be pointed out that the Nationals have a lot of injuries and a couple of recent long term injuries to the OF with Eaton and Kendrick both being placed on the 60 Day DL.

 

As a result Soto is probably up to stay. If those injuries don't occur, Soto could hit .500 in AA and still not get a roster spot.

I think the point is that the twins are rolling with adrianza, and not Gordon. And with Lamarre and Grossman, and not Wade or cave. And are playing Wilson half the time. I think that's the point.

[Squirrel]

 

March.  

 

A couple of thoughts:  Everyone last season said that it was the leg kick.  I guess they were wrong.  In an interview with the MLB  Network, when Buxton was asked what he values the most personally: a great catch or a game winning home run, he said "the catch".  Unless he changes his mind and works on what he does not like to work (apparently) or likes less to work on, he will not improve with the bat.

Okay ... I'm calling you out on this and am going to tell you to stop. It is a looooooooong way from that answer to 'what he does not like to work on (apparently)'. There is no apparently in that whatsoever. A game saving catch or a game winning home run? Man, I'd have a difficult time choosing between which way I could be a hero to the team ... on the field or at the plate. I'd bet if you gave him the option he'd have said 'Both.' But still ... do not make that leap to an unfounded conclusion because you will find yourself leaping but not reaching the other side and falling into nothingness.

 

That said, yes, I am frustrated with his bat and he needs to get it going and sustain it or he is nothing but an over-hyped prospect that really never got there. I'm not sure when to give up on that, but I'm not going to make conclusions that sound more like accusations about what he is or isn't working on or more to the point, the implication that he doesn't care enough about it, as that is something you don't know. Yeah, I get it ... maybe he's not because there are the results but there could be other reasons for that. So be careful about those leaps into a player's character, because that's what you've done.

[Squirrel]

 

I think the point is that the twins are rolling with adrianza, and not Gordon. And with Lamarre and Grossman, and not Wade or cave. And are playing Wilson half the time. I think that's the point.

I am actually more disappointed in the decisions surrounding Gordon. I get that he didn't finish well in AA last season and that they don't want to throw him into the mix in the Bigs yet. But when Petit moved up, I really wish they had moved Gordon up to AAA. When it's time for Sano to return, if Gordon isn't handling the move up well, then move him back when Petit has to be moved back. And if he's doing well, great. I really want him primed because Polanco returning in good form isn't necessarily a given.

[Mike Sixel]

I am actually more disappointed in the decisions surrounding Gordon. I get that he didn't finish well in AA last season and that they don't want to throw him into the mix in the Bigs yet. But when Petit moved up, I really wish they had moved Gordon up to AAA. When it's time for Sano to return, if Gordon isn't handling the move up well, then move him back when Petit has to be moved back. And if he's doing well, great. I really want him primed because Polanco returning in good form isn't necessarily a given.

Agreed. Plus, Gordon is playing here next year.... Let's get him ready.

[Squirrel]

 

Agreed. Plus, Gordon is playing here next year.... Let's get him ready.

Yeah ... I see NO REASON he couldn't have taken Petit's place in AAA ... it wouldn't be forever if he's not quite there. But man ... give him a taste of the next level and see what he does with it. I just don't get that, but then, I'm not close up on the ground to the situation. Maybe those closer in want his moveups, when made, to be permanent. <shrug>

[TheLeviathan]

 

But Nick didn't write an article saying Doze and Buck need to hit, he challenged their leadership and that is bogus. 

 

Well, part of leadership is producing on the field and coming through for your team.  There are off the field elements also, but if you're one of the players the team is relying on....you sorta need to be reliable at the plate.

 

Right now Dozier is going on one of his famines and the team needs him to feast.  Part of being a leader is stepping up to fill what the club needs from you.  It's a perfectly fair criticism.

[Vanimal46]

This team will win more when the existing regulars produce better with the bat. There really isn't anyone in the Minors likely to help much and it's likely to be too early for trades (although I still advocate for a Sano for Realmuto trade with the Marlins). This is a leadership issue only in the sense that someone needs to "lead" at the plate since right now only Rosario and Morrison are really producing at a high level over the last month (Kepler is streaky, but sometimes). Maybe that will be Sano or Mauer when they come back, maybe Dozier will go on one of his patented hot streaks, maybe Garver will really produce, but it has to be someone and probably multiple someones. This team doesn't have any GREAT bats that can carry them alone; it has several GOOD bats that can carry the team when 4 or 5 are working together and can't when it's only one or two. We need someone to get hot and join Rosario, Morrison and Kepler (sort of) before this team clicks offensively. The pitching is good enough to win most games (who thought we'd ever be able to say that with a straight face); this team could take off if a couple more guys get hot. It's too early for the doom and gloom.

I think you hit the nail on the head here. Much like the pitching staff, the lineup was built with 7-8 average to above average bats that can't carry a team alone. When they're all working together in sync, we have a top 5 offense in the AL like the 2nd half last year. If they aren't in sync, it's tough to break out of the funk.

 

It'll take a team effort to get out of this offensive hole.

[TheLeviathan]

 

March.  

 

A couple of thoughts:  Everyone last season said that it was the leg kick.  I guess they were wrong.  In an interview with the MLB  Network, when Buxton was asked what he values the most personally: a great catch or a game winning home run, he said "the catch".  Unless he changes his mind and works on what he does not like to work (apparently) or likes less to work on, he will not improve with the bat.

 

I've been critical of Buxton in this thread but I want to distance from this.  I don't agree with taking personal shots at guys like Sano for what we assume to be their work habits and I won't do so about Buxton either.

 

I'm not sure why he hasn't been able to build off success, but whatever the issue is....I won't assume it's because he doesn't care.  I don't know the man and won't judge him that way.

 

But I will continue to say he has to figure it out....whatever "it" is.  The excuses are no longer valid, we're at about 1,000 ABs now and it isn't pretty.  And there are no signs to be optimistic about either.

[caninatl04]

 

While the pitching has been shaky at times it has been the hitting that has been the most disappointing. Are we to believe the lineup is just in a funk or was the end of the 2017 season just a fluke? Injuries and cold weather aside this lineup has been anything but productive. Kepler has been solid. Morrison might finally be coming around. Rosario and Escobar can only carry a team for so long. Mauer is NOT a run producer. He can get on base but rarely drives in runs. Dozier can carry a team when he's hot, but when he's not, he stinks. Sano can't stay in the lineup, period. Buxton still looks overmatched. I've seen enough of Grossman, Adrianza and whoever is catching that I wish they'd all just go away. So far this season they are 11-6 when they score 5 or more runs and 8-17 when they score 4 or less. Pretty obvious they need to crank up the bats.

2018 quarter-pole versus 2017 full season:

2017: .260 / .334 / .434 / .768 almost exactly 5 runs / game

2018: .242 / .315 / .402 / .717 and only 4.2 runs / game

 

Before the season, I think we were hoping batting would remain steady while pitching improved. So, batting has regressed while pitching has, unfortunately, remained pretty much static:

2017: 4.59 ERA, .266 BAA, 1.37 WHIP

2018: 4.46 ERA, .250 BAA, 1.39 WHIP

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

 

I'll never pretend or participate in a clubhouse leader discussion because I don't know. It seems that asking Buxton to be a clubhouse leader is a ways off since he seems to be seeking advice right now. 

 

However... IMO... The front office has designated Buxton as a necessary production leader. When they didn't sign a right handed bat and chose LaMarre. They put all the Eggs in Dozier, Sano and Buxton basket. 

 

Molitor has been trying to balance Lefties and Righties all year long. If Dozier is struggling, Sano is hurt and Buxton  is hurt and struggling. Then the Right Side is completely drained and the club is going to have a hard time stringing hits together because Molitor has them spaced out evenly. 

 

By not signing that Right Handed hitter... the front office is forcing Buxton, Sano and Dozier to be production leaders and that ain't happening. 

 

Buxton is critical to getting this team where it wants to go. It isn't about Rah-Rah in the clubhouse. It's simply production during the games.  

You are so right. It is about production. Whatever their positions on the team, they still need to produce on the field. Non-producers don't have a big voice in the clubhouse. The front office was probably expecting either Buxton or Sano to take the next step and produce this year. I was sure hoping they would. Hope is not a strategy.  

 

I think the doom and gloom over Buxton is misplaced, but to each their own. I think he will be great. Just wish it would happen on my timeline, and not Buxton's own timeline. Also, my timeline is the 2018-2033 seasons.

[KirbyDome89]

 

"Recent performance is a pretty good predictor of short term success."

 

That's the part I think people assume because it makes sense in your head but I'm not sure it's truth in reality. Ryan LaMarre was hot to start the season but it was because every ball he hit found grass. Just because he hit a bunch of singles to start the year doesn't mean that he's a good bet to keep doing so - he's a subpar player who is likely to revert to the mean. I'd want the guy who has been cold but has more talent.

 

I can see it if there's some adjustment that a guy needs to make or he's in poor shape or something. But all things equal, it seems to me that the better player should play, hot streaks be darned.

Do you think Cave sticks with the team? Personally I don't, so I'm not going to get bent out of shape over whether it's Cave or LaMarre getting ABs, but I'm also not going to get on anybody for wanting to go with the "hot bat," for 1-2 weeks.

 

I don't think anybody is campaigning for LaMarre as a long term solution, but Cave fits into that category as well. The end game is to find some sort of spark on offensive for that 1-2 week period. Is it really that crazy to prefer LaMarre? IMO it isn't, and I think that's the only point anybody in that camp has made. 

[ewen21]

 

I've been critical of Buxton in this thread but I want to distance from this.  I don't agree with taking personal shots at guys like Sano for what we assume to be their work habits and I won't do so about Buxton either.

 

I'm not sure why he hasn't been able to build off success, but whatever the issue is....I won't assume it's because he doesn't care.  I don't know the man and won't judge him that way.

 

But I will continue to say he has to figure it out....whatever "it" is.  The excuses are no longer valid, we're at about 1,000 ABs now and it isn't pretty.  And there are no signs to be optimistic about either.

See, I don't know if that is a personal shot at all.  Buxton himself said he would be more satisfied with making a game saving catch than a game winning homer.  I guess, like me, Thrylos wonders, what would be the difference so long as the team wins?  That SHOULD be what any player says, in my opinion.  Buxton gave his preference.  Certainly, Buxton is a much better fielder than he is hitter.  I would actually think that hitting a home run would be the better answer for him, but whatever.  Personally, I don't see Buxton's comment as a big deal, but I can see what Thrylos is saying.  He never said Buxton "doesn't care".  He questioned the rationale behind Buxton's answer.  That's all.  I don't read anything mean-spirited in his post.

[Mike Sixel]

 

See, I don't know if that is a personal shot at all.  Buxton himself said he would be more satisfied with making a game saving catch than a game winning homer.  I guess, like me, Thrylos wonders, what would be the difference so long as the team wins?  That SHOULD be what any player says, in my opinion.  Buxton gave his preference.  Certainly, Buxton is a much better fielder than he is hitter.  I would actually think that hitting a home run would be the better answer for him, but whatever.  Personally, I don't see Buxton's comment as a big deal, but I can see what Thrylos is saying.  He never said Buxton "doesn't care".  He questioned the rationale behind Buxton's answer.  That's all.  I don't read anything mean-spirited in his post.

 

I don't read it the same way as you and thrylos at all. I like he has an opinion, and don't think it means he doesn't care or isn't trying or whatever on offense. As for what is a better answer, that's kind of tied up in personality and emotion, not logic, so I don't know how we can say one is better or not. 

[Thrylos]

 

I don't read it the same way as you and thrylos at all. I like he has an opinion, and don't think it means he doesn't care or isn't trying or whatever on offense. As for what is a better answer, that's kind of tied up in personality and emotion, not logic, so I don't know how we can say one is better or not. 

 

I just mentioned a fact.  An answer that Buxton gave when asked what side of the game he prefers.  It is easy to prefer something one is good great at.  However, in order to be a complete player (who Buxton is not) one has to work on things he/she are not good at and do not prefer.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  Not a personal attack at all. 

Edited May 21, 2018 by Thrylos

[ewen21]

 

I don't read it the same way as you and thrylos at all. I like he has an opinion, and don't think it means he doesn't care or isn't trying or whatever on offense. As for what is a better answer, that's kind of tied up in personality and emotion, not logic, so I don't know how we can say one is better or not. 

 

I wouldn't think twice about the comment, but Thrylos made me think about it.  I can see what he is getting at and that doesn't mean I support the comments.  I don't think what he said is nonsense, but I am not required to defend it.  I just think characterizing what he said as a "personal attack" is a bit much.

 

The only reason I said the home run would be a better answer was because that isn't a strength of his.  Notice also I followed that statement up with ………."but whatever.  Personally, I don't see Buxton's comment as a big deal"

[Mike Sixel]

I just mentioned a fact. An answer that Buxton gave when asked what side of the game he prefers. It is easy to prefer something one is good great at. However, in order to be a complete player (who Buxton is not) one has to work on things he/she are not good at and do not prefer. Nothing more. Nothing less. Not a personal attack at all.

I didn't say it was an attack. I said I didn't read it the same way you did. And nothing in there says he isn't working to get better at hitting. Like, I don't read this the same way you do at all. Not even a tiny bit.

[KirbyDome89]

 

I didn't say it was an attack. I said I didn't read it the same way you did. And nothing in there says he isn't working to get better at hitting. Like, I don't read this the same way you do at all. Not even a tiny bit.

I would guess most don't read it that way. To say the "Buxton doesn't care about working on his hitting as much as his defense," summary is a different interpretation is probably too kind. How far can a simple quote be stretched before speculation becomes fabrication? I guess we'll find out.... 

[Nick Nelson]

 

But Nick didn't write an article saying Doze and Buck need to hit, he challenged their leadership and that is bogus. 

Did I? Or did you just read the title and take exception to a word you associate with someone's character?

 

Find me an excerpt of this piece that you find unfair. Let's see it. Quit falling back on the same word.

 

I'm not a believer in "leadership" as some intangible personality trait. I have never written about it as such. I call Dozier and Buxton the team's leaders because they are the best players and if they're doing well, the team will most likely do well. If they aren't doing well, they lead the team to mediocrity or worse. The Twins follow their lead. We saw that play out last year, and we're seeing it play out this year.

 

Leadership is delivering on the field when your squad needs you. Leadership is Dozier saying 'we're pissed' after the team's deadline sell in 2017, then going out and tearing it up in August. Leadership is not playing abjectly terrible baseball for a month while being counted on to step up.

[Riverbrian]

 

You are so right. It is about production. Whatever their positions on the team, they still need to produce on the field. Non-producers don't have a big voice in the clubhouse. The front office was probably expecting either Buxton or Sano to take the next step and produce this year. I was sure hoping they would. Hope is not a strategy.  

 

I think the doom and gloom over Buxton is misplaced, but to each their own. I think he will be great. Just wish it would happen on my timeline, and not Buxton's own timeline. Also, my timeline is the 2018-2033 seasons.

 

I spend high draft picks on both Buxton and Sano in my fantasy draft so my expectations were also high and the pay back thus far disapointing.  

 

I think the light switch gets turned on very brightly for both once they grasp that strike zone. If they keep swinging at the stuff out of the zone... it'll take awhile and we don't have that kind of time. 

[Riverbrian]

 

I think the point is that the twins are rolling with adrianza, and not Gordon. And with Lamarre and Grossman, and not Wade or cave. And are playing Wilson half the time. I think that's the point.

 

Can never be 100% sure if you are responding correctly to any one's point. But... My response was based on the assumption that he meant... Washington just called up a 19 year old Soto so the Twins could do the same. 

 

If I was correct in that assumption... my point was the situations are different. The Nationals calling up Soto so the Twins should do the same isn't a similar comparison. 

 

Necessity is the mother of invention. Eaton and Kendrick are done for the year, they ain't coming back creating a massive hole in LF. They can call up Soto and see if he can fill that hole or they can spend the rest of the year treading water with Cave type fill in's. They opted to see if Soto can keep doing it and if he can't they buy some time and probably try to swing a trade down the road to fill the hole. The Nationals probably did not want to start a 19 year old's service clock this soon but he became the most sensible option. 

 

The Twins are different... they are expecting Sano back which will move Escobar to SS and eventually Polonco will come back to provide even more depth. To call up Gordon they will have to put him on the 40 man roster and it is quite possible that they will send him back down to the minors not long after they do so he can play every day. Once he is placed on the 40 man roster. It starts his service clock. 

 

Soto was placed on the 40 man roster because he had a chance of staying on the roster all year. Providing he doesn't crash and burn. 

 

I get the sense that you and others are saying... call up Gordon and Wade and just cut Adrianaza and Grossman(or Cave). I understand why everyone feels that way but my guess is going to be that the Twins front office thinks higher of both Grossman and Adrianaza than you and the others are saying. 

 

I've been making this point all along. The Twins had the opportunity to make a trade to upgrade Adrianaza and an opportunity to sign or trade an upgrade over Grossman and they elected not to. 

 

They broke camp with Adrianaza and Grossman and this tells me that they felt they could get the job done. This was their dice roll. 

 

As for Gordon... my guess is that we won't see him this year unless we have a couple of season ending injuries clearing the path like the Nationals experienced... or a Dozier we ain't making the playoffs trade at the deadline. 

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

I agree. I posted as much up thread. We won't see Gordon this year, most likely. Then next year he'll be held down to start the year.

 

My response was trying to explain what the poster meant, since that was the question asked.