Article: TX 8, MIN 1: Circling the Drain

[jokin]

 

Hard to compete when 8 of the team's 12 position players have a sub .700 OPS. The lineup the Twins put on the field tonight wouldn't even be considered a good minor league batting order.

 

 

That lineup....good lord.  

 

When the Twins have the temerity to put out a mock MLB lineup like last night, our time is better well-spent focusing on the 2019 mock draft and IFA period.

 

After last night's all-around abortion, I've officially switched my opinion, it's time to tank 2018 and prepare accordingly for better draft position, more slot and bonus pool money.

Edited June 23, 2018 by jokin

[jokin]

 

Falvine already spoke to this and said he's sticking around?

I'm quickly running out of patience with this regime if that's the case.

 

Ehh, is that a component of his own "tanking" strategy?

[jokin]

 

2 of 3 against Cleveland and Boston. One loss and the season’s over?

 

I'm guessing you didn't watch last night....?

[jokin]

 

 

 

I'd really like to see Gordon getting some playing time instead of Motter, Adrianza and Dozier. Not one of the three are relative to the Twins future, why are they being used over Gordon? Especially when none of the 3 are producing? Makes no sense.

 

 

Unfortunately, Nick Gordon has yet to make his case for promotion in Rochester. It makes no sense to promote him to the Twins while he's struggling to hit AAA pitching.

[Brandon]

Im still of the opinion that we just need to be able to tread water a few more weeks. We do need to win the next two against Texas but we will have Buxton and Polanco back very soon. With Mauer, Dozier, and Kepler in supporting offense and the Eds producing we will only have a hole at DH and C in the lineup so as long as Buxton is ready to hit the lineup has the potential to improve. The pitching is solid. Not worried about keeping Belisle at this point he is going in low leverage situations anyways and will be gone soon id the runs continue to pile up on his record.

 

So once we have all but Sano back, what will it take to get the offensive light turned on?

[Battle ur tail off]

 

Unfortunately, Nick Gordon has yet to make his case for promotion in Rochester. It makes no sense to promote him to the Twins while he's struggling to hit AAA pitching.

That's just it. Those clamoring for Gordon better just get ready. He's a slap hitter at best and likely not a difference maker anyway.

[Battle ur tail off]

 

OK, now that it's clear Belisle isn't going anywhere, I do have some words on that today.

 

What kind of a message is the front office sending to its young players in the high minors? 

 

They burned through Busenitz, having him throw 25+ pitches on back-to-back games, sent him down and haven't given him another shot despite outstanding numbers in the minors. They've now done the same with Belisle, but he gets to stay?

 

The same kind of thing happened with Duffey, Curtiss and Moya, all of whom have also been great for Rochester. Why not use that last bullpen spot as a rotation between those guys? There's also Luke Bard, Jake Reed, Nick Anderson ...

 

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but this is crazy. I get that Matt Belisle is a great guy, but if he's that valuable in the clubhouse can't you just Ichiro him? Make him a special assistant in the front office but allow him to continue working out with the team and be a peer mentor.

 

I mean, honestly, does it really matter? As soon as Sano had to get sent down along with Buxton, this season was over. Those 2 held the keys for this season and completely tanked. In fact, they hold the keys to this organization's success or lack there of for the next few years. If they can't make it, this will turn into ANOTHER rebuild. Fun...

[jokin]

 

Im still of the opinion that we just need to be able to tread water a few more weeks. We do need to win the next two against Texas but we will have Buxton and Polanco back very soon. With Mauer, Dozier, and Kepler in supporting offense and the Eds producing we will only have a hole at DH and C in the lineup so as long as Buxton is ready to hit the lineup has the potential to improve. The pitching is solid. Not worried about keeping Belisle at this point he is going in low leverage situations anyways and will be gone soon id the runs continue to pile up on his record.

So once we have all but Sano back, what will it take to get the offensive light turned on?

 

I held your opinion until only recently.  Why is that?

 

- Buxton is still a huge "IF?", not a "WHEN?". He was one of the worst hitters in the league BEFORE he got hurt.

- The Eddies have a history of streakiness, reversion towards the mean is more likely than their current phenomenal output.

- Mauer's talent- and average- is fading fast. Don't we all collectively cringe every time he dives for a ball?

- Dozier and Kepler haven't yet demonstrated they can go on a sustained hot streak at the plate.

- Polanco may very well struggle initially.

- Sano has shown nothing yet- against A ball pitching.

- No other offensive help seems to be coming, from the farm, or via trade.

- The continual baserunning blunders shows this team is either very poorly managed in that area or fundamentally unsound.

 

Conclusion- this team will be in full sell mode by the ASG.

 

Edited June 23, 2018 by jokin

[KirbyDome89]

 

Falvine already spoke to this and said he's sticking around?

I'm quickly running out of patience with this regime if that's the case.

Remember how excited everybody was for things to change with the new FO? 

 

It's getting to the point where we're watching two versions of the same broken machine....

[bird]

 

Just once I'd love for one of these brown nosing network reporters like that hack Doogie or Johnny Athletic to do what their readers actually want them to do, and cut out the fluff.

Hold this FO accountable and ask them, "what is your thought process on Belisle, Grossman, etc?" By no means am I imploring anyone to be offensive or rude. But, ask a real GD question.

I miss the days of actual journalism. All media today (with the exception of sites like these) is absolute garbage.

 

 

I've been disappointed also at how few tough questions seem to get asked by the mainstream media. The Belisle decision is a perfect opportunity. The perfect chance for the new FO to shed light on how they think, and the perfect opportunity for a good reporter/columnist to put that thinking under scrutiny.

 

Name-cailling detracts from your excellent point, however.