Article: Awkward Decisions

[Kelly Vance]

 

I think we are seeing the cumulative effect of concussions on Joe. He is "off" this year because of not being fully recovered from "Concussion Symptoms" earlier this year. He accomplishes nothing by playing beyond this year: no World Series, mo meaningful records, he's not a clubhouse leader, and doesn't need the money - nor the humbling from taking a huge pay cut. If he values his long term health and his family, he should just walk away and let the Twins move on without him.

he's not a clubhouse leader.... how do you know that?  You don't.

In fact, Joe is a great clubhouse leader. 

[Kelly Vance]

 

Hmmm... this is the first I head of it. Seems like they are setting up cover for their decision to not call him up:

https://www.twincities.com/2018/08/31/miguel-sano-wants-to-see-byron-buxton-back-in-the-majors-soon/amp/


Falvey was quoted just a couple days ago in another Berardino article about Buxton and didn't mention any of that about the wrist -- just some generic stuff about doing "the best thing by all the players and ultimately how we build our team":

https://www.twincities.com/2018/08/29/byron-buxton-doesnt-sound-like-a-lock-for-september-call-up/amp/

If they are still honestly asking him to play through an injury, at AAA during a lost season, then that seems pretty foolish in its own right.

Wrist injuries heal slowly.  I don't think they would be short sighted enough to use that for an excuse, especially if it weren't true. 

 

 

 

[USAFChief]

he's not a clubhouse leader.... how do you know that?  You don't.

In fact, Joe is a great clubhouse leader.

 

How do you know that?

[USAFChief]

Exactly

 

I'd love to have Mauer back but we can't have him back handling it like we always handle it.

 

Like Nicksaviking said... If Mauer is the starter and he hits .220 with 1 home run into June, you have screwed up 2019 even with a 1 year contract.

 

-They decided he was the every day 1B, they didn't sign anyone else for the role as a result. 

-Molitor will not bench the legend and they will have no options if they wanted to and it's 2018 all over again. 

-They can't trade him with 10/5 rights. 

-They will not cut him on a one year contract and end his career in Minnesota on a horrible note. 

-He can only play 1B. 

 

Like you said... If they sign Mauer as a backup 1B. 

 

They bring in a better 1B option.

They have to utilize a valuable 25 man roster to spot to hold a guy who can only play 1B when they have someone better at the position and this leaves them short at backup options and it's 2018 all over again. 

 

I think Mauer can still help us win games and I would welcome him back but only under one condition. The team changes it's approach and implements position flexibility to accommodate. Escobar at 3B, SS AND 2B, Sano at 3B and 1B, Mauer at 1B, Austin OF and 1B or Kepler OF and 1B. You got the DH spot to play with and let the best performers get the lions share of playing time. 

 

If they don't do that... we can't take him back. And that would be a shame.

 

And Mauer only playing one position...and part time at that... immediately throws a monkey wrench into your plan.

[Riverbrian]

 

And Mauer only playing one position...and part time at that... immediately throws a monkey wrench into your plan.

 

It does indeed. 

 

However... With position flexibility you can at least absorb the monkey wrench kind of. It doesn't have to be a major thing to overcome. Without position flexibility... it could become a major thing to overcome. 

 

You want Donaldson... OK... I like Donaldson even if he is not-flexible like I like them. Donaldson 3B, Mauer 1B, Sano 3B/1B/DH. Easy enough.

 

Now what do you do with Austin in case he is real? He's out of options. Signing Mauer just cost you Donaldson because Austin is now the DH. 

 

With position flexibility... you can have them all.  That's why I want Austin to get some OF time because... what if Mauer comes back and what if Austin is real. If Mauer is back and Austin is real... Sano plays 3B and you will not get Donaldson if Austin can't play OF.  

 

I'd love to have Mauer back... He's one of us. He may not be Paul Goldschmidt but he can help us win games in his current form. 

 

However... as we currently operate... I don't see how he doesn't end up hurting us in 2019 either:

 

Directly: by getting hurt or playing bad

 

OR

 

Indirectly:  By convincing the front office that we don't have room for Donaldson because Mauer is at 1B and Sano is at 3B. Or signing Donaldson anyway and costing us Austin.   

 

[Kelly Vance]

 

How do you know that?

I knew somebody would bite. :-)

 

[Squirrel]

 

How do you know that?

lol ... I just got through asking the same thing to myself

[Mr. Brooks]

This. The Baseball decision is relatively easy. Is Mauer better than the alternative? The answer at the moment is clearly yes. He’s a better player than Austin and the fact he only plays 120 games a year gives you plenty of opportunities to develop Austin both in the field and as a DH. You don’t need to move to Sano to first base because we don’t have another 3rd baseman . There isn’t anybody in the market worth getting other than Escobar, and he can play second base or be part of a group of four players handling the first base, third-base, DH and pinchhitting roles. The free-agent market is not real strong and frankly the Twins are not in a good position to get free agents because they aren’t very good team at the moment. Getting Nelson Cruz doesn’t make any sense to me because of his age, so he won’t around when the young players hit their stride, and he will want multiple years to come to Minnesota. We are looking at a year where we’re going to need a 1 to 2 year stopgap guy for the first base/DH role. Mauer is not only here and potentially available, he’s probably the best answer on the market for that role. Now, this is all assuming Mauer will take a one or one plus option deal.

I'm not convinced Mauer is better than Austin in 2019.

In fact, Austin has been objectively better in 2018.

[Mike Sixel]

How is Mauer better than Austin next year? Because he hasn't been this year.

 

First base and DH for me next year are...

 

Austin, Kepler, Garver, Sano, Rooker when ready. Sometimes the other corner OF they bring in is the DH, whomever that is. It's possible, though unlikely, that is Kiriloff.... At some point.

 

I'd try to sign another catcher, since Garver can play first, OF, and DH.

[jorgenswest]

Austin has extremely high strikeout rates with low walk rates against right handed pitching. It isn’t a big jump to think that Mauer might be a better hitter against right handed pitching next year.

 

I hope they find a way to put Austin in the line up against every left handed pitcher. I also hope they have a 1B plan for right handed pitching. If not Mauer, then maybe Kepler with Cave taking over RF.

[Channing1964]

All i have to say is its a great read and if Mauer isnt at first base and Buxton isnt in center then....(1) who is ...and (2) if they arent then i fear we are in for an even more miserable and maddening year in 2019.

Edited September 2, 2018 by Channing1964

[Channing1964]

 

 

Austin has extremely high strikeout rates with low walk rates against right handed pitching. It isn’t a big jump to think that Mauer might be a better hitter against right handed pitching next year.

 

I hope they find a way to put Austin in the line up against every left handed pitcher. I also hope they have a 1B plan for right handed pitching. If not Mauer, then maybe Kepler with Cave taking over RF.

[Channing1964]

Gosh is it just me or is it hard see any evidence of a long term plan being in place here. I have seen a lot of talk about Escobar and Dozier leaving as free agents but I didn't see any multi position middle infield prospects being acquired in this forest fire sale. Its really hard not to be mad as hell. I see the FO talking about losing players to free agency then trading those players for absolutely nothing that will ever fill those positions. If something were to happen to Sano right now who is the back up 3rd baseman. Does anyone think we can make the playoffs with a whole year of Forsythe at 2nd? Hildenberger at closer? Moya at set up? Im sorry but this is reminding me of the Calvin Griffith era. They spent all the money they wanted to last off season and for what? I still say we had a chance to pull this off with Polanco and Sano coming back and the way Lynn, Duke, Rodney, and Pressly were pitching. They must have real confidence in their ability to sign top tier free agents. ummm ....that was up until they failed to inform Molitor or Sano about the trade in Boston and then screwed around with Buxton's sevice time. I am really not happy with the Falvines at all. Maybe they arent ready either. just sayin.

Edited September 2, 2018 by Channing1964

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I agree with the above poster and I will one-up him. By the time 2020 rolls around, we may wish we had stuck with Dozier and Escobar and extended those two short extensions or qualifying offers, signed Mauer and kept Molitor, let him manage one more year with those players familiar to him, and just in general rolled with the core we had through the end of 2019 and then made significant changes after that.

[Channing1964]

yeah Bombo i mean i know there were some years when we were way way out of it and i get that. This year i just feel helpless, empty, sad for the players, sad for myself, and sad especially for Molitor. i live in Arizona now and I even work at Chase Field. Can you imagine how hard it is to see Escobar in another uniform every day. Its like a bully came in broke up our sand lot team AND stole the ball. If we're out we're out but if we got a shot LET US PLAY. Do you remember the '87 ALCS? Nobody gave us a chance..4th best record in the AL. Man that was so special. It cant happen if dumb and dumber dont want to let it happen.That would mean they'd have to admit they were wrong.

[TheLeviathan]

 

I agree with the above poster and I will one-up him. By the time 2020 rolls around, we may wish we had stuck with Dozier and Escobar and extended those two short extensions or qualifying offers, signed Mauer and kept Molitor, let him manage one more year with those players familiar to him, and just in general rolled with the core we had through the end of 2019 and then made significant changes after that.

 

Dozier is still not hitting well.  Why, and at what price, would you want to extend him?  You kept telling us his binge was right around the corner and he's running out of time for it.

[Rosterman]

Does Mauer become a bench bat, say like Jim Thome, but can play the field more often than not?

 

Questions. Is Escobar worth going after to fill a void at third base. If so, where do you move Sano. Fulltime DH/ Tyler Austin shows chops, but he also strikes out a lot and we must remember Chris Parmelee. So the Twins need to look at the combination of who plays 1B/3B/DH and be a bench bat. If Mauer DOES become a bench bat who can't play the outfield, you basically need to short your bullpen.

 

Buxton...you need to produce. Have you> Will you? Yje Twins are buying that extra window to see if Byron CAN produce well in the next season or two which, if he does, MIGHT open up a trade opportunity, or if he does for two seasons, a BIG contract signing. A smart move by the front office? Maybe. Remember, Nuxton could also NOT break camp wth the team if he has a disaster in the spring. 

 

And the front office will show if the Twins go into true rebuild mode, looking ahead to 2020 and beyond. That takes some faith in the prospects. And there are outfielders who would replace Buxton (and perhaps Kepler) by then. But we also have to question the longterm growth of Rosario and Polanco, and WHO IS ON SECOND. Sadly we aren't seeing Nick Gordon get a taste in September...then some winter league ball somewhere, and a strong possible entry into spring training. Will the Twins sign an interm (like Escobar).

 

Yjere is a lot of fluff on the roster, especially when your highest paid players are now Addison Reed and Jason Castro.

 

Zach Granite also has to be crying...as he was behind Buxton in the mix...and Buxton fell out of the mix behind Grossman and JOHNNY FIELD!

[ThejacKmp]

 

In the era of 3 man benches, your standard bench players almost have to be a backup catcher, backup infielder, and backup outfielder.  Slotting Mauer into a bench spot requires your backup cf, catcher, or ss into the starting lineup.  Kepler could start and backup Buxton in CF if needed.  Keeping Mauer would mean a bench of Mauer, backup IF (probably Adrianza), and backup catcher.  Adrianza or Garver would need to play in the outfield to give an outfielder a day off and force Cave back to AAA.  Seems like a pretty weak lineup.  That's the real cost of keeping Mauer with a 13 man pitching staff.  

 

Your logic is off. Here's a 12 man roster that includes Mauer that has no issues:

 

Catcher

1. Castro
2. Garver (also 6th OF)

 

Infielders
3. Sano 3B/1B
4. Polanco SS
5. Escobar 2B/3B (or equivalent 2B option)
6. Adrianza 2B/SS/3B/corner OF
7. Mauer 1B/DH

 

Outfielders
8. Buxton
9. Rosario
10. Kepler OF/1B
11. Cave 4th OF
12. Austin 5th OF/1B/DH

 

Everyday Lineup:

L Mauer 1B

S Polanco SS

L Rosario LF

R Sano 3B

S Escobar 2B

R Austin DH

L Kepler RF

R Buxton CF

L/R Castro/Garver C (can move Garver up obviously)

 

You can replace Adrianza with any utility infielder if you want to upgrade there. Garver is an emergency OF along with Adrianza (you actually have seven guys who can credibly play OF for a game).

 

Mauer is fine with a three man bench. The Twins have had worse benches than Adrianza, Garver, and Cave.

 

Also, that's a nice looking lineup there, assuming Buxton can hit .260 and Sano bounces back with the power. Big assumptions but, like in 2018, the Twins likely rise and sink with the Buxton-Sano core. 

Edited September 4, 2018 by ThejacKmp

[ThejacKmp]

 

How is Mauer better than Austin next year? Because he hasn't been this year.

First base and DH for me next year are...

Austin, Kepler, Garver, Sano, Rooker when ready. Sometimes the other corner OF they bring in is the DH, whomever that is. It's possible, though unlikely, that is Kiriloff.... At some point.

I'd try to sign another catcher, since Garver can play first, OF, and DH.

 

It's not either-or, only you are making it so. The Twins can easily keep Austin and Mauer unless they sign both a 2B and a 3B (or a SS and a 3B or a SS and a 2B). At that point they'd have to decide to keep two of Austin, Cave, and Mauer. Assuming Sano doesn't bottom out again, that is.

 

Moving Garver from C removes much of his value. He's an average, uninspiring bench player. If he can be a backup catcher, that bat plays much more nicely. This is an even worse version of the "move Sano from 3B" crowd. If guys can reasonably handle a harder defensive position, that's great.

 

Any scenario where the Twins sign or trade for a new catcher should be accompanied by trading Castro, not moving Garver to a position where he'll have a hard time having value.

[ThejacKmp]

 

I think Mauer can still help us win games and I would welcome him back but only under one condition. The team changes it's approach and implements position flexibility to accommodate. Escobar at 3B, SS AND 2B, Sano at 3B and 1B, Mauer at 1B, Austin OF and 1B or Kepler OF and 1B. You got the DH spot to play with and let the best performers get the lions share of playing time. 

 

I don't get your premise that the Twins don't embrace positional flexibility:

 

• Escobar played 1 game at 2B and 21 at SS this year (low 2B due to Dozier). Last year he played 9 games at 2B, 16 at SS, and 79 at 3B.
• Miguel Sano played 11 games at 1B and 55 at 3B this year. Last year he played 82 at 3B and 9 at 1B.
• Tyler Austin has DH'd 12 games for the Twins and played 1B 6 games.

Molly has moved all of these guys all over the place.* Austin hasn't played OF in part because of numbers. The Twins have few 1B/DH options and many OF options. He also isn't much of an OF, having only started three major league games out there. He's more of a 5th OF than a 4th OF. I assume we'll see him out there at some point as rosters expand in September.

 

* He has kept guys at generally the same position but that seems pretty smart really. You want to be flexible giving guys the day off but there's also value to consistency at positions, particularly in the infield. I think he's walked the line between flexible and consistency pretty well.

[Riverbrian]

 

I don't get your premise that the Twins don't embrace positional flexibility:

 

• Escobar played 1 game at 2B and 21 at SS this year (low 2B due to Dozier). Last year he played 9 games at 2B, 16 at SS, and 79 at 3B.
• Miguel Sano played 11 games at 1B and 55 at 3B this year. Last year he played 82 at 3B and 9 at 1B.
• Tyler Austin has DH'd 12 games for the Twins and played 1B 6 games.

Molly has moved all of these guys all over the place.* Austin hasn't played OF in part because of numbers. The Twins have few 1B/DH options and many OF options. He also isn't much of an OF, having only started three major league games out there. He's more of a 5th OF than a 4th OF. I assume we'll see him out there at some point as rosters expand in September.

 

* He has kept guys at generally the same position but that seems pretty smart really. You want to be flexible giving guys the day off but there's also value to consistency at positions, particularly in the infield. I think he's walked the line between flexible and consistency pretty well.

 

1. Molitor embraced flexibility in the same way that the majority of managers have embraced flexibility. They keep a utility guy on the bench. 

 

2. See the Dodgers... look at how they move players around. That is position flexibility. Molly has not moved these guys all over the place. 

 

3. I have never seen Tyler Austin play OF so I speak of his OF defense. However, he has played more OF than 1B in the minor leagues. At the major league level, the Yankees have a full outfield and an opening at 1B. Also the Yankees haven't been one of the teams to embrace positions flexibility. If you assume that you will see Austin out in the OF, I hope you are right because I'm not sure what Molitor is waiting for. 

 

4. I don't make that assumption, I assume that we won't see Austin in the OF. My assumption is based on Molitor just not being that creative and we have had 4 games with Rosario. During those 4 games, Austin has been the DH 3 times and sat once. 3 of those games were against the Rangers with no playoff implications or playoff integrity to protect. Robbie Grossman played OF 3 times and Johnny Field twice instead. 

 

5. I'm not sure that I'm seeing the benefit of consistency in our IF. It sounds like a smart thing to say but is it really happening in our IF. 

 

6. My personal opinion is that he is walking the line... But it's the wrong line. 

[ThejacKmp]

 

1. Molitor embraced flexibility in the same way that the majority of managers have embraced flexibility. They keep a utility guy on the bench. 

 

2. See the Dodgers... look at how they move players around. That is position flexibility. Molly has not moved these guys all over the place. 

 

3. I have never seen Tyler Austin play OF so I speak of his OF defense. However, he has played more OF than 1B in the minor leagues. At the major league level, the Yankees have a full outfield and an opening at 1B. Also the Yankees haven't been one of the teams to embrace positions flexibility. If you assume that you will see Austin out in the OF, I hope you are right because I'm not sure what Molitor is waiting for. 

 

4. I don't make that assumption, I assume that we won't see Austin in the OF. My assumption is based on Molitor just not being that creative and we have had 4 games with Rosario. During those 4 games, Austin has been the DH 3 times and sat once. 3 of those games were against the Rangers with no playoff implications or playoff integrity to protect. Robbie Grossman played OF 3 times and Johnny Field twice instead. 

 

5. I'm not sure that I'm seeing the benefit of consistency in our IF. It sounds like a smart thing to say but is it really happening in our IF. 

 

6. My personal opinion is that he is walking the line... But it's the wrong line. 

2. NL teams move guys around because they have to. The pitcher batting makes pinch-hitting and double switches commonplace, ensuring that teams will have players play multiple positions. Not sure how applicable that is to the AL, where it’s more about getting guys a day off or getting as many handed players into the lineup against a specific starter.

 

Also, the Dodgers have moved guys around because of injuries. When your SS or CF goes down, you have to move things. I think a better comparison would be the Cubs, who have legit superstars playing all over the diamond (Bryant at 3B/OF, Baez at 2B/SS/3B, Zobrist at 2B/OF). But that’s also a measure of the talent that they have – their backup IF options are Happ and Bote, who would be starting for many teams. I’m not sure the Twins have had the roster strength to complain about Molitor’s use of positional flexibility. No one is working hard to get Adrianza 5 games a week, he’s a true backup.

 

3. He did play a lot in the minors, which makes me hope he can play at the MLB level. Like you said, it’s also noteworthy that the Yankees have a glut of OF options so perhaps him not playing there is not indicative of an inability to play OF (though again, not sure that the positional flexibility you talk about is as important for an AL team – the Yankees have tons of talent and set roles because they’re not trying to work around a pitcher and they know their ideal lineup). It would be fantastic if Austin could be 4th OF. Cave is fine but he’s a lefty and really only makes sense as a spot starter for Buxton against tough righties. Austin would be great playing corner OF twice a week to give Kepler/Rosario a day off/DHing.

 

4. Haven’t seen it yet but I imagine that’s more a testament to the Twins weakness at DH and 1B than Molly not being flexible. If the Twins move Austin to the OF, they have to move Sano to 1B and put in Adrianza etc. I think it’ll be more interesting as rosters expand and the Twins have more backup options. I’d say that two weeks is not a strong enough sample size either. Austin could have a nagging injury that makes OF harder or the Twins could be trying to use that time to look at him at 1B with Mauer up in the air. We should give it September before drawing conclusions.

 

5. What does this mean? I think we’ve been inconsistent with the bat but I’m not sure what else I’d do defensively. Sano at 3B, Polanco at SS, Dozier/Adrianza at 2B and Mauer et. al. at first is the best option and has been rolled out. The Twins have a dearth of infield talent at the MLB level and so there hasn’t been a lot to do with it. Unless I’m not understanding this . . .

[Riverbrian]

2. NL teams move guys around because they have to. The pitcher batting makes pinch-hitting and double switches commonplace, ensuring that teams will have players play multiple positions. Not sure how applicable that is to the AL, where it’s more about getting guys a day off or getting as many handed players into the lineup against a specific starter.

 

Also, the Dodgers have moved guys around because of injuries. When your SS or CF goes down, you have to move things. I think a better comparison would be the Cubs, who have legit superstars playing all over the diamond (Bryant at 3B/OF, Baez at 2B/SS/3B, Zobrist at 2B/OF). But that’s also a measure of the talent that they have – their backup IF options are Happ and Bote, who would be starting for many teams. I’m not sure the Twins have had the roster strength to complain about Molitor’s use of positional flexibility. No one is working hard to get Adrianza 5 games a week, he’s a true backup.

 

3. He did play a lot in the minors, which makes me hope he can play at the MLB level. Like you said, it’s also noteworthy that the Yankees have a glut of OF options so perhaps him not playing there is not indicative of an inability to play OF (though again, not sure that the positional flexibility you talk about is as important for an AL team – the Yankees have tons of talent and set roles because they’re not trying to work around a pitcher and they know their ideal lineup). It would be fantastic if Austin could be 4th OF. Cave is fine but he’s a lefty and really only makes sense as a spot starter for Buxton against tough righties. Austin would be great playing corner OF twice a week to give Kepler/Rosario a day off/DHing.

 

4. Haven’t seen it yet but I imagine that’s more a testament to the Twins weakness at DH and 1B than Molly not being flexible. If the Twins move Austin to the OF, they have to move Sano to 1B and put in Adrianza etc. I think it’ll be more interesting as rosters expand and the Twins have more backup options. I’d say that two weeks is not a strong enough sample size either. Austin could have a nagging injury that makes OF harder or the Twins could be trying to use that time to look at him at 1B with Mauer up in the air. We should give it September before drawing conclusions.

 

5. What does this mean? I think we’ve been inconsistent with the bat but I’m not sure what else I’d do defensively. Sano at 3B, Polanco at SS, Dozier/Adrianza at 2B and Mauer et. al. at first is the best option and has been rolled out. The Twins have a dearth of infield talent at the MLB level and so there hasn’t been a lot to do with it. Unless I’m not understanding this . . .

I’ll have more time to better explain myself at lunch or tonight.

 

I’ll just touch on one point briefly. Yes the NL has to make more in game adjustments. The Dodgers and Cubs are different. They are flexible with starting lineups and all teams have injuries to adjust to and that is why flexibility is important.

 

The bottom line is this: It’s enivitable. The majority of teams need to get out of the 80’s. Starters don’t go as long as they used to which increases the bullpen use. On top of that bullpens are changing which also increases the need for bullpen use. You need more bullpen slots to accommodate and this leads to fewer position spots. Teams have no choice and some teams are stubbornly clinging to the way it was done before. It’s inevitable.

 

The Twins might as well go all in now and catch up to the Dodgers and Cubs.

[Fargoguy]

Your logic is off. Here's a 12 man roster that includes Mauer that has no issues:

 

Catcher

1. Castro

2. Garver (also 6th OF)

 

Infielders

3. Sano 3B/1B

4. Polanco SS

5. Escobar 2B/3B (or equivalent 2B option)

6. Adrianza 2B/SS/3B/corner OF

7. Mauer 1B/DH

 

Outfielders

8. Buxton

9. Rosario

10. Kepler OF/1B

11. Cave 4th OF

12. Austin 5th OF/1B/DH

 

Everyday Lineup:

L Mauer 1B

S Polanco SS

L Rosario LF

R Sano 3B

S Escobar 2B

R Austin DH

L Kepler RF

R Buxton CF

L/R Castro/Garver C (can move Garver up obviously)

 

You can replace Adrianza with any utility infielder if you want to upgrade there. Garver is an emergency OF along with Adrianza (you actually have seven guys who can credibly play OF for a game).

 

Mauer is fine with a three man bench. The Twins have had worse benches than Adrianza, Garver, and Cave.

 

Also, that's a nice looking lineup there, assuming Buxton can hit .260 and Sano bounces back with the power. Big assumptions but, like in 2018, the Twins likely rise and sink with the Buxton-Sano core.

 

We are going to have to agree to disagree. I'm not sure that Escobar is coming back. There is no equivalent option in free agency or anywhere in the organization. Playing Sano at 1B puts a utility infielder at 2nd and 3rd. Austin's best position is probably DH. I don't want to count on him to play much 1B or in the outfield. I think you need to limit your pitching staff to 12 to justify keeping a player like Mauer. I would actually prefer to carry a player like Mauer than an 8th relief pitcher, but I don't see it happening.

[Mike Sixel]

 

It's not either-or, only you are making it so. The Twins can easily keep Austin and Mauer unless they sign both a 2B and a 3B (or a SS and a 3B or a SS and a 2B). At that point they'd have to decide to keep two of Austin, Cave, and Mauer. Assuming Sano doesn't bottom out again, that is.

 

Moving Garver from C removes much of his value. He's an average, uninspiring bench player. If he can be a backup catcher, that bat plays much more nicely. This is an even worse version of the "move Sano from 3B" crowd. If guys can reasonably handle a harder defensive position, that's great.

 

Any scenario where the Twins sign or trade for a new catcher should be accompanied by trading Castro, not moving Garver to a position where he'll have a hard time having value.

 

I was reply to a comment that said Mauer would be better than Austin.....

 

But, even w/o that, Mauer can be replaced with a lot of other players. I listed adding a corner OF, for example, who can also DH. I listed 4-6 players that can cover 1B/DH, and most likely outhit Mauer pretty easily. 

 

As for catcher, I too would like an upgrade on Castro...and I'd like Garver to play some 1B/DH when he's not catching. He's too good a hitter to sit around 1/2 the year.

 

Mauer isn't good, compared to other 1B or DH. The lineup you propose is pretty much this year's lineup. I am not interested in this team standing still, not even a little. 

[Squirrel]

I was reply to a comment that said Mauer would be better than Austin.....

 

But, even w/o that, Mauer can be replaced with a lot of other players. I listed adding a corner OF, for example, who can also DH. I listed 4-6 players that can cover 1B/DH, and most likely outhit Mauer pretty easily.

 

As for catcher, I too would like an upgrade on Castro...and I'd like Garver to play some 1B/DH when he's not catching. He's too good a hitter to sit around 1/2 the year.

 

Mauer isn't good, compared to other 1B or DH. The lineup you propose is pretty much this year's lineup. I am not interested in this team standing still, not even a little.

Concur. That lineup is a ‘stand pat’ lineup and is not an upgrade, at all. In fact I might consider it a step back because it’s not a step forward.

[ewen21]

All i have to say is its a great read and if Mauer isnt at first base and Buxton isnt in center then....(1) who is ...and (2) if they arent then i fear we are in for an even more miserable and maddening year in 2019.

The two of them together contributed close to nothing this year. We could fill their spots with average major leaguers and it would be an upgrade

[USAFChief]

In addition to the excellent replies above by Fargoguy, Mike, and Carole above, don’t forget Mauer doesn’t play first base once per series. Which is bad enough in itself, but becomes really limiting when someone else isn’t in the lineup.

 

Give Sano a sore hammy, and now what’s the lineup look like, with Mauer not at first?

 

A part time first baseman who only plays first base WILL have a negative impact on the lineup.

 

And the reward is a .750 OPS if you’re reasonably lucky.

 

Move on. Let’s hope they aim higher.

[Thebigalguy]

The more I think about Falvine keeping Buxton in the cage in September instead of bringing him to the Twins, the more it stinks. Clearly, it's all about service time. I've tried to rationalize it in another comment on this site and one on the Star Tribune, but there's no way to do that. He should file a grievance. The MLBPA should make a public stink. Those of us who are still Twins fans want him in centerfield this month, not sitting at home stewing and sulking because he was scammed. We're being scammed, too. Yes, the season is meaningless in terms of playoffs for the Twins, but does that mean every fan should boycott? If not, if Falvine still wants us in the stands, then Buxton should be in uniform and showing us what he can do. No ifs. No ands. No buts.  It's almost enough to take me back to my childhood, when I lived elsewhere and was a Yankees fan: Mantle, Maris, Richardson, Moose Skowron, Clete Boyer. Those guys had to take what the team dished out. Buxton can do more than that. And he should.

[TheLeviathan]

 

By the way, for those Jonesing for a return of Dozier, here's his stats with the Twins and with the Dodgers:

 

With Twins - .227/.307/405 (.712), 92 OPS+, 22% SOs, 96/46 K/BB, 16 HRs, 52 RBIs in 462 PAs

With Dodgers - .212/.331/.385(.716), 95 OPS+, 18% SOs, 21/19 K/BB, 4 HRs, 15 RBIS in 124 PAs.

 

Looks like the same guy. A little less on the SOs, a little better K/BB ratio (that could change in a week), a little less power in LA, a mediocre SLG% going to bad. 6 for his last 39, sound familiar? Bottom line, let's NOT get him back.  

 

He's probably done as even a half-season elite bat.  His age and position would indicate that the time was coming due soon.