Article: Twins 2019 Position Analysis: Shortstop

[ashbury]

I thought Brian's story would end up with the cat trapped in the box, sort of like the cat in our apartment would.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Great opening: "The position has lived up to its name".

[yarnivek1972]

When I think about Twins shortstops that have actually had a run over the last 30 years or so only 3 come to mind: Greg Gagne, Pat Meares and Cristian Guzman.

 

Additionally, when I think of those 3, I think of their “signature moves” as all being different. Gagne was at his best going into the hole, planting, turning and making the strong throw to first. Meares’ best move was ranging behind the bag, doing the full pivot and firing to first. Guzman was at his best coming in on a chopper or slow roller and firing across his body on the move.

[ashbury]

When I think about Twins shortstops that have actually had a run over the last 30 years or so only 3 come to mind: Greg Gagne, Pat Meares and Cristian Guzman.

 

Additionally, when I think of those 3, I think of their “signature moves” as all being different. Gagne was at his best going into the hole, planting, turning and making the strong throw to first. Meares’ best move was ranging behind the bag, doing the full pivot and firing to first. Guzman was at his best coming in on a chopper or slow roller and firing across his body on the move.

Last 30 years, playing 80% or more at SS and having WAR of 2.0 or better (basically MLB average SS or above), there are 10 such seasons for the Twins. Bartlett twice(!), Florimon once (and just barely), Gagne three times, Guzman once, Meares twice and now Polanco once. I think you'll agree I set the bar low enough that I didn't miss anybody important.

 

Across the majors there were such 418 seasons by shortstops, out of 900 possible of course. I don't think we got our fair share. Positional weakness for this franchise since Versalles and Cardenas, with only Smalley providing a break in a long stretch of futility.

[Platoon]

I read Brian's piece twice. The only thing I can equate it too was trying to use 3 live traps to trap a squirrel in the house. The squirrel ate the peanut butter and left the trap wide open..... Yes a cat would have worked, but who wants a squirrel laying on the kitchen floor. Speaking of mice and cats and cheese, I have a wonderful Ole and Lena joke that would touch on this topic, but I know there are Norwegians on here and I dares' nt tell it! :)

[jimbo92107]

 

I could be wrong, but I don't think Gordon has much chance of being a SS in MLB. If he makes it, it'll be at second base.

Nick Gordon's prospect thumbnail: 

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

 

Arm 55 says to me that he's got a slightly above average arm, if 50 means average. 

 

For contrast, here's Royce Lewis:

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 70 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 65

 

Also Arm 55. Is Gordon actually slow of foot, a plow horse? Is there no way they can train Gordon the same way they did for Polanco - endless drills to get every step right?

 

Could be the Twins have concluded that Gordon is another Polanco, but not a switch hitter and not as much power. Still, Gordon could be a passable SS until Lewis and Javier show up, and he's certainly a better hitter than Adrianza...right??

[yarnivek1972]

Nick Gordon's prospect thumbnail:

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

 

Arm 55 says to me that he's got a slightly above average arm, if 50 means average.

 

For contrast, here's Royce Lewis:

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 70 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 65

 

Also Arm 55. Is Gordon actually slow of foot, a plow horse? Is there no way they can train Gordon the same way they did for Polanco - endless drills to get every step right?

 

Could be the Twins have concluded that Gordon is another Polanco, but not a switch hitter and not as much power. Still, Gordon could be a passable SS until Lewis and Javier show up, and he's certainly a better hitter than Adrianza...right??

I would presume the Twins know who is the better fielder between Gordon and Polanco, whom they just signed to a long term deal.

[Linus]

I love Polancos bat and approach at the plate. He is not a SS on a great team but could be a plus second baseman. Frustrating that the Twins won’t make moves for the long term future

[Shaitan]

 

I love Polancos bat and approach at the plate. He is not a SS on a great team but could be a plus second baseman. Frustrating that the Twins won’t make moves for the long term future

How do you figure? 2 years ago everybody on this board was in a huffy because Polanco was getting reps in AAA at 2B instead of SS.

 

That sounds like a move for the future to me.

[Riverbrian]

 

I read Brian's piece twice. The only thing I can equate it too was trying to use 3 live traps to trap a squirrel in the house. The squirrel ate the peanut butter and left the trap wide open..... Yes a cat would have worked, but who wants a squirrel laying on the kitchen floor. Speaking of mice and cats and cheese, I have a wonderful Ole and Lena joke that would touch on this topic, but I know there are Norwegians on here and I dares' nt tell it! :)

 

The lesson of the story was obvious.

 

If you don't let the cat in the basement, The cat can't do what it does best. 

 

The cat not utilized to full potential will eventually end up living with your son in college, who is also not at his full potential and the cat will then spend the rest of it's life eating spilled Cheetos off the floor. 

 

Geez 

[Mike Sixel]

The lesson of the story was obvious.

 

If you don't let the cat in the basement, The cat can't do what it does best. 

 

The cat not utilized to full potential will eventually end up living with your son in college, who is also not at his full potential and the cat will then spend the rest of it's life eating spilled Cheetos off the floor. 

 

Geez

 

I still can't decide what's worse, a cat in the house, or a mouse...... But any plan that sends the cat away sounds like a good plan...... That was the point, right?

[Riverbrian]

I would presume the Twins know who is the better fielder between Gordon and Polanco, whom they just signed to a long term deal.

I’d like to presume that but simply can’t anymore.

[yarnivek1972]

I’d like to presume that but simply can’t anymore.

Well, they obviously know who they THINK is the better fielder.

[Platoon]

The lesson of the story was obvious.

 

If you don't let the cat in the basement, The cat can't do what it does best. 

 

The cat not utilized to full potential will eventually end up living with your son in college, who is also not at his full potential and the cat will then spend the rest of it's life eating spilled Cheetos off the floor. 

 

Geez

 

Well if you had said that in the first place............ Geez I wish I could tell that Ole and Lena joke!