Article: MIN 7, KC 6: Twins Come Back From 3-Run Deficit

[Riverbrian]

 

I'd say that's probably a bigger issue later in the season... at some point, he has to get them in... in Astrudillo's case, if he keeps hitting like this, I think we both agree he needs to see the lineup more. 

 

I'm not even calling it an issue yet. Just getting preemptively ready to call it an issue... down the road... if the team starts losing and this pattern remains. 

 

With the amount of days off in the early schedule it'll be hard for anyone to develop a rhythm so I can see a manager trotting the regulars out there.  I've never liked the term regular but I know that they exist.

 

They are all small sample sizes at this point so you can't determine that anyone has fallen off the wagon yet or is deserving of a swift kick challenge in the pants. 

 

I get it... but... the idea of taking your non-regulars and staring them all in one day? The getaway lineup is something I'm done with. I've had to tolerate it for years now and don't have any toleration left for it. If you want to mix players into the lineup... mix them in... don't wait for the getaway day to mix them all in with the grace of an elephant. 

 

As for Astudillo... 3 for 5 today... There is absolutely no reason for him to sit at all right now. No reason at all. 

 

However... I'm really trying not to sound crabby. We won... it's been a great start... I'm happy. 

[DocBauer]

I'm not even calling it an issue yet. Just getting preemptively ready to call it an issue... down the road... if the team starts losing and this pattern remains. 

 

With the amount of days off in the early schedule it'll be hard for anyone to develop a rhythm so I can see a manager trotting the regulars out there.  I've never liked the term regular but I know that they exist.

 

They are all small sample sizes at this point so you can't determine that anyone has fallen off the wagon yet or is deserving of a swift kick challenge in the pants. 

 

I get it... but... the idea of taking your non-regulars and staring them all in one day? The getaway lineup is something I'm done with. I've had to tolerate it for years now and don't have any toleration left for it. If you want to mix players into the lineup... mix them in... don't wait for the getaway day to mix them all in with the grace of an elephant. 

 

As for Astudillo... 3 for 5 today... There is absolutely no reason for him to sit at all right now. No reason at all. 

 

However... I'm really trying not to sound crabby. We won... it's been a great start... I'm happy.

 

Absolutely agree on getaway days. Let guys play! TK was great at keeping everyone fresh and everyone involved. As he used to say, paraphrasing somewhat, you can't have guys ride the bench and then throw them in a game and expect them to perform. Gardenhire was pretty good at it, at times. But why do you sit half your "regulars" on the last day? You want a "getaway" day to be a "giveaway" day?

 

Only 5 games in, but I generally like everything I'm seeing from roster usage. The lineup has been a bit static but not inflexible. The primary players need to play, and they've mixed guys in. Hard for all three catchers to find consistency with the off days, but so far they are making it work, especially using the flexibility of Astudillo.

 

Speaking of Astudillo, I think we're getting beyond the SSS aren't we? He flat out hits and produces. Doesn't mean he can't fail or slump, of course, but he needs to be in the lineup most days. He is a completely different player than Gonzalez, but he is also a "super utility" player IMO. Guy should hit 2nd behind Kepler/Polanco, or in the 5-6-7 spots behind Rosario and potentially Sano when back. (Or between Rosario and Sano?) He brings a unique skill set that needs to be out there most days.

[Riverbrian]

 

Speaking of Astudillo, I think we're getting beyond the SSS aren't we? 

 

I'm no genius but as far I can tell... He's hitting RIGHT NOW!!! 

 

I don't know if he will hit in the future.

 

But there is absolutely no question that he is hitting RIGHT NOW!!!

 

If you are making out lineup for June 4th... I can see the hesitation... BUT... BUT... if you are making out a lineup for RIGHT NOW!!! The answer should be obvious. 

 

 

[D.C Twins]

Astudillo!!!!! Astudillo!!!! Astudillo!!!!

 

I have not been as fired up about a Twins player since Kirby Puckett who also played with A LOT of passion and could hit ANYTHING, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.

 

Yes im not an expert, but ill continue to play one on message boards, and yes this is a small sample size, but the eye test says we have something special here!

 

DAMN HE IS FUN TO WATCH

[jimbo92107]

B Squad games normally are kinda lame, but in this case it was fun because we didn't know what we had on the bench. We still aren't completely sure, but Garver, A-Stud and Austin can sure swing the lumber. Austin's late hit was like a knuckled 3-iron. Garver's swing spells long career, and El Cherubo is going to give opposing pitchers chaos headaches.

 

I think I saw Grande Tortuga whiff on one swing the whole game. Seeing Astudillo makes me wonder, why do all these other professional baseball players miss the ball so often?

[Old Twins Cap]

 

B Squad games normally are kinda lame, but in this case it was fun because we didn't know what we had on the bench. We still aren't completely sure, but Garver, A-Stud and Austin can sure swing the lumber. Austin's late hit was like a knuckled 3-iron. Garver's swing spells long career, and El Cherubo is going to give opposing pitchers chaos headaches.

 

"A-stud" is a great word play for a nick-name on this kid.

[Pardon My Dinger]

I want to see our Harper pitch to their Harper.

Oh, please, God, no.

[jimbo92107]

 

"A-stud" is a great word play for a nick-name on this kid.

I can't claim credit...somebody else got there in a previous thread. I forgot to give a hat tip.

[joemama]

Does Rocco seem like the nicest, most aww-shucks guy or what? Everyone's great, everyone's a star, "Gibby was fantastic out there", etc. He made sure to heap praise on Buxton as a game-changer, etc. He's just so positive and full of 100% unconditional praise.

 

Molitor would have mumbled something about how Astudillo "did OK but made some mistakes".

 

I don't really care as long as they keep winning, just kinda noticed it.

 

Spot on ... public praise, private criticism ... recipe for success. Maybe Moli practiced it until he couldn't stand it anymore, but I don't think so. Rocco was selected in part for his personality and this is a part of it.

[wabene]

Most years lately Mejia would make the rotation. His place speaks to the talent level of the staff. For all the worry over the pen I was excited to see what he could do from this slot and I have to say it is a luxury to have that kind of talent there. These games where the starter gets knocked out early are lost games and when you start stealing them we are on to something.

[Aerodeliria]

Bellinger has five times as many home runs as the Twins as a team...and we are still 4-1. If someone said that after five games, our Twins would have only one home run, I would be guessing more like 1-4. Only a couple of bats have warmed up to spring. It's all (almost) good.

[Jacksson]

Looks like there is some managerial light in the tunnel.

Should have had Cave sacrifice Astudillo to 2B in the 2nd.

With RISP in the 3rd, Rosario choked and whiffed.

With 2 outs and the bases loaded and a new pitcher brought in to face him,

Kepler sees only 3 pitches before swinging at an up and in slider and predictably popping out to SS to end the inning.

WHERE WAS THE HITTING COACH BEFORE THIS AT BAT???

With 1 out in the 7th and 2 "gift" base runners on, Astudillo hits into a DP

RUNNERS WERE NOT ON THE MOVE.

Inning #8. Imagine using a pinch hitter! Who would have thunk that up?

Both Austin and Kepler came through big in the clutch.

Especially Kepler who took a low and away sinker to LF to drive in 2 runs.

FOUR defensive changes and a pitching change.

WHAT HAPPENED, did Baldelli leave the dugout to take a leak and leave managing up to someone else??

9th inning = Pinch Runner ?? Stolen Base to get into scoring position??

What is Baldelli trying to do, become a Manager??

[AlwaysinModeration]

1. That Adrianza flip was a lousy play that should have gotten Gibson out of the inning. Garver or the pitching coach really should have talked to him at that point - he seemed to lose it a bit there, and then he gave up the 3-run homer. That was a bit of “old Gibby” right there. The infield sure didn’t do him any favors, though.

 

2. Having someone on the bench who can get the ball in play almost guaranteed is a huge weapon for key spots. Now, maybe he hits so much that he earns regular starts and this becomes moot, but his uncanny contact ability could be used really strategically in late innings. If he is used as a late inning PH to always put the ball in play to get the key run over or in, “The Assassin” will become even more of a cult hero.

[Platoon]

B Squad games normally are kinda lame, but in this case it was fun because we didn't know what we had on the bench. We still aren't completely sure, but Garver, A-Stud and Austin can sure swing the lumber. Austin's late hit was like a knuckled 3-iron. Garver's swing spells long career, and El Cherubo is going to give opposing pitchers chaos headaches.

 

I think I saw Grande Tortuga whiff on one swing the whole game. Seeing Astudillo makes me wonder, why do all these other professional baseball players miss the ball so often?

Becasue they 'worked the count' into a pitchers count? Because HR's are over emphasized? Hitting a baseball is difficult, and it's more difficult if one of "your" pitches comes early in the count and you take it. I also think that there are a lot of Brian Dozier like players in the game today. Players who make a conscious, and not irrational, decision that their career and money will be made by hitting HR's, which for them will require giving up contact as an attribute. For some as in Dozier it works, for some it doesn't. But for most of them the strikeout rates go up. Add all those ex contact hitters to the mix, and the strikeouts mount. Good for the game? That depends on how much one thinks of HR ball? Edited April 4, 2019 by Platoon

[Platoon]

I'm not even calling it an issue yet. Just getting preemptively ready to call it an issue... down the road... if the team starts losing and this pattern remains. 

 

With the amount of days off in the early schedule it'll be hard for anyone to develop a rhythm so I can see a manager trotting the regulars out there.  I've never liked the term regular but I know that they exist.

 

They are all small sample sizes at this point so you can't determine that anyone has fallen off the wagon yet or is deserving of a swift kick challenge in the pants. 

 

I get it... but... the idea of taking your non-regulars and staring them all in one day? The getaway lineup is something I'm done with. I've had to tolerate it for years now and don't have any toleration left for it. If you want to mix players into the lineup... mix them in... don't wait for the getaway day to mix them all in with the grace of an elephant. 

 

As for Astudillo... 3 for 5 today... There is absolutely no reason for him to sit at all right now. No reason at all. 

 

However... I'm really trying not to sound crabby. We won... it's been a great start... I'm happy.

 

Perceiving and/or correcting faults when winning is probably more important than correcting them after losing a bunch of games. For example, sloopy defense or baserunning is the same during a win, or a loss. It's still sloppy.

[Mr. Brooks]

1. That Adrianza flip was a lousy play that should have gotten Gibson out of the inning. Garver or the pitching coach really should have talked to him at that point - he seemed to lose it a bit there, and then he gave up the 3-run homer. That was a bit of “old Gibby” right there. The infield sure didn’t do him any favors, though.

 

2. Having someone on the bench who can get the ball in play almost guaranteed is a huge weapon for key spots. Now, maybe he hits so much that he earns regular starts and this becomes moot, but his uncanny contact ability could be used really strategically in late innings. If he is used as a late inning PH to always put the ball in play to get the key run over or in, “The Assassin” will become even more of a cult hero.

He also didn't do himself any favors by walking Hamilton. I'd call the blame between him and his infield there a wash.

Seriously, why would you ever nibble to a guy like Hamilton?

[bunt_vs_the_shift]

A lot of good topics here, but we're 1 week in and I just want to see how many times I can force "our first place Minnesota Twins" into my various random work conversations today. Who knows how long it will last, but we've got the right combination of circumstances with a down division, a little depth and maybe even a little pitching... 

[rdehring]

Really like what I am seeing from Mejia.  Once they are on the regular 5-day rotation, expect we will see Mejia as the 2-3 inning reliever backing up short starts, especially from Pineda who will have his innings limited a bit.  Doubt Mejia will be the one to step in as the #5 starter when one of the five goes on the IL.  

 

Gonna be fun seeing how Baldelli gets all three catchers reasonable at bats.  Expect Gardy would love to come back and manage the Twins with this three headed monster behind the plate.

[bighat]

I guess I'm the only one who doesn't think the Adrianza play was that bad. It was an in-between play and it wasn't easy. It was terrible timing, which I think we are confusing with terrible fielding.

 

Any predictions for Friday's starting nine?

[woolywoolhouse]

 

Bellinger has five times as many home runs as the Twins as a team...and we are still 4-1. If someone said that after five games, our Twins would have only one home run, I would be guessing more like 1-4. Only a couple of bats have warmed up to spring. It's all (almost) good.

 

The Twins have more batters with a positive "HBP" in their stats than homeruns. And that includes Cruz. Not complaining; plenty of balls hit this series that would have been homeruns in June (Polanco, Austin, and Garver) and as long as the Twins are winning, keep those HBP coming I guess? Not sure how to make that connection.

[Dantes929]

A few quick points.    A few things to temper enthusiasm.     I like what Cruz has done but he is not a .333 hitter.   We loved Hunter for a while also.   He was a great signing and provided great leadership when he was hitting three run homers.   It didn't last.   When the dust settles I hope we get from Cruz what Seattle got from him so what I hope from him is less than what he has given us.    The Turtle is not a .667 batter.   He's probably not a .382 batter either.    His career average at all levels is .300.    Sample size is mounting so maybe he has turned a corner but .300 would be great from him and if he is a .300 batter he should be a regular.    

On the flip side, Rosario is better than a .150 hitter and Kepler is better than a .200 hitter.    Interesting that there were a lot of posts (including from me)  whining about Kepler being left in to face a lefty the other day.  Not seeing those complaints from being left in yesterday.   Any chance the two run base hit had anything to do with it?      In my defense, I thought the Turtle was the guy to put in there the first time and he was already playing yesterday.

[Channing1964]

What's not to like about this start. I think the important thing to remember is there's a lot of new faces and personalities here in our organization. We will have some down times as well but as long as we stick to the plan...(whatever it is) we should make the playoffs with the talent i see displayed on this club. How far we can go is up to the Baseball Gods.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I didn't see the game and I'm of course happy with the victory and as long as they keep winning, Baldelli can do what he wants... but... I was personally disappointed to see a getaway day lineup.

 

Not because I don't want to see Austin, Astudillo, Adrianaza in the lineup. I have no problem with anyone getting a chance to compete for playing time so I'll never complain about anyone getting playing time... but disappointment because I was just hoping for a manager who wouldn't hold these guys on the bench and then just play them all in one game once every 6 games... getaway day style. It's 2019... we don't need this style of deployment anymore.

 

Anyway... we won and it's been a great start so I'll just mention it without lodging official complaint. I have no legs to stand on if the team is winning.

I saw the getaway day lineup more as a result of the stupid early season schedule than any fixed plan going forward. I’ll be really disappointed if we see that on a regular basis with a roster that includes the flexibility of both Astudillo and Gonzalez.

[nicksaviking]

 

I didn't see the game and I'm of course happy with the victory and as long as they keep winning, Baldelli can do what he wants... but... I was personally disappointed to see a getaway day lineup. 

 

Not because I don't want to see Austin, Astudillo, Adrianaza in the lineup. I have no problem with anyone getting a chance to compete for playing time so I'll never complain about anyone getting playing time... but disappointment because I was just hoping for a manager who wouldn't hold these guys on the bench and then just play them all in one game once every 6 games... getaway day style. It's 2019... we don't need this style of deployment anymore.  

 

Anyway... we won and it's been a great start so I'll just mention it without lodging official complaint. I have no legs to stand on if the team is winning. 

 

At this point I wouldn't lump Astudillo as part of the get away lineup, if he's not starting somewhere most days I think the fans are going to be frustrated.

 

Schoop hasn't done much yet, it kind of seemed like the right time to give Adrianza a start. Austin was probably due for a start as well. The optics might have been better had he started for Kepler instead of Cron as Cron has been hitting well, but I'm not sure if Austin is going to play OF this year and even if he is Kepler in CF might be the default option all year for when Buxton is out.

 

Anyway, it might have been a getaway lineup, but the bench is solid and I'll be in favor of any rationale that keeps the superior bats of Garver and Astudillo in the lineup over the "starter" Castro.

[Mike Sixel]

 

A few quick points.    A few things to temper enthusiasm.     I like what Cruz has done but he is not a .333 hitter.   We loved Hunter for a while also.   He was a great signing and provided great leadership when he was hitting three run homers.   It didn't last.   When the dust settles I hope we get from Cruz what Seattle got from him so what I hope from him is less than what he has given us.    The Turtle is not a .667 batter.   He's probably not a .382 batter either.    His career average at all levels is .300.    Sample size is mounting so maybe he has turned a corner but .300 would be great from him and if he is a .300 batter he should be a regular.    

On the flip side, Rosario is better than a .150 hitter and Kepler is better than a .200 hitter.    Interesting that there were a lot of posts (including from me)  whining about Kepler being left in to face a lefty the other day.  Not seeing those complaints from being left in yesterday.   Any chance the two run base hit had anything to do with it?      In my defense, I thought the Turtle was the guy to put in there the first time and he was already playing yesterday.

 

zero people think Astudillo is a 380 hitter......I'm not sure your point there. What he is a hitter, who should get a chance to show he is or is not. He should have received that chance last year, a smart team would have given it to him......

[Shaitan]

I'm curious about backup OF defense in this game.

 

Both Kepler and Rosario in CF over Cave.

Austudillo in LF over Gonzalez.

 

The latter was more surprising to me, especially in a 1 run game.

[yarnivek1972]

I'm curious about backup OF defense in this game.

 

Both Kepler and Rosario in CF over Cave.

Austudillo in LF over Gonzalez.

 

The latter was more surprising to me, especially in a 1 run game.

Probably has more to do with Gonzalez being better at 3b than Astudillo. A far more important position defensively. Edited April 4, 2019 by yarnivek1972

[Dantes929]

 

zero people think Astudillo is a 380 hitter......I'm not sure your point there. What he is a hitter, who should get a chance to show he is or is not. He should have received that chance last year, a smart team would have given it to him......

Reading a lot of posts that seem to draw some conclusions over a 3 or 5 game span.    I agree they should give him more consideration to be a regular based on last year, his winter league season and Spring Training as I stated in the last sentence of first paragraph.    They only got him last year, he hit .276 in AAA and then they played him pretty much every game in September.   When would the smart team have promoted him?

[Otto von Ballpark]

Reading a lot of posts that seem to draw some conclusions over a 3 or 5 game span. I agree they should give him more consideration to be a regular based on last year, his winter league season and Spring Training as I stated in the last sentence of first paragraph. They only got him last year, he hit .276 in AAA and then they played him pretty much every game in September. When would the smart team have promoted him?

Before we punted the season? There were opportunities quite early, when Castro got hurt and then Sano was sent down with Polanco still out. He had power to go with that .276 AVG at AAA too. I would have liked to see him get some regular MLB reps no later than June, when the team could have used a spark.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Reading a lot of posts that seem to draw some conclusions over a 3 or 5 game span.    I agree they should give him more consideration to be a regular based on last year, his winter league season and Spring Training as I stated in the last sentence of first paragraph.    They only got him last year, he hit .276 in AAA and then they played him pretty much every game in September.   When would the smart team have promoted him?

 

They promoted him earlier, and didn't have him catch. It was a lost season much earlier than September, no one not planned to be on the roster this year should have played much at all......He also could have played 3B when Sano got hurt.