Article: Baldelli Is More Coddling Millennial Than Field General

[laloesch]

I'm not into the this generation is this and that generation is that but we'll see how Baldelli handles a struggling team in the future (hopefully not any time soon). All of this coddling talk and nap rooms? I mean comeonnnnn, were talking about grown men here playing baseball not a bunch of 2-3 year old kids that need a nap everyday at noon other wise you have to plop them in a cry room with coloring books, crayons and play-doh.

Edited May 24, 2019 by laloesch

[wabene]

One huge problem with employing the word "millennial" to describe Twins players of a certain age: 18 on the 40 man roster are from outside the United States. Thus, 45% of the players do not fit the millennial category at all, which, even for US-born humans, is a rather broad or generalized description of a group.

This is a very good point. I doubt many of these Latin players grew up laying on the wall to wall carpeting, staring into their iPads while nibbling on Pringles and sipping soda. Oh s*** I spilled I'll have to finish this later

[wabene]

 

*Gardenhire was a guest this week on Starting 9, the second best non-team specific podcast out there right now IMHO. I highly suggest checking it out if you haven't yet. He's such an amazing interview.

What's the best non-team specific podcast?

[bighat]

 

One huge problem with employing the word "millennial" to describe Twins players of a certain age: 18 on the 40 man roster are from outside the United States. Thus, 45% of the players do not fit the millennial category at all, which, even for US-born humans, is a rather broad or generalized description of a group. 

 

Completely agree. Honestly I don't think many ballplayer types fit the typical profile of a "millennial kid". Guys who get to The Show and have come through the minors have probably lived a life somewhere between "Animal House" and "Beverly Hillbillies" since they were 18 years old. Okay, maybe not all of them...but my point is that pro athletes probably rode their big wheels without helmets when they were kids.

[Number3]

"I don’t actually think he’s anything special as an in-game manager. I don’t care for his lineups....."

Excerpt from earlier post.

 

I thought he was "over managing" at first too but now I think it is sheer brilliance. Almost every player gets a different spot in the batting order in games and those who are able play different positions. Almost everyone starts frequently. Result? A fresh approach for the whole team in most games and each game takes on its own identity which fits perfectly into the "one game at a time" approach that is necessary for the long season. It also re-enforces the notion of "team vs individual" and no roles just play. Also really like the idea of announcing the lineups for every series as was posted.

 

As always, 2 factors determine win-loss record. How good are you? How good is the competition? Twins are obviously vastly improved as a team over recent years in more ways than one. The competition, in comparison, seems to be down overall from prior years. Way too early to worry about playoff matchups but October should be very interesting in 2019.

Edited May 24, 2019 by Number3

[clutterheart]

I live in Red Sox Media market. The talk around Baldelli is similar to how Red Sox fans talked about Cora last year. But now after the Red Sox's slow start the knives are being sharpened.   

 

Cora deserved credit for last year just like Baldeli deserves credit this year. But one season does not a manager make. Its easier to be a good Manager when your team hits a gazzilion HR's. 

[Alex Schieferdecker]

 

Umm, huh?

His A/LI is .64. 1 would be medium leverage. Taylor Rogers is at 2.15 this year.

Harper has appeared in plenty of low leverage situations. He has also appeared in a couple of higher leverage situations, as trust in him as seemed to grow.

[Jkeady12]

The thing I think stands out the most is his lineup changes daily. This  normally would drive me crazy but the Twins have so many weapons this year that it could be  huge advantage as the year wears on. Injuries won't hurt as much because we have guys with lots of at bats to fill in and have played multiple positions which is rare. Also guys getting rested never hurts if you have a shot to make it to the playoffs.

 

Now the key in doing this is we are scoring at a record pace, how long that keeps up will be the question. Everything looks good when you score 16 runs, at some point we will have a losing streak but hard to argue with the success he has had with his strategy.

 

My question though is who gets the credit for the barrel hitting? Why or how have the Twins figured out this momentous contact? t Baldelli? Hitting Coach? Cruz? Or just contagious hitting?

[nokomismod]

I mentioned this somewhere else, but Baldelli's style reminds me a bit of the guy leading the football team in Dinkytown. Fleck and Baldelli both communicate very well and in a very positive way. They seem to make the game fun for the players as well. Looking forward to watching both of these coaches lead their teams for hopefully a long time.

[laloesch]

 

Personality management is certainly a large aspect to leading any team. I do think Rocco was given a pretty good lineup to put in place. Much better than I anticipated! The question is how will this style do when faced with a losing streak/adversity?

Exactly might thoughts as well. I've always been a believer in leaders who are strong and firm, but also fair be it in sports or on the job. You have to know when to pat someone on the back vs. kicking them in the ass to get them going because some guys and gals need a kick in the ass not coddling or hand holding.

 

Just my opinion,  but I played 3 sports in high school and went on to play a sport in college and i've seen locker room behavior especially football. Believe me those guys don't need nap rooms and excessive hand holding. Baseball is definitely not the same on the field but you still have that dynamic in the clubhouse and those guys don't need cry rooms and soft talk from the manager.

 

I'm not really into the catering to this generation or that generation as people are people and everyone is different. The golden rule is always a good place to start.

Edited June 19, 2019 by laloesch