Front Page: Twins Game Recap (8/19): Twins Unable to Mount Comeback, Drop Series Opener 6-4

[Mr. Brooks]

One way of looking at it ... where is he among #3's on playoff caliber teams, because that's what we're trying to be.

I was responding to a post that claimed he should be at best a 4 or 5 on a bad team.

[prouster]

Both of these points are noted in the OP. Nice to know we're in agreement. Cheers!

 

Defensively there's no comparison between Cave and Buxton or Kepler...

However, if Cave keeps... closing in SLG...

Well then what’s weird is drawing the conclusion that it might be a good idea to get Cave more playing time.

[VivaBomboRivera!]

 

Well then what’s weird is drawing the conclusion that it might be a good idea to get Cave more playing time.

 

That conclusion was not drawn.

 

The point is, as long as he is on the club, he is going to get playing time.  The expectation is that his offense will improve so that he will not be a liability when he is in the lineup.  The problem to be solved as a manager is how to get the best out of him for the team.

[Squirrel]

 

Just don't blame the squirrel.

Thank you!

[VivaBomboRivera!]

 

Thank you!

 

Where there is squirrel, Boris, there must also be moose!

[Mike Sixel]

What I'm saying is yes we know the Big Mike will have trouble with his knees etc but if he is rested headed into the post season he could be one of our most valuable pitchers.

I thought we were discussing which was a safer bet to add value for next year..... But maybe not, hard to say

[Battle ur tail off]

 

Please read the post.  Note use of the words "development" and "no comparison."

 

Here are Cave's International League numbers:  .352 / .393 / .592.  At the start of his current call-up, the man was hitting a buck-ninety, so it could be hoped that he would figure out ML pitching and begin to approach his AAA marks.  The steady increase in all three of these indicators is evidence of this hoped-for improvement.   

 

[Note that as of the bottom of the 5th in the White Sox game on the 20th, Cave is 1 for 2 with a run scored and now has an 8-game hitting streak.]

 

Can we get some agreement that there is indeed "no comparison" between Cave and Buxton or Kepler defensively?  Thank you.  There is hope that he can work on his skill set in this department, but one thing at a time.

 

My money would _not_ be on Cave growing into an ML superstar either offensively or defensively.  This post is about a trend in his offensive maturation that could make him a contributor to the team's success, and perhaps relieve a little of the worry about daily wear-and-tear Buxton inflicts on himself.

 

Bottom line:  Don't hate Cave because he's not as good as his teammates.  Coach him and find a place for him to contribute, because he's a Twin at least for the remainder of the year.

 

I mean, I get where you are coming from. He's good to give guys a blow, and he can hit a little. But you made it sounds like you wanted to use him as a platoon player. Yes, right now he is getting time because Buxton is out. Once Buxton gets back though, I would only like to see him play 1 game a week or less. 

 

He's a 4th/5th outfielder and if I had to choice between him and Marwin, I go with Marwin 100/100 times. In a playoff series, I wouldn't let him see the field unless absolutely necessary. I would actually even think twice about him even being on a playoff roster.