September 16, 20197 yr Surprised to discover that the Twins have not had a team captain since Harmon Killebrew. Leadership counts when a club is playing for the last out of the season. Which 2019 players have stepped up to set an example for their teammates? Considering factors like baseball smarts, judgment, maturity, coolness under pressure, peer coaching and pure results, who do you think provides that daily leadership for this ball club? Nominees are listed in order of total RBI; position players only. All have at least 300 PA this season. Edited September 16, 20197 yr by VivaBomboRivera!
September 16, 20197 yr I say Cruz on that one... Not sure he's the MVP of the team, but I have very little doubt that his presence isn't being felt all through the linup.
September 16, 20197 yr Author Invalid poll... Don't see TC Bear or Rally Monkey as an option. They're on the DL, receiving rabies vaccination series after being bitten by a squirrel... Edited September 16, 20197 yr by VivaBomboRivera!
September 17, 20197 yr Author Not a statistically valid set of results yet, but so far a strong consensus. There must be a few other opinions out there, hopefully they will appear to liven up the chatter and let the mascots fade in the rear-view mirror. Will be a big surprise if Max Kepler doesn't get a few votes. Thoughts: The only considerations against Cruz that come to mind are that he has played exclusively in the DH spot (will he get outfield innings after the Division is clinched?) and he did not come up through the Twins organization. The latter is only a criteria for captain in the sense that the team benefits from his presence for a greater number of years, a la Derek Jeter for the Yankees. There is also a case for Garver. As catcher he leads the team on defense, in spite of being in a platoon role that limits his on-field time. When he is there, his performance speaks for itself. The fact that his career in the majors began only two short years ago is the biggest strike against him. His potential to grow into the role is clear. It's no stretch to say that Twins are likely to pick up Cruz' option for 2020 based on his results this year. Were he to play a big role in raising another World Series pennant, whether and how much the team would "adopt" him into the Twins family (Dan Gladden, for example) is uncertain. Chili Davis was allowed to continue his journeyman career after his similar season and post-season performance in 1991. The clubhouse and on-field leaders on their teams were Kent Hrbek and Kirby Puckett. Cruz did not join a Twins roster that already had a figure of their stature. Were the Pohlads to cede control of the ball club to me I would sew a "C" on number 23, and make Mitch Garver heir apparent. Edited September 17, 20197 yr by VivaBomboRivera!
September 18, 20197 yr They're on the DL, receiving rabies vaccination series after being bitten by a squirrel...I resent that ... and for that reason am not responding to your poll. Because, in all honesty, I'm the reason for their success and should be named team captain.
September 18, 20197 yr WRITE IN VOTES: Please put your write-in votes for Squirrel in the comments ... VOTE FOR ME! VOTE FOR ME! VOTE FOR ME!
September 18, 20197 yr Author I resent that ... and for that reason am not responding to your poll. Because, in all honesty, I'm the reason for their success and should be named team captain. Faith, puckish Squirrel, thy jest falleth like a dying quail. How canst thou compare thy caprices to the mighty two-baggers and bombas of our herculean heroes? Hie thee behind the tarp, there to await the appearance of German, Tanaka and Chapman!
September 18, 20197 yr Really, this needs a poll? Haha I said he was team leader long ago and said sorry, Rocco!
September 18, 20197 yr Obvious answer. Dad. Why wouldn't dad be the leader?Careful. If Mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Vote Mom.
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