Miranda Mania: 3 Ways To Get Him To Minneapolis

[Nash Walker]

In what has been a horrific season for the Twins, many have flocked to minor league box scores to see the damage Jose Miranda did that day. When in the world will he take the shuttle to Minneapolis?

The results speak for themselves. Miranda is having a monstrous season in the minors. He’s taken his advanced approach, one of the reasons he was selected 73rd overall as a 17-year-old in the 2016 Draft, and combined it with newly-developed patience and power. 

The most encouraging aspect of Miranda’s toolbox is that he isn’t selling out for pop. He’s maintained a 13% strikeout rate while consistently making hard contact. Miranda has gone from a .252/.302/.369 slash, empty batting average low-minors hitter to a true damage bat at the highest levels. 

There are many reasons to be excited. Miranda has power to all fields, makes consistent contact, barely strikes out, and hits the ball with authority.  

Entering Sunday, Miranda is hitting an insane .343/.405/.593 with 25 homers and 23 doubles in 94 games. He’s split time at Wichita and St.Paul, crushing equally at both stops. 

Let’s look at three ways the Twins could get Miranda into a full-time role for the final 35 or so games:

1. DFA Andrelton Simmons, move Jorge Polanco to SS, slot in Miranda at 2B/3B

I’m confident in saying this is the crowd favorite. Simmons has been abysmal offensively and offers no future value. Even so, the Twins have expressed a desire to keep his glove behind their young pitchers and keep Polanco at second base. At this point, I’d call this unlikely. 

2. DH Josh Donaldson, move Luis Arraez to LF, slot in Miranda at 3B

This one makes the most sense. The problem: what happens to Brent Rooker? With Byron Buxton on the mend and Max Kepler in right, Rooker would be the odd man out in this scenario. Plus, the Twins would have to stop playing Jake Cave against righties. Unlikely. 

3. DH Miguel Sanó, slot in Miranda at 1B

Miranda has started at first base in 22 games this season. To avoid a part-time DH role, the Twins could give the reigns to Sanó, who will probably fill that spot in 2022. Again, how is Rooker getting at-bats? 

Ultimately, there is no simple way to promote Miranda. He shouldn’t play in anything but a full-time role. Without an injury, we may not see him in a Twins uniform until next spring.

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[Seansy]

Rooker in LF, Miranda at 3rd, DH JD, Sanó at 1B.

Arraez rotates to give everyone a day off so he plays regularly.

[matthew0211]

Why are you worried about what happens to Rooker? The guy is not a major leaguer. 

[Platoon]

Is this about service time?

[twinssporto]

42 minutes ago, matthew0211 said:

Why are you worried about what happens to Rooker? The guy is not a major leaguer. 

I kind of agree with the above statement. Rooker is "rooking" hard to play his way out of this lineup. I love it when a minor leaguer like Miranda makes problems for the front office. 

Instead of joining the free Brittany movement, jump on the free Miranda bandwagon!

[Brandon]

Wait till there is 3 weeks left in the season.  Then it makes sense to promote him and let him play 1B, DH, and 3B 4 starts a week maybe 5 and a few pinch hitting opportunities.  now You can find time as he won't be digging into too much playing time as Sano, JD, and Rooker each get a day off and can rotate so once during the three week period they each get 2.  and really I can see Miranda getting 2 or 3 starts at 3rd and JD Dhing a day or two and Rooker getting the extra day off or get a start or two in the OF.  Miranda would get around 45-60 plate appearances in that time but at least a chance to get some time to see what it is like in MLB.

 

[Rosterman]

C'mon, this is so easy. Miranda is a third baseman. You add an infielder, you subtract an infielder. Donaldson is playing DH now, it seems. 

 

You want Arraez to play everyday. Put him at second, Play Polanco at short. Have Miranda play third. See how the last 30+ games go.

 

You cut loose Simmons. Maybe a team sees defensive strength, and he gets on a playoff roster. They claim him, the Twins save some money.

 

Right now, the Twins also will have to jettison someone to the minors when Buxton returns. Rooker, Cave or Refsnyder? Let's see who gets the most playing time to see if they remain on the roster in the week ahead.

So many extra names in the bullpen. Someone will have to be removed to add Dobnak back to the 40-man. Who could that be. Of course, the Twins could give up on Pineda and Thorpe and make them 60-day disabled and end their seasons (as well as their career in the off-season with the Twins). Looks like the Twins will also have to add back Farrell.

 

Of course, with the reworked rotation, would love to see the Twins promote Strotman, add in Ryan, maybe advance Balazovic for a start or two. Looks like Sammons, because of Rule 5 status, is also in the mix as a potential lefty. Of course the Twins could demote Barnes or Over if they wish, end their seasons early and keep their innings solid. But still need to get rid of a body if you add Ryan.

 

But, yes. I vote for Miranda over Simmons. Stop playing guys out of position. Arrez has no need to be in the outfield. Miranda doesn't need to play any position open that day...make him your third baseman of the future and then decide after seeing him play if he opens in St. Paul next spring or the majors, and you have to do something with Donaldson, or be glad you have a DH who can also play the field. Then you only have to decide about Kirilloff over Sano at first base in spring training, and what to do with that odd man out.

 

Simmons is not in the mix for 2022. Rooker still is. Look at anyone else NOT in the mix for 2022 and make roster moves now accordingly, please.

 

[Nashvilletwin]

Donaldson will tweak a hammy any time now. He’s due. Slot Miranda right in at 3B. Trader Josh in the off season unless we want a $24MM dh.  Take what you can get - salary relief would work. 

[old nurse]

Miranda could always just catch the light rail to Target Field

[rv78]

I agree with Rosterman, It's not complicated. Pencil in Miranda at 3B. Donaldson to DH. Let Polanco, Simmons and Arraez shuffle duty at 2B and SS. Bigger question happens next year when you need to replace Simmons. Do you put Polanco back at SS so Arraez can play 2B full-time? Really think Arraez would make a really good 3Bman, I hate to say it but if Miranda is the man then Arraez may be the odd man out and could be good trade bait for a good arm for the rotation or the bullpen. With Austin Martin on the verge and Royce Lewis not far behind SS should be covered going forward. Hopefully Martin can jump in for 2022 if they don't end up moving Polanco back there.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Tell Simmons, "Thank you, but we are dropping you from the roster". Put Miranda at 3B. DH Donaldson. Trade Josh Donaldson in the off season and pay part of his ridiculous salary. Do any of you readers think that surly veteran  Donaldson, jogging to first base,  is having a positive effect on the young Twins players? The young players watch the veterans "go about their business". Who saw the hustling Yankee batter beat out a ball bobbled by a Twin fielder? That, my friends, is how you play to win. 

[HerbieFan]

Thanks Nash.  This THE #1 frustration for me.  It seems so simple.  The kid can DH/1B/3B.  Donaldson may not play 3B again this year.  DH him or give him the day off.  Sano is an average at best 1B and Alex Kiriloff taking that spot the majority of the time in 2022 is almost a foregone conclusion.  He can DH some, play 1B some and sit some.  Between those 3 lineup spots, there should be plenty of ABs to warrant bringing the kid up.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his hands.

Polanco isn't moving back to SS permanently but he could man it well enough over the last 6 weeks to plug Arraez in at 2B so he gets his ABs.  They DID win a division title last year with that combo so how bad can it be ROS?

One option you didn't include is DFAing BOTH Simmons and Cave.  All due respect, but neither of them should be on the 40-man by next season.  Just give up the ghost and move on.

 

[Seth Stohs]

3 hours ago, Platoon said:

Is this about service time?

No, it's about playing time. 

[Platoon]

59 minutes ago, Seth Stohs said:

No, it's about playing time. 

I meant will bringing him up affect his service time, ie cost the Twins a year of control?

[Seth Stohs]

4 minutes ago, Platoon said:

I meant will bringing him up affect his service time, ie cost the Twins a year of control?

No, it'll be 30 days of service time (or however many days here is up). He just needs to be added to the 40-man roster. When he's called up, he won't be optioned this year, so he'll go into spring training next year with 3 option years remaining and 30ish days of service time. 

[darwin22]

2 hours ago, HerbieFan said:

Thanks Nash.  This THE #1 frustration for me.  It seems so simple.  The kid can DH/1B/3B.  Donaldson may not play 3B again this year.  DH him or give him the day off.  Sano is an average at best 1B and Alex Kiriloff taking that spot the majority of the time in 2022 is almost a foregone conclusion.  He can DH some, play 1B some and sit some.  Between those 3 lineup spots, there should be plenty of ABs to warrant bringing the kid up.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his hands.

Polanco isn't moving back to SS permanently but he could man it well enough over the last 6 weeks to plug Arraez in at 2B so he gets his ABs.  They DID win a division title last year with that combo so how bad can it be ROS?

One option you didn't include is DFAing BOTH Simmons and Cave.  All due respect, but neither of them should be on the 40-man by next season.  Just give up the ghost and move on.

 

Your last comment-----"dfa'ing BOTH Simmons and Cave"-----is at the top of my immediate wish list.  Saying that it won't happen as our supposed "braintrust" doesn't have the cajones to take this action. Don't understand that thinking as neither have any logical upside of being on this team next year.

[mikelink45]

The obvious response for me is that he should already be here. 

It is not about who gets moved where it is about the FO rewarding a player for outstanding performance.  

Service time is a joke and we all know it.  We either extend or trade.  

Come On Falvey give us something more to cheer about.  And maybe another young arm not named Gant, Garcia, Garza - forget the wonderful additions you keep making from the waver wires and bring up real prospects. 

[tony&rodney]

Partially, it seems worthwhile to let Miranda lead St. Paul through the remainder of the year, but then there is the notion that young players benefit from a couple dozen starts in MLB before their rookie seasons. Hopefully our management has the sense to differentiate between what is best for the prospect and team going forward to make 2022 a competitive team. Right now I like how Jose Miranda seems ensconced into his role as the star of his team in St. Paul. 

[RpR]

Polanco at SS Twins will lose 100 games.

 

[old nurse]

Immediate gratification is what many want. It is an ugly look.  Miranda's OPS at AAA is not really any different than Rooker's, Celestino's  or Cave's at AAA this year. I have not heard one bit of reasoning why one should expect anything out of Miranda when others with the same OPS this year have failed miserably on the MLB level this year

[old nurse]

8 hours ago, darwin22 said:

Your last comment-----"dfa'ing BOTH Simmons and Cave"-----is at the top of my immediate wish list.  Saying that it won't happen as our supposed "braintrust" doesn't have the cajones to take this action. Don't understand that thinking as neither have any logical upside of being on this team next year.

You provide what reasoning that sets Miranda apart from any other player other than not having failure at the major league level. Nobody has proven they have an upside as the 4th outfielder better than Cave.. The shortstops at AAA have an upside? Throwing away the remainder of this season has an upside? That is logical?

[beckmt]

Saints will probably make the AAA playoffs.  Miranda will stay there until that run if over (may be about the same time the twins are done).  This winter they have many roster decisions to make.  Expect a lot of the part timers who do not have an upside to be gone.  Cave for sure and probably Rooker.  

[Gatormandd]

Isn't the call-up period next week? I think we can wait without cutting anyone, lol.  I know the twins don't want to have Polanco blow out an ankle at SS; but with that in mind all the more reason to give him 1-2 days a week off, and let Miranda and Arraez get a start there.  Do the same thing at 3b (call it 3 starts) with the same guys.  Let Sano and Astudillo play 1b/UT, as they will be battling for the last roster spot (I like Sano, but if he's destined to be a DH/1b/3b reserve, let's get him back in the groove with some games at 3b also).  Arraez in left some is fine, and we've probably given up on him hitting LH this season, so there's abs for Miranda there.  Finally, let Rooker play some, but we are pretty sure at this point he's not a superstar in coming, so let him, Garlick and Refsnyder fight for that last OF spot next year and don't sweat it.  

C- Garver, Jeffers, Astudillo

1B- Kirilloff, Sano, Astudillo

2B- Polanco, Arraez, Gordon

SS- FREE AGENT!/trade acq

3b- Miranda, Donaldson, Sano

DH- Donaldson, Sano

LF, Larnach,    Rooker/Garlick/Refsnyder

CF Buxton, Gordon, Kepler

RF, Kepler, Kirilloff    Rooker/Garlick/Refsnyder

That's 16 guys= Refsnyder AAA/cut, Astudillo AAA/cut (he's fun, but), Trade 1 of Sano or Arraez, and one of Larnach or Kepler to upgrade pitching/SS. We have Martin/Lewis coming, but you do have to give something to get something, even if it's just an average mlb ss or a #3-4 SP or setup guy (I don't trade for rp's myself, but).

OR Trade Buxton in the offseason for as much young talent as you can, give away Donaldson (you won't get much with the contract) and bring up the kids!

[MinnInPa]

13 hours ago, rv78 said:

I agree with Rosterman, It's not complicated. Pencil in Miranda at 3B. Donaldson to DH. Let Polanco, Simmons and Arraez shuffle duty at 2B and SS. Bigger question happens next year when you need to replace Simmons. Do you put Polanco back at SS so Arraez can play 2B full-time? Really think Arraez would make a really good 3Bman, I hate to say it but if Miranda is the man then Arraez may be the odd man out and could be good trade bait for a good arm for the rotation or the bullpen. With Austin Martin on the verge and Royce Lewis not far behind SS should be covered going forward. Hopefully Martin can jump in for 2022 if they don't end up moving Polanco back there.

 

[Whitey333]

My goodness!  We have a team in LAST place in the central and we cannot find a spot to see how our young prospects may help in the future.  Come on, there's several DFA candidates like Cave, Simmons, Rooker and others.  In my opinion The Twins have totally messed up this roster after we fell out of contention on May 1st.  The FO and Baldelli don't seem to be on the same page.  Service time?  Twins openly delay service time to save money.  Just ask Buxton.

[umterp23]

8 hours ago, RpR said:

Polanco at SS Twins will lose 100 games.

didn't realize that he was also bugs bunny and pitching in the game at same time.  Polanco at short doesn't equal 100 losses

[roger]

No one is talking about the reason not to call him up, ie, the reason to keep him in St. Paul.  

I don't know or care to try to understand what is happening in AAA regarding playoffs, or not, and league championship rules.  But the Saints have one hell of a team and are battling for first place.  Miranda is their best hitter.  With the addition of Ryan and maybe Winder getting healthy, they have a great chance to keep up their recent pace and win this out.  

Why is winning in St. Paul important.  Two reasons, one, this is the first year of the Twins-Saints affiliation and putting a championship banner up at CHS Field would be fantastic.  Second, the Twins now own part of that franchise and filling the stands throughout September and getting all the excitement back to fill seats in 2022 will keep the Saints as a solid, profitable franchise. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

14 minutes ago, roger said:

No one is talking about the reason not to call him up, ie, the reason to keep him in St. Paul.  

I don't know or care to try to understand what is happening in AAA regarding playoffs, or not, and league championship rules.  But the Saints have one hell of a team and are battling for first place.  Miranda is their best hitter.  With the addition of Ryan and maybe Winder getting healthy, they have a great chance to keep up their recent pace and win this out.  

Why is winning in St. Paul important.  Two reasons, one, this is the first year of the Twins-Saints affiliation and putting a championship banner up at CHS Field would be fantastic.  Second, the Twins now own part of that franchise and filling the stands throughout September and getting all the excitement back to fill seats in 2022 will keep the Saints as a solid, profitable franchise. 

Tell me again why it is so important to a community to have a successful minor league team, so I can send the reasons to the Elizabethton, Tenn. fans and supporters. 

[roger]

4 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Tell me again why it is so important to a community to have a successful minor league team, so I can send the reasons to the Elizabethton, Tenn. fans and supporters. 

Ouch.  That hurts, but no where near as much as it probably does for those fans who regularly went out to Joe O'Brien Field a couple nights every week.  I know there was supposed to be some type of college summer league in the Appy League this summer.  Did that happen?  If so, what was it like?

[Sparky55]

We do not need Jake Cave, Austidillo or Simmons next year. Package all of them with Rooker and make room for some young kids.

Next year: Catcher Garver and Jeffers 1B Sano/Kepler 2B Araez/Polanco SS Freddy Galvis?3B Donaldson/Miranda DH Sano/Donaldson/Araez OF Larnach/Buxton/Kepler/Refsnyder