Third and fourth outfielder

[stringer bell]

24 minutes ago, Seth Stohs said:

Kirilloff will be the primary starter in LF. My guess, and I just tried to put together all of the Twins rosters (MLB --> Extended based on who is at spring training), and I have Rooker and Celestino on the Opening Day roster. With the 28 man roster, I think that makes the most sense not to make the 40-man rosters for three weeks. Celestino can play all three spots and Rooker can mash (if he puts it in play). 

Larnach needs to get back on a good, extended role, and probably to do that in St. Paul. I think I'd like to see Celestino get every day playing time too for at least another half-season before he becomes more of a role player. Rooker is ready to be a part-timer, age-wise. And, people hate it, but Cave can be fine as a fourth outfielder used only as that. 

So, barring injury Seth, you’re saying the position players going north are 3 catchers (Sanchez, Jeffers, Godoy) 6 infielders ( Sanó, Polanco, Correa, Urshela, Arraez and Gordon) and 5 outfielders (Buxton, Kirilloff, Kepler, Rooker and Celestino). No non-roster guys and no Miranda?

[AlwaysinModeration]

There are only 17 position players on the 40-man.  Of those, I’d start Lewis and Celestino at St. Paul. It’s also start Miranda at St. Paul for the first month, meaning both Rooker and Larnach would be position players 13 and 14.

As the OP question of third and fourth OF, I’d say Kiriloff, Larnach and Kepler all get starts at corner OF, as well as some for Rooker, with Arraez and Gordon as sometimes options.  CF back-up is Kepler or Gordon, but I hope Buck earns all of his incentives and plays every day.

 

[Riverbrian]

22 hours ago, stringer bell said:

With Buxton in center and Kepler in right, the Twins are set at two of the three outfield positions,

I have a friend who races on the dirt track in town every Friday night. I like asking him how he did every Monday and then making fun of him when he says 4th.

I like joking about it but, I understand the reality on the dirt track. If you draw the 6th position, it is going to be near impossible to finish 1st. All the cars are fast, built the same, the drivers are experienced and the space and time to maneuver is tight. 

It matters where you start on the dirt track, it matters on Baseball depth charts where you start and where you start matters in regular life as we head down our paths toward becoming a CEO or a meth addiction.

Max Kepler drew the pole position and hit .211 over 490 AB's. 

I love ya String but the Twins better not be set in RF with Kepler. 

[Squirrel]

38 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I love ya String but the Twins better not be set in RF with Kepler

So, are you suggesting what here? That you’d have Kepler as the 4th outfielder? Or gone? And who starts in RF then, and also in LF? Do you put Larnach in RF and Kirilloff in LF? Or do you think there is another acquisition yet to happen?

[bighat]

18 hours ago, Mill1634 said:

I've been operating under the assumption that Larnach is traded -- I have nothing to back this up, but I feel like he's the headliner in some secondary arm we trade for that isn't named Montas.

I'd be happy to see that happen, but I think his trade value might be about as low as it's ever been. With his numbers last year, no team is going to say "I think this is a guy we can build our future outfield around". He's 25 years old already and there's not a whole lot more time for development. He projects to be more of a Luke Raley/Tyler Austin type at this point IMO.

Maybe it's Kepler who gets traded? Then the Twins run Buxton and Kiriloff out there every day, and some combo of Gordon/Garlick/Arraez platooning in the OF? Arraez isn't a defensive whiz out there but he's proven capable.

[stringer bell]

21 hours ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

15 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

So, are you suggesting what here? That you’d have Kepler as the 4th outfielder? Or gone? And who starts in RF then, and also in LF? Do you put Larnach in RF and Kirilloff in LF? Or do you think there is another acquisition yet to happen?

I chose Gordon but woof, he has looked absolutely terrible this spring.

Yes, I believe Kepler is a lock to be the "regular" right fielder for the first segment of the season. Hoever, if someone else steps forward and Kepler doesn't, it makes perfect sense to relegate him to part-time duty. 2019 is now three years ago and since he breakout that year, he has reverted to what he was before the breakout. He's a lifetime 103 OPS+ and that is exactly what he has compiled combining the last two seasons. That's fine for a shortstop or a catcher, but not a corner outfielder. Good fielder, good base runner, but he needs to hit more than that. Maybe he'll return to his 2019 form, probably not. Other guys may or may not break out and reduce his role. He's on scholarship right now and there aren't any viable options at this point, but I don't think the situation will last. 

[Squirrel]

After thinking on it, I think Kirilloff will start in LF, and will make well more than half his starts there. Buxton in CF (of course) and Kepler in RF (because honestly, who else is there unless there is still an acquisition of some sort coming? And maybe with no shift, we see Kep raise his offense again? Defensively, he’s better than any other choice we currently have.). But, as for the 4th fielder, not sure. I’d say Celestino except that I think he still needs more time at AAA. I’ve suggested Larnach before, but he could also use more time in AAA. So, do you add Garlick or Cave to the roster until Celestino and/or Larnach are ready to be up to stay? Ugh, really don’t like that option.

We’ve already been told Arraez will not be in the OF.

So, then there’s Gordon. He will get some OF time as our 5th OF.

I still think there may be another acquisition because I’m not really liking our internal options right now.

[Squirrel]

7 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Yes, I believe Kepler is a lock to be the "regular" right fielder for the first segment of the season. Hoever, if someone else steps forward and Kepler doesn't, it makes perfect sense to relegate him to part-time duty. 2019 is now three years ago and since he breakout that year, he has reverted to what he was before the breakout. He's a lifetime 103 OPS+ and that is exactly what he has compiled combining the last two seasons. That's fine for a shortstop or a catcher, but not a corner outfielder. Good fielder, good base runner, but he needs to hit more than that. Maybe he'll return to his 2019 form, probably not. Other guys may or may not break out and reduce his role. He's on scholarship right now and there aren't any viable options at this point, but I don't think the situation will last. 

I wasn’t disagreeing with you. I was simply asking Brian, if not Kep, who? And I’m curious to see how no shift helps Kepler

[singlesoverwalks]

Playing Kiriloff in left field makes a lot of sense when Buxton is healthy. Buxton can make up for some of his limitations. The real question is who takes over center when Buxton can't play - especially if we end up with Kepler and Buxton injured at the same time, as has happened before. I'd take Gordon over Cave because he can still claim a bit of prospect status and can play the infield.

[Squirrel]

2 minutes ago, singlesoverwalks said:

Playing Kiriloff in left field makes a lot of sense when Buxton is healthy. Buxton can make up for some of his limitations. The real question is who takes over center when Buxton can't play - especially if we end up with Kepler and Buxton injured at the same time, as has happened before. I'd take Gordon over Cave because he can still claim a bit of prospect status and can play the infield.

I think Gordon will be used as an occasional starter in CF when Buxton needs a day off. If Buxton gets injured and goes on the IL, it will be Celestino. That’s what I think will happen.

[Trov]

I personally would like to see Gordon get some type of a chance.  He has shown in his career he takes time to adjust to each level, but once he does he hits above average, but with not great power.  If he can add plus defense to LF based on his speed, and can hit decent, I think there is value there.  I would love to see Gordon get a real chance to see how he does.  Maybe we cannot afford that, but as pointed out, no one is clear LF every day right now. 

[Seth Stohs]

8 hours ago, stringer bell said:

So, barring injury Seth, you’re saying the position players going north are 3 catchers (Sanchez, Jeffers, Godoy) 6 infielders ( Sanó, Polanco, Correa, Urshela, Arraez and Gordon) and 5 outfielders (Buxton, Kirilloff, Kepler, Rooker and Celestino). No non-roster guys and no Miranda?

That would be my guess. Miranda needs to play every day, and Urshela and Arraez will likely be splitting time at third base. Sanchez may be DHing quite a bit, so having the 3rd catcher isn't a bad thing. Gordon s out of options. I think Celestino should still play every day for another half season before becoming a 4th outfielder, but I also don't think it makes sense to use a non-roster guy for 3 weeks. 

And that assumes 14 hitters and 14 pitchers on the initial 28-man roster, which I dont know if they will do or not. They may go 13 hitters and 15 pitchers. 

 

[MinnInPa]

Kirilloff in LF...My Vote for 4th outfielder would be Austin Martin. ..the kid can play!!Just NO to Cave, Rooker and Larnach..nothing but K Kings. They will probably go with Gordon as super Utility. Game 1 - Arraez DH, Buxton CF, Polanco 2B, Correa SS,  Kirilloff LF, Sano 1B, Kepler RF, Jeffers C, Ursela 3B

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, Squirrel said:

So, are you suggesting what here? That you’d have Kepler as the 4th outfielder? Or gone? And who starts in RF then, and also in LF? Do you put Larnach in RF and Kirilloff in LF? Or do you think there is another acquisition yet to happen?

I'm suggesting that Kepler actually earns the crown of everyday RF that he has been seemingly handed. I'm suggesting that he didn't even come close to earning it last year and that his performance was a huge issue and it created instability in the process of intending to create stability.    

Kiriloff, Larnach, Rooker, Arreaz, Gordon, Miranda, Martin, Lewis, Celestino, Fisher, and Garlick should not be held back when it comes to playing time considerations in LF, RF, DH and or elsewhere if Kepler doesn't vastly improve over last year. 

If none of those guys can out perform the .211... Yeah... we better be looking to make a deal because our system has a major issue in that case.    

We can't say RF is set after what Kepler did last year. What Kiriloff did either, Nor What Larnach or Rooker did last year. We need to be hopeful that at least some of them can be better and reach the potential we expect of them but it'll be a lot harder for Kiriloff, Larnach and Rooker to become what we'd like them to be if Kepler gets his name in the lineup card every day while hitting .211.

I'm saying let the player playing the best get the bulk of the playing time not the player they (or we) think SHOULD BE the best.     

I firmly believe that rewarding bad performance with playing time over and over again hoping they will get better is what places your team in last place.  And I firmly believe that rewarding bad performance over and over again also prevents you from finding someone better. 

I'm OK with Kepler starting in RF on opening day.

I'm OK with seeing if Kepler can make some adjustments and become the player most of us think he should be.

I'm ok giving Kepler the chance to show that he is not what he was last year.

I'll give Kepler the same chance the Giants gave Lamonte Wade in San Francisco last year but until Kepler actually earns the right to block others... he shouldn't.       

[chpettit19]

5 minutes ago, Seth Stohs said:

That would be my guess. Miranda needs to play every day, and Urshela and Arraez will likely be splitting time at third base. Sanchez may be DHing quite a bit, so having the 3rd catcher isn't a bad thing. Gordon s out of options. I think Celestino should still play every day for another half season before becoming a 4th outfielder, but I also don't think it makes sense to use a non-roster guy for 3 weeks. 

And that assumes 14 hitters and 14 pitchers on the initial 28-man roster, which I dont know if they will do or not. They may go 13 hitters and 15 pitchers. 

 

I haven't seen the details of the extended roster rule, but I'd bet that if there's no rule saying they can't carry 15 pitchers they're going to carry 15 pitchers and 13 position players. I'd guess opening day is 3 catchers (Jeffers, Sanchez, Godoy), 5 infielders (Correa, Polanco, Sano, Urshela, Arraez), 4 outfielders (Kirilloff, Buxton, Kepler, Rooker), 1 UTIL (Gordon). Wouldn't be shocked if they go Larnach instead of Godoy, but I think he could use a hot start in St Paul before a call up. Same with Celestino and Miranda. A lot can change over the next couple weeks, though, so who knows.

But I'm guessing they go 15 arms if they can. Maybe meaning we see Winder on the opening day roster. Alcala, Bundy. Cotton, Duffey, Gray, Jax, Moran, Ober, Rogers, Ryan, Smith, Stashak, Thielbar, Thorpe then either Winder or Romero would be my guess.

[Riverbrian]

31 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

I wasn’t disagreeing with you. I was simply asking Brian, if not Kep, who? And I’m curious to see how no shift helps Kepler

Gonna have to wait a year for that kind of help

"As part of the agreement, the league has gained the power to implement rule changes for the 2023 season, including a pitch clock; restrictions on defensive positioning; and the installation of larger bases for health and safety purposes".

"the defensive shift will be illegal in Double-A, High-A and Low-A this season". 

[ToddlerHarmon]

11 hours ago, Shaitan said:

I generally expect a rotation of Kirilloff and Arraez in LF in rotation with Sano/Kirilloff and 1B and Sanchez/Arraez/Sano at DH.

It just makes too much sense. I have been advocating Arraez at 3B, because you have to find the best position for his bat.

BUT, if Arraez can play LF, it cleans up all your other messes: you have all your proven MLB hitters in the lineup and your defense is good to great everywhere else:

DH Sano, C Jeffers, 1B Kirilloff, 2B Polanco, 3B Urshela, SS Correa, LF Arraez, CF Buxton, RF Kepler.

Sanchez is your first RH bat off the bench, and you have room for Larnach and Miranda to get playing time.

[Squirrel]

9 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Gonna have to wait a year for that kind of help

"As part of the agreement, the league has gained the power to implement rule changes for the 2023 season, including a pitch clock; restrictions on defensive positioning; and the installation of larger bases for health and safety purposes".

"the defensive shift will be illegal in Double-A, High-A and Low-A this season". 

ah. right ...

[chpettit19]

4 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I'm suggesting that Kepler actually earns the crown of everyday RF that he has been seemingly handed. I'm suggesting that he didn't even come close to earning it last year and that his performance was a huge issue and it created instability in the process of intending to create stability.    

Kiriloff, Larnach, Rooker, Arreaz, Gordon, Miranda, Martin, Lewis, Celestino, Fisher, and Garlick should not be held back when it comes to playing time considerations in LF, RF, DH and or elsewhere if Kepler doesn't vastly improve over last year. 

If none of those guys can out perform the .211... Yeah... we better be looking to make a deal because our system has a major issue in that case.    

We can't say RF is set after what Kepler did last year. What Kiriloff did either, Nor What Larnach or Rooker did last year. We need to be hopeful that at least some of them can be better and reach the potential we expect of them but it'll be a lot harder for Kiriloff, Larnach and Rooker to become what we'd like them to be if Kepler gets his name in the lineup card every day while hitting .211.

I'm saying let the player playing the best get the bulk of the playing time not the player they or we think SHOULD BE the best.     

I firmly believe that rewarding bad performance with playing time over and over again hoping they will get better is what places your team in last place.  And I firmly believe that rewarding bad performance over and over again also prevents you from finding someone better. 

I'm OK with Kepler starting in RF on opening day.

I'm OK with seeing if Kepler can make some adjustments and become the player most of think he should be.

I'm ok giving Kepler the chance to show that he is not what he was last year.

I'll give Kepler the same chance the Giants gave Lamonte Wade in San Francisco last year but until Kepler actually earns the right to block others... he shouldn't.       

Kepler had 2.1 WAR last year according to B-R and 1.9 according to Fangraphs. He's certainly not the all-star we want him to be, but I think you're selling him quite short by focusing so much on the BA. Agree he shouldn't be blocking anyone who can put up more than 2 WAR, but I'm not sure I see that amongst anyone on your list for 2022 (Arraez isn't an OFer so I took him off the list since he'll never be the starting RFer for the Twins, same with Miranda by the way). With a wide open LF you need to actually find 2 players to cover the corners that will have better than 2 WAR in 2022 and I just don't see 2 guys on that list I'd bet on over Kepler this year. (Even if Arraez is playing LF and Kirilloff is in RF then Urshela is at 3B and he's not as good as Kepler so you still wouldn't supplant Kepler in that spot.)

But I'll take Martin and Lewis in the corners for 2023 and beyond (maybe even by midseason 2022?). Although, Lewis has actually looked rather decent at SS in the games I've seen the last week so maybe he really can stick there? And Martin doesn't have the arm for RF so I have him penciled into LF for 2023. So really you're looking at Larnach, Rooker, Gordon, and Celestino. None of which I'm betting on to supplant Kepler anytime soon. Even if I'm a Larnach believer. At this point Kepler has earned his starting spot based on what the current roster includes. Whether you think 2 WAR is good enough from the starting RFer or not is a different question. But if you want to improve on that you have to look outside the org.

[Minny505]

I can't believe it's been 24 hours and no one has posted the best decision: sign Brett Gardner for $2mil

He is a 2WAR upgrade vs the current expected arrangement and that is being conservative. How?

On offense Sanchez gets replaced by Gardner. By projections, this is losing about 0.5 oWAR. 

On defense, by having Kirilloff at 1B instead of Sano the Twins get about 3 dWAR.

By signing Gardner the Twins make a big upgrade at DH, replacing Sanchez with Sano; a huge upgrade at 1B by replacing Sano with Kirilloff; and a marginal downgrade at LF replacing Kirilloff with Gardner.

Plus, with his age and contract, Gardner can be easily moved to a 4th OF role when Larnach is ready, and is solid in CF. If Gardner turns out to be cooked and Celestino is ready, just cut Gardner. 

It seems like the perfect solution. If I were running this squad on OOTP (that brings me back) this is what I would do.

[Gatormandd]

I lot of good ideas; my preference would be for Larnach to start in AAA and learn to hit breaking/offspeed a bit more, have Kirilloff in LF and late defense at 1B for Sano.  Garlick does starting vs LH in LF, and the 5th OF is somebody (pref LH bat to fill in for Kepler/Buxton/Garlick vs RH type situations). Who? Mid-season I think Larnach comes in to do that and freshens folks up a bit.  Ideally Martin as well, at which point Garlick would have to move on.  Rooker stays as AAAA help, Gordon goes for a bowl of soup to somebody or is released, sadly (he's sooo almost the perfect guy, and the Twins just might keep him as the 5th OF/emergency inf). Celestino gets the bulk of CF time in AAA, with Martin alternating between SS and OF with Larnach in a corner with Rooker.  Lewis stays as SS, probably starting in AA and finishing in AAA.  Wild Card = Derek Fisher.  Will get play there = J. Miranda; who played a few games there in AAA and I expect to look like Arraez out there (yuk, lol).   So I guess I see Garlick and Miranda (Gordon?) as the Opening Day 4th/5th OFs, with Fisher maybe forcing one of them off.  I can't Cave anymore;  if he agrees after clearing waivers to a minor lg contract, fine (somebody might take him off waivers, but...)

[Eicemann]

I am PRAYING that the Jake Cave era ends now.  The Twins can and should do better.  They do need to identify a legit backup CF given Buxton's injury history.  I'm holding onto a slim hope that Derek Fisher can get his **** together and be a contributor as a reserve OF for the Twins.

[Riverbrian]

54 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Kepler had 2.1 WAR last year according to B-R and 1.9 according to Fangraphs. He's certainly not the all-star we want him to be, but I think you're selling him quite short by focusing so much on the BA. Agree he shouldn't be blocking anyone who can put up more than 2 WAR, but I'm not sure I see that amongst anyone on your list for 2022 (Arraez isn't an OFer so I took him off the list since he'll never be the starting RFer for the Twins, same with Miranda by the way). With a wide open LF you need to actually find 2 players to cover the corners that will have better than 2 WAR in 2022 and I just don't see 2 guys on that list I'd bet on over Kepler this year. (Even if Arraez is playing LF and Kirilloff is in RF then Urshela is at 3B and he's not as good as Kepler so you still wouldn't supplant Kepler in that spot.)

But I'll take Martin and Lewis in the corners for 2023 and beyond (maybe even by midseason 2022?). Although, Lewis has actually looked rather decent at SS in the games I've seen the last week so maybe he really can stick there? And Martin doesn't have the arm for RF so I have him penciled into LF for 2023. So really you're looking at Larnach, Rooker, Gordon, and Celestino. None of which I'm betting on to supplant Kepler anytime soon. Even if I'm a Larnach believer. At this point Kepler has earned his starting spot based on what the current roster includes. Whether you think 2 WAR is good enough from the starting RFer or not is a different question. But if you want to improve on that you have to look outside the org.

It's one thing to bet on Kepler like you are doing... and I will be standing in line behind you at the same window placing the same bet... but its a totally different thing to place that bet with no parachute after the parachute didn't open last time.  I love mixing metaphors. 

You state you agree that he shouldn't be blocking anyone and that means we both agree that a backup parachute or three will be necessary in preparation for this next jump. 

And... BTW... I believe it is nearly impossible to sell a .211 BA short. ?

 

 

 

[LewFordLives]

1 hour ago, MinnInPa said:

Kirilloff in LF...My Vote for 4th outfielder would be Austin Martin. ..the kid can play!!Just NO to Cave, Rooker and Larnach..nothing but K Kings. They will probably go with Gordon as super Utility. Game 1 - Arraez DH, Buxton CF, Polanco 2B, Correa SS,  Kirilloff LF, Sano 1B, Kepler RF, Jeffers C, Ursela 3B

I concur. Not only could Martin hold down LF when Kirilloff inevitably moves to 1B, but his OBP and speed make him a prototypical leadoff hitter, something the Twins don't really have right now. He gets on base wherever he's played. He could probably play in the majors now and not embarrass himself.

[stringer bell]

1 minute ago, LewFordLives said:

I concur. Not only could Martin hold down LF when Kirilloff inevitably moves to 1B, but his OBP and speed make him a prototypical leadoff hitter, something the Twins don't really have right now. He gets on base wherever he's played. He could probably play in the majors now and not embarrass himself.

Arraez is also an ideal lead-off guy. I do agree that the Twins don't have enough guys with the OBP skill set and I suspect that Martin will be ready soon . I said earlier in this thread that ultimately I think he ends up in the outfield (basically) full-time, and the added bonus is that he certainly can fill in during a Buxton absence. 

 

[dxpavelka]

One thing being overlooked about Sano is that he seems to hit better when he plays in the field than when is the DH.  It's a small sample size and maybe more of a gut feeling than anything else.  And yes, I know we don't do instinct and gut feelings anymore.  You kids get the hell off my lawn.  At the end of the day I overlook his defensive issues because A:  it's 1B and B:  POWER.  I also don't think Sanchez DHs as much as folks think because him doing so probably creates a need for a third catcher on the roster and, well, let's just hope that need doesn't come to fruition for the next few years.  The DH spot is probably most often manned by Arraez who also has some defensive limitations and his come at more important defensive positions  than 1B.  And PLEASE stop putting infielders in the OF.  With Cruz gone we're probably going back to what we've done for most of the last almost 50 years with no everyday DH.  Arraez, Urshela & Miranda splitting the 3B & DH spots with Sanchez & Sano rotating in once in a while.  That leaves Larnach & Kirriloff in LF with Kiriloff spending  a little time at 1B and both spelling Kepler in RF and Kepler doing the same for Buxton in CF.  While it'd be great to get 150 games out of Buxton, 135-140 would seem more realistic and proactive.  Also possible to yet see one of Kiriloff, Larnach or Kepler in a deal for pitching.  

[joefish]

22 hours ago, Platoon said:

If Jake is jettisoned, where will we get our weekly video of someone diving for a sinking liner and coming up 12’ short? 

Larnach does that too.

[gunnarthor]

I think the Twins are looking at this as a primary 10 man lineup with Arraez floating around multiple spots. Arraez can play LF, as needed, and I think Larnich should be the opening day starter there (he's 25). Gordon makes sense on the bench to play a lot of spots. Kepler will spell Buxton in CF and Arraez/Larnich/Kepler are the main corners with maybe Kiriloff getting an occasional day in a corner when Sano is at first and Sanchez is DHing. 

[ashbury]

Cave, Garlick, Gordon, Rooker, Larnach. Celestino, Kirilloff, Kepler, Buxton.  Pick four from these, that's the task.

Cave and Garlick are both off the 40-man roster, and IMO that's where they belong. Garlick never played one inning of CF in the minors, so give the Twins credit for "creativity" by trotting him out there for even as many innings as they did, but he's by no means a legitimate choice as CF backup.  He also doesn't hit well enough to serve as only a corner bat, Cave is flub-prone enough in CF to not justify a roster spot.  Both qualify as Break Glass In Case Of Emergency players at St Paul, depending on the particular emergency.

Gordon may be approaching the end of his time in the Twins organization.  Hard to think of a role for him at all, given that his 3 minor league options are now consumed and he can't "season" any further at AAA.

Larnach's home run power in his last year of college has evaporated.  Without that, he's not of much use.  And with his demotion to AAA last year his batting average went to pot too.  He needs to spend at least the first half of 2022 at St Paul, trying to relocate his power stroke.  I think he's far from a lost cause but he's not a candidate for a major league roster spot.

Rooker looks like he peaked as a no-position AAAA-level player too, though he did put up strong number at St Paul last year - at age 26, one had better do that.  At least he has minor league options, to let him try and improve on defense.

Celestino disappointed in the majors, but he's very young having only just turned 23 last month and he has defensive chops.  His time at AAA was much more productive than many remember.  If he looks good in the Spring, I'd be inclined to bring him north.

Kirilloff looks like a lock for a major league spot, and I didn't think his defense in LF was too bad.  If a better alternative emerges, such as by a throw-in while trading for a starting pitcher, I'd be fine with bumping Kirilloff to first base.   Right now I don't see that on the horizon.

Kepler hasn't quite reached the upper-tier of players, like we were hoping, but aside from a low batting average his game is sound, and he's a quality right fielder.

Buxton?  Buxton.  Buxton.  That name rings a bell.  Sure, give him a shot in center.

So, more by process of elimination than anything. my starting OF is Kirilloff-Buxton-Kepler, with Celestino in reserve spell any of those three as needed.  I think Celestino is more capable of learning on the job, and actually contributing defensively, than the other two who can also be optioned to St Paul.  I can live without a fifth outfielder, especially with Arraez available to fill in odd innings (plus infielder Gordon if he makes the squad), but with the roster expanded for the first few weeks maybe I give Rooker a few games before he goes down while holding my breath every time a ball is hit to LF that isn't a can of corn.  We might be a little thin when it comes to backing up RF if Kepler is missing - but we lived with rag-armed Ben Revere in RF for a season, we could make do with a nominal left fielder in this case too.

Oh.  And I'm not dangling any of these four in trade, even if they might bring the most in return.  Go for a lesser prize, if any other team wants one of the others mentioned.

 

[LewFordLives]

2 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Arraez is also an ideal lead-off guy.

 

I wouldn't call him "ideal". While I love him as a hitter, I would prefer someone who can steal more bases in that leadoff spot. Denard Span was the last great leadoff guy the Twins had (before they traded him for some magic beans). In his prime Span would steal a couple dozen bases per year. Arraez has a grand total of 4 SBs in the last three years.