The Twins Have a Corner Outfield Conundrum

[Mike Sixel]

The Twins have started AK in the OF every year so far, haven't they? I get we all think he's a 1B, and maybe last year it was because Sano was at first, but I don't know....

Gordon should start against righties. He's a legit corner OF (or CF when Buxton is hurt). He's no all star, but he's a starter. I don't care if they keep Kepler or not. Larnach is really not understood on this site, when it comes to D. Teams gave up running on him completely last year (as someone above noted). If he's healthy, he's a legit starter. I believe Wallner is also a legit player (and I didn't think that going into last year). 

If I had my choice, it would be Larnach, Buxton, Wallner as the starters. Gordon as the backup who plays a lot. Then, I guess Garlick to PH in games or start against lefties at times. That leaves the rest in AAA (where I think Celestino needs some time).

I would not be opposed to signing a corner OF that can play some CF and dealing some of the ones the Twins have for pitching or catching. 

If they sign a top 4 SS, Lewis should be in LF or CF long term, since I see Lee as the long term 3B (in the world where they sign a legit SS this year). 

One of the best prospects in this system is also likely a corner OF in a couple years......

[Greglw3]

On 12/1/2022 at 10:03 AM, Fire Dan Gladden said:

It is hard to call it a conundrum when the entirety of the the OF consists of unproven youth, AAAA players, a lower end starting OF (Kepler) and Mr. Injury himself.

Hopefully one of the younger guys will take a huge step this year to spread out the pack.

Your answer is correct but what this al adds up to is we don’t have any OFers remotely close to star quality.

IMO< they need to sign or trade for two quality OFs such as Brantley, Binentendi, Haniger. Then the box is checked. On to catcher, backup CF, maybe DH.

[TopGunn#22]

I like how Minny505 and MTV have laid this out.  Despite the cost of Kepler I don't see us getting much back other than a one for one trade of Kepler for Lourdes Gurriel with the Blue Jays to give us a RH bat in the outfield.  Larnach has the greatest "value" (at least according to BTV).  If we're looking to add a catcher (Danny Jansen?) thru a trade, or a good SP (Pablo Lopez, Brandon Woodruff) Larnach will have to be involved, possibly with or without Polanco.  I think there are plenty of 2B options to replace Polanco and I'd like to see more of Wallner.  

I think Kirilloff still has a LOT of potential.  And injuries have robbed him of any value, so I'd like to hang on to him and see if a return to health pays off.

[dxpavelka]

This team (and fan base) spends too much time worrying about having too much talent.  Such an issue will never exist. 

[dxpavelka]

1 hour ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I like how Minny505 and MTV have laid this out.  Despite the cost of Kepler I don't see us getting much back other than a one for one trade of Kepler for Lourdes Gurriel with the Blue Jays to give us a RH bat in the outfield.  Larnach has the greatest "value" (at least according to BTV).  If we're looking to add a catcher (Danny Jansen?) thru a trade, or a good SP (Pablo Lopez, Brandon Woodruff) Larnach will have to be involved, possibly with or without Polanco.  I think there are plenty of 2B options to replace Polanco and I'd like to see more of Wallner.  

I think Kirilloff still has a LOT of potential.  And injuries have robbed him of any value, so I'd like to hang on to him and see if a return to health pays off.

You can't make soup out of potential.