What will be Twins Lineup?

[KirbyHawk75]

With Arraez, I am guessing Kirlioff will be the full-time 1b.  Who do you see being the regular starting 9 for the Twins?  

[Parfigliano]

1 minute ago, KirbyHawk75 said:

With Arraez, I am guessing Kirlioff will be the full-time 1b.  Who do you see being the regular starting 9 for the Twins?  

Only the best!!!

[OptimisticTwinsFan]

1 hour ago, KirbyHawk75 said:

With Arraez, I am guessing Kirlioff will be the full-time 1b.  Who do you see being the regular starting 9 for the Twins?  

I think there will be a lot of platoon type of lineup moves to insert players like Farmer/Lewis (eventually)/Gordon into the lineup so I don't think Kirilloff, Kepler, or Gallo will play 'full-time' unless they start playing like their peak years or in Kirilloff's case his potential. That being said, I'm guessing it looks something like this: 

Polanco (2B)

Correa (SS)

Buxton (CF)

Kirilloff (1B)

Gallo (RF)

Miranda (3B)

Larnach (DH)

Vazquez (C)

Kepler (LF)

The bottom of the order I just tried to do L/R/L/R splits as I know the Twins seem to like that. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Twins put Polanco in the #4 spot and go non-traditional in the #1 spot and use Gallo or Miranda or Kirilloff especially if Gallo or Kirilloff hits like their potential. 

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

With this set of starters: Polanco, Correa, and Buxton batting 1-3 makes sense—in some order, and that order probably makes sense too.

Vázquez and Kepler batting 8 & 9 makes sense, and makes most sense in that order—Kepler is the faster player to have on base ahead of the 1-3 guys, and not batting him 8th avoids stacking lefties more than they have to.

What to do with Miranda, Kirilloff, Gallo, and Larnach at 4-7... Three of them bat left-handed, all of them are strikeout-prone, three of them don't have long track records in the majors.

The lineup above is probably as good a solution as any. If Buxton batted 3rd, I wouldn't want Gallo 4th—I'd worry about too many rally-killing back-to-back Ks. But Miranda and Larnach could probably fit higher than 6-7. It's a puzzle.

 

[stringer bell]

Gallo has experience in left, correct? I don’t know if Kepler has played any left field at all. I presume those two will flip-flop if they are both in the lineup. 

[tony&rodney]

Don't forget about Julien.

[FlyingFinn]

Buxton, Polanco, Correa, Kirilloff, Miranda, Gallo, Larnach, Vazquez, Kepler vs. RH

Buxton, Polanco, Correa, Miranda (1B), Garlick, Farmer, Kirilloff, Vazquez, Gallo vs. LH

Still think Kepler is getting traded though. Gordon will get plenty of playing time then. 

[RaoulDuke]

This becomes much more interesting minus Arraez, he really held the 1-4 together.

The 4th spot is the biggest question to me, its hard to slot a young bat there but Miranda/ Kirilloff/ Larnach are who you want ideally.  I think Polanco might be the best early option but you kinda need him in the 1-3 spots.

There is a lot of strikeout to this lineup so strings of Kiriloff/ Larnach/ Gallo/ Miranda are scary, they can be real boom or bust.

1-11 or 12 hitters this team just doesn't have a lot of obp, they are going to have to hit and have young bats grow and play a large role.

[Major League Ready]

You would have to believe Kirilloff's relative health has a significant impact on how this shakes out.  Then, the wildcard is how Arraez is replaced.  Would they have Farmer and Gordon as the only IF back-ups?  Julien or Martin might enter the picture early in the season.  They likely are not inserted high in the lineup to begin with but both are high OBP and great base runners.  What will this look like on July 1?  It will be a lot of fun if this comes together.  They just might surprise some people.

[TopGunn#22]

This is hard to do at this point because I feel the Twins are far from done making moves.  I think Kepler will still be traded as we've not yet addressed out overabundance of LH hitting OF'ers.  I'm trading Kepler straight up to the Yankees for Frankie Montas.  Here goes:

VS. RHP

1.  Buxton CF   he needs to hit leadoff and Rocco has to unleash him in the running game.  With the new rules benefitting stealing bases Buxton should steal 40 bases.  Stop worrying about him getting hurt and just let him PLAY.  2. Larnach LF  3. Correa SS  4. Polanco 2B  5. Kirilloff 1B  6. Miranda 3B  7. Gallo RF  8. Vazquez C  9. Gordon DH.

VS LHP 

1. Buxton CF  2. Garlick LF  3. Correa SS  4. Polanco 2B  5. Miranda DH  6. Kirilloff 1B  7. Gallo RF  8. Jeffers C  9. Farmer 3B

The Twins are going to add some kind of RH bat that will bump Garlick to St. Paul, where he belongs.  And I agree with tony&rodney, keep an eye on Julien.  He's the perfect guy to hit at the top of the order.  If he's lighting it up at St. Paul he could be up by mid-May-June 1st.  That would move Polanco into #2 and Buxton to #3 with Correa probably hitting cleanup.  

[stringer bell]

I agree that both Martin and Julien, for their table setting skills, both look like more immediate options to help the Twins this year. Both also have had a lot of success stealing bases in the minors. 

As far as Buxton's spot in the order, with all of the power he has displayed in the past three years, I'd like to see him hitting a little lower in the order (3 or 4). I don't think we'll ever see him stealing 30 to 40 bases, in part because of his position in the order and in part to save his body. 

 

[Fatbat]

I think its gonna be a regular rotation in and out of the DH based on the days’ opposing pitcher.  There is also going to be a regular rotation both in the infield and OF on the daily. I expect Lewis to hold down a spot in the2-3 slot and buxton to slide to cleanup. AK at 5. Its going to get real interesting if Julien and Martin come into Spring Training and tear it up followed their AFL showing. Garlick will be a lifer with the saints or traded for some obscure prospect. We don’t need to go backwards.  Wallner will most likely be a Saint until he learns to his OBP. Celestino also has growth to accomplish as a Saint. 
 

Polanco (S)

Correa (R)

Lewis (R)

Buxton (R)

AK (L)

Miranda (R)

Gallo (L)

Either Catcher 

Insert rotation player here(L/R)

then…. Shuffle the deck of player cards for tomorrows game. 

[IA Bean Counter]

Julien may make an immediate jump to the big leagues otherwise I see him up in short order and likely in the top of the order or in the 9 spot due to his OBP and steals.   Martin obviously has more refinement to do,  but fall league shows what he can do when he can remain healthy and not get dinged up (which I might add he did get dinged up and tailed off a bit).  The other high OBP player would be Brooks Lee that could have an impact on this season,  but I think he has one more year of seasoning in AA and AAA.  Injuries and underperformance will determine this outcome, and I would still not be surprised if Kepler is traded.  What I do know is the Twins will only trade him if they think they are getting a surplus on the trade.  

The next few seasons comes down to Buxton,  the homeruns are nice,  but I want to see more contact.  As a table setter he is much more valuable like he was in the 2021 season with an OBP of 360 than near 300 last year.  I guess the most realistic hope is he is around 330 to 340.   Then add in correa in the 2 spot and you are pretty well set.  If you can plug in a Martin, Julien or Lee in the 2 spot,  then you have a very good top of the lineup.   Personally I never want to see Buxton steal again (which sounds utterly ridiculous with the new rules)  however go look back at his injuries,  a good chunk of them come when he has been stealing bases.   

Our mashers for this year and future years comes down to the develop of Miranda, Larnach and Kiriloff.  We need 2 of the 3 to pan out.  If they do, or if all 3 can become 20+ home run guys,  then this is a very dangerous lineup.   

I think Vasquez will be steady.  

The wildcards are Kepler and Gallo.  Will the banning of the shift improve their batting average?  Will teams just figure out different ways to employ a shift (move the left or right fielder around and completely opening up 1 side of the outfield?   I think the ban will open up more of the pull side field.   I think this will also give more confidence to the players.  I think they tend to try to get to far under the ball to hit the home run which is also causing more pop up outs.   I don't foresee us getting the 40 home run Gallo  but I could see a 35 home run Gallo.   

I think the offense will be noticeably more consistent and better than last year.   Add in the  much improved starting pitching and more established bullpen,  I really like where the Twins organization is going.       I think we are on the road,  to consistently solid performance in the next 5-10 years.   

[Major League Ready]

Still trying to figure out the 26-man roster before we figure out the line-up.  Will Kepler be here?  Who takes the IF position vacated by Arraez?  

The starting IF might be set.  Reports on Kirilloff are encouraging.  Twins' Alex Kirilloff: Takings swings at full speed - CBSSports.com.  So, the starting IF should be Kirilloff / Polanco / Miranda and Correa.  Buxton and Gallo are OF starters along with Kepler if he is still here.  If not, Larnach is the likely LF.  Jeffers and Vazquez Catch.  Gordon and Farmer are sure bets.  Who are the other two that fill out the 13 position players?

Buxton / Correa / Polanco / Miranda and Kirilloff are the 1st five.    Then, Kepler or Larnach / Gallo / Vazquez or Jeffers and the mystery bench bat 9th.  

[Reptevia]

Let’s see, based on last year…

1. Buxton (with understanding- no stealing!)

2. Correa

3. Gallo LF (His bat is his calling card!)

4. Kepler (Metrics!)

5. Polanco

6. Farmer

7. whomever plays 1st

8. whomever is DHing

9. Catcher  

 

[jorgenswest]

On Julien in the lineup this year…

I really think Julien needs significant time in AAA in he is going to play 2B. I don’t believe he is close to being ready and not near the level of Arraez at 2B when he came up. It may be worth investing that time in AAA hoping that he can play middle infield. In his first year in college Julien was predominantly a DH. His second year he played 3B. Miranda is probably defensively better at 3B. He lost 2020 to the pandemic. Since then the Twins have tried him at 3B and then 2B.

Here is a short excerpt from Zach Buchanan of the Athletic. 

Quote

The defense at second is … not so great. Few scouts, if any, think he’ll ever be more than passable at the keystone. Julien tends to double-clutch every throw, and a move to first base could be in his future.

The defensive statistics available from the minors aren’t very useful. Occasionally I will look to see if the support an eyewitness account. For 2Bs I divide innings by double plays. His ratio is very poor when compared to the aggregate of everyone else who played 2B for Wichita last year. It also does not compare well to Arraez in the minors. His bat is near ready but not his glove. Should they move him to 1B and try to get him in the lineup this year? Should they be patient knowing he has little experience at 2B and give him the year to try to bring his level up to passable?

 

 

 

[tony&rodney]

About Julien and his defense at this time ..... it is not very good. But, if he can hit there is a position for him - DH. The Twins are not going to use someone full time at DH, but four starts a week works. It is all dependent on Spring Training and how the Twins evaluate the readiness of Julien.

[Florida Flash]

On 1/22/2023 at 12:22 AM, tony&rodney said:

Don't forget about Julien.

If so, what do you see happening to Polanco??

[Brad.dahlen]

Here's my go at it

Buxton CF

Polanco 2B

Correa SS

Gallo LF

Miranda 3B

Kiriloff 1B

Larnach DH

Vasquez C

Kepler RF

[LA VIkes Fan]

On 1/22/2023 at 3:50 PM, Reptevia said:

Let’s see, based on last year…

1. Buxton (with understanding- no stealing!)

2. Correa

3. Gallo LF (His bat is his calling card!)

4. Kepler (Metrics!)

5. Polanco

6. Farmer

7. whomever plays 1st

8. whomever is DHing

9. Catcher  

 

Please dear God no with Kepler in the 4 spot. IF he's still a Twin, and I think that's big IF, he hits 8 or 9. He really should be the 4th OF but that's probably not in the cards. No way should he hit anywhere in the top 6. Great fielder, lousy hitter. 

[LA VIkes Fan]

I don't like Buxton leading off, especially since I don't think they are going to want him stealing bases. Also, he had a .306 OBP, whereas Correa was at .366 and Polanco at .346. One of those 2 should be the normal leadoff guy with the other in the #2 spot. Buxton is more o f a masher now and should hit 3 or 4 depending on the pitcher. I'm also going to assume that Kepler is traded and Gordon starts but if not, substitute Kepler for Gordon and switch Kepler to RF and Gallo to LF. Here's how I see it, assuming a RH starter:

Polanco 2B

Correa SS

Buxton CF/DH

Kirilloff 1B

Miranda 3B

Gallo RF

Larnach DH/LF

Vasquez C

Gordon LF/CF/DH

Against a LH starter, swap out Michael Taylor in CF for Gordon and move Buxton to DH. Sit either Kirilloff or Larnach with the one playing in LF, put in Farmer at 3B, and move Miranda to 1B. Against lefties:

Polanco 2b

Correa SS

Buxton DH

Miranda 1B

Gallo RF

Farmer 3B

Vasquez C

Kirilloff/Larnach LF

Taylor CF

Jeffers hits #7 or #8 when he plays. The best hitter against LH pitching plays against LH starters between Kirilloff, Larnach, and Gordon.  We don't yet know the mystery 13th position player assuming Kepler is traded. If it's Willi Castro, he hits 9 when he plays. If it's someone like Gurriel, he plays DH against LH pitching and hits 5 with Gallo moving to 6 and Farmer to 7 (probably in LF),  Kirilloff staying at 1B and hitting 8, and Gordon/Larnach on the bench with the other catcher. 

 

[gman]

1 Gordon/Farmer

2 Correa

3 Polanco

4 Buxton

5 Kirilloff

6 Miranda

7 Larnach

8 Gallo

9 Vasguez/Jeffers

[JD-TWINS]

On 1/21/2023 at 11:52 PM, FlyingFinn said:

Buxton, Polanco, Correa, Kirilloff, Miranda, Gallo, Larnach, Vazquez, Kepler vs. RH

Buxton, Polanco, Correa, Miranda (1B), Garlick, Farmer, Kirilloff, Vazquez, Gallo vs. LH

Still think Kepler is getting traded though. Gordon will get plenty of playing time then. 

GENERALLY:

Gordon - Kirilof - Correa - Larnach - Polanco - Vazquez - Kepler - Miranda - Gallo v. RH pitching

Taylor - Buxton - Correa - Miranda - Polanco  - Farmer - Gordon - Jeffers - Kepler v. LH pitching

 

[tony&rodney]

6 hours ago, Florida Flash said:

If so, what do you see happening to Polanco??

Julien as the DH, leading off, which is a stretch because he is coming from AA. I'm ready for a ml player to get a few reps.

[TNTwinsFan]

1. Buxton (CF)

2. Gallo (LF)

3. Correa (SS)

4. Polanco (2B)

5. Kirilloff (1B)

6. Miranda (3B)

7. Larnach (DH)

8. Vasquez (C)

9. Kepler (RF)

[Matthew Lenz]

It will vary depending on LHP v RHP, but I think the top four should pretty consistently be Correa, Buxton, Miranda, and Gallo in that order.

[ashbury]

On 1/22/2023 at 5:38 PM, tony&rodney said:

About Julien and his defense at this time ..... it is not very good. But, if he can hit there is a position for him - DH.

"Can hit" has different meanings which depend on a player's defensive position.  Julien's gaudy OPS in the .930s at AA last year might degrade into the low .700s if he'd been playing in the majors, say.  That would be okay at second base, but would the same level of offense be enough to support him as a DH?

Of course he's young and his bat may have some growth remaining.  But I still think it's too soon to be pigeonholing him to such a limited role.  Come on Eduoard, get that defense rolling too!

[Trov]

On 1/21/2023 at 2:02 PM, OptimisticTwinsFan said:

I think there will be a lot of platoon type of lineup moves to insert players like Farmer/Lewis (eventually)/Gordon into the lineup so I don't think Kirilloff, Kepler, or Gallo will play 'full-time' unless they start playing like their peak years or in Kirilloff's case his potential. That being said, I'm guessing it looks something like this: 

Polanco (2B)

Correa (SS)

Buxton (CF)

Kirilloff (1B)

Gallo (RF)

Miranda (3B)

Larnach (DH)

Vazquez (C)

Kepler (LF)

The bottom of the order I just tried to do L/R/L/R splits as I know the Twins seem to like that. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Twins put Polanco in the #4 spot and go non-traditional in the #1 spot and use Gallo or Miranda or Kirilloff especially if Gallo or Kirilloff hits like their potential. 

I believe Gallo will start as lead off.  I know many will freak out about that, but he really offers much of what the Twins seek at lead off.  When he is going well, he hits a ton of HR and takes a ton of walks.  The fact that he strikes out a ton is actually mitigated by a lead off guy.  He will work the counts a lot, and without the 4 man outfields, I think he will get closer to his Texas numbers than after.  

I read that he faced more 4 man outfields than anyone, 50% of the time, and although it is hard to say that he was losing hits from it, there may have been a bit of a mental game thing going on, the article suggested. 

[sean.in.dallas]

vs LHP

1. Buxton (CF)
2. Polanco (2B)
3. Correa (SS)
4. Miranda (1B)
5. Garlick/some lefty masher (DH)
6. Vazquez/Jeffers (C)
7. Farmer (3B)
8. Kepler/Gallo/Larnarch (RF)
9. Taylor (LF)

vs RHP

1. Buxton (CF)
2. Polanco (2B)
3. Correa (SS)
4. Kiriloff (1B)
5. Miranda (3B)
6. Gallo (LF)
7. Larnarch (DH)
8. Vazquez/Jeffers (C)
9. Kepler (RF)

The lineup vs RHP looks pretty good. Really hard to fill out a decent lineup against lefties though. Still seems like the team could use at least 1 BP arm and perhaps more importantly some lefty masher (is it that hard to get a decent right-handed hitting 1B/DH/PH type?).

[lecroy24fan]

Garlick ain't making the team over Gordon.