Who Will Be the Twins' Opening Day DH?

[GeorgiaBaller]

It's mid January---so Spring Training is in 60 days, right?  can we get an injury/health update on Kirilloff and Larnach?  If the Twins love Kirilloff, they are not in on the Guriel talks---my feeling is he must still be hampered by the wrist.  If he is healthy, he is 1B.  If not, this is too much of a lingering issue and its time to move on.  

Larnach cannot play right---he is too stiff and would be a monster downgrade in RF in a lefty heavy MLB now.   if Larnach is healthy---he is the best fit for DH, but he has struggled a good part of last year at the plate after looking good the year before.  I think he is a smart enough hitter to figure out the adjustments the league made to his approach last year and he has power.  But still----what is his health looking like?

DH will be a rotating spot without a Nelson Cruz.  It is mentally hard to stay engaged without playing in the field, so it's an acquired talent not all players can have.  Most good hitters would sturuggle with only seeing action every few innings----it's a very mature mindset.  

 

[Elliot]

I agree with comments regarding health. If the players return with reasonably good health I hope the team does not add anyone else. It is time to find out what they have in Kiriloff, Larnach, and Wallner; players who have already spent time at the MLB level. In addition they have a number of players (Julien, Martin, Lee) who will be knocking on the door very soon. Also, Lewis should be back by June or so. It may be overly optimistic, but I have to think that the Arraez trade bodes well for the outlook for Kiriloff. I doubt that the trade is made if there aren’t some strong indicators that Kiriloff’s recovery is going well. 
Worst case would seem to be that spring training reveals ongoing health concerns. If that is the case I would assume that more veteran hitters come available as the roster cut downs take their toll. That should result in a better selection than what is out there now. 

[Major League Ready]

30 minutes ago, GeorgiaBaller said:

It's mid January---so Spring Training is in 60 days, right?  can we get an injury/health update on Kirilloff and Larnach?  If the Twins love Kirilloff, they are not in on the Guriel talks---my feeling is he must still be hampered by the wrist.  If he is healthy, he is 1B.  If not, this is too much of a lingering issue and its time to move on.  

Larnach cannot play right---he is too stiff and would be a monster downgrade in RF in a lefty heavy MLB now.   if Larnach is healthy---he is the best fit for DH, but he has struggled a good part of last year at the plate after looking good the year before.  I think he is a smart enough hitter to figure out the adjustments the league made to his approach last year and he has power.  But still----what is his health looking like?

DH will be a rotating spot without a Nelson Cruz.  It is mentally hard to stay engaged without playing in the field, so it's an acquired talent not all players can have.  Most good hitters would sturuggle with only seeing action every few innings----it's a very mature mindset.  

 

Spring training starts in 32 days.

[jsmort99]

12 hours ago, Muppet said:

Glad I haven’t seen Gallo on anyone’s list. I’m betting it’s gonna be Gallo. 

Gallo is gold glove caliber fielder, he'll be in Left

[chpettit19]

36 minutes ago, GeorgiaBaller said:

It's mid January---so Spring Training is in 60 days, right?  can we get an injury/health update on Kirilloff and Larnach?  If the Twins love Kirilloff, they are not in on the Guriel talks---my feeling is he must still be hampered by the wrist.  If he is healthy, he is 1B.  If not, this is too much of a lingering issue and its time to move on.  

Larnach cannot play right---he is too stiff and would be a monster downgrade in RF in a lefty heavy MLB now.   if Larnach is healthy---he is the best fit for DH, but he has struggled a good part of last year at the plate after looking good the year before.  I think he is a smart enough hitter to figure out the adjustments the league made to his approach last year and he has power.  But still----what is his health looking like?

DH will be a rotating spot without a Nelson Cruz.  It is mentally hard to stay engaged without playing in the field, so it's an acquired talent not all players can have.  Most good hitters would sturuggle with only seeing action every few innings----it's a very mature mindset.  

 

Twins pitchers and catchers report Feb 16, and position players Feb 20. Unless they're playing the WBC, and then it's the 13th and 16th respectively. Less than a month before things start getting going!

Kirilloff is already in FL at the complex, and reports are he's swinging freely. But he was also feeling good at this time last year so that's no guarantee of anything. I think having a backup plan for him is entirely reasonable even though things are looking really good right now.

Larnach was actually one of the best graded outfielders in baseball in his short time last year. Not saying we should take that as gospel, but he was significantly improved defensively last year. Certainly a downgrade from Kepler, but almost every RFer in baseball is a downgrade from Kepler. I haven't seen many reports on his health, but I believe he is healthy right now.

[dex8425]

12 hours ago, Muppet said:

Glad I haven’t seen Gallo on anyone’s list. I’m betting it’s gonna be Gallo. 

He's such an asset defensively that if he plays, he's going to play in the field somewhere. 

[terrydactyls]

1 hour ago, umterp23 said:

There have been multiple negatives that Miranda isn't good on defense and is a bat-first young kid and that Lewis, Lee, etc are better.  They might very well be. With that being said why not go back to the Marlins and offer the following below. Farmer can play 3rd and we can dump Pagan at the same time.

Miami doesn't want older players.  I would remove Kepler and Pagan (7.1) and offer them Winder (8.3) and de Andrade (2.9).  That would end up with the Twins overpaying (37.6 to 29.6).  I think Luzardo is undervalued. 

Or, turn your sights to Pittsburgh and go big.

Twins trade:

Miranda (26.4) 

Ober (21.8) 

Larnach (14.6)

Winder (8.3)

Salas (20.5)

Total 91.6

Pittsburgh trades: 

Reynolds (64.2)

Bednar (21.9)

Total 86.1

Again, it's a slight overpay, but close enough.  The right-handed outfielder and relief pitcher problems are addressed.

[Nick Nelson]

2 hours ago, specialiststeve said:

Kinda stunned you missed the obvious.. 

Polanco and Buxton... Both should share the DH Roll as both have ongoing physical issues. Want to keep their bats in the line up while keeping them hopefully healthy.. this would be the best way. 

You actually expect one of those guys to be the Opening Day DH? Wanna bet?

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, GeorgiaBaller said:

It's mid January---so Spring Training is in 60 days, right?  can we get an injury/health update on Kirilloff and Larnach?  If the Twins love Kirilloff, they are not in on the Guriel talks---my feeling is he must still be hampered by the wrist.  If he is healthy, he is 1B.  If not, this is too much of a lingering issue and its time to move on.  

Larnach cannot play right---he is too stiff and would be a monster downgrade in RF in a lefty heavy MLB now.   if Larnach is healthy---he is the best fit for DH, but he has struggled a good part of last year at the plate after looking good the year before.  I think he is a smart enough hitter to figure out the adjustments the league made to his approach last year and he has power.  But still----what is his health looking like?

DH will be a rotating spot without a Nelson Cruz.  It is mentally hard to stay engaged without playing in the field, so it's an acquired talent not all players can have.  Most good hitters would sturuggle with only seeing action every few innings----it's a very mature mindset.  

 

Larnach was an average defender last year. No one ran on him. He positioned well. That said, I expect him to be the DH many days

[Doctor Gast]

We have a plethora of internal options at DH especially with LH batters, since I believe that's what you are focused on. I'd like our internal options as many ABs as possible.  My 1st choice is Gordon, I'd prefer him in the OF but not, I'd still like to find way to get him the game.

I agree with GoergiaBaller that it takes a mature mindset to stay focus on the game when you're in it every few innings. It might takes some adjustment for Gordon. IMO he's a type of guy who'd want to be constantly in the game when he's batting.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

It doesn't really matter who the Opening Day DH is.  Everybody will DH, the days of Nelson Cruz are over.

That being said, Buxton and Correa will DH at least 1 day per week each.  I would not be surprised to see Vasquez there occasionally as well

[MABB1959]

Again, I wish the Twins would have an everyday DH.  But the only every-day players as of today is Kepler and even, he may be "iffy" due to injuries, Correa at SS and Polanco at 2nd.  Everyone else does not have a solid position except Buxton and we have no idea if he will be back or how he is doing.  Has anyone heard anything?  Spring training is only a month away and I have not seen much on injured players ready to return.'

[Musk21]

Very likely he isn't ready, but I'm hoping Julien wins the job in ST. Would love to have his speed, OBP, and power in the lineup.

[Muppet]

55 minutes ago, dex8425 said:

He's such an asset defensively that if he plays, he's going to play in the field somewhere. 

Yes. But assuming Larnach is able to play and Kepler is still on the team, I'd prefer to see Gallo on the bench. 

[Muppet]

35 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Larnach was an average defender last year. No one ran on him. He positioned well. That said, I expect him to be the DH many days

Larnach had an absolute cannon on him. People didn't run for a reason. 

[jmlease1]

It's an interesting question, because right now I'm not quite sure who last position player roster spot goes to? I'm guessing Larnach is the opening day DH if no other moves happen; if healthy he's a MLB quality bat and better than expected in the field. I'm assuming Farmer, Jeffers, and Gordon are locks for the bench and the team will only carry 13 position players. Kirilloff seems probable to start at 1B right now, and there's a spot now for Larnach.

Do the Twins add Celestino as coverage for Buxton in CF? Do they want a better bat option?

Right now, I think it's Larnach (unless we face a LHP on opening day. then we might actually put Farmer in the DH spot)

[tony&rodney]

25 minutes ago, terrydactyls said:

Miami doesn't want older players.  I would remove Kepler and Pagan (7.1) and offer them Winder (8.3) and de Andrade (2.9).  That would end up with the Twins overpaying (37.6 to 29.6).  I think Luzardo is undervalued. 

Or, turn your sights to Pittsburgh and go big.

Twins trade:

Miranda (26.4) 

Ober (21.8) 

Larnach (14.6)

Winder (8.3)

Salas (20.5)

Total 91.6

Pittsburgh trades: 

Reynolds (64.2)

Bednar (21.9)

Total 86.1

Again, it's a slight overpay, but close enough.  The right-handed outfielder and relief pitcher problems are addressed.

I may be on an island but after watching Reynolds a dozen times last year I came away unimpressed. Reynolds is a good player but not a superstar. If we trade with Pittsburgh, I'm asking about Endy Rodriguez.

[miller761]

Crazy to even think about trading Miranda. This kid will work his butt off to improve defense and will get it done. He can also play first base. the Twins need to keep trying to get more athletic. Their base running, base stealing and defense must improve. We need more guys like Miranda not getting rid of them.

[specialiststeve]

1 hour ago, Nick Nelson said:

You actually expect one of those guys to be the Opening Day DH? Wanna bet?

 4 hours ago, specialiststeve said:

Quote

 

Kinda stunned you missed the obvious.. 

Polanco and Buxton... Both should share the DH Roll as both have ongoing physical issues. Want to keep their bats in the line up while keeping them hopefully healthy.. this would be the best way. 

 

You somehow .. completely missed my point.. If all we are talking about is opening day what is the point of the article? I was talking for the "bulk" of the season. We NEED both of these guys healthy in order to compete at a high level. I playing 3/ 4 days a week in the field and the other part DH "should" keeps them healthy enough to play 150 games... would not that help this team win... I think so. 

If all we are talking about is opening day... respectfully who cares. 

[farmerguychris]

I believe that in current age baseball - it puts your team at a disadvantage to have a full time DH (like Cruz) who cannot field a position.  Kind of like in football where your long snapper ONLY long snaps, can't they make the normal center learn how to do this?

Put in your bench player who has the best matchup be your DH for each game.  

When you want to keep as many pitchers on the active roster as the Twins like to do - can't have someone taking up a bench spot only to hit-IMO.

[Rosterman]

Vasquez, Kirilloff, Polanco, Correa, Miranda, Galo, Buxton, Kepler. Starting 8. So you now add 5-6 on the bench. Jeffers, Gordon, Farmer. Do you add Wallner and Larrnach, with one playing more of less DH? Do you add an infielder with Gordon being main backup in the OF.

 

Spring training will prove to be interesting. Can Wallner show progress with his bat and be the bench guy/DH who can also play the outfield? With Farmer and Gordon, you can let anyone in the outfield or infield get reps in the DH spot. So, musical DH seems to be the norm. Unless the Twins do acquire a BIG RH bat...which means the outfield in AA will be Celestino, Larnach. Martin with Wallner as the DH.

[Nick Nelson]

2 hours ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

It doesn't really matter who the Opening Day DH is.  Everybody will DH, the days of Nelson Cruz are over.

That being said, Buxton and Correa will DH at least 1 day per week each.  I would not be surprised to see Vasquez there occasionally as well

If the Twins are giving any kind of consideration to having Vazquez make any significant number of starts at DH, that would substantiate the premise of this article. 

Not sure where the idea comes from that Correa is going to be at DH once a week. He's an elite defensive shortstop and that's a massive part of his $36M value. Correa made 4 total starts at DH last year.

Buxton will be there frequently for sure, Miranda too probably (with Farmer at third), and that's all great against LH pitching but who's getting the brunt against righties? Why not optimize a bit when you have the flexibility? Vazquez would be an even sadder option than Sanchez, who got 32 DH starts last year. 

[Nick Nelson]

57 minutes ago, farmerguychris said:

I believe that in current age baseball - it puts your team at a disadvantage to have a full time DH (like Cruz) who cannot field a position.  Kind of like in football where your long snapper ONLY long snaps, can't they make the normal center learn how to do this?

Put in your bench player who has the best matchup be your DH for each game.  

When you want to keep as many pitchers on the active roster as the Twins like to do - can't have someone taking up a bench spot only to hit-IMO.

I agree. Every potential addition I listed can at least fill in at some other position. The question I was mostly seeking to answer was, "How can they upgrade their bench in a way that most takes advantage of the open ABs at DH?"

[Nick Nelson]

1 hour ago, jmlease1 said:

Right now, I think it's Larnach (unless we face a LHP on opening day. then we might actually put Farmer in the DH spot)

Tend to agree. It would be Farmer or Garlick against a LHP and that'd be just fine. There isn't a ton of need for another RH bat at DH, which is what limits the appeal of guys like Yuli and Reyes and Sano, but in those cases it's a pure "lightning in a bottle" play. 

Larnach would be a fine fit but I think the questions you've gotta answer there are:

1. Are you stunting his development by giving him somewhat sporadic playing time and very few OF reps? He's a very promising defender.
2. Do they actually trust him to be a great hitter right away? He ended the year hurt and has a .684 career OPS. If he looks rusty at the plate in spring training, how much confident do the Twins lose?

Same questions are more or less in play for Wallner, btw.

[Nick Nelson]

1 hour ago, specialiststeve said:

 4 hours ago, specialiststeve said:

If all we are talking about is opening day... respectfully who cares. 

The question being asked is simply: who is the Twins #1 option at DH against RHPs when all their regulars are at their designated positions? Luis Arraez was lined up to get the vast majority of those at-bats and now they are for the taking. You don't think that's worth discussing? Opening Day was only being used to exemplify the broader topic.

[Trov]

I do not see the Twins signing anyone just to DH at this point.  I also do not see them making a full time DH, but will use it as a kind of day off thing, similar to what they did last year.  Maybe someone will emerge as a regular DH, but to start I doubt anyone will be locked in.  

[Thebigalguy]

It's true that somebody will take a chance on Sano if he's healthy. But with strikeout master Gallo often in the lineup, do the Twins need Sano, too? I don't think so.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

42 minutes ago, Nick Nelson said:

If the Twins are giving any kind of consideration to having Vazquez make any significant number of starts at DH, that would substantiate the premise of this article. 

Not sure where the idea comes from that Correa is going to be at DH once a week. He's an elite defensive shortstop and that's a massive part of his $36M value. Correa made 4 total starts at DH last year.

Buxton will be there frequently for sure, Miranda too probably (with Farmer at third), and that's all great against LH pitching but who's getting the brunt against righties? Why not optimize a bit when you have the flexibility? Vazquez would be an even sadder option than Sanchez, who got 32 DH starts last year. 

Last year Correa was a rental, this year he is a long term asset.  He has missed substantial time over in 4 of the last 6 years.  There is a good chance Correa will get more DH days this year.

I agree with your optimization point, but the Twins (like a lot of teams today) will use the DH as a quasi day off.  With the DH as a revolving door, you are really talking about improving the bench.  The only name from your list that I think would be a realistic option here is Profar. Everybody else really falls into that AAAA category.

[specialiststeve]

1 hour ago, Nick Nelson said:

The question being asked is simply: who is the Twins #1 option at DH against RHPs when all their regulars are at their designated positions? Luis Arraez was lined up to get the vast majority of those at-bats and now they are for the taking. You don't think that's worth discussing? Opening Day was only being used to exemplify the broader topic.

I do think that is worth discussing... which was my point..

We have options at 2B to use and let Polanco DH against RHP and let Buxton do the left handers as a Rule for a day off. I think it is time for Gordan to earn an everyday job or share with Farmer and let Polanco keep his health. An occasional start here and there as needed but losing Polanco's bat hurts WAY more than his glove at 2B. 

[Fatbat]

Royce Lewis. He may not need rehab past spring training. He may not be ready for defensive duty on day 1 but he can swing a bat and get on base.