Eddie Rosario May Bring a Case of Deja Vu to the Twins

For me, this is not the greatest comparison. Jacques Jones was 31 when he finished his time with the Twins. His final two seasons, 2004 and 2005, Jones produced a combined 0.3 WAR. Eddie was at the full-season equivalent of 2.5 WAR last year. 

Putting salary aside I believe you would get more production out of Kirilloff then Rosario. Rosario's defense has gotten pretty terrible other then having a big arm.  He runs the bases poorly and his overall speed has fallen off a cliff. 

The guy hits some big homeruns and provides so nice energy but its time to move on to a guy who players solid defense, works counts, has great on base skill, has gap power to all fields. 

Big hit Eddie got more key runners home than any of the bats other than Cruz.  I know he will be gone, but I think he will be missed. 

I do understand that Kiriloff will probably be as good or better than Rosario but I think that they will miss him and that the Twins will be worse in his absence. It would be great if they kept him and brought up Kiriloff for a 4 OF rotation sort of situation.

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For the last time, move on from Eddie.

He's become too expensive.

His defense is not what it used to be.

He likes throwing to the wrong base.

He swings and misses at too many pitches above his head.

He runs the bases with reckless abandon.

There are at least 3 other CHEAPER prospects waiting for their chance to play, that will probably play SMARTER than Eddie. (Kirilloff, Larnach, Rooker).

I understand that there are a lot of reasons calling for the Twins to move on from Rosario. Yet, I question those who say he isn't good defensively or on the bases. Yes, he makes some boneheaded plays defensively, but they are offset by brilliant plays that once in awhile wins a big game. I am guessing that the wins equal losses caused by his defensive mistakes.

On the bases, I don't see a poor baserunner, rather, an aggressive one. Yes, there will be a few outs. But aren't they more than offset by all the times he takes that extra base?

On the other hand, a growing salary with the expected arrival of Kirilloff seems to make his departure the smart move. But is it? I could see the Twins using Kirilloff more at first base while being available to fill in at either corner outfield spot as an injury replacement. I guess my point is that you don't have to get rid of Rosario to fit Kirilloff into a 2021 roster. And I for one won't be surprised if we see the Twins announce an agreement with Eddie on or before December 2, even if it is a one or two year deal.

Analytics definitely existed in 2005.

This is interesting, if only because the two players somehow do remind me of each other -- I think it's more about the spark their personalities provide to the clubhouse though, which is pretty irrelevant to this discussion and completely subjective.

I had so much to say that I created a blog out of my response - 

Putting salary aside I believe you would get more production out of Kirilloff then Rosario. Rosario's defense has gotten pretty terrible other then having a big arm.  He runs the bases poorly and his overall speed has fallen off a cliff. 

 

The guy hits some big homeruns and provides so nice energy but its time to move on to a guy who players solid defense, works counts, has great on base skill, has gap power to all fields. 

I don’t think Rosario’s defense is terrible. After the ground rule play, he caught everything hit to him or within range. We will disagree on his offense. I’m not a SABR guy. I actually look at how he impacts games and he brings a lot of positives with his HR’s, team leading RBI two years in a row (for 120+ years RBIs were very significant). Anyway, I would sign him to a 3 year deal. Put Kirriloff in RF and try to sign a better backup for Buxton that Cave or Wade who are not acceptable. Kepler would be the 4th or 5th OF and needs to prove himself again as his career batting average is not good. Thet also need backup for Sano that can step in and hit respectably. Plus backup for Donaldson, someone not on the current roster. I think Nick Gordon could be a real valuable piece for 2021 although I’m afraid I see another abbreviated season with Covid expected to be a force until 2022. Definitely re-sign Cruz.

 

I had so much to say that I created a blog out of my response - 

https://twinsdaily.com/blogs/entry/13740-eddie-or-miguel-or-byron-or-max-you-choose/

 

 

Not sure if this is allowed, but I hope you will check out my comparison of the four six year players who rose to the majors together.  

 

You nailed it. Eddie is the MVP of that group, Kepler the worst, IMO.

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I understand that there are a lot of reasons calling for the Twins to move on from Rosario. Yet, I question those who say he isn't good defensively or on the bases. Yes, he makes some boneheaded plays defensively, but they are offset by brilliant plays that once in awhile wins a big game. I am guessing that the wins equal losses caused by his defensive mistakes.

 

On the bases, I don't see a poor baserunner, rather, an aggressive one. Yes, there will be a few outs. But aren't they more than offset by all the times he takes that extra base?

 

On the other hand, a growing salary with the expected arrival of Kirilloff seems to make his departure the smart move. But is it? I could see the Twins using Kirilloff more at first base while being available to fill in at either corner outfield spot as an injury replacement. I guess my point is that you don't have to get rid of Rosario to fit Kirilloff into a 2021 roster. And I for one won't be surprised if we see the Twins announce an agreement with Eddie on or before December 2, even if it is a one or two year deal.

Isn't this the last year of arb for Eddie? If so I'm not sure signing him for 2 years is a good idea unless it's super team friendly. I do see the argument for keeping him and let Kirloff rotate as the 4th instead of Cave. Last year should prove the importance of depth so until enough youngsters prove it...

I have also made similar comparisons between the two.  Mainly in the change in approach to walk more, but resulted in dip in other numbers really making the great walks an overall negative for the player hitting.  I did not compare the defense like you did but even more crazy how much they line up.  I have a feeling both will have a similar career after Twins.  Eddie will find a team but he will not get long term deal.