MMMordabito

What was everyone's favorite Trent Oeltjen moment?

Twins fans (myself included) have been down on Ryan Jeffers most of the season. He's hitting below the Mendoza line. It sometimes seems like the opposition can put runners on auto-steal. He's even recently had some issues with passed balls. I decided to do an exercise comparing all the primary AL catchers so far this season. I labeled the primary catcher based on the most innings behind the plate on each team. I did make one exception and placed Adley Rutchman as the Orioles primary catcher, since he's taken over and won't be giving that position back to Chirinos unless he gets hurt. I highlighted the top five in each category in green and the bottom five in red. Here are the results: Some observations: 1) Alejandro Kirk should definitely be the starter in the AS game. Wow! 2) Cal Raleigh has been a good find for Seattle. Note: He's also hitting below the Mendoza line, but more than making up for that in other areas. 3) Jonah Heim had something click offensively. I remember seeing his stats pop-up last season, and I assumed he'd be an automatic out. He hit a homer, and I was thinking, "I can't believe he just gave up a homer to Jonah ****ing Heim. 4) Damn Yankees! Of course, they bring in the 29 yo cast-off Trevino, and he's having a career year. 5) Salvador Perez has really fallen off on the defensive side of the ball. Now to Jeffers: I think the main takeaway from the exercise is that patience is in order with Jeffers. Overall, he's middle-of-the-pack defensively. Obviously, he needs to work on his part in controlling the running game. Offensively, he's right at the edge of bottom-of-the-barrel and middle-of-the-pack. We've seen flashes, but he needs to get more consistent. However, he's just 25 with a lot of control years left, so I think he's one that we shouldn't give up on just yet. That probably isn't what folks want to hear when hoping for a deep playoff run, but it's impossible to make everything line up perfectly unless you have the deep pockets of New York and LA. Also, if you turn your head just right looking at the stats I gathered, you could argue that Jeffers is the most valuable catcher in the (terrible) AL Central. (Yes, I know Grandal is hurt, but you have to play or value isn't being earned.) Comments are welcome - including suggestions on which stats may be more valuable than what I captured. Edit: Here is the NL: Dang, Realmuto! 587 innings behind the plate. Earning that paycheck! NOTE: Victor Caratini (Brewers) and Jorge Alfaro (Padres) actually had better bWAR than the primary catchers on the team.

It seems his ship has been getting further and further off course since 2020. You just can't give up jacks at the rates he has the past season and a half and expect success. This season he's added in a crappy walk rate, which has made it even worse. I'd draw from the chance pile of Minaya, Cano, Hamilton or Sisk.

Nobody likes the "play-for-tomorrow long game", Rocco/Falvine. Especially when you have Thursday and Monday off.

GIO!!!!!

Since it was posted when Pagan was "pitching", I just assumed it was "Go Now".

I was hoping Brayan Medina was a silver lining, but he's walking 7.4/9 in the FCL. ?

Don't go into the wine business ....

Two stupids don't make a smart, guys.

White Sox fielding practice.

He's probably asking the crew chief where the bathroom is.

Is this the 2023 lineup after C4 opts out and Sanchez becomes an FA?

I'm surprised with how effective the starting pitching has been despite all the injuries. Smeltzer has been a godsend. Bundy has worked out better so far than the Happs and Shoemakers that he's been comp'd to. This is a stretch, but I predict that Luis Arraez will reach the 200 hit marker in 2022. It will be the first time for a Twin since 1996 (Paul Molitor). He'll need to be in the lineup everyday, but that appears to be the plan.

It's probably best for them to put him on the IL and let him heal. I have no problem with them going to a lesser pitcher to fill out their rotation for awhile. Lopez is probably the best option. He has great career numbers against the Twins from my POV. ?

I'm guessing he won't get the chance now

Let's go, Winder! Big game for him, first time at Guaranteed Rate.

Winder starting tonight 7/5. Is Archer hurt?

Great extra inning win to cap off a great 4th of July celebration!

Looks like one two many for some guys last night during the Miranda hazing.

So back to execution ... C'mon guys! Wake up! Thank you! - Devin Smeltzer

Smeltzer has been incredibly tough at home, while Wells is pretty good/not great on the road. Both pitchers have completely unsustainable BABIP Against. No Buxton for us; no Mullins for them. I think this favors a Twins sweep, but that big E* word is what will decide it. * Execution

Dollars to Donuts someone on Orioles Daily "has had it and is absolutely done with Jorge Lopez."

Overall, I'm definitely in the corner with those fed up with the bullpen right now, but I don't see how this was a "bullpen meltdown" game. Polanco needs to make that throw for one. Minaya certainly did his job getting out of the 8th and putting up a zero in the 9th. 21 outs in a row is what put the team in that position. Thankfully Arraez and Buxton saved their best for last.