stringer bell

A fine relief pitcher for the Twins in the 70s. He passed away today. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/01/bill-campbell-passes-away.html

Willi Castro signed to a minor league deal by the Twins. 26 years old, with over three years service. He’s a switch hitter with good speed, excellent versatility and a little thump in his bat. He’s got an option remaining.

I disagree. During the time before he went down with injury, Larnach showed all the skills needed to be an above-average corner outfielder. Because he doesn’t have good speed, he’ll likely not be elite, but he can be far better than average.

Low cost, solid move. It doesn’t turn the bullpen into a shutdown crew, but it is probable that Coulombe will contribute sometime during the ‘23 season. Personally, I’m glad they brought him back because I know how to spell his last name.

Very good article. I agree with the conclusions made and will add that poor base running puts more pressure on the Twins already suspect situational hitting. I think it should be emphasized that lack of stolen bases isn’t the be-all and end-all of the poor base running. There isn’t a lot of team speed, but runners should be able to take more extra bases and minimize making outs on the bases. I do think that there are players waiting in the wings (Martin, Julien) who are better base runners and it also points out that players who are not good base runners (Arraez, Urshela) are/were available to be moved.

The article states well the differentiation between base running and stolen bases and quite accurately points out that the problem is not just a lack of stolen bases. Making too many outs on the bases and failing to take extra bases was was a worse problem than lack of steals IMHO. Beyond that, a lack of situational hitting cost the team many runs and victories over the course of the season. To win close games, the Twins had far less ways to win and it showed. There are some guys in the system that might help change things. I think base running deficiencies make/made Arraez and Urshela more expendable.

I have argued that Arraez isn’t a player to build around this offseason. He has elite bat control and will always hit for a high average, he has positional flexibility and seems very popular both with fans and teammates, but he barely made it through last season due to aching knees and hammies. In addition, he has pronounced platoon splits and minimal power and speed. Getting someone to front the rotation who has durability and at least two years of team control would be a win.

I posted this in Twins Roster Moves 2022 two days ago and thought it was the proper forum:

With the Gallo signing someone had to go off the 40-man roster. The Twins DFAed Mark Contreras as they made the Gallo signing official. IMHO, Contreras was the last "easy" cut off the 40-man roster. For a rookie, he's older and his short stay this year showed nothing remarkable. Also, he's about 8th on the list of LH hitting corner OFs. That he logged 42 days on the active roster shows how deep the injuries were for outfielders last year.

For an encore, Gordon can be a more complete player. He has plus speed, but was only neutral last year as a base runner and only six steals (in 10 attempts) is not a good use of his speed. Gordon has a .542 OPS against left handed pitching and that stat could limit him to platoon duty at best. Finally, Gordon's defense in the infield was shaky, whether at second or shortstop. He's only played a few innings at third and right field, so until proven otherwise, he's a middle infielder/left and center fielder. I had hoped when Farmer was traded for that he (Farmer) would be the backup or alternate infielder, leaving Gordon as a option in the outfield, but it would appear that Gordon will get starts at short until and unless the Twins add a shortstop, especially in the first months of the season.

I'll blame injuries on most of the things I've missed. #1 and #1A--loved the trades to acquired Paddack and Mahle. #2--I've been super-bullish on Alex Kirilloff, but both 2021 and 2022 have been all but completely derailed by injury and it is far from a sure thing that he'll ever translate the potential into performance. #3--really like the acquisition of Jorge Lopez and to date, he has been underwhelming.

Big Mo switched sides at halftime.

Essentially five turnovers by the offense and special teams. The defense isn’t good, but it’s tough to win with what happened in the first half.

Well, I have a sidewalk to shovel. Because I always want to see something I’ve never seen before, I’ll check in when I get done.

Very rare to tear it down with a division champ and 10-win team. I agree that major changes need to be made, but hard to justify that with a division champion.

Honestly a key 6 minutes here. It looks like the D has stopped the bleeding, but the offense needs to get some stuff done before halftime.

Okay, maybe 24-23.

Easily the worst quarter of the season.

Prediction: Final score 21-20 Minnesota. That’s how they roll and Indy, too.

On any given Sunday……..er Saturday.

Gallo is a good outfielder who can cover center field. He also has well over six years of major league at-bats and puts the ball in play less than half the time. Not a great fit IMHO.

So the Twins saunter into the toy store (free agent market) with a big bankroll …….and all that is left is broken toys.

I agree with much of the sentiment above--Falvey and Levine have been wrong too often to not be on the hot seat. On the other hand, I think their overall plan is reasonable and the Twins can contend in the future. They can't afford to be wrong any more.

Well, in the last 24 hours, at least the Twins are doing something. Three big names out there and the Twins are allegedly in on all three (Swanson, Rodon, Correa), although one of Swanson or Correa will be plenty. De León reminds me that there aren't many sure things among prospects, particularly pitching prospects. He's 30 now and no more than any other lottery ticket. It would be great if a couple of minor league contracts turn into major contributors, but I doubt than De León is one of them.

On his way to being an ultimate baseball vagabond, Chi Chi Gonzalez is signed by the Marlins.