Buffy the Twins Fan

This is a fantastic article. Baldelli has posted an absurd 231-189 record during his tenure as a Twins manager, and has had to navigate several challenges: the growing pains of the Falvey/Levine era (i.e. like Nick says, the signings of Happ and Shoemaker), injuries to star players, and a franchise that is decidedly mid-market. While I think it's valid to critique some of his in-game decisions, it's reductive to limit one's evaluation of a manager to these decisions alone. In addition to some of his solid, in-game strategic calls, Baldelli's intangible qualities are what stand out to me the most. The Twins seem to have a remarkably healthy clubhouse culture, and in a game like baseball, which is premised on alertness, instinctual reaction, and communication, I think team chemistry and a healthy mindset are especially important for player success. The fact that Buxton WANTED to stay in Minnesota (and was willing to reduce the magnitude of his contract to get it done!) cannot be overstated. That's a franchise-altering decision, and I can't imagine it getting done if Buxton didn't enjoy playing for Rocco. And the fact that Carlos Correa - within just a few weeks of being here!! - expressed openness to a longer-term contract is testament to the player-friendly and supportive clubhouse culture that has been nurtured. Rocco is special, and I'm so grateful he's our guy!!

I'm not actually worried about Sánchez's bat. Sabermetrics suggest some positive regression is due to occur, but even beyond the numbers, it's clear that he's been especially impacted by the new, power-sapping baseball, which has robbed him of several HRs and XBH's. He's also had many hard hit balls go just barely foul. I suspect he'll make adjustments, hit more line drives, and (hopefully) start to be a real impact player.