Zach Granite

[Respy]

PS - It also matters that Granite is a lefty who doesn't hit lefties as well (2017 OPS rights/lefties = .944/.701).  Wouldn't make a good 4th outfielder option when we need to give Kepler/Rosario some rest. (Buxton also hits lefties worse for his career).  

 

(Buxton also hits everybody worse for his career).

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I would presume that the FO is all-in on Buxton, Kepler, and Rosario.  And with a glut of DH players and needing too many pitchers on the staff, there's no room for Granite.  Give him a couple more hundred at bats in AAA and he'll be a good September call-up.   52 SB last year - most in the minors. A September call-up would make sense in tight, meaningful games when a pinch runner can make a real difference. Plus if he can bunt and run fast to 1B and/or sacrifice that is another advantage. Plus he could be a late inning defensive replacement for Grossman when Grossman is playing OF. I would venture to say that Granite would be "rock solid" in September playing for the contending Twins.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Sorry, I didn't do my last reply correctly. I was trying to reply to a quote and it looks like I was taking credit for someone else's quote. My bad. I'll get my 12 year old stepdaughter to show me how to reply correctly.

[Bickle19]

 

That isn't very good for a corner OF though.
He's on pace to put up 0.5 bWAR this year.
I agree that Granite likely isn't the answer, but I don't agree that Rosario is an effective hitter.

Gleeman just tweeted recently that Rosario has the worst OBP of any left fielder with at least 1,000 plate appearances since 1900.

[jorgenswest]

Gleeman just tweeted recently that Rosario has the worst OBP of any left fielder with at least 1,000 plate appearances since 1900.

That's not good and I think he is third worst. Still not good.

 

It would be more significant if he said it was the worst OBP for any player since 1900 in their first 1000 plate appearances. Joe Rudi probably had a lower OBP in his first 1000. His next 1000 were much better.

[kab21]

 

That isn't very good for a corner OF though.
He's on pace to put up 0.5 bWAR this year.
I agree that Granite likely isn't the answer, but I don't agree that Rosario is an effective hitter.

No, it isn't awesome but it isn't like he has fallen flat on his face though.

 

Rosario reminds me a lot of this guy who played LF for 6.5 years for the Twins. He wasn't great but solid (if not a little funny to watch at times).

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=735&position=OF

 

Gleeman just tweeted recently that Rosario has the worst OBP of any left fielder with at least 1,000 plate appearances since 1900.

OBP isn't the only part of offense though. Like I said before Rosario doesn't produce like the Twins would like but that doesn't mean he is ineffective.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

No, it isn't awesome but it isn't like he has fallen flat on his face though.

 

Rosario reminds me a lot of this guy who played LF for 6.5 years for the Twins. He wasn't great but solid (if not a little funny to watch at times).

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=735&position=OF

 

OBP isn't the only part of offense though. Like I said before Rosario doesn't produce like the Twins would like but that doesn't mean he is ineffective.

 

I'm not ready to close the book on Eddie just yet either.  He has a .760 OPS, which is slightly above average offensively, even with a .300 OBP.  His K rate is down, and he's one walk short of his walk total for last year in 160 less at bats... I realize his numbers aren't stellar, so no one should accuse me of polishing a turd, but Rosario's peripherals are improving (and he's 25, so not exactly old for the league).  He plays above average defense in the corners and average CF as well.  He will have a role in this team going forward if things continue to improve.  Right now I think Eddie needs to trust the process, as I suspect the results will start to follow.

[yarnivek1972]

Rosario will likely be in left field until he becomes too expensive for his productivity. More than likely, that will be after his second arbitration season. So, after the 2020 season. Rosario is basically a replacement level player. So, you play him while he's cheap and replace him when he stops being cheap. The most likely candidate is LaMonte Wade. He figures to be more than ready by 2020.

[drivlikejehu]

 

Rosario will likely be in left field until he becomes too expensive for his productivity. More than likely, that will be after his second arbitration season. So, after the 2020 season. Rosario is basically a replacement level player. So, you play him while he's cheap and replace him when he stops being cheap. The most likely candidate is LaMonte Wade. He figures to be more than ready by 2020.

 

Rosario is arguably a tick above replacement level, but that type of player is always an upgrade priority. He won't last until 2020.

[yarnivek1972]

Rosario is arguably a tick above replacement level, but that type of player is always an upgrade priority. He won't last until 2020.

Maybe not as a starter, but I think he'll stick around with the team even if it is in a part time or reserve role. Of course, being a lefty (just like Kepler and Granite and Wade) makes him also a less than ideal reserve given the probable starters.

[howeda7]

Polanco looks terrible at the plate lately. Send him down for a bit and give Granite a look.

[Run Prevention]

Polanco is out of options

[howeda7]

Ah yes. Thanks to that lovely 2 game stint in 2014. DL him then. He's Nick Punto without the defense right now. Completely helpless at the plate.

[yarnivek1972]

Ah yes. Thanks to that lovely 2 game stint in 2014. DL him then. He's Nick Punto without the defense right now. Completely helpless at the plate.

Overreact much? "Helpless" at the plate is a guy who is striking out a lot. Polanco has 5 strikeouts in 31 June at bats. So, on balls put in play, he is 5 for 26. Appears to be more likely a small run of bad luck to me.

 

Byron Buxton has struck out 15 times in 52 June at bats. He's been helpless at the plate for nearly all of his MLB career.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Rosario is arguably a tick above replacement level, but that type of player is always an upgrade priority. He won't last until 2020.

 

If Eddie is a tick above replacement level, then we need to collectively rethink what constitutes replacement level.  Rosario's offense is basically major league average right now (major league OPS is .761, LF are slightly higher at .781, and for fun CFs are sitting at .765, with Rosario sitting at .767).  Offensively, he's slightly better than average while being slightly below average among LF. Defensively, Rosario is above average, and I think we all agree there.  That is not a replacement level player.  Even if the mythical replacement level player existed, you won't get that kind of production out of said player.

 

Rosario is a player that can be upgraded, but in general, that's a player that helps you more than he hurts you. 

 

As I stated before, Rosario's peripherals are trending in the right direction. Given his age, present contributions, and above average defense, he's going to be around while that trend continues, and he should be.

 

Rosario is not the problem on this team right now. 

[Bark's Lounge]

 

If Eddie is a tick above replacement level, then we need to collectively rethink what constitutes replacement level.  Rosario's offense is basically major league average right now (major league OPS is .761, LF are slightly higher at .781, and for fun CFs are sitting at .765, with Rosario sitting at .767).  Offensively, he's slightly better than average while being slightly below average among LF. Defensively, Rosario is above average, and I think we all agree there.  That is not a replacement level player.  Even if the mythical replacement level player existed, you won't get that kind of production out of said player.

 

Rosario is a player that can be upgraded, but in general, that's a player that helps you more than he hurts you. 

 

As I stated before, Rosario's peripherals are trending in the right direction. Given his age, present contributions, and above average defense, he's going to be around while that trend continues, and he should be.

 

Rosario is not the problem on this team right now. 

Love your post, but I think it is fair to say that his book isn't finished yet. He is young and has room to grow offensively. He has the tool box. Does he have a good head on his shoulders to properly execute those gifts? We will see.

[Einstein1]

3 more hits today. 

 

https://twitter.com/TobyMotyka/status/877005476470419457

[yarnivek1972]

I find it somewhat hypocritical that all those calling to play Escobar more because he has a " hot bat" aren't calling for the Twins to call up Granite and perhaps give Buxton some pine time.

[HitInAPinch]

 

If Eddie is a tick above replacement level, then we need to collectively rethink what constitutes replacement level.  Rosario's offense is basically major league average right now (major league OPS is .761, LF are slightly higher at .781, and for fun CFs are sitting at .765, with Rosario sitting at .767).  Offensively, he's slightly better than average while being slightly below average among LF. Defensively, Rosario is above average, and I think we all agree there.  That is not a replacement level player.  Even if the mythical replacement level player existed, you won't get that kind of production out of said player.

 

Rosario is a player that can be upgraded, but in general, that's a player that helps you more than he hurts you. 

 

As I stated before, Rosario's peripherals are trending in the right direction. Given his age, present contributions, and above average defense, he's going to be around while that trend continues, and he should be.

 

Rosario is not the problem on this team right now. 

Completely agree.  But then, I've always a bit of a homer for Rosario.  Not to say I'm this guy:

http://www.cazacomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/homero_simpson.png

 

Just an observation from one guy:  I have to wonder if the Twins intermittently sitting Eddie more is the reason is doing better this year.  Like what they're doing with Sano.  

 

Overall [again, like the classic Homer here] I think this team is on the uptick.  I think the combination of a baseball lifer [Paul Molitor]  and the new-age management is a fantastic combo.  Great returns this year?  In terms of MLB level development, yes.  And along the way, they'll need a guy like Zack Granite.

 

[jorgenswest]

I find it somewhat hypocritical that all those calling to play Escobar more because he has a " hot bat" aren't calling for the Twins to call up Granite and perhaps give Buxton some pine time.

I started the Escobar discussion. It was about his solid 2014 and 2015 season suggesting that he can continue to be solid in 2017. I am sure there are those that point to his current hot bat, but a hot bat short of the support of a long term context has no meaning.

 

I also don't believe a "hot bat" is a thing. It is simply random variation due to small sample. It is just as likely to end today as not. They should absolutely not call up Granite based on recent performance.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Completely agree.  But then, I've always a bit of a homer for Rosario.  Not to say I'm this guy:

http://www.cazacomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/homero_simpson.png

 

Just an observation from one guy:  I have to wonder if the Twins intermittently sitting Eddie more is the reason is doing better this year.  Like what they're doing with Sano.  

 

Overall [again, like the classic Homer here] I think this team is on the uptick.  I think the combination of a baseball lifer [Paul Molitor]  and the new-age management is a fantastic combo.  Great returns this year?  In terms of MLB level development, yes.  And along the way, they'll need a guy like Zack Granite.

 

I think Granite can have a role, and truthfully, if Buxton doesn't pick it up offensively, it might not be a bad idea to swap the two for a bit unless there's an injury at some point which forces it. 

 

Exactly what that role is we don't know.  Granite, for his minor league career, hasn't exactly lit the world on fire offensively.  Perhaps he has figured something out, who knows.  We've said the same about other guys putting up otherworldly AAA numbers in the past too (Parmelee, Pino, and Turly come to mind at the moment).  It doesn't mean that he cannot be an effective major leaguer, but we should probably take this hot month with a bit of a grain of salt.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I think we need to reel it in a bit with Granite. He might become a useful piece at some point but keep this in mind:

 

Granite's breakout season in Rochester (.881 OPS) is identical to Byron Buxton's career MiLB OPS.

 

Granite is having a nice season but we're basing an opinion on just 186 plate appearances where he has a BABIP about 60 points higher than his previous full seasons.

[Run Prevention]

Wow this took a turn that I did not expect. When starting this thread the general opinion was he wouldn't be able to hit major league pitching. With his hot month some are saying he should replace Buxton or Rosario. I believe the truth is somewhere in-between, Zach can be a useful player to add into the mix. Speed off the bench the ability to spot start in the outfield while allowing Robbie to stay at DH and create the best defensive outfield in baseball. The pitching staff is the worst in baseball and needs all the help it can get.

[Mike Sixel]

for those that don't go to adopt a prospect:

 

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/twins-prospect-zack-granite-on-his-success-at-triple-a/

 

 

A full article on Granite!

[Mike Sixel]

John
2:44 Before this year Zach Granite looked like a 4th OF at best. Has something changed, or are we just seeing SSS at work?

 

Keith Law
2:45 It's just 200 PA of BABIP madness. Although I look forward to lots of puns if he's called up.

[sthpstm]

John

2:44 Before this year Zach Granite looked like a 4th OF at best. Has something changed, or are we just seeing SSS at work?

 

 

Keith Law

2:45 It's just 200 PA of BABIP madness. Although I look forward to lots of puns if he's called up.

The BABIP is definitely not sustainable, but what about the sudden uptick in doubles? Is that also SSS?

[Dr. Evil]

If he were a first round draft pick some would be saying he has arrived and would be clamoring to move him up now.

[Doomtints]

Granite could be the speedy guy that the Twins are lacking, but probably not this year. Maybe he'll get a cup of coffee at the end of the year.

[Brandon Warne]

 

I find it somewhat hypocritical that all those calling to play Escobar more because he has a " hot bat" aren't calling for the Twins to call up Granite and perhaps give Buxton some pine time.

 

Well, Buxton is hitting .281/.361/.500 over the last 10 games.

[Thrylos]

 

Rosario will likely be in left field until he becomes too expensive for his productivity. More than likely, that will be after his second arbitration season. So, after the 2020 season. Rosario is basically a replacement level player. So, you play him while he's cheap and replace him when he stops being cheap. The most likely candidate is LaMonte Wade. He figures to be more than ready by 2020.

 

In that scenario, Rooker should be in the conversation as well.  Jaylin Davis as well.  Wade kinda took a step back this season, as far as contact and power goes...