Disagree. I think they need to shake up the lineup and while I like Polanco, he is injury prone, getting older and could still fetch good value in a trade. Julien or Lee likely takes over 2nd base short term. I don't know if LH starter is where I'd go, I'd be more apt to focus on a RH left fielder who make good contact. If they go after Seattle's Teoscar Hernandez I will flip out.
Fair and I agree. I don't think they need to hit a home run with the trade. I feel like they have to be able to easily find an above replacement level LF for a reasonable price. I don't think they need to move Polanco to meet that need.
The biggest reason for keeping Polanco is comparably his defense is better. The Twins have drafted too many below average defensive players and it's catching up to them. That said, if they don't move someone there is a glut of infielders. AK appears to be headed for 1st or DH. Wallner's position is iffy because again, defense. I like keeping Solano and Castro as utility guys, but something has to give.
Giving up on him after 15 total MLB starts with a high 4s ERA is shortsighted. It was 3 starts in June that inflated his ERA this season and it's just too soon to give up on a young starter after his first tough stretch, especially given his good results in the minors and stuff that should allow him to stick as a starter.
Not giving up on him. Stating evidence that starting might not be for him and said it's a small sample size.
I think you're both overrating Polanco's defense at this point and underselling someone like Brooks Lee and even Julien. Advanced defensive stats average out pretty close between Julien and Polanco this past season. Julien just seems more likely to flub the occasional routine play which sticks with folks.
Someone like the Mets or something is going to throw some serious money at him. He seemed to love the team and Minnesota so he could be coaxed into taking a little less money potentially but he's still gonna get some serious cash despite his age because premium pitching is in such short supply
I'd like to see Brooks Lee do it at the major league level some before getting rid of a known comodity like Polanco.
Hard to do when they have too many infielders now. Lee will be stud, but I’m anxious as to how the Twins will handle him.
That's certainly a possibility. I think the difference maker will be length. If the Mets offer something stupid like 7-8 years, then the Twins might not have a chance.
Lee is also a consensus top 50 prospect, with several having him in the top 20, guys like that you trust more to figure it out.
I am not opposed to any trade from depth. The only downside to trading Polanco is that he wouldn't have as much value. However, he might be a key piece in a Mariners trade because they need help now.
If the traded Polanco for a pitcher, then I think they'd make Lee the full time starter there. Same reason I would be okay with trading Julien for a guy like Mich Keller.
Julien at DH depends on Buxton. If Buxton continues his suckitude, there is plenty of room for Julien. If Buxton hits great but has to DH, then it's tough.
Don’t get me wrong. I certainly hope you’re right for sure. I’ve seen his highlights. As a lifelong ISU/Minnesota sports fan, I’m a bit hardened and I just want to see it before I put any weight to it.
