May Twins Mailbag: You've Got Questions

With the Minnesota Twins having just rolled off a handful of wins in a row, and in turn helping to reshape their season, I thought it a good time to field some questions on the action that has taken place. For those following along on Twitter (@tlschwerz), I asked for submissions of questions pertaining to the Twins, where they are now, and where I see them going in the weeks ahead. There were plenty of great submissions and here's a handful of my favorites.

If Dozier and the Twins don’t come to a deal this off season, what do you think of Escobar as an everyday 2nd baseman? Can he play 2nd?

— Pete Loosbrock (@Loosey1981) May 9, 2018

Right now, Eduardo Escobar is arguably the best thing going for the Twins. I recently wrote about his approach and the season he's put together in the early going. Based on his versatility and production, he's one of the best utility players in the big leagues. I'm less certain that the numbers hold up as a starter, but the floor should be a pretty respectable one as well. In regards to playing second base, the best answer I've got is that he should be able to.

No one has played much second for the Twins since Brian Dozier took over the position, and so any sample size is going to be small at best. While Escobar is awful at shortstop, he's plenty capable at third base. My feeling is that it would translate to the right side of the diamond just fine as well.

What is the realistic potential of this team in a couple of seasons if Berrios finds some consistency with Romero showing very promising potential and Gonsalves/Lewis/Gordon/ Kiriloff and others waiting in the wings and ideally Buxton and Sano stay somewhat healthy

— patrick rooney (@dadmanbroguy) May 9, 2018

This is a loaded question because there's so many what ifs and other factors at play. What I do think awaits the Twins is more winning, internally grown talent, and a lot of roster turnover. While I loved this offseason for Minnesota, Derek Falvey and Thad Levine did a great job of not handing out any long term commitments. Sure, the window opening for a deep playoff run hinges on a group that includes the likes of Buxton, Kepler, Rosario, Berrios, and Sano, but the rest of the pieces are capable or being interchanged.

We're probably two years off from guys like Royce Lewis and Alex Kirilloff. We don't know what Gonsalves or Gordon will be at the big league level, and it's yet to be seen if someone like a LaMonte Wade or Brent Rooker will pan out. The core has been developed though, and it's a good one. Continuing to develop and supplement the group that remains should be the plan of action for at least the next 4-6 years.

No doubt having Buxton back is awesome.

But with the Twins bats currently rolling, are you for or against him coming back without a rehab assignment? Seems like they currently have the luxury or taking their time with him (helps that the division is in shambles)

— Peter May Jr. (@pmayjr) May 9, 2018

When you have a guy that's as good of a fielder as Buxton is, even when he's not hitting there's a difference being made. As with Andrelton Simmons, his glove was incredibly valuable even in all the years that he didn't do much at the plate. I wasn't a huge fan of Buxton needing a rehab assignment in the first place. Sure he hadn't played in over a week, but he was dealing with migraines, not some body altering malady needing to be re-trained.

In more than a handful of the Twins losses, having Robbie Grossman in the outfield was a significant problem for Minnesota pitchers. Removing that part of the equation, the Twins immediately take a step forward. I hope there's a time Buxton finds the consistency at the plate that he's shown in flashes. I don't believe playing a few games at levels he's crushed is going to do much for sparking that.

Minnesota Twins- Trend or Mirage

— Tony Lasky (@vidbikecurlguy) May 9, 2018

The answer to this likely depends on your interpretation of what the losing that took place was. For me, that was the mirage. Now winning five in a row, or nearly 99% of your games like the Yankees, isn't a norm any team should get used to. The reality is that the Twins played some really bad baseball in the first month, and they're a much better team than the record indicates.

Lance Lynn missed virtually all of spring training, the bats have been much colder than you'd expect, and the weather was anything but normal. I had this team pegged for 91 wins coming into the year. At this point, I still think they're more than capable of winning 85.

When Santana makes it back into the lineup, who do you see departing?

— Jaron Guiley (@IRONRANGER_218) May 9, 2018

There's no doubt Santana has a spot when he comes back, but who he takes over for remains in flux until the point in which he's ready to go. I still think it'll be June before we see him, and there's plenty of time for this to work itself out by then. Guys could get injured, Romero may need more seasoning, Lance Lynn may not settle in, there's plenty of options. The two arms I don't see going anywhere are Jose Berrios and Kyle Gibson.