Over the course of 2017, the Twins are 2-4 against the Yankees with a -8 run differential. Those two wins came at home, and were started by Adalberto Mejia and Jose Berrios. In a one game Wild Card however, the roster rules change. Back to a set 25 man roster, Minnesota can alter their deployment of players each round. For the purpose of a one game scenario, the construction of the 25 man should look vastly different than that of a full five or seven game series. When Paul Molitor takes the Twins to New York, here's who he should be bringing with him:
Pitchers (9)
- Ervin Santana SP
- Kyle Gibson SP
- Alan Busenitz RP
- Dillon Gee RP
- Tyler Duffey RP
- Trevor Hildenberger RP
- Ryan Pressly RP
- Taylor Rogers RP
- Matt Belisle CP
Ervin Santana is going to start the Twins Wild Card game, there's no uncertainty about that. The Minnesota ace has been the most steady arm all year, and he's coming off a performance against the Yankees that allowed the Twins an opportunity to win. While not a strikeout artist or league-wide ace, Santana is a front line starter that can should the load. Should things go wrong, it's Kyle Gibson I'd turn to. While Jose Berrios has been Minnesota's 2nd best starter in 2017, I feel Gibson is a better fit out of the pen. As a sinkerballer with a bit more experience, he could piggyback for the Twins with a higher chance for success.
From there, Molitor would have the full deployment of his standard bullpen. Gee probably becomes redundant with Gibson in a piggyback scenario, but he's a veteran that could go more than an inning if need be. With a must-win game on tap, having the ability to play matchups is huge for the Twins stable. Taylor Rogers remains dominant against lefties, and there's a handful of young options that have emerged into capable high-leverage arms. Molitor could opt for one other lefty in the group, but I'm not sure who I'd remove to find a place for Buddy Boshers.
Hitters (16)
- Jason Castro
- Chris Gimenez
- Ehire Adrianza
- Brian Dozier
- Eduardo Escobar
- Mitch Garver
- Joe Mauer
- Jorge Polanco
- Byron Buxton
- Robbie Grossman
- Max Kepler
- Eddie Rosario
- Kennys Vargas
- Zack Granite
- Niko Goodrum
- Miguel Sano
This is where the benefit of a one game round comes into play. Not needing a full stable of starting pitchers, the Twins are ablt to afford themselves a handful of extra bench options. While the lineup should remain as it has been down the stretch, late inning pinch running options like Zack Granite or Niko Goodrum could prove to be invaluable. Miguel Sano is included in the group, and if there's any ability for him to hit, I'd bring him with. The expectation would be that he'd only be deployed in a pinch hitting role, and he'd immediately need a runner. However, if he can make it through a BP session or a simulated game, his home run power off the bench would be huge.
While you'd rather not see the game have to be managed to a point in which the edges of your bench play meaningful roles, it's definitely a positive to have more options than less. What would need to be heavily discussed however, is the level in which Molitor may choose to micromanage this group. Whether it be bunting or pinch running, the additional headcount shouldn't dictate anything as it relates to game flow. Because you have extra bodies, more speed, or better bunters, the Twins should still operate in a way that doesn't see excessive and unnecessary meddling.
In short, the Wild Card is as must-win as it gets in Major League Baseball. Bringing along a couple of extra starting arms that aren't going to factor into the outcome are a wasted opportunity. You'd hope that your bench goes untouched, but having the ammunition to what should be a fight, seems like setting yourself up for the best possible outcome.
Yes, the Yankees are a better team than the Twins. Yes, they won more games in 2017 than Minnesota has. Yes, New York has dominated the Twins organization for the better part of a decade. However, on one night in October, none of that holds much weight. Nine innings will suffice to provide a result. For the Twins, stacking the deck towards a favorable one is a must.
