I think you touched on it, Joe, and someone else posted – sample size, the first point. Both in evaluating a minor league player and a major league player.

It’s highly unlikely that with all those variables, that anyone could hit it right all the time. And, when you get to the Mendoza point of the book, one has to realize that, compared to the general population, a replacement level player is far closer to a Hall of Famer than I certainly am. So, if according to whats-his-name (fanalytics guy), a 20% variance is not outrageous in the slightest, when you’re comparing it to a high base like replacement value, it’s not really much of a variance at all.

All I’m saying is it’s almost statistically improbable that there’s only 38 players with 300 ABs that are below replacement level. There’s too just many fuzzy things involved.

Joe, we probably could have used a few replacement-level guys in the bullpen this summer, too.

“YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME.”

I even think he said that while he was in KC….

This post reminds me of something that happened back in the early 90’s, during the dark days of Maxvill/Torre.

There was one period when a regular was injured for a long time and the guy starting in his place was simply awful. (I don’t remember who the exact players were, but it’s not necessary for this anecdote.) At some point, Maxvill was asked if he was going to try to get someone else, and he explained that he couldn’t increase the payroll and the sub was already making the minimum, so he couldn’t get anyone any better. I was completely dumbstruck.

If only Olivo had a cool handle like “Lima Time.”

Delmon Young: Improper evaluation and team’s stubbornness to admit a mistake. Many times I read the quote “The ball just sounds different off his bat” when he was acquired by the Twins. Seriously? It’s like Nick Punto…and the Twins just don’t want to give up on a guy they received in a trade when Bartlett and Garza have done so well for the Rays.

Nick Punto: Improper evaluation. He’s perceived to be a great fielder, when in actuality he’s just a great fielder with average range. Also, I think his inconsistent offense from the past few years hasn’t been helpful either. We’ve seen him hit .280+ twice now, but he’s also been under .240 twice as well.

Carlos Gomez: He doesn’t really fit under anything. He’s a great defensive CF, which I do believe the Twins understand, but in this case I think the Twins undervalue his defense, thinking that his poor offense negates it. Therefore, he’s been benched regularly this season in favor of Delmon Young.

Delmon Young: Sunk costs, management unable to admit a mistake. “You mean THAT’s what we got for Bartlett & Garza!?”

Carlos Gomez: Great center fielder, huge speed, and they think he will learn to hit.

Nick Punto: Sunk costs, also Gardenhire’s love child, man crush, he may have certain pictures of Gardy.