Bomba Squad laces up its running shoes

Could the Bomba Squad double as a track team? Let’s not go that far. But if the early days of the 2021 season are any indication, we could see the Twins attempt to force the issue on the basepaths a bit more this year.

During the season-opening series in Milwaukee, the Twins had three stolen-base attempts, with two successful steals. That’s essentially triple the pace of attempts by Minnesota in the first two seasons of the Rocco Baldelli era.

“Over last couple years, we haven’t run a ton,” Baldelli said. “I don’t think that’s a secret to anyone that’s looked down at the stat page.”

Indeed, the Twins had just 70 combined attempts in 2019-20. Even within the context of a reduced running game across Major League Baseball, that’s a strikingly low total -- last among the 30 teams and 29 fewer than the next-closest club (the A’s, with 99). Minnesota's success rate of 60 percent in that two-season span was also dead last, and its FanGraphs-calculated baserunning score (a measure not just of stolen bases but taking the extra base or being thrown out on the bases) was 21st in MLB, at minus-8.

So while nobody should read much into early samples, it was striking to see the Twins burning up the basepaths against the Brew Crew. Byron Buxton successfully swiped second on Opening Day. On Sunday, Max Kepler stole second and Jorge Polanco was caught trying to do the same. Minnesota also attempted a hit-and-run during that 8-2 win.

Though Andrelton Simmons logged double-digit stolen-base totals from 2016-19, the Twins have not had enough personnel change to dramatically alter their outlook. Any increase in attempts would come down to a shift in strategy and improved health and availability for the speedy Buxton.

“We have some guys that have some athleticism that can do some things,” Baldelli said. “Have we been able to take full advantage of that over the last couple years? Maybe not. But it’s something we’re going to spend some time on and continually work on, and we could see some guys take a base here and there when the opportunity presents itself.”

Buxton, Donaldson update
After leaving Sunday’s game due to a non-COVID-19 illness, Buxton remained out of the lineup for Monday’s opener of a three-game series in Detroit, replaced in center field by Jake Cave. Baldelli said Buxton did travel with the team and was hydrating, and the club was checking on his condition throughout the day to see if he would be available off the bench.

“It’s even less than a day-to day thing,” Baldelli said before the game. “It’s kind of like every three to four hours, maybe.”

Josh Donaldson continues to progress from the mild right hamstring strain he sustained on Opening Day. Donaldson could begin running on the field this week.

“We’re [going] to start slow and ramp him up from there,” Baldelli said. “Once we get to the point where he’s pain free and running well, he will run the bases. Once we’re able to pass those tests and he has a smile on his face, then we know it’s time and he’ll be ready to go.”

Twins face Baddoo
Just a few months ago, outfielder Akil Baddoo, a second-round Draft pick in 2016, was the Twins’ No. 13 prospect per MLB Pipeline. But when Minnesota didn’t protect Baddoo from the Rule 5 Draft over the winter, the Tigers scooped him up and gave him a spot on their Opening Day roster after a sensational Spring Training.

Baddoo kept his great story going with his first Major League home run on the very first pitch he saw over the weekend. And now the Twins will face their former farmhand this week.

“I’m really happy for him,” Baldelli said. “It seems he’s taken advantage of a nice opportunity he’s been given. You never want to lose a good player, and you never know how the rest of the season plays out. But we’ll be following him, and now we’re preparing for him. We’re going to have to pay a lot closer attention to him, especially now, the way he's taken the field.”

The Tigers must keep Baddoo on their active roster or injured list the entirety of 2021 or else offer him back to Minnesota.