Handicapping the (center) field

By JIM SOUHAN, Star Tribune

Last update: February 28, 2008 - 9:25 PM

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Jim Souhan's preview of the battle for the starting center field job:

THE FAVORITE

Name: Carlos Gomez

Age: 22

Pros: Great speed plus power potential, tons of confidence, played in big leagues with Mets last year, could make the Santana trade look better.

Cons: Known to struggle with breaking pitches, lots of moving parts in his swing, might not get on base enough to fill the leadoff role.

Outlook: The Twins would love to see him win the job, and he's the most talented of the competitors.

The quote: "Nobody hits good breaking balls. I can hit a hanging breaking ball. But when you don't play every day, like with me and the Mets, you're not going to hit the breaking ball. That was the first time in my life I didn't play every day.''

THE CHALLENGER

Name: Jason Pridie

Age: 24

Pros: More polished than his competitors, he can run, hit for average and a little power, field and throw, and he had a good year in Class AAA in '07.

Cons: The front office would probably prefer the centerpiece of the Santana trade or a former first-round pick to win the job.

Outlook: Can win the job if Gomez and Span don't look ready. He's a safe pick if the others need more time in the minors.

The quote: "Obviously they wanted me for a reason. I think I have as good a chance as anybody.''

THE LONG SHOT

Name: Denard Span

Age: 24

Pros: The former first-round pick is fast, and his uneven progress through the minors has reminded some in the organization of Torii Hunter's long journey to the big leagues.

Cons: Doesn't swing the bat with much authority, and had a .323 on-base percentage last year at Class AAA.

Outlook: Needs to beat out the more talented Gomez and the more polished Pridie.

The quote: "I'm confident. What would you expect me to say -- I don't want the job?''

JIM SOUHAN

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