Cuddyer's preference is to stay in right field

Ron Gardenhire was apparently serious when he suggested Michael Cuddyer could be tried in center field.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: January 26, 2008 - 11:47 PM

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TWINSFEST

This weekend • Metrodome

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today

What: Current and former Twins will sign autographs and mingle with fans.

Ticket prices: $8 advance, $12 at the door; $4 advance, $6 at the door for children.

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Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer on Saturday reacted to news that manager Ron Gardenhire considers him an option for center field.

"Honestly, I'm not sure how serious he was when he said he'd put me in center field,'' said Cuddyer, who agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract extension on Friday.

Moments later, Gardenhire was on KSTP (1500 AM) and in front of a live audience at TwinsFest explaining just how serious he was. "He's going to play some out there in spring training, I guarantee you,'' Gardenhire said. "Delmon Young will, too.''

Gardenhire said he needs to look at options just in case the Twins don't add a center fielder soon. Center fielders have been mentioned in every package in return for lefthander Johan Santana, who is expected to be traded. And there are indications that the Twins would sign a free agent such as Kenny Lofton or Corey Patterson if Santana is not traded or a major league-ready center fielder isn't acquired in the trade.

But Gardenhire wants to be prepared just in case a center fielder isn't added. Cuddyer, who led the AL with 19 outfield assists last season, will do as he's told but clearly prefers to stay in right field.

"I'm in no place to dictate to the manager where I'll play,'' Cuddyer said. "At the same time I'm comfortable in right. I don't think you can argue with the results in right.

"I know the baggie, and I know everything that goes on with playing that position. If I had my preference I'd stay in right field.''

Nathan still waits

Joe Nathan, in the last year of his contract, will make $6 million this season, which is a bargain for an All-Star closer. He still prefers to sign with the Twins, but the advancing market -- Mariano Rivera will earn $15 million from the Yankees this year -- makes it hard.

Still, Nathan would like to work something out and is waiting to hear from the Twins.

"I think with these guys [Justin Morneau and Cuddyer] it moves me up the ladder,'' said Nathan, who has 160 saves over the past four seasons. "They still have to worry about Johan and what they will do with him, I expect whatever they figure with that then they will come to us during the spring.''

There has been little dialogue between the Twins and Nathan's agent, Dave Pepe, and Nathan has had to read his name in trade rumors as the other shoe dropping once Santana is dealt.

"I don't know where their thoughts are in terms of if they are going to try and get me long-term or if they are not,'' Nathan said. "I don't know where they are. If they are just going to see how the season goes and see where we are at the trade deadline ... I think I'm pretty aware of the situation.''

Etc.

• The Twins will insure Morneau's six-year, $80 million contract. Morneau and Cuddyer passed their physicals Saturday and are expected to officially sign their deals soon.

• Righthander Matt Guerrier signed his $950,000, one-year deal Saturday.

• Francisco Liriano felt ill Saturday morning and was sent back to his hotel room to recover. He's expected to be back at TwinsFest today.

• Righthander Boof Bonser, his clothes hanging off him, said he has lost between 20 and 25 pounds. He was listed at 6-4 and 260 pounds last season.

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