Gomez is advised: Tone it down, a bit

Last update: March 2, 2008 - 9:40 PM

Twins hitting coach Joe Vavra expressed both excitement and concern Sunday about new center fielder Carlos Gomez, saying the young slugger could hurt himself if he continues swinging so violently.

Vavra also said it's too early to tell whether Gomez is ready to handle the leadoff role.

Gomez, 22, did not play in Sunday's 8-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox, but others were still talking about his swings from Saturday's game.

"You're thinking, 'How many swings can he make like that without breaking down?' " Vavra said. "Because he puts a tremendous amount of torque on his back, and if you do that too many times, boy.

"You try not to be so violent in your approach but try to be aggressive."

Gomez has played in three games this spring, going 1-for-6 and batting leadoff in both of his starts.

"I'd like to think that because of his speed, he has leadoff potential," Vavra said. "But I can't think about that right now. We've got to make him a baseball player first."

"Right now, there's some things that suggest that's putting a lot of pressure on a young man to see pitches for the rest of the lineup. I'm not sure he's quite ready for that."

Gomez, Denard Span and Jason Pridie are competing for the starting center field job.

Span, who started Sunday, is 2-for-7. Pridie, who has yet to start a game, is 3-for-8.

Asked how he likes leading off, Gomez said: "In two, three more years, I won't hit leadoff. I have to use my speed now. When I get older, I want to hit third."

The Twins like that confidence. Gomez has dazzled them with his arm and speed, but Vavra wants him to be more in control at home plate.

"It's a good problem to have because of the aggressiveness," Vavra said. "He's exciting. He's excited to be here.

"He likes to perform in front of people. He's got a smile on his face all the time, and those are great attributes. There's no shyness to him at all.

"I'd rather have that type of player and try to tone him down than have a guy who's a little reclusive, where you've got to build him up. But we need to do some work."

Etc.

• Craig Monroe said his injury is a strained muscle between his left calf and left ankle. He hopes to return Tuesday, but manager Ron Gardenhire said it would likely be Thursday.

• The Twins' final roster spot could come down to Garrett Jones vs. Brian Buscher. Jones is out of minor league options, so he'd have to clear waivers before being sent to Class AAA Rochester.

"He won't make it" through waivers without getting claimed, Gardenhire said. "That's something you have to really think about."

Upcoming

Glen Perkins will make his first start of the spring today, as the Twins play host to Cincinnati. Scott Baker and Jesse Crain will pitch in a B-game against the Red Sox, who are countering with Josh Beckett.

JOE CHRISTENSEN

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