Twins’ best-laid plans have gone quite awry

David Zalubowski, Associated Press

Brendan Harris, right, was benched for the three games of the Texas series after earning manager Ron Gardenhire's disfavor because of fielding mistakes.

By PATRICK REUSSE, Star Tribune

Last update: May 22, 2008 - 1:13 PM

Print this story

More from Twins

The Twins traded away starting shortstop Jason Bartlett on Nov. 28 as part of the deal to acquire outfielder Delmon Young from Tampa Bay.

The Twins received infielder Brendan Harris in that deal, and signed two more — third baseman Mike Lamb and shortstop Adam Everett — as free agents.

This caused Bill Smith, the new general manager, to talk optimistically about the infield situation when the team gathered in Florida.

“We have four veteran guys for those three positions: Harris, Lamb, Everett and [Nick] Punto,’’ Smith said. “With Lamb and Harris, we’ve upgraded offensively. With Everett, we’ve upgraded defensively. And then we have Nick as a utility guy.

“I feel like we’re in good shape with four guys for second, shortstop and third.’’

Smith also was optimistic that the Twins would again have a strong bullpen to call on, as had been the case with their four division-winning teams in the previous six seasons.

“We’re getting Jesse Crain back from shoulder surgery,’’ Smith said. “Dennys Reyes is healthy. We expect Juan Rincon to get back on track.

“We also have a premier closer in Joe Nathan, and Matt Guerrier and Pat Neshek are coming off solid years. We’re six deep in the bullpen, with some other good arms to look at this spring.’’

There was an indication late in spring training that manager Ron Gardenhire didn’t fully share the GM’s confidence in his rebuilt infield.

There was one opening on the Twins’ four-man bench and Gardenhire wanted Matt Tolbert as more infield insurance to go with Punto.

Recent Twins stories

New Yankee Stadium casts a financial shadow over area's baseball-themed businesses - May 22, 2008

New Yankee Stadium casts a financial shadow over area's baseball-themed businesses - Up the street from the new Yankee Stadium, the Concourse Card Shop sells anything a New York Yankees fan could want. T-shirts, backpacks, stuffed monkeys — all with the interlocking "NY" in colors ranging from trademark Yankee navy blue to baby pink. More