Gardenhire still is trying to soften Young comments

The Twins manager insists there's room for four in his outfield rotation next season.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: December 10, 2008 - 9:58 AM

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LAS VEGAS - So, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, who's your starting outfield next season?

(Insert the sound of backpedaling here.)

"I know I got it all stirred up a [week] ago in Fargo, and I was talking to farmers and I named three guys," Gardenhire said. "And I said, 'If I had to do it right now, these guys would play' and I didn't talk any farther than that.

"Next thing you know, it's, 'Delmon is out.' I'm like, Delmon is not anywhere. We are pretty blessed to have four very good outfielders, [Michael] Cuddyer, [Denard] Span, [Carlos] Gomez and then Delmon. So that's a lot of talent, and then you have our DH [Jason Kubel], we are pretty blessed and pretty lucky."

That's how Gardenhire responded Tuesday when asked about his comments at an agricultural trade show Dec. 2 that sounded more like a vote of no confidence in his young left fielder. Several baseball officials at Major League Baseball's winter meetings this week have brought up Gardenhire's comments when talking with reporters about Young's future.

Young, when contacted by the Star Tribune last week, said he was not upset by Gardenhire's comments. Members of the Twins front office still spoke with Young's agent after the story ran to ensure there were no hard feelings.

"I thought his comments were great," General Manager Bill Smith said of Young's reaction. "He's working hard and I think he's got something to prove. I think if you asked Delmon Young if he's satisfied with the year he had, I don't think he's going to say he did."

Smith thought at the time that Gardenhire was trying to light a fire under Young.

"They didn't need me to light a fire," Gardenhire said. "It was just conversation and it was kind of winter conversation."

He was asked when he realize he had lit a fire.

"I was hunting and I saw my picture in the Aberdeen [S.D.] newspaper and I went, 'Whoa, Chrysler,'" he said. "I had a gun with me, though. [Laughter.] Just kidding. That was a joke, OK? I don't want to start another fight."

Young's name, nevertheless, continues to come up in trade talks at the Bellagio Resort and Casino. The Twins have spoken with the Rockies this week about third baseman Garrett Atkins, during which Young was mentioned. Colorado officials, which have looked into Young's reputation, indicated they wanted one of the Twins' starting pitchers as well as a prospect in return for the third baseman. The sides are expected to remain in contact.

The Rockies and Phillies are among teams looking for corner outfield help, and the 23-year-old Young could be an answer.

For now, Gardenhire is confident he can keep all his outfielders playing and happy -- and that Young can take another step in his development after batting .290 with 10 homers and 69 RBI in his first season with the Twins.

"Like everything with every player, we want him to flow into our program and understand what we are all about, and he played," Gardenhire said. "He's a little more stubborn than some of the guys."

Gardenhire insisted he gets along well with Young and believes he is just used to getting advice from his father, Larry, and brother Dmitri, a 13-year major league veteran.

"That's who he listened to, and our goal was to try to break into that and get him to understand what we are about, and that's all it's ever been," Gardenhire said. "Delmon was not a problem, not an issue, and I would hate to think that somebody would think it was."

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