twins/mlb
Jim Souhan analyzes the local sports scene and advises you to never take his betting advice. He likes old guitars and old music, never eats press box hot dogs, and can be heard on 1500ESPN at 2:05 p.m. weekdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m.-noon.
Find him on Twitter
Next year's infield?
Posted by: Jim Souhan under Target Field, Twins fans, Twins management, Twins offense, Twins transactions Updated: August 30, 2012 - 3:25 PM
Watched Trevor Plouffe and Pedro Florimon take the field for early infield practice today. It's one of those little things that could be meaningless but indicates a willingness to work on their craft.
The morning of a day game following a night game, they might have been tempted to sleep in or relax in the clubhouse with their teammates. Anyway, while watching them, I started to project what the infield will be next year.
Trevor Plouffe is the third baseman. Ron Gardenhire keeps pushing him to work on his fielding and concentration, but let's be honest - the guy has hit 20 homers in 321 at-bats. He's going to be in the lineup.
I think Florimon has a chance to stick as the shortstop. He's talented and athletic, with a strong arm and speed, and the Twins don't believe he's going to be a classic bottom-of-the-order out.
Brian Dozier, I'm guessing, will, be given a chance to compete with Florimon next spring, and if Florimon holds the job, Dozier might be the leading candidate to play second if the Twins don't spend on that position in free agency.
Eduardo Escobar is likely to become a utility infielder.
Justin Morneau is the obvious choice at first base, but Chris Parmalee's big season at Class AAA gives the team options.
Between catcher, DH, first base and the three outfield spots, the Twins will have Joe Mauer, Morneau, Parmalee, Ryan Doumit, Josh Willingham, Denard Span, Darin Mastroianni and a handful of prospects like Arcia and Hicks.
To me, that glut, or potential glut, points to a trade this winter of Span, if the Twins can aquire enough pitching to justify sacrificing a good offensive player. Trading Span would open centerfield for Revere, who belongs there, and rightfield for Parmalee or one of the prospects.
The Twins could trade Morneau, too, which would open first base for Parmalee and free payroll to pursue pitching.
ADVERTISEMENT
more twins blogs
-
Twins Insider
Twins: Trying to keep a lousy homestand from getting any worse
The Twins have benched a couple of struggling regulars but are sending a struggling...
-
6-4-3
Postgame: Doumit catches Diamond again
Mauer's backup has been behind plate for six of lefthander's seven starts
-
StribSports Upload
Boom! That's a walk-off grand slam for Twins' No. 1 pick Buxton + video
Byron Buxton, the Twins' No. 1 pick in last year's amateur draft, hit a...
Post By Category
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside the StarTribune
-
425 Portland Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
(612) 673-4000
- Company
- Subscriber Services
- Website
- Buy Ads
- Store
- Connect with Us
© 2013 StarTribune. All rights reserved.
StarTribune.com is powered by Limelight Networks
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters