After looking at the catchers throughout the Twins system yesterday, I'll be looking at the first basemen today before continuing around the diamond throughout the coming weeks. Again, the purpose is two-fold. First, it's a look at the depth at or near the big leagues. Second, it's a glance at the depth at the position throughout the system. You can find out who might be coming up to the Twins if there is a need, and you can find out who the prospects to watch might be.
As I did yesterday, I need to point out that these are my thoughts. I have no insider information to know where players will be playing for certain in 2012. Obviously after spring training, some of these players will be let go. There will be Disabled List players, extended spring training and more.
Minnesota Twins
Justin Morneau, Ryan Doumit (Joe Mauer, Luke Hughes)
As much as I have no worries about Joe Mauer as he comes back in 2012, I am equally concerned about Justin Morneau's ability to come back and play. Obviously I really hope that I am wrong. I hope he comes back and performs to the MVP-like caliber that we saw from 2006 through 2010. Defensively, he was tremendous and that is a great example of his work ethic. Hopefully by now, fans understand the seriousness of head injuries and concussions. As much as they're saying that Morneau won't be just a DH, that has to be considered an option.
We talked quite a bit yesterday about Doumit as a backup catcher, and his ability to hit. He's not good defensively behind the plate, and frankly, he's not too great in front of it either. He could play some at 1B, but it may not be pretty.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Joe Mauer play first base a couple of times a week to keep his bat in the lineup. He played rather well there with the glove a year ago. Luke Hughes showed last year that he could adapt to first base. He had a positive UZR at both 1B and 2B. He also provides a solid right-handed bat off the bench. He's the only right-handed bat in these four options.
Rochester Red Wings